I was able to keep my gaze forward until I arrived at the school gates. At this checkpoint, I twisted my head towards the previous direction, staring briefly into the hoard of students pouring out of the tiny doors at an alarming rate. The small institute didn't look large enough to support the amount of beings exiting, but somehow we all managed to fit more than snuggly inside, further proof that looks are more deceiving than anything else in this world. I peered into the crowd, hoping excessively not to lock eyes with that blonde mop of hair that approached me minutes ago.

Avoidance was my goal; why was I searching frantically for the man I had left behind? I scorned myself, kissing my teeth as I reeled my head back to match the way of my feet. Before I could finish my step a hand grabbed mine and I found myself staring into envy green eyes.

"You're walking to Keio, right?" I nodded; relieved that Buttercup had no intent of leaving me behind after the mistreatment she received from my end. Instead of walking towards the gateway, she remained, forcing me to direct my body to hers. We were stopped on the side of the golden bars, allowing others access to the areas outside of school property. I made a questioning sound from my throat, and understandingly she replied, feeding my need for explanation. She wrapped her arms around her back, intertwining them out of my view. She bit her ruby lips, a sign that there was an uncomfortable air. I felt my muscles tense in the midst of awkward action. She finally spoke upon eyeing me from the bottom up. "Are you okay?" I released a stream of breath to her words.

"Yeah… I just felt out of it today." I didn't hesitate to reply honestly. There was no use in hiding my emotions; they weren't strong enough or unfamiliar enough for me to not understand. I was this way because of pain inducing memories that somehow forced their way into my mind after being gated for so long. Why it happened? I have not a clue, but I assume that making a friend for the first time in a long time was a spark that reminded me of all the previous beings I once shared a life with. But friendship is an open door; they all voluntarily saw themselves out.

I looked at the emerald girl once more; she was already staring back at me. Not surprising, considering my lack of connection to the world that day. "Anything you can talk about?" I took a step in front of her, making my way to the gates. She panicked for a second before stumbling to catch up. Soon we were side-by-side, casually drifting deeper into the city streets. "Are you a therapist?" I joked, not glancing at her as I spoke. She stifled a laugh, explaining her ironic interest in psychology. "Ah, so I'm your test subject?" She laughed at my response, jokingly agreed and remained with a smile.

We separated, going to our respective areas; the now becoming daily routine.
We branched off at the subway, I watched as she boarded her bus, she waved to me with glee as the doors closed and the driver began to pull off into the somewhat busy street. I lifted my arm, flashing a quick and polite farewell as I watched her figure disappear into a row of seats behind the tinted glass windows.

My path home was short, on foot. I began home feeling more refreshed for once.

Something akin to the day I first met the envy-eyed angel.