chapter 3: The Train Home

The rain eased eventually, thinning into a quiet drizzle that tapped softly against the stone path. The campus lights flickered on one by one, casting long reflections across the wet ground.

Ren was the first to move.

"Well." he said lightly, though his ears were still red, "I guess the storm finally got bored of us."

Haruki released his wrist slowly, deliberately _ not like an apology, but like a decision. He stepped back half a pace, enough to give space without breaking whatever invisible line had formed between them.

"Your train," Haruki said. "You will miss it."

Ren blinked. "Right. Yeah."

They walked together toward the station, shoes clicking against damp pavement. It was quieter than usual _ fewer students, fewer voice. The kind of hour Haruki preferred.

Ren kept glancing sideways, like he wanted to say something but didn't know how to start.

"You are staring," Haruki said.

Ren startled. "I _ sorry. I wasn't _"

"Relax," Haruki interrupted calmly. "I don't mind."

Ren smiled, small and careful, like he was relieved by that permission.

......................

The platform smelled faintly of metal and rain. A single train waited, doors open, lights humming softly.

They stood side by side, close enough that Haruki could feel warmth through Ren's damp sleeve.

"You're heading home?" Ren asked.

"Yes."

"Me too."

Silence followed _ not awkward, but weighted.

When the train arrived, they took seats near the window. Ren sat first. Haruki chose the seat beside him without thinking.

He noticed only after.

The doors slid shut. The train lurched forward.

Ren pulled his camera from his bag, checking it absently. "I think the rain photo turned out nice."

Haruki glanced at him. "You didn't show me."

"I wasn't sure you'd want to see it."

Haruki watched the darkened reflection of them in the window instead. "I didn't say I didn't."

Ren hesitated, then turned the camera screen toward him.

The photo wasn't sharp. It wasn't dramatic.

It was just Haruki's silhouette beneath the shrine gate, rain blurring the world behind him, light catching the edge of his coat. Quiet. Still.

Haruki stared longer than he meant to.

"You look..." Ren stopped himself, then smiled softly. "Like someone who doesn't realize how steady he is."

Haruki looked away. "You talk too much."

"Only when I am nervous."

"Are you?"

Ren laughed quietly. "A little."

Haruki's knee brushes Ren's as the train curved. Neither moved it away.

Outside, the city slid past in streaks of light. Inside, the hum of the train wrapped around them like a held breath.

Haruki realised something then _ sharp and unsettling.

He didn't remember the last time a ride home has felt too short.

When the train slowed at Ren's stop, Haruki spoke without looking at him.

"Text me when you get home."

Ren froze.

"... Okay," he said, voice soft. "I will."

Ren stood, hesitated, then looked down at Haruki.

"I am glad it rained today." he said.

The doors opened. Cool air rushed in.

Haruki met his eyes. "Me too."

Ren stepped out.

The doors closed again.

As the train pulled away, Haruki stared at his reflection in the glass _ and frowned slightly.

For the first time, going home felt strangely... empty.

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