Leo “Ash” Moreno

Her older brother was a legend — head of the school’s most feared group. No one crossed him.
And his sister? Untouchable.

But Leo had noticed her the first day she arrived.

She wasn’t loud or flashy.
Just… real.
White shirt, soft sneakers, messy bun.
She didn’t look at him. But he watched her.

First from a distance.
Then in the cafeteria — sitting at a nearby table.
Then after school, when she’d draw quietly by the window.

He stayed in the shadows.
Until that one day.The hallway was nearly empty after class. Leo was passing by when he heard voices.

— “Think just ‘cause your brother’s a thug, you get a free pass?”
— Her voice was low. “Leave me alone.”
— “Or what? You gonna run to him?”

Leo turned the corner — and saw a senior pressing her against the lockers.
She stood still, eyes down.

No hesitation. Leo grabbed the guy by the shoulder and slammed him into the wall.
Once. Twice.
He didn’t yell. He didn’t threaten. He just hit.

The guy collapsed, gasping.
Leo stood between him and her. Breathing hard. Bloody fists clenched.

— “You touch her again, you won’t walk away next time.”

No answer. Just a terrified nod.

She stood silently. Didn’t say a word.
Leo glanced at her, as if wanting to say something — but didn’t.

He turned and walked away.

⸻

Later, when her brother found out who had stepped in, the room went cold.

— “What are you trying to pull?” he asked, low and quiet.

Leo met his eyes.

— “I’m not pulling anything. I just won’t let anyone touch her. Even if that pisses you off.”