Fictober Day 2: "Just follow me, I know the area."

Shiemi bit her lip nervously. "I'm not so sure about this, Rin."

It was true. While she was technically a student at the cram school, she barely knew her way around campus, let alone the whole city. So when Rin had invited her out and told her that she wanted to show her something, she'd been very flattered, but also incredibly anxious. What if they got lost? Would her mother worry? Would Yuki-chan worry about Rin?

Rin, however, looked at ease, and the smile he shot her was impossibly soft. "It's alright. Just follow me. I know the area."

She still felt unsure, but this was Rin, after all. She knew that she could trust him. "Alright."

"For real?" Rin's entire face lit up. "So you'll come?"

"Sure," she replied warmly. "But um, where are we going, exactly?"

"You'll see. C'mon!"

Shiemi almost squeaked in surprise when Rin tugged on her wrist, suddenly but gently coaxing her to follow. They didn't move too fast, which was a relief, she found herself thinking because while Rin was quick on his feet, she was not. In fact, the faster she moved, the clumsier she became.

So she let him guide her, and slowly, they made their way down the steps that led up to his dorm. Rin then took a left, picking up the pace ever-so-slightly, and the crisp October air brushed against her cheeks like a mother's caress.

They were walking somewhat briskly for the better part of fifteen minutes, passing by people who called this city home, even students of the academy. The entire time, Rin was quiet, having already released her wrist so she could walk by his side, rather than behind him.

"We're almost there," he said eventually, the grin evident in his voice.

"Really?"

"Yeah," he went on and then pointed to the right to indicate that they needed to turn. Then he slowed to halt, his grin widening a fraction. "Alright! Shiemi, look!"

She obeyed, eyes popping at the sight that lay in front of her. It was a park filled with children's playground equipment, but what surrounded it all was what caught her attention:

The trees bordering the park's edge almost protectively, their leaves dancing languidly in the autumn breeze. It was obvious that the season of fall had finally arrived, she thought as she drank in the blend of orange, brown, yellow, and red leaves. Some had already fallen from their branches, blanketing the ground beneath their feet in a beautiful array of autumn colors.

"Wow," she breathed in awe. "It's so beautiful."

"Yeah," Rin said softly. "I thought so, too. And I know you love plants, so I knew that you had to see this."

She shouldn't have been surprised. Rin often thought of others before himself, even to the point where it became dangerous. But still, as he said the words, she couldn't help but look back at him in wonder. Shiemi was deeply touched that she was the first one to come to his mind.

Rin was so incredibly sweet. So kind. So caring. How could anyone think any different?