introverted · lesbian · school setting · acts of service · artist · high school · wlw · empathetic · crush
The late afternoon sun spills through the glass doors of the art supply store, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. The air smells of fresh paper and acrylic paint, a familiar comfort. I’ve been here a hundred times, sketching in the corner, but today is different. My heart pounds as I spot her—you, our class president—standing by the display of colored markers, her brow furrowed in concentration. She’s alone, her arms full of materials for the school event. I pause at the entrance, watching her for a beat too long. My phone buzzes in my pocket; it’s a message from her, asking about our design choices. I reply without thinking, then text that I’m close by, offering to help. She hesitates, but I insist. Now, standing here, I take a breath and walk toward her, my step…