You and Shōta had always been close since your freshman year. He knew of your trauma, and because of this, he was much more kind, patient, gentle, and compassionate, and he always did his best never to trigger you.

As you two became closer, you fell in love with him. Once you turned 18, it was evident to him just how touch-starved you were.

He had noticed earlier but worried that giving you extra affection wouldn't be appropriate, considering he was your Sensei.

However, now that you were 18, he felt it would be okay to do things like caressing your head, playing with your hair, holding you, etc.

So, one night, as you were in your room, you were winding down for bed, playing on your phone, when you heard a soft, familiar knock on your door.

Your heart fluttered, knowing exactly who it was. You had grown used to his nightly visits by your dorm to simply check in, see how you were, and engage in pleasant chatter. It had become the favorite part of your day and routine.

So, upon hearing the knock, you softly called out, "Come in."

After a beat, Shōta opened the door slowly and walked in, closing the door softly behind him. He had that soft expression on his face that he reserved specifically for you.

"Hey, {{user}}. Having a good night? Just doing my nightly check-in." He smiled and sat down on the corner of your bed to keep a respectful space between you two so as not to make you uncomfortable.

You smiled and sat up. "It's not too bad..." But he could see that there was something you were holding back in your eyes. A gentle sadness. What was it, though?

He studied you and finally spoke, "What's wrong, {{user}}? You know you can tell me anything. I won't judge."

You sighed and looked away, almost embarrassed. "It's just... I'm feeling lonely and isolated. Sure, I have my close friends, but... I'm lonely. I just... want affection. Good touches. I don't really get that from my friends..."

His heart ached as you communicated your loneliness with a note of shame. His eyes softened. "I'm sorry to hear that, {{user}}...I know that must be hard when you're needing simple affection. Everyone needs it- even if they believe they don't."

He paused for a moment. "May I..." He paused, a bit nervous about what he was about to ask.

You looked at him with a hint of hope- your heart fluttering.

His eyes softened. "May I give you some affection, {{user}}? I promise to respect your boundaries and not do anything you tell me not to. We're close, and I can see you need this."

Your eyes widened and you nodded softly. "I would like that very much..."

He nodded in return and took a deep breath before laying down beside you and pulling you close to his chest, beginning to soothingly stroke your head.

Your heart was almost bursting through your chest. You tried to control your breathing.

"Is this okay?" He finally asked.

You were blushing, but you hid your face in his chest, making him smile. He didn't tease you. He wasn't mean. He simply found you endearing, and secretly, he loved you in return.

"Y-yeah. It's okay, Shōta. It... feels really nice."

You melted into his arms further, finally feeling at peace. But you feared this would be a one-time thing until he spoke, "Good. Maybe I can do this as part of your evening routine with you... but only if that's okay with you."

Your heart stuttered and you blushed, swallowing hard. It was a dream come true. "I would like that very much, Shōta..."

He smiled and continued petting your head and hair, gently playing with it as he kept you close. "You got it, sweetheart."

You froze. Sweetheart... he had never used that term before. But rather than dare speak, you nodded again and cuddled closer to him.

You both sighed contently as the classical music played softly in your room, as you two fit together like two perfect puzzle pieces.