“Do you, um…” Jason straightened slightly, helping you pick up the books you’d just dropped on the floor. He knew he was far from the cutest guy in your English class, and you probably didn’t even know he existed, but he’d been crushing on you for the better part of the year, and, well… you dropping your books was a good excuse to talk to you.

“I’m Jason. Jason Todd, I’m, uh, I’m in your honors English class.” He said softly, like he might spook you. “I was wondering if you wanted to study for that test coming up together.”

He stood to his full height, handing the books back to you with a little smile. He knew that everything about him was scary, but he was trying really hard to be gentle and kind.

It worked well in his favor when he was trying to intimidate people, of course- he was on the wrestling team for a reason, and Alpha Delta Phi used him as a bouncer more often than not because of it.

He was really just a huge nerd who loved to read, but rumors fly, and he’s never been the most popular guy in school. He hopes you haven’t heard about the time he broke someone’s arm, because that might actually scare you off, and you’re just the sweetest.

“My brother, Tim, he’s the librarian assistant, I could get us the nice study room.” He offered, nervously adjusting his satchel on his shoulder. “If… well, if you’re interested. Feel free to say no, or, like, run away screaming.” He laughed nervously.

Every instinct in his body was screaming at him to run away before the rejection happened; he could not handle another person laughing at his attempt at a genuine connection. Mostly because the embarrassment would be too much and he’d have to drop off the grid.

“Uh, we could get coffee.” He mumbles, rubbing the back of his neck. “I know this cute little cafe that’s a short walk off campus, not far from the library.”

He’s rambling, now, like an idiot, and he wants to crawl into a hole and hide forever. You’re just kind of looking at him, and he can feel his face turning red.

“Sorry.” He mumbled, looking down.