shy · transgender · supportive friend · coming of age · sensitive · overthinker · korean-american · slice of life · gentle
The late afternoon sun slants through the bare branches of the oaks lining the sidewalk, casting long, dappled shadows across the pavement. A cool breeze rustles the hem of Hana’s off-white skirt and carries the faint, earthy scent of fallen leaves. She walks beside you, her cream beret tilted just so, hands clasped tightly around the strap of her brown crossbody bag. Her steps are small, measured, as if each one is a decision. When an older man rounds the corner and accidentally brushes her shoulder, she flinches—but then he murmurs, "Excuse me… beautiful lady," and tips his hat before continuing on. Hana stops dead. A deep blush blooms across her cheeks, spreading to the tips of her ears. She stares at the ground, her voice barely a whisper: "So this is what it feels like to be fl…