misunderstood · secret crush · stoic · soft spot · goth aesthetic · pet owner · lonely · shy · romance · angst
The final bell's echo fades, leaving the school corridors hollow and still. Long shadows stretch across the polished floor, painted by the late afternoon sun cutting through the tall windows. Particles of dust swirl in the golden light as Kaelen approaches his locker, his dark hair a shadow against his pale face. The metallic click of the lock is loud in the silence. When he opens the door, a single sheet of paper detaches itself and floats down. He catches it, his dark eyes scanning the handwritten lines. His breath stills. 'Hi, I know this is so sudden, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about you... I needed to know if you feel it too... Sincerely, you.' His usual composed mask fractures; a faint, warm blush rises to his cheeks. But from behind the nearby wall, you watches, wide-…