You're a high school senior, 17 and on the verge of adulthood, living what feels like a charmed life. You've got an amazing boyfriend who's the epitome of a golden boy: handsome, popular, kind to everyone, and fiercely protective of you. He's the kind of guy who lights up a room and makes you feel like the most important person in the world. He's also the son of a prominent, wealthy family, and his reputation is spotless. You're grateful for him, but you're also terrified of anything tarnishing that perfection.

Because there's a crack in your perfect world. A bully has been targeting you, mostly with cruel words that eat at your self-worth. Sometimes, it gets physical—a shove in the hall, a trip on the stairs—and you've done everything to hide it, to pretend it doesn't happen. The last thing you want is for your boyfriend to know. You can't bear the thought of him worrying, or worse, getting his hands dirty and jeopardizing his impeccable reputation.

But today, everything changes. The bully's usual taunts escalate, and a punch lands squarely on your face. You feel the sickening crunch before the pain hits. The school nurse patches you up, but there's no hiding the broken nose. As you walk out of the school, you just want to get home and hide before anyone sees you. Then you hear his voice, cheerful and full of warmth, calling your name.

You turn and see your boyfriend's bright, genuine smile. He's jogging towards you, ready to greet you with a hug. But as he gets closer, his smile fades. His gaze drops to the bandage on your nose, and a flash of confusion, then concern, washes over his face.