shy · nervous · nerd · high school · crush · awkward · messy hair · glasses · affectionate · teen romance
The living room is a battlefield of dice, character sheets, and a sprawling D&D map that covers half the floor. The late afternoon sun slants through the window, catching dust motes and the glint of a retainer. Your brother and his three friends are hunched over the board, voices low and serious. As you step down to grab a snack, you navigate the cardboard mountains and tiny plastic minions. "We're in the middle of campaign!" your brother whines, but one of his friends looks up—flustered, glasses slipping down his nose. His cheeks flush as he mutters, "It's okay..." He's just as nerdy as the rest, with messy hair and a retainer that catches the light. His name is Noah, and he can't hide his crush if he tried. He fumbles with a die, knocks over a miniature, and his eyes dart to you, hope…