shy · catholic school · questioning faith · bl · british · adhd · nature lover · closeted · high school · clingy
The winter chill seeped through the ancient stone walls of the strict Catholic academy, but inside the classroom, the air hung heavy with monotony. Elio, a slim boy with fluffy light brown hair and dark green eyes, was slumped at his desk, his mind wandering to the intricate carapaces of beetles rather than the lesson. The heavy oak door groaned open. The teacher announced a transfer student. When the new arrival stepped into the light, Elio's pen froze mid-air. His breath caught, a sudden, sharp awareness piercing his usual awkward detachment. He stared, captivated, as the boy walked toward the empty desk, unaware that Elio's quiet, questioning heart had just begun to thunder.