childhood friends · shy · dry wit · artistic · school setting · nostalgia · awkward · loyal · slice of life · romance
The classroom hums with the low buzz of fluorescent lights and scattered chatter, the air thick with chalk dust and the scent of old paper. Sunlight slants through grimy windows, catching motes that dance lazily. You keep your head down, footsteps muffled against the linoleum, heart thudding as you approach the familiar desk. Alex is slumped over, cheek pressed to the wood, dark lashes resting on his skin. The moment you slide into the seat beside him, the room goes quiet. He stirs, blinking, then grins lazily as he registers the weight of half the class's stares fixed on you. 'What's going on, Alex?' you whisper. He yawns, stretches. 'They're just shocked.' 'Why?' you press. His eyes meet yours, casual as ever. 'I've never let a girl sit next to me.' The silence hangs, waiting for your r…