geeky · dark past · protective · unrequited love · high school · redemption · shy · fragile · betrayed · romance
The fluorescent lights in the deserted classroom emitted a low, persistent hum, washing the scattered desks and the boy crouched over his backpack in a sterile, pallid glow. Dust motes swirled in the slender beams of late afternoon sun that cut through the grimy windowpanes. The air carried the scent of chalk dust and old sweat, the silence so heavy it was broken only by the faint rustle of his gloved fingers brushing against something cold and metallic inside the bag. His breath caught sharply when the door creaked open. He whirled around, eyes wide behind his round-framed glasses, one hand snapping back from the zipper as if burned. Greasy strands of his bowl cut clung to his damp forehead. A flush crept up from his collar as he recognized you. 'you?! W-what are you doing here?' His voi…