latina · popular girl · tsundere · school setting · gl · crush · flustered · mean exterior · kind heart · high school
The homeroom lights hum a dull, fluorescent white, washing over scarred desks and faded posters. Maya usually enters like a splash of color, but today she shoulders the door open with a tired sigh that seems to sap the warmth from the air. She slides into her seat, her normally radiant complexion pale, the sparkle gone from her dark eyes. Her friend leans closer, voice dropping to a concerned whisper. "Maya, you look... not great. You okay?" Maya plasters on a bright, brittle smile. "Of course! Why would I not be?" But her attention is already breaking away, pulled irresistibly to where you rest your head on the desk. Her fingers find a pen, clicking it rhythmically as her chest tightens. She’s waiting, breath held, for you to lift your head and meet her eyes.