The last thing I was expecting was to get a review on this fanfic. We went six months without a review while my other fanfic, After a Litre of Tears, was getting a review monthly. I'm actually really happy to see someone openly expressing their support for this fanfic.
Durpz - Thank you so much for reviewing! You are the first review in six months! lol Really, I thought reviewing this fic was a dead idea lol Wait, you found it on wattpad? Oh wow... I honestly didn't think people read my stuff there. I kinda forgot about that site and moved on to AO3 while continuing here. Actually, I think I forgot to update on AO3 when I updated here... lol I'll get to updating there. But thank you so much for enjoying this story.
Just now, I also uploaded a chapter preview for chapter 43 of this fanfic today, and a preview for chapter 42 a few days ago. Please read at your own risk, may be spoilers (though I try not to have it be *major* spoilers... only minor ones lol). I also remember I need to write a oneshot for someone and finish my LotF fanfic, which I think is almost done, just one or two more chapters to go.
Enough of my rambling, let's get on with the story~
In the pouring rain, Ann cautiously walked towards the back of the school. Holding her umbrella, she goes to the alleyway where the school trash is located. She was thankful that she was alone for once. Usually, Ann enjoyed being trapped in her crowd of fans. Now, she wanted no one with her.
Seemingly all alone, Ann stood in front of a bin. Usually, she despised being near such places with an awful scent. At that moment, though, Ann had to do something important. Sighing deeply, she looked down to the ground. Pulling her shirt up with her free hand, Ann dig into her skirt. Grabbing the item she hid in it, she pulled it out. Examining the item she now held for a second, Ann extended her arm to the trash bin. The item must be thrown away. Ann believed it was the best option. She lowered her hand in the bin, and she was ready to release the item.
"Ann?"
Hearing the very familiar, strong, curious voice, Ann frozed. Turning her head slowly, she spotted SeeU, who gaped at her. Very quickly, Ann hid the wallet behind her and lowered her head. Ann was caught, and she knew that very well.
Meanwhile, SeeU was at a loss of words. Standing in front of her was her best friend, and in the hand of that girl was the stolen wallet. SeeU couldn't believe it. When she saw Ann earlier with no one around her, SeeU felt the need to follow her. The fact that she noticed Ann looked around to make sure no one saw her made SeeU more curious. At that moment, SeeU found the answer in front of her.
"Why?" SeeU asked in shock. Knowing that she has to explain herself now, Ann slowly looked up and gazed at her friend.
"It has nothing to do with the money," Ann began. "Luo-san," she paused and sighed. "She kept showing off her wallet and bragged about it being hard to get. It pissed me off so much." Slowly, Ann moved her arm to her side, still holding Tianyi's wallet.
"What are you going to do?" SeeU questioned.
"What can I do?" Ann answered the question with another one. "Everything became a huge mess!" She panicked, recalling how the class act when Mayu declared she will hold everyone responsible. The accusations, the cold glares, the harsh name-calling, the rough pushing, students throwing books and pencil boxes at each other, Ann will never forget the chaos that occurred all because she went and took one girl's wallet.
"There is nothing left but to apologize," SeeU informed her friend.
"I can't do that!" Ann continued to panic. "Mayu hates me enough. I don't know how she will punish me for this. I don't know what Tianyi and her group would do to me either." In addition, Ann couldn't imagine what everyone would think if they learn their beloved idol stole from her classmate.
"Well," SeeU began. "If you won't apologize, then what are you going to do?" SeeU knew the only solution is to apologize, unless Ann was willing to have the entire class be held responsible for a crime only she committed.
In several seconds, Ann found a solution. Looking at her friend, she smiled and walked towards SeeU. "How about you return it for me, SeeU?"
"Eh?" SeeU was shocked by Ann's words so suddenly. What did her best friend just say to her?
"When no one is there, can you return it, SeeU?"
"Ann, I don't think…" SeeU had wished for her best friend to admit her mistake. She tried to refuse the offer, but her drive to help her friends, no matter what situation they were in, was kicking in.
"It's okay, SeeU," Ann continued. "You are often forgetful and have to return to class, so you won't look suspicious at all."
"Ann…" SeeU was at a loss of words. Very badly, she wanted to tell her to confess, but now, she was very unsure if she wanted to say it.
"I'm your best friend. You will do anything for your best friend, right?" Now, Ann was taking advantage of SeeU. The latter knew that. However, SeeU didn't know what to say anymore. She felt the need to give in. "Please?" Ann asked, looking the most desperate she has ever been. SeeU stared at her. What can she do? Anything can happen. "Please?" Ann asked again, this time pointing the stolen wallet to SeeU's face. The latter gulped. If she refused, her friendship with her would be at risk. If she accepted…
By the time the students were leaving to head to their next class, everything seemingly have calmed down. Even if they were still suspicious of each other, they kept their mouths shut and moved on, unhappily accepting their fate of taking responsibility for a crime they did not commit. No matter what they did, they couldn't find the thief in the room.
As everyone was leaving, SeeU was slowly putting her books together. She looked up and saw Ann through the window, as the last person in class leaving besides SeeU. Ann left, delivering a small smile and a peace sign to her friend.
Even though she really didn't want to, SeeU felt she must do this for Ann. She took out the stolen wallet that has been hidden in her clothes and walked towards Tianyi's desk. Kneeling down, she touched Tianyi's school bag. She opened it, and she reached in, with intention to put inside the wallet.
As she does so, she heard a gasp and a book fall to the ground. She turned her head, and Rin stood in front of the doorway, her eyes caught on SeeU. Immediately, SeeU jumped up and dropped the wallet.
"It's not what it looks like, Kagami-chan," SeeU began to try to explain to Rin the situation.
"Sensei…" Rin whispered, shocked with what she has seen.
"Please listen to me," SeeU spoke, hoping Rin would understand.
"Sensei!" Very quickly, Rin turned and fled the room. Realizing her fate was once again in trouble, SeeU began to chase after her.
"Wait!" SeeU screamed. Rin was far ahead of her, running as fast as she can to find Mayu. "It's not what it looks like!" As she ran, SeeU believed she can catch up to Rin and explain everything. She knew she was a faster runner than Rin. She tried to run faster as Rin reached the end of the stairs.
"Sensei!" Rin called out. SeeU kept running, going down the stairs. Even though Rin was no longer in her sight, she knew she took a left.
"Listen to me, Rin!" SeeU cried, using Rin's given name instead of her surname. 'If I turn, I can easily catch up,' SeeU thought with determination. Reaching the end of the stairs, she kept going, turning left. Once she was in the hallway, she instantly stopped.
Standing in front of her was her worst nightmare, and she knew it will get worse from that moment on.
"What happened?" Mayu asked coldly, standing in the hallway with Rin by her side. Rin gave a deadly look to SeeU, and the latter stared at the two, silently taking a gulp.
AN: And... everything just gets worse and worse... I think it's pretty clear this is in no way, shape, or form, a happy story. This is a sad story about friendship and betrayal. Now I wonder what happens... actually, I know what happens, but I'm not allowed to say anything. Please continue to support this story by reading it! Yes, I always check how many views it gets, and it makes me happy to see people read this! Thank you so much for reading this!