Chapter 01 - The Skyline

"Cigarette?"

"No, I don't smoke." Instead, I pulled out a juice box and popped in the straw.

"Suit yourself." There was a pause as she lit her cigarette and took a moment to let the chemicals get into her brain. This was followed by a very satisfied sigh. "I don't see you around often. You new here?"

I shook my head. "I've been here for some weeks now. I don't leave my room too often, though."

"Weeks? And you're still in a wheelchair?"

"I like it."

"I see. You should leave your room more often, though. Get some fresh air. It's good for you."

Says the smoker. I kept that thought to myself, though. Didn't want to make anyone angry. "My bed is comfy. I read books. And I can just open the window."

"Yeah, but it's not the same as actually walking outside, taking in nature and all." She stops and scoffs. "You're probably wondering why I'm saying this if I'm smoking all the time, right?" Again, I kept silent.

The girl went on a long story that I didn't really care much for. I just kept nodding and saying "yeah", making her feel like I was listening. She probably needed someone that she needed to talk to, anyways. I guess it's also a nice break from writing equations on infinite sheets of paper. I should probably rewrite all my notes into a notebook and try to stay organized, hones-

"Hey, are you listening?"

I nod and look up at her for the first time. She frowns. "Sorry for keeping you out for so long. Want me to take you back?"

"No, I can take myself. Thanks, anyways."

"Alright. See you later."

"Later."

The smell of nicotine hung in the air for a little longer after she left. But it also smelled a bit fruity, which is kind of nice. I heard that American cigarettes didn't have any kind of flavor at all.

But I didn't come here for the fresh air. From here, you can see the Mitakihara skyline, and there's building that really catches my eye. It's pretty normal, actually. It's a very generic office building. A very generic office building where I let down all my squadmates.

Where I let my best friends die.

I can't help but cry.