We were all born in the town of Shinganshina. The famous one.
There was very little difference between our ages. I remember that Mori and Hani were the eldest, around a year older than Kyouya and I, and Haruhi and the Hitachiin twins were around a year younger than us. We played and talked together, as all friends do, but Kyouya, Haruhi and I were closer than the rest; Haruhi lived with me, and Kyouya and his family lived next door.
I remember that we seven were the outcasts of our little town. Not that we were the only outliers; we had contact with a few others, even if they weren't particularly in our little circle.
I remember that... awful day, too. The one everyone talks about.
Haruhi was dabbing Kyouya's torn knuckles with a damp cloth, berating him for getting into yet another fight. I was just sitting next to them, watching as they bickered, and laughing with their snide comments.
"You've got an attitude problem," I laughed. He did to. He never got through one of his speeches in the town square, as someone would eventually say something that got him angry and he'd fly off the handle.
The speeches were actually made by all seven of us. Kyouya and I wrote them, Haruhi proof read, and the rest gave feedback; but we'd take our share. We all knew one thing: humanity's future was beyond the walls. Very few thought the same, I only knew two people who did that weren't part of our group.
"He is an attitude problem," Haruhi chuckled, a smile on her lips, "You really should learn to calm down sometimes..."
He just pushed up his glasses, smirking, and told us, "I just wish you could punch the stupid out of people."
The others hadn't met up with us yet, so we were left alone to talk. Conversations always flowed between us, unrestrained and relaxed, but today was different...
"Are you going to tell your parents about the scouts?" Haruhi asked him, concern lacing her tone of voice. My hands tightened on the hem of my jacket; I'd always been wary of my best friend's ambition, knowing it could get him killed. My heart beat quickened, and a lump formed in my throat at the thought. He couldn't die...
"Why would I?" He asked, gazing up at the blue sky, "Not that they'd care. They'd probably be too enthusiastic about it; covering me in blood and pushing me out of the wall yelling 'here titans, have a tasty snack! He's bony, but we're sure he tastes good!'"
Haruhi and I snorted. True, Kyouya's parents weren't all that fond of him, but we doubted they'd go that far.
"You'd kick their asses before they had a chance," Haruhi scoffed, "Or I would, or Fuyumi."
"Or I would!" I chirped, causing them to burst out laughing. "What, I would!" I insisted again, their guffaws only growing louder.
We all laughed that day. However, even though we didn't know it at the time, it was the last one that was normal... untainted by tragedy.
It was the last day I saw him smile, too. Not for a long time, at least.