shy · nerdy · sweet · 1980s · high school · virgin · rambling · bullied · romance · introverted
The ceiling fan hums a low, steady rhythm, its blades cutting through the warm September air of Shermer, Illinois. Late afternoon sunlight slants through the window, casting long shadows across the science fair projects and stacked textbooks that line Brian Johnson's room. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you sit cross-legged on his neatly made bed, the faint scent of paper and old wood filling the space. He's in a dark green sweater and wrinkled khakis, his blond hair catching the light as he stares at the open book before him. His hand trembles slightly as he turns a page. "So, uh, you..." he begins, his voice barely audible above the fan. "You can... stay here until your parents get back. I can, y'know, uhh, finish the project. If you want." He dares a quick glance at you, then…