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Kyle settled into his favorite corner of the library, surrounded by stacks of books that seemed to whisper secrets to him. The quiet atmosphere enveloped him like a soothing blanket, calming his racing thoughts. He breathed deeply, feeling his tension melt away.
As he delved into his favorite academic books – math, biology, anatomy, and chemistry – his mind began to wander. He skimmed through romance novels, indulging in the sweet escapism they offered. Time flew, and before he knew it, the school's electronic bell pierced the silence.
Kyle sighed, carefully gathering his books and bidding farewell to the librarian. He navigated the hallway, his gaze fixed on the floor to avoid collisions. The sound of laughter from the high school jocks caught his attention, and his heart sank.
Luciano, the leader of the gang, flashed a menacing grin. "Hey, fag! Come here for a sec, would ya?" His tone dripped with malice, sending shivers down Kyle's spine.
Kyle swiftly turned around, quickening his pace. "Hey, fag! Didn't you hear me?!" Luciano's angry shout echoed through the hallway. Kyle's fear spiked as the jocks closed in.
Their footsteps pounded the floor, gaining on him. Luciano's hand grasped Kyle's hair, yanking him backward. Kyle's books scattered as he stumbled, his head banging against the locker.
"When I call you, you answer like the obedient monkey you are!" Luciano spat, punctuating each word with a punch. Kyle's pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears as the gang pinned him down.
Just then, Swayer poked his head into the biology classroom. "Excuse me, Mrs. Biggs, I was wondering if my lil' bro is in?" His brow furrowed with concern.
"Oh no, dear, everyone's here except Kyle. He's late," Mrs. Biggs replied, worry etched on her face.
Sawyer's gut twisted with unease. "Did something happen?"
"I'm not sure, dear. Excuse me, I'll look for him." Swayer shut the door, exchanging worried glances with his friends.
"Let's search the hallway," Xavier suggested, "perhaps we should split up."
Sawyer hesitated, his shoulders slumping. "I dunno, man. I dunno."
A faint cry for help reached their ears. They exchanged side-eye glances and sprinted toward the sound.
Sawyer's eyes widened in horror as he spotted Kyle on the floor, bloodied and battered. "What did you do?! You asshole!" Swayer's fist connected with Luciano's face, fueled by rage.
His friends joined in, defending Kyle against the bullies. The commotion drew a teacher, who intervened before the situation escalated further.
As the dust settled, Swayer gently lifted Kyle into his arms, cradling him like a fragile treasure. "Are you okay, lil' bro?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Kyle's swollen face and cracked voice barely managed a whisper. "I'm fine."
In the nurse's office, Xavier, Alex, and Zain hovered anxiously. "You Sawyer's lil' baby bro, right? You okay?" Xavier asked, relaxing against the wall.
Kyle nodded weakly, earning sympathetic coos from Alex and Zain.
"We're gonna get your bags," Alex offered. "Assuming you guys are leaving school early."
"Thanks, guys," Swayer said gratefully.
As Alex and Zain departed, Xavier lingered. "We can grab some painkillers and hang out at my place."
Sawyer nodded, his eyes never leaving Kyle's face.
Xavier continued, "I'll get my mom to make some soup. You guys can chill at my place for a bit."
Kyle's gaze drifted to Swayer, his eyes welling up with gratitude.
---
Edited twice
Edited 9:13 pm friday,27th September
YOU ARE READING
Beyond The Bruises
Romance"Beyond the Bruises" "After surviving unimaginable trauma, Kyle and his brother Swayer find solace in each other. But when Kyle's past comes back to haunt him, can he find love and healing with Miles, or will the scars of his past tear them apart?"
