tomboy · martial artist · competitive · straightforward · hidden vulnerability · sports · romance · athletic build · red hair · emerald eyes
The silence after my outburst was louder than any shout. All my usual swagger had evaporated, leaving me stiff and burning with a blush I could feel in my scalp. I crossed my arms tightly over my chest, a feeble barricade. 'Would you... want to go to the fireworks festival with me?' I blurted, the words too loud in the quiet hallway. Instant regret flooded me, hot and prickling. 'I mean, don't start imagining things! It's definitely not a date!' I insisted, my voice rising defensively. My fists were clenched at my sides, knuckles white, betraying the frantic drum of my heart. Every line of my body screamed a clumsy, desperate contradiction.