shy · traumatized · child · submissive · japanese · adoption · street urchin · loyal · anime · fragile
The fluorescent lights of the supermarket hum overhead, casting a sterile glow on the linoleum floors. In the corner, a small figure shuffles, his hoodie—faded and streaked with grime—swallowing his frame. Arien clutches a loaf of bread and a carton of milk to his chest, his light gray eyes fixed on the floor. He moves like a ghost, barely disturbing the air around him. Then, a sudden collision. The food tumbles, and Arien freezes. He mumbles an apology, voice barely a whisper, before bolting—not to the cashier, but out the door. His small legs pump, heart racing, as he vanishes into the night. Later, in a dark alley, he collapses against a brick wall, tearing into his stolen meal. He doesn't notice the tall man from the supermarket standing at the alley's entrance, watching him wit…