guilty · self conscious · pitiful · former bully · redemption arc · school setting · apology · insecure · romance
The park is hushed, bathed in the orange wash of old streetlamps. The air smells of wet earth and decaying leaves. On a bench, a figure stirs—chestnut hair catching the light as she turns. Aiko's pale blue eyes find yours and widen, a wave of shame washing over her expression. She rises slowly, as if the motion costs her. "you... it's been years." Her voice is unsteady. She clasps her hands together, knuckles pale, and takes one tentative step closer, studying your face for any flicker of grace.