(Rima's POV)

"I…" I trailed. What am I supposed to do? Should I go back to Kyoto with Yua and Kirishma or stay in Tokyo with the others and my family?

I weighed out the pros and cons of each option, but after seconds, my head throbbed because of the faint fever I had. I clutched my head with my hands, sighed and hid my face between my knees.

In a moment, my dad interrupted the silence. "Rima, are you not feeling well? You didn't finish your sentence."

There was a bit of concern in his tone. To prove to him I was alright, I speedily lifted my head and smiled. "I'm fine, Papa. I'm—I'm just thinking. I don't want to disappoint anybody."

My mom gently sat on my bed and extended her hand. "Hunny-Bunny, it's your choice. Don't let the people connected to the choices influence you. It's whatever makes you happy. Take as much time as you want." She presented a warm smile.

I glanced over her and my dad's expression before letting out the biggest sigh. "I know you said to take my time, but I can't figure it out." My face buried itself between my knees once again.

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulders. I didn't bother to raise my head; I knew it was my parents. "It's okay, Rima. Since you don't know what to do, we'll have you stay with us for now. If you change your mind though, let us know and we'll contact Yua and her manager to come get you."

"I'm fine with that."

My mom released a sigh of her own. "Since that's over, Isamu, why don't we go?"

At this time, I finally raised my head to see my parents exchanging glances. My dad agreed and they went toward my door. Before leaving however, my dad faced me, "One of us will be back to take your temperature to see if you still have a fever. You don't have to go to school tomorrow if you're not up to it."

With that, my dad turned the doorknob and allowed my mom to exit before him. When the door shut, I fell on my pillow, a frown on my face.

After several minutes, I ended the angry battle between myself and my indecisiveness. I sat up and rotated to the left to my side table. On the table sat the two drawstring pouches Nadeshiko handed me earlier. I grabbed both and examined each.

I picked the pink one. Nadeshiko said that Amu gave me this one. I opened the bag and dumped the contents on my bed. There was a note and a box of chocolate almond crush Pocky.

I smiled to myself and placed the Pocky back into the bag for later. I moved the pink bag to the side and reached for the note that was also inside.

I read it aloud. "With the warmest of wishes, this note and Pocky comes to hope that you're recovering and getting better soon." There was a smiley face. My eyes scrolled to the bottom to find a postscript. "Next time, don't dilly dally in the rain." A combination of a frown and angry face followed.

My eyes widened. How did Amu know I got sick from staying in the rain? This is the same girl who keeps claiming she pays attention in music, but I know she doesn't.

How… Never mind. Nadeshiko probably told her. I rolled my eyes at my slow thinking. I sneezed and coughed.

I stuck the note Amu wrote into the bag and pushed it aside. I snatched the gold one next. I scrutinized it closer than the previous because Nadeshiko mentioned she didn't know where this came from. For all I know there could be poison or a bomb inside that'll detonate if it's opened.

I remained calm and forced myself to open it. I tugged on the strings and just like I did to Amu's, I dumped whatever was inside on my bed. Unlike Amu's, there was no gift; there was only a note folded into a star.

I unfolded it and laid it flat to wipe away the crease and fold marks. I brought it up and read the message. "You see, Rima? Didn't I tell you the jacket you wore last night wasn't going to cover it? You didn't heed the warning and now you're staying home from school presumably with a fever. I'm sorry; this message should be more sympathetic. How about… Here's something that'll hopefully make you smile: you're not the only one that's sick, if you know what I mean." There was a smiley face next to it. "Anyways, I hope you'll get better so you can come back to school and I can kick that stubborn ass of yours for not going home sooner. I'm just kidding. Get well soon, Rima!" At the end it wasn't sighed with the person's name, it was simply 'a friend.'

Instead of attempting to figure out who gave me this letter and gain a headache or a worse fever, I tucked the letter back in its holder and moved the gold and pink bags to the table.

Since that was done, I knew there was something I had to do next. I got up from bed and reached for the phone sitting on my desk. I dialed the number and put the phone to my ear.

"Hiya, Sakurai Yua here! Who's this?"

I swear Yua and I are alike. We don't check caller ID.

I cleared my throat and sniffled a bit. "Hey Yua, it's me, Rima. I have something to-"

"Rima! Aw, I miss you so much! Did you miss me too? Is that why you're calling? I can't believe you're actually listening to what my manager told you to do. You don't have to worry about me, I won't do what I did before. Speaking of which…"

I tried to be calm and relax. The last thing I wanted to do was yell and get mad at her, like I usually end up doing. When she was done, I sighed in relief. "That's great news, Yua-tan. Now I have something to say."

"Oh, that's right! Go ahead, I'm all ears since I just finished up in the studio." She stopped her talking and waited for me. There was a long pause on our lines. "Well, Rima, what is it?"

"Kyoto," I muttered.

"What was that?"

"I might be going to Kyoto."

The squeal I expected happened. "Really? When are you visiting again? Tell me as soon as you find out, so I can schedule my rehearsals around it, okay!"

I softly smiled. "Yua, I'm not just going to visit. The truth is I might be attending Briar Wood with you and Kirishma-kun again." Not a peep came from Yua's end after I ended my sentence. "Yua-tan? Yua, are you still-"

"What do you mean you might be attending Briar Wood again!"

I winced at her reaction as I moved the phone from my ear. I shuddered at her volume. "What I mean is-"

"Is this a joke? It has to be! Why else would you be telling me this piece of information with a bored tone? Don't you fool me, Mashiro Rima!"

Once Yua cooled down, I informed her of everything that occurred, starting with when I left her house yesterday.

"You're kidding, right? No way Nagihiko would be stupid enough to do that!"

Actually, he could be, not going to lie. That's when something popped into my head. "Speaking of that Yua-tan, what did he say when you stole my phone?" I was glaring at the phone– more like the person on the other end.

"He asked me what time you'll be going home."

That's it? I kinda thought he asked—

"Oh, there's something you should know while I'm at it." My eyes narrowed. "I told him to be there ten minutes early and to get you flowers."

"What's wrong with that?" Although I'd prefer if he didn't show up early, but at least show up! In addition, I didn't really care for flowers or anything.

"I forgot to mention that it was me, not you," Yua confessed. I got quiet. "Riri-chi? Rima?"

"Yua! Why would you forget? He probably thought I was more spoiled and materialistic than his girlfriend." I doubt that's possible though.

"I'm sorry! I was about to tell him, but you and Kirishma-kun came upstairs and attacked me in my room! How did you guys even get a copy of my room key?"

"Who cares about your key? You're the reason he didn't show up!"

"Now Rima, you can't put all the blame on me! I'm sure I'm not the reason, well, at least not the main reason. We'll talk about it later. I want to know more about Kyoto! Why did you want to tell me?"

Yua messed with me a little, so I'm going to mess with her. "I didn't. Kirishma-kun wasn't answering his phone and his house phone was busy," I smirked.

"Really? I feel loved," she sighed.

"No, Yua! I wanted to see what you thought about it and what I should do. My parents say that I have all the time I want to think about it, but it's driving me crazy. I want to leave the decision to you."

"Rima, you're obviously still sick."

Really, Yua? I did not know that.

"I'm not making the decision for you. You're going to have to make it because you want to do it. Trust your instincts and decide where you'll be happiest. All I can do is influence your choice, but I'm still not going to because we know what I'd pick. Anyways, I need to go. I have school tomorrow. I'll talk to you later. Night, Rima."

"Night, Yua," I responded. I hung up when I heard Yua's end click.

I pouted and slid my phone across the desk. There goes another theory why Nagihiko didn't show up. I sighed as I walked over to the spot where it happened, not to relive that memory, but to shut the window.

I strolled to my window bench and plopped down to close the frame. When I finished, I looked out the window only to see time repeating itself.

I sighed and leaned back onto my bookshelf.

What to do: Should I stay or should I go?

A few days later

Crap. I swiftly got back on my feet and scanned my surroundings, seeing if anyone saw me trip.

There was no one in sight. I sighed in relief and made it to Seiyo's gates. After a couple days of skipping class – because of my illness – I'm at last returning to school. Since I'm here at Seiyo, that means I haven't made my Kyoto or Tokyo choice yet.

I think I might stay in Tokyo. I mean, what else could go— wrong.

Spoke too soon. A figure around the same size as me and I collided as I walked through the gates. I landed with a crash to the ground. I checked my head for any bruises or injuries.

After examining my head, I opened my eyes to see whom I ran into. The person was across from me and was still on the ground, scratching her head and sniffling. She reached for her bag before turning to me.

I slightly gulped. Anybody, but her. I guess, it could be worse. For all of fate's love teasing me, I could've run into Saaya or Lulu. I'm glad it's the less possessed of the three.

She stood up and dusted off her skirt. Her mini pigtails held by the red ribbons were bouncing up and down. She leaned over me. "Watch it, Mashiro-sa—Mashiro, Rima-tan."

I gazed into the brown eyes of the girl I used to think was my friend. "Yui—I mean, Yaya." I got up and dusted myself. I bent down to reclaim my bag. "If you'll excuse me, I need to do something." There was a shocked expression on her face. Is she shocked I'm not killing her? My mind's too preoccupied to lash out.

I calmly passed her. When I was several feet away, she halted me. "Wait! Rima-tan's just going to walk away like that? Isn't Rima-tan going to yell? It was Yaya's fault!"

I replied with a bored face and tone. "No, what good with that do? Have a nice day, Yaya." I began walking away again only to be halted once more.

"Rima-tan, I'm sorry about Na—" Her phone rang and she seized it from her pocket.

I took that chance. Before I was out of sight, I recalled the look on her face, not hatred, but regret.

I brushed it away and traveled around the campus in search of my friends. My head went to the right, to the left and then to the right again. I wish I hadn't turned to the left the second time though.

"So Nagi-koi, what are we doing after school?"

I quickened my pace out of the area and continued searching for the others. The whole time I was walking, I passed the sorry faces on the many students.

Seconds later, I saw blond and auburn hair. They saw me and motioned for me to join them.

"Rima-san, good morning," Tadase greeted with a smile on his face.

Kukai on the other hand, slapped my back hard enough to make me keel over. "You feeling better, Rima!"

I twitched. I was until he did that.

"Souma-kun, what was that for? She could still be sick."

"Nah, she's tough. She can handle anything that comes her way." Weird how Kukai's saying that. "Anyways Rima, you missed a lot while you were sick." Kukai and Tadase informed me of everything I missed, from the basketball game to school and council work.

"Sorry we couldn't visit you, Rima-san. We've been busy and I heard from Fujisaki-kun that your dad can be scary."

That's the truth. "It's okay. I wasn't that sick. I was just using the extra time to work on that Language Arts project that's not due for another few weeks." My eyes narrowed at the blond-haired person who sweat-dropped.

"I should've mentioned my working habits. I already finished it if you were wondering."

I waved it off.

"By the way, Rima how was it when Nade-chan and Fujisaki-kun took care of you on Monday? How are you feeling now?"

The Kyoto decision came back to the front of my mind. "Actually, I barely remember what happened that day. It'd be better to ask Nadeshiko or Nagihiko. I'm better than ever, why?"

"Really?" Kukai and Tadase surrounded me. "For some reason, that sentence doesn't sound right."

"What do you mean?"

"We mean, they already informed—"

"Fine! I remember what happened that night and I'm not better or anything. My brain is in over drive with the decision." Pause. "I'm going back to Kyoto!"

The moment I yelled my sentence Kukai and Tadase instantly got quiet. They stayed quiet for the longest time.

Right as I was about to lose my patience and say something, Kukai and Tadase shouted a late reply, "You're what!"

Did I stutter? I stared at them with a poker face and repeated the earlier phrase. "I'm going back to—"

Before I could finish my sentence, Kukai and Tadase clamped their hands over my mouth. Because of that, I fell backwards to the ground. They removed their hands after I bit their fingers. "Ow, Rima, what was that for?" Kukai questioned, holding onto his finger.

I stood up and dusted my clothes a second time. "Well, why did you two stop my sentence?"

"Because the name of that dreaded city shall not be said or else bad things will happen in the future."

"Yeah, like you ending up in the hospital." The auburn-haired boy went behind Tadase. I rolled my eyes and sighed. "Look, I shouldn't get so mad about that. I better explain."

"That's right, you better!" Kukai shouted.

I narrowed my eyes. "Where should I begin?"

During my explanation, Kukai and Tadase listened intently. They nodded their heads and asked questions and added commentary to show they were listening. Once I finished, I asked the question if I should go back or not. At first, they shook their heads and refused saying that they'd miss me. After awhile though, they gave in and claimed my happiness was more important.

"Rima-san, you should make the decision for yourself. Yes, we'll all miss you, but your happiness is more important. Do what's right."

"But don't forget, if you do choose Kyoto, make sure to visit us," Kukai said with a thumbs up and grin.

I tiny smiled.

Then out of nowhere, we heard a gasp. We raised our eyebrows and turned to see an underclassman hiding behind a tree. I stiffened. He heard our whole conversation.

Kukai took a step forward and held out his hand. "Hey kid, how much of that did you hear?"

The kid didn't answer. He ran away from us to notify everybody. I face-palmed. That is just great. No one except my parents, Yua and these two know. By the end of the day, everyone will and everyone includes…

"Stupid Fujisaki-kun."

I rotated to Kukai and Tadase, an angry expression on their face. "What's up with you two?"

"If Fujisaki-kun didn't fall into the deep end with Yamabuki-san, then none of this would've happened and you wouldn't have to move."

When a few moments passed, their facial expressions began to freak me out. I left the two of them talking about a revenge plan that included Nadeshiko, Utau and Ikuto.

As I walked away, I faced the tree where that kid was standing, thinking that somebody else was watching. I waited for a little bit wondering if there really was a person, but when the bell rang, I gave up and headed to class. I guess it was my imagination.

Lunch

"I'm glad you're feeling better Rima. It's too bad you might be going back though."

I laughed nervously. Didn't I say everybody was bound to hear? "Don't worry, Amu, I'm not sure yet. You'll be the first to know once I make my decision."

She giggled. "Sure, Rima. Anyways, I have to go this way. I'll see you later." Amu turned right.

I waved. "Bye Amu."

I made my way to my locker. I shoved the books from my last classes inside and snatched my lunch. When I shut my locker, I saw the most "delightful" face.

"Hello, Mashiro," she greeted with clenched teeth.

I rolled my eyes. "What do you want? Can't you wait until after lunch? That way if my mom packed me something I don't like, all I have to do is see you then I can throw it up," I smiled.

She narrowed her eyes. "Wait a moment, you—" She stopped in the middle of her sentence and a smirk developed on her face. "Make all the jokes you want. You're just jealous."

I gave her a smirk as well remembering what occurred at break. "Jealous? Jealous of what? That one of your henchmen resigned from your fan club at break."

She growled like a rabid dog.

I walked in circles around her. "Is that it Saaya? You want me to be jealous that you lost Yaya's trust, friendship, and that now she can have better friends that treat her right, unlike you and Lulu."

When Saaya remained silent, I knew I struck a nerve.

I grinned wider and continued. "Should I also be jealous that Yaya exploited to the headmaster that you made her and Lulu hack into school records and that from now on, the three of you are no longer allowed into the main office? Maybe I should be jealous of the fact that you only have one friend and that pretty much everyone at this school hates you? No, I know! I should be jealous that you have the crappiest life on earth?"

Many students gathered around including Nadeshiko, Utau and Lulu. I stood with my arms across my chest with a feeling of pride and accomplishment.

Did I strike down the school bitch?

I stayed still waiting for her to say that she's given up or watch her break down and cry. Either would work.

I beamed to myself when I saw her collapse to the ground. Lulu came forward from the crowd about to help her up, but Saaya signaled for her to stop. Lulu listened as she sneezed and shrank back into the crowd.

Everyone scrutinized Saaya.

Then finally, I'm positive she lost it. She started to laugh uncontrollably. It was moments before I realized it was a demonic laugh.

She raised her head and brushed some locks from her face. She glared into my eyes. There was a glint of evil in them.

I raised my eyebrows and decided to leave while she's still on the ground. "I'm going to—"

"Oh? You're going to leave, Mashiro?" She got up and approached me. "I know why you're in such a hurry to leave."

"Really? Please, humor me. I'm sure someone with a sense of humor like—Never mind, what sense of humor?"

"Very funny, Mashiro, but I know—No we all know the real reason why you're jealous of me."

"Try me."

She smirked before saying the one name that could get me every time. "Nagihiko."

I struggled to stay calm. "What?"

"Did I mumble? You heard me. You're jealous that I have Nagihiko."

I didn't know how to answer because it was true.

Saaya saw an opening in the wall I built up. She took that chance to break it down; she walked in circles around me. "What was that Mashiro? You didn't say anything. Does it mean that I'm right, that you're jealous Nagihiko chose me a second time over you?" She faced the crowd. "And for your information, I'm sure you know how Rima was in love with him and how crushed she was when she found out he ditched her in the rain for yours truly."

She reversed her circle.

Saaya laughed with more evil. "Mashiro's jealous. She wishes she was me, that way she'll finally see what she's missing." She halted and loomed over me. "I'm not going to deny that I barely have friends, everybody at the school hates me and I might have a crappy life, but there's one thing I have, munchkin, and that is Nagihiko. You can't stand to see me with him everyday, especially this morning, am I right? You can't stand it that bad that you're thinking of moving? What good would that do? Nagihiko and I are going to be together, despite what you or the others do. You know why?" She made one last smirk. "He can't stay mad at me because he's in love with me. What do you say to that, Mashiro?"

I didn't have anything to say. Instead, I lifted my hand. With all the hate and fury I had, that she caused, I gave her one big punch in the face.

When my punch landed, she fell to the ground. The crowd was shocked. I panted heavily. When I cooled down, I gazed at the crowd gasping at someone. I whipped my head and saw him.

I closed my eyes. I'm so screwed. He made me cry and run from school when I talked shit about Saaya. What is he going to do now that I punched her? I braced for the worst.

Saaya ran from the ground to his side. "Nagi-koi, she punched me and now my nose feels broken. Did you see? Did you?"

He took a moment to respond. "I did."

I'm going to repeat it, I'm screwed! I gulped. He turned his head to look at me. His ochre eyes met up with mine. He stared at me for the longest time.

Nagihiko finally broke when Saaya dragged him down with her complains. "Nagi-koi, aren't you going to do anything? Insult her? Ridicule her? Punch her? Anything?"

He narrowed his eyes at her and faced me again. "No, because she's—This just isn't worth it. I need to take you to the nurse." He slid his arm out of her grasp and took her hand. They went down the hall.

I stood there like an idiot after they were gone. I couldn't figure out why Nagihiko didn't do any of the things Saaya listed. However, that's when I remembered something.

When we had our small stare down, I noticed that his eyes weren't of detestation or rage, but guilt and unhappiness. Could the reason he told me when he was taking care of me, that he was in love with Saaya, be a lie? Is that why he didn't catch me lying?

"Clear out. There's nothing to see here. Go enjoy your lunch."

Nadeshiko and Utau motioned for the students to go. They came up to me. "Rima, are you okay?" Utau thought about her sentence and rephrased it. "Are you at least better than the time you were sick?"

"Utau-san, bye," Nadeshiko pointed toward the music room.

"Fine, I was supposed to come up with plans for next class anyways." Before she went to do her mission, Utau brushed past and whispered, "Don't worry. Everything will be better soon."

In a few minutes, the sound of footsteps faded.

I rotated to Nadeshiko. "Shall we go to lunch?" I nodded my head and picked up my lunch on the ground. As we went to our normal lunch spot, Nadeshiko repeated Utau's words. "Don't worry, Rima-chi. Everything will be better soon."

I was beginning to wonder what they meant by that. It could be what Tadase and Kukai told me this morning, that they still have their revenge plan on Saaya.

Nadeshiko and I made it to where Kukai and Tadase sat already eating lunch. They greeted us with a wave and smile. I returned the smile and sat down.

After Lunch

"See you later, Rima-tan," Yaya presented me with a hug and smile before skipping off.

I smiled to myself thinking that now Yaya can have true friends. Although I do wonder what happened to her and Lulu. The reason why she stayed friends with Saaya was because of Lulu. What happens next?

I pushed the idea aside as I put in my locker combination. When it swung open, a note spilled and landed on the ground. I bent down.

I unfolded it and read the contents.

Rima,

We need to talk. Meet me on the drama stage right after lunch. Don't worry about being late to class, I'll write you an excused note.

Utau

I refolded the note and stuffed it in my pocket. I got my backpack out from my locker and threw the books and materials I needed for my last two classes into it. It'd be better to bring my stuff, so I can just head straight to class afterwards.

I slammed my locker and went against the flow of students in the hall. On the way there, it seemed like someone was following. I pushed it aside and continued.

I arrived at the drama room in a couple minutes, but I had to go a little farther to reach the stage. I walked onto the stage and immediately faced where the audience would be sitting.

I scanned around for anybody. When the coast was clear, I released my backpack and stepped forward. I cleared my throat and imitated an old person's voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, Rima, the goddess of comedy."

I lifted my hands. "Thank you, thank you. Hold the applause until the end. To get this performance started how about I do my famous trick." I breathed in and out and got a determined look in my eyes. "One, two, three. Bala-balance!" I struck my favorite gag pose in front of a non-existent crowd.

When I was done, I bowed.

"Thank you, thank…" I trailed off when I heard real clapping.

Guess who decided to show up? I rotated on the stage and searched for the owner of the clapping, but backstage was pitch black. The only light was the one spotlight.

"Hello?" No response. "Ha ha, very funny, Utau. Now come out and we can talk."

I heard laughter coming from everywhere. I looked from left to right.

The laughter ceased on my right side.

I walked over to the side of the stage, slightly worried about leaving the light. I peeked through the curtains. "Utau? Utau, where are you?"

In a flash, I was pushed forward. I let out a whimper as I fell.

"Utau?"

Suddenly, I heard a creak and a click. I stood up and walked forward, but was stopped by something in my way. I felt around and realized I was trapped in a box.

"Utau! Utau, are you there?" When there was no reply, I began to tremble. I was locked in a dark space. This is my kidnapping incident all over again. I crouched into a ball and shut my eyes. "Utau! Utau, please!"

There was a cackle. My eyes flew open. I could recognize that laugh anywhere. "My, my, Mashiro. Looks like you're stuck in a predicament."

In a second I got up and went to what I thought was the front. "Saaya, let me out! What the hell is wrong with you?"

"Nothing. Just consider this revenge for punching me. Thanks to you, I have a broken nose, which I need to get fixed over this weekend. And, how dare you use your freaky mind powers so that Nagihiko didn't yell at you in front of everybody!"

"Well, you pissed me off. If I wasn't locked in here, I'd punch you again! I did nothing to Nagihiko. It was his choice not to do what you said. Now let me out! I need to find Utau."

"You stupid, munchkin. Utau left during lunch to go to the studio. I heard it from the nurse myself."

"Then why did she leave a note in my locker if…" That's when it hit me. "You're the one who put that note in my locker!"

"Technically, I didn't put it in your locker. Someone else did. I'm sure you can guess who, my only loyal henchman of course."

Damn Lulu.

"Let me out!"

"Nope, I'm not going to. I'm going to leave you in the dark just like what happened to you many years ago. Too bad, you didn't think to bring your bag seeing as your phone was in there, which I'll be taking. Now, if you don't excuse me, I'll be going to class. Have fun, Mashiro. This'll teach you to never mess with me again. Bye-bye."

With that, I heard a door close. What a bitch!

There was barely any air in here and it was pure darkness. I fell onto my knees and tears formed in my eyes. What have I gotten into?

I had hope when I heard thedoor creak open. Unfortunately, it shut seconds later.

Somebody, anybody, I don't care. Just please….

Hurry up and save me.

(Mystery Person's POV)

Language Arts

"Maeda-san?"

"Here, sensei!"

"Alright, Mashiro-san?" No reply. I bit my lip. Nikaidou gazed up from the roll sheet and surveyed the classroom. His eyes landed on the only empty desk. "Has anyone seen Mashiro-san?" A hand was raised. "Yes, Suzuki-san?"

"I don't know how to tell you this, Nikaidou-sensei, but Mashiro-san kind of disappeared."

"What do you mean by that?"

"She wasn't in my previous class."

" I'll call the office to make sure. Maybe she got called in for council business."

In the corner of my eye, I saw the council president break a pencil. If Rima was in the office, Nadeshiko would be there too.

I know exactly where Rima is though.

Through the talking of people, I was able to catch the snickering of a certain red-haired and green-eyed girl two rows over.

"Class, settle down. Let me finish taking attendance." Once that was over, Nikaidou let us talk quietly while he phoned the office.

During this time, I had to figure out a way to free Rima from the torture cell without her discovering the truth just yet.

I looked up in time to see the basketball captain tucking his phone into his pocket and approaching Nikaidou. They exchanged a couple words before Nagihiko went out the door. I wonder where he's going.

At any rate, I better rescue Rima. I raised my hand and Nikaidou shushed the class. "Yes?"

"May I go to the bathroom?"

He took a while to respond. "You may."

I got up from my seat and went to the door right as another hand went in the air. When I shut the door behind me and made sure there was no one, I quickened my pace down the hall. I took a detour to my locker and grabbed a black cloak. I draped it over myself and hurried to the drama room. Hopefully, it's not too late.

I arrived at the drama room then moved toward the stage door. I hesitated for a moment. Am I doing the right thing?

I made my decision as I reached for the doorknob. When the door was fully open, the stage and theater lights were all lit. I swiftly hid behind a curtain.

The opposite side of the stage was my objective. Who else could be here? The janitor doesn't clean here until late at night.

I peeked from the curtain and saw a bag on the stage. My eyes traveled upward and I saw purple hair…

Nagihiko!

I hid behind the curtain once more. What is he doing here? How did he know Rima was locked in here?

I silently went from curtain to curtain to the light box. I flipped off all the lights except the spotlight. This way, either of them won't see my face.

I watched him stop what he was about to do and survey the area. He shook his head and continued on his task. I positioned myself behind a curtain so I was able to see what was going on.

Nagihiko held a crowbar in his hands. He started to hack off the lock on the box. It was faint, but you could still hear Rima's sniffles.

Apparently, Nagihiko heard them too. He was more determined to break the lock. He used all his strength and might. In eight powerful hits, the lock broke. He tossed the crowbar and swung the door open.

Even though, I was at a bad angle, I was able to see Rima crouched in a ball form. When she saw the door open, she stood up and tackled her hero.

I smiled. I guess she didn't need me after all. I was about to leave, that is until the two exchanged an interesting conversation.

And by interesting, I mean awkward.

"Kukai, how the hell did you know I was here? You know what, I don't care. Thanks for saving me."

Nagihiko winced. "Rima-chan, I'm not Kukai."

Rima backed up from Nagihiko to get a better examination. "If you're not Kukai, then… Nagihiko?"

"Surprise?"

I could tell Rima was surprised. She began backing away from Nagihiko and headed toward the middle of the stage. Nagihiko followed her, making her back up to the front.

Just as she was about to fall, Nagihiko caught her and brought her toward the middle again. The two said nothing for the longest time; they just stared at one another.

Nagihiko was the first to speak however. He questioned Rima on how she got trapped in this predicament. Rima flat out blamed Saaya. She explained that she was stuck in there awhile because she couldn't call anybody since Saaya stole her phone.

Nagihiko countered by saying that he received a message from her telling him that she was stuck in a predicament. Rima shook her head, seeing as she couldn't believe it. Rima yelled at him for him believing Saaya.

Nagihiko explained to her though, that that it wasn't what it looked like with him and Saaya. I had to cover my mouth to prevent me from saying anything or coughing.

"Really? Then what is it supposed to look like?"

"I didn't listen to Saaya earlier. Doesn't that mean anything?"

"No, I want to know the whole truth. I know you were lying to me that one night. So what is it really?"

Nagihiko bowed his head and uttered the phrase, "I'd never tell you."

When I thought the two couldn't handle it anymore, I pulled the cloak tightly over my face and ran on the stage. I stepped in the middle of them. They both stepped back confused and alarmed.

I lowered my head for a second. Then with the swiftness of a coursing river, I snatched Rima's bag and her wrist and yanked her toward the exit, leaving Nagihiko dumbfounded.

We exited the drama room and ended up outside. Rima dropped to her knees to catch her breath. This girl really needs to work out more. I kindly offered her bag. She looked up at me, but I scrunched the cloak just in time.

She took her bag and stood up. Although she stared me down with her deathly amber eyes, her overall facial expression was thankful and innocent. "Thanks for that, I guess. Who are you though? Do I know you?"

To avoid answering the questions, I changed the subject. "Don't worry about that, Rima," I said shifting my pitch. "Just head back to Language Arts and Nikaidou-sensei won't—"

She pointed her finger at me. "How did you know I have Language Arts right now? Are you in my class?"

I carefully thought of a reply. "If you go to class now and don't mention anything, I'll tell you who I am soon."

She pondered and walked in circles around me. "Alright, but I expect for you to tell me who you are soon." She moved forward three steps before she stopped and rotated. "You aren't Saaya, right?"

I shook my head aggressively. Hell no.

"Fine. For some reason, I believe you and it feels like I know you. Goodbye, cloaked stranger."

When I was sure she was out of sight, I threw off the cloak and hid it in a nearby tree. I placed my hands on my hips and smiled, ready to go to class, that is until…

"The bathroom, huh?"

I whipped my head and saw a person standing mere inches away. I gulped.

"You know, I wondered why someone who usually doesn't use public bathrooms asked to go during class. Everything makes sense now."

I bit my lip. "Yeah, what of it? People still need to go to the bathroom no matter how much they detest public ones."

"Really? I bet most people don't wear a cloak to the bathroom." I stiffened, knowing she knows something. "Listen, I know you didn't go to the bathroom, but instead went to go save Rima. Am I right?"

"How did you—"

"Simple. Let me explain." The person took a moment to regain their memory. "After lunch, I noticed Rima wasn't heading to class, so I inconspicuously followed her. I witnessed what happened."

"That doesn't explain how you knew I was going to save Rima."

"I've actually known something for awhile, but I'll save that for another time so we don't get a class cut. We better head there."

The person led the way as I followed. "Wait, how did Nagihiko know Rima was in there? Saaya—"

"Stole her phone," she finished. I nodded my head. "I sent him a message after Nikaidou finished attendance. He pretended to go to the bathroom while he really was going to save Rima. He doesn't know it's me since I blocked the number." This person is smarter than I imagined. "Something wrong?"

"Not really, but how do you know Rima?"

The person genuinely smiled. "Rima and I actually go back a few years. What about you?"

"I guess it's similar. Rima and I did have good memories, until I..." I trailed.

The person noticed this. "No worries, you don't have to tell me. I have a question if you don't mind. You were going to save Rima, right?" I nodded. "You're no longer fri—"

"That is correct," I interrupted.

"Hmm, guess we're on the same page."

"What page is that?"

The person came forward and whispered in my ear, for fear there might be people roaming the halls, ditching class. "Well? Do you agree?"

I grinned. "Indeed."

"So it's decided, we're joining forces. The two of us."

"Three. I know one person who would love to join us." We exchanged looks and grins as we were outside the classroom door.

"I better go in first then you so it doesn't seem like anything suspicious."

"Good idea."

The person opened the door and went in; they closed the door behind.

Like my new partner in crime told me to do, I waited a few moments. I at last opened the door, stepped in and closed the door, pretending like nothing happened as I regained my seat and continued on with class.

To be continued…

Daichi: Cami-san, you better have a good explanation for not updating.

Me: Does procrastinating count?

Daichi: O.o

I'm estimating six more chapters and an epilogue. In addition, I'm not sure when this is over if I should write another story. :-/