Heartfelt Conversation

The warm afternoon light filtered through the academy grounds as Yuki and Innes sat beneath a tree. Yuki fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, her usual cheer dulled. Innes noticed her unease and leaned forward, concerned.

"What's wrong, Yuki? You've been quiet today," Innes asked softly.

Yuki hesitated, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. Then, with a deep breath, she began to speak.

"It's about Remond," Yuki started, her voice trembling. "You've noticed he hasn't been coming to school, right?"

Innes nodded, her brows furrowing. "Yeah, I figured something was wrong. Is he sick?"

Yuki shook her head. "No, it's... worse than that. His dad... he's gone."

Innes froze, her breath catching. "Gone? What do you mean?"

Yuki's voice broke as she explained the events of that dreadful night: the gang of goons, the vigilante's interference, and the tragic accident that took Remond's father's life. She recounted how Hayato, in his attempt to stop the criminals, had unintentionally caused the fatal blow.

"I can't imagine how he must feel," Yuki said, her eyes glistening with tears. "That's why he hasn't been here. He's shutting everyone out."

Innes sat back, the weight of the revelation settling heavily on her chest. "I… I had no idea."

---

As the shock subsided, Innes began to piece together the puzzle. Remond's sudden absence, his distance from everyone—it all made sense now.

"I need to see him," she said resolutely.

Yuki looked at her, startled. "Are you sure? His mom is really protective of him right now. Sid even tried to visit, but she sent him away."

"I don't care," Innes replied, standing up. "He needs someone to talk to, even if he doesn't think he does. I won't let him go through this alone."

---

Blocked by Mrs. Cain

Later that afternoon, Innes found herself standing outside Remond's dorm. She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the door. Finally, she knocked.

The door opened, and Mrs. Cain stood there, her expression unreadable.

"Can I help you?" she asked, her tone polite but firm.

"I'm here to see Remond," Innes said, mustering her courage. "I'm his friend, and I—"

"I'm sorry," Mrs. Cain interrupted, her voice cold. "Remond isn't seeing anyone right now."

"Please," Innes pleaded. "I just want to talk to him. He—"

"I said no," Mrs. Cain snapped, her tone final. "He needs time, and I won't have anyone disturbing him."

Before Innes could respond, the door closed. She stood there for a moment, her fists clenched.

---

A Risky Plan

Determined, Innes stepped back and looked up at the building. She spotted the window to Remond's room on the first floor. A plan began to form in her mind.

Later that evening, under the cover of darkness, Innes returned with a small rope she had borrowed from the gym. With careful precision, she climbed up the side of the building, her heart pounding with every movement.

When she reached the window, she peeked inside. Remond was sitting on his bed, staring at an old photo of his family. Innes tapped on the glass lightly.

Remond looked up, startled. When he saw her, his eyes widened in surprise. He quickly opened the window.

"Innes? What are you doing here?" he whispered harshly.

"I came to see you," she said, climbing inside. "Your mom wouldn't let me in."

---

The Conversation

Remond sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You shouldn't be here."

"I know," Innes said, sitting down on the edge of his bed. "But I couldn't just leave you like this."

For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, Innes broke the silence.

"Yuki told me what happened," she said gently.

Remond tensed. "She shouldn't have."

"She cares about you, Remond. We all do," Innes replied. "Why didn't you tell us?"

Remond looked away, his voice barely above a whisper. "Because it doesn't matter. Nothing does anymore."

"That's not true," Innes said firmly. "You matter. And so do the people who care about you."

Remond's eyes flickered with emotion. "You don't understand, Innes. Sid who is responsible of all this, he didn't even care to come here."

Innes blinked, surprised. "Wait, you didn't know Sid came?"

"No," Remond said, his voice laced with bitterness. "Mom told me no one cared enough to visit."

Innes felt a surge of anger. "That's not true. Sid cares. We all care."

---

A Shared Pain

Before leaving, Innes stood by the window, looking at Remond. "You're not the only one who's lost someone, you know."

Remond looked at her, confused.

"My dad," she said softly. "I lost him when I was little. And it hurt so much, I thought I'd never be okay again. But I learned to move on. You can too."

Remond's eyes softened, and for the first time in days, he felt a flicker of something other than despair.

"Thanks, Innes," he said quietly.

She smiled. "Take your time, Remond. But don't shut us out forever."

With that, she climbed back out of the window, leaving Remond alone with his thoughts.