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Seventeen-year-old Rin Asakura is tired. Tired of pretending, tired of hoping, and tired of waking up to another day that feels the same. On the surface, he is just another quiet student, drifting through high school unnoticed. But inside, he carries an unbearable weight—the fear of being forgotten, the pain of feeling useless, and the exhaustion of existing without purpose.

His world is a cycle of loneliness and self-doubt, where every interaction feels like a performance. He used to believe things would get better, but now, he isn’t so sure. His only solace is in late-night walks, the quiet hum of the city, and the thought that maybe, just maybe, tomorrow won’t come.

But then he meets Aoi, a girl who hides her own scars behind a bright smile. She seems untouchable, always laughing, always surrounded by people. Yet, Rin notices the way her hands tremble when she thinks no one is looking. And somehow, their paths keep crossing.

As their fragile connection deepens, Rin starts to wonder—is it possible to share the weight of suffering? Or will opening up only make things worse?

When the past comes crashing back and secrets unravel, Rin is forced to face the one question he’s been avoiding: Does he want to live, or does he just not want to die?

The Weight Of Tomorrow

The station lights flickered weakly, casting broken shadows on the platform.

Neither of them spoke for a while. The quiet wasn't awkward, but it felt heavy—like a fragile thing neither of them wanted to break.

Eventually, Rin exhaled. "You gonna tell me, or do I have to guess?"

Aoi tilted her head. "Tell you what?"

She laughed, but there was no real amusement in it. "Look at you, actually caring. Didn't think you had it in you."

Aoi nudged his shoulder lightly. "Relax. I'm not trying to be difficult. Just…" She trailed off, gaze drifting to the tracks below. "Some things are hard to say out loud, you know?"

He had spent most of his life swallowing words he never dared to speak.

Instead, he said, "You don't have to."

"You don't have to say it. Just…" He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Just don't disappear again. It's annoying."

Aoi stared at him, and for a second, Rin thought she might cry.

But then she smirked, her usual playful mask slipping back into place. "Aw, Rin. Are you saying you'd miss me?"

Rin scoffed, looking away. "I'm saying you're a pain."

Aoi laughed, softer this time. "Noted."

She didn't promise anything. But for now, it was enough.

Chapter 10: Empty voice