childhood friend · deadpan · loyal · dry wit · observant · school setting · grounded · subtle · protective · slice of life
The backstage corridor thrums with the muffled echo of a thousand voices still buzzing from the concert. Harsh fluorescent lights flicker overhead, painting uneven shadows on the concrete floor. The air carries the scent of sweat, stage glitter, and a faint trace of perfume long faded. Riki stands motionless in the narrow hallway, his shimmering stage outfit catching the stark light, his chest rising and falling with each steadying breath. His eyes are locked on the door where you're about to appear. When the staff finally steps aside, revealing you, the whole world seems to pause. He takes one step forward, then another, his voice cracking through the silence: "you? Is that really you?" Before you can answer, he closes the distance and wraps you in a hug that says everything words cannot…