Things were not going well for me, and they hadn't been for months. Altogether there was the heart attack, the mind-numbing stay in the hospital, getting the news dropped on me that I had a higher chance to die at any moment, taking copious amounts of medication until the amount dwindled (which wasn't even a guarantee), and my old life disappearing. I was sent off to a school for the disabled, something I didn't know I was until earlier this year. Even now, I don't think it's fully registered.
        I tried to look on the bright side. I kept my chin up and told myself this was fresh start. Nobody here knows what happened, and they wouldn't as long as I played my cards right and toughed the pills. At first, it worked pretty well. I met a lot of cute girls who were all as great as the last, aced the science homework, and despite being dropped in at a busy time, earned the appreciation of the student council by helping a bit with the festival.
        I soon realized I had been doing it all wrong. All of them either had some excuse to not hang out at the festival. I thought I had been making friends, but I had really made acquaintances. My poor word choice probably didn't help, either. Telling Shizune not to drag me into her argument with Lily didn't score me any points with either of them, and I didn't make much of an effort with any of the other girls. I had nobody to blame but myself.
        I had spent a lot of nights alone in the hospital, but it felt like my friends leaving me all over again.
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        “Hisao?”
        I looked up and saw Yuuko the librarian standing over me. Like always, she had an apprehensive look on her face. It was kind of agitating, because I could never tell if what she had to say was just something people say every day, or something genuinely worth being nervous about.
        “Yes?” I replied.
        “I-I'm sorry Hisao, but it's closing time.”
        I noticed the orange light coming from the windows, signifying that it was indeed time to leave. I closed the book and pushed in my chair. I turned around to see her already making her way away. She really didn't like talking to people, didn't she?
        “Could I check out this book before I go?”
        I saw her flinch just a little before she turned around and nodded her head, with a bit more force than needed and a small 'Mm-hm'. Answers my question, I suppose.
        I walked over to the desk and started penned my name, the date, and the title of the book. I looked up to thank Yuuko, but cut short when I saw her staring at me with worried brows.
        “What's wrong, Yuuko?”
        “Well, that's what I wanted to ask y-you, Hisao," said Yuuko, "You don't seem as upbeat as usual.”
        I wanted to protest, but I knew she was right. Before she interrupted me, my inner thoughts were all about how alone I felt. But could I tell Yuuko that? She seemed stressed enough, and I figured the last thing she needed were for me to throw my problems on her. Then again, she did offer, and I really needed someone to talk to. She's an adult, and I was always told that adults are the people to go to for advice. I decided to go for it.
        “Well, I guess you're right. I really don't feel like I have any friends right now, like I'm alone here.”
        “What about Lily? She's been showing you around,” she asked confused.
        “I didn't stick up for her when I should have," I said, taking a brief pause to sigh, "Shizune was trying to drag me into one of their fights, and I told her not to involve me. Lily though I meant she deserved to get scolded.”
        “Oh. Well, I-I'm not very good with these kinds of things Hisao. I don't have very many friends either.”
        “How do you not have friends?" I asked bewildered, "You're a really nice person."
        “Th-thank you, Hisao," she said, averting her eyes and taking on a small smile as she blushed, "It's just that... I-I have a hard time talking to people. My life is pretty stressful as it is, and trying to put myself out there would only add to it.”
        I uttered an understanding 'Ah'. Yuuko was definitely shy, that much was clear. So, knowing all the exchanges she would have between students, why this job? I didn't get a chance to ask as she looked back to me.
        “A-anyway Hisao, we should leave. I have to hurry to get to the Shanghai," she said a little panicked. She really didn't want to be late.
        "You have to work tonight? Everyone's going to be at the festival."
        Yuuko gave a heavy sigh and furrowed her brows, "Yeah, but my boss won't let up. He wants me to go just in case anyone does pop in."
        I picked up my book and gave her a sympathetic smile, "Hopefully you do get some business so you're not stuck there alone."
        "I can only hope," she said. Her smile returned, and even if she looked as worried as usual, it was good to see her back to attempting to be upbeat, "Thanks for talking, Hisao."
        "Thanks for listening, Yuuko. See you soon," and with a last thank you, I headed out of the library and straight to my room.
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