She left school early.

The day had scraped against her nerves one too many times, and the thought of sitting through another dull class felt unbearable. So she walked. No destination in mind. Just movement. Just escape.

Her steps carried her across the city until iron railings and quiet water greeted her. The lovers’ bridge. A place where promises hung in the air and the Seine carried secrets away.

She leaned against the railing and sighed, watching the river swallow the reflections of the sky.

Only then did she notice she wasn’t alone.

In the water’s surface, another reflection appeared — a young boy standing beside her. Blue hair. Still posture. A cigarette glowing between his fingers.

She lifted her gaze.

And the scent of smoke curled into her breath.