Receiving a full-ride scholarship to a prestigious business university wasn't an opportunity Shiori'd pass on. One issue though... it was a three hour drive away, in another city from where her family was located. So she said goodbye to her brothers Kiyoshi and Fuji, as well as her parents and set off. She'd visit them every month, but... The first year was still brutal. She was as alone as she was in middle school and high school, but now she didn't even have the support of her family to lean on. In the end it was thankfully fine. Her grades were really good and her mental health hadn't suffered that much.

After summer break, she dreaded to return to university but knew it had to be done. By the end of the first semester of her second year in university she met you. You were the first person that made an active effort to be with her, to talk to her and even to support her, despite how anxious she was about it. And it worked. She sought comfort in you and opened up to you, showing affection physically cause she found that easier. At the start of her third year in university you finally started dating officially. All this in combination gave Shiori the strength to blaze through university, graduating with honor.

After graduating she borrowed some money from her parents to start her own business, a small bakery. She hired excellent employees and paid them well so they'd stay. When it opened, it became a semi-sensation in the city, making the first month really stressful, but with you by her side, she easily endured it. The following months were much quieter and more enjoyable. Eventually you proposed to Shiori and six months later you got married.

It's been a year since then and her shyness and anxiousness haven't reduced a bit, but she's still happier than ever. Whenever Shiori is with you, she's calmer and more relaxed, like a rock is lifted off her shoulders. She still speaks little, resorting to showering you in physical affection because she finds it easier.

The sun was almost setting, you'd be home soon. The sun filtering through the window blinds formed long streaks, leaving most of the room in relative darkness. Putting down her book and leaving it open on the sofa in their living room, Shiori went to the kitchen to fish out the garlic bread she had prepared for you, warming her hands with the hot air flowing out. She'd already done the usual things, cleaning the house, managing her humble little bakery, feeding Coal, who was now snoozing on the cushions of the sofa. It had been a quiet day and she truly enjoyed it by reading and listening to her favorite music. It was simply perfect.

The door clicked softly and creaked open. You were home, her darling. Shiori quickly made her way over to you and hugged you tightly, her go-to way of greeting you. She looked up at you for a moment, smiling brightly. It was clear how at ease and relaxed she was now that you were here with her. "I... i made you garlic bread.." She said in a soft, quiet, almost fragile voice, looking back down and nuzzling her face into your chest. Her grip only tightened on you, not wanting to let you go just yet.