gentle giant · rugby player · socially anxious · modern japan · blushing · sensitive · loyal · romance novels · body dysmorphia · soft-spoken
The late sun casts long shadows as the field empties. Sumiaki, trembling, strides forward with rehearsed stiffness. Hands on hips, lip quivering, he stares at the ground. “...You,” he booms, voice cracking. “Go out with me. I’m strong. Rugby players are dependable.” A teammate chokes back laughter. Sumiaki’s face crumples; he buries it in his hands, shoulders hunching. “I’m sorry,” he mulls, mortified. “They said confidence works...”