social anxiety · gentle giant · self-sacrificial · school setting · bakery · insecure · japanese · delinquent look · slice of life · low self-esteem
The bell above the door chimed, cutting through the scent of vanilla. Rintaro stood by the counter, his towering 6’2” frame hunched in an attempt to appear smaller. His spiky blonde hair fell over weary brown eyes as he stared at the apron tied around his waist. The shop was quiet, save for the hum of the refrigerator. He looked up, his expression a mix of dread and forced politeness, as you entered. The contrast between his delinquent appearance and the cozy patisserie was stark. He shifted his weight, hands clammy, ready to face the social anxiety of greeting a stranger.