Counting numbers.

The girl, Ayane, just like any other day, was going home after school. Although it wasn't actually like just the other days, as she met the person that saved her life yesterday. She was grateful nonetheless, but she wasn't expecting him to wait for her so that they can walk home together.

Kanako, who was standing behind one of the lockers, outside her field of view, came out from his hiding just as she was going out.

"Uhh... do you mind if I tag along?", said Kanako, he was being suspicious.

"But why?"

"..."

She got no reply. Kanako wasn't expecting her to ask why, which is stupid. Because anyone would be suspicious if someone seemingly wanted to go to home together. But Ayane didn't care much, as Kanako has portrayed his trust on that first night.

"Sure."

Although she agreed and they started to walk together, they seemed total strangers to each other. If anyone would look at them, they wouldn't say that they are friends. Kanako was just tagging behind her. But it strangely attracted a lot of attention. Although Ayane noticed, Kanako failed to do the same.

Although it may seem rude, Kanako was admiring the cuteness of Ayane. Even in school clothes, she looked like an absolute princess. The golden hair shone under the sun, giving it a magical glow. Her face was no exception, although he couldn't see it.

Although very minor, he noticed a very particular mark on the back of the arm, just peeking out. It looked like a bruise. Surprisingly, she also had bandages on her arm.

"Can I ask you a question?", asked Kanako.

"Sure. What is it?"

"How did you injure your arm?"

He felt a brief moment of silence in her answer. He could see that she was biting her lips out of agony. As if something was wrong. Very wrong...

"Its nothing. You know, laundry and cooking and stuffs..."

That was a very indirect answer, Kanako noticed.

"But won't it affect your acting career?"

She felt chills down her spine. It was almost over. She couldn't hold her tears for much longer. She stood still, trying to figure out her emotions and keep her character in check.

"I guess, it might...", she said, almost going to cry. She was at her breaking point again.

She knew that if she kept her eyes open, she would've cried instantly. She closed her eyes and started counting numbers to escape from reality, but reality is often disappointing.

She felt a warm sensation in her cold hands. A voice called out to her, snapping her back to reality.

"It must be hard to walk on the path that you are walking on. So would you mind if I share some of your pain? I promised you to support after all."

It is surprising how he could say something like that with a straight face like its nothing. Ayane felt a sense of relief. Looked like spending time with a guy like this is a better way to escape reality than to count numbers.