[h3][color=8493ca][center]~ Ogasawara, Hitomi ~[/center][/color][/h3]

Now that took Hitomi by surprise. Asking how she felt? She should have done that years ago, she immediately thought...but it also reminded Hitomi that she once saw Seika as something else than the stuck up girl she seemed to be today. There was a time when they had fun together, trusted one another and would worry about the other's well being...

...but that was before Seika showed her just how much all of that didn't mean so much to her, considering how badly she treated Hitomi after that. All evening, it was as if encountering Seika made Hitomi forgot all of her own problems and dilemmas. It was easier to be angry at her old friend than to worry or be angry at herself - not that she'd notice any of that. 

[color=8493ca]"Since when do you care."[/color] were the first words she said all evening, as she slowly stood back up, her eyes finally meeting those of Seika's. They were cold, nothing like the Hitomi Seika knew before; Hitomi used to be full of life, full of joy - making jokes all the time and finding fulfillment in making others laugh and be happy. She seemed so sure of herself. 

None of that was left in either Hitomi's voice or her stare, which seemed like it would pierce right through Seika's defense. She did her best to retain her composure, but the smallest of details on her face betrayed her; the tips of her lips, her eyes and such. She bore anger, resentment. It was childish, maybe, but it was there and it burned...and probably never stopped burning for the last few years. 

[color=8493ca]"...You're--"[/color] but she was stopped mid sentence as the Manager walked in, surprised to see the mess Seika was cleaning up. [color=gray]"What happened here?"[/color] said the manager, more confused than angry. He may not have been used to this, considering Seika's more than exemplary work's performances. 

Hitomi looked down, her hair covering her eyes as she walked to her things, grabbed them quick and headed for the door. As she did so, and as she opened it, she just stated; [color=8493ca]"I don't feel so good tonight. Sorry for the mess! I have to run."[/color] and got out in the pouring rain without a umbrella. 

The manager and Seika were left to themselves. He scratched his head while letting out a deep sigh [color=gray]"Well...and we've been searching for someone for so long, too. Hey, Seika, what do you think...Should I keep her or search for someone else? What did you think after working all evening with her?"[/color]

One thing was certain, though. The manager may have missed it - and maybe Seika did, too - but in that last word Hitomi said before being interrupted; it was full of spite.