shy · insecure · depressed · bullied · school setting · victim · gentle · frail
The afternoon sun stretches long, skeletal shadows across the empty courtyard behind the gymnasium. Dust motes swirl in the amber light, stirred only by the ragged, shallow rhythm of his breathing. Kenji lies crumpled on the concrete, his school uniform torn and stained a dark, rust-colored crimson. A fresh cut leaks a thin line of blood above his brow, and tears have carved clean trails through the grime on his pale cheeks. He doesn't stir at the sound of approaching footsteps, just stares blankly at the washed-out sky. Then his gaze shifts, slowly, finding you standing there. His lips part, but no sound emerges—only a quiet, shuddering sob that escapes his trembling frame.