"It's been raining a lot lately," a blonde boy murmured, catching her attention in the empty classroom.

She spun around, perplexed. Orb-round, icy blue eyes shone with confusion. She stood at the front of the classroom, a frown tugging at her lips.

"I don't like the rain. It's too sad," he continued with a sigh, glancing at the blurred window beside him. "People barely smile."

She stiffly grabbed onto a piece of chalk. Her clenched fingers hovered over the board.

Scribble…

Scribble.

Squeak…

Squeak.

He narrowed his eyes, whispering aloud, "'There are monsters out there in the rain'…?"

Chapter 4: Troublemaker

"She wanted to fly and I dumbly unclipped her broken wings." / Cleaning Duty: Day 2

Len P.O.V.

I silently observed her as she ate, looking as if she were the happiest girl in the world when scarfing down my cooking. I already finished my plate, but this girl went on to get seconds.

I rolled my eyes and scoffed, leaning over the dining table to flick her forehead. "Is eating that important to you?!"

Lenka grinned, proceeding to chew her curry with her mouth wide open. "Yupsh!"

"If you get too fat and can't cheer anymore, that's on you," I told her with a disapproving shake of my head.

"Oh well!" she giggled, shoving another huge spoonful into her mouth.

"Don't talk with your mouth full!" I scolded with a stern expression and flicked her forehead again.

She reacted with an, "Ow!" and a childish pout. I sighed in exasperation, rereading the letter I held in my other hand. My eyes flitted over the one part that always caught my eye: "Mommy's coming home soon, so don't you two worry!" Joy spread throughout my chest, breaking into an excited grin. I guess I'll have to prepare for a surprise visit sometime during this month or the next.

"Mom's coming home," Lenka added nonchalantly as she loudly munched on her food.

I nodded happily. But after staring at my sister, I chided with a groan, "Manners, Lenka! Manners!"

She stuck her curry-coated tongue out. "Blehh! I don't need to have manners with you!"

"This kid!"

Lenka seemed to sense that I was about to run after her when we both stood at the same time. I ran around the table, chasing after my younger sister. Unfortunately for her, I outran her when she attempted to run into the bathroom. Catching her in my arms, I tickled her from behind with a mischievous smirk on my face.

"B-Big bro! S-Sorry! AHAHAAHAA! NO STOP IT! HAHAHAAHAA!"

Rin P.O.V.

"Rin! Where have you been?! Why did you walk home in the rain?!" Mom pestered me with ceaseless questions as I made my way towards the staircase.

My clothes and bare skin were soaked and I found myself hoping to take a warm shower as soon as possible. Water dripped endlessly from my uniform onto the carpeted floor and I didn't want to have to clean up too much later, especially in the presence of him. I sent her a sharp glare and swatted her hands away when she sorely attempted to pull on my wrist and demand for an explanation.

"Rin! Where are your things?!" she insisted, forcefully grabbing my wrist once again. "Your bag! Your umbrella! This is the second time already!"

I hastily snapped my arm away, whispering desperately, "Please let go, Miriam."

This was the result of staying in that mental hospital for two years. The only person I ever exchanged a few words with was my "mom". Well, she's the closest I could ever get to one, but it was only ever just a sentence or two. She was an exception to my vow. She's my "mother" and I can't ignore her forever.

At my request, she reluctantly freed me, narrowed emerald orbs glossed over with tears. "Dad's coming home soon. Do you want me to bring dinner up later?"

Without any hesitation, I shook my head up and down.

Besides the woman I called my mother, however, there was no one else. I wouldn't dare talk to my dad. We are flesh and blood, and it hurts to know that I take after him in the cruelty factor. I hate it so much!

I ran up the steps as fast as I could, knuckles white from gripping the railing for fear of slipping. I don't want to see that man! Blinking back angry, salty tears, I entered the bathroom and slammed the door shut. I swiftly peeled off my heavy uniform, immediately getting a thick line of goosebumps from the cold, spring breeze. After turning on the water to a neutral temperature, I silently prayed that Miriam wouldn't be able to hear my sobbing from downstairs.

.

"Good morning, Kagene!"

My ears perked up at the obnoxiously familiar voice. He entered the classroom with his usual crowd, a smile cast on his lips as he greeted everyone in the room. When I looked his way, he sent me a grin that could only mean he was set on acknowledging my existence.

My hands clenched at the thought. A pest! He's so bothersome! I don't know what I should do… Someone like him just screams trouble. From what I've observed and heard (I was not deaf to rumors at all), whatever Len Kagamine decides to pursue, he will do anything to get it.

Becoming the best of the entire Crypton soccer team during their season last quarter (even managing to surpass Miku Hatsune, who was nearly perfect in most aspects), convincing the entire class of 1-A to win the September sports festival, getting the shy Miki Furukawa to open up more to her classmates and even become class rep, convincing Mayu to stop bullying for a change, matchmaking Oliver and Yukari Yuzuki at one point… This boy is certainly going to be a problem if he targets me, of all people.

But I won't let him do it. I continued to flip through the pages of my Classical Japanese textbook to study for our final exams next week. I still didn't have a bag. I don't think I need an umbrella today. Gumi, Iroha, and that other girl gave me dirty looks before I entered class, but that was it. I just need to hope that none of them will be in my class next year. Otherwise, I just might have a mental breakdown from such a presence.

I hope he doesn't want me to speak. Hopefully, my will is much more powerful than his. Ah, so much hope for someone who sinned more than possible; for someone who doesn't deserve to ever be forgiven for her crimes.

Even so, I still have to repay him for cleaning the classroom yesterday without me. I sighed to myself, unable to process the text imprinted on the sheet. Trouble… Trouble… Trouble! This boy is just trouble!

Said boy appeared in front of me, leaning on my desk and kneeling down with a smile. I nearly fell out of my chair in shock. However, the atmosphere seemed to grow tense, my classmates suddenly weary of my existence. They side-eyed us, eyes twitching as they probably prayed their beloved Len would come back safely from this exchange.

They're so hostile. But I deserve it. Unfeeling, mute, reserved… That's what I have to be if I don't want to hurt anyone again. I don't want to be responsible for killing everyone's happiness.

"Say, Kagene…" Kagamine trailed happily, eyes sparkling with joy. His nose seemed to glow a light tinge of red. Maybe it was from yesterday, when he also didn't have an umbrella.

I turned my head, making it a point to avoid eye contact. Go away! Please go away! The stares are getting unbearable. Your presence is getting unbearable.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to run away.

"You're not bailing on me after school, are you?" he narrowed his eyes, a playful smirk still on his lips.

I swallowed hard before briefly shaking my head in response. Of course I won't do that. I can't. Not if I want to keep my grades up.

Seeing this, he merrily clapped his hands, exclaiming, "Then it's a date!"

Tsk.

Suddenly, Kiyoteru Hiyama towered over us, a disapproving look on his features. With his neatly swept brown hair and rigid stature, one couldn't tell at first glance that he's actually a klutz with a sunny outlook on life. He adjusted his glasses before pulling a flailing, protesting Kagamine away from the back of his jacket collar.

"Kiyo! What's up with you?!" The blonde thrashed under his grip, practically being dragged away to the other side of the room.

Hiyama took the time to glance back at me and muttered darkly, "Len, don't mess with things that shouldn't exist."

… That was a reference to the rumors, I guess. The excited chatter began once again. Murmurs of agreement passed. People were thankful that Len came back unscathed. It was so suffocating!

Why am I even here?

I leaned on my palm, gazing out the window. An amused smile threatened to break free, to tear through my cheeks. That's exactly what I've been thinking. Someone like me shouldn't exist. If someone broke through my exterior, they would be disgusted by the things I've done in my past just like my father was. The wound is still fresh. It's only been three years since I've committed my biggest crime. I killed someone with my own words. I couldn't even save her in the end.

She wanted to fly and I dumbly unclipped her broken wings.

Hiyama is right. No one should dare mess with things that shouldn't exist in this world. They'll only get hurt in the end.

Len P.O.V.

"Hey! That chip was mine, you insolent potato thief!" Miku pouted childishly, her mouth full of chips as she whacked Kaito's hand away from the bag.

He groaned but laughed at the same time, "Stop being such a fatty then!"

Miku shrugged and pumped her chest out, munching loudly. "What do you expect from a girl like me?"

"You're a strange one, Miku," I observed, laughing at her antics. Well, that's one of the reasons why I like her. But she's actually kind of similar to Lenka, except for the fact that Lenka loves cute, girly things and Miku's fond of gore, sports, and gaming.

It was mid-noon on a sunny Tuesday, the rain from yesterday long gone. Just outside, the soil and grass were still muddy and dewy. The clear, blue sky finally showed itself after an entire day of weeping. It was refreshing, to say the least.

Well… it would be more refreshing if I could stop sneezing. I rubbed my nose, which was uncomfortably red and itchy. With a sniffle, I let out another sneeze.

"Bless you, Len." Kaito shook his head and sighed loudly, "'Girl' my foot." He shot a glance at Meiko, who was sitting next to him and leaning forward on her elbows. Kaito immediately jabbed a finger towards her. "But then again, you seem more girly than Mei here."

The brunette's eye twitched as she quickly plunged Kaito's face into the desk, a crash resounding from the hit. He grumbled noisily, griping about the pain and how Meiko's hands were man-rough. Of course, that earned him another violent hit from his resentful childhood friend as she elbowed his back.

"Oww! I know you like my muscles, but this is going too far!" he moaned in pain, flailing under her grip.

"You have a death wish," I remarked, my lips quirking up in amusement as I watched the pair.

An agitated Miku pulled on the dramatically-wailing Kaito's ear as she exclaimed, "Jeez! You might end up spilling my chips! Repent! Repent!" She lowered her voice into a geezer-like one and pretended to throw holy water onto his squirming figure, earning chuckles from everyone who was watching. "Repent for your sins! My potato chips almost died in vain!"

Gakupo joined in with a smirk, a merry laugh emitting from deep within his throat. "He must be burned at stake for his crimes! Repent! Repent!"

"I agree!" Meiko grunted and tugged on Kaito's other ear.

Maaaaaan, I feel sorry for him.

He eyed me with pained, dramatic tears welling up in his eyes. "L-Len…! You must help me escape before I'm slain! Y-You love me, right?!"

I averted my gaze to the side, biting my lip in feigned nervousness. "A-Actually, there's someone else. The potato chips won me over. I'm sorry. It's not me! It's you! I hope we can still be friends!"

The classroom was booming with laughter at our mini play. Kaito's face contorted into that of horror as he set himself free from Meiko's grasp. He gasped, "You! I gave my love to you! Friends? I'll die in less than three minutes!" He quickly lunged over the desk, trapping me in his arms by the neck and squeezing me.

"Kaito!" I complained, sorely attempting to push him off. He continued to squeeze, giving me a noogie and pulling my ponytail off. I groaned at the sensation of my hair falling as ungracefully as it could until it messily set itself just above my shoulders.

Miku gasped in dismay while munching on another chip. She pointed at me and stammered, "Witchcraft! It's witchcraft, I tell you!"

"No!" I pleaded desperately just as Kaito let me go. "It was the potato chip!"

"Lies!" Gakupo sniffled. "We've been betrayed by this audacious fool!"

"Repent! Repent!" They all chanted angrily, including Kaito, who'd managed to turn the tables.

We continued to role-play like this during our free period, as we were the center of attention in classroom 1-A. Meiko and Miku, who were both in 1-B, ventured into our classroom as they usually do during this time and lunch. Piko, Oliver, and Kiyoteru were also a part of our group, but they were watching on the sidelines today, too absorbed with watching us act retarded.

Instinctively, I stole a quick glance at Kagene, who was gazing out the window with a disinterested expression on her face. She sat at the first column near the front, basking in her own little world as always.

Just what roams her mind? For someone who's always alone, what could she be thinking? World domination? The past? Her future?

… I wonder when I started observing her from afar. Maybe it was from the beginning, when she transferred here in the middle of the year. Maybe it was when I saw her refuse any sort of friendly advances from the other girls. Maybe it was just when the rumors started. Maybe it was recently.

It doesn't even matter though. I sent Kiyo a glare in the midst of it all. He caught it, laughing awkwardly. He became his usual goofy self after dragging me away from Kagene this morning. When he started to walk to his desk, he fell off of his chair and earned many laughs from us. I swear! He's accident prone and a goofball. I don't think I've ever seen him act so serious before.

But we all know why he fears Kagene. Why he thinks "she shouldn't exist". A vast majority of the first-years feel the same. He believes that she cursed him that day. They're all probably coincidences though. Rather, he's just extremely unlucky and clumsy. And maybe she's the same.

Maybe she attracts bad luck.

Eventually, my thoughts drifted to Miku, who was in the middle of stuffing her potato chip bag down Oliver's shirt. Miku and that tiny, cute dimple on her left cheek; Miku and her strange mind; Miku and her tomboyish self; Miku's smile; Miku and her blunt nature; Miku crying in my arms after holding her jealousy towards Gakupo in for so long; Miku ranting about her undying love for Luka. It hurts to be sitting on the sidelines, cheering her on with a huge smile and a pat on her back as if I felt nothing but supportiveness towards one of my best friends. She's one of the things I can't pursue no matter how much I want to.

I glanced at the tealette, who was laughing with Gakupo and joking around with him. They were talking about their hair and how Miku would chop Gakupo's all off in his sleep if he couldn't treat her to ramen today for winning a bet that involved a game of baseball. Kaito proceeded to join in the conversation, scolding Miku and telling her to be a good student and study. Of course, Meiko whacked his head, talking about how he didn't even care about his grades so he shouldn't be one to talk.

It was amusing, really. I watched them with a small smile on my face. How lucky I am to have found friends like these.

Piko casually slung an arm around me in the midst of it all, laughing along with them. "Maybe Len can treat you, Miku."

"Oohh, like a date?" Kaito wiggled his eyebrows despite already knowing the situation.

I huffed and crossed my arms, albeit a blush staining my cheeks.

Miku snorted loudly, saying, "Oh boy! A date? With Len?! My best friend?! Ha! He's like my own brother!"

Resisting the strong urge to frown, I ignored the stabbing in my chest and pretended I wasn't hurt at all. I awkwardly laughed with her, acting as if the notion of us being together was the most absurd thing in the world. "C'mon guys! We don't see each other that way!"

Kaito and I exchanged glances when I said that. He shook his head and sighed. It was as if he was telling me, "Man, you are way in the friendzone." That, unfortunately, was so very true. There's no way I can compete with Luka in her mind.

"Right? Besides, I'm pretty sure Lenny has his sights set on a certain mute blonde over there," Miku whispered, motioning to Kagene and whistling lowly.

Kagene, who was all the way across the classroom, was oblivious to our blatant stares as she studied the notes in her book. I inwardly frowned, noticing that Kiyo curtly averted his gaze.

"H-Hey! It's not like that either!" I flailed my arms around, hoping to clear up the misunderstanding with Miku.

She didn't believe me and leaned across the desk to poke my shoulder and utter, "Get that, Lenny."

"M-Miku! It's not like that!" I protested. And yet again, another sneeze darted through my nostrils. "A-Achoo!"

.

.

.

It was now lunch. And what am I doing right now? I'm running an errand for the gym teacher, Big Al, who was currently lounging in the faculty room.

"Why me?" I sighed deeply, carrying a large stack of papers that extended all along my torso.

This is what we have class reps for. These papers were supposed to be handed to the computer technology teacher, Lola, who was just one floor up. And I think Lenka's laziness is rubbing off on me.

I walked down the first-floor hall, watching as students made their way outside to play on the field. Some greeted me with grins and waves, in which I happily returned.

"Need some help, Lenners?" Miku appeared in front of me with a laugh just as I was about to take a step on the stairs.

I smiled gratefully, "Yes, please."

She carefully grabbed onto half of the stack, transferring it into her arms. I sighed, feeling relieved that so much of the weight was now gone.

"Thanks," I grinned in happiness as we walked up the stairway.

"No problemo," she enunciated with a warm smile.

I pursed my lips, a light blush sweeping my cheeks. "Are you busy after school, Miku?"

She looked up thoughtfully and shook her head, pouting. "Nope! Gackt didn't wanna treat me after all. I should burn his perfect hair."

I sweat dropped, chuckling softly. "You're so sadistic."

"Of course!" she beamed ecstatically, smiling wide enough so that the dimple I came to adore appeared near her lips. "So, do you wanna do something later?"

"Yeah. We both have cleaning duty so we don't really have to wait. I was thinking-"

"Oohh! Why don't we go to Mei's house?! It's really close and she has a trampoline! Of course, that means Kaito's coming along, too!" she interrupted with glee, swaying around happily.

"Y-Yeah," I sighed, rolling my eyes at her obliviousness.

Miku shook her head, tilting it cutely to the side. "Wait- um. We can eat ramen instead since I really wanted to eat it! I'll pay for half!"

"That sounds good!" I perked up excitedly, an idiotic grin on my face.

"Then…" Miku smiled. "It's settled!"

.

.

.

"I'm sorry for the way Kiyo acted this morning," I apologized in his stead with a sigh, sweeping the remnants of Miku's potato chips into a dustpan. "You should know already, but he's afraid of you."

Miku. That grin of mine couldn't leave my face at all for the rest of the day. We're going somewhere alone after school. That's progress! Yosh!

Anyhow, Kagene was wiping the desks with her usual neutral expression. Her long bangs flowed freely in front of her face, the rest of her hair tied back into a messy low ponytail to get out of the way (actually, it was kind of like mine). She ignored my apology, motioning her hands up and down with the wet cloth.

I cleared my throat, feeling as if the silence was unbearably awkward. "I'm glad you're here toda- Achoo!" I rubbed my nose and sighed in irritation. Blah. I'm a really slow worker, so it's good to have the help I need. And that means Miku and I can have more time to ourselves.

I watched as she sighed lightly, almost inaudibly, while she went from wiping the desks to the windows. Hehe, I won't let it get to me at all. I continued to sweep the classroom floor, collecting the dust, candy wrappers, crumpled pieces of paper, and such.

The rest of the cleaning passed by in even more silence, but I didn't mind. We finished soon enough. A clear chalkboard, clean desks and windows, a nicely-swept floor… All that was left was to mop. As if on cue, Bruno appeared with a groan. He shut the door, sighing as he handed Kagene the mop and a bucket. She took them into her hands carefully, expression and figure stiff.

"I don't feel like babysitting overtime today, kids. Hurry up," he started firmly, crossing his arms and leaving the room just as quickly as he'd come.

I chuckled to myself and remarked, "How nice of him."

Kagene nodded slowly in agreement, setting the bucket of gray cleaning liquid down with a frown. After sticking the head of the mop in, she rolled up her sleeves and began to swab the floors. I couldn't really help, so I walked near the entrance and waited for her to finish. She seemed to be concentrating hard as she worked, causing me to warmly smile in admiration.

For some reason, it's easy for her to immerse herself into something. Whether it's her own world or cleaning, she wears that intent expression on her face and a frown.

"Are you finished?" I asked as she walked towards the bucket again.

She nodded, stuffing the mop into the water and pulling her hair-tie out. She then stalked towards me, determined not to meet my curious gaze. I cocked an eyebrow and murmured, "What is it?"

With a sigh, she dug a wrapped orange out of her skirt pocket and tentatively handed it to me. I accepted it with a smile and a mutter of thanks, cradling the small fruit in my palm. "Is this for yesterday?"

She didn't answer and turned her head to the right, a blush settling on her cheeks.

"Did you buy this during lunch?" I persisted, my grin growing wider.

Hehe. I've been acknowledged! Maybe this means she doesn't hate me! What a great day it is today.

Kagene bobbed her head up and down, hurriedly leaving me alone in the classroom. Her footsteps were light and mute as she left. Everything about her is so still and quiet. Maybe that's why supernatural rumors surround her?

"S-See you tomorrow!" I added joyfully before she could disappear completely from my sight.

"What a day," I sighed to myself, eyeing the orange with a merry smile.

Bruno then padded in noisily, leaving the door open and leaning against the doorframe to inspect the classroom. "The girl ran away again," he commented dryly, eyes scanning the room.

"Yeah, but she finished the cleaning."

"Ohoho! Is that a gift I see?" he smirked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Y- Hey!"

The janitor swiped the fruit from my hand immediately and licked his lips. I quickly stole it back, throwing him an irritated glare. "She gave this to me!"

"Tsk. Feisty kid," he grunted. "Anyways, you can go home now, brat."

"Thanks," I sent him a sloppy grin, scratching the back of my head as I walked out the classroom with Kagene's orange wrapped securely in my hand.

Miku, who was walking out of the classroom next door, spotted me and waved. She ran towards me and beamed, "Let's get going!"

"Y-Yeah!" I nodded, my heart loudly thrumming in my ears when she enveloped my hand in hers and raced down the flight of stairs with me.

Oh, look. I made Rin talk. xD That potato chip scene happened to be my favorite part. :P Gotta love Len's friends.

This took forever and a day to write. I'm so glad I'm done! DX And because of that, you may have noticed it feels a bit rushed in the last scene. Whoops. My bad. These first few chapters will have to focus on Rin warming up to Len, so no overprotective Meiko for now. :P

Thanks to all of you who reviewed, favorited, and followed this story! You guys make me so happy! :D

Review Replies:

Rikasa: Aha! You got me. This fic was inspired by Kimi ni Todoke! :D Oh my gosh! I knew that would happen! IT WAS A FORCE OF HABIT. I changed it back, though, so thanks so much for pointing it out!

Demented Heart: Hehe. Of course he'll get over her! Otherwise, this wouldn't be a RinxLen fic. I like Bruno's character too. :)

TheUltimateShipper27: Thanks for reviewing! I'm not sure. I think I was rushing too much so it got confusing. Sorry. DX

cami-rin-chan: Hello! I did see it! Thanks for sticking with me. :) Haha maybe I will do that. *evil smirk* To answer your question, Ruko will appear in later chapters! She was my favorite character to write, so of course she'll appear again. :D I'm not sure if I'll add Yuuma because I'm too lazy to write love triangle drama. XD

Clockwork Marionette: He previously had a crush on Miku in the original version. When I read that part about Len's smile, I thought of Jeff the Killer. xD Lenka does, but who else can keep him in check? Cx

Vocaloids X Otaku Nekomimi and Charsia: Thanks for reviewing. :D I hope you guys like this chapter as well!

Thanks again my fellow readers! *throws Rin's oranges in the air*