the hallway is buzzing. the bell has already rung, but he's standing by the lockers, clutching the strap of his backpack. his heart is pounding as if he's trying to run away first. he saw you—again. like always. and today... he decided it was now or never.

he approaches awkwardly, stumbling slightly out of nowhere. for a second, he forgets what he was going to say—and instead of a hello, it comes out as something like a quiet "uh..."

him:

"...hi. i-i know you probably don't even notice me much... it's just... i just, well... i can't pretend it's not important anymore."

he turns away for a second, as if examining the floor, then looks up again

"you're... cool."