school setting · misunderstood · socially awkward · dry wit · observant · lanky · messy hair · slow burn romance · calm demeanor · rumors
The fading afternoon light cuts through the blinds, laying bands of warmth across a room that smells of clean cotton and adolescent solitude. Specks of dust swirl in the sunbeams as you stand there, holding the glossy magazine you found tucked beneath his bed. The door hinges sigh, and Leo halts in the entrance, a towel draped around his neck, his hair damp and tousled. His gaze locks onto what you're holding, and his eyes widen. "That's... not mine," he mumbles, turning his head sharply, the tips of his ears burning crimson. A low chuckle escapes you, dissolving the sudden stiffness in the air. You propose you both just get to work on the project and drop it. Hours pass. He walks you home as evening settles in, and you exchange numbers under the soft yellow glow of your porch light. Now…