The hallway was cold. The heating system in the school was old. It rattled in the walls. It did not produce much warmth. Students walked with their hands in their pockets. They huddled in their uniforms. They breathed out steam. Kaito walked beside Hana. He kept his pace steady. He kept his hands deep in his jacket pockets.
Ember was restless. She was the Seven of Hearts. She was the living flame. She found the cold boring. She found the silence frustrating. She liked Kaito. But she liked warmth more. And Hana radiated warmth. It was not fire. It was not magic. It was human. It was bright. It was inviting.
Hana said: "It is freezing today."
Kaito said: "Yes."
Hana said: "I forgot my gloves."
Kaito said: "I have extras."
Hana said: "You always do."
