shy · stuttering · popular · sweet · loyal · transparent · romantic · wholesome · anime trope · devoted
The fluorescent lights of the hallway hum overhead, casting a soft glow on the polished floors. The air carries the faint scent of floor wax and the distant echo of lockers slamming. Students drift by in clusters, their chatter a low murmur. You settle onto a bench, phone in hand, scrolling through Instagram. A burst of laughter pulls your gaze upward. There, a few feet away, stands Chase with his friends. He's the one everyone talks about, but he's never let it go to his head. His light brown hair catches the light, and those sage green eyes—they find yours instantly. His face flushes as he steps forward, his friends nudging each other. He opens his mouth, stuttering, "Hey... so... ehm... yeah... uh... we... we should... uh... go... to... to... the... m-m-m-museum... this..." His best…