Chapter 1

"Hah. It's been a long time since I was here. I wonder if they would recognize me."

Wondering on my own, I couldn't help but let a small smile slip on to my face.

So far, nothing has change. The same old gothic gates welcomed me once more as I approach the school that had my home within it. With delicacy, my hands grips one of the bars of the gate, causing chills to travel up my arm. The small smile changes into a grin as I push the gate open. I knew it, I thought. It's great to be back.

Walking along the familiar brick pavement, I head towards the school building. I became more confident as I start to remember the way to the main office ̶ my destination. Nervousness starts to consume me as I enter the school. It's been two years since I was last here. Two years leaving home.

I still remember the day I left my family as if it was yesterday. Tears, begging and pleading caused my heart to hurt while I was driven out of the school. But I had to. If I didn't, I would've never become stronger nor control myself. I regret leaving them, yet it was necessary.

"Oof!"

Snapping out of my thoughts, I look up to soon realize I was in front of the main office. I slowly calm myself down just like how I always did when I'm about to face an enemy. Then, with the small courage I could ever muster, I knocked on the door three times.

Shuffling and sounds of paper being collected could be heard behind the door. Waiting patiently, I straighten myself and stand with my back straight and hands folded in front of me.

"Come in," a muffled masculine voice said.

Pulling the door handle, I open the door.

There, sitting behind a neat desk was Kaien Cross. His appearance hadn't changed one bit. Still wearing the poncho he always wore along with the beige colored sweater, his ash-brown hair was pulled into a ponytail. Light brown eyes clashed with my rich lavender ones, comprehension slowly being revealed.

Quickly leaning forward, he engulfed me into a bear hug.

"I missed you!"

The genuine smile I hadn't smiled in years appears on my face as I hug him back.

"Yeah, I missed you to Headmaster," I replied with honesty.

Letting go of me, he instantly starts to wail.

"What did I say about calling me Headmaster? I told you to call me daddy!"

"Yeah, yeah, I know. But that's not going to change my mind," I giggle. "Besides, instead of getting a 'welcome home', how come I get lectured instead?"

Dramatically gasping in horror, he engulfs me into a hug stronger than before. Then, what seems about a century, he releases me. And with a warm smile, he says "Welcome home, Rin."

Drinking tea, Headmaster and I caught up with each other. He told me how much Cross Academy had changed and the relationship between the Night Class students and the Day Class students. I instantly scowled inwardly as he gushed about the Night Class. I guess there are no changes what so ever, I note as I calmly drink the green tea Headmaster has prepared for me. Looking at the clock, I notice that it was now 4:00 AM.

"I'm so sorry Headmaster! I hadn't realized that it was already this late," I exclaim. "I should head to my room and let you rest!"

Looking surprise, he looks at the clock and notices the time. Noting what the time is, he looks back at me with a smile hinted with sadness.

"Ah, I see. Pity, I wanted to talk some more with you," he says in a pleading voice, trying to indirectly persuade me to stay.

I quickly list the reasons why I should and shouldn't stay in my head. As I list them off, the biggest reason that I should stay was the fact I knew I owe him at least this much. After all he has done for me, if I wasn't willing to just stay and chat with him; I would definitely feel guilty for the rest of the year.

"Alright, I'll stay for a few more minutes," I chuckle.

His expression quickly lightens up, and starts talking away again- this time, about the school funds and how it's being used. Soon enough we were talking about food and the subjects being taught in class, discussing how we could improve the meals and allow students to learn and gain better grades. As we discuss about this issue, our conversation end in an abrupt stop due to both hearing knocks on the door.

"You know, you don't always have to knock on the door," a male's voice snapped.

"Yeah, but it's rude to just enter Headmaster's office without knocking," a light and high female's voice countered.

As the two people continue their conversation, the door opens. My eyes widen in surprise as I watch a brunette with chocolate doe eyes enter along with a silver-haired guy with lilac eyes. I quickly re-start drinking my tea so I could at least appear calm. Both teens stop talking as they look at me. This continued for the next two minutes—the girl pinching her cheeks and rubbing her eyes, while the boy blinks.

"Well," I start to say as I put down the cup of tea and stand up. "You guys could at least say 'we missed you' or 'welcome home' instead of just standing, you know."