Closer To The Stars With You [shuji x reader]

3. first week and meet

Y/N had settled into her routine at Sunshine Daycare with surprising ease. Each day brought new challenges and joys as she bonded with the children and honed her skills as a caregiver.

The mornings began with the familiar scent of crayons and the bustle of children arriving with their parents. Y/N greeted them warmly, helping the quieter ones settle in and reassuring the more anxious ones with a comforting smile.

During craft time, she found herself amazed by the creativity of the kids. They turned simple materials into works of art that were proudly displayed on the walls of the daycare. One boy, Alex, always had a knack for drawing dinosaurs, and Y/N would often find herself marveling at his detailed illustrations.

Outdoor playtime was a whirlwind of laughter and energy. Y/N joined in the games of tag and cheered on the aspiring soccer players, her heart swelling with pride as they scored their first goals.

Lunch breaks were lively affairs where Y/N mastered the art of sneaking vegetables into the meals of picky eaters, much to the amusement of her fellow counselors. She discovered that silly faces and funny stories could turn broccoli into a sought-after superfood.

Storytime became a cherished part of her day. The children gathered around her eagerly, their eyes wide with anticipation as she brought characters to life with animated voices and dramatic pauses. She realized that storytelling wasn't just about reading words—it was about sparking imaginations and creating memories.

As the day neared its end, parents arrived to pick up their children. Most were regulars, but today brought a surprise—a pair of boys, about Y/N's age, looking slightly out of place.

"Hey, um, I'm here to pick up my sister," one of them, Evan, said nervously.

Y/N checked her list. "What's your name? I need to verify." 

"Yeah, I'm Evan. And this is Shuji," he gestured to his friend. "We're here for Lucy." 

"Okay, Evan. Lucy mentioned you," Y/N said with a smile. "Go ahead, I'll get her." 

 As Y/N walked towards Lucy, she couldn't help but notice Shuji staying behind. 

"Do you need anything?" Y/N asked, her thoughts momentarily drifting to how Shuji seemed cute and had a good sense of style.

"Um, are you new to Franklin? I've never seen you before," Shuji asked, meeting her eyes.

"Yeah, just moved here," Y/N replied casually

"Oh, nice," Shuji nodded. "So, which school are you going to?"

"*School name*," Y/N answered.

"Dang, same school," Shuji grinned. "I can show you around and all that."

"Alright, bet you can do more than that," Y/N smirked playfully, enjoying his surprise.

Shuji's face reddened slightly. "Can I have your number so we can hang out?"

"Sure, here," Y/N handed him a piece of paper with her number.

Shuji's face lit up, and Y/N couldn't help but smile back at his enthusiasm. "Call me tonight," she said.

"Yeah, I will," Shuji nodded eagerly. "And I won't lose it."

"Better not," Y/N teased lightly.

"Bye, Shuji," Y/N said as the last of the kids were picked up.

"I didn't get your name yet," Shuji says.

"It's Y/N," you say while smirking.

"Bye, Y/N," Shuji waved with a smile before leaving.

The day ended with Y/N feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. She had made a new friend in Shuji, and the possibility of more hung in the air like the warm summer breeze. As she rode the bus home, the golden hues of the setting sun painted the familiar streets of Franklin County. She couldn't shake the feeling that this town might indeed offer the fresh start she had been longing for since moving away from her old life.

Arriving home, Y/N found a note from her mom on the kitchen counter, scribbled hastily on a sticky note: "Out with friends, be back late. Dinner in the fridge. Love, Mom." It was a familiar scene, one that had become routine in their new life together.

Y/N heated up dinner, her thoughts drifting back to the events of the day. She replayed the conversations with Evan and Shuji in her mind, their smiles and friendly banter making her smile to herself. The prospect of starting at a new school felt less daunting now, knowing she had already made a connection with someone there.

After dinner, Y/N retreated to her room, eager to unwind. She flopped onto her bed, grabbing her phone to check for any messages. Sure enough, there was a text from Shuji: "Hey Y/N, it's Shuji! Just wanted to say it was cool meeting you today. Let's hang out soon!"

Y/N couldn't help but grin at his enthusiasm. She quickly typed back, "Hey Shuji! It was great meeting you too. Definitely up for hanging out. Let's plan something!"

With that, a small thrill of excitement filled her. She had found her place at Sunshine Daycare and now, it seemed, she was starting to find her place in Franklin County too. As she settled into bed, her mind buzzing with possibilities, Y/N felt a sense of optimism she hadn't felt in a long time.

As the night wore on and fatigue settled in, Y/N decided it was time to call it a day. She set aside her phone, turned off the bedside lamp, and nestled under the covers. The day's events replayed in her mind as she lay in the quiet darkness of her room.

With a contented sigh, Y/N surrendered to sleep, her dreams weaving together the echoes of the day and the promise of tomorrow.