CHAPTER TWO: RIN HARTWELL

 A woman strode through the long halls of the police department, her blonde hair swept back into a pony tail. Dressed in modest grey suit, she walked with purpose. The click of her black heels punctuating the tense atmosphere. Her gaze was sharp, her posture commanding and her every step announcing the storm growing beneath her composed exterior, with nothing but the interrogation room in her sight.

 Officers she passed by couldn't help but feel a certain weight press against them as she passed by. Finally the room was only a few steps away. It was then that she was stopped by an officer.

Officer: Miss lively... What brings you here?

Miss lively: what else? I'm here to see the suspect.

Officer: huh? I don't understand. This is a local matter that falls under our jurisdiction.

Miss lively: Not anymore, this case ties back to the dark brother hood…I am the DIC, which means… the boy now falls under my, jurisdiction.

Miss lively: Besides it's for the best, I hear the last officer who spoke with the suspect is now seeking out therapy.

Officer: *Frowns* you can't be for real. That's just a 19 yr old kid.

Miss Lively: would I be here if I wasn't? (Approaches the door and grabs the door knob)

Officer: wait a minute isn't Detective Blackwood in charge of that case?

Miss Lively:*deep breath then turns back* Mr. Blackwood was let go from the case for reasons that you don't need to know.

Officer: (raises brow) hmm… I don't buy it. I'm familiar with your games Candice, or have you forgotten.

Miss Lively: (eyes narrow) urgh… you're the one who forgot who you're talking to. Watch your tone.

The officer's jaw shifted as if weighing his next words.

Officer: … Apologies Chief, I meant no disrespect. I'll….I'll leave you to it. (Turns to Leave)

With a short breath she composed herself and then took a step into the dark room and closed the door behind her.

 I stepped into the police station just as a well dressed woman stormed passed me. The sharp click of her heels echoed down the hall. Something about the way she moved made my chest tighten. Like she held the world together by sheer force of will. Judging from her movement, she seemed to be deeply troubled by something. I couldn't help but feel the need to provide some kind of reassurance.

"She must have a lot of weight on her shoulders"

I thought to myself.

Right as I was about to follow her, a voice stopped me in my tracks.

 "Are you miss Hartwell?" a polite officer asked.

 "Yes that's me but please, just call me Rin"

I responded, greeting him with a warm, bright smile.

"Please Rin, This way"

 He replied, his hands guiding me towards the door.

As I walked into the next room my mind lingered on the woman who had just passed by. I don't know what exactly it was about her but I really wanted to know what's up.

"You seem worried? Is everything alright?" the officer asked gently.

 "Um…it's just. Well I don't mean to pry but you wouldn't happen to know why that woman seemed so upset, would you?"

 I replied, slightly embarrassed as I made sure to lower my voice barely looking at the officer.

"She's just overwhelmed with work, she has been tasked with a very troublesome case and I guess interrogating Mr kaoji and getting no answers kind of pushed her over the edge" he said. "But no need to worry about that we are professionals, we know how to do our job." He added as stopped and pointed towards the door ahead.

I couldn't help but feel even more embarrassed by that last statement, it felt like a pierce to the heart.

"No..no..no..no"

I floundered trying to ease the situation.

"I didn't mean it like that I was just concerned that's all".

"It's okay miss, I hear ya, but you should really get going" he replied.

"Stay safe"

 He added as he turned to walk back the way we came in.

I covered my face with my hands for a second trying to shake off the embarrassment I felt within.

"He probably thought I was being too nosy besides his right these kinds of struggles are normal I guess for people in such a profession. But still that woman, there is something about her"

 I thought to myself as I turned to twist the door knob and make my way to the next room.

I came to the police station filled with excitement which conflicted with my inner worry for Shoko. When I was told about the accident I broke down but after hearing that we would be taking him in I couldn't help but feel excited. Maybe this is when I could finally have someone to fill my loneliness at home. Of course I have a few friends at school and my bestest friend but they are not always around it would be nice to have someone stay home for a while.

"But again maybe that's so selfish of me. Is it? Yes it is. It's selfish of me. He must me torn apart due to the accident and am here thinking about myself. Wait am not…am just looking at the bright side, which is good right?" I thought to myself troubled by my inner dilemma.

My parents were busy at their jobs as usual not having time for anything but I am not complaining. They are really going all out to do best for us as a family, especially with family debt that has been burdened upon us from as long as I can remember. I really love them and admire their strength and encourage but still life's been kind of blunt. Same old same old every day. Feels like I raised myself in way I always had to find a way to keep myself entertained, without my parents being around. I couldn't help but feel lonely within my household, underneath all the love.

But that doesn't matter, what matters is the wellbeing of my parents and I hope I can soon join in the fight to lift this burden.

I decided to put all my thoughts aside and look for Shoko. I had never met him before but my parents said they were very good friends with his parents. We probably would have met if not for them being busy at work.

 As I stepped into the room I noticed a guy sitting on bench at the side of the room. He seemed exhausted, resting his hands clasped together on his knees facing the ground. I couldn't really see his face as his hair casted a shadow upon it. I took a moment to choose my words then I asked. "Hi, am Rin. You must be Shoko. Nice to meet you." I extended my arm to greet him summoning the warmest smile I could muster from the depths of my heart, hoping to lift the mood.

 Slowly, he stood up and turned to face me. That was when I truly saw him and for a second I felt my soul slowly leave my body. He was breath taking. His sharp jawline, straight nose, and well defined features were perfectly aligned as if sculpted by a master artist. I could feel his presence like a cool breeze on a warm summer day. And despite being in a police station he still carried a crisp, intoxicating scent that made my head spin. I felt like I could faint until my eyes locked on to his.

 His amber gaze was piercing, almost other worldly, resurrecting me from my momentary daze.

 I was completely tongue-tied. Unable to utter anymore words. I swore I saw his lips move but my brain failed to process what he was saying. He slid his hands into his pocket and suddenly took a step towards me. As he stepped closer I stepped backwards, my composure unravelling with every step. There was something about the he walked. So calm and unbothered like he had no worries at all. I couldn't help but adore the quiet air of strength he carried. I felt like I was backed into a Conner.

 He stopped right in front of me and looked straight into my eyes. " Rin," he said smoothly. His breezy voice sending chills all over my body. "You're blocking the way". That one sentence alone was like a snap back to reality. I gasped, stepping aside in a panic "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to..". I quickly grabbed the door handle part of me wanting to escape his presence. In my rush to move, I yanked the door too forcefully and edge of the door hit Shoko's face. " OH MY GOSH! Im so sorry! I didn't mean to hit you! How could I be so careless? I'm really, really sorry! Please don't be mad." I blurted, flailing my hands in distress.

 But To my surprise he wasn't fazed at all. No irritation, no pain-nothing and just walked passed me like a gentle gust of wind, leaving behind a soothing scent freezing me in place. I was once again overcome with embarrassment I felt like packaging myself In a Conner and disappearing. "This is so un like me, I've never felt like this way before". I thought, pressing a hand to my chest. "Is this that thing they call love at first sight?" I always imagined id fall in love with someone I've known for a while but every part of me exclaimed in great unison that Shoko kaoji is the man of your dreams.

 " Get it together, Rin! He probably think you're an idiot!," I scolded myself in my mind. "Wait a minute where is he going?" I realized and run after him. "Shoko, wait up!" I called out. "Hey keep it down!" an officer barked from across the hall. "Sorry" I whispered, finally catching up with Shoko.

Rin : "Sorry about that. I don't know what got into me…uh, let's start over".

Shoko : .....

Rin : " I'm Rin Hartwell. Oh, uh you already know that haha… umm…"

Shoko: ...…

Rin : "What I mean to say is…I'm sorry about what happened to your parents" (Shoot. I almost forgot about that )

Shoko: ...…..

Rin : "You must be going through a lot. I understand if you don't want to talk about it and that's okay . We can talk about something else."

Shoko: ...….

Rin: Sooo… my dad asked me to come pick you up. I'm sure you already heard about that but first we'll go to your old house to grab your stuff. I'll help, of course and then we'll head to my place.

I then stopped walking and stood in front of him, excitement lighting up my face as I had an eureka moment.

Rin: "Ou! I just remembered! There's this new place on Central street, they've got arcade games, pool, darts, bowling, badminton a little chill area and... Get this… the best grilled steak in the country!"

Rin: We could go there this Friday! I can invite a few friends, and it'd be a great chance to get to know each other and meet some new people. So how about it?

Shoko just blankly stared at me as I spoke and walked passed, heading out of the building.

 "Or maybe not…hehe"

I said as he passed by.

 I found myself once again running to catch up to him.

"Let's take the bus, your place should be about 15 minutes away" I suggested.

 Once again I was met with no response and assumed he agreed. He must have as he didn't wander off from the pickup point.

 Shoko's house was quiet, too quiet. As he packed his bags I helped him box up a few things. I stumbled upon a photo album. I started to skim through the pages, it was filled with delightful images of Shoko and his family. One Odd thing about them was that Shoko didn't smile in any. Not even a single one when he was younger. I was shocked and my curiosity drove to me search and search but I couldn't find anything. I felt like asking him about it but I couldn't find the right words to ask, so I brushed it off thinking probably he just doesn't like photos. Lost in thought I didn't realize Shoko had already gone down stairs. I returned to him and found him with 2 suitcases by his side and one Box in his arms standing by the doorway.

"Oh is that all your taking?" I asked not expecting a response.

"Let's go" he responded. I blinked in shock before gladly responding. "O-okay, I'll help with your bags". 

On my way to help him, something caught my eye. It was an intriguing two piece necklace, designed to fit together placed on the table. It shimmered as though calling me. The metal looked rare, I couldn't make out what it was.

 "Are you going to leave this behind? It looks valuable"

 Shoko gazed at it briefly then rolled his eyes, he simply said,

 "You can have it."

My heart skipped a beat and heat rushed to my face. I turned to face him to ask if he was serious. " I couldn't possibly accept this, it ….it looks too important to you. Why would you want me to have it?" My heart was trying to pound out of my chest. I tried my best to contain myself but still my face turned red and I couldn't look at him. So many thoughts rushed through my mind. I wondered if he had felt the same way about me, the way I do about him. Maybe that's why he was so silent, could be too reserved to say it outright?

"Take it …"

My eyes opened wide as he said that. It felt like a relief from all the tension within me.

"Or leave it, doesn't matter" he added.

 My thoughts Shattered in an instant. I hopped he would insist but hr completely avoided the confrontation and started to make his way out of the house. A cold, hollow feeling spread through my chest. Almost painful.

" I guess he didn't really mean anything by it?"

" Or maybe it's some reverse psychology?" my mind searched for reassurance,

"He's acting like he doesn't care, which actually means he does, right?"

I nodded to myself, forcing a smile.

"Ahh, I get it. His too tough to open up. Well that's okay I like strong men" I reassured myself as gladly picked up the neck lace and put around my neck. Then I run after him carrying one of the suitcases he left behind.

That night, Shoko stayed, locked up in his room the whole night and I stayed up waiting for my parents. It was now the next day and the first time Shoko and I would go to college together. I kept waking up at random intervals through the night for I couldn't contain my excitement.

Once I heard my alarm I jumped out of bed and straight to the bathroom I went. This morning I took extra care with my appearance. I needed Shoko to notice me just once. Staring into the mirror, I let my confidence build.

Smooth porcelain skin glowing in the dim light. Long, flowing hair cascading down my back—a mesmerizing blend of white and soft pink. Pink rose colored eyes glimmering as if stars sparkled within. A fitted red blazer, a short gray skirt, hugging my petite yet distinct frame. And at my collar, the pendant he gave me, resting just above my cleavage.

I smiled, maybe he will notice me today. I went to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast for myself and Shoko. Just as I was done I heard soft footsteps coming down the steps. I was filled with excitement and panic as I quickly straightened my skirt, smoothing my hair.

"Good morning!" I said quickly.

"You're just in time. Got breakfast ready"

 He stared at it for a minute as if debating whether to eat it or not. I bit my lip. "Did I make something he doesn't like?"

Then, slowly, He pulled his seat and begun to eat. I was delighted and joined him to eat. I stretched my arms slightly, shifted my hair, and crossed my legs— subtle movements, each one meant to catch his attention.

But nothing.

 We finished eating and I had just finished washing the dishes. I turned around and I met Shoko's gaze. I could hear my heart pounding from within. His striking amber eyes piercing my soul. He closed his eyes, stood up, picked up his bag and turned away.

I gasped . "He actually noticed me?" I was overcome with joy and couldn't resist the grin on my face as I got my bag and rushed after him.

We were in the in train on the way to school. It was quite noisy and packed as usual, luckily I was able to get a seat. Shoko on the other hand stood right be side me holding on to the arm rest above. He face lowered and his hair obscured his face. I noticed an old woman in front of me. She had one cane in her right hand to help her balance. I wondered why nobody offered her a seat looking at how young most people on the seats were.

I stood up and gestured to her.

"Here, you can take my seat."

"How generous, sweatie."

She said as she went to take my seat.

*BANNNG!!*

Suddenly a man who appeared to be well over 30 dropped into my seat.

" What the? That was so quick!" my stomach twisted.

Rin : " excuse me sir, but this seat was for her"

Man: " And?"

I blinked

Rin: " um your sitting init, it would be really kind if you moved"

Man: " sorry no can do, you snooze you lose"

The old woman placed her hand on my shoulder.

Old Woman : " Its fine dear, Don't bother."

Rin: " No its not okay, this is your seat"

Rin: "Sir, please be reasonable. She needs the seat more than you."

He leaned forward slightly.

Man: " *scoffs*… Do I look like I give a fuck?"

 I swallowed hard.I felt so powerless, I looked at Shoko for moment hoping he would so something but it seemed he couldn't care less. The elderly woman pulled at my sleeve.

Old Woman: " leave it, dear"

 I felt nothing but pity for her and myself. The man was starting get under my skin and so was everyone around they couldn't be bothered at all. I clenched my fists. The air around me felt suffocating.

 "Why does it always feel like this, constantly surrounded by people? Yet so alone." I thought to myself as anger started to build up within.

 I stepped forward. " Sir, please-"

 Pain exploded at the back of my head.

 The world blurred. A metallic clang rang in my ears. My head slammed into the holding pole behind me. I grasped at my throbbing skull trying to maintain my balance. 

Old woman: " Oh dear!!!, somebody do something!!"

Man: " keep yapping and you'll end up in a hospital. You too, grandma"

 A sudden stillness filled the train.

Shoko's eyes snapped open. He looked at me, then at the man. His expression unreadable.

And then….

To be Continued….