A/n: I've been away from the fandom for far too long. Kudos to Sakura and Komiko for doing what they can to keep it alive. Even though they never read my stories :P Thanks to all of you who are still reading. I'll try my best not to let you down.

Disclaimer: I do not own DNAngel.

The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows

Book One: The Phantom

Chapter 3: A Chance

After their last encounter, Riku was mindful to avoid Dark's gaze. She was aware of his demeanor and the sly grin he would toss her way if she dared look in his direction. It's amazing what you can learn about a person in a few days and Riku was extremely observant by nature. She already had Dark analyzed down to a tee.

She already had the scenario mapped out in her head. Her eyes would meet his and a wicked light would pass beyond those orchid colored orbs. Something secretive. Something sharp. His stare was intense and weighed heavily upon her. She felt uneasy under his scrutiny, as if he was peering straight through her. But it wasn't just with her. Dark always had that mysterious and almost condescending air about him, as if his eyes were privy to something the rest of the world was not.

She sighed and propped her head up with her arm. She was probably just being dreamy again. There couldn't be much more behind that thick head of Dark's other than popularity and women. But then again…

"As you already know, we've just completed the Japanese classic Ice & Snow," Takaya's voice assumed a more cheerful tone as it filled the previously silent classroom. "I've encouraged you all to interpret the story your own way and now it's time to put you all to the test."

Riku inched a bit forward in her seat. This would be her first big assignment at the academy and despite any other possible academic weight she was excited.

"Just because history books and critics tell us it's a 'timeless, romantic tragedy' doesn't mean you have to view it the same way," Takaya pushed up her large glasses as she continued. "Now I've already arranged you all into pairs with the assignment of making a presentation that expresses your interpretation of the story. All means of media are at your disposal. You and your partner will present your presentation in front of the class three weeks from now."

"That's Mako for you," Dark laughed speaking to no one in particular, "always inspiring us to think for ourselves."

Riku turned to him curiously, surprised to hear anything of interest spill from his lips. But why would he speak of it as if it were a sin?

"Creativity is something Azumano likes to suppress. Most world leaders aren't big on the arts," he supplied. "It's all text books and rules."

"Daisuke and Risa," Takaya began announcing the partners.

"Riku and Dark."

Riku released a not so subtle groan and Dark turned to her promptly.

"How convenient," she muttered sarcastically under her breath.

"She probably figured since we sat next to each other that you were pretty comfortable with me," he explained. "But lucky for me, huh, having a gorgeous girl as a partner!"

His attempt to heighten the mood bombed.

"I'll get starting on researching the legend's origin tonight. The version we read was one of many interpretations," Riku's tone was chillingly placid as she flipped through the pages of her textbook.

"I see, a bit of an over-achiever are we?"

"You of all people should understand," her smirk was devious enough to rival his own.

Smelling gossip, Risa was hot on her cousin's trail shortly after class. Riku smiled gently not really minding the pursuit. She had always looked on Risa as more of a sister and there was no denying the remarkable resemblance between the two. Short of hair length and shade, the girls could be mistaken for twins. Riku, who had always been the tomboy of the two, carried a soft spot for Risa. Ever since they were children she would fiercely protect the girl and there was no reason for any of that to change now.

"Way to go Riku!" the long haired girl congratulated. "You're so lucky. Word is that Dark has a thing for you!"

"Why doesn't the world understand that I'm not interested," Riku replied simply.

"What !" Risa's designer shoes screeched to a halt. "You're the only one who isn't."

"Oh, and what about you?" Riku raised an eyebrow to her companion.

"Well Dark and I are just friends," Risa's eyes darkened as she bit back on the corner of her lip. "I use to wish it was more but I've grown so use to the way things are. I value our friendship and it would only hurt more if didn't work out."

She suddenly regained her glow, "Plus I can enjoy his company without having to stress over being perfect. He's a nice guy.'

"Well I'm glad someone sees that in him."

Risa propped her right hand on her hip, her cousin could be so difficult sometimes. She had always admired Riku for her ability to look past the exterior and accept things for what they were. Why was she so short sighted when it came to Dark? It was easy to write Dark off as the typical play boy, but it took a much stronger person to see past all that. She knew Riku had that strength. Riku was the strongest person she knew. But then again, Riku had been through a great deal of turmoil the past few months. A turmoil that made it difficult for her to trust people, especially men.

"Have you even given him a chance?" Risa eyed her sternly, while twirling the ends of her hair.

Riku peered thoughtfully on her cousin. She assumed that Risa adored Dark for his looks and his charms, but was that really enough to compel her to defend him to this length? It wasn't often that Risa did anything outside her own interest. Maybe there was something in Dark that she was blind to?

"Alright I'll give him a chance," she moaned feeling all the more defeated.

"Good," the girl's smile was bright.

Riku felt a tint of satisfaction. Well if it makes her this happy…

"And maybe you should start wearing more make-up. And-"

"Look here's my class!" Riku announced hastily rushing into the room for sanctuary.

It wasn't like her to get tired at this hour and it wasn't as if she was pushing herself that hard. She had definitely gone later nights with far more work. But something about the entire day had been draining and she found herself spread across a library desk with a ton of scattered books and an open laptop about her. Well actually, he found her.

A gentle tug on her shoulders pulled Riku out of her unexpected sleep. She peered hazy eyed around the dimly lit library. Yawning she turned around to face her greeter.

"Sleeping on the job, Miss Harada? Tsk tsk…," Dark grinned waving a mocking finger.

Riku sneered. "What are you doing here?"

"I just came to check up on you," he took a seat beside her. "It's not fair to make you do all the work on your own."

Riku rolled up her sleeve to check her wrist watch. "Damn it's past curfew."

"Don't worry," Dark reassured, "it's excused if you're studying. Cram sessions are rewarded not punished."

"Oh," she yawned again.

"You really should head back to your room," his arm connected with the ball of her shoulder. "You're exhausted."

He felt her muscles tense under his touch.

"I'm fine," she shrugged off his hand.

"Here," she grunted pushing an extremely large book his way, "make yourself useful."

"Yes Ma'am," he grinned, brushing dust of the cover of the aging book.

"So why did you transfer to Azumano?" he asked while scanning the table of contents.

"I'm not here for small talk, keep looking."

Dark made a disgruntled face. "Well if you won't let me get to know you then I guess I will just have to tell you about me."

"My parents sent me here because it's one of the great Mousy traditions. Honestly, I couldn't give a damn about it. It's just one the ways I have to meet their endless expectations. But I'm not what they want and I never will be. I know that my father curses everyday that he didn't have a second son."

Riku's eyes saddened as she pretended to be focused on her book. Why was he opening up to her like this? She was a stranger. Did he have no shame? Or maybe he just didn't have any secrets…

"I'm good at sports, which is why I participate in so many of them. They keep me busy oppose to focusing on my academic failures. I perform well in some subjects, but I'm not well rounded enough to 'succeed in this world' as he puts. Why can't he just be proud of me for what I can do? I guess I got so tired of seeing the disappointment in his eyes that eventually I just rebelled."

Riku turned to face him. She expected to see great sadness in his narrow, plum colored eyes but there was nothing. There was no emotion to be seen at all. It was amazing.

"And your mother?" Riku was surprised at herself. It wasn't like her to pry.

"She died a few years ago, but not a day goes by that I don't miss her. Her name was Sonomi," he smiled as he said her name.

"And she proud of you?"

"Always," his voice was like a whisper.

A silence settled between them as Riku pondered the man before her. So much had been revealed to her at once. There was so much more to him than she would have guessed. He was fascinating in every sense, right down to his eyes movements and subtle gestures. She was almost thankful for taking Risa's advice, but something about his lack of feeling when talking about his father disturbed her. She didn't trust it at all.

"But you know what I hate the most," he didn't even wait for her answer, "this place. It's all about social standing- nothing else. It doesn't matter how bright you are what you can do. It's about who your family is and how much money you have. But I guess growing up in this society you already knew that."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "You look like someone who thinks differently. I appreciate that."

He looked to Riku only to find her face cast downward with somber brown eyes. "What's wrong?"

"It's late," she stood quickly. "Early day tomorrow. I better go."

Before Dark could form a logical sentence, the girl had gathered her things and was trailing for the door. What had he said that would've upset her this much?

"You're an interesting girl, Riku Harada," he smiled to himself. Crossing his feet across the broad desk he leaned back in his chair. "Very interesting…"