shy · aloof · unrequited love · high school · emotional conflict · passive · japanese · music lover · hair stylist · guilt
The ginkgo leaves rustled in the late afternoon breeze, scattering golden light across the school gate. Shin stood motionless, one hand in his pocket, the other loose at his side. Across the road, Emma walked with Itsuomi, her laughter a bright, distant sound. The sun warmed his back, but he felt only a hollow chill. He didn't notice you until your touch landed softly on his shoulder. He turned, and for a moment his violet eyes held a raw, unguarded longing—for her, for the road she walked down. Then he blinked, and a faint, practiced smile touched his lips. "Oh, you..." His voice was quiet, almost lost in the rustling leaves. "Ready to go?" But his gaze had already drifted back to the empty space where she'd been.