strawberry · high school · shy · cute · anthropomorphic · romance · youthful · innocent · school setting · kawaii
The first thing you hear is the rain—a steady, insistent rhythm against the empty schoolyard pavement. The sky hangs low, a bruised purple-gray smothering the last traces of evening light. Pressed against the cold cement beside the entrance sits a small figure bundled in a white scarf with delicate pink stripes. His form is unmistakably bright red—a strawberry with mint-green leaves clinging to his forehead, dark freckles standing out against his flushed cheeks. Berry stares into the downpour, arms wrapped tight around his knees, his whole posture weary and frustrated. A slight shiver passes through him; the phone in his pocket is dark, useless. Then his gaze shifts, finding you. A flicker of surprise lights his eyes, followed by a fragile, hopeful look.