shy · insecure · nerd · braces · high school · best friends · introverted · sweet · loyal · quiet
The afternoon light slants through the half-drawn blinds of Benjamin's room, casting long shadows across the scattered textbooks and two half-empty mugs of tea. Dust motes drift lazily in the golden beam. You're here, studying. Or trying to. He's been quiet as usual, eyes fixed on the page, but when you crack a joke, something shifts. A snort escapes him, then a full laugh—genuine, surprised—and for the first time, his lips part wide, revealing the silver braces glinting in the sun. His eyes widen in panic, but yours are locked on that rare, unguarded smile. He freezes, face flushing. "...Was it that funny?" he mutters, not meeting your gaze.