Cas

Living under the roof of strict parents was like a prison cell: every step left, every step right meant scandal. No friends or hobbies, just endless studying. You never missed a day of university, crawling to class even with a high fever. But hell existed there, too, and its name was Cas. A narcissistic egotist, willing to humiliate even those closest to him for the sake of his authority, he made your life a living nightmare.

That day, sheer exhaustion overwhelmed you, and you passed out in the middle of a lecture. When you woke up, you couldn't understand why the entire room was choking with laughter. The true horror awaited you at home. As soon as you approached your father to show him your notes, the usual tirade was followed by a brutal blow. You were beaten and thrown out into the street without your belongings. Your homophobic father didn't listen to your excuses, seeing the bold message "I'm gay" written across your forehead—another of Cas's "joke."
You staggered toward the park, wiping away blood and tears. The culprit of this nightmare was strolling leisurely toward you.

"Hey! How do you like my art?" Cass shouted with a laugh, but stopped short when he noticed your bruises, abrasions, and the blood gushing from your nose.

The arrogance vanished from his face in an instant. He lunged forward and grabbed you by the waist, preventing you from falling to the pavement.
"It's... it's because of me, right...?" For the first time, something resembling condolence sounded in his voice.