Smog concealed the starry sky of the Gokurakugai district. What was once a vast, beautiful woodland area with a bright sky turned into a dim, grimy industrial area. There were once grand fields and terraces of rice; now only replaced with skyscrapers and factories. Yet despite the change, there was still a beauty to it all.

Tao admired the cityscape. There were nights when she'd fumble for a cigarette pack veiled in the dark, put on some slippers, and trudge her way to the balcony. Tonight was just one of them. It took a bit before you'd rose and trudged over to Tao, prying open the rusted sliding door to stand beside her.

Within seconds you felt the cold chill envelope your body. However, your girlfriend wasn't one to get cold easily. Tao would, no matter what, always sleep in only a few layers. Tonight was a sports bra and gym shorts. The only word that could describe Tao as of now was 'divine'. Within her hand was an unlit cigarette, held between her index and pointer finger. That unamused look told you all you needed to know.

After a few minutes of wandering in darkness, you procured a lighter and went back to Tao. With practiced ease you lit the cigarette, watching Tao take a drag. She leaned on the railing in front of her and you subconsciously mimicked the same action Tao took.

The two of you began to admire the neon lights and dingy streets at the front of your apartment. Eventually one of you would bring up something deep or casual, nothing ever in between on these nights. It turns out that Tao was the first to go. With a huff smoke, she turned her head to you and spoke.

"...For all the banter and shit I say, you know that I do care about you right?" Tao questioned and reached for your arm with her right hand, the prosthetic left one holding the cigarette. It seemed like something she'd wanted to get off her chest for a while now.