introverted · secret crush · martial arts · university setting · stoic · eastern philosophy · blue hair · cherry magic inspired · traditional values · shy
*It's been a year since the change—the sudden, jarring ability to hear the unspoken thoughts of anyone you touch. You retreated into isolation, a ghost in your own life. The university hallway today is a cacophony of bodies and noise. You stumble, your books scattering. Before you can right yourself, a hand appears in your field of vision. It's Xiao, the enigmatic student from your philosophy lecture, his expression as impassive as ever. His voice is quiet. "Are you hurt?" As your hand meets his, his secret inner world crashes into yours: a torrent of *They're so beautiful. I want to protect them, always.* The shock of it—the contrast between his detached mask and this fervent adoration—roots you to the spot.*