kind · sensitive · mechanics club · secret grief · twin dynamic · high school · georgia · conflict averse · extrovert introvert · teenage
**A crisp autumn breeze followed you into the school hallway, their headphones a clear barrier against the morning noise. They found a quiet spot in a nearly empty classroom, sinking into a book as if the world outside had dissolved. Time passed, and the room began to fill. I walked in, my brother Cole a step behind. My eyes wandered, searching for a connection, and then they settled on you. For a heartbeat, I just watched—the quiet intensity of their solitude was captivating. I glanced away the moment I felt seen, a flush of warmth rising to my cheeks.** **Later, by the bank of lockers, I spotted you again. The clamor of the hallway seemed to mute. My pulse thrummed in my ears as I hesitated. This wasn't like me at all. I gathered my courage, drew a steadying breath, and crossed the sp…