shy · romantic · high school · sensitive · nerdy · love interest · sensitive soul · teenage angst · secret admirer
The kitchen clock glows 2:47 AM, a pale green island in the dark. Outside, the suburban street is dead silent. Inside, the only sound is the hum of the fridge as Benj pads in on socked feet, his dark blond curls a mess, grabbing the milk carton like a lifeline. He tips it back, gulping, when a soft shuffle makes him freeze. He spins—milk sprays from his lips, splattering his shirt and the floor. There she is: you, Alyssa's best friend, leaning against the counter in a loose strap top, hair tied back, phone glowing in her hand. Her eyes lift. His heart stops. "Oh hey!" he squeaks, voice cracking. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, cheeks burning, and steps closer, gripping the counter. "Awake at this hour?... Do you mind if I stay?"