Lost and Found

Snow

MINEKO'S POV + FLASHBACK

"Just my luck." I mumbled to myself as the snow landed onto my warm cheeks, melting instantly.

It was 11:30 at night, the roads were empty, and I was completely alone.

Not to mention it was freezing out, and I had no idea where I was.
A tear rolled down my face, "Great. I'm going to die out here! I'm only 16! I should have never agreed to go out with them...I should have just stayed home, studying."

Why is it so difficult for me to say no to people? I thought to myself as I aimlessly walked the streets of Osaka.

A chilling breeze came out of nowhere, nearly knocking me over. My damp face burned from frostbite, and I felt completely weak. There were no local stores around, or telephone booths to call anyone...it was merely a road with a few trees on the sidewalks, and mounds of snow. I knew that my parents are probably having a panic attack by now; I promised them I would be back at 11:00, the latest. Unfortunately for me, my mind tends to wander off to different places whilst out in public, and after leaving Karaoke with my friends, I became completely lost.
I was not even familiar with the street signs, but I knew that I had at least walked 40 minutes. What direction I came from...I have no idea.

"I'm such an idiot!" I stomped on the white fluff beneath me. That's when I felt something slide under my foot. I moved my leg out of the way to see something glimmering in the darkness. I squinted my eyes in confusion, not knowing why I had the sudden urge to bend down and dig through the freezing snow.

My eyes made out an image of a pendent that was in the shape of star, with something written on it. I slowly grabbed it, my fingers red and numb from the snow. Holding it up by its chain, I read the Kanji aloud to myself.
"You are the only star in my universe". Still squatting, I slowly traced the edges of the silver jewelry, turning it over, seeing that something else was engraved on the pendant. "T+M"? I questioned to no one, tilting my head in confusion.

Shrugging, I placed the necklace in the palm of my hand, quickly standing up. For no reason in particular, I clasped the necklace around my neck, caressing it one final time that night. I didn't know why, but I felt my lips turn into a smile, and I continued walking until I heard something screech behind me. Frightened, I turned around only to see that it was a taxi.

My mouth dropped open in disbelief. I quickly jogged to the car door, waving my hands like crazy in front of the driver. He rolled down his window, "Where to?" he questioned. I opened the back door and immediately gave him my address, plopping into the warmth of the car.

"You are a very lucky young lady. This was going to be my last time driving through this neighborhood!" He laughed, continuing on, "I barely even noticed you. It's a ghost town in Japan right now".

I nodded my head towards him, "I guess I am lucky"! I smiled, looking down at the star that rested on my chest.
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Kaoru's POV

Everyone at the table was shocked, including myself. Mineko's eyes went wide as she watched Kyo stumble out of the restaurant, her eyes still glued to the door.
"I-is he going to be okay? He looks sick." She questioned with concern in her voice.
Toshiya nodded towards her, "He gets like this a lot...moody?" He chuckled.
"I don't think that was just moody...his face went white". She continued on. Toshiya just sighed, sipping his beverage.

I placed my hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "I'm sure he'll be fine. I think that necklace just reminded him of something". She looked up at me, her dark eyes staring into mine. I felt my heart beat harder and harder with each second that we stared at each other. Mineko only nodded her head, slowly chewing on her food.

The awkwardness was evident after Kyo left the way he did. No one really said much, and everyone had a similar expression. We were all concerned. However, when Kyo gets in one of his "moods", he usually never picks up the phone. Whatever it is, I'm sure he'll get through it alone.

Shinya spoke up to Mineko, "I'm really sorry about Kyo. We'll get another chance to all talk again." I agreed with Shinya.

She smiled, "I know! Just...first impressions, right?" She joked, attempting to lighten the mood.

We all laughed.

Without realizing it, it was time to head out. Everyone left the restaurant first, and they all said their 'goodbyes' to Mineko.
"Did you come in a car?" I asked.
"No, I took the train".
"Do you want me to give you a ride home?" I questioned.

She smiled at me, "Actually, I didn't quite move in yet...I'm staying at a hotel for 3 days until it's time to move in to my new place". She looked down at the floor, "I didn't book the room yet. So, if you give me a ride there, it'll be much quicker than riding the Subway. I'd appreciate it".

I crossed my arms, smirking at her, "Or, you can save the money, and the worry about all the rooms being taken if you stay at my place?" I cannot believe I actually said that.

Mineko giggled, "You make a good point". She continued, "But I don't want to be a bother."

I shrugged my shoulders, "Oh trust me, you won't!" Her eyes gazed the restaurant, as she started zipping up her coat.

"Okay...if you insist. But, I really owe it to you!"

I only smiled at her, reaching my arm out for her to walk in front of me.