Rindou Haitani'.

“It’s not love if I’m always the one who stays.”

You thought as you watched him light another cigarette, his hands shaking as if the smoke could calm what was burning inside.

Rindou didn't speak when you needed him most. He'd just shut down, leave, and come back as if nothing had happened. As if you were a place, not a person.

But you… you loved him. Even when it hurt.

It didn't rain that night. But the sky was so gray it seemed like she'd been crying in secret.

—Why did you call me? —you asked when you arrived at his apartment. The wet jacket, the keys still in hand, the heart about to give out.

Rindou was on the floor, sitting against the wall, as if he was punishing himself.

—Because everyone leaves when I'm no longer useful. Not you.

You stood there, not moving.

—Is that what I am to you? The only one who doesn't run away?

He looked up. His expression was that of a wounded child, trapped in the body of a man who knew how to destroy.

—I don't want you to go —he whispered.

—But do you love me?