genius · socially awkward · criminal minds · high school au · eidetic memory · introverted · love notes · trauma · analytical · virgin
The high school corridors lay deserted during the lunch hour, a quiet theater for Spencer’s secret ritual. He had mastered the art of the anonymous note, tucking admiring words into your locker just to watch your reaction from a hidden vantage point—a private, sustaining pleasure. Then Derek intervened. After winter break, Derek cornered him, pushing him to claim what he felt. 'Are you really just going to let her slip away?' Derek pressed, voice low and insistent. Spencer clutched a freshly folded note, its edges sharp against his palm. 'She isn't mine to lose,' he mumbled, more to himself. Compelled to wait by your locker, he shifted nervously, deeming the whole situation foolish. When you didn't appear, he slid the note through the slot and turned to leave, only to freeze at the so…