People say that it's good to be different. "After all, if everyone was the same, life would just be too boring."

I believe that too.

People say to not change yourself for others. Being yourself is good enough. "Pleasing others is not the same as pleasing yourself."

I believe that as well.

People say that it's good to express yourself. "Don't keep your emotions bottled up inside. It's bad for you."

...I don't believe that though. Who's to say what's good or bad for you? I am myself and that's who I will always be. What if I said that being quiet is part of my personality? That this is how I naturally am? You talk to me as if you know me better than I do.

But I know myself.

I know myself.

I don't tell others my problems because that's not how I am. It's just not me. My problems are not others' problems. I don't want their pity, their tears, their sadness. If I just shouldered it, then my illness might just go away or at least that's what I hope.

I sound foolish, I know.

But if I fear the inevitable, then my days will feel that much shorter. No, I refuse to acknowledge this threat. I will live my days free and unbound by whatever holds me down. Even if I have to be a liar, a cheater, or whatever you might call it, that's okay. Because if I can spend just one more day out of the hospital, then it's worth it.

It's worth it.

For me….

Being myself is good enough.

Next Day (Rika's POV)

"Okay, first of all, I know why this guy is hanging around me, being that we're going to the same class and all, but why are you two with me?" I asked skeptically, narrowing my eyes. I seem to be doing that a lot lately. "By the way, who is who, if you don't mind me asking. Otherwise, I'm gonna get it wrong all the time."

"..." They blinked.

"I'm Hikaru," said the first whose hair was parted to the left.

"I'm Kaoru," said the other whose hair was the opposite.

"And we're the Hitachiin twins!" they chorused. Hmmm. Their voices are slightly different. I'm sure they don't like to be confused with each other, no matter how ridiculously happy they are. As you can see, I've done my research on twins and their mannerisms, especially these ones. It seems that we'll get along nicely.

"Why wouldn't we wanna hang around you?" announced Hikaru like it was obvious.

"Yeah, it's not everyday that we find someone that can take on Kyoya like that," stated Kaoru.

"Besides, we're going in the same direction anyways," they announced.

"Hm. Hey! O-Ootori! P-Personal space! I don't go invading your privacy, do I?" I half-yelled. Hey, like I said, I need my space. Man, this guy knows no bounds.

"No need for hostility, Miss Tsukino. I was merely looking at what you were writing there," said the nosy boy. Ugh, what have I done in my life to deserve this evil shadow. Seriously, he follows me around everywhere I go. Stupid Ootori, stupid shadow, stupid-

"A-Ahh, it's-it's none of your business! Like I said, privacy and space. That's all I ask for," I retorted. Why am I stuttering? This isn't like me. I am the heiress to Tsukino Enterprises for crying out loud.

"Why are you blushing? Are you sick?" he asked putting his hand to my forehead.

Which made my eyes widen at his close proximity again.

"..."

"Hmm. Your head is a little warm. Do you want me to escort you to the nurse's office?" he asked.

Wait, was that concern I saw in his eyes? I can't tell since his glasses flashed. I must be seeing things.

"N-No! I can do that myself. I have two perfectly goo- Hey! Put me down!" I yelled, my already red face, becoming even brighter. "Hikaru, Kaoru! Get him to put me down!"

"..."

Nobody came. Where are those devilish twins when I need them? "Hey, O-Ootori! If you don't put me down, I-I'll hit you! Yeah, I'll hit you for sure!" I yelled as a last resort.

"Go ahead," came his reply. I looked up to see his face, but it was facing forward, unwaveringly forward. Now that I looked at him, his eyes were a nice shade of gray with brown flecks scattered about. It seemed to reflect the world in its entirety. It's almost a shame he wears glasses all the time.

"Like what you see?" came his arrogant smirk as he glanced down to see me staring at him.

"Eh? No! W-W-Who would like a megane like you? Definitely not me!" I blurted, bright red in the face again.

"I really will hit you, you know" I said softer than, twiddling my thumbs and pouting. I can't believe I was caught looking at him.

"Hahahaha, I don't know if you could. With your small stature, I'm sure even Haruhi would be able to stop you," he responded. Wait, was he laughing? Was the great Kyoya Ootori laughing? Wow, I didn't know he could laugh like that. Wait, what am I thinking!? Why should I be concerned with what he does?

"Oi, Ootori."

"Yeah?"

"Thanks…"

He looked down at me with a smile, not one of those jerky smirks, but a nice smile. "It's my pleasure."

"However, I do think you should let off a few pounds."

'What!?'

"My hands are getting tired. Really, maybe this sudden sickness is good for you, might let you get rid of a few pounds." he continued. Why is he so mean? What did I do to him?

"What is your problem? I just thanked you and you say this? Wow, way to be a jerk, jerk."

"Like I said, be careful with what you say. You might find yourself in a less than admirable position."

'Another threat? What is with this guy? He's so hard to read, but at the same time his motives are bright as day," I pondered. Just what kind of game are you playing, Ootori?

Little did they know there were two rather devilish twins watching them from behind a corner. "Kehehehehe." High five~

"Here you go, I trust you will be in good hands once the nurse returns from lunch. In the meantime, please rest," Kyoya stated as he tucked me in on one of the beds. "Unfortunately, I can't afford to miss my classes, so I will be back shortly to check up on you," he stated pushing up his glasses.

The room was very cold. The white tiles were meticulously clean, not a speck of dirt on them. Just completely clean. There was also the smell of disinfectant in the air.

This reminds me of my private clinic. I don't like it.

'You have a year at most left to live...I'm.. sorry.' Dr. Nakamura apologized grimly.

I still get goosebumps from hearing that. No matter how many times I replay that one sentence, I can't help but feel helpless and vulnerable. Something a Tsukino heiress shouldn't feel. Weakness.

"I will be taking my leave then, rest well Miss Tsukino." he said, sliding the door open.

"Rika." I interrupted. What's this impulse? I don't get it, but I'm gonna roll with whatever I feeling.

"Excuse me?"

"I permit you to call me Rika…"

"..." He just stared at me.

"D-Don't get me wrong or anything! 'Miss' makes me feel too old, and the one thing that I'm not is old." I just hope my recovery wasn't too bad.

"Alright, Rika." he sounded out in his voice. He smirked before sliding the door shut. I don't know why but I couldn't help but smile. It felt right coming from him.

A few minutes later, a certain pair of gingers snuck in the office.

"What do ya think Kaoru? Do you see what I see?" asked Hikaru.

"Yes, yes Hikaru. There's definitely something going on," Kaoru responded.

"Ummm. Excuse me, but what are you talking about?" I asked cautiously. I can just tell that these twins were hatching some sort of plan. And probably a bad one at that.

"Oh nothing. We were just going to ask you for a favor is all," they chorused in perfect harmony with each other.

"And what might... that be?"

"Can we come over to your house?" they responded.