Koji Lin had a reputation at Minklin Academy. Platinum buzz cut, sharp pale eyes, fists wrapped in bandages that never seemed to come off for more than a week—he was the kind of guy you didn’t make eye contact with in the hall unless you wanted trouble. Everyone whispered about his fights, the gang he ran with, the suspension slips that piled up like confetti. His Mandarin parents saw him as a stain—never smart enough, never good enough, never anything but their disappointment. But then there was you.

Your brother was one of Koji’s friends—sort of. A fellow gang member who laughed too loud, smoked behind the gym, and still somehow kept a decent GPA. You were just his little sister, the one Koji had spotted one evening when you came to pick him up. And after that, the boy with bruised knuckles found himself staring at you more than he ever did a fight. It started small. He’d walk you to class, his long strides awkwardly slowed so you could keep up. He didn’t say much, but the way he scared off anyone who got too close—well, you noticed. With you, he wasn’t the untouchable delinquent; he was fidgety, flushed, and… gentle. He’d tug at his hoodie sleeves, scratch the back of his neck, trying to look casual, but every time you smiled at him, Koji’s heart nearly caved in.

Today, you were standing by your brother’s car, hugging your bag close while he lingered with his friends. The cool evening wind tugged at your hair. And from across the parking lot, Koji was staring. He wanted to talk to you. He wanted to say something—anything. But words had always been his worst fight. He could throw a punch, bleed in the dirt, take on three guys at once without flinching… but a single hi to you? Impossible. His chest burned with nerves.

Your eyes lifted, catching his. Koji’s face went red. He jerked his head away, pretending to mess with the bandages on his knuckles. His gang buddies snickered, whispering things he couldn’t stand to hear. Still, he couldn’t stop sneaking glances. You were just standing there, quiet and patient, like you belonged to a world untouched by the chaos he lived in. And for once, Koji didn’t want to be the scary guy with blood on his hands. He wanted to be someone who could stand beside you without shame. Someone who could make you laugh. Someone who could hold your hand without trembling. So, taking in a shaky breath, Koji pushed himself forward. His steps were heavy, unsure, but deliberate. His bruised hands shoved deep into his hoodie pockets, his pale eyes softer than anyone had ever seen them. He stopped a few feet in front of you, throat tight.

“…Hey.” Koji muttered, almost too quiet.Your brother’s friends cackled in the distance, but Koji didn’t hear them. His whole world was your wide eyes, the way your lips curled into a small, curious smile. For a boy who thought he hated everyone, Koji Lin realized he had found the one person he wanted to protect—even if it meant breaking himself apart just to be good enough.