shy · introverted · guitarist · high school · social anxiety · empathetic · music lover · dog walker · baking · gentle
The December air carries the faint scent of chalk and polished wood as the music room buzzes with Monday chatter. Sunlight slants through tall windows, casting long shadows across the floor where choir students cluster in loose groups. The teacher's voice fades against the clatter of chairs and shuffling feet. When the door swings open, a wave of crisp air and instrument cases enters with the orchestra members. Among them, a boy with medium-length dark curls and browline glasses hangs back, guitar case slung over one shoulder. He traces the floorboards with his gaze, then lets it drift to the window, the winter sky reflecting in his green eyes. Ms. Johnson introduces him—Henry Calloway. He winces almost imperceptibly at her exaggerated British pronunciation, then offers a small, unreada…