I'm not the type to regret things. My motto: live fast and enjoy things while they last—make every second count. You wouldn't think a guy like me would have a care for the past; you can't be hung up on stupid mistakes. At least, that's the mindset I had befor—

Fingers failing to move the pen a letter more, the tip had ceased moving on the paper, which was shortly crumbled after. All the while, the author opted to leave his initial draft from being seen. Then came the obnoxious tearing of another paper that filled half the classroom, which caught the eyes of his neighbors.

And here is where I would offer some seemingly wise quote, only to have it contrast it to my situation at hand. Sorry, I'm outta stock of "picture-frame quotes"—check back next Thursday; in the meanwhile, help yourself to the new shipment of sarcastic quips I've to offer you. Due to an old coot making something so dull and pointless that was originally intended as extra-credit now a mandatory assignment, the shipment of witty remarks just won't stop coming, folks! Get them in unlimited stock for the simple price of allowing me to pass this paper with so many flying colors, it would put the leaders of a gay pride parade to shame.

I call upon you, dear readers, to help me get a decent grade as I try to pass this godforsaken class that I know will prove to be totally and completely worthless in my life. So readers—Riku and Kairi—I believe it's only fair that you do me this favor after I have saved you both plenty a time and occasion.

So sign at the signatures below, and our little deal will be made legit and certifiable.

Even among passed hesitant glances from both of his childhood friends as they read his offer on the lined paper, that cheeky smirk of the brune's had yet to cease. It absolutely couldn't falter. Though it was a skill he had, at this point, mastered to perfection; and as such, it was a grand help to assure people (as well as himself) that things were alright (even when they could be far from it).

While my friends have long accustomed to this slightly snarky side of me, it would make some of the people around me gape with open mouths if they heard me make remarks like in the note I passed to Riku and Kairi. Why? I honestly can't answer that; maybe it's the fact that they always expect me to be static and act the same ever since I was 14 and forever stay optimistic and plucky. If anything, that's just a front I put on to get by (it isn't that hard parading as something else). Kairi and Riku can sense something is off whenever I do this, and I just pass them a glance as if to say, "It's just for show." I'm not complaining by any means though—it's a benefit for both me and the people that don't know me. Plus, it wasn't a complete sham. There were times when I could be genuine.

However, it's not only strangers that I restrain myself in front of. Even in front of my close friends, there were some things that I wouldn't let slip out. Wearing masks isn't all that hard: you just slip it on right before your audience takes note and have at it. So what difference would a couple of different faces be? After all, didn't I have a right to keep some things to myself? Everyone has more than their fair share of secrets that they would like to keep under lock and key.

In my case, I was almost careless enough to let it slip away in that first draft—I had no idea what I was doing. It felt natural to talk to my friends about my past, even if I didn't realize that I was opening up about a secret that would totally wreck my relationship with these people. While being "normal" wasn't a task too difficult, having a problem of that caliber and trying to fix it took more than a simple apology or explanation. I doubt they would take mine in prison. I honestly don't know what to do if people knew what I was really like. While I put on many faces, seeing Riku's and Kairi's react to my secret are ones I'd prefer never to see.

So that's why I'm totally fine. Pretending and lying—it's not all that bad if it's to protect yourself, right?


A/N: First Kingdom Hearts fic, as well as the first on this account! Ah, I'm so excited! This is only a prologue obviously, but it hints only at a miniscule amount of things that are to come! Any kind of positive feedback are well appreciated! Thank you in advance for taking the time to read! uwu