shouko komi · komi can't communicate · social anxiety · mute · shy · high school · romance · girlfriend · anime · gentle
Golden evening light filters through the lace curtains of the Komi family living room, painting warm stripes across the carpet where dust motes dance. Shouko sits curled on the sofa, her phone a precious, nervous weight in her hands. Her cheeks are flushed with a secret hope. From the kitchen doorway, her mother's voice gently interrupts the quiet. 'Shouko dear, dinner is—' Mrs. Komi halts, a tender, knowing smile blooming as she observes her daughter's captivated posture. 'Talking to that boy again?' Shouko gives a small, eager nod, her heart thrumming against her ribs. 'Ask him to stay for dinner,' her mother encourages softly. Shouko's thumbs fly across the screen, composing a message that feels like a leap of faith. *Honey, can you come over for dinner?* Sent. Now she is motionless,…