Chapter 10: It All Falls Apart.
RIN!
The next morning I let out a lazy yawn and stretched before placing my feet on the cold hard wood floor. The wood sending a shiver down my spine as I wrapped my arms around myself.
Suddenly snapping out of my sleepy state I finally noticed my surroundings. I was back in my bright orange colored and messy room.
'I must have fallen asleep in the car.'I blinked a couple of times realizing it must have been Len who brought me back inside.
"Way to play it cool Rin!" I grumbled, facepalming myself.
Shaking the thought out of my head, I stood and stretched one last time before hopping into the shower. The events from yesterday were still fresh in my mind as I thought of how Len and I really did seem like a couple. I blushed a bit remembering the gentle look in his eyes as I wrapped myself in my neon orange towel.
Quickly changing, I glanced at what I was wearing in the mirror before fixing my hair. I was wearing denim shorts, a navy blue tank top, and a big white over shirt that fell of my shoulders slightly. For the final touches I clipped on some black suspenders, letting them hand behind my thighs and sparkly silverconverse.
Nodding to myself I was almost ready to go as I threw my hair up into two small low pigtails and adding my trademark clips and bow that made me look like a bunny. Grabbing my phone, bag, amd journal, I started rushing downstairs.
Preperation time was obviously running out so today was an extra long practice. Not only were we working on the group song but we were also making dance numbers for our songs. It was a big shot contest so obviously they were allowing us to use the heavy artillery.
Quickly stuffing and orange in my bag and kissing my mom on the cheek I was out and racing down the sidewalk, practically skipping the whole way there. Rusing in I said a quick 'Hi' to Miki before hopping over a black leather couch and up the escalator.
I felt absolutely unstoppable!
LEN!
I felt like crap.
I yawned as I walked on stage, completely wiped out. After dropping the sleeping Rin off at her house I had to go to a last minute extra practice for the contest. All the guest stars were required to do something between contestants and obviously I wasn't happy about it either. The whole time I was complaining, I mean this is for the contestants! Not people who already have record deals and besides we had a week!
Flinging my bag off to the side I laid down on my back, using my forearm to cover my eyes as I fought to stay awake.
I heard a melodic giggle so I removed my arm to see a beautiful blond standing over me. I gave her a smile before sitting up and patting the space next to me.
She graciously sat down and looked me over with her ocean blue orbs, taking in my dishelved appearance. My white shirt and black vest were slightly wrinkled, my tie was practically undone, and my hair was messier than usual.
"Geez Len, did a train hit you?"
I groaned and threw my head back. "Don't remind me!"
She giggled again and we sat talking for about ten more minutes before Haku barged in.
"Alright kiddies, its time to show me what you've got!" She boomed, clapping her hands three times.
We began with the usual routine. First with a vocal exercise and stretching but I couldn't help but feel as if someone was watching me.
At first I shook off the feeling but as we got in our spots to start reahersal for the group song, I felt it again. Glancing around I didn't find anyone, until my eyes locked with someone elses.
As I looked over I was surprised to see Miku looking at me as we each waited for our turn to sing. She gave a smug smile and mouthed something to me as she moved forward on her que.
'We need to talk.'
I gave her puzzled look but I shook it off as I continued, clearing my head before I went up. We ran the song about 3 or 5 more times before we were given a 10 minute break. Miku took this chance as she ushered me into the hall while I was getting my water bottle.
"What is it Miku?" I asked once we stopped by a water fountain, around the corner and a little ways from the door to the stage.
"I've noticed you and Rinny have been getting pretty close." She said as she leaned against the wall.
I blushed a bit and looked away, scratching the side of my cheek with my index finger. "I-I guess you could say that."
"Have you guys kissed?"
I'm sure if I had water in my mouth I would have spit it out. I flushed even more at the bluntness of her question but decided to change the subject. "I take it this isn't about you two making up is it?" I asked staring her down.
She just grinned. "No, but I'll tell you a little secret." She said as she grabbed my tie and pulled me closer.
"Rin has become so annoying… don't you think?" I narrowed my eyes at her as she continued talking. "I mean, who can actually believe that whole innocent thing?" She tightened my tie as she returned my firey gaze.
"In fact, I don't think I ever really liked her." My eyes narrowed even further as I grabbed her hands and removed them from my tie.
And thats when I saw it.
It was brief but there was a flash of... sadness? A small spark was lit in her eyes but as quickly as it appeared it vanished.
"I'm sorry Miku I can't continue this conversation. You and I both know that was a lie. Rin is your best friend, your just bitter because you don't want to loose this shot at fame."
She narrowed her eyes and moved away from the wall. I stood my ground as she placed her hands on her hips, eyeing me with the coldest glare she could muster.
'Miku... what are your real intentions?'
RIN!
I hummed along to my Ipod, my mood still as good as ever. I had just finished sending a text to my mom about practice when I heard someone call my name.
"Rin dear!" I turned my head to look at Luka as she rushed over holding a stack of papers.
Luka had sort of become my second mom after the time we spent at the karaoke place. She was always caring for me. She was also kind of my savior when Len was gone and I couldn't talk to Miku, we actually became pretty close. I also found out lots about her, like the fact that she's only 17 and loves tuna more than anything. Also just between us I think she has a crush on Gakupo but hasn't realized it yet.
"Whats up Luka?" I asked once she reached me. Her face looked flushed and she was also out of breath.
"Could you do me a favor?" She asked with pleading eyes. "I promise it will only take a second!"
I sighed but I didn't let if effect my cloud. "Sure, what is it?" I asked standing up from the edge of the stage.
She instantly perked up and thrusted the papers into my arms. "I need you to take these papers downstairs over to Miki for me. Thanks a bunch!" She said quickly as she bounced off.
I sweat dropped but shrugged it off as I tried to balance the huge stack of papers. 'Poor Miki.'
As I stepped off the stage I skipped a bit to the door before opening it. Carefully opening the door I slipped out before letting it click quietly behind me. Looking each way down the hall I was just about to walk toward the escalator when I heard what sounded like talking.
Curious I walked toward the sound. Peeking around the corner I spotted Len, happy I was just about to call his name when I saw someone with him. Miku?
Whats Len doing with Miku?
The seemed to be-
I dropped my papers.
LEN!
I was still talking with Miku as she circled me slightly. I felt like Miku was a predator checking out its prey. Well aware that this wasn't just a friendly chat she stepped closer.
"I happen to know that Rin is head over heels for you, even if she doesn't notice it." She said, poking me in the chest.
I felt some blood rush to my face but I refused to let it get to me, even though my voice betrayed me. "Y-you do? What proof do you have?"
I felt like a moron. I've never acted like this before. I always had girls chasing me and I never flushed like this.
'Its because your being confronted about it stupid!'
I shook my head, bringing me back to reality.
She chuckled a bit, seeing the reaction she wanted from me. "Its so obvious! The way you two always talk, how you look at each other! Its kind of cute actually…" She trailed off at the end, her eyes getting softer before returning to the cold look they had before.
"I know why you've been avoiding her. Its not just because you left her at school is it?" I said softly, watching as her eyes widened. Knowing I hit a soft spot. I kept going. "Just talk to her, I'm sure she'll forgive you."
Her eyes began to water, tears threatening to spill over.
"Its because your afraid this contest will come between you two, because you both want this." I watch her head lower as the floor suddenly became more interesting. I knew I was going completly on a hunch, but seing as it was working I continued.
"You figured if you ignored her it would be easier. You knew this and you knew that contests bring the worst out in friends."
There was a small hiccup as she looked up, a lone tear trickling down her face. My eyes widening a bit at her reaction, taking it that my hunch was right.
"I really didn't leave her at the school you know." She wiped her eyes quickly before continuing. "Mikuo told me she already left, so I believed him." Several more tears escaped before I reached out and gave her a hug, reacting on instinct. I felt akward but it felt like the right thing to do.
"I just let her accuse me because I figured it would work into the plan, but she keeps sending me apology texts and-"
I shushed her. Through my limited knowledge of girls I know that they have a tendancy to over react. I'm not that good at comforting people but I tried as she rested her head on my shoulder.
"I understand its ok. You were just trying to be a good friend, even though I think you went about this wrong. Its really not that big of a deal. If Rin is truely your friend than whoever wins the contest shouldn't matter."
She hiccupped once more before looking me in the eye. I gave her a small smile and a nodd as she smiled back.
Seeing as everything was okay I began to pull away, but Miku suddenly pulled me by my colar and smashed her lips against mine. My eyes widened in shock before I heard the crash of papers, looking up just in time to find a flash of blond.
'Rin.'
RIN!
What. The. HELL!
What was that!
I couldn't take the sight.
I ran.
I had no idea where I was going but I just kept running.
My chest hurt but I couldn't tell if it was from running or being betrayed.
I felt tears start to build, sting my eyes and blurring my vision as I ran and frantically typed in the pass code to enter the auditorium.
"RIN!" I heard Len call as he turned the corner and tried to run up to me. I flung the door open and ran inside, ignoring his calls.
Once back in the auditorium I rushed back up the steps on stage, not even stopping when Luka called my name.
I finally stopped when I felt my butt crash on the floor from running into someone.
"Ow…." I whined as I rubbed my sore behind.
"Are you okay?" A timid voice asked. I immediatly knew who I ran into now.
Gumi smiled warmly at me as I just stupidly gaped at her before finally bursting into tears.
Gumi started to panic and look around frantically. I wouldn't blame her, one minute she runs into someone and the next there crying.
"Oh, dear...I um, d-don't cry! Please, I didn't mean to run into you. Did I hit you hard?" She questioned quickly, thinking this was all her fault.
I sniffed as I wiped a tear from my eye, chuckling a bit at her reaction. "No Gumi, your fine it's just…." I trailed off as I looked at the ground before standing. Patting my butt clear of dust and putting on my best fake smile. "It's just I'm really overwhelmed with stress right now, that's all. You know how it is..."
She gave me a questioning look, her green eyes knowing all. "That's not it… is it?"
I tried to continued with my smile, but knowing I can't fool Gumi I slumped my shoulders and my lip began to quiver. "No…" I felt tears prick my eyes again but Gumi just smiled.
She put an arm around my shoulder and moved some hair from my face, showing comfort like a mother would.
"What happened?" She asked when I was done sniffing.
"Well-"
"Rin!" Gumi and I looked up to find Len just as he burst through the door.
I looked away before speaking. "What do you want Len."
"I wanted to explain what happened. You see-"
"All contestants on stage! I repeat all contestants on stage!"
I quickly started to away with Gumi tailing me. Len just sighed before following himself.
Thankfully the rest of the day we were paired with our dance groups to work on the song that we were to perform later this week. Glad that I wouldn't have to try very hard to avoid Len I started to relax and got my journal out. I looked over the song quickly, feeling a pang in my chest, before slapping it down on the table and erasing madly. Restraining tears the entire time I wrote down some new lyrics.
Nodding at my quick thinking and handy work I began to show the group the new song, knowing that this version is suited better to the situation.
As soon as practice ended I quickly left, ignoring Len as he asked me to talk to him. Once home I flung my bag in the corner of my room and flopped on my bed, burying my face in my pillow. I didn't cry but I sure as heck wanted to.
As I sat questions began to form in the front of my mind, beggng to be answered. Why was he kissing Miku? Was he just using me? Was everything a joke? Was I a joke?
Shaking my head I erased them, knowing that they were ridiculous. But I couldn't help it. For some reason I felt... used. Like the wool had been pulled over my eyes.
I kept filling my head with false statements and questions before my eyes started to feel heavy and I slowly dozed off.
There was a light buzzing as I opened my eyes slowly, bracing myself to be blinded by light, but shocked when my room was dark. Looking over to where the buzzing was I flipped open my phone.
15 New Messages
My eyes widened, but sighed when I saw who they were from.
Len.
I scrolled through some of, barley glancing at them but knowing what they said.
We need to talk
I can explain
Its not what you think
Rin? Are you there?
Rin, please answer.
I stopped scrolling, for the messages just kept getting more and more desperate. I shut my phone and lay back down on the bed, thinking one last thing before going back to sleep.
'Why?'