Autumn

Summary:

It's a sunny day. Beside the window of that coffee shop, there she sits, quietly reading a children's book: The Little Prince. It is his favorite, that is why he never hesitated to talk to her.

Chapter 1.

Today is the beginning of Fall. The dying surroundings exploding with red, brown and yellow, is breathtakingly beautiful. She enjoys this scene, and will not mind to sit here for an hour more until he comes. He's late as usual, but she enjoys the season, so no nagging when he comes.

The children around the park are laughing and playing round and round; those sounds of breaking and cracking twigs and dried leaves beneath their feet sound melodious. It's like the nature is singing a 'happy birthday' song to her. How pretty.

"Miku! Miku- hey." A blond quickly ducked and knelt in front of her, bringing his head on her lap. She watched how his shoulders rise and fall in taking his breath deeply, panting from a sprint, again.

"Stand up, Len. Sit here," she shook him and gestured him to sit beside her. She was rather surprised that she wasn't mad today.

"I'm sorry. I should have not let you wait. It's your birthday, I invited you out. I'm really sorry." Len, rested his head against her shoulder, still breathing heavily.

"It's fine," she mumbled breathlessly, looking up at the faint blue sky. It will be evening soon, no doubt with that.

"Happy 21st birthday, Miku." He said and brushed his lips softly against her forehead. She, unsurprised with his actions since she got used to it, nodded and glanced at him briefly. "Let's go," he pulled her up and they began walking.

She felt the cracking and breaking twigs underneath her shoes, funny it could be... But she wouldn't mind marching over it if he holds her hand. Albeit she was unable to show it to him, she truly loves him. She needs to find a way how to be expressive- and that's her problem for over five years she was best friends with him.

She can't let him feel that he matters.

•••

Nine in the morning. Miku Hatsune claimed her favorite spot at that coffee shop. She has been a regular customer since 12-some find her liking with coffee weird, and it's been four years that the store has known her. Together with a contemporary book she loves to read, she sipped through her coffee and read quietly.

Today is her 16th birthday and she celebrates it through hanging out in a coffee shop downtown- her favorite shop where she can read a book with no noise. Her parents are out for work even it's weekend so she celebrates her day through...well, doing what she wants.

It's a book from her distant cousin- Mikuo, entitled, The Little Prince. She knew the book, of course, but never had seen a copy in the public library since it's almost empty. This town never loved books the way she did. And not even the local bookstores, no soul of The Little Prince can be tracked. Flipping through the pages, she found the book really interesting.

'This is normal for books written hundred years ago. They are wisely made unlike books now. Perhaps, this book won't fit the readers nowadays.' Miku thought, closing the distance between her lips and the mug.

What she thought was mostly based on her observations. The books displayed on the shelves of the bookstores are getting irrelevant and heartless, nothing but mere teenage love and whatsoever that she will never be able to understand. Honestly, she doesn't even understand how people of her age love to read those kind of books- purely romance and teen fiction, sometimes, absolute eroticized literature. It's so irrational, that's what she always notes mentally whenever she sees those piles of books displayed against the clear glass windows.

The only sanctuary left for her was her room. A room filled with shelves containing good reads that her parents brought her every now and then. They loved her and knew that her hobby of reading will do good to her, subtracting the fact that she was socially despicable. Her habit made her distant and left her alone in the cave of introversion. She never worried being alone, books were enough to refill her emptied self whenever she joins the crowd. Yes, she kept on ignoring people, she became distant and that has become an impression of who she was.

But her parents aren't glad with their daughter choosing being a lone wolf, at all. They wanted her to have a normal life, they always argue that point with her because she claimed she's normal. Yet, the normal life they are talking about is that kind of life where she'll bring home a friend to study and sleepover and spend summer with. And so, here is Miku Hatsune, carrying home a new book every weekend.

A bookworm- that's a title she earned ever since ten, the moment she received her first book that eventually, lead to shelves of collection. Now that she's sixteen, she has a new hobby- drinking coffee plus reading, another hobby that she picked up from a likely protagonist on one of the novels she have read.

For her, she never cared if people find her strange since she preferred reading than socializing. If they have any problem, just spill it in front her and she will answer them back. She would love to argue with them so she can clarify all advantages of reading than mingling with idiosyncrasies. The last time she spilled her thoughts was when Gumi, their class president approached her and asked her to at least vote for a place where the Christmas party would be held. The class president politely said that Miku was just marking wherever there was a majority of vote-which happened to be the boys' choice (unfair of the girls). Miku stood up for herself, and for the first time, the class heard her speak. This was in 8th grade.

"If ever," Miku sternly looked around to see the whole class paying attention to her. "If ever I write down a place where I want to spend that Christmas party of yours, will you agree? You offer two choices, obviously, the majority one will lead the class. So, does my vote matter? I might not attend too since I'll completely do nothing there, Miss Megpoid. It's not like you'll come with me in a library," she turned around and left the class gawking.

Miku's arguments were wrong. She wasn't able to think of a good table turning fact since Gumi's approach distracted her in reading Sherlock Holmes. And what she has said there, reflected how obtuse Sherlock could be when it comes to Astronomy. She made herself sound stupid in front of the class. Really stupid.

The bells rang, a signal that a new customer came in. That was unusual, she thought, carefully putting the mug back on the table. It was too early and she was always here first. The other customers arrive around noon time to have their lunch in that shop as well. She flipped a page, the prince has met the lost pilot.

"Excuse me," someone cleared his throat. "Can I share this table with you?"

Miku pulled the book away from her face, looking up beside her to see the speaker's face. A blond teenage creature dressed with a stripped sweater was awkwardly standing by her side, impatiently waiting for a response. He was shifting weights with his feet, sighing audibly to indicate boredom. Miku looked around to see a lot if empty tables so why would he bother to sit with her?

"I refuse." Miku said dryly. The blond rolled his eyes and sat parallel to her anyway. A nerve snapped, that annoyed her. What's the use of asking permission from her anyway?

"I thought I clearly said I refuse," Miku calmly said, opening the book again. There was silence at first, but the blond's soft voice shattered her from reading.

"You happened to sit on my favorite spot, I wouldn't take 'no' as a response, I'm sorry." He explained.

"Favorite spot? I've been into this place always." Miku argued.

"I doubt that," he coldly replied with Miku's bitter retort. "And I've never seen you."

"I'm always here, Saturdays and Sundays and on Holidays and my birthdays." Miku hissed, harshly grabbing her mug of latte. Normally, she wouldn't give a thing to people around her, commenting this and that. It so happened that this unfamiliar guy was claiming something considerably hers.

"That justifies my freedom here, therefore. I am always here everyday, except weekends and holidays. If you're good in math, you'll understand who between us, stayed longer in this place." The blond looked straight to her eyes, both of their sea green eyes clashed with coldness. If ever those stare they give each other could froze things around, the coffee shop might have been a fridge instead.

"Here's your order sir Len," a waiter came and placed a cup of black coffee between them. Miku broke the staring contest, lifting her book to read again, finding it more interesting than this guy in front of her.

"And I didn't know that you're friends with a regular customer too. It's the first time I see you around with Miss Miku," the waiter innocently blabbed, causing the two hiss in disapproval.

"I don't know her."

"I don't know him."

The two said in unison, silencing the waiter in confusion. But that didn't stop the waiter in probing because that encouraged him to ask more.

"Oh. I see, do you have any fights lately? You belong to those type of people who will not fight, yeah. I thought introverts are intimate with few companions, didn't expect that you do fight since..." He trailed off when he saw the two sent him deathly glares. Two pairs of cold eyes sending daggers to him made him back off and apologize.

Miku stayed a little longer, finishing her drink before keeping Mikuo's book in her bag. Without any word, she stood and left the blond on the table and she made her way back to her house. She paid no attention to vendors begging her to check out their products for a single thing kept her motivated to reach home as soon as possible. She could escaped this attention she is receiving since it's market day.

What truly bothers the birthday celebrant is that, the waiter clearly regarded her as an introvert. Does it really show off? She's not even aware that she is one, but... That isn't negative at all. The point is, she never cared what other people may tell about her. Because she stopped caring when the only friend she had left her alone. And there's no use of caring when you have all books you want. Books talk more sensible than an actual speaker.

It's already noon time when she reached their house. Half of her day was spent having a coffee, arguing with a stranger, walking across the market, and she would be grateful to spend the remaining half to succumb into a peaceful sleep. As usual, their house was terribly quiet the moment she entered. The white walls and ceilings- basically western in design, imprinted boredom at the very back of her head. The living room was empty and the rustling winds from the lawn could be heard from there. Her mom left the window slightly opened, evident from the way the curtains swayed with the wind. It's a peaceful day, after all. That couldn't be denied. It's like one of the peaceful weekends she missed because all she does is to sleep.

Why, depress people sleep a lot. Probably, she doesn't even know she is feeling that way.

Her candle like fingers reached the glass windows and she pulled them towards her to close it. Once the music of the whispering wind was gone, silence filled the air with the sadness enrooted with in. She didn't notice that she was holding her breath all the while until the very moment she heaved a sigh. That sigh, how would she regard that? Being alone couldn't bother her anymore. She was used to it, she preferred it, she chose it. So, why? Why is she feeling like something was really wrong-with her?

She turned around and marched towards the stairs. Her pale skin was almost of the same shade of white of the handrail of the stairs as she made her way up to her room. Gloomy, cold, empty, why are these feelings suddenly pestering her emotionless heart?

The door was pushed open and she quickly threw herself to her safe haven- a soft bed, big enough for two persons, surrounded by shelves of books that almost designed her room, was the only thing that made her feel...complete. Her arms stretched out against the pastel blue covers, tugging the nearest pillows and slid it beneath her head. Her sea green eyes absently stared at the plain ceiling. Plain white ceiling that glows bright at night. She remembered how she and her dad filled that ceiling with glow-in-the-dark stars and moons every year, in every birthday of hers.

Miku sighed.

Again? She asked herself, eyes widening in her own surprise. Is she really missing her family's presence? That sense of oneness? The warmth? The love? The bond? She gets what she wants, they give the books she wants. Isn't that enough? That shows affection, doesn't it? If someone loves you, he will be willing to give everything, right? But... She gets what she asks. She is happy every time a new book will be given to her. That's all she wanted.

"Maybe my period is just around the corner," she talked loudly. "That's why I'm getting a little sentimental today," she convinced herself, snuggling to her pillows around and slowly, slowly drifted into a sleep.

Her teal hair stuck in all directions as she stared at her own reflection. She has overslept again and has forgotten to loosen her braids. Her pale skin looked more pallid than usual, she was exhausted. Sometimes she hated to sleep too much because she feels drained every time she wakes. Maybe dream eating monsters are partially true. But again, she's one of those dreamless people. What a disgust.

The colors dying her room showed how much she overslept. The orange skies, or maybe they are really pinkish or yellowish near the horizon, made her feel it's fall and not summer. Fall, her favorite season. The time when everything seemed beautifully dying and placid, when the air smelled like the pages of books. Oh, how she loved that. Maybe the fall is just delayed today.

"Miku?" The door swung open as she saw her father there, his dark blue hair still stood out against the orange refraction in his room. She looked at him, bewildered what is he doing in their home. She expected her parents to come home around ten or eleven in the evening, and that's normal.

"Dad," she coldly acknowledged him. "Why are you here? Is mom with you?"

"Why ask, dear?" He said, beckoning her to come with him. She walked towards him like a zombie and he has to put his arms around her shoulders and pull her out of the room. "It's your birthday, don't tell me you've forgotten that?" He laughed at his child's stupidity. His laughter vibrated against his chest and she hated it when her dad laughs at her like she was the most idiotic daughter in the world. She's a genius, her aunt told her. Her mom agreed, but her dad laughed at the idea. No genius is bound to be anti-social, he believed. But it wasn't like she wanted to hurt others. She enjoyed being aloof, that is why.

"It's an ordinary day, dad. Why are you so paranoid with celebrating the thing. It's just the three of us," she retorted, shrugging against him. He led them to the kitchen where she saw her mom, that brunette petite figure there, preparing the various...dainties on the table.

"Happy sixteenth birthday, Miku dear." Her dad seriously said and placed a peck on her forehead before he pushed her down a seat. She's just hiding it but she's happy to have them around, to celebrate her birthday with the most important people in her life. The pale yellow cake, that must be caramel, the ice cream, the cupcakes and everything sweet were laid on their former plain white table.

"Mom, are you planning to have diabetes in one night?" She asked, humor is obviously rolling on her tongue.

"Oh-your Aunt Luka said that it's your sweet sixteen thing. So, I bought everything sweet that you'll like." Her mom chirped, occupying the seat beside her father. Her mom misinterpreted the sweet sixteen celebration. Miku quickly raised her palm to cover her eyes because her parents sometimes forgot that they are no longer teenagers to be so lovey-dovey in front of her. They were so affectionate, yes, that's good to know. But she didn't want to see it.

"Get a room please," Miku muttered in annoyance and received a husky laughter from her father, and a high pitched one from her mom. Maybe, they are really mates. Soul mates.

Yes, I'm lucky that they are my parents. Miku thought as she dropped her hand to see her parents eating gracefully. Yes, she is lucky. She is living in a home with a lovely family, imperfect parents because they argue oftentimes but she never had seen her mom cry and threaten to divorce with him, and she never ever thought that her dad could see another woman other than her mom. Her mom was gorgeous. Her mom was kind. Her father should be burned alive if ever he looked for another woman. Moreover, she wouldn't be born if her parents didn't love each other enough.

"Miku?" Her mom's warm hand was placed over hers. Miku didn't notice that she has been spacing out all the time. Her sea green eyes quickly snapped towards her mom who is leaning across the table to hold her hand. That softening look on her mom's face assured her that her mom was worried. For her.

"Didn't you like what we brought home?" Her mom asked, quickly retreating, making her father rose to assist her.

"No, mom." Miku said breathlessly. "I...I like it." That was almost a whisper. She's always shy when expressing feelings, why? She found it unnecessary. Because she always have this thought that once you go with people, that is surely a sign you feel something for them, right? Whatever that feeling, she'll stick to the positive feelings: importance, affection, concern and love.

"You aren't eating, my daughter. Did someone bully you?" Her mom summoned her back to reality.

"No," Miku giggled. "No one would dare. They know that I'm a black belt in karate," she beamed with a natural grin as she instinctively reached out to slice the cake.

"My dearest child, you should stop saying that to your classmates," her dad sighed, fetching some drink from the fridge. "I fear one day, you'll get yourself caught in a fight because they thought you really studied martial arts." He placed three clear glasses on the center table. "The protagonist of that some oriental novel we bought you, is the black belt, not you."

"Nobody talks to me anyway," Miku shoved a spoonful of cake in her mouth. "So if ever a bully comes near my proximity and dares insult my solitary life, I'll use that protagonist's line about being a professional in martial arts to scare them away. What's the name if that character again, Jacob Chan. Ah, "

"And what is his line?" Her mom asked, seemingly amused with her daughter's cockiness.

"I am a black belt in all martial arts you can name. Say another word or you'll lose your ability to reproduce," Miku said seriously, as if she was the real character from the book. Kaito and Meiko were quiet at first but they broke into a ceaseless laughter a minute after. Meiko couldn't believe that her daughter got some spine to throw a joke.

"My dear, you shouldn't say that." Meiko smiled sweetly after regaining composure. "Anyway," she sighed, changing the atmosphere in the dining room. "When will I meet your boyfriend?"

"Mom." Miku hissed. "I. Don't. Even. Have. A. Friend."

"Try getting a friend, Miku. But the boyfriend, I doubt that. Disregard your mom, don't rush things like that. Teenagers are just after fun and I am not very open for a daughter who is merely making out with every boy in the town,"

"That's unhealthy," came Miku's reply. "I wouldn't do that any people. I mean, boy or guy. That's gross, dirty. But you did that with Mom, didn't you? "

"A lot," her dad proudly said, only to be slapped by his wife.

"A lot with another girls during our high school. He's a player, you know." Meiko rolled her eyes as she brought the glass of wine to her lips.

"But I never slept with them-"

"Dad! Please, not those kind of talks." Miku interrupted, raising her fork to warn her father. Her very own, silly father.

The night went on like that, her parents shared a lot of memories during their high school and collegiate days. Miku never missed how her parents' eyes brightened as they reflected back on their youthful days, their weird trips and everything. Maybe, they were missing the days when they have worried only for homework, school projects and examinations. Those days when they spent weekends with their best friends-which clearly she lacked. The topic about her- their daughter being so introvert, quickly escalated for they knew that none of them, her mom or dad, were loners. Miku just shrugged, explaining that her personality was caused maybe the way she grew up.

Miku let that topic die out. It is ten in the evening by the time her parents finally send her to her bed. A little annoyed because is it really necessary for them to accompany her to room as if she's a little girl afraid of the dark? She looked at them curiously, those stares she gave them showed her building confusion. Hopefully, her parents answered her unspoken question after she's settled on her bed.

"Miku," her mom kissed her forehead as they tucked her under the thick blanket. The air-conditioning was turned on by her father. "I just missed my baby, you're a grown up now. I wished to watch you as you grow and become a beautiful lady but I never thought about this sixteen years ago, that I'll be pinned away by my job."

That melted Miku Hatsune's heart. She loved her mother and her father. Her family was perfect, loving and ideal. This is what she really missed all the time, the bond. Those nights of her birthdays when she and her dad will put stickers on her ceilings, or those birthdays when her mom will bring her to the mall and buy her anything she asked. She remembered how annoyed her mom because she tend to stroll a lot before choosing something to buy, that is because she wanted to stay longer with her. She wanted to spend more time with them...and they noticed that, that's why her dad gave her the book, six years ago.

Her parents have no idea how lonely she was day by day, without them. But she has outgrown that longing, getting used with being alone and being with books.

"It's fine," Miku admitted heartily. "You don't have to worry mom, good night." She ducked to the other side, her waist long teal hair ruffling as she turned around. She didn't want to talk about this with her mom. Loneliness was all to familiar to sadden her, so if ever they continue to reopen a healed wound, she didn't know what to do.

Meiko sighed, completely aware that her daughter was avoiding the topic. She received an empathizing smile from her husband as they chose to leave her room instead. She really was growing, physically and emotionally, mentally maybe. The brunette felt guilty for leaving her alone for all the years, so it's no surprise if Miku grew distant. Independent, they wanted her that way. But cold? No. Neither she or her husband would want that.

The next morning came quickly. As usual, the teal haired girl rose from her bed and automatically went to the bathroom to prepare for school. School starts at eight. The bright sun illuminated her room. The warm light radiating against her as she gets dressed reminded her that she's alone.

Quietness succumbed her senses as she marched downstairs and walked through the kitchen. Her mom already left her a cooked breakfast so Miku would not rush herself to school. A sigh left the tealette's lips. She never understood why is she feeling a sense of disappointment because her parents aren't around to join her to have the meal of the day.

Soon, Miku left the house as she kept the keys in her bag. It is a sunny day, definitely. But there is something in the air, indicating that the fall season is just around the corner. She walked along the pavement, invisible from the eyes if other students from her school. The wind brushed her long teal hair tied in a ponytail away from her face. She should have brought her jacket, later afternoon will surely be cold at this rate.

The moment she reached the school gate, she paused. She observed the distant buildings as the noisy students passed by her. That commotion almost coming from every direction was acquainted with her but she never accepted that as a norm of her life, for she will never be a participant of that commotion.

'Another day of survival,' she mumbled as she took her step inside the campus.

"Hey," somebody called. Miku didn't spare a glance but instead she continued walking. Who knows to whom that 'hey' may refer.

"Hey, you. You strange girl with a teal hair," okay. Now that 'hey' is really her. But Miku still ignored the caller. She has a name and she deserved to be called with her name.

"Hey miss introvert reading The Little Prince yesterday, why don't you just turn around." Her way was blocked by a familiar tall blond, the guy from yesterday. She was small in front of him, reaching only the base of his ears. He has a scowl drawn on his lips and his eyes piercing with coldness.

Miku stared at him with her signature poker face, pretending she didn't recognize the guy. Miku looked around to see some students-those who know her reputation, sent them inquisitive looks. She really hated attention. She looked back at him, he and his cold boy aura. Hands kept in the pocket, shrugging after meeting other students' gazes- maybe he felt uncomfortable with those prying glances too.

Miku walked pass by him, completely ignoring his presence. She doesn't know him. She had never seen him around the campus. She doesn't even know his name. She has no reasons why to talk to him, and even if she has, she wouldn't dwell against her solitary life just for this guy. Well, she naturally doesn't have the ability to carry out a normal conversation without being hypocrite.

"Excuse me, will you please stop ignoring me for a while? Just show me the principal's office, then I will not talk to you again. I swear." The guy reached her side and walked with her towards the school buildings unfamiliar to him. He shrugged, again and again, feeling really intimidated with the way students look at him, or her, maybe both of them.

"I don't know you. I see no reason why," she quietly replied. He never missed how icy she was.

"I know. Just show me the office, please? You're the only familiar soul here."

She snapped her head at him. His use of language rang her interests, and she stopped herself to think of that as a connotation. Instead, she told herself that what he said is an exaggeration.

"Can you see that building? The principal's office is at the ground floor. Once you get there, I'm sure you'll know which is the office. Then, don't talk to me ever if you don't want to be alienated." With that, she left him on the open ground. But she heard those heavy footsteps again, he reached her side and said a brief 'thank you' then marched away.

'No one talks to me anyway.' Well, someone asked her for directions. Is that a good thing?

The common ignoring atmosphere welcomed Miku Hatsune as she entered the class. None of her classmates turned a head as she entered- which is normal for her daily basis of living. Miku's seat was the one behind the class, beside the wall. So it's only between her and the mutual friend-the cold, silent wall. She sat on her seat while trying to snap away from this noise, making herself enter a dimension isolated from this people who thinks she is weird. She can't blame them, can she?

But her prayers was answered in lightning speed when the door opened and their homeroom teacher entered with the blond boy. Well, she has seen this coming already.

"Class, you have a new classmate. Please introduce yourself,"

"I'm Kagamine Len. I stopped homeschooling so please be nice with me. Nice meeting you,"

Miku examined the class. Everyone is gawking at him, girls and boys alike. She heard what they are whispering clearly. They are admiring his features- tall, blond and blue eyed. What's so new there? She has blue eyes too but none of her classmates took notice of that when she introduced. Why is this guy easily welcomed than her?

"Please sit at the vacant chair behind,"

Miku knew that the only vacant seat was the one beside her since no one wanted to sit with her, not her loss actually. She rather enjoys the feeling when no one is forcing her to talk. She never lifted her gaze to look in front again, she knew that the guy will not act as if he knew her. She doesn't want to drag people along her crappy social skills.

All she wanted is to be alone.