Author's note: Based on Kagamine version of the Romeo & Cinderella PV. A story that has been done to death, I know. I can't help it, I feel nostalgic. More notes after the story. Cover image apparently done by the PV maker (edited by me).
I don't own the picture, the song, or Vocaloid.
01 - Cinderella that Lied Too Much
The first lie she told him was when they finally meet face to face with each other. Under a sakura tree, during lunchtime.
She was looking for a place to eat her packed lunch. Her friend had to go somewhere else that day, and since eating lunch alone made her look and feel miserable, she instead ventured outside her class in search for a more secluded and scenic place. The sakura trees on the school's backyard was in full bloom, so she decided it would be a perfect place.
She didn't expect her kinda-crush to be sitting there.
"Uh..." they both started at the same time. Two pairs of blue eyes clashed for a few seconds, followed with brief pause, before the two students suddenly broke into laughter.
"I'm-haha-sorry!" Rin wiped her teary eye,"It was just so awkward, I just... I just can't help myself." She looked down at the boy, who has ceased laughing and was now smiling at her.
"It's okay. What are you doing here, Kagamine-san?"
"Oh, I'm just thinking for having my lunch-wait, you know me?"
"I'm Kagami Len, your classmate," he replied, pleasant smile still plastered on his face, "you might don't know me; I often came just before the bell rings... and I sit on the last row." He took a moment to look at her knowingly, "You seemed to always come early and sat on the front."
"I... see. I guess I am. Nice to meet you then, Kagami-kun."
That was a total lie on Rin's part.
Of course she knew about him, his name and habit. She knew that Len knows her; ever since she accidentally caught him looking her way when the teacher called her name in class.
She figured that he mistook the teacher for calling his name; their family names were similar-sounding after all. He might think that the teacher called him out for wearing his signature blue and black headphone during class (Rin was sure that's against the rules). He didn't realize that Rin caught his relieved expression after that shenanigans.
It was cute, Rin thought.
But Rin's interest on him had dated way back before that classroom incident. It was before they even became classmate at their current grade, some months ago when Rin was walking home with her soon-to-be graduated upperclassmen and childhood friend slash neighbour, Hatsune Miku.
Miku was talking about her boyfriend and her idol career plan, and Rin found herself gazing off at the distance. She couldn't tell Miku how envious she was toward her, who doesn't have restrictive parents or bunch of resposibilities and expectations from her family on her back.
Given that Miku's family was a fairly normal one, that was expected. Rin just wished she could have a bit of that freedom.
At that moment, something came into her view. A boy riding his bike, going off to the direction Rin and Miku just come. It was just a brief moment, but Rin saw his uniform and his smiling face.
He looked excited. She wondered what makes him so happy. Did he look forward to something?
Surely, even that boy had more freedom than her...
Then it dawned on her.
That boy. He was wearing her school's boy uniform.
Her heart started beating a bit louder. She got a feeling she might be able to meet him again.
"You say you want to eat your lunch here?" Len's question snapped Rin out from her stupor. She nodded, but soon felt a twinge of hesitation.
"I did, but I see you've already taken the spot." She shrugged, "I could find another place."
"I never said I mind a company."
Rin stared at the blond that was now patting the space beside him.
He was... kind.
"Are you sure? I don't want to disturb whatever you're doing right now."
"You're a quiet girl, Kagamine-san. I'm sure you won't be much of a disturbance," he chuckled at her teasingly, and Rin's heart skipped a beat at his comment. 'Quiet girl'. Had he observed her before?
If that so, then her plan was working.
"I can't blame you for choosing this spot though. It was quiet and has a nice view," he glanced up briefly, acknowledging the fallen sakura petals, and then back at her. His offer was still up.
"...right. If you say so, then please pardon me," she finally decided to sit down beside him, carefully not to sat too close or too far. After she was comfortable with her sitting position (and making sure her skirt didn't show anything inappropriate), she set her lunch box at her lap and opened it.
"Thank you for letting me sit here, Kagami-kun," she smiled at him, but then noticed he already had his headphone on. He was writing very seriously at the paper on his lap. It was...
"A musical score?" Rin asked out loud. He then looked at her, probably because she was leaning at his side.
"Oh... yeah. This. I... like music," he stated slowly, almost unsure.
"You do? Me too!"
Another lie. Of course she knew that. His headphone was a dead giveaway, and she had seen him sometimes at the library, jotting down seriously at sheet after sheet of music scores. His serious face was a contrast of his usually nonchalant one.
She found it charming. She might had become a frequent library visitor because of him.
It was the first time she felt such attraction toward opposite sex. Of course, her past on the all-girl middle school didn't really gave her any chance. But now that she experienced it, she was giddy and excited. It was different than just reading it from romance novels.
She couldn't help but wanting him to notice her.
She was sure now that in the fairy tale, Cinderella left her glass slipper on purpose. Of course she wanted her prince to go after her. All girls were the same, after all.
Bunch of white lies would be forgiven, right?
And she wasn't lying when she said that she likes music, so her statement would be a half-truth at least. Len's face brightened at Rin's word.
"Oh! That's good! I mean..." he covered his mouth with one hand, looking away, "I even wrote songs sometimes... a guy who wrote songs and stuff is not cool, right? It's not manly at all," His face was a bit red now, "Not that I have any intention to stop, though. I like it."
Was he... getting embarrassed?
So cute!
"N-not at all! I like classical music myself, and my other friends find it boring," she confessed, "You've composed songs at such young age, you're off for a musical career Kagami-kun!" she offered him a cheering smile, which he returned gratefully.
"I guess you could say so. I've been writing songs for several bands, sometimes I played for big gigs too."
"Whoa..." that one's new. "Kagami-kun, you could play instruments too?"
"I mainly played piano and keyboards. I could play bass guitar too." he stated with confidence. He paused briefly, before looking down.
"You know, if you're interested I could offer you some tickets to our performances."
The girl blinked at her dumb luck. "Eh?! Are you sure?"
"Well... only if you want to," his hand now played with the blades of grass. "Not many of our friends know about my interest or my side-job. And since you're a fan of music too, then..." he stole a glance at her, "Uh. But it's not classical though, so um.."
"I'd love to." It was everything she wanted. Len eyes went wide, but then he nodded at her and smiled.
"Then I'll make sure to let you know."
And just like that, the bond between them was formed.
"Kagamine-san,"
Rin looked up from her book and saw Len peering down in front of her desk. It was early morning and nobody was in the classroom yet other than the two of them, which was surprising since she knew Len's habit.
"Here. Like I've promised."
He slid a piece of paper on the wooden surface, and Rin's face lit up when she recognize it. It was an entry ticket for a band performance. She took it, and looked at Len.
"Thank you Kagami-kun! I..." she took another good look at the ticket, and her expression turned grim.
The boy waited for her answer in silence, like he could sense that something was wrong.
"The performance... is on nighttime?"
"Yes, band performances are usually held that time." He observed Rin's feature, "You couldn't make it?"
Rin shook her head regretfully.
"I have curfew... my parents wouldn't let me go that late."
"Even if your friends accompanied you there?"
"They won't listen." Her parents was a lost cause. She hated how controlling they could be, moreover at this kind of situation. This was one reason why she couldn't easily make friends.
It was their first chance of getting closer and she blew it.
"...well, that's too bad." Len started slowly.
That was it. Now he wouldn't want to have anything to do with her anymore. Her nails dug at her skirt on her lap.
"I'll make sure to get you a ticket on our day performances then, if you're still interested."
Disbelieved with what she just heard, Rin's head shot up as she searched for any sign of disinterest on his face and in his tone. She found none. It wasn't just a lip-service; the boy was genuine.
"This way, your parents would give you their permission, right?" he continued, confirming her deduction. She looked at him with awe.
"Kagami-kun is so kind..."
His brow raised at her words, and her face paled. She didn't meant to say it out loud. Unfortunately, it was too late to take it back since Len had already bent down and laughed under his breaths.
"W-what?" Rin reddened at his reaction. "You are kind! Geez, would you stop laughing already?"
"Sorry, sorry," he put up one hand in front him, letting out a leftover chuckle from his system, "Kagamine-san is an interesting person as well."
Rin couldn't help but blush at his words, both from embarrassment and wonder. Was he just teasing her, or did he just implied something else...?
She felt the need to get back on track for the sake of calming her pounding heart.
"Did your band ever held a day performance?"
"It was less frequent than the night performances, but we do have that from time to time. I played for multiple bands as well, so I get a lot of chances."
"I see..."
"So..." he trailed off, "Are you still interested?"
"O-of course!" Oh no, did she stutter? Did she respond too fast? She didn't look too excited, did she?
The Cinderella had to wait patiently for her prince to deliver the glass slipper, after all.
"Okay then, I'll get you a different ticket later," he grinned. The slowly rising sunlight from the window fell on his hair, now giving him and his grin a soft glow, accompanied with gentle look in his eyes. She took in the chance to really look at him now.
Lean and tall body, long blond hair that tied into a low ponytail. Of course, his trusted headphone hanging around his neck. His boyish face that was slowly turning into a mature one. He's definitely not bad-looking.
But Rin wouldn't go this far if it's just for superficial things. His considerate and gentle demeanor combined with his clear passion in music boosted his value in her eyes. And her heart.
How nice it would be to be loved by a boy like him...
"Ah. You know," he snapped his fingers, remembering something, "while waiting until the next day performance, I was wondering if you could help me with something else."
"Help?"
"I've made a new song, but the lyric was better suited for a female singer. I wonder if you could help me to practice by lending your voice..." the light in his eyes twinkled playfully, "only if you're confident enough to sing for an experienced pianist, though."
His challenge ignited a fire in her. When it came to singing, she deemed herself as more than decent. She had trained with the rising idol Hatsune Miku for years and some more supplementary vocal lessons by private trainer as well. She confidently accepted it by a firm "leave it to me", and that pulled out some chuckles from Len.
"Then I have a huge expectation for you, Kagamine-san! See you after school."
He then proceeded to step back and walk toward the door. Rin raised her eyebrows.
"Where are you going this early, Kagami-kun?"
"The rooftop. It's a warm morning, I'm thinking of getting a quick nap," as if prompted by his own answer, he let out a yawn.
"A nap? In the morning?"
Len stopped just before he exited the classroom, scratching the back of his head in bashful manner.
"I'm not used to waking up early, you know."
Then he went out and closed the classroom door.
It took a while, and Rin took a hard look at both the door and the ticket on her table. She covered her mouth with her hands when she made the connection.
He woke up early just to gave her this ticket. He gave up his precious sleeping time just for this little gesture...
It's okay for her to feel hopeful about this, right?
The classes and the rest of the day went by without a hitch. One thing that Rin realized was that Len never initiated any further contact with her.
In fact, he never seemed to make any contact with anyone in particular. He was always alone in the class, and then went somewhere else during lunch break.
She had suspicion that he would be in the backyard or on the roof, though. But anyway.
It could be just that he was just a reserved person, Rin thought. Her interaction with him never shown that he's a guy who shies away from any human contact. If anything, he was unexpectedly welcoming.
"I never seen you talking with your friend, Kagami-kun," Rin looked at him, body leaning forward and head on her palms. Schooltime has ended, and true to their agreement the two students had gathered for a training session in the music room. Rin was sitting in one of the chair while Len was calibrating the keyboard's sound.
"Can't say I have any in this school, I guess. Only few acquaintances here and there," he replied without looking up from the keyboard.
"In this school... do you mean you have some outside the school?"
"Naturally, yes. I'm on good term with my band members... wait, they're colleagues." He eyed Rin now, "You seem to be awfully curious about my social circle, Kagamine-san."
"Is that not okay?" she asked him cautiously, but he shook his head at this.
"It's just a bit out of the blue."
"Well... like I've said, I never seen you talking with anyone else so far."
"I guess I just see school as a place to learn and compose my songs," he really pondered about the question this time, "Don't really have time to socialize, I think?"
'But you talked to me' was what Rin wanted to say, but she decided against it. The girl continued to watch Len working with the keyboard instead. It was helping to distract her from the thought that they were alone in the room.
"Okay, that should do," he finally moved away from the keyboard, "Here Kagamine-san, the score. You could read it first, I'll play the melody to help you get the gist of it."
He handed Rin the scores and let her absorb it. It was a love song, and it didn't look too hard. She got this.
After a while, Len started to play the keyboard, and Rin's singing voice soon followed. She saw Len smiled at her in approval. It encouraged her to give her best.
The sound of their song reverberated through the mostly empty classroom and corridors. Some member of soccer club stopped to take a break on the side of the field, a little comment here and there about the faint music they heard and their own training regiment for the day.
The entire school building was isolated in an orange hue of the sunset, giving it a very strange, nostalgic feeling.
Rin almost lost the track of time if she didn't look at the now dark sky.
"Wha-it's almost 6 already?" she suddenly stopped her singing to check on her wristwatch. They had been training for almost two hours and none of them realized it.
"Oh. Right. Your parents?"
"Yes, I have to go home now. Sorry, Kagami-kun!" she rushed to get her school bag.
"Don't apologize, Kagamine-san. If anything, I'm really thankful for your help," he reached to his pocket, "and before you go... is it okay for me to know your chat id?"
This stopped Rin on her panic flurry.
"Yes?"
"So I can contact you if I need your help, or if you need mine. I'll be glad to return the favor," he offered his phone to her, and she took notice that he was looking anywhere but at her direction.
Cute...
She chuckled, but took his phone anyway. "Here, my email address. I don't have chat id because my phone is an old model flip-phone, but feel free to mail me. As for returning the favor... I'll be looking forward it."
She made sure she showed him her sweetest smile and bowed down at him before leaving.
The sound of footsteps echoed as she was half-running in the empty hallway. He really didn't have anything to give in return to her, Rin thought. The fact that he promised to save another ticket for her should be enough as the payback for her help today.
But she couldn't help it. She wanted him to pay more attention to her. She needed a reason to keep in touch with him.
Yet another lies that came out of Cinderella's mouth.
She wanted to bask in this feeling a bit more, while she was still in her school's sailor uniform. A little piece of excitement and freedom.
Because once she took it off, she would be back in her pretty dresses and a golden cage called her house.
Author's note: Well. That was pretty long for an intro (the whole chapters in this story would be just as long though). I want to set the tone & characters for both Rin and Len here, especially Rin. A maiden's heart was quite a thing to write!
Fun fact: the kanji for their family names were 鏡音 (Kagamine) and 香我美 (Kagami). Rin's was the Vocaloid's surname, and Len's was a town name in Kami district, Kochi prefecture, Japan.
The real problem will kicks in on next chapter, though. Any feedback would encourage me to write more!
Thanks for reading :)