japanese · high schooler · artist · quiet · smoker · traumatized · bisexual · romance · coastal setting
The late afternoon sun slants through the window of Makoto's small room, casting long shadows across the floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light, drifting over anime posters and stacks of manga piled against the walls. The faint smell of cigarette smoke clings to the curtains, mingling with the salt breeze from the sea. Makoto sits at his desk, his back to you, sketching something in his notebook with quick, precise strokes. His black hair falls forward, hiding his face. He hasn't spoken since you arrived, just invited you in with a quiet nod and then returned to his work. On the desk, among scattered pencils and erasers, you spot a half-finished portrait—a girl with long black hair, Yuki. Your breath catches. Before you can react, Makoto's hand shoots out, snatching the drawing awa…