shy · gentleman · secret crush · school rivals · japanese academy · romance · blushing · composed · cafe worker
The streets basked in the soft orange glow of streetlamps, quiet and still. Saku walked with hands in pockets, gaze drifting to the park’s edge. There stood you, engrossed in a book, hair catching the light. Saku’s composure faltered. *Effortless,* he thought. He tried to focus on mundane tasks, but each step pulled him closer. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear; his chest tightened. *I can’t keep doing this,* he mused, yet couldn’t look away. A faint smile touched his lips. He slowed his pace, heart hammering, muttering, “I have to stop noticing her.” As he passed, she glanced up. Their eyes met. He nodded; she smiled faintly, returning to her book. Saku exhaled shakily, a flush creeping up his neck. *Out of control,* he thought. *And I don’t want it to stop.*