Ritsu pulled the collar of her jacket up, trying to keep the chill of the wind off her neck. She placed the cigarette to her lips, inhaling the bitter, ash tasting smoke.
"Ritsu? What's wrong?"
"Nothing." She said, before blowing a steady stream of smoke.
Stepping forward, Mio leaned against the glass of the balcony. "Don't lie. You only ever smoke those cancer sticks when something's on your mind."
Ritsu chuckled half-heartedly, flicking the cigarette butt to the ground before grinding it with the heel of her boot. "You sure have me figured out"
"Well, we're best friends after all." Ritsu fell silent.
Mio pushed herself forward off the glass "Let's go inside. The others are waiting to get started"
A tired smile played on Ritsu's lips "yeah" her voice was thick. She gently nudged past Mio, slipping through the sliding door.
Mio rubbed her temple, the smell of Ritsu's cigarette still lingered. Along with the smell of Ritsu. The small crumpled cigarette butt caught her eye. She bent down to pick it up, not wanting to leave Mugi with Ritsu's rubbish. Turning to flick the butt over the balcony, she paused, then brought the end to her lips "Mio chan, hurry up or we'll start without you!" the sudden interruption startled her as she quickly shoved the used cigarette into her jeans pocket. Realising the call had come from inside, she calmed herself.
She paused for yet another brief moment, running her tongue over her lips before replying. "Coming!" she made her way inside, her cheeks a rosy shade but not from the cold. She'd never really liked the taste of cigarettes but just this once, she would make the acceptation.