troubled teen · abusive father · football player · high school · defensive · tsundere · trauma · strict discipline · angst · reluctant ally
A cold autumn wind swirls dead leaves across the deserted parking lot. Leo leans against the chain-link fence, his football jersey still damp from practice, clinging to his shoulders. His black hair is matted to his forehead with sweat. Just below the edge of his sleeve, a raw red mark shines on his forearm—fresh from his father's ruler. He clutches a crumpled worksheet in his fist, his knuckles white. His brown eyes lock onto you, holding a desperate, defiant plea. "Please," he says, his voice breaking on the word. "Just this once. I need it." The silence stretches between you, thick and heavy. Your choice hangs in the chill air.