Don't grow up too fast
And don't embrace the past
This life's too good to last
And i'm too young to care
Don't kid yourself
And don't fool yourself
This life could be the last
And we're too young to see
-Blackout, Muse
Assembly, 2:52 PM
"And lastly, Shinjuku High is a school that prides itself on cultural exchange and global citizenship. It is my great pleasure to introduce our new transfer student from America. Please welcome Andrew Li."
The audience clapped politely as the male figure stood up and nodded cooly, a tiny smirk on his face. Several girls giggled and whispers spread throughout the audience.
"Transfer student?" Henry asked. "I didn't know our school had an exchange program."
"It's new." Ryo said. His resentful tone caused Henry to look at him in surprise. .
"You don't sound happy."
"Apparently, he's an old friend of Rika's."
"Wait, that Andrew?" Henry craned his neck to get a better look at the new student. "He isn't what I imagined him to be."
"He's attracting a lot of attention." Takato noted. Ryo frowned at this, scanning the crowd to look for Rika. To his dismay, he couldn't find her.
"Jealous much?" Henry teased.
"Seems like you've got competition." Takato grinned.
"It's not just me, Alice and Jeri seem to like him a lot too."
"I think you're over worrying."
"We'll see."
Shinjuku High, 3:23 PM
Rika smiled to herself as she walked down the hall, having Andrew back in Japan brought back the few rare happy memories she had.
She had gotten into another fight with the girls at school. Nothing new, but this time they came after her together. Being outnumbered, it was hard to fight back. She would have lost, except the fighting stopped. She remembered a cold and ruthless figure had made it's way into the crowd, pushing and fighting back. A second later, she was on her feet again and found herself face to face with those intense green eyes.
That was how she met Andrew for the first time. He had been cold and isolated, just like her, but he had power. He led a group of other outcasts, all judged and feared by their appearance, background or personality. Rika found it wrong, because there was nothing wrong with them.
In short, he was her not-so-charming prince, the one who rescued her even if she didn't want or need it. They became friends, sticking up for each other, watching each other's back. It was the first time Rika felt accepted. Everyone else could go to hell for all she cared.
Then, Andrew moved to America and things fell apart. The gang dispersed. Rika transferred to Shinjuku High for her junior year. The rest, as they say, is history.
She still remembered the day when Andrew had to leave.
"You're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yea."
"You have to go?"
"Yea..."
"Will you keep on saying yea?!"
"Yea..."
"You won't forget me then, will you?" She asked.
"Y-no!"
"Good." She smirked and he smirked back.
"Promise me you'll be fine?"
"No guarantees."
"I won't be there to save you."
"Who says I need saving!"
"That's my girl."
He always called her that, his girl. She loved and hated it at the same time.
"Where are you going?" A new voice interrupted her head and she turned around to find Ryo standing behind her.
"I don't know. I was just walking." She confessed, forgetting the fact school was over.
"Need a ride?" He asked softly, she nodded his head. They needed to sort things out.
"Okay."
"Look...I'm-"
"Don't be sorry." She said, smiling tightly. "You've apologized a million times the last few days. It's not going to solve anything."
"Okay." Ryo said tightly.
"I didn't mean...I just don't like.…" Rika sighed, exasperated.
"It's not as if I like it either..." He said softly, grabbing her hand.
"I'm sorry about what I said this morning...I just don't like the idea. That's all."
"I know."
"It seems really stupid."
"It is."
"I can't believe she's here."
"Do I sense jealously?" He asked teasingly, knowing all was forgiven.
"You wish." She made a face, turning away. He chuckled, knowing even if she was, she's too proud to admit it.
"So who was he?"
"Who?"
"The guy you were talking to near the steps today." He asked casually, looking at her.
"Andrew?"
"The exchange student, right? Who is he?"
"He's someone I know from middle school."
"I see."
"What? Jealous?" She smirked.
"No..."
It wasn't much of a denial. Rika stopped walking suddenly and turned to face him.
"He was the first person I really cared for...and the first guy that I liked. I just want you to know." Rika said hesitantly. Ryo only looked at her.
"Really?" He asked, his tone suddenly hard. It worried her when she couldn't read what he was thinking or feeling.
"It's not like it matters now. You're the one that I'm with. You're the one I like." She exclaimed, her posture defensive. Ryo couldn't help but grin.
"That I know. I like you too."
"Funny."
"Way before you liked me."
"You don't say?"
"I liked you even while you hated me."
"I doubt that."
"Such little faith." Ryo teased, wrapping his arm around as they headed towards the parking lot. "Car's this way." He motioned.
Akiyama Residence, 7:12 PM
"Ryou darling, I've heard you met Madison today at school today."
"Madison?"
"Mrs. Narita did tell me she'd be visiting."
"Oh, is that her name?" Ryo said, taking off her shoes. His grandmother sent him a scowl, but ignored the comment.
"So did you meet her? Isn't she lovely?"
"Is she?"
"Of course, she's such a sweet girl. In fact, she brought me flowers when she came to visit." His grandmother motioned to the bouquet.
"Suck-up." Ryo muttered under his breath, shooting a death glare at the innocent flowers.
"She'll be a wonderful bride for you, Ryou. Not to mention, she's the heiress to her family's company. Much more suitable…yes."
BAM!
The door slammed and the footsteps of Ryo storming up to his room could be heard. His grandmother frowned.
"His manners are lacking."
"Mother, don't you think you're pushing this too far?" Mr. Akiyama frowned.
"Nonsense."
Cafeteria, Monday January 18th 12:02 PM,
"It's been two weeks." Jeri muttered, "The rumours just won't go away."
"I think they're intensifying."
"What are we going to do? I don't like this."
"What can we do?" Alice asked, shaking her head.
"Do you think they'll actually break up?"
"Jeri! They're just pretending to be. Don't tell me you're fooled by the act."
"It seems so real though. They barely talk to each other, even when we're hanging out. It feels awkward, like as if we've gone back to the Ryo and Rika before. What if Rika was right? What if things-"
"Jeri."
"Okay, okay. I know I'm overthinking, but I'm just worried. Madison is always around…"
"Who's Madison?" Alice asked.
"The girl? Didn't Henry tell you her name?"
"I didn't ask. Couldn't care less."
"Alice!"
"It's true. Everything's fine between them. You'll see."
"I hope so..."
"We're going on holiday!" Kazu cheered loudly, sitting down beside the two.
"We're going on holiday!" Kenta reiterated. The two broke out into a chant.
"It's not a holiday." Lina scowled, whacking both on the head. "It's your senior retreat. You'll be training."
"Going off to play basketball is almost as good as a holiday." Kazu grinned, wolfing down his sandwich. "No school!"
"Plus, you'll all be there!" Takato smiled, greeting Jeri with a kiss on the cheek.
"I can't wait." Ryo said, slumping down in his chair. "I need a break from all this."
"It'll be great for all of us." Henry said cautiously, surveying Ryo and Rika. If they were acting as broken-up awkward couples, they were doing a good job at it. The two avoided eye contact at all costs. There were endless awkward moments and sudden stops in sentences when they were talking. The atmosphere was always tense between them. It really did seem as if the rumours were true.
Still, if you were observant, you'd notice the lingering glances, the accidental touches. He hoped the three-day retreat would allow the couple to have some time alone.
They deserved it.
"When are we leaving tomorrow?" asked Alice.
"Aren't we meeting at 10AM?"
"Outside of school?"
"There'll be a bus to take us there."
"Hear that, Kaz? Don't be late or you'll have to find your own way there." Lina warned.
"I won't be!" He protested. "Maybe I should set three alarms."
"You probably should." Kenta agreed. "Don't forget to pack your towel."
"Who's our supervisor anyway?"
"Isn't coach coming?" Takato frowned. "I thought he would."
"I don't know, I guess we'll see who's there tomorrow."
Nonaka Residence, 5:32 PM
"I hate this." Rika complained as she threw herself on her bed.
"Me too." Ryo's dejected voice came through her phone. "Tomorrow, we'll be away from everyone and everything."
"Finally..." She sighed, wistfully.
"I miss you."
"I know."
"It'll be fun this weekend. It'll just be us and the gang."
"Did you find out about the supervisor?"
"I mentioned it to dad but he didn't seem too bothered by it, he said we're all legally adults anyway and we signed liability release forms."
"What does he think is going to happen?" Rika snorted.
"Well, Kazu might cause an accident. You never know."
"I can imagine. I better go, mom's home and I still need to pack, I'll see you tomorrow?"
"I can't wait."
"Same." She sighed. "Ryo...I..."
"Hm?"
"I...I never mind. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Rika!" Rumiko sang.
"What?"
"How's Andrew? How come I haven't seen him yet?"
"Shouldn't you know? You already knew he was coming back!"
"I…did not!"
"Oh, mom."
"So?"
"So what?"
"How do you feel?" Rumiko asked slyly, testing her daughter. "Are you happy to see him?"
"How am I suppose to feel?" Rika asked, confused. "I think it's great he's back."
"So no reminiscent feelings?"
"Mom! What is that suppose to mean? Wait! No, I don't need to know."
To Andrew:
Mom is asking you to visit. Prepare yourself.
[New Message]
From Andrew:
Then I'll show up with flowers and chocolate. Tell me the time and date ;)
To Andrew:
Suck-up.
