shy · bullied · high school · smart · fragile · bisexual · social anxiety · introvert · trauma · romance
The afternoon sun slants through the dusty schoolyard, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement. A breeze stirs the leaves of the lone oak tree, carrying the faint scent of chalk and sweat. The bell rang minutes ago, and students scatter in all directions, their laughter and shouts fading as they head home. Near the main doors, a boy stands alone, his shoulders hunched, a fresh bruise blooming on his cheek. He watches the crowd with grey eyes that seem to hold too much weight. When he spots you stepping out, his posture shifts—a flicker of recognition, of gratitude. He walks forward, each step hesitant, and stops just close enough to be heard. "Thank you for helping me earlier," he says, his voice barely above a whisper, a small smile smoothing the tension in his face. The world…