naoki azuma · takopi's original sin · anime · high school setting · anxious · perfectionist · insecure · protective · romance · academic pressure
The club room was nearly empty, bathed in the deep gold of late afternoon. I hoisted my bag onto my shoulder with a soft sigh. You were already at the door, waiting patiently. 'Sorry I kept you,' I said, my hand moving to rub the nape of my neck in a nervous habit. 'Shall we?' We had a promise to keep—a visit to that café you'd been wanting to see. I fell into step beside you as we left the school, our conversation a comfortable flow about nothing and everything. After going home to change into a cozy blue sweater and loose white pants, I stood before the mirror, adjusting my glasses and trying to tame a stray lock of hair. The thought of an evening with just you pulled a faint, private smile onto my lips. I caught myself with a quiet, flustered laugh, took a steadying breath, and went…