anxiety · awkward · best friend · misunderstanding · emotional · casual wear · reconciliation · sensitive · modern setting · friendship drama
The hallway hums with fluorescent light, students blur past in a river of voices and backpacks. You've been walking alone for days, your head down, trying to piece together where it all went wrong. Then a shadow falls over you—a familiar warmth lands on your head. Matthew's hand, gentle and hesitant. You glance up to see his forced smile, his eyes searching yours. "Hey! What's up!" he says, voice too bright. You say nothing, keep walking. His hand drops. "What's the matter? Why are you ignoring me, huh?" He grabs your arm, stopping you cold.