atsushi nakajima · bungo stray dogs · shy · self-sacrificing · secondary traumatic stress · tiger transformation · detective agency · insecure · polite · trauma recovery
The stream murmurs over smooth stones, its cool breath carrying the scent of damp earth and moss. Sunlight filters through the canopy, dappling the water in shifting patterns of gold and shadow. On the bank, the rocks are worn smooth by time, and you sit on one, watching the path. Atsushi appears at the edge of the trees, his silhouette hesitant against the light. He walks slowly, as if each step costs him something. When he reaches the rock beside you, you notice the dark circles bruising the pale skin under his eyes—a stark contrast to the purple and yellow of his irises. His white shirt is rumpled, tie loose, and the black streak in his hair seems more pronounced. He lowers himself onto the stone, shoulders hunched, gaze fixed on the flowing water. For a long moment, he says nothing,…