Chapter 4

The windows of Rin’s flutter with light as the sun has just started to break between the clouds of dawn. The curtains begin to gently open and there is a giant window reflecting the beams of sunlight into her dimly lit room.

The motion script technology counts down in big numbers using motion script technology. Once it reaches “1” there is a loud trumpet being played through her speaker on her bedside table.

Rin jumped from under the covers “AHHHHH”; she screamed in terror.

The window has a small slime-looking character by the name of Coconoko on it.

“Hey wake up sleepy head!” The small pink slime gestures cautiously. He knows how Rin can get in the morning. He converts himself into a holographic projection to badger Rin some more.

“If you don’t get up now you’ll be late for your History exam.” He says in a stern tone of voice. “We studied for hours and will not let you make my time go to waste.”

“What do you mean time? You’re an AI dude!” she said condescendingly as she slipped under the covers again.

“Hey; come on that’s not particularly fair!” Coconoko said. “As an AI assistant, my job is to make sure you reach your most optimal self.” “Whether or not it is my choice to is irrelevant.” He followed up with a “Now get up! You have 29 minutes before the next tram arrives at the nearest tram stop.”

“Ok; Ok!” Rin yells in frustration; knowing that Coconoko was right and life has to continue. Rin gets up and goes to her closet. There she is met by Coconoko in a velveteen beret and glasses.

So here are some outfits I threw together that are in conjunction with the style you’ve been wearing for the last two months. The first outfit was a sailor suit with a neon green tweed skirt and large green spiral studded earrings.

“Uhhhh! No, too preppy for the mood I have today.” Rin taps on the side of her floor-length mirror switching to the next outfit.

“Ok well; how about this one?” Coconoko asked.

The next outfit was a one-piece fitted jumpsuit with fingerless gloves and track shoes. “No, way too sporty!” Rin exclaimed.

She begins to click the mirror in rapid succession. “Wait, wait, WAIIIIIIT!” said Coconoko.” Any farther and you’ll be in the no man’s land.”

“Exactly!” Rin pushes the button even faster in hopes of finding an outfit that doesn’t make her stand out in the slightest. After a minute of constant button pushing she stops and rubs her chin.

“Hmmmmph? I think this is the one.” She said reluctantly.

She steps out of the closet with a black trench coat; layered with a pleated black overall dress and thigh-high black plastic sneakers.

“I mean it’s a little bit depressing but something about it is somewhat dramatic!” Coconoko looks on in confusion.

“Well no matter; if you like or not. I’m trying to keep a low profile.” Rin said gingerly.

“Oh! Are you going to go stalk one of your crushes again?” Coconoko inquired.

Rin saunters over to the door after grabbing her white satchel. She turns to Coconoko and retorts with “No! However, if you don’t want to go into deep sleep mode. NEVER MENTION THAT AGAIN!” As she clicks the sleep button  on her phone causing Coconoko to turn on his side and fall asleep on the ground.

Rin walks down the stairs to see her mother sleeping on the couch. She’s ultimately tired herself after chasing Rinko up and down the street for hours last night. Rin tries to slip out the front door when she hears “Rin honey!”

She turns around surprised to see her mom standing up from the couch. She approaches Rin to hug her.

“It took real courage to do what you did last night. I am so proud of you!” she says.

Rin is thinking to herself “What is she talking about?”

That is until she looks at the hologram emanating from the wall in front of her. There; an older news anchorman is sitting beside a picture of what looks like the same stage she was on last night.

The news anchor says with a dexterous tone “Last Night the annual Dol’ Fest Muse Contest was underway and we had some spectacular performances.”

Just as he read that line from the teleprompter and video clip of Rin singing pops up on the television.

“HUuuuhhH?” Rin exclaimed.

“I know right? This is freaking amazing kid!” Rin’s mom screamed.

“Why didn’t you tell me you had a voice on you?” she asked.

“Uhm — I have to get to school.” Rin muttered before speeding out the door.

“Wow; who would’ve thought? You would be so proud.” Rin’s mom said while looking at a picture on the shelf.

Rin gets on the tram southbound going towards the direction of her school. She happens to see Mari sitting in back of the tram. Rin squeezed through passengers and politely asked a woman if she could scoot over to which the woman complied.

“What’s shaking baby?” Mari gestures to Rin wearing her usual Neon pink armored biker jacket and bright orange shades.

“Nothing. I’m just ready to get to school and have this day be over already.” Rin responds frustratingly.

“Well! Are you going to tell me about yesterday?” Mari asks authoritatively.

Rin looks away from Mari and is sweating bullets. “How does she know about last night?” Rin thinks to herself.

“Oh, yeah. It was on the local news.” Rin looks back in utter defeat.

“Well; I didn’t know how to tell you! I mean I wasn’t even interested in entering the competition let alone sing—.”

“WHAaaaaaaAaaa?” Mari screams in confusion.

“You competed? I thought a creepy older guy tried to catcall you or something.” Mari uttered in surprise.

Pulling down her shades to look Rin in the eyes. “That’s why you were so down on the tram ride back home.”

“Well, you were not entirely wrong. I was approached by an older guy.” Rin said in a shy voice.

“Ok? What was it regarding?” Mari questioned.

“Uhmm.” Rin swallows the knot in her throat. “Well, he wants to manage me.” Rin said hesitantly.

“Wow! Wait —“ Mari stops and glances over in confusion.

“Hmmph. I’m a little surprised.” Mari glances seriously.

“About what?” Rin retorts in a concerned manner.

“Well— aren’t you a little young and skinny to be in Playboy?” Mari asked in a monotone voice.

“IT WASN'T ABOUT THAT!” Rin yells angrily. 

Everyone on the bus turns over to them to find out who yelled.

Rin and Mari can be seen sticking their upper torso out of the tram’s windows.

Rin and Mari get off at their stop for their school and Rin tries everything to keep a low profile. However, a bunch of boys glance over in her direction and begin to whisper.

“Oh, here it begins.” Rin mutters to herself.