Author's Note: Well, here's another one-shot thing. It's not really a one-shot, because I might add some more to it making this more like a collection of drabbles. However, seeing as how my writing is sporadic as all get out, you can read this as a one-shot if you'd like. Also, the italicized part is kind of like a day dream. This thing overall isn't supposed to make a whole bunch of sense since Kairi doesn't really know what's going on. The mystery guy can be whoever you'd like him to be. Just beware that if I do continue this, I might actually assign a character to this guy. Wow, long author's note. I'll stop writing now. : )

Warning: This story is not Beta'd. It also might be a little confusing. Thanks for reading though!

Disclaimer: I don't own Kingdom Hearts. There's a reason why this is called fanfiction.

~Wherever You Are~

*Snow*

Her breathing was steady.

She watched as the small clouds of air softly stretched, twisted, and twirled about her. The breeze, almost imperceptible, pulled the quickly disappearing wisps away until she could no longer see them.

Her cheeks were flushed, and she was pretty sure her nose was running, but she couldn't bring herself to care.

The girl just tugged upward on her scarf in a vain attempt to somewhat warm her face.

It was cold, but overall she didn't mind.

She didn't mind, because it was snowing.

Soft flakes of white glistened on the ground and coated the trees, covering Nature's naked things.

Buildings were painted picturesque and the sidewalks were shoveled free of snow.

Students shuffled to and fro, a few running, a few sliding, but everyone wishing that they were back home.

Footsteps dotted the sparkling blanket, a sign of tardy students trying to take the shorter distance.

And all the while Kairi watched, mesmerized, as falling crystals danced.

She could hardly feel the cold now.

It was so beautiful, so perfect; she wished she had the talent to capture it.

But she didn't, and so the only thing she could do was stay there forever, watching.

"Shouldn't you be in class?"

Kairi lifted her lips into a soft smile at the sound of the voice. For some reason, she didn't mind the interruption.

"Not for another hour," she easily replied.

She couldn't take her eyes off the scene in front of her.

It was other-worldly…

…magically beautiful.

"Aren't you cold?

She giggled at the whine and dug her chin deeper into the lavender scarf.

"No, I kind of like it. It help clears my head."

"Well than, you're crazy."

The college student let out a non-committal 'hm' while keeping her eyes in front of her.

"Maybe, but I really only like it if there's snow. Other than that, it's kind of pointless."

"Yeah, snow's kind of nice, but I still prefer the heat."

Kairi could sense his smile.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, kicking up some snow with her boot.

"I don't know. I was on my way back from class when I saw you and decided to see what you were doing. Now I know," he shrugged still smiling.

She didn't look at him.

They stood in silence.

And the snow fell.

"Well, I should get going. I have class in twenty minutes and I still need to switch out notebooks. Bye."

He started to walk away.

She could hear the crunch of the snow from under his boots.

And all of a sudden…

"Wait."

…she felt lonely, almost achingly so.

The footsteps stopped.

"Yes?"

She could imagine the tilting of his head in confusion – the furrowing of his brow.

But that's not what he did, no, that's not what he did.

And she knew it.

She knew it without having to turn around.

"Don't go."

A simple plea.

But still, she couldn't find the strength to tear her gaze from the graceful fall of the snow.

Why?

Why was she unable to turn around and let her eyes fall upon his face?

"I'm sorry, but I can't stay."

It had a double meaning, she felt it.

And she wondered what he meant.

It was important, but why was it important? What was he trying to tell her? Why was she so scared of him leaving?

He started to walk away.

'No, stop, stay - let me look at you,' she thought, no, pleaded.

'Why can't I look at you?'

'It hurts'

'It hurts when you go'

'Let me see!'

With that final thought, she whirled around –

-and blinked in confusion.

Kairi shook her head to clear it from the fog, looking around only to find out that she was alone.

'The new class period must have already started,' she reflected.

How long had she been standing here?

A quick glance at her cell phone told her twenty minutes.

She must have zoned out, she didn't remember standing there for so long.

"I won't be late"

The whispered words escaped chapped lips before she could reel them back in.

Her eyebrows narrowed in confusion.

What was that all about? She hadn't meant to say anything; it was like the words had a life of their own!

But suddenly, she felt sad, depressed, and empty, as though something were missing…

…or someone.

She closed her eyes in an attempt to keep hold of the feeling.

And for a split second she swore she felt a presence.

A sad smile.

But it soon escaped her clutches and fled.

She frowned and gazed heavenwards watching the snowflakes' descent.

Because the reason she couldn't turn around back then, the reason she couldn't see him was because…

"You don't exist"

And the snow continued to drift lazily about as the soft, broken whisper joined with the wind in a long, mournful waltz.