CH-1

“Hikaru-kun…..I have something, that I must tell you.”

“But, Mio-san-“

“Something, that you absolutely need to listen”

“Let’s calm down for a second, Mio-san. Let’s think it through, before making any sudden decisions.”

“I can’t. Because If I do, I won’t be able to express myself again. I’ll be pretending that everything is all right, when in reality, it is not. We’ll just laugh, have dinner, and forget about it yet again. For, I am, nothing but a wench, someone who has done nothing notable, yet is selfish to the core.”

“Stop degrading yourself, Mio-san. You know just as well as I do, that those words are not true.”

“They are true to me. Especially, after how I made you suffer”

“Please, I beg you. Calm down. Let’s go and have a meal now, shall we? Let’s go home. I’ll make you some nice karaages for dinner. I know it’s your favorite dish, isn’t that right, Mio-san?”

Placing her fingers on Hikaru’s lips, Mio whispered:

“Shhh! I know I am asking too much from you. I know, how selfish it is of me, to deny your feelings. I know, how much you long for me, just as much as I do, your scent, your hair, You, everything. Yet, I’m am forced to make a decision that is going to be painful for both of us”

“Then why? Let’s….let’s just leave. Please! I’m begging you, Mio-san. Let’s just leave. Let’s forget we ever had this conversation to begin with.”

“I can’t! I just can’t. I just can’t allow myself to forget you, because,

I love you!

I love you, with every fiber of my being. But if it’s this love that’s going to bring harm to you, then I must end it, once and for all!”

“Fuck others! You know, the only person I need to be alive is you, and only you, Mio-san!”

“I know the type of person you are, Hikaru-kun. The type, who sets the place ablaze for what he truly desires. But you realize it yourself deep down, don’t you? The fact, that this cannot continue. You can’t keep hurting others, for, you are hurting yourself in that process. And over time, this will get too difficult to bear.”

“Mio-san! Please! Mio-san!”

“Since I can’t keep running from you, Hikaru-kun, there is only one option for me that is left. And I know it will sound cruel to you, but there is something you must do. No, it’s something that only you can do.”

“Stop it Mio-san! You know I won’t be able to refuse it once you put it that way, no matter how selfish your request is going to be.”

“Hikaru-kun……

I want to die by your hands. By the hands of the person, I cherish the most, in the world.”

*Beep*

“Ah man, is this supposed to be the end?”

“Guess so. That’s it for the episode, I guess”

“Ah! Just when it was getting good!”

“I wonder, what did Tamaki-sensei plan for next! I am hooked!”

“Forget the story! I really fell in love with Mio. I mean, her character really showcases what unrequited true love means.”

“Speaking of Mio-san, do you know that the actress playing her goes to our school?”

“No way? Really? What’s her name? I ought to have seen her if she was student from our school.”

“Of course not! She’s always absent, as she has to shoot daily. It’s also because of this that she’s missing a lot of classes.”

“What’s her name though? I ought to have heard about her somewhere.”

“Tachibana Akeno.”

Sitting on the 3rd bench of the leftmost column, I could overhear the conversations of two of our classmates, Katsuragi, and Nishida. They were gossiping about a popular drama that was currently airing, and scored no.1 on most viewed weekly, “Forever was never ours”, a romantic tragedy, which is supposed to pull your heartstrings, authored by the famous award-winning Tamaki-sensei. I’ve read the original novel myself, and even I was touched by the sheer depth of the characters and the ingenuity of his writing. So much so, that I bawled my eyes out crying, while read the aforementioned scene. He isn’t the topmost rated author for nothing.

As I was contemplating about my existence, I felt a light tap on my shoulders.

“What’s up, Kitagawa Airi-sensei? Still a loner, I see.”

“Piss off, Naoki! And how many times have I told you to not to call me by that name, especially when we are at school.”

“Salty, are we? I wonder why, Reiji.”

“None of your business, Naoki. I believe, I have the right to privacy.”

“Relax! Chill! I’m just kidding, Reiji. No way in hell would people would recognize that name over here now, would they?”, Naoki said, having a hearty laugh.

This is Naoki Kawashida. He’s a childhood friend of mine, although, the word “friend” could have a very different meaning for both of us.

“Even if they don’t, I dislike dragging my past here. There is a difference between online worlds and offline, and right now, I’m living the offline one.”

“Is it by choice, or, circumstances, huh, Reiji?

“Shut up, Naoki.”

To put things simply, I, Reiji Nishimura, am just a simple high schooler, who happens to work for the student council. Pretty boring and tedious stuff though, handling all the documents. Combine that, with the temper of our student council president, and we really are going have our cortisol increased by the end of the day, to the point where every day sucks out the life force from within me.

Anyway, aside from this, I also possess a somewhat different identity. One, which very few people have the misfortune of knowing, including Naoki. Kitagawa Airi, the very famous author, is a pen name of mine, especially famous for her works like “A memory that refused to heal”, or “Letters that I could never send you”. It’s all in the past now, though, as I’m on an indefinite hiatus, which is just a fancy way of saying, “I’m retired”, from the world of penmanship.

“Say, Reiji, have you watched this video?”

With that, Naoki switched on his smartphone to show me the staff interview of “Forever was never ours.” It’s an interview of the past, and Akeno was the one who was being interviewed. I don’t know why, but I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

Interviewer: “It’s so good to see you again, Tachibana Akeno-san.”

Akeno: “Likewise, Andou-san.”

Interviewer: “Fans have been eagerly waiting for your performance in “Forever was never ours”, so much so, that our agency has received thousands of e-mails asking for your interview. How would you like to respond to their anticipations?”

Akeno (Giggling): “I really wish for everyone to enjoy the show. We tried pouring our hearts out into the performances. Now it’s up to the audience to decide if we are worth their time. By the way, the show starts airing on July 15th, at 9 p.m.”

Interviewer: “You are being too polite, Akeno-san. Anyway, How’s the experience, working here?”

Akeno: “Everyone is energetic and hard working over here. We are trying our best to perform accordingly, in order to meet the expectations of fans. The director, Kasukabe-san, and the scriptwriter, Tamaki-sensei, have been super helpful for guiding us towards our best.”

Interviewer: “Speaking of scripts, this is the first time you’ve been working on a novel done by Tamaki-sensei, isn’t it?”

Akeno: “Yes, that’s true.”

Interviewer: “Before, all your performances were based on novels done by Kitagawa Airi, isn’t it? In fact, in one of your interviews, you had publicly declared that the only projects that you would be working on were the ones in which Kiatagawa-san was in charge of. Why the sudden change of heart now?”

Akeno’s expression stiffened a little, momentarily, before returning back to normal.

Akeno: “As an actress, I like to constantly challenge myself with roles that make me push myself. Fortunately, Tamaki-sensei’s Mio Hasegawa, from in “Forever was never ours”, was a role I found worthy of acting. That’s all.”

Interviewer: “Is that all? Or is there something else?”

Akeno: “What do you mean?”

Interviewer: “There have been rumors circulating around that you and Kitagawa-san had a fight, and that you are the reason that she had to quit writing.”

Looks like it hit a nerve. Akeno’s expression was changing rapidly,

Akeno: “Rumors are nothing but rumors, baseless. Kitagawa-san’s decision to be on hiatus is her own personal decision. I don’t think I have the authority to decide that.”

“So that’s how you are going to play it, Akeno. “, I thought to myself.

Interviewer: “Well then, I would like you to entertain one final question, if you please.”

Akeno: “Go ahead.”

Interviewer: “Do you have any idea as to when Kitagawa-san might break her hiatus? It has been a year already, since she stopped writing. Fans are desperately waiting for her return.”

Akeno (visibly frustrated and angry): “Who do you think I am? What makes you think I would know about something like that? Or anything about Kitagawa-sensei, in general? It’s not like as if she consults me before making any of her decisions.”

*Beep*

“Pretty harsh, if you’d ask me.”, Naoki says, pausing the video.

“I couldn’t care less. It’s her choice.”, I reply, calmly.

“Are you sure? Your face says otherwise, though. Her manager was right. You and her are both similar. Two peas in the same pod.”

“Just give me a break, goddamn it.”

“Running away won’t solve your problems.”

I shrugged at his words, made my way out of the classroom, only to bump into someone.

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault. I wasn’t look- EEEK”

I froze in place, while apologizing. Because, the person I bumped into, was the last woman I’d want to see now.

“Emi Kurosawa”, or, as we like to call her, “The woman with an iron claw.” The student council president of Fuyunagi High School, she’s the strictest president we’ve ever seen. A diligent, hardworking, polite woman, yet when it comes to her subordinates, she’s merciless. She knows exactly how to abuse her powers, and work us to the bone. She’s the reason I’ve lost 5 Kgs, managing all the paperwork of the council. She’s the very definition of bad news. Albeit a beauty, I’ve never seen her behave like one, especially with us, that is.

Anyways, with that said, I was trying to slip away, while I still could. But seeing her searching everywhere for her glasses made me reconsider my decision, as she’s practically blind without them. I decided to help her out, as I picked up her glasses, and gave it back to her.

“I’m very sorry prez, for bumping into you.”

She sat up, wore them, and looked directly into my eyes.

“Is that it?”

“Excuse me?” I’m visibly confused.

“Your apology is insufficient. Where’s the “I’m sorry my lady, let me lift you up?” Where are the sweet voices that you whisper in my ears as you princess carry me? Where are the…..”

She kept blabbering non nonstop, while I stared at her dumbfounded. I couldn’t comprehend a single word that she said.

Finally, realizing that she had been blabbering in the corridor, she stopped, and looked me in the eyes, piercingly.

“Tsk. Can’t even take a hint.

Here, help me stand up.”

Saying that, she raised her palm towards me.

Then it dawned on me. It’s a scene from “Forever was never ours”, which she was asking me to enact. Honestly, I didn’t expect the Iron claw president to watch bittersweet romance. Anyways, responding to her request is my first priority, or else, God knows what else she might demand.

“I’m sorry my lady, let me let me lift you up.”, I tried my best to enact the scene as accurately as I could, while helping her out.

“Pwahahaha! Is that what you call acting? Hahahaha!

Not even 10 points. Hahahaha.” 

The prez was bawling her eyes out, laughing.

“Just shut up! You were the one who insisted on doing this.” I felt humiliated.

“Haha! Yeah, but I didn’t expect you to suck so much, Kouhai-kun.” She said, still trying to control her laughter.

“Yeah, well, I am not an actor anyway. Honestly speaking, I found the novel version of the story to be much more delightful anyways, even more than the drama.”

Immediately, the Prez’s mood shifted. She asked, inquisitively, “You did?”

“Yes?” I replied, albeit, kind of confused.

“Can you repeat that again?” the president insisted.

“Sigh! I liked the novel version better.”

The president stopped to think for a few seconds. Then, she looked me in the eyes and said,

“Then, will you stop watching dramas altogether? If given the chance?”

“Just why should I?”

“You said so yourself. That you liked the novels better.”

“I do. But I’d still watch the dramas. After all, It’s a different medium altogether.”

“No matter how shitty the adaptation is?”

“Yes.”

“Why? Why watch something unpleasant, when you clearly can experience the same thing in a more superior medium?”

“Because there are people who have worked hard on it. People, whose livelihood is at stake here. And I know, what it means, to collectively work hard towards a common goal, even if the end result is not up to your expectations.”

A series of flashbacks ran through my mind as I uttered those words. Memories, some rather bittersweet ones.

“Is that all?”

“Because I have to.” My throat felt dry, as I uttered those words.

“It’s because of her, isn’t it?” The president asked, locking her eyes into mine.

Hesitant, I evaded, “I don’t really understand what you are trying to say.”

“Sorry, my bad. I might’ve crossed a line here. Anyways, I apologize for my rudeness as well.” The president bowed, as she said that.

“With that said, there is still a punishment waiting for you, since you bumped into me earlier.”

“Again, with this? Sigh! What is it again?”

“Well, it’s not much of a punishment anyways. You just have to deliver these class materials to its owner. I could go myself, but since I’m in a bit of a pinch now, therefore I’m asking you.”

“Who is it for anyways?” I froze, while reading the nametag.

“Tachibana Akeno”

___________________________________________________________________________

The way back wasn’t exactly pleasant, to say the least. Japanese summers are something else. Well, not that I have to worry, as the delivery location that I’m headed to is a place, which is pretty close to my house. She is my next-door neighbor, to be exact. Honestly, I’m laughing at my fate over here.

It wasn’t exactly a very fancy apartment to begin with. If I remember correctly, showbiz wasn’t exactly a very handsomely paid career. Anyways, I was brooding over useless information, while waiting in front of her house.

*Ting-Tong*

She must be asleep now. Her schedule is pretty tightly packed, as her agency makes her work at night. I would be surprised if she was even getting 3 hours’ worth of sleep each day.

It was well over 2 minutes, before I decided to press the bell again.

*Ting-Tong*

No response.

Something feels off. Usually she’s pretty lively and energetic, but today, I couldn’t even hear a single sound from her apartment.

I decided to check her door. To my surprise, it was unlocked. 

Ok, now this was getting out of hand. Something IS wrong. 

She might be careless, but not careless enough to forget to lock her own door.

“Shit, this is bad!”, several thoughts raced across my mind, as I tiptoed inside the house.

“Akeno? You there?” I shouted.

No response. Which is quite unnatural. 

Usually, she’d hurl slurs at me, or throw stuff just to make me go away. 

But this is different.

*Thunk*

Suddenly I heard a noise.

Crap, is it a burglar? I might have to call the police then.

I tiptoed myself, following the origin of the noise, when suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind, and shut my mouth with their hand, so that I couldn’t shout.

“Got you!”, the person whispered in my ears, which sent a chill down my spine.

“Your game is over now!”

Wait a second! I recognize this voice. I forcibly unbound myself from the lean arms that were holding me, only to be met with a pair of seductive eyes, whose owner I know very well. I immediately backed off, realizing it was none other than my archnemesis, Tachibana Akeno.

“Sniffff…… Uhhh….. It’s you again, Rei chan.”, saying that, she jumped over me cuddling like how a dog would to its master.

“Uhmmm…. Uhmm…. I missed you so much, Rei-chan. Sniff…. Sniff….”

“Let go of me, you wench!” I forcibly removed myself from her grasps as I tried to evade her.

“No can do.”, she jumped over me, and started cuddling me yet again.

“I can’t even go to school these days anymore. My schedule is packed to the brim. I miss everyone, but more than anything, I missed you real bad!” said she, while cuddling me.

“Calm down, woman. Are you even right in the head now? Or did you drink some booze or what?”

“I’m perfectly healthy, perfectly fine. Look, I can do a somersault as well”

“Stop it, Akeno, wait-” But I was too late.

*Thud*, she crashed herself into one of her cupboards, effectively knocking herself out.

“Sigh! This is what happens when you disregard the advice of others.

Looking at her, you could clearly guess that she probably had a high fever. She was sweating profusely, and her futon is a mess. The room itself is a mess as well. Looks like she didn’t even have the time to clean up.

*Sigh*. I guess, I wouldn’t mind lending a hand.

First things first, I changed her futons, Then, I laid herself on that, tied a towel on my eyes, wiped her up, and changed her clothes. Honestly, it wasn’t as hard as I had imagined it to be. I then took her temperature.

“Hmmm, 101.2°F. She’s burning up.”

I don’t know why, but whenever I experience some sort of crisis in my life, my nerves grow unusually calm. I applied wet clothes over her forehead, to ease the heat. I also cleaned up the house in the process, sorting up the trash, doing the laundry, etc, all while changing her wet cloth on her forehead.

I then decided to cook porridge, as it’s good for her stomach, especially during fever. Her stomach was growling moments ago. Looks like she had skipped lunch.

“Rei-chan!

Promise me that you will never me!

Promise me, that you’ll always stay by my side!

Promise me, that you would always support me.”

I could hear Akeno mumble, as I was cooking. 

Seriously, you really are cruel, Tachibana Akeno.

 It’s you, who left me first. 

It’s not fair that you get to make requests which are so unfair to me.

A bunch of flashbacks ran through my head, as I focused on cooking.

*Click!*

I heard the door open, and I could pretty much guess who this person was.

“Akeno! I’ve brought some meds! Wake up now-

Oh, it’s you, Reiji-kun. Doing well?” said she, without even batting an eye.

To put things simply, she’s Tachibana Ayako, Akeno’s big sister, as well as her manager. She’s the person who handles the entire Tachibana agency. Unlike her little sister, who’s a good for nothing slob (besides acting), Ayako-san is quite the opposite. I sometimes wonder if they are even real siblings or not. She had also won several beauty pageants, and had a thriving modelling career, before deciding to step down to become the manager for her little sister, Akeno. As you can guess, Akeno’s talents are really enviable, rivalling some of the best and brightest actresses in her field.

Anyway, back to the present. It looks like the commotion that Ayako made had inadvertently woken up Akeno from her slumber. Also, it looks like as if she had regained her sense of reasoning, as I could feel her glare towards me.

“WHY ARE YOU IN MY HOUSE?”

“Believe me, even I’d like to ask myself the same question.” I replied, while serving her porridge.

“Hahahahaha…… Looks like Reiji-kun’s sense of humor had improved quite a bit, since the last time we met,” Ayako said, while trying to diffuse the situation.

“THAT STILL DOES NOT EXPLAIN WHY HE IS HERE. IN MY ROOM, THAT IS.”

“Give him a fucking break, Akeno. He cleaned the entire house for you, as well as took care of you, while you were bedridden, in my absence.”

“Is that so?” Akeno glared at me, softening up a little, albeit still pouting.

“It’s nothing major. I just came to deliver some materials, but I found her collapsed in the room. I couldn’t help myself, as my body moved on its own.

“Although, I believe you took more than just care for her”, Ayako said, while pointing at Akeno’s new dress which was wet and translucent due to sweat.

“Fuck you, sis. And you too, Reiji, you lecher” Akeno said, while covering herself up with her blanket.

“Hey, you were already soaking in your garments when I just got here. And also, you jumped onto me first, pressing your body against mine-Omphff”

Before I could finish my sentence, Akeno threw a pillow onto my face.

“Stupid! Idiot! Lecher! Human trash! Perv!......” She kept throwing her stuff, while hurling insults at me. Meanwhile, Ayako kept on rolling on the floor, laughing.

It took a few minutes for everything to subsidize. Akeno was visibly exhausted, while Ayako was still giggling, albeit trying to control her laughter.

“Welp! Looks like I’m not exactly wanted here, so it’s best I take my leave then.”, I said, while attempting to walk down the corridor.

“STOP!”

“Now what?”

“How am I supposed to finish the porridge that you made me?”

“I don’t know? Just eat normally, I guess? With the spoon, that is.”

“I can’t.”

“Excuse me?”

“Like I said, I CAN’T. I’M EXHAUSTED!”

“Where was your exhaustion when you were throwing those stuff at me?” I thought, but kept it to myself.

“So, what should I do then?”

“Feed me.”

“EXCUSE ME, WHAT?”

“LIKE I SAID, FEED ME!”

Look at her audacity! Well, I guess I’d comply, just to avoid trouble. But wait,

“What about Ayako-san? She could feed you.”

Saying that, I looked around, only to find her absence.

“Sorry, Reiji-kun, but could you please feed her? I’m taking a shower now, so I leave her in your hands.” Ayako-san said, while being inside the bathroom.

Sigh! It looks like there are nothing but problematic women in my lives. Welp! Tough luck, I guess!

I took the bowl of porridge, blowed the steamy rice to let it cool down.

“Here! Open your mouth.”

“Hmph!”

“What’s the issue? Didn’t you want me to feed you?”

“Hmph!”

“Pouting won’t solve the issue, Akeno. Tell me, what’s the matter?”

“Magic words! I want you to tell those while you feed me. Like you used to, in our childhood.”

This girl! Does she have no sense of shame?

“Sigh! Fine! Say Ahhhhh…….”

And just like that, she gulped the entire thing down. She literally looked like a hamster, with a mouthful of rice. Seriously, she can be such a glutton sometimes.

“Too salty.”

“Hey, I’m no chef. Sorry, if it’s not up to your liking, Your Highness. Let me just throw it away then.”

“Jeez, Rei-chan. I’m not complaining. Don’t throw it away. I’ll still eat it. After all, it’s you who made it for me.”

*Nom*

*Nom*

*Nom*

She was eating like a child, with her mouth full. I bet the TV station people Wouldn’t be able to imagine that the great Tachibana Akeno could be reduced to such a state when she’s inside her house. Honestly, she’s just too vulnerable for her own good.

Crap! I’m getting distracted by useless thoughts. I should just focus on feeding her, then leave.

“Are you okay, Rei-chan?”

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t look too well.”

“Don't talk with food in your mouth.”, I said while stuffing her mouth with more rice. Honestly, what are you? An elementary schooler? I wiped her mouth full of rice while she was eating messily.

It gets worse though, after this. While I was cleaning up, she looked at me with the most puppy dog eyes one can ever manifest.

“What is it this time?” I asked, clearly annoyed.

“Pudding!”

“Absolutely not!”

Despite what she looks like, Tachibana Akeno has a sweet tooth. In fact, her obsession with sweets clearly surpasses ours, to the point I sometimes wonder if she’s an alien living amongst us.

“Please! Pretty please!” She amplified her puppy eyes power while I tried to resist it. No, I can’t give in yet. But it’s Tachibana Akeno we are talking about. Her eyes are no joke.

“Hell no! I will not give into your tricks!”

“I want it! I want it! I want it! I want it! Wahhhhhhhh…..”

There she goes, throwing her childish tantrums yet again. Sigh!

“Here, your pudding! Now quit horsing around!”, Ayako-san says, while wearing a bath towel and tossing a pudding from her handbag.

Unfortunately, I caught it, before Akeno could.

“Ayako-san. If you give into her demands now, then she will forever remain spoiled. Besides, pudding at this state is something that I wouldn’t recommend.”

“Ehhh…. Don’t worry, Reiji-kun! A single pudding wouldn’t hurt, especially, if it manages to stop her tantrums.”

“Sigh! Fine then! I’ll give her half.”

Saying that, I crouched, trying to feed her.

“Here, eat it. You win.”

“He he he! Ahhh……. Chomp! “

*Nom Nom Nom*

Yep, just a hamster.

“What are you going to do with the rest of the pudding?” Akeno asked, again with her puppy dog eyes.

“I don’t know! Maybe Ayako-san can have it”

“Absolutely not! I dislike sweets!” Ayako-san retorted. “I can’t stand the smell of pudding, let alone taste them. The only reason I buy them is for my sis, that’s all”

“Hey, open wide….” Akeno said.

“What do you me-Hmphfff”, before I could react, she pushed the other half down my throat.

“Cough! Cough! What was that for?”

“A reward, for your services.”, Akeno said, while licking the spoon.

“There, we had an indirect kiss now. I hope you enjoyed it.”

“Fuck you! I’m leaving.”, said I, while stomping my way through across the corridor. My ears felt funny. Maybe, I was blushing.

“Wait just a second!” Ayako said, while hurrying after me.

“What is it this time, Ayako-san? It’s seriously getting late.” I asked, while standing at the entrance.

She hugged me from behind, and whispered me in my ears

“You should visit us more often. Akeno would really appreciate that.”

Immediately my expression changed.

“You know it just as well as I do, Ayako-san. 

I can’t.

 Or to be more precise, 

I don’t have the right to, anymore.”

“Is it because of her? It’s her, isn’t it?”

A flashback of this afternoon ran through my mind, where I had a similar conversation with the president today. For some reason, I felt inexplicably irritated.

“Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. Who knows? Either way, I want to forget, and move on.”

“Are you really sure? Didn’t you cherish the time you spent together with her?”

A sense of frustration was piling up inside me, something which, I couldn’t explain to myself. It felt like her questions were trying to suffocate me. They were trying to peer right through my heart, something which I wasn’t willing to share. At this rate, I might end up making a mistake that I’d regret for the rest of my life.

I chose the worst way out possible. I chose to hurt Ayako.

“Let me ask you a question, Tachibana Ayako-san. You had won several beauty pageants, not to mention had a thriving modelling career. Why throw all that away, just to be a meagre manager for her?”

“That-“

“-is none of my concern, is it? Wake up, Ayako-san. Before asking others to face their feelings, maybe you should sort out your feelings first. You and I both know that the past is unchangeable, but the future is not. It’s something that we have to gain control over. So, stop brooding over the past, and let me go. Let me take up the reins for my future.”

“But Reiji-kun…”

“Later, Akeno-san. I’m not really in the mood to have a conversation right now.”

Saying that, I slammed the door on her face, storming out.

Honestly, I can be such an asshole sometimes. I punched myself in the face just to calm this feeling of regret. What I chose to do, was the best possible action for all of us.

Sigh! To be honest, she wasn’t even trying to be rude. She was just looking after us, for both me and Akeno. Her own parents had disowned them, and she was all alone out here, looking after her sister. She had already spent a good portion of her life trying to make sure everything went well, even it sometimes meant sacrificing her own desires, goals and dreams.

Life has really been unfair, especially to her. I understand her feelings better than anyone else. Heck, I’ve been in the same boat as hers. Our fates, intertwined by none other than Akeno- the highly talented actress, whose performance is worthy of receiving an Oscar. It’s because she’s still in high school, but once she graduates, Hollywood will be her new home. And Ayako, her manager and her legal guardian. I’m sure of it. It’s a world that I have no place in. No, it's a place could never deserve to be in.

But sometimes, I still can’t help but wonder,

“What about me, Akeno? What about me? What should I have done?”

Several useless thoughts ran across my head, while I lied down on my bed. Today was surely hectic, to say the least. To be worthy of Akeno, is a dream that I will never be able to achieve.

*Bzzz*

The sudden notification vibration in my phone interrupted my though process.

“What is it at this hour?” I wondered, as I decided to check my smartphone.

It was Tamaki Kei-sensei.

Or more specifically, his official Nwitter account handle, who requested to follow my official account of Kitagawa Airi.

My fingers moved swiftly, even before I could register what had happened. I instinctively tapped on “Accept”, following which I got a barrage of DM’s, which I could consider nothing but rambling of a fan.

“I’m so glad that you’ve accepted my request, Kitagawa-sensei, I really am. I’ve binged all your works, including “White Booklet 2”, “The most beautiful love in the world”, and “How not to be a boring person”. I especially loved your interpretation of the definition of true love and its shades in White Booklet 2, especially in the Tokusa Azuma true route. I love her so much as a character. Also, Fuck Otsuna Seigso…………………………”

For the next few hours, Tamaki-sensei kept on rambling about how much he loved and appreciated my works. Honestly, I can’t blame him though, as I did the same. I mean, I got to the chance to speak to THE Tamaki-sensei. So, my rambling went tenfold over. So much so, that by the time we were finished, it’s already past 3 ‘O’ clock at night. Being a fan is really terrifying.

Tamaki: “I really had fun chatting with you, Kitagawa-sensei!”

Kitagawa: “Likewise, Tamaki-sensei. To be honest, I was so surprised to see that we had so much in common. It’s not always that I get to talk about my interests with someone.”

Tamaki: “Kitagawa-sensei, I might sound a bit selfish, but I need some advice”

Kitagawa: “Go right ahead! I don’t see any problems. Although, I’m not sure if I’m the right person you should be asking advice from. I mean, I’m pretty naïve myself, and I do suffer from lack of experiences.”

Tamaki: “That’s not an issue. It has to be you!”

Kitagawa: “Fine! Go right ahead.”

Tamaki:” I need to meet you IRL. How about we meet tomorrow? At Café Bella, near Akihabara station? Don’t worry, I’ll be reserving a table for the two of us, and I’d be wearing a red cap and navy-blue jeans, so you wouldn’t have any problems identifying me.”

Kitagawa: “You sure? Author or not, I’m still a stranger on the internet.”

Tamaki: “No worries, I highly doubt you’ll try something, Kitagawa- sensei. And, if push comes to shove, I have just the right tools to deal with you”

Kitagawa: “Somehow, I don’t really like the sound of that.”

Tamaki:” Don’t worry, Kitagawa-sensei. I’m usually a pacifist, unless the situation demands me to, otherwise.”

Somehow, I felt chills down my spine talking to him.

*Beep*

I switched off my smartphone, dozing off into an uneventful slumber.

___________________________________________________________________________

Tired or not, being late to a meeting is extremely rude in Japan, especially if you are meeting them for the first time. It usually earns a scorn from them, and today, I’m going to earn exactly that. I mean, Fuck me! My phone battery died, which is why I couldn’t wake up at the sound of my alarm, and when I did wake up, it was already reasonably late. I somehow managed to take a bath and dress myself decently, before heading towards my destination.

When I managed to enter Café Bella, I was already 10 minutes late. Great, now my impression is going to hit rock bottom.

Thinking that, I approached the table, which was marked as “RESERVED". I could see a person, sitting on the opposite chair, with the red cap and navy-blue jeans. I tiptoed myself, before making an appearance. I decided to bow before I could even see his face.

“I’m extremely sorry for being late. Forgive me.”

“No worries, I just got here. Now, lift your head up.”

Wait a minute! The voice sounded extremely familiar! If this person is whom I think she is, this could only mean one thing.

“President?”