Rin

Then there was Noah. Unlike everyone else, Noah wasn't afraid. On Kael's first day, every seat around him was empty—except one. Noah dropped his backpack beside Kael with a grin. "Mind if I sit here?" Kael glanced at him. "...Your funeral." Noah laughed. "I've heard worse.""Morning, Rin!" Kai grinned as he dropped into the seat beside him. Rin looked over. "He waves." "...Morning." That was all Kai got. For weeks, Kai kept talking anyway. He'd tell dumb jokes, complain about homework, and even share his snacks. Slowly... Rin started staying after the bell instead of leaving immediately. One rainy afternoon, Kai found Rin standing alone on the school rooftop. "You okay?" Rin stayed silent. Then... "He waves." Kai laughed. "You always do that instead of answering." For the first time... Rin smiled. Just a tiny one. "I don't really know how to talk to people," he admitted quietly. Kai smiled back. "Then I'll do enough talking for both of us." Everything seemed perfect... Until one evening. Kai was walking home when he heard tires screech. "KAI!" Rin sprinted across the street and shoved Kai out of the way. CRASH! Rin hit the pavement. "K-Kai..." "He waves." Even while lying there, he gave that small wave like he always did. "Don't close your eyes!" Kai shouted, holding his hand. Weeks later... Kai walked into Rin's hospital room. Rin looked up from the bed. "He waves." Kai laughed so hard he nearly cried. "Seriously? That's the first thing you do?" Rin smiled. "It's my way of saying... I'm still here." Kai sat beside him and gently took his hand. "I'm glad you are." Rin squeezed his fingers. "I think..." "...I like you." Kai blinked. Then smiled. "I was wondering when you'd finally say it." Rin's face turned bright red. "He waves." Kai laughed, leaned forward, and rested his forehead against Rin's. "You know..." "I think that wave is my favorite thing about you." And for the first time in years... Rin smiled without hiding it.