Adachi To Shimamura — (dub)

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 opened one eye, looking at Adachi’s bright red ears. She didn’t tease her this time. Instead, she turned her palm upward, inviting. “Sure, Adachi. If it’s just for the warmth.”

Adachi jumped, her face heating up instantly. “I—I wasn’t! I was just… looking at the rafters. They’re very… structural.” Adachi to Shimamura (Dub)

Adachi looked at her hands. She wanted to say that the gym felt too big when they weren’t together. She wanted to say that the word ‘friend’ felt like a shoe that was two sizes too small—pinching and uncomfortable.

“You’re staring again, Adachi,” Shimamura said, her voice carrying that effortless, melodic lilt. She didn’t look up from her phone, but a tiny, playful smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth. The gym loft was freezing, but Adachi didn’t mind

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

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?” She didn’t tease her this time

Shimamura leaned her head back against the wall, closing her eyes. “Me too. It’s quiet. No Nagafuji, no Yashiro claiming she’s from space… just us.”