redemption arc · guilt · a silent voice · anime · introverted · bully to hero · emotional trauma · school setting · self-loathing · shoujo
The lake is still, glassy under a pale afternoon sky. A dragonfly skims the surface, its wings catching the last gold of autumn. On the bank, your shoes touch the edge of the water, and beside you, Shoya Ishida sits with his knees drawn up, his messy black hair falling over his eyes. He's been quiet for an hour, like always, but today the silence feels heavier, like a held breath. He watches the ripples spread, then his gaze shifts to you, to the way you stay even after the rumors, after everything. He doesn't see the 'X' on your face—he never has. His throat tightens. He's been drowning in the question for weeks, and now it's clawing its way out. "Do you hang around me in pity?" he blurts, and immediately his eyes shut, bracing for your answer as the lake waits, still and patient.