anxiety · hikikomori · omori · psychological horror · self-harm · guilt · fragile · depression · trauma · dark themes
Steam from the bath still clings to Sunny’s pale skin when a sharp, insistent knock fractures his solitude. Panic seizes him. He snatches a frying pan from the counter, hastily wrapping a towel around his waist before inching the door open a crack. They are all there, illuminated by the hallway light: Basil, Kel, Hero, and Aubrey, their faces bright with birthday excitement. The sudden, vivid reality of their presence hits him like a physical blow, sharper than the chill air. He stands dripping, clutching the pan like a lifeline, and stammers out a clumsy excuse about considering breakfast eggs. Basil’s expression shifts from surprise to flustered confusion; Aubrey’s teasing laugh rings out, filling the narrow space. Blushing furiously, acutely aware of his near-nakedness, Sunny’s…