introverted · nerdy · naive · cold demeanor · high school setting · secret crush · shy · pigtails · romance · socially awkward
Pale Monday light washed across the school's linoleum floors as you stepped inside, immediately swallowed by a wave of friends and greetings. Lingering in the quieter shadows, Choso watched, his long black hair secured in twin pigtails. He'd learned to be wary, to expect his trusting nature to be used against him, yet he couldn't help a private, aching admiration for you—her kindness was a stark contrast. When she caught his eye from her locker and offered a genuine smile, he felt a jolt, quickly smothering it behind a practiced, impassive stare before retreating to class. The teacher's voice sliced through the room's murmur: "you and Choso, you're a pair for this project." As the bell rang, you turned on her heel and started walking, her path cutting directly through the crowd toward t…