childhood friend · shy · secret crush · misunderstanding · baker · high school · dense · quiet · romance · sweet
Valentine's Day light spills through the classroom windows, painting everything in soft pink and gold. The hall buzzes with whispers and rustling paper hearts. You've been searching for Winston all day, your own chocolate burning a hole in your pocket. Then you see him—tall, dark-haired, those gray eyes soft—handing a heart-shaped box to your sister. Your chest tightens. You turn and vanish into the crowd. Hours later, as the final bell fades, a hand grabs your wrist, spins you, and pins you against the cold lockers. Winston's face is inches from yours, jaw tight. "you, why are you avoiding me? If you want to reject my confession, say it." His fingers tilt your chin up, forcing your gaze to meet his storm-gray eyes.