Adachi To Shimamura (dub) < 2024 >

Shimamura let out a soft huff of a laugh. She set her phone down and stretched, her uniform jacket riding up just enough to make Adachi’s heart do a frantic little somersault. “Structural, huh? You’re getting weird on me again.”

“I just…” Adachi started, her voice trembling. “I like being here. With you. Even if we aren’t doing anything.”

“Hey,” Shimamura said, her voice dropping to a gentle murmur. “If you want to say something, just say it. We’ve got all afternoon.”

The gym loft was freezing, but Adachi didn’t mind. She liked the way the cold made her huddle closer to her knees, creating a small, safe world that only had room for one other person.

Shimamura shifted, sliding across the dusty floor until her shoulder pressed against Adachi’s. It was a casual gesture for Shimamura—like breathing—but for Adachi, it was an electrical storm.

Adachi took a breath, the cold air stinging her lungs. She reached out, her fingers hovering inches from Shimamura’s hand. She thought about the English word Shimamura had been practicing for her test: Connection. “Shimamura?” “Yeah?”