Riko's arrival in school has sparked off a flurry of rumours among the students, speculations regarding her relationship to Kurosaki was running on an all time high. They appeared together very often and when they stand next to each other, they looked like a picture perfect couple found on magazine covers.

Not that this gives Teru any reason to be jealous, Riko had been honest and upfront about things between Kurosaki and herself. And if any vague suspiscions remain, the ruthless punch Riko gave to Kurosaki when they were reunited speaks volumes about their dynamics. Other onlookers remained oblivious to the real situation, for example, a certain girl named Lisa.

'' Kuuuroooosaaaakiiii-kuuuuun '

Riko and Kurosaki cringed at the sound of that high pitched voice and turned to face its source, and as expected, a flamboyant girl was running in their direction. 'Hey Kurosaki-kun, be honest! You're actually dating Riko, right? That must be the reason why I'm rejected by you all the time!' Lisa poked a finger at Kurosaki's shoulder and he felt chill run down his spine.

'We're actually just really good friends! And who may this bubbly young lady be?'

Teru watched the scene in amusement, she was aware that Riko had the air of a lady and has always been able to remain calm in all kinds of situation although the magnificent punch she gave to Kurosaki was among one of the very few times when such qualities escaped her. But the fact that she was dealing with the persistent and rather troublesome Lisa with such grace, made her attributes as a refine lady even more prominent, and Teru found herself admiring her. If only I could have a fraction of her elegance.

'Oh! So your name is Lisa, well my name is Riko. Don't our names sound similar, could it be that your Japanese name also begins with the 'Ri' sound?'

(The Japanese pronounce L and R similarly. So it's like Risa and Riko)

Lisa's face turned into a shade of plum and it became evident to Teru and Kurosaki that she held a very low esteem with regards to her Japanese name, Momo. After exchanging a few more words, Lisa's initial burst of energy declined and she walked away dejectedly. It seems that Riko had her own divine way dealing with flamoyant girls like Lisa, even Kurosaki was impressed.

When Riko left Teru and Kurosaki for some time alone, Teru shared her thoughts with Kurosaki. 'Riko is such a graceful person! I wish I'd grow up more like her in future.' An expressionless face kept Kurosaki's smile well hidden, 'Oh? Little midget wishes to turn into a swan? That's a tall order, but if your role model is Riko I guess that is still possible. Maybe.' Kurosaki smiled his signature sinister grin and Teru frowned at his harsh comments.

'I get it, I get it. I'd never surpass the decadent beauty named Miss Nanazaki, alright?'

'Wow, you're still holding on to that name. You're really persistent aren't you?'

Of course I'm persistent, Teru thought to herself depressed, All because I'm in love with such an idiot like you.

Later in the evening, Kurosaki received a text for Teru and he felt his heart sink upon reading the message from his Princess.

Dear Daisy, it seems that I still have a long way to go before becoming a real woman in the eyes of my beloved. Tell me Daisy, what will make me a woman a good woman? What are the qualities? I have so much awe and respect for your acquiantance, Riko, I wish to be more like her someday. Do you think it possible?

Kurosaki snuffed out his cigarette and leaned against a pole for support, he was used to the tug of war game he created, pushing and pulling Teru and putting her in turmoil. He sometimes felt sick with himself, and it was only during moments when he can play the part of reassuring Daisy does he feel a sense of relief.

Dear Teru, do not worry. In my eyes, and I'm sure it is the same for many others. You are a girl with great and respectable qualities, and will grow to be a remarkable woman. No beauty or grace are on par with genuinity and a heart of gold - both of which you possess naturally. Be brave, the man is simply blind to your real merits but one day you'd realize that you are becoming a woman admired by many others, just like Riko.

Love, Daisy