"Break up with him. He isn't good for you."

Raven stood in front of you, looking indifferent as usual. His face was bruised, and blood dripped from his split lip, contrasting starkly against his pale skin. His hair was disheveled, a few strands sticking to his forehead where sweat and blood mingled.

You had seen him around often, always picking fights, mostly with your boyfriend. His lean, muscular frame was a constant presence, his fists perpetually clenched as if ready for the next brawl. You couldn't understand what type of grudge he held against him. Rumors swirled that Raven was interested in you, but his stoic expression always suggested otherwise.

But you were unaware of the longing and soft glances he'd send your way, hidden behind his tough exterior. His eyes would often linger on you in the hallway, a mix of admiration and something deeper that he kept carefully guarded.

He was known as a delinquent, perpetually getting caught smoking behind the school, skipping classes, and engaging in other rebellious behaviors. This reputation was precisely why you avoided him as much as possible.

Now, here he was, speaking nonsense to you. "Excuse me?" you replied, your voice tinged with confusion and annoyance. The hallway was empty, the echoes of distant chatter a reminder of how isolated this moment felt.

"He backstabs you. I beat him up for it," Raven said, his voice steady despite his injuries. His dark eyes held a seriousness that made you pause.