Chapter: Presence

Riou stood in front of the art club room's door, feeling as if a whole new world lay beyond it. His feet felt glued to the floor, and the air around him seemed heavy. His heartbeat was so loud he could almost hear it echoing in his ears. The door appeared enormous, like a giant barrier separating him from the comfort of his lonely world.

Tania, who was already a few steps ahead, turned around with a worried look. "Riou? Why aren't you coming in?" she asked, her eyebrows slightly raised.

Riou stared blankly at the door, his mind swirling with doubts. Can I do this? Can I really walk in and be a part of them? he whispered to himself. Maybe it's better if I just leave... The uncertainty crept into his thoughts, feeding the fear he had quietly harbored for so long. His mind spun with all the bad possibilities, swirling like an endless whirlpool.

Tania sighed softly and walked back to him. "Hey, everything's going to be fine. They're not going to eat you, you know?" she joked, her smile light and playful, trying to ease his tension.

Riou didn't move, his gaze fixed on the door handle, which now seemed like something foreign. His body trembled slightly from nervousness, and his hands were slightly sweaty—barely noticeable, but enough for Tania to see. He wanted to run, to retreat into his familiar, quiet world. But Tania stood beside him, her smile warm and reassuring, like a breeze that cools under the scorching sun.

"Come on, Riou," Tania said again, this time more firmly, as she extended her hand. "If you stay here, you'll never know what you're capable of. Come on, I'll be with you."

Riou was silent for a moment, weighing Tania's words. He knew she was right, but fear still gripped his heart tightly. Hesitantly, he reached for Tania's hand and let himself be guided inside. Even though his hand felt heavy, he managed to push the door open. Beyond it, a bright, lively world welcomed him. Riou felt as if a strong current was pulling him in, almost suffocating him with a sudden wave of panic.

Yet, his steps faltered. As Tania walked inside, Riou froze at the doorway. His chest tightened with uncertainty, and he glanced back, wanting to flee. Can I really do this? Can I break down the walls I've built around myself? he wondered, fear flooding his mind. But before Riou could move, Tania turned back and gently pulled his hand, forcing him into the room.

Inside, unfamiliar voices started to reach his ears. Three girls were already waiting for them. Karin, standing the closest, greeted him with a cheerful smile. "Hey, Riou! It's great to finally meet you. I'm Karin. I've heard a lot about you from Tania," she said warmly, her voice easing Riou's tension a little.

Beside her, Rahma followed with an equally warm smile, looking a bit shy. "I'm Rahma. Don't worry, you can feel at home here," she said softly, her voice tender and slightly hesitant. "I hope we can be good friends," she added in a gentle tone.

However, when Riou turned to the third girl, he felt something different. Sarah was looking at him with sharp, piercing eyes. There was no welcoming smile on her lips. Her expression showed clear disapproval of Riou's presence. Yet, for some reason, she smiled faintly—but it wasn't a welcoming smile. It was a smile filled with skepticism.

"Oh, so this is Riou, the one Tania talks about so much?" Sarah said lightly, but with a cynical tone that made Riou feel uneasy. He could only nod awkwardly, unsure of what to say. Sarah's sharp gaze seemed to scrutinize him, searching for any hidden flaws. The anxiety that had momentarily faded now rushed back with even greater intensity. He felt pressured but tried to calm himself.

Without another word, Sarah turned and walked out of the room, leaving Riou in confusion. Maybe I don't belong here after all... he thought, insecurity washing over him again. That cold gaze was still vivid in his mind, amplifying his fears that he might not be truly welcomed.

"Sarah..." Karin tried to call her, but Sarah didn't look back. The door closed with a sound louder than it should have, leaving an awkward silence among those who remained.

Tania tried to lighten the mood, patting Riou's shoulder. "Don't take it to heart. Sarah's always like that, but she's actually a good person."

Riou just nodded, even though doubt still lingered in his heart. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that Sarah might be right—that he might just be a useless burden to this club.

That evening, as he left the art club room, Riou walked slowly, his mind occupied by Sarah's cold demeanor. Can I really survive here? Can I earn their trust? Or... will I just disappoint everyone? he wondered, his insecurities haunting him with full force. Her cold stare and cynical smile played repeatedly in his head, unsettling him.

However, even though doubt continued to haunt him, something else started to grow inside him—a curiosity, a small hope that maybe, just maybe, he could find his place here.

Maybe it just takes time. After all, this is my first time stepping out of my comfort zone. Maybe I just need some time to adjust. Either way, I promised to help...

"Hah..."

I guess I'll be getting home late. So this is what it feels like to have activities and to gather with other people, he thought, reflecting on everything that happened.

Even though it's troublesome, I kind of enjoyed my first meeting with the art club. But... I don't know how long I'll be here. Maybe until my promise is fulfilled. When that time comes, I might go back to being alone... Or maybe, I'll start something new with them. Whatever it is, for now, I'll just live through this moment.

Before he realized it, Riou had reached the school gate. For a moment, he saw Sarah standing there. When she noticed him, she looked at him briefly before turning away. Riou remained silent, walking past her without saying a word. But inside, a question lingered, Why? What's wrong with me?

Will Riou be able to overcome his struggles? And will Sarah eventually accept his presence in the art club?