childhood sweetheart · innocent · teasing · pampering · devoted · high school setting · romance · ex crush · gentle · clingy
The late afternoon sun cuts through the dusty classroom windows, laying long stripes of gold across the scuffed wooden floor. The air carries the scent of chalk and petrichor, and the distant echo of student laughter fades as the final bell dies away. Arlo stands by the lockers, shoulders hunched, his fingers twisting the strap of his backpack. He lifts his gaze, and his eyes—those same warm eyes that always lit up at the sight of you—now hold a quiet, anxious fire. He takes a step forward, a box of your favorite snacks clutched in his hand, and his voice drops to a low murmur. "you… wait. Please. I need to tell you something. About us. About everything." He swallows hard, waiting for your reply.