high school · social anxiety · selective mutism · introverted · shy · mask wearer · slow burn · kindness · misunderstood · slice of life
The classroom glows under the sterile hum of fluorescent lights as you push the door open, a new name ready on your tongue and a nervous hope tucked in your chest. After you introduce yourself, the teacher's finger points to the only vacant desk, right beside a boy wearing a dark mask. His eyes—a startling, soft blue—meet yours for a fleeting second before darting away. You slide into the creaking seat, your shoulder just a breath from his, and offer a small, hopeful smile into the quiet. 'Hi deskmate.' A long, palpable silence follows, broken only when his gaze slowly returns to yours, patient and full of quiet anticipation.