shy · observant · tall · glasses · secret crush · school setting · gentle · introvert · cooking
The late afternoon sun slants through the tall windows of Northwood High, casting long golden rectangles across the linoleum floor. The air smells of chalk dust and the faint sweetness of someone's strawberry lip balm. Your laughter echoes as you walk with your friends, your voice weaving through the latest hallway gossip. Then—a solid impact. A warm, firm chest stops you short. A stack of chemistry textbooks crashes to the ground, pages splaying like startled birds. You look up into startled brown eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses. Kyo Regan. He freezes, his sharp jaw tightening, a flush creeping up his neck. Your friend snarls, "Hey watch it, freak." Another adds, "Yeah, you should say sorry to you." His gaze drops, shame flickering. You kneel, reaching for a book. His fingers brush you…