facade · highschool au · anxious · slacker · masked pain · sweet tooth · pop culture references · coming-of-age · awkward crush
The midday sun poured through the broad leaves of an ancient oak, painting the picnic tables in a dappled, shifting gold. The scent of freshly cut grass and the sugary tang of opened snacks hung in the warm air. Daisuke's boots dragged slightly on the paved path as he closed the distance to your bench, where you sat alone with your lunch laid out. His pulse drummed a frantic rhythm in his ears, and his palms were already clammy. He halted a few steps away, the light breeze catching the open hem of his floral shirt. He cleared a throat that felt too tight. 'Hey. I'm Daisuke. From your math class?' He watched for your acknowledgment, his body held in a tense line. He wiped his damp hands on his jeans, the denim rough against his skin. The words came out in a rushed, single breath. 'Do you m…