It all started when I saw my father kissing another woman. To make things worse, it was inside our own house too. Now I can't even look at that couch without remembering that horrible scene.

It had been a tiring day at school. Midterms were fast approaching, teachers giving out projects as if there wasn't an exam. While I was on my way home I envisioned myself chilling in front of the TV with some cookies and juice. Got to relax first before hitting the books. But when I got home, that is what I saw. They didn't even notice me walk in. They only stopped when my bag had hit the floor from shock.

"Rio?" my father was just as shocked as I was. He quickly stood up and walked over to me while the woman just stared daggers at me. But I did not care at all.

"Rio..." my father tried to take my hand.

"Don't touch me!" I hissed at him, pushing his hand away. I picked up my bag and held it tightly to my chest like I was hugging it. I feel like such a loser.

"How could you do this?" I was intending to shout at him but tears were threatening to spill out of my eyes and I felt a lump starting to swell out in my throat. Mother should not know about this. She doesn't deserve this. She's been working hard as a teacher abroad. I know she must be feeling lonely there and I don't have the heart to tell her what I just saw.

I was about to retreat to my own room when my father grabbed my hand again but this time he pressed something. I could not believe it.

There on my hand, was a 1000 yen bill.

"Here you go kid. I know you've been working hard. Go buy something nice for yourself."

No you're paying me to keep quiet. But I only say the words in my head. And as much as I hate to throw the money back at his face, I find myself holding on to it. Because I realized that I need it. I have to buy some things for school to finish the projects and get myself something to eat and other necessities. Mom won't be sending money 'till the end of the month and I don't want to bother her. My dad walks back to the woman and I don't want to know what they will do next so I quickly climb up to my room and slam the door, making it clear that I'm still mad. I lean back against the door, letting out the tears that I've been holding in for so long.

All this time I was just in denial. These past few days I noticed my dad talking on the phone a lot. I knew it wasn't mom he was talking to and I was starting to have a gut feeling that he was cheating. But still, I refused to believe it. I held on to the image of the family I had known and grown up with.

But now that image was starting to crack.

I snapped out of it when I heard the front door open, followed by the distant voice of my father. I ran over to the window to check.

Great, they just left. Now I have the house all to myself. I change into a clean white shirt and jean shorts before settling down in front of the computer. Time to vent my feelings out on my blog. I've been keeping this blog for a few months now and it was actually suggested to me by my best friend Anri. At first I was hesitant to expose my feelings to strangers but I found out that they don't need to know who I am. I can just hide myself with a username and avatar.

Now I've met people who share the same feelings as I am. I may not know them either but their comments always manages to cheer me up. Right now I am rapidly typing on my keyboard, already starting to feel better as I pour my feelings out with every press.

After I hit the POST button I stood up and head downstairs to get myself some juice and cookies. I try my best not to look at the couch where I caught my dad making out with that woman. Just thinking about it makes me want to puke. When I returned to my room I saw that someone has already commented on my new post. I checked to see who it was and that familiar username made me smile. It was Kanra-san. She has been a frequent commenter on my posts and she always makes me feel better.

Kanra: Hey Magenta-san! I can't promise everything will be alright but whatever happens we'll always be here for you. BTW your dad is an a-hole.

I couldn't agree more. Gosh, I really want to meet Kanra-san in person. With a hopeful smile, I click Private Messages so I could chat with her.

Me: Good day Kanra-san. Thank you for the comment

Kanra: Always a pleasure :)

Wow she is so nice!

Me: If you don't mind me asking where do you live?

Kanra: Ikebokuro :)

I can't believe it! She lives here too!

Me: Really? I'm from Ikebokuro too!

Kanra: by any chance do you go to Raira Academy?

Meeting a stranger online has never been this easier.

Me: yeah I go to Raira. I'm a second year

Kanra: Talk about coincidence Magenta-san I go there too!

Me: really? Let's meet up!

Kanra: are you sure you want to meet up?

Huh? Why is she asking me? Of course I do!

Me: yeah if you're fine with it

Kanra: well then let's meet tomorrow at the rooftop after class if you're free

Me: sure :)

I was about to say "looking forward to meeting you" but a message on the screen says Kanra has already logged out. Still, I can't believe that one of the online friends I had made could already be someone I had walked past at school. Except that it wasn't the kind of person I was expecting at all.