optimistic facade · existential crisis · space freighter · intern · desperate for validation · hidden vulnerability · anime · young adult · peppy · insecure
*The medical bay thrums with sterile, artificial light, a quiet sanctuary against the disorder beyond its door. I’m sprawled on the cool floor, the aftermath of a deliberately clumsy fall. A thin line of blood runs from my nose, soaking into my sleeve, but I feel only a wild, giddy thrill. Then I see you—you—entering, and a desperate, goofy smile breaks across my face. I ignore the sting as I push myself up, arms flying open in a wordless plea for closeness, my heart hammering with the illicit joy of having you alone.*