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Ren reaches out and knocks on the door with the back of his hand, stepping back afterwards. After a moment some footsteps come close to the door and opens it. "Ah- morning, Ren," speaks the woman, smiling at him.
"Good morning," he speaks, bowing his head. "If you don't mind me asking... is Kronii ready yet?"
The mother of the girl shakes her head. "She's a bit late waking up today... why don't you come in? Have you eaten already?"
"Erm... I have, yes," speaks Ren. "Thank you for the offer, however." Seeing Kronii's mother's eyes flash Ren bites his tongue and walks in after her. "Thank you," he speaks, seeing her present a cup of tea for him.
"You're welcome," she responds. "Kronii should be-" Whatever she says is cut off as explosive sounding footsteps rush from upstairs. "Ah." A smile comes to her. "She's finally out of bed."
Ren takes a sip of the tea and sets it down, walking to a spot at the bottom of the stairwell in wait. "Mm."
A few moments pass before the girl in question appears at the top. "Ren- GWAK!" Dropping down the stairs too quickly, she misses a step and rapidly starts to come tumbling down.
Ren braces his body and manages to catch Ouro Kronii as she rolls into him. "You okay?" he speaks, brushing off one of her shoulders and helping her upright. He inspects her quickly, nodding to himself upon noting mentally that no bruise was -at minimum- immediately apparent. "No need to rush. We still got plenty of time."
At his words he feels and sees her stiffen, before relaxing slightly. "Y-yeah. Sorry, that was my bad," she speaks. "Thanks for catching me, Ren."
He nods. "Anyway, you should eat something. I mean your mother's made something already." Ren pulls out his phone. "Mm. Class isn't for another fourty minutes, and walking's only gonna take about twenty minutes."
Kronii sighs. "Right." She turns away, to her smiling mother, who is already placing some dishes on the nearby table. She sits down and Ren joins her, sipping on his tea again.
After the meal both tell Kronii's mother goodbye and exit, making their way to Holo High School. Kronii stretches out slightly, nodding to herself. "Sorry you had to see that earlier," she speaks, looking away. "Wasn't... my best moment."
"It's fine. Happens to all of us," speaks Ren. "Though... you seem to be getting in big rushes in the morning a lot lately," he notes. "And waking up late... is everything okay, Kronii?"
"Everything's fine," she replies, a smirk lightly coming to her face. "I just got caught up looking in the mirror and realizing how perfect I am."
Ren narrows his eyes, though nods regardless. "I bet to a lot of guys you're the perfect girl," he speaks. "Self-confident, good sense of humor, beautiful, cool, talented, breathtaking... no shortage of positive traits." Looking at Kronii, he sees her glance away from him, ears tinged red. He smiles, unable to resist reaching out and ruffling her hair. "Anyone would be lucky to have your affections."
"Not like I want to return anyone's anyway," speaks Kronii, shying away from his grasp. "None of them have caught my eye."
Ren chuckles. "Well, with how confident and assured you are, it'd have to be someone amazing for you to think of them romantically," he speaks. "If that's the case, and you ever find out they like you back... don't ever let them go."
Kronii frowns slightly as she looks at him. "Where's all this coming from?"
He shrugs. "I dunno... it came from a manga I was reading last night." He grins as a laugh comes from the girl beside him. "After all, finding someone amazing who loves you back... a lot of people never find someone like that. So if you ever do, you should fight tooth and claw to keep them. I mean, that makes sense, right?"
Kronii nods, a light smile settling on her face. "It does sounds really corny though," she speaks.
"Eh... even if it is, it's not wrong," he replies. "Call it idealistic or whatever... having something like that is really nice to think about, yeah?"
A hum rises from the girl beside him. "Yeah."
"Mumei!" Kronii dashes off to the owl as soon as she sees her in the classroom, a giggle rising from Nanashi Mumei as she returns Kronii's enthusiasm.
"Hey, morning Ren." Looking to one side he sees Mori Calliope approach him. "How you been?"
"Not bad," he replies, seeing heavy bags under her eyes. Ren bites back the instinct to tell her she looks tired. "You seem busy, though," he speaks instead. "Did you have some scythe lessons yesterday?"
The reaper nods as she takes a seat at her desk, which was beside his own. "Yeah... I didn't get back home 'til it was late," she speaks. "And also Kiara was bugging me to talk with her a little, and that lasted an hour, so..." She yawns, shaking her head. "Bit... tired today..."
Ren nods. "Don't push yourself too hard today then." He blinks as he hears Calli begin to snore, eyes closed and leaning on her desk. "Well that's one way to do it." He flinches as hands close over his eyes, a "Boo!" coming up from behind him. Breathing out slowly he reaches out and tickles whomever is behind him, hearing a familiar giggle come out. "Baelz, I know it's you," he speaks.
The mouse-esque girl removes her hands and he turns around to see her hanging from the ceiling, before dropping and deftly landing. She pouts slightly. "That's no fun," speaks Hakos Baelz. "You didn't even jump this time."
"Guess I've just gotten used to your chaotic shenanigans," speaks Ren, feeling himself sweat as a twinkle rushes through her eyes. Oh no. "...I've made a huge mistake," he mutters, facepalming.
"If you've gotten used to it then I'll just have to be more creative," she speaks, a grin coming to her face. "Be ready for it, Ren!"
He sighs. "Alright, fine." A smile comes to his face as the two of them bump fists. "Bring it on."
"Don't go too crazy, Bae," speaks Kronii, walking over with Mumei in tow to sit amongst them. "Please." She looks almost traumatized for a moment. "I don't want a repeat of last time."
Baelz laughs. "Okay, okay," she speaks. "Sorry, Kronii."
"Hm...? What happened last time?" wonders Mumei. "I... um. I forgot."
"Last time Baelz tried to get me with a water bucket and Kronii was caught in the crossfire," speaks Ren. He bites his tongue to hold back a laugh. "Kronii was so mad after that one."
Kronii folds her arms and leans away. "Well, wouldn't you be, too, if it ruined your lunch? And your notebooks?" she speaks. "And you were wet for the rest of the day? And-"
Baelz's ears flatten against her head while Mumei laughs softly. "Sorry," mutters the embodiment of chaos.
Kronii sighs and headpats the rat. "It's fine. Just... don't get me involved this time. Please."
Ren laughs with Mumei as Baelz hums a joyous tune from under Kronii's hand, with Kronii chuckling in turn. He watches the three of them converse for a moment, feeling a smile come to his face. I hope these peaceful days with all of us stay around.
He blinks as the homeroom teacher comes in. "Ah... time to get ready," he speaks, turning and shaking Calli's arm to rouse her. His classmates nod and move to their own seats, Calli yawning as she wakes from her nap.
"Thanks," she murmurs, and he nods in response.
Ren glances at Kronii sitting diagonally to his left, in front of Calli. She looks away from him, and as the teacher starts taking attendance he stares as what he could only describe as an expression of emptiness comes across her face. It vanishes to be replaced with a smile as she is called on, however.
No matter how much I wish though... these days aren't going to last.
The bell rings for lunch and Kronii leaves her seat, accompanying Mumei and Baelz out of the classroom and likely toward the school cafeteria.
Ren breathes out, pulling out a bento box and setting his notes to one side as everyone around him starts to ready themselves for lunch. "Phew..." he breathes, almost inhaling the rice and pork cutlet as he consumes it. "Mm."
Calli pulls out a sandwich, nodding to herself as she bites into it. "Phew... thanks again for waking me up earlier," she speaks between bites. "If it weren't for you I'd probably be in trouble right now." She grimaces. "And... for stopping me from falling asleep in science, too."
"Don't worry about it," speaks Ren, chugging down some water. "I mean... even now you look like you could fall asleep." He frowns. "You really need to take better care of yourself, or you're just gonna collapse at this rate."
"I know," speaks Calli, pulling out an apple after finishing the sandwich. "I don't have to work a part-time job today at least, so... I can probably get started on our homework." She sighs. "At least I'll probably get more sleep tonight."
"...Death-sensei would probably be horrified if he knew how many commitments you have," speaks Ren.
Calli shrugs. "He already is, believe me. I just... it doesn't feel... right, I guess, to quit?" she speaks. "Like... I'm letting someone down if I quit."
"...You mind if I'm rude and blunt for a second?" he speaks.
"Hm? Yeah, go for it."
"They'll be a lot more let down-and guilty- if they hear that you collapsed," he speaks. "Calli, what you're doing, juggling three part-time jobs, being an apprentice of the Grim Reaper, doing your own music and attending school... it's not sustainable. Sooner or later it'll catch up with you and catch up hard." Ren sighs. "Just... please, take better care of yourself. For your friends' sake, if not yours."
Calli looks away, a slight red tinting her cheeks. "Yeah... you're right," she speaks. "After graduating from high school I'd have to drop them all anyway, so I should probably start doing that now."
"Ah." Ren swallows as he feels bitterness creep up his throat. "Yeah... you'll be collectin' souls and stuff after high school? You're not moving on to college, or university?"
"Nah. I was thinking I want to help out Death-sensei," speaks Calli. "I know Kronii and Kiara aren't planning to go to university either."
Ren breathes out through his nose, placing his finished bento to one side. "Yeah."
"...You okay?" speaks Calli, tilting her head and peering at him. Though he nods, he sees her eyes narrow for a moment. "Ah... it's about Kronii, isn't it."
Ren clenches his jaw slightly. "I don't think I'll be able to see her again for a long while," he speaks. "Being the warden of time and all. She's bound to be busy, like... keeping time and stuff." Would I even get the chance? At the thought he feels his heart throb. From here on out both of us are only going to get more responsibilities. Would we have the time or opportunity to meet again?
"Yeah, I get that," nods the reaper. "I think it's kinda like with me and Kiara. Gonna be hard to make time to meet and everything," she speaks. "Being a reaper and an immortal, reviving fast food owner and all... I don't think she'd leave me alone," she deadpans. "Anyway... all this is still in the future, at least, but who knows how the future'll be." Calli looks at him, placing the apple core to one side. "So right now in the present, spend as much time together as you can, make sure you have as few regrets as possible.
"'Cause once it's over, there's no guarantee that you'll ever manage to meet again."
Ren nods. "Wise words from a wise reaper," he speaks, before feeling a smile rise to his face. "If we're able, let's make sure to hang out in the future, 'kay?"
Calli smiles. "If you can spare time for me? More than happy."
"You busy after school?" Kronii asks him as the final bell rings and the classroom's noise escalates while their teacher tries to keep some semblance of order and tell them about their assignment due at the end of the week.
"No, why?" speaks Ren, packing up his notebooks while their classmates around them do the same.
"Do you wanna go to an arcade?" she speaks.
He shrugs. "Sure, sounds good." Ren rises from his seat, slinging his bag over a shoulder and following Kronii out of the classroom. "Anyone else coming with us?" he speaks, as they descend a stairway.
"Um... I was thinking just the two of us," speaks Kronii, her face turned away from where she was in front of him. "If you want to invite someone else, though, that's fine with m-"
"Okay, then. Let's go," speaks Ren, moving up beside her. "I'll be selfish and take you all for myself this evening then," he grins, laughing as he sees the flush appear on his friend's face.
"W-well, if I could, I would take me out for an evening too," she speaks, not looking at him. "So, aren't you lucky."
"What, getting to spend time with such a beautiful girl? 'Course I am." Ren feels a smile come to his face as Kronii leans into him, hair hiding her face-likely intensely red- from him. "And lucky that same beautiful girl likes me as much as she does."
"Geez... how smooth," she mutters.
"Only for you," he speaks, ruffling her hair, hearing a laugh arise from her.
She separates from him once they come across the schoolyard, leaving the school behind. Silence emerges between the two of them, comfortable in its presence. Ren peers around and sees some of their classmates talking and otherwise leaving the school like they are. He catches a glimpse of Baelz and Mumei as they pass.
"...Hey."
Ren blinks at the quiet hesitance within her voice. "What is it?"
Kronii sighs, turning to look at him; by now the flush on her face was more or less faded, though her blue eyes contain... some kind of distress? She blinks and it's gone before he gets an especially good look. "...No, it's nothing. Sorry."
"...Alright," he speaks, seeing her turn away. I wonder... He blinks as she takes his hand in hers. "Hm?"
"C'mon, let's hurry. Or all the best games are gonna have big queues!" Kronii moves off at a sudden dash, and he takes off in a jog to keep up.
"Okay, okay!" he responds, feeling a chuckle bubble out. "We have plenty-" Of time. He stops as the discussion he had with Calli reverberates through his mind, and breathes out. "Alright, then, let's hurry."
"WAH!" Kronii gasps as her screen flashes white upon taking a hit, a scowl coming to her face as a "YOU'RE DEAD" comes across the screen. "Come on..."
"Too bad," speaks Ren, scratching his head. He sets down the plastic gun he holds, Kronii doing the same with a huff. "Wanna try something else?" he speaks, as they move away from the arcade machine.
"Hm..." Kronii blinks as they pass a crane machine, her eyes seeming to be glued to it. "Ah."
Ren looks at where the warden is staring and sees a small, cute-looking plush of a tiny, orange dragon, whose tail was purple. "Huh." Glancing closer, he feels his brow furrow. "What the heck... it almost looks like the tail can dis-attach from the rest of the plush," he speaks.
Kronii hums, burrowing in a pocket for a token. "Eh?" She frowns. "No way... I'm out already?"
"Well, we did spend a lot on the dancing machine over there," speaks Ren. "Anyway..." He digs into his own pocket and produces a handful. "Well, I'm not the best at these, but I'll give it a shot." He shrugs, inserting a token and readying himself.
The first time the tiny dragon slips out of the grip of the clumsy claw, and he inserts another token with a sigh. Thankfully, somehow the crane manages to grasp the dragon on this attempt and it pops out, Kronii grasping it with a squeal and holding it to herself.
"Oh!" She blinks, and holds it out to him. "Uh... sorry," she speaks, looking sheepish.
Ren laughs in response. "Keep it. You seem to really like it," he speaks. He hears a contented sound rise from his friend as she hugs it to herself.
"Thanks, Ren!" A bright smile comes from her, and he feels a smile come to his own face.
"You're welcome." He moves over to a nearby vending machine, pausing. "What do you wanna drink?"
"Oh-" Kronii digs out her wallet, though he shrugs and punches in two iced teas, inserting a few coins. "Wha-hey!" She puffs up her cheeks slightly. Though as she still holds the dragon, she looks far more adorable than any possible showing of anger.
"Oh-sorry." Ren blinks, though still holds out one of the bottles. "Did you want something else?"
"Uh... no, iced tea is fine," she speaks, reaching out and taking the bottle, fingers brushing against his for a moment. "But I can pay for it. You got me this-" She holds up the cute orange dragon- "so it's only fair."
"Hm... nah." Ren bites his tongue in some effort to restrain a laugh as she pouts at him further. "No need. It's fine." The two of them step out from the arcade, cracking open the bottles, though Kronii still looks unsatisfied. He takes a long drink and breathes out afterwards. "Phew..."
"It's already pretty close to supper time, huh," she speaks, balancing the plushie carefully so as to not spill her drink on it. "Do you wanna go out for supper?"
"Only if I get to pay for it," he responds, grinning as he sees a scowl return to her face, though he quickly wipes it away. "You know what today is?"
"Uh? It's March 13th," speaks Kronii, as the two of them stand to one side and continue consuming their beverages. "Is there a point?"
"Well, tomorrow's your birthday," speaks Ren. He smiles as her expression clears up at the words. "And since you're gonna be busy tomorrow... and we're gonna be busy studying for finals and all..." He represses a sigh at the last thought. "Well, I didn't really plan it up 'til now and whatever... but happy early birthday. Just something between the two of us is nice, right?"
"Oh." Kronii squeezes the plush closer, burying the lower part of her face in it, though it is not enough to hide the flush present; regardless, she focuses her eyes on him. "Thanks, Ren."
He shakes his head. This girl's too cute... I'm gonna fall in lo- Ren freezes at his thoughts. Oh no. Oh god no.
Please don't tell me I'm falling in love with my best friend.
"Ren?" He blinks as Kronii says his name, seeing worry within her eyes as she looks at him. "Are you-"
"Oh-you're welcome," he speaks, rushing a smile back on his face. "Anyway, you know where you wanna go eat?"
"Ah.." She narrows her eyes. "Hm... okay." Kronii nods to herself. "Follow me."
He breathes out as she leads him. "After you... queen." He murmurs the last part under his breath, feeling his smile become more genuine.
I just wish these fun, peaceful times could be more than just a memory at the end of all this.
The two of them were walking from a fairly famous diner where they had ate at, as night starting to fall and dusk was appearing in the sky.
Kronii sits on a nearby bench and he joins her. She releases a content sigh, a wide smile on her face. "Thank you, Ren," she speaks. "I mean it."
He nods. "You're welcome. What're friends for?"
"...Yeah." Kronii leans back, plushie in her bag. "...You remember how I'm not planning to go to university, but instead going to take up my duty as the warden of time?"
"I remember," speaks Ren, swallowing past a lump in his throat.
Something forlorn flashes across Kronii's face, and she looks down into her lap. "I don't know if I'll be able to spend all that much time with you after I do," she speaks. "Or... any at all. So... just..." She takes a deep breath. "Thanks, Ren. For all the memories. For being with me." Her eyes close. "For being my best friend."
He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Don't tell me that," he speaks, feeling his voice rise. "I don't want to hear it. After all... we still have a bit of time before we graduate." Ren stands up, offering a hand. "We still have time to make plenty more memories."
Kronii's face shifts at his words, a smile growing on it as she takes his hand. "Right." She giggles as he helps lift her up. "Sorry. My bad."
"It's all good," he speaks. "Now c'mon. Let's hurry back before your mother starts to worry."
"Yeah." She slides a hand to hold one of his as they start to walk back, a blush coming to her face. "Let's."
At an urge Ren uses a hand to tilt Kronii's face up to his and leans toward her. Ah- He leans his head down and their foreheads gently touch. He breathes out slowly, watching Kronii's eyes as she looks at him, unblinking. After a moment she closes her eyes.
"This is nice," she murmurs, relaxing against him.
"Yeah," he speaks, holding her closer to him, feeling his heart thump more quickly. "It is."
"Oh... here you are." Ren walks out onto the rooftop, where Kronii stands, diploma in hand. A gentle breeze rushes through her hair, swaying it slightly.
"Hey," she speaks, turning to face him, a slight hum coming from her.
"Hey." He walks over and stands beside her near the large railing, his own diploma in hand. "You're not gonna go and celebrate with everyone?"
Kronii shakes her head. "If I do, I don't think I'd be able to tear myself away from them in the end," she speaks, a smile rising to her face. "I'm leaving tomorrow... to go fulfill my duty and all."
Ren breathes out. "Tomorrow, huh... being the warden of time is no joke, is it."
"Mm," she replies. "Besides, at least I'll be able to see Mumei and Baelz on a semi-regular-ish basis, since they're all embodiments of concepts. Fauna and Sana too." Kronii turns her eyes on him. "You, though, Ren... I have no idea." She grimaces. "Especially considering the difference in our lifespans... you might be gone before we get a chance to see each other again."
Ren shrugs. "That's just how the world is," he speaks. "Unfair or not, or whatever... it is what it is. You have a duty, and I can't get in the way of it." He feels himself smile. "Even if I really want to."
Kronii nods. "Yeah..." She sighs, moving back from the railing and looking up into the sky. "It's gonna be lonely," she murmurs.
"I'll bet." He leans back against the railing, facing her. "...I'm gonna miss you."
"Me too." She reaches out, and he does the same, the tips of their fingers touching. "I..." Her voice cracks, and she looks away, taking a few deep breaths. "Honestly, Ren." Kronii looks back at him, smiling, voice thick. "Thank you so much. For everything." She chuckles. "It feels like all I do lately is thank you."
He reaches out and grasps her hand more fully, pulling her to him. She sighs as he pulls her into a hug, both wrapping their arms around the other. "I have to confess something," he speaks. A soft sound comes from her throat in response, and he swallows before continuing. "I love you, Kronii."
She stiffens against him before her body relaxes slightly. "...That's not fair," she mumbles. "It's not fair to tell me that right before I have to leave."
Ren chuckles; to his ears it sounds almost forced. "Sorry," he speaks. "Just... don't want any regrets and all."
Kronii shakes and a sniffle rises from her. "I hate this," she breathes. "I hate that you're telling me this right now, that you're holding me like it'll be okay, and that I love you back even though I know I can't."
He pats her back. "I really am lucky, then," he speaks.
She takes in a long, shaky breath, burying her face in his chest. "And I hate how I'm going to have to let you go."
Ren lets his eyes close, moving a hand to gently ruffle her hair. For a time the only sounds are the breeze and the celebrations and discussions of their classmates below.
"...You ever wonder why I pretend to love myself so much?" When her voice comes out it's quiet and muffled.
"You're about to tell me," he replies.
"Because I can't have what I really love." Her grip tightens around him. "And I try to fill that hole with something about perfection and being so great or whatever." Kronii moves back a bit, looking into his eyes. "When I know I'm just empty inside."
Ren looks back at her. "...I can't say anything that'll make that feeling any better," he speaks. "I can't even be by your side for much longer." He sighs. "The only thing I can do is stay with you until you have to go."
"...Yeah." Kronii breathes out. "Okay. Then..." She takes hold of his hand, pulling him with her. "Trust me?"
"'Course."
"Oh?" Kronii's mother looks at the two of them as they burst through the door. "You're back earlier than I thought." She blinks. "Hm... just you two?" Ren blinks as he feels her gaze look them over, before a smile comes to her face.
"Uh... mom, why are you looking at us like that?" speaks Kronii, eyes slightly wide.
"Nothing~" she responds, turning back from her place in the kitchen. "Have fun, you two~"
"Hm?" Ren tilts his head. "'Have fun'? What's she-" He stops as Kronii rushes up the stairs, forcing him to do the same by virtue of their still connected hands. Glancing at her, he does not see her face as she continues to usher him up the stairs, and entering her room.
Leading him inside, she closes and locks the door behind him, taking a deep breath. "Okay." Kronii turns to face him, lips pursed, letting her schoolbag drop to the floor. "Uh..." She looks lost, not looking at him.
"You okay?" speaks Ren, seeing his friend flush at the words. He blinks. "Uh... Kronii?" He grunts as she slowly pushes him down onto her bed, and he blinks, feeling his eyes widen as she straddles him. "...Ah."
Kronii focuses on him, swallowing. "I... uh... do you want to?" she speaks.
Ren sits up, dropping his own bag on the ground. "Sure," he speaks. "I don't have, like... any protection or anything though. And I doubt you have anything like that either," he speaks, feeling his own face grow hot as he speaks. "So..."
"It's okay," she speaks, fingers brushing along his chest. "Just... um... it'll be okay." Kronii leans closer, placing herself against the nook of his neck. "I have a request, though." With the words her breath rushes across his face, and a minute shiver rushes through his body.
"Yeah?" speaks Ren, voice dropping to a whisper.
"Don't pull out when you... y'know." He practically sees steam rise from the warden's ears as she speaks. "Please?"
He ruffles her hair, feeling his face heat up further. "...If you're sure."
Kronii moves back, nodding. "Yeah." She smiles, slowly moving her fingers along his chest, moving downwards. She leans close and presses her lips against his.
Ren holds her close as her fingers begin to work the buttons of his shirt, breathing deeply when she separates her mouth from his. "You're absolutely sure?" he murmurs, seeing her glance at him.
She nods. "Of course. Time's running out, so..." She looks away as the already intense flush grows stronger. "...I'd like to have this last memory with you."
He nods in turn before turning them around and placing her back to the bed, hearing her gasp as he kisses her neck in an attack, feeling a smile come to his face as her arms wrap around his body and pull him closer, a silent urging for him to continue.
So he does.
Ren groans as he feels himself wake up. "Wha...?" Blinking sleep from his eyes, he sees no one beside him, though the sheets themselves were warm and comfortable. "Kronii?" There is no response but silence, and he feels a breath come from him. "...Oh."
He forces the sheets from his body and reaches for his clothing, feeling a protrusion of some sort in one of his pants pockets. Reaching into it he finds a curled up ball of paper; uncurling it, he holds it up to the moonlight and reads it.
If you're reading this then I'm already gone. The handwriting is neat, telling of her style.
Sorry for leaving you alone. If I waited until you woke up, I don't think I could leave you.
I don't know if there's much I can say, but... thank you. Thank you for loving me. The letters start to grow shaky.
Though... I'm sorry. I can't love you back like you deserve. The words grow more shaky, to the point that he has to squint to accurately read out the writing. I can't even promise that we'll meet again.
What I can promise is that my feelings of love for you... they're real. Though words mean nothing in that regard compared to actions, I know. A line is scribbled out here, and some letters are crossed out before it continues.
I miss you already, Ren.
Goodbye.
Blotches dab at the end of the paper, making the final, crumpled letters almost impossible to read.
Ren breathes out, taking a seat on the bed and closing his eyes; blue orbs along with a bright smile, all directed at him, flash in his mind for a moment.
He places a hand over his eyes and feels his body shake as he tries to hold back the tears.
The tears come anyway.