he stands at the river’s edge . it’s his FAVORITE SPOT , although he could never explain why . a fresh layer of snow decorates the frostbitten grass beneath . the river looks gray against the cloudy backdrop of the sky , and his mood matches well with the scenery that he doesn’t take notice of . as always , his body shivers despite the layers of clothes he wears , and his breath leaves his lips invisible despite the temperature .
ruby eyes stare at the tumultuous waves of the river , as if MESMERIZED by them . in a way , he is . he can see the lanterns floating over the water’s surface , casting the dark river alight with fire , so that it almost looks like constellations in the sky . he feels the WARMTH OF A BODY against his own , a chin on his shoulder , an arm around his waist --- he feels cloth between his fingers , and an IMPISH SMILE on his lips . he sees red and violet eyes , glittering like gemstones in the firelight . kaede blinks , and takes a long breath that turns into a longer sigh as he returns to the BLEAK , WINTER AFTERNOON .
confusion takes up residence on the eighteen year old’s features . he buries his hands further into his vest’s pockets . his boots crunch against the snow as he shifts his weight uncomfortably . kaede knows he DOESN’T BELONG here , in this time ; he belongs in his dreams ( his past ) . he belongs to somebody , and his heart calls out for him .
kaede hears movement behind him , and guesses that shinzou’s found him . he feels NO SURPRISE at this thought ; after all , the fox has a STRANGE HABIT of always knowing when he starts to fall into these weird moods of his . the young adult doesn’t turn to greet his friend , but speaks into the frigid wind ,
❝ hey , boy . sorry for worrying you . i’ll be okay . . . ❞