The Heart of Zero

The silence between them was heavy, broken only by the soft rustling of the wind carrying a slight chill.

Shingin cast his eyes downward, as if lost in thought or staring into the past, and murmured, "These past days, I've wandered around, thinking about so much. In the end, I couldn't stop myself from coming back here. I thought maybe… just maybe, I'd find some answers in the memories of my childhood."

Riyugi listened, her heart stirring at his words. She studied his face, sensing the deep loneliness and uncertainty he buried within.

"What will you do next?" she asked softly.

Shingin gazed into the distance, his expression a mixture of determination and doubt. "The Revolutionary Army's base. Rayl left me a token with their address, hoping I'd join their cause. But… I don't want to live a life of bloodshed and violence. I just want to find my own path—something I can truly do."

Hearing this, Riyugi smiled warmly, her voice steady with conviction. "You only need to do what you believe is right. Don't force yourself for anyone else." She hesitated briefly, then, as if steeling herself, added, "And I'll go with you."

Shingin blinked in surprise, his voice betraying his astonishment. "You… you're coming with me?"

Riyugi nodded, her eyes firm yet gentle. "Yes. I want to understand more about this world. If there's danger, I'd rather face it head-on than live in ignorance, fearing what I don't know. That's the real nightmare."

Shingin frowned slightly, weighing her words before sighing in resignation. "Fine. We'll go together."

Relief washed over Riyugi's face as she smiled brightly. She knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but fear was no longer an issue. As long as she was by Shingin's side, she was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The two figures cast long shadows under the moonlight as they walked side by side, no longer alone but moving forward together.

Breaking the silence, Shingin asked, "What about your parents? Won't they worry if you just leave like this?"

Riyugi giggled, her eyes crinkling with mischief. "Don't worry. I told them I was going on a school camping trip."

Shingin groaned inwardly, thinking, She just copied my excuse!

The path grew increasingly remote as they journeyed deeper into the wilderness. Tall trees loomed on either side, their branches creaking in the wind, creating an eerie atmosphere. Riyugi exhaled into her cupped hands to warm them and hugged herself tightly, shivering as the cold seeped through her.

Shingin glanced at her, his brow furrowing with concern. "Are you cold?"

Riyugi forced a smile, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm fine." But the faint quiver in her tone betrayed her.

Shingin sighed inwardly, silently berating himself. How could I let her come unprepared like this? I should've known it'd get this cold. A pang of guilt struck him—if he couldn't even care for her basic needs, how could he possibly shoulder greater responsibilities?

As he mulled over his shortcomings, the sky suddenly darkened. Without warning, rain began pouring down in sheets. The cold droplets drenched them instantly as they scrambled for cover, their laughter and shouts mingling with the patter of rain.

Amid the chaos, Shingin spotted a small guesthouse in the distance. Relief spread across his face as he pointed ahead. "There! We can take shelter there!"

Without hesitation, he grabbed Riyugi's hand. Her small, icy fingers sent a jolt through him, strengthening his resolve to protect her. Together, they dashed through the rain toward the guesthouse.

The door swung open as they stumbled inside, thoroughly soaked. Shingin shook off the water clinging to his clothes, glancing at Riyugi out of habit—and then froze.

Her white school uniform clung to her skin, rendered translucent by the rain, revealing delicate lace beneath. The soft hues and intricate patterns added a tender, understated beauty that caught him completely off guard. His cheeks flushed red as he quickly averted his gaze, awkwardly pretending to study the ceiling.

Riyugi noticed his reaction and glanced down, realizing her predicament. A deep blush spread across her face as she hurriedly crossed her arms over her chest, trying to hide herself.

Just then, the guesthouse's elderly proprietress shuffled out from behind the counter. Her slow, deliberate movements and kind smile gave off an air of amiable sluggishness.

"How many rooms do you need?" the old woman asked, her voice gentle but faintly strained by age.

"Two rooms," Shingin replied quickly, pointing to emphasize his request.

The woman squinted, leaning closer. "What was that?"

Shingin raised his voice slightly. "Two rooms!"

"Eh?" The woman cupped a hand around her ear.

"Two rooms!" he repeated, practically shouting.

Riyugi, unable to contain her laughter, covered her mouth to stifle her giggles. She patted Shingin's shoulder and whispered, "It's fine, Shingin. I didn't bring any money anyway."

Shingin sighed in defeat. Just one more challenge on this already chaotic journey.