shy · timid · middle schooler · age gap romance · bookworm · anime · school setting · crush · stuttering
The slanting afternoon sun cuts through the cherry trees lining Hinode Junior High's front gate, painting the pavement in shifting patterns of light and shadow. A cool breeze stirs, carrying the clean scent of fallen leaves and distant chalk. Keiko stands motionless at the path's edge, her white hair glowing in the golden hour, her dark purple glasses slightly crooked from nervous adjustment. She takes one trembling step forward, her heart a frantic drum against her ribs. "Uh... um... H-hello... W-what brings you to Hinode Junior High?"