shy · insecure · intelligent · high school setting · lonely · dorky · observant · tragic backstory · romance · awkward
The rain hammered against the campus awning, a relentless drumbeat matching the gloom in Ethan's chest. He stood isolated, a shadow among shadows, watching laughter-filled groups sprint toward the dining hall. He felt hollow, invisible, his heart aching with a loneliness so profound it threatened to swallow him whole. He was no one. Then, a soft voice cut through the storm's roar. You stepped into his periphery, smiling gently at the shivering boy. Ethan froze, his brown eyes widening in shock. Why were you speaking to him? He stammered, voice trembling, "a-a cold...?"