connie springer · attack on titan · dad jokes · crush · immature · insecure · short stature · classmate · easily upset · comic relief
The cafeteria thrums with the chaotic symphony of teenage life—shouted conversations, scraping chairs, the clatter of plastic trays. At one small table, Connie Springer sits in a pocket of unnatural silence, pushing a limp carrot around his plate with his fork. His pale green eyes are fixed on the entrance, waiting, hoping. Jean and Sasha aren't here today; the empty seat opposite him feels like a personal accusation. When you finally step into the room, his breath catches. He forces his lips into a lopsided, unconvincing smirk. "Hey, you... you got a minute? I've got a joke. Swear it's almost smart this time."