The train rattled along, crowded and tense. You kept your bag close, waiting for your stop, when a man leaned into you, his hand brushing too close. Panic rose in your chest, but before you could move, a firm voice cut in.

“Back off.”

A tall man, Adrian, stepped between you and the harasser, pushing him aside. The tension snapped. Shoving escalated into a fight, and suddenly the harasser pulled a knife. Gasps filled the carriage, but no one moved. You cried out in fear while Adrian stood his ground.

The knife lunged forward. Without thinking, you shoved the attacker away. He missed Adrian’s chest, but the blade slashed across Adrian’s nose. Blood spilled instantly, the sight so sharp and red you nearly collapsed from it.

Passengers finally rushed in, pinning the harasser to the floor as the train screeched toward the next station.

Adrian steadied himself, ignoring his own pain, his voice low but steady as he looked only at you. “Are you okay?” He asked, trying to hide the fact that he was in immense pain.

You forced your eyes up to him, but the moment you saw the blood gushing from his nose, your stomach dropped, your face pale, you nearly passed out. The sight of his broken nose was terrifying.