Rito ran out of the school and down the street. Once he couldn't see the school anymore he slowed down and leaned against a rail. He panted quickly, trying to catch his breath. He was confused as to why he had snapped at Daru earlier. Daru was just teasing him like he always did.
Rito put his hand against his face. Did he really just run away from his best friend?
'I guess nothing's changed.' He thought sadly. Even after going back in time, and trying to fix his mistakes, Rito still couldn't face the one person who still wanted to talk to him after all those years. In the end he was still pushing him away.
"I'm such a terrible friend." Rito said with a shallow laugh. He stood up from the railing and he turned around. To his surprise, behind him was tomb, a tomb he had once hoped to never see again.
He saw the abandoned swings tilt back and forth, the rotting slide nearby that looked like it was about to collapse any second, and the overgrown grass looked like it was barely holding onto it's life.
Rito stepped into the playground, almost entranced by how ruined it was. He sat down on one of the swings. To his surprise, it held is weight. He chuckled as he began to swing a bit. He remembered always coming here with Daru, and eventually Yuki. They used to call it their hideout. Once they reached high school however, they stopped hanging out at this spot in favor of a much grander space. Rito thought back to his high school life with a bitter smile. Despite all of the despair surrounding his 2nd year, he still had quite fond memories of spending time with his friends and getting into all kinds of mishaps with them.
Before Rito knew it a drop of water fell in front of him. Was it raining? Rito looked up, the sky was dark, but it didn't seem like rain was falling. The wetness coating his face. Rito felt his face, only to come to the realization that the 'rain' was coming from him. He didn't stop himself, why bother? Crying was normal, right?
"I knew it." Said a nearby voice.
Rito lifted his head to see Daru, he was panting just like Rito was earlier, he had his winter jacket on, his once well kept and well groomed hair was now disheveled. He stepped towards Rito, he seemed hesitant, but after a few seconds he shook his head and stepped closer. He sat one the swing next to Rito, and he too was surprised that it held his weight.
"Yuki and I were worried, you weren't acting like yourself." He said as he turned to Rito.
"Sorry." Rito said quietly.
"Well we all have our off days, but I've known you for most of my life. I know for a fact that this isn't just an 'off day' for you."
"Yeah, you aren't wrong."
"So, what's wrong. I'm your best friend, and you're mine. We can trust each other. So please, just let someone in." Daru spoke.
Rito's eyes opened wide with shock. This conversation, this tone, everything was the same. He remembered the last time he had spoken to Daru in the future. Daru had said the same thing, to let someone in, and now he the chance to do it again. He had the opportunity to change himself for the better.
Rito took a deep breath. If there was one person who he wanted to let in, he knew that his best friend was a perfect choice.
"I think Harumi's going to be murdered." Rito said bluntly.
"What?" Daru asked, he clearly wasn't expecting what Rito had said.
"I can't tell you why, not yet. But I know she's going to be killed if I don't do anything." Rito said.
Daru scratched his head before sighing.
"You know, if you were anyone else, I'd think you were crazy." He began. Daru turned to face Rito again and he put his hand on Rito's shoulder.
"But you're my best friend, and I trust you. Whatever you need me to do I'll help. I know you enough to know whenever you make up your mind there's no changing it!" Daru said, his once neutral expression had shifted into a friendly smile.
Rito smiled too, he finally did it. He finally let him in.