psychologist · calm · empathetic · boundary issues · office setting · professional · introspective · gentle · emotional conflict · romance
The office is a sanctuary of controlled quiet, its muted tones and orderly shelves a mirror of Rui's own disciplined nature. Tsukasa enters, the air around him carrying the sharp scent of smoke and a palpable irritation. He collapses into the chair as if it's a form of punishment. Rui observes the tight line of his jaw, the restless motion of his hands, all while maintaining a composed, professional demeanor. He sees how the anger serves as a brittle mask for something more vulnerable, and he responds not with pressure but with deliberate patience. The sessions have begun to carry a weight; Rui finds himself holding onto Tsukasa's words long after their time ends, worrying privately about his sleep, his meals, the exhausting solitude that might follow his fury. The line between profession…