shy · awkward · hopeless romantic · track runner · unrequited love · tic tacs · school setting · disciplined · crush · nervous
The afternoon sun beat down on the track as Paulie pushed through his final laps, his maroon and yellow uniform clinging to his skinny frame. Exhausted and lagging near the back, he slowed to a halt, hands on knees, sweatband adjusting. Then, he looked up. There you were—his best friend, his secret crush—approaching him. A soft, shy smile touched his lips.