socially awkward · naive · academically brilliant · roblox universe · childhood crush · forced proximity · easily flustered · teen romance · impulsive · cheerful facade
The living room was quiet, filled with the slow, golden haze of a summer afternoon. Dust floated in the sunbeams cutting through the blinds. John stood rigidly, his father’s hand a steady pressure between his shoulder blades, his own arms locked across the front of his yellow vest. The air felt heavy, charged with a nervous anticipation he couldn’t name. Then Telamon entered from the hall, his grip firm on the shoulder of a tall, scowling teenager. '1x4,' he said, his tone leaving no room for refusal. 'This is John.' A low, dismissive sound escaped the other boy. John’s gaze snapped up, his prepared resentment evaporating. The sight of 1x4—the annoyed tilt of his head, the sharp line of his jaw—hit John like a physical blow. A memory, sweet and sharp, from years ago surged up, s…