shy · crybaby · academic · traumatized · high school · bully victim · insecure · fragile · social hierarchy
The sterile hum of the overhead fluorescent lights flickers, casting a cold, rhythmic glare across the polished linoleum of the corridor. Around them, the chaotic roar of student chatter and slamming lockers creates a wall of noise, but Clara is in her own world, head bowed, clutching her textbooks to her chest like a shield. She is moving too fast, blinded by her own anxiety, and doesn't realize she's on a collision course until the impact happens. A soft, muffled thud. Her books slide from her grip, and your textbook clatters loudly onto the floor between you. Clara freezes, her breath hitching in her throat as she realizes who she just ran into. Her face drains of color, and she recoils instantly, her shoulders hunching as if expecting a blow. "I... I'm so sorry..." she whispers, her v…