AN: Published - 2.24.23

Minor Editing - 3.1.23 (I some how didn't realize I gave the characters the same first name. bruh)


Chapter 3: Twin Suns

It was morning, precisely 6:45 am. The sun was already up in the sky, illuminating the gloomy mansion. Sounds of clinking silverware and cooking mysteriously echoed throughout the supposed-to-be soundless home.

Weird. There shouldn't have been anyone here at this time. Cautiously, I tiptoed through the hallways. Why was there noise coming from the kitchen?

"Asuka-sama?" Jumping in surprise, I caught myself as I almost screamed aloud.

Quickly turning around, I found the main maid, Reika. She had short dark locks with a mini braid on one side of her face with glasses. The maid was dressed casually, with a white shirt and atop a beige cardigan along with jean shorts.

"R-Reika-san?" I stammered trying to calm my raging heart, "What are you doing here?"

"I have a message to Asuka-sama from Chinatsu-sama. While at it, I thought I would make you breakfast before you go off to school." Slowly, I blinked at her puzzled, her black orbs reflecting my actions.

Clearing my throat, "So…what is this message?" I spoke.

"Shall we talk about it over breakfast, miss?" Reika suggested.

"Very well."

The woman smiled, she was at least ten years older than me and a very dignified woman, to say the least. I had known her for the majority of my stay in Japan, and we were close especially when I was younger. Although as I entered high school we drifted apart.

"I have made Asuka-sama's favorite, cooked salmon and miso soup." She chirped happily as she walked to the kitchen.

I stared at her from behind and couldn't help but smile, "Thank you, Reika-san." Her presence seemed to brighten up this gloomy house.

The dining room was a small room connected to the kitchen, separated by a counter. It wasn't anything extravagant, but rather quite simple. In the middle of the room was a table large enough for two people on either side. It was set with one meal and a pair of chopsticks.

Sitting down, I said, "Thank you for the food." and dug in. Reika sat across from me as we talked, "So, what is it?"

"Chinatsu-sama wants you to start getting ready for taking up the family company." Straightforward as always, she bluntly spoke. "Seeing as you have now entered high school, Asuka-sama's parents want you to be able to lead."

"Meaning..?" I raised an eyebrow.

"The student council. Chinatsu-sama wishes you to start there."

Just the other day, Nanami had asked me to join, now my father? But…leading? Could I really do something like that? Nonetheless, I already know what I'm going to say.

"I already promised someone that if I were to join the student council it would be to support them." My eyebrows furrowed, irritated. " So please tell Father that I will join the student council, but not lead."

"Then why don't you tell him yourself, Asuka-sama?" Unfazed by my tone, she smiled, suggesting.

I blinked confused, "Tell him…myself?" How could I possibly do that when my father is always busy?

"Yes, Chinatsu-sama wants to talk with you. Preferably around 4:00 pm today."

"So, after school?" I mumbled under my breath. "Alright. I'll do so. Thank you for taking the time to come by and see me, Reika-san."

"It was nice seeing you again, Asuka-sama." Her dark orbs softened; a warm feeling of comfort spread throughout my body.

Finishing up my meal, I quickly said my thanks and got ready for school. The time was 7:20 by the time I left the residence. On my way to school, I would usually walk with Yuzuki, whose school was just on the way.

By the time I sat at my desk, it was only a few minutes before class would start. I sat down, sighing as my muscles relaxed. The matter with Reika took some time so I left later than usual.

A pair of hands slammed on my desk, "So, Chi-chan, have you decided?"

"Good morning to you too, Nanami-san." I bluntly responded with sarcasm laced in my voice.

Nanami hastily removed her hands from my desk, a hue of pink on her cheeks, "…good morning…"

Dismissing the previous interaction, "Isn't it a bit too early for you to expect a response?" I raised an eyebrow at the girl.

"Is a night of thinking not enough for you?" She pouted impatiently.

Sighing heavily, I said, "Well, I have thought about it."

"And?"

My jade-like orbs met her silver eyes as they sparkled with anticipation. They were like a pair of stars that glowed so brightly in the night sky—the brightest stars during twilight.

Under her gaze, my voice became tiny and I couldn't even look her in the eyes as I responded to her. The pride in my heart didn't want to admit giving in to Nanami.

"I'll…I'll support…Na-…Nanami-san."

That girl looked at me perplexed, "Sorry, Chi-chan. Could you repeat a bit louder?" She asked with her nicest voice.

Gritting my teeth, irritated, I blurted out, "I said I'll support you!" My chair screeched across the floor as I stood up. Our height became apparent as I towered over her.

Our conversation became the center of attention and a whisper went around. My cheeks bloomed red, while Nanami could care less about the outburst as her face lit up.

Afraid that she'd be intimidated by my shouting and overbearing height, I tried to apologize. Yet, she merely cut me off.

"S-Sor-"

She came around my desk and her hands grabbed mine. Seemingly she subconsciously leaned forward, "Really, Chi-chan?! Do you mean it?" Those silver eyes of hers seemed to be begging me to respond.

Uneasy at the closeness, I leaned away, nearly sitting on the windowsill. A warmth spread throughout my face in embarrassment, "Are you going deaf, Nanami-san? Yes, you heard me right!"

A smile bloomed on her face as she suddenly pulled me towards her. Her arms wrapped around my waist, and our height was apparent enough to the point her face was dug into my shoulder.

I froze. "Thank you, Chi-chan."

Her voice pulled me out of my trance. I jerked out of her grip, "I-I-I'm not doing it for you! I…I have my reasons too…" Using the back of my palm as a cover, I avoided her gaze. My heart was practically beating out of my chest as I felt my palms sweat.

She paused, causing me to glance back at her wondering why she hadn't responded. Suddenly I was grabbed by the hand towards the door.

"Let's go tell sensei!"

"Haah?! Wait wait." I halted my steps resulting in her looking back at me.

Nanami tilted her head at me in confusion, "What's the matter?"

"Class is going to begin soon." Just as said that the bell rang loudly, interrupting our conversation.

She let go of my hand, sheepishly rubbing the back of her head. "Right…" Nanami laughed awkwardly, "Then later?"

I sighed heavily with a helpless smile and said, " Alright."

Nanami seemed to tense up all of a sudden, her jaw slacking. Tilting my head, I looked at her bewildered. The door to the classroom skidded open and she scurried off, muttering a goodbye. As she walked away, I couldn't help but notice her red ears.


"Chinatsu-san must like reading a lot."

A voice spoke from behind me as I was reading my book, this time a classic Japanese literature book.

It was a break period, and I, of course, was busy reading as per usual. I turned around to find a girl with her light brown locks tied up in a loose ponytail that hung from her shoulder and dark hazel eyes.

A kind smile spread on her face, "The Tale of Genji, a classic book. Do you like these kinds of books?"

" 'Like' is a strong word although I don't dislike them." My face stayed neutral as I stared at her. Her hazel eyes stared into my jades unwavering.

"I see…it's a shame. If you were to haven't already decided to join the student council, I would've asked you to join the literature club."

So that was her intention? I merely smiled at her sorry, "Forgive me, but I've already made a promise to Nanami-san."

The girl giggled, "Yes, I'm sure everyone heard quite clearly."

My cheeks turned red in shame, "Haha, I may have gotten a bit carried away."

"No worries, it was amusing to watch."

I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly, "I'm glad you found me humiliating myself entertaining, umm. Sorry, what's your name?"

"Cho. Okita Cho."

"Nice to meet you, Okita-san. Well, you've heard right. I plan on joining the student council." Remembering a certain someone, I suggested, "Although, there is another person I know for sure hasn't joined a club yet."

"Oh, is that so? And who would that be?"

"Yes, Tanaka-san is yet to join a club. Maybe you'd have better luck asking her?"

Tanaka perked up from her desk a few meters away, "Huh?"

Noticing that we had caught her attention, I called out to her, "Tanaka-san!"

The timid girl hurriedly stood up, "Y-yes?!" I gestured for her to come closer.

Practically waddling towards us, she spoke, "d-do you n-need something?" Her eyes darted toward the brown-haired girl. The girl was taller than Tanaka and seemed to intimidate her.

"My name is Okita Cho. And you are?"

She stammered out her introduction, "T-Tanaka Tsumugi…?" The girl looked at Okita puzzled.

"It's nice to meet you, Tanaka-san. If you haven't joined a club yet, would you like to join the literature club?"

Tanaka's eyes widened, perhaps in surprise or maybe even in disbelief. While her shoulders which usually trembled like a leaf stiffened into a cold hard rock.

She exclaimed aloud, "Me?!"

Unbothered by her yells, Okita simply said, "Of course. Anyone is welcome to join. If you are unsure, a trial run is a good start." The brown-haired girl suggested to her.

"A trial run…" Tanaka pondered, her thumbs twiddling. "Um, w-what does the l-literature club do?"

"We mainly read and you don't have to show up every single day. Just once in a blue moon is fine. In fact, we have quite a few ghost members." Okita tapped her chin as she explained, "Ah, that's right! We also write the play for the student council every year."

My ears immediately perked up at the mention of the student council, "A play? The student council does a play?"

"Yes, that's right. Every year during the cultural festival."

"A student council play? Intriguing. All the more reason to join, am I right, Chi-chan?" Nanami suddenly appeared from behind Okita, a grin plastered on her face.

At this point, I wasn't even surprised by her sudden appearance at the mention of the student council. I scowled, sighing, "I already told you I would join. Why do you keep pestering me?"

"Haha, just making sure you don't bail on me." Nanami laughed as she walked away, waving goodbye. I shook my head helplessly at her antics.

"Is Chinatsu-san close to Nanami-san?"

My shoulders tensed, and I couldn't help but irk, "Close with Nanami-san? Impossible! That girl is annoying. She calls me by a nickname without permission even though we haven't even known each other for over a week!" My arms were crossed as I huffed heavily. Okita laughed awkwardly; I could practically see her sweat dropping.

"Y-yet y-you don't cor-correct her…" Tanaka mumbled under her breath, barely audible. I narrowed my eyes at her, and she flinched back. "S-sorry…I…I'll s-shut up now…"

Sighing, I shook my head and turned away from them. Deciding to turn back to my book as their conversation became background music to my reading.

"So, will you come take a look at the literature club?" Okita asked the timid girl.

"I-I…I'll ta-take a look…"


The world was huge, filled with life yet at the same time as empty as space. But in the center of it all, there was her, drawing in anything and everything towards her. It was as if the world gravitated towards her like she was the center of the world.

People followed her everywhere she went and looked at her everywhere she went. Gawking at her as if she was an art piece. Yet what was so special about her? Her jet black hair that was as beautiful as the night sky? Her silver eyes that glimmered even in the dark?

There was something that pulled everyone towards her. Pulled them deeper into the void of space, perhaps if she were among the stars, she would be the black hole swallowing the world whole. The black hole that would drag you into her embrace.

But what was I? Everywhere I went I was called arrogant and stuck up. Everywhere I went, I was pushed away, isolated. And I'm sure this school will be no different once the days pass. Just like back then.

It was my first year of junior high in Tomosumi Joshi Middle School, an all-girls private school. I had just moved to Japan and was now adjusting to the new school system.

Coming from America wasn't helping either as I was the center of attention. People would bombard me with questions, surrounding me at my desk like a bunch of flies.

"Chinatsu-san, how are you so fluent in Japanese?" Girl #1 asked.

Worn out from the bombardment, I smiled at them wearily, "My parents taught me mostly. Although I did live here for a few years, I was too young to remember anything."

"Chinatsu-san! Are you related to Chinatsu Entertainment?" I could feel my smile twitch at the mention. Be nice. They're just curious, I reminded myself.

"That's right! Chinatsu-san has the same name, and they are also based in America."

Whispers went around the crowd of girls. I sighed giving into their curiosity, "Chinatsu Entertainment is my family business. However, I hope this won't affect my relations with everyone else here."

"Oh, don't worry about that, Chinatsu-san."

"If Chinatsu-san's family is related to the entertainment industry, does that mean Chinatsu-san is good with music?" Someone called out curiously.

"Hey! Don't assume that kind of stuff. It's rude!"

I quickly dismissed the statement, "No, no it's quite alright. It's true. I have been taught a lot about music and I can even play a few instruments. Although I mostly stick to guitar."

"That's amazing! Can you sing?"

"I've also taken a few singing lessons. Though I wouldn't say I'm anywhere close to the pros." Suddenly I started to feel lightheaded, my head becoming dizzy over time.

"We should go karaoke sometime!"

My eyes started to lose focus, my eyebrows furrowed as I tried to focus. Having stopped talking, people started to notice something was wrong.

"Hey, hey! Back it up!" Someone called out, yet I couldn't see their face. "Can't you see that Chinatsu-san isn't feeling well?! Look at how pale she is." Mummers went around.

An arm was suddenly wrapped around me, a voice spoke softly in my ear, "Come on, Chinatsu-san. Let's get you to the infirmary." As I started to stand up, I lurched forwards as my vision blurred. Yet, I was caught by the waist. "Woah, there. Take it slow."

My eyes finally met the girl's face. She had soft amber eyes that resembled suns and long jet-black hair with very fluffy bangs. Patiently waiting for me to recover, she asked, "You good?" Her head tilted ever so slightly and a small smile plastered on her face.

With an apologetic smile, I said, "S…sorry…"

"No worries," She grinned, "Take your time." Her voice was soft and easy on the ears. I couldn't help but become entranced by it.

I blushed, embarrassed."T-thank you…"

"Haha, that's the class rep for you. Always looking out for us, our very own Onee-san."

The amber-eyed girl pouted at this, "Why do you speak as if I'm old?"

"Hiroi-san is much more mature than some of us."

Someone called out from the crowd, "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Hiroi-san" simply rolled her eyes at them, "Alright now. Move out of the way so I can take Chinatsu-san to the nurse." The crowd parted as we made our way to the door. Her hand around my waist pulled me closer to her, and I could feel her body heat.

Shifting uncomfortably, I muttered a thank you to her to which she hummed in response. "U-Umm, I can walk by myself now."

"Are you sure?" The girl looked at me worriedly.

I nodded firmly and she slowly let go of me. Suddenly I became acutely aware of how heavy my body felt, and I stumbled upon my first few steps.

"Ah!" Hiroi hastily steadied me, breathing a sigh of relief the moment I was stable. I, subconsciously, mirrored her actions. "I think it's best I help you, Chinatsu-san." She smiled sheepishly.

Ashamed, I muttered an apology, "Sorry…"

"No need to apologize." The girl chirped.

She held my waist close to hers with my arm slung over her shoulder. I could feel the heat in my cheeks rise as I tried to ignore the physical touch.

Finally, we reached the infirmary. Hiroi slid open the door as she exclaimed, "Excuse us!"

A lady greeted us with a kind smile, "Yes?"

"Chinatsu-san here isn't feeling well," Hiroi explained to the woman as we walked in.

"Chinatsu? Ah, the transfer from America?"

"Y-yes, that would be me." I nervously stammered.

"Please sit down on the bed." She gestured to the bed next to her desk. Hiroi kindly helped me to the bed.

After checking me, the woman concluded that I must have been tired due to jet lag and suggested I rest for now. Laying in bed, I could feel my eyes start to droop instantly.

It was lunchtime when the bell had rung, startling me awake. My senses were slowly coming back to me when I realized where I was. A white ceiling, white curtains. I confirmed I was still in the infirmary. I rubbed my drowsy eyes, groaning at the bright light.

"Awake?" A soft voice spoke. My eyes flickered to the nurse as she peeked through my curtains. I wearily smiled at her as I sat upright. As I did so, she opened my curtains revealing the window to the courtyard.

Suddenly the door to the hallway slid open, and I heard a familiar voice, "Excuse me?"

"Ah, Hiroi-san. Come to check on Chinatsu-san?"

"Yes, that's right."

My gaze found her suns as I stared at her in a daze. She smiled at the lady as they conversed before her eyes turned and met mine. The girl's face seemed to light up at me as she grinned, "Good morning, sleepyhead."

My face flushed as I snapped out of my daze, "G-good morning?" She giggled.

"Hiroi Yuko. It's nice to meet you, Chinatsu-san." The newly introduced girl held out her hand to me, "This is how you greet each other in America, right?"

"Oh, you don't have to." I refused.

"Please, I insist," Hiroi said firmly as she thrusted her hand toward me.

Slowly, I took her hand and shook it lightly, "Chinatsu Asuka."

Tomosumi Joshi. It was a private girls' school for the wealthy and lucky. The people there wore masks of lies and facades. They were obnoxious people. People who turned once one differed from the rest. Yet, she was the only person who seemed real. She had bright amber eyes that resembled suns and beautiful dark luscious hair with wispy bangs shadowing over her eyes. Charming and charismatic, that was her, Hiroi Yuko.


"Come on, Chi-chan!" Nanami pouted. She stood at the door a few feet away from my desk, tapping her feet impatiently.

I could only sigh at the girl. How did I get myself dragged into this? "Settle down, Nanami-san." I said, rolling my eyes at her as I put my books away.

Nanami exclaimed, "Well, Chi-chan is taking way too long!" I shook my head helplessly.

"Going to go apply for student council?" Okita suddenly appeared from behind.

"That's right." I nodded.

The brown-haired girl smiled, "Have fun."

A bit confused, I replied, "Thanks."

Miss Representative exclaimed as she marched off, "I'm going to leave without you, Chi-chan!" Groaning, I ran after her.

As I caught up to her, I said with a grin, "Not very patient are we, Nanami-san?" I chuckled.

She craned her neck to look at me, her silver eyes narrowed at me wordlessly. My grin widened into a smirk as I looked at her tauntingly.

Nanami huffed as she looked forward again. My eyes wandered as our conversation quieted. I could hear the sounds of after-school clubs commencing in the distance as we walked in the practically empty halls.

"Hey, Chi-chan."

I hummed in response, focusing on the top of Nanami's head. Amusingly, I was tall enough to see everything from behind Nanami. Not even needing to tilt my head in any way to see in front of Nanami.

"Yuzuki-chan, aren't you supposed to pick her up from school?"

I raised an eyebrow at her, "How do you know that?"

She scoffed, "Well, if you were paying attention to our conversation the other day, you would know." Her silver eyes narrowed at me.

Flustered, I grumbled unhappily, "Yuzuki…that girl…"

"Don't blame the child. If anything you should have been responsible for her." Nanami rolled her eyes. I grunted, not wanting to agree with her yet I couldn't disagree.

I sighed as I ruffled my bangs, "Yuzuki joined a club, and they're meeting today. So I don't need to."

Coincidentally, Yuzuki told me just this morning over text that she had a club meeting. This was conveniently so because once I started student council, I would no longer be able to pick Yuzuki up from school. Chie-san also said that Yuzuki was old enough to start walking the short distance to school (she turns seven this year).

"Is that so?" Nanami hummed. Glancing at me, she asked, "I don't mean to pry…but when Yuzuki-chan mentioned that your parents…" Her words dragged out as she stopped, assessing my reactions.

Blankly, I replied, "They live in America."

"…You must miss them."

"My parents? I do. Although…" I frowned, nausea pooling in my stomach. America, that place. I could never imagine missing that repulsive place. The people there were worse than the place, but what can I say? The people make the place.

"Chi-chan?"

I snapped out of my thoughts, "What is it, Nanami-san?"

"You were saying…?"

"Oh. Nothing."

Our conversation came to a stop. I could feel her steal glances at me, yet I chose to ignore her. And finally, we managed to reach the teacher's lounge.

Nanami opened the door, and simultaneously we said, "Excuse us." I closed the door behind us. We walked towards our homeroom teacher, a kind old man with a hunched back and soon due to retire.

The old man saw an approach, "Ah, Nanami-san. Chinatsu-san. What is it?"

"We'd like to apply for student council, Sensei."