Rin came to a stop, panting. Tears watered her eyes and they hurt when she ran through the wind. It was hard to stay confident ever since their father died. Why couldn't Len understand that? Why couldn't he understand that she was being optimistic because she didn't want to be sad? She knew they had the potential to do something great. That was how it always happened in children's books. That was the way legend became famous. They used to be poor too. So why couldn't she become famous too?
There was no reason why she couldn't.
She wiped the tears away from her cheeks. They needed money. The only thing that she had going in her favor was her voice. Their mother always complimented on how good the twins sounded together. Len didn't believe her when she said they would become famous. Rin so desperately wanted him to believe her. She would do anything to get famous and show him.
The blonde sniffed again and started walking. She wasn't running anymore. Then her feet had felt light, like if she ran fast enough she could break through the iron chains holding her on the ground. But now it felt like she had been chained with double the weight, and she dragged her feet behind her solemnly.
Something caught the corner of her eye. Blinking, Rin turned to look into the store window. Had she really gone this far? This was the store famous for formal wear. It was even rumored that Legend themselves got costumes from this place! It was on the other end of town from where Rin and Len lived, in the rich part. Where trash cans weren't overturned and people weren't trying to rob you every ten minutes. Rin hadn't realized she'd come this far.
But she soon forgot that when she saw the display. The main piece was a set for a masquerade, a short golden dress with glittery ends and lacy pale yellow gloves. And to complete the outfit, there was a lovely golden mask. It only covered the eyes, but was so beautiful it made Rin's heart skip a beat. Then she felt a hard pang in her chest as she realized she would never be able to wear something even like that dress. Maybe Len was right. Maybe fame just wasn't suited for them.
Turning away sharply, Rin trembled. Tears threatened to peak through her eyes again. Would she ever be good enough? Would she ever have the courage to actually hold out on her promise? No! It was hopeless.
"Stupid… freaking… Legend…" Rin scowled, clenching her hands into fists. Her yellow-painted nails dug into her palms, but she didn't care. Let them bleed.
"Excuse me, miss?" a masculine voice penetrated her barrier. Angrily, Rin snapped her head up to see him. He was tall, with short red hair and eyes that vaguely remembered Shion Kaito. Around his neck was a crimson-colored scarf which seemed to stand out against his black clothing.
"What do you want?" Rin hissed, narrowing her eyes. She knew enough about living on the poor side of town that mingling with strangers was a bad idea.
"Oh, I just overheard you is all," he said, a kind smile forming at the corners of his mouth. Rin loosened her hands. He didn't seem like a mean person. "I agree with you. Legend should have never gotten as famous as it did." He moved a bit closer. Rin stood her ground.
"They're stuck up."
"They are…" He leaned in closer to her, and Rin tensed. Their faces were only a few inches apart. "I can make you more famous than them."