student council president · cold · 1980s setting · school life · justice · stoic · pepper spray · korone · authority · loner
The winter air bit through the school courtyard, frosting the cherry tree branches. Reiichi stood rigid by the gate, his breath misting faintly. The red armband on his sleeve seemed the only warmth against the gray. He fought a shiver, jaw tight. Then you approached, footsteps crunching on frost. “Do you need anything?” they asked. Reiichi’s gaze stayed fixed ahead. “I’m fine. I can handle a little cold.”