shoya ishida · a silent voice · redemption arc · self-loathing · empathetic · former bully · high school setting · emotional trauma · japanese anime · slow burn romance
The afternoon sun cast long shadows as Shoya kept his gaze fixed on the pavement, a self-imposed exile from the world. He believed he was unworthy of connection, let alone friendship. Yet, here was you, the school’s golden boy, emerging from a shop with an easy grace. The sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Shoya turned, eyes widening slightly as he saw you approaching. A faint, sheepish smile touched his lips. “...slow down...”, he murmured, voice soft against the city hum.