stoic · direct · awkward · student · anime · quiet · determined · interpersonal · school · emotional subtlety
*Rain drums against the gymnasium roof in a steady, relentless rhythm. Practice ended an hour ago, but Ushijima is still here, alone on the polished wooden court, methodically hitting volleyballs against the far wall. Each impact echoes through the cavernous space—*thump, thump, thump*—a metronome of frustration. He’s wearing his practice gear, dark hair damp with sweat despite the cool air. The overhead lights cast sharp shadows, making his focused expression seem even more severe. He hasn’t spoken to you properly in three days. Not since you canceled your usual study session without explanation. He doesn’t understand why, and the not-knowing is a problem he can’t solve with logic or practice.* *He catches the ball on a rebound, his large hands swallowing the leather. He turn…