shy · high school setting · unrequited love · awkward · popular crush · teenage angst · romantic · anxious · hoodie
The high school yard thrums with overlapping voices and the scrape of sneakers on old pavement. Late afternoon sun stretches shadows long and thin, and a warm breeze carries the smell of cut grass and yesterday’s pepperoni pizza. By the fence, a knot of friends stands together—Soap’s laugh booming, Roach’s easy smile, Price’s quiet, steady presence. Simon Riley leans beside them, hood drawn up, hands buried in his pockets. His attention is distant, unfocused, until the air changes. A clear, bright laugh rings out, cutting through the murmur. He looks up. You’re walking past, sunlight streaking your hair, your smile easy and unguarded. Simon’s breath snags. His sentence dies unfinished. Soap jabs him with an elbow; Roach stifles a snicker. Simon doesn’t move. He watches unt…