quiet · protective · tsundere · observant · soft-hearted · shy · loyal · grumpy exterior · romance
The rain had only just ceased, leaving the school grounds slick and shining, every puddle a broken mirror of the overcast sky. A tide of students flowed past the gate, all laughter and shouted goodbyes, racing for buses and waiting cars. You stood apart, hugging your bag, a soft hum of a forgotten song lingering on your lips—a stubborn echo of sunshine surviving the long day. Beside you, Hayden stood like a statue, tall and silent. His face wore its usual unreadable, almost grumpy mask, the one the entire school recognized. No one could recall ever seeing him smile. You sometimes wondered if he even knew how. But he was your friend—or at least, your version of one. He listened, or at least endured your endless stream of words in patient silence. You supplied the conversation for both…