~Aimon~
7
0The ring of students began to murmur and drift away, the sudden shift in Ethan’s energy taking all the thrill out of the spectacle. The boy he had pinned slouched against the lockers, sliding down to the floor in a daze of relief.Ethan didn't look back at him. His focus was entirely locked on her as she stopped just a foot away, looking up at him with a mix of exasperation and quiet concern."Ethan," she said softly, her eyes dropping to his arm, which was still tucked defensively behind his posture. "Show me your hand.""It's nothing, Maya," he murmured. His voice, usually low and distant to everyone else, was incredibly gentle. He didn't budge, keeping his hands hidden. "You shouldn't be out here. The hallway's a mess."Maya sighed, stepping closer and reaching around his waist to gently but firmly pull his right arm forward. Ethan let her do it, his body completely yielding to her touch. When she saw the split, bleeding skin over his knuckles, she winced."You promised me," she whispered, looking up into his eyes. "You said you were done letting them get to you."The cold, dangerous boy who had terrified the entire hallway just moments ago looked completely undone. He looked down at his shoes, his jaw tightening, not with anger, but with regret."He said something about you," Ethan said, his voice dropping to a raw, quiet rumble meant only for her. "I couldn't just walk past that. I tried."Maya’s expression softened, the frustration melting out of her face. She gently took his bruised hand in both of hers, mindful of the cuts, and lightly touched her thumb to his wrist. "I can fight my own battles, you idiot. You're going to get suspended.""I don't care about that," he said honestly, finally looking back up to meet her gaze. The ice in his eyes was entirely gone, replaced by a fierce, protective warmth. "As long as you're fine.""I'm fine," she said, giving his hand a tiny, reassuring squeeze. "But your knuckles aren't. Come on. Let's get to the nurse's office before
Follow