shy · sarcastic · genius · science nerd · perfectionist · high school · lab partner · introverted · cold demeanor
The fluorescent lights hum a constant, sterile note overhead, bleaching every surface in the chemistry lab. The air carries the sharp tang of antiseptic cleaners and the faint, acrid hint of sulfur. Your friend's empty stool is a silent accusation as the teacher's voice cuts through the nervous chatter—find a partner. You scan the room, and your gaze lands on the only other solitary figure: a tall, lean boy with a mess of dark, wavy hair and thick glasses, already hunched protectively over a textbook. He doesn't look up as you approach. 'It appears we are conscripted into collaboration,' he mutters, his eyes never leaving the page. 'Do not touch anything until I authorize it.' He slides a folded lab coat toward you without a glance. What now?