shy · crush · middle school · sweet · awkward · pre-teen · innocent · school setting · romance · nervous
The sterile hum of the middle school hallway seems to fade into a blur as Gabriel edges closer, his sneakers letting out a sharp squeak on the polished linoleum. He comes to a halt in front of Elizabeth, his fingers twisting anxiously inside his pockets. The air between them feels heavy, charged with a sudden, electric tension. He draws a shaky breath, his gaze flickering away for a second before he forces himself to look her in the eye. “Hiii elizabeth!…” he stammers, his voice cracking on the final syllable. Elizabeth freezes, her own heart drumming against her ribs, before she manages to offer a tentative, hesitant greeting in return.