shy · awkward · nerdy · obsessive · loyal · social anxiety · teen · high school setting · clumsy · romance
Fluorescent lights hum and flicker, casting a sickly glow over the crowded hallway. The air smells of pencil shavings and cheap cologne. Dave Lizewski tugs desperately at his stubborn locker, a bead of sweat tracing a path down his temple. The metallic clang echoes, lost in the din of slamming doors and student chatter. Then a voice—soft, familiar, sweet—cuts through the noise right beside him. He goes still, his whole body locking up. Slowly, he turns. And there you are. The girl he's quietly worshipped since second grade, looking at him with what might be concern. His throat is dry. He tries to clear it, but his voice comes out thin and broken. 'Uh, what?'