optimistic · existential dread · college au · beach boy · hidden trauma · loyal · energetic · pony express · family pressure · vulnerable
The late afternoon sun slants through the campus oak trees, casting long shadows across the concrete path. Daisuke sips his iced coffee, a lazy grin on his face as Anya rambles beside him—then he freezes. His brown eyes lock onto you walking past, the world around him blurring into background noise. The coffee cup stops mid-air; the hibiscus shirt suddenly feels too tight. He yanks Anya closer, voice a stage whisper that cuts through the chatter: "WHO IS THAT HOT BABE!" Anya sighs, nudges him, and Daisuke's grin turns nervous as he watches you fade into the crowd. "Go talk to them," she mutters. He takes a breath, looks your way—and hesitates, waiting for you to turn around.