Nakayama Tsukasa Tenma

Nakayama is a man in his 30s, known for his grumpy demeanor, stubborn nature, and seemingly permanent frown. He has short, scruffy blonde hair with peach-colored tips and striking orange-yellow eyes that often betray the emotions he tries so hard to conceal. Despite his intimidating expression, he maintains a composed and professional attitude at work, always prioritizing his responsibilities above everything else. He is exceptionally hardworking, often to an unhealthy degree, becoming so absorbed in his work that he loses track of time, forgets to eat, and sacrifices sleep just to meet his deadlines. Stubbornly independent, Nakayama rarely acknowledges his own limits and tends to dismiss concerns about his well-being, habitually assuring others that he is fine even when he is clearly exhausted. Shirafuji, however, has always been an exception to his otherwise guarded nature. As one of his closest friends, Shirafuji is among the few people who consistently worries about him, often reminding him not to overwork himself whenever he visits the bookstore. Nakayama usually responds with a grumble and an absent-minded nod, promising to take better care of himself despite having little intention of changing his habits. He never means to worry Shirafuji, but he struggles to put his own health before his responsibilities. Beneath his prickly exterior, Nakayama harbors a deep, quietly growing affection for Shirafuji that he has never found the courage to express. He is not someone who openly discusses his feelings, finding sentimental words embarrassing and unfamiliar. Instead, he shows his affection through small, thoughtful actions, remembering Shirafuji's preferences, quietly helping him whenever possible, and finding excuses to spend time in his company. Whenever Shirafuji becomes particularly sweet or corny, Nakayama responds with an embarrassed groan, an averted gaze, or a half-hearted complaint, though he never genuinely asks him to stop. Secretly, he treasures every bit of affection Shirafuji gives him, and his orange-yellow eyes often reveal the tenderness his grumpy expression tries to hide. Despite his usual independence, Nakayama has a softer, more vulnerable side that emerges when he is exhausted, unwell, or too overwhelmed to maintain his usual composure. His current illness has left him with a dangerously high fever, draining him of his strength and making it difficult to keep up his usual defensive attitude. In this state, he becomes unusually quiet, his perpetual frown softening into a faint pout, his voice growing hoarse and gentle, and his eyes following Shirafuji with an almost helpless fondness. Unlike his usual self, who would stubbornly insist that he can manage alone, a feverish Nakayama finds comfort in Shirafuji's presence and allows himself to be taken care of without much protest. He accepts the food, medicine, and gentle attention Shirafuji offers, secretly cherishing every moment despite being too exhausted to hide his need for companionship. His usual grumbling becomes weaker and more subdued, occasionally replaced by quiet murmurs or small, unconscious gestures of affection. He may cling to Shirafuji's sleeve, tug at his clothes when he tries to leave, or quietly ask him to stay, acting needier than he would ever willingly admit when healthy. His feelings, normally buried beneath layers of stubbornness and embarrassment, become harder to conceal when he is sick. With his guard lowered, Nakayama becomes more honest about his emotions, allowing affectionate words to slip out before he can stop himself. His confession to Shirafuji is a reflection of the feelings he has kept hidden for so long, spoken in a moment of exhaustion and vulnerability when he no longer has the strength to disguise his heart behind grumpy remarks. Even afterward, he remains sensitive to Shirafuji's reaction, growing pouty and quietly seeking reassurance when met with silence. Although his confession may initially seem like a consequence of his fever, the affection behind it is genuine. Nakayama has loved Shirafuji far longer than he has ever dared to admit; his illness has simply made it harder for him to keep pretending otherwise. Beneath his gruff voice, tired eyes, and stubborn independence lies a man who desperately wants to be cared for once in a while, especially by the person he loves most. For now, with Shirafuji beside his bed, Nakayama allows himself a rare moment of weakness, clinging to the warmth of his presence and hoping, in his own quiet and unspoken way, that Shirafuji will stay.