Walking together

The rest of the day passed in a blur.

Rin wasn't sure how she made it through class—her mind was stuck on Anko's words.

"I want to be your friend."

She could still hear them, feel them, like they had been carved into her memory.

No one had ever said that to her before.

Not seriously.

Not like they meant it.

And yet, Anko had.

And Rin didn't know what to do with that.

By the time the final bell rang, Rin's thoughts were still tangled.

She packed her things, trying not to let her mind wander too much.

Just as she was about to leave, she heard footsteps approaching her desk.

She knew who it was before she even looked up.

Anko stood there, her usual easygoing expression in place.

"Heading home?" she asked casually.

Rin hesitated, then nodded.

Anko smiled. "Mind if I walk with you?"

Rin stiffened.

Walk home? Together?

She opened her mouth, unsure how to respond—unsure if she even wanted to say yes or no.

But before she could decide, a voice called out from the other side of the classroom.

"Anko! You're coming with us, right?"

A small group of students stood near the door, watching expectantly.

Rin recognized them—they were always around Anko, always trying to be the ones she spent time with.

Anko glanced at them, then turned back to Rin.

"Ah, sorry guys," she said easily, "I've got other plans today."

Rin's stomach dropped.

Other plans?

Was she talking about her?

The group exchanged surprised looks, clearly not used to being turned down.

Anko just smiled, waving them off.

"See you tomorrow."

And with that, she turned back to Rin. "Shall we?"

Rin hesitated, her heart beating faster than it should.

She wasn't used to this.

Wasn't used to being chosen over other people.

Wasn't used to someone wanting to walk with her.

She swallowed, then gave a small nod.

Anko grinned, leading the way out of the classroom.

As they walked through the school halls, Rin kept her gaze forward, trying to ignore the occasional glances they got.

She could already hear the whispers starting.

"Why is Anko walking with her?"

"Since when were they friends?"

"What's going on?"

Rin's fingers curled around her bag strap.

Maybe this was a mistake.

Maybe she shouldn't—

"Hey," Anko's voice broke through her thoughts.

Rin glanced at her.

Anko tilted her head slightly, studying her.

"You always get lost in your head like that?"

Rin looked away. "It's nothing."

Anko hummed. "If you say so."

They stepped out of the school building, the warm afternoon air settling around them.

The road ahead was quiet, the only sound being the occasional breeze rustling the trees.

It felt… peaceful.

And a little strange.

Rin had walked this path home alone every single day.

Now, there was someone next to her.

It felt different.

Anko didn't say much at first, just walking beside her, hands in her pockets, unbothered by the silence.

Rin wasn't sure if she should say something.

But before she could decide, Anko spoke up again.

"You don't have to force yourself, you know."

Rin blinked. "What?"

Anko glanced at her. "Talking. Responding. You don't have to if you don't want to."

Rin frowned slightly. "Then why are you walking with me?"

Anko chuckled. "Because I want to."

Rin didn't understand her.

Didn't understand why she was doing all of this.

Didn't understand why it made her feel… warm.

She didn't respond, but she didn't pull away either.

They kept walking.

And for the first time in a long time… Rin didn't hate the silence.