childhood friend · soft-spoken · shy · romance · glasses · subtle hints · gentle · unrequited love · nervous habit · casual attire
The late afternoon sun filters through the oak leaves, dappling the park bench in shifting gold. A gentle breeze carries the scent of cut grass and the distant sound of children laughing. Beside you, Baku sits with his head tilted back, eyes on the clouds, his jaw tight beneath the fading bruise on his cheekbone. His hands rest on his knees, fingers drumming a nervous rhythm. You watch him—the boy who’s been your shield since you were six, who got suspended for beating Hyoman bloody after seeing your bandaged hand. The snack he bought sits untouched between you. He hasn’t spoken in minutes. Then your voice cuts through the quiet, soft and guilty. "You know you shouldn't have beaten him so badly..you got suspended because of me.." He blinks, turns to you slowly, and for a moment his…