Chapter 28: Starry Rocket

So many Vocaloid Christmas/ winter songs :D Looks like their December will be full of pain and suffering, but also of love and fluffiness :3 Oh and the play is on Thursday- their last day before their winter break thing. Yeah, that's really early… but that's what my calendar for Meltdown says. Oh and chapter 28 happened on Monday. Oh and the song reference in the chapter "Sigh" was "Sigh" by Rin Kagamine.


December 17~~~

Monday

Rin's POV

I let go of my paintbrush and set it aside, staring at my right hand. I've been painting with Luka and the others for a while now, and the flats are pretty much done. I'm grateful that Len is off decorating fake trees with others because I don't think I can bear to look at him-especially after what he said to me a few days ago.

I know that all that was Friday, but we haven't even spoken since then. I haven't even gone to his house for any art lessons or to teach him more about science. But it's not like my absence matters to him anyways. He's probably just had more time for girls now that I'm not wasting his time.

What a jerk.

But I shouldn't care. I mean, he was the one who took things far out of line. Now whenever I look at a mirror my eyes instantly look at the flat area where my chest is supposed to be.

And just then, Aito decides to stroll up to us. With a grey wig and a purple dress on, he looks silly. Luka starts cracking up and Aito rolls his eyes but has a small smile on his face.

"What's up, Aito?" Luka asks, setting her paintbrush aside too.

"Well, the sky, the ceiling, some lights…"

"What she means is, what information have you decided to bring us by walking our way," I state.

"Oh," Aito says and his smile spreads. "I have the craziest idea."

"This doesn't sound too good…"

"Hey, the play is in a few days and we should have a way to relax or spend some time together," Aito says in his defense.

"What do you have in mind?" Luka asks. Okay, now I'm actually kind of interested.

"Even though it's winter, how about we set off some fireworks?"

And that's how I find myself walking out of my house and into the cold evening. The sun sets at around 5, so it got dark outside quite quickly. Everything is all fine and dandy until I hear another door close. I instinctively turn my head towards the noise and see Len looking at me.

I bet he's going out with some girl tonight or something. Whatever.

I roll my eyes and turn back to the front to see Aito with a group of people. Luka waves at me and Kaito smiles towards my way. Teto cheers that I've finally come out, grabbing Oliver's arm and screaming into his ear. Miku awkwardly stands beside them, keeping some distance. Neru yells at Teto for screaming so much and the Teto growls at her before pouncing on her covered body. Oliver immediately rushes over and tries to stop their fight in the snow.

I chuckle at everyone's oddness and walk towards them only to find Len walking to them as well.

"He's coming along too?" I ask, unintentionally making myself sound mean.

"Got a problem with that?" Len asks with a sneer. Oh heck no. Now, it might have been a mistake to be rude so early, but no one can talk to me like that. Especially after what he said last Friday.

"Like hell I do!" I yell back and step up to his face. His eyes narrow at me and the corners of his mouth fall.

"What did you say, Mrs. Flat?"

"Come at me, bro!"

"Girls, girls, let's try and keep this a light and warm atmosphere," Aito says, stepping in between us before another fight can break out. Oliver holds Teto and Neru from their hoodies but makes sure they're at a proper distance.

"Hey, aren't I the one who's supposed to make things like this happen?" Teto asks and Aito shrugs.

"Yeah, what is the meaning of this?" Miku asks, sneaking a glance at Kaito.

Aito shrugs again and gives us a small smile. "I'm just in a good mood, that's all."

Best explanation ever.

I sneak a glare at Len and receive another glare in return. I adjust my white jacket and look over at Aito. Apparently this isn't going to be just a trio thing.

"Just one more stop- then we can go and set off some fireworks," Aito informs us and leads us away.

"Onwards! To Narnia!" Teto exclaims and pulls Oliver along.

"I wonder who else he's bringing," Luka asks herself out loud.

Kaito and Miku look at each other and quickly look away. I can feel someone staring at my back. Well, at least it isn't Miku, since she's distracted by Kaito.

But Len should really stop boring a hole into my back.


Gumi's POV~~~

I should stop reading this here. I'll save the next chapters for later.

Setting the bookmark in place, I close the book and place it down to my side. My phone goes off inside my pocket. I quickly pull it out and raise it up to my ear. As soon as I'm about to say hello, Aito's voice comes out.

"Look outside."

I half-expect to see some crazy creature outside or a stalker, but when I do, my eyes widen even more than how they would to those.

Aito, Miku, Luka, Teto, Kaito, Len, Rin, Neru, and Oliver are all standing outside my house. Aito waves at my window with a smile as the others talk amongst each other. Rin looks up at my window and then at Aito. I nod at him, stop the call, and quickly race to my closet to find appropriate clothes.

And maybe something a little cute… not for Aito or anything… but just…

Anyways, I ask my parents for permission to go out and I run out as soon as "yes" comes out of their mouths. As I step out into the cold, my cheeks twitch and I rub them as I walk towards the group.

"There we go. Now we can go and set these fireworks off," Aito says, greeting me with a warm smile. Fireworks? Well, that's a bit odd and random-something you would expect from Teto, actually. Nonetheless, we all follow him to the place.


Normal POV~~~

"They're so pretty!" Teto exclaims as she sets the first one up and watches it burst into the dark sky. Kaito and Luka squeal at the bright colors and the rest of them stand in awe.

"W-what am I supposed to do with this?" Miku asks, looking at the strange stick in her hands.

"That's a sparkler," Kaito informs her and she looks at him oddly. "Have you never set one off before?"

"I-I-what's it to you?" Miku snaps, immediately setting a wall up.

Kaito, unfazed, smiles at her and takes a sparkler too. He lights up the end and sparks start flying out in golden colors. "See? Now you try it."

"I'm not a baby, you idiot," Miku icily replies and looks back at her sparkler. She nervously looks at the others doing it and pretty soon, she finds her own hand shaking. Kaito raises the tip and sets the end on fire for her. Miku screams as sparks start flying and almost drops the sparkler. Fortunately, Kaito grabs hold of her hand and keeps it stable.

"There's nothing to be afraid of," Kaito says and Miku looks up at him.

'Why is he treating me so kindly?' Miku mentally asks herself.

He smiles at her and lets go softly when Luka taps his shoulder.

"Do you mind helping me?" Luka asks, pointing to a larger firework. Kaito nods and follows her, leaving Miku to herself. She slowly waves the sparkler around at first, just testing it out. She looks back at Kaito and Luka and sees them extremely close together. As the firework lights up in the sky the two cheer and high-five one another.

"It's like they're made out of magic!" Rin cheers childishly, waving the sparkler around and making hearts and circles.

"Actually," Aito butts in, "they consist of a stiff metal wire about 8 inches long that has been dipped in-"

"We get it Aito," Luka says, interrupting his sentence. Gumi laughs along with Rin and looks over at Aito. He notices her eyes on him and smiles back at her. Aito turns back to Luka and his gaze remains on her,

'I may be holding this beautiful sparkler in my hands, but not even my own light can attract your attention.' Gumi thinks.

Rin looks over to see Len poking at the other stuff and walks over to them too. The two don't speak and awkwardly bump hands at times.

'Say something already, Rin…'

'Man up and tell her something, Len!'

Rin reaches for a skyrocket and walks away. Len watches her walk away and slaps his forehead. He groans and heads over to Kaito to go tease him about Luka to get his mind off of Rin.

"I wonder what that one does," Teto says, instantly grabbing one and setting it on the ground.

"Say, Teto, what is your relation to Oliver?" Neru asks while Oliver walks over to Len.

"A dog can actually talk. Wow, science will never stop amazing me," Teto replies quickly and smirks at herself for getting an amazing comeback.

"Well, they just improved from making a thing like you."

'Oh heck no girl, you're about to get your a-' Teto thinks but she stops when Neru greets Oliver kindly and asks him to come over and help her with a firework.

"Oliver can't set up a firework. He's scared of burning himself," Teto answers quickly.

"I-I am not!" Oliver quickly yells, embarrassed.

'Great Teto, now you go and make me seem like a fool in front of my crush?!' Oliver thinks.

Teto groans as she watches Oliver puff up his chest and flip his bangs.

"I may not look like it, but I'm a bad boy," Oliver states, trying to make himself seem cool again. "I've got friends who do shady deals and are thugs. I didn't choose the thug life-the thug life chose me."

Neru smiles at him, laughing inside.

'Keep up the act Neru,' Neru reminds herself.

"Really? I do kinda like bad guys…" Neru says, slightly biting her lip. Oliver turns pink and nervously laughs. Neru turns over to Teto who's keeping her poker face on. "What was the answer to the question? Do you mind if I cut in?"

'What should I say?' Teto asks herself. 'I can't let her know that I helped Oliver get his new reputation.'

"Nope,not at all," Teto says and rolls her eyes, "Go on before the drool collects and makes you slip, Akita."

"You really don't mind?" Neru asks, raising an eyebrow to test her. Oliver continues trying to set up the skyrocket by himself.

"It doesn't matter to me," Teto replies and Oliver yelps in pain.

"I got burned!"

Teto face palms herself as Oliver closes his hand into his fist and tries to stop from crying out.

"This is actually strangely calming," Aito comments as everyone looks up at the beautiful fireworks being set off. Gumi sets off a skyrocket at fully blast and smiles to herself as she watches it fly up high then burst out into the sky.

"The stars seem so close," Luka says and Teto laughs.

"Then I guess the stars are lucky to be near as great of a star as me," Teto laughs, gazing up at the twinkling stars. Luka rolls her eyes at her ego but laughs nonetheless.

Rin looks over to see Aito and Gumi talking to each other and laughing.

'Since when did they become so close?' Rin thinks and inspects their faces. Gumi's cheeks are colored with a slight red and her eyes are sparkling like the stars above. Even Aito is shining brightly, sporting a huge smile on his face as they share a joke.

'Gumi can actually make him really happy….' Rin thinks to herself.

The green haired girl smiles to herself as she looks down at the snow.

'I'm really glad that we've actually been speaking more often…' Gumi thinks.

Aito returns his focus to Luka and sees her talking to Kaito and slightly blushing. It's obvious that she's flirting, so he turns away so not to ruin his cheerful mood. Rin and Gumi notice his slight frown and then notice each other staring at him. Quickly, they look away and return their gazes towards the fireworks. Gumi picks up another firework and looks at the small pile left.

'I've got such small chances to make him look at me.' Gumi thinks and sighs to herself. She ignites the fuse with her cold hands and watches it fly out into the sky, making a loud noise after every blast. 'But I've got to use them all to my best ability.'

"This is the last firework guys," Aito says after a few minutes of using up the other small ones up.

"I can't believe we're actually all getting along, without arguments and all," Luka says, her eyes flickering towards Miku. Teto and Neru share a glance just like Len and Rin do.

"We should try this more often-but next time, with ice-cream!" Kaito yells and everyone groans.

In the cold night sky, a red ray shines. Aito sets off the skyrocket, carrying it up to the sky. A series of explosions start and everyone starts awing at the beauty and shouting and cheering through the loud noise. Gumi can't help herself and before she thinks it over, she smiles and says "I love you" out loud, but is muffled by the noises. Rin sniffles and brushes her wet eyes, wearing a bittersweet smile.

Soon, everything falls into silence and everyone is still stuck on the past image of the beautiful display that used to be in front of them. Aito picks up the left over piece and everyone stares at each other in silence for a while. Had they actually managed to all have some fun today in each other's company?

Aito's the first to open his mouth. No one remembers the words, but everyone finds themselves smiling. Even Miku's mouth betrays her and she finds her best friend and herself smiling and laughing. When Rin looks over at Len, she feels a spark in her heart and quickly looks away.

After such a dazzling night, everyone walks back to their houses in a light mood.


Tuesday~~~

After School

Kaito's POV

It's still strange being on this stage with her. I'm not talking about the cross-dressing or the strange lines. After all that we have been through, acting like we like each other is a huge understatement. Well, on my side at least. I stare at her. She stares back. At that instant, the doors close from our own little world. I try to avoid looking into her teal eyes, in fear that my exhilaration might be sensed.

But now's not the time to think of these things.

"May I have this dance?" Miku asks, extending her hand out to me. I look up at her smiling face. It's all an act and if I reach my hand out, I can peel off the artificial mask out.

"Of course," I reply, placing my gloved hand on top of hers.

Inside of you, I can see and feel the Kaito from before. I can see and feel the same love from before.


Miku's POV~~~~

I heave a sigh and place a smile on myself. It's time for the act to begin yet again. The memorized lines all seem sincere. Kaito takes my hand and I lead him to the center stage to begin dancing. This is the point in the play when all eyes are on us. They must see a pairing in love at first sight. But how can I accomplish that when I don't even dare to look into his eyes?

Just yesterday we spent the night together with others. Kaito and I barely said any words to each other, but it felt like we had stepped back into the past. And just as soon as we met eyes, I saw a piece of love in his face that instantly bathed me in regret. If only people could turn back the clock and fix all their mistakes.

But now's not the time to think of these things.

I've got a performance to put on, even if it is just another rehearsal.

"And cue the music!" the director yells at the crew and the slow music starts pouring in.

Inside of you, I can see and feel the Miku from before. I can see and feel the same love from before.


Oliver's POV~~~

Remind me to yell at Teto.

"Let me try on the slipper!" I yell in a high voice and push past Neru to grasp the "glass slipper". I take off my high heels (that horribly hurt) and try and jam my foot into the slipper. After proving that brilliant planzaAQ unsuccessful, Neru grabs it again to make sure that it didn't fit her.

"There is another version where the stepsisters cut off their toes to try and fit their toes in," Teto pipes in, making Neru shoot a glare at her.

"The slipper doesn't fit either of us!" Neru exclaims in a low voice. She stops and looks at the director. "Wait, why am I trying it on if I'm a guy?"

"When you go to the ball you're playing a guy who cross dressed as a girl to try and get the prince's attention," he explains.

"Then why is my name still Drizella?"

"Stop asking questions and go on with the scene!"

Neru mutters a few curse words under her breath and Aito glares at us.

"Why are you trying on slippers, Drizella? You're a boy!" Aito scorns in a high voice.

"Exactly what I asked!" Neru yells, waving her arms around for emphasis.

The director and Aito face palm themselves and Miku hands Neru the script. Neru starts reading at the part they are on.

"That's my line," Aito says as Neru finally reaches the part. She groans and throws the script on the floor.

"I-I need a break!" she yells and jumps off the stage and out. The director asks Miku to go make sure she doesn't leave and the prince soon trails after Drizella. In the back, I can hear a lot of yelling and commotion going on between everyone who's decorating. I step back and look at the set. It's actually going along pretty well. They've even incorporated a Christmas theme to it too.

"You need to direct your voice out more," a voice says, the air breathing down on my neck. I squeak and jump back to see Teto standing normally with her arms crossed. She does not look happy.

"Huh?"

"I can barely hear you out there," Teto says, jabbing her thumb to the back of the auditorium. She fixes her white wig and sighs. "Piko should have been this part. Almost everyone here is going to have to wear a wig!"

"It is pretty uncomfortable," I agree, adjusting my red wig. Then, the scene of yesterday appears in my head again. "Hey, what were you and Neru talking about yesterday?"

"I think Rin's calling me," Teto says, cocking her head to the left. "I'll be right over there!"

"I don't hear anything-"

"That's because you're deaf."

I watch as she runs off to backstage and disappears from view. I just love it when people don't answer my questions.


After Rehearsals~~~

Rin's POV

There's only two more days left of school until Christmas break. I really need to get on better terms with Len. I mean, I can't just leave him alone for Christmas just because of a stupid fight. But I have no idea what to do. Luka's busy trying to flirt with Kaito. I barely even talk to Aito and most of it is usually about Luka. I don't really interact with that many people in my class either, so I don't really have anyone to speak to.

There's just too much going on at one time.

The play is coming up soon.

Gumi makes Aito happy,

But Aito loves Luka.

And he's pushing me to try and help him.

But I still like him.

Luka's still pulling me into business with Kaito.

Kaito seems like he's still stuck on Miku.

Miku keeps sending me glares in class and in the hallway.

Len and I aren't even talking.

Who should I help? What should I do? It's like everyone has loves someone who likes someone else.

Gah! This is all just stupid! I'm just going to go into Len's house and apologize. I should at least try and solve one problem.

I grab a jacket and run downstairs quickly, not tending to anything else. After I came home I just took off all my make-up and stayed lounging around my room, so I figure that I must look really odd right now. I push away all those thoughts and open the front door, making a huge gust of cold air rush at me. I step out and run to Len's house, and before I even know it, I'm knocking on his door.

Just as the door opens, I see another figure sitting on the couch. A girl.

"Rin?" Len says, a shocked look on his face. "Come in."

I step in and he closes the door right behind me. Sitting right in front of me is Neru Akita. She doesn't even acknowledge my presence and continues texting away on her phone.

"What brings you here?" Len asks, looking at my red face.

Oh right, I'm supposed to be apologizing. But, how can I do that when he has a girl with him? I'll look like an idiot. And who says that he'll even accept it? He might try and act "cool" and brush me aside. Anger boils up inside me but I try and keep a cool face on.

"Am I interrupting something?" I ask.

"Huh? No," Len replies.

Then why the heck is she here? It's all just lies. A cover up.

Gosh, I look like such an idiot. I'm over here worrying about him and he was just about to go make-out with some girl.

"I'm such a fool.." I mutter to myself.

Len looks over at me, now completely confused. "Hm?"

"Just forget it," I say and head back towards the door.

"Rin, where are you going?"

"Have fun," I reply, opening the door and stepping out. I slam the door hard behind me and slowly walk back to my house. Part of me wishes to just walk back and apologize to him, like I intended to do, but I just keep walking until I find myself in my bedroom, staring at my bed. Falling into my bed and snuggling my soft pillows seem like the only comfort I get recently.

It's like I'm never good enough for anyone.


Len's and Oliver's House~~~

Normal POV

"What happened?' Oliver asks as he returns to the living room with three cups.

"Rin randomly came in," Neru answers, sending a message to Miku.

"I'm going to go to my room," Len says and leaves without further word. Oliver looks back at Neru and she just shrugs.


Wednesday~~~

Teto's POV

I don't know who Neru thinks she's playing.

I just KNOW that she has something up her sleeve. Oliver has been in our classroom and now she just randomly decides to start spending time with him? What the biscuits, man?!

I have a feeling like it may be an attempt at revenge. A pathetic one at that. But why the heck would she use Oliver? Psh, I've got tons of other spies that can help me get information. And I wouldn't even mind if I had to stalk by myself or whatever. Just because I think shota-boy is cute doesn't mean that I won't live if he's with Neru. Hello, I WAS ALIVE AND BREATHING BEFORE HE CAME IN, SO I CAN BE PERFECTLY OKAY IF HE WALKS OUT.

What an idiot she is for trying to use someone against me. Stupid, stupid Neru.

I must have been muttering under my breath because just then, Mrs. Megurine calls me out.

"Would you like to share something with the class?" Mrs. Megurine asks and I feel all eyes on me. Neru smirks at me, expecting me to be embarrassed.

Embarrassed?

What is this word you speak of?

"Akita Neru is an idiot," I state proudly, crossing my arms across my chest.

And that is how I end up outside of the hall, trying to complete a stack of work. It was totally worth it though.


Lunch~~~

Meiko's POV~~~

"And that's how the song "I Whip My Hair" by Willow Smith is depressing for both people!" Teto exclaims and laughs at her explanation. I swear, this girl is mental.

I laugh and playfully ruffle her red bangs, making her groan. "Meiko! You know I hate when you do that!"

"But it's so funny," I laugh and watch as she quickly tries to blow her bangs to place. "By the way, was it worth saying that Neru is an idiot in class?"

"Of course! You know as well as I do that Neru is a witch with an ugly disguise as a human!" Teto yells. Yes, that is true. And it was hilarious to watch that crooked smirk of hers fall off her face.

"This is why you're so great, Teto," I say and Teto gleams from the praise. She looks over at Kaito, Len, Gakupo, and Oliver and jabs her thumb at Kaito.

"Speaking of people in our class, what do you think about ice-cream lover over there?" she asks, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Kaito?" I ask and she nods. "He's alright, I guess."

"Really?" Teto asks and groans. "But you don't seem to like anyone! Heck, even Miki has a crush!"

"Teto, I advise you to not speak about that subject," Miki says, pausing her fork's trip to her mouth.

Teto sighs and goes on with her speech. "So, you really do not have a romantic interest in anyone?"

"No," I lie. "The guys here are really immature and I've had enough of them. Almost all of them are the same."

"I'm sure there's someone out there who's your type," Teto mumbles.

Well, of course there is. But no one can know about him. As if on cue, Luka Megurine casually walks by our table. I look at her up and down and mentally thank her for distracting Teto for a moment. I have to admit, she does look like her father. And not just the pink hair, but the blue eyes. It's strange that I've never even talked to her though.

And it should stay that way.


Luka's POV

I've been meaning to ask Gumi on her progress with Aito, but you see, it's really hard to spot her. She does a lot of reading, so the first place I should have looked at was a library, but like the idiot I am, I walked all around the school instead. First I checked her normal lunch table, just in case.

"Trying to look for Gumi, I see," Teto says as I casually walk by their table. How she knew that, I have no idea.

"J-just taking a casual stroll around the cafeteria to get some… fresh air," I say, mentally hitting myself with a brick. I am one of the worst liars when under pressure.

"She normally goes to the library after eating," Teto informs me. Yeah, I totally am a horrible liar.

"Thanks," I mumble and walk out towards the library.


Gumi's POV~~~

I am quietly enjoying "Friends and Lovers" by Helen MacInnes when I feel someone approaching me. Being the nice person I am, I look up and acknowledge their presence with a warm smile. It's the pink haired girl, Luka Megurine.

"Hello Gumi," Luka says, using my first name. Well, I suppose we are a bit closer ever since yesterday. It's not as awkward as it was before where I would secretly yell at her in my mind for not seeing the amazing guy that Aito is.

Anyways, I reply back and smile at her. I close the book and place it down on the table in front of me.

"Did you need something?" I ask, my right hand pushing away my bangs.

"I came to ask you about Aito."

Whoa, that's totally unexpected.

"W-what about A-ai-him?" I ask. I can feel the heat rush to my face and try to look away.

Luka squeals and rushes up to me. "This is so cute! You're blushing and stuttering at the mention of his name~!"

"I-I-I-"

I can't even form a proper sentence from the rate that my heart is beating.

"W-well, don't you get the same reaction about Kaito?"

And instantly there are two red faced girls in the library.

"I… is it that obvious?" Luka asks, twiddling her fingers around in a nervous fashion. I nod and she turns into a tomato. No, not in literal sense. Luka clears her throat and smooths her hair, trying to regain her focus. "So...what has happened?"

"Well, we started talking a bit more…" I say awkwardly, not sure if I can trust her.

"Don't worry Gumi! I'm only trying to help!"

"Help?"

"Of course! It's been a while since Aito had a girlfriend! And you two would look so cute together~!"

Wow, isn't it ironic that Aito's crush is telling me this? Wait, ironic might not be the word to describe this…

So I just sit there, watching Luka babble on and on about how Aito really needs a "ray of sunshine" like me in his life. It's a bit odd, I'll admit, but it's kind of nice to have someone on my side about this whole Aito thing. Teto is on my side too, but she's usually busy playing matchmaker with others.


Len's POV~~~

News about Christmas is on every tongue, and everyone seems to have different plans.

Spending time with family.

Bobsledding.

Staying warm my a fire.

Snowball fights.

Everyone but me seems to be having fun...

It seems like I'm the only one who's going to be spending Christmas alone and bored.

I don't know how special Christmas is, but whenever I think about my past Christmases with my mom and dad, I feel my breath hitch and the neon Christmas decorations on other's lawns turn blurry. I was so young back then that I can barely piece together those memories, but I can certainly remember the ones with my dad. They usually involved him walking into the house with a new girl in his arms around midnight and stumbling up to his room. I'd keep quiet in the dark and slip outside to be by myself.

"Merry Christmas-hah, what a stupid holiday," I mumble to myself, seeing my white breath. I'm standing still without a word under the dark sky when a little white cat paws at my feet, as if trying to make me happy. I force a small smile on my face and bend down to pet the stray. It moves against my head and purrs happily before walking away. Probably back to its owner or home.

Right, I should return to my house too.

As I walk into my house I look at the wall with drawings and random bits of decoration. I smile as I think of the days where Rin and I decorated it. Sure, most of the time they would lead to fights and we'd end up wrestling each other on the floor, but it was always fun.

I look over at Oliver's sad attempt for Christmas decorating and at the bright red stocking. I know who I would want in my big stocking…

I shake my head from the thought and continue walking up to my room.

"Daddy, what is she doing here? She isn't Mommy," a young Len asks, looking at the strange new woman in his father's arms.

"Len, Daddy's just going out for a while. Be a good boy and stay inside, okay?" his father responds, the girl playfully teasing him by whispering into his ear. Len stares at the woman with her bangs covering her eyes and flinches back as he sees her smirk back at him.

"But Daddy, I thought Mommy was the only one you loved. Who are all these girls?"

"Len, these things are much too big for you to understand."

'But you said you loved her! You loved Mommy! You wouldn't be doing this if she was here!"

"Len-"

"Why is she even in this house? She's just breaking our family even more!"

A loud noise vibrates in the room as the young boy feels his cheek sting from the sudden slap. He stumbles back from shock and looks up at his father with wet eyes. His hand reaches up and feels the red mark on his right cheek then moves over and brushes his tears.

"Come on, let's go."

Just as his father and the woman leaves, their figures merge and turn into Rin. She looks back at Len with bloodshot eyes and sniffs as her eyes threaten to spill a waterfall.

"Have fun."

Some hurry and wake me up from this horrid nightmare...

I wake up in my room all alone with my shirt clinging to my body from the sweat. I hold tight to the sheets and try to regain normal breathing.

The sound of someone knocking then opening the door and the familiar sound of flats send me dashing downstairs without a second thought. I stop as I reach the last step.

Rin's standing at my door again, red faced as always.

"R-rin? What brings you here?" I ask stupidly, trying to fix my messy hair.

"I-I wanted to say-uh," Rin stutters and groans. She walks up to me and grabs my arm with her gloved hand. "You're coming with me for Christmas present shopping."

"Eh?"

"I need someone to go with me…" Rin answers, ducking her head, but I see her face turn even redder. She looks back up at me when I don't reply and pulls my arm. "Come on! Let's go!"

Just as we start walking out the whole thing processes into my mind and I snap back.

"Wait, what?" I ask.

"Come on dummy!"

"Why did you just randomly come over?"

"I just explained! Gosh, how thick-headed are you?"

"I am not! Look who's talking!"

"I have a higher score than you in class ranking!"


Meanwhile, upstairs in Oliver's Room~~~

Normal POV

Oliver and Neru stop talking as they hear the commotion and yelling downstairs.

"Shut up idiot!"

"Gah you annoy me so much!"

"So do you!"

"I hate you!"

"I hate you too!"

"Well…" Oliver says, shifting their homework papers, "this is awkward…"


Back with Len and Rin~~~

Len's POV

"Why do you even care?" I shoot back and Rin clenches her fists.

"Because you're one of my closest friends! I really do care about you and I hate it when we have fights like this and we don't speak to each other! I feel really bad and guilty!" she spills out.

I'm really one of her closest friends?

I wasn't the only one who felt bad about this fight?

"Fine. You don't have to come with me," Rin says, sounding hurt. I stop her and she turns around to me with moist eyes.

"I kinda need to change," I say and we both look down at my pajamas.

"Who the heck goes to sleep at 6 P.M?" Rin yells and laughs at my cookie pajamas, brushing aside tears.

"J-just wait here," I say and walk back upstairs, finding myself turning red.

Why the heck did I run downstairs? Why the heck is my pulse still racing? These are the questions I ask myself as I quickly look into my closet and pull out random bits of clothing suited for the cold weather. I grab a light brown jacket and a white scarf and head downstairs while putting my hair into a ponytail.

"Finally. You take longer than me to get ready," Rin groans.

"At least I look better," I retort.

"Hey, don't push it, pretty boy."

I chuckle to myself and walk back outside.

"So where to now?" I ask, stuffing my hands into my pockets. Rin points towards town, as if it's obvious.

"I have a small list of people, so it shouldn't take that long," Rin informs me as we begin walking.

Well, this is really odd, to say the least. I mean, aren't we supposed to be arguing? Shouldn't we be calling each other unnecessary names? We have been cross with each other for the past few days.

"Len."

"Yes?" I ask.

"You suck at apologizing."

"So do you, Rin."

We look over at each other and burst into a fit of laughter.

But for some reason, I can't help but smile at the moment. This feels much better than how I felt a few days ago. This strange friendship with Rin feels a whole lot better than any girlfriend I've ever had.


Dun Dun Dun! I wanted to make this chapter a bit longer and hopefully I'll make the others longer as well. Well, around 6000 words may not be long to you, but I had to revise this so many dang times. So, so many. And there are so many song references in here. If someone can name them all, you win an invisible dolphin.

Oh and everyone, I would like to inform you all of this amazing story that I have found recently. It's another school story with a lot of your favorite characters. It's unique and refreshing, so I'm sure a lot of you would like it if you give it a try :)

If you're interested, it's called "Hello, Crypton Academy!" by OwlsPanicAtTheCity.

Anyways, thanks for all of your reviews! :D I appreciate all the praise, criticism, and random bits of information~

Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. If you'd like, you can review down below. Bye bye~!