Smile

Chapter 3
Ignorance

Miku and I have been dating for about a month. Ever since we've been in a relationship, Rin has been acting different. This week got worst. Rin has been crying a lot, and I mean a lot. It's hard to sleep when I hear her sniffing, considering my bedroom is right next to hers. I keep waiting for her to tell me what's wrong, but she just brushes it off. Surely it's not about me, is it?

We've been best friends since the diaper days. People always tend to mistake us as twins. But I didn't mind, she's like a sister to me. We tell each other everything. That reminds me of last month when I asked her for "girl advice."

Oh gosh, I'm already blushing. "Um, Rin?" I called out. She popped her head from outside the bathroom. "Hi, Len! Hold on!" she said happily. I sat down on her soft, tangerine bed, figuring out how I should say this. "Rin, I need help." She smiled at me, "Sure, with what?" I began to fidget with my fingers, feeling my face color. "Well, I kinda like someone…" She had this glimmer in her eye, was it hope? "And?" she continued, expecting to know who it was. "I want to ask Miku out," I felt her mood go down the drain. Ignoring the atmosphere change, I gave her a desperate look. She stumbled over her words, " J-just ask h-her out the." Getting off her bed, I thanked her. "No problem!" she shot me a dazzling smile, but something was off.

I stood outside Rin's room, feeling the despair emanating through her door. My chest tightened as I listened to her helpless wails. Knocking and yelling, I tried to unlock the useless barrier. Minutes later, I gave up, and so did her cries. I sat on the itchy carpet, resting my head against her door. After a thoughtful moment of silence, I heard her speak. "I love you, Len…" I sat there, startled by her sudden confession.

I thought I was hallucinating until Luka came up to me. "Isn't it obvious, Len?" I looked at her warm blue eyes curiously, "She loves you." She said, emphasizing the word 'love.' She left the hallway, maybe to go lecture Gakupo about eggplants. Forcing that thought away, I began to reminisce. Realization hit me, I put all the pieces of the puzzle together. That look of hope she had in her eyes, she probably thought I liked her. Guilt made its way to my head. Feeling like a complete idiot, I walked over to Miku's room. I knocked on her door, "Miku?" She opened her door, welcoming me into her room. Sitting on her teal, overloaded leek desk, I felt the nerves build up. "We need to talk."

I walked out of her room with a huge, red leek print across my cheek. I looked at Rin's door, rubbing my stinging cheek. How could I be so ignorant? Opening her door, I saw her sleeping peacefully. Examining her room, I found a crumpled piece of paper near her bed. Unfolding it swiftly, I began to read. All it said was "You're breaking my heart, Len." I was unable to read the rest due to her dry tears that stained the smeared ink page. Great, she must hate me now. Nice going, Len.

After mentally face palming myself, I sat on her bed gently. Rin looked so relaxed, but her face wasn't content. I lied down and wrapped my arms around her. Kissing her forehead, I whispered with meaning into her ear, "I do love you, Rin." I closed my eyes facing a dreamless sleep, embracing the one that I truly love.