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7. TIME TO GO
Now that everything had fallen apart and that raging passion had turned into frustration, Rin could think only of one person. It didn't matter whether he was happy or angry; the first person on his mind was her. He was a fool for thinking that Sae, the person he looked up to most, would make everything okay. Sae was finally back—exciting, right?
But Rin had never felt worse, and maybe he would take it out on someone.
Meanwhile, she lay on her bed in her room, staring at the wall. It had been fifteen minutes since she found out she would be hospitalized. She wasn't going to die, but she would be there for a long, long time.
"Sounds amazing," she muttered bitterly.
It was strange that, at this very moment, she received a call from him after months of silence. Why now? Was this an opportunity to find some happiness before she had to leave? Without a second thought, she answered. She didn't know what to say; she just wanted to hear his voice again.
"Rin?" she asked softly.
His knees went weak. Hearing her voice after months of silence hurt him more than he expected. He missed her so much—missed hearing his name from her lips. It made him fall all over again.
He couldn't let his guard down, though. Maybe it was time to say goodbye, but maybe just for now.
"I need to see you," he said.
Wasn't it cruel to give her hope, to make her imagine jumping into his arms again? They would talk, and everything would be fine. He would visit her in the hospital, bring her favorite flowers, read her a book, and tell her about all his games until she fell asleep next to him.
But nothing ever went right for her. The only thing she received was a bag filled with the gifts she had given him and things she had left at his house. She didn't get her hug. Rin had only made her feel like he could not stand being around her. That look on her face made it hard for him.
He'd have to avoid her, or else she'd get in his way. She was a distraction. It was as if Sae was speaking directly to him. Sawako should have never told Sae about Haerin. Maybe then Sae wouldn't have used it against him.
Rin had always listened to his older brother. He tried to convince himself that whatever Sae said was right, even though it broke his heart. It was okay—it was for the best.
"It's for me."
"Delete my number. Don't talk to me or reach out to me."
Her hands were cold and pale. Her lips trembled. She was exhausted, but he still chose to walk away, and she let him.
As the seasons changed, he slowly started to forget about her.
