I decided to step outside to buy myself some food from the convenience store. This might also be a good way to catch some fresh air and take a night walk. I put on a hoodie and a pair of sandals. Just when I was standing at the front door about to go out, a thought struck me. “Should I call Yukino?”. After all, Shin gave me her number and has been bugging me for a while now that I should give Yukino a call. It would be a waste to not contact her. So I did, nervously.  I haven’t seen her since the day we drank which was already a week ago, so I was wondering how she’s doing. 

I called her phone and it rang a few times before someone picked it up. A gentle voice I knew very well talked through the phone. 

“Uhm Hello? Who’s this?” 

“Yo, it’s Aoi.” 

“A-Aoi? How did you get my number? Was it Shin?”

“Yeah, How are you? I haven’t seen you since that day” 

“I’m good,  but I’m too embarrassed to talk about it. Is this why you called?”

“A part of it, yes. But, are you free right now? Want to go take a walk?”

“Where?”

“Just somewhere? I’ll come pick you up”

“Sure, pick me up at 10 PM.” 

I made my way out of the apartment and arrived at Yukino’s house by 9:53 PM. I went for a smoke and realized that I hurried my way here without even buying food. Was I excited to see her? 

Right after I finished smoking, I texted her that I’ll be waiting here outside. Not even a minute passed and she already came out. I watched her as she walked towards me. She wore a hoodie the same color as mine. A white hoodie and sweatpants while her hair was pony tailed. 

“So? Where are we going?” Asked Yukino. 

“Wherever the night takes us.” 

“Now you’re answering like a true writer huh? You’re getting cocky aren’t you?” Replied Yukino as she lightly tapped me on my shoulder. 

My stomach rumbled loudly and I was too embarrassed as Yukino laughed out loud. 

“I guess your stomach decided where  we should go. So our first stop of the night will be a convenience store.” 

I was too embarrassed that I just looked down and agreed. So I didn’t say a word and simply followed her lead. 

The neighborhood was quiet. What you’d normally expect considering the time. The streets were filled with small puddles and the smell of wet asphalt ran through my nose every time I inhaled. It was cold and Yukino seemed to notice as she wrapped her arms around her. 

“It’s getting cold nowadays huh?” Said I.

“Yeah, winter is fast approaching after all. You seemed to have changed quite a lot.” 

“Changed?” 

“Yeah, you don’t look as gloomy as you did when I first met you this year. You probably haven’t noticed yet but you look happy now.” 

Me? Looking happy? She’s right I haven’t noticed. But I know for a fact that these past few days were better thanks to all of them. It started to feel like I’m finally living a life worth living. 

“Anyway, you really are something else when you’re drunk huh?” 

“Please forget how I acted already! That’s too embarrassing. I barely even remembered what I did that night.” replied Yukino as she turned the other direction, acting all embarrassed.  

We arrived at the convenience store and I bought a ham sandwich and 2 cans of juice. Yukino was waiting outside saying that she had already eaten a while ago. Yukino was scrolling through her phone so I decided to scare her a bit. I sneaked behind her and placed the cold canned  juice on her cheek. 

“Wahhh! Stop it Aoi!” 

I laughed at her scared expression as if her eyeballs were about to jump out. At last, I  was able to get revenge for last time.

We sat at the convenience store’s parking lot as I lit another cigarette.  Beside us was an almost  broken lamp post as the broken light blinks barely emitting any consistent light. 

“Have you two made up yet?”

“You mean Hina? I slightly remembered what happened and I could say I was out of line. But what I said was true. Though I shouldn’t have said it that way.”

“I guess you guys will be fine. You’re actually matured Yukino. I expected you to be more childish. What a let down.” 

“Hey! Just because you changed doesn’t mean you can tease me all the time!” Yukino grabbed my head  and started locking it in her arms. We fell down the parking bump that we were sitting on and found ourselves lying on the asphalt face up. We both started laughing as we looked up at the sky while still lying on the  asphalt. 

I wondered if she remembered the exact words she said to Hina. But what I’m most curious about is why she envied Hina. She probably doesn’t remember that so I should leave it at that for the time being.

“So where to next?” Asked I.

“I know a spot nearby just follow me.” 

I’m actually wondering how Yukino found these spots. Judging from the last spot she introduced to me, I bet this one is just as good if not better. Does she stumbled upon these spots by accident or is she always in search of one.

Once again, I aimlessly followed Yukino as the night got colder. I regret not bringing a coat considering that I’m nearly shivering. My skin was never accustomed to cold months approaching  the winter. I should’ve kept that in mind before rushing to Yukino’s house earlier. 

A few minutes after walking, we arrived at an abandoned high-rise apartment. It looked a bit spooky from the outside. By the way it looked, it was probably abandoned for 5 years or so. 

“Welcome to the second spot I found during my adventures alone. We’ll go to the rooftop.” Said Yukino as she proudly presented the place.

We climbed up the stairs as the sound of water droplets accompanied us. If I were to be honest, I’m so scared right now. It’s  as if I can feel glances staring at me the entire time.

“Don’t be so scared Aoi. The place isn’t haunted speaking from experience so you could rest assured.” 

We arrived at the rooftop and Yukino quickly rushed to the edge of the floor onto the railings. She signaled me to come so I simply followed. What greeted us was the view of the neighborhood. The houses looked so tiny. There were only a few lights turned on considering that it’s already midnight. You can also see the nearby river lit by the lamp posts around it. Again, her spots didn’t disappoint my expectations.

“Shin talked to me the day after we drank about me going back to writing.” 

“Was she worried?”

“Yeah, considering my state back then, how I suffered mentally and physically, I wasn’t surprised. But it all went well so I feel relieved.”

"Then I guess nothing will be holding you back now." Answered Yukino letting out a sweet smile.