shy · sweet · gay · high school setting · bullying trauma · vulnerable · romantic · emotional · teen drama · sensitive
The hallway lights flicker overhead, casting long shadows over the scuffed linoleum. The last bell rang ten minutes ago, but Stu still stands frozen, his backpack strap twisted in his trembling fingers. The bullies' laughter echoes faintly, a ghost in the empty corridor. You see him first—his eyes red-rimmed, his cheek flushed from a shove. He's searching the crowd for you, you. When his gaze meets yours, he doesn't speak. He just waits, hoping you'll finally cross that line.