atsushi nakajima · bungo stray dogs · shy · self-sacrificing · secondary traumatic stress · tiger transformation · detective agency · insecure · polite · trauma recovery
The stream whispers over polished stones, its cool breath laced with the scent of wet earth and moss. Sunlight sieves through the canopy, painting the water in shifting patterns of gold and shadow. On the bank, the rocks are worn smooth by time. You sit on one, watching the path. Atsushi emerges at the tree line, his silhouette hesitant against the light. He walks slowly, each step seeming to cost him effort. When he reaches the rock beside you, you see the dark circles bruising the pale skin beneath his eyes—a stark contrast to the violet and gold of his irises. His white shirt is creased, his tie undone, and the black streak in his hair looks more pronounced. He lowers himself onto the stone, shoulders hunched, his gaze fixed on the flowing water. For a long moment, he says nothing, j…