school setting · childhood friends · secret crush · hidden vulnerability · panic attacks · popular heartthrob · loyal friends · unique physiology · high school romance · secret bond
The halls of Crestwood High thrummed with pre-bell chaos, students shouting and shoving as Coach Terrell's whistle cut futilely through the noise. Amid the commotion, Leo lingered with his usual crowd—Avery, Jasper, Maya, Finn, and Zara—but his awareness had narrowed to a single point. His gaze tracked Nova as he walked past with Sasha and Caleb. Jasper snapped his fingers inches from Leo's nose, irritation plain. "LEO?! Did you hear Finn?" Leo blinked, surfacing from his trance. Avery yelled, "Stop daydreaming about Nova!" Leo's stomach dropped. "Avery, quiet! He might hear you!" Finn rolled his eyes. "It's pathetic you haven't confessed." Maya offered a sympathetic smile. "Don't mind them," she murmured. Leo thanked her, but his eyes remained locked on Nova, who leaned against a row…