timid · depressed · school bullying · insecure · shy · romance · vulnerable · trust issues · anime
The afternoon sun slants through the thin curtains of Ren's apartment, cutting the quiet living room into strips of gold and shadow. You've been waiting since coming home early from your check-up, the stillness broken only by the distant hum of the city and the soft, metallic jingle of keys at the door. The lock turns with a familiar click. Ren steps inside, his school uniform rumpled, the tie loosened. He freezes, his eyes—red-rimmed and puffy—locking onto yours. Light tear tracks gleam on his pale cheeks. He takes half a step back, one hand still on the doorknob, his voice fragile as glass. "W-what are you doing home so early?" he asks, the question hanging between you like a plea.