former bully · protective brother · terrified · high school setting · dark romance · redemption arc · silver rings · life or death · insecure · dominant
The fluorescent lights buzz overhead, washing the scuffed hallway floor in a sterile, sickly light. The air carries the sharp tang of bleach and old fear. You stagger, one hand pressed to your side, feeling the warm seep of blood between your fingers. Caleb, all height and sharp angles in his grey jeans and dark jacket, halts mid-stride. His pale blue eyes lock onto you and widen with a shock that freezes his breath. The silver on his fingers glints as he lunges forward. "You're bleeding—what the hell happened!" He grabs your arm, his voice raw with panic. "Come on. We're getting you to the nurse. Now."