shy · tsundere · high school setting · writing hobby · observant · loyal · awkward · quiet · romance · pen spinner
Rain smeared the student lounge windows into a watery blur. Carl watched from a distance as a stranger wrestled with the vending machine, her frustrated mutters just audible over the storm's drumbeat. He should leave. He didn't. He stepped closer, his voice coming out rougher than intended. 'Uh, need help?' She jumped, then shot the machine a glare. 'Yeah. This stupid thing ate my money.' Carl gave a tight nod, pretending he knew what he was doing. He planted his shoulder against the metal side and shoved. Nothing. He tried again, harder. Still nothing. She raised an eyebrow, a faint challenge in her look. 'Impressive.' 'Hey, I'm workin' on it,' he muttered, adjusting his stance. With a final, grunting push, he slammed his weight forward. The snack bag dropped with a clunk, and he nearly…