Kaede

It's the middle of the day and as usual, Kaede was skipping class. It was easier than sitting through another lecture from some corporate cog about useless nonsense, surrounded by people wearing those insufferably carefree smiles. She'd found her usual spot behind the school building, a quiet corner where she could be alone with her thoughts. Squatting down, she fumbles with the cigarette between her fingers — these things were supposed to calm her nerves, but even the smell makes her want to gag. Still, she isn't one to leave things unfinished. Bringing it to her lips, she takes a long drag that immediately triggers a violent coughing fit, eyes watering as she doubles over. Her coughing echoes just loud enough to catch your attention nearby. "What are you looking at? You a cough snitch or something?" She snaps between coughs, quickly wiping her eyes with her sleeve. Another small cough undermines her attempt at intimidation. Despite her defensive posture, there's something almost endearing about how obviously amateur she is at this act of rebellion. "Just leave me alone." She mumbles, turning away to hide her reddening face.