Happy new year everyone!

CHAPTER 7

Rin arrived home full of pain. She was practically running down the street with her arm wrapped around her stomach. Her knees were shaking, she was gritting her teeth in between gasps, she couldn't even stand up straight. Rin slammed the door of her apartment behind her and stumbled to the kitchen where she took some paracetamol tablets.

"Ahh!" she groaned and her knees buckled beneath her and she fell to the ground. Rin cursed under her breath and had to drag herself all the way to her bedroom where she struggled to clamber onto her bed. The pain was unbelievably intolerable, she felt like she needed to go to the hospital. She was scared, so scared. What was happening to her? Was this also another stage of the puberty? Was she going to feel this way for the rest of her life?

The tablets eased her pain a little. She was curled into the foetus position and after a few minutes she could finally relax. There was a numbing pain in her stomach but at least she didn't feel like she was giving birth anymore. She was still in her school uniform. Could she manage to get up and take a bath all by herself? She considered waiting until her mother arrived home but glancing at her alarm clock by the drawers, she won't be back until at least another three hours.

Rin sighed. Without knowing, she had been crying. Her pillows were soaked and her cheeks were stained with her tears. She shook in her bed even though it wasn't cold.

"Is this how it's going to be like?" she whispered to herself. "Is this body going to suffer like this every time?" She had never been so afraid in her life.

The apartment was empty, the only sound was Rin's heavy breathing coming from her bedroom. All she could do was wait in bed until her mother arrived home to her rescue.

It felt as if a whole night went by before she heard the door opened and her mother greeted her. "Rin?" The apartment was so dark and quiet, she could feel her mother's apprehension. Rin squeaked from her room and her mother rushed in. "Are you alright?" she demanded.

Rin managed to sit up and at a glance at the clock, it was already half past eight. "Yes," she murmured. "I need help."

With her mother's assistance, she managed to bath and slip back into bed while her mother made her dinner. She ate quickly in her room and settled down for the night. Her mother felt her forehead for a fever but sighed in relief when her temperature seemed normal. "It'll be okay," her mother promised. "If it persists we might have to bring you to the doctor's. It should be better in the morning."

Rin was relieved to hear that. So she wouldn't be experiencing that every day during her adolescence. It would be days of nightmare if she did. She wished her mother goodnight and curled into the comfort and warmth of her bed. She felt hot and a bit feverish while trying to sleep, but she forced that out of her mind reminding herself that her mother had said that she was going to be fine. Her stomach cramp had eased and she was able to slide slowly to sleep, wishing of future days spent with Len. And Fukase too, of course. She was glad that he had agreed to help her with her homework even though she had rejected him earlier. He must have been so confused. She didn't blame him, she wanted to slap herself that she had gone back on her own words. His help should really improve her language and all she could do was try hard to get the best grades to show her thanks. Rin went to sleep thinking about him in his school uniform, his messy uncombed hair and warm brown eyes. She wondered when she would be able to see him in his casual clothes outside of school grounds.


The next few days went by in a blur. To Rin's relief, her period had stopped and she could stop feeling uncomfortable. The weather had warmed but she still preferred to keep her pantyhose on just for modesty, her skirt was so shirt she was sure it would get uplifted by the next gust of wind. During lunch in school, she still sat with Len and he also took the liberty to invite Fukase to sit with him now that they were such close friends he didn't want him to feel left out. Sometimes, during the short time after eating they took a stroll around the ground floor and in the atrium, occasionally in the library too.

After school, on the way home, they would sometimes stop by the family restaurant to eat. They exchanged notes, discuss answers and finish their homework together. It was so convenient that they started stopping by everyday and became regular customers. They even gotten close to the waitress who was happy to serve them.

Ever since the day when they first ate there, when Len started tutoring her, Rin realised that she had gotten better with her lessons. Her language teacher notices it too and praised her during a test when she got almost everything correct. "You're doing very well, Miss Sakurai," she said. "I'm glad to see that you are so determined."

It was all thanks to Len, she wanted to say but she kept her mouth shut.

Rin had also made friends with her other classmates as well. With her ebullient and jovial nature it was no wonder that she was so easy to make friends with. Akemi had also gotten close to her and Rin admitted to herself that she liked her company. She felt really trustworthy and funny sometimes. Akemi was selected as the class monitor later in the first week and she took the role really seriously. Mr. Saito was confident that she would do great. However, the three girls still lurked at the back of Rin's mind like ghosts. She didn't really have the chance to know them very well and they seemed to find every chance they could get to avoid her. But they seemed interested in Len. One day, Rin found one of them bumping into Len while sweeping the floor. Another time from the corner of her eye, she saw Kazuha gave Len a knowing smile. Did Len know them from primary school? To her surprise, they also punch Fukase playfully on his shoulder despite their rudeness on the first day of school. Was it teasing? Rin didn't really get them. Anyway, they did that to all the boys in class so she probably shouldn't worry so much.

The day before Len's birthday came and they were in the family restaurant with their books spread all over the table and empty plates. Rin was sucking on candy that Fukase offered them (said that they were the best in Japan) while she listened to Len's teaching.

"Say, Len," Rin interrupted him. "Tomorrow is your birthday right?"

Fukase, who was also listening to him, gasped. "No way. Twelfth of April? You didn't tell me!"

"Well, I didn't want it to be that much of a deal," Len said shyly. Due to the hot weather, both he and Fukase had took off their coats and Rin admired looking at them in their white long-sleeved shirts underneath.

"Are you going to invite us to your place or not?" Fukase asked.

Len was silent for a moment but Rin was sure she could see him making silent gestures at Fukase. "I don't plan on celebrating it," he said.

Rin slouched in her seat. "Aww, come on, Len. A birthday is an important aspect in every teen's life," she tried to encourage him. "Plus, he haven't celebrated each other's birthday in forever."

"Tomorrow's a Saturday. Do you think we could meet up somewhere?" Fukase asked.

A sudden burst of excitement exploded inside Rin. This was her chance to hang out with them outside school hours! Just like friends usually do.

Len casted an unsure glance at Rin, but after seeing her excited expression he finally gave in. She could see a hint of sparkle in his eyes and she knew that he was looking forward to tomorrow too. "You better give me the best birthday present tomorrow," Len teased Fukase.

"For a last minute gift, I'm sure I'll do great," Fukase said confidently. He started packing his bags and dove into his pockets to fish out money. He scooted out of his seat while explaining to his friends that he had to go home early because his sister had wanted him to help her with something. "Plus, I have to have some time to figure out and buy your gift," he said with a teasing grin. "A dress with a wand and everything. With your baby face and feminine complexion, I'm sure you'll look great in it."

"I don't have a feminine complexion!" Len bursted out, ready to give Fukase a beating.

The taller boy just laughed and waved goodbye before leaving the restaurant.

Rin suddenly felt timidity towards the boy sitting opposite her. This must be the first time that they were alone since they met this year. Awkward silence hung in the air as she struggled to find words to commute. Why was she feeing so shy? This was what she wanted; to be back with him like how it was when they were younger. There was never an awkwardness between them. Maybe it was something more, a new feeling that was beginning to sprout inside of her. The sudden realisation slapped her in the forehead she nearly reeled back: She had a crush on him.

She realised that she was staring down at her lap with her sweaty hands clenched tightly. Her hair fell over her face and she was glad for the coverage so that Len wouldn't see her burning face. Could she blame herself for taking a liking on him? He was handsome, athletic, smart, talented and so much more. There was yet more to uncover. She wanted to delve deeper into his life, into his thoughts, she wanted to know what he was thinking. Could it be that he was thinking of her too? What had all these years shaped him into? She had known everything about the boy in her childhood, but this young teen in front of her was almost like a completely different person with only a few traces of his childhood left over. He was so mysterious and she wanted yet again to be a part of his life.

But what if he didn't feel the same way as her?

A pang of pain seared her heart. She sounded so obsessed with him, she was so loyal. But what if he just didn't feel the same way? What if all these years he hadn't thought of her the same way she thought of him. Never mind that, but what was he feeling right now?

"Len..." Rin broke the silence.

Len looked at her, curiousity in his face.

What could she say? She just wanted to get out of the situation. It was like the awkwardness of the whole thing weighed down on her. The demure girl finally asked, "Are you ready to go?"

They were both standing outside the restaurant. With the noise of the city all around them, the moment wasn't as heavy as it was in the room. Rin's road was right around the corner but for some reason she didn't want to go just yet. She didn't really get much time alone with Len.

"Do you want to come over?" she blurted out.

Oh my god oh my god oh my god, Rin repeated over and over in her mind. Did I just asked that? Fuck me. She was ready to faint on the spot.

"Are you sure about that?" Len asked apprehensively. "Is your mother home?"

"No," Rin said. What was she thinking? Inviting a boy over when there was nobody home. They were not children anymore, they were becoming adolescents and that meant distance between the two genders. Does that mean she couldn't have him over any time she wanted anymore?

"I don't think that would be ideal," Len said, rubbing the back of his head. "Your mother would not like it."

"That's true," Rin murmured, embarrassed of herself for suggesting something so wrong. "Sorry."

"That's alright," Len said, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "We would be seeing each other tomorrow, right?"

Cheering up, Rin looked at him and nodded with a beam. Yes, it was his birthday and she was going to spend it with him. She was going to give him the greatest time ever. "Yes! I'll see you tomorrow," she said.

The two of them said goodbye and went on their way. Along the way home, Rin thought of ideas that she could give him as his present. She passed by numerous shops but she didn't think Len would be interested in any of them. On second thought, she didn't even know what Len would have liked. He didn't seem to be interested in anime or manga, if he did, he and Fukase would've talked about it at some point. Food? That seemed to be Fukase's thing. Keychains? She remembered seeing his bag and noticing that it was as plain as a businessman's briefcase. Len was so rich, he could've gotten himself anything.

Rin sighed deeply. It was so hard thinking of a gift for him. When she reached home, she rummaged through her stuff, looking for anything suitable to give her best friend. She could give him a card but that's too common, she wanted it to be special. She could buy him a shirt, but who was she kidding? Len must've only worn the most expensive brands. Shoes? She didn't think she could afford it, plus she didn't his size. She could bake him cookies or cupcakes but that would be too late and baking's not really her thing. It was already half-past seven, her mother would be on her way from work soon and she could text her mother to buy something on her way back home but she couldn't even think of anything for him.

She spent half an hour in the hot shower, sitting on the floor while staring at the water swirling beneath her. She looked down at her own body and realised that her chest was growing. She cupped them in her two hands, it felt so tender and made her feel...dirty. She didn't realised it until now that her body was growing into a more feminine figure. She stood up and placed her hands on her her hips and caught on the idea that her waist had grown into a more defined curve. She was growing into a young woman, her period was the first sign of that. She remembered when she was little she would look at fashion magazines at all the beautiful models with their perfect figures and had envisioned she would be like that one day. Would she? Sunbathing on the beach in a flirtatiously ravishing bikini? Attending a formal party in a exquisite and elegant dress? Showing off her utopian body; long skinny legs, balloon-sized breasts, delicate fingers and flawless facial features. If there was a time to work for that ideal image it would be now that she was going through puberty.

But first things first: A present for Len.

Her phone buzzed when she got out of the shower and changed into her clothes. She picked it up and saw that she had received a text from Len and she felt confused. After exchanging phone numbers the previous week, Len had never texted her until now. What did he want?

Have you decided on a present for me yet? :P

Rin texted back:

Still working on it.

A few minutes later he replied:

Fukase suggested that we meet in the city square tomorrow. Is that ok?

The city square. She had never been there before. She didn't even know what kind of shops there are over there. Heck, she didn't even know where it is. She asked Len for directions from her street.

Oh. That's ok. I can come pick you up if that's alright.

Pick her up? That meant that she was going to be the first person he met on his birthday. The thought thrilled her but she was down-casted again at the thought that she hadn't really gotten him anything.

Nvm bout the present. What matters is that you're here with me on that day. ;D

Rin nearly aww-ed out loud. She grasped her feelings and shook her head vigorously. This is not a date, she reminded herself. He's just coming to pick me up because I don't know the place.

That sounds great! she replied him.

Don't worry about the gift. There's something else to do that I would really appreciate tomorrow. he texted back.

XDDD was all Rin could answer before she turned off her phone and flung herself onto her bed with excitement. She squealed into her pillow with anticipation. What was it that he wanted to do? Would it be exciting? Fun? She was bursting with excitement. A year before she wouldn't think that she would be going out with Len on his birthday any time soon, and yet here she was - squeaking with happiness.

"Mom, I'm going out with Len tomorrow," Rin announced to her mother when she arrived home that night.

Her mother looked so tired that she could barely reply. "That's nice," she simply said. Rin made her a cup of warm chocolate before getting the shower ready for her. Ever since she turned twelve, her mother had relied on Rin to become independent because she was growing into a young woman already. Her mother couldn't express how proud she was to see her daughter depending less and less on her because she had to be at work most of the time. Rin was glad that she was able to help her mother when she most needed her.

"Do you want anything to eat?" Rin asked after her mother came out of the shower, refreshed.

"That's okay, I already ate at work," her mother replied. Rin knew that her mother's work was really stressful but it wasn't all work and no play. They were allowed an hour of breaks in between, they had an expensive coffee machine, a lounge and all the other things that came with a in modern business company. But with her mother being a manager and all had really put her in a difficult situation. "You're going out with Len, you said?"

"Yeah, and another classmate from school. Tomorrow's his birthday, Len's," Rin explained.

"I'm glad to hear that you reconciled with that boy," her mother said. Rin tensed. Again, she hated it when her mother referred to him as that boy. "Have you gotten anything for him?"

"I've been thinking about it..." Rin trailed off. Her mother's phone interrupted her and with a sigh, her mother picked it up and looked at the text.

"Seriously? Can't a woman get any rest here?" She turned it off and pressed her forehead.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes, yes," her mother reassured her. "Don't worry about me, Rin. You go and have a good time while I take care of matters at the office tomorrow. Not to worry, not everything is stressful over there. I just want matters to get done as quickly as I can. Your period has finished, right? How are you feeling?"

"Better," Rin said, not quite convinced that her mother was alright. She looked really exhausted. "How about you rest on Sunday? No going out of the house, okay? Promise me that?"

Her mother chuckled as she pinched her daughter's cheek lovingly. "If it makes you feel better then I promise," she said. "I'm glad you're feeling better."

Rin was too excited to sleep that night. She only managed a few short naps before waking up again in the middle of the night. She checked her phone again for any texts from Len and saw that he had sent her something while she was napping:

I'll pick you up at 11 tomorrow in front of the restaurant. Sweet dreams, bunny.

Sweet dreams? Bunny? She wished Len would stop feeding her fantasy. It really did sound like they were a couple by the way he was texting her. She knew that she wouldn't be getting any sleep any time soon thanks to him and grabbed her laptop from next to her bed on the nightstand. Rin wanted so badly to call him, to hear his voice before going to sleep because that would be her cure to her insomnia. But she was too shy to even dial his number, much less talk to him on the phone. Besides, she was afraid she would disturb his sleep in the middle of the night.

She decided to visit the news webpage where they post daily news of what's going on in Japan and in other parts of the world. She had to squint to read the words on the screen until her eyes readjusted. Nothing appeared interesting to her at first - a new shopping mall had opened on the east side of Tokyo, a renovation going on at a school somewhere in Nagasaki, more visitors this year at the Rabbit Island. She scrolled down for a few more minutes until her eyes landed on something. She clicked the title and was immediately taken to another page where they showed more details.

"Yamaha's 'Vocaloid' popularity on the rise in Japan," Rin read. The picture attached was of a young woman, probably in her early twenties, on stage singing into a microphone. Her hair was a luscious pink and she was wearing an unusual postmodern black dress that showed off one of her milky white legs. The caption beneath read 'New Star Megurine Luka To Take Over Japan?'

As Rin read the description below, she learned that the woman debuted on January the thirty and had released numerous award-winning songs. She was also a model in another agency and said that she wanted to focus more on her modeling career despite her popularity. The last paragraph explained that Vocaloids are the new generation of singing idols whom Yamaha focused on not just singing, but dancing as well as numerous other talents. Another company named Crypton - who Miss Megurine was working in - seemed to be in partnership with Yamaha and took on to-be Vocaloids as trainees.

So basically Yamaha train the beginners and after being 'professionally enough', other companies will select you to work for them? Rin thought. The idea was so complicated she decided that she didn't want to go into detail.

Crypton now has three official Vocaloids; Kaito, Meiko and Luka. Their pictures were shown at the bottom, all three of them looked so professional and mature, looking at the camera and posing like supermodels, which needless to say that Luka was one. After further research she found out that Kaito had an acting career while Meiko was also in the business sector. All three of them seemed to view the Vocaloid career merely as 'part-time jobs', and it seemed that the companies are looking for someone younger who wants to have this career as their full-time job.

Could this be Rin's opportunity to shine? Was this her first step to achieving her ambition? The thought of it send shivers down her spine. It was too big, she dreamed too big. Maybe it would be nice to just finish studying and see where her results would take her.

Finally, she settled back down into bed and drifted off to sleep.