• "Rikka! Rikka! Wake up!"

    Glaring at the door, the teenage feminine rinsed her mouth; she had just brushed her teeth and had a quick morning shower. "Shut up, Hana! I was awake five minutes before you!"

    "Then why weren't you at breakfast?!"

    Rikka sighed, washing her face for a few seconds before drying her face. She made her way to the door and opened it; the sight that greeted her was Hana, already dressed but hair somewhat a mess, and she was chewing on the last of her slice of toast. Rikka narrowed her eyes in annoyance. "Hana. You know I never eat breakfast. Now, go brush your hair."

    It was humorous how their sibling rivalry was always so energetic and powerful in the mornings. But, deep down, they both knew they loved each other. However, they had many differences, especially their different love lives, and it was difficult for Rikka to be open about it, even to Hana.

    Hana had a boyfriend already, and their relationship was like true love. She always talked about him, but Rikka couldn't really argue; Matsu wasn't really a bad guy. But, it always hurt her, even if just a little. Her love life never worked out since the beginning; everything always took a downward spiral soon after her love life revived.

    Yet, even though she wanted to give up on love, she was still in love with a boy. And, he didn't seem to like her back. But, she couldn't find it in her to be jealous with anyone, especially Hana. It was just that, she didn't want anything to do with love anymore, and that caused others to consider her envious.

    It took them only ten minutes to get ready, and almost the entire time, Rikka's mind was on him - again. She constantly felt as if there was a hole in her chest, and whenever her thoughts came to him, the hole seemed more pronounced. So, it was no surprise that she felt as if she were falling apart again when she reached the door. And it was no surprise that she hid her emotions. Getting into the car and ignoring everything, she muttered, "Drive."

    Hana, knowing her sister's personality well, did not object, even with the seemingly rude command. She drove, and when they reached school, a smile reached her lips - but then, a frown tugged at their corners. Yes, Matsu was there - but so was.. Tenpi. She cast a wary glance at Rikka, but Rikka was already getting out of the car. Sighing, Hana got her books, parked the car, and got out.

    Rikka watched Hana as she walked in front of her, seeming to attempt to block someone from her view. Of course, Rikka already knew; it was Tenpi that Hana was blocking. Her pearls clenched together, jaw almost visibly straining; tears pricked the back of her ears, but she forced them away, keeping her expression emotionless. That hole in her chest seemed to scream, just like the voice in her mind. It got worse when they reached Matsu and Tenpi.

    "Hi, guys!" That was Hana's usual greeting.

    "Hey, love," Matsu responded, pecking her cheek and putting his arm over her shoulders. Then, he glanced at Rikka. "Hey, Rikka. Doing usual, right?"

    Rikka nodded, but she wasn't truly paying sole attention. She was nervous and in inward pain; Tenpi was standing next to her, as if she didn't exist. Inwardly shifting and taking a silent breath, she murmured, "Hello, Matsu, Tenpi."

    Matsu smiled, but Tenpi seemed to act as if she wasn't there. Inwardly, Rikka winced. Even if he did reply, it would be a careless tone - and that would hurt as well.

    Sure enough, Tenpi replied in a tone that seemed to say, I forgot you exist. "Hey, Rikka, Hana."