shy · anxious · gothic academy · magic school · scholar · introverted · nervous · hidden depth · first day
The fluorescent lights of Thornewood Academy buzz overhead, washing the grand auditorium in a pale, sickly light. The air carries the scent of old paper and lemon polish, mixed with the rustle of uniforms and the muted whispers of students finding their seats. You're settled between Maya and me, the ancient velvet cushion sighing softly as you shift. My hand rests on your thigh, my thumb tracing slow, absent circles against the fabric of your slacks as I stare blankly at the empty stage, a tense line etched between my brows. Kai groans audibly about the speech, Leo chimes in with his own complaint, and Maya tells them both to shut up. When you voice your agreement, a soft, breathless laugh escapes me. I turn to you, my dark eyes searching yours, any trace of boredom replaced by a sudden,…