A mochi is soft and pleasant. You cannot tell the sweetness of one by the outer appearance alone. It depends on the flavor, and you must bite into it if you want to know. What shows on the outside can be deceptive. A cute pink mochi could, in actuality, taste bitter. In a way, humans are the same.

Megurine Luka put her book down with a groan. She could not find it in her to continue reading. Her Biology test was coming up, and she knew that no amount of studying could prepare her for it.
"Ugh, I want to drop out so badly."

Luka threw her face into her pillow, wanting to scream about all the troubles college life was giving her. If it were as easy as dropping out, she would gladly do so, but she knew that she needed a Bachelor's degree to qualify for jobs overseas. She always wanted to travel, but never had enough money to see anywhere outside of her hometown.

Despite her struggles, Luka had hope for the coming days. Her school was starting up a new music club, and they planned to put on performances to showcase everyone's talent. Luka, who always dreamed of making it big as a singer, saw it as a prime opportunity to get started. The club's first meeting was the next day, and she could hardly wait.

Luka also could not wait to make some new friends. She had been a loner her entire life, and never made much conversation with others. She was lonely, but everyone assumed she liked to be.

Luka rolled into bed and pulled her blanket over her head. With so much stress going on, she had a glimmer of hope.

The next day, Luka performed her morning routine before heading out to catch the bus. She wore an outfit different than her usual one. A pink blazer and a brown short skirt. Her long, pink hair was held in an Alice band, and she wore a necklace with a blue gem on the pendant.

As she walked down the street, Luka looked up to the sky and sighed. Another day of going along with the routine. Her hometown of Hesutachi was small, yet busy. Crossing the streets to get to the bus stop was always a hazard. Around town were a few shops, but Luka never felt the drive to visit them.

While Luka made her way down the crosswalk, she felt as if someone was following her. Through the corner of her eye, she saw a green-haired girl in a bright orange outfit. The bright colors made her stick out like a sore thumb. She appeared to be Luka's age, and was giving the pinkette an odd smile.

When Luka reached the bus stop, she stood in silence to wait for the bus. Over her shoulder, she could see the orange girl staring at her. She was used to seeing creepy people at the bus stop, so she decided it best not to say anything.

"Hello!" the orange girl said in a cheery voice. "I'm Gumi, what's your name?"

Luka did not answer. She was anti-social as a person, but she made a vow never to speak to people she met at bus stops. Gumi's question lingered until the bus arrived, and the two girls got on.

The bus was relatively empty, so Luka was able to sit in a priority seat without worry. Gumi, however, followed behind and knelt on the seat next to her.

"Don't talk much, do you?" Gumi did not stop staring at Luka, even though she was clearly avoiding her.

"Do you go to Turito College?"

Luka was beginning to sweat in nervousness. Why was this girl so persistent? Luka made it clear that she was not going to answer, so why was Gumi still talking to her?

"No." Luka responded, hoping it would be enough to turn Gumi away.

Gumi brought her head close to Luka's and proceeded to lick the sweat from her face.

"This taste… is the taste of a liar!"

Completely disturbed by the girl beside her, Luka finally spoke up.

"What do you want from me?"

"I've seen you around Turito," Gumi leaned back. "You were with Lily the other day, weren't you?"

"Yeah, Lily's a friend of mine. So what?"

Lily was one of Luka's few friends at Turito College. The two of them shared an interest in music, but never hung out outside of school.

"You're starting up the music club! That's what!" Gumi practically bounced in place.

"Yes, we are. We're having our first meeting today, so we'll see how many people are interested."

"Right here! I want to join it!" Gumi grabbed Luka's arm and leaned close to her face.

"Okay, okay! You don't need to hound me to join it, just show up to the meeting in the J building at 5."

"I know, but I want to get to know my fellow members! I saw you on the way over, and decided I'd come and getcha! Hehe."

Luka sighed. She was somewhat relieved that Gumi wasn't a crazed killer or robber, but she was not ready for such energy so early in the morning.

"Well, my name is Megurine Luka. I am majoring as an Associate of general studies at Turito, so I can transfer somewhere else afterwards."

"Ooh, nice to meet you, Luka! I hope we can be great, great, great friends!" Gumi bounced up and down with Luka's arm in excitement.

"It's nice to meet you too, Gumi…" Luka staggered through her words.

Eventually, Gumi released Luka and sat back. The two were able to have a regular conversation after that. Gumi was still hyper as ever, but she was calm enough to explain that she was a psychology major and loved the arts.

Gumi and Luka got off the bus together once it reached their stop. They walked the rest of the way to school, while Gumi rambled on about her issues with public transportation, which Luka mostly blocked out. When they reached the school, they decided to go their separate ways to their own classes.

"I'll see you soon, Luka~" Gumi gave her new friend a big hug, before skipping off.

"What an unusual girl." Luka watched Gumi skip away, before heading to her own class.

The day dragged on, as it usually did. One boring class after another. Luka was convinced that she failed the Biology test, but she was sure everyone else did too. When five o'clock rolled around, the one thing Luka was looking forward to all day was finally happening.

Luka arrived at the room on the second floor of the J building, keeping an eye out for other people interested in the music club. She was early, but the room was open and she was able to get inside.

The room was used for various classes, but was mostly empty aside from a few chairs. The first issue their club would face would be purchasing equipment. Still, the idea was exciting.

After waiting for a few minutes, Lily joined Luka in the room.

"Hey Luka!" Lily called out.

"Hi Lily!" Luka stood up and went to greet her friend with a hug. The two, being the most interested in the club, were the first ones to show up.

"How'd your test go?" asked Lily after hugging her friend.

"Awful, as usual." Luka laughed.

"Aw, don't think anything of it. Biology is a hard subject." Lily patted Luka on the shoulder and went to take a seat, dropping her backpack on the floor next to it.

"Do you know anyone else who's interested in joining our club?" asked Luka.

"Not really, I'm looking forward to seeing who shows up."

"So am I. I like having the chance to make new friends."

Lily pulled a notebook from her backpack and began writing the things she wanted to go over and the meeting minutes. Shortly after, a familiar girl in an orange skirt and crop top waltzed in.

"Hello, my friends!" Gumi excitedly presented herself.

"Oh, hello Gumi! How nice of you to join us." Lily stood up to give Gumi a hug.

"Hey Lily!" Gumi gave Lily a hug, then went to do the same to Luka. "Hey Luka! You made it here, too."

"Yeah, looks like I did." Luka hugged Gumi in return.

"You two know each other?" asked Lily.

"Oh yeah, I found her this morning." Gumi giggled.

"That's one way of putting it." Luka murmured.

"Well, it's good to know that everyone here is acquainted. I do hope more people show up, though. We need at least four to start this club, since we have four officer positions to fill." Lily looked back to her notebook.

"You must be pretty goofy not to join," Gumi huffed. "This club is gonna be a hit!"

"Right. I see a lot of potential in it." Luka agreed.

The three waited for a while longer, but nobody seemed to be showing up.

"Great turnout, huh?" Gumi laughed.

"Maybe we didn't advertise enough. I thought I handed out a good amount of fliers…" Lily sighed.

"Um, excuse me?" a calm voice spoke from the doorway, attracting attention from everyone in the room.

Luka's eyes widened when she saw a gorgeous young woman standing in the door. She had green hair in long twin-tails, enrapturing blue eyes, and the most adorable face Luka had ever seen. She wore a gray blazer and a black skirt, and had an incredible figure.

"Is this the music club?" the girl with twin-tails asked.

"Yes, it is." Lily smiled at the visitor.

"I hope I'm not too late. My class ran later than expected." the girl entered the room, carrying her backpack and moving over to Gumi and Luka.

"Don't worry about it, we're just getting started here."

"Okay," the girl smiled. "My name is Hatsune Miku. It's a pleasure to meet you all!"

"I-I'm Luka… Megurine." Luka stuttered to introduce herself. She was stricken with disbelief at Miku's remarkable beauty.

"I'm Gumi! Happy to meet you!" Gumi leaped up and wrapped Miku in a hug.

"Oh! I'm happy to meet you too, Gumi…" Miku was startled by the sudden hug. Luka watched with some amount of jealousy, wishing she had the courage to greet someone like Miku with a hug.

"And I'm Lily. We're so happy you could join us." Lily continued to smile at the visitor.

"So, what have you discussed so far?" Miku asked as Gumi released her.

"Nothing much, we were waiting to see if we would have at least four members. I mentioned that we have four officer positions to fill."

"Oh. Well, I see there are four of us now. Heehee." Miku giggled.

"That there are. The positions we need filled for this year are president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer." Lily read her notes aloud.

"Since there are only four of us, how about we just pick one for each?" Luka suggested.

"Normally there's a vote, but I don't think we'll be having any more visitors. So I suppose we can just decide among ourselves."

"You should be president, Lily!" Gumi volunteered the blonde girl. "You're so organized and everything, and starting this club was your idea!"

"I agree. You'd make a fantastic president." said Luka.

"It seems like it from what I've seen. I don't mind." Miku chirped.

"Alright, I wouldn't mind taking the title as president…" Lily humbly accepted. "How about the other three? Luka, you would make a good partner in crime for me."

"Hm? Yeah, I could be vice president."

"Woo!" Gumi cheered. "Go Luka! Take that power!"

"And what about you, Gumi?" Luka asked. "There's still treasurer and secretary."

"I'm pretty good with numbers and stuff," Miku twirled her hair in the corner, shyly. "I could probably do treasurer."

"And I'm great with people!" said Gumi. "I'll be secretary!"

"Well, that was easy," Lily laughed. "Now that we have our positions decided, let's move on to getting this club on its feet."

The four girls discussed various ways to advertise and perform activities for the club. They bonded together and had a great time. The coming days were sure to be a blast for the four friends.

After the meeting, the girls parted. However, Luka could not fight her desire to talk to Miku. She really wanted to know more about this gorgeous girl. As Gumi and Luka left the room together, Luka noticed Miku sitting on a bench in the hall, alone.

"Go on ahead, Gumi," Luka told the green girl. "I'm gonna stay a little longer."

"Hm? Oh, okay. See you next time, then!"

Gumi skipped off, as Luka took a deep breath and approached Miku.

"Uh, hello, Miku." Luka got the girl's attention.

"Hi! Luka, was it?"

"Yeah, that's me."

"Isn't this exciting?" Miku's carefree smile captivated Luka. "This club and everything."

"Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it…" Luka tried her hardest to keep the conversation going.

"Are you leaving now?" asked Miku.

"Oh, no. I'm, er, waiting on a ride."

"So am I! Why don't you sit down and wait with me?"

Luka was more than happy to take Miku up on that offer. She sat down on the bench next to her new friend, but could not make eye contact without feeling awkward.

"What made you join the music club?" Luka tried to keep Miku's interest.

"I'm a huge fan of all kinds of music. I love to sing and perform, and thought this would be the perfect chance to do so. How about you?"

"Same answer. When I can muster the confidence, I can get up onstage and sing anything."

"Ooh," Miku was interested. "What type of music do you like?"

"Pretty much anything. I like the classics a lot, but more modern stuff is also fun."

"I've always liked classic rock, too. I also love upbeat and happy songs that can make any day brighter."

Luka was enjoying this. She successfully struck up a conversation with this adorable girl. Could this have been the start of something?

"I like happy stuff, too. Maybe we'll get the chance to sing together." Luka said, boldly.

"I hope so! I can't wait to hear how you sound. I can tell that you must have an angelic voice."

Luka blushed hard at this compliment.

"Thank you… I bet you sound better, though…" Luka almost said under her breath.

"Aw, don't say that," Miku also blushed. "Everyone has their own style."

"I guess so. Anyway, what else are you into?"

"Hmm. A lot of stuff, really. My fiancée is always introducing me to new shows and games and things like that."

A single word that came from Miku's mouth caused Luka's heart to sink.

"Did you say… fiancée?"

"Yeah, I'm engaged." Miku giggled.

This hit Luka like a punch to the gut. She should have known better than to get her hopes up. It would be one thing if it was just a normal relationship, but engagement? What were the chances?

"How old are you, if I may ask?"

"I'm 19. I know, it's awfully young to be getting married, but…" Miku did not continue her sentence. As if talking about it troubled her. "It's kinda hard to bring up. We've been together for about six years now, might as well keep rolling with it."

Luka felt depressed. She only just met this girl, how could she feel so defeated?

"I suppose. Love is hard to understand."

"What about you, Luka? Have you ever been in love?"

This question took Luka off-guard. She was embarrassed by what she had to answer.

"No, I can't say I have. I had a few crushes in high school, but they never went anywhere. I've kinda just lived my life alone for 21 years."

"But don't feel bad about it!" Miku saw the sadness in Luka's eyes, assuming it was caused by her recollection. "Being single teaches you to take care of yourself, and helps you to work toward your own personal goals."

"I know, but it would still be nice to go on a date or something for once."

Miku sighed and faced the floor.

"To be honest, my Flower's never taken me on a real 'date' either. This relationship hasn't been exactly what you would consider a 'normal' one."

"What do you mean?"

"It's not important," Miku dodged the question. "I shouldn't involve you in my personal things. We've only just met."

"But…"

Luka really wanted to know what Miku had to say, but there was no way to continue questioning it without being obnoxious.

Soon after, Miku's cellphone dinged. She took a look at it, and saw a text.

"My fiancée's here. I should get going," Miku grabbed her backpack and stood up. "It was nice talking to you! I hope we can hang out more in the future!"

"Yeah, same to you!" Luka nodded, watching Miku walk down the hall and out of sight. Once she was alone, Luka pressed her back against the wall and exhaled. She thought she had experienced love at first sight, but it was all a lie.

After sulking for a few minutes, Luka grabbed her backpack and headed out. She could at least take the late bus home. As she walked out the door, something jumped out at her.

"Hey there, Luka!" Gumi leaped out from behind the wall, startling the pink girl.

"Gumi! What are you doing here? I thought you went home."

"Nah, I was waiting for you! We live in the same direction, don't we? I don't want to ride the bus alone at night, you never know what strange people you'll meet there."

"You mean like you?" Luka said, only somewhat joking.

"Haha, yeah. I only started taking the bus today, since walking here all the time got exhausting."

"Well that explains why I haven't seen you before."

"Anyway, what were you doing in there? Talking to the Miku girl?" the two started walking toward the bus stop.

"And what if I was?"

"Nothing," Gumi defended. "It's just that she's a really, really cute girl, and I caught you eyeing her more than several times during our meeting today."

"You're imagining things, Gumi. I was just getting to know a new friend a little better."

"Sure you were, Luka. Sure you were…"