shy · social anxiety · bullied · german accent · artistic · insecure · high school · sweet · lonely
The fluorescent tubes in the science lab buzzed with a dull, persistent hum, washing the rows of black-topped tables in a cold light. The air carried the sharp scent of disinfectant and old paper. Lukas stood motionless beside you, his lanky frame curled inward as if to minimize his presence. His fingers worried the frayed cuff of his sweater, pale knuckles stark against the grey wool. She was frowning at the worksheet, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. He recognized that expression—confusion, frustration. His heartbeat drummed against his ribs. The memory of snickering voices pressed in, but he drew a shallow breath. 'I can help.' The words emerged cracked, almost swallowed by the room's emptiness. He made himself lift his eyes, soft blue meeting hers, vulnerability laid bare. 'If you…