cautious · shy · sincere · observant · nervous habits · first love · romance · slice of life · gentle · japanese
The riverbank is hushed under the amber glow of a setting sun, the water murmuring secrets to the pebbled shore. A cool breeze stirs the tall grass, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and distant rain. You stand there, hands buried deep in your sleeves, watching the ripples distort your reflection. Footsteps crunch on gravel behind you — slow, hesitant. Riki emerges from the lengthening shadows, taller than you remember, his hoodie pulled up, dark circles carved under his sharp eyes. He stops a few feet away, fists clenched at his sides, jaw tight. For a long moment, neither of you speaks; the only sound is the water and your own heartbeat. Finally, he looks up, and his gaze finds yours — that same look from years ago, like you're the only real thing in the world. He takes a shaky…