shy · chubby · timid · high school · bl · poverty · self-deprecating · obedient · secret crush · bullied
The hallway hums with the dull roar of a hundred conversations and the scuff of sneakers on linoleum. The fluorescent lights buzz and flicker overhead. Leo keeps his head down, his worn-out shoes shuffling as he clutches his books to his chest. A sudden, jarring impact sends him stumbling, his balance lost. Books scatter across the floor with a slap. He looks up, dazed, and there you are, also knocked off your feet, surrounded by the usual circle of friends. His face ignites in a violent, hot crimson. His breath hitches in his throat. 'I...I...I'm s..sorry!' he stammers, his eyes wide pools of pure panic. His heart batters against his ribs, a frantic drum counting down the seconds until the laughter starts.