Rin had always found Sensei Ichikawa to be a voice of reason in her life. He had been her homeroom teacher for more than 5 years and helped her through her father's death. He gave her space when he first found out about it, but always let it be known that he was there to listen if she needed it. Rin would confide in him regularly. The other students including Saki could talk freely to him as well. Somehow even though he was in his early 30's Sensei Ichikawa could always relate to the students and help them through whatever their problems were at the time. He wasn't a strict teacher but you knew there was a line that you didn't cross. Not because you didn't want to see him mad, but you didn't want to see him hurt. They all knew he would take it personally. Rin couldn't ever recall a time he had even raised his voice. He always had that calming presence about him. This made her all the more furious. How could someone harm someone who was as loved as their teacher? She couldn't fathom it. He had a girlfriend and what seemed to be countless students and people who adored him. All of these memories came flooding into her brain all at once. She went back to her corner with tears streaming down her face once again.
When she woke up the next day. It was the day of the funeral. Rin didn't want to go but she had to. She wouldn't forgive herself if she missed her chance to say goodbye. Her mother had of course come with her and she had actually been of help to her this morning. She listened to her and held her in between getting dressed. Rin was sad but glad her mother had come. They arrived at the beach where Sensei Ishikawa was to be spread. His girlfriend who over the break became his fiancée was crying being held by presumably the Sensei's parents. Rin didn't know everyone at the funeral but still was able to spot Eiji. He was tall and easy to pick out of a crowd. He spotted her at the same time. Rin let go of her mom's hand and they walked towards each other. Rin gave a slight smile as she fixed his slightly crooked tie. Eiji hugged her. It was the first time in days she felt warm. They embraced and looked into each other's eyes. Rin never noticed how hazel Eiji's eyes were. They had been friends for more than 10 years and this is the first time they ever embraced she put her chin on his chest. "Sorry for not calling or texting back" Rin said. "No worries I just wanted to make sure you were alright" said Eiji. They slowly let go of each other's embrace. Smiled and started to look for Saki. They couldn't find her or her parents. They figured it was to hard for Saki to make it and would stop by her house to see if she was alright afterwards.
As the funeral started Rin leaned against Eiji and they held hands as their Sensei's fiancée gave the eulogy. As Rin stared off into the water fond memories started to flood in again and a stream of tears started down her left eye. She was remembering all of the good times in class and the extra time Sensei Ishikawa would put in to make sure students understood the material. She was happy, sad, angry and tired. Her body and spirit felt so many emotions running through her. The air around her felt heavy. Then she felt a tug on her hand. It was Eiji. Rin instinctively let go of his hand and noticed that it was red. She whispered "sorry, I guess I don't know my own strength" she laughed and Eiji gave a slight chuckle feeling rather embarrassed. She must've been squeezing his hand rather tightly with everything that was running through her mind.
At that moment Rin looked around and noticed that there was a man standings about 25 meters away from everyone else and she had the odd suspicion he was staring at her. She couldn't quite place him until he took his hat off and she noticed his messy blond hair. After the speeches and the crying and the hugging it was finally over. Eiji told Rin's mom that he would bring her home and that they wanted to stop by Saki's house. Rin's mom nodded and left. Rin had something she had to do first though and that was to talk to the blond hair guy. She was going to try and get some answers! Rin walked with a purpose over to him. She introduced herself and asked if he remembered her. He nodded politely and said "I am sorry for your loss" Rin gave a slight smile with a tear in her eye. She asked why they did the scanning at the school? He said it was only what they were instructed to do and the only reason nobody told them about the incident while they were at the school was because they wanted them to be with their parents to help them understand.
"Well do you have any leads?" Asked Rin
"Leads for what?" said the blond man
Rin became a little sheepish and said "who killed Sensei"
"Who told you he was killed?" Said the blond man
"I believe you were told that he died, not that he was killed?" "Am I wrong in that assumption?" Asked the blond man.
Rin felt foolish no one actually said he was killed, he could've had a medical condition that she didn't know about or countless other possibilities.
"You are right" "my mind and ears must be playing tricks on me". The blond man stared at her for a moment then nodded his head. Rin then talked to him for another minute shook his hand and walked away towards Eiji. I feel like an idiot she thought. Of course no one could kill Sensei. That conversation made some of the anger go away but she still couldn't escape the pain and a gross feeling that kept scratching at her skin.