I don't know why I instigate and say what I don't mean,
I don't know how I got this way,
I know it's not alright,
So I'm breaking the habit,
I'm breaking the habit tonight.
- Breaking the Habit, Linkin Park
Student Lounge, 3:01 PM
"That was an interesting morning." Ryo said, stretching out on one of the leather sofas. Behind him, Takato and Kenta exchanged amused looks.
"Are you kidding me? I was bored to death in my classes." Kazu said, flopping down face first, clearly exhausted.
"I don't think he's talking about that Kaz." Kenta offered, peering into the mini-fridge.
"Of course he isn't." Takato grinned before turning to the lounging figure. "What else would he talk about?"
"Hey!" Ryo complained, making a face at his friends which scrunched up his handsome features. "What does that mean?"
"As if you don't know!" Takato grinned. "It's not my fault you're so obvious."
"Obvious about what?" Ryo asked, sitting up. Kenta and Takato exchanged another look.
"You're kidding me right?"
"What are we talking about here?" Kazu asked.
"The girl." Kenta explained, leaving Kazu even more confused at the vague answer.
"Don't refer to her as the girl."
"I thought you didn't know what we were talking about!"
"Shall we call her the one then?" Takato teased. Ryo was about to object, but stopped, realizing his friends had gotten the better of him. Takato and Kenta exchanged smug smiles at the rare sight of defeat.
"We all know."
"Know what?" Kazu demanded, clearly still lost.
"Just because you have everyone else fooled, doesn't mean you can fool us." Takato smiled, picking up one of the cushions and chucking it at the mass of brown hair. The cushion was returned almost immediately.
"Is it that obvious?" Ryo asked, resigned. He should have expected this. If Henry had figured it out straightaway, Kenta wouldn't be very far behind. Takato wasn't dumb either.
"Maybe."
"It wouldn't have been, not if you didn't provoke her on purpose every time..."
"I guess I can't help it." Ryo mused, forcing himself to hide a smile.
"Wait!" Kazu called, "Are we talking about Rika?"
"I thought you were with us the whole time."
"So...Ryo likes Rika?"
"Glad you caught on so quick." Kenta laughed.
"Woah. What? Are you kidding me? This is a joke right? How can anyone like her? I mean she's terrifying!" Kazu shuddered. "She's so mocking and dark and cynical..."
"I think that's just towards you." Takato chuckled.
"There's more to her than that." Ryo laughed, more amused than offended.
"Like what?!"
"She placed second in the national exams last year, she's currently the most sought out teenage model in Japan's fashion industry and..."
"Really, she's not that bad." Takato finished. "You just have to get to know her.
"Are you serious about this?" Kazu asked wearily, looking despairingly at Ryo who only grinned in response. There was a long, exasperated groan. "I can't believe this."
"You make it sound like its the end of the world." Ryo laughed.
"It practically is if you like Rika! What do you see in her? It can't possibly be her personality! She scares the balls out of me! The only thing she has going for her is her looks. I hate to admit it but Rika is pretty hot."
"What?" A mixture of pride and hostility passed over Ryo's face at the comment before quickly fading.
"I said even I have to admit that Rika is hot." Kazu repeated, before grimacing at himself for the acknowledgment. "Urgh! I can't believe I just said that. She's going to kill me. I want to kill me."
"Well, she's a model for a reason."
"Isn't she considered to be one of the hottest girls in our year?"
"There are many other girls who claim otherwise."
"Like Lina?" Takato smirked, glancing at Ryo who shrugged.
"Lina's always been-"
"Hey, are we all up for some basketball after class?" Kazu interrupted, "I saw this alley-op move the other night and-"
School West Gate, 3:09 PM
"Rika!" Jeri called, spotting the distinctive shades of red and gold in the crowd. "There you are."
"I thought you guys already left."
"We've been looking for you. Are you busy tonight?" Alice asked, indicating towards the waiting car.
"I have to attend a party." Rika groaned, quickly re-reading a message from her mother on her cellphone. "She even sent a car. Great."
"What is it for?"
"A corporate event probably. Or some brand is hosting something to promote their image and I'll be one of the representatives for my agency. Who knows." Rika shrugged.
"That sounds exciting!" Jeri exclaimed. "I wish I could go."
"If I'm allowed to bring guests next time, I'll invite you." Rika shook her head, rather amused at the enthusiasm. It really wasn't fun or exciting as everyone made it out to be. Just snobby people, dressed in their finery, all pretending to be friends.
"Really? I'd love that!"
"Or you could go in my place instead..."
"At least she'll have a good time." Alice laughed.
"Exactly my point. Anyway, why were you two looking for me?"
"We've got that group project due soon, so we should probably start working on it this weekend. Meet up tomorrow?"
"Right." Rika sighed. "Something else to look forward to. I almost forgot. All right, just call me or something."
"Sounds good."
"Have fun!" Jeri called, grinning broadly, waving at the disgruntled figure.
"I'm sure she will." Alice smirked.
"Hey..." Jeri said slowly, turning to look at Alice, her eyes sparkling. "You know what would be funny?"
"Hm?"
"I overheard Takato saying Ryo had a party to attend tonight."
"It's Friday. I'm not surprised."
"What if they end up going to the same event?" Jeri laughed, clapping her her hands in delight. "Just imagine!"
"It would be disastrous." Alice shook her head.
"Maybe but I bet something life changing would happen!"
"What? They'll end up killing each other?"
"Not like that! Although now that you mention it...I just thought that if they were given a chance to meet outside of school, maybe things would be different!"
"Knowing the different social circles they run in, I don't think that's very likely. Why would Ryo ever go to a party hosted by the modeling company Rika's working under?"
"That's true." Jeri sighed, she seemed almost disappointed by this thought.
"Besides, if it's bad enough as it is at school, I really don't think meeting in other public places is going to help."
"I guess...I heard I missed another confrontation today after I left. What happened?"
"I have no clue." Alice shrugged. "He probably provoked her, she responded. Nothing out of the ordinary."
"If she really hates him, she'd simply ignore him." Jeri sang.
"I know. I keep telling her, but she never listens."
"Which totally proves my point!" Jeri smiled, referring to her love-hate relationship theory for the two. "Rika needs to be more honest with herself."
"I don't think that's going to happen. Not if it has to do with him."
"Fine, Ryo just needs to make the first move. I'd love to see that!"
"Akiyama make a move? He-"
"Hey Alice!' The two both turned their head around at the call.
"Hey Henry!"
"Hi Jeri, do you mind if I talk to Alice for a bit?"
"Not at all!" Jeri grinned. "I'll see the two of you later!"
"I'm glad you're still here! Are you busy? I was wondering if you wanted to-"
Jeri smiled to herself as she skipped down the stairs towards the exit. It seems like possibilities were everywhere today!
Rika's Room, Nonaka Residence, 6:45 PM
"How about this?"
Rika turned around, albeit reluctantly, to find herself face to face with a revolting amount of pink lace. Her mother's expectant face peeked out over the top.
"I wouldn't be caught dead in that."
"It was worth a shot." Rumiko laughed, despite knowing her daughter would never ever try on that dress. Not in a million years. Probably not even if she was held at gunpoint. "Maybe I'll donate it."
"Good idea."
"Have you decided what to wear tonight?"
"Jeans and a t-shirt?" Rika suggested hopefully.
"Rika..."
"Kidding! What does the dress code indicate?" Rika sighed.
"Black tie. It's the company's twentieth anniversary, so everyone that's anyone will be there. Celebrities, agents, representatives from all the haute couture brands...did I tell you my friend from-"
"Wait. If so many people are going, why do I have to go still? I doubt they would notice if I don't show up or not."
"Of course they're going to notice! Even if they don't, the press will! Please remember that as a model, it's your duty to-"
"I know, I know. It was just wishful thinking." Rika made face. "I did sign a contract, remember? I know what my terms are. I just having to look the part all the time, putting on the image the company wants me to have. It's exhausting."
"I felt the same too. You can't go anywhere if a hair's out of place!" Rumiko laughed. "My manager would always tell me that runways and photo shoots were the easiest part of the job, but I never believed him."
"Tell me about it. What about this one?" Rika asked, holding out a dress of deep emerald green.
"Put it on and let me see."
"Well?"
Rumiko surveyed her daughter and felt a rush of pride. There was no denying her little girl was all grown up. Eighteen and a sight to be seen with her flaming red hair and remarkable colored eyes.
"You look beautiful." She smiled fondly.
"Thanks mom."
"I have to admit, you have great taste. You must have gotten it from me."
"That's a surprise, considering how I never wore anything you bought for me."
"Touché." Rumiko laughed before glancing at the clock. "It's almost time."
"Can't wait." Rika muttered sarcastically, ruining the graceful appearance by sprawling out on her bed. Her mother sighed.
"Best behaviour for tonight all right? There's talks of a contract in the works and since the spokesperson will be there in person-"
"Yes, I know. I'm not about to go and jeopardize it." Rika finished, sitting up. Modelling may not be her passion, but it was a career she had made on her own.
When she had first started, she had refused to use her mother's connection. She'd make a name for herself on her own, if not then she'd quit. That was the condition.
Somehow, whether it was due to her distinctive features, her "fierceness" - as her manager likes to call it, or maybe even her indifferent attitude, the alias Ruki Makino soon became well-known within the industry. Of course, once the public discovered the truth of her identity, her popularity only increased in respect for her discretion.
She may not admit it, but she did take pride in her work.
"I'm so proud of you." Rumiko smiled. "I'm going to quickly retouch my makeup. We'll leave in 10 minutes."
Ryo's Room, Akiyama Residence, 7:52 PM
"Ryo! Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
"What?"
"Aren't you suppose to be getting ready?" The distant call of his father brought the teen back to reality from cyberspace. Ryo closed the browser on his screen before turning away from the monitor, swiveling his chair to face the door.
"Get ready for what?" He called loudly, hoping it would reach downstairs.
"The party tonight! Didn't my assistant inform you?"
"Uh..." Ryo frowned, thinking back. He grabbed his phone beside him and scrolled through. Sure enough, there was a message received at 9AM from the office number.
"Obviously you forgot."
"My bad." Ryo glanced up, finding his dad standing in the doorway.
"Young people these days." Mr. Akiyama sighed, shaking his head in a disappointed manner before breaking out into a smile. "I should have known. Well, doesn't matter. Best go get ready now then, there's no time like the present."
"Good thing I didn't have any plans today." Ryo said, getting up and stretching his arms and shoulders. "It is a Friday after all."
"I would make you cancel it if you did anyway." His dad said, raising an eyebrow. "Better hurry up, it'd be rude of us to be late."
"It won't take me that long to get ready."
"That's what you think! Until you start styling your hair-"
"Yea, yea. I'm going."
"There's a dress code, so make sure you look decent."
"What are you talking about dad? You know I look great no matter what I wear." Ryo joked over his shoulder. "I bet I can go in my PJs and I'll still look good." His father muttered something behind him.
"I heard that!" Ryo laughed, heading into the adjoined bathroom. "Confidence is attractive, didn't you teach me that dad?"
"I must have forgotten to teach you that arrogance is unbecoming!"
"That you might have." Ryo chuckled to himself, reminded of a certain redhead. "When are we leaving?" He asked, poking his head through the doorway.
"Car's coming in half-an-hour."
"What party are we going to anyway? Why do I have to dress up? It's not one of those dreadful events the board of governors call a party is it?" Ryo asked in distaste, referring to a gathering where men fifty years his senior smoked cigars and drank whisky all night, recalling the "good ol' times".
"Unfortunately, no. Though I do think there's one coming up soon." His father smiled mischievously.
"I'm busy that day." Ryo stated firmly. "Just so you know beforehand."
"I'll be sure to forget it. Hurry up, I'll be waiting for you downstairs."
"Wait, you never answered my question!"
"It's a fashion party."
"That's good." Ryo sighed in relief before the words registered properly. "Wait, what?"
Henry's Room, Wong Residence, 8:03 PM
"What?"
You're smiling." Henry answered, "For no reason. Did something happen?"
Not really." Alice shrugged, looking into the webcam before returning to the textbooks in front of her. "I have an odd feeling about tonight."
What do you mean?"
I feel something's going to happen. Even though I have no idea what."
Since you're smiling, I'll take it as a good thing."
Maybe." She said wryly, "I could be wrong."