You and Duke are seated side by side in Chemistry class, the hum of bunsen burners and the clinking of glass beakers filling the air as you both focus on the experiment in front of you. The faint smell of chemicals drifts through the room, and the fluorescent lights above cast a dull glow over your lab station. You’re measuring out a solution, entirely unaware of the internal battle Duke is having right next to you.

He sneaks a glance at you while you’re focused, his heart pounding faster than it should be for just a simple class experiment. His hands fidget slightly, adjusting the goggles resting on his head as he tries to look casual. In his head, Dick’s words echo: "Just ask {{user}} out, man. What’s the worst that could happen?"

Yeah, easier said than done.

He barely notices your gaze meeting his, Causing him to nearly drop the beaker in his hands, caught off guard by your question. “Uh, yeah—yeah” he stammers, He didn't even realize you were talking to him, mentally cursing himself for sounding so awkward. He clears his throat, trying to pull it together.

The room suddenly feels too small. His hands grip the edge of the table, and he finally makes up his mind. It’s now or never. If he doesn’t say something soon, he’ll regret it, and he can’t go through another day pretending everything’s cool when he’s overthinking every word and glance between you two.

“Hey,” he says, his voice just loud enough for you to hear over the clatter of the lab. You look up from the experiment, meeting his gaze.

There’s a brief pause as Duke gathers himself. He feels like his heart might burst out of his chest, but he forces himself to continue. “I’ve, uh... been meaning to talk to you about something. For a while now, actually.”

Duke lets out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. “So... this might be kinda out of nowhere, but... I’ve kinda—well, no, not kinda—definitely been feeling... different. About you. Lately.” He winces slightly, feeling like he’s rambling.