Run(A)Way
By: Tainted Fire
-Chapter One-
*BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ*
Ryo shifted in his bed, yawning widely. As his cerulean eyes adjusted to the light, he glared at his alarm clock, which still was sounding the loudly annoying wake-up call. He slammed a fist on the 'off' button and put an end to its torturous drone. Ryo slid out of the comfortable sheets and made way for another school day. Yes, it was Monday. The Monday that brought each high school student back from winter vacation and marked the start of a new semester. He donned a green turtle neck shirt and a pair of blue jeans before heading from his room to the kitchen.
"…And in other news, super-model Rika Nonaka is taking a sabbatical from her runway touring and has decided to finish her senior year in a public school. She will be arriving in—"
Ryo shook his head as he turned off the small, kitchen television. Dad must have left it on… he thought. Why would anyone want to report on some model? The newscasters must have been starving for a good story.
The chestnut-haired teen grabbed several slices of bread and stuck them into the toaster-oven. He failed to stifle a yawn and let his thoughts drift to his friends. I wonder how Takato is? Last I talked to him, was before he went to his relatives' house with his family. Hmm… his family… man what I'd do for some of his parents' bakery food right about now… Kazu went to that card game regional or whatever it was… let's see… Henry was visiting his grandfather and Kenta went to a camp—The timer on the oven jarred him out of his thoughts. After getting a plate, he slathered strawberry jam onto the crispy toast and sat down at the table to eat.
Upon finishing his breakfast, Ryo's thirteen-year-old sister clamored down the stairs in her pajamas, carrying an opened teen girl magazine. The girl sat down at the table, obviously engrossed with the article and paid him no attention.
Ryo rolled his eyes and sarcastically remarked, "Good morning, Ryo! Well, Good morning to you sister dear. How might you be this fine morning big brother? I happen to be just fine, thanks for asking."
He paused, and waited.
And no reply.
Curious to see what was so interesting, he looked over his sister's shoulder to find--
RIKA NONAKA
Super-model Student
--as the title. He groaned, not wanting to hear any more about the teenage model, and made his way up the stairs to finish getting ready for the day.
Rika glared at her mother, agent, the news reporters, cameramen, and the bodyguard.
"So Ms. Nonaka, how does it feel to be a normal teenager for once in your life?" a reporter chuckled.
Like that's funny? I'm not a normal teenager. I never will be. I hate this. I hate my life. I hate my mother for doing this to me. I hate my grandmother for not opposing to this. I hate my father for being an explorer in Africa. I hate... let's face it, I hate everything.
"Rika," her mother said softly, "answer the man."
"I can never be a normal teenager, especially with you people around," she responded coldly. "My life isn't some open book for everyone to read, I do want and need privacy."
Acting like they hadn't heard, the cameras continued to flash and a woman from the Cosmopolitan asked, "Ms. Nonaka! Ms. Nonaka! What influenced your clothing choice? Are you trying to start another new trend? What should we call this, the grunge look?"
Rika sighed irritably, for she knew the question would arise. Why did I choose to wear baggy pants and a shirt with a broken heart on it? Why didn't I put on make-up today? Because this is how I would dress if I didn't have disgusting people like you crawling up my back.
"Call it whatever you want," was the short, curt reply. A look from her agent and mother made her put on a fake smile and say, "Now if you'll excuse me, I certainly do not want to be late for my homeroom class!" I hate this.
The bodyguard cleared the way to the limousine waiting for her and the strawberry-haired beauty slung a messenger-bag backpack over her shoulder and made her way through the crowd.
The driver opened the side door for her and her mother (was accompanying her) and they slide into the leather seats. The driver shut the door and the bodyguard went into the front with him.
"Now, I want you to be on your best behavior. And don't pick any fights! Remember what happened last time?"
Of course I remember. The kid pissed his pants before I was through with him. I should try that again.
"Mother, that was in fifth grade. I think I can handle myself."
The question is, can they handle me? she chuckled to herself.
"Good. I'm going to go in with you and make sure you're all settled, okay?" Rika turned her head from the window to stare icily at her mother. Not noticing the look her daughter was giving her, Mrs. Nonaka continued. "You're going to make friends and you're going to be nice to them."
Oh great, she's demanding things now.
"You're not going to sulk around all day and you're not going to fall asleep in class."
Good, is the lecture over? Rika thought tauntingly.
"And I want you to be nice to Mr. Kamiya."
Rika's lavender eyes widened in shock. "What?! Why is Taichi coming along? I don't need a bodyguard at school!"
"That's what you'd expect! But that's the first place people would try to attack a celebrity like you. No arguments, Mr. Kamiya goes with you and that's final. You're lucky enough that I allow to attend a public school." Rika crossed her arms and let a scowl span her features. "It's cold outside. Put on your new sweater."
"I didn't bring my new sweater." I left in my never-ending closet at the back where it's labeled 'Things I Will Not Wear Because I Hate You and Your Fashion'. Little did her mother know, she had labeled the layers of her closet with rude and sometimes obscene remarks. Her tailor did not appreciate her organization and her labels. Rika pulled out a hooded sweater-jacket she ordered from a random store online and shoved both arms in it roughly.
"Where in the world would you find such clothing sweetheart? I didn't even know you had this kind of… street wear."
Grunge, street wear, next thing you know, Taichi will be laughing because I look normal.
The limousine stopped abruptly and the car door was opened for her. She smirked at the sight of the school campus and the people milling around doing retakes at her.
Yep, I can control this school by the end of next week.
Whispers about her, what she was wearing, her mother, the limousine, and other miscellaneous comments made her mother grab her hand to pull her closer. Taichi Kamiya, her personal bodyguard, walked briskly out of the car and in front of Mrs. Nonaka and Rika.
Taichi had always been there with Rika since she started wanting to go out to do things like normal children were raised. And to Rika, that had been forever. Taichi was her mentor, fatherly figure, and best friend. On a normal basis, he was carefree and fun loving around Rika; but it was only for her. He took his job of security for the famed seventeen-year old extremely serious, which was most unusual for Rika to see his "split-personalities". She couldn't sit down and talk with him, really talk. Then again, no one could really talk with Rika. Sure, Taichi could tell her moods and the way she would talk about someone or something to give her his advice and comments, but there would never be a logical response back. He knew this and didn't bother to pry. One thing he would always tell her was: "One day, there'll be some boy you fall COMPLETELY head-over-heels for and you won't have a choice but to open up, because you know why?" And she would always respond with a varied, "No, why don't you tell me, gogglehead?" Taichi would continue, "You won't want to not talk with him!" And that was the norm of their friendship. Odd as it might be, it was there. For that, Rika had always cherished it secretly.
The trio made their way up the courtyard of the school and made heads turn once again at their arrival. Rika flushed red in embarrassment at her mother's stranglehold on her hand and shook it loose.
"Rika, darling, are you positively sure about this? I don't think I trust this children."
Rika sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yes mother." Rika heard a stifled snicker in front of her, and she noticed Taichi was having a hard time keep his straight face in such a harmless setting. Mrs. Nonaka, however, failed to hear the young man as she was concentrating on the other people beginning to stare.
Even though Rika had no visible emotions, she still had the feminine urge to think about the kawaii boys here at the public school. She began to scold herself when she passed a boy with tan skin, thick brown hair, and the brightest azure eyes she had ever seen. Now, he is gorgeous. Immediately after the thought, she scowled once more and focused on the back of Taichi's black suit jacket.
Taichi opened the door for her and she and her mother walked in, soon to be followed by Taichi. They went to the attendance office and were greeted exuberantly by the principle of the school.
"Mrs. Nonaka! What a pleasure it is to be meeting you! And the famous Rika in person!"
"Yes, well, I just wanted to make sure my Rika didn't have any problems getting in. I'm sure you've been aware of Rika's bodyguard, Mr. Taichi Kamiya. I am having him accompany Rika to her classes for… security reasons."
"Of course, Mrs. Nonaka. Rika's teachers have been notified."
"And everything is in order?"
"That is correct."
"Then I'll be leaving. Good-bye Rika, sweetie! Have a good day at school and mind Mr. Kamiya!" A bell sounded from the PA system and the morning announcements came on.
"Well then, I'll just give you your schedule here and a pass excusing the tardiness." The principle handed two slips of paper to Rika and bid her farewell and luck.
What do I need luck for?
Once outside the office and into the desolate hallway, Rika looked down at her schedule.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1st Calculus 512 2nd English IV 362 3rd Creative Writing 748 4th Physics 120 4C Lunch 5th World History 564 6th Physical Education Girls PE Gym - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -"So what's first?" Taichi asked.
"Calculus," Rika replied.
"Wait… didn't you already study calculus with that private tutor two years ago?"
Rika snorted unladylike. "That was the highest math course this pathetic school could offer."
"Well, where to?"
"Room 512."
Taichi walked over to the school map plastered on the wall. "We should head down this hall and to the building across the path."
"I don't want to do this," Rika sighed.
Taichi grinned. "Hey! But I thought you said that you wanted to finish your senior year in a normal school? What is it, are you nervous?"
Rika furrowed her eyebrows and nearly yelled, "What do you think, gogglehead? Am I ever nervous?" Her voice carried and echoed throughout the hallway.
The big haired man mock tip-toed down the hall a ways and whispered, "Shhhhhh! We don't want to disturb the classes!"
"Get over yourself, Taichi."
But Tai had succeeded what he had wanted to do, which was break the tension he knew Rika held even if she wouldn't admit or show. He opened the glass door for her then followed the temperamental teen across to the next building.
The bodyguard put on a straight face before proceeding to pull out his black sunglasses and placing them on his face despite the fact that they were indoors. To this, Rika laughed openly. "What are you doing?"
In a slightly deeper tone he replied, "What are you doing? Nah, seriously though, I think I look the part of the tough bodyguard who don't take nothing! Aw yeah! Dat's right, ba-bee! Tai is in da house!" Rika smirked and closed her eyes, shaking her head. "All right! Room 512! Allow me," he said as he opened the door and what Rika dubbed his "game face" on.
A woman, apparently the teacher, walked up to her and the students looked up from their paperwork. Rika handed the teacher the pass and she nodded. "Class, I'm sure you all know Ms. Rika Nonaka from the news, magazines, etc. I would like you to make her feel welcome to our school. Please take the empty outside seat next to Ryo. Ryo, if you'd raise your hand?"
Rika noticed it was the boy she had seen outside the school, and he didn't look to pleased to be seeing her.
"Er… Ms. Rika?" the teacher questioned hesitantly.
"What?"
"Who might this be?" She gestured towards Taichi.
"Him? That's Taichi… um, my bodyguard." The statement sent whispers into the classroom of students. Rika rolled her eyes and sat next to the boy named Ryo. Tai stood alertly next to Rika.
"Okay class, let's continue the worksheet I handed out. Remember, it's due at the end of the period." The auburn-haired woman walked up to Rika with a worksheet in hand. "Here you go. If you need any help, just ask. Mr. Taichi, would you like a chair?"
"I would appreciate that Mrs.…" he trailed off.
"Oh, I'm Ms. Takenouchi. Sora, if you'd like." She blushed crimson slightly and Rika noticed a tint of red beneath the sunglasses of her bodyguard. Sora pushed a chair Tai's way before heading back to her desk.
I've already learned this! Rika thought as she finished the sheet within the next ten minutes. She sighed upwards, which blew her bangs up for a moment then raised her hand.
"Having trouble?" Ryo whispered, almost in a mocking tone. He was just about fed up with the nonsense of her coming to their school and her "tragic" story of wanting a normal life.
Rika cast a superior look his way and asked, "What is there to do after finishing?" She was about to add to that, but it was her first day here and she didn't want to get a referral sent home. It would just wait her time with her mother's lecturing and whatnot.
Ms. Takenouchi looked astounded, as did the rest of the class.
"What? Why do you people keep staring at me like I'm diseased or something?"
Sora seemed to ignore the comment. "Well… you should turn it into the tray up here and perhaps find something else to do."
"Can I go to the bathroom?"
"Yes, of course… just don't take too long."
Taichi stood up and followed her to the door when she stopped. "I don't need you coming to the bathroom with me!" she complained rather loudly.
"Ms. Nonaka," Tai began in a monotonous voice, "it is my duty to protect you at all times—"
"Forget it then! I'll just piss in my pants for everyone to see, because I can't get any privacy anyway!" she stormed walking back to her seat with Taichi at her heels. "And WHAT are you people staring at?"
With a sharp reprimand from Sora, the class continued to work.
What is this chick's problem? Ryo thought bewilderedly. "Nice outburst, Ice Princess," he found himself saying to her.
Rika only scowled at the good-looking guy.
"You know," he continued to whisper to her, "you've got a lot of nerve showing up here and disrupting—"
"You know what, I don't care about your opinion of me, so butt out," Rika retorted harshly.
Ryo shook his head, but turned back to his paper.
Taichi tapped her shoulder and mouthed 'Should I say something to him?'
Rika thought for a split second before smirking and side glancing over to Ryo. 'I can handle him,' she mouthed back.
Yep, I can control this school by the end of next week.
Well, that's the first chapter. Sorry there wasn't much interaction between Ryo and Rika, but there will be next chapter. Any reviews are appreciated; I like to know what you think.
Non-Taiora fans: Please note that there will not be much Taiora because the fic is focused on being a Ryuki. If you flame me for it, that's okay… but if you didn't say anything about it, I would be extremely grateful.
The next installment should be up in a few days ('cause summer vacation rocks!) so expect it out soon.
~TF tainted_fire@hotmail.com –want me to email you when I post on this fic? Just leave your email address and I'll write you :D
AIM: taintedfire11