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June never liked the smell of cigarettes, nor the awful haze that accompanied it; a nasty habit she had picked up half way through the year.
It was never convenient to her, having to walk quite a ways away to her preferred spot. The dorms would never allow it, and she certainly didn't want to pay out of pocket to fix the ceiling.
June picked up her phone again, cigarette tucked in the cradle of her ring and middle finger, checking for any notifications. [At least the rooftop had good cell coverage.]
Stuffing her phone into her pocket, she took a long drag. In- and out. Slowly. [Make sure to add another two seconds. Close your eyes.]
Letting the somewhat pleasant ambience of the city fill her ears, June leaned further back into the bench. The hustle and bustle of the cars, the cold yet soothing wind; it was comforting.
She took another deep inhale of her cigarette, focusing on the air flowing into her lungs--
The door abruptly opened, causing June to choke, coughing and hacking out of surprise. A familiar face turned the corner, staring with hazel eyes.
"Jeez, June--" She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You're like the only one who uses this roof, could've used it for something other than evil."
"...Not doing any harm." June spoke out, tapping her cigarette on the arm rest, before scooting over. "Why're you even here anyway, Ellie? Thought you were busy."
She sat down across from June instead, sighing. "Shift's cancelled today. Abigail watched someone push over a couple of the bookshelves, they fell like dominoes." Ellie started to laugh at her own retelling, giggling as she pushed through. "Bummer, but whatever."
"Mmh."
June gave a weak smile, dropping the cigarette onto the ground, before crushing it with the sole of her shoe.
A silence enraptured the two, as they did everything but initiate eye contact between each other. But, every so often, they would briefly lock eyes. Only for one of them to look away immediately.
"Ellie--"
"Yes?"
June winced at the immediate response, but continued forth. "You-- you're still planning on dating Aidan?"
Another brief silence. She could feel her hands tremble, desperately wanting to wrap her lips around another cigarette, June slowly slips her hand into her pocket.
"Y-yeah!" Ellie giggles thinking about it, her lips pursing into a calm smile.
"I'm glad." June coughed out, gently taking another cigarette out, not bothering to look for approval from Ellie anymore. Closing her eyes, she flicks open her lighter to let it scorch the end of her cigarette, before breathing in as if she was drowning.