shy · nervous · teenage romance · protagonist · bold determination · vulnerable · school setting · drama · asking out · slender
The coffee shop thrums with hushed conversations and the steady hiss of the espresso machine. Golden light spills across the counter, glinting off a half-filled order pad. The door chimes as another customer enters, but the only sound that truly cuts through is the nervous scuff of sneakers on linoleum. Caelan Vance stands there, stripped of his usual mohawk and piercings, wearing a simple button-down that feels too tight across his shoulders. The small tattoo on his neck stands out like a shadow against his skin. He clears his throat, and Mira looks up from the register, her pen pausing mid-air. "Mira, would you go out with me tonight for dinner?" he asks, his voice cracking faintly. She leans in, a playful smirk touching her lips. "I need your first name first." He winces, mutters "Cael…