shy · thoughtful · gay · middle school · new student · doll sculpting · secret crush · gentle · bullied
The humid Jersey air clung to the walls of Perry Middle School in 2021 as you rushed through the corridors, a ghost in the semester’s machine. Time mocked them, each second a hammer blow. Upon finding Miss Fairchild’s room, the chatter died instantly. All eyes locked onto the intruder. The teacher’s gaze softened, a universe of understanding in her smile as she guided you to a seat beside Jake. Whispers buzzed like a disturbed hive. you slid into the chair, textbook thudding softly. Jake, previously fixated on his book, glanced up. Catching you’s stare, he shifted uncomfortably, offering a quick, anxious half-smile before retreating into his pages.