Adjusting my scarf and wrapping it around my neck, I can't help but curse to myself about not wearing a coat. I can feel how cold the wall I'm leaning my back against is through my thick cardigan. Why did I pick the coldest day of the year to wait for Rei outside her school? I wouldn't be surprised if it'll snow later.

Today, we're hanging out after class and since my school finishes a bit earlier than Rei's, I decided I'd meet her outside her academy. It seemed like a good idea when I was inside my stuffy classroom however I seemed to have underestimated today's weather...

"Mina?"

I look up and see Rei walking out of the academy gates and towards me. I could feel myself blushing slightly, she looked really cute all wrapped up warm. She wore a dark grey duffel coat with a burgundy tartan scarf neatly tucked in around her neck.

I show her a grin and wave my hand.

"Hiiii, Rei ~ !"

She smiles a little at my actions and tucks a few strands of dark hair behind her ear.

"You didn't have to wait for me, you know."

"Who said I was waiting for you?"

Folding her arms, Rei gives me this look. She does a brief 360 scan of our surroundings and shrugs her shoulders.

"I don't see anyone else coming to you."

"That's because you're here scaring everyone away."

She narrows her eyes and pokes me in the ribs. I laugh and swat her hand away. I love it when we have our playful banter, it's like our thing. A typical Rei and Mina moment.

"Thanks for waiting but you really didn't have to."

"Yeah, well... I wanted to!"

She raises an eyebrow, slightly amused by my reply.

"You wanted to wait and stand in the cold for 10 minutes?"

It's my turn to fold my arms. I pout at her.

"Aren't you happy to see me? I wanted..."

I can feel my face heating up. At least this was keeping me warm.

" ...to walk home together."

Rei's expression softened, a colour of light pink dusted her cheeks.

"I suppose I'm somewhat happier seeing you."

She's teasing me! How mean! I'm about to retort back but I stop myself and instantly forgive her as she flashed me one of her rare genuine smiles.

"Let's go home."