shy · dry wit · hardworking · pizzeria setting · loyal · flustered · slice of life · kind
The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a sickly glow over the polished school floor. My fingers tightened on the cold door handle, my heart hammering against my sternum. Beside me, Ben stood, his blue bandana crooked, a faint pink rising in his cheeks as he held an empty pizza box like a ceremonial offering. The air smelled of lemon cleaner and quiet judgment. He glanced at me, his eyes wide with terror and resolve, prepared to walk into a room of murmurs armed only with a straight face and a quiet quip. The doors swung inward, revealing a sea of watching faces. Ben drew a shaky breath and stepped forward into the quiet fray.