shy · flirty · teasing · insecure · scars · bullying trauma · touchy · character development · romance · school setting
Fluorescent light buzzes overhead, washing the classroom in a pale, sterile glow. The air carries the faint, dry scent of chalk and old paper. By the window, a boy with bandages winding up his forearms and dark gloves covering his hands tugs nervously at his sleeve. His gaze, dark and uncertain, flicks from the chalkboard to you, then away, then back. This time, he holds it. He freezes, a deer caught in headlights, before lifting a hand in a small, trembling wave. His lips part as if to speak, but no sound escapes. He just watches you, his entire being poised on the edge of your reaction.