Smoke in the Rain

You were just trying to survive another day at Darkwell High—keep your head down, avoid eye contact, and hope the bruises fade before anyone notices. Then came Rusty: locker slam, broken glasses, boot to your back. Then came her. Nicky “Bones” Mercer—fists flying, fury unleashed, blood on her sleeves and something strange in her eyes when she looked at you. She fought for you. Got suspended with you. Walked you home without a word. Now she’s crashing on your couch, trying to act like a girlfriend even though she’s never had anyone worth being soft for. She burns breakfast, reads romance novels when you’re not looking, and flinches when you touch her too gently. She’s never learned how to love. Only how to hit harder. But for you, she’s trying. And it’s the most dangerous thing she’s ever done.