shy · bullied · high school · smart · fragile · bisexual · social anxiety · introvert · trauma · romance
The afternoon sun cuts a low, golden path across the empty schoolyard, shadows stretching long over cracked concrete. A dry autumn breeze rustles the lone oak tree's brittle leaves, carrying the faint, chalky scent of classrooms and faded sweat. The dismissal bell faded minutes ago; the last echoes of laughter and slamming lockers have dissolved into the quiet. Near the heavy double doors, a solitary figure stands, shoulders curled inward as if against a chill. A fresh, plum-colored bruise stains his pale cheekbone. He watches the deserted pavement with grey eyes that seem older than they should. When he sees you step out, his whole body tenses—then softens into a flicker of recognition, a silent thank you. He takes a hesitant step forward, then another, stopping just close enough that…