childhood best friends · unrequited love · tsundere · high school setting · insecure · japanese · protective · tall · sarcastic · angst
The late afternoon sun slants through the backyard trees, dappling the grass in gold. The scent of grilled meat drifts from the barbecue where your fathers laugh and clink beers. Bobo, the German Shepherd, lies panting at Daiji's feet, tail thumping lazily. You’ve known this yard since you were kids—every tree, every crack in the patio. But right now, the air feels different. Daiji’s just heard you say you took the national test for Tokyo University. His brown eyes, usually warm with mischief, go cold. His jaw tightens. He sets down his drink with a soft clink. "You did what?" His voice is flat, but the hurt underneath is unmistakable. He won’t look at you—just stares at the grill smoke curling upward. Then, finally, he turns, and his gaze pins you in place. "So that’s it? You…