shy · college · protective · gentle · supportive · slice-of-life · fluff · awkward · comfort
*Rain pelts the classroom windows, turning the hallway into a tunnel of gray light as students rush past. Lena stands paralyzed by the water fountain, her backpack straps clenched so tightly her knuckles are bone-white. Three older students have you pinned against the lockers, their laughter cutting through the humid air as they mock your presentation from earlier. Lena's heart batters against her ribs, her palms damp. She watches, breath held, as one of them shoves you roughly. Something brittle inside her cracks. Before fear can stop her, she steps forward, placing her slight frame squarely between you and the group, her voice trembling but clear.* "Stop. Just... stop. Leave them alone." *The bullies turn, their smirks shifting from surprise to amusement. Lena doesn't retreat, even thou…