Chapter 7 Rejection

"I came back to see you, Rin."

There we were; two teenage girls in the middle of a clearing, surrounded by forests. A slight breeze picked up now and again, stirring both of our identical black hair around us.

Rin looked back at me without expression. Her lack of expression ruffled me; though that was to be expected. This was just her attitude.

My palms were sweating. I racked my brain for some suitable words; anything that would make a conversation. Guess I needed to improve my communication skills, especially if I was talking to Rin here.

"…Rin…daijoubu des ka?...I mean…I heard what happened…" I fling my hands as I tried to continued, failing so miserably.

I sighed and finally said, "Are you really okay?"

Rin had broken off eye contact in the middle of the conversation. She gazed at the forest beyond, and said nothing, her face a stony mask. I looked at the ground and studied the rocks.

It dragged on for a few seconds.

"…what do you think you're trying to do?"

"Eh?" My head snapped back to Rin, her intense dark eyes narrowed at me.

"What do you think you're trying to do? After all these years of silence, you're coming back to see me? Is it because about that? Why are you controlling me anyway?! You have no right to!" she hissed venomously.

Taken back, I couldn't find anything to say. I didn't know she was so quick to temper…But then, time could change people. It would be better to go straight to the point then.

"Rin…" I stammered. "I did came back because of that…but…that was only half the reason." I stopped here, not knowing how to continue. I did not want to say anything that might anger her again; not that her anger had subsided.

"Rin…I know I haven't been a good sister for you all these years…but I realize now…and…I hope that—"

"—hope that I would give you a second chance??" She laughed.

I faltered. Rin stood up, the same height as me, her hair circling around her aura-like as she spat the words out.

I thought I would never forget the words she said for the rest of my life.

"Fuck off! Why should you have a second chance?? And stop trying to act like a caring sister in front of me; it disgusts me. Why the caring act all the sudden? Do you pity me then?? Because you live such a happy life that you pity me and want to make my life better?!" She almost screamed.

"Fuck off," she spat again as she advanced forward. I stepped back a step. Her pupils dilated, and she added in a lower tone. "Go comfort other people's life. Don't mess with mine. Go back to your warm, loving family and go live your happy life. Leave mine fucking alone." With a swirl of her head, she strode away from me.

Akito's voice sounded through my head. You'll be a good girl and not meddle in my business, won't you?? The memory of the smile was cold, merciless. Akito was merciless.

Gazing at her disappearing back with shocked eyes, I swayed. My knees buckled beneath me and I fell to the ground. A moment later my mouth opened into the first sob. Tears flowed freely down. The sound of my wail echoed throughout the clearing.

I should have expected it, I told myself. I was expecting it…and yet, when it hit me full face, I couldn't take it. I couldn't handle it at all.

I couldn't handle the rejection…


I ran. Once I was sure I was out of sight, I ran like a horse through the forest.

My face felt wet and my vision was clouded. Branches flew beside me and I ran on, despite the unstable ground.

I never thought she would say that…though I do appreciate her care, I could not afford to allow her to mix with me. Anyone who mixes with me will only regret it.

I snifted and brushed my tears away. I almost tripped over a rock and grabbed on the bark of the nearest tree for support. I took a deep breath.

Haru…somebody cared for me…like you did…I laughed. It was high pitch and wavered uncertainly. I leaned against the tree trunk and slowly slide down to the ground, and sobbed.

Daijoubu des ka : Are you alright?

Note: Rin knows what happen during that day Akito summoned Yuri. She saw the red marks on her face and how pale she was, even though she won't say anything. Anybody in the Sohma House could guess what happened between her and Akito. Yuri does not know this and assumes that Rin is angry with her. Rin and Haru dated for some time, but broke up after Akito pushed her out of the window. Haru is the only person who has cared for Rin.