Chapter 1

Crushed Meat Bun

At long last, Summer Vacation is finally over. At first, it was fun for Kahoko because she could do things with Nao and Mio, but when Nao went abroad for 3 weeks, and Mio went to Tokyo with her family, Kahoko felt rather lonely and bored to the point she wished she was at school. But, school is back...and now she wished she's at home sleeping for another two hours. Human emotions can be quite complicated. There is something to be excited about though – when she walked in class, she heard everyone chattering about a new girl coming to the General Department. They said she might be rich since they saw her being dropped off at the gate by an expensive looking car. Another one said she was a foreigner, then another one said she was mean...there was a lot of rumours going around that it was hard to be certain of anything.

When the teacher walked in, everyone in class sat down obediently which was a big change considering what her class was a month ago. The teacher briefly explained the terms of this semester, and how it's all gonna work if they want to pass – same old thing really. Kahoko couldn't help let out a sigh. They say life is short and you should enjoy it, but how can you when your always at school every single day, and when you leave school you have to work. Which is hardly 'enjoying' life, but nonetheless she should consider herself lucky, not everyone has what she has. Good friends, Family, Roof over her head, Education, Lili...that reminds her, where is Lili? "We have a new student who will be joining us today." The teacher stated, then using her hand to gesture to someone on the door to come in. Everyone turned their head to the door, anxiously waiting for that girl to come in...

Kahoko heard a sound of a footstep being made, then a girl who definitely looked like a foreigner walked in. She had a long platinum blonde hair and green eyes...no emeralds...they sparkled like jewels yet it she seemed to have an Asian descent. But even though...there was so much coldness in her eyes, she had a look of indifference – almost like she didn't like being there. "Introduce yourself please." The teacher sternly said, but judging by his voice he seemed to be intimidated by the girl. Who wouldn't...she was beautiful - yes, but there was something about her that would make oneself feel inferior to her.

"I'm Kajika Kugami. Pleasure to be in your company." Kajika said in Japanese, but she had a different accent compared to everyone else – her tone sounded apathetic. She was instructed not to use her father's name, and to use her mother's instead. Her father said, if she mention her real name...people would see him lingering behind her. She tried to oppose him regarding living in Japan but the conversation only went no where. It wasn't even an argument, it was one of her father's talent to close a topic before it even started.

"Wow.." Said almost every student in class.

The teacher instructed for Kajika to choose to sit anywhere she wish, and a lot offered for her to sit beside them – particularly the boys – however she choose a seat at the very back by the window which was just a seat away from Kahoko's. She kind of reminded Kahoko of Tsukimori. When she first met him, she thought she wouldn't want anything to do with him, and now she's thankful to have met him. Through him, she realize just how much the violin really meant to her and that she doesn't need Lili's magic to be able to continue loving it.

When the bell rang for lunch, Nao left to get some lunch for herself, Kahoko and Mio. Some boys in class tried to push eachother to go and talk to their new classmate, but no one dared to since whenever she look at them she always shoot them a glare. When Kahoko finally had enough, she stood up and approached her. Thinking perhaps she's just one of those type who likes to stay quite waiting for someone to make friends with them before they really reveal their kind side – just like Len. "Ano...I-I'm Hino Kahoko." She said rather sheepishly. She thought she had it all planned out in her head, but now she can understand why everyone was so scared of her.

Kajika didn't turn around to face Kahoko for a long moment. She could feel the stare of everyone burning on her back. When she finally decided to look at Kahoko, that look of indifference was still on her face. "So? Do you want a bullhorn?" She rolled her eyes and stood up from her seat. She couldn't stand the attention she was attracting. She walked pass Kahoko with her lunch box in her hand, deliberately hitting Kahoko's shoulder. As she was walking through the corridor, she could feel the looks everyone was giving her. She was never fond of Japan, it brought too many memories that she'd rather not want to remember. She didn't know where to go exactly so she walked endlessly, unconcerned wherever her feet takes her.

Cold much...Kahoko thought, slightly disappointed about how it turned out.

Inside Kahoko's head.

Kahoko: Ano...I-I'm Hino Kahoko.

Kajika: *glares for a long moment...then cracks a sweet smile*Nice to meet you Hino-chan! I hope we can be Best friends forever!

"No, that would just be creepy..." silently remarked Kahoko as she turned around and stared at the door Kajika just walked out of. She couldn't fight the urge of frowning a little and wonder what was wrong with her? As far as she knew she hasn't done anything to be already disliked. Or maybe she's just really unsociable.

Kajika was on her way to the rooftop, she didn't know why but she felt like going somewhere quiet, where no one could bother her. The rooftop seems to fit her criteria. As she was getting closed to the entrance she heard such mournful tune, bringing her feet to an abrupt stop in front of the wooden door. She hesitantly wrapped her hand around the metallic door knob and twisted it, pushing it open.

Azuma stopped playing his flute when he heard the door open. He forced himself to put on his Prince Charming façade and feign a smile as he turned around to meet his intruder. To his surprised it was someone he haven't met before, he did notice her uniform though. Just like Kahoko's so she must be from the General Department. When he looked at her in the eyes he saw his reflection. Why was that?

"I'm sorry, I didn't know someone was here." She apologize, but her voice still sounded unconcerned, even she knew when she's in the wrong. She couldn't help feel such heaviness inside after hearing that piece he just played earlier. "I'll leave now. I'm sorry." She added, bowing apologetically before motioning to leave.

Whoever she was, he was interested to find out. "You don't have to. I'm sure you came here for something right? Please, don't let me stop you." Azuma tried to reason out, with that charming smile of his that could make any girl fall for him. Though he had to admit, even he was captivated by her eyes. Such a warm colour, yet such cold feeling from her.

Kajika was battling with herself whether she should take his offer, though it would be better than sitting in her classroom with all eyes on her. At least here it's just be her, and him. "You won't even know I'm here." She reassured as she walked in, and took a seat on one of the stone bench, placing her lunch box on her lap and opening it – inside was just strawberries.

"Oh no, I don't mind." He replied with a light hearted chuckle. Why does he have a feeling she was trying to avoid something? Or someone. "Yunoki Azuma, and you are?" He asked calmly but with confidence. He found it a little odd that her lunch was nothing but strawberries – Yes having fruits was a healthy thing, shouldn't she eat something more filling than that?

Kajika inhaled deeply, she knew that question was coming out sooner or later, but since he was kind enough to let her stay – not that he had any kind of power over her whatsoever – she decided to give him a reply "Kajika Kugami." Though nothing less, nothing more. Not that she didn't like people, or hated the world in general but she was still mad for being sent to Japan. She missed home so much, she missed her sister...her dad even though it was him who sent her here. "What was that you were just playing then?" She asked, completely out of curiosity. She even surprised herself for making a conversation first.

"Oh, that? Andagio in G minor by Tomaso Albinoni. How do you like it?" He asked as he took a seat beside her, holding his flute close. When he got closer only then he realize how bright her eyes were. They weren't just normal green, they were like a pair of emeralds. It was inevitable not to stare.

Kajika pursed her lips, then gently looked away as she thought about her feelings after hearing the piece. "Well it was really good, I liked it." She replied in all honesty. "But...it sounded so sad...it made me feel all heavy inside as if the music grabbed my heart and pulled it with so much strength that I thought it physically hurt." She added before turning her gaze back to Azuma, then that's where she saw it. She saw a flash of dejection in his eyes, it was just for a second...

Azuma was amaze at how she understood the feeling he was intending to put across. He let out a light jaunty laugh, even though half of it was feigned. He couldn't believe it but he almost gave away himself and how he truly felt inside, it was just something he prefer to evade. "What an interesting comment, I'm sorry I made you feel that way though." He said with such a gentle expression.

Kajika finally smiled, and actually meant it. She was completely unaware that she was opening up, and that she was having a friendly conversation with a person she just met. However, something about his smile sent shivers down her spine. It looked genuine, but she couldn't help feeling menace around the corner.

Meanwhile, Kahoko was back on her seat, frowning like a child – wondering if she said something that might have upset Kajika. "Kaho-chan! Stop frowning, maybe she's just...homesick or something." Said Mio, trying to cheer up her friend. She was there when Kajika snapped at Hino for no reason, she had to be honest she wasn't quite impress but she had to imagine being in Kajika's shoes. Being in a new country, new school with new people was no walk in the park, however she didn't have to be mean about it.

"Yeah...your probably right." Kahoko replied as she took a bite out of her meat bun that Nao kindly bought for her. Mio could possibly be right, but if it's true then Kahoko would want to be there for her.

Kahoko tried to forget what happened earlier and just enjoy her lunch with her friends. They laughed and chatted about random things. She missed this. When she was still doing the concurs, she had hardly any time to have lunch with Nao and Mio, and here they are now. Of course she would still want to learn the violin but it'd be best to take some time off or she might turn obsessed again. Around 5 minutes before the bell rings she saw Kajika walk in, holding her lunch box. She tried to avoid eye contact with her, not wanting to upset her again but to her astonishment Kajika approached her this herself.

"Listen..." She trailed off, not knowing where to start but she knew she had to apologize for being rude earlier. She stepped out of line, Kahoko was just being nice to her – trying to be nice. She should be happy. Kahoko wants to be friends for who she is, and not for her social standing. "I'm sorry for being rude earlier, I shouldn't have said what I said and I regret it. I hope you won't hold it against me." She explained quietly. She was stubborn, yes she knows when she's in the wrong but that doesn't mean she enjoys apologizing.

Kahoko stared at her, completely in shock. "I-It's okay, I guess you were just getting used to everything." She replied, smiling warmly at Kajika and creating perfect crescent with her eyes as she tilted her eyes. "I'm sure we'll be great friends." She stated hopefully.

Kajika crossed her arms, and coldly raised her eyebrows. "Who said we're going to be friends?" She asked frostily. But inside, she would be more than happy to be friends with Kahoko. She seemed so real and genuine. Back home, she never really had a friend. Her sister stopped talking to her and her dad was always busy. There was even a time during her birthday party...she found out her dad had to pay her visitors. Truly pitiful.

Kahoko could feel a drop of sweat slowly rolling down her cheek. Heh...Heh...I should have seen that coming. She rubbed the back of her head while smiling awkwardly. She could hear everyone in class laughing at her, however she knew...she believe she and Kajika will be good friends – just like how she and Len are. At least that's what she thinks, she doesn't know about Len though.

During English class – which was the class right after lunch – Kahoko was forced to read a paragraph in English, and she was rather struggling. To everybody's surprised Kajika offered a helping hand and read the passage instead. She read it perfectly, as if she was English herself. To Kajika it might have been nothing since she spoke English in general, but to everyone else it was like an unbelievable talent.

When the dismissal bell rang throughout the whole school, every student let out a sigh of relief and cheerful giggles as they all headed out the main exit. Though, as Kahoko was about to leave she noticed Kajika was still in her seat, looking out the window in a daze. "Kugami-san, it's time to go home. Are you walking home?" She asked curiously. She thought Kajika would have been happy to get out of school, and yet she's not? She truly is unpredictable. Just like earlier when she apologize. She didn't seem like the one to admit their mistake.

Kajika shook her head in response but without looking at Kahoko, she was still in her own little world. Truth is, she was going to be picked up by her driver but she didn't like it. She may be attending a normal school but she was no where near normal. She was still treated like a spoiled little princess. Sometimes she would just act bossy to reduce boredom, but then after a while the fun just drains out.

So it's true, maybe she's being picked up by the car that dropped her off? She thought, remembering the rumour she heard this morning about the rich looking car. She didn't feel comfortable leaving Kajika all alone at Seiso. As much as well alarmed Seiso was, it was still full of crazy people, students in particular. There was even rumour going around about a paedophile working as a teacher to attract students. Not that she didn't trust her teachers, but you can never be 'too' safe. Kahoko set her bag on her desk and sat down while facing Kajika. "I'll wait with you then." She smiled sweetly.

Kajika looked at her, a little surprised that she would waste her time to wait around with her. Could it really be possible that she and Kahoko would become friends? Maybe not soon but in the future? If so...she would count herself lucky.

"True wealth is not measured by gold, money...or jewels my dear Kajika...it is measured by priceless things such as family, true friends...and love."

At first she thought that was a silly thing so say, but as she grew up she began to understand what her mother meant. Kajika had always receive everything she wish for, if not more. Her father was the most powerful man in her country but they were not the wealthiest...not if measured by priceless things. Because everything she has are replaceable..

Both of them remained silent, no sound was heard except for the wind coming from the window. Then suddenly, a little growling noise was made. Right then, Kajika realized how hungry she really was. The strawberries she had for lunch was just supposed to help her hold on until her evening meal which she is used to having early.

Kahoko chuckled at the sound of Kajika's stomach growling. "Hold on, I think I still have a meat bun." She said as she scavenge through her bag. Ah, there it was. She took it out, and frowned when she realized it was squashed by her books. "Ano.." She trailed off, not knowing what to say. A bit shameful that she offered, then now it didn't even look edible.

Kajika fought the urge to burst into laughter, instead she extended her hand. "I'll eat it." She said, her voice still sounded cool but Kahoko knew she was warming up to her. This was the first time a 'friend' ever offered her a snack. Back home, no one would even dare in fear that they might be accused of wanting to poison her. Kajika grabbed the bun from Kahoko and torn the plastic apart. She took a bite with her eyes closed, her face impassive of any emotion. To be honest, the taste was new to her, she wasn't quite sure whether she liked it or not since she was so hungry a mouthful of sand would have been considered as delicious.

"Hey! I see a car parking infront of the school could that be your ride?" Kahoko informed excitedly, not that she was eager to get rid of Kajika, but she just thought maybe she wanted to go home now since she was hungry and forced to eat a crush meat bun.

Kajika stood up to take a look and to her dismay it was indeed her ride. She let out a sigh and swallowed the last bite of the meat bun and she was still hungry. "Wo-Would you like me to give you a ride? I owe you after all." She said, still keeping her icy facade. Truth was, she was just too ashamed to say thank you after what she said to her this morning. She figured if she give her a ride, that's her debt paid.

"You don't have to. I don't want to delay you even more." Kahoko replied with a giggle. She didn't want to be a bother, she just wanted Kajika to understand that she only meant good intentions.

Kajika shrugged and picked up her bag from under her desk. "Suit yourself." And with that she left the classroom.

Kahoko watched her go, sighing. I won't give up.

During her ride home, she spent the entire time looking out the window with the car divider up. Overall today wasn't so bad, but it could have gone better. But sure beats being at home. She was all alone in that big house, sometimes she feels like an orphan. Yes she had a family, but it didn't feel like it. In addition to her grief, she saw a little family walking together in the sidewalk. Father and mother side by side, while the father gave his little girl a piggy back ride. That was the meaning of having a real family, being able to spend time with them. Her last memory of being whole with her own family was 5 years ago, during Christmas...even then the atmosphere was awkward. They were like strangers to one another.

When she got home she was greeted by her butler 'Charles', an English man who has been working for her father for many years and three other maids who are en-charged of her meal, cleaning and laundry. Kajika may not notice it but her servants cares for her deeply. They know what she's going through, despite the front she always put on they knew she's a warm, kind hearted girl. But what baffles them is why she stopped showing that. "Milady, would you like us to prepare your dinner?" Asked Charles as he bowed to his mistress.

Kajika gave her bag to one of her maids and walked up the stairs. "No that's alright, I'm tired. Don't wake me up." She demanded with such coolness. She couldn't stand the silence around her, the emptiness that roams every room.

One of the maids gave Charles a look, as if to say 'Go on.' The maids were three young girls, however older than Kajika. They have been working for their mistress for many years, since they were younger than Kajika, and she was just an infant then. "Milady...your...sister is here." He finally choked out. He wasn't sure how this news would affect her ladyship, but everyone was aware of the void that stands between the two sisters.

Kajika froze on the spot. She's here? Her older sister is only a year ahead of her and she was only her half sister. They didn't get along all that much. Her sister hardly says a word to her, and whenever she sees Kajika, she just ignores her...literally. But even so, Kajika couldn't help feeling a small happiness in her stomach flicker. "Where is she?" She said turning around to Charles with her emerald eyes sparkling with hope.

Charles frowned seeing her so happy and excited to see her sister when her sister herself wasn't so keen on seeing her. Charles was about to open his mouth to answer her question when a girl emerged from a room upstairs, with a face blank as paper. He bowed to her anyway, also indicating to Kajika that her sister was only behind her. She walked down the stairs, she never even gave Kajika a quick glance, she just walked passed her as if she couldn't even see her. "Charles. I'm hungry." She stated as she reached the bottom part of the stairs. It was the same back home, but it wasn't always like this...

Kajika gulped, and forced herself to go on. Every step she took was like a sword through her heart. She had a little hope...that she and her sister would talk again and now it shattered before her. Kajika walked in her room and threw herself in her bed, letting it all go...Everyday, she hide every pain with a smile, giggle, and laughter for her father's sake...but now, she has to let it go or it will eat her inside.


Sorry for no Kahoko & Len interaction at all! I promise in the next chapter there will be some interaction between them! Gomennasai!