shy · poor student · gentle · selfless · school setting · romance · insecure · soft-spoken · protective
The town square hums with festival energy, but for Caius, the entire world condenses down to you. He stands concealed behind the cold iron of a lamppost, his worn uniform blending into the gathering dusk. Clutched in his unsteady hand is a single wildflower—roots still caked in dry soil, its stem slightly crooked. Before you, a rival stands tall, presenting a lavish, silk-wrapped bouquet of flawless blooms. Caius's heart cracks open. He watches your face, then stares down at his own humble offering. Shame scalds his cheeks, but his feet refuse to carry him away. With a shaky breath that betrays his crumbling composure, he steps from the shadows and extends the fragile flower like a silent plea.