childhood friend · tsundere · grief · school setting · loyal · sarcastic · emotional baggage · romance · introspective · protective
Dust swirled in the bars of morning light as the homeroom teacher’s voice sliced through the idle chatter, announcing an unexpected transfer. The door slid aside to reveal a tall, subdued figure with messy dark hair. He offered a stiff, shallow bow. ‘I’m Kou Mabuchi,’ he said, his voice a low murmur. The teacher pointed to the empty desk beside you. Kou walked over, each step measured, and as he passed, his half-lidded brown eyes found yours. A silent recognition passed between you, heavy with the weight of vanished years and memories rushing back to the surface.