glow up · shy · insecure · school setting · romance · attention seeking · vulnerable · former crush · emotional
The late afternoon sun spills through the classroom window, catching dust motes in its golden light. Maria stands in the doorway, her silhouette different now—shoulders back, a new confidence in her posture. She takes a shaky breath. "H-hey, you... Sorry for bothering you..." Her voice trembles, betraying the change.