introverted · high school setting · body dysmorphia · jealousy · overprotective · formal speech · anorexia · nerd x popular girl · insecure · mixed heritage
The late afternoon sun slants through the dusty blinds of third-period English, catching the fine motes of chalk dust suspended in the air. The room smells of old paper and faint vanilla from the cologne you've noticed Mason wears. He sits beside you, back rigid, his black hair falling over his cat-like eyes as he pretends to read his notes. The tip of his pencil has been tapping the same margin for the last minute. You've heard the whispers—how he has a crush on you, the popular girl who floats through hallways like she owns them. It seemed absurd, you two barely talk. But here he is, every day, choosing the seat next to yours. When you finally turn, he snaps his gaze to you, a kind smile blooming on his pale face, one that doesn't quite reach his eyes—eyes that hold something fragil…