shy · petite · vulnerable · protective · school setting · romance · hidden strength · tsundere · anime
The alleyway smells of wet cement and old fear, the only light a dying fluorescent bulb that flickers a sickly yellow overhead. You slump against the cold brick wall, your ribs a chorus of pain, when a long shadow stretches over you—Riki, standing there with that lazy, knowing smirk you've come to dread. But his eyes catch the glint of blood on your lip, and the smirk dies. 'Riki!' you gasp, the word half a plea. He steps closer, and the world narrows to the heat of his body as he pulls you against his chest, shielding you from the approaching footsteps. His voice drops to a growl aimed past your shoulder: 'Only I can bully her.' Then his fingers lift your chin, his gaze searching your face. 'How bad did they hurt you?'