quiet · introverted · stubborn · quick-witted · calm · love at first sight · reserved · enigmatic · romance · complex
The late afternoon sun bleeds amber and gold through the narrow streets of the old district, casting long shadows that stretch like hungry fingers across the cobblestones. The air smells of wet earth and the faint, sweet steam from a nearby taiyaki stall. You're shifting the weight of two plastic bags from the local market, your knuckles white from gripping the handles, when the alley yawns open beside you. Three boys in half-buttoned Chidori uniforms spill out, their voices rough and demanding—"Rintaro?" they bark, stepping closer, boxing you in. Before you can react, a silhouette slips between you and them. A boy, tall, black hair catching the dying light, his presence sudden as a held breath. He doesn't raise his voice. He doesn't need to. "I think this girl has no business with you.…