Ruby Red

7

A couple days had passed but I continued to avoid all of Kazama squad, including Shiori. I felt awkward after breaking down in front of all of HQ and having to run off to my room, so I decided to keep to myself for awhile. I trained solo in my room with the Kazama Squad trigger, I brought my meals to my room to eat alone, and I went on walks around the Forbidden Zone to clear my head. I had messed up bad and it was haunting me. I even missed my team's celebration for the boys' promotion to B-Rank. I seemed like an awful teammate.

I laid on my bed fully dressed in a loose t-shirt and sweats with my hair knotted into a messy bun, if you could even call my rat's nest that. I lifted my smartphone to my view and checked the time.

11:49 PM

'I should go buy some lunch.'

I lifted myself up and instantly found myself in the mirror. My face was puffy and tired, my clothes were wrinkled and baggy, my hair looked greasy and unwashed. Out of curiosity, I smelled myself.

'I need a shower,' I thought. 'Maybe I'll go into town and get some good food for a change.'

I sauntered into my personal bathroom and started the hot water. I released my hair from its disaster and brushed through it with my fingers. I brushed my teeth then stripped down to nothing and stepped into the steamy fountain of water. After about ten minutes of scrubbing my hair and body, I wrapped a towel around myself and walked back into the main room.

I pulled out a pair of light wash skinny jeans, a cream colored sweater and some golden brown boots. I combed my hair and bangs, deciding to leave it all down for once. My hair fell below my waist and had a sleek shine. I decided to apply some mascara to my already dark lashes since I was already starting to look decent for once. Afterwards, I grabbed my wallet, phone and headphones and headed out the door.

I turned on some light-beated music that would be peaceful to walk to and shut out the world. I entered the elevator and immediately shot down to ground level where I would exit HQ for the day. People stared at me as I walked past them; some in awe and some in lust.

'Disgusting.' I scowled. I ignored everyone and continued on my path before hearing my name through my music. I turned around to find Shiori and the rest of the team looking at me.

"You look so nice," she complimented. "Where have you been these past few days?"

"I just needed a little bit of space," I began, "from people." Shiori didn't buy the last part and knew things were tense between Kazama and I. However, she didn't push the subject any further.

"So, what are you doing?"

"Well, I haven't been out in awhile, so I'm gonna go get some lunch."

"Mind if we join you?" she asked politely. Kazama stared at me indifferently but I could see he was hoping for something in his eyes.

"Sorry, I prefer to be alone right now. Maybe next time." I gave the group one final glance and fake smile. "Oh, and congrats boys." I turned my back on them and proceeded out of HQ. I put my headphones in and didn't look back to avoid seeing any looks of disappointment. I trudged my way through the Forbidden Zone and into the streets of Mikado City. I passed by several different shops but finally stopped when I saw a blue flag with purple writing.

"Tuna Croquettes," it read. My mouth watered at the thought. I rushed inside and hopped into the small line. I finally got to the front and order two, each for 200 yen. I stood as I waited for my order when I was accidentally bumped in the side. I looked up to find a boy towering over me. His hair and eyes were a sparkling golden shade and his face held a mischievous little smirk. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.