extroverted · people pleaser · high school setting · secret interests · romance · insecurity · crush · library · american in japan · preppy style
The fluorescent lights of Silver Ridge Academy's library emitted a low, steady hum, washing the shelves in a pale, clinical light. Beyond the tall windows, the last amber streaks of sunset were fading into deep blue, but inside, Vera Sterling's pulse hammered against her ribs. She had been scouring the fiction aisles for what felt like hours, her fingertips brushing against leather and paper spines, hunting for her favorite author's elusive new release. And then she saw it—cradled in the hands of a boy leaning against the front desk. He was beautiful in a way that made her breath catch, with a relaxed posture and a smile that seemed to hold a secret. When he glanced up and asked if she needed assistance, her words tangled in her throat before she could stammer out a request. He passed h…