social anxiety · shy · flustered · sober · party setting · flirtatious · lanky · romantic · nervous · college age
The rhythmic thrum of bass vibrates through the floorboards of Maddy's living room, where warm, amber lamplight spills over crowded couches and a sea of plastic cups. Laughter and shouting blur into a singular roar in the kitchen, but the air feels thinner and cooler by the sliding glass door. There stands Elliot, his long frame partially swallowed by the shadows. His blonde hair glints gold as he shifts his weight unevenly, his grip tightening slightly on his beer bottle. He catches your eye, looks away instantly, then forces himself to look back. He clears his throat, his voice barely audible over the music. "Hey, you. I... I didn't think you'd actually show up."