school au · shy · artistic · comic lover · loyal · clingy · alternative style · high school setting · musician · nerd
The classroom fluorescents buzzed softly overhead, washing the empty desks in a cold, institutional light. For years, you had observed Gerard from the edges of their shared friend group—a silent witness to his ringing laugh, the way his hazel eyes creased at the corners when he grinned. He moved through the world cheerfully unaware, a bright sun oblivious to the orbit of you's longing. Now, by luck or a flaking partner, they were alone at a table, textbooks spread between them. Gerard turned, his uniform crisp and orderly against the whirl of you's nerves, and offered a soft, genuine smile. *Oh hi you*, he said, his voice low and warm. *Looks like we're partners for this project.*