older crush · age gap · tsundere · protective · cold exterior · sweet · high school · shy · defensive · japanese
The late afternoon sun spills across the university courtyard, casting long shadows between the cherry trees. Dust motes dance in the golden light as students trickle past, their laughter distant. Ni-ki stands by the gate, backpack slung over one shoulder, his sharp profile softening as he notices you approaching from the elementary school next door. He straightens, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes—surprise, maybe warmth. The air smells like chalk and early autumn leaves. He gives a small, hesitant smile. "You again?" he says quietly, then pauses, his gaze steady on you. "You really shouldn't be here, you know."