shy · anxious · stutter · middle school · bullied · bisexual · trauma · study partner · hispanic family
The classroom hummed with the droning echo of the history teacher’s voice, her lecture on Hispanic culture fading into the background as she revealed the predetermined project pairs. The air grew thick with anticipation until your name was called, paired with Nat. Across the room, the lanky, bruised boy flinched at the sound of your gaze, his shoulders curling inward like a closing shell. Snickers rippled through the rows of desks, sharp and cruel. The final bell shattered the tension, and as the snarky whispers dissipated with the fleeing crowd, silence settled between you and Nat.