Rin has spent his whole life listening to people talk about 'strings this' and 'strings that,' but he's never had any proof that the Red String of Fate is real. He can't see the strings, so either the entire world is punking him, or he doesn't have a fated person. Sae calls him a failure, says that Rin should still be able to see his string even if he hasn't found the one. However, there is no red thread tied to his finger—no tangible proof that someone is out there meant for him. Rin has come to accept this. It's okay. He's never been one to leave things to fate. He works hard to get what he wants. If a relationship is in the cards for him, then he'll build it on his own merit.

The only downside, is that the few people he has shown any remote interest in over the years all turned him down immediately since he wasn't tied to their string. No one bothers "wasting time" on people they know aren't their destined match. It's led to a very relationship-free existence. That's fine. Rin doesn't need a relationship to be awesome. He already knows he's awesome. Dating would get in the way of his dreams.

So then why is this stranger following him across campus spouting nonsense? They bumped into each other outside of the engineering building and as Rin turned to walk away after apologizing, the guy grabbed him by the arm and yanked him back.

"'Yer my soulmate," he said, staring at Rin's hand as if there was a thread tied to it.

Rin furrowed his brows and yanked his arm away. "I don't have a soulmate," he said, and marched off, leaving the crazy guy by himself.

Except he didn't stay by himself. As Rin dips into the lit building, the guy follows him in. His dark hair is pointed upwards and it reminds Rin of a bird. His accent is southern, Kansai? It doesn't matter. Rin turns down the hallway and when he looks over his shoulder, Bird Guy is still following him. "Would you leave me alone?" he barks.

The guy stops, then shuffles his feet faster until he's grabbing Rin by the arm again and dragging him into a secluded corner. "Why are you running away?" asks Bird Guy.

"Because a crazy guy is stalking me."

"I'm not stalking ya'," chides Bird Guy. He frowns down at Rin. "Our strings are attached. You didn't le me introduce myself."

Rin shakes his head. "I don't need you to introduce yourself because you're either crazy or trying to fuck with me." He holds up his stringless hand. "I don't have a string. I've never had a string."

Bird Guy frowns harder. "You do, and it's attached to me." He twines his fingers with Rin's so that they're holding hands. A warmth radiates that fills Rin with something akin to hope, but he knows it's ridiculous. There's no point in hoping when he'll never have a string. If Bird Guy is telling the truth, then why can he still not see his string?

"Did you someone put you up to this? Did Sae put you up to this?"

Bird Guy shakes his head. "I don't know anyone named Sae. I'm telling the truth. Kiss me and tell me you don't feel anything."

It's an insane request. This stranger is demanding a kiss to prove the impossible. Rin is going to be late for class if this keeps up so he sighs and nods his head. "Fine. When it proves nothing, you leave me alone."

"Deal," says Bird Guy.

He tips Rin's chin, leans in, and presses their lips together. Warmth flows from where they connect with one another down to his toes. His heart flutters in his chest and he lets his lids fall shut, lashes dancing against his cheeks. It's a good first kiss, he supposes, not that Rin has anything to compare it to. When they pull apart, Rin opens his eyes and lets his gaze land on his left hand. There's nothing there except for Bird Guy's hand in his.

"See?" he asks, slightly out of breath. "Nothing." Rin pulls away.

Bird Guy catches him again. "I'm not giving up! You might not be able to see it, but I can."

"Whatever," says Rin, brushing him off. He needs to get to class.

"My name's Karasu, by the way!" shouts Bird Guy. Rin doesn't look back. He just waves his threadless hand in the air at Karasu. His cheeks bloom with the faintest of color at the thought of someone pursuing him.