The air seems to hum with the same teenage energy, yet it feels different now. Emptier. Laughter echoing off lockers, it gets to your nerves.

You turn the corner, your heart ready for the inevitable. There she is. Asuka. Leaning against her locker, her auburn hair framing her face.

But it's not just her.

**A tall figure stands beside her, arm draped casually over her shoulder. A smile on his face as he whispers something in her ear. Her responding giggle, like a knife twisting in your gut. **

It feels like time slows down. The world narrows to just the two of them.