All day at school, I couldn't stop thinking about him.
My mind kept circling around the same question and so curious: should I try to find him again under that bridge… or just forget about it?
"Ren? Ren… Rene…" Fyna called out to me.
I blinked, snapping out of my thoughts. "Eh… yeah? What is it, Fyn?"
"What's wrong with you? You've been spacing out ever since morning," Fyna said, concerned.
"Ah, sorry. I was just… thinking about something," I replied.
"Thinking about someone, maybe?" Efan teased.
I looked up in surprise. Everyone had already gathered around my desk, and the other students were gone.
"Eh?? School's over already?" I asked, confused.
"You're still daydreaming, huh?" Vyne laughed. "It's been ten minutes since the bell rang."
"Oh… I didn't even notice," I said softly.
"That's not important," Fyna said, narrowing her eyes. "So? Were you really thinking about someone, like Efan said?"
I couldn't hide anything from them—but I also couldn't tell them the truth.
I didn't want Fyna to know that I'd fainted on my way back to the dorm. She'd definitely scold me for that.
So, I only nodded slightly, avoiding her gaze.
"Who is it, Ren?" Vyne asked, clearly excited.
"I… don't know who he is. I only saw him once," I replied quietly.
"Where did you see him? Is he a student here?" Resa asked.
I shook my head again. "I don't know if he's from this school or not, but… I've seen him near the dorm before."
I didn't know why I couldn't just tell them the truth—that the person I was talking about was a guardian.
Something in me just told me… it wasn't the right time to say it.
I fell silent. They didn't say anything either.
"Do you think I should go look for him?" I finally asked.
"If that's what you want, then why hesitate?" Efan said calmly. "You're not the type to give up until you get your answer."
Hearing that made me realize how right he was.
I looked at Efan with surprise, then smiled. Seeing me smile again made Fyna and the others smile too.
"We'll always support you, Ren," said Fyna. "Do what you believe is right."
I nodded. "Thanks, everyone. I'll try to find out more about him."
Then I grabbed my bag. "I'll head back first. See you tomorrow!"
I ran out of the classroom.
Efan was right—if I really wanted answers, then I needed to go find them myself.
And right now, all I wanted was to thank him… and meet him again.
I ran down the path from school, following the slope until I reached the bridge—the same one where I'd seen him for the first time.
I ran down under it, and there he was again—floating slightly above the ground, his silver hair catching the fading light, his white robe glowing softly.
He looked exactly the same as before.
I stopped a few meters away from him.
I didn't dare get any closer. I didn't want him to yell at me again just because I stood too near.
For a brief moment, his eyes flicked toward me, but he said nothing.
I hesitated, unsure how to start a conversation. I didn't want to anger him again, so I stood there quietly, trying to think of what to say.
"Umm… good afternoon," I finally said, nervously. "I'm… Rene Elleyandra. Nice to meet you."
"Um, I just wanted to thank you… for saving me and bringing me back to the dorm."
He didn't respond. He didn't even move—just stared at the river current in silence.
I didn't know why he kept looking at the water like that, but every time I saw his eyes, I felt something heavy—like loneliness… or sadness.
I wasn't expecting him to answer. I just wanted to understand why he was always here.
So I slowly sat down where I stood.
He didn't react at all, didn't care what I was doing.
I glanced at him quietly, lost in thought.
I wondered—if I were him, what would I be thinking right now? Sitting alone like this, staring at the flowing river with that kind of empty look but full of mixed feeling inside.
He must be carrying something heavy.
Maybe he'd fought with his human partner?
Or maybe… he'd lost someone he cared about?
The thoughts made my chest ache.
Before I realized it, tears were already rolling down my cheeks.
"What's wrong with you?" His voice suddenly broke the silence with a high tone.
"I didn't hurt you or drive you away. Why are you crying?"
I startled, I touched my face. I hadn't even noticed my own tears.
"I—ah… I'm sorry. I don't know why I cried. I was just… thinking about something," I said quickly, wiping my tears away.
"What? You think I'm going to chase you off again? Crying to get my attention so I won't chase you away!?" he snapped.
"No! It's not that!" I said, panicked. "I - I just… thought that maybe you were carrying something heavy burden. Every time I saw your eyes , it's like it made me feel sad, somehow."
"Tch! I don't need your pity," he spat back.
I froze. "I'm sorry," I said quietly. "That's not what I meant."
Feeling guilty back to spread in my self.
I hadn't wanted to make him angry—I just wanted to try be friend with him.
Maybe I was wrong to think that way.
I covered my face with both hands, feeling useless.
I only wanted to help, to reach out to him. But instead, I'd made him hate me more.
I didn't know what to do anymore. Should I leave?
Or should I keep trying?
I was stuck in my own frustration—until suddenly, I heard him speak.
"…Yue."
I open my eyes and look at him with confused and shock.
"My name… is Yue," he said plainly, still staring at the water.
I smiled.
"Ni—Nice to meet you, Yue," I said with happy feeling. At least he telling his name to me.
"…Yeah," he replied flatly.
The sun was sinking lower. I had to head back soon.
I stood up and looked at him one last time.
"Um… Yue, can I come see you again tomorrow?" I asked carefully.
He paused for a moment. "…Do whatever you want," he said curtly.
I smiled. "Then I'll come again tomorrow. Thank you, Yue."
And I ran back toward the dorm.
I didn't know why, but I felt so happy.
Maybe because Ianage to get small chance to become his friend?
or maybe because I managed to thank him without making him angry again.
Whatever the reason, I couldn't wait for tomorrow—
when maybe, just maybe, I could talk to him a little more. That's what I think.
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End of chapter 4