Yuuki broke out in cold sweat, writhing in the tangled mess of her bedsheets. Panting, she stared up at the blank ceiling. At her waking, whatever nightmares that plagued her were forgotten. Even so, the past has a funny way of coming up and haunting those who are least prepared.

Quietly, Yuuki slipped her bare legs off the bed and stood to open the window. A soothing breeze drifted into the room, but it did nothing to settle the restless feeling inside the girl. Yuuki leaned against the window, feeling the cool breeze ruffle through her bangs. Quiet noises accompanied the refreshing wind. Muffled voices - one strange and rough, the other more familiar. Another layer of apprehension settled over Yuuki's heart. Curiously, she strained to make out the conversation from the next room over.

"...Don't look at other men..."

"We're just friends..."

"Babe, I saw the way he stared at you...creep."

"...I don't like any other guys, okay? Why are you so possessive?"

From the snatches of conversation that Yuuki could make out, she could understand the gist of the argument. She felt guilty listening to other's conversations, but the urge to continue was too compelling. Yuuki knew who was speaking. The familiar voice; that was Asuna. The unknown voice was probably a friend or boyfriend. But that couldn't be right. Something in their voices felt off, they sounded too harsh.

"Asuna, I love you, alright? Isn't that a good enough answer for you?"

Yuuki heard the rustle of clothing and footsteps, probably someone walking around. A door creaked.

"Yeah..." Asuna sounded like she wanted to say more.

"...Then I'll see you tomorrow."

Only after she was sure the man had left and Asuna had gone to bed did Yuuki let out the breath she had been holding. Her head was swimming, and the smell of smoke from earlier seemed to invade her mind, heavy and suffocating. It felt all too personal. The scene had brought back difficult memories. Perhaps it was just her tired mind, but she felt like she was drowning. And no matter how much she swam, she would always be too weak to stay afloat.

What felt like hours later, Yuuki had collected herself. The feeling of restlessness had diminished. Her mind, however, was still plagued with thoughts. Her neighbor obviously had a bad relationship with her boyfriend, but why? Was that the reason she smoked? How is it possible for someone to look so forlorn and worn out? Yuuki sighed, curling up on her bed and willing for sleep to put her tired body to ease. Two things were clear to her, she decided. Asuna's boyfriend had lied; he did not love her. And Asuna was hurting.

"It really is too cold outside for angels to fly, huh?" She whispered bitterly to no one in particular. Soon after, a drowsy feeling set in, and Yuuki welcomed the darkness that accompanied it.

Mornings were evil. School mornings were especially evil. Yuuki scrambled out of bed, throwing on a blouse and jeans, trying to energize her body. Today would be her first day of senior year. She felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. Although she would be going to the same school as the previous year, it felt as if there was a new mood in the air. Sweet and fresh, but mysterious, like the mist of a chilly autumn dawn.

Yuuki ate breakfast and quietly walked past her mother, who was sleeping peacefully on the couch. She had been away, working late into the night. Though I suppose working all the time is still better than what she did before... Yuuki sighed, grabbing a blanket and wrapping it around her slumbering mother before she left for school. She was locking the door behind her when she heard a voice.

"Hey." Asuna greeted her.

Yuuki froze for a moment, remembering last night's events, before turning to face her.

"...Yo," she started, "Are you heading to school?"

"Yeah. I'm a senior at the local high school this year."

"Eh, really? I am too! What classes are you taking? We might have some together."

"I'm taking all ap chemistry, and honors for all the other classes."

"Oh...I'll only be in your math and history classes, then. You must be really amazing to be taking ap chem. Chemistry is so hard!"

"Hmmm... Chemistry isn't that hard for me, but I guess I study a lot. It's not like I have anything else to do with my free time."

"I always end up procrastinating...I'd much rather be swimming or playing my guitar, to be honest." Yuuki laughed gently. She was happy that they were able to have a normal conversation. Asuna seemed happy, too, in her gentle, underwhelming manner. As they were speaking, they had started walking to school. By now, they were nearing the front of the building.

"That's our school. It's pretty big, so if you need directions to any classes, feel free to ask me." Yuuki said, giving Asuna a friendly smile. The girl's positive attitude was infectious, and soon Asuna was grinning as well.

"Thanks, I appreciate it."

Suddenly, a warning bell sounded. They would have to be in their classes soon.

"Well, it was nice talking to you again, Yuuki. I have to head to class now."

"Yeah, we don't want to be late!"

The two bid each other goodbye and rushed off to their respective classes. Before she left, Yuuki watched Asuna turn away, not missing the hint of sadness in her eyes. The previously bright halls suddenly seemed so empty and silent as she ran through them, her shoes making quiet tapping sounds on the cold tiles.