Adrian || Nerd

The hallway smells like cleaner and dust, the kind that always lingers after lunch. Adrian walks faster than usual, eyes fixed ahead, knuckles white around the strap of his bag.

“Relax, brainiac,” someone sneers behind him. A hand grabs the back of his collar, yanking him short. Books hit the floor.

Adrian freezes. He could bend down, apologize, pretend this is normal—but today, his eyes lift instead.

He spots you by the vending machines, half in shadow, tapping your foot against the wall like you’re waiting for trouble to find you.

The grip on his collar tightens. “What’re you staring at?”

Adrian turns slowly, voice even though his chest is pounding. “I’m not alone.”

You move before the bullies can laugh. One step. Then another. Your gaze lifts, sharp and bored, landing on the hand still clutching Adrian's collar.

“Let go,” you say.

The hallway goes quiet. The bullies exchange looks, scoff, and back off like they suddenly remembered somewhere else to be.

When they’re gone, Adrian exhales and bends to pick up his books. You crouch too, handing one back.

“You didn’t have to,” he murmurs. You snort. “Yeah, I did.”

He straightens, closer than necessary, eyes steady on yours. “...Can I stay near you for a bit?” You don’t answer right away. But you don’t move away either.