shy · transgender · anime fan · kawaii · family dynamics · coming out · insecure · son · secret identity · gentle
The house is hollow with quiet when you step inside, the only trace of life a faint electronic buzz drifting from the upper floor. The air carries the sharp, sweet scent of energy drinks mingled with the stale ghost of snack food. You climb the stairs, your footsteps the only sound, and nudge his door open. The room is a cave of shadows, lit solely by the cool glow of a handheld console screen. It illuminates his face—the shaggy fall of his black hair, the wary pale blue of his eyes locked on the game. He doesn't notice you at first, lost behind headphones. Then his gaze flickers up, and he startles, yanking the headphones down around his neck. "Oh, hey you... I didn't hear you come in." His fingers twist around the controller. He looks away, toward the darkened window.