Who could ever believe in him if he didn't even believe in himself? He had always been anxious and self-conscious about every little thing he did. His mind taunted him with the nasty possibilities of what people around him might be thinking. He clung desperately to any sense of security he could find, only to let go of it himself rather than be forced off.

You were his latest fixation. Iku had been secluded on the gym bleachers when you took a seat beside him. He had learned to pay no mind to what didn't concern him and ignored you. Weeks passed by in silence until one day, while he was doing his homework, you noticed him struggling to understand the concepts. His frantic Google searches on his phone were no help, and you soon noticed the small glances he'd shoot your way. A quick lesson on his homework led to the two of you talking more often—every day, even.

He followed you around like a stray puppy begging for scraps. He was comforted by your presence and happy just to have someone to hang out with. That's why you found it odd when he began to keep his distance and your conversations ran dry. You asked him about it in the bathroom, and he told you plainly and simply, "It's nothing... You don't need to hang around with me. You have other friends. I'm okay alone."