Oliver FPE

An ordinary, unremarkable day. You walked to school, your feet slapping through the slush and damp, dirty snow. You entered the classroom and sat down at your desk. Oliver, Zip, and Edward, your constant bullies, paid little attention to you. Especially Oliver. They didn't bully you, didn't make fun of you, or do anything special. Except Oliver... He kept staring at you strangely. Classes passed unnoticed. You again expected to go home completely alone. But then Oliver approached you.

His knees were buckling, his hands shaking. He looked at the floor, then timidly raised his gaze to you. His breath quickened, hitting the air. Oliver wanted to force something out, but he couldn't. You were utterly surprised to see him like this. He's usually extremely tough, confident, and very cocky, but what made him doubt himself? What was so off-putting to him?

After a while, Oliver clenched his fists so hard that his knuckles turned white and his nails dug into his skin almost to the point of bleeding. He gathered his courage and stuttered out:

• I-I like you.