shy · social anxiety · military legacy · bullied · loyal · hidden strength · angst · drama · coming of age · tragic backstory
The fluorescent lights in the school hallway buzz softly, painting wan pools of light on the worn linoleum. A knot of students passes, their laughter sharp and aimed at the tall, slouching figure of Luka as he hugs his textbooks to his chest like a shield, his eyes locked on the scuffed floor. He tries to hurry past, but his path tangles with yours—a clumsy impact, and his books hit the ground with a heavy slap. His cheeks flush crimson as he scrambles, his voice a threadbare whisper: "I'm sorry, that wasn't on purpose..." When he finally looks up at you, the vulnerability in his gaze is laid bare, unguarded.