[fanfic]Charade- Chapter 3, Part 1
Title: Charade
Author: stormytwilight
Rating: PG
Fandom: Hey! Say! JUMP
Pairing: Arioka Daiki X OC
Genre: Romance, Fluff, Hetero
Word Count: 3, 638
Length: Series
Disclaimer: I don’t own Daiki. Or HSJ. And this is a story of pure and utter fiction.
Summary: Shimura Rika was beautiful, rich, smart and talented. She’s also a bitchy brat who gets everything she wants when she wants it. Rika proves that money can buy you everything when she asks her dad to buy her a boyfriend from Johnny Kitagawa. And the unlucky guy who the spoiled ojou-sama chooses? Poor, poor Arioka Daiki.
AN: I’m so sorry this chapter took so long. I was pretty busy the past week. Anyway, this is a birthday fic for Daiki and Rielle/
hoshi_no_kage . I hope you like it. It’s my first multi-chap in a century (Lol, 2 years). I’m still a bit rusty but I hope you click that link below and read on. ♥
Chapter 3
The HSJ lounge was unexpectedly quiet as he stuffed his things into his bag after a long day of work. The eerie sound of deafening silence wasn’t normal, especially because everyone was inside the room.
Usually, there was a loud ruckus while Chinen and Ryutaro chased each other with Yabu trailing after them, trying to make them stop. Laughter always rang in their ears whenever Hikaru was telling a joke and making a big fool out of himself. Takaki would be teasing the typical victims and the others would be playing games or practicing their new dance steps some more. That was a normal day for JUMP, a noisy, rowdy yet very fun day.
But it wasn’t a normal day. Daiki decided that there would never be normal day for JUMP anymore. Everyone had their mouths shut and eyes glued to only one subject: Daiki.
He ignored them as he walked around the room, picking up his stuff here and there. The atmosphere would always be like this whenever it was the end of the day. It was ever since that party a week ago, that party that changed his life in so many levels. And it wasn’t even for the better.
“Dai-chan.”
Finally, someone broke the silence. Daiki looked over at Takaki and immediately regretted doing so. Takaki was grinning with the rest of them.
“What?” he asked through gritted teeth, zipping up his back pack.
“Are you going to Shimura-san’s house, I mean, mansion again?” Takaki asked playfully and almost instantaneously, the rest sniggered.
“Unfortunately, yes.” Daiki decided that it was better to be honest about everything, especially his utmost resentment towards the bratty princess. It’s not like they believed him anyway. Not when Rika could pull of a great act of being an angel and make him look like a liar when he told people about the evil things that she could do.
They stifled their laughter again as Hikaru cleared his throat. “Dai-chan, I’m sorry about this, but you look like you’re married already.”
“You go home so early,” Keito pointed out.
“You don’t go with us when all of us go out together,” Inoo said.
“It’s not like there’s anything I can do about it. I don’t have a choice, now do I?” Daiki said bitterly, swinging his bag over his shoulder.
Every afternoon, it was required for Daiki to spend time with Rika. It was stated in the contract that he should do whatever Rika desired. And as much as he hated to do so, he had no choice but to live with it. On occasion they stayed at her huge home but sometimes they went out together in parties and gatherings. Daiki felt like he was a vital accessory in Rika’s “perfect life” and it wasn’t gratifying at all. What’s worse is that, since their whole relationship was approved by Johnny, the media had gone amok. Paparazzi followed them everywhere and Daiki’s life had become a living hell.
“Ask Shimura-san to give you some space,” Yuto suggested, a teasing smile on his face. “I’m sure if you ask nicely, she’ll let you go out with us.”
If you only knew…
“Maybe you aren’t treating her right!” Chinen said. “You’ve got to treasure a girl like that, Dai-chan.”
Everyone nodded.
“She’s so beautiful!” Ryutaro said. “She’s also smart. I heard that she’s one of the top students in Seirei Gakuen. She’s talented. Plus, she’s rich, too!”
“Yeah. Imagine, her father owns the leading holdings corporation in Japan,” Yamada said, shaking his head as if not believing that someone as perfect as Shimura Rika can exist in real life. “She’s a very lucky girl.”
“I just can’t believe, out of all the guys in the world, why’d she choose someone like you? No offense, Dai-chan,” Takaki said.
“None taken since that’s exactly what I said to her,” Daiki said monotonously.
“Another thing I don’t get is why Johnny-sama changed his mind about prohibiting us from having girlfriends,” Yabu said, rubbing his chin in deep thought.
“Believe me, Yabu-kun, you don’t want to know.” Daiki twisted the door knob and waved at all of them. A sad sigh left him. “Well, I’ve got to go.”
“Say hi to Shimura-san for us!”
Daiki nodded weakly, already preparing mentally for another day of torture
***
Rika felt elated as she stepped inside her limo, her two cronies, Inari and Bianka, on her heels. It was another good day in school. Everywhere she went, the only topic that came out of every students’ mouths revolved only around two things: herself and Daiki, her new boyfriend.
“Rika-chan,” Inari said as the driver started the car. “You seem blooming nowadays.”
Rika glanced at her with a slightly cold look.
“Not that you don’t always do,” Inari said hastily.
“Well, it must be the weather,” Rika said, glancing at the darkening sky. It looked like it was about to rain. “Or maybe not. It must be the new facial mask that I wear when I go to sleep.” Or because things are going my way as always. She smiled in satisfaction.
“I think it’s because you’re in love,” Inari said. She nudged Bianka. “Isn’t that right?”
Bianka muttered a silent, “Yeah.” She was facing out of the window, wearing an expression like she would rather be anywhere than sit beside Rika. Bianka had been like this ever since the party. Rika knew she was angry at her about the time she ordered Bianka to never see that guy she was seeing. And the news of Rika having a boyfriend might’ve added fuel to the fire.
But it’s not like Rika cared.
“In love? Me?” Rika said in amusement. As if.
“We’re going to fetch him, right? We’re on our way to his agency?” Inari asked.
“Yes, we are. Daddy invited him over for dinner.”
“Wow.”
Rika grinned. Daiki was one of her sources of enjoyment; every day wouldn’t be complete when she didn’t torture him with her sadistic antics. Rika loved parading him around town even when she knew he hated the paparazzi and making him act like her boyfriend was always a fun feat since she constantly threatened him that she would tell on Johnny Kitagawa. She adored the fact that Daiki was one of the people she can push around so easily.
“Ooh! I can see him!” Inari exclaimed, pointing out the window as the limo entered the gates of Johnny’s Entertainment. “He’s looking cute, as usual.”
Rika followed her gaze. She had to agree with Inari; Daiki did look quite cute as he waited outside the agency’s main building, hands dug in his jeans’ pockets, wearing a white hoodie and a nice pair of sneakers. He looked like an ordinary guy yet Rika could feel the pull of attraction she had felt the very first time she saw him on TV. Well, she didn’t pick him just for nothing. He had to be at least that good-looking in order to be her boyfriend.
The limo stopped in front of Daiki and the driver got out to open the door for him. Rika saw him heave a sigh and she grinned.
The fun is about to start.
“Good afternoon, Daiki,” Rika said harmoniously as Daiki stepped into the car. They pulled away from the agency’s driveway.
Daiki glanced at her with annoyed eyes before changing his expression into a much friendlier one. A pleased smile came onto his face and he said,”Hello, Rika-chan, how was your day?”
“It was fine,” Rika said. She could laugh. His acting was so good that he actually looked happy to see her. “Yours, Daiki?”
“It was tiring,” Daiki said, settling beside Rika and leaning his head back on the headrest. “We had a seven-hour dance rehearsal and two interviews. It was too exhausting.”
“Oh, poor you,” Rika said, pouting. “You must want to go home and sleep. Is it okay that you go over to my house today? We can cancel, you know.”
He narrowed his eyes at her for half a second and then closed them. “It’s alright. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Daiki opened his eyes and gave a sweet smile.
“You guys are so cute!” Inari gushed, clapping her hands. “The two of you make such a perfect couple!”
Smiling, Rika looked away. She could also pass as an actress. Maybe she should try out for the next drama in school and invite Daiki as a special guest actor to be her leading man. She laughed mentally at the brilliant thought.
“Ojou-sama,” the driver said from the front, “we are at Inari-chan’s house.’
“This is my stop,” Inari said, grabbing her bags. “Just when the action is about to start. Well, goodbye. See you all tomorrow!”
“I’m coming with you,” Bianka said hurriedly as if she couldn’t take any of it any longer.
“Okay, then. Let’s give them their privacy,” Inari said mischievously. “’Bye Rika-chan, Arioka-san!”
Rika and Daiki waved as the driver opened the door for the two girls. Inari and Bianka stepped out and as soon as the door closed, the atmosphere inside the car changed drastically.
“I don’t want to go to your house, if you must know,” Daiki snapped, inching away from Rika.
“Oh, I know.” Rika looked out of the window and saw that that tiny droplets of rain started falling from the sky. “Do you think that I invite you because I know that you want me to?”
Daiki grunted. He always lost to Rika when it came to snappy remarks and comments. He would always be so slow in thinking of a comeback.
“Exactly,” Rika said, looking entertained. “And it’s not me who wanted you over this time. It was my father.”
“Great. Now I get manipulated by not only you but your father as well,” Daiki muttered. “Just great.”
“Is it our fault that you’re pretty manipulative to begin with?” Rika asked, turning to him with challenging eyes. The thunder clapped loudly and more raindrops fell onto the streets.
“God,” Daiki said in annoyance, losing again. “I’m going to shut up.”
“Good. Before you can humiliate yourself any further.”
They listened to the thunder crackling above as they both stayed quiet, watching the lightning illuminate the dark sky and then disappear again. People on the streets were rushing about, holding their umbrellas or bags over their heads to shield themselves. The rain got heavier by the second and by the time five silent minutes passed away, it was hard to see outside the windows.
“The rain is depressing,” Daiki said suddenly, bringing out his cell phone and starting to text. “Isn’t it enough that I’m spending the day with you?”
“I told you, God hates you.”
Daiki was silent as he texted a few words. Then after a few seconds he smiled when he received a new message. He closed his phone and looked outside again, having a view of the town’s park. The stoplight turned red and their car slowed down to a stop.
“H-Hey!”
Rika looked around at him. He was staring at something outside on the pouring rain. “What?”
“It’s a puppy,” Daiki said, pointing at a small, brown object sitting just outside the park. It was too blurry to see through the window properly but it was obvious that the poor puppy was sopping wet and even though it was standing under the shelter of a tree, the wind blew strongly that it shivered in cold. “We should go and save it.”
Daiki reached out to open the door but Rika pulled him back.
“Excuse me? No way is that street dog going to ride in this limo,” Rika said, looking at Daiki as if he was out of his mind.
“Come on. The poor thing is going to sick over there,” Daiki said, shaking off Rika’s hand as he tried to open the door.
“No! That dog stays right there. I have no care for stinky animals like that. It’s disgusting.” Rika turned to the driver. “Charles, drive.”
Daiki looked at her in utmost disbelief. “Don’t be stupid. It needs our help! We have to do something.”
“I said no,” Rika said firmly. “Charles!”
The stoplight turned green and the car moved again.
Rika leaned back against the seat as Daiki hardened his glare some more.
“You are heartless,” Daiki said, looking pissed.
“I don’t care.”
“I can’t believe you,” Daiki said. He shook his head as if he can’t believe that someone as evil like her can exist in the world. “It was an animal! At least have pity for an animal.”
She was going to snap back when Daiki’s phone rang again. His face lightened as he read the new message.
Rika was suddenly curious. It just came to her that there was never a time that she didn’t see Daiki holding his cell phone. She wondered what was up.
“Who on earth would text someone like you so constantly?” Rika asked, her interest getting the best of her.
“Mind your own business,” Daiki said callously, pocketing his phone. The glare on his face was back. “Unless you’re going to dig that part of my life as well?”
Rika then glowered at him with his sudden irritation. “Fine! Then don’t tell me. It’s not like I care,” she retorted. “I was just wondering who would be mindless enough to be your friend.”
He turned to her and glared back. “Well, sorry. Unlike you, I have real friends. Not those who just suck-up to me because I’m rich and famous,” Daiki replied tersely. “Sometimes, I feel sorry for you, you know. You’re so alone because you’re so heartless. You don’t have real friends.”
He didn’t just go there.
“Stop the car.”
Daiki looked over at Rika’s fierce stare. “What now?”
“Get out. Since I’m heartless I’m going to throw you out into the rain,” Rika said heatedly. “Now, get out of my car.”
There was a second’s pause as Daiki stared at her. Then his expression grew defiant. “Fine! I’d be glad to!”
Daiki threw open the door, dragged his bag out with him and slammed it close. He stalked off into the opposite direction despite the heavy rain, his hair becoming drenched with every step and his clothes clinging onto his skin. It was cold and his jacket was not enough to warm him.
“AURGH!” Rika threw her bag across the car, hitting the chair of her driver. “That guy pisses me off with his big mouth.”
Rika scowled darkly, Daiki’s words echoing in her ears. She was alone, with no friends. She was heartless. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, she felt like she was stabbed by the knife as he said those. Each word pierced her heart.
It was true. She had no real friends. Yet she really didn’t mind it before. For her, as long as she was happy, it was okay having no real friends. Just as long as she was surrounded by people who give her what she desires in a silver platter, everything was okay. But when it came out of Daiki’s mouth, somehow, it magnified the pain that she tried so hard to deny.
“I’m not totally heartless,” Rika whispered to herself. She closed her eyes, counted one to ten and then said, “Charles, turn the car around. Please?”
Charles doubled back at Rika, not knowing himself if he was surprised by the unexpected instruction or the added ‘please’ at the end.
“As you wish, ojou-sama.”
***
Part 2
Author: stormytwilight
Rating: PG
Fandom: Hey! Say! JUMP
Pairing: Arioka Daiki X OC
Genre: Romance, Fluff, Hetero
Word Count: 3, 638
Length: Series
Disclaimer: I don’t own Daiki. Or HSJ. And this is a story of pure and utter fiction.
Summary: Shimura Rika was beautiful, rich, smart and talented. She’s also a bitchy brat who gets everything she wants when she wants it. Rika proves that money can buy you everything when she asks her dad to buy her a boyfriend from Johnny Kitagawa. And the unlucky guy who the spoiled ojou-sama chooses? Poor, poor Arioka Daiki.
AN: I’m so sorry this chapter took so long. I was pretty busy the past week. Anyway, this is a birthday fic for Daiki and Rielle/
hoshi_no_kage . I hope you like it. It’s my first multi-chap in a century (Lol, 2 years). I’m still a bit rusty but I hope you click that link below and read on. ♥
Chapter 3
The HSJ lounge was unexpectedly quiet as he stuffed his things into his bag after a long day of work. The eerie sound of deafening silence wasn’t normal, especially because everyone was inside the room.
Usually, there was a loud ruckus while Chinen and Ryutaro chased each other with Yabu trailing after them, trying to make them stop. Laughter always rang in their ears whenever Hikaru was telling a joke and making a big fool out of himself. Takaki would be teasing the typical victims and the others would be playing games or practicing their new dance steps some more. That was a normal day for JUMP, a noisy, rowdy yet very fun day.
But it wasn’t a normal day. Daiki decided that there would never be normal day for JUMP anymore. Everyone had their mouths shut and eyes glued to only one subject: Daiki.
He ignored them as he walked around the room, picking up his stuff here and there. The atmosphere would always be like this whenever it was the end of the day. It was ever since that party a week ago, that party that changed his life in so many levels. And it wasn’t even for the better.
“Dai-chan.”
Finally, someone broke the silence. Daiki looked over at Takaki and immediately regretted doing so. Takaki was grinning with the rest of them.
“What?” he asked through gritted teeth, zipping up his back pack.
“Are you going to Shimura-san’s house, I mean, mansion again?” Takaki asked playfully and almost instantaneously, the rest sniggered.
“Unfortunately, yes.” Daiki decided that it was better to be honest about everything, especially his utmost resentment towards the bratty princess. It’s not like they believed him anyway. Not when Rika could pull of a great act of being an angel and make him look like a liar when he told people about the evil things that she could do.
They stifled their laughter again as Hikaru cleared his throat. “Dai-chan, I’m sorry about this, but you look like you’re married already.”
“You go home so early,” Keito pointed out.
“You don’t go with us when all of us go out together,” Inoo said.
“It’s not like there’s anything I can do about it. I don’t have a choice, now do I?” Daiki said bitterly, swinging his bag over his shoulder.
Every afternoon, it was required for Daiki to spend time with Rika. It was stated in the contract that he should do whatever Rika desired. And as much as he hated to do so, he had no choice but to live with it. On occasion they stayed at her huge home but sometimes they went out together in parties and gatherings. Daiki felt like he was a vital accessory in Rika’s “perfect life” and it wasn’t gratifying at all. What’s worse is that, since their whole relationship was approved by Johnny, the media had gone amok. Paparazzi followed them everywhere and Daiki’s life had become a living hell.
“Ask Shimura-san to give you some space,” Yuto suggested, a teasing smile on his face. “I’m sure if you ask nicely, she’ll let you go out with us.”
If you only knew…
“Maybe you aren’t treating her right!” Chinen said. “You’ve got to treasure a girl like that, Dai-chan.”
Everyone nodded.
“She’s so beautiful!” Ryutaro said. “She’s also smart. I heard that she’s one of the top students in Seirei Gakuen. She’s talented. Plus, she’s rich, too!”
“Yeah. Imagine, her father owns the leading holdings corporation in Japan,” Yamada said, shaking his head as if not believing that someone as perfect as Shimura Rika can exist in real life. “She’s a very lucky girl.”
“I just can’t believe, out of all the guys in the world, why’d she choose someone like you? No offense, Dai-chan,” Takaki said.
“None taken since that’s exactly what I said to her,” Daiki said monotonously.
“Another thing I don’t get is why Johnny-sama changed his mind about prohibiting us from having girlfriends,” Yabu said, rubbing his chin in deep thought.
“Believe me, Yabu-kun, you don’t want to know.” Daiki twisted the door knob and waved at all of them. A sad sigh left him. “Well, I’ve got to go.”
“Say hi to Shimura-san for us!”
Daiki nodded weakly, already preparing mentally for another day of torture
***
Rika felt elated as she stepped inside her limo, her two cronies, Inari and Bianka, on her heels. It was another good day in school. Everywhere she went, the only topic that came out of every students’ mouths revolved only around two things: herself and Daiki, her new boyfriend.
“Rika-chan,” Inari said as the driver started the car. “You seem blooming nowadays.”
Rika glanced at her with a slightly cold look.
“Not that you don’t always do,” Inari said hastily.
“Well, it must be the weather,” Rika said, glancing at the darkening sky. It looked like it was about to rain. “Or maybe not. It must be the new facial mask that I wear when I go to sleep.” Or because things are going my way as always. She smiled in satisfaction.
“I think it’s because you’re in love,” Inari said. She nudged Bianka. “Isn’t that right?”
Bianka muttered a silent, “Yeah.” She was facing out of the window, wearing an expression like she would rather be anywhere than sit beside Rika. Bianka had been like this ever since the party. Rika knew she was angry at her about the time she ordered Bianka to never see that guy she was seeing. And the news of Rika having a boyfriend might’ve added fuel to the fire.
But it’s not like Rika cared.
“In love? Me?” Rika said in amusement. As if.
“We’re going to fetch him, right? We’re on our way to his agency?” Inari asked.
“Yes, we are. Daddy invited him over for dinner.”
“Wow.”
Rika grinned. Daiki was one of her sources of enjoyment; every day wouldn’t be complete when she didn’t torture him with her sadistic antics. Rika loved parading him around town even when she knew he hated the paparazzi and making him act like her boyfriend was always a fun feat since she constantly threatened him that she would tell on Johnny Kitagawa. She adored the fact that Daiki was one of the people she can push around so easily.
“Ooh! I can see him!” Inari exclaimed, pointing out the window as the limo entered the gates of Johnny’s Entertainment. “He’s looking cute, as usual.”
Rika followed her gaze. She had to agree with Inari; Daiki did look quite cute as he waited outside the agency’s main building, hands dug in his jeans’ pockets, wearing a white hoodie and a nice pair of sneakers. He looked like an ordinary guy yet Rika could feel the pull of attraction she had felt the very first time she saw him on TV. Well, she didn’t pick him just for nothing. He had to be at least that good-looking in order to be her boyfriend.
The limo stopped in front of Daiki and the driver got out to open the door for him. Rika saw him heave a sigh and she grinned.
The fun is about to start.
“Good afternoon, Daiki,” Rika said harmoniously as Daiki stepped into the car. They pulled away from the agency’s driveway.
Daiki glanced at her with annoyed eyes before changing his expression into a much friendlier one. A pleased smile came onto his face and he said,”Hello, Rika-chan, how was your day?”
“It was fine,” Rika said. She could laugh. His acting was so good that he actually looked happy to see her. “Yours, Daiki?”
“It was tiring,” Daiki said, settling beside Rika and leaning his head back on the headrest. “We had a seven-hour dance rehearsal and two interviews. It was too exhausting.”
“Oh, poor you,” Rika said, pouting. “You must want to go home and sleep. Is it okay that you go over to my house today? We can cancel, you know.”
He narrowed his eyes at her for half a second and then closed them. “It’s alright. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Daiki opened his eyes and gave a sweet smile.
“You guys are so cute!” Inari gushed, clapping her hands. “The two of you make such a perfect couple!”
Smiling, Rika looked away. She could also pass as an actress. Maybe she should try out for the next drama in school and invite Daiki as a special guest actor to be her leading man. She laughed mentally at the brilliant thought.
“Ojou-sama,” the driver said from the front, “we are at Inari-chan’s house.’
“This is my stop,” Inari said, grabbing her bags. “Just when the action is about to start. Well, goodbye. See you all tomorrow!”
“I’m coming with you,” Bianka said hurriedly as if she couldn’t take any of it any longer.
“Okay, then. Let’s give them their privacy,” Inari said mischievously. “’Bye Rika-chan, Arioka-san!”
Rika and Daiki waved as the driver opened the door for the two girls. Inari and Bianka stepped out and as soon as the door closed, the atmosphere inside the car changed drastically.
“I don’t want to go to your house, if you must know,” Daiki snapped, inching away from Rika.
“Oh, I know.” Rika looked out of the window and saw that that tiny droplets of rain started falling from the sky. “Do you think that I invite you because I know that you want me to?”
Daiki grunted. He always lost to Rika when it came to snappy remarks and comments. He would always be so slow in thinking of a comeback.
“Exactly,” Rika said, looking entertained. “And it’s not me who wanted you over this time. It was my father.”
“Great. Now I get manipulated by not only you but your father as well,” Daiki muttered. “Just great.”
“Is it our fault that you’re pretty manipulative to begin with?” Rika asked, turning to him with challenging eyes. The thunder clapped loudly and more raindrops fell onto the streets.
“God,” Daiki said in annoyance, losing again. “I’m going to shut up.”
“Good. Before you can humiliate yourself any further.”
They listened to the thunder crackling above as they both stayed quiet, watching the lightning illuminate the dark sky and then disappear again. People on the streets were rushing about, holding their umbrellas or bags over their heads to shield themselves. The rain got heavier by the second and by the time five silent minutes passed away, it was hard to see outside the windows.
“The rain is depressing,” Daiki said suddenly, bringing out his cell phone and starting to text. “Isn’t it enough that I’m spending the day with you?”
“I told you, God hates you.”
Daiki was silent as he texted a few words. Then after a few seconds he smiled when he received a new message. He closed his phone and looked outside again, having a view of the town’s park. The stoplight turned red and their car slowed down to a stop.
“H-Hey!”
Rika looked around at him. He was staring at something outside on the pouring rain. “What?”
“It’s a puppy,” Daiki said, pointing at a small, brown object sitting just outside the park. It was too blurry to see through the window properly but it was obvious that the poor puppy was sopping wet and even though it was standing under the shelter of a tree, the wind blew strongly that it shivered in cold. “We should go and save it.”
Daiki reached out to open the door but Rika pulled him back.
“Excuse me? No way is that street dog going to ride in this limo,” Rika said, looking at Daiki as if he was out of his mind.
“Come on. The poor thing is going to sick over there,” Daiki said, shaking off Rika’s hand as he tried to open the door.
“No! That dog stays right there. I have no care for stinky animals like that. It’s disgusting.” Rika turned to the driver. “Charles, drive.”
Daiki looked at her in utmost disbelief. “Don’t be stupid. It needs our help! We have to do something.”
“I said no,” Rika said firmly. “Charles!”
The stoplight turned green and the car moved again.
Rika leaned back against the seat as Daiki hardened his glare some more.
“You are heartless,” Daiki said, looking pissed.
“I don’t care.”
“I can’t believe you,” Daiki said. He shook his head as if he can’t believe that someone as evil like her can exist in the world. “It was an animal! At least have pity for an animal.”
She was going to snap back when Daiki’s phone rang again. His face lightened as he read the new message.
Rika was suddenly curious. It just came to her that there was never a time that she didn’t see Daiki holding his cell phone. She wondered what was up.
“Who on earth would text someone like you so constantly?” Rika asked, her interest getting the best of her.
“Mind your own business,” Daiki said callously, pocketing his phone. The glare on his face was back. “Unless you’re going to dig that part of my life as well?”
Rika then glowered at him with his sudden irritation. “Fine! Then don’t tell me. It’s not like I care,” she retorted. “I was just wondering who would be mindless enough to be your friend.”
He turned to her and glared back. “Well, sorry. Unlike you, I have real friends. Not those who just suck-up to me because I’m rich and famous,” Daiki replied tersely. “Sometimes, I feel sorry for you, you know. You’re so alone because you’re so heartless. You don’t have real friends.”
He didn’t just go there.
“Stop the car.”
Daiki looked over at Rika’s fierce stare. “What now?”
“Get out. Since I’m heartless I’m going to throw you out into the rain,” Rika said heatedly. “Now, get out of my car.”
There was a second’s pause as Daiki stared at her. Then his expression grew defiant. “Fine! I’d be glad to!”
Daiki threw open the door, dragged his bag out with him and slammed it close. He stalked off into the opposite direction despite the heavy rain, his hair becoming drenched with every step and his clothes clinging onto his skin. It was cold and his jacket was not enough to warm him.
“AURGH!” Rika threw her bag across the car, hitting the chair of her driver. “That guy pisses me off with his big mouth.”
Rika scowled darkly, Daiki’s words echoing in her ears. She was alone, with no friends. She was heartless. As much as she didn’t want to admit it, she felt like she was stabbed by the knife as he said those. Each word pierced her heart.
It was true. She had no real friends. Yet she really didn’t mind it before. For her, as long as she was happy, it was okay having no real friends. Just as long as she was surrounded by people who give her what she desires in a silver platter, everything was okay. But when it came out of Daiki’s mouth, somehow, it magnified the pain that she tried so hard to deny.
“I’m not totally heartless,” Rika whispered to herself. She closed her eyes, counted one to ten and then said, “Charles, turn the car around. Please?”
Charles doubled back at Rika, not knowing himself if he was surprised by the unexpected instruction or the added ‘please’ at the end.
“As you wish, ojou-sama.”
***
Part 2