Seeing Rin freeze in that old corridor kept Haruto disturbed the entire night. Something was happening to her, something subtle, something invisible, as if someone was slowly erasing the lines between her heart and her mind.
The next morning, Haruto decided he would reach campus a little early. His plan was simple today he would not let Rin feel alone. Whether she felt confused or went silent, Haruto would be there.
He turned toward the garden bench route but today something entirely different was waiting for him.
Rin was not on the bench.
She was standing in the middle of the walkway completely still like a statue.
Haruto's steps slowed. Rin usually looked lost, but today, there was something else in her posture. The notebook was open in her hand. The breeze was light but Rin was completely motionless.
Haruto went close and gently said to Rin.
Rin slowly raised her eyes as if it took her an extra second to recognise his voice. That delay pricked straight into Haruto's heart.
Haruto you are here.
Yes. Are you okay? What happened.
Rin tilted her notebook slightly toward him. I wrote a sentence last night. But I do not remember why I wrote it.
Haruto looked at the page. There was a new line.
If tomorrow feels unfamiliar look for the person who stayed.
Haruto's chest tightened.
When did you write this?
Rin gave a helpless little shrug. I do not know. I woke up and it was already written. But the handwriting is mine.
Haruto softly asked. And does today feel unfamiliar?
Rin took a slow inhale. A little.
Haruto understood that today his role would not just be that of a companion. Today he would be her anchor.
Come. I am with you. No rush.
Rin closed the notebook and stared somewhere far away. Going to classes feels heavy today. Will you come to the library?
Haruto replied without hesitation. Yes. Let us go.
They went to the library's old reading hall. Only a janitor was there cleaning shelves at the far end. Rin chose a corner table with two old lamps. Haruto sat opposite her.
Rin placed her notebook on the table but did not open it. Instead, she stared at Haruto. How long have you known me?
Haruto was a little taken aback. Just like that… a few weeks. You do not remember.
Rin slowly tilted her head. I remember. But the memory feels weak. Like a picture whose colours are fading.
Haruto asked in a calm tone. What is it that you cannot remember?
Rin took a deep breath. I cannot remember exactly when we first met. I remember the scene… but the day time month date… everything is missing.
Haruto felt she was standing right in the middle between her past and her present.
You remember the scene. Only the timeline is missing.
Rin placed her hands on the table. Haruto… missing timelines scare me. My doctor once told me that when memories cut do not fill them. But if I do not fill them I will become hollow.
Haruto's heart grew heavy. Rin had finally revealed something.
Doctor. You went to a doctor.
Rin slowly nodded. When I was a child. I had a condition. They said some things would stay unstable in my memory. But I thought I had recovered. But now…
For Haruto, all of this was like a puzzle. Something from Rin's past was resurfacing.
Rin looked into his eyes and said softly. Haruto, if one day I cannot recognise you, will you make me feel forced? Or will you give me space?
Haruto answered without a single doubt. I will not pressure you. And I will not go away from you. When you get confused I will introduce myself again. As many times as needed.
Rin closed her eyes as if his words were settling inside her. You… are strange Haruto. Normal people are not this patient.
Haruto could not stop a smile. Are you normal?
Rin almost laughed. Yes… no… maybe.
Then she suddenly went completely silent. She stared at the wooden surface of the table. Haruto noticed her fingers were trembling slightly.
Why is your hand trembling?
Rin immediately pulled her hand back. Nothing. It happens sometimes.
That answer did not satisfy Haruto. But he did not push.
Suddenly Rin's eyes went to the wall clock in the corner. Her face turned pale.
Haruto… what time is it?
Haruto checked his watch. 9:27.
Rin asked in a soft, panicked voice. No I… I came here at 8:40. One hour… where did it go?
Haruto immediately became alert. You do not remember one hour.
Rin whispered slowly. No.
The trembling increased.
Haruto quickly moved his chair closer and sat beside her. Rin. Shhh. Listen. You are safe. You are with me. Nothing is wrong.
A thin layer of tears formed in Rin's eyes. Haruto… one hour gap… how? What was I doing? Where was I?
Haruto spoke in a soft voice. We were right here. You were sitting in front of me. Just a little lost. You did not do anything harmful. You are completely safe.
Rin looked at him as if she wanted to hold onto his words. You are sure.
Absolutely.
Rin took a deep breath and finally rested her head lightly near his shoulder. Haruto's body froze not in shock but in instinct to protect.
Rin whispered slowly. Please… if I start fading… hold onto me.
Haruto answered without raising his voice. I am already holding onto you.
Rin's lips curved slightly. Today you steadied me.
Haruto said. Not just today. Every day.
Rin lifted her head a little. Come. I need fresh air.
They left the library and walked to the lotus pond. Rin gazed at the leaves drifting on the water's surface. Haruto stood quietly beside her.
Rin suddenly said. Haruto. I feel like some very old memory is about to get triggered. Something that scares me. Like… a shadow standing behind me.
Haruto said firmly. There is no one behind you. I am here.
Rin reached out and, for the first time, deliberately held his hand.
Warm. Gentle. Real.
Haruto secured her grip slightly.
A faint sentence escaped Rin's lips.
This time… do not let me forget.
Haruto answered. Never.
The campus breeze became a little stronger. Leaves flew.
And Rin's eyes went blank for a second again… as if some small memory flash was jumping inside her.
Haruto tightened his grip. Hey… look at me.
Rin slowly regained focus.
Haruto… I am okay. Just… feeling cracked. Slowly.
Haruto spoke in a soft but firm tone. Cracks also let light in.
Rin gave a weak smile.
Maybe.
But Haruto knew.
This was not light.
This was a beginning.
And the cracks were about to deepen.