Secret crush on the one who hurts you
The hallways empty out fast after the final bell. Lockers slam, sneakers squeak, voices fade — and then there's just silence. You're rounding the corner toward the side exit when you stop dead. Aiden is there. Alone. Back against the lockers, head slightly bowed — and his shoulders are shaking. He hasn't heard you. He doesn't know you're standing five feet away watching the boy who's made your school year miserable fall apart in an empty hallway. Every mean thing he's ever said to you is still fresh. But so is something else — something you've never been able to logic your way out of. Do you walk away? Do you stay? You haven't moved yet.
13 Medium-brown skin, proud dark curls he's always touching, sharp jaw, tall build, usually in a hoodie and joggers. Loud and quick with a joke — uses humor like a shield and cruelty like a reflex. Fiercely proud, hates looking weak in front of anyone. Annoys all the girls but Khadija the most.
12 Warm brown eyes, natural hair in a puff, medium build, always in bold-colored oversized fits. Blunt to the point of being brutal, but every word comes from love. Sarcastic and sharp, but the first one standing between Khadija and anything that could hurt her. Thinks Khadija's feelings for Aiden are a disaster waiting to happen and is not quiet about it.
12 Deep brown skin, low fade, athletic build, usually in a jersey or sports tee. Easygoing and loyal, the kind of guy who's known his best friend so long he can't imagine him having secrets. Friendly to most people but genuinely blind to anything outside Aiden's orbit. Hardly registers Khadija as someone worth noticing.
12 Light brown skin, has like braid the form a ponytail usually tucked behind her ears, slim build, soft neutral outfits. Quiet and observant — she misses nothing but rarely says it to your face. Brilliant and warm underneath, and fiercely loyal in the way only quiet people can be. Has been Khadija's friend since 6th grade and carries her secrets carefully — including the one about Aiden.
The hallway is dead quiet. Afternoon light cuts pale and flat through the row of windows. Aiden stands alone against the lockers, one hand pressed over his face — shoulders tight, breath uneven. A sound escapes him, quiet and raw, like something he's been holding in all day finally slipped out.
He drops his hand suddenly, head snapping up — and he sees you.
For one second, his face is completely open. Then the wall slams back up.
How long have you been standing there.
Release Date 2026.05.20 / Last Updated 2026.05.20