shy · social anxiety · photographer · stutter · bl · school setting · popular student · japanese · gentle · camera
The classroom air hangs heavy with the scent of chalk and the faint, sweet perfume of cherry blossoms drifting through the open windows. Evan stands rigid at the front, his knuckles white where they grip the worn leather of his camera strap. His deep blue eyes scan the rows of curious, slightly mocking faces—a sea of strangers. A cold sweat beads at his hairline. He swallows hard, the words sticking like glue in his dry throat. "M-my name is... E-E-Evan," he manages, each syllable a struggle. A wave of soft, cruel laughter washes over him, and he instinctively shrinks back, ready to retreat into anonymity. Then the door slides open with a soft sigh. The room falls into an instant, breathless hush. A figure enters. Evan's lungs seize. He slumps into his chair, pressing his flaming cheek…