But Haruto knew. This was not light. This was the beginning. And the cracks were about to deepen.
Evening had settled over the campus. Streetlights were slowly turning on and the air carried a slight winter moisture. Haruto stood at the library exit with a thin notebook in his hand, the one where he had drawn sketches for Rin. But today that notebook felt heavy, as if its weight was not paper but something else.
Rin's behaviour that day had been unpredictable. First, she was almost cheerful, then suddenly lost, then completely drained. Haruto felt that a silent storm was building inside her. And he had no idea when that storm would hit full force.
Haruto took a deep breath and stepped out of the library. The sky was shifting from purple to blue. The lampposts along the campus pathway cast soft circles of light on the ground. Haruto began walking toward the garden at a slow pace. He had not planned to meet Rin tonight, yet his steps automatically moved in that direction.
The garden was almost empty. Only a janitor was collecting fallen leaves. The bench was completely vacant. Haruto sat down and stared at the sky for a moment. He felt that the silence did not feel peaceful the way it usually did. Today, it carried a strange tension.
Haruto pulled down the sleeves of his hoodie and tried to relax his shoulders. Just then his phone vibrated. An unknown number flashed on the screen. Haruto frowned slightly and answered the call.
Hello?
A soft and weak voice came through.
Haruto… is that you?
Haruto instantly sat up straighter. It was Rin. And in her voice there was an unusual uncertainty. As if she were unsure, she had called the right person.
Yes. It's me. Are you okay?
Rin stayed silent for a few seconds. Then he heard a faint breath, slightly shaky.
Haruto… can you pick me up?
A sudden tension shot through Haruto. Where are you?
Near gate number three. It feels difficult to walk home.
I'm coming. Stay right there. Do not move.
Okay.
The call ended.
Haruto almost jumped up from the bench. His heartbeat was fast. Rin usually held herself strong. If she was asking for help, something serious was happening. Haruto started walking quickly toward gate number three.
There were some lights near the gate but the corners were dim. Haruto looked around.
Rin was sitting on a bench. Her head slightly lowered. Her hands were tightly clutched together. Her breathing is uneven.
Haruto rushed to her.
Rin. Are you okay?
Rin lifted her face slowly. Her expression looked confused and tired at the same time.
Yes… maybe. My legs felt frozen. And a bit of dizziness too.
Haruto gently held her hand.
Come on. I'll walk with you. We will go slowly.
Rin gave a small nod.
Both of them started walking in silence. Rin's steps were unstable. Haruto slowed his pace to match hers.
In a faint voice, Rin asked,
Haruto… you are here, right?
Yes. I'm here.
Thank you.
Rin's words did not sound like a normal thank you. It felt like someone receiving reassurance in the darkness. Haruto kept observing her walk. Every few steps, Rin wobbled slightly. As if her body and mind were out of sync.
Haruto asked,
How long have you been feeling like this?
Rin thought for a moment.
Since last night. But I ignored it. Today I blanked out twice in class. It felt like I was missing a moment. Like the scene skipped.
Haruto's heartbeat sped up. Mind blanking out. Scene skipping. These were not normal things.
And did you tell anyone?
No.
Why not?
Rin answered slowly.
What would be the point? I don't understand it myself.
Haruto noticed her breathing getting weaker. She was walking with a slightly bent posture.
Rin. Wait. Sit down for a moment.
Rin slowly sat on a bench. Haruto sat beside her, studying her face. There was a faint sweat on her forehead. Her eyes were slightly unfocused.
Haruto asked softly,
Do you think you might faint?
Maybe. I don't know.
Hearing that, panic rose inside Haruto, though he kept his face calm.
Come on. I'll take you to your hostel. I won't let you be alone.
Rin gave a faint smile.
You care too much. Why?
Haruto looked at her.
Because you are… important.
Rin's eyes widened a little. As if she had not expected such words.
I'm… important?
Yes. In every way.
Rin studied his face for a few seconds. Then softly said,
Sometimes I get scared Haruto. It feels like my mind is slipping. Like some part of it is being erased. Sometimes I even question myself.
Haruto looked directly into her eyes.
I'm here. When you doubt, I'll remind you.
A slight moisture appeared in Rin's eyes.
And what if I forget you too?
Haruto's chest tightened. But he kept his voice calm.
Then I'll meet you again. As many times as needed.
Rin was speechless. Her throat was tightening. Haruto noticed instantly.
Rin whispered,
You're weird. But I feel safe.
Haruto felt those words deeply.
Come on. Can you walk?
Yes. I'll try.
Haruto held her bag and walked with her slowly. The campus pathway glowed with warm lights. Haruto continuously checked Rin's balance. Sometimes she wobbled slightly. Haruto immediately steadied her.
The hostel was near the corner. Once they reached the entrance, Rin halted.
Haruto… thank you. If you weren't here today, I might have collapsed on the way.
Haruto looked into her eyes.
Rin. You can call me anytime. Even at midnight. Even early morning. Whatever happens.
Rin took a deep breath. Her eyes were slightly emotional.
Can you wait a second? I want to say something.
Yes. Tell me.
Rin stayed silent for a few seconds. Then she opened her lips.
Haruto. Today when I was sitting on the bench and everything was going blank… I remembered one thing. Your voice. And a feeling. Like I was safe.
Haruto inhaled slowly.
And?
Rin whispered,
I think… my heart already knows you.
Haruto froze completely. The sentence was direct. Soft. Deep.
Rin continued.
Maybe the mind is skipping. But the heart does not.
Her words touched Haruto deeply. But he did not push anything.
Haruto spoke softly.
Good. Just keep listening to your heart. Even when your mind is confused.
Rin gave a small nod.
Tomorrow… will you meet me?
Haruto answered without hesitation.
Yes. Wherever you say.
Rin gave a soft half-smile. As if she felt a little relief.
Alright. I'll message you.
Haruto walked her to the hostel gate and stopped. Rin gave a small nod and started walking inside. But she paused and turned back.
Haruto.
Yes?
Tomorrow. Please come.
Haruto gave a gentle smile.
I will never miss it.
Rin finally went inside.
The gate closed. Haruto remained standing there. His chest felt heavy. Rin's symptoms were abnormal. Blank outs. Memory skips. Weakness. Emotional flashes. All of it pointed to something bigger.
Haruto took a deep breath.
Tomorrow… he would not take this lightly anymore.
He looked at the sky. The cold wind brushed his face.
Tomorrow. Yes. From tomorrow the cracks would be clearer.
And Haruto knew.
He must stay.
Whatever it takes.