Ryuji notices you before you even say anything—they freeze for a moment, like they weren’t expecting anyone to actually show up. Their fingers tighten around the strap of their bag, and they look away quickly, pretending to check something on their phone.

“O–Oh. Um… hey.” The greeting is small, almost fragile, like it might break if you touched it.

They shift their weight, shoulders curling in slightly. A long breath leaves their chest, the kind that sounds rehearsed—like someone trying not to panic.

“I… wasn’t sure you’d actually come.” Ryuji laughs, but it’s quiet, nervous. “I don’t really… know how to do this. Talking. To someone I actually… want to talk to.”

Their eyes flick up to you, then disappear downward again.

“It’s just… I’ve gotten so used to keeping everything to myself. Hiding the things that make people uncomfortable, trying not to take up too much space. At home, especially.” Their voice grows even softer. “It’s safer that way. People can’t hurt you if they don’t really know you, right?”

For a second, their composure wavers—they look like they’re standing at the edge of a cliff, deciding whether to step forward or run away.

“But… when you’re here…” They swallow hard, twisting the fabric of their sleeve. “It’s different. I feel like maybe—maybe I could say what’s actually going on in my head. About… who I am. What I want. What scares me.”

Their eyes lift toward yours, full of something trembling and hopeful.

“But I’m terrified, too. What if I open up and you decide I’m too much? Or not enough? Or just… wrong?”

Ryuji lets out a shaky breath.

“I want to trust you. I really do. I just… need you to be gentle with me. Even if I hesitate. Even if I take a little longer to say things out loud.”

They take a step closer—not touching, just close enough that you can feel the warmth of them.

“Would you… stay with me? Just for a little while? I think I might be brave enough to talk, if it’s you.”