Shiki: Unrequited - Not Unnoticed

Synopsys & Author's Note: The other side of my saddest TohruNo fic ever, we watch the entire first thirteen episodes play out in Tohru's point of view. I was hesitant to do this, as readers would be rereading all of the scenes that play out with Natsuno, but I THINK I can find room for some original content with Tohru himself. So, I will appologize now for the "regurgitated" (for lack of better words) content from the original Unrequited. I had one coment on Unrequitted where I was asked if I was going to continue the story. While I hadn't intended on it, I replied that I would if there was enough call for it, I already know what I'd call it if I did, but I would have to blend both POVs into one story if I were to do it, and my content would be pulled more from the Anime than the Manga, as I have very few issues of the Manga past Natsuno's death, yet. I tried to make each chapter of this story coincide with the events of each of the eight chapters in the original Unrequited.

Tohru's thoughts are in italics (as it's from his point of view, we have no way of knowing what anyone else is thinking, just how he interpenetrates the looks on their faces)

"Whispers are in bold italics with quotation marks."

Narrative is normal text

"Speech is normal text with quotation marks."

The flashbacks and imagination are in bold.

As always, any and all comments and constructive criticisms are welcomed.

I'm outside, watering the lawn, as Mother asked. The summer heat is blaring, but at least it's late afternoon, and the occasional backspray of mist from the hose is cool and refreshing. I hear something on the road and look up. Oh, it's the new kid, who's parents run the atelier... And he's alone... Again. I frown when I see that, even though I'm not surprised. It's almost been two months since his family moved to Sotoba, but I still don't think he's made any friends.

I've seen him around school, he's quiet and sticks to himself, like he's TRYING to avoid people. Now that I think about it, I'm not even sure anyone even knows his real name? The only person I ever really see around him is Megumi-Chan, but... He always seems like he's ignoring her, like he's not interested in spending his time with her either.

People talk about him all the time. I really feel bad for him. Sotoba is small, so people tend to gossip. Rumor has it his parents aren't actually married and are atheist. To a lot of the older citizens, that's two marks against him already. He keeps to himself, his nose in his books and gives short replies when people ask him questions, so classmates, while friendly to his face, talk about him behind his back as well.

"Rude."

"Unsocial."

"Fowl tempered."

"Cold."

"Odd."

"Stuck up."

I've heard them all whispered about him. It only makes me feel sorrier for him. Maybe he's just shy or socially awkward, and doesn't know how to deal with people. Maybe they don't socialize the same way in the city? Maybe he has a deeper reason for not trying to make friends than they're thinking. Still... He looks like he's lonelier than he's letting on. He sticks out in this place like a sore thumb, whether he's trying to or not, and he always seems like he doesn't have a friend in the world. That's no way to go through life. EVERYBODY should have at least one friend.

As I look again, I realize he's not just walking, he's pushing a bike, a fairly newer looking one too. It doesn't take me long to access the situation. "Hey there, flat tire?" I call out. I think he cringed a little. "I can help you fix it," I offer.

He looks up at me and looks surprised that I even bothered to notice him. "No thanks, I'm fine," he refuses and tries to walk away.

I frown for a second. Oh, no! I'm not letting you get away that easily! I walk over and put my hand on the bike. I flash him one of my more charming smiles. With the exception of Megumi-Chan, my smiles have always been able to win over anybody. "It'll only take a minute," I assure him. He tosses me a "What the Hell?" kind of look. I blink at the look on his face and frown. "Aw, come on! Don't be like that. It's called being neighborly."

He sighs and looks up at me. We make brief eye contact. His eyes are the same shade of indigo as his hair, they're unusual, and rather pretty. They're nowhere near as cold as expected after all the rumors. Distant? Yes. Lonely? Sure. Cold? No. Shy? ...Maybe...? But there's a whole sea of intelligence behind them. Just as I thought, he's simply misunderstood. I notice a slight blush sweep his face as he looks away. "Fine, I'll let you fix it, if it means that much to you," he agrees, "But promise me you won't ask any stupid, annoying questions? I get enough of that from my classmates. I'm not looking to make friends."

Not looking to make friends? "Eh? Why not?" I ask, leading him to the side of the house, "Where's the fun in life without making new friends?"

"I intend to leave and move back to the city as soon as I get the chance," he says.

I frown as I fill a bucket with water from the hose. "That's too bad, a place like this isn't so bad once you get use to it." I start to thread the tire through the water, looking for the puncture. My nameless Kohai watches on quietly. "You might want to get your parents to get you a repair kit from the store," I suggest momentarily, "These roads can be pretty dangerous for bikes sometimes."

"Yeah, ok," he replies quickly.

I blink. Ok, he's not much for words. I'll have to try another approach. "So, I've seen you around on campus, but haven't really had the chance to talk with you, yet. This is the kind of place where everybody knows everybody. Your parents run the new atelier, right?"

He sighs. "Yeah, Dad's a carpenter."

Still keeping to short answers, huh? "So, my name's Mutou Tohru, by the way. What's your name?"

"Yuuki, or Koide, either works, either's fine," he answers.

I hold back a frustrated sigh. "Oh, right, I'd heard about that. Your parents aren't married, are they?" I ask.

He shrugs. "Yeah, something like that," he scoffs.

"Good for them," I say.

He flinches, and turns to look at me. My reply obviously took him off guard. I guess he thought I was just like all the other villagers, prone to gossiping and judging based on people's lifestyle, rather than how they behave toward others. "Huh?" he asks.

I look up and smile at him. Is that another blush I see trying to creep across his face? Cute. "It's not easy to do something out of the ordinary, when you know others are going to judge you for it." The water begins to bubble around the tire. "Ah! Here's your leak!" I dry off the tire and begin patching it. What does it matter if they're not married? If they didn't love each other, they wouldn't be living together, and if they didn't care about him I'm sure he'd look much more unkempt and less healthy than he does. It's cruel to judge them, or him based solely on that. Sometimes the people in this village can be so closed minded and shallow. "But, even so, you're still a happy family together, right?" I add with a smile.

"Right," he says with a nod, and I think I see the faint hint of a smile on his face.

I smile at him and once more his face flushes a light shade of pink. "So then, Yuuki or Koide? But..." I blink at him for a second. "That's just your last name, right?" He tries to avoid eye contact and nods. Is he really so shy that just talking with me is making him nervous? "That can get a little confusing. What's your first name?" I probe. "I can't exactly come to school calling you 'Flat Tire Kohai' tomorrow, you know," I tease as I finish putting the tire back on the bike.

I blink as he snatches his bike away from me. "Forget it!" he growls, "Just call me Yuuki like everyone else. I told you I'm not interested in friends!"

I heave a defeated sigh as he starts to walk away. "Fine, Yuuki it is," I cave in, "I suppose it's pointless to invite you back to visit sometime?"

"Why would I?" he asks harshly. He pauses and a moment of silence passes between us. It was probably only a couple of seconds, but as I don't do well with absolute silence, it felt like an eternity. The silence is broken by a sigh. "Thanks for helping me, by the way."

I smile from ear to ear. Maybe he realized how that had sounded? "You're welcome," I answer happily. He hops on his bike and rides off. I wave, but he never looks back to see me. He'd probably call me an idiot or something, but I don't stop waiving until he passes out of sight over the next hill. He probably doesn't even hear me as I call after him, "Good bye, and be careful heading home!" It'll be dark by the time he gets home. I lower my hand, once he's out of view. "He'll be back," I chuckle out loud to myself.

"Tohru-Chan?" Mother calls out the door, "Are you done yet, dear?"

I blink and turn my attention gaze back to the lawn. It looks wet enough to me. I look back to my mother. "Yes, ma'am," I answer.

Mom smiles. "Come inside and wash up, then," she says, "Dinner's almost ready."

"Yes ma'am," I reply happily, as I go inside.

"Ne, Tohru-Niisan?" Aoi-Chan, my younger sister calls as I'm starting up the stairs, "Was that the new kid from the city I saw you talking with?"

"Yeah, why? You know him, Sis?" I ask.

"I... well..." she starts to stammer.

I smile. The older sibling in me can't help but tease her. "You don't have a crush on him or somethin', do you? Maybe I should have invited him inside?"

My sister turns an adorable shade of pink, balling her hands into fists. "It's not like that!" she denies. She clicks her tongue and turns away. "Actually, he's one of Tamotsu's classmates. I just know him from passing. He looks rather cool, I guess," she admits, "But he keeps to himself. I was just surprised to see him talking to someone."

I laugh and reach down, ruffling a hand through her hair. "Calm down, Sis, I'm only teasing," I assure her. "I know Masao's the only guy for you," again I'm teasing. Though, I admit this time it may be a bit cruel of me to use Masao, though I honestly can't think of any other guys I've seen her talk to.

Again she blushes. "MASAO!?" she exclaims. She frowns and slaps me. I guess I deserved that. "AS IF! Besides, he likes Shimizu-Chan." I smile at her and rub my stinging cheek.

"Ow, not so rough, Aoi-Chan, you know I'm sensitive to pain," I whimper.

"Oh, I didn't hit you that hard," she scoffs. "Grow up, Niisan!" With that, she storms off in a huff.

"You should have seen that coming," Tamotsu-Chan, our brother, says passively.

"Yeah," I nod, still holding my cheek, "I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment.

I was beginning to think he hated me. I wave and say hello every time we pass in the hall now. He acts like he's trying to remain indifferent, but I can always see a faint smile when I do so. It's been two weeks since I helped him with his tire. Today, he finally returned my greeting with a simple 'Yo.' I smiled, like an idiot, I know I did. But, it's a start in the right direction.

Shimizu Megumi-Chan follows him everywhere. She wasn't paying attention to where he was walking and almost followed him into the Men's room. It's adorable how her face swept up as pink as her hair when she realized what she'd almost done. She frowns every time she sees me. When he finally responded to me today, I noticed the frown became even worse. It was as if she were glaring daggers in my direction, wishing looks could kill. I honestly don't understand why she doesn't like me. I don't treat her any different from anyone else. No special attention, no mean spirited gossip, none of that. I've done nothing to her, but be friendly, and she refuses to return the favor. It seems like her interest in Yuuki-Kun has only made her disdain for me seem worse. I understand she's unhappy in this village, it's not a bad place, but it can be boring and inconvenient at times, and the gossiping doesn't help. But, none of that's my fault.

Lately, she's become so obsessed with Yuuki-Kun that she's even begun to ignore her childhood friend Tanaka Kaori-Chan. They've been best friends their whole lives, Kaori-Chan's always seen Megumi-Chan as an older sister. It's sad to see her pushed to the wayside like this. I remember hearing Megumi-Chan once say that she wanted to become a modle. Well, that's not going to be easy living out here in Sotoba, but she's certainly pretty enough for it. I wish her luck in that endeavor.

"Oi, Tohru-Chan?" I hear a voice call from behind me. I turn to find Murasako Masao approaching. Yet another pitiful soul before me. Aside from myself and the twins; Aoi and Tamotsu, I honestly don't know that he has any other friends either. Not for lack of trying, but the poor guy just doesn't get how things work sometimes. He never really had a good relationship with his father, I'm not sure he even knew his mother. The relationship with his brother turned for the worse after his brother got married, and became even more strained after his niece and nephew were born. He's tried to talk to Megumi a few times, but always gets the cold shoulder from her.

I smile and wave. "Masao, what's up?" I greet him cheerfully. Something about that look in his dark eyes is really unsettling. I don't want to be mean, but his physical description fits the stereotypical 'creepy kid'. It's almost as if he's just as infatuated with me as he is with Megumi-Chan.

"I was wondering if I could come over this afternoon and get you to help me with my homework?" Masao asks. Masao isn't exactly at the top of his class. I'm not quite there myself, to be honest, but I'm close.

"I dunno, Masao," I say rubbing the back of my head. "I have to make my way to the DMV this afternoon," I excuse myself. It's not a lie, though, I'm eighteen and ready to start learning how to drive. I have a written test to take today so I can get my permit. "And when I'm done with that, Mom asked me to run a few errands for her. It may be really late when I get home."

"Oh, I see," Masao says with a disappointed sigh.

"But maybe you can walk home with Aoi-Chan or Tamo-Chan and get them to help you?" I suggest.

"You think so?" he asks. I smile and nod.

"That sounds great, I'll go and ask them if-" His eyes turn to the pink haired girl still standing, blushing outside the Men's Room and he's thrown completely off track. "Is that Megumi-Chan?" he asks.

"Yep," I nod.

"Why is she?" he points toward her.

I laugh and spare him the knowledge that she was following Yuuki-Kun. "She was daydreaming about becoming a model again," I tell him with a chuckle, "She wasn't paying attention and almost walked into the wrong restroom."

Masao smiles and lets out a quiet chuckle. "That's so cute," he muses, his body goes as limp as his long black hair as he stares at her, almost vacantly. Yep, he's definitely got it bad for her. "Just like Megumi-Chan," he says fondly. Aaand, now it's gotten a bit creepy. He stands with his hands in his pockets, a goofy grin on his face, his black hair framing the edges of his pale-skinned face, his back slightly curved in a slouch. Ugh... I swear, if he stares at her with that look on his face much longer, he's likely to start drooling. The bell rings to head to the next class, and I'm saved from the suddenly awkward situation. I excuse myself and head to the classroom. I don't want to get in trouble for being late again.

After class, I head to the DMV. I'm on foot for now, but hopefully by this time next year, I'll have my own set of wheels. Thankfully, the DMV isn't as crowded as I'd expected when I reach it. It's still busier than preferred, but at least it won't be completely dark outside when I leave. I wait in line, glad for the fact that they have chairs for us to sit in. This is boring. I can't stand being alone. I mean, sure there's people, but I'm not exactly among friends. I could strike up a conversation with any of them to relieve the tension, I suppose.

I mean, when you've got the reputation of 'Social Butterfly', and just can't bare the silence, it's easy to do. But, this is the freakin' DMV, it's not like there's much to talk about here. "Hey, nice weather we're having, glad that bad rainstorm a couple months back didn't wash away any of the stop signs?" LAME! I heave a sigh and stare out the window, nervously tapping my finger on my pant leg.

I blink as the door swings open. A guy I don't recognize walks in and it draws my attention. He has long wavy blue hair pulled into a ponytail. He's wearing a beige button up and a smock, both of which covered in sawdust. The distinct scent of Oak follows him into the room. It's rather nice actually.

"He even has sawdust flakes in his hair."

"He could have at least cleaned up before coming into town like that."

Some of the women in the back of the room are giggling and whispering already. I frown in their direction, making sure they know someone's heard them and disapproves. They hush, but scowl at me, like they think it's none of my business. Well, it's not exactly any of yours either, now is it?

The man seems to ignore them. He approaches the desk and takes a number. I look out the window again, quietly watching in my peripheral as he turns and looks for a seat. He approaches me. "E-Excuse me, young man," he addresses me, forcing me to turn my attention back to him. "Is this seat taken?" he asks.

I blink at him for a second, then look down at the chair next to me, then smile back up at him. "No sir, not at all," I say, "Please, make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you," he says with a smile. He settles into the chair next to me. "So, how long have you been waiting?" he asks.

"I dunno," I answer honestly, "What time is it?"

"Almost five," he answers.

Really? I've been here that long!? "I left school around two thirty. So, I guess I've been here for about an hour and a half." Jeez, no wonder I'm so twitchy right now. That's way too long without some form of positive human interaction or external stimuli. I just hope I'm not entirely drained by the time they call me, or I might have to retake the test all over again later.

"School? You're still in high school?" he asks.

I smile and nod. Maybe talking with this guy will give me the energy boost I need. "Yes, sir."

"The one in Mizobe?" he asks, again I nod. He smiles, "I guess you know my son, then?"

"Perhaps, what's his name?" I reply.

"Natsuno," he answers.

I shake my head. "That doesn't ring a bel-!" I pause and blink as realization hits me. The saw dust, the subtle smell of pine and cedar, and that strong scent of oak. Surprisingly, no fir, considering how this place is crawling with fur trees. This is the guy who runs the atelier. "Wait? His last name wouldn't happen to be Yuuki, would it?" I ask.

He smiles and nods. "That's right."

"Yeah, I know him," I say, "Er, well, I know who he is. He tends to keep to himself, but I helped him with his bike tire two weeks back."

"Oh, that was you?" Yuuki-San says. "So, you're Mutou-Senpai?" he chuckles. Senpai? Really? I blush slightly. Nobody calls me Senpai.

"Tohru's fine," I answer.

"Thanks for helping him out that day," Yuuki-San says, "Natsuno can be rough around the edges, but he's a good boy. His mother and I were worried when he came home late, but he told us about the flat tire, and how you'd helped him. It gave us hope that maybe he'll find a friend out here and actually stop brooding about having moved so much."

"I can imagine it must be difficult for him," I say, "to be pulled away from all of his friends and all the comforts and conveniences of the city, just to be landed out here in the middle of nothing but mountains and fir trees. But, give him some time to give the place a chance."

Yuuki-San smiles. "Don't get me wrong. We understand it's difficult for him. We're still adjusting to the way things are around here, ourselves. But, Natsuno only had a small number of friends back in the city, and he never actually spent time with them outside of school. He just doesn't feel like he fits in here. If anything, it'd be nice for him to make at least ONE friend here."

I give Yuuki-San a reassuring smile. Don't worry, I'm determined to do my best on making that a reality. I he's lonely, but he keeps that closeted, and I can sense it every time he comes into my line of vision. I glance back over my shoulder, disapprovingly at the still gossiping women in the back. Not like the people around here are helping that fact, very much! I turn back to Yuuki-San. "So, uh, Yuuki-San? What brings you here today? Was it just time to renew your license?"

"No," he replies with a chuckle. "It's been nearly two months since we've moved into our house here in Sotoba, but my license still has our old address back in the city. I've not really had to use it for identification a whole lot, but I've noticed a few raised eyebrows on the rare occasions where I have. I had to come into town to pick up a few supplies I need for my work, and figured I may as well take the opportunity to get it changed."

I smile at Yuuki-San and nod in understanding. Not only am I feeling more energized by this conversation, but my resolve to become friends with Yuuki-Kun... No, Natsuno is even stronger. I clench my fist, but before I can give Yuuki-San any words of assurance, the lady behind the desk FINALLY calls my number. I excuse myself and fumble my way to the desk, my legs having temporarily fallen asleep from sitting down so long.

No more than a week later, I'm sitting in the living room at home. The smell of dinner is wafting in from the kitchen. Whatever Mom's cooking smells amazing. Aoi-Chan and Tamo-Chan are both upstairs, doing whatever it is they do when they lock themselves in their rooms. Dad has something on the TV for noise, but neither of us are really paying attention to it, as he's reading the day's paper. I sort of made off with the comics and games section. I'm currently wracking my brain over a Cross Word puzzle.

Suddenly, there's a knock at the door. Dad and I both look up, then at each other. Neither of us were expecting company, and as far as we knew, neither were Aoi-Chan or Tamotsu-Chan. Mom pokes her head out of the kitchen. "Tohru, Darling, would you see who that is, please?"

"Sure thing, Mom," I say, getting up from my chair and going to the door. I don't bother to check to see who it is before opening the door. When I open, I see the back of someone's head, puffy indigo blue hair. I smile, knowing in an instant who it is. He turns and looks at me, a bit surprised. Maybe he thought nobody was going to answer? I notice his bike. "Another flat? What you don't know how to use a repair kit?" I tease.

He looks away. I don't know why, but I find it cute when he blushes, but he'd probably deny it if anyone ever pointed out that he was. "Shut up!" he growls. "It's just I haven't had the chance to buy one yet. But... If it wouldn't be too much trouble. I... I mean..." He reaches into his pockets. "If you don't mind helping me fix it again, I can pay you for the trouble this time."

I shake my head in protest and smile. "Perish the thought!" I insist, grabbing the bike. "It's no problem at all. Come on, follow me." He gives a quiet nod and follows me around to the side of the house. I use the same bucket as before and fill it with soap and water, getting down the repair kit. He leans against a wall and watches me. I wish he'd found some reason other than a flat tire to come back, but I'm glad he did. I don't bother him with questions about the city. He said he gets that kind of stuff from classmates all the time. I can imagine that getting tiresome and boring to keep answering them, and as he already wants to go back to the city, I'm sure it makes him a bit homesick. The leak is much quicker to find this time. "You know," I say as I start to patch the tire, "It's getting late. How'd you like to stay for dinner?"

"I wouldn't like to impose."

"No, you wouldn't be," I assure him, "You wanted to pay me back for helping you out, right?" He gives a quiet nod and I smile. "Then just stay for dinner, and hang out for a bit." I smile as I put the finishing touch on the patch. "There we go, all fixed! By the way, I did some digging around." I chuckle and turn to face him. "Your name? I asked your parents." I smile and point my finger at him, snapping my fingers in the process, and winking. "Natsuno!" My smile widens as he stares at me, taken aback. "Are you sure you don't wanna' come in for dinner?" His face flushes pink, and we make eye contact.

"Alright," he agrees, with a nod, following me inside, "But, I'll have to call my parents and let them know."

"Sure, no problem," I nod. "Oi, Mom?" I peek into the kitchen, "I hope you don't mind, we're having company for dinner."

"How many?" she asks.

"Just one," I say, holding up a finger, "He's the new kid in Tamo-Chan's class."

"The one who's parents run the atelier?" Mom asks.

I nod. I pick up on movement behind me and reach back, catching Natsuno's wrist. Thanks to those rumors that float around about his parents due to their marriage status, or lack thereof, the moment my mother mentioned them, he was ready to bolt. Poor guy. I can't say I blame him. If people talked abot MY mother like that, I wouldn't stick around when someone brought them into a conversation, either.

"Yeah," I say, giving him a gentle tug, and pulling him into the doorway next to me, so she can see him. "His bike had a flat tire, and the atelier is pretty far out there," I explain, "It might be late before he makes it home."

Mom looks him over and smiles at him. "Very well, Yuuki-Kun, am I right?" she greets him.

He smiles and nods. "Y-Yes ma'am." He bows. "Sorry to intrude."

Mom giggles. "Not at all, dear. Any friend of Tohru's is always welcome here," she assured him, "Would you like to call your parents to let them know you're alright?"

"I-If that wouldn't be too much trouble?" he answers with a nod. Mom grants permission with a simple nod in return. He looks so stunned by our simple country style hospitality.

I lead him to the phone and let him dial his folks. While he's waiting, I run upstairs, using the excuse to wash up after handling the bike tire. When I come back down, Mom's on the phone, I'm assuming with Natsuno's mother, Koide-San. She's fawning over how polite Natsuno's been in just the short time he's been here. I watch him and smile. He seems almost embarrassed, and as Mother lays on the compliments, he seems to silently resign himself to the idea that he's going to have to socialize with us tonight.

No one really questions his presence at the table as we sit down for the meal. Dad had heard the exchange when I asked Mom if it was alright. Aoi-Chan and Tamotsu-Chan are use to Masao bursting in at all different random times, and then joining us for dinner if he just happens to arrive when we're sitting down. Mom and Dad have also had friends and coworkers show up unexpectedly right around dinner for one reason or another. Dad's the director at Ozaki Clinic, he knows the effects hunger can have on a person's body. It's sort of customary for us not to let someone leave hungry. Mom and Dad even taught the twins and me that it's rude to eat in front of company without offering.

Tamotsu-Chan looks at Natsuno curiously. He doesn't mean any offense as he asks it, but, he brings it up anyway. "You're always so quiet in class, I thought you just wanted to be left alnone. I never realized you were friends with Tohru-Niisan."

"Friends?" Natsuno glances towards me. He's trying his best not to blush. "Maybe," he mutters. Well, that's a start. "Mutou-Senpai helped me with my bike, then asked me to stay for dinner is all."

I nearly choke on the piece of Teriyaki beef I just bit into. "Senpai!?" I exclaim. Why does that title make me want to blush? No, something so impersonal simply WON'T do! I elbow him in the side. "Don't be so stiff and formal, Natsuno," I scold, "We're friends, call me Tohru-Chan." Please.

"Natsuno?" the rest of the family repeats.

"So that's your first name?" Aoi-Chan exclaims, a blush sweeping her face. Ha! Total crush! I knew it!

He shifts uncomfortably and sighs. "I prefer not to be called by that name. Yuuki's fine."

He turns his eyes to the floor. "I have my reasons," he protests.

Dad quickly decides to change the conversation, by asking about our day. We carry on as we would any other day, even with Natsuno sitting right there. The twins and I bicker and poke fun at one another, Mom and Dad setting us straight before anything gets out of hand, every time. All of it's in good nature, though. None of us actually ever try to get mean spirited when teasing one another. Of course, I refuse to let Natsuno run off immediately after the meal. "It's rude to eat and run unless there's an emergency!" I insist, grabbing hold of his wrist and dragging him up the stairs to my room.

I scan the room for a moment, before inviting him in. Everything that needs to be hidden is well out of sight, so I turn and invite him into the room with a smile. I try to convince him to play a two player video game with me, but he refuses. I start to offer other suggestions, like board games, or a game of Hondafuda or something. He turns them all down. So, we just sit and talk. I know he doesn't like questions, but I'm uncomfortable with prolonged silence when other people are in the room. Give me idle chit-chat or misguided, misinformed gossip over complete silence. I don't pay any heed to it. I make up my mind about people by what I learn spending time with them, NOT by what I randomly hear on the street corner by someone who never bothered to look into the situation.

It takes some time to get him to open up. Once I get him talking, though, he seems a bit more comfortable. I guess he just does better with one-on-one encounters than he does large groups. It seems kind of odd for a city kid to be such an introvert, being around so many people on a daily basis. But then, maybe I'm looking at the psychology of it wrong? Sotoba's residents are in the triple digits, but everyone knows everyone. Even if we don't know them close and personally, we know of them by way of talking with those who do. Even so, we're spread out over a good number of acres, the whole area shaped like a triangle surrounded by fir trees and mountains. Maybe the seclusion makes us more apt to talk and whisper, then become extremely social around others. Meanwhile, the city is huge and crowded and people are said to be more disconnected. Maybe it is more likely for a person to become reclusive growing up in the midst of something like that?

We talk for a little while. I ask his hobbies. "Books." Somehow, I don't find that surprising. His favorite music. "Doesn't matter, so long as it suits my mood." His favorite movies. He simply shrugs. Video games. He dodges the question by complaining that I'm asking too many. "We're not playing Fifty Questions here, remember?"

I smile. "Alright, enough about you, then. Anything you want to ask me?"

"Yeah," he smirks, "Are you always this annoyingly cheerful?" I can't tell if he's teasing or being serious. Like his father said, he's rough around the edges. So, I simply laugh him off.

He stays around for a bit more. I notice he's trying to act as though he's bored, annoyed, and simply wants to leave, but his eyes, which he keeps adverting, give away the fact that he's actually enjoying the interaction as much as I am. Maybe even a little more? Finally, he decides it's time to head home. I walk downstairs with him. Before he leaves, he thanks Mom and Dad for the meal, and in return, they invite him back to visit anytime he wishes. I walk outside with him and say goodbye, reiterating my parents' invitation to come visit. I watch as he rides off on his bike, and keep my eyes on him until he's out of sight.