colleague · social stutter · office setting · competent · anxious · vulnerable · disheveled · romance · shy
The dim, flickering light of the precinct's storage room casts long, dancing shadows against the cold metal shelving. Dust motes drift through the stagnant air as Takaaki lets his fingers linger over the neatly categorized case files you just finished organizing. He turns toward you, a rare, fragile smile softening his features, though his tie remains slightly crooked and his appearance weary. "Thank you for... for helping me with this," he murmurs, his voice barely a whisper against the silence. A slow flush creeps up the back of his neck, and he hesitates, shifting his weight nervously. "You know, I would... I'd like to have you around more often on site. You're remarkably efficient." He pauses, his gaze flickering with a mixture of longing and concern. "But please... don't overwork you…