Andros Diner. The one of few places around that is open twenty-four hours. Where Kjelle and I went after senior prom for a quick bite before heading to Nah's pool after-party. Where I munched down on onion rings while crying about my dad again. Where Kjelle and I studied late nights because I didn't want to go home yet.

Yeah. This place has seen a lot of shit from me. And Kjelle was always there. I'd die for her, honestly. We've asked for a booth and I'm relishing in the comfort of their air conditioning, even though we were at the mall all day. I slide into the booth and drop my purse and the various swag bags from the mall next to me. To my surprise, Kjelle picks up the bags, puts everything in the booth across from us, and slides into the booth with me. I purse my lips. She usually sits across from me. I-I mean, not that I'm complaining. It's just not what I'm used to. "Wh-what's this?" I ask.

Kjelle looks at me, her brown eyes unreadable. She puts a hand on my thigh and squeezes, like she's my girlfriend or something. "Just wanted to do something different. This place always sees the same old same old from us, don't you think?"

That sets my cheeks aflame. "W-well, yeah, but, um...isn't this what couples do?"

"Really? Huh. Never thought about it." But her hand doesn't leave my thigh. I'm too scared to mention it. I might never get affection like this again. We look through the menu together, pointing out the pros and cons of every item we've ever had. I'm a big fan of their fried calamari. But I can't really focus because Kjelle is too close to me, the Cucumber Melon still on her skin. I don't want to over-think this, but…


The myriad of cherry trees are in full bloom this season in Branch Brook Park. Not that I'm looking. My gaze is casted down to the ground, dragging my feet like I'm fourteen. Sumia is hovering near me. I won't let her touch me again, but I don't quite want her to leave. So we're trying to casually stroll through the park until I calm down and talk to her again. I can't tell if it's working, since I want to kiss her and shake her all at the same time. She tried to console me back in the car by telling me that I have a lot to be proud of, but it fell flat on my ears.

"Are you mad at me still?" Sumia questions from a ways from me.

I shake my head. Truly. Like I said before, I can't stay mad at her for too long. But I'm tired. Tired of feeling weird about her, about Chrom, about Severa. I'm always pulled five different ways, and I'm tired of constantly feeling bad about it. Why can't I just enjoy whatever I'm given? Maybe because you're always given the short end of the stick.

This is bullshit. I get myself into those miserable situations.

So you admit that you're pathetic.

No! Fuck, I'm not gonna let myself get the better of me! I shake my head vigorously. "I want to be free," I declare, stopping in my tracks.

Sumia's face is torn between hope and confusion. Her eyes are wide, but the corners of her mouth are turned down. The other park-goers around us slow down too, unsure of whom I'm saying it to. I turn to face Sumia. "Mia, you're my best friend."

Sumia gulps. "You're mine too…"

"So fuck it right?"

Sumia looks away, towards the people who've completely stopped their strolls just to stare at us. When she looks back at me, she says, "I don't…?"

I stride over to her, grab her hand, and run.