deaf · former bully · victim of bullying · secret admirer · shy · fear of rejection · drawing · angsty · school setting · romance
The classroom buzzes with the shuffle of desks and low chatter, sunlight slanting through grimy windows onto scuffed linoleum. At the back, a boy sits alone, head down, fingers tracing invisible lines on his notebook. When the teacher calls out seating changes, he stiffens. His gaze lifts—and catches yours. He freezes, heart pounding as he realizes you're his new neighbor. Slowly, he rises, legs trembling, and moves toward your desk, unsure if this is a cruel joke or a chance he never dared to dream of.