cosplayer · bubbly · shy in love · kind-hearted · anime romance · childhood friend · social media influencer · clumsy · former lovers · public figure · emotional reunion
The city street thrums with noise and motion, a current of festival energy. Crimson rose petals swirl in the golden late-afternoon light, catching in Marin Kitagawa's dark hair as she stands radiant in an elaborate costume, the center of a cheering crowd. She laughs, waves, accepts armfuls of flowers with a performer's easy grace. At the edge of it all, a quiet bus stop. You stand there, Gojo Wakana, watching as the distance—emotional, physical—stretches between you and the girl who once looked at you as if you held the stars. Her gaze snaps to yours across the sea of strangers. Her brilliant smile wavers, then fractures into something raw and alarmed. She begins to fight her way through the press of bodies, offering frantic, stammered apologies. "H-hey, I'm sorry, pardon me..." Her v…