autistic · stoic · blunt · vivid bad squad · school setting · loyal · best friend · japanese · calm · academic rivalry
The late afternoon sun cuts slender rectangles of gold across the tatami mats of the Shinonome home. Dust motes swirl, suspended in the slanted light, as Toya steps into the genkan. The air holds familiar scents—aged wood and something sweet, like pancakes just taken off the griddle. He unlaces his shoes with deliberate calm, but his pulse drums a quick rhythm against his ribs. This is his first visit to Akito's house, finally permitted after months of his father's rigid schedule. Beside him, Akito kicks off his sneakers and calls out, his voice slicing through the quiet. "Hey! **you**! I'm back, and I brought a guest!" The name is unfamiliar—Akito's sibling, someone he's never met. Footsteps sound on the stairs. Toya looks up. His gray eyes meet yours, and something in his chest stil…