Chapter 5
Behind Her Back
At one point, I felt like I could take on the entire world…
If I only had you at my side.
Money, clothes, possessions- none of that mattered to me.
Just being with you gave me enough happiness.
But now you're gone.
Farther gone than I can possibly reach.
And It's all because of me.
I keep asking myself why I had done such a thing.
And now I know the answer.
But I still don't understand why I kept lying!
I lied to you, to him, to everyone.
I guess it's true what everyone says:
You just can't make everyone happy.
So I stopped trying.
I know I made people cry sometimes,
and it adds more of a burden to my heart.
I broke so many hearts.
And their pain is added to my own.
I just can't emphasize that enough.
But after thinking and praying so many nights,
I realized who I really was...
I was made to be the Devil's child.
It was my nature to break others.
No matter how much I wish I was the innocent and kind child I was,
I can never go back.
I might as well have just committed murder.
No...
I might as well have committed mass murder.
They say God forgives everything,
but I keep asking myself:
How can anyone forgive me?
After all, I'm nothing more than the Devil's child.
I was probably sent by him just to make his job easier.
People think that murder is the ultimate sin.
But after people die, they find peace.
But if you wound them with something that could never heal...
That would easily scar...
They will never find peace.
Let's face it.
I'm the daughter of Satan...
Luka's POV
I re-dialed the phone number I knew so well by heart, putting the phone to my ear as soon as I was done. My heart pounded in my ear as I waited for the voice I knew for so long. I was anxious, listening closely as my eyes closed. Please just answer...
Ring…
Please pick up.
Ring…
Come on...
Ring…
". . ."
On the other side of who-knows-where, I heard a click of a button. A let out a breath that I didn't even know I was holding. Rin's voice immediately giggled into the receiver, making me glad I was finally glad to reach her..
"Oh, hey!"
"Rin-" I began, my voice giving away the concern I help for the girl..
"-Rin Kagamine here. If you received this voicemail, it means I'm not available right now. But leave me a message and I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can! Thanks!"
Damn voicemail. Damn cell phone! Just damn it! I slammed the phone down with a groan, hearing the loud crash as the phone and it's holder made harsh contact. All my hope had been suddenly tossed out the window.
It's been nearly two weeks since the last time Rin showed up at school. I've looked around for her everyday, even going so far as to track down her friends and asking of her whereabouts. There was no success. Zip, none, nada. It drove me crazy trying to contact this girl, and yet there was still nothing.
I collapsed on the love seat in my room, throwing up my arms in the air in defeat and groaned. During my cry of frustration a soft fluff of black, orange and white sprung into my lap and affectionately rubbed up against me; she purred and wove all around me, demanding the affection and the attention she desperately craved. I sighed, giving in and stroking her rich white-coated neck. "Dammit, Shino… I wonder what could've happened to her," I said to her with an annoyed puff. "What do you think?"
"Meow."
"You think Rin's sick or something? I mean, there has been a flu going around the school…"
"Mrow."
"You're right, she's not one to get sick. How about… family?"
"Mrow-ow..."
"I didn't think so either. She would've called me up about it,"
"Meow. Meow-ow."
"Better yet, she would've come over here and ransacked the entire orange stock while crying her eyes out,"
"Meow."
"Yes, and the yogurt too..."
"Meow Meow Mrow."
"Hell no! That girl better not touch my tuna! I don't care how close we are, noone touches the tuna!"
"Me…Meow?"
"Except for you, of course."
"Mrow! Meow..."
"Well, anyway, I'm still worried about that kid. I've been taking care of her since she was in sixth grade. I guess that's why she always looks up to me, right?"
"Meow."
"Aww. You're so sweet, you know that, Shino? I don't consider myself that much of a good big sis, but thanks anyway."
"Meow."
"Yeah, I really love her too. Hell, I'd pick her over Luki any day."
"Meow."
"We both would, obviously."
"Meow."
"I know, right?"
"Meow."
"So, you're talking to your cat now?" At the sound of that younger voice, I spun my head around to see the one who had spoken so abruptly. A tall, lanky boy with shaggy pink hair was leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed. A cocky smirk lined that annoying little face of his, completing his look of smugness. "I can say you've definitely gone crazy, sis." I sent him a slightly narrowed look, for he was starting to get on my nerves.
"Eavesdropping isn't polite, y'know."
The thirteen-year-old grinned much like the cheshire cat, raising his hands in mock defeat. "Sorry, sorry." Then without asking permission, he walked right into my room and relaxed himself on my queen-sized bed. This brought another jolt of annoyance through that nerve. Uh, can you say rude much? I, however, decided to let it slide. Instead, I began playing with Shino's ears, smiling slightly as she leaned forward to be petted.
"So, what're you doing here, kiddo?" I asked.
I heard Luki hop off the mattress, his footsteps coming towards me. Before I knew it, he had his arms around my neck, snuggling me in a cuddly, affectionate way. "Sis~… " He began to sing in a voice dripping with sweetness and sugar-filled goodness. I fought the need to roll my eyes, knowing what was coming. "You know, your hair looks greattoday! It looks so soft and straight, did you use some cool hair product or something?" At this statement I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Since when did he pay attention to my hair?
"… No, I haven't,"
"Oh well. It looks great anyway! And I just really like your taste in clothes. Sis, you're always so breathtakingly gorgeous!" Though these comments were nice, he was laying it on a bit too think. Isn't he? "And sis is always so nice… in fact, I wanna be just like sis when I grow up~!" I almost scoffed.
He wanted something, I knew it. The signs were there.
"Okay, alright, enough," I shrugged away his touch and turned to look at him with a no-nonsense look. It was all business from here on. "Tell me what you did." He appeared to look insulted, which was pulled off quite nicely.
"What the-! Luka! How could you say something like that? And about me!"I merely looked at him, my expression being unchanged.
"What did your friends tell you this time?"
"And to think I once looked up to you!" Luki continued melodramatically, shaking his head in disappointment. "But I guess that's passed. Well, there's always-" I sighed, reaching into my pocket and pulling on a brown wallet. If it would get rid of him...
"Whatever. How much do you need?" Luki immediately stopped, his eyes lit up and a look of pure ecstasy crossed his face.
"Luka~!" The seventh-grader happily flung his arms around me again, nuzzling me again. "You're awesome, you know that? This is why I love you! Okay, I just need twenty-five bucks. That should cover it," Wait. Did I hear this correctly? I pulled out of his hug and gaped at him.
"Twenty-five dollars?"
"It's for something important," Luki answered with all the seriousness etched on his face, "Really, I swear!" I stared at him suspiciously, scowling. I shook my head.
"Damn it, kid. I swear you're gonna be the death of me." I muttered as I fished out the cash. Before I handed it to him, however, I gave him a dangerous glare. "You better pay me back this time, or I'm telling Rin about the bra incident." His entire face flamed with embarrassment and shock. I couldn't help but smirk.. This brat brother of mine had a giant crush on Rin, one she couldn't shake off no matter how much she tried. After all, he never gave up.
"I-I swear I will!" Luki's hands began to twitch nervously as I continued smirking at him. "Really, sis!" I gave him a cheeky grin before pulling on his cheek.
"D'aaaaw, you're just so cute," I continued to stretch out that cheek of his, making him wince in pain. He began to whine and I laughed, shoving the money against his chest. "Whatever. Now scram." A happy grin plastered on his face and he planted a big, wet kiss on my cheek.
"You're the best! Love you!" I watched him as he scrambled out of my room, laughing. Then I got up and collapsed on my bed, sprawling my entire body out on the silk sheets with Shino flicking her tail against my face. I stared up at the ceiling with a sigh. At a time like this, I couldn't help but wonder what Rin was doing…
Another sigh escaped my lips while I was closing my eyes. One particular thought rushed through me.
Rin hadn't always been like she was today; in fact, there once was a time she was childlike and carefree. Back then, she'd always greet everyone with sweet, infectious smiles. Her gorgeous blue eyes would spark with life and her bubbly nature would fill up the entire room, making everyone feel at ease. Back then, she was so happy and no sadness existed.
Back then, everyone knew her as her old, mischievous self. But that was before… she fell in love and made a terrible mistake at the same time.
Years ago, she had been seeing Mikuo.
Mikuo was the guy Rin had been dating for several months, he was everything she desperately wanted in a guy. Smart, handsome, charming… and he could win anyone with his casual attitude and winning smiles many girls swooned over him at school, including Rin herself. The two had been friends since fifth-grade, and over the years, both grew intense feelings for one another, though they had been always the best of friends.
When the winter started to feel at home, during the time of Christmas Eve and two days before Rin's thirteenth birthday, Mikuo finally built the courage to ask Rin out. She, of course, accepted his offer and they've been happily dating ever since… Oh wait, did I say 'happily'? That's my mistake.
To clarify, Mikuo had always been a busy guy. His schedule revolved heavily around sports, academics, and family troubles. He couldn't help being put under that major stress load, he never had time for us, his friends, or even Rin. At that time, he was trying to solve everything on his own. Though I could tell he tried his hardest to balance everything out.
As for Rin… At first, Rin tried supporting Mikuo's cause, giving him the space he needed. But after almost three weeks, she grew bored of the cold, now distant relationship between them and began dating other guys behind Mikuo's back, much to my disapproval. I told her she was being stupid, that it would not only hurt Mikuo, but herself as well. However, she chose not to listen. And eventually, Mikuo found out…
I felt my mind drift off into a restless space, my muscles gradually relaxing with each breath I took.
Yes…
I recalled that time just as if it had happened yesterday.
It was that day…
Rin had completely lost herself.
I poked the end of my pencil in the corner of my mouth, scowling slightly at the difficult problem before me. I hated algebra so much. It drove me crazy, seeing how elaborate and complicated these problems got. For once, I agreed with Rin. It was better just to guess and check sometimes. After all, I'd only need this if I went into construction... My thoughts were interrupted by the voice of my mother.
"Luka? There's a phone call for you!" Mom called from downstairs, making me glance up. I sighed in relief, thankful for a sudden distraction.
"Coming!" I bolted put from my bed, rushing out my room as quickly as I could. Practically zipping down the stairs, I jumped two steps at a time to get to my destination. I met up with mom in the living room; the phone was in her hand.
"It's from Rin. She says it's urgent." Mom said, concern in her voice while her face held a slight look of worry. "Is everything alright? It sounded like she was crying on the phone…"
I blinked in surprise. "Really?"
"Yes… well, I suppose I should get back to making dinner then," Mom handed me the phone and walked back into the kitchen, leaving me alone.
"Rin?" I hesitantly spoke into the receiver. Sniffles and gasps came from the other end of the line.
"L-Luka…" I heard Rin's weak, nasal-filled voice answer me back in reply. "I… I didn't k-know who else to call…" She hiccuped through a slight sob. Her voice was full of so much agony, mixed with something else that I didn't know. That was all I needed to I bolt back into my room. I locked the door behind me, giving me the privacy I needed with my best friend.
"What happened?" I demanded with worry, sitting back in a chair.
"M-Mikuo. He- He broke up with me,"
My eyes widened and jaw dropped open. Disbelief started to flow through me, thought I knew Rin wouldn't dare lie about such a thing. "What? Why?"
Her breathing came out ragged and uneven, she took deep gasps. "He found out…"
Realization hit me dead-on as soon as I processed what she just said. He had found out about all the others... This wasn't good at all. A coldness filled up within me, making my entire body numb; I couldn't feel anything as my focus was only on the situation at hand..
"Oh God... Rin…"
"God, I was so stupid! I made a terrible mistake! And now look at what happened…" Rin uttered, choking back another sob. "I should've listened to you. I shouldn't have done such a thing! I just shouldn't of!" she started to cry in hysteria.
"Where is he now?" I asked, trying to calm her down.
"G-Gone."
"What?" I couldn't understand what she meant by 'gone.' Where could he have possibly gone?
"H-He left me…! He left me there alone! And I c-can't find him anywhere... H-he's gone, Luka! A-All b-because of m-me! I hate myself!" Rin sobbed guiltily, to the point where she began hiccuping uncontrollably. I suddenly felt weak and helpless, seeing that I could do nothing to take away her pain. There was nothing I could do, and it made me sick inside. In the most gentle voice I could muster, I tried to soothe her with comforting words. It's all I could do...
"It's okay, shh. Take deep breaths and just let it all out, Rin."
"I-I begged him to stay! I told him we could start over, that I could fix this, that we could have a fresh start! B-But he didn't! He wouldn't listen to me! I loved him, Luka! I did; I really did... D-Didn't he love me back? Oh why! Why! WHY did everything have to come to this?"
"Shhh… It's okay now. Do you need me to come over?"
A silence. My heart started to beat in my throat as no answer came from the other side. Seconds passed, my mind racing wildly. What would she do now? What happened? Question after question raced forever in my mind, finding no answer. Suddenly out of the silence her voice spoke.
"… If only I had listened to you, if only I had talked to him first… none of this would've happened," Rin's voice suddenly grew quiet, she spoke softly through her remaining sniffles. "Mikuo meant everything to me. Luka, he was always there, sticking with me through all the good and bad times. He was all I ever wanted… and now he's gone." A pause. "I loved him so much… I really did. But maybe it would've been better off if we hadn't known each other at all." Rin's words sounded odd. They sounded much more colder, almost… monotone.
"Rin…" I couldn't say anything else.
"Now I understand I don't deserve someone like him. I've been selfish all this time, using and clinging to him. In the end, all I've ever done was hurt him," Rin spoke, "But now it's too late to take it all back. Now I can never forgive myself," My tongue lay limp my mouth, words seemed helpless now.
"Mikuo was my one and only love. I had dreamed we would have a future together," A laugh escaped from the other end of the line, but it sounded harsh and unpleasant. "But it seems that fantasy won't become reality. I ruined that chance. Let's face it. Dreams and fairy-tales never did exist, did they? They never will,"
"Ri-"
"I swear, Luka," Rin cut me off, her voice now bitter and full of self-hatred. "I swear on this day, for Mikuo, myself, and any other innocent soul out there…"
"Rin?"
"… I will never love again,"
Click.
"Rin?" I tried to reach her, but only the empty buzz of the phone replied...
Ever since that day, Mikuo truly had disappeared. No one could find him or his family, he hadn't told anyone else about his sudden departure. Meiko, Kaito, Miku, and I, we all missed him, dearly. But it was obvious Rin missed him the most. She was traumatized to the point where she had to be hospitalized for several days before being released. By then, she had completely changed and also forgotten about Mikuo… about his name, home… everything.
Though, a few days later, Rin would have nightmares about him and would sometimes end up at my house, shaking and sobbing in my arms about Mikuo.
Rin was no longer the happy, cheerful girl she once was… now, she was empty and colorless. A tortured animal, that's all she was.
Just then, my phone rang. Glancing over, I saw that the collar I.D. belonged to one of my good friends, ad a friend of Rin's as well, Miku. I reached over and answered with a slight smile, relieved to be able to talk to someone.
"Heya, Miku."
"Luka!" Miku's high-pitched voice was filled with grief and worry, which sparked my concerns. "I am so sorry, I really am! Please don't get mad at me for this! I mean, I know I should've called you sooner, but Rin's in hot water and-!"
"Whoa, girl. Take five." I cut her off, sitting up. Worry started to race through me, making my ears beat in sync with my heart. "What happened? What's this about Rin? Do you know something?"
"Well, it's…" Miku seemed to hesitate. "… I think I might know the reason to why Rin hasn't been showing up at school. But… oh! She made me promise not to tell anyone about this, not even you! But she seriously needs help and I hate keeping secrets from friends, y'know? B-but, it'd make me a bad friend if I broke that promise! AGH! What should I do?"She wailed in distress, obviously conflicted. I would've rolled my eyes at her childishness, but seeing how serious the situation was, I decided to step up and be mature. There was no time for goofing off.
"If this has to do with Rin's well-being, then I think you should tell me. Otherwise, if it's just something small and embarrassing, don't. But if I were you, I'd go with the first choice," And just like that, the girl spilled.
"Okay, okay! So there's this reeeeeeally cute guy in our grade and his name is Len! He just started recently hanging around Rin since he totally likes her and she likes him back even though she won't admit since it's sooooooooooooo obvious! I mean, what's not to like about him? He's totally hot, kinda shota and girly, yes, but still! He has such beautiful blue eyes! and a cute nose! Oh! And did I mention his butt looks baby soft? I just wanna go over there and-"
"Three things," I interrupted calmly, cutting off her pointless rant. I needed to know what was wrong with Rin. "One, breathe. Two, stick with the important things." On the other line, I heard the teal-haired girl take deep breaths. "And three, cut to the chase. I get there's this what's-his-face guy who's been hanging around Rin… does he like her?"
"Well, I just said that," Miku puffed indignantly. "And obviously, Rin likes him back."I rose an eyebrow in pure interest.
"Really now?"
"Yup! She totally blushes at the mention of his name!"
"So, what happened between them?" Pure curiosity was burning through me.
A giggle from the other end of the line echoed from the phone. "Weeeeell, Len asked her on a date several days ago! And get this, Rin said 'yes'! That's proof she likes him! That girl's in luuuuuuuuurve again!" She sang. I merely scoffed at her words. "But… there's one thing I realized, that… Len is almost exactly like Mikuo."I nearly froze at the mention of his name.
"What?"
"It's true! When I first met him, he acted a lot like Mikuo! Polite, friendly, charming… they're a lot similar!"
So, Rin had fallen for this 'Len' guy because his personality resembled Mikuo's? Could this possibly be the reason for... Oh no… "Tell me about the date! Something must have happened then!" I commanded, every nerve in my body racking in high alert. Adrenaline was rushing through me as a few drops of sweat poured from my forehead.
"W-Well, I was waiting at Rin's house to wait for her until the date was finished. When she got back, she told me Len had tried to kiss her,"
"Did she reject him?" I asked quickly.
"W-Well, yes." My heart dropped. "But… not at first."
Immediately, a hope swelled up in me. My eyes popped open in excitement, not expecting this at all. "Really?"
"Yes, I mean," Miku took a deep breath, "Rin really likes him, I can tell. And it's not because of the fact his personality somewhat relates to Mikuo's… it's different," She paused, trying to find a way to describe what she was trying to say. "Maybe she really did want to kiss him, but… her guilt over Mikuo was probably what got in the way,"
I understood now. Rin- she could love again! I mean, yes, she was obviously still worn down because of her past relationship with Mikuo, but there was hope! She could move on, slowly but surely!
"But now, Rin's really hurt and confused. She asked me to leave after that and I haven't seen her since. But, maybe the fact that Len reached out to her while she was in pain is the reason why she has affections for him. But, the fact that she once hurt someone she loved… that's what gets in the way of her ability to open up! She's still feeling guilty about-!"
"… About Mikuo!" I finished, realization hitting me dead-on. "But we could change that!"
"Or rather, Len could!"
Len… I sank my body against the bed, hopeful thoughts rising within me. Because all this time, Rin thought she could protect others by keeping her distance. She chose not to love and cut herself off from reality. But in the end, she really lost herself. Mikuo moved on, but Rin didn't… She was living inside an unreal, painful delusion.
But, just hearing she was growing attached to another boy; to be hearing that she was finally falling in love again! That had to be a sign. Maybe this 'Len' was the one to save her!
"Tell me more about this 'Len." I spoke, grabbing a pencil and notebook. "Where can I find him? What classes does he have?"
Len's POV
". . ." I refused to speak.
"C'mon, you're not still hung up about that Rin chick, are you?" A voice called to me.
". . ."
"Yeah, Len. She probably did have somewhere to go, it's not that she didn't want to kiss you… at least not until the end, right?" Another voice chimed in.
". . ."
"God, Len. Cheer up already, it's not the end of the world," the first voice called out to me again.
". . ."
"You're really depressing, you know that?" the second voice grumbled.
"Shut up…" I finally spoke.
A gasp from the second voice echoed in the surroundings. "It speaks!"
"… Ugh."
Let me be the one to ask this. If you were on a date with this girl who you really like, and I mean really liked, and while the two of you were having an awesome time you pulled a move on her- say, and you tried to kiss her. Well, what happened when you two were thisclose to kissing, only to have her suddenly reject you and run off?
What would've you have done then? How would you feel? Well, I seriously feel like killing myself right now. And that's rare coming from me, because I consider myself an optimist in life. But something like this made me really feel nothing more than dirt. Even lower than dirt, really. Because, I tried to kiss Rin. And totally got spurned.
Ha ha ha…
Ha…
…
I just wanted to sit there and sob forever. But I couldn't at the moment because I was eating. Eating and crying at the same time, that's a terrible combination. Plus it would totally ruin my image, not that I really cared at the moment. I had been shot down, after all.
But anyway, Rin hadn't shown up again today.
"Show some balls, man!" Akaito pounded my back roughly, shooting me a cheery grin. "There are other chicks out there, y'know!"
"That's right!" Gumiya added beside me, sharing the same grin. "Hell, there's at least twenty girls in the school who look like that girl."
"Yeah! Like that new girl, Lily. Man, she has hugeboobs!" I rolled my eyes, shooting them glares.
"I don't care about other girls. It's Rin I like, okay?"
Akaito gave me a weird look. "Explain. What's got you so hooked up on her that we don't see? I mean, sure, she's hot as far as flat-chested chicks go, but she's sorta creepy, you know? Like the entire world is out for her blood?"
I frowned, knowing that part was true. I took a bite out of my banana and chewed. As much as I didn't like to admit it, Akaito was right. Rin, she was a strange girl. Somewhat mean and sarcastic. But, at the same time, she just had a sweet side you just couldn't ignore.
And at times, she'd act like a totally different person…
"Hey! It's a rainbow!" Rin exclaimed beside me as we walked out the doors of the building. She was pointing up at the clear blue sky, which was no longer crowded with dreadful rain clouds. Instead of following her gaze, however, I was looking at something else. Her face was bright with childish delight and her lips curled into an excited-looking grin. "I mean, look! Isn't it pretty? Ah, there's so many colors!" I noticed her eyes were clear and sparking with life instead of the usual dark haziness. I rose an eyebrow at this.
"Rin?" I finally asked, making her look at me.
"What?" Rin asked with a small pout, which looked pretty cute on her. But seeing her act like this, it was strange. It was like she had completely changed into someone different. But I didn't mind, actually. Seeing her so happy, it brought a strange warmth to my heart. I couldn't understand why, but I didn't care.
"Hey, hello?" A hand waved in front of me, blocking the view and bringing me out of my thoughts. I blinked when her pout dissolved into a frown. "Why are you staring at me like that?"
"N-no reason," I replied quickly, trying to hide my embarrassment. I could feel my face starting to burn up with a blush. "I just didn't know you were that kind of girl. That's all,"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Rin asked, sounding insulted. Her old self had returned.
"I mean, well," I looked at her, chuckling. "Rainbows? Do they like, specify something important to you?" Rin stared at me for a while, and then the weirdest thing happened. She smiled. I blinked, feeling in heat rise in my cheeks.
"A rainbow signifies a new beginning, didn't you know that?" Rin said, laughing lightly. She stepped up onto the bridge, gazing up. "As soon as you see one, something good will happen to you later on. At least, that's what folks always used to say when I was little. It happened to Noah after the flood. It was a new beginning, and good things were to come after the first rainbow..." She looked back at me, still smiling. The sweet, childish expression on her face again.
"Well, do you think it's true?" I noticed. When Rin smiled…
She was kind of beautiful.
"It's nothing you have to worry about…" I answered with a sigh. They looked at me, shaking their heads. They didn't believe me, that much I knew. Thankfully they didn't push the matter any more.
"Whatever, man."
It was then I noticed a tall, pink-haired senior stomping her way towards us with a serious expression written all over her face. Before I knew it, she grabbed onto my shirt collar, bringing us face-to-face. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she glared at me.
"You and I, kid. We're gonna have a little discussion."
What would you do if say, you were casually sitting around and eating with your friends while sulking about a ruined date when all of a sudden this random senior chick who you don't know, storms in and drags you away onto the school roof and starts beating you up for no reason whatsoever?
Because that's exactly what I'm going through right now. And frankly, she had me lost on the 'discussion' part. This was no discussion at all.
"I OUGHT TO SLAP YOU BACK INTO FIRST GRADE WHERE YOU BELONG! WHERE ARE YOUR MANNERS? YOU SHOULD KNOW TO ASK FIRST BEFORE KISSING A GIRL! YOU FUCKING ANIMAL!"
Whack!
"O-OKAY! I'M SORRY! PLEASE DON'T KILL ME-!" I found myself pinned to the ground, facedown and groaning in senior sitting on top of my back and holding my head against the cement. Her grip was really strong, and I couldn't get myself out of this one.
"I am your upperclassman, and you will refer to me respectfully. Got it, brat?"
"Yes ma'am…"
"Good." The senior got off, letting me up. I rubbed the back of my head, wincing from the pain that radiated through my body. Glancing up, I saw her flipping out her long, pink hair. She caught me looking at her and scowled. "Well. You're a real bitch to find, y'know? I spent half my free period looking for you."
I soon found myself frowning. "And you are?"
"Luka Megurine." The senior answered shortly, looking curt. "One of Rin's friends." My eyes widened in recognition at the mention of Rin. "I heard you're the one who took her out on a little date a few days back, right?" I nodded.
"Yeah, that's right."
"And you tried to kiss her, right?"
"That's r- What?" I gaped at her, cheeks reddening. "H-How did you…?"
"Seniors have their ways, boy." Luka answered, waving me off. She continued on subject. "Anyway, Rin rejected you, didn't she?" She just had to be so blunt.
"N-not at first." I mumbled, stuttering, looking at my feet. This was so embarrassing, talking about such a thing to a stranger.
"But anyway, you're wondering why Rin ran away," Luka said, folding her arms across her chest. It wasn't a question. "Aren't you?" I blinked, looking down at my shoes.
"Yeah."
Another silence echoed through the empty air.
"Don't think it's because she didn't want you to kiss her," I glanced up, slightly bewildered, while curiosity ran through me like a cat. Luka was staring at me with serious eyes. "From what I can tell, she really likes you. Her rejection to your kiss, it was something personal. You did nothing wrong,"
"Something personal?" I repeated, even more confused. I couldn't understand what the hell she was saying. How could rejection be something personal, for Pete's sake?
"You should know, however, that Rin's a very delicate person." The senior said suddenly, looking to the other side, "She's like glass, fragile and easy to break. Being attracted to someone like that, it's quite dangerous," I stared at her, then my gaze hardened.
"I don't care,"
Luka looked back at me, startled at my reaction. "Really now? What is it you see in her that makes you say that?"
"I like Rin for who she is," I answered firmly, "She has faults, yes. But then, who doesn't? No one's perfect, we just gotta accept that and look at the good things," I looked up at the sky with a smile on my face, letting my thoughts roam through my open mouth. "And what I see in Rin are lots of great things. She's funny, cute, and beautiful and when she smiles, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." I looked back at Luka, smiling embarrassingly. "But I want Rin to be happy," She stared at me, speechless.
"Hm…" Then Luka leaned down, studying me critically. Silence followed quickly, and didn't go away for quite some time. I started to get a little antsy under her judging gaze. .
"What?" I finally spoke up after a long while.
"Miku was right, you are a lot like him…"Luka said quietly, her gaze softening. I rose an eyebrow in confusion. Him? Who was 'him'? What the heck was she talking about?
"But, not exactly… something's different between you two. I just can't put my finger on it…" Luka suddenly stood up, pacing back and forth. I watched as her eyebrows pinched together in deep concentration, her hair swaying back and forth with each sudden turn she took. Then she looked back at me, a slight smile on her face. "Well, I guess it doesn't matter."
"What do you mean-" I was cut off when she suddenly raised a hand.
"I didn't think it'd come to this," Luka said, then her smile widened, "but I think you're the only one who can help Rin after all. And I'm gonna help you with that,"
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