Haru had been my online friend for almost a year already. I always felt connected to him, and he made me so comfortable - for a stranger like him, he was different.

It wasn't only the game that kept us connected. It was our relationship itself - as online friends.

It was almost as if he made me want to live each day, even if I want to give up on some things, just a little conversation with him makes me smile like a happy kid.

Haru was three years older than me. Maybe that explains why he seemed so nice and mature, not careless with his studies. He was even such a pro player in the game we play together, not to mention he probably values his studies as much. Also, Haru lived in Japan. That's what he told me.

I didn't know how to cope with him being gone, myself being left to play with other strange players. I was so used to him, his presence everyday. Even though he was not physically with me, I felt him through my heart.