Marionette

A/N: Hello! I'm finally back with a new chapter \(^_^)/ Anyway, I really want to apologize for the delay. I never thought it would take me this long to update. I was really hoping to update back in April before my birthday (it's the 30th of April ^.^), but obviously, that didn't happen OTL Honestly, I probably could've updated sooner, but I decided to rewrite this chapter as I wasn't happy with the quality of my previous writing.

So I recently lost my notebook, which contained a lot of information and plans for Marionette. As you would expect, I'm angry! I was really upset after cleaning and searching my room for it. Idk if I left it somewhere or something, but bottom line is I can't find it. I do have a pretty good memory, though, and this is my story, so HOPEFULLY, I remembered everything I had planned. It's still frustrating because I wrote down the order of scenes for each chapter, but now that's all gone. Well, it's not like I can't always come up with new ideas, but anyway, if you have an idea for a future chapter, feel free to share it and I'll see if I can work it in and make it happen. Also, I'll be more than happy if you share your ideas for extras (not actually part of the story). They can be ridiculous and even AUs, so share and maybe I'll write them ;D

Lately, it seems like I've been getting a lot of reviews and readers. I just want to say that I really appreciate the support. I can't put into words just how thankful I am (;u;) You guys have been so kind to me and have made this such a wonderful experience for me, so I want to return the favor by writing an amazing story that you'll love reading (OMG those reviews are gonna make me cry!)

Anyway, special thanks go to Incendo, princess240, Ketsueko, basak. esener, Twinwolfsister, Onepiecelover4ever, Loved It, Maiannaise, whatever name isnt taken, chibianimefan26, Fantasy, LoneWolfPack, Guest, and Hello. Thank you so much for reviewing and to everyone who is following and added Marionette to their favorites, I really appreciate it.

Anyway, enough from me. Please read on and enjoy the story! :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight. If I did, then all of the girls would fall for me- Oh, wait! They just did ;)

Me: …Who wrote that? ( =_=) I'm sure some people will find that offensive.

Perverted Prince: I wrote it :D Ehh? What are you talking about? I'm just telling the truth ;)

Alison: …Why did you let that idiot write the disclaimer? (=_= )

Me: I didn't…

Perverted Prince: Hey, don't call me an idi- AHHH! W-WHY DOES IT SAY "PERVERTED PRINCE"?! THAT'S NOT MY NAME!

Alison: Ehh? "Why"? Isn't it obvious? It's because you're the Prince of Perverts. The most perverted of all ( -_-)

Perverted Prince: (=_= ) Hey…, I haven't even been properly introduced yet. Don't give people the wrong idea.

Alison: Ah, sorry ( -_-) Truthfully, it's because you act like a prince, but you're really a pervert.

Perverted Prince: …Well, I can't exactly argue with that (;≖‿≖) But still this isn't fai- BLEEP! …What the hell? O_o What was tha- BLEEP! HEY! STOP DOING T- BLEEP! BLEEP! BLEEP!

Alison: This is fun~ I wish I got a hold of this censor a lot sooner (─‿‿─)

Perverted Prince: STOP IT! BLEEP! ARGH!

Alison: Hmm…

BLEEP: …Seriously? (=_= ) What did I do to deserve thi- BLEEP! *sighs* OTL

Me: …( =_=) …What's happening? Why do we have a censor? Umm… P-please enjoy this chapter a-and leave a review! Alison, give me that- BLEEP! ALISON! X(

Chapter 9: New Bonds, Loose Ends

"A new… student?"

"Isn't it exciting?! I wonder what they're like," Kimiko says with enthusiasm sparkling in her dark brown eyes.

For a moment, it felt as if time froze. Not in the way where you're alone with someone you "love" like some stories say, but in the way where you feel sick with anxiety. I can feel it building up in my stomach, churning over and over. The pit of my stomach tightening in a painful cramp.

My hands begin to sweat and my heart feels unsteady. It thumps loudly in my chest in erratic beats. It races for the finish line with a charge, then slows down enough to barely make it across. My breath, caught in my throat, feels like it's choking me, as if it's an object lodged in my throat.

All the while, I try to keep my composure, but I can feel it slowly yet steadily fading away.

I swallow the anxiety that's been building up inside me and put on my mask. Now isn't the time. I can't allow my emotions to get the best of me. After all, failure will not be tolerated and despite how I loathe 'them' so, I refuse to fail.

I smile a bright smile that would dispel anyone's uncertainty of my true self or feelings and casually say, "Yes, I can't wait to meet them!"

The mask is fitted and tied tightly back on.

Takara, full of excitement and as lively as a puppy, practically jumps out of his seat. "I hope it's a cute girl!"

His calmer companion, Kenichi, rests a hand under his chin with an exasperated expression on his face. "Would you calm down? Even if it is, they probably won't like you." He puts his head down on the table and closes his eyes. "You're so noisy so early in the morning. Honestly, why can't you be quiet? I don't even understand how you can be this energetic."

"H-hey, man, that's cold!"

"Shut up…" Kenichi grumbles.

Sakura and Kimiko giggle at the sight. "Someone's cranky~"

"Leave me alone… I stayed up studying unlike some people who insisted on watching some weird drama on netflix till one in the freakin' morning."

A smirk grows on Takara's face as he places his hands on his hips. "Heh~ yeah, unlike some people."

Emiko, who is never early, but never late, walks down the stairs with the grace of a model and approaches us. Overhearing our conversation, probably due to Takara's loud and boisterous voice, she bluntly says, "He means you, idiot." Then, as if nothing happened, she nonchalantly takes her seat between Kimiko and Sakura.

Takara's face contorts to one of shock as his jaw drops. He almost looks as if her cold words literally pierced him like little icicles. "WHAT?!" Fake tears fall out of his brown orbs as he whines, "Why are you all so mean to me?" Everybody laughs at his stupidity and his melodramatic attitude.

"Geez, you're such a drama queen," Sakura says while trying to hold back another laugh.

"You're one to talk!"

"What was that?!"

The two argue like usual, which the rest of the class has dubbed as a "lover's quarrel." Apparently, there's a rumor of Takara actually having a crush on Sakura since they were kids in elementary school. I don't particularly care, but I do think it's rather annoying. It's obvious they have feelings for each other, so why they don't just get together now is a mystery to me. Then again, it's not as if I understand love. I merely know it as a business arrangement, something that would benefit both people, both families… yet has nothing to do with feelings. Perhaps, it's truly as complicated as a rose. In the stories I read, it can blossom into something beautiful, leaving you mesmerized by its vivid colors and petals, but trapping and ensnaring you in its sharp thorns. Slowly, though, like anything else, it will die and perish. If that's truly the case, then isn't it a waste of time? Honestly, how strange…

As I get lost in my thoughts, my eyes travel across this garden we call a class. As I watch everyone talk in a carefree manner, I wonder whether or not they truly think before they speak. Does everyone wear masks… or are we the only ones who put on such a grand show? I was trained to socialize with such grand flowers, but… I'm still unsure of how to have a real conversation. I'm not even sure what a real relationship is. What does true friendship entail? What does it mean? I'm not sure… because I was taught that such things do not truly matter. All that matters are appearances and appearances alone. One's reputation is more important and valued than something like "friendship." If you aren't benefiting from it, then it isn't for you. Rather than friendship, it's more like a business contract, though nobody would call it such even if it is blatantly obvious. There are terms, conditions, and rules that must be followed. With a smile and compliment, a handshake and a hug, a giggle and a chuckle, the contract is signed, the exchange is made, and everyone wins.

Roses… We're roses. We appeal to others with our sweet scent and promises of sincerity. Once our prey becomes entranced and reaches for us, we strike them with our venomous thorns. And the cycle repeats…

No matter how I look at it…, roses are truly dangerous.

I let out a soft sigh before I see a herd of girls that appear to be walking towards me. These girls, like everyone else, are from wealthy families; however, even within such families, there is a hierarchy and these girls would compose of the bottom to the middle of said hierarchy. In other words, they are probably nouveau riche meaning they're not from generations of wealth, culture, and legacy. As such, these girls are nothing to me as I don't need them for anything because I can't use them for anything. Nonetheless, it would be terrible if a rumor about me being mean or unfriendly spreads, so I'll keep my mask of innocence and kindness on and speak gentle words that pain my sharp tongue to even utter.

"Hey, new girl!" one of them calls with a look of anger on her face.

…Did she seriously just call me that? Tch. If only I was able to truly speak my mind. With a 'confused' expression on my face, I ask, "Yes? Is there something wrong?"

"Yeah, there kinda is," she sharply says with bitterness tainting her voice.

Kimiko and Emiko look at me as if questioning whether I did something to upset these girls. Even Kenichi lifts his head up from his desk to see what's wrong and Takara and Sakura, who never stop arguing, actually pause their argument to see what the commotion is about. It feels as if they are all mentally asking me what I did wrong, but I honestly am unable to comprehend why these girls are talking to me especially in such an aggressive manner.

"We saw you walking with Senri!" Another girl says in an accusatory tone as she points a finger in my face. It felt as if she wants to claw my eyes out with her sharp nails that are so long they could be easily mistaken for talons.

Ah, great… So that's what this is about. Dammit. I was worried about something like this happening. Ugh! This is all that smug-ass model's fault!

I raise my hands up and take a step back, feeling slightly claustrophobic. "Umm…" As I start to feel nervous with practically everyone's attention on me, several sweatdrops rapidly slide down the back of my head. My voice feels as though it's trapped in my throat, which is so dry that a stinging sensation is felt with each breath.

I have to think of an excuse fast, but I don't know what the right words are. The words that'll get me out of this situation. I mean, just how do you explain something like this to people who don't even want to hear your answer or your side of the story? Besides, why does it even matter? I mean, yeah, he's a model, but he's smug and… and annoying! Honestly, this whole situation is annoying! I don't have time for such petty things.

They all throw questions at me, not leaving me a chance to get in a single word. It feels as though they're pouncing on me like the way lions pounce on their prey. Each question tearing through me and pulling me apart, causing me to squirm in discomfort.

"Well? Why were you with him?"

Teeth bared.

"What's your relationship?"

Flesh being pulled apart.

"You don't like him, do you?"

A scream of anguish.

"Don't think someone like him would ever like someone like you!"

Several eyes judge me and watch my every movement as they wait for my response. It feels as though each pair is piercing me like knives and waiting for me to fall over.

Why are girls like this? This is like the same thing that happened that day… but this time I'm stronger and I don't need to depend on someone else for support.

Regardless of the situation, I cannot fail. I must fit the image of perfection in everyone's eyes. Everyone has a different view of what perfection is… so I must always change how I act to fit each person's view. It is a daunting task, but one that I must do unless I wish to be punished. A part of me feels as though 'they' want me to fail. The last time I did, it felt as if 'they' enjoyed belittling and torturing me. Reminding me of what a failure I am and how grateful I should be… I don't want to suffer through such humiliation ever again, but I can't help but feel as though it's inevitable.

I bite my tongue and dig my nails into my palms to avoid saying anything I'll regret before forcing a laugh, a skill I learned early in my training. It can easily get one out of such sticky situations. If anyone else did it, it would surely sound fake, but after years of practice, it sounds no different than any ordinary laugh. Well, except for the fact that it is typically used inappropriately in times where one generally wouldn't laugh; however, if used correctly, it can dispel tension.

The mask is secure and will not fall off.

"W-why are you laughing?!" a girl asks with her brows knitted in frustration.

"Ahaha~ I'm sorry, but it's just too funny! I mean, what are you guys talking about?" I laugh as I wipe a fake tear. "Don't be ridiculous! As if Senri would walk with me!" I didn't want to, the bastard followed me. "I think he had some business to attend to in the headmaster's office or something. Hmm… Or perhaps he had a photo shoot early in the morning?" I ponder as I raise a finger to my lips. I give a 'genuine' smile to assure them of my innocence. "We just happened to be going the same way. I can assure you that we weren't actually walking together. Haha~ but I guess it did look like that. Sorry for the misunderstanding!"

Upon hearing my answer, the judging eyes turn less suspicious and the knives are slowly pulled out, but it's too late for the blood has already been spilled, tainting the ground a vivid red.

The girls murmur amongst each other and discuss my answer. Some of them are still skeptical, but they all gradually accept my answer and leave with a warning.

"Hmm… Alright…, but you've been warned, new girl! Stay away from Senri Shiki! He's not yours, he's everyone's to share!"

E-everyone's?

They all file away and take their seats, leaving me confused about what just happened.

…Are girls really like this about guys they like? …Or popular guys? And what do they mean by, "He's everyone's to share"? I don't understand. It seems so weird… I don't think I'll ever understand the hierarchy nor belief system some girls have or should I say "cliques"?

There's always the queen bee and her followers. Everyone always pleases and flatters her in order to fit in and out of fear of being ostracized. I can understand that as I generally play the role of a follower, but I don't understand the concept of "sharing" a guy and making him off limits because everybody likes him. I guess it's to avoid hostility in the community, but… everybody supports the queen bee, so in the end, he's not really off limits, now is he? Is that what friendship truly is? Heh… Then I suppose I'm not missing out on much.

Breaking the silence that has settled among us, Kimiko says, "Well…, that was odd. I don't understand why they were bothering you and over something as ridiculous as that."

Sakura nods her head in agreement. "It's obvious it was just a misunderstanding. People really shouldn't jump to conclusions like that."

Before continuing his argument with Sakura, Takara says, "Don't let it bother you. Those girls are just hung up about the Night class." He shakes his head and sighs with a shrug. "I don't really understand why, though. They're not that great."

"Hmph! You're just jealous!" Sakura says with her hands on hips and her brows furrowed. "You wish you could be as great as Idol!"

"Ehh?! What does he have to do with this?!"

Kimiko sweatdrops as she notes, "They're arguing again…"

I weakly laugh. "Ehehe~ Well, it would be odd if they didn't."

"True."

Emiko, who is normally chatty, has been relatively quiet. I look over to her to inquire whether something is wrong, but before I can even speak, my eyes clash with hers. Rather than looking at me, it feels like she's looking through me. Like the day we first met, she gives me a once over, judging my full appearance. My body grows stiff as I note what she's up to. Finally, to my surprise, as if it was any other day, she says, "Takara, you're so obvious."

"Ehh?"

"Anyway…," she says as she runs a hand through her long, silky, dark hair, "so Alison, why did those girls think you were walking with Senri?"

My mind takes a moment to process what she asked despite the fact it was a question that I saw coming. "…I don't know."

"Well, were you?"

"What?"

"You can tell me," she says with a smile on her face; although, rather than friendly, it looks intimidating. Though her words may seem kind and like those of a nice and trusting friend, her tone and gaze imply that if I say I was with him, she'll reach across and strangle me with one hand.

This isn't the first time I played this game with girls. The first time, I was foolish and answered honestly, believing that if I told the truth, they wouldn't hate me. I was stupid… So very stupid… Through the pain of it all, I learned that it's better to lie as people prefer to hear what they want to hear as opposed to the truth. I refuse to make such a mistake again.

"…I told you… I wasn't with him," I answer with a smile, though it probably looked more like a grimace. Even now, I still find it hard to keep on my appearances. I wonder if all the training and practicing in the world could change that. Probably not… but I'm sure punishments could.

People like her are difficult to please especially if they feel as though their position is threatened. However, in Emiko's case, it appears that she feels her ownership of something is being threatened and as such, she wants to defend it.

I let out an inaudible sigh as I already know what this is about. I haven't forgotten the events that took place yesterday so quickly. Just the other day, Emiko was glaring at me when she noticed that Senri and I knew each other. She is aloof and at times, hard to get along with, but like everyone else I made a contract with, I am able to read her easily like a book. I am able to flip the pages of a person to read their mood and as such, I am able to please them. Nonetheless, there is still a chance of failure. Reading people doesn't guarantee success. One wrong word or look can ruin everything that one has worked so hard to achieve…

She narrows her eyes as if she doesn't believe me. Dropping the subject, she inspects her manicured nails and says, "Hmm… I see…"

How troublesome… I wonder if I should lie and say that I like someone back in France or something.

"Blue and purple… How odd," she mutters.

"What?" I ask, confused by her words.

She smiles as though she didn't say anything and waves her hand in a gesture to dispel confusion. "Nothing, nothing. Anyway, I notice you wear circle lenses every day? Isn't that uncomfortable?"

"…Excuse me?"

"Anyway, I was hoping that maybe you could recommend some for me and help me pick out some colors since you seem so familiar with them. You don't mind, right? Hey, what color are your eyes naturally, anyway?"

Again, I take a moment to take in her questions. My mouth opens and closes as I am unable to form a coherent thought.

Did she… Did she seriously just ask me that? Ok… Calm down. Don't let your emotions get the best of you. You can't snap at her. You have to be nice. You can't fail. You absolutely cannot fail. B-but… did she just purposely insult me?!

I bite my tongue before it says something that'll breach the terms and conditions of our contract. My face softens as I say, "I have no problem helping you pick out some lenses, but I'm afraid I might not be the best person to ask."

"Huh? Why's that?"

I awkwardly look away as I confess that I don't wear lenses because I'm afraid to meet her eyes and see the expression on her face at the sound of my words. "I'm sorry, but I actually don't wear circle lenses, so I don't know much about them…" I comb my bangs down to cover my eyes, though I keep a smile on my face. Without realizing it, I continue to speak, but rather than to her, I'm speaking to myself. "Heh. It looks like I do, though, doesn't it? My eyes are rather unusual, after all…"

After a pause, Emiko says, "…Oh… I thought you did." She then gives me one last glance, scrutinizing my eyes before turning away and muttering to herself, "They're more than unusual…"

I wonder if she would still say such words if she knew that I could hear them as clearly as ever.

Heh… I should've known.

Unknowingly breaking the awkward tension that has settled between us, Kaseumi, the class president, walks up to us with Kanata slowly following behind.

Kaseumi straightens his glasses as he scolds us. "You guys, class is about to begin! You should be in your assigned seats!"

Takara casually waves a hand and dismisses his words, visibly tired and annoyed from his drawn out argument with Sakura. "Oh, just dry off."

"What?!"

"Honestly, who cares? I mean, what difference does it make, anyway?"

Kenichi backs Takara up and says, "Yeah. Besides, it's too early for this."

As Kanata, whose nose is stuck in a book, comes up the stairs, Takara jumps on him. He wraps an arm around his shoulder and says with a grin, "Just the man I wanted to see!"

Kanata, who is known for not saying much, preferring to read as opposed to socializing, looks up with a serious expression on his face. "…For what?"

Takara's grin of mischief grows. "Haha~ Well, you did your homework, right? So be a pal and let me see it!"

"What? No way," Kanata deadpans.

"Oh, come on! That's what friends do!" He looks back to us and says, "Guys, back me up!"

Instead, we all choose to ignore him, fed up with his childish antics.

Kimiko, bored and disinterested, twirls a lock of hair. "I wonder when the teacher's coming…"

I weakly laugh as I understand what she's getting at. "I know. I figured class would've started by now, but I guess not."

"G-guys?!" he says in one last feeble attempt for us to give him attention. He then flinches as he feels a hand on his shoulder. Behind him with a stern look on his face is the class president.

"Cheating is against the honor code and you, Takara, have violated several of those rules."

"Hey, man, you can't prove nothing! I mean, he didn't actually give me his homework to copy, which would be helpful, so you can't say I violated anything."

Umm… Where is this going?

"That's true, but you attempted to cheat and that's still violating the honor code!"

"Well, screw the honor code!"

Kimiko sighs, "Just how much longer is this going to go on for?"

I shrug. "Who knows?"

Unfortunately, it appears that Takara is our class president's victim for the day.

"…And also, what's up with your hair color? It's dyed, isn't it? That's against the rules!"

Takara holds up his hands in defense with a weak smile on his face and slowly backs away. "Umm… It's natural?"

Sakura speaks up, though not making the situation any better. "Ehh? Weren't you trying to dye it blonde, but it turned out orange?"

"Gahh!"

She innocently looks away as if she didn't do anything. "That's what happens when you try to go from black to blond. You're lucky your hair didn't fall out."

Adding salt to the wound, Emiko says without even looking at him, "Your roots are clearly black. Did you dye it yourself or something? It looks terrible. Next time, get a professional stylist to do it for you. If you'd like, I can recommend one."

"B-both of you guys, shut up!"

Kenichi facepalms and sighs, "Oh, god… They're gonna start arguing again."

I get up and walk to my seat as I notice our teacher walking to his desk. "I don't think so… because class is about to begin."

Capturing everybody's attention with a loud voice, our teacher says, "Sorry for being late! Now please be quiet and get in your proper, assigned seat!"

I lean into my palm as I let out a sigh. To think our teacher would be this late. I can't believe I was worried that I would be late. I look beside me to see Zero sleeping at his desk. Knowing that he patrols the school grounds at night and barely has any time to sleep, I decide to not bother him, pitying the guy for his misfortune. Besides, although I hate to admit it, I'm a little scared of the glare that I'll surely receive upon waking him.

I'm still unable to fathom how the disciplinary committee only consists of two members, Zero and Yuuki. They can't do all of that work alone. Well…, it's not as if I really care. It's just pitiful to see.

With our teacher's droning voice, I find it hard to focus and find anything we're doing interesting. Instead, I let my mind wander, but as usual, letting my mind wander congers dark things. I find myself thinking about the student that will be transferring soon.

'He' said… she would be transferring soon? Is it her? It is…, isn't it? No, I don't want that… If she comes… that means… we'll have to… Have to…

I sigh in exhaustion and rest my head on my desk. As I close my eyes, I'm only able to think of those vindictive, green eyes of envy and malice.

I just know it... I can feel it. Soon... everything is going to fall apart…

The slamming of a book echoes throughout the dull and silent classroom. With the shutting of his book and a pivot his heels, our teacher announces that class is dismissed. "You guys can head to lunch now. Make sure you're not late for your next class."

The entire class groans out of exhaustion and runs out of the classroom, glad to get out of the boring lecture that dragged on for hours.

I meet my 'friends' outside of the classroom and walk to lunch with them.

Emiko crosses her arms, clearly irritated and says, "I can't believe that guy dragged class on! We were supposed to leave for lunch five minutes ago!"

"I know, right?" Takara agrees. "I'm starving!"

Sakura raises an eyebrow at that. "Aren't you always hungry?"

"T-that's not the point!"

Kimiko and I giggle at the two, but honestly, I'm just following along. I don't really care for what's going on.

Kimiko turns her head to me with a smile on her face and asks, "What about you?"

"H-huh?" Have I not been listening? I thought I was properly paying attention.

"How do you feel about Mr. Stabler's lecture?" she elaborates. "It was boring, right?"

"Oh… Yeah, it was!"

"Really?" Kenichi asks. "From my seat, it looked like you were paying attention."

For once, I genuinely laugh, but only because of how incredibly wrong he was. "Haha~ no! I was daydreaming and trying not to fall asleep! Besides, he kept getting off topic. I don't care about his family. What does that have to do with what we're doing in class?"

"Right?! And then when we get our quizzes, it has nothing to do with what we talked about in class!"

"That's because we don't talk about anything in class."

"Speaking of quizzes," Emiko chimes in. "We have one next class."

Takara and Sakura both jump in shock. "WHAT?! WE DO?!"

"Yes, didn't you know?"

"NO!"

Emiko clucks her tongue and rolls her eyes. "As expected of you two…"

"H-hey! That's harsh…"

"Yeah, Emi, you shouldn't be so mean!"

She sighs and asks me if I knew about it since I'm generally informed about such things. However, that's only because my 'parents' would have my head if I didn't. Unfortunately, though…

"Ehehe~" I nervously laugh as I scratch my cheek. "Umm… Do we really have a quiz next class? Y-you were just kidding…, right?"

Emiko stops walking, causing everybody else to as well, and stares at me. "…No… We really do have a quiz next class. Remember? It's science."

"O-oh… Umm…"

"Hmm… I'm surprised."

"Huh?"

"You're generally on top of this kind of stuff. It's not like you to be unprepared… Is something wrong?"

My eyes widen in shock. Of all people, she noticed that I'm not acting like myself. Well…, the person I pretend to be, at least. Perhaps, it really is odd for me to not be aware of such things. Nonetheless, the situation isn't good. If I fail and my grade lowers, causing my class rank to go down… There's no telling what those people will do to me.

"No, no. Nothing's wrong!" I say with a bright smile. I pray that it doesn't look forced. With the news of a new student and the expected arrival of my sister, it appears that my composure is slipping through my very own fingers. "I just haven't been getting enough sleep."

"Oh…"

"Anyway, what do I need to study?"

"Ehh?! You're gonna study during lunch?!" Takara gasps.

"Of course. I want to do well."

"Wow, so diligent… As expected of Alison."

Putting on an act of embarrassment, I scratch the back of my head with a shy smile. "T-thank you, but I'm nothing impressive. I just don't want to fail."

"Just study the textbook and you should do fine," Kenichi calmly says. S-so unspecific! That's not helpful at all.

"Ok, thanks!" I say before heading towards the library. "Well, I'm gonna go!"

"Wait!" Emiko calls and grabs my arm to stop me from running off.

I look over my shoulder and quizzically raise a brow at her. "What?"

"The library is being used by another class right now, so you can't go."

"…What?" I ask, unable to believe my bad luck today. I sigh and run a hand through my hair. "Fine…, I'll just find somewhere else to study. The cafeteria will be too noisy…"

Emiko nods and lets go of me. "Don't be late for class, ok? Whether you're there or not, we're taking that quiz and I heard there are no make-ups unless you were excused absent for the whole day."

I nod in understanding and wave goodbye before walking away in search of somewhere quiet to study.

After watching the scene that took place, Kimiko asks, "Emiko…, you actually consider Alison a friend, don't you?"

"Don't be ridiculous. There's no way I consider her a friend."

"Well, why not?" Sakura asks, confused as she thought that everybody got along well. "She's really nice and cool."

Emiko clenches her hands. "That's not the problem…"

"Huh?"

"She seems… close to Senri. I don't like it…"

Both boys sigh, peeved that the problem is stemming from what they would consider a "mere crush" on a Night class student.

"Is that what this is about?" Kenichi asks as he shoves his hands in his pockets.

"D-don't make it seem like it's stupid!" Emiko stutters, feeling slightly embarrassed. "It's just… It's just not fair! She just transferred yet she already caught his attention? How is that possible?! I liked him for such a long time and… and he doesn't even know my name, let alone recognize me!"

Both girls look at their best friend with pity in their eyes. "Emiko…"

"S-sorry, but I…," she says before sighing in defeat.

A part of her knows that what she's feeling is wrong, but Envy has already grasped her in its claws.

The storm brewing in her violet eyes full of pain and jealousy forebodes a tragic end.

"I just want him… to notice me…"

Finally alone, I'm able to take off my mask and relax. After all, there's no point in putting on an act if there's not an audience. Though, with no one to talk to and no one to hear, I can't help but feel a little lonely. Such a thing shouldn't bother me, though. Such silence and emptiness…, I'm used to.

Whether I'm with people or not, I always feel alone. Why? Because I'm never truly with people, but that's because I never open myself up. Truthfully, I'm scared to. I know what people are capable of doing because I've been hurt, but not only that… I've also hurt people before.

There's a thin plate of glass separating me from others. I can see them and faintly hear them. Sometimes, it feels as though I'm the only one who is able to see through it, though. I'm like an outsider, looking in; an observer.

"It's better to be alone…," I remind myself, but with the only sound being the clicking and clacking of my shoes, I can't help but yearn for a companion.

I viciously shake my head at the absurd notion going through my head. What's wrong with me?! L-lonely? A friend?! Bah! Ridiculous! I don't need such things. I mean, they're pointless, right? I'm fine. I don't need anyone. I can support myself…

I purse my lips as another negative thought comes crashing into my mind. But what if I topple over and I can't get back up? Then what will I do? N-no! No, no, no! There's no need to think such things because I don't need anyone's help! Besides…, relationships are just troublesome…

Honestly, more than being hurt, I think I'm scared of losing someone and being abandoned. It's that fear that won't allow me to get close to others. That fear… is always there like a rain cloud constantly looming over me, reminding me, and terrifying me.

I sigh, trying to ignore my thoughts and walk into the dense forest of the academy in search of somewhere quiet to study. After carefully stepping over tree roots and gently pushing branches out of my way, I find myself in the clearing.

Pleased with the silence and tranquility of the surrounding, I take a seat against the grand tree and take out my materials.

As soon as I begin studying, though, a leaf falls into my notebook. I tilt my head up to look at the tree I'm under, the culprit of what is now several leaves falling on me. Each one, a brilliant green and varying in size.

Green… is such a detestable color. The color of envy. The color of money. The color of her eyes… Yes, it's truly such a loathsome color.

As I'm about to return to my work, I suddenly get the urge to do something or rather, try something as I have no idea whether or not it'll be a success.

I focus my eyes and energy on the leaf in my notebook and hold my palm up, beckoning it to come. Steadily, the leaf flies towards my hand, almost as if it was carried by the wind or some other external force.

As it hovers, I observe it from all angles, making note of its distinct shape and color. Then, I slowly cup my hand as if I was holding something. My eyes widen as the leaf multiplies and two new ones spring up; however, they, like the leaves that fell on me, are also varying in size. I'm not sure if that's what's supposed to happen, but nonetheless, I am in awe.

"Amazing…," I breathe out. "I… did it."

My lips quirk up as I watch the leaves dance in my hand. However, my moment of fascination is ruined after I remember that I'm supposed to be studying. I sigh before releasing my focus on the leaves and watch them fly away, never to return.

Scared of failing, I put all of my energy into studying, which I should've been doing in the first place. Unfortunately, though I'm putting in my best efforts, the problems in my textbook look foreign to me.

Am I on the wrong page? I don't remember learning this in class? Wait…

My nails dig into the cover of the textbook as I remember that our science teacher doesn't really teach and that it's mainly self-study.

*twitch* Great… I'm screwed…

I run a hand through my hair out of exasperation before a blank voice startles me. "Napoleon, what are you doing here?"

Instantly recognizing the dull voice, I look up only to see Senri, the source of said voice, staring back at me. Instead of in his uniform, he's dressed more casual yet stylish at the same time in a white graphic V-neck, navy jacket, and a pair of designer jeans. "S-smug-ass model?! What the hell are you-"

To my dismay, in a flash he covers my mouth and places a hand beside my head, pinning me to the tree. Now, I'm sure to anyone else, this would look like a bad situation; however, this is Smug-ass model we're talking about here, who I'm sure no one understands and even if this was a "bad situation," I could totally kick his ass.

Given all this, I'm one: Annoyed not scared because I don't know why he's here and even if I did, I don't want to see him. Two: He's in my personal space. And who the hell suddenly covers a girl's mouth and pins her to a tree besides a pervert?! Three: I'm supposed to be studying, but I cannot because I'm stuck dealing with Smug-ass model for whatever reason. Add all of this up and you will get: I. AM. PISSED!

*twitch* "JUST WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!" I attempt to yell, but his hand that is tightly clamped over my mouth muffles my voice.

"Be quiet… They'll hear you," Senri casually says in his typical, "I-don't-care-about-anything" voice as if the position we're in isn't weird. Considering what happened this morning and with rumors already circulating, I'm kinda nervous about someone seeing us together despite the fact that we're not doing anything that should cause any problems. Well…, I'm not doing anything.

"They"? Who's "they"?

He doesn't look at me, avoiding my sharp eyes, instead looking out into the dense forest that surrounds us. Curious as to why he's acting odder than usual, I try to focus my senses. As soon as I concentrate, I am able to hear the noisy, shrilling voices of fans. They're so loud that I'm surprised that I didn't hear them sooner. Then again, I have a habit of forgetting about my surroundings when I'm working on something as I tend to easily get lost in thought. Plus, my hearing isn't as acute as that pervert's, so I guess it's to be expected.

Nonetheless, I feel a bead of sweat drop down the back of my head as I begin to understand the reason for Senri's peculiar behavior.

Well, that explains a lot. Wait a minute… The hell it does! Just what the hell does that stupid, smug-ass model think he's doing to me?!

Upon noticing the angry expression on my face, Senri has the nerve to ask me, "...What's wrong?"

Narrowing my eyes, I give him a dark glare before growling and biting down on his hand. Senri instantly removes his hand and backs away from me.

After inspecting his hand to check the damage I did, he asks with a raised eyebrow, "…What was that for?"

"You seriously don't know?"

Keeping his usual straight face, he answers, "No."

Exhausted with dealing with him already, I let out a sigh. "Then you're as annoying as ever."

"Hmm?"

"Didn't anyone tell you that you don't pin people to trees and cover their mouths, commanding them not to talk? Well…, unless you're a pervert, that is."

Senri takes a moment to take in what I say before saying, "…Ah."

Another bead of sweat slides down the back of my head. The more time I spend with this guy, the more my confusion rises. I truly do not understand him. "'Ah'? Do you actually understand what I'm saying here?!"

"You didn't let me finish."

"Oh… But then you understand, right?"

He nods and says, "Yeah…, but why would I want to attack you, Napoleon?"

*twitch* "…Wrong words, dumbass. Are you trying to piss me off or something?"

"I meant…," he says before dropping his sentence. He takes his time to finish as though picking his words carefully. "…Sorry."

I stare at him before looking away and pushing a lock of hair behind my ear. "…It's fine."

He nods before checking his hand again. "…Did you have to bite me?"

"Yes."

"It really hurt… Just what are your teeth made out of? Is Napoleon a dog?"

*twitch twitch* "Hey…"

"Huh… It seems more fitting for you to scratch instead of bite."

"Ehh? What are you saying?" I ask, dumbfounded by his words.

"Well…, I always thought Napoleon was more like a cat, but I guess I was wrong."

"Well, excuse me for not scratching you! Next time, I will! A-and you're one to talk!" I bite back. "You're lazy and always tired a-and you act like you're always bothered by people just like a cat!"

Senri takes a moment to ponder over this before saying, "Hmm… I see."

I-I wasn't expecting that kind of response…

My eyes widen as I realize that I forgot to ask him something. "Hey… What are you doing here, anyway? Shouldn't you be in your dorm?"

"What are you doing here?" he annoyingly repeats just to piss me off, I'm sure.

"You!" I growl through bared teeth. "Stop repeating my questions! I asked first!"

"Then stop asking questions."

"UGH! Just forget it! I don't care, anyway!" I yell as I throw my arms in the air before returning back to my book with a huff. "Just leave me alone and hurry up and leave!"

"I can't."

I snap my head back up to look him squarely in the eye. "What do you mean you can't? More like you won't. Now, just go."

He shifts around as if he's uncomfortable. "…The crazy girls will attack me."

Surprised by his answer, I take a moment to fully take it in as I am unable to believe that he's scared of some fans. Excuse me, I meant his own fans. "You can't be serious…" Then again, some fans can be extreme… I pinch the area between my brow before sighing, "Even if you are…, I don't care. Go. Leave. Shoo! Go get mauled by them or something."

Unfortunately, my words have no effect on him because he stays put in his little spot… Which just so happens to be right in front of me.

This guy… He can't be serious. Ugh… I really can't understand him.

I sigh again, something I find myself doing a lot lately, before returning my attention to my textbook. As I try to focus on the text, I can feel a pair of eyes staring at me, watching my every movement. I casually run a hand through my bangs, feeling uncomfortable under Senri's piercing gaze. "What?" I ask as I keep my eyes on my book not wanting to make eye contact.

"What are you doing?"

"Studying."

"For what?"

"Science."

"Oh…"

"Wait a minute…" I say in realization. "Hey! That's not fair! You never answered my question!"

Senri shrugs. "You willingly answered."

"Yeah…, but that's only because you tricked me!"

"I didn't trick you… You were just too stupid to realize that you answered my-"

"JUST SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!" I yell, not wanting to hear the rest of his sentence.

Just as I commanded, he shut up. We're left in silence, something that I learned typically happens when you're with Senri. The apathetic boy generally doesn't say much and when he does need to speak, he gets straight to the point. It can be relatively hard to carry on a conversation with someone like him because they don't add much to the conversation and you generally have to lead it. Considering how I have to study and I don't want to talk to him, I actually appreciate the silence. Nonetheless, I still can't help but feel curious as to why he's here and not in his dorm. It is daytime, after all.

Unable to bear the desire to know, I ask again. "Answer my question… Why are you here? Shouldn't you be asleep or at least in your dorm?"

For a moment, I thought he refused to answer or that maybe he didn't hear me because he didn't say anything. I should've known that he was just taking his time to answer, though. After all, Senri is the type of person who goes by his own pace.

"…I had a photo shoot, but when I came back…, I was chased by fans."

I nod my head in fake understanding. "Really? I wish I could've seen that. I'm sure it was a humorous sight. Although…, I didn't know you had fans."

"…Exactly what is that supposed to mean?"

Nonchalantly, I raise a hand with a blank expression on my face. "Exactly like I said. I didn't know you had fans. There's no double meaning to it and I don't think I can dumb it down any more than that. Sorry." Figuring that Senri wouldn't say anything else, I ask, "But where's Rima?"

He raises an eyebrow at me. "…Just because we generally model together, doesn't mean that we can't work separately. I had a solo photo shoot today."

"Oh… I figured you were only popular because of her," I bluntly say with a shrug.

"Napoleon…, you sure know how to hurt a man's pride."

I give him a peace sign and a big grin. "Thanks! It's my specialty!" I laugh as he sighs at my response. My smile falls as something else crosses my mind.

"…Hey, Senri?"

"Hmm?"

"You said that you came back from a photo shoot, right?"

He nods his head, confirming what I thought. I say nothing, letting the conversation drop as I get lost in my thoughts.

Noticing my silence, Senri asks, "Alison? …Is something wrong?"

I still do not speak, as I begin to realize something. Senri does not get enough sleep. There's no way in the world that he does.

Yesterday afternoon, he walked me to dance and stayed to watch. Afterwards, he walked back to the academy before attending his classes at night. Today, this morning, he walked me to class and apparently sometime after that, he had a photo shoot…

And now, here he is, currently sitting in front of me, as if all of that is completely normal. I can't help but wonder if that is his "normal" and begin to find myself getting angry.

My eyes bore into his as I continue to think. His eyes seem so dull and lifeless that they remind me of the freezing, harsh winter. However, unlike the season, I don't think the ice embedded in his eyes will melt away. His eyes are only a reminder of the distance between us and yet at the same time, the similarity we share.

We both do not like to get close to people. We keep our guard up and build a wall, blocking others out and keeping ourselves in. As much as this is true, it seems that we both try to tear down each other's walls by interfering with each other's lives. We both know it's pointless, though, because we share that trait. I guess in the end, we're merely wasting our time.

I'm briefly brought back to reality as I notice Senri innocently blinking at me, confused by my actions. My anger only grows, boiling inside of me, but even I do not know the reason why and I hate not understanding especially what should be such simple matters.

Perhaps, I'm frustrated about my quiz next class? The thought that I could be angry over the fact that he doesn't take care of himself crosses my mind, but I immediately dispel it. Such a thought is not like me.

I settle on the fact that it must be because he always scolds me for not getting enough sleep and yet here he is being a complete hypocrite. Whether this is the true reason for my anger or not, I do not care. Thinking about this any longer will only drive me mad and settling on a reason will leave me to think that I understand even if I truly don't.

Senri waves a hand in front of my face, suddenly closer to me, and softly calls my name, bringing me out of my thoughts.

Unable to control my frustration, I snap at him. "Just what the hell do you think you're doing?! Are you an idiot?!"

"…Huh?"

"You always tell me to make sure I go to sleep and yet here you are in front of me completely exhausted and worn down! You're such a hypocrite! It really pisses me off! How dare you tell me what I should be doing when you can't even take care of yourself!" I yell unable to tame the malice and venom in my voice. I didn't think about how my words would affect him. Unlike my kind and gentle older brother, that is a trait that I'm not fortunate enough to have.

Sincerity, consideration…, they mean nothing to me. I do not care is all I can repeat to myself in my head yet an annoying, nagging voice keeps telling me, "Yes, you do." I push it away and tuck it in the back of my mind and continue to assure myself I don't.

I do not care for others as they do not for me. I hate getting close to others because in the end, I'll only get hurt. I don't want to get hurt… that's why I'll be alone. Though I do not necessarily like being alone, it hurts less than… than the alternative.

Expecting him to either leave or yell back at me, he surprises me by doing neither. Instead, he says in a quiet voice, "…Thank you."

I blink at him and give him a look that questions whether he's stupid, crazy, or both. "Excuse me?"

"Thank you," he repeats.

"…For what?"

He hesitates before answering, "…For caring."

"For caring?" I repeat in confusion. I'm unable to contain the bitterness in my voice. It's up to the brim, overflowing.

I look over my shoulder with a dry smile on my face. "Ha. I think you're mistaken. Me? Care? You have the wrong person." He opens his mouth to say something, but I continue anyway, not giving him a chance to say that I'm somehow "wrong." I may not fully understand myself, but I definitely do more than him, at least.

"I don't care," I curtly say before elaborating. "I don't care about people. The fact that you don't take care of yourself means nothing to me. It's the fact that you criticize me and scold me for not taking proper care of myself- which you have no idea about as you don't know me that well- and yet you, yourself, do not as well."

Surrounded by silence except for the distant calls of his fans, I think that he has nothing to say in response, which makes me happy, thinking that I won our argument yet at the same time, I feel a little… dejected.

Regardless, I'm satisfied that I have rebuilt my walls made of steel and successfully pushed him away. I have come to find a different form of comfort in my walls of solidarity and I do not intend to have them torn down. Being with him only makes me feel weird things. Things that I do not understand and as I said before I loathe not understanding.

And yet again, he manages to surprise me by asking, "…Why do you push people away?"

My jaw drops. I can only look at him with widen eyes unable to believe that he's still talking to me, that he's still here, and that he's not yelling. Though he seems a little peeved, he does not seem the slightest bit angry despite me being so nasty and loathsome.

I take a moment to pick my words carefully, before I realize that I don't owe him an explanation. "Why should I tell you? Couldn't I ask you the same thing? It's obvious that you push people away too."

"You could…, but we're not talking about me."

"…You're unbelievable."

"Hmm?"

"And incredibly stupid."

Senri raises an eyebrow and asks, "And why's that?"

"Didn't you just admit it? When it comes to pushing people away, we're not so different. I know… We both have our own walls. But… how can you ask me to tear down mine when you're not willing to do the same? …That's not fair. Senri, you're not fair."

He doesn't answer right away, leaving us in a moment silence. The feelings of guilt and embarrassment begin to sink in as I realize that maybe I should've kept quiet. At the same time, I can't help but let out a humorless laugh. "Heh… See? Right there, you rebuilt your walls, pushing and keeping me out." A sarcastic smile grows on my face. "Honestly…, how cruel."

As soon as I'm about to say, "Don't worry about it" and "Nevermind," Senri looks me dead in the eye and I feel as though I am unable to speak almost as if my voice got caught in the back of my throat.

"…You're right."

"E-ehh?" I squeak out in a voice that doesn't sound like my own.

He breaks eye contact for a moment before looking back again. "We both have our own walls, but… I think that's why we're able to understand each other."

Under… stand?

"I won't deny the fact I push people away, but again…, we're not talking about me."

"And why not? How is that fair?"

"…It isn't."

I'm left speechless by his words. It takes me a moment to find my voice before I'm able to mutter, "…You truly are unbelievable."

"What?"

"And you're wrong. I… don't understand you. Not that well…"

"…Yeah…, I know."

"But honestly…, you're so stupid."

"Why do you think so?"

I try to keep my voice firm, but unfortunately my tone softens as I'm still shocked by his actions. "Because despite the fact that I've been so mean to you and said such harsh words… you're still here…" I look at him with softened eyes. "…Why?"

As usual, he takes his time to answer as though carefully selecting each word, considering the pros and cons of his answer, and the impact his words would have on me. "...Because I know… you're not a bad person." Just as I'm about to yell at him and tell him how he's absolutely wrong, he continues, leaving me unable to talk over him. "You say you don't care about people, but… you even said that you would risk your life to save someone… That doesn't sound like someone who doesn't care for others."

This time, I find myself unable to argue. Once again, he managed to find my contradiction. Lamely, I look away and focus back on my work. "W-whatever… I'm busy. I have to study, so go away… You're distracting me."

"I can't leave."

"And why's that?"

"I already told you… Those girls are still out there and they're probably surrounding the dormitory."

"And? Not my problem. Move on."

Senri stares at me before bluntly saying, "…You're in my spot."

"Excuse me?" I ask with a raised eyebrow. "Your spot? I don't see your name anywhere. I was here first."

Senri ignores me and points above my head at the trunk of the tree. "Look above you."

"What?" I ask as I shift my body and turn around. My eyes widen as I notice marks on the tree. I lightly graze my hand over it and see on closer inspection that the marks are actually letters.

S… S? Wait… Don't tell me he…

I slowly turn around and ask him in disbelief, "Did you seriously put your initials on this tree?" The stupid model in front of me merely nods his head in response. *twitch* "I can't believe this," I mutter under my breath. "You know that's harming the tree, right?"

Senri just gives me that stupid, blank look and blinks before saying, "…Oh."

I feel a sweatdrop slide down my head as it becomes apparent that he didn't think of that at all.

"I didn't know you were a tree hugger, though…"

*twitch* "That's because I'm not," I say with irritation laced in my voice. "It has more to do with the fact that you- W-what are you doing?!"

To my dismay, Senri calmly sits next to me as if I wasn't just yelling at him a couple minutes ago.

"This is what people call 'sitting,' Napoleon," he says in his monotonous voice.

"I KNOW THAT!" I roar only to be shushed by him. Grr… So annoying.

"If you knew that, then why did you ask?"

With my irritation level rising with every second I spend with the annoying model, I decide not to respond and instead settle on glaring at him to show that he is thoroughly pissing me off.

Noticing that I'm not going to respond, Senri notes, "…Ah… No response."

*twitch* Just ignore it. You have to study. You have a quiz next class.

I return back to my textbook and begin on a practice problem. Unfortunately, I have no idea what I'm doing and my unclear notes aren't helping. Even worse, I start to feel a little hungry. I then remember that Senri gave me a box of pocky this morning, but I never ate it. I pull the pink box out of my bag and begin to snack on them.

Noticing that it's the same exact box he gave me this morning, Senri asks, "…You didn't eat it?"

"Well, not yet."

The model hums to himself before reaching his hand into the box and pulling out a handful of pocky sticks.

I instantly scoot away from him, trying to keep the box away from him. "H-hey! Just what do you think you're doing?!"

"Eating… This is what people call, 'eating.'"

*twitch* "You love to piss me off, don't you?"

"Not necessarily. Hmm…, but Napoleon, it seems like you don't understand a lot of stuff. I thought that even you would understand simple things like sitting and eating."

"Do you have a death wish? Shut the hell up, you smug-ass model."

"Sure, sure," Senri nonchalantly says, dismissing what I said as he casually reaches across me to take more pocky.

"Hey!" I yell as I slap his hand.

"Napoleon, you shouldn't be so selfish. Ah…, maybe I should call you Louis? Hmm… Or maybe Marie Antoinette would be better?"

"And you shouldn't be so greedy! And stop comparing me to French rulers, dammit! It's not funny!"

"Really?" he asks. "I think it is."

"Nobody asked you for your opinion…"

"Anyway, I gave you that box, so the least you could do is share."

"Hmph! You're right, you did give me this box, which makes it mine! Therefore, I'm not obligated to share with you," I huff before sticking my tongue out at him. "Bleh!" I then pull out a stick and eat it in front of him to tease him before setting the box down beside me and returning my work.

"Honestly…, so childish."

"Shut up, you damn model."

As I reach a hand in to grab another stick, I notice how empty the box is. Ehh? I turn away from my work to look in the box only to see one stick left. With an irritated expression on my face, I look up to see Senri, once again, sitting right next to me, chewing on several sticks of pocky.

"YOU-! Just what the hell do you think you're doing?!"

"Napoleon, I told you I am eating. What is so difficult to understand about that?"

"ARGH! I swear you piss me off so damn much!" I roar. "Hasn't anyone told you not to mess with a girl's sweets?!"

"Hmm… I don't believe anyone has."

"…That was a rhetorical question, idiot," I say, exhausted by dealing with him. From the corner of my eye, I notice that he's reaching for the last stick. Instantly, as though it's a reflex, I snatch it. "Like hell I'll let you have the last stick, you greedy model!" I yell as I bite down on it.

Feeling victorious, I look at him with a smug smile on my face. It doesn't last long, though, because Senri grabs hold of the stick that is dangling out of my mouth and with a snap! breaks it, leaving me with a shorter piece. My face drops in shock and disappointment.

"M-m-my pocky!"

Senri sticks his tongue out at me and mimics me. It looked weird because his expression and voice was still blank. "Like hell I'll let you have the last stick, you selfish princess."

"P-princess?" I ask with raised eyebrows, not used to him referring to me with such a name.

"Hmm… Maybe it doesn't suit you? But saying, 'you selfish Napoleon' sounds weird."

*sweatdrops* "Hey… Don't think so much about it as though it's something serious."

"But it is, isn't it?"

"It's not."

"It is," he affirms. "I'm not just gonna let you insult me without saying anything back."

*twitch* Just who the hell does he think he is? "So that's what this is about?"

"Yes."

"…You're… truly something else."

"And you as well."

"Just shut up," I say as I finish my pocky and begin punching numbers into my calculator.

Ehh? That's not right. I don't understand this… The problems we did in class weren't like this. W-why don't I understand this? No… I can't fail… I absolutely can't!

"What are you doing?" Senri asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"N-none of your damn business!" I snap.

The mahogany haired model ignores me and leans on my shoulder to see what I'm doing.

"Hmm? Ah…, practice problems."

"G-get off of me!" I yell as I shake him off, feeling slightly flustered at his sudden action.

"…Are you having trouble with science?"

I look away from him with a visible blush on my face. I hate admitting that I'm unable to do something. I should be able to do anything. After all…, I'm supposed to be perfect.

I try to keep my voice even as I lie. "No… I'm not having any trouble."

Out of my peripheral view, I notice Senri quirk a brow. "…I'm good at science."

Hearing those words only make me more frustrated. Just as the fire started to die down, the flames lit up again, burning even brighter.

"Well, good for you!"

I know that I'm being mean, but I just can't help it. The feeling of stress is wearing me down and taking its toll on me. Suddenly, I feel my textbook start to slip out of my grasp.

"I can help you…," Senri says as he grabs my textbook.

"I don't want your help!" I sharply say while pulling my textbook back. "I-I can do this on my own! Besides…, I have a quiz. I won't be able to depend on anyone. I have to be able to do this on my own…"

The apathetic boy next to me merely nods in response before closing his eyes and tilting his head back against the tree. Neither one of us talking, a moment of silence, again, settles between us. Although, I know of Senri's nature to be quiet, I can't help but feel that he's being too quiet right now, if that's even possible.

I raise an eyebrow and ask, "…Did that guy just fall asleep?" Is it even possible for someone to fall asleep that fast? Then again, this is Smug-ass model we're talking about, so I don't know.

Senri startles me by asking, "And so what if 'that guy' did?"

"Hmph! W-well, then it would be peaceful!"

"Hmm?"

"N-nevermind! I have to concentrate on my work!" I say as I once again for the nth time try to complete the challenging practice problems. Without realizing it, I start talking to myself out loud. "That's not right… I wonder what I did wrong… Maybe… No… I don't understand… Which formula do I use, again?"

Suddenly, I feel something tickle the side of my face. I look over only to see Senri looking over my shoulder.

"W-what are you-?!" I stutter before noticing him looking at me. His gaze then turns to my textbook and he points at a formula.

"This one… To solve these kinds of problems, you have to use this formula," he instructs. He then tells me how to set up the problem and what each variable stands for. "This symbol means-"

"I-I know that! I don't need you to tell me!" I say feeling embarrassed at the fact that I couldn't solve such problems without assistance. I look away from him, so that he can't see my flushed face.

"…You don't have to feel embarrassed. It's ok to accept help from others."

"…W-what?" I say as I look at him, shocked by his kind words.

"You don't have to do everything by yourself… And it's ok to make mistakes so long as you learn from them, so… don't feel bad about not understanding. Nobody's perfect."

"Tch! Easy for you to say. I can't accept such things… I'm not allowed to…," I mutter under my breath. Such a reality is one that I'm not fortunate enough to live in. Perfection may be unattainable, but I must try my hardest to achieve it. It's difficult… for some people to understand.

I never got a pat on the head when did I well. The words, "Good job" are foreign to me. Not once have I heard them uttered. Why? Because nothing was ever good enough. An A, 100%, was expected. We had to go above that.

Even 110% wasn't enough to impress 'them', it was only adequate. I learned fairly quickly that nothing would. No matter how hard I tried, it still would never be good enough. And so, I stopped hoping for a pat on the head or any form of praise unlike my naïve and pitiful sister. I knew it was never coming…

Sometimes, 'they' would mention other kids who were also gifted and talented and emphasize how young they are. "See? This kid is so much younger than you and they can do it, so why can't you?" 'they' would say, reminding us that we need to try harder in order to be the best. After all, who would want to be beat by someone younger than them? But when you're a kid, everything you do is seen as amazing. You're a prodigy then, but by the time you reach my age, you become above average and at 18, you are average; the same as everyone else, no difference at all.

I know this all too well. Studying for long hours on end without eating and sleeping, staying up to practice, and crashing two hours before school starts was the schedule we followed. It wasn't assigned, but we knew what we had to do and so we foolishly did. I have to wonder if it's truly foolish, though.

"Failure will not be tolerated."

Those words are a grim reminder of the situation I'm in. An A- is considered failing. A B means you weren't even trying. A C means that something's wrong. "Is it the teacher, was it the test, or is it me?" you would find yourself asking. It's true that I don't like to fail, but I wonder if my complex is innate or if it had more to do with my environment. Ha…, but the answer to that is pretty obvious, right?

I remember the first time I failed a quiz. It was a pop quiz, one that no one was expecting. On top of that, it was on material that we just learned, so although the information was fresh, it was too new.

The teacher returned my quiz with a concerned look on their face. "Is something wrong? This isn't like you, Alison. You normally do well," they said with a frown.

"This isn't like you," I repeated in my head. "What happened? Why did I fail? How did I fail? This isn't right."

The expectations I was to reach were out of my grasps, up too high, dangling in the sky.

I remember the punishments, the yelling, the scolding, and how scared I was to face anyone being the disappointment I was. It was horrid…, so very horrid…

Very few understand such terror and pain, so I'm not in the least surprised when people question why I'm so hard on myself.

"What?"

"Nothing, don't worry about it," I quickly say. "Anyway…, I think this is the most I ever heard you say. You generally don't say much," I note.

"Hmm… Yeah, I guess so."

"…I wasn't expecting a response," I flatly say with a sweatdrop.

Senri merely hums and appears to be dozing off. He then casually rests his head on my shoulder.

"Ehh? …Hey, get off of me," I flatly say, done being irritated with him today. This time he doesn't reply. "Smug-ass model?" I call. "…Senri?" Still no reply. Maybe he really did fall asleep… I let out a sigh that I've been holding in. "Idiot… You should really take better care of yourself." My faces start to burn as I mutter, "Get some rest…, stupid."

I return to my work and use the formula he instructed me to use after setting up the equation.

Ok, let's try this now. Umm… So I just multiply these two together and add this, then divide and… it should give me… the answer… And the other problems… are also… similar.

"Ehh? It's… right?" I ask in shock, unable to fathom that the annoying boy next to me may actually be smarter than me. "HOW THE HELL IS THAT POSSIBLE?! NO! I REFUSE TO ACCEPT THAT!"

Senri groans and rubs his eyes before complaining, "Napoleon, you're being so noisy…"

"Shut up."

He ignores my comment and says, "Ah, you finally finished..." After noticing the look I'm giving him, he finally asks, "…What?"

I look away with a pout. "Nevermind… A-anyway, I should be heading to class now."

I quickly gather my things and begin to walk away before pausing as I feel the urge to ask him another question.

"…Is there something wrong?" Senri asks, confused as to why I'm just standing there.

I shift from one foot to the other as I tighten my grip on my bag and hold my pendant with another hand, oddly feeling nervous and timid. "Umm… Our relationship… What exactly are we?"

As soon as I let out those words, I instantly feel regret. Truthfully, I don't particularly care, but it's awkward when you spend so much time talking to someone and yet you don't even know what to call them. Friends, acquaintances… I find myself wanting to know, so despite feeling embarrassed, I'll stand my ground and wait for an answer.

With a raised eyebrow, Senri says in what oddly appears to be an irritated tone, "What are we? Aren't you the one who said, 'we're merely acquaintances' and that 'we occasionally run into each other'?"

I gulp and avoid his gaze, remembering my words, but at the same time, I realize the truth in them. "W-well, we were talking in front of other people and I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea…" After all, your crazy fans already threatened me. "Besides, isn't it true?" I say as I hesitate to look him in the eye. My lips tighten into a straight line as I admit, "…I really don't know… what kind of relationship we have. I… want to know."

Senri hums to himself before saying, "Hmm… I suppose we're more than acquaintances…"

"I see… Then… does that make us friends?"

"…Do you want to be friends?"

"I-It's not like I can decide that alone!" I stutter with a blush rising on my face. I mentally curse myself for starting this embarrassing conversation. Curiosity truly does kill the cat.

"Why not?" he bluntly asks.

"B-because I don't want to force you to be friends with me or anything!"

"Really? Hmm… I kinda thought you were the kind of person who would."

"Hey…," I darkly say with a glare.

Senri ignores my glare and says, "Well, I did say let's get to know each other, so… let's be friends."

My eyes widen and my jaw drops as my blush intensifies. I don't understand how he can be so calm and nonchalant like this. Then again, maybe I'm the one who's being weird.

"F-fine! Then friends! B-but don't get any ideas, ok? I still see you as a smug-ass model who irritates me, ok?!"

"Ehh?"

"R-rather than for me, I'm doing this as a favor for you!"

"A… favor?"

"T-that's right. I… feel bad for you because you're always surrounded by fans, s-so you're isolated and that means you don't have a lot of friends. T-that's why, ok? Hmph! Don't be so full of yourself. It's not like I wanted to be friends with you or anything, idiot… I'm serious, ok?! I still think you're annoying!" I yell before I turn my back to Senri to hide my flushed face.

I start to kick the ground, feeling nervous. "Umm… T-thank you for helping me study f-for my quiz… B-but… it's not like I needed your help, anyway, stupid!"

Expecting no response, I begin to walk away before I'm stopped by the sound of Senri's voice. "You're welcome… You should ask for help if you need it. It's ok to depend on others sometime."

"Whatever! I don't like accepting help from others! A-anyway…, if you ever need help with anything let me know… I-it's just because I don't like feeling indebted to people, ok? Don't get any special ideas! It's just because you helped me."

"Huh?"

"R-repay! It's just to repay you for helping me study!"

"Ah…, but you don't have t-"

"Yes, I do! I-I'll repay the favor, somehow… W-well, that's all I wanted to say. I'm going now a-and you…, hurry up and go to your dorm to get some rest!"

"Yes, yes, your majesty," Senri mocks as he gets up to leave.

"Hey! Don't mock me, you smug-ass model!" I shout with a fist raised in the air.

"Oh, and Napoleon… One last thing…" Senri says as he looks over his shoulder. "Make sure you actually eat something."

"I… I don't want to hear that from a hypocrite!" I shout, but it's too late; he already vanished into the forest, leaving me alone. I can only hope that my voice reached him.

With a huff, I stomp away and head back to my class.

As I walk away, the only thing I'm able to hear is the crunching sound of grass under my feet and the pounding of my heart.

What's wrong with me? Am I sick?

"Hey… Is class over yet?" our teacher casually asks.

The whole class sweatdrops, exasperated with our laidback teacher who doesn't really do his job.

A student timidly stands up as they raise their hand to get our teacher's attention. "Umm… Yes, class is over."

"Really? Good! Alright, hurry up and get out. Class dismissed!"

T-this guy… Can he really be called a teacher?

Everybody rushes out of the classroom in a hurry to leave and see the Night class. I meet up with Emiko and the others outside the classroom.

"Hey, Alison," Emiko greets with a wave. "How do you think you did on the quiz? It was harder than I expected."

"Yeah, it was," I agree with an understanding smile. "I hope I did well, though!"

"I'm sure you did," Kimiko says. "You're pretty smart."

Emiko gives Takara and Sakura a side glance as she runs hand through her hair. "Yeah, unlike some people."

Sakura rubs her nose with her sleeve and sniffles, "I-it was so hard…"

Getting the message, Takara jumps in anger. "Hey! I would've passed if Kanata had let me copy his answers!"

Noticing that Kanata is not with us, I look out the window and see him walking to his dorm. *sweatdrops* He really is antisocial… "Uhh… Guys? Kanata already left."

Takara runs to the window and presses his body against it. "WHAT?! H-hey, come back! I'm not done talking to you!" Before Takara has the chance to run after Kanata, the class president suddenly appears directly behind him, causing Takara to jump back in shock.

Kaseumi's glasses gleam as he straightens them. "I already told you that cheating is against the honor code. I will not stand by and watch such an act take place. Besides, you should've studied."

"And I already told you screw the honor code!" Takara shouts as he flails his arms. He turns to Kenichii with hopeful eyes. "Ken, back me up!"

"Don't want to."

"K-Ken!" Takara wails before slumping his shoulders with a sigh. "This is so unfair…" He then perks up as he looks over to me. "Alison, you'll back me up, right?"

"Uhh… Sorry, but I don't believe in cheating."

"A-Alison…," he whimpers with puppy eyes.

I nervously laugh as beads of sweat drip down the back of my head. "Ehehe… But I can help you study." I think… I don't even know if I did well.

Surprised by my offer, he grabs my shoulders with a gasp. "Really?!"

I give him a 'kind' smile and cutely cock my head. "Yeah!"

A stream of tears roll down his face. "Alison, you're so kind…"

Sakura asks, "W-what about me? Can you tutor me too?"

I giggle. "Of course! That's what friends are for, right?"

To my dismay, Sakura and Takara both glomp me. "You're the best! Thank you, Alison!"

"N-no problem…" I stutter, struggling to breathe. L-let go of me! Don't touch me so easily, you idiots! Luckily, Kimiko and Kenichii pull them off of me.

Emiko shakes her head at the scene in front of her. "Honestly, you guys… Anyway, hurry up. I want to see the Night class!"

The boys all scowl. "Ehh? Who cares about the Night class?"

"Yeah! What makes them so great, anyway?"

"Hmph! You're just jealous," Sakura huffs.

"Are not!"

"Are too!"

She childishly sticks her tongue out. "Whatever." Then she grabs my hand and takes off running. "Come on! Let's go see the Night class!"

The other girls follow closely behind, leaving the boys in the hall to complain about the popular Night class. After we make it out of the school building, Sakura lets go of my hand.

Though we're not even near the gates of the Moon dormitory, I can hear the deafening screams of fangirls from where we're standing.

There's no way in hell that I'm going over there again.

Practically jumping up and down, Sakura squeals. "I can't wait to see them!"

Well, I can. The boys are right. Just what exactly makes them so great? I know they're attractive, but still, this is ridiculous.

Kimiko agrees with a nod. "Yeah, but I'm more excited for St. Xocolotl's Day!"

"I know, right?!"

Emiko looks to me and asks, "Hey, Alison, did you make your chocolates yet? You're making some for Senri too, right?"

I flinch, having completely forgotten about St. Xocolotl's Day and all of the chocolates I have to make. "Ehh?!" I accidentally let out. The three girls give me a questioning look. "I-I forgot…"

"YOU FORGOT?!" They yell in unison.

"Erm… I forgot that St. Xocolotl's Day is… tomorrow."

Emiko gives me a disapproving look. "Unbelievable…" she breathes out.

Sakura gently pushes me in the direction of our dorms and says, "Go! Hurry up and make your chocolates!"

I stumble forward before turning around and seeing Sakura and the others wave goodbye. I return the gesture with a soft smile and head for my room.

"Do your best!" Kimiko cheers.

"And don't mess them up!" Emiko adds.

"Emiko!"

"What? It'll be bad if she poisons Senri."

I won't mess them up…, but I can't promise that I won't poison him. I can assure you it wouldn't be an accident, though.

Seated at my desk, wearing a pair of shorts with stockings and a lavender hoodie, I close my textbook. Exhausted from studying, I yawn as I stretch my arms above my head. It's been a long day and it's not even over yet. I can't be tired, though. I still have more work to do. I have to make my chocolates for St. Xocolotl's Day.

I hug my knees to my chest as I get lost in thought. Honestly, to think I have to do so much just to fit in. Heh… How pathetic…

A dry smile smears across my face before instantly crumbling, revealing the hidden frown beneath. I lower my head, curling into a ball, as I drown deeper and deeper into a pool of negativity.

Why am I putting in so much effort? I can't help but laugh at my own stupid question. "Ha… Haha~ why am I so pathetic? The answer is so obvious…"

I take a glance at the time and sigh, noticing how late it is. Well, I better hurry up. I run a hand through my hair, feeling annoyed.

"Honestly… Why do I have to make chocolates?!" I yell out loud as I furiously shake my arms up and down, unable to contain my frustration for any longer. "And why do I have to give some to them? Hmph! They should be making me chocolates. Ugh! I can't believe I'm going to waste my time making those people chocolate."

I stomp over to my bags filled with ingredients before I stealthily sneak out of my room in search of the kitchen.

Uhh… The kitchen… *sweatdrop* where exactly is it again? I-I hope I know where I'm going… No, rather…, I hope I don't run into Yuuki. She's a member of the disciplinary committee, so it wouldn't be odd to run into her, but… it would just be awkward.

The day I told her we weren't friends… I remember it like it was yesterday. My cold demeanor, my harsh words, the look of shock on her face, and the look of pain in her eyes…, I remember it all.

"What's wrong? What's wrong is that you're naïve. Why do you intend on bothering me?"

"Uhh… That is-"

"-Yuuki Cross," I say firmly, "we are not friends and we never will be. I know you're slow, but try to get that into your thickhead. I don't think I can dumb it down any more than that."

I dryly laugh with a forced smile as I cover my venom colored eye with a hand. "Honestly…, I'm so cruel. I'm truly… a horrible person…," I say as my smile fades to a deep frown.

I said I won't apologize, so… there's no need for me to feel bad. Why should I care about someone like her, anyway?

Drowning in feelings of regret, the walk feels even longer… or perhaps, I just took the long way without even realizing it.

Suddenly, I hear a scream coming from where I think the kitchen is. "KYAA!"

Feeling a surge of panic, I take off sprinting in a mad dash, completely forgetting to hide my agility. With my bags in tow, I burst through the doors to the kitchen. "Are you ok?!" I ask, panting from running while carrying heavy bags, before noticing who screamed.

To my horror, the source of the voice was none other than Yuuki.

"Ah… H-hi, Alison," she stutters. She nervously scratches her cheek with a weak smile. "Haha~ did I scare you? Sorry, I was just making chocolates and I accidentally dropped some things..."

Great… This is exactly what I feared.

"Ah… I see…" I say feeling awkward with the situation.

"Are you making chocolates too?"

I briskly walk past her and mutter a "Yes" before placing my things down on the counter. Not wanting to ruin my clothes, I grab an apron and roll my sleeves up, then tie my hair up in a ponytail. Ready to start, I take out the ingredients and utensils I need.

Let's see… First I have to chop the chocolate, then…

"Oh, no!" Yuuki squeaks, disturbing my thoughts.

I let out an irritated sigh as I place a hand on my hip and another on the counter. "What's wrong now?"

"Umm… I-I'm sorry, but I think I burned the chocolate."

"You burned the chocolate?"

"Uhh… Yes?"

"You burned perfectly good chocolate?"

"Umm… Alison?"

"You wasted perfectly good chocolate by burning it? How could you do that?!" I yell, feeling frustrated by her stupidity.

"I'm sorry… I guess I don't know how to make chocolates…"

I sigh, once again, as I pull back my bangs with a hand. "Please spare me of your continuous apologies, they're starting to give me a headache." Yuuki tries to apologize again, but she stops mid-sentence after noticing the dark look I give her. "Now… Who exactly are you making chocolates for?" I ask.

Yuuki, startled by my sudden question, blushes and says in a timid voice, "I'm making them for Kaname…"

"Ehh? The dorm president of the Moon dormitory? You like him?"

Yuuki shakes her head and waves her hands rapidly. "N-n-no! It's not like that! This is just a token of my appreciation!"

"Ah, is that what they're calling it nowadays? Well, it's not like it's any of my business," I say before returning to what I was doing. The atmosphere grows tense again.

Hopefully, she'll leave soon. Either way, I should hurry up.

"…Who are you making chocolates for?" Yuuki quietly asks, breaking the brief moment of silence.

I glance at her before returning to what I was doing. "…No one in particular," I curtly answer.

"Oh…"

I rest my hands on the counter and watch Yuuki, who continues to clumsily make her treats. It's obvious that she doesn't know what she's doing and yet she's still trying so earnestly. Why? Could it be that… she really likes that guy that much? Such dedication… I… kinda have to respect that.

"…You don't know what you're doing…, do you?" I bluntly ask.

"Ah! W-well… No, not really," she bashfully admits. "I'm not used to this kind of stuff…"

I hum in thought before walking over to her. "Then, I'll help you."

Yuuki's eyes widen, though I am unable to decipher whether it's out of shock, excitement, or even fear. She always seemed nervous around me, after all. "Ehh?! You will?!"

"Yes," I say as I grab a bar of chocolate and start to skillfully chop it. "Seeing your lack of culinary skills and hearing you squeal is distracting me…, so don't get any ideas. I'm not helping you, I'm doing this for myself."

To my surprise, Yuuki just warmly smiles at me and says, "Thank you."

I grit my teeth and mutter, "Stupid… You're so stupid… You shouldn't thank me…"

Did you forget everything already? How could you possibly forget those words I said? This is why kind people like her always get hurt. They're stupid and innocent, so they're easily used. How… pathetic…

"Hmm? Alison, did you say something?"

"…No," I lie. I put a hand on my hip and begin to instruct her. "Now, I'm not going to do everything for you. I'll merely walk you through everything, ok?"

Yuuki clenches her fists in excitement. "Alright! Thank you, Alison! I'll do my best!"

I give her a nod before guiding her through everything. "Ok, now, first…"

…How did this happen?

I look around the kitchen that is now in disarray. The counters look as if they've been dipped in chocolate, dusted with flour, and sprinkled with sugar. A mountain of pots and pans fill the sink. I pick one up only to see that it is lacking a bottom; the rim of the gaping hole completely burnt.

How did one person manage to do all this?

"It's done!" Yuuki happily sings.

I quietly place the unusable pot back in the sink. Yuuki runs over to me and shows me her work.

"What do you think?" she asks.

I cautiously pick up a piece of chocolate and look it over. "It looks alright…, but is it edible?"

Yuuki sweatdrops and weakly says, "Ehehe… I'm not sure." As she hastily tries one, I try to read her face for a reaction to gauge how it tastes. "…Mmm~ this tastes so good!" Yuuki finally says after savoring the treat.

"Really?" I ask in shock.

"Yes!"

I let out a sigh of relief. Finally… After trial and error, she successfully made chocolates. Thinking about it only congers painful memories.

"What are you doing?!"

"Wahhh~ sorry!"

"Ahh! You're burning it!"

"Oh no!"

"Don't! Y-you're ruining it!"

"I'm sorry!"

"…Just let me do it, Yuuki."

"No, no. I want to do this on my own!"

"I understand…, but do you understand that at this rate, you'll kill us all? You do realize that 'Death by Chocolate,' doesn't actually kill people, right? Honestly, I cry for the pitiful fool who has to eat that poisonous concoction that you dare call 'chocolate.'"

"A-Alison…, that was too harsh…"

I dryly laugh at the thought. Why did I force myself to endure such pain?

I look over at Yuuki who is happily smiling, her chocolate eyes swirled with joy. I don't think she even realizes it. I start to feel a little envious of her and yet at the same time, I admire her.

Despite failing multiple times, she tried again and again until she got it right. I'm not sure if it was because of me, but either way, I have to respect that as most people would've gave up after failing more than once.

"It's ok!" she says as she rolls up her sleeves. "This time I'll do it right!"

At the time, I didn't understand why she wanted to try so hard. When I asked her, she merely said, "Haha~ it's because I want to! B-besides…, this is for Kaname and I want to show my appreciation."

When I asked why she's so grateful, though, she couldn't give me a straight answer. She said something about how he helped her in the past, but she wasn't exactly clear. I just apologized and told her to forget about it as it's none of my business.

Still… to think someone could be so innocent and pure-hearted. I didn't think such a thing was possible. I pick up a spoon covered in chocolate and lick it. Well, it's not like I didn't know that I'm a pessimist. But… I wish I could be so nice and innocent. Ha…, but me and her…, we live in different worlds. Such people do not exist in mine. They only wear masks that imitate such innocence, but the ugly face of corruption and greed underneath holds a devilish sneer.

"Hey, Alison?" Yuuki calls.

"Hmm?"

"What should we do with these?" she asks as she points to a tray of her failed chocolates.

"Just throw them- Wait…," I say before I'm struck with an idea. My lips curl into a mischievous smirk. "Don't worry about them. I'll handle it," I answer as I pick up the tray.

As I walk away, I notice Yuuki's eyes shift back and forth from me to my chocolates sitting on the counter. She's too obvious… I let out a sigh and ask, "Would you like to try one?"

"Yes!" she happily exclaims like a child. Hmm… Like a child or like a dog? She skips over and tries one before grinning. "Wow! These are so good!"

"Thanks… I like to make sweets…"

"I'm not surprised," Yuuki giggles. "Hey…, why did you make so many, though? Are you giving some to more than one person?"

"…I guess," I vaguely answer before cleaning my area and taking off my apron. I grab my treats, including Yuuki's "weapons of mass destruction," and start heading towards the door.

"W-wait, Alison!" she calls.

I turn around on my heels and ask, "What?"

"A-aren't you going to help me clean up?"

"Ehh? I already cleaned up my area," I say with a huff. "Don't be so foolish. Our agreement was that I would help you make chocolates and only make chocolates. I said nothing about cleaning." I give her a backwave as I walk out the door. "Well, good luck~"

"A-Alison, wait!"

"Oh, and Yuuki?"

"Yes?"

"Promise me one thing… Spare us all and never attempt to cook EVER again," I sternly say before leaving her to clean her mess.

"A-Alison!"

"That should be the last one," I say as I finish tying a ribbon on a box. I look at the other boxes that are neatly stacked on the corner of my desk before noticing a bright, sky blue box sitting alone, off to the side.

Ehh?

I tentatively pick up the box and examine it. This box…, why did I buy it? Knowing the answer to my own question, I rest my forehead on the box.

How sad… Without even realizing it, I made chocolates for that pervert… Oddly, I start to feel a pain in my chest. It felt like the hole in my heart grew even bigger, leaving me to fall into a pit of despair and loneliness.

I raise my head up and look at the ceiling of my room with blank eyes. "Ah, as I thought… It truly would be better if I didn't have any feelings… at all…" I cover my eyes with an arm. "…Was I always so weak? Why do I feel like this? It shouldn't matter, but…" I breathe out in a soft voice before shaking my head, trying to pull myself out of my own negativity.

I take another glance at the box before carefully filling it with candy and tie it with a ribbon.

Tired, I slump my shoulders and rest my head on my desk. I… miss that pervert. I wish we went to school together again. It was… so much fun… Noticing that I'm dozing off, I drag myself to my bed and collapse on it.

I'm so tired. Today, was a long day, but… I smile. I guess it wasn't too bad… It could've been worse.

As I think about today's events, I cringe as I remember my meeting with Senri.

"Umm… Our relationship… What exactly are we?"

"What are we? Aren't you the one who said, 'we're merely acquaintances' and that 'we occasionally run into each other'?"

"W-well, we were talking in front of other people and I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea… Besides, isn't it true?…I really don't know… what kind of relationship we have. I… want to know."

"Hmm… I suppose we're more than acquaintances…"

"I see… Then… does that make us friends?"

"…Do you want to be friends?"

"I-It's not like I can decide that alone!"

"Why not?" he bluntly asks.

"B-because I don't want to force you to be friends with me or anything!"

"Really? Hmm… I kinda thought you were the kind of person who would."

"Hey…"

"Well, I did say let's get to know each other, so… let's be friends."

My face feels hot as I remember that embarrassing conversation. I clutch my necklace tightly as my heart races.

W-why did I have to say something so stupid and embarrassing? I… I…

"ARGH! STUPID IDIOT!" I cry out of embarrassment as I throw my pillow in the air and let it fall on my face. "I want to forget! I want to forget! I want to forget!" I repeat as I hug my pillow and toss and turn on my bed.

Why did I agree to be friends with him? I… I know that I can't have such relationships with people. Someone will get hurt… and it'll be all my fault. I'm scared… Why was I so foolish?

I stop and lie on my side, still squeezing my pillow for comfort. Tomorrow is going to be so awkward… My stomach churns with anxiety as I think about everything that could possibly go wrong, these useless thoughts clouding my mind.

What will he think? What if he rejects them? Wait… WHO CARES?! I-I'll just eat them myself then. No, wait… Grr… But I wasted my time making him homemade chocolates… I DON'T CARE IF I HAVE TO SHOVE THEM DOWN HIS THROAT! HE'S ACCEPTING THOSE CHOCOLATES!

I turn over with a grin, satisfied with my decision and determination. That'll show him… But what if he gets the wrong idea? What if he thinks I actually like him?

As soon as my confidence comes, it leaves me. I stare up at the ceiling before once again covering my eyes with my arm. "Honestly…, why do I care? This isn't like me… What's wrong with me? Just… what the hell is that idiot doing to me?"

The sound of my racing heart fills the room as the flames grow and burn me from the inside out. It's painful… What is this? Am I sick?

My mask, my armor, my wall, now had a tiny crack. I never suspected that such a thing could happen. The mask that was forced upon me, muffling my screams of terror and hiding my tears was slowly falling apart. I foolishly believed that my vulnerable side could only be revealed if I took off my mask. I never thought that someone would take the time to chip away at it and wait for my walls to crumble.

"What's… wrong with me? Why do I feel this way? I must be… sick."

~Marionette, are you having fun? Why, didn't anyone tell you that when the clock strikes twelve, the fairytale ends?~

Alison's corner:

Alison: Hey… Let's just get this over with ( =_=) Ok, first things first, princess240 gave me… raspberry cake? What the hell do I want with this?! Oh, wait… You were just kidding. Good. Yay! I get strawberry cake! \(^.^)/ Ehh? Senri gets two boxes of pocky and Takuma gets a $100 gift card to any book store? Hey! Can you read?! It says, "Alison's corner"!

Senri: Thanks, princess240 (-.-)

Takuma: *gasps* Wow! Thank you, princess240. You're the best (^_^)

Alison: *sighs* (=_=) Let's see… And Sylvie, your favorite person, can get whatever treat she wants?! How the hell is that fair?!

Sylvie: Ohoho~ thank you, princess240. It appears you have good taste ;) Now as for what I want, I think I'll go to the spa… even though I really want to see more scenes with my OTP.

Alison: I can't stand these people… Hmm? If I were stranded on an island and I could eat raspberry cake or chocolate pocky, which would I eat? Definitely the pocky 'cuz raspberries are beyond disgusting XP *gasps* Yay! I get five more pieces of cake! ^_^ Hmm? More questions? Ketsueko wants to know if she can watch me dance? Ehh? No wa- *gasps* But if I let you, I get cake?! (*O*) Sure, sure, just give me cake! Hey! Don't give that stupid, Aidiot anything!

Hanabusa: Hey!

Alison: Shut up and get out of my corner! *kicks him out* Thank you and remember to give me cake (^_^) hehe~

Hanabusa: Oww~

A/N: So did you like this chapter? I hope so ( ._.) Anyway, it seems like this is another super long chapter that had to be broken in half ('^_^) I'll try my best to avoid this in the future, but ehehe… They just keep getting longer and longer, eh? I apologize if it's a bother; although, I feel like I kinda owe it to you guys with the lack of updates.

Anyway, I'm kinda worried about whether or not everyone will like what I have planned because people keep saying such nice things and I'm like, "The bars have been raised too fucking high! OMG I'm bound to fuck up" and yeah, but I'll try to stay positive :D Haha~ no, I won't (-_-)

Btw, have you guys heard that Matsuri Hino will be writing another chapter of VK? Yep! It isn't over yet! Apparently, it'll show what happened 1000 years later or something (Correct me if I'm wrong). Some people said it'll be about Kaname, idk, don't ask me lol. Supposedly, it'll come out after she's done working on something else. I guess I'm kinda excited, but honestly, I really don't know what more she could possibly do :/

Review corner: Thank you so much for reviewing! Never have I ever imagined that I would receive so many kind reviews. Words can't express how happy I am (;u;) Thank you so much for supporting me! I'll continue to do my best! Oh! And thank you to everyone who added a name to their review, so I was able to recognize you and tell you apart from the other guests (^_^) Sometimes I can tell by writing, but if you use the same name, I'll recognize and remember you ;) …That's good, right? '^_^ Haha~ anyway, I love hearing from you guys, so again, thank you and please enjoy some mont blanc (^_^) …cake? (O_o) Do I have to say "mont blanc cake" or is it just "mont blanc"? Huh ( ._.) …I don't know, just accept it (-_-)

Incendo: Haha~ yeah, I guess so '^_^ Still, I want to change that. Thank you! Haha~ hopefully, she'll slowly become more confident and less loathing of herself. Anyway, happy belated birthday!

princess240: OMG that was an understatement! XD Haha… Sorry OTL Aww~ thank you! Your reviews always cheer me up. I have to wonder if you still ship Aliri, though ;) I hope you liked their scene together, this chapter. LOL you are Sylvie XD Wow, that sucks. I don't want your stupid raspberry cake! XP *gasps* Chocolate cake! Thank you :D OMG XD

Ketsueko: Really? Thank you so much! X3 I'm glad! LOL Sylvie wants to, but I don't think Alison does.

basak. esener: For some reason, my computer wouldn't let me write your username, so I'm sorry if it's spelled incorrectly or if it's (Ugh) not visible OTL I'm glad to hear that ^_^ I hope you liked this chapter and look forward to the next one.

Twinwolfsister: Good! Thank you! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.

Onepiecelover4ever: I'm so sorry for the delay (;_;) I'll work harder!

Loved It: OMG I love your review! It really made my day and encouraged me to continue write I'm glad you think so. It is a lot? I never really thought about it, but I guess it is '^_^ Ehehe in some ways, I kinda regret writing that note, but it was mainly so people wouldn't jump up and flatly say that Alison is a Mary-Sue. Don't worry, I get frustrated with her too XD Aww~ thank you! I worked really hard creating my OCs, so to hear someone compliment Alison makes me really happy. She is a strange match for him? O_o I wonder what kind of person you would expect to be paired with him. I'm glad you love it and I'll continue to update as fast as I can. Thank you for reading!

Maiannaise: Nope! Haha~ it'll be revealed next chapter XD *gasps* YES! You know what? I want to write an extra where they have class together. That would be the BEST. LOL it would be a warzone XD Thank you! I hope you also liked this chapter!

whatever name isnt taken: First of all, can I just say how much I love your username? XD And OMG you wrote in all caps! I. LOVE. IT XD I'm so sorry! I hope you didn't seriously lose your mind lol

chibianimefan26: She is, isn't she? XD Aww~ I'm glad you do! IKR? Even though I'm the author, I still struggle with them not realizing their feelings. Sadly, their only friends now Haha~ this story is full of mysteries. Unfortunately, there was no nightmares, but idk… maybe one is coming up ;)

Fantasy: Of course I will! ^_^ …Just very slowly =_= I hope you liked their moment together. I'm happy that you love my story! Haha~ thank you so much

LoneWolfPack: I'm so sorry! X( I apologize for the wait and I hope you liked this chapter.

Guest: I'm glad that you do! Haha~ I'll try my best to update faster XD Well, I'll write more chapters, but I can confidently say that this is the only SenrixOC fanfic I'll write.

Hello: Hi! Your review… (;_;) it made me so happy! Idk if I deserve such a grand compliment! (/).(\) …But thank you :D I'm glad that you do! Really? Ah, I understand. Yes, that is very true. Honestly, I take a lot of pride in my characters and do my best to make them complex. Though some of my OCs character development may be slower than others, I hope you grow to like them all as much as you like Alison ^_^ YES! You get it XD I'm glad you can relate to Alison. I think it's nice to see a character that you can connect with. Plus, it's as if you have a better understanding of them. Haha~ well, he might be coming soon XD Ehh? His dialogue is cute? I never thought about it, but I guess it is. OMG the last sentence of your review (;_;) T-thank you so much! I hope you continue to read and enjoy this story.

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid you still haven't reached the end of the uhh… page? (What should I call it? '^_^) Well, unless you scrolled past this, in which case, why am I writing this? (O_O) Anyway, I said I would explain some things, so here we go! \(^_^)/

-The beginning of the chapter kinda focuses on Alison's 'friends.' The reason for this is to shape their relationships and personalities a little bit more. Again, they're not actually important, but they do add to Alison's character. Additionally, I wanted it to feel like she was in class. If you're wondering why I mentioned Takara and Sakura's relationship, it was solely so Alison could explain her view and understanding of love.

-I don't think it makes sense for Senri to walk Alison to class without anyone seeing or saying anything, so I added a little confrontation.

-Emiko has a crush on Senri, so I figured it would only make sense for her to be suspicious of Alison and a little jealous. Friendships are easily broken by things like this, so I added that. Plus, there's drama in all relationships and it kinda shows where their relationship is going.

-More of Alison's abilities were revealed. It probably doesn't seem that amazing at first, which I don't really mind, but… yeah… That's what she can do. She was surprised that it worked, hinting that she doesn't have complete control of her abilities.

-I really tried to shape Alison and Senri's relationship in this chapter. I don't know if Alison seemed "mean," but she was just worried about Senri's health. Anyway, personally, I find it awkward when you talk to someone a lot and yet you don't even know if you're friends, so that's why I had Alison ask. Also, Alison is starting to develop a small crush on Senri, but obviously, she doesn't realize it.

-Idk if this is important or not, but anyway, I tried to add some of my personal experiences in school. By that, I mean, some of my teachers seriously acted like that '^_^ My AP Lang teacher literally asked my class if it was time for lunch because he had nothing else to say and my physics teacher didn't really teach.

If you have any questions about anything or need clarification, remember to ask. Don't feel embarrassed if you don't understand something. If this wasn't my story, I would be so lost too XD

Me: Ok, guys, quick! We need an extra to wrap up this chapter! So does anybody have any ideas?

Senri: I don't really care (-_-)

Me: (-"-) …Anyone else?

Alison: How about we all eat cake? :D

Me: I don't think that's a good idea '^_^

Alison: Hmm… Then how about we beat up Aidiot and Smug-ass model? ^_^

Me: (=_=) Alison, just stop.

Alison: Ehh? O_o

Me: We're taking too long! J-just someone say it! X(

Sylvie: I'll do it! Please leave a review and look forward to the next half of this chapter! ;)

Me: Phew! Thank you

Sylvie: No problem! ^_^

Alison: Nobody is going to leave a review if she says it (-_-)

Sylvie: What was that?! (T^T)

Alison: Just being honest~ ( - 3-)

Me: *sighs* Please don't fight… (-"-)