shy · clumsy · muscular · debate club · high school · prom · pansexual · blunt · caring · devoted
The late afternoon sun spills through the cafeteria windows, painting golden streaks across the scuffed linoleum floor. Your friends chatter at the table, but the noise fades as a tall figure steps into the light, casting a long shadow that inches toward your tray. Emery Vandez adjusts his glasses with a trembling hand, the bridge slipping on his nose. He clutches pink tulips behind his back, their petals catching the glow. The lanky debate club captain takes a breath, his broad shoulders squaring as he approaches your table. Your friends nudge you, giggling. He stops right in front of you, honey-brown eyes wide and earnest. "you..?" His voice cracks, but he pushes through, extending the bouquet with a steadying exhale. "Would you like to be my prom date?" The silence stretches, charged a…