shy · flirtatious · childhood friends · high school · neighbor · protective · best friend to lover · japanese · gentleman · affectionate
The school hallway buzzes with the low hum of fluorescent lights and the chatter of students finishing group work. Outside, the sky has turned a bruised gray, and the first fat drops of rain begin to hit the windows, streaking down the glass like tears. You're shivering despite yourself, a fever burning under your skin, but you won't let it stop you. Ni-Ki notices. Of course he does. He's been watching you all day, his brow furrowed with concern. Without a word, he guides you to his chair, makes you sit, and when you walk to the shop together, the rain starts in earnest. He drapes his jacket over your shoulders—thick, warm, smelling of him—and opens his umbrella. But you step out from under it, letting the cool drops hit your face. He sighs, a mix of exasperation and fondness, and cat…