Yuzu only knew two consistent aspect of molding her into the woman she is today; the simplicity of the ordinary life with her love ones, and the voice at the other side of the device she was gifted with.
Due to this normalcy, she has a childhood of good memories and overcoming fulfillment; never to grow hunger and never to be spoiled without any receptive effort. She grew like any other happy children, with a mother who loves her endlessly and pardon her mistakes with a playful reminder of scolding, she learned to behave to not create problems for her mother. As well as a childhood friend that simply overwhelms the urge to act mature in the face of immaturity, Yuzu proudly proclaims that she's entitled the 'sister' phrase Matsuri is bestowing upon her. This, is what forge her being; their constant support a beacon to put her actions at ease, confident to face the grueling school days and dramas, accepting her whines of childhood and passions, an everyday life common in every person in the world.
However, nothing can compare to what the absence of her twin sister does. With their mother and Matsuri's presence a constant physical reminder of their role on Yuzu's life, the opposite can be said to the voice of her twin. Occupied by the constant babying and sympathetic words of her mother and friend, none can refute that in Yozora's harsh rebuttal and observation, with her chiding remarks and advices, did Yuzu only understood the great effort of pleasing a person greater than she could ever achieve.
Deprive of contact and longing to be with her older half, Yuzu could only grasp on Yozora's words and the brutal reprimands to excel in her passion for every activity like a child to its mother, retelling the upmost success she could garner, just so she could hear the smile on Yozora's voice and earn that ego inducing compliments from low timbre and the occasional soft laughter.
Of course, such is earned with a difficult limit Yuzu proceed to obtain. Such effort is not a waste, with Yozora's standards up and about the highest clouds.
An ace quiz for an imported bag? Consider it done.
A pair of shoes still out of the country for successfully earning a higher belt in taekwondo? Easy as pie.
A Rolex for a rank on semester charts? Perseverance is a must.
With guidance, she then thrives. With rewards, Yuzu learned to grow determined to face changes in a completely different light. Even if she knew such thing were just an excuse of her twin to pamper her and mother and possibly Matsuri if the pink brat were to believe.
Yuzu never called Yozora out of where the money comes from, nor is she pushy to know whatever her twin is doing about. Admittedly, Yozora scares her most of the time if she approaches a sensitive topic, having that air around her that disrupts questions before it could be uttered by her nervous chuckles. And so, Yuzu obediently accept everything with a blind eye, knowing it is better safe than to be pierce with her twin's imaginary glare that simply send quivers down her spine.
Even Mama is not immune to Yozora's gaze, always murmuring of how it resembles so much of their late father; cold yet warm, like a glacier from a summit in the color of blood.
' Do not strive for perfection. Instead, always recall that everything is not always the end, there's more room to grow. Change is eminent, learn to adapt. Challenges is plenty, behave and accept.' Yozora once said, propelling Yuzu to keep going and going until she's satisfied herself. Sometimes Yuzu thought if Yozora can see the future of how far their intellects truly are and is still with confidence to test Yuzu to the boundary, knowing the buttons to push.
Such is Yuzu's persistence to changes, when the day comes that her mother told they were to move about in a close city, Yuzu did not even bathe an eye, accepting it as such and gathering things quickly and efficiently to help her mother pack for their departure. Not even the reason that Ume married a man Yuzu did not even saw faze the girl, opting to merely congratulate the matriarch and be on her way. Do not be mistaken, Yuzu is quite irked to have learned of such quick marriage, knowing her mother did not have any interest in men after their late father.
But with a call and a warning from the older twin, Yuzu complied without question, following their mother to a new apartment and is with small reluctance, enrolled into a girl's school without a second thought.
"Are you ready?" the voice on the phone asked, pulling her precious thoughts away from its reign. Yuzu then remembers she have been quite nervous that morning, not knowing what to do as it is quite her first time transferring that she knew of. And so, she called her sister. True to her words even to this day, Yozora picked it up as if expecting her breakdown, lulling her to safety.
"Un!" Yuzu smiles, looking at herself in the mirror before glancing at the device. "They'll be impressed by my looks, I just knew it, nee-chan!"
"Uh-huh," Yozora hummed, as if unconvince. That's the tone Yuzu dreaded, as if Yozora knows just what is happening when it should be impossible otherwise. "Can you describe your outfit for me?"
"U-um… Well, I already said my hairstyle and accessories a while ago," Yuzu started, looking critically at her reflection. "I wear my inner shirt and fold its sleeve in third, then instead of a dull tie I substitute a nice red ribbon to have some colors and a short of one button from the top. Oh, and my sweaters is atop my skirt too so it would hide my bottom."
"What's wrong with the skirt, is it too short to your liking?"
"Ugh, the opposite, nee-chan!" Yuzu growled in the air, glaring at her green skirt. "It is too long for my liking, so I improvise!"
"… Now you simply confused me. You have a sensible skirt to hide your modesty, but have trade it for a short one and a sweater to hide your bottom. I think that you simply want to be difficult."
"It's my passion for fashion, nee-chan. Just so you know." Yuzu pouted, cradling the phone on her ear. "If only you'll understand it, I have so much to tell you!"
"A hard pass." Replied the monotonous voice, sighing at the end of line. "On second thought, I presume you did not read the school handbook when it was given, am I correct?"
"Who does these days?" Yuzu countered with a confirmation, plucking a lipstick on one of the boxes and preparing to paint her lips. "Just a moment, nee-chan. Gotta do my lips."
"Nee-san, you're not going into a party, so a light make- up is suffice." Halting her actions, the younger thought of such and nodded in agreement, putting down the light pink and going into a balm instead. Quickly skimming her face then nodding in her choosing, thankful enough that her sister had warned her, simply putting a blush and a soft light colors to highlight her green eyes.
"I'm done. Care to walk me out of the house?" Yuzu then announced, happily tucking in all her mess, wanting to know if Yozora is free to continue talking to her while she walked on the streets.
The other end went silent, propping Yuzu to think with a soft smile of her sister's figure, chin prep on one hand while she leaned back on a chair with a cross leg. It simply eludes her of how such thing explains Yozora's action at the moment, mulling her thoughts before speaking. That is why Yuzu loved hearing her advices, as it was well- thought and is with greater possibilities of being beneficial on both parts.
"It's dangerous, you might get if you are preoccupied on the streets or your phone might be snatched by a passerby. You're new to the city so refrain for multitasking for now. Walk and map the area, and when you are secure enough, you may call me, but I advise you not to and to hide your phone before you could even set afoot the school." Yozora then spoke, sighing in contemplation. There's something in her voice, a tinge of a hidden tone; an emotion Yuzu cannot pinpoint from. "Be careful nee-san, I will call soon."
"A-alright, goodbye for now, nee-chan!" Yuzu bid her farewell before ending the call and doing as her sister had told her to do, after putting a thirty-minute timer to gauge how far she will walk everyday.
Quickly glancing at her outfit and making sure her hair is as blonde as ever, the girl then went out of the mirror's vicinity, fetching her bag before making sure a certain room on the apartment is locked before going into the entrance door. Alone for certain, knowing her mother is away Yuzu still find herself shouting out her departure before scurrying away.
Contrary to her sister's concern of being lost, Yuzu can simply follow the sea of green and white uniform as they were heading the same way. Of course, she might find herself locating different spots and places to hang out with if she were to have many friends, but seeing some of the girls, Yuzu is quite doubtful to ever gain their trust, simply as they quickly whisper on each other when they saw her passed. Ignoring such looks, Yuzu then remembered her sister's advice to hide her phone before the school can be seen.
Quickly putting herself at a safe area, she glances a last look to find a new message popping up on her screen. Looking left and right to see for any suspicious activity, Yuzu then opens the message, giving a thorough groan at the acquaintance she had on her last school.
[ Good luck Yuzu-chan~! Find a good-looking boyfriend for us will you! There are many love opportunities there, do your best!]
Seeing such honestly incredulous text of encouragement finding love, the blonde wonders why she has befriended them on the first place. Their passion for fashion is one thing, but they always ramble of love and boys and anything in between them that simply disinterest the green-eyed girl. Mayhap they were there to make her feel like a normal girl like them, but to be subjected by their love advice is always a taxing endeavor. Yuzu do understand one category of love, and such is family, but to see and hear them wanting more and more of a person not directly tied to them is a topic Yuzu could not comprehend.
Love is love, but sometimes, Yuzu do not understand it. Of how far it could go. Maybe she will ask it from Yozora, but Yozora's not that type to dwell on love.
"These guys…" she sighs, tucking the phone on her skirt pocket, knowing that from someone's point of view, the most blatant spot is sometimes the most ignored and is usually forgotten to be searched. She might put it on her chest, but the size is not right for it, or put it behind her back, but it will greatly discomfort the skin below.
The walk there is not with great challenges, just the whispering being loud and the sun trying to beat down her skin. And yet, she has come face to face with the prestigious school, only to be ushered to the side with a bob cut brown-haired girl with glasses and a red band on one arm. 'Oh, a monitor…' Yuzu winced mindlessly.
"Can I help you?" Yuzu asked, Yozora's advise to always be polite floating inside her head. Caught off guard by the politeness, the glasses wearing girl cleared her throat nervously, not expecting such from a delinquent looking girl.
"Could we go over the student handbook, please?"
"Sure…" not taking any chances, Yuzu leans closer, not wanting to draw any attention any more than there is. Perfectly centering her behavior, Yuzu nodded, prompting the girl to continue.
"For starters, your hair color and such are a violation of school rules." Yuzu frowned, but still listens as the girl rattle out excuses. "The first button being open, skirt length, make- up and accessories are all violations of school rules. Are you not aware it is such?"
"Mixed half-lies and half-truths if you can. Don't go into details of your actions, just make it mundane."
"Oh, I have not seen it yet. You see, I just transferred. We were still moving and when the books arrive yesterday, so I still not have the time to open it."
"I- I see. Well, it cannot be help. I must warn you however, that the rules do not permit any exception. Please let me right your name."
Already feeling incensed to have a record even the first day Yuzu refused, crossing her arms in indignation. "As much as I love to, these no exemption rule seems to be unfair. And what is with these violations? It simply is an attire; aesthetics does not affect my studies negatively!"
"But-! B-but!"
" But it will. " Another person pipes in, stopping Yuzu's glare. Looking behind her, a tall girl with long raven hair approached, the band of student council written proudly as she walks through. Completely unhindered of the display of respect, Yuzu turns toward the approaching figure, ignoring the stammering call of 'President!' from the girl with glasses. By intimidation Yuzu will be forced to crumble in their wishes, but she is not to be held by the neck if she still has opportunities to bail. "Living by the rules of the school prepares you for society. We are under the same conditions, so if you want to go to this school, you will abide by the school's regulation!"
"Hah, preparing me for society? Are you kidding me?" Yuzu then step forwards towards the raven-haired girl, challenging. Meeting her eye to eye with unwavering anger, even if such purple orbs made an interesting color to gaze with on Yuzu's part. "You say we're under the same conditions, on what ground did the not knowing part do not get into your head? That's an unfair treatment and a lack of care for the rest of those like me. Even so, I will stand my ground on this sham. Consider my reasons, Miss President."
Just then with an impeccable timing, a short notification ping of the timer ending was heard somewhere within Yuzu's person. While the blonde awkwardly panics unto the silence that comes, the raven-haired did not waste time and lean over, stupefying the blonde with her proximity and smell. Not to mention is the raven haired's goal, deftly touching places she doesn't want anyone to touch!
'What on earth is she doing!?' Yuzu screams internally, skin crawling as soft hands rummages on the whereabouts of the phone. Knowing she's in deep trouble if Yozora calls without her responding, Yuzu could not help but have a terrible idea, wanting to salvage the moment with a flourish on her part. "I-It's on my chest." As she has said that, a hand stops to quickly be place on her chest area, pushing to see if it is there like she said it is.
'Yup, totally insensitive to feelings.' While a little embarrassed and with that twinge of spark on her stomach, Yuzu still shivers away, quicky backing out of the embrace as she heard the gasps of the surrounding girls, green eyes meet the terse violet orbs of the girl, a slight surprise on that monotonous face.
" Pervert." Yuzu exclaimed with a scowl, blushing all the while, pointing dramatically to her violator.
It is a conundrum to most, but a great escape for myself.
When one think of changing a path, they are quick to claim that the person wanting such drastic curve of fate needs to be at the forefront of every battle, taking leadership towards the successful endeavors and is proclaimed to be vital of any situations at hand.
However, they are also quick to be judged. One suspicious move and they are left to be investigated in every corner, trapped in such degrading eyes that their actions might as well be plastered towards the crowd. OC's, as far as I am aware would always been destined to be the leading roles of drastic measures. And yet, I failed to see how realistic it was to be subjected to such scrutiny when there's no magic or skills to always excuse my motives to do as I like. I cannot pull strings of intellect and prediction without being called mad, nor I am at that caliber to involve myself to simply witness the effects of my discretion unfold in front of my eyes.
Why do you think, that a president sitting on his chair is much more important than a dozen of men on the battlefield? It is not about their quality nor quantity nor it is the occupation that differentiate them so, but how efficient it is that he remains to be absorb to continue supporting his people, whether it be a fresh pair of men, funding or even assistance coming from another junctures of support units. In his hands is a hundred of threads of opportunities, hiding in the shadows, cradled on his palm. It is the connection he needs to move people to his bidding, and with it, the power to change a game.
And thus, I am still here away from the dramas unfolding at the other side of the world, not affiliating with the characters just as I am needed to be. What they do not realize is that sitting back at the shadows are as much more effective than to be a part of the crowd. Within it, some are blinded by how close they are to their goal, never seeing that some cracks might be forming and will lead to certain damages one cannot repair. By taking away oneself of the scenario, I can always predict what and how the play will come, even if such details were too overshadowed by their actions, the outcome is the only thing that matters. Someday I might have joined into their interaction, but with how fresh the meeting was, my presence would only be a distraction.
It is justified for now, fortunately, that I remain behind the curtains tending to the broken strings and creating new ones to safeguard their well- being. I am an observer, not a participator; it simply is not my thing to hold myself in the place of others.
Nonetheless, I still worry as I place the phone on my bedside table, praying that such scenario of their meeting would not be so different than the original. Sighing for the last time that day, I looked at the other two occupants of the room, a well build man named Sho Aihara, my new father, and Yukari, calling someone on the phone.
Quickly catching my gaze, Yukari stands up on her perch to walk away out of the vicinity.
Placing myself in front of Sho, I offered him a beer on the isle as I folded my hands in front of me.
"Sho-san…" I started, not wanting him to call anything than his name. Not even death could make me replace my real father, whether it be someone with a kind heart or not. "Let's talk about something I am quite curious about."
I heard him gulped audibly, tensing at my gaze.
I winced inside, as my word might as well condemned him with false guilt if I were not to be clear. "Don't worry, it doesn't concern my mother, so be at ease, sir..."
"I- I see…"
"If ever I would find my mother displease however, do know that I must have a discussion with you, and not the kind one will like."
"Urgh!"
"Put that joke aside," I chuckles, turning somber as I saw him leaned in as well. "I want to ask you a favor. It seems to be bugging me for years… Sho- san, how on earth did you get me out of that car alive?"
"Oh, that's nice! You fit it between your breast!"
"Hehe, perks of big boobies. Do you have yours?"
"Oh, I do. Prez couldn't find it, I just told her it's a watch."
"She bought that? Where did you put it?"
"Just my skirt pocket."
"You, what? How on earth did they not figure that out?!"
"The easiest hiding spot could be the best if the seeker knows you are hiding something. They expect me to hide it somewhere not that noticeable so I guess they just ignored my pocket?" Yuzu explains to her new friend, taking her phone out to exchange mail to themselves after they went out of the room and to the ground hall, to further hide their violations.
Starting off her day with a worse outcome, Yuzu is entitled not to be that excited to interact with a bunch of girls with a seemingly barrier of naivety around them. Exiting that interaction with the President does have a few consequences on the way. Being limited the next day to style her wardrobe is one thing but even light make- up were still prohibited on their taste. Silently thanking her sister for the suggestion, Yuzu have finished cleaning quickly before she met her homeroom teacher, Amemiya- sensei; a good-looking man, but still, as Yozora's word will say; is still a man. It did not give him points for being a bit insensitive either, not even asking if she would have preferred Verona over Aihara to be listed on her name. Fortunately, Yuzu is down to rename it, accepting that her new father will appreciate the gesture. Trailing the teacher in a respectable distance, Yuzu then realize that the girls studying there are way worse than she realized.
The only saving grace she found is Harumin, whom has the inner fashionista on her veins. Quickly clicking with each other, Harumin explained how closely guarded the girls in the Aihara Academy is, mostly been raised to the inner workings of proper ladies since they were young. Adding a touch of flare to her story telling, Yuzu then recalled the president, Aihara Mei. The girl was quite a troublesome one; quiet and stubborn, a combination of uniquely annoying traits. But alas, having been raised in a family with the most stubborn working habit and cynical twin, such charisma calls for Yuzu to be challenged, already used to the vibe, if not, tenser than of Aihara's.
Feeling a bit of pity, to learn that Aihara's life is already planned for her did not sit well with Yuzu. None that it matters to her though. But due to it, Yuzu might as well be courteous to the girl and ease her harsh interactions with Aihara.
Keeping that thoughts tight, Yuzu then opened her device and exchange contacts with Harumin. Seeing as no one message for the time being, Yuzu heaved a great sigh, amusing her friend.
"I think you're the only person I saw who's quite happy to not have anyone sending you anything."
"Eh, if you know what kind of person who calls me then you'll be thankful enough nothing happens for her to reach out first." Yuzu complains, quickly sending a text to her sister that she'll not be responsive for a few more hours.
"I think I know the feeling." Harumin hummed in agreement. "That aside, what about it Yuzucchi, care to hang out later?"
Keeping in mind the things needed to be arranged at their apartment, Yuzu declined with great reluctance, wanting to assist her mother as she can possibly could. "I'll pass for now, Harumin. We're still not done moving, maybe tomorrow?"
"I'll hold you to that." Thanking that her new friend is considerate enough, Yuzu vowed to keep her promises to the girl. It's not every day she will find someone who can vibe with her quirks. Hearing the first warning bell, the two are currently walking back to their classroom when Yuzu catch the figure of their advisor walking quite suspiciously into the distance, to the bushes at the back of one building. Now there are three things that can make Amemiya- sensei go into the bushes; one is to pee, but such prestigious teacher should not have that behavior, one is to roam the school himself to spot wayward students, but such is not fit to the images of the girls Yuzu seen so far and the last is to do shady things, and with a twinge of suspicion did she decides.
"Yuzucchi?" Harumin called out, a few feet forward.
"I'm just going to look into something quite a bit, why don't you go first, Harumin?"
"You sure?"
"Positive!" she yelled out, dashing into the location she has seen the teacher. When the corner appears, Yuzu have prepared for the worst….
"What on earth…"
But such will not prepare her that much to see him kissing the stoic girl she was thinking of for hours, with such actions that put Yuzu into a frozen state. Not to mention that the action looks forced upon the girl who is blatantly struggling to get away, Yuzu would have bulldozed in instant if only Yozora's late advices did not whisper on her ear.
"If you want to win a match, fight smart not hard. See to it that you have the upper hand before engaging into battle."
Now what are her three options? Flee, hide, or confront, is what she concurs. Yuzu could flee, but Aihara will be left hopeless. She could hide, but she won't still assist and instead, find an alibi to blackmail the teacher for assaulting an underage student. And yet at the second option, a single testimony is harder to believe than a teacher forcing his way onto his students. What is a greater alibi than a phrased accusation?
Evidence. A video. But that needs a confrontation she likely will need to avoid. ' Confront it is,' Yuzu huffed, opening her phone to record fast. When she spared a glance up her device, violet orbs look at her soul as if trying to gauge her reason of being there. Yuzu did the only thing she could think of at the moment, as if guided by the eyes to do foolish things.
And that is to yell out loud, pointing at the startled teacher.
"Pedophile!"
Aihara Mei, knowing she was there could only blink at Yuzu's chosen word, but Amemiya have already halt his actions, startled to the bone as he backs away while Yuzu put herself in between the two, phone still recording.
"A-aihara Yuzuko!"
"I know I could not trust you!" Yuzu exclaimed, glaring daggers at the man. "How could you! She's still a minor! Prestigious teachers, my ass!"
"I- I can explain!"
"What's there to explain?"
"She's my fiancée!"
Yuzu halts for a moment, before coming back with vengeance, voice harsher than before. "So!?" she yelled, incredibly aggravated. Being someone's lover do not excuse his actions if the girl is unresponsive of his advances. It could be borderline rape and Yuzu will not let this man thought it is a common thing to force their way unto a woman's body like that.
"Wh- what do you mean 'so'?"
"The last time I heard, it is still illegal to forced yourself into a person! Have you no shame? You might be betrothed, but I am quite sure Aihara's parents will not approve of this harassment!" defending the girl, Yuzu then paused her recording, pointing an accusing finger back to the man. "I assure you sir, if this happens again, you might find yourself out of your contract ." with a tug at the girl's arm behind, Yuzu then walk away free, huffing at the nerve of the man.
"You…" the girl mumbles, but Yuzu's still on fire, incensed to find such a disturbing act against a so-called prestige teacher.
Yozora is right, some men can't really be trusted.
Realizing that she still has the girl on the wrist, Yuzu let go without question, not looking at the girl in the eye.
"Be careful, will you?" she said, unable to figure out why she cares so much for someone she hates. "A guy asking you to meet in a secluded area? Not a good thing to follow. You should've brought a friend with you."
"You need to stay out of my business." Hearing such blatant insult at her rescuing, Yuzu could only scoff in offense, a hundred thoughts why she dislikes the girl in the first place playing on her head.
Because not only the girl seems so stubborn and annoying; she's ungrateful as well.
Is that how highborn females work? Talk about pride, Yuzu is grateful she's nothing like this girl. Done of the interaction, she sends one last bitter smile to Aihara Mei.
"You know what? Maybe I will, jerk."
Of course.
Of fucking course.
"Yukari…." I growled, putting my hand on my temple, rubbing the pain away.
The green- haired woman simply giggles at her phone, making the voice at the dial asked her a question. "Nothing, Amemiya dear~. My roommate simply finds something she quite not like~."
Why this woman must be a pain in my ass?
If I realized sooner that Yukari is Amemiya's mistress, I will in my grave swore an oath to pack my stuff and never once again trust this woman. How did it escape me for so long is beyond me. Is she that deprive of pleasures that she demeaned herself to a teacher greedy of someone's wealth?
Or is it due to my negligence as her friend?
But with Yukari's flirtatious gaze at me, I gritted my teeth and throw all reasons behind me.
Damn this woman. Making me feel like this.
Grabbing the hand holding her device, I pull it away from hearing distance, closing my face into hers as I glared with all my might.
"I don't know what foolishness you are at, but I will say this Yukari, you have quite a disappointing taste in men." I demanded, gritting my teeth for some unknown reason, wanting Yukari away from anyone. "That gold digger's not worth your time, but be my guess, waste your minutes dragging that men like a dog behind you."
Like a light that shines, Yukari smiles as if she won a lottery, ending the call as she let the phone falls off the couch. A hand trails up in my neck, holding it secure like when we were that close at Baronomiya. "Why, oh darling~! If I did not know any better, I will say you are quite jealous of him~."
I gritted my teeth, forcefully pulling away with a huff.
I admit that the man is not good enough for Yukari, but I am beyond that foolish jealousy she spoke of. By being connected to that man, Yukari will be part of the cast of the world I am building for my sister. A side character hidden from any pages of history that will unfold, but still known to be as that mistress of that man who had violated Mei's trust.
I cannot have that. I cannot have her be that filler on a story of Yuzu and Mei's life.
For Yukari is mine.
"What if I am?" I countered, not looking back to gauge her reaction. I merely fled, wanting to doze my anger out of my system.