I deserve a punishment. Hit me. Hit me all you want. I've been gone for several months and I don't know why. A hiatus is like masterbating: It feels good at first, but in the end, you realized you just screwed yourself. Same goes for procrastinating! Oh, see the connection there? Feel free to flame at me in the reviews~
To Anon0301: Kyaaa, I know right? Luka-chan is just the coolest (and cutest) in whatever mood she is! Thanks for your feedback, it really boosted my confidence. I'll try to update quickly!
To yuuki yami: Well, let's not make assumptions so quickly! I'm cheering for Miku too however. We'll see what my mind comes up with…
To kryuu27: I don't think Lily becoming Miku's rival is all that interesting. (;;A;;) It seems to be extremely common in NegiToro fics these days, so I feel that this concept is a bit worn out, eheh. Nooooo! You found an error! Wahh, I'm so embarrassed. Thanks for letting me know still… /facetable/ Thanks! I need to focus on school more. I had to quit piano; it's terrible.
To TenebraeCaelum: Nice to see you again! Your name is quite difficult to spell, you know that? Oh, I had to get the 4.0 version since my 5.0 crashed too! Mmmm yeah I like Luka/Lily too, so it was a must…but (between you and me, I was going to use Meiko before but thought that Lily suited the possessive character better!). You are greeedddddyyyy!
To my special Maroon Cross: Sou? Well I guess I can check off the cuteness department then! Yes, I just noticed how huge of a weakness Luka has when it comes to Miku. I just have a thing for love triangles! XD Though that "triangle" is going to turn into a very weird shape soon. (O. o) I guess I'll have to have bad stuff happen to Miku then, desho? Muahahahaha! :D Whenever I'm typing, I imagine out every scene like an anime. And reading. It was fun coming up with Miku's "questionable" thoughts after that event!
Ahhh, the "No rice, no life." comes from an anime/manga called K-On! It's an absolute must-see, and the movie which came out some time ago! It's cute, fluffy, about a music club in an ALL GIRLS JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL, funny, and I consider it shoujo-ai. Ooh, I like the one phrase where it's referenced from "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" Should consider that one… /nods head/
Thanks for the reviews! On to the story!
Disclaimer: I don't own Vocaloid, only this poorly-devised story. I love Luka.
"Kaito-senpai…I-I can't hold on much longer…"
"Len-kun, just a bit more," the blue-haired panted.
"N-no! My legs are starting to give out… ah! It hurts… senpai."
"Sorry… was I going too fast?"
"I'm fine." Pant. "I can handle this."
Kaito eyed his blond partner in doubt. They had only been jogging for about half an hour, and yet his kouhai had tripped and was on his knees, gasping for oxygen. If Len couldn't even take this short workout, the track captain would kick him out for sure. He walked over and bent down. "We can stop for today if you're tired."
Len looked up furiously. "No way! I'm not giving up just so that jerk Al can laugh in my face!"
Kaito smirked, amused with his suddenly angry friend. He felt Len's forehead. "Is that so? Well, it looks like you're heating up a bit too much" His eyebrows furrowed in worry. "I'm afraid you'll get sick if we don't stop here. Should I take you to the infirmary?"
A blush colored the banana-eating teen at the contact. He swatted Kaito's hand away and stood up. "I-I'm fine." He started walking off. "Anyway, can we just take a small break?"
The sophomore smiled and hurried to Len's side. "Sure."
The two walked on the trail for a while, basking in the silence and beauty of their surroundings. Sakura trees and tufts of wild grass lined up on each side of the dirt road, forcing travelers to face forward. What lay beyond the forest remained unknown; this area was strictly used for training members of the track and field club, as well as school events.
"Hey, Len-kun?"
"Hm?"
He turned around. "Why did you join track?" Len stared at Kaito, who gave a weak smile. "Forgive me and the sudden question but, I just don't think your body is quite suited for it. Even though I recommended it, you lack stamina and endurance, which are extremely vital factors to have. I don't want you to hurt yourself for nothing."
…silence.
"…Len-kun, you okay?" The small boy kept his gaze to the ground, his golden locks hiding his eyes. Kaito noticed that his friend seemed downcast all of a sudden. He usually was never silent, and when he was, the boy was trying to hide something from him. Even after all of these years, he still can't trust me? The blue-haired man became upset at this realization. "Kagamine Len."
Said boy looked up and met Kaito's blue eyes at the formality. Although a lovely red hue tickled his cheeks and refused to go away, he was determined to keep a straight face. He took a breath.
"Kaito-senpai, I like you."
The blue-haired young man raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the sudden declaration. Open palms curled into fists. "I like you too, Len. Now tell me what's wrong."
A temporary look of disappointment cast on Len's face, realizing that Kaito hadn't understood the depths of his forbidden feelings for him. He pulled at the collar of his PE shirt nervously and shifted his eyes elsewhere, embarrassed he would have to be more direct.
"Uh… that's not what I meant. I l-like you more than a friend, you know? I want to hold your hand and go on d-dates, and-"
Laughter prevented Len from continuing his confession. He looked at Kaito, who was laughing rather rudely. His friend's narrowed eyes told Len that this wasn't friendly; he was mocking him.
"Gross."
His heart stopped. Sky blue eyes widened at the unexpected insult.
Kaito had recovered from his fit, his mouth upturned in a scowl. "You're disgusting," he spat. A step towards Len. "Do you have any idea what you just said?" Another. "Guys don't fuck guys." And another. He was just an arm's length away from the petrified blonde.
"Tch, I don't know why shit like you even exists."
Kaito shoved his child-hood friend. Len's legs buckled and gave out, falling to the dirt. The delicate boy hugged his knees, hiding his face, and began to cry, not knowing what else to do. Just as Kaito proceeded to kick Len in his vulnerability,
"Itai!"
A searing hot liquid drenched his chest. He cried out in pain and stumbled backwards.
"I'm sorry. I must've tripped," a deep male voice said rather sarcastically.
Clenching his stained shirt, Kaito winced and looked to see this wise guy. His mouth gaped as he recognized the tall man. "Ah… Hiyama-sensei!"
The dark brown-haired teacher adjusted his glasses with one hand, the other holding a now empty cup of coffee. He gave his student a twisted smile and said, "Shion-san, you should go on ahead and get that burn looked at with the nurse. I'll make sure Kagamine-san here gets back to school safely."
Kaito's eye twitched, but taking note of the icily tone and body language of the professor, wisely nodded and ran back to the direction of the school. Kiyoteru watched him leave then turned to Len, who hadn't looked up nor moved during the scene.
Len flinched as he felt a large but gentle hand caressing his hair. The movement was slow and felt good, calming his senses. The boy tried to stop his tears and attempted to make him look a bit more presentable before facing his rescuer.
"Th-Thank you, sensei…" Len whispered.
Kiyoteru grinned genuinely and helped Len up. He beckoned the young boy to follow him a little off to the side of the path. The two eventually reached a small clearing, where a greenhouse was situated.
"Wahhh, I didn't know our school even had one!" exclaimed Len.
"Follow me inside."
Once inside the transparent building, Len watched Kiyoteru wear an apron, put on some gloves, and proceed to inspect a rather peculiar-looking flower. As seconds ticked by, Len just stood there awkwardly, basking in the silence, before deciding to break it. "Ano… how much did you hear, Hiyama-sensei?"
The glasses-faced man bent down and picked off a thorn from one of the neighboring roses, paused, then muttered, "Everything."
He straightened his back. "I apologize for not interfering sooner, but I honestly didn't think things would have turned that physical. Shion-san is one of my most well-behaved, if not intelligent, students that I am teaching right now. I never thought he'd react so… violently."
Len smiled sheepishly and gazed down. "I-is that so…"
Chuckling, Kiyoteru grabbed a potted patch of blossoms, took Len's hands, and made him hold it up. "Look at this, will you?"
Blue eyes shifted to look at the plant now in his possession. There were bright orange-yellow petals, rounded in a club-like shape. Red streaks splayed across the unique flower, with narrow and pointy leaves sprouting from the stems.
"Beautiful, isn't it? Erysimum cheiri, better known as the Aegean wallflower. I find that it rather suits you."
Len tilted his head to the side. "How so?"
Kiyoteru retrieved the plant and placed it on a table. "Try looking it up." He discarded the gloves and washed his hands at the sink. Checking his wristwatch, the professor advised Len that he should return to school for his belongings quickly if he wanted to get home before dark.
Before Len stepped outside, Kiyoteru said, "Wait."
Len turned around, his gaze meeting steel grey eyes.
"Be careful around Shion-san for now. It would be best to give him some time to cool off. If he gives you trouble…" he turned his back.
"…I'll protect you."
Len's heart skipped a beat. Embarrassed, he fled, shouting a rushed thanks before leaving the man alone in the greenhouse.
Next Morning
"You guys look terrible!"
Rin scanned over her twin and Miku. Len's uniform was wrinkled, his hair a mess, and his eyes swollen. Miku, on the other hand, was unusually stiff and alert, her legs and arms maneuvering similarly to a robot.
To make a positive note, Rin herself was feeling fresh and excited for another day of school! :D
Len stiffened and murmured that he hadn't gotten enough sleep. Miku relaxed her muscles and complained that club activities had really affected her body.
The blonde girl didn't believe a word and walked ahead. She stopped by a convenience store and told her brother and best friend she'd be back in a minute. True to her word, she returned to the sidewalk where the two were waiting, a leek and banana in hand. The freshmen caught sight of their favorite food and immediately chased after Rin, who was now running away, giggling.
And that's how the trio became late for class.
An hour later, after a stern reprimand, the teacher sent the blond(e)s and tealette in the hall to stand and carry two heavy buckets of water as punishment. Meanwhile, Teto sat in her chair, amused at her friends' antics. Classic.
Miku and Len glared at their tormentor. In the end, Rin had kept the leek and banana for herself, saying she would give it to them during lunch.
"Say… do you two feel like skipping club activities today after school? I really want you to see my club, not just to show off, but to introduce you to someone as well!" Rin whispered.
Both Miku and Len thought about the idea.
I guess after yesterday's episode with Lily-senpai, it wouldn't hurt just to skip once.
Like Hiyama-sensei suggested before, maybe it would be best not to see Kaito-senpai today.
"Alright!" The two simultaneously agreed loudly. A warning knock on the door from the teacher shut them up just as quickly.
Teto shook her head with a smile, secretly nibbling at a bread crust.
The day passed by without further drama, only boring general classes to snooze through. Miku eyed the clock ticking above the blackboard, praying for the bell's salvation.
Heaven heard the impatient teenager's prayer, and the ringing freed the captive students from the professor's control. "Rise….bow."
The siblings and drill-head gathered at Miku's table, waiting for her to cram her stuff into her schoolbag. As soon as she was finished, the group led by the blonde and magentette (THAT'S NOT A WORD I KNOW ^) girls walked in the direction of the gym. Len watched as they passed by the track, while Miku turned away from the sight of the target plains.
As they entered the gymnasium, Rin and Teto ran off to go change in the locker rooms, leaving the other two to take in their surroundings.
The massive room was split in half by a black net, one side for the volleyball club, and the other respectively for the basketball club. The wooden floor, illuminated by the numerous beams above, was sticky with wax to prevent players from slipping. The stands were bent and pushed into the wall by a machine to allow further room for the clubs. Miku also noticed that Len seemed to be the only male in the building, and assumed that today was reserved for the girls.
Girls in their athletic wear began to stream out from the locker rooms. Some began stretching while others formed groups and caught up on the other's day. Rin and Teto came sprinting towards their friends, with the blonde dragging a slightly older girl behind.
"Miku-chan, Len! I want you to meet the club's buchou, Megpo- err, Gumi-senpai!" Rin gestured towards the girl behind her.
Green hair, green eyes, and peach skin greeted them. The senpai was about the same height as Miku, with a toned and straight figure. The student appeared just a little tomboyish, with a set of mulberry-colored goggles on her head. However, her sweet voice highlighted her femininity.
"Konnichiwa Miku-chan, Len-kun! I am Megpoid Gumi, a third-year and the captain of the volleyball club. I've heard much about you two from Rin-chan!"
"Ah… hai! It's a pleasure to meet you!" Miku exclaimed.
Len bowed politely and said, "Please take good care of my sister!"
Gumi grinned. "Of course! Make yourselves comfortable; I hope you'll enjoy watching these two fumble and embarrass themselves~!" She teased, while messing up Rin and Teto's hair playfully.
"Mou… Gumi-senpai!" Rin pouted. She followed her captain to start practice. Teto flashed a smile and said to Miku and Len, "You two better not get bored!" before running off as well.
As the club huddled up to discuss the plans for the afternoon, the tealette and blond sat down with their backs against the wall, deciding to talk about their homework. Soon enough, a practice match had started, gaining the attention of Miku and Len. Rin and Teto were on the same team. Gumi was standing off to the side, shouting out tips and words of encouragement.
Miku watched as Rin played the position of setter. Although it was generally not an exciting role, she could tell it was important, and Rin took it seriously. Teto played the "spiker", and she was damn good at it. Together, the two appeared pretty lethal, despite their young ages. In between the matches, Miku played a few games of shiritori with Len. As time wore on, they began to joke around and gossip. Both enjoyed themselves, momentarily forgetting their worries.
Luka was worried. Club activities were nearly over, and yet she hadn't seen a glimpse of her pigtailed-kouhai. All day, her shots faltered, and her usual grace in movement diminished into a clumsy mess that shocked the daily onlookers and other members. The princess decided to take a break, sitting on a bench with a water bottle and towel in hand.
I don't understand. I thought she was enjoying herself. Why hasn't she come today?
"Oiiii, Luka-chan, you feeling alright?" A hand rested on the pinkette's shoulder.
Luka smiled at her best friend's appearance and turned to face the blonde.
"Lily-chan… I was just-"
She froze.
And remembered. Yesterday. The puzzle pieces started to connect in the president's mind.
"Baka Lily."
"Itai!"
The blonde winced at her ever daily bruise on her head, but it was unlike Luka to suddenly change moods like that. Something was off.
Concerned, Lily used her reliable technique of hugging Luka, and asked, "Luka, what's wrong?"
That never failed to calm Luka down, and she replied, "It's all your fault. You pushed Miku-chan into shooting an arrow yesterday so abruptly. The pressure must've gotten to her. She hasn't shown up to today's meeting."
Lily frowned that Luka was acting strangely over the teal-haired brat she had come to despise. But she smirked, relishing the fact that she had intimidated the freshman successfully.
"Gomen. Don't worry, I'll make sure to apologize to her tomorrow and beg her to come back, okay?" Lily nuzzled her cheek against Luka's affectionately.
The president blushed. "L-Lily! I'm all sweaty, you know?" Another whack.
However, the third-year didn't seem to mind, and smiled to herself.
She's already forgotten about her.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the school, Kaito was stretching out his long legs, preparing for a test mile run. As he started to work on his calves, a muscular man with a gruff voice called for him.
"What's up Al-sensei?" Kaito asked.
The man had chiseled features, with brown hair, brown eyes, and tan skin. He appeared to be in his late thirties, with some gray patches in his gelled back hair and thin tufts in the front. Although he was still rather attractive, a golden scar ran across his forehead, heightening his menacing demeanor.
"Where's Kagamine? I knew he'd drop out sooner or later, but the shrimp has to inform me beforehand!"
Blue eyes twitched, remembering the events from the day before.
"I-I'm afraid I don't know sir."
Al glared at the blue-haired track star, but then smirked as he concocted an idea. He drummed his calloused fingers against a clipboard thoughtfully.
"Well, as the coach I need to take responsibility for both apps and resignations. I'm afraid if I don't see Len here by tomorrow with a proper excuse, I'll have to kick you off the team for the upcoming preliminary competition next month."
Kaito's pupils dilated at the cruel conditions. He stammered, "B-But sensei! You can't do that! This is completely-"
Al cut him off, "Oh, but I can!" He grinned.
"It was you who recommended Kagamine to join, and it was you who begged me to accept him even though he failed the requirements. It's only fair that you are accountable for his actions, yes?"
The sadistic coach stomped away, leaving an outraged Kaito to kick at the dirt.
"Mmmmm!" Rin stretched out her arms, then took in an appreciative gulp of fresh air
Miku watched her friend with a content expression while Len yawned.
The trio was now headed to the direction of their homes. It wasn't too late yet, so they stopped by a local café and munched on delicious baked goods with cool drinks, chatting care-free.
The conversation had somehow turned into a boomerang game of insults between the twins. The happy diva looked out the window to survey outside. She scanned over from people to cars when something caught her attention at a bookstore display.
Behind the window she could make out pink. Pink hair to be exact. Luka-chan? The pink then moved, revealing a familiar young woman with ivory skin, blue eyes, and a lovely figure. It was Luka. Miku was about to interrupt the siblings when she saw a purple blob approach the student council president.
Miku strained her eyes and found that the blob was a tall man with long purple hair and purple eyes. …Kamui-sensei? What is he doing there? And with Luka-chan?
The two could very much have been the perfect, ideal couple. Their attractive looks and godly proportions caused people to stare enviously. Luka appeared to be very happy while Gakupo talked to her. She then laughed, and he rested a-
"Miku?"
The tealette turned towards her friends, who had stopped bickering at the sight of Miku trembling. The siblings looked at their friend with worry.
Miku cleared her throat. "Um… I need to leave now."
The diva got up, grasping her schoolbag and cellphone, then left in a hurry from the café to her home without another word. Rin and Len looked at one another.
"I wonder what happened," mused Len.
Rin slammed her fists on the table, drawing attention from the customers while Len sweat dropped.
"She didn't even pay for her share!"
Miku ran the rest of the way home. She didn't even greet her mother when she arrived, asked to be excused form dinner, and rushed upstairs to her room. Throwing her school stuff to the side, the teenager wasted no time in flopping stomach-first onto her teal bed. She laid down there for a while, trying to organize her frenzying thoughts and heart.
She could still feel this weird feeling in her body. But it wasn't as sweet and warm as before. It was the pain, the poison she had felt when she saw Lily hugging Luka. But the poison had crawled into her eyes. All she could see was red. Nothing else.
The frustrated girl fell asleep. Her cellphone received a notification in the form of a text:
From: Rin-chan~ 3
Subject: …$$!?
…
Miku-chan, you're an idiot.
And I'm done! At 3:11 AM on a school day, yayyyyy~! I'm getting back in the flow guys!
I'm trying to use less Japanese terms so I don't have to make that darn list at the bottom all the time. Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed, and thanks for waiting! I'll try to update every week on Saturday!
I love you minna.
Bye bee~
DarkWolfHunter