Kyoyo Zloto POV

 The weather is getting colder, and I still haven't returned Kana's jacket. I haven't even seen him, actually. 

...Not that I've been exactly looking. I'm all caught up in thoughts of Eli. I can't stop thinking about him, or the expression on his face when we first met. I get this weird little shiver down my spine whenever I think about him, which is pretty much enough to push thoughts of anyone else out of my head entirely. 

The Recall Shop has been especially quiet lately, so I end up spending most of my time just staring out the window. Zhenya has been messaging me nonstop now that I've let slip that there's a boy I like. It's early morning still, about seven o' clock. I have to get to school. 

"At least it's Friday." I remind myself as I step out of the Shop and into the frigid streets. The second I walk out; I lock eyes with someone who's just left the building on the other side of the street.

"Hey, Yo-Chan!!"

No way. How does this keep happening?

Kana sprints across the street, almost causing a collision in the process. "Sorryyy!!" He shouts as he skids to a halt in front of me. I giggle a little because of his ridiculous running style. 

"Crazy coincidence, huh? Whatcha doing out so early, Yo-Chan?" 

"I'm on my way to school." 

"Oh yeah, I remember that place. So boring. You should skip."

"What?! I can't just do that." 

"Can't, or won't? You're not learning anything useful there anyway. Hey, look! Somei Private has an off day today, and I'm meeting up with one of my friends from there! You should totally come with!!" 

Number One: I'm almost positive that Kana is my age, so why isn't he going to school? Number Two: If that friend just so happens to be Eli, then yes please I am going. 

"You're telling me that I should cut school to go hang out with two random guys that I barely even know?"

"Sounds about right. We're going to the Boulevard."

Split-Second decision. "Fine, I'll come." They won't even notice I'm gone. "But you are projecting completely the wrong message to people reading this."

"It's what I do best." Kana grins. I don't believe it for a second; that guy is sweet enough to make sugar give up its title.

"Oh yeah." I start to take off his cozy jacket to give back to him. "Here, sorry I didn't get it back sooner."

"No, keep it on!! I like the cold. And you look really cute with it on."

Aghhh, how can he just say that so casually? He's going to give girls the wrong idea. Although... Whatever girl ends up with him would be kinda lucky.  I shake my head vehemently. I'm in love with Eli. 

"Hey hey, Yo-Chan, look! It's the first snow of the season!!" 

I look up. Delicate flakes are spiraling down around us like powdered sugar through a sifter. The air is freezing cold, but I feel strangely warm standing here, as if I'm encapsulated in this perfect moment. Our hands brush against each other for just a fraction of a second. 

"You know... They say that seeing the first snow with someone is really special."