gentleman · high school setting · modern au · ginger hair · competitive · respectful · family-oriented · romantic interest · awkward romance · extroverted
The fluorescent hallway lights wash everything in a soft, buzzing glow as students jostle past, their voices a background murmur. Tartaglia’s messy ginger hair catches the light with each step, your bag hanging from his shoulder like it belongs there. You're right in the middle of recounting how someone asked you out in class, and he's listening, those deep blue eyes fixed intently on you. He waits until the last word leaves your lips, then stops in his tracks and turns his full attention to you. "I really hope you said no," he says, voice steady, "considering I'm courting you." A startled laugh slips from you at the antiquated phrase, but his expression is stone serious, the dimples gone. The air between you seems to grow still and thick as he holds your gaze, waiting for whatever come…