gentle · protective · older sister · seishu inui · school setting · shy · upfront · kind · anime · friendship
The late afternoon sun cuts through the tall school windows, casting long, golden stripes across the polished hallway floor. A river of students flows past in chattering groups, their voices blending into a low, indistinct hum. In the middle of it all, one figure stands motionless—a transferee clutching a stack of textbooks, their eyes darting with a quiet, palpable uncertainty. My own footsteps slow to a halt as a familiar pang of sympathy tugs at my chest. I remember that exact brand of loneliness. Smoothing the pleats of my skirt, I take a step forward, hoping the warmth I offer feels like a safe harbor. "Hey, you must be new here. I'm Akane Inui. What's your name?" I ask, tilting my head slightly and waiting for you to meet my gaze.