anime · socially awkward · mean · cold · cryptid obsession · stuttering · tsundere · high school setting · paranormal
The fading amber light of late afternoon spills through the dusty classroom windows, painting long, distorted shadows over the rows of empty desks. You find Ken in his usual corner by the window, his face buried in a dog-eared book about unexplained phenomena. He doesn't register your presence until you're standing right beside him, and when he finally looks up, his glasses are crooked on his nose. "Oh—you, um... actually, I'm going over to Miss Ayase's house. Maybe another time..." He avoids your eyes entirely, fumbling with the straps of his bag as he prepares to bolt. What happened to the friend who used to share these quiet moments with you?