Chapter 4: What a long day.

As I made my way into the classroom, my gaze immediately searched for Rin. Despite having met him only two days prior on the first day of school, I was already eager to establish a connection and form a bond with him. As far as I knew, Rin was also new to the area and didn't seem to have many acquaintances. His reserved and introverted nature only added to my intrigue and fascination towards him.

Upon entering the classroom, I scanned the room thoroughly, my eyes darting from one corner to another in search of Rin. As I scanned the room, I tried to recall his appearance and features to aid in my search. My mind replayed his image from our previous encounter, trying to pinpoint any specific details that would help me recognize him amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces.

Eventually, I caught sight of him sitting at a desk towards the back of the room. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and joy wash over me at the sight of him. As I made my way towards him, I couldn't help but feel my heart racing with anticipation and excitement.

Rin himself seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the textbook in front of him. I approached him quietly, not wanting to startle him or disrupt his focus. Despite his quiet and reserved demeanor, I couldn't help but feel drawn to him, and my desire to befriend him only grew stronger.

He was staring out the window, deep in thought, and didn't seem to notice my approaching.

"Hey Rin," I said softly.

Rin turned in the direction of the voice, his eyes widening in surprise. "Oh, it’s you, Araya. Hey," he said, sounding a little nervous.

"I was wondering if I could talk to you for a minute," I said, trying to hide my nervousness. 

"I know we just met, but I feel like we have a lot in common."

"Sure," Rin said, "What would you like to talk about?"

He is willing to talk...

"Yesterday, I noticed that you went to school with a girl from our class and I was a little taken aback," I stated.

"I didn't know that was happening and I feel like I may have missed out on something."

Rin shifted in his seat, looking uncomfortable. I hope he's not mad at me for asking such a question.

"I'm sorry, Araya," he said.

"Y-y…don’t need to be-"

"I should have told you." He interrupted me, continued his speech and kept his voice dry.

"Yesterday was raining really heavily, and I saw that girl standing outside my house without an umbrella. I couldn't just leave her there, so I invited her in to dry off. Then we went to school together…"

So that's what happened...

I nodded, understanding Rin's reasoning. 

"I appreciate that you helped her out," I said.

"But I can't help feeling like I was left out."

"I-I’m really sorry." He made a nervous face again, the facial reaction I sometimes see.

"I was embarrassed about the whole situation and I didn't want to talk about it. But I should have told you. Next time I'll be more upfront with you."

I smiled, feeling relieved after Rin's explanation. "Thank you for being honest with me." 

"I truly appreciate it, Rin…"

"So, may I ask, why did you move here?" I enquired, eager to learn more about Rin.

His smile faded, and he wore a look of sadness. "I had to move due to my father's job transfer," he explained. 

"He was transferred here and our family had to follow."

"That's challenging, moving to a new place is never easy."

Rin nodded in agreement.

"Yeah right, it has been tough."

Today he appears exhausted. While he can be reserved and uncommunicative at times, he exudes a mid level of confidence on other occasions.

Today, however, does not seem to be one of his better days.

I felt a sense of awkwardness as I sat alone with Rin in the classroom. We had just finished a serious conversation, and I was unsure of what to say next.

I wanted to spend more time with him, but Rin....Rin sometimes seemed so reserved and emotionless that it was difficult to connect with him.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to try and start a conversation.

"So, Rin, what do you like to do outside of school?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

He looked up from his notebook, his face dry.

"I don't do much, just read and watch movies," he replied in a monotone voice.

I tried not to get discouraged. I knew Rin could be difficult to read, that's for sure, but I also sensed that there was more to him than he let on.

"That's cool. What's your favorite book or movie?"

"I really like 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. It's a classic," he said.

I nodded, impressed.

"I've never read that one, but I've heard it's really good. What do you like about it?"

"I guess I can relate to the main character, Holden Caulfield. He's a bit of an outsider, and he struggles with feeling disconnected from the world around him."

I felt connected to Rin. I too had felt like an outsider at times, and I knew how isolating that could be.

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"I know what you mean. I think we all feel that way sometimes," I said, trying to comfort him.

Rin nodded, his face still impassive. 

"Yeah, I guess so."

I knew Rin had feelings, but he seemed to be hiding them.

I decided to take a risk and be vulnerable.

"You know, Rin, sometimes I feel like you're not really here, like you're just going through the motion."

Rin looked at her for a moment as if surprised by my candor.

"I know I can come across that way sometimes, but it's not because I don't care. It's just hard for me to show my emotions."

"I understand. It can be hard to be vulnerable."

Rin nodded, and for the first time I felt a real connection. They talked for a while longer about their favorite books and movies, and I realized that Rin was more complex than she had ever realized.

A few minutes later, I packed up my things and turned to Rin to ask him if he wanted to come with me. I sensed he seemed distant and knew something was wrong, but he politely declined, saying he had to work.

As I began to leave, I heard Rin's voice from behind the door.

He spoke softly, and I hesitated because I wasn't sure if I should eavesdrop on the private conversation. But I couldn't help but listen as Rin continued to speak.

"I don't know what's wrong with me," Rin said.

"I just can't seem to shake this feeling of sadness. It's like no matter how hard I try, I can't escape it."

I felt a knot forming in my stomach when I heard Rin's words. Rin always looked suspicious, like he was never really 100% sure. I mean, look at him...he's really weird sometimes, not in a bad way, but he isolates himself from others even though I've only known him for 2 days, that's what I can tell about him, or at least what my gut tells me.

I think those 2 days in class were enough.

I wish I could do more to help, but I didn't know how.

He paused for a moment before continuing.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm a burden to everyone around me, but phew that's who I am."

He is still trying to sound sarcastic so as not to fall into despair.

As Rin packed up his things and left the classroom, I stayed behind, lost in thought.

I wondered what it could do to help Rin, and how I could show him that he was loved and valued. I decided to be there for him no matter what he was going through and offer my support and friendship.

"Yes! I, Rin's first true friend, will help him to be happy," I said and laughed.

Rin POV.

As I trudged through the front door, shoulders drooping and eyes heavy with exhaustion, my sister couldn't help but tease me.

"Welcome back, sleeping beauty. Did you finally decide to grace us with your presence after your grueling day of classes?" She teased.

I rolled my eyes, too tired to engage in my sister's playful banter.

"Yeah, something like that. You know, it's not easy being a responsible adult like me."

My mother, sensing the brewing sibling rivalry, interjected with a comforting tone.

"Let's not start bickering, you two. Rin, why don't you go take a load off? You look like you could use a break."

Gratefully, I made my way to my room and dropped onto my bed with a deep sigh.

As I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, I had to laugh at my sister's teasing.

"You're lucky I'm too tired to come up with a comeback, sis," I called out from my room.

My sister grinned, her playful nature taking hold.

"Don't worry, I'll give you some time to recover. I wouldn't want to beat you while you're down."

"Thanks for your mercy, your highness. You truly are too kind."

As I lay in my bed, I couldn't help but think about the long day I had had. The morning had been filled with strenuous classes, followed by an afternoon of grueling extracurricular activities. When I arrived home, I was completely exhausted.

But as I tried to lie there and listen to the familiar sounds of my family in the next room, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the support and comfort they gave me. It was in moments like these that I realized the long days and exhausting routine were worth it.

When my mother entered my room with a cup of tea, I smiled gratefully.

"Thanks, Mom. You always know just what I need."

My sister, who had followed her in, rolled her eyes playfully.

"Yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to her head, Rin. We don't want her thinking she's a superhero or something."

I grinned, feeling my energy slowly returning.

"Too late for that, sis. Mom's been my superhero for as long as I can remember."

When the three of us settled in for a relaxing evening, the playful and cozy banter continued. I was exhausted, but with my family by my side, I knew I could handle anything the future would bring.

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