19. Holding
Don't let go of my hand, Rin!
I'll never let go of you, Rin.
Here, let's go together.
Hold my hand; I'll protect you, I promise.
"Rin! Take my hand! Hurry!"
Staring up at the boy leaning over and reaching toward her, Rin's fingers tightly grip the thick stone edge of the building. Her blue eyes reflect fear and uncertainty.
She trusted him. Rin has always trusted Len, even with her life. He was her support; when she held onto his hand, he was her knight and she, his princess whom he would guard tirelessly.
Then, he began becoming distant. It was like he couldn't see her anymore. His new friends took up his time, kept him away from her often. They were more important than her, or so it seemed. It tore at her, ate away at her happiness until the biting black despair she'd been fighting off overcame her. Everything she'd been pretending to be optimistic about crashed down on her, suffocating her, and she felt as though dying would be a much better option than living in a world where Len ignored her. She needed him, but he was disappearing, becoming out of reach.
But here he is, after she'd made her choice to forsake living. Even though she was so sure Len had given up on her, he's still holding out his hand, pleading with her to take it.
"Please, Rin! I promise, I won't let go!"
Her fingertips slip at the smooth edge, and she lets out a terrified squeal. Casting her gaze upwards at Len, she fights back tears.
Then she's forcing herself to reach toward him. His hand fumbles with hers, but quickly takes hold. Relief washes over his boyish features.
It is quickly wiped away as the hand he was using to brace himself against the edge slips off. Fear colors his eyes a dark sapphire, and his scream mixes with hers as they both fall from the high roof.
Tumbling down, she can't help but notice that, even though they're falling to their deaths…
...He's still holding on to her hand.