The winter sunlight streamed through my curtains and shone in my face, awakening me to the world. I sat up and rubbed my eyes, stretching the sleep away.

What I couldn't stretch away, however, was the feeling I had. I wasn't sure why, but today felt like it would be different. It felt mixed, to be honest. Part of it felt like it would be a good day, but the other part of me felt like it was going to go wrong somehow.

Maybe I was going to fail my test? No it can't be that. I know I passed that.

Maybe I was going to slip on some ice and break my arm? I'll have to be careful today.

Maybe it was the dreams I kept having for a while. But those are just dreams...right?

Maybe it had to do with the fact I was going to the Phantom Thief's theft tonight with Riku and Risa.

Maybe...

I shrugged off that feeling and began to prepare myself for the day. Changing into one of my school uniforms, I grabbed my school bag and stuffed my homework into it as I left the room. I stopped at the bathroom to make sure I looked presentable and brushed my teeth. I combed out my short black hair and made sure my green streak was visible to all who walked past. Afterwards I headed downstairs and made myself some toast for breakfast. My grandmother, Akina, sat at the table with a cup of tea and the newspaper, like she always had done in the morning.

"Bye, Baasan." I kissed her on the cheek. "I'm off to school!"

"You have a good day too, sweetie." She replied, smiling widely at me.

As I placed my shoes and coat on, I glanced over at the shrine that sat nearby for my parents. "Have a great day, Mom and Dad…" I murmured before leaving the house and running to the train station.

My parents died when I was 8. I was in the car with them when it mysteriously crashed on a rainy night. I miraculously survived with minor injuries, but that day I lost the most important people in my life. Once I recovered I was moved into the same house and my grandmother moved in to take care of me. She helped me through this time with love and care. After I was in a better place, she's helped me with many things as I grew more mature. She's one of the most important people in my life.

I ran through the brisk winter weather as I tried to make it to the train station on time. I've been a tad late recently due to staying up late, but I always find a way to make it to class on time. I've been known to even climb up the side of the building to get to my class on the second story. The groundskeeper hates me for that.

As I neared the station I spotted a familiar red haired boy standing and looking at his watch. The train had just made it to the bottom of the hill and passengers were disembarking. I waved at the boy and shouted his name, nearing him as I slowed my running to a stop.

"Good morning, Daisuke!" I panted, smiling widely.

"Good morning, Akiko." He replied with a kind smile.

I've known Daisuke Niwa since we were in second grade. He's like my brother. We played soccer together and we've been the best of friends ever since. I even helped him write a letter to his crush, Risa, when he asked me for assistance. Well now he likes her sister Riku, but I help him get closer to her. We always ask for advice from one another. Hell, even at one point I had some feelings for him, but they faded as I realized it'd be awkward if I liked him. No matter what, though, we can count on each other for things.

"How was your night?" He asked.

"It was uneventful as usual." I shrugged, sighing a bit. "Honestly the best part was when I finished my homework."

"You and me both." He replied, the two of us boarding the train. We sat in the back, away from the crowds that piled in.

"Are you going to the theft tonight, Dai?" I inquired. "I heard tonight's going to be a good one!"

"I can't…" Daisuke responded. "I have a strict curfew tonight, as usual."

I pouted a bit. "But you always have a curfew when Dark's out." I poked his side.

"So what?"

"Don't tell me…" I faked surprise. "You're actually Dark?!"

"NO!" He spat back as I laughed. "How could someone like me be him?"

"You know I'm joking."

I gave him a smile before I looked outside, taking in the scenery. This little town I called home was a beautiful place. I couldn't imagine living somewhere else. There's so much to do and so many events, including the thefts. I've always wanted to travel one day, but for now I was happy where I lived.

We neared another station and another group of people boarded, including the Harada twins. They chatted as they made their way back to us. I waved at them and I noticed Daisuke look down at his lap and blushing hard.

"What is it? Riku got your tongue?" I murmured to him.

"Buzz off." He retorted.

I smirked as I patted a spot next to me. "Over here guys!"

The twins neared us and Riku sat next to Daisuke, while Risa took the spot next to me. The four of us got along pretty well. Risa and I are known to butt heads on occasion since I didn't get why Risa loved Dark so much even though she barely knows him. However, we all care for one another and share many interests.

The four of us chatted as the train moved along the tracks. As we talked, the topic of the theft came up. The twins were also going, so we planned to meet up while there. During this, the feeling I felt earlier returned. Why was it I felt like something bad was going to happen? Or was it something good? While I pondered, I didn't even notice that I had stopped mid conversation and was spacing out.

"Hey, Akiko?" Risa waved her hand in front of my face. "Are you okay?"

I snapped out of my daze and jumped, looking to her. "W-what?"

"The train stopped. We got to get off." She said as I stood. "You okay there?"

"Y-yeah. I'm good." I assured her. "I just…I was just thinking."

"About what?" She inquired as we both deboarded the tram. The other two were ahead of us, the duo talking away.

"It's nothing. Really." I smiled at her. "Don't worry about it."

She nodded and walked with me, both of us chatting up a storm. We both were excited for tonight as it was supposed to be Dark's biggest theft yet. The entire town was going to be there. Except for…

"Hey, Risa." I began. "We should try to invite Daisuke tonight to the theft."

"Riku already did…" she sighed as we neared the school. "He has a strict curfew tonight."

"Can't hurt to ask again." I replied. "Hell, it's not like he's Dark or anything."

"He is not my Dark!" She pouted, puffing out her cheeks. "My Dark is so much more graceful than him. He's so clumsy and wouldn't be able to pull off such thefts like my Darky can!"

I laughed as she ranted, smiling widely and walking inside the school. "I know he's not and I totally agree."

As we entered the school, we switched to our indoor shoes and stored stuff in our lockers. The students chatted up a storm and made their way to their respective classrooms. I chatted away with Risa about last night's episode of a show we watched as we climbed the stairs. We turned the corner in the hallway and almost immediately I bumped into someone.

"A-ah, sorry!" I apologies immediately, looking to the person.

Satoshi Hiwatari. Possibly the coolest kid in our class. He's also the most mysterious, as he is known for being highly mature for his age. I've seen him at the thefts as well helping the police, but when ask he usually disregarded these as coincidences. Recently I had felt feelings for him and had trouble composing myself in these situations.

I felt a slight warmth on my cheeks as I gave him an awkward smile. "S-sorry Satoshi…"

He adjusted his glasses, looking to me. "Don't worry about it. Worry about making it to class." He replied, turning into the classroom.

I nodded and watched him walk off, sighing. "Of all people to bump into…" I muttered to myself. "It had to be him…"

"You should have told him how you felt…" Risa patted my back.

"I know…" I sighed, walking into the classroom as the bell rang.

· · · · ·

At lunchtime I sat at my desk, Daisuke and the twins surrounding me. We chatted about a variety of things while we ate. I noticed Satoshi leave the classroom and sighed slightly, looking back to my friends. The topic of the theft came up again and I pouted at Daisuke.

"Are you positive you won't go?" I asked.

"You know I can't…" He sighed, rubbing his head.

"Aw okay…" I replied, taking a bite of my rice.

Risa suddenly patted my back. "Hey, maybe you should ask Satoshi to go with you."

I blushed slightly, looking to her with wide eyes. "Why do you say that?"

Riku to me and smiled. "It would be a nice gesture, since no one ever asks him."

"I already know he'll say no…" I chewed slightly on my chopsticks. "Plus he's way out of my league. He won't say yes to someone like me."

"Oh come on!" Risa said, pulling me up as she stood. "You are asking him right now!"

"Risa!" I complained, being dragged away by her.

Risa was a friend who knew love when she saw it. She's done the same thing to others as she did to me. It worked to an extent as some of the couples she helped were together. Maybe it's her use of tarot cards that helped her decisions. Whatever it was, it worked and I'm now her next client.

Or Victim. Take your pick.

As we walked to the roof of the building, she kept on talking, not letting me speak.

"You need to speak your mind-"

"Risa-"

"Keep your back straight and maybe even bow when you ask. It's a sign of respect!"

"Risa, I-"

"And fix up your hair! It looks like a mess!"

"RISA!"

I shouted her name as we turned to climb the last flight of stairs to the door, both of us stopping. She looked to me with wide eyes and some confusion. I panted and looked to her.

"Risa, I've never done this before…" I said shakily, looking to my hands. "The main reason is…I don't want to feel rejected or anything. I'm scared to do this and don't think it's a good idea…"

We stood silently for a while. I waited for her to say something about "you'll never get another opportunity" or even shove me out the door and keep it closed so I was forced to talk to him. Instead she embraced me, smiling.

"I know...but we all have to do so at one point.." She said calmly. "I think now is the perfect time to talk to him."

I looked to her and nodded. At this point she was right. He was just outside that door. It was the perfect chance of asking him out. I breathed in and looked to the door. My chance was just on the other side. I knew I would not get another opportunity to do this. Knowing Satoshi, he would be as distant as possible. My heart raced as I slowly climbed the stairs.

"I'll be here for you." Risa smiled as I placed my hand on the door.

"Thank you Risa…" I replied, opening the door to my destiny.

The bright light shone in my face as I squinted, cold wind blasting on my face. After the stinging from the cold stopped I looked around, spotting Satoshi. I breathed and closed the door slowly behind me. I walked over where he sat by a wall, fiddling with my skirt.

'This is a bad idea…' I thought, walking closer to the blue haired boy. 'I should turn back now. He doesn't like someone like me. He won't like someone like-'

"Akiko?" I heard Satoshi speak up, snapping me out of my thoughts. I stood right near him, feet cemented in place. My mouth tried to make some sort of sound, the boy standing up. "What are you doing here? Don't you know it's forbidden for students to be up here?"

"I-I could say the same to you." I retorted, clearing my throat. "I-I came to a-ask you something."

He raised a brow, face staring me down. His blue eyes darted across my face, making me blush more. "What is it, Akiko?"

"I...uh…I like you a lot….a-and….was w-w-wondering" I stuttered. This was my chance. I had to say something. I took a deep breath and bowed deeply, eyes clamped shut. "W-will you go out with me tonight?"

Silence lingered around us. I stayed bowed as deeply as I could, fearing his response. There was no turning back. I had asked him out...in a way. I could feel something in the pit of my stomach and it was telling me he was going to turn me down. I clenched my teeth together and breathed shakily, longing for this silence to be broken.

"Akiko…" He started. "I-I apologize...but I don't have time for personal relationships." I heard him walk off and the door slamming shut, signalling me to return to my normal stance.

I stood there for a while, processing his words before turning my back to the door. Tears began to sting my eyes as the cold washed over me. I stumbled slightly as I lost balance, grabbing onto the fence on the roof. I looked to the sky as snow began to sprinkle down, tears now beginning to streak my cheeks. I didn't know how to feel. My first crush just rejected me outright with coldness in his voice. I replayed his words in my head and shook slightly, shaking my head to clear my thoughts.

Inside I was broken. I could feel my heart shattering. Honestly, I felt numb. I hadn't felt like this since my parents died. But I knew I couldn't let this get me down. I would heal. I would move on. I

I heard the door open behind me and quickly wiped my eyes, hearing footsteps nearing me. I looked to see Risa, concern written on her face. "Akiko….?" She asked softly. "What happened? I saw Satoshi leave in a hurry…"

"N-nothing." I forced a smile. "He said he doesn't have time for relationships…I figured that'd be his response."

"Are you okay?" She asked, pulling me into a hug. "I'm so sorry, Akiko…I shouldn't have forced you to do that…"

"Don't apologize for that, Risa." I hugged her back. "I'll be fine. I'm still looking forward to the theft tonight."

She smiled at me and we went back inside. I might be fine on the outside, but something inside me was hurting. I knew that feeling from that morning had to be about me asking Satoshi out. It had to be. I pushed the hurt to the back of my mind and forced myself to smile on the outside, putting on a facade.

I talked to Risa about the theft as we made our way back to the classroom, the bell ringing soon. Daisuke and Riku asked me what happened and I told them, letting them know I was fine. We sat in our seats and I put my empty bento away, seeing the teacher enter and beginning to work. I wasn't about to let something as silly as a rejection get me down.