Here's chapter 29!
Da Kaleidoscope- Haha, I'm not gonna die! And even if I did, I'll come back and finish this story… I'll be a ghost writer...get it?
Azure-Blue-15- Aww, thank you! I'm feeling much better now.
EricCantona228- Thanks! I was so happy to see that they had Servant of Evil live.
Amidstsnow- I love those songs! I like how a lot of producers take your known fairytales and completely twist the story around, changing the tone drastically.
Dinodude8000- Ah, just in time! Happy holidays!
Infinity Unit 13- Yes, I'm feeling way better now! Thank you!
Guest- Haha, my brother actually liked the songs Sacred Spear Explosion Boy and Gigantic O.T.N. but he had no idea what they meant! To this day, he still wonders what the actual lyrics are.
Lizzie-Chan- Ah, I love that song!
Guest- Oh, I'm sure you'll make lots of memories!
Guest- Where would we be if we had no cliff hangers? ^^
Like I previously mentioned, I'm a whole lot better! And as for my Vocaloid memory… When Miku Expo 2016 came to my city but I couldn't go. It's not a happy memory but it's something that I still remember to this day.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Vocaloids.
Len's POV
"Len, what's wrong? You look depressed."
I raised my head that was previously resting on my knees that were hugged close to my chest. Miku's comment was not making me feel any better. "I'm done with life, Miku." I lowered my gaze, my whole body covered in shame. I really do feel like crap.
Miku blinked. "Eh? What happened?"
"I took your advice and I confessed to Rin."
Miku's blue eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? What happened?"
"Miku, I tried confessing." I repeated, emphasis on 'tried'. The whole memory replayed in my mind and I was mentally slapping myself for messing this up.
Miku's joyous expression fell. "Oh, what happened?"
"The universe!" I exclaimed, pointing all the blame for my misfortune with my confessions on the universe. I mean, after two mistakes, I think it's fair to jump to this conclusion. It's not my fault. It's the universe's fault.
Miku tilted her head, obviously puzzled by my answer. "The...universe?"
"Yes! It's like fate is against the idea of me liking Rin." I grumbled, upset with the fail from two days ago. Seriously, what's going on? Or maybe I'm just horrible at this…?
"Did you time it wrong?" Miku questioned as she took a seat next to me on the couch. "Do you need my assistance?"
I looked over at her, my shoulders falling with a sigh. "Please."
Miku smiled politely. "Okay, then. Why not just tell Rin directly rather than waiting for another open moment to show up?" She suggested, her tone hinting that I was terrible with my nerves and it was all my fault for the failed attempts.
"Because after I fail to confess, all of my pride and courage falls to the floor and shatters. I'm a coward, okay?" I admitted, shame washing over me like heavy rain. I don't know how people have confidence… I don't think I could ever do anything so daring. I'm just not that type of person.
Miku contemplated my words. She tilted her head to the side a few times before she snapped her fingers, a grin spreading across her face. "I know! How about a love letter? You seem to have trouble speaking to Rin face to face… This way, even if you get rejected, it won't hurt as much."
I sweatdropped at the positivity in Miku's suggestion. "R-Rejected?" Obviously, I don't want that. That would be horrible… That would crush my already frail spirits.
Miku shook her head. "Don't worry. I'm sure that won't happen." I let out a small sigh of relief, somewhat reassured with Miku's words. "But like I said, a love letter might be your best option."
"Love letter?"
"Yeah, your feelings poured into a letter that expresses the longing you have for Rin, the desire you have to feel her warmth, the wish to lov-"
"Okay, okay! I think you're getting too carried away with this." I stopped Miku before her perverted mind began to start dirty thoughts.
Miku shook her head cheerfully. "I think it's a good idea. There's no way you can mess up with a letter."
I smiled nervously. "Wanna bet?"
Miku giggled. "Aww, come on. Just give it a try."
I thought about it. A letter seems easier than speaking in public… But then again, I'm not a writer. I can't come up with good meaningful statements. That's not my talent. I'll probably look awful with my basic and ridiculous thoughts…
"Len, stop doubting yourself." Miku's voice snapped me back to reality. I blinked before turning my full attention on the teal-haired girl. "Just do it, okay? I'm getting tired of waiting for this romance to bloom!"
I frowned. "Then help me out."
"I am. Didn't I just give you some advice right now?" She reminded me. "It's an excellent tip that you should follow."
"I'll try. Oh, by the way, how's Aoki?"
Miku groaned at the mention of that name. "Ugh, don't speak of that little brat."
I giggled uneasily, scared by the sudden annoyance and anger appearing in Miku's features. "Haha, she's just a small girl. She's not annoying, she's just...attached to certain people."
Miku rolled her eyes. "Yeah, she ruined your date with Rin."
I froze, blushing as I realized the words that left Miku's mouth. "D-Date?!"
"Hmm, the amusement park was supposed to be a date for the two of you. It was my idea and everything would have gone well except Aoki got in the way. Sorry."
I felt content knowing I had help from others, and I wasn't standing on my own for this. But there's so much pressure… "It's okay. Even if Aoki had behaved, I'm sure I would have ruined it with my nerves."
Miku pouted. "You know, a girl likes a shy bashful guy but she also wants to see some action, too."
I stared at her. "E-Eh?"
"Just something you should keep in mind."
"O-Okay."
"Ah, I was meaning to ask you this but we got off topic. Your timing was off, wasn't it? For your confession, I mean." I nodded solemnly, suddenly reminded of the lost chance. "When did you confess?"
"Umm, right before the fireworks."
Miku's eyes widened. "Idiot!" She grabbed the nearest pillow and smacked the side of my head.
I used my arms as shields, baffled as to why Miku was suddenly attacking me. "Oww! What did I do?"
"You're such an idiot!"
"And I repeat: What did I do?"
Miku finally dropped her assault on me. "You're not supposed to confess before the fireworks. You're supposed to do it after."
"How am I supposed to know that?!"
Miku shot me an exasperated look. "Every guy should know that. It makes the whole scene a lot more special."
I let out a sigh. Ahh… How the heck am I supposed to know that? If it's not crystal clear yet, I'm not good with stuff like this! I don't know how to be romantic or sweet and I sure as hell don't know how to act like a flirt!
…
…
Life isn't easy. Romance isn't easy. Girls aren't easy. Simple basic logic that everyone should know.
That's why, after Rin told me she didn't hear my confession, I simply withdrew my courage. I reassured her that I was only admiring the night sky and incredibly, Rin actually believed me. She didn't question me about it which I'm very thankful for.
"Oh, where's Rin?"
I blinked, returning my focus back to the conversation. "She went to her press conference." I replied, suddenly remembering Rin's greeting in the morning.
Flashback
"Hello, Len!"
I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, drowsiness remaining in me. "H-Hello." I surpassed a yawn that wanted to escape my mouth. When I fully opened my eyes, I noticed Rin was fully dressed in formal attire. "You're leaving?"
Rin followed my eyes and realized I was talking about her clothes. She nodded. "Yes, I have to go meet up with Luka."
I sat down at the table. "This early?"
Rin stared at me in disbelief. "Len, it's one in the afternoon."
I blinked. "O-One?" She confirmed my question with a firm nod. "I slept in 'til one?"
Rin giggled. "I went to wake you up but you were sleeping so soundly, I felt bad." I blushed at her words. Rin saw me sleeping…? Ahh! How embarrassing!
She smiled at me when she saw my flustered reaction. "Haha, don't worry. I didn't take any pictures." She placed a large plate filled with toast. "Here you go. I'm leaving in five minutes, you're in charge."
I grabbed the edge of one of the toasts. "What are you going to do?"
"I asked Luka to schedule me a press conference. A lot of people are demanding some answers for my sudden disappearance." She elaborated, her tone conveying all the irritation within her. "I have to settle this or else, I won't be able to live in peace."
I nodded my head in understanding. "You're gonna go walking?"
Rin shook her head. "I'm taking a taxi." She turned around and grinned at me. "Make sure to eat! Lenka should be hungry in a couple of hours, make sure to reheat the food I left for you!"
I watched Rin's figure disappear as she traveled to her room upstairs. For some reason, my stomach today is quite uneasy… This whole scene seems kind of nostalgic…
End of Flashback
Miku furrowed her brows at my response. "Press conference?"
I nodded. "Apparently, the media wants some answers for her absence."
"Geez, can't they give Rin a small break? I mean, she recently lost her brother, what do they expect? For her to perform the next day?" Miku grumbled in annoyance. Clearly, she was just as displeased about this as Rin.
I smiled sadly. Rinto passed away and the house feels somewhat incomplete without him. I'm glad Rin is alright now but something seems off… I just can't pinpoint what the issue is.
Rin's POV
"Rin, are you on your way?"
I nodded as I used my free hand to place a strand of my yellow hair behind my ear. "Yes, I'm waiting for a taxi." My eyes looked out for any signs of cars down in the unusually empty road. "Don't worry, I shouldn't take too long."
A frustrated sigh was heard from the other line. "Why didn't you just ask Kaito to take you?"
"Kaito has to take care of Aoki."
"She's visiting again?"
I nodded, my eyes vigilant for any incoming vehicles. "Yeah, he seems pretty excited about it."
Luka snickered. "What about Miku? How is she holding up?"
I laughed quietly. "What do you think? Aoki barely lets Kaito breathe. She's constantly seeking out his attention."
"Hmm~ Sounds like fun. What about you?"
"What about me?" I asked, puzzled by Luka's question.
"I heard Aoki was all over your man."
I rolled my eyes at the bluntness of this woman. Seriously, those that think Luka is a sweet kind elegant person- you're wrong! She can be nice but she can also behave just like a sassy rebellious teenager.
"Luka, please."
She laughed. "Okay, okay. I'll stop."
"You better." I warned, still waiting for my ride. "You have to stop talking to Miku. That girl is just putting ridiculous thoughts in your mind…" I trailed off, finally noticing a car! Yes! "I'll call you back. I see a taxi now."
"Bye. Be careful."
I hung up and placed my phone back into the pockets of my white loose sweater. I had on a black dress that reached my knees, a white lace wrapped around my waist which formed a small bow in the center. I didn't want to wear heels and wanting to be comfortable, I chose some matching flats. My hair was missing the usual bow and instead, it had a small side braid. Of course, I had on my glasses to reduce the possibility of being recognized but with my weird clothing, I don't think I'm doing too much with my secrecy.
I looked back at the road and noticed the incoming traffic. I waited patiently for a cab to pull over and surely after five minutes of standing still in the same spot on the street, one stopped and lowered their window. "Where can I take you?"
I swiftly made my way over to the car. I smiled politely at the older man. "Hello, would you be kind enough to take me to this address?" I pulled out a small paper with the address where I jotted down the place where Luka wanted us to meet.
The man's brown eyes quickly scanned the figures. He raised his head and smiled. "Of course, get on, Miss."
"Thank you." I opened the door and got in, relaxing a bit as my back touched the seat. Ahh, it feels so good to sit down. My back has been killing me these past few days and I absolutely can't stand it when I have to remain in an upright position.
Soon, the car began to move. The old man was happily humming along to one of the songs on the radio which I instantly recognized the voice as mine. "You like this music?" I asked, curious about this man's taste.
He looked back at me through the rear-view mirror before he cracked a small smile. He laughed, his head nodding in response to my question. "Actually, my daughter is a big fan of this talented young lady." He explained, his voice sounding tired and regretful. "She's been insisting I listen to this singer and I guess I was charmed by the lively melodies."
I smiled, amazed that he liked my songs. "How old is your daughter, Sir?"
"She's fifteen years, about to turn sixteen." He answered, his eyes glued to the road in front of us. "She wants to go to one of Kagamine's concert." His voice sounded distant but that thought was quickly dismissed when he continued to converse. "It's a real shame she lost her brother."
My eyes widened. His words punched me in the stomach, slightly knocking the air out of me. I haven't really spoken about this topic anymore since I promised I would move on but… Hearing it like that, it makes it seem so surreal.
"Poor girl. I heard she lost her parents when she was young and now her brother, too…"
I clenched my hands but quickly undid this action as my injuries were still healing.
"I can't imagine how sad she must be." The man spoke with sympathy. "You know, I lost my wife as well."
I raised my head in alarm. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."
He laughed quietly. "It's alright. That was ten years ago. I still remember. I hold her memory close to my heart, she'll never leave my mind."
"That's how it works with family members, huh? You love them dearly during your lifetime and when it's time to part, no matter what, the memories created together will always be left behind as our proof of life."
The man nodded. "That's right, dear. I just hope Miss Kagamine knows this. She's too young to be brought down by life."
I smiled bitterly. "Yeah, let's hope she gets her act together…" I mumbled, barely audible for my ears. "Thank you for sharing your story with me."
He quickly glanced at the mirror in front of him. From there, I could see a gentle smile on his lips. "You're welcome, Miss."
The car came to a stop at the red light. We waited calmly for the signal to turn green and when it did, the vehicle moved forward.
I don't remember what happened next since everything happened way too fast and my vision was fuzzy. All I know, everything was peaceful until time slowed down and my eyes saw nothing but black.
Len's POV
I sat down on the couch, Lenka resting beside me as she practiced her reading skills. I switched channels, completely unimpressed by any of the showings on TV right now.
"Len! Where's the popcorn?"
"It's in the top cabinet!" I looked back at Lenka and giggled.
Miku decided to stay here and wait for the arrival of her best friend. I couldn't protest since Miku announced this more as a firm statement rather than a suggestion. Rin told me once that you better obey Miku because she can be quite scary and intimidating when she wants to be.
I'm not taking any chances.
My finger continued to press down on the remote's button, hoping to find something that would fill this boredom that was invading my mind. I stopped at the local channel, the big red letters flashing had caught my attention.
In the screen, a distressed news anchor spoke to the camera. "Alright, umm, we have some important information coming in right now. It appears there was an accident by one of Tokyo's busiest streets. The authorities quickly arrived at the scene and now we're just waiting for them to confirm the identity of the victim."
Miku walked in, an empty bowl in her hands. "Oh my… That's so sad. I hope they're okay."
Lenka grabbed my hand as she placed her other free hand on her chest. "I-It hurts."
I furrowed my brows at her painful whisper. "You okay?" I placed the back of my hand on her forehead but I felt no drastic sign of high fever. "Does your stomach hurt?"
Lenka shook her head. "It hurts." She repeated.
"Where?"
"Here." She used her small index finger to point at the center of her chest. I tilted my head with worry.
"Your chest?" Miku asked, just as uncertain as me. I was about to interrogate my little sister when the TV interrupted us.
"We have an update about this incident. It seems there were two victims- a female and a male. The police has already identified one of the victims as the young singer of only sixteen years of age, Rin Kagamine."
All you could hear was the loud thud from the bowl slipping out of Miku's grasp and hitting the floor with great force. I stared at the screen as a picture of the familiar blonde appeared next to the heading 'Car Crash: Two Severely Injured'.
Ha, I told you the happiness was only gonna last for a bit. We'll see what happens after this.
So, like I said before, I'm all better! When I fainted, unfortunately, no one was there to catch me which means I took the full hit. My body was pretty sore and my neck was killing me! I'm recovering, the doctor said it wasn't anything too serious. But I really appreciate the concern and get well wishes, they really made me feel better!
Ah, Christmas is so near yet it feels like it's still pretty far away, at least for me. I did get a nice surprise this afternoon, I got my Kagamine Character Collection book, it's pretty amazing! I started crying because I got emotional since it's so close to the Kagamine's ninth anniversary.
Anyway, here's another set of questions for you guys: How long have you been in this fandom? How did you discover Vocaloid?
Until next time! Happy holidays and best wishes! Spread the love and joy~
