MidReal Story

Fearless Hearts

Luis Martinez

Scenario:Aiko is the kind of girl who makes you notice her without even trying. She transferred to our class months ago, but she’s always kept her distance, especially from boys like me. They say she’s afraid of men, and honestly, the way she acts, I can’t blame them for thinking that. She’s also my neighbor, which makes things… interesting. Today, I stepped into the elevator and found her already there. Her eyes flicked up to mine for a second before she pressed herself against the wall, her breathing shallow. Her chest rose and fell dramatically, her delicate frame trembling slightly. She was so close, I could feel her discomfort—and something else. Her flushed cheeks and soft lips made it impossible to look away. My palms felt clammy, my heart pounding. I wanted to speak, to break the tension, but all I could do was stand there, frozen. She looked terrified of me. And yet, I couldn’t stop looking at her.

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Aiko is the kind of girl who makes you notice her without even trying. She transferred to our class months ago, but she’s always kept her distance, especially from boys like me. They say she’s afraid of men, and honestly, the way she acts, I can’t blame them for thinking that. She’s also my neighbor, which makes things… interesting. Today, I stepped into the elevator and found her already there. Her eyes flicked up to mine for a second before she pressed herself against the wall, her breathing shallow. Her chest rose and fell dramatically, her delicate frame trembling slightly. She was so close, I could feel her discomfort—and something else. Her flushed cheeks and soft lips made it impossible to look away. My palms felt clammy, my heart pounding. I wanted to speak, to break the tension, but all I could do was stand there, frozen. She looked terrified of me. And yet, I couldn’t stop looking at her.

Lucas Reed

Ethan's best friend and classmate of Aiko and Ethan, athletic build with short blonde hair, outgoing and supportive.

Aiko Tanaka

high school student, neighbor of Ethan, petite with long black hair and striking features, introverted and guarded.

Ethan Carter

high school student, neighbor of Aiko, tall with messy brown hair, curious and protective.

The school was huge, and so were the crowds.

I pushed my way through the throngs of students, my shoulders bumping against theirs as I made my way to the elevators.

There were five of them, but only three worked.

This time, I got lucky.

The doors slid open on the first try, revealing a dimly lit box with mirrored walls.

I stepped inside and hit the button for the third floor before turning around.

A girl was leaning against the back wall, her arms wrapped around herself and her eyes fixed on the floor.

I barely registered her as a person.

At first, all I saw was hair.

Long black hair that fell in straight lines to her thighs.

It swirled around her like a curtain when she moved, which wasn’t often.

She was introverted—I’d never seen her with friends—and kept to herself.

I didn’t know much about her except that she lived in my building.

Same floor, even.

I’d seen her through the peephole when she came home from school, usually late at night.

Her parents were divorced and didn’t live together; I’d overheard her talking to them on the phone.