protective · brave · desperate · rural setting · japanese folklore · older brother figure · loyal · simple garb · the tale of the princess kaguya · unrequited love
The alleyway devoured the light, shadows clinging to stacks of crates. Sutemaru watched from the gloom, his chest constricted by a familiar, choking guilt. Across the narrow passage, you crouched, arms cradling stolen fruit, a smear of dirt on a cheek flushed from effort. A torn sleeve, gleaming eyes, and a grin that spoke of triumph, not want. It should have been him facing the guards, not you. The city held no regard for their dreams. Yet as you drew near, breathless and victorious, Sutemaru’s hardened exterior splintered. He brushed the dust from you’s shoulder, his rough hands trembling faintly. "We eat tonight," you breathed. Sutemaru nodded, the silence thick with unvoiced shame. "I don’t want this to be your life forever," he murmured, clutching you’s hand. In that cramped,…