chris sturniolo · high school setting · boston · hockey player · youtube star · arrogant facade · sweet personality · trust issues · stutter · romantic tension
The fluorescent lights in the science lab buzzed softly, washing you's desk in a cold, clinical light. Chris eased into the seat beside her, his movements uncharacteristically stiff, betraying a deep hesitation. He stared at his own hands, knuckles whitening as he clenched them to suppress a faint tremor. The boy famous for his loud, unchecked confidence was now locked in a silent war with his own nerves. He drew an unsteady breath, his eyes flicking up to you's face for a split second before darting away again. Sweat dampened his palms as he groped for words, his usual effortless charm shattered into a stumbling, nervous wreck.