Ruby Red

17

It was just another day at Border HQ. I decided to hang around the main base rather than Tamakoma because I was nervous about the incoming invasion. I wanted to believe that there was a possibility that they wouldn't come, but with Jin's predictions, it was inevitable.

I rose from my hard mattress in my saved dormitory and trudged over to my shower. I wanted nothing more than for this week to pass by quickly so I could avoid reliving my nightmares. I wanted to avoid re-meeting my nightmares. I turned on the hot water and immediately stripped of my dark blue tank top and black shorts. I slipped under the pouring water and shut my eyes in an attempt to release all of the stress which was pent up in my brain. It caused a throbbing headache that immediately ruined my morning.

After my shower, I dressed in black leggings that allowed mobility, just in case, as well as a tight, black t-shirt. Since I didn't want to look out of the ordinary, I threw on a brown flight jacket and a pair of heeled combat boots in a matching color. After combing out my hair and tying it up into a high ponytail, I grabbed my phone and left my room to grab some Border cuisine.

Everything around me was blurred and there was a deafening ring in my ears. Everything around me was muffled like I was underwater. I tried my best to act normal and continued on. However, as soon as I stepped into the elevator where I was completely alone, I felt fine.

'You need to calm down. Freaking yourself out and stressing about the battle won't help. You have to prepare yourself,' I commanded myself.

The movement of the elevator was halted and the metal doors slid open. I stepped into the open dwelling where all of the older members that weren't in school resided for the time being. I kept my head down as the feeling from before returned. The pounding of my temples increased and I couldn't help but wince in pain. I robotically bought an order of curry and rice and took it to an isolated table in the corner of the cafeteria. I picked up my fork and just twirled it around in the curry sauce. I continued to play with my food until a body slid into the seat opposite me.

'What is it with people not leaving me alone to eat by myself?!'

"You need to calm down," a deep voice said. I didn't meet his eyes so he grabbed my hand which held my fork. I hadn't realized it until now, but my entire body was shaking and it was apparently very noticeable to others. I slowly lifted my eyes to meet his ruby red ones and suddenly, I felt as if I was no longer underwater and I could see and hear clearly. I glanced down at his hand on mine and he caught on immediately, releasing my hand from his hold. His fingers gently slipped from my hand which almost upset me.

"I'm fine," I breathed out. He scoffed under his breath.

"It's very obvious that you're not." I averted my eyes to the wooden table. "Is it about your time in Aftokrator?" I didn't answer but kept my gaze away from him. He sighed. "You need to eat. If we're attacked, you're gonna need your energy." I nodded slightly and looked up at him.

"Thanks, Kaz." His cheeks tinted a light pink shade at the use of my nickname for him. I smiled to myself and took a scoop of rice into my mouth. "Are the boys in school?"

"Yeah. And Mikami is who knows where. If the invasion were to happen right now, I'd be on my own."

"I could always connect you to Shiori back at Tamakoma," I offered with a playful wink. He smirked and looked into his lap. I took this time to analyze the boy since it had been awhile since I last saw him.

His hair was a little longer and spikier than I remember and his skin was a little paler. It was kind of alarming to me, but nothing I could waste time worrying about right now. He also wore the same green parka from two years ago which made me giggle quietly. "What?"