A Raven in The Phoenix's Nest

At night

Eren's POV

I see her sitting— crying in college yard; covered by a police towel. I never thought that there will be a murder on this college. Moreover, the student who was killed comes from my grade.

I sit beside her while drinking water. I keep my mouth locked— don't want to ask her questions that can make her condition worse. I'm sure, right now, she is in terrible shock.

Why does it have to be her?

Mikasa is a person with the softest heart I've ever met. To be honest, I'm starting to worry about her— worry that she will continue to live in a slump.

"E-Eren ... I'm thirsty..." She said sobbing— still embracing her knees.

I open my backpack and give her the new one. Like I thought, right now, she is really in terrible condition. Her eyes are puffy. Her hair are messy. Her tapered fingers trembled, trying to open the bottle cap— gasping for breath. Her two eyes is staring straight, aimlessly. She takes a sip of water for a moment, then staring back at the emptiness.

I keep looking at her, still said nothing. To be precise, I don't know what to do. I'm not a human being who scavenges for empathy and sympathy from others. I always thought that they, humans, could take care of their own lives. They don't need help from each other.

However, I can't leave Mikasa like this. She is my best friend. The rain that repels sticky grime. The light that shows in the darkest time. I have to help her. She needs help. She needs me.

But what am I supposed to do ?!

I try to find out on the internet and find several websites that make the same suggestion.

First thing to do: Hold her hand.

I try to follow what the internet said. I hold Mikasa's hand— full of circumspection; full of tenderness. This is exactly what the internet said.

"E-Eren, what are you doing?" She stammered.

"Nothing. I just... calm you down."

She is silent— confused by what I am doing.

"I try to follow the internet about How to calm someone who is sad." I said while showing the website to Mikasa.

"Eren, you ... Hehehe ... Hahaha Hahaha ... HAHAHAHA ..."

"W-why are you laughing?"

"Eren ... You fool... So dumb... HAHAHAHA ..."

"WHAAAAT?!"

Her laughter grows increasingly boisterous— brighten up her face, which was ruined by her swollen eyes.

At first, I was annoyed with her laughter. However, slowly, I start to soften— smiling and enjoying this moment with her. At least, even though she is laughing at me, the mist inside her is now gone— overpowered by happiness.

She begins to lean on my shoulder. My hand is reciprocated by her. Her trembling fingers are now silent— asleep with mine.

"So, this thing really works?" I asked.

"No, silly. It's not like that."

"Then?"

She goes silent for a moment— pausing to answer. Her fingers are still sound asleep with mine. Her head falls deeply on my shoulder. Before she speaks, from the corner of my eye, I can see a little smile emerging from her pink lips.