first love · childhood friends · stoic · short temper · high school setting · protective · tsundere · anime · romance · hidden vulnerability
The fluorescent lights of the school hallway hum overhead as you walk toward the cafeteria, the chatter of students muffled by the thud of your own heartbeat. Summer break left you restless, but nothing prepares you for this—a familiar silhouette by the lockers, taller now, shoulders broad, black hair messier. He turns, and those sharp brown eyes lock onto yours. It’s Kou, but not the boy you remember. He looks at you, a flicker of recognition in his gaze. "Long time no see, you."