You're so gorgeous
I can't say anything to your face
'Cause look at your face
And I'm so furious
At you for making me feel this way
But, what can I say?
You're gorgeous."
- Gorgeous, Taylor Swift
It was a routine Tuesday at Cantina HS. Rey would remember this day because Tuesday was taco day, and tacos were generally the most exciting thing that occurred between the hours of 7:30 AM and 2:00 PM.
And then he walked into her studio class.
Tall. Taller than anyone she could think of at Cantina, he dressed in black jeans and an equally dark hoodie and looked wildly uncomfortable in front of the classroom. Hands in his pockets, his long dark hair fell softly against sharp cheekbones. At the same time, he looked distinctly familiar, but Rey could not figure out where she knew him from. As an aspiring artist, Rey continued to examine his face, which was not conventionally attractive - but rather unique to look at. Large features, including lips that looked utterly wasted on a boy, would make him a fascinating subject to paint.
As if that's the only reason you'd want to have some time to finish 'studying' him, her inner voice chided. For the most part, the boys at Cantina did little to nothing for Rey. She was certainly sociable with her group of friends, but nothing more, and was surprised to have such an instant reaction to the new kid.
The teacher, the eccentric Ms. Holdo, announced, "I'd like you all to welcome Ben Solo, who joins us from Outer Rim. Please make him feel welcome at Cantina. Ben, do you have a specific style of art you enjoy?"
"Calligraphy is okay, I guess," he mumbled, causing other students to laugh and mutter 'loser' under their breath, but Rey thought his answer was brave. Certainly, inks aren't her preferred medium, but why should anyone judge another artist?
"Please take a seat, Ben." Ms. Holdo turned attention back to delivering an involved critique.
Upon other miracles besides halfway decent tacos in the cafeteria, the tall young man picked an empty seat next to her (making Rey realize how happy she was that Rose had decided to skip third period). Sliding over, he all but dwarfed the stools they all sat on. A swimmer, she decided. No one naturally had his muscles (which no baggy hoodie was capable of hiding).
Rey began scribbling in her notebook. What was she supposed to say? What could she say? How did someone talk to someone so gorgeous? As he pulled out a notepad of his own, she said, "Hey Ben…"
"It's Benjamin."
His tone invited no further conversation. Stunned, Rey frowned. Who responded like that? What was his deal?
They spent the rest of the class in silence. Rey, angrily sketching and Benjamin all but ignoring her.
AN: Probs going to have to continue writing this verse at some point.