Rika's POV
One ordinary morning. Just another part of my chaotic daily routine.
Running through the hallways like a maniac, waving and yelling, while my classmates turned their heads in amusement.
"Morning, Rika! So energetic for a Monday, huh!" Mila called from the second-floor window of our classroom, her smile glowing like warm sunshine.
"Rika! Let me copy your math assignment! Please!" Bryan rushed beside me, looking like a puppy begging for scraps.
"Hahaha! Okay, okay— but first, let me escape the prefect of discipline! AHHHH!!"
Behind me, Teacher Mary thundered down the hall like some RPG boss monster.
"You little brat! How many times do I have to tell you?! WEAR YOUR UNIFORM ON MONDAYS!!"
"NOOOO! I hate skirts—EWWW!!"
Upstairs, Mila leaned lazily against the windowsill, unbothered. "Here we go again…"
"Good thing I brought an extra shirt," Bryan muttered beside her. "She's gonna be soaked."
Finally, after what felt like a marathon, Teacher Mary collapsed, panting in defeat. I bolted into our classroom, chest heaving, sweat dripping from my forehead.
"Need water?" Bryan asked, tossing me the spare shirt.
"Geez, you could've just worn your uniform this morning and changed after. Look at you—you're a mess," Mila scolded lightly, wiping my face with her handkerchief.
I grinned between breaths. "Hahaha, sorry~ But hey, it's good exercise! Wanna join next time?"
"Nope," Bryan deadpanned.
"Have fun. Alone," Mila added.
"Traitors! I thought we were besties—buhuhuhu~"
"Stop whining and fix yourself already," Bryan shot back.
"Huh? Why?"
They both raised their brows at me, perfectly in sync.
"You forgot?" Mila asked. "You're supposed to assist the new transfer student today."
"M–Me? Why?!"
"Teacher Lauren appointed you yesterday," Bryan said flatly. "Don't tell me you were half-asleep again?"
"She probably said yes with zero brain cells working," Mila teased.
"You two are cruel!" I laughed, throwing up my hands.
We bickered until my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw Mom's name on the screen. Still chuckling, I sat at my desk, sweat sticking to my skin.
Then I read the message.
Hey sweetie, hope to see you soon later. Mom misses you so much.
Mila peeked over my shoulder, eyes lighting up.
"Aww~ Mommy still texts you like that? You're in second year already!"
"Want some warm milk too, baby Rika? Chuchuuu~" Bryan added, laughing way too hard.
I rolled my eyes but kept smiling. "Geez, what's wrong with having a sweet mom? Bryan, here's my notebook. Go copy quietly, okay?"
He snatched it like a starving squirrel. Mila giggled and went back to her seat.
I locked my phone. Still smiling.
But that message? That wasn't just Mom being sweet.
It was code.
Go home. Immediately. No questions.
I kept my eyes straight ahead, my breathing steady as class began. My hand, though, trembled against the desk.
No one noticed.
I clasped my fingers tight.
"Do just what we do. Don't let emotions control you."
A whisper. A prayer. A rule.
And just like that, the shaking stopped. The mask slipped back into place.
Yes. That's right.
No feelings.
Just do what needs to be done.