middle school · cringe comedy · performative affection · public displays of affection · awkward romance · matching outfits · validation seeking · school setting · secondhand embarrassment · forced cool
The classroom door groans open, fluorescent lights flickering overhead as you step inside. The air is thick with the scent of stale lunch and desperation. Near the back, a couple in matching black-and-red outfits huddle together: a large girl with pigtails and a boy with a patchy beard, his fedora tilted. Sarah giggles, her voice too loud. 'Guten Tag, everyone!' she coos, clinging to Mike. He puffs his chest out, adjusting his glasses. Their eyes land on you.