A Raven in The Phoenix's Nest

Those Green Emerald

Annie's POV

Finally, the history class is over. I immediately leave the class and head to the locker to lighten my backpack.

On the way to the locker, my head is still full of monologues that fill every space of my mind.

So, I met him again.

We didn't speak during the history lesson. To be honest, I'm not ready to talk to him. Even if it's just looking up at him.

I take out the college map that I got from a teacher. I look at it and arrange the route so that I don't have to pass through the canteen because I know, he will be there.

I walk down the long hallways of this college. Go down to the first floor, then through the halls again. It's not easy to find the locker. Maybe this is what is called a nightmare for new student. Always have bad luck on the first day of college.

After repeatedly walking down the long hallway, I finally find that damn locker. The locker consists of three levels with each level consisting of ten lockers. I look at the locker numbers one by one, matching the locker key number I hold. As expected, my locker is on the second level. My bad luck will increase if my locker is on the highest level. It will be difficult for me to reach. Yes, blame this short body.

Slowly, I arrange one by one the stuffs in my backpack into the locker. Every corner must be filled. Without exception. I like doing things like this. Arrange and tidy up things. Nothing should be abandoned. Nothing should be forgotten.

Another reason is to get rid of boredom. Weird hobby, of course.

When I am busy tidying things up, I don't realize that someone is tapping my shoulder gently.

"Hey, Annie right?"

I turn to the source of the touch and find a tall man with Caucasian white skin and honey brown curls. He also wears a synthetic leather jacket and ragged dark blue denim pants, on purpose. When look at the way he dresses, of course he is a rich person.

"Yes?"

"No-Nothing. I just want to keep you company today. A-Also, if you wish, I would like to become a t-tour guide, especially for you." He said haltingly.

"Why?"

"W-Why? I think you need that. Y-You don't want to get lost in this rickety building right haha?"

He laughs at the end of the sentence. Laughter that broke down. However, I am just silent, don't answer all the questions and requests that he asked. Nor when his laughter and smile fade away.

"Okay, sorry. My name is Jean Kirstein. Just call me Jean." As he is giving his hand to do a handshake with me. This time he looks more stable and less stuttering.

"I am Annie. Annie Leonhart."

"I know. We were in the same class during the history lesson earlier." He said with a smile before pulling back his ignored hand.

Again, I keep silent. To be honest, I'm not the sociable type. I will talk to others if it's important or if I have to.

"So, how?" He asked again.

"Sorry, but I'm busy today. Besides, I already have the map of this college."

"Too bad," his expression is full of disappointment, but quickly replaced by a fake smile, "Okay, it's okay. No problem. Then, what if I ask for your number? So, if you need anything, you can ask me directly. "

"No, thank you."

"Oh, come on. Let's just say I am your first friend today. I bet you don't have any friends in this college yet."

I let him talk and keep silent. I think what he just said is true. If I want to quickly adapt in my new college, at least I need to have a friend although it is only one person.

"Okay."

"Well, great!!!" He said with a broad smile.

We exchange phone numbers and part ways. Back to busy with own business: me with a locker decoration and Jean with his direction.

I continue to arrange stuffs in my locker. Make sure every one of  them has a place, even if they have to be stacked. It's their right. Because if there are stuffs that don't get their place, they'll cry. Of course humans can't hear their cries. That's what my mom said. A fairy tale that the truth can't be ascertained.

After a few minutes and when my work is almost done, someone taps me on the shoulder again. This time, harder— more like a grab. My mind immediately accuses the man named Jean.

What else does he want to meet me?

Hasn't he got what he wanted?

"What else?!" I said curtly.

For the second time, I turn to the source of the touch. Put on a face full of irritation that is quickly replaced by an intense shock. At that time, I don't see Jean's figure. At that time, I see tall man with Wheat brown skin. His hair is dark brown— almost black, left untidy. His eyes are green— as sheen as Emerald. Those two eyes that have always been his trademark.

"Back from the dead, eh?" He asked derisively.

Just like that. We meet again.

My childhood friend.

My childhood godsend.

Er-Eren?!