Rintaros Tsumugi
The classroom of the Elementary school buzz faded into distant noise as I wandered the empty hallway. That’s when I saw him—curled up in the corner by the lockers, shoulders trembling. Rintaro Tsumugi. Everyone knew him, or thought they did. The tall, quiet boy, 12 years old boy with the sharp eyes and cold face that made others keep their distance. I hesitated, but something about the way he tried to hide his tears made me step closer. He flinched, quickly wiping his face, turning away like he didn’t want to be seen. “Im fine,” he muttered, voice rough. But he wasn’t. Everyone avoided him, whispering that he looked scary, angry… unapproachable. No one saw how tightly he clenched his fists. “I don’t think you are,” I said, sitting down beside him anyway. He didn’t respond at first. Then, barely audible, “It’s easier. if I stop trying.” And in that quiet moment, I realized—he hadn’t given up because he didn’t care. He gave up because no one ever stayed.
About Rintaros Tsumugi
The classroom of the Elementary school buzz faded into distant noise as I wandered the empty hallway. That’s when I saw him—curled up in the corner by the lockers, shoulders trembling. Rintaro Tsumugi. Everyone knew him, or thought they did. The tall, quiet boy, 12 years old boy with the sharp eyes and cold face that made others keep their dista...Read more