• Naoko paced furiously, and her child-hood friend Koutu sat on her bed, his eyes watching her sadly. "Nee-nee-chan...." He sighed, using her pet-name that few used. "I'm so sorry...." She stopped. "Sorry isn't going to bring my sister back." She said, her voice cold and shaking. "Sorry isn't going to bring Zen back!" She yelled, bringing her fist down onto the dresser she had paused by. Tears steamed down her pale face, glowing sickly white with grief. Koutu rose to his feet to bring her into his arms, but she just jumped out of the second-story window, leaving him alone.

    "Naoko...." He sighed with concern lacing his usual smooth, casual voice like shards of pottery across silk. "I love you." He shook his head causing his green and black bangs to fall into his face and he followed her. He could never tell her that, especially not now that she lost her best friend....could he?