Author's Note: Sorry for over-due update... but, at the same time, thank you very much for all your positive reviews so far! I really appreciate them! Okay, this chapter is very short, but I will put the next one up in a couple of days to make up for it! Thanks for your patience, everyone!

He was awoken sharply. Feeling an ice-cold sweat break over him, he tried to steady his forced breathing.

A dream, that was all.

He clutched at his own hands as he felt a tear slide down his face. It was a dream… why was he crying?

Agitated with himself, he harshly threw back the blanket of his bed and got to his feet. Mind racing itself dizzy, he was unsure of even where to start his day. Brushing a tear away sharply with the back of his hand, he decided hurriedly that he wanted to go outside.

Doing everything just as spontaneously, he pulled on some clothes with no thought at all. It took him just as long to step out into the corridor…

…and come face-to-face with Horo.

He didn't even stop to look at him. Breaking into a quick march, he strode straight past him.

"Hey, Ren. Wait up!" he heard Horo call to him. Then, a hand on his shoulder.

He threw his arm back to knock him off. "I have no reason to speak to you!" he shouted, barely stopping for a moment before taking off again.

Feeling his fingernails digging into his own palm he heard Horo following him up the corridor. "So you're not even gonna hear me out?"

"No!"

"I know there's something up with you. Just look at how you acted at breakfast yesterday. Then you go and sleep the entire day and don't wake up until now. I wanted to come and talk to you last night, but the others said it was best if we all left you alone for now-"

"Just stop your useless rambling!" Ren called back at him. Speaking of the others… he could now hear them clearly, talking and laughing around the breakfast table. Before he knew it, he had stepped into the room where they were all assembled, all in their own peaceful little worlds, just the way he had left them the previous morning. He didn't catch eye contact with any of them as they watched him cross the room. Ren kept his eyes focused on the door he was heading towards that lead outside.

Caught off guard, he wasn't prepared enough to fight against the force of a strong push at his shoulder. He staggered backwards a few steps before hitting the wall.

Horo stood in front of him, quite close. His head was slightly bowed but his words were clear. "You know, if you need to talk… I'll always be here to listen, Ren."

Shimmering golden eyes locked on him, the moment froze as his words washed over Ren. He almost considered saying everything, telling Horo everything he felt… he wanted Horo to be there to listen, just like he was at that moment. Hearing the words from Horo himself made Ren feel so hopeful now, so peaceful inside…

His gaze turned solid again as he saw the others' curious eyes staring their way. Pushing Horo away with all the force he could muster, he began his march once again. "I don't need to talk to anyone, especially not the likes of you! Just leave me alone!"

Pushing the door open, he stormed outside, leaving it to slam closed behind him. He collapsed on to the grass, shivering.

"What is that moron thinking?" Ren thought aloud, hate in his words. "He thinks I'd want to talk to him?"

He knew too well that he was lying to himself. He remembered how much he longed to talk to Horo, to tell him. But to say that in front of the others… Ren didn't want them getting the idea that he cared at all, about anyone… especially not Horo.

Now what would the others think…?

Feeling anger surge up inside him once more, he drove his fist into the floor with a raging sob, no longer able to suppress the empty tears that threatened.

He was sure he was at his limit.

Author's Note: That was the short events of Day 2! Sorry it's taking me so long to update, but I've been really busywith my RenxHoro fansite! If anyone wants to take a look, check my profile for the link. I've worked long and hard on it, so I'd appreciate some feedback if you could spare the time. Thank you very much! Also, a big thanks to DayDrEaMiNg-child for her help and support - it means so much!