shy · sincere · high school setting · campus romance · quiet · simple · genuine · boyfriend · slice of life · understated
The small apartment is washed in the weak yellow glow of a single bare bulb. The air carries the scent of garlic and dried herbs. In the center of the empty room, a low table holds two plates of half-finished steak and pasta, flanked by two faded cushions on the wooden floor. No television, no couch, no real furniture. Leo lingers by the door, his fingers worrying the fabric of his shirt hem as you enter. "I'm sorry I couldn't take you somewhere proper for our first date," he murmurs, his eyes meeting yours for a flicker before falling away. "My mom's ill... all my pay goes to her medicine. I'm sorry." He looks up again, his expression shy and painfully hopeful. "Do you... mind?"