Rin was in the school bookstore, her favorite place and where she spent much of school time, reflecting on her friend's confession two days ago, wondering if she should talk to her again. It seemed that Ena cut off all ties with her, and although she understood the reasons for doing so, Rin couldn't help but feel guilty about her complex situation.
About to fall asleep, she could see Ena entering her lair. Silently, she watched her every move as Ena sat at a table and seemingly sobbed while she studied. The scene touched a sensitive spot in Rin, who slowly approached his friend.
- Heeey, Ena. Good morning.
She said gently.
- Hello.
Ena responded with a completely cold tone and without looking at her, maintaining a certain distance. Rin, noticing her friend's coldness, decided to address the problem directly.
- Ena, I know things are difficult, but I want to help you. We can talk?
She asked with a worried look.
- There's not much to talk about, is there? What done is done.
Rin, not being deterred, insisted with compassion.
- Ena, I understand that you want to be alone, but our friendship is something important to me. I don't want this to distance us completely. Is there anything I can do to help or at least make you feel better?
Ena looked up at Rin, with a mixture of sadness or resignation.
- There's not much you can do, Rin. It's just... I want to have some time alone to take it all in... It's not easy.
Rin understood that Ena needed time, but she also didn't want to leave her to her fate. She approached her and sat next to her. However, Ena acted coldly, slowly walking away from Rin, changing tables. Persistent in her desire to maintain her friendship, Rin spoke to her friend again. She touched her shoulder to get her attention, but this unleashed an outburst of anger from Ena.
- Don't touch me!
Ena exclaimed loudly, jerking away from Rin. The sudden outburst from her friend left Rin surprised and hurt. She quickly removed his hand from her, remaining silent, feeling the pain of the distance between them.
After an awkward moment, Rin muttered a muffled "I'm sorry" and stood up from the table.
Ena, with her gaze fixed on her books, did not respond. Rin understood her friend's need to be alone.
- I know you want to be alone, but remember that I still love you and I'm willing to help you.
With an attempt to pat her head, Ena reacted sharply, punching Rin's hand in the air.
- Don't touch me! Don't you understand?!
Ena shouted, really angry. Rin pulled her hand away from her, feeling sore both physically and emotionally. She stood, looking at her friend with eyes of compassion and sadness.
- Sorry, I did not want to bother you.
Ena, visibly upset, did not respond. Rin decided to take a step back and give her the space he requested from her to calmly deal with her own thoughts, understanding that he was serious and that, despite everything, Ena still loved her. Rin approached the counter silently. However, she stopped and approached Ena once again.
- Hey, I'm sorry to bother, but I really want you to know that-
- Leave me alone! Can't you understand that I want you out of my life?!
Ena exclaimed, her tone filled with frustration and pain. Rin realized that no matter how hard she tried, Ena would push her away. Once again, she returned to the desk. Her permanent calm was interrupted by a strong feeling of guilt. Seeing how hurt her friend was by her, and that she was pushing her away so aggressively, that feeling worsened even more, and a small tear fell from her eyes. She quickly rubbed her eyes trying to stay calm, managing, at least in appearance, to hide the emotional storm that was raging inside her.