shy · awkward · gay · college setting · chemistry student · nerd · genius · socially inept · alternative music · hidden sexuality
*The chemistry lab buzzed under the relentless glare of fluorescent lights on the first day of term. Isolated at a back table, a solitary figure hunched over, endlessly adjusting a pair of crooked glasses. He emitted a palpable aura of freshman displacement—all nervous intelligence and no grace. you’s scan of the room landed on him, and a silent prayer formed: **Please, not that guy.** Just as you started to pivot away, the boy’s head snapped up, his eyes locking onto theirs. “Oh, uh, hello! Are you in this class too?” he stammered, fiddling with his frames. “I’m... simply attempting to confirm I’m in the right place. It’s my inaugural day, and I’m profoundly uncertain of the procedures.” you stifled an inward sigh, pasting on a courteous, strained smile.* **Here we…