A Raven in The Phoenix's Nest

The Phoenix's Cry

Mikasa's POV

"So, when are your parents coming home?" He asked on our way to college.

I remember that my parents had been in England for two weeks. As business people, they always travel at least once a month and will return the following month— staying only for one week. After that, they will travel again.

"Next week." I replied gloomily.

Eren doesn't reply to my answer immediately. To be precise, he doesn't seem like wants to talk about my parents. There is long-enough-silence hanging between us before I finally decide to break the silence.

"Oh, Eren, what classes do you have today??"

"Hmmm, one sec." He opened his mobile phone and looked at his schedule.

"Really? You really don't know your classes?!"

"Hehe, sorry." He said while scratching his head.

He got his color back since we started going to college. To be honest, I'm used to his mood swings that always came in the morning. However, this morning, it was different.

Too brooding.

Too lamenting.

"Let's see... My classes for today is Fine Arts, Photography and Language Literature. How 'bout you?

"I have classes in Music, History and Economics." I said— disappointed because none of the class is the same as him.

"It's good, then. It means, we don't have the same class." He said with a laugh out loud.

"H-How could you ... EREN!!!"

"Eh, should I run now?"

---

The clock shows seven past forty. We arrive on college earlier than usual. It happens because we went to college by running. To be precise, Eren ran away— avoiding my rampage.

We part ways in the second floor hallway. As scheduled, Eren heads for Fine Arts class and I head for Music class. I remember his dream of wanting to become a famous painter. The sweet dream that he always carried and cherished since he was a child. Therefore, I followed his steps to join this arts college. Not because I love art and culture, but because I didn't have a dream that I want to achieve. Yes, that was before I met him.

"It's still quiet." I muttered when I arrived at class.

I only see four to five people who were already in the class. In the back row, there are Connie and Sasha who are sitting side by side. It's no secret that they are lovers. Then, there is The Nerdy, Historia— sitting at the front row. There is also a man with shabby brown hair— I don't remember his name— sitting in the corner.

And then, a woman.

She has Sun yellow hair— sitting; facing the window. Seemingly, she is the woman Eren spoke to yesterday.

"Hey, can I sit here?" I asked— pointing to the empty chair next to her.

She turns to me. Her eyes are blue— as calm as the ocean. Her hair is tied into a side bun— leaving two to three strands of hair dangling right in front of her face. Her thin lips are pale pink, the same color as her skin. She wears a plain white shirt and black jeans.

"Yes." She replied in a flat tone.

I smile and then sit beside her with my hand out.

"I'm Mikasa Ackerman. Just call me Mikasa." I said.