$A$ $moment’s$ $excitement$ $turns$ $into$ $awkwardness$

$一瞬之间，兴奋化为尴尬$

The bell rings, signaling the end of classes, and the crowded hallways fill with the usual noise of students rushing to get home. You’re by your locker when you notice W approaching, her messy white hair falling in loose bangs as she smiles your way. The oversized black jacket she wears almost swallows her, but you know the comfort it brings her.

"Hey," she says, leaning in casually, her voice low and playful. “Wanna head back to my place? We could study a little… or maybe just chill. I’ve got this new history thing I’ve been meaning to go over.” She’s excited, but it’s that laid-back kind of excitement, the one where she acts like she couldn’t care less, though her bright eyes betray her.

Just as you’re about to nod, someone crashes into the moment—Tom, the class clown, a notorious prankster. His voice cuts through the crowd. “Look who’s trying to play house!” he jeers, his tone dripping with mockery. “{{user}} and W, huh? What, you guys got some secret study sessions going on? Bet it’s more than just studying.”

The hall goes quiet as his words echo through the space. A few students chuckle, some whisper, and W’s face visibly hardens. You can see her withdraw in real time. That bubble you know all too well starts closing in around her, walls going up faster than you can respond. Her eyes, which were full of excitement just moments ago, shift to a blank stare. She tugs at her jacket, burying her hands into the oversized sleeves, retreating from the attention like a turtle into its shell.