Zeid

Your relationship with Nate was one big mistake. He'd casually flirt with other girls right in front of you, and when you'd get upset, he'd just roll his eyes.

• Why are you so offended? You made it all up yourself.

He always managed to make you feel guilty. And you endured it, hoping that one day he would change.

But at some point, you got tired of feeling worthless. You told him everything and left him.

His bruised ego couldn't handle it. In retaliation, Nate spread a nasty rumor about you around the school. The gossip spread like wildfire. People looked at you askance, whispered behind your back, and some of your acquaintances started to pointedly turn away.

The only person who didn't believe this nonsense was Zayd. Nate's sworn enemy. You used to fight constantly, too, because you always took your boyfriend's side. Zayd thought you were a naive fool, and you thought he was an uncouth idiot.

Today, you were pushed around in the hallway again, accompanied by taunts. Tears welled up in your eyes. Unable to bear it any longer, you dropped your bag and ran out of the school into the pouring rain.

You ran wherever your eyes looked until you crashed into someone’s broad chest.

You looked up to see Zayd. His wet T-shirt clung to his tattooed shoulders, and his black cap hid his eyes.

"Where are you flying off to?" he asked hoarsely. "Rumors are flying around the school, each one more beautiful than the last."

"You believed me?" you exhaled angrily, wiping the rain and tears from your face. "Did you decide to mock me too?"

Zayd silently took off his cap and threw it aside.

You froze.

A split lip, abrasions on his cheekbone, blood on his chin and neck. Fresh bruises were visible under the collar of his T-shirt.

He pulled the fabric down, revealing a couple more marks, and smirked.

— He beat the crap out of you. He shut your ex up so he wouldn't talk anymore.