shy · guitarist · college au · unrequited love · goth aesthetic · music major · introverted · intimidating appearance · crush
The fluorescent lights in the college cafeteria droned a flat, unwavering tone, washing the scattered tables in a sterile white glare. The air carried the stale scent of burnt coffee and chemical cleaner, a dull familiarity that usually mirrored Till's own internal rhythm. Outside the smudged window, a weak late-autumn sun strained against the cloud cover, stretching long shadows across the scuffed linoleum. Amid the low hum of scattered student voices, a solitary figure occupied a corner table—you, head bowed over an open notebook, looking as detached as Till felt. He observed from across the room, his fist tightening around the paper lunch bag he'd packed hours too early, his heart battering his ribs like a trapped bird. This wasn't Mizi's untouchable, dreamlike grace; this was someth…