Rika's POV
After I finished my training, I went up to my room and closed the door.
I sat on my bed, still wincing from the kick my mom gave me earlier.
I took a deep breath and pulled out the knife from Clarissa. My hand gripped it—slightly trembling.
Rika: "Why does she have this… and how?"
I sheathed it back and placed it in the drawer beside the knife Shinji left me.
Then I heard a soft knock.
I opened the door and saw Aunt Ming, holding a warm towel. She bowed.
Aunt Ming: "Apologies for disturbing you, Young Miss. Please put this on your stomach—it may ease the pain."
I nodded and took it.
Rika: "Thanks."
She bowed again and left.
I looked at the towel, then tossed it on the nightstand.
I lay on my bed and covered my eyes with my arm.
I slowly steadied my breath and whispered,
Rika: "Do what we do… don't let emotions control you…"
I whispered again, trying to make it real,
Rika: "Do what we do… don't let emotions control…"
But a flash of Clarissa's smirk—and the way she gently wiped my lips—flashed in my head.
I let out a breath and stared at the ceiling, still calm, still stoic.
Rika: "Shinji… if you were here… what would you say?"
I closed my eyes and fell asleep, still slightly trembling… slowly drifting off.
---
The Next Day
I arrived at school earlier than usual. The hallway was still quiet. Only a few students had arrived.
I walked upstairs to the rooftop. I heard humming—then stopped.
That melody… it was familiar.
I looked down at my hand, now slightly trembling. I shoved it into my pocket and stepped onto the rooftop.
Clarissa stood there, leaning on the railing, still humming. There was something in her eyes. Like… pain. A kind of quiet that didn't match her smirk.
She noticed me, flinched a little, then turned and smirked.
Clarissa: "You really shouldn't come to me when I'm alone. Or else your glasses friend will drag you away again."
She tucked her hair behind her ear.
I stared at her, still stoic… but my hand in my pocket clenched. My palm was sweaty.
Clarissa tilted her head and looked down at the students arriving below. Her finger traced the circle of her pendant.
Clarissa: "You're probably wondering why I have that knife, huh?"
I walked to the railing beside her.
Rika: "If you know, then speak."
She looked at me, slightly irritated.
Clarissa: "Why are you acting like you don't know?"
I stared back—calm. This reaction… it reminded me of Marlon.
I turned fully to face her.
Rika (quiet and cold): "I won't ask again. Speak."
Clarissa looked at me—then a slow grin formed.
Clarissa: "You're unbelievable."
I narrowed my eyes and yanked her arm toward me.
Rika: "Don't test me."
She gently pulled her arm back and smiled.
Clarissa: "So you really don't know… You're so pathetic."
I clenched my jaw and took a deep breath.
Rika: "Enough of this game."
Clarissa: "It's not a game."
She picked up her bag and walked to the door.
Clarissa: "If you want to know about Shinji… then obey me."
I frowned.
Rika: "Excuse me? You know what I can do, don't you?"
Clarissa turned, eyes sharp but still smirking.
Clarissa: "But you can't. You need me. Or you'll stay in the dark."
I gritted my teeth, fists clenched, but kept my face still.
Clarissa: "So? What will it be?"
I closed my eyes. Breathed in.
Rika: "Fine. Five commands."
Clarissa smirked and mockingly clapped.
She reached into her bag and taped a small paper to the door.
Clarissa: "Wait for my orders."
She waved her fingers and walked away.
I let out a shaky breath. My hand was still trembling.
I picked up the paper. Her number.
I memorized it. Then crumpled it and headed downstairs.
---
In the classroom, I saw Bryan and Mila teasing each other as usual.
I took a deep breath and smiled.
Rika: "Yo~ Hello, love birds! Good morning~"
Bryan and Mila turned toward me and smiled.
Bryan: "Ohhh, morning—wait, who's a love bird, huh?!"
Mila walked up and playfully pinched my nose.
Mila: "You dummy. One more teasing and I'll throw you to the moon."
I laughed and swatted her hand.
Mila tilted her head, studying me.
Mila: "Rika, I'm thirsty. Remember? You owe me juice."
Rika: "Huh? But class is gonna start soon."
Mila: "Come on, I'm thirsty. I can't concentrate if I'm thirsty in class."
She walked out to the vending machines. I shook my head and followed her.
As we walked, I stayed quiet.
Suddenly, Mila leaned her head on my shoulder.
I flinched.
Rika: "Umm? What are you doing?"
She didn't lift her head—just kept walking beside me.
Rika: "It's hard to walk like this, you know…"
Mila: "Rika… you don't have to be tough around me."
I stopped walking. Looked at her.
She lifted her head and took off her glasses.
Rika: "What do you mean?"
Mila: "It's okay if you don't say it. But if you're tired… just come to me."
Her words sent goosebumps crawling down my spine.
I bit my lip and smiled, trying to play it off.
Rika: "You're being kinda cringe now."
Mila looked into my eyes and suddenly hugged me.
That familiar warmth… the tension I'd carried all morning slowly melted.
I looked at Mila and whispered—
Rika: "Thanks."