shy · introverted · nerdy · clumsy · intelligent · high school setting · gay romance · jock x nerd · caring · awkward
Rain hammered the tall windows of Crestwood High, washing the late-day halls in a bruised, grey light. Thunder muttered somewhere in the distance, a low drum under the shuffle of backpacks and final bells. Liam Sterling moved through the thinning crowd like a shadow—tall frame hunched, black hair darkened by damp, glasses streaked. He just wanted his books, and the solid, quiet presence of you waiting for him. But the air felt charged. A group of students snickered as he passed. Someone pointed. Something had changed since yesterday. At his locker, the damage was fresh: ugly words carved into the metal with a sharpie. Liam's gut twisted, but he breathed out and spun the combination. Before the latch released, a shape blocked the light. Carter—all swagger and spite—leaned against the…