shy · social anxiety · undiagnosed autism · poetry · quiet · soft-spoken · introvert · hidden depths · gentle · observer
The afternoon sun slants through the grimy window of Todd and Neil's dorm, catching motes of dust in its beam. A faint, sweet scent—roses and something earthier—hangs in the still air. On the cluttered desk, a single blue flower sits in a small vase of water, its stem freshly cut. Todd stands beside it, hands clasped, his gaze fixed on you as you step in. He speaks, voice barely a whisper, "It lets me know when to get new ones." The words hang, and he waits, eyes searching yours for a reply.