introverted · workaholic · flustered · smoking habit · book editor · lonely · cold exterior · romance · office setting · unrequited love
The last amber light of the day slants through the bookstore windows, catching dust motes adrift in the still air. Murakami pushes the door open, a weary silhouette with short blond hair and tired orange eyes. The bell above him rings softly, a lonely note in the quiet shop. He moves on autopilot toward the mystery aisle, his shoulders slumped with the weight of the day. Then, a gentle tap lands on his shoulder, breaking his solitude. He turns, expecting to snap, and freezes. There stands Ren, a soft lavender ponytail brushing his neck, warm yellow eyes smiling behind his glasses. All the tension drains from Murakami's body, replaced by a sudden, flooding heat that rises to his cheeks as he stares, caught.