Disclaimer: I do NOT own Tokyo Mew Mew, nor any of the characters in the series.
The sun had long set past the horizon, leaving a trail of stars and a watercolor of midnight blue in its wake. Trees danced lightly in the breeze while the stores began lighting the pathways of the emptying streets.
"Rika," the manager called, snapping me out of my daze, "if all you're going to do is day dream then I suggest that you leave." Checking the clock, I realized that my shift had ended ten minutes ago.
I stood from the window seat, smoothing out the wrinkles on my black apron and pants. Business was always slow on Tuesdays. "Sorry sir," I said absentmindedly before heading in back to the locker room to change. Miyuki was there, changing from her black work skirt into her school blue skirt.
Opening my locker, I began redressing to return home. As I removed my sleeveless, white shirt, I felt Miyuki's hands on upon my shoulder. "It looks cute," she commented with a cats grin. Curiously, I turned away from the mirror before looking back to see the reflection of my back. There was a clear, grey paw print mark on the back of my right shoulder. Through it, there seemed to be a red slash through the heart shaped print. I turned towards the grinning Miyuki, returning it half heartedly before we dropped the subject.
I trusted that she wouldn't speak of it, just as she trusted me with her many secrets. I slammed my locker shut before turning to her, "Let's go."
The orphanage was a fifteen minute train ride outside central Tokyo. In total, there were seventeen kids, two caretakers and a drunk manager. Miyuki and I were the eldest and the only ones to work. The rest of the kids ranged from age ten and up, with this orphanage, in particular, specializing in older children. I transferred to this one six years ago when I was fourteen, meeting Miyuki.
Miyuki's parents died when she was thirteen and with the rest of her relatives being unreachable foreigners, she ended up here. I, on the other hand, have not had any memory of a mother or a father. The workers at my previous residence said that I came to them as an infant with no history. I just take facts for what it was.
The orphanage is a hole in the wall building, between a family grocery store and an apartment complex. Luckily, Miyuki and I shared a single bedroom on the second floor; but all the second floor shared the same, single toilet. Another eight kids lived on the third floor while the kitchen, common areas, and office were on the first floor.
The spaces were dirty and cramped, but everyone got along, somehow.
"Tadaima," we called out as we entered the genkan and removed our shoes. For a good three seconds, no one responded but gradually a rumble became audible and a heard of kids came upon us with extended arms. The kids on the third floor gathered around us in a mob, while we made our way through them to set dessert on the table. The manager always let Miyuki and I take home whatever the café didn't sell that day; so we brought it home and gave it to the kids after dinner. But, that never stopped them from begging to have it sooner.
X.X.X
I cleaned the table, placing used glasses and dishes in a bin before wiping the table down with a damp rag. On the table's polished wood surface, I saw my dark eyes stare back at me in an all knowing manner with my hair held in a not-so-neat bun. Just by chance, I looked up as the door chimed and someone entered. Slowly, a scowl formed on my face and I grabbed my bin, full of dishes to retreat to the back.
Ryou peered around the small, classically styled French café; only to barely catch my back disappear behind a curtain leading into the kitchen. He let a sigh pass his lips before seating himself at a small table near the window.
Miyuki saw Ryou enter and looked hesitantly behind her, through the kitchen window where I attempted to busy myself with something. In my opinion, it was best to avoid an explosion; but Miyuki had other plans.
"Rika," she called, "there's a customer. Would you mind taking his order? I have too many-"
"Why don't you do it, I'm busy!" I picked up a cloth and rung the bleach and water out to wipe the counter tops of the kitchen.
"But Rika, I'm busy too!" Miyuki whined opening and closing the register to make a point.
"Go Rika!" The manager yelled from his office beside the kitchen. I let out an irritated sigh, dropping my towel and trudged out from the back. I snatched the notepad beside the register, never failing to glare at my 'friend' who stood behind it, smiling innocently.
I approached my impending doom with disgust, stopping in front of him with the same scowl as before. "What do you want?"
Ryou's blue eyes looked up to meet mine. He set the drink menu aside with disinterest. "To talk," he said casually.
"I meant to order," I stated while bringing the pad of paper in front of me, in an attempt to use it as a shield against him. I knew it was feeble and useless, but there had to be something other than a table separating us.
"How have you been?"
I moved my eyes from the blank note pad to him once more, studying his face. He had changed so much since I last saw him seven years ago. He had a prominent jaw line, matching his mature face. Even from under his clothes, one could tell his slim figure with muscle tone. However, his eyes were still a deep, ocean blue that even as I stare at him in rage, I found myself swimming through.
But pride anchored me and my face never betrayed me. "So, now you're interested in me. It only took seven years!" I crossed my arms, awaiting some witty reply but was only met with his silent stare.
"Face it Ryou, you've been wrapped up in your science project ever since your parents died. You let it consume you, leaving everything else on the back burner. And now, when I have become your sick project do you then want to know how I have been!" I stared hard at him, taking deep breaths to clear my mind. Why did he always make me crazy?
Part of me broke off with the mention of going as far as his parents, but what was another small piece compared to the whole in which he cracked?
There was something that was emerging from his depths, I waited for it; but before it surfaced he shut his mouth and stood. "Well, why didn't you contact me? You knew of the project and the results. The news has been displaying it for a good two months now," he argued back.
"That's not the point! The point is that you-..." I closed my eyes and forced tears back, biting my lip before glaring at him once again. "I do not want to see you again," I spat out. Something broke inside of me as the reality of the words seemed to sink in and he took a deep breath to calm his mind. His palm soothed his temple as he exhaled. "Rika, I need you," he said carefully, tentatively looking at me from behind his hand that lifted his blond bangs.
I laughed sarcastically, "Yeah, for your science experiment! Go do anther experiment. I'm easily replaceable!"
"What is going on here?" The manager emerged from the back, disturbed from the raised voices. I could not decide which voice irritated me more: the oh-so-concerned blond or the manager that could use some earplugs once in a while.
"Just leave, Ryou!" I stared hard at him with a frown, arms tense at my sides. We stared one another down, one final time before he threw a glance at the manager, "Nothing..."
He turned and left the café with the door chiming after him. Ryou had come with every intention of having a mature conversation to settle things out, but I always had a habit of making his mind haywire. He had the same effect on me. I felt my harsh breathing as I glared at his retreating form.
"Rika," the manager cleared his throat, "you are fired."
I felt my heart stop as I turned to the aged gentleman. "But-but... Sir!"
"I cannot have such irrational people work here; yelling at customers and such. My decision is final!" He said with a nod of the head and a turn of the heel.
My teeth clenched and fists tightened. "Fine, who wants to work here anyways!"
I stomped off in back to gather my things and change out of my uniform in a hurry. All the while, I muttered curses under my breath. Miyuki followed after me into the back with a worried expression.
"Rika-"
"I'm fine. It was only a matter of time before that idiot fired me," I adorned my jacket over my work uniform, not bothering to take the time to change, before making my way for the back exit. "I'll see you at home!"
The door slammed and Miyuki was left to stare at the empty locker alone.
I spent my anger taking strong strides in the direction of the orphanage. I intended to walk home because I simply did not feel like sitting still on a train, suspecting I'd probably blow it up or get into a fight.
"Stupid manager. Retarded job! Idiot boss..." The list went on with an array of colorful words and nouns until six blocks later when I realized that I had no job and no more source of income.
"Danm it!" I hit the brick wall beside me, producing a perfect picture of bloody knuckles. It only made my anger worse. I rubbed it absentmindedly, but it only felt numb.
No job meant that I would have to pay my dues at the orphanage by some other means. I imagined the scolding and endless hours cooking and cleaning after the other children and cringed.
'But, it wasn't my fault!' I thought angrily, letting it sink in. Then, whose fault was it?
My teeth clenched together once more and I turned on my heel, set on a new course. I entered the park and approached the pink castle. I barged in with purpose, "Ryou!"
Everyone in the café looked at me as if I was crazy, even thought I was only partially insane. Keiichiro popped out from in back, noticing me. "Oh, Rika, glad you stopped by again," he smiled despite my negative energy. I began to march up to him, "Where's Ryou?"
"Why do you ask?" He questioned innocently with a light smile. "I'm going to kill him," I said simply. At this his smile fell and he tilted his head. "He got me fired!" I exploded with steam literally coming out of my ears.
"Why don't we talk in back," he extended his hand out to the back doorway. I huffed slightly but walked through to the kitchen where a small table sat. He offered a seat and I plopped down in it with crossed arms.
"How about some tea?" Keiichiro asked kindly, but I didn't respond. He took it as a yes and poured me some chrysanthemum tea. "Ryou left an hour ago to go talk with you," Keiichiro explained, setting the tea down in front of me. I sipped it numbly, "Well, he succeeded in pissing me off and getting me fired."
"I'm sure that was not his intention," Keiichiro defended him. I just shook my head, taking another sip of the flowery tea with a deep sigh.
"Why do you hate Ryou?" I looked up at Keiichiro with his kind, brown eyes. In my years of knowing him, he had been nothing but kind to me. Even now, as I bad mouth his friend, he still serves me tea and asks questions lightly.
"I don't hate him," I confessed, "at least, he's not quite at that level... yet…" My heart ached as I watched the steaming amber liquid dance in the cup. He seemed to read my eyes, feeling the hurt behind them. He knew better than to push the subject. "Well, how about I offer you a job here," he smiled after sipping his drink, "I'll discuss your salary with Ryou, but I'm sure we can settle for double what you were originally paid."
Doubly, I stared at the kind eyed male. "As great as that sounds, Keiichiro," I sighed resting my head upon my hand, "I don't think that would be such a great idea." I can't stand to even see him, why would I work somewhere where he is present every single day? My sanity would surely break.
"Why don't we give it a try?" I looked up at him. He thought I was strong and durable, but did he realize that I was strong on the outside, but breaking inside? Nonetheless, I found myself unable to say no to his kind smile and warm eyes. "Okay," I answered finally, "but I'm not wearing the maid outfit."
Keiichiro just smiled before finishing his tea.
X.X.X
The teachers lecture bored me and the surrounding students. I wasn't bored because I didn't like learning, I was bored because I didn't like relearning simple concepts. Faintly, I hear Miyuki's voice behind me, talking to someone who I could only assume to be Takeshi. My hearing fazed in and out, but it was more my lack of interest.
"Just do it, Takeshi," Miyuki whispered harshly, "she likes movies. I know she planned on seeing that Dark Hand one. Just ask!"
"She'll just say no," he mumbled back with pink tinted cheeks, "just like she did to Takahara-San."
"Takahara didn't ask her, he told her! Stop being such a wuss!" Miyuki swiped him in the arm. Takeshi's gaze moved from his blond classmate to my bobbing head. I attempted to keep my head up as boredom drove me to drowsiness. I felt my head float like a bowie in a lulling sea, up and down, as I fought against myself.
"Here," Miyuki ripped a piece of her math notebook off and handed it to the boy, "write her a note if you can't talk to her." Hesitantly, he took the paper from her and carefully wrote his words to make them legible and clear.
I felt something hit my head snapping me out of my daze. My head turned and I found a piece of paper on the ground beside my desk. Bending down to pick up the crumbled note, I read it.
"Would you like to see the movie, The Dark Hand, with me next Sunday at 10 in Akihabara?"
There was no name, but I recognized the paper as Miyuki's. She is the only one that I knew wrote in a book containing Hello Kitty character designs on the bottom. I flipped the paper over and wrote a quick, lazy reply. Checking to ensure that the teacher's back was turned, I tossed it behind me.
The chunk of paper landed on Miyuki's desk. Before Takeshi could take it, Miyuki's greedy hands unfolded it and her eyes scanned the paper with a grin. Before her grin fell and a sweat drop formed on the back of her head.
"You forgot to write your name! Baka!" She scolded Takeshi before successfully whacking him on the back of the head.
"Miyahara! Akimoto! Is there something more important than my class?" The teacher called them out from in front of the class. Her eyes narrowed at the slip of paper that was still clutched between Miyuki's hands. "What do you have Akimoto?"
The teachers formidable form started to make its way over to Miyuki, passing me. I didn't bother to restrain a yawn, only half awake. Before Miyuki could do anything, the teacher plucked the note out of her hands and proceeded to announce to the rest of the class the content.
""Would you like to see the movie, The Dark Hand, with me next Sunday at 10 in Akihabara?"
"Sure, Miyuki; but would that be before or after we pick up the drugs.""
At this the teacher raised an eyebrow before glaring down at Miyuki and Takeshi, who still rubbed the back of his head. "See me after class Miyahara and Akimoto."
Miyuki groaned while Takeshi said a soft apology before the teacher continued her lecture while I had successfully dozed off into a light sleep with my head supported by my arm. My slumber didn't last long as the door loudly slid open.
The principal walked into the classroom, making the teacher's irritated expression quickly disappear. "Sorry for the intrusion, but I have a guest for Gimu Rika-San."
Someone walked into the room beside the principal. Both their gazes quickly went to my direction, where I still slumbered lightly. "Gimu-San!" The teacher called out. My eyes snapped open and I nearly fell out of my seat if I hadn't grabbed for the edge of the desk. I sat straight as a pin with wide eyes before taking a glance around me. My gaze went from the teacher to the principal, before finally settling on Ryou and glaring at his smirk.
"Gimu-San," the teacher breathed out in an attempt not to blow up at me, "The principal would like a word with you outside of the class." She made sure to emphasis the last part. I stood and closed my textbook before making my way to the door with a none-too-happy expression. As soon as I was out of the room, the door closed, leaving me to face the principal and the smirking dope.
"Gimu-San, I assume you know that this is Shirogane Ryou, who has requested you to lead him on a tour of the school. He is a very well off investor and only your age! " I got the underlying point of what the principal was trying to do. Make the blond happy so that he will give money to the school. I wanted to roll my eyes, but instead I just gave a sickeningly sweet smile and a nod.
As soon as the principal left with a satisfied smile, mine fell and I turned towards my assignment with a blank stare. "Follow me," I said shortly after I turned down the hall. "I know you're not really interested in a tour," I stopped in front of the window, away from the classrooms, "so what are you doing here?"
Ten feet behind me, Ryou placed his hands in his pockets casually while looking out the window. "How else can I get you to talk to me without running away?"
Slowly, I turned to face him, gazing at his calm face and grim eye before facing the same direction, out the window; deciding to hear what he had to say.
"You hate me," he stated as fact calmly without evidence. "No," I reply shortly.
At the very concept of hate, complete and utter loathing, I found a distaste in my mouth. He did nothing less than irritate me with his very presence and make my blood rise in temperature every time he spoke. But to say that I hate him would not be the politically correct.
"You don't want to see me." I responded with an affirmative.
"Yet, you don't hate me. So you are angry with me." Correct again.
"What have I done?" I spared a glance at him before turning back to look out at the school courtyard. Recently, the school had been trying to do more renovations. Particularly, in the garden and the school's aesthetic appeal. I assumed it pointless. Especially because the target deadline was the end of next year, after I graduate and leave.
"It is what you have not done," I turned to him once more, "Ryou."
I turned from him and continued down the hallway, alone. He didn't follow, feeling that he had his one question answered. Yet, now he was left with new ones.
After school, when I met up with Miyuki to walk her to work she complained to me about the note. It was an innocent question. Did she want to see the movie before or after we picked up the medicine for Tomoki, who has been having some bad allergies as of lately.
She just held her head saying I didn't understand. I shrugged it off.
Thank you for reading! This series is still development but that just means that I am all the more in need of some reviews... please... Thank you so much Hallows07, in case I have not thanked you enough for your spectacular feedback.
-Sin
-Sin