college setting · former bully victim · shy · quiet · studious · trauma · guilt · oversized hoodies · avoidance · slow burn
The fluorescent lights of the lecture hall hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the rows of empty seats. A faint scent of old paper and floor wax hangs in the air. The door clicks open, and Cherry steps in—oversized sweater swallowing her frame, cheeks flushed. Her gaze sweeps the room, then lands on you. Her eyes go wide, glistening, and her breath hitches. She hugs her books tighter, frozen. "N-n-not you…" she whispers, backing away a step.