– Cracks in the Mask
Rin never realized how fragile a routine could be until someone disrupted it.
For years, his life had followed the same predictable pattern—wake up, go to school, avoid unnecessary interactions, go home, exist. It was easier that way.
But now, Aoi had wedged herself into his quiet world, and he couldn't pretend he didn't notice.
---
"Morning, emo boy."
Rin sighed before even turning around. Aoi stood beside his desk, grinning like she had already won some invisible game.
"It's too early for this," he muttered.
"That's what you said yesterday. And the day before that. Ever thought maybe you're just not a morning person?"
He shot her a flat look. "Ever thought maybe you're just annoying?"
Aoi gasped dramatically. "And here I thought we were friends!"
"We're not."
She smirked. "Sure, keep telling yourself that."
---
Lunch break. Rooftop.
Rin wasn't sure when it happened, but this had become a habit.
Aoi sat across from him, idly twirling her chopsticks. The wind tugged at her hair, but she didn't seem to care.
"You always eat alone?" she asked.
"Yeah."
She hummed. "Makes sense. You have that whole 'mysterious loner' vibe going on."
Rin raised an eyebrow. "You say that like it's a good thing."
Aoi shrugged. "It's not good or bad. Just… you."
Something about the way she said it made Rin pause. Like she wasn't judging him. Like she was just stating a fact.
He wasn't used to that.
---
"Hey, Rin."
It was after school, and they were walking down the street together—another thing Rin wasn't sure how had become normal.
Aoi's voice was quieter than usual, almost hesitant.
"If someone disappeared, do you think people would actually care?"
Rin stopped. Aoi kept walking for a few steps before noticing and turning back.
"Why are you asking me that?"
A beat of silence. Then—
"No reason." She smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Just curious."
Rin knew that look.
It was the same one he saw in the mirror every day.