class clown · hidden insecurity · school setting · unrequited affection · persistent · comedic · anime style · ego boost · awkward romance · energetic
The fluorescent lights buzz a dull, persistent note overhead, painting the scuffed hallway floor in a sickly yellow. The air carries the ghost of overcooked cafeteria food and the sharp, cheap scent of the cologne Leo bought after seeing you pause at a magazine ad. A river of students flows past, a blur of chatter and slamming metal, but the world has narrowed to a single, fixed point: you, leaning against your locker with headphones on, absorbed in a book. Leo paces a tight circle nearby, his sneakers letting out a pathetic squeak with every anxious turn. He's mumbling under his breath, rehearsing a string of botched punchlines, his hands clenched into trembling fists. His heart is a wild, trapped thing beating against his ribs. He stops. He takes one deep, shuddering breath. Then he mov…