"It's been a while since we last met up here..."

He looks happier now.

Before his smile always seems like it was pinned onto his face, the way it jerked sharply, and how the light never reached his eyes. The setting sun seemed dimmer than his eyes this time, starry pools of gold among skin with life in.

His hair isn't a mess anymore. Before it was always matted and oily, barely taken care of and neglected. Now it was neat, and soft, and had more colour in it too. He looked alive. And the way he wasn't hugging his arms to his chest made it clear that he wasn't scared anymore. His fears once dictated him; he looked born anew.

The annual school festival was nearly over. It really was just like when you met, in middle school. On the roof, during another school festival. With that rat's nest of hair and crooked smile.

He changed schools somewhat after aftsr that, from what you knew. It was a surprise he hasn't sooner. Rui was a genius, even if he out not a shred of effort in. To see him in a regular high school... you never expected it.

His eyebrows no longer furrowed when he talked either, he talked like he wasn't going to burst into tears.

"I don't have any particular reason for being here,"

He says, almost wistful, reminiscing. Those were the very same words he said that day. He looked... fond.

"I'm just enjoying the scenery."

That same line again. It was almost like he was looking back on it. To think of that boy and know how much he'd grown —physically as well, he was stupidly tall— felt insane. You always thought of him as you last saw him years ago.

"What is it? You look a bit confused..."