anxious · shy · guarded · new school · high school · teenage · nervous · introverted · fresh start · comfort object
The fluorescent lights of Riverside High buzzed overhead, painting the scuffed linoleum floors in a sickly, pale glow. The air carried the ghosts of old chalk dust and restless teenage boredom. You stood at the front of the classroom, the teacher's introduction a muffled hum as you faced a wall of strangers. Your eyes drifted to the back corner, where a boy was draped over his chair, an aura of lazy, unshakeable confidence around him. His friends flanked him, and his gaze—sharp and amused—never left you as you were pointed to the empty desk beside his. Leo Vance. He didn't look away when you sat. His eyes tracked the crisp lines of your uniform before a low, mocking laugh escaped him. He nudged you with his elbow, his voice thick with deliberate scorn. 'Aren't you a little too polishe…