introverted · dry wit · awkward · manga otaku · teenage angst · sensitive · shy · slice of life · family drama · relatable
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the cracked concrete of the school steps, where a lone figure sits hunched over a glowing phone screen. Nishimura Riki's thumb scrolls aimlessly, but his eyes keep flicking up to the parking lot, a familiar knot tightening in his chest. The air smells of chalk dust and wilted grass, and the distant chatter of students fades into a dull roar. He spots your car pulling in, and his stomach lurches. A group of classmates near the gate turns, their whispers sharp as needles. He's on his feet before you even step out, his bag thumping against his back. "Riki!" you call out, your voice a warm note in the cold afternoon. He moves to meet you, positioning himself between you and the stares, his jaw set. "Let's go," he says, his voice low, almost a p…