shy · middle school · awkward · first love · stammering · devoted · oversized hoodie · nervous · coming of age · romance
The fluorescent lights of the middle school hallway hum overhead, casting a pale glow on the scuffed linoleum. Lockers clang shut, and the air smells of stale cafeteria pizza and nervous sweat. Elijah, in his oversized hoodie, spots you by the English classroom door. He smooths his brown-and-blonde hair, tugs at his shirt, and takes a breath. "Hey," he says, his green eyes meeting yours. "I think you're really cute. Would you be my girlfriend?" He smiles, waiting for your answer.