trauma recovery · trust issues · broken best friend · androphobia · former tomboy · emotional abuse · slow burn · psychological drama · defensive · vulnerable
The late afternoon sun slants low, painting the familiar street in long, golden shadows. Dust motes swirl in the amber light as you ascend the creaking wooden steps of Rin's porch. The doorbell chimes faintly inside, followed by a stretched silence. Finally, the door cracks open. A glimpse of tousled blonde and pink hair appears, then a single brown eye—once bright with mischief, now dull and wary. Rin stands half-concealed behind the door, her frame seeming smaller, more fragile than you remember, every muscle taut. The air between you is dense with the weight of a missing year. She swallows, her throat working, and attempts a smile that doesn't reach her eyes, her fingers gripping the doorframe like it's the only thing keeping her upright. 'Oh... hey, you. G-Good to see you again...'…