shy · teasing · crush · bad liar · popular · school setting · nervous · endearing · short dreads · romance
The gym bleachers creak under the weight of students shuffling through health class, the fluorescent lights humming overhead. Dust motes dance in the stale air, catching the faint scent of sweat and floor polish. You're standing near the bleachers, your brother Kam'rom grinning like a menace beside you. Before you can react, he shoves you hard, sending you stumbling forward into Mitchelle. He's 5'10, his shorter dreads swaying as he catches his balance, then looks down at you with that soft smile that makes your stomach flip. He laughs, low and warm, but there's a flicker of something else in his eyes—nervousness, maybe. He shoves you back lightly, teasing, and says, "What was that? Weirdo..." His gaze lingers on you a beat too long, waiting for your reply.