I stumbled upon this old writing when looking at some of my older writings. I think it was pretty decent, so I'll just publish it in case you guys start thinking that I've abandoned my account or something.

Today was rather crappy. A surprise test. Bad. A surprise physics test. Even worse! It can't get anymore bad, now is it? Nope! It can!

A surprise mathematical physics test! Open books. Open notes. Comparing answers is allowed. And the session is unsupervised. Like... did she and her classmates roll a rotten potato in the Wheel of Fate? And to think that losing her shoe shiner this morning is bad enough...

Ruiko heaved a mouthful of air. Walking home from school, her bag in hand, her good luck charm hanging loosely on it.

'At least the weather is good...'

She thought to nobody but herself.

The sky is deep blue. There were only up to 3 - 5 clouds passing every hour or so. The sun was beaming with brilliant fragrant lights. The breeze of air is pleasing to the skin.

Now this is life... She didn't get why people have to learn physics? When was the last time a Phd student wanted to calculate a parabola? Almost never! They're just there because some guy with crazy hair says so!

Ruiko puffed her cheeks, imagining herself arguing with that. And almost all the time she found herself winning. Mr. Einstein ain't no shit!

Whilst she was enjoying her one-sided argument with the man who invented gravity, she spotted a peculiar colour of white in a place dominated by green.

She rotated her head towards where it was. There was a boy there, laying on the grass all by himself. He was gazing up at the sky, not noticing her walking on the path above him.

His eyes were open, but barely, he wasn't trying to sleep but he seemed exhausted, just staring blankly at the sky. He was just… simply there… existing, left to be accompanied by nothing but himself and his thoughts alone.

The look of detachment was the most prominent thing she could see from him. He looked… lonely, sad even. She felt sorry just by looking at him, but still continued walking home regardless. She, too, is tired. Maybe he also had a Math Physics test like her? He looked older, so his automatically must be harder. She shuddered at the prospect of a harder test. She can only hope he got a desired test score. Her parents aren't as strict as some of her friends. Maybe his parents had a higher standard and he got a score below their expectations? Hopefully not...

Her mood soured throughout the walk. She didn't think much of anything then. Eventually she arrived at her assigned housing she shared with several people. All of which are girls. She didn't understand why the supervisors would want to separate the boys and girls...

Nothing much happened that day. It passes on just as quickly as the other.

...

The walk to school too, is rather quiet. She was walking with a few of her friends. Everybody is pretty tired. There was supposed to be another test for today. Thankfully, the teacher that was responsible for the subject didn't choose the violent way as her Math/Physics teacher and surprise the class, instead opting to announce it an hour before their curfew.

Again, just like yesterday, she noticed the same boy. Unlike her, her friends didn't seem to pay much attention to him. Maybe it's because they're not as outgoing as she was.

And again, just like yesterday, she felt bad just looking at him.

The same thing goes for later that noon. He was still there, just laying on the patch of grass. She had seen him 3 times in a span of 2 days and all those three times he was always alone, looking distant and gloomy.

She would've liked to approach him right now, but with her friends in tow, he might get uncomfortable being surrounded by girls. All the boys in her class do! They always blushed when approached by the girls. It was rather cute but having him running away isn't exactly what she had in mind. So she'll have to wait until noon first.

With renewed vigour, she donned a determined smile, looking at the pale boy from afar.

'Don't worry!'

She thought.

'I'll make sure you're not lonely anymore. Starting by tomorrow!'

Making sure that her steps are as silent as possible for the best possible surprise, she puts as little of her weight on it and then focuses them on said foot before craning the other forward. Rinse and repeat until she now stands above him.

His eyes were closed this time. Not getting enough sleep perhaps? Or maybe because it's rather cosy around here. Not gonna lie, his choice of area to laze around is actually quite nice. The breeze is just right, and the river in front of them makes for a nice view of the more populous part of the city.

'I'll make sure you're not lonely anymore. Starting by tomorrow!'

Now that he was right in front of her, she could finally see him up close and take a good look at him.

He was rather skinny and fragile for someone her age. His skin is delicate, like someone of a higher hierarchy with fairer skin would be, it looks rather thin though.

His hair is purely white. Probably as white as snow. From a distance, it probably would not give out enough light to be noticed. But close up? That's another story.

Curiosity gets the best of her as she reaches out towards his hair. But something stopped her. Like some sort of barrier pushing her back with equal force.

Not wanting to be stopped, she huffed and tried even harder. Adding more and more of her mass into the reaching process. But to no avail. Her growing weight on him was just not enough.

Feeling frustrated, she finally gave up, resting her hands on her knees. But when she did though, she noticed that he was wide awake, looking at her. His mouth tugging down in a frown.

Her face betrayed her and a large smile blossomed onto her face. Taking a small breath, she greets him.

"Hello!"

Her voice rang out as clear as the morning dawn. And for the first time, she felt relieved as a small flicker of hope started to spark inside her.

He didn't respond, merely so just stared back at her. His expression was cold and silent.

Without a second thought, she crawled and sat just beside him. He remained just as he was, staring blankly ahead.

"I'm Ruiko Saten. You can call me Ruiko if you want."

She introduced herself with a grin, making sure her lips were puckered up, as if trying to hold back a smile that is likely to burst.

He gave a sour look at her, clearly he was far from amused. His face is getting angry for no reason.

Slowly, she pouted when he gave her no reply, just like a grownup child would do when they have a reason to.

"What about you? What's your name?"

He took another look at her. His eyes look at her face. Taking in every little detail. Maybe memorising it?

His gaze soon landed on her backpack. Her lucky charm to be exact. The smile came back.

"Ah, mommy gave that to me when I first came here. She told me to always hold on to it, it'll bring me good luck."

She answered, carefully lifting up her bag and showing him the charm. His frown slowly melted away into a more tame bored look. Finally, progress! But still slow.

Even so, she kept talking, in a slightly higher pitch, half hoping he would say something. He did not.

She assumed that it was because he was just shy. Not to worry! She is good with just a one-sided conversation! Anything to make sure the boy is no longer alone, she is fine with it!

And so she continued talking. Anything that came to her mind, she would talk of it. Her maths test, her favourite food, the latest gossip in town.

Her mind racing with thoughts, words coming to her lips. The boy remained silent. Never getting up or speaking. Never looking up at her. Just looking ahead with that blank expression of his. She kept on talking. Spinning her tale of dreams and wishes. In fact, she was so occupied with her talking that she didn't even realise it was getting dark!

When she noticed this, she felt a little disappointed. There were more things she'd like to talk about. But too bad, all good things must come to an end.

But, she thought... it's not like there's anything stopping her from coming again tomorrow, right?

With finally something to look for the next day, she stood up with a smile, looking at him on the face.

"Don't worry! I'll be back tomorrow again, the same hour as before. Wait for me okay?!"

She ran home while bidding her goodbye, waving her hand enthusiastically.

When she arrives, her friends surround her, along with a teacher. They were very worried that she had gone missing for a few hours.

She explained that she was hanging out with a newfound friend of hers. She didn't give more details however as she ended up sleeping quickly with a smile plastered on her face. Not being able to wait to see him again tomorrow.

True to her words, she came back again. The mid-noon sun shining down on them. He was waiting at the same spot. His face would never change expression, showing her his indifference towards her. But why does it matter? He was already like that yesterday! In fact, he was slightly better today! He brought a book with him. She asked him what it was about, but he, again, ignored her.

He silently sat with his legs crossed, eyes staring into the book. She didn't give up however and kept trying to form a conversation with him, no matter how short. And just like yesterday, she talked like there was no tomorrow. (Pun, definitely intended)

She said what was on her mind and what she was thinking. No matter how strange it sounded, she continued on.

She asked him about the colour of his ruby red eyes. He didn't answer, but he did, however, rolled his eyes and groaned. A massive improvement! He finally acknowledges her presence! But he doesn't answer! He continues to just sit there, with the book open on his lap. At least he's not ignoring her as much!

She found that slightly reassuring. This gave her hope. A smile crept onto her face as she kept on talking.

She spoke of the colours in her hair and the bird that visited her when she went to school. And all of this, and more, was said with her talking rapidly.

When the day ended once more and the final light of the day faded away, the boy still remained silent. However, something seemed different. That same blank expression of his was no longer present. She was seeing a different side to him today!

She would've loved to see this side a little bit more, but her friends might get worried again if she waited a bit too long.

Again, she bid goodbye, promising to come back tomorrow.

"Sheesh, is it always gonna be like pulling teeths to even have a conversation with you? I know you can talk!"

He blinked, turning his eyes to her with a tired scowl, meant to convey something along the lines of 'piss off,' but she just smiled brilliantly, taking it as a form of communication, he supposed. Whatever… she can think what she wants… moron.

"Well, I suppose that kinda counts too, ya grump."

Ruiko grinned, and the albino turned his scowl towards the ground, trying to ignore her boisterous laughter.

"Don't be silly, say something!" She giggled and looked at him, the devilish gleam in her eyes still present.

He didn't respond, still gazing at the grass with a blank expression, still an impassive statue. Just like how they first met a week ago.

Ruiko wiped the smile with a pout. Crossing her arms, trying to think of something that she can use to persuade him to finally talk. Something like...

"Would you like some pasta? It's really good! I took too many this morning so i couldn't finish them all. You can have them if you want!"

She took out her lunch box and shoved it to him. She thought that a gesture of kindness could earn a little more attention. The boy whose name she didn't know yet turned to her with a deadpan expression.

"I'm not hungry."

"You might not be you but you should try i-"

She cuts herself off when she realises something. Her mind registers the words spoken before were not hers... Meaning...

"You talked!"

She exclaims in surprise, she was sure that he wasn't talking. Maybe the way he was mumbling under his breath or something. But she was sure he just did.

The boy, obviously thinking it was weird that Ruiko was overjoyed that he said something finally, tried to shrug it off.

"You're a queer and you know that."

"That's rude but you're talking!"

Ruiko wasn't even offended at his harsh words, she was just happy that he was finally willing to talk. Even if she was his friend, and he's a bit peculiar, he was finally talking!

Something then struck her. She hasn't gotten his name yet! This is gonna be the perfect opportunity for it!

"You haven't told me your name yet. What's your name?"

"It's none of your business, brat."

"Oh come on! Don't be like that! I promise I won't laugh!"

"Shut it."

She groaned and put on a sulky expression.

"I don't care if your name is funny. Just tell me!"

"My name isn't funny, and there is no way in hell I'm telling you it."

"Okay fine! Then I'm calling you white-y!"

He glared at her, very much unamused, and turned his head to the side in an expression that gave away that he didn't want to talk anymore.

"Well that was worth a laugh at least."

The boy went back to his silent phase.

Well, at least she finally heard his voice...

He was more responsive than he was than the past few days. Though, he still refuses to talk after their bickering 2 weeks ago, and almost made her forget about her impromptu attempt at having him talk.

But guess what? One bad thing always comes with one good thing as well! Even though he refused to talk, he is finally looking at her when talking!

To be exact, he stared at her after giving her a nasty glare. At first, she thought it was just another of his tricks but he was actually looking at her face. Not just a blank expression but a relaxed one.

And that's a good thing, right?

He would also make noises when she asked him some things. Though, the answers proved to be extremely vague, even if it's just a yes or no question. Because she couldn't tell apart when he was saying a yes or a no.

"Oh yeah, there's this guy in my class. Everyone thought he was annoying, even I think so too! He'd constantly be making noises, and yelling and talking about some story that is clearly fake but insists that it isn't. Something like he was a Level 5 or something. There's no way a guy as skinny as he is a Level 5!"

She could hear him chuckle silently. She thought of her words a little more carefully, trying to find something in those sentences exactly what he found funny. It took her a couple of seconds before she finally realises that it kind of reminds her of their relationship.

In an attempt to save some face, she added a few more words.

"He'd also draw the things that my homeroom teacher would refer to as phallic objects, and then punish him. Today was particularly worse. He was discovered to have been drawing phallic drawings on pictures of some important people. He got into some real deep trouble for that."

Her story seemed to have affected him much more than she had initially thought to believe, considering how oblivious he was before.

Perhaps she was just mistaking his occasional bouts of nonchalance, which is probably normal at this age. The two have known each other for nearly a month at this point, and she is starting to enjoy their little journey. Despite their countless incidents of argument and his refusal to talk, he is still by her side. He could've left a long time ago and stopped coming here to avoid her. But he didn't.

He had never even attempted to escape from her, despite the severity of her moods. She was surprised to see this, for most of his anger was not directed towards herself and her actions, but rather because of how loud she's being.

She was happy enough being here, even though all he did was listen to her talk...

That thought reminded her of something.

"You haven't asked me anything ever since we met. Why don't you do it now? I'll answer literally anything!"

She wasn't expecting him to answer, but was definitely expecting him to at least do something. He had barely talked to her in weeks, so hearing him see something was definitely a surprise.

"Why do you keep coming back?"

His question was genuine. He doesn't have that mocking or sarcastic look he usually wears. This time he was sincere. He actually cared about why she was constantly visiting him, why she kept trying.

This... put a heartfelt smile on her face. It's the first time she had felt that way around him. This question put her in a strange state of happiness.

"Don't you understand? I love coming here, even if it seems useless most of the time. And I still do."

She said the words with so much pride and conviction.

"At first, I thought you were just lonely. So I felt like I could be of some use to you. But after spending so much time with you, I started to feel... different. You turned the things I do everyday into a challenge. Out of everyone I've met, you're the only person who has really forced me to think on how to even slightly amuse you. The amount of effort it took just to get you to talk. Even if you don't see it. It was really important for me to see how to make you smile. So you see..." She could feel her eyes watering.

She then continued, unable to finish it. She was now almost out of words, and feeling a flood of emotion.

"It's been what now… 25 days? Since we first met…? Listen, I know you're getting bored of me. I know you're getting more and more annoyed by my constant presence. But even if you never talk to me again. Even if you hate me. Would you please stay friends with me?"

He looked more shocked than ever, his mouth slightly ajar. His trademark look of constant indifference was gone for the first time in a while.

"Why are you crying?" Was his answer.

Even after pouring all her hearts out, all he cared about was why she was crying? Is he really that blind? Why though…?

"I don't know... I really don't..."

She wept in silence for the rest of the afternoon. He kept quiet just as usual. Though, she noticed him glancing at her every once in a while.

Once the sun began to set, she got up and left, passing by a guy clad in a suit and a dark shade. Not noticing the boy behind her releasing a potent bloodlust. Not noticing him leaving. Not even when he looked back at her receding figure.

...

He stopped coming that morning. He didn't show up that noon. He didn't show up the next day either.

He stopped coming altogether.

I'm not abandoning ADR so don't you worry about it!