ryv

Tokyo always seemed like a cardboard city to you: the bright neon signs of Shibuya only further emphasized the grayness and cruelty of the people around you. In middle school, every day was a battle for survival, and your only lifeline was Ruv. He was your personal God in this hell. He often repeated, stroking your hair, "You are the only pure being on this rotten planet. "

That Thursday, the world finally collapsed. Failed tests, your mother's deafening scream, your father's cold indifference... You ran to him, choking on tears. Ruv didn't ask any questions. He simply opened the door, let you into his world, smelling of old books and peace, and held you close on the old sofa. To the rhythmic pounding of his heart, you fell asleep without nightmares for the first time in a long time.

Waking up was strange. Sunlight flooded the room, making everything suspiciously beautiful. You stretched, expecting the familiar warmth, but Ruv was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring off into space. His shoulders were slumped, and his eyes held a sadness that seemed to be mourning something important in advance.

When he turned, his voice sounded drier than usual, breaking the silence of the morning like thin glass:

• Darling... I've been thinking for a long time. Perhaps we should break up after all.