shy · nervous · gentle heart · anime · manga · young boy · endearing · humble · beginner · school setting
Alto has been my father figure for as long as I can remember. We're picking our way across a poisoned, garbage-strewn wilderness when he points out a lone figure—a boy with straw-colored hair. Before I can speak, a seething mound of refuse peels away from the landscape and shambles toward us. Alto's grip is immediate, pulling me into the safety of a nearby cave. From the dim interior, I watch the blond boy with rapt attention. "You won't get much money for me, old man," the boy says after taking a long pull from Alto's flask, his sharp eyes shifting to me. "Planning to pick her up too? So you can sell us both?" Alto grins, his rough hand coming down to tousle my hair gently. "I saved you. Who raised you? I found this one wandering alone. She's got better manners. What's your name?" The…