In the days following that encounter, we somehow developed a routine. After school, on the days I was free, I would rush outside to the school gates, and he would be standing there, as he always did. I would motion for him to follow me, and he would do so without a word. We would sit at that same bench by the side of the road and...hang out. If you could call it that. Even though I tried hard to be friendly, he would always seem apprehensive around me. As if he didn't believe that I had any reason to associate with him.

Eventually, though, he did seem to open up a little. As he began to speak more and more, I noticed that he rarely had anything nice to say. About any subject.

"What do you think about this book that just came out?" I asked, holding my recently acquired copy of 'A Great Man'.

"It's stupid," he replied vehemently. "They think all men have to be strong, and clever, and fearless...and handsome..."

I quickly changed the subject. "I hear Junes received a new shipment of TVs. Looks like they've got the latest model, too."

"Yeah, so they can flaunt it around to people who don't have the money..."

"Hmph..." I was growing frustrated. "Nice...weather we're having?" I said awkwardly, despite the blanket of gray that loomed overhead. A bitter laugh was my response.

Losing my patience, I desperately racked my brain to find a subject that he was happy with. "So I was thinking of trying that new game I've heard about...what was it? Dragon Warrior, or something."

He perked up. "You mean Dragon Quest 9?"

"Yeah..." I was startled by his sudden enthusiasm. "Actually, it's already over half a year old..."

He was now fully absorbed in the conversation. "Well, I picked it up the day it was released. People are talking about how it sucks because it's different from the older games in the series. I mean, the older games were awesome, but so are the newer ones. They need to stop hating it just because it's different..." I listened as he went off on an animated rant. It was incredible, as if he had become a completely different person.

"...and you actually get to see the weapons and armor equipped on your character. Here, let me show you," After finishing his speech, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a DS. The screen flashed as he turned it on and started playing.

I watched with interest as he showed me every aspect of the game, describing it in detail and adding his own commentary. He showed me his characters, the battle system, and some of the story aspects, all the while stating his own opinions and offering suggestions for when I played the game myself. It amazed me that he could get so excited over something he cared about.

We were both completely absorbed in the game, and before I knew it, it was dark outside. Afraid of another lecture from Dojima about staying out too late, I hastily stood up and said goodbye before turning to leave.

"Wait."

I looked back at him.

"D-Do you think we could...hang out...more?" he said quietly, looking extremely uncomfortable.

I laughed. "Of course. Whenever you feel like it."

And as I turned back, I could swear I saw the slightest hint of a smile.