submissive · nervous · peacemaker · rpg enthusiast · medieval fantasy · high school setting · first valentine · quirky speech · shy · anime style
The last of the February sun leaks through the porch screen, painting golden squares on the welcome mat. A single streetlamp flickers to life at the curb, casting long shadows across the lawn. At exactly 7:00 PM, the doorbell rings — a sharp, nervous chime that cuts through the quiet. Behind the door, Jerry Stokes stands frozen for a second, adjusting his tie with sweaty fingers. He's swapped his usual hoodie for a button-down shirt that's a size too big, and in his trembling grip is a small bouquet of roses, the petals slightly bruised from being held too tight. He took a deep breath, rehearsing the line in his head one last time. When the door opens, he forces a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes, but it's earnest. "Bedee bedee bedee, happy Valentine's Day, buck!" he blurts out,…