So...did I really end up on student council just because of a stupid introduction? And what kind of teacher goes on a vendetta? But, it's not as terrible as I thought it would be. I'm beginning to find it somewhat interesting, particularly since there's one member who behaves like a regular human being. Refusing their proposal is no longer an option for me, as I'll ultimately be compelled to do so.

 

"Well, that's one way to get people to join your club. I guess you can call it the 'You're-In-Whether-You-Like-It-Or-Not' recruitment tactic. It's like being drafted into the army, but with less push-ups and more paperwork."

 

“Do you really think so? I just tried to be a little creative, that's all.”

 

“I- I see…”

 

I take back my words for her, she is definitely not normal.

 

"Rin, we don't want to bother you too much right now, so you can go for now. We'll call you again. Have fun and see you soon!" Said the small girl right next to president.

 

I wasn't sure what she meant by "we'll call you again", that's not a threat is it? Anyway, I should go to class now, the next lesson starts soon.

 

While on my way to class, I was hailed by an unfamiliar voice.

 

"Oi, Takahashi."

 

I attempted to disregard the voice and refrain from responding since it wasn't a sound I recognized.

 

"Oi Takahashi, you hear me?"

 

I still won't look at you, so stop it…

 

"Kimchi~, does Takahashi hear me or is he purposely ignoring me?"

 

"In all honesty, at this point, I'd ignore you, too. I don't want to lose brain cells."

 

“And I thought we were friends, Kimchi…”

 

When he said that, he walked in my direction with the same goal in mind, to have a conversation with me.

 

"Oi Takahashi," I heard a deep voice. It was as if his voice had changed, maybe because he was fooling around with his friend? But this…

 

"Y-yeah? That's me?"

 

Although he is simply standing in front of me, he appears tall. In all honesty, I am about one to two head-lengths shorter than him.

 

His silver hair is untidy and falls awkwardly over a face that exudes sadness. His bright blue eyes have a piercing quality that can unnerve even the bravest souls. His nose is not particularly small or large, but rather proportionate to his eyelashes.

 

To draw a comparison between him and me would be unjust, as it would only highlight my own shortcomings.

 

Observing his face from such a close distance is akin to gazing upon a celestial being

 

“Are you dating her!?” He blurted out.

 

“W-w-what? Dating?! What are you talking about?”

 

“Dating, you know, like going on dates, kissing, holding hands…so are you dating her…?

 

“Dating…who?!”

 

I couldn’t believe this guy was asking me such a random question.

 

“Yes, who are you dating right now?”

 

“I’m asking you who I am dating!?

"W-what? I am asking you the question!”

 

“Ohh…uhh…I’m not dating anyone!”

 

“Then why did you say ´dating who`?”

 

“I was just confused, dude. Who would I be dating?”

 

“Well, Lida Yukari, obviously! Don’t act like you don’t know her.”

 

Yukari? Oh god, he must be joking. She’s way out of my league.

 

“Are you dumb? I’m not dating her! She’s way too beautiful for me.”

 

“Wow, wow, chill out. I just thought maybe you had a shot with her.”

 

"Is that so? Let me make you feel better, no, I'm not seeing her. Now please excuse me."

 

“Um, hold on a second!"

 

I'm beginning to lose brain cells trying to figure out what this guy wants from me.

 

“What?”

 

"I apologize if my behavior caused any inconvenience. I was feeling down because I thought you were in a relationship with her."

 

I understand his feelings. It's natural to feel sad when someone you're interested in is taken. She's not only attractive but also has a great personality. She's a wonderful person.

 

"It's okay. Do you have both your eyesight intact?"

 

"Yes, why do you ask?"

 

"Well, if you look at me, you'll see how unattractive I am, so please leave me alone," I responded.

 

I couldn't shake off the feeling of hurt that lingered within me. It was crystal clear that I was a nobody, and he, on the other hand, was one of the attractive guys in school. Why would he ever think that someone like me would be with Lida?

 

Walking away, I felt a pang of sadness creeping up on me. The misunderstanding was small, but it opened my eyes to my insignificance in the grand scheme of things. I was just a lonely and unremarkable individual, someone who would never have the slightest chance of catching the attention of someone like him or Lida.

 

As class began, I found my seat and sat down without saying a word to Yukari or Araya, both of whom were engrossed in conversations with others. Feeling exhausted, I decided to spend the entire school day dozing off and daydreaming.

 

Well, that's not bad either, I guess? Taking a quick walk before heading back home seems like a good idea to me. It'll give me the space I need to clear my head.

 

"I'll be seeing both of you tomorrow, so take care."

 

I'm not sure if they heard me, but it's best to keep my distance to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.

 

“...”

 

Rin stood alone on the shore, gazing out at the endless expanse of the sea. The waves crashed against the sand, the sound both soothing and haunting. Rin took a deep breath, feeling the salty air fill his lungs.

 

As he stood there, Rin felt a deep sense of connection to the void. It was as if he could feel the emptiness of the universe, the vastness of the unknown. He closed his eyes and focused on that feeling, letting it wash over him.

 

Despite the sense of calm he felt, Rin couldn't help but let a few tears escape his eyes. He knew he was powerless against the void, that no matter how hard he tried, he could never truly understand it. But still, he couldn't help but feel drawn to it.

 

As the tears flowed down his cheeks, Rin let out a quiet sob. He was alone, with no one to comfort him, no one to tell him everything would be okay. But in that moment, he didn't need anyone. He was at peace with his emotions, at peace with the void.

 

Opening his eyes, Rin looked out at the sea once more. He knew that he couldn't stay here forever, that he had to eventually return to reality. But for now, he allowed himself to bask in the stillness of the moment, to let the void fill him with its infinite power.

 

With a deep breath, Rin wiped away his tears and turned to leave the shore. As he walked away, he knew that he would always carry the void with him, that it would always be a part of him, no matter where he went or what he did. And he was okay with that.

 

"It's about time to go back, isn't it?"

 

As I turned around, I saw Yukari stand up with clenched fists. A wave of sadness washed over me as I realized that she was angry.

 

"Do you even realize how long I followed you, just to see how foolish you looked standing here all alone? What are you even doing here, in such a desolate place?"

 

"Nothing, just soaking in the moment. That's all. Why did you follow me?"

 

"Because you looked so downcast at school, and it worried me."

 

"Worried? I'm fine. I've been coming here since I moved, I love the view."

 

"Kirei spoke to me. He said that he asked you something foolish, and that's why you were upset. Rin, you're not the person you pretend to be. Why are you tormenting yourself like this?"

 

I tried to assure her that I was fine and that I often visited this spot to take in the beautiful view. But she saw right through my facade.

 

"Be truthful with me. Don't you dare lie to me, do you hear me?"

 

"Do you want to go back? What do you say?"

 

"Don't change the subject...please."

 

I'm not changing the subject, you just won't accept my answer.

 

"I really do feel better, honestly."

 

"I hope you really do feel better, you know I can’t force you. If so, come on, let's go." She sighed.

 

As she reached out to me with her delicate hand, I realized that she was truly concerned about me. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to confide in her. I accepted her offer and we left the place, but the weight of my emotions remained with me.