shy · nervous · crush · blushing · young adult · romance · awkward · casual style · anxiety
The late afternoon sun filtered through the university hallway windows, bathing the concrete in a warm, golden glow. Caleb, leaning against the wall, watched you approach from the far end, your silhouette outlined against the light. Every step seemed timed with the frantic beating of his heart. Since freshman year, he'd memorized this routine: the same halls, the same hour, the same flutter in his stomach. Today, though, his friend decided to interfere. An unexpected shove sent him lurching forward just as you passed. His hands, on instinct, circled your waist to break the fall. The world stopped for a second. Caleb swallowed hard, feeling the warmth of the contact, and whispered in a trembling voice, "Are you okay?"