[Chapter 9]

Miku glared at the man holding Rin, sweat sliding down behind her neck. She was anxious. The blue-haired sicko had gotten Rin without her noticing. She inwardly cursed her inattentiveness and vowed she would never leave the petite blonde again when that man would be near in their vicinity. She failed to uphold her promise with Allen, now going by with a new name. What is worse, everyone is in this school, all had a certain link with Rin.

"Oh, it's you." The sicko drawled, staring at her disgustedly.

She bristled. Oh how much she wanted to wring that man's neck with her bare hands.

"What are you going to do about it, dear Michaela?" Kaito drawled out mockingly.

Her eye twitched. Didn't they all agree to have the code of secrecy? Most especially when Rin can hear them talking.

She glanced at the said blonde, noting with a sense of relief that she looked absolutely confused by the unfamiliar name she heard. Miku stepped forward, feeling the object she had hidden anxiously. She kept her eyes steady on his, which made her want to vomit. She always hated how his eyes looked, full of malice and hidden agendas.

"Get away from her now, or I won't be responsible for what happens to you next." She hissed, taking a threatening step forward.

Kaito sneered at her. He looked back at Rin and flashed a charming smile, before turning away from the two girls. Miku continued to watch him until he turned to a corner and disappeared. She spun around to glare warningly at Rin, her hands on her hips, and her face uncharacteristically serious.

"Stay away from that sicko, little Lamb. It would do you good to listen well because I won't always be there to save your sorry ass." Miku warned, her teal eyes flashing violet for a second.

Rin nodded meekly, easily subdued. Every eccentric person she met would always tell her to stay away from the blue-haired man. He was easily the nicest one she met in this whole school, yet why the cryptic warning? She didn't understand. She wanted to understand them, to understand their thoughts, but they continued to confuse her. It made her feel inferior, a sheep surrounded by a pack of wolves.

"If I'm not there beside you," Miku continued to speak, snapping Rin out of her muddled thoughts. "Stay with Luka. She's the only one from the lot of us that Kaito is afraid to cross with. You'll be safe."

Her face scrunched up, pursing her lips. She didn't like the idea of staying next to someone that made her feel uncomfortable, with the contrite looks she would get from the pink-haired woman.

"Rin," Miku surpised the blonde by calling her by her first name. "Come on. You have to promise me you will stay with Luka if I won't be around. He's going to kill me if you so much as get a single scratch on you." Miku said exasperatedly.

Sudden indignation welled up inside her, Miku insinuating that she could not properly take care of herself. She pushed the feeling down, nodding in acquiescence at her eccentric friend instead. She didn't like the sudden idea of being protected, but from what, she couldn't – didn't – understand.

"Let's go back to the party," She said briskly, turning away from her and walking.

Rin considered, but shook her head. It was enough partying tonight. She was inexplicably tired.

"Miku?" She waited until the teal-haired teen turned to look at her questioningly. "If it's all right with you, I'm going back to my room and sleep."

Miku looked uncertainly at her, before the familiar manic grin showed on her face. "Sure! I'll see you tomorrow, yes?"

She could only nod.

~X~

Finally reaching her room, she closed the door gently behind her. She leaned her back against the door, slowly sliding down on the floor in a tired heap. She drew up her knees towards herself, burying her head on her knees.

"…I'm so tired," Rin sighed, taking out her phone to check the time.

Her phone's screen flashed open, showing her wallpaper. Her heart ached, seeing how happy she looked together with her parents, her smile practically blinding.

"How long are you going to brood over there, dearest cousin of mine?" A familiar voice drawled, amused.

Rin's head snapped upwards. There, sitting on her bed looking prim and proper as she had always remembered, was Tei Sukone. The white-haired beauty looked at her, the moon shadowing her silhouette, but her bright red eyes that always unnerved her could be seen very clearly.

Tei stood up, walking towards where she sat, and towered over her.

"Cat got you tongue, Rinny dear?" Tei giggled, but it came out psychotic and unnerving.

Her life only turned more hectic.

~X~

Len stood up, easily maneuvering from the dancing people, and left the room where the party was being held. He couldn't see her anymore and Kaito was nowhere to be seen. He couldn't find Miku anywhere either, probably hanging out with her. He didn't see any reason to stay any longer. He was too tired anyway, so he might go back to his room to rest.

"Stay away from her."

Len stiffened but didn't turn around, already knowing who was behind him. He didn't respond, opting to stare at the stars instead. It suddenly brought painful memories again, making him turn away with a grimace.

"If you don't stay away from her, everything will repeat itself. We won't be able to break the loop and it's going to cause her so much suffering again."

Still, he didn't respond, but the others' words rang clearly in his mind. He was right, after all. If he didn't – couldn't – stay away from her, then everything would turn out the same again. They would all be in this never ending loop and they would all continue to suffer because of his selfishness. He was too selfish.

"The Irregulars are making their move. Sooner or later, they would come after her and end it all."

"I know," Len whispered, still looking away.

"Then what the hell are you doing? Why won't you stay away so that this time, this timeline won't be destroyed?" An angry hiss.

Finally, Len turned around, looking at the person behind him. Kaito was glaring at him viciously, his fists clenched at his side. His gaze didn't waver as he looked at Kaito in the eye and replied clearly.

"Because I love her."

A/N: And that's a wrap! So sorry guys for not updating for so long. It's been so hectic, and I had to concentrate hard on my studies. But since I – barely – had free time and I have nothing to do, I hoped that I could start with this. It's been so long after all. I hope you stay tuned for the next chapter!

Also, sorry for having this chapter so short, I'll try and making longer next time.