Rin x Len Story Ch.16

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I Just Found out I'm Addicted to You

Chapter 16: Eventful Night

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Len's P.O.V

"And that's how I got here." Kaito stated nonchalantly as we all walked in line.

I was currently walking with Rin's hand in my own and feeling like the luckiest guy alive, cross-dressing aside. Kaito, my best friend, had just finished retelling his story on how he had suddenly appeared.

We all had smiles plastered on our faces, unaware of what was to happen. It's funny how things can change so drastically from one moment to the next, either for better or for worse. We would all soon be too aware of that fact, but more on that later.

Suddenly, Miku stopped walking on par with everyone else.

"Geez, we're doing this all wrong!" She exclaimed and grabbed Rin's hand, "We still have a reconciliation date to plan!"

"Come on Rin!" The leek princess exclaimed as she dragged the blushing blonde away, "I'll call up Luka too!"

Then she pushed me onto her boyfriend, "You know what to do with him."

Usually, when people perform her actions while saying those words, you'd think they were going to kill the poor guy. You know, all that stuff about sleeping with the fishes or something. Yet, the way Kaito smiled and nodded made me afraid for something worse than that. You don't pair up a leek and ice-cream mastermind and expect things to be okay…it just doesn't work that way.

Mikuo shuffled around uncomfortably, "I just remembered I have things to do…like water my leeks."

He began walking away but Rin loosened herself from Miku's grasp in order to run to him.

"Wait!"

The elder Hatsune stopped and looked at her. I frowned as I saw him smile before blushing a bit.

"I will never be able to repay you for what you did for me. Thank you, Mikuo."

Then, she gave him one of the brightest smiles I had ever seen her give anyone, including myself. My heart clenched a bit. Despite everything…I still felt at a loss.

"Heh," Mikuo shrugged and scratched the back of his teal head, "For you, anytime. I would do it as many times needed because I…"

A tense silence surrounded all of us. His eyes darted towards me and he shrugged once more, "Because I think you are an awesome friend. See ya!"

Rin stood there, dumbfounded, staring after Mikuo's retreating figure. I myself was no different. I was sure he was going to confess to Rin right then and there… His glance at me…

He's giving up. His smile is a fake…a mask to not let Rin see his pain.

I sighed in frustration as she turned to look at me, questions filling her sea blue eyes. Shrugging, I turned away, all of a sudden feeling greatly uncomfortable. I mean, I can't tell her my friend likes her too, right? Though she might already know by now…Wait, can I even call Mikuo friend? He's like two years older than me…

I noticed Miku give her brother's back a long, sad look. Her eyes met mine and her teal hair flipped as she averted her gaze.

"Anyway, we have things to do."

Rin nodded, still looking a bit upset. The leek princess led the shorter blonde away and out of my sight.

Something stirred within my stomach… This was not going to go well.


Rin's P.O.V

I couldn't quite focus on what Miku was chattering about while showing me the new dresses we had bought. I knew she was trying to make small talk to avoid me asking a question.

"And so then, if you add this blue bracelet-"

"Why did Mikuo leave so suddenly? I thought he-he…" I interrupted, not willing to wait anymore.

"That he liked you?"

I nodded, a slight blush dusting my cheeks.

"Mikuo can be an idiot, but he isn't a masochist. He doesn't enjoy pain. Being there with you, next to Len, happy and all, kills him because he likes you! I thought that was pretty obvious."

I raised my knees to my chest, hugging them with my arms. I felt terrible now. Mikuo had done so much for my sake and what did I do? Stab him.

"Aww come on, he's my elder brother if you have forgotten! A little heartbreak should be cured sooner or later. That's life for ya! He'll find someone he deserves eventually. All you have to concentrate now is being happy, okay?"

"But-"

"Uh-uh," Miku said while wagging her index finger, "You and Len have been through too much. First Takeshi, then Len's jerk attitude, then Miki, then your financial issues, the bet, Mikuo… It's time to be filled with happiness now that you can. H-A-P-P-N-E-S-S."

"Don't you mean H-a-p-p-i-n-e-s-s?"

My friend frowned, "You couldn't just let it slide, now could you?"

I smiled sheepishly and shrugged. Then, Miku tackled me into a hug that sent us both rolling off her bed. For some reason, we could not stop laughing. I guess for me it was some kind of venting technique. I could finally let go of that guy's dark shadow. When I moved here after my encounter with Takeshi and my mother's death, I didn't think I would ever be happy again. Everything in the world seemed dark and gloomy… Yet, look at me now. The smiles of those around me, Miku, Len, Haku, Luka, Kaito, Gakupo, and even Meiko have all cured my heart. My defenses were torn away, leaving me vulnerable to many things, one of them being this incredible joy.

A single tear rolled down my cheek. I could finally say goodbye to Takashi…from here on out, a new Rin gets to see the world: a Rin free of unbearable pain and loneliness. Sure, I will never be able to forget what he did to me, or what Mikuo saved me from but at least now I don't stand alone.

My friends make the pain subside until it is only a faint speck in my memory. They say events like those make you stronger, but in reality it is how you choose to solve them that requires the most strength.

I don't know how I could live without them anymore… I really don't.

"Earth to Rin~!"

I blinked rapidly, startled by the sudden intrusion into my pensive thoughts.

"Huh?"

"We need to go buy some more things… Come on!"

I smiled, ready to start a new.


Piko's P.O.V

The rest of the day had passed by like wildfire. Before midnight, all of our things had been unpacked and our house seemed the same as it had been many years ago, almost as if we had never moved.

We all sat around the table like old times, Miki, her mom, my parents and I. Laughter filled the room and though I smiled, I felt uneasy. I was forcing my smile so much that it might've seemed like I ate something sour.

The feeling of nostalgia was almost too overwhelming for me. I felt dizzy and sick. We had been absent for almost five years and here we are, acting like it had been five minutes?!

I dug my fork a little too hard into the peas, making the metal scrape against the plate. Did they not see things could never be the same? It can't be that easy! We will only get hurt more! SHE will only be broken and hurt! Miki! Don't they think at all?! I know I can't avoid her but this isn't the wisest route either!

"Piko dear, is everything alright?"

I shook my head, "Sorry Mom, I'm just really worn out from all the moving. I'll excuse myself now. Thank you for coming, Mrs. Akira."

Just like that, I pushed my chair in and swiftly left the room. I was suffocating in there. The mere idea of being near Miki, having her in my life again, was too incredulous for me to grasp in one day. I had spent all these years distancing myself for it to come crashing down in a matter of hours.

I heard soft footsteps chasing after me and I had a very good guess on who the mystery person was. That only caused me to speed up my pace. After being in that awkward situation with Miki before, I was reluctant to be alone with her for fear of me doing something stupid.

I pretended not to hear her, walked inside my room, closed the door, flung myself on my bed, and buried my head under a pillow. Yeah, I did all that in like ten seconds…I'm a ninja.

The soft footsteps stopped right outside my door. It was kind of creepy to think that if I could concentrate hard enough, I would be able to hear Miki's hesitant breaths.

After a couple seconds, soft knocking was heard.

"Piko?"

I sighed, I can't just leave her hanging, "Yeah come in."

My back was facing the door so all I could hear was her footsteps and then felt extra weight on the edge of my bed. She sat down.

"I…."

I closed my eyes, hoping to fall asleep or something in order to avoid whatever conversation that will soon begin.

"It's hard for me too."

My green eye opened.

Seeing that I was being a jerk and was not going to talk soon, she continued, "It's hard to act like before… too much stuff has happened."

"Tell me about it," was my muffled reply.

"Despite that," she continued, her voice slightly quivering, "I still want to do this. I want things to gradually return to how they were before. I know that it won't be exactly the same but that doesn't change the fact that you are back. Ii don't care if nothing is the same, as long as you are here!"

My cheeks flared red and I further hid my face. An awesome and manly guy like me can't, or shouldn't, have his cheeks burning away!

"I-I want to start over. I really screwed up so many things and have been afraid to ever look back. B-but with your help I'm sure I can do so. B-but you don't have to if you don't want to…"

I sat up at that last bit and hugged her, "Of course I'll help you, redhead! Just say the word and I'll provide my awesome assistance."

"Thank you Piko! I love you so much!"

The comment had so easily fallen from her lips. She surely hadn't meant it in a romantic way right? We both remained frozen, our heartbeats accelerating as quickly as the second hand ticked away on the clock.

"Heh, of course you do. How could you not love me?" I stated in a sassy manner, trying to avoid an extremely awkward moment.

Miki pouted and softly punched my arm.

"Well then Redhead, what are your plans?"

"First of all…" she started and looked down at her fists, "I'm going to apologize to Rin, Miku, Len, and all of them. I really did act selfishly and stupid. I…"

"Oh come on, it can't be that bad."

Over the phone she had mentioned a few bits about her troubles with Len and them but never the details.

The red haired beauty sat there silently until she began to shake and a tear rolled down her face "You don't know…"

"Well if I'm going to help you I need to know."

Soon, her tear turned into an uncontrollable sob, "I threatened Rin to leave Len. I used to pick on Miku because I was jealous of her! I made Rin believe Len was toying with her and almost caused her to get run over! I have hurt them so much! I insulted Rin so many times… I can't take it anymore! I feel like I'm going to explode from all this guilt! I wish I could just go back and never fall in love with Len! The sad part is that somewhere deep down I still love him, even if not as much as before. That feeling there, that feeling makes me feel horrible and sick when I remember! Piko, I don't know what to do! I'm the worst!"

I grimaced a little when she said she still held feelings for the blonde guy but pushed that thought away for now. I took her cheeks between my palms and kissed her forehead gently. Then, I embraced her with so much emotion that I wouldn't be surprised if she burst.

"You are not the worst. You have no fault in this. I know what you have been through, your father and then my abandonment. I should've never left you damn it! You have no idea how many times I think of what could've happened if I had never moved! All your current problems wouldn't be here! So if you want to blame anyone, blame me! Take all your frustrations and aim them at me because I can handle it all! I know you so well that it scares me sometimes! You are the kindest girl I have met who was unlucky enough to have a whole mess of crap happen to her! That isn't your fault so stop making it seem like it is! Now stop crying before you make my sentimental side arise. Ah great, look at what you did cause, these tears do not look awesome on my sexy face."

She giggled at the last part and I wiped her tears away, "That's better!"

"Miki! Let's go!"

"Coming Mom!" she yelled, got off the bed, and walked towards the door, "Thank you for everything Piko."

"No problem, Redhead."

With that she left. I lay on my bed, staring aimlessly at the ceiling. There is so much hurt in her eyes that it wounds my heart just looking into them. If Miki is going to be brave enough to take a step forward then so will I.

I got off the bed and headed to my window when I noticed a strange object on my desk. It was Miki's IPod. Heh, she left it in here. Let's see what is playing… Eh, a Korean song? She likes this stuff? Luckily, I understand the language because my mom insisted on me learning four different tongues. Why I have no clue.

This song, "Janus," scared me so much that I nearly dropped the IPod…more like threw it out the window. Why, you may ask? These are the first lyrics:

I may be smiling right now but I'm trying to hold it in
I'm strongly clutching my two hands
You're being deceived when I say that I'm OK
I am shedding all my tears behind your back

Your small, trembling shoulders, your small lips
I'm sorry, you collapse before me
You swallow me up hotly and shed tears
I'm sorry, you hug me with all your strength

That sounds way too familiar for my liking thank you. Seriously, it's like these "Boyfriend" people stalked me my whole life and made a song out of it.

I let out a sigh past your shoulders, tears rise up past your shoulders
But only I know how I look
I want to live in your memory until the end, I want to smile in your memory
Like a fool, I just smile at you

You're not a bad girl you're not a bad girl
The tears shed for me, put those tears away
She will be hurt, hurt because of me
So I need to hold it in

Miki… She is always getting hurt because of me. I mean, all those things she said were her fault were in some way caused by me. I left her, I broke her. Now, I am helplessly in love with her while she chases after another. My tears fall behind her back where she can't see. If she would find out, I would probably damage her frail body more. She's not evil like everyone says she is. I know her very well, more than anyone else. I need to act tough, cocky and arrogant even, in order to hide everything that could hurt my redhead. I had already had enough of her tears.

Why, why, why are you crying because of me?
You should always brightly smile, why are you crying?
Forget me, brush me off and leave in peace
Don't you believe me? I don't want to bring you down

My heart that beats from deep inside, the lingering attachment that's deep inside
I just bury it as something only I know
I want to see only your smile until the end, I want to protect your smile
Like yesterday, just smile at me

Her smile from before, how I wish to protect that…it hurts to see her cry. When we were kids I'd swore to myself that I'd stop those tears and now, I have broken that over and over again. Suddenly, memories flooded my brain, all filled with a familiar and warm voice. "Piko, look~! It's a bunny!" "Piko, isn't it true that you will never leave like my dad?" "Ne, I'm happy being just with you." "Why did you have to leave?" "You don't understand! I love him!" "His tears were for her!"

That part really got to me, especially while hearing this song. Miki realized Len loves Rin through his sincere, heartbroken tears. Would she also see right through me if I revealed my true pain to her? Shit… I'm crying again.

You're not a bad girl you're not a bad girl
In my heart, in my heart
I hide my feelings, I hide it for you
So I need to hold myself back

Only you are my master, if you want, you can leave me.

I will let you go, for you, I will let you go

You're not a bad girl you're not a bad girl
The tears shed for me, put those tears away
She will be hurt, hurt because of me
So I need to hold it in

I may be smiling right now but I'm trying to hold it in
I'm strongly clutching my two hands
You're being deceived when I say that I'm OK
I am shedding all my tears behind your back

I remained there, frozen in the darkness, letting cold tears slide down my cheek. I had nothing to say or do. That song depressed the living awesomeness out of me. It made me realize how completely miserable my life is. Yet, I don't care about that. If she can be happy, I thought as I wiped away the sadness from my eyes, then I will help her achieve that for I am her knight in shining awesomeness.


Len's P.O.V

I stared at the pictures Kaito gave me. It was me in a dress. Someone had taken pictures. According to Kaito, a giggling woman with silver hair, black sunglasses, and a black beanie gave it to him before scurrying away. Haku strikes again…

We were currently in his house, getting "ready." That basically meant Kaito was trying to act as my love mentor… which he wasn't so bad at. Gakupo had tagged along too, joining after Luka was called up. They had been together doing something. Apparently, my purple haired friend didn't mind constantly reminding me how badly I had screwed up, while Kaito merely hung his head. Though Rin had forgiven me, he still felt really guilty about making the bet. I didn't blame him though, past jerk Len had to be taught a lesson and this was it. I'm thankful for everything that happened, slaps and tears included.

"Len, you need to apologize big time. Cross-dressing won't cut it." The purple haired guy said and looked at my chauffeur who had picked us up and brought us to our current destination, "Right Kiyoteru?"

He pushed his glasses back, "I'm afraid so Mr. Kamui, but at least the Miss forgave him."

Kaito finished fixing my tie and looked back to admire his handiwork. I looked at myself in his mirror and blinked rapidly. Was that really me?

I was dressed in a black tuxedo (that we had bought) with a yellow tie. Instead of my regular messy bangs, the guys had combed them down and to the side, so it was a very different look.

"Wow, I look great. Thanks guys."

"It's the least I could do." Kaito said with a smile.

"No problem." Replied Gakupo.

Kiyoteru opened the door.

"Len!"

I turned around at the sound of Kaito's voice. He was holding a bouquet of white and yellow tulips with a single orange one in the center. The florist guy told us that white meant forgiveness and yellow meant hoplessly in love. I wanted to express both those things and orange was her favorite color so…

"Don't forget these." He said and tossed them to me.

I caught them and smiled broadly, he was staying with Gakupo. Apparently, this would be the point of rendezvous when Miku and Luka arrived after taking care of Rin. Heart beating with anticipation, I took a deep breath and walked out.


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My heart was beating so much that I feared I'd get a stroke. I raised my trembling hand to knock on the door, feeling my knees grow weak. I took a deep breath, I can do this…

I can't do this.

Giggles and rustling could be heard from the very same plant that was making noises the last time I came. Except this time there were more voices…

Instead of knocking, I took out a slip of paper and slid it under the door. Kaito never told me I had to recite it first, right?


Rin's P.O.V

I sat on the couch, fidgeting with my fingers. Miku had received a phone call from Kaito and she, along with Luka and Haku (who had wiggled her way in here) left the room to give us "privacy." Yet, I doubt any of them, well maybe Luka, know what the word means.

Suddenly, a piece of paper slid under the door. I scrambled over to get it, almost falling on my face in the process.

It was an envelope with a nostalgic "To Rin" written in familiar writing. I got a shiver from the déjà-vu feeling that suddenly enveloped me.

I opened it and to my surprise there was a poem written in it. Len had taken the time to write this? It read as follows:

I never knew what love could be
That is until you came and showed me

This is something special that's burning inside
Growing and growing, I can't deny

You're so special and unique
Not a single thing about you I would tweak

You've been the only girl to slap me
And not just once you see?

It started with a bet
But slowly I fell and got caught in your net

You were the one who was never at my feet
And the only one who turned me red as a beet.

Without knowing it you caught me in your spell
And without you I can't live very well

Now I know I can't live without you
But I'm sure you know that's nothing new

So please forgive me, you know it's true
With all my heart and soul, I love you.

My heart was hammering in my chest by the time I reached the last line. He loved me. I knew I loved him and knew the feeling was mutual, but we never said it to each other before. This was the first time…

He loves me. I love him.

That's when it hit me. If he had slipped the envelope then…

I walked towards the door and slowly opened it. My eyes widened when I saw Len, dressed in a tuxedo, kneeling with a bouquet of tulips.

"White for forgiveness, Yellow for hopelessly in love, and Orange for Rin." He said and then added, "Would you be my girlfriend, Rin Kagamine?"

I stood there, frozen. He asked me to be his… I had forgotten about that part. What… If I accepted, would I be another number? I mentally shook my head, he lied to be about the bet, but I have to trust him on this one. My heart will crumble otherwise.

"Rin? Are you-?"

The question got caught in his throat as I tackled him into hallway. He let out a small "oompf" as he fell on his back. The flowers fell to the side as I sat on my knees between his legs. Then, without warning I did something I had not been expecting myself to do soon. I grabbed his face in my hands and pressed my lips against his soft ones. It wasn't a vulgar kiss, eww no. It was a chaste kiss that made my stomach flutter. I pulled back and on his face was a display of pure shock. That quickly transformed into the widest grin I had ever seen him make.

"I'll take that as a yes?"

I rolled my eyes, "Stop being funny before I take it back!"

He chuckled and pulled me into a tight hug, surprising me this time. He smelled of fresh vanilla and it felt so right to have his warm arms around me. His lean torso filled me with a sense of protection as if nothing could hurt me as long as I was with him.

My neighbor, Ms. Tanaka an elderly woman, suddenly poked her head out the door. She smiled, muttered something about "young people these days" and "about time," before leaving.

"Maybe we should get going on that date now."

I remembered our date to the fair, when his mother…

"You have to get back by curfew, huh?" I teased, for some reason feeling bold.

"Why yes I do. You know me so well." He said and patted my head.

I stuck my tongue out at him before placing the flowers in water, grabbing my small purse that Haku had bought me, and locking the door.

As we walked down hand in hand, a thought finally sunk in.

I have a boyfriend now.


Haku's P.O.V

This is like what, my second time narrating this story? How can you readers survive without me? Well anyways, I was dressed all in black again, except I had a black cocktail dress on this time. My camera was concealed inside my purse. I can't wait to get these pictures in print. They are worth more than gold. Sure, I may seem like a creep now, but Rin will thank me in the future.

She is so sweet and caring that she forgave Len. If Miku hadn't stopped me, I would've choked him to death… and then thrown his body down a ditch. I heard giggles in the back seat and then realized I might've said that out loud.

Did I mention I was not the only one in the car? Yep, Teal Leek an Pink Tuna were with me. That's their kickass spy names. I'm Silver Stealth. Awesome, 'nuff said.

We were waiting for Len and Rin to get in his fancy car and leave so we could follow- er go in the same direction they were going. We had run away after Rin had gone inside to take care of the flowers. If we had waited any longer we would've been discovered and everything would've gone "boom!"

That good-looking chauffeur got out when the two love-birds appeared and opened the door for them. Soon, they drove away and I started the engine.

It's time to roll.

I discreetly trailed them. We could become a quartet, Rin, Miku, Luka and I. Apparently, they had another friend named Meiko, but no one had heard about her for weeks. She hadn't even showed up at school. What am I saying? I am too old for this.


Len's P.O.V

We've been on two dates before. We went to the fair and then went to the mall while ditching that one time. Yet, considering the fair date was still under the black haze of "the bet" and the mall date ended badly… This would be our first real date.

With other girls, dinner meant nothing. It meant I had been with them a whole day and would probably dump them soon. I never chose the super fancy ones because they didn't matter to me. I didn't care for money, yet it pained me to waste it on those girls, like Miki. The only mistakes had been Luka, Miku, and Rin. The first two ended being a very important part of my life as my close friends and Rin…Well, Rin is my first real girlfriend. Okay, well maybe not first, but I'm not counting my childhood. Let's just say she was my first reallove.

That is why my hands were sweaty and my head was spinning. Rin accepted to be my girlfriend. I was in a committed, happy relationship now. I could die and be happy. Someone, shoot me now before something screws everything up.

"We have arrived Master Len."

Soon, the door opened to reveal the fanciest restaurant in the region: La Lune d'Argent or The Silver Moon. I came here once or twice but don't remember much.

Rin's jaw dropped, "W-We can't stay here! It'll cost too much! Let's go somewhere else!"

"You are talking to the guy that bribes bus drivers with hundred dollar bills, remember? This is nothing."

She paled but then shrugged and muttered something about being "rich and showing off."

Did I mention how dazzling she looked? She wore a satin blue dress, like the color of her eyes, that had a black ribbon in the middle tied around her waist. A similar ribbon was in her hair. Her hair glowed in the setting sun and her sea blue eyes twinkled. The pink blush that now dusted her cheeks made her seem so…pretty? No. She was breathtakingly beautiful.

I pulled Kiyoteru aside momentarily, "You can have a free night until I call you to pick us up okay? Don't bother me for anything except an emergency. My mother can call me if she needs anything."

He nodded, got into the black luxury car, and left without another word.

We went in where a silver haired waiter led us to the table I had reserved a couple of hours earlier. It was in a secluded little corner, illuminated by sparkling, bright crystal chandeliers. There were only two chairs and a beautiful beaded centerpiece. The months color was gold, apparently, and everything flickered in the light, as if it were a gold miner's dream or a day in the life of King Midas.

The same guy came to take our orders. His tag said Dell, so I guess that was his name. I ordered something and Rin quickly said to bring her the same thing. I'm pretty sure she had no idea what to order. We talked about trivial things and laughed, my ears dancing at the euphonious sound.

Then, Rin turned serious, "That girl keeps on staring at me."

It was a girl with silver hair in a bun, her back now facing us. She was wearing glasses, too.

The silver haired dude said something to her and she exclaimed, "Stop trying to flirt with me!"

"Haku?" Rin wondered but then shook her head.

Her two companions scurried after her when she left.

We ate, with Rin admiring the taste every now and then. Then, once we were done, I gathered up my courage.

"Kiss me."

Her eyes widened and she blushed madly, "W-What?"

"Kiss me."

She looked down before quickly reaching over and pecked my cheek. I rolled my eyes and leaned over the now clear table, gently lifted her chin and kissed her pink lips. I pulled away and kept it at that. I figured she didn't like kissing any other way because Takashi had probably done that, but maybe I could help her get used to it.

She blushed again and closed her eyes. She bit her bottom lip and then exclaimed, "I love you!"

I grinned broadly, having waiting for those words for what seemed forever.

I got out of my seat, went to hers and embraced her tightly, "I love you too and I'll never ever hurt you again. I love you so much."

She gripped my chest and felt damp spots on my shirt.

"T-Thank you, I'm so happy." She cried.

I wiped away Rin's tears and kissed her forehead. Then I looked at her with a determined gaze, "I want you to meet my parents."

"Do you always present them your girlfriends?" She asked.

"Nope, only the ones I plan to marry in the future." I said and laughed at how rapidly she blushed.

Then, my ringtone interrupted me. I looked at the caller ID and my eyes widened.

It was Kiyoteru.


Kiyoteru's P.O.V

It's not every day that I get some free time from the Master or his mother. To be truthful, I had no clue on what to do. I could always enter a bookstore, see a couple titles, and buy a few. That was always entertaining. I am not much older than his oldest friends, twenty-three isn't that bad, if I say so myself. Yet, despite being young I have been working for so long that I have forgotten how to relax and enjoy myself.

I continued to drive down the street, the lampposts turning on automatically as the sun dimmed. They reflected on the windows of the black car, moving rapidly as I increased the speed.

I stopped at a red light, my eyes scanning my surroundings. Everything seemed normal enough. I parked somewhere near a coffee shop. Some caffeine would be beneficial for me. I am happy for Master Len, but this will only mean that we will be driving out more… more work for me.

Passing by an alley near the coffee shop, I caught something out of the corner of my eye. I shook my head, pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose, and kept on walking. It couldn't be…

I suddenly turned around, going back towards the alley.

"Please don't let it be…" I mumbled and sped walk back to the spot, my red tie flying all over the place.

Sure enough, crumpled against the brick wall, was Meiko Sakine, one of Master Len's friends. I recognized her for she has gone to the house a couple times and I've driven her home at times too.

She hasn't visited recently though.

Her eyes were closed, her brown hair dirty, and her cheeks frighteningly pale.

"Miss Sakine?"

I knelt down beside her, trying to keep the calm demeanor I always have. When I didn't sense a pulse, all that flew out the window.

"Miss Sakine! Please respond!" I frantically yelled, "Miss Sakine!"

Then, like a miracle, I felt a faint beating under my fingertips. She was alive.

I placed my arm under her legs and another behind her back. Gently lifting her, I carried her into the car. People stared at me with pity in their eyes. Some maybe thought I was kidnapping her. Others probably assumed I was her brother or… boyfriend.

Once inside the car I took my phone out and dialed Len's phone number. I hated to interrupt his date but…

"Hello? Kiyoteru?"

"Master Len, sorry to interrupt," I said and looked at the girl in the backseat, "but this is an emergency."

I kept on looking at her through the rear-view mirror. I definitely did not apply for this.