raindrops

And he sighed, because according to the small telly he’d watched for countless days back at the hospital, it was times like those when you were supposed to sigh. And telly never lied, right? After all, it was the only model he’d had on how to act, aside from the kind nurses who’d been surrounding him twenty-four/seven.

But, even with the sound of hair heaving out of his lips and the raindrops being whisked away by the window, he knew that the best thing to do at the moment was to just wait until things got better. To hope that his situation would improve. Yes, he was alone, without what, according to those cheesy sitcoms was a family, and lacked friend as well.

Nagito didn’t mind that, to be honest; it was just a sign that if he had enough hope, it would all be much better. He could be certain that his waiting would pay off.

People-watching had become his hobby ever since he’d been released, and he took at least a bit of time every day to do so. Even though the rain was raging and the only things protecting him were a checkered umbrella and his favourite green jacket, he didn’t pay it any mind. He carefully observed as persons walked by, and he couldn’t help but think about just how different they all were. And then came the bad thoughts, because, ever since he’d woken up, he had realised that everything good comes accompanied by something horrible.

     What was it like to be invisible? Relieving? Depressing? The last time she felt ignored was when she was much younger; and even then, her family showered her in attention and something resembling love. She wouldn't dare let such memories bring tears to her eyes; tears were weak and subtle, but in the rain, they merely mixed with the salty droplets and pretended to be a part of something bigger; something that didn't revolve around her. Focusing on other people was how she overcame her fears and crippling insecurities; so, she scanned the sidewalk devoid of many people, though some walked with a quickened pace and an umbrella in tow. Though it was cold, Maizono felt warm in the presence of others; realizing that she wasn't alone in the rain, but perhaps she was alone in her love for the rain. For its beauty and coolness and even the smell--a distinguishable moldy scent that Maizono loved to inhale.

     She caught the gaze of a white-haired man standing nearby and her expression of awe melted into a smile; lips lifted into the simplest smile she could manage to give a stranger, making sure so that their umbrellas did not knock against each other when she came to a stop beside him.

     As soon as the words left her tainted lips, Maizono immediately regretted them. It was apparent what a temper this man had, and even more obvious was the fact that she did not want to mess around with it. A mere ant beneath a tower; that was how she felt when his looming presence stood tall over her lithe one, and it was then that she realized how insignificant she was at this very moment--that she should not test her luck. She would not dare let herself stutter, but currently, she felt as though she mouth might betray her and quiver; therefore, she remained silent.

     Her pride was far too swelled for her to apologize, especially to someone who smoked, but her fear for her own life forced her to, at the very least, settle her emotions. "S-sorry--I just--"

     No point in continuing, lest she screw up even more.

     "--Hey, I am an idol. The Super High School Level Idol, in fact. The least you can do is make sure it doesn't happen again and--"

     "F-fake?" she demanded, crossing her arms and raising her chin so that she could meet his gaze with an everlocking cold stare. "I'll have you know my nose is not fake, nor is any other part of my body--fat or limb. I put hard work into this appearance, so don't you dare pass it off as 'fake.' Didn't your mother teach you manners?" A bitterness accompanied her words, and she turned her head as he breathed smoke once more--just to be sure he didn't  cause her to have another episode. She let out a sigh of irritation, obviously not wanting to stick around here much longer; the darkness' jaws closed in on her as though she were its prey, and this man did not help her uneasiness. Who knew what other dangers lie in wait for her. Rarely did she ever walk this street, and it may just be her last time taking the dive. She wondered how quickly she would be replaced by her fans should her life end; how disappointed they would be if she did not return safely. Strange how a girl like her would think of her fans before her friends or family--but that was how Maizono's train of thought worked; fame before future.