"S" is for the Smell of Your Love and Coffee ☕ Saimatsu ☕

Shuichi

Warning, please read! Y'all had enough fluff for one chapter, time for some angst 👹.

Its only in the beginning dw. The angst is really just depressing thoughts. I don't think the angst is that bad but still. Once again, this chapter contains depressing thoughts, I apologize in advance if this chapter hits way too close to home.
CW (just in case) negative self talk (skip to the text part in bold if you need to skip due to the CW)

Also short chapter, sorry, I've been really busy lately.
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Shuichi flopped down on his bed. It had been a long day, and he had really enjoyed himself. He had gone on a picnic with Kaede and when he got home, he was able to play games with his roommates.

But now, now Shuichi was alone. Alone in his room, alone with his mind. His friends, family, and even work were always able to distract him from, well, himself. Shuichi sighed, turning over on his side, it's funny how a certain event can change the way a human being thinks.

Ever since Shuichi's parents left, he felt like there was something wrong with him, he thought he was the problem. He often found himself blaming himself even if it wasn't his fault. Maybe he was the plauge in everyone's life, maybe that's why Shuichi's parents wanted him out of their life. Shuichi Saihara struggled with a lot of things, confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth were just the most prominent ones.

Were all of these issues connected to his parents? Shuichi wouldn't be surprised if they were. He always pretended like he didn't care about the fact that his parents abandoned him. When, he did in fact care, a lot. Was he annoying? Was he a troublemaker? Was he dumb? Was he overwhelming? Or was his existence just bothersome?

He was always thinking of what others thought about him. They all said he was great, caring, smart, interesting, and easy to be around. But, how come he couldn't see any of it in him? Was he really that blinded by his insecurities? Or were they all lying to him? He didn't know anymore.

He took off his hat and settled it down on his nightstand, his hat symbolized his lack of confidence. He hid away from the world, away from the truth, all because of one case. It's funny how two certain events can change the way a human being thinks.

Shuichi laid in his bed, staring at his ceiling when suddenly, his phone pinged. Shuichi snapped out of his thoughts, and looked at his phone,

Kaede- Hey Shuichi! Just wanted to say I had a lot of fun with you today! We should hangout again sometime!

Kaede- btw my roommates loved your food!

Damn. Shuichi sighed, did she really have to text him right now? He felt pathetic now for even thinking about himself that way now. There were so many people supporting him, his uncle, Shuichi's friends, Kaede, and yet, he thought so lowly about himself.

Shuichi sat up in his bed, he opened the message and typed back.

You- I had a lot of fun too Kaede. We could go somewhere else of you'd like next time.

Shuichi was about to turn off his phone when he suddenly saw the "read" on the messages.

Kaede- of course! Sorry, I have to head back to work now. Goodnight Shuichi!

You- Goodnight Kaede, and hope the rest of your shift goes smoothly

Kaede- thx!

Shuichi looked at the time, 9:18 p.m. It was still pretty early, since he usually went to sleep later, but god was he tired.

"I'm going to sleep" he muttered to himself.
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The next morning, Shuichi woke up, with a sore neck. "Uugh, ow..! Ugh, I slept on my neck."
He got up, turning around to find his hat, though he quickly regretted his decision. "OW!" Shuichi exclaimed. He slightly moved his neck side to side, "I guess I'll just have to take it easy today."
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Shuichi was walking around campus when he spotted a certain blonde haired girl in front of him. She was looking down a paper while walking carefully. He decided to walk up to her.

"Hey Kaede. Huh, what's that?"

"Oh, hey Shuichi...! Oh this..." Kaede handed the paper to Shuichi, "It's a flyer about a piano competition!"

"Oh wow" he inspected the paper closely. "Do you plan on joining?" He asked, handing back the paper.

"W-Well I was, but," She paused "I'm not sure anymore..."

"Why not...!? You love the piano!"

"Yes...! But, it's been such a long time since I've been in a competition, I'm not sure if I'll be able to win"

Shuichi turned to face her, "Well you won't know unless you try. Plus, I'm sure you play beautifully"

Upon hearing Shuichi say that final sentence, Kaede's face flushed. She looked down at her feet before speaking,

"Y-You're right! I'll be able to do it!" Kaede's face was still red, she knew she had to get out of there. "Thank you S-Shuichi! I'll definitely join...! I've g-got to go now! S-See you later S-Shuichi...!

"Ah!" Shuichi was stunned by Kaede's sudden rush. "Uh, See you...later...?".

As Kaede ran away, she covered her red face with the flyer.

Not so fun fact! This chapter was going to be just angst, and I was planning on making it much more descriptive. But, I decided I'll probably save that for later.