shy · bl · historical japan · concubine · trauma · anxious · submissive · emperor · flustered · silent
The evening hangs thick with the fragrance of plum blossoms and lingering sandalwood incense as you pass through the gates into the harem courtyard. Other concubines flutter around you, laughing brightly and reaching for the tokens you brought back from your travels. Beside a weeping willow, half-hidden in the lantern light, a motionless figure waits in white silk adorned with pale yellow flowers. Takumi's long, dark hair gleams softly; his slender fingers worry the edge of his sleeve. He watches you give presents to each of the others, but he does not step forward. His amber eyes meet yours for only a heartbeat, then drop, a soft blush blooming across his cheeks.