Rhythmic Hearts

♫ to

I never said that I like him.

Not that I hate him.

But these people around me seem to think like I'm some sort of a slug walking around the hallway. Their judging eyes makes me want to escape and just lock myself inside my room.

"Someone saw them talking to each other in the music room. I guess Suzu wasn't mute at all."

"I bet she only talks to Kento. I mean, I've never seen her speak to anyone!"

"That's why I'm thinking that maybe she likes Kento.."

"We're right afterall, she's just rooting for someone.."

"I think she's just being desperate for Kento and couldn't control herself not to talk to him."

If only they knew.

If only they knew why I don't speak. If only they knew that I'm not only speaking to Kento. If only they knew that I was traumatized when I was a kid. If only they knew how hurtful I am hearing their murmurs.

If only..

"Suzu, wait up!" I heard Maori running towards me, so I looked back and saw her.

The people around us started to whisper again and I couldn't control it anymore. I pretended not to listen to their whispers. I pretended not to be affected with their laughs and chatters.

I pretended to look strong, even though I'm already weak inside.

"S-Suzu.." Maori muttered while panting. "I.. I just wanted to apologize with what happened yesterday. And I also want to ask something.."

I furrowed my brows out of curiosity. What will she ask me?

"Will you be my friend?"

Friend. I've always wondered how does it feel like to have a friend. The last friend that I had was back in my elementary school. No one was there when I had my downfall five years ago.

I had no one to lean my shoulder on, during those times. I cried myself to sleep every night. The sound of silence deafened me. Only the sound of my sniffles made me think that I'm not deaf, that I'm still normal.

I looked at Maori. She's still smiling widely at me. I wonder if she doesn't have any problems in her life. She seem to always display a euphoric vibe, and I always wonder how could she do that in such a positive disposition.

Could I really trust her?

But she seems to be trustworthy, and there's no harm in trying, right?

"Um.. i-it's fine if you don't want. I'm sorry for being so jaunty." Her smile turned into a frown and I feel like a bad person for doubting her.

"No," I mumbled. "I should be the one saying sorry for being so quiet."

I looked at her, and flashed a small, grateful smile. "You said that you want me to be your friend, right?"

Maori nodded while trying her best not to smile.

"Well, it's nice to meet you then, Mao—" I was interrupted when she suddenly pulled me into a hug. At first I kinda felt awkward because only my paren—I mean, I've never experienced a friend hugging me.

It took me awhile to hug her back, and when we pulled apart, smiles were plastered on our faces.

"Let's go to our classrooms now, shall we?"