Really steamy situationsby underrated DrakeChaptersR.S.S. Ch. 1 The Queen BeeR.S.S. Ch. 2 The Punk Childhood friendR.S.S. Ch. 3 The School Idol's confessionR.S.S. Ch. 1 The Queen Bee“Hi, my name is Light Shine, I’m a senior in high school and… I’m an introvert with few friends… it’s not that I want to be alone, it’s just that… I’m the type of person that likes to keep to myself… of course, my personality gives off the wrong idea that I am stuck up and arrogant… however there is another reason why most classmates stay away or make fun of me…” Light thought as a bunch of loud feminine voices entered his eardrums “Wow, your earrings are so pretty,” a girl squealed “I know, that’s why I bought them,” said another girl arrogantly “Where did you buy them, I’d love to buy some too!” said another girl “Sorry, but these earrings were hand-made just for me, they were made by Sapphire Jewelry’s master jeweler himself, they cost me around $150,000, truly one of a kind,” said the arrogant girl “Wow, that sounds really expensive,” said another girl “HA! For my family, that kind of money is nothing,” she said as they all turned to face Light Shine “Oh Hey L! You’re still as miserable as always, HAHAHA,” the girl said as she walked over to him “Morning to you Lilith,” Light Shine said “It’s MISS Lilith to you, commoner!” said Lilith “Sorry, morning to you too Miss Lilith,” said Light Shine earning a laugh from all of the girls in the group “HA! You still have no presence at all,” said another girl “You’re so lame,” said another “Sigh… this shit again,” Light Shine said “This is the “popular girl group” and their queen Bee is Lilith, the girl that came up to me first, … she comes from a very wealthy family and has a very self-centered and arrogant attitude… but despite all that, she is very pretty, the prettiest girl in the whole school… maybe even the whole city… she is a unicorn and has a beautiful snow with coat, long red and black detailed hair and red piercing eyes, she is about 5’5” and to finish it all off… her boobs are huge… I’m no expert but I think they are DD’s or F’s… anyway, Lilith is also wickedly smart, and I mean it, she is one of the top students in the school, usually finishing in the top 3… however she sucks at most sports, which is kind of weird since she is great at gymnastics… maybe she just doesn’t like sports like soccer, basketball or volleyball… and when it comes to swimming, she just doesn't want to get her hair wet… and every day, since day one of our junior year, she has been making fun of me and my appearance, and today is no different,” “You look worn-out and poor, you’re pathetic, aren’t you embarrassed?” Lilith said “You’re just helpless,” said another girl called Meinu “You know what being classy means?” said another girl “Ok, I’m sorry,” said Light Shine “Don’t you understand you’re being judged by it?” said another girl “So funny, he doesn't understand, HAHA!” said Lilith “I feel sorry for you, I’m glad I have rich parents “Umm… gals, please stop it… do you really think you can never go down?” Light Shine tried to fight back politely “Huh! Who do you think you are? Eww!” said Meinu “Umm, it’s kind of funny to hear someone who is already down say something, haha!” said Lilith as they all walked away “Sigh… I guess I forgot to mention that the school I attend, Tall Tale Academy, is a private school for rich and powerful families and students, and the only reason why I’m here is because of an academic and sports scholarship that I received in junior high… “ “... I might not be poor, per se, but, I am the purest student in the academy… usually no one cares, and many of my classmates respect me, especially my teammates on the soccer team, but we’re not close enough to be considered friends, yes they talk to me and involve me in their group, but, we don’t talk outside of school,” “My family has never been considered “rich” but, my mom is the daughter of a very successful businessman, however, they had a fight when she was younger because of an arranged marriage issue, and he was so angry that he disowned her, his only daughter, and she ran away with my father and started a family, aka, me and my older sister…” “We’ve had tuff times before, I mean, there was a point while I was in elementary school that we literally had to eat once a day to be able to afford the room we were living in, and yes, I mean ROOM, sometimes my sister and I had to go to the nearby woods to find fruits and vegetables to eat…” “But, right before I entered Middle school, my father and mother were hired as web engineers at a massive corporation; we were able to buy a house and a used car, but money was still tight, so my sister and I decided to work and study hard to be less of a burden on our parents, and it paid off, my sister got a full scholarship and moved out after graduating from university and moved to the Crystal Empire to work, on another note, I’m going to be an uncle soon! HOORAY!” “Anyway… I’ve grown used to her treatment… and honestly, even though I get angry and annoyed, I kind of feel sorry for her… I’ve seen this type of scenario play out in Soupoperas and animes and people like her, usually have a very rude awakening… but that’s not my problem,” Light Shine continued to receive the same treatment from the popular girls for months, but then, one Friday… “YAWN!... I really need to catch up with my sleep, I mean, I’ve been working for 52 hours none stop these past weeks… well, there is nothing I can do, we’re so understaffed, and most of my coworkers have to put in double shifts just to keep the restaurant afloat,” Light Shine thought as he sat down on his desk and laid his head on it “YO! Light, wassup?” came a male voice “The ceiling,” Light Shine answered sarcastically “True… anyway, what’s up with you?” asked the boy “Tired,” Light Shine said “Oh, are the employee shortages still ongoing?” asked the boy “Do you really need me to answer that? Light Shine said as he looked up at him “Fair,” said the boy “So… what do you want Moonshadow?” asked Light Shine “Coach said that the game this weekend was postponed due to the other team having an injury epidemic,” said Moonshadow “Oh Thank God,” said Light Shine “Yeah, now you can rest,” said Moonshadow “Yeah, I had to work tomorrow as well, so now I can have a decent rest on Sunday,” said Light Shine Then the door to the class opened. “GOOD MORNING LILITH!” came loud voices from the popular girl group as Lilith entered the room However, there was something different about her this time, for once, she wasn’t being loud and obnoxiously rude to others, but, quiet and timid… she even seemed, depressed. “Well, you look pretty as usual,” said one of her friends “Oh, umm, good morning,” Lilith answered back “Hey… is it just me or is Lilith unusually quiet?” asked Moonshadow “Yeah… I think today will be a nice day,” said Karat “That’s true!” said Roller as he let out a chuckle “Hm~ Something is definitely going on, unlike her usual self, she is being awfully quiet,” thought Light Shine At first, many were worried for her and talked to her, but she brushed them off continuously day after day. And because of that and her past personality, no one got close to her, not even her “friends” and she ended up all alone. Even her closest friend Meinu, who was somewhat of a minion to her started ignoring her and suddenly spreading weird rumors about her. This continued for a few more days and every day she looked even more depressed than the last. This was starting to worry Light Shine but every time he wanted to approach her, something stopped him, either the school bell, his after-school activities, his job, or plain down bad timing. So after a few days, he decided to stop trying to approach her, thinking that she was just going through a face and she was going to be back to normal soon. Oh, how wrong he was… FRIDAY EVENING (2 WEEKS LATER) “SEE YOU ALL TOMORROW!!” Light Shine said as he left the McDonald’s he works in “Have a nice night!” his manager called back as he left “Well, it is the first time I can actually go home early for once, I might even have time to play some video games after so long… Man, I can’t wait!!!” Light Shine said as he walked home, oblivious to the rest of the world, music playing on his headphones. Until something caught his attention. When he was crossing the park, he noticed something out of the corner of his eyes “Hey, isn’t that Lilith?... wow, she has some luggage, I wonder if she is going on a trip?... I wish I could take my parents to the beach, but we’re all really busy with work and… wait, is-is she crying?...” Light Shine said as he looked at Lilith wipe away some tears. “I wonder what’s wrong with her?... well, it's none of my business… sigh, who am I kidding, I am concerned,” Light Shine said as he walked towards her. “What am I going to do?... if someone were to see me I’d die of embarrassment,” Lilith thought to herself as she sat on a bench “Are you ok?” asked Light Shine Lilith immediately jumped up at the sudden appearance of the new voice, and when she turned to look at the owner of the voice, she almost had a heart attack “THE WORST POSSIBLE PERSON SAW ME!!!” she screamed in her head “L-Light Shine, w-what are you doing here?” asked Lilith “I just got off work, and I usually cross this park to get home, it saves me time, what about you?... you going on a trip?” asked Light Shine “Y-yeah, yeah, I’m just… I’m just waiting for my ride, yeah, that’s all,” Lilith lied Light Shine looked her dead in the eyes and raised an eyebrow Lilith looked at him for a few seconds and sighed in defeat “T-the truth is… my dad’s business is going under and has been in the red for almost a month due to the economic recession…” Lilith said as she sat down on the bench Light Shine followed in the motion “... In a desperate move to save the company, my parents sold everything they owed to pay the debts… even taking most of the jewelry and clothes I owned… today, when I came back to the mansion, it had a foreclosed sign on it and a letter from my parents next to the luggage I found outside…” Lilith said as she gave the letter to Light Shine “Dear Lily: I know this is sudden, but, we have foreclosed the mansion, to reduce living expenses, and decided to move to a motel on the outskirts of town with your little sister; I know mom and I should’ve given you a heads-up, but, in the heat of the moment this was the best we could do. But, I know you are a smart girl, and that you have many friends, I know you’ll figure something out. I know we are going through tough times, and I know you understand that; once we’ve solved this issue, you are free to hate me and scream at me all you want. Love Daddy” Light Shine read “... I tried to contact him by phone, but he didn’t pick up… so, I decided to start calling all of my friends, but, they turned me down, most of them because they didn’t have the extra room, and I kind of knew it, and others, plainly said no…” Lilith said “What about your friend, what’s her name, Meinu?” asked Light Shine “She just laughed at me, and closed the door in my face, saying that she had no reason to help me out,” Lilith said crying from the betrayal and desperation “Light, what am I gonna do now?” she said “Man, I hate it when I’m right, I could see this coming from a mile away… Plus, I mean, she deserves this, she was always mean to me, this is just karma doing its job… but, at the same time… I just can bare to see her like this, bully and all… I guess she was rude to me because she wasn’t taught many boundaries… and… I know what it feels like to have no money and fear for the future…” Light Shine debated within him. Light Shine then got up and grabbed 2 of the luggage that Lilith had with her. “W-where are you going?” asked Lilith as she wiped away tears “Home… and you’re coming with me,” said Light Shine “W-what?” asked Lilith in shock “Well, I can’t just leave you out here, it’s almost winter, and the temperature drops at night, plus, you’re a girl, a very pretty one, I shiver at the thought of some weirdo taking advantage of you,” Light Shine said This comment made Lilith turn red and her heart skip a beat. “So, are you coming, it’s about a 7-minute walk, but, at least you’ll be warm, safe, and have a hot meal to eat… I really doubt that my parents will turn you away, plus, with my sister getting married and leaving, we have an extra room, so…” said Light Shine Lilith looked at him, and for the first time in a long time, Lilith smiled, not her usual smile, but a smile nonetheless. A FEW MINUTES LATER “... And here we are, it’s not much, but it's enough,” Light Shine said as he and Lilith arrive outside a 2-floor townhouse. “I thought you lived in a much smaller house,” said Lilith “No offense” “Well, we did go through tough times, but we were able to afford this place, and now, it's Home Sweet Home,” Light Shine said MEANWHILE INSIDE “Darling, are you seeing this?” said a unicorn “I am, and I can’t believe it…” said the pegasus “LIGHT HAS A GIRLFRIEND?!!!!” they both said as they looked at each other, and after a few seconds they hugged each other and jumped in celebration “Finally, our prayers have been answered!” the unicorn cheered “Yeah, Lighty finally got a girlfriend, and a very pretty one at that!” said the pegasus “I can’t believe that quiet and lonesome child of ours did it,” said the Unicorn “YEAH… wait, why are they carrying luggage?” asked the Pegasus JUST THEN “MOM, DAD, I’M HOME, AND I’VE GOT COMPANY!” Light Shine announced as he entered the house “We can see that,” said the unicorn “Mom, Dad, Lilith… Lilith, this is my mom, Scarlet Harmony…” Light said as he pointed to the blue unicorn, with long silver hair and blue eyes. “Hi, sweety, nice to meet you, you can call me Scarlet,” she said “... and my dad, Solar Bolt,” he said pointing at the pegasus “Hello, nice to make your accountancy,” said Solar “Mind me asking, but, to what do we owe the pleasure of her visit?” asked Scarlet “W-well, the thing is…” Light said as he started to tell them the problem. A FEW MINUTES LATER “Oh dear, that does sound serious, well, you are more than welcome to stay with us, would you agree baby… baby?... Hon?... Oh no,” said Solar as he turned to look at his wife who seemed to be ready to blow. “You might want to cover your ears,” said Light Shine Lilith did as she was told, and not a moment too soon, as soon as her ears were covered, Scarlet blew into a fit of rage, cursing at the situation that Lilith was in and at her father doing something so stupid and selfish while pacing back and forth in the hallway they were standing in. “SCARLET! Calm down!... Sorry, Light, I’m gonna have to go deal with your mom for a minute, but please make her feel at home, ok? Be right back!” Solar said as she bear-hugged his angry wife and carried her down into the basement. “What was that about?” asked Lilith “My grandfather, my mom’s father, did something similar to my mom… I think this just made her relive her past traumas,” said Light Shine “Oh dear, i-is she going to be alright?” asked Lilith “I’ll let my dad handle that, he knows how to calm her down or clam her up, anyway, follow me, and I’ll take you to your room,” said Light Shine “Thanks,” said Lilith as she heard the sound of a slap and a moan, followed by the sound of a door closing in the basement. ALMOST AN HOUR LATER “Are you sure?” asked Lilith “Yeah, you can stay here as long as you want,” Scarlet said with a goofy smile on her face as she walked awkwardly around the room “Plus, there is no way we’ll throw our son’s girlfriend out into the cold streets,” Solar said winking at Light Shine That comment made both Light Shine and Lilith turn red “WE’RE NOT DATING!” they both said out loud “Oh, our mistake, we jumped to conclusions there, but, anyway, feel free to stay as long as you want,” said Solar “Thank you, thank you so much,” said Lilith “It’s ok my dear… now, why don’t you go freshen up a little, dinner is almost ready,” said Scarlet earning a nod from Lilith who got up and headed to the room that Light Shine had given her. “Thanks for letting her stay,” said Light Shine “It's a no-brainer son,” said Solar “Yeah, as you said, she is a pretty young lady, and being the weekend, there will be a lot of weirdos out there, she is safer with us,” Scarlet said “I called your sister and she agreed, she even told us to give her her old clothes, she wants to help us much as possible too,” said Solar “Thanks, seriously,” said Light Shine as he got up and headed to his room “Do you think…?” asked Scarlet “It seems like it, but, he is my son after all… remember how hard it was for me to get your advances?” said Solar “Ugh, don’t remind me,” said Scarlet as she glared at him. LATER THAT NIGHT “Are you all set?” asked Light Shine “Yeah, thanks so much again,” said Lilith “Don’t worry… oh yeah, my sister called and we told her what happened, and she is more than happy to give you her old clothes, however… you are bigger than her in some… “departments” so, it might be a bit tight,” said Light Shine turning red “B-beggers can’t be choosers… tell your sister I said thanks,” said Lilith who was also redder than a tomato “Right, have a good night,” said Light Shine as he started to close the door “WAIT!” Lilith said “What’s wrong?” asked Light Shine “It’s just… I don’t want to freeload off you and your family, I want to do something to help but… I’ve never done the housework before, and… I have not many skills anyway…” said Lilith Light Shine thought for a second and an idea came into his head “I have an idea, but it’ll have to wait until tomorrow,” said Light Shine “What is it?” asked Lilith, a bit nervous “Don’t worry your pretty little face about it, concentrate on having a good night's sleep, and make yourself look pretty for tomorrow morning, this idea is fool-proof,” Light Shine said as he closed the door “H-he called me pretty,” Lilith said turning red as she plopped down on the bed. THE NEXT MORNING “...Ok sure, welcome aboard!” said Costal “Really? J-just like that?” asked Lilith “Darling, we are so desperate for more employees, we’re even trying to hire the homeless and retirees to make it easier for us to operate,’ Costal said “Thanks, manager,” said Light Shine “Thanks to you Light… hey, try looking around your school, maybe someone wants a part-time job,” said Costal “I’ll try,” said Light Shine as he headed off to start his shift “Anyway, follow me, dear, we’re gonna get you fitted,” said Costal as she guided Lilith to the Crew room to give her a uniform… “... Here we go, try this one… hmm… on second thought…” said Costal “I-is something wrong?” asked Lilith “N-not exactly, truth is… your boobs are much bigger than usual, we’ve never had an employee with your bust size…, I mean, before you came, I had the biggest boobs in the store, but now… don’t get me wrong, you are an attractive young lady, but I don’t want you to be uncomfortable while working, nor do I want your “twins” to pop out and say hello while manning the front counter…” said Costal “Oh…” said Lilith a little uncomfortably “Yeah, I’ll go and find a men’s shirt… probably a Large will do… try this one,” Costal said as she handed her a shirt. “Thanks,” said Lilith as she took off her shirt and changed tried it on “Yup, that works, and your goods are hidden enough… except for the bulge… but, don’t worry they’re safe… at least until you and Lighty get back home,” Costal teased making Lilith red “W-we don’t have that type of relationship!” she exclaimed “Maybe, but I can tell you want to have it, maybe even more… by the way, what size are your boobs? Mine are DDs, but I’m just curious, and how a girl your age has bigger ones,” said Costal completely ignoring the comment she just made to Lilith “H-have a physical relationship with Light Shine? N-no way, we’re too young to have that type of love, p-plus, I-I’ve never even dated anyone before… N-not that I-I am against the idea of the 2 of us being a couple and hold hands… and kiss… and have sex… on a regular basis… WOW! WE’RE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS! And I shouldn’t forget the fact that I did treat him badly for a long time, of course, he wouldn’t be sexually or romantically interested in me… but, I’d like for it to happen…” Lilith said in her brain ignoring Costal “Lilith?... Lilith?!... LILITH?!!!” Costal screamed getting her out of her trance “W-what?” asked Lilith “It seemed like you were having some sort of internal battle, are you ok?” asked Costal “Y-yeah, just thinking,” said Lilith “About you and Light Shine on the bed, am I right?” she said raising an eyebrow “N-n-Yes,” said Lilith “Don’t blame ya kid, Light Shine is really nice, if I were 5 years younger, I’d asked him out,” said Costal “5 years younger?” asked Lilith “Well, yeah, I’m 21, and a college student, plus, Light Shine isn’t into older girls, just my luck,” said Costal “Oh,” said Lilith “Yeah, anyway… what size are your boobs?” asked Costal again “W-what?” asked Lilith getting redder “I’m asking, both out of curiosity and because I should tell corporate to make some shirts bigger for female employees like you,” said Costal “T-they’re F’s,” Lilith said redder than a red-painted tomato “Hot damn, they’re big… anyway, you ready to start working?” asked Costal “T-today?” asked Lilith “Yeah, if you feel up for the challenge,” said Costal “S-sure, but, I-I’ve never…” Lilith began “Worked here or done much before cuz I was a sheltered, rich girl, don’t worry, I’ve got just the MAN for the job,” Costal said as she pointed at the door was just in time for Light Shine to walk by “Lighty! She’s ready for you~… in more ways than one~” Costal said earning a glare from Light Shine and a red face from Lilith “Well, good luck on your first day,” she said as she walked off “Sorry about her, I forgot to mention she’s weird like that,” said Light Shine “I-It’s ok, she’s fun to talk to,” said Lilith “Right, oh, some words of advice, never ask her for dating advice,” said Light Shine “Oh, why not?” asked Lilith “She is a firm believer in herds or harems and she will more than likely tell you about her “sexual life” with her boyfriend and girlfriends,” said Light Shine “Is she allowed to do that?” asked Lilith “Outside the clock, she can do whatever she wants, here, she tries to be subtle about her shit… anyway, ready to start?” asked Light Shine Lilith just nodded. “I trained Lilith in all of the stations in the establishment, however, her strong points were definitely the customer-oriented ones, she aced the drive-thru, presenting, and the front counter positions, but, when it came to the coffee area or the kitchen, she seemed to be lacking some motor skills, nothing some practice won’t help, but, for now, I better keep her as far away from the friers as possible… Huh, I can’t believe Lilith can be so self-assured, and yet so clumsy, it makes her look even cuter… AND~ I have no idea where that came from…” A FEW MONTHS LATER “Thank you for your hard work today!” Costal said as Lilith and Light Shine walked out of the store. “Bye,” Light said “See you next week, guys!” Lilith said “Hey, the cute cashier is leaving!” said a customer “Well, I’ll just come back next week to see her again,” said another “You sure are popular,” said Light “Well, with my beauty, of course, I am,” said Lilith “Glad to see you got your sense of humor back,” Light Shine said “I’m not joking though,” Lilith said as they both started to laugh as they continued to walk home “Huh?... WAIT! Is that you Lilith?!” came a female voice the 2 of them knew very well “Meinu?” said Lilith “WOW… how the mighty have fallen, you like, have no class at all…” Meinu said as she started to laugh hysterically as she pointed at Lilith, who was still wearing her work uniform “... You used to act as if you were all that, but now… hahaha, you’re working at a Mickey D’s… hahaha… what's more, you’re hanging around this loser… well, taking into consideration that now you are poorer than him… you should find more suitable friends, Lighty, unlike a broke loser like her…” Meinu said as she continued to laugh at Lilith Lilith just stood there, silent, tears falling down her face. Light Shine wanted to say something, but nothing came out After a few more insults and laughing, Lilith couldn’t take it and ran off, brushing past Meinu and causing her to fall on her butt “WHAT WHERE YOU’RE GOING BITCH!... Gosh, that really hurt… not compared to when they spank you, but still…” she said as she looked up and saw Light Shine looking at her “What are you looking at, loser? You’re like, not even supposed to breathe the same air as me… well, you might as well make yourself useful and help me up,” Light Shine said nothing and walked past her, flipping her the finger as he walked away “Hey, where are you going? That’s like, so uncool,” Meinu said as she saw him leave. Lilith sits on a park bench, her eyes misty and her fingers clutching a crumpled letter. Petals settle on her hair and lap. As Light Shine approaches, he takes a moment to admire her, framed by the romantic backdrop. He takes a deep breath, trying to summon courage. "Lilith?" he says softly She startles slightly, quickly wiping away a tear and trying to compose herself. "Oh! Light Shine... I wasn’t expecting you to come here." "I heard what Meinu said. I'm so sorry." he said while sitting down next to her Lilith looks away, her voice quivering. "I thought she was my friend. How could she say such things?" "Sometimes, people project their insecurities onto others. It’s more about them than it is about you." Light Shine said gently She sighs, staring at the floating petals. "It's just that... every time I think I'm moving forward, something like this drags me back." "Life has its way of testing us. But you’re stronger than any challenge or hurtful word. And you have people who genuinely care about you." Light Shine said "Like you?" Lilith said turning to him with a small smile "Yes, like me. I mean, I've always admired your spirit and resilience. It's... captivating." Light Shine said giving her a hug A serene silence settles between them, the only sound being the gentle rustling of leaves and distant chirping of crickets. Lilith: "Thank you, Light Shine. I needed to hear that." Light Shine: (grinning) "Anytime. How about we grab some ice cream? It might not solve everything, but it's a start." Lilith laughs, her spirit lifting. "Ice cream does sound good." They rise from the bench, and as they walk side by side, Light Shine discreetly extends his hand. Lilith hesitates for a moment, then slips her hand into his, their fingers entwining. As cherry blossoms continue to cascade around them, the two figures are illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns, creating a picture-perfect moment. ONE WEEK LATER Lilith's phone buzzed as she settled on her makeshift bed in Light Shine's living room. The screen displayed an unfamiliar number. Cautiously, she answered, "Hello?" "Lilith? It's me, Dad." The voice was hesitant, carrying a heavy weight. She froze. A torrent of emotions surged through her. "What do you want?" she asked coldly. There was a pause, long enough for Lilith to hear the distant noise of a city on the other end. "I want to see you. To talk." "Why now?" Lilith's voice trembled. "After leaving me with nothing? With nobody?" "I... I know I made mistakes. And I am sorry. I want to make it right." Her anger built. "Making it right? Do you even understand what you put me through?" she snapped, her voice rising. From the kitchen, she could hear the soft murmurs of Solar and Scarlett, trying to keep their voices low, probably discussing the unexpected call. It made her feel more cornered, more vulnerable. She took a deep breath, her fingers gripping the phone. Before her father could answer, she added, "You left me. Alone. The life I had, the luxuries... everything vanished overnight. Do you have any idea how hard it was to pick up the pieces?" Her father's voice cracked. "I know it doesn't change things, but I think about it every day." Lilith's eyes filled with tears. "Do you know where I am now? Who took me in when my so-called 'friends' turned their backs on me? The boy I bullied in school, Light Shine. The same person whose family has shown me kindness when I had none left in my life. And you... you call now?" She heard Solar approach, his voice gentle. "Lilith, it might be good to hear him out. Life's too short for regrets." But Lilith wasn't ready. "I'm not sure if I can ever forgive you," she whispered into the phone. "Maybe... Maybe one day. But not now." Ending the call, she sank onto the floor, emotions crashing over her. Scarlett gently knelt beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Life throws curveballs, dear. And we have to decide how to handle them." Lilith nodded, taking in the warmth and understanding. "Thank you. For everything." Solar sighed, looking out the window. "Your journey's been hard. But remember, each day is a chance to rebuild and move forward." As the evening sun painted the room gold, Lilith felt a sense of belonging and warmth. Here, among people who had no obligation to her, she found genuine love and care. The wounds from her past were deep, but maybe, just maybe, they'd start to heal with time. As the sun dipped lower, casting longer shadows in the living room, Light Shine entered quietly. He had been out, getting groceries for dinner. Setting down the bags, he glanced at Lilith, sensing the storm of emotions swirling within her. Sitting down beside her, he began tentatively, "I heard you got a call from your dad." Lilith's gaze remained fixed on a distant point. "Yeah," she replied, her voice subdued. "I don't know how to feel. So many emotions." Light Shine nodded, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "Lilith, I know it's not my place to say, but maybe you should give him a chance to explain." She turned to him, her eyes searching his. "Why? After everything he did?" Light Shine sighed. "I remember when my family went through a tough financial phase. My dad had to make difficult decisions, and we didn't always understand or agree with them. But looking back, I realize he did what he thought was best for us." Lilith frowned. "But he left me. Just left." Light Shine reached out, placing a gentle hand on hers. "Sometimes, in the face of overwhelming challenges, people panic and make mistakes. Big ones. Maybe he thought you'd be better off without the burden of the family's downfall. Or maybe he was just scared and didn't know how to face you after everything that happened." Lilith's eyes welled up again. "But I needed him. Especially then." "I know," Light Shine whispered. "And he needs to know how that decision impacted you. But keeping this anger and hurt inside won't help you heal. Talking to him might." She looked down, processing his words. "It's just... hard." Light Shine gave her a gentle smile. "I know. And whatever you decide, I'm here. We all are." Lilith took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision ahead. "Okay. Maybe... maybe I'll meet him. Just to talk. And to get some closure." Light Shine squeezed her hand. "That's all you can do. Take it one step at a time." With the night settling around them, Lilith felt a renewed sense of purpose. Facing her father would be difficult, but perhaps it was the first step towards healing and finding peace. THAT FRIDAY The family restaurant had been a staple in their neighborhood for years. Its familiar ambiance, with worn-out wooden seats and the faint aroma of sizzling dishes, felt like stepping into a time capsule. It was here that Lilith had decided to meet her father. As she approached, she saw him. He had aged, the sharp lines of stress evident on his face. He was already seated, looking nervously out the window. Lilith took a deep breath and walked in. Upon seeing her, his eyes lit up with a mixture of hope and guilt. "Lilith," he started but she raised a hand, signaling him to stop. She took the seat across from him, her eyes never leaving his. "Before you say anything, I want to know: Why?" He gulped audibly. "First, how are you? Truly." She snorted, "You already know, don't you? Left alone, abandoned, struggling to survive." He looked down, guilt evident in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Lilith. There's not a day that's gone by that I haven't regretted that decision. The company's collapse was sudden, and the debts... they were suffocating. I panicked. I thought moving away with your stepmother and sister, starting fresh elsewhere, would give them a chance at a better life. I believed you'd be strong enough to make it through." "That doesn’t justify abandoning me," Lilith's voice trembled with a mix of anger and sadness. He took her hand gently, his eyes pleading. "I know. And I can never make up for it. But I want to try." Lilith pulled her hand away. "What's changed?" Taking a deep breath, he said, "We managed to save the business. It took time, loans, negotiations, and sacrifices. But we're stable now. We can go back to our previous life." Lilith's heart raced. The lavish lifestyle, the comforts, the status - it was all within reach again. But then she thought of Light Shine, Solar, Scarlett, and the warmth of their modest home. She remembered the lessons she'd learned, the genuine connections she'd formed, and the simple pleasures she'd come to cherish. She was torn. On one hand was the life she'd known and missed. On the other, was a life filled with authenticity, love, and growth. Seeing her internal struggle, her father added, "You don’t have to decide right now. Just... think about it." Lilith nodded, her mind racing. "I need time." He smiled sadly, "Take all the time you need. I just want you to be happy." They finished their meal mostly in silence, with occasional small talk. As they left the restaurant, Lilith felt the weight of the decision pressing down on her. The past beckoned, but so did the promise of the future. As she walked back, the evening sky painted in hues of purple and gold, Lilith's heart was filled with conflict and uncertainty. What path would she choose? MONDAY The weekend passed by, Lilith never came home after that conversation with her father, but the hands of the clock seemed slower than ever as Light Shine sat at his desk after class. The emptiness of the classroom echoed the void he felt inside. The desks were deserted, pencils and books abandoned, and memories hovered like specters. She was right here, he thought, laughing, arguing, occasionally stealing my fries during lunch. But now? He felt a pang of loss so sharp it was almost palpable. In the silence of the room, he reminisced about the myriad moments they shared: the late-night conversations about life, the moments of understanding, the quiet comfort of just having her around. It all seemed like a dream now. The quiet laughs, the inside jokes, even the occasional arguments; they added color to his life. But perhaps it was always destined to be this way, Light Shine mused. Maybe our worlds were too different to ever truly merge. She was a shooting star, meant to dazzle but only for a brief moment. Lost in his musings, he barely heard the door creak open. It was Lilith, her face lighting up with her usual mischief. "Are you planning to grow roots there? Hurry up, or we'll be late for our shift!" For a moment, he was too stunned to speak. The relief and surprise jumbled his words, "I thought... I mean, I believed you had..." Lilith grinned, rolling her eyes. "Went back to my princess tower? Nah. That life was beautiful, but it was never real, Light. This is where I belong." As they walked together, the familiar rhythm of their footsteps in sync, Light Shine couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure about this? You could have had everything back. The luxuries, the privileges. Why stay here?" She looked at him, her eyes soft with genuine affection. "Because I found something more precious here. Friendship, family, a sense of belonging. And besides," she added with a chuckle, "Where else would I get to tease you daily?" He smiled, but his voice still carried a hint of concern. "But won't you miss your old life?" She took a deep breath. "Of course, there are things I'll miss. But we reached an agreement. Dad's helping with the rent, as a way to make amends. And I... I just want to build something real, with my own hands." They continued walking, the bond between them strengthened by the trials they'd faced together. The city lights shimmered around them, but their path seemed clear. They had each other, and together, they'd face whatever the future held. R.S.S. Ch. 2 The Punk Childhood friendTwo months felt like the blink of an eye, yet so much had changed. The leaves had shifted from the bright hues of summer to the mellower shades of fall. The air had a fresh crispness, and the world seemed to move with a renewed energy. Light Shine and Lilith walked together to school, their bond stronger than ever. They chatted about everything - the latest movies, the assignment they both forgot, the strangely flavored ice cream they had tried the previous weekend. However, Lilith often found her gaze lingering on Light Shine, noting how the sunlight caught the glint in his eyes or the way he pushed his hair back when he was thinking. Every little detail seemed to amplify her growing feelings for him, a secret she held close to her heart, unsure of how he'd react. Lost in conversation, they were suddenly interrupted by a sharp voice, "Hey, Sunbeam!" Both turned around, and there stood a girl with raven-black hair streaked with vibrant colors. Her leather jacket was adorned with patches and pins, and her boots looked like they'd seen a thousand adventures. Despite the punk exterior, there was a spark of playfulness in her eyes. Light Shine's face broke into a grin of recognition. "Zero? Zero Gravity? Is that really you?" Without waiting for an answer, the two of them rushed toward each other, enveloping each other in a warm, tight hug. When they finally pulled apart, both were laughing, the joy of reunion evident in their eyes. Lilith stood a few steps away, watching the interaction with a mix of confusion and a sting of jealousy. She noted how naturally they laughed together, the familiarity in their gestures, and the genuine happiness in Light Shine's eyes. Zero Gravity finally looked at Lilith, her eyebrow raised in a teasing challenge. "And who's this?" Light Shine, suddenly realizing he hadn't made introductions, gestured toward Lilith. "Oh! This is Lilith. She's... uh, a very close friend." Lilith's heart sank a little at the casual introduction. She forced a smile, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you." Zero Gravity took her hand with a firm grip. "Likewise. Light Shine and I go way back. Childhood partners in crime." She winked. Lilith nodded, trying to hide her discomfort. "That's lovely. It's always nice to meet someone from Light Shine's past." As the trio walked together, with Light Shine and Zero reminiscing about their shared memories, Lilith couldn't help but feel like an outsider. Her heart was a mess of emotions: happiness for Light Shine, jealousy toward Zero Gravity, and a nagging fear that she might lose her place in his life. But for now, she tried to push those feelings aside, hoping time would reveal where her heart truly belonged. The school bell rang, signaling the beginning of yet another lesson. As the students took their seats, there was an undeniable buzz in the classroom, an electric current of anticipation. Word had spread about the new transfer student, and when the door opened to reveal Zero Gravity, all eyes were fixed on her. The teacher, Mrs. Calloway, cleared her throat. "Class, we have a new student joining us today. Please welcome Zero Gravity." As expected, Zero stole the show from the moment she walked in. With a confidence that turned heads, she scanned the room, her eyes landing on Light Shine. With a playful smirk, she offered him a salute, drawing whispers and stares from their classmates. Light Shine chuckled and shook his head, clearly entertained by Zero's antics. But amidst the classroom's reactions, Lilith's emotions were a swirling storm. “Why did she have to be in our class?” Lilith thought, irritation evident in her inner monologue. Of all the classes in this school, she just had to land in ours. She noted how Zero's every movement seemed calculated for maximum impact. The way she flipped her hair, the small wink she gave to Light Shine, even her casual banter with those sitting around her – it all seemed to scream for attention. Does she know about my feelings for Light Shine? Is she deliberately trying to stake her claim? Lilith mused, the green monster of jealousy gnawing at her insides. But beyond the jealousy, there was an underlying sense of insecurity. Zero and Light Shine had a shared history, a bond that dated back to their childhood. How could she, Lilith, possibly compete with that? She felt like an intruder in their story, a mere footnote in the epic tale of their friendship. As the class proceeded, and Zero answered questions with a sharp wit that had even Mrs. Calloway smiling, Lilith felt like she was slowly fading into the background. Every glance that Light Shine threw Zero's way, every chuckle they shared at an inside joke, seemed to drive a wedge between her and the boy she was falling for. “Get a grip, Lilith,” she chided herself. “It's just one day. But if I'm going to get through this, I need to keep my emotions in check.” Determined, Lilith forced herself to focus on the lesson, pushing away the jealousy and insecurity, at least for now. But in her heart, she knew that the arrival of Zero Gravity had changed the dynamics in ways she couldn't yet understand. The journey ahead was bound to be a challenging one. MINUTES LATER The class ended with Mrs. Calloway assigning some group work, creating an underlying chatter as students formed groups. But amidst all this, Zero Gravity had one target – Light Shine. With a grace that seemed effortless, she weaved her way through the desks, leaning casually against Light Shine's, her face inches from his. "You know, it's kind of surreal seeing you again," she began, her voice tinged with genuine nostalgia. "I missed you, Sunbeam. Life just wasn’t the same after I moved." Light Shine's eyes softened, the shared memories evident in his gaze. "Yeah, it was quite a shift not having you around. The neighborhood wasn’t as lively, that's for sure." Zero's fingers brushed the back of his hand lightly, her voice dropping an octave, "Well, I'm back now. And I plan on making up for lost time." There was a mischievous glint in her eyes, a teasing undertone in her words. Unbeknownst to her flirtatious gestures, Light Shine laughed, "With the kind of energy you've got, I have no doubt. Welcome back, Zero." A few desks away, Lilith was battling her own tempest. Her fingers tightened around her pencil, the pressure causing it to snap with a crisp sound. A second pencil met the same fate shortly after. “That conniving, manipulative, BITCH!” Lilith's thoughts grew darker, a stark contrast to her usually calm demeanor. Every touch, every shared laugh, every moment between Zero and Light Shine felt like a needle pricking at her heart. “How can he not see it? She's practically throwing herself at him! And he's just... laughing?” Frustration bubbled up, the sense of unfairness overwhelming. Yet, deep down, Lilith also battled with another emotion – fear. Fear of losing Light Shine, fear of becoming just another face in the crowd while Zero reclaimed her spot by his side. Taking a deep breath, she tried to compose herself, reminding herself of the bond she and Light Shine had built over the past months. But with Zero Gravity in the picture, the path ahead seemed fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Lilith knew she had to navigate this carefully, or risk losing everything she held dear. Throughout the day, it was clear that the bond between Zero Gravity and Light Shine was strong. They reminisced about shared memories, roared with laughter at inside jokes, and generally seemed inseparable. With every passing period, Lilith's presence faded further into the background. She watched, increasingly exasperated, as they walked to classes together, ate lunch side by side, and whispered in corners. Her patience, or perhaps the lack of it, began to wear thin. She had grown used to being by Light Shine’s side, sharing moments and stories, and now felt like an outsider watching their own life pass by. As the day drew to a close, Lilith stood by her locker, her reflection bouncing back from the mirror inside. She examined herself, taking in her features. The smooth curve of her neck, her clear skin, the gentle swell of her chest. “Why does he even bother with Zero? Lilith thought, a touch of arrogance tainting her inner voice. I am clearly more refined. My sense of style, my demeanor. Everything screams class and sophistication. And let’s be real here, I've definitely got her beat in the curves department.” Lilith adjusted her top slightly, taking a moment to compare herself to the punk aesthetic that Zero rocked. “She's just so... brash. Everything about her screams for attention. It's all so desperate.” She smirked, her confidence somewhat restored. “She might have history with Light Shine, but I've grown close to him these past months. She can't possibly think that some dyed hair and punk attitude will win him over for good. Especially when I have so much more to offer.” But underneath the facade of confidence, the seeds of insecurity had been sown. It wasn't just about appearance or class. It was about the shared history, the bond, the camaraderie that Lilith had witnessed between Light Shine and Zero Gravity. The fear of being sidelined was very real, and she had to decide her next move carefully. As the school day ended, students spilled out into the courtyard, forming little pockets of conversations. Zero Gravity, with her signature confidence, looped an arm around Light Shine's shoulder. "Hey, Sunbeam," she said, her voice dripping with playful seduction, "how about coming over to my place later? We could catch up on... old times." Just as Light Shine was about to respond, a determined Lilith intervened, grabbing Light Shine's other arm and wrapping it between her boobs. "We can't. Remember, Light Shine? We have a shift today at work." Caught off-guard by the sudden intervention, Light Shine hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement, turning red when he realized where his arm was, "Yeah, Zero, I'd love to, but we've got responsibilities. Maybe some other time?" Zero Gravity's eyes narrowed slightly, her sharp gaze bouncing between Light Shine and Lilith. While she projected an air of indifference, internally, gears were turning. “Something's changed,” she thought, watching them. “The way she holds onto him, the slight possessiveness in her tone. They're more than just friends, aren't they?” As Light Shine and Lilith began to walk away, Zero's eyes remained fixed on them. She could see the subtle, almost invisible, gestures – the way Lilith's fingers brushed against Light Shine's, the quick glances they exchanged, the synchronization in their steps. A pang of something unfamiliar stirred within Zero Gravity. Jealousy? Concern? It was hard to pinpoint. “They've grown close,” she mused, a hint of bitterness touching her thoughts. “Too close. I was gone, and she took my place. But I won't let her have him so easily.” A competitive spark ignited in Zero's eyes. The game was on. The return to her hometown was no longer just about revisiting old memories. Now, it had a new purpose – reclaiming her place by Light Shine's side. As the two walked side by side to work, the atmosphere between them was thick with unspoken words. The setting sun cast long shadows on the pavement, mirroring the emotional distance that had formed between them. Lilith, with a deep breath, finally broke the silence. "So... Zero Gravity," she started hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You two seemed really close. How did you know her?" Light Shine looked ahead, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "We grew up together. Zero and I were neighbors, our houses just next door to each other. We were inseparable – climbing trees, getting into mischief, having sleepovers... the works." Lilith waited for him to continue, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. "But the Zero you saw today? That's not the girl I remember," Light Shine admitted, his tone tinged with surprise. "She was... well, a bit of a crybaby, to be honest. Whenever she'd fall or get into some sort of trouble, she'd run to me, tears streaming down her face. I'd always comfort her, telling her it'd be okay. I was her protector, I guess." Lilith frowned slightly, trying to reconcile this image with the bold, confident girl she'd met at school. "So, what happened? Why the drastic change?" Light Shine shrugged, his brow furrowed in thought. "People change, I suppose. It's been years since I last saw her. We drifted apart after she moved away. From what I've heard, she went through a lot during her time away. New city, new school, and all the challenges that come with it. I guess it made her tougher." A silence enveloped them once more, punctuated only by the rhythmic tapping of their shoes against the pavement. Lilith took a moment to process all of this. The idea that Light Shine had such a deep history with someone else, someone so different from her, stirred a mix of emotions – from jealousy to curiosity. The road ahead, it seemed, was more complicated than she had imagined. Inside McDonald's, the evening rush had set in. The restaurant was filled with a buzz of activity – students grabbing a quick bite after school, families settling in for an early dinner, and coworkers discussing their day over coffee. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Light Shine and Lilith worked seamlessly, their previous bond amplified by their shared experiences and the challenges they'd faced together. Lilith found herself gravitating towards Light Shine more than usual. Whether it was passing him supplies or helping with an order, she was always by his side. Every move she made was calculated, ensuring she remained within arm's reach. Just as they were getting into the flow of their shift, the entrance bell jingled, announcing a new customer. Zero Gravity sauntered in, her punk aesthetic making her stand out amidst the crowd. Her gaze fixed on Light Shine instantly, a smirk playing on her lips. Approaching the counter, Zero leaned forward, her fingers drumming a playful rhythm. "Didn't expect to see you here, Sunbeam," she teased, her voice dripping with flirtation. "What's a good-looking guy like you doing in a place like this?" Light Shine, ever the professional, gave her a polite smile. "Working. How can I help you today?" Zero pouted, feigning disappointment. "No special treatment for an old friend?" She then pointed towards the menu, ordering with an exaggerated wink, "I'll have a double cheeseburger and... your number." Lilith, trying to maintain her composure, intervened, "Would you like fries with that?" Zero Gravity's gaze shifted to Lilith, sizing her up. "No, thanks," she replied, her voice dripping with condescension. "Just the burger will be fine." As Light Shine prepared the order, Lilith and Zero Gravity engaged in a silent battle of wills, their eyes locked in an intense stare-down. Zero's message was clear: she was here to stay, and she would do whatever it took to reclaim her place in Light Shine's life. However, what Zero hadn't anticipated was the resilience and determination of Lilith. She wasn't about to let go of the bond she'd formed with Light Shine so easily. The challenge had been set, and the two girls were now locked in a game of emotional chess. The neon lights of the McDonald's sign dimmed as Light Shine and Lilith exited the establishment, the weight of their day slowly lifting from their shoulders. Their steps synchronized, they walked side by side, the soft hum of the city around them providing a soothing backdrop. However, their brief moment of peace was interrupted as Zero Gravity suddenly appeared in their path, her confident demeanor unmistakable even in the dim lighting. "Sunbeam!" she exclaimed, addressing Light Shine, "The night's still young. How about we go for a walk, grab a drink or something? Just like old times." Before Light Shine could respond, Lilith jumped in, her tone firm. "It's late, Zero. We've had a long day and there's school tomorrow. We should all head home." Zero's eyes narrowed slightly, her playful smile replaced by a more determined expression. "Come on, it's just one night. We've got a lot of catching up to do," she pressed. Lilith, feeling the need to assert her position, gripped Light Shine's arm tighter and began to lead him away. "We're heading home, Zero. Goodnight." Sensing the tension, Zero took a step forward, her curiosity piqued. "Home? Where's that?" Lilith turned back, a smirk playing on her lips. "We live together. Same house." The implication hung heavy in the air, and for the first time, Zero Gravity was caught off guard. Her face contorted with a mix of jealousy and rage. The fact that Lilith and Light Shine were not only close friends but also housemates had never crossed her mind. She watched as Lilith confidently led Light Shine away, the distance between them growing with each step. The realization hit her hard – she had underestimated Lilith and the bond she shared with Light Shine. The challenge she faced was more significant than she had imagined. Left alone in the dim light of the street, Zero clenched her fists, her eyes burning with determination. The battle lines had been drawn, and she was ready for the fight. The familiar golden arches came into view as Lilith and Light Shine approached McDonald's. The day was bright and sunlit, perfectly reflecting Lilith's buoyant mood. For once, it seemed, the universe had granted her a full day without Zero Gravity hovering around Light Shine. Every step she took felt lighter, every breath more vibrant. Today, she mused, would be their little "slice of heaven." As they entered the restaurant, Lilith mentally prepared herself for another peaceful shift. Her heart sang with the joys of small victories. But just as she was getting lost in her happy reverie, a voice, all too familiar, broke her bubble. "Welcome to McDonald's! May I take your order?" chirped Zero Gravity, wearing the unmistakable red and yellow uniform, complete with a nametag that read 'ZERO.' Light Shine blinked in surprise, his gaze locking onto Zero's. "Zero? What are you...?" Before he could finish his sentence, Zero flashed a dazzling smile. "Surprise! I thought, 'Why not join the two of you? Seems like a fun place to work!'" Lilith's eye twitched, her daydreams of a peaceful shift now shattered into a million pieces. She shot a look at Light Shine, whose expression was an adorable mix of confusion and amusement. Trying to keep her composure, Lilith approached the counter with an exaggerated cheerfulness. "Well, isn't this a delightful turn of events? So, you're working here now?" Zero nodded enthusiastically, twirling a strand of her punk-colored hair. "Yep! And guess what? We're on the same shift!" She winked at Light Shine, who chuckled nervously, clearly sensing the impending storm. The entire scene felt like something out of a sitcom – the previously reigning employee now faced with the unexpected competition, the clueless male lead caught between two forces, and the new, over-enthusiastic coworker ready to stir the pot. Lilith took a deep breath, plastering on a smile that was a tad too wide. "Well then, Zero Gravity, welcome to the team. Let's make this a memorable experience, shall we?" With that, the shift began, and the McDonald's was filled with an electrifying energy, one that promised a mix of comedy, drama, and a dash of chaos… everyone knew, shit was about to hit the fan… in a good way… maybe. The McDonald's had never seen a shift quite like this one. Every time a customer walked in, Lilith and Zero Gravity would rush to the counter, trying to outdo each other in providing the warmest welcome. "Hi there! Welcome to McDonald's! How can I assist you today?" Lilith would sing out, her voice dripping with honey. Only to be topped by Zero Gravity, who'd chime in, flipping her colorful hair back, "Good to see you! Let us know if you need any recommendations. Our specials today are especially... special!" Light Shine, who was manning the fry station, could only shake his head in disbelief, occasionally glancing at the two girls, a bemused smile playing on his lips. The competition, however, was only beginning. When a young boy dropped his ice cream cone, Lilith was the first on the scene, handing him a new one with a flourish. "There you go, little champ! On the house!" But Zero wasn't to be outdone. She quickly approached with a balloon, bending down to tie it around the boy's wrist. "Here's something extra for being so brave!" During a brief lull in the rush, Lilith decided to showcase her milkshake-making skills, creating a perfectly swirled, triple-layered treat. She then "accidentally" walked it past Light Shine, ensuring he got a good look. "Oops! Almost forgot the cherry," she cooed, placing the vibrant red fruit on top with a wink in his direction. Zero Gravity, seizing the opportunity, promptly started preparing an elaborate coffee order, complete with latte art. As the frothy milk took the shape of a heart, she casually remarked, loud enough for Light Shine to hear, "I've always felt that food is the way to a person's heart. Don't you think so, Light Shine?" The playful war continued. From juggling condiment bottles to flaunting their tray-carrying skills, both girls were pulling out all stops. At one point, Zero even started an impromptu dance routine to the tune playing overhead, much to the amusement of the customers. Light Shine, for his part, played along, chuckling at their antics. He appreciated their enthusiasm, even if it was slightly misplaced. When the shift finally ended, the entire staff was in splits, having thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected entertainment. As they left, Light Shine, shaking his head in mock exasperation, remarked, "You two sure know how to keep things... lively." Both girls, feigning innocence, simply smiled back, their competitive streak momentarily at rest. But both knew, the game was far from over. SOME TIME LATER Three months had gone by, and the competitive edge between Lilith and Zero Gravity had evolved. While the underlying rivalry was still very much present, the two had grown closer, more amicable, in their shared mission of vying for Light Shine's attention. The two would frequently find themselves laughing at their own antics, sharing inside jokes, and even occasionally teaming up for little pranks on Light Shine, much to his mock dismay. One day, during lunch break, the school's courtyard was bathed in sunlight. The scent of freshly mown grass wafted through the air as students chatted animatedly around. Light Shine, Lilith, and Zero Gravity sat on their usual spot, a quiet corner beneath a large oak tree. Midway through their conversation, Light Shine excused himself to use the restroom. Lilith seized this opportunity. With a deep breath, she turned to Zero Gravity, "Alright, Zero, spill. Why are you so smitten with Light Shine?" Zero's playful demeanor faltered for a second, her gaze dropping to her hands. She began hesitantly, "When we were kids, I was constantly bullied...," she took a deep breath, her voice quivering, "because of my mother's reputation. She... she was known for having... multiple affairs in our old neighborhood… one time they even caught her in a woman only orgy at a local love hotel… you can imagine my father’s shock." Lilith felt a pang of sympathy, her heart going out to the punk girl beside her. The lively, spirited Zero Gravity had hidden this painful part of her past so well. Zero continued, her voice soft and distant, "The kids in school would mock me endlessly, call me names, and make life unbearable. But there was one person who never turned his back on me. One person who would always stand up for me, defend me, no matter the cost." Lilith didn't need to guess. "Light Shine," she whispered. Zero nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "Every time I cried, every time I felt like the world was against me, he was there, like a protective older brother. He shielded me from all the harsh words, the judgment, and the ridicule. He taught me to be strong, to find my voice." She paused, wiping away a tear. "When my family moved, it broke my heart. Losing my only true friend... I felt so lost. Coming back here, seeing him again... it was like rediscovering a part of me that was missing." Lilith was silent for a moment, processing Zero's story. The playful rivalry they had shared suddenly felt trivial in comparison. She reached out, taking Zero's hand in hers. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Zero. And I understand now." Zero smiled weakly, "It's not about 'winning' him. It's about cherishing those moments, those memories." Lilith nodded, understanding dawning on her. Their bond had taken a new turn, from competitors to friends, united by a shared affection for Light Shine. When he returned, he found the two girls in quiet conversation, a newfound camaraderie evident in their interactions. And though the rivalry would still flare up from time to time, there was now an underlying bond that neither could deny. Zero Gravity studied Lilith's face for a moment, her piercing eyes probing. "Your turn, Lilith. Why Light Shine?" Lilith hesitated for a moment, recalling the whirlwind of emotions and events that had transpired. "You see, Zero, before I met him properly, I was someone... very different. Spoiled, bratty, and often mean. I had everything I could ever want, until one day it all vanished." She sighed deeply, memories of her father's company going bust and her family's desertion flooding her mind. "I was left all alone, abandoned by the very family that was supposed to protect and love me. Suddenly, I had nothing, and nowhere to go." Zero watched Lilith intently, seeing the pain and vulnerability in her eyes. "And then there was Light Shine," Lilith continued, her voice softening. "The boy I once bullied in class. The last person I expected kindness from. He saw me, vulnerable and broken, and offered me a helping hand. He brought me into his home, shared everything with his family, and gave me a roof over my head." A tear rolled down her cheek, her voice wavering, "He showed me kindness when I least deserved it. He taught me humility, the value of hard work, and most importantly, he taught me how to love and be loved. His family, especially Solar and Scarlett, embraced me as their own, even after everything." She took a deep breath, "In the darkest moment of my life, he was my Light. That's why I love him." Zero Gravity sat in silence, absorbing Lilith's confession. Both girls, with stories so different yet intertwined by the same person, found solace in the bond they shared. The weight of their respective confessions hung in the air, but it was a weight that they now bore together. Zero Gravity, with a more compassionate tone than Lilith had heard before, asked, "And what about your family now? Are things okay between you and them?" Lilith bit her lip, hesitating momentarily before answering. "Yes, actually. After that tumultuous period, things started to mend. My father... he eventually came back to me, wanting to make amends. It was difficult at first, swallowing the hurt and resentment, but over time, we've started to rebuild our relationship." Her gaze became distant, "My step-mother, surprisingly, has been understanding. I guess life's challenges changed her too. And my step-sister... well, she's been a constant pillar of support. We've grown closer than ever." A small smile crept onto Lilith's face, "They even have another baby on the way. It's weird to think I'll be a big sister again." Zero Gravity grinned, "That's really nice to hear. Families have their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, they're the ones who've known us the longest and still choose to stand by our side." Lilith nodded in agreement, "Yes, and the experience taught me the value of the bonds we form, both by blood and by choice. Speaking of which," she said, playfully nudging Zero Gravity, "I'm glad we're getting to know each other better. From rivals to... whatever this is now." Zero laughed, "Friendly competitors? Allies in the battlefield of love? Who knows? But I'm glad too." The two of them sat in a momentary silence, the camaraderie between them growing stronger. It was clear that their bond, formed through their shared affection for Light Shine, was becoming a friendship of its own. Zero Gravity's eyes widened slightly at Lilith's revelation. "Your step-mother? What about your birth mother?" Lilith's face clouded slightly, hinting at a mix of sadness and exasperation. "Ah, my birth mother. She's... quite a character. She and my father divorced when I was around five. She was always chasing some version of her youth, always acting like a teenager, even though those days were long behind her." She sighed, a touch of bitterness in her tone, "She fell in love with someone else, said he made her feel 'young and alive'. The way she left was abrupt, almost whimsical, as if she was chasing a new adventure." Zero Gravity leaned in, her own intrigue piqued. "Have you heard from her since?" Lilith smirked, "Oh, occasionally. Through the grapevine mostly. The latest I heard was she had a son with her lover. Ironically, from what I've heard, her son turned out to be the mature one in their relationship. Can you imagine? A boy in his early teens acting like the adult while she's stuck in perpetual adolescence." Zero Gravity laughed, "That's got to be challenging. A role reversal for sure. But it sounds like she's... happy?" Lilith pondered for a moment, "In her own way, I suppose she is. I've come to accept her for who she is. It's her life, her choices. As much as it hurt when she left, perhaps it was for the best for both of us." Both girls fell into another reflective silence. It was moments like these that showed them how complex and intricate family dynamics could be. But it also showed them the importance of understanding and accepting, even if they didn't always agree. The evening sun cast a mellow glow across the McDonald's floor as it began to fill with the usual after-school crowd. For the first time in what seemed like forever, Lilith and Zero Gravity weren't in their usual tug-of-war for Light Shine's attention. Instead, they found themselves working seamlessly together, taking orders, serving customers, and managing the till. But the harmonious atmosphere was disrupted when the door jangled, and in walked the local delinquents. They swaggered in with an air of arrogance, their loud laughter immediately drawing attention. Dressed in ragged jeans, leather jackets, and sporting unkempt hair, they looked every bit the part of troublemakers. Making a beeline for the counter, they started to openly flirt and harass Lilith and Zero Gravity. "Hey there, pretty ladies," one of them, a tall guy with a snake tattoo on his neck, drawled. "How about a date after your shift?" Another, bulkier with a bald head, flexed his biceps obnoxiously, "Ever seen muscles like these, eh?" Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged glances, both clearly uncomfortable. They tried to maintain their professionalism, with Zero Gravity replying, "We're here to work. Please place your order or move along." But the delinquents weren't easily dissuaded. They persisted, closing in on the girls and making lewd comments like: “Come on, with bodies like yours, you can easily satisfy all of us at the same time,” or “We can give you pleasure way beyond your wildest dreams,” one of them even saying “Come on, it’ll be fine, after we’re done, you’ll come back for more, over, and over, and over again,” Suddenly, a firm voice broke through the tension. "If you're not ordering, I'd suggest you leave." All eyes turned to Light Shine who had emerged from the back room, his expression stern and unyielding. The playful nature he usually carried was replaced by a protective determination. The delinquents sized him up, clearly considering whether to challenge him or not. After a tense pause, the snake-tattooed one scoffed, "Whatever. This place isn't worth our time anyway." With that, the group sauntered out, casting one last defiant look at Light Shine. The atmosphere in the McDonald's gradually returned to normal. Customers whispered among themselves about the confrontation they had just witnessed, while Light Shine approached the counter, his face softening with concern. "Are you two okay?" he asked Lilith and Zero Gravity. The two girls exchanged a grateful glance. Lilith replied, her voice still a little shaky, "Thanks to you, yes. That was... unnerving." Zero Gravity nodded, "Thanks, Light Shine. Really." He smiled, "Just doing what's right. Let's get back to work, shall we?" And as the evening wore on, the trio worked together more closely than ever, with the events of the day serving as a testament to the bond they were building. Outside the glowing 7-11, amidst the orange and white hue, the delinquents lounged on their motorcycles, sipping on oversized sodas and nursing their bruised egos. The leader of the group, the snake-tattooed guy named Razor, spat on the ground, his glare still fixated on the direction of McDonald’s. "Can't believe we got schooled by a fast-food geek," Razor growled, crushing his soda can with a single squeeze. His sidekick, a skinny guy named Twitch with multiple piercings, added, "That Light Shine dude didn’t even lay a finger on us, and yet we backed off." "Yeah, well," Razor snapped, "there's a time and place. McDonald’s ain’t it." The conversation took a darker turn when another member, Cogs, with a greasy mop of hair, piped up. "Hey, wasn’t that punk chick Zero Gravity? I’ve heard of her. Some say she’s got a reputation, just like her mother." Twitch smirked, "Oh yeah, heard about her mom. Like mother, like daughter, huh?" Cogs chuckled, "Seems like 'easiness' runs in the family." Razor, still fuming from the earlier confrontation, saw an opportunity for revenge. "Well, if that's the case," he began, a malicious grin spreading across his face, "maybe we can have a little fun with Zero Gravity. You know, give her and that Light Shine guy a lesson they won't forget." The group exchanged knowing looks, their intentions clear. LATER THAT NIGHT The streetlights overhead painted the sidewalk with a soft orange glow, a gentle contrast to the cool night air. Lilith and Zero Gravity's giggles echoed in the streets as they discussed and laughed about their imaginative plans to win Light Shine over. "I'm telling you, the way to his heart is through a limited edition game console," Lilith chuckled, her breath visible in the cool evening air. Zero Gravity nudged her playfully, "Please, it’s clearly a custom-painted skateboard. Trust me." As they joked around, a dark shadow quickly enveloped their laughter. The familiar revving of motorcycles echoed ominously around them. Turning a corner, they found themselves face to face with Razor and his gang, who quickly closed off their escape route. "Look who we have here," Razor sneered, his gaze fixated on Zero Gravity. "Heard you're just like your mother, offering 'special services'." Zero Gravity's face turned scarlet with rage and embarrassment, "Shut up! You don’t know anything!" Lilith took a protective stance in front of her newfound friend. "Back off! We don't have time for your childish games." Twitch, trying to play the role of a mediator, stepped in, "Oh, come on, ladies. We just want a little fun. Especially with someone who's got 'it' in her genes," he said, making a crude gesture towards Zero Gravity. The atmosphere became heavy, the tension palpable. But before things could escalate further, a familiar shout rang through the air. "Enough!" It was Light Shine, his face a mix of worry and anger. He was slightly out of breath, likely having run the entire way after sensing that something was amiss. Razor smirked, "Look who finally showed up. Ready for round two?" Without waiting for a response, Razor lunged at Light Shine. The dim streetlights served as a makeshift stage, and in that moment, the street became an arena. Razor's lunge was the opening act, his fist arcing through the air aimed squarely at Light Shine's face. Light Shine sidestepped swiftly, grabbing Razor's extended wrist and using his momentum to swing him into a nearby lamppost. Lilith and Zero Gravity watched, their hearts in their throats, as the rest of the delinquents moved in. Two bigger ones, known as Bull and Hawk, advanced together. Bull aimed a low punch towards Light Shine’s gut, while Hawk tried to get him in a headlock. But Light Shine was quicker. He ducked beneath Hawk's arms, spun, and delivered a solid kick to Bull’s midsection. Bull gasped and staggered back, the wind knocked out of him. Hawk, recovering from his missed grab, lunged at Light Shine again. This time, Light Shine gripped Hawk's outstretched arm, twisted, and forced Hawk into an uncomfortable armlock. With a slight increase in pressure, Hawk yelped and went down on one knee. Razor, recovering, advanced with two more gang members. The three of them circled Light Shine, looking for an opening. It was a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Light Shine kept his movements fluid, watching all three closely. When one of the members lunged, Light Shine used Razor's own momentum against him, making him crash into one of his gang members. Suddenly, a piercing whistle cut through the air. All heads turned towards the sound, spotting the flashing lights of a police car approaching. The delinquents, realizing the danger, began to scatter. But before they could get too far, another police car blocked the other end of the street. They were trapped. The officers approached with caution, handcuffs at the ready. One by one, the delinquents were restrained, their bravado replaced with a mixture of fear and anger. Light Shine, panting, turned to find Lilith and Zero Gravity, their eyes wide with a mix of fear, gratitude, and awe. "You okay?" He managed to ask, his voice hoarse. Both girls nodded, rushing forward to embrace him in a grateful hug. “Where did you learn to fight?” asked Lilith “Dad made me learn martial arts, for the fun of it,” Light Shine said “Thank God for that,” Zero Gravity said as they all embraced tighter. In the background, the police began to take statements, and the aftermath of the fight began to settle. As the sun began to cast its early morning glow, Light Shine and Lilith stepped out of their home, the day's routine already set in motion. However, they were met with an unexpected sight. Zero Gravity stood at the doorstep, luggage by her side, and an innocent smile plastered across her face. Behind her, Light Shine's parents were hefting bags and suitcases, the merriment in their eyes betraying their amusement at the situation. Lilith's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, her gaze darting between Zero Gravity and the bags. "What's going on?" Zero Gravity fluffed her hair and gave a little laugh, "I just didn't feel safe in my place after what happened. And where better to feel safe than beside my childhood protector, right?" She winked at Light Shine, causing him to blush slightly. Lilith's gaze darkened, her protective instincts kicking in. But before she could voice her concerns, Light Shine's mother spoke up. "It's alright, dear. She can either share a room with you or take the attic room. What do you think?" Zero Gravity's eyes twinkled with mischief, "I could always share Light Shine's room. We go way back, after all." Lilith's protest was instantaneous. "That's not happening!" Even Light Shine seemed flustered, "Zero, we can't..." His father interrupted with a chuckle, "I'm inclined to agree with Lilith. It might not be the best idea." Zero Gravity pouted but didn't push further. "Fine, fine! The attic room it is. As long as I'm close by, it's all good." Lilith gave a nod of approval, her stance softening. "I'm just glad you're safe, Zero." “Well played, bitch” she thought as she looked at Zero Gravity Zero Gravity smiled, her playful demeanor subsiding for a brief moment. "Thank you, Lilith. That means a lot." “The battle ain’t over yet,” Zero Gravity thought while looking back at her 2 friends. As the group made their way inside, ready to begin another day, the bond between the trio was evident. Their adventures were just beginning, and the house was about to get a lot livelier. “Oh… this complicates things even more… but don’t worry Lighty… soon we’ll be together,”. R.S.S. Ch. 3 The School Idol's confession2 WEEKS LATER It's been 2 weeks since Zero Gravity, Lilith, and Light Shine started living together with Light Shine's parents. In this time, Lilith's and Zero Gravity's competition for Light Shine's attention has become more intense and comical. The house was in a constant state of uproar. With Light Shine caught in the middle of two fiercely competing ladies, things had taken a comical turn. On Monday, Lilith had set up an intricate alarm system that played Light Shine's favorite song to wake him up. Just when he was beginning to enjoy the gesture, the next day, Zero Gravity set up a mini breakfast stall right outside his door, complete with pancakes, waffles, and his favorite bacon sandwich. Wednesday saw Lilith and Zero Gravity getting into a heated debate on whose dish was Light Shine's favorite. Zero Gravity, believing it was the spaghetti she'd made during their childhood, challenged Lilith, who was certain it was the sushi rolls she had learned to prepare. In the end, Light Shine ate both to keep the peace, and the two ladies ended up declaring it a draw. Then, on Friday, Lilith tried impressing Light Shine by wearing a T-shirt with his favorite band logo. However, Zero Gravity, not one to be left behind, showed up in a full band costume, complete with makeup, which made Light Shine blush and chuckle. It was all fun and games until one evening, when a letter arrived, addressed to Light Shine. The trio was lounging in the living room when Light Shine's mother handed him the sealed envelope. He eyed it curiously, not recognizing the sender's name. As he opened it, his face went from puzzled to shocked. "What is it?" Lilith asked, leaning over to try and catch a glimpse. Zero Gravity too craned her neck, "What's the big news, Light?" Light Shine cleared his throat, trying to mask his surprise. "It's from a University. They've offered me a full scholarship to study, but it’s in another town. They say they've been impressed with my academic and extracurricular achievements." Silence enveloped the room. The jovial atmosphere from moments ago was now replaced with tension. Lilith felt her heart drop. Zero Gravity blinked, processing the news. "It's... it's an amazing opportunity," Light Shine muttered, unsure of his own feelings. Zero Gravity was the first to break the silence, "Well, that's great news! Congratulations!" Her voice held a tinge of sadness, but she masked it with a smile. Lilith took a moment longer, her thoughts swirling. Then, taking a deep breath, she added, "It's a chance of a lifetime, Light Shine. You should seriously consider it." The trio stared at the letter, realizing that life was about to change... again. Throughout the next few weeks, the weight of Light Shine's potential departure loomed over the household. While it was unsaid, the knowledge of his upcoming decision was evident in every shared meal, every movie night, and every casual conversation. Lilith and Zero Gravity remained supportive, but in private, both began hatching plans to stay close to Light Shine. Lilith considered applying for a part-time job near the university. She'd done her research, finding cafes and bookstores that were hiring. However, the more she learned about the university town, the more she realized that just a job wouldn't suffice. She needed a reason to be there, something like... enrolling in a course. Zero Gravity had a similar idea. But instead of a job, she thought about enrolling in a nearby community college, hoping to transfer credits and join Light Shine in his university journey. She'd always been good at arts, so maybe an arts program would be a fit? The pair separately started investigating the application process and criteria for the institutions around Light Shine's prospective university. But it didn't take long for them to hit a significant roadblock – their academic grades. One evening, in Light Shine's room, the two rivals-turned-friends shared their findings. "It's frustrating," Lilith sighed, "Our grades aren't bad, but they aren't enough for any of the institutions near Light Shine's university." Zero Gravity nodded in agreement, "I even thought of showing them my art portfolio, hoping it might sway the decision, but academic requirements are stringent." Lilith frowned, "We've got a few months left before graduation. Maybe if we push ourselves, get some tutoring, we might be able to lift our grades?" "That's ambitious," Zero Gravity mused. "But it might be our only shot. Plus, aiming for higher grades is beneficial in any scenario… hey, we can ask Light to tutor us, I mean, it will also benefit him," Lilith shaked her head in agreement and said “Zero, that is the smartest thing you’ve said since I met you… I was beginning to worry there wasn’t much in that head of yours,” as she got up and headed for her room. “What is that supposed to mean?!” Zero said as she followed her Both were determined. The next day, they approached their teachers, asking for extra assignments, help sessions, and tips for improving their grades. Their teachers were surprised but pleased to see such determination. Weekends were no longer solely about Light Shine. They became marathon study sessions, with Lilith and Zero Gravity challenging each other, pushing each other further. They even convinced Light Shine to tutor them. Despite their rigorous efforts, both girls were well aware that it was a gamble. Whether their grades would rise enough to make a difference remained to be seen. But the process brought them even closer together. They were no longer just competitors for Light Shine's affection; they were comrades in the battle for their futures. But, at the same time, they had achieved something else, earn Light Shine’s respect and admiration as he saw them stay up night after night, completing the extra points work, projects or even studying. For Light Shine, it was an interesting turn of events, since he knew that Lilith valued her “beauty sleep” more than anything in the world, not to mention the make-up applying sessions every morning. It had been weeks since he last saw her having beauty sleep, or applying many layers of make up on her face. It was the same for Zero Gravity, Light knew her well, she could barely keep herself awake during class, and studying wasn’t even on her list of “essential” activities, which caused the sight of her having the same attitude as Lilith to make him feel uncomfortable. However, he didn’t mind helping them study, or even help them win some extra credits. SOME TIME LATER The school's clock tower chimed, signaling the end of another day. But this wasn't just any ordinary day – it was the last day of final exams. The atmosphere was electrifying, with students cheering, hugging, and some even shedding tears of relief. The school year, full of challenges, trials, and tribulations, had finally drawn to an end. As the flood of students exited the school gates, two figures stood out from the rest. Lilith and Zero Gravity, arm in arm, looked at each other with a mix of elation and exhaustion. Their eyes sparkled with achievement. "We did it!" Zero Gravity cheered, squeezing Lilith's arm. "Can you believe it? All that hard work!" Lilith smiled, her eyes misting over slightly. "I knew we could. But I still can't believe we managed to pull up our grades to a B+ average!" Both girls were overwhelmed with emotions. The months of rigorous studying, the countless hours spent over textbooks, and the innumerable practice papers – it all paid off. Spotting Light Shine nearby, the girls rushed over. Without warning, they both wrapped their arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Light Shine chuckled, slightly taken aback but touched by their gesture. "Thank you, Light Shine," Lilith whispered, her voice full of gratitude. "For being our rock. For being there during those long study sessions, for those pep talks, and for all the snacks you brought us." Zero Gravity nodded, her voice slightly muffled by Light Shine's shoulder. "Yeah, we couldn't have done it without you." Light Shine gently pulled away, a proud smile playing on his lips. "You two are giving me too much credit," he said, brushing a strand of hair behind Lilith's ear and giving Zero Gravity a fond pat on the back. "It was your determination, your hard work, and your drive that got you here. I just cheered from the sidelines." Both girls blushed, their faces matching the shade of the evening sky. "Still," Zero Gravity murmured, "you were an essential part of our journey." Lilith nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Thank you, Light Shine." As the trio stood there, basking in the glow of their achievements, they were a testament to the power of hard work, friendship, and mutual support. Whatever the future held, they were ready to face it together. Zero Gravity looked around, her eyes widening as she took in the flurry of emotions surrounding them. Couples, both new and old, were engaged in deep, heartfelt conversations. The air was thick with emotions – joy, surprise, sadness, and anticipation. Everywhere she looked, students were either confessing their feelings, asking each other out, or sealing their newly minted relationships with a kiss. The scene was a colorful tapestry of emotions, with each thread weaving a different story. "What's going on?" Zero Gravity murmured, her voice tinged with curiosity. Lilith chuckled, "Ah, you're not aware of the end-of-school year tradition? It's been going on for as long as I remember." Light Shine, overhearing the conversation, nodded in agreement. "It's like an unwritten rule. The end of the school year is seen as the perfect opportunity to confess your feelings. It's believed that if you start a relationship now, it'll last forever." Zero Gravity looked both puzzled and intrigued. "But why? What makes today any different from any other day?" Lilith's eyes twinkled with a mix of mischief and nostalgia. "Legend has it that a couple from our school, many years ago, confessed their feelings for each other on this very day. They went on to have the kind of love story people write books about. They faced numerous challenges, but their love only grew stronger. People believe that confessing on this day will bless their relationship with the same kind of eternal love." As the trio walked through the school grounds, they couldn't help but get swept up in the romance of it all. Students of all backgrounds and orientations, stepping forward with courage, laying their hearts bare in the hopes of finding love. Zero Gravity sighed, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. "It's beautiful, really. The idea of eternal love." Lilith smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Yes, it is. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?" Light Shine looked between the two girls, sensing the underlying tension. The three of them were about to step into a new chapter of their lives. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the school, the seeds of new beginnings were being sown all around them. [At this point we all know where this is going… right?”] As the school grounds continued to be filled with the sounds of laughter, whispers, and sweet nothings, Lilith and Zero Gravity found themselves mustering the courage to approach Light Shine. Both of them had a nervous energy about them, but they were determined to not let this day pass without confessing their feelings. Walking side by side, the two girls exchanged a brief, knowing glance, silently cheering each other on. As they neared Light Shine, they took a deep breath, preparing to pour their hearts out. "L-Light Shine..." Lilith began, her voice wavering just a tad. Zero Gravity nodded in agreement, "We wanted to tell you..." Their words, however, were abruptly interrupted by a melodious voice that seemed to echo across the courtyard, capturing the attention of everyone present. "Light Shine!" All eyes, including those of Lilith and Zero Gravity, turned to the source of the voice. Emerging from the crowd was none other than Spring, the school idol. Her wavy, fiery-red hair cascaded down her back like a river of flames, reflecting the golden rays of the setting sun. Her svelte figure and graceful poise were testament to her background as a model. Every step she took seemed to be straight out of a runway show, with the school courtyard as her stage. The chatter around them quieted down, as students whispered and pointed. "Is that Spring? Why is she here? What does she want with Light Shine?" The murmurs grew louder, filling the air with anticipation. Spring approached the trio, her emerald eyes locked onto Light Shine. She smiled warmly, her dazzling beauty momentarily blinding Lilith and Zero Gravity. "Sorry for interrupting," she said, her voice soft and enchanting. "I just needed a moment with Light Shine." Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged surprised glances, their intentions temporarily thwarted. The suspense in the air was palpable, with everyone waiting to see what would unfold next. Spring's typical confident and poised demeanor seemed to vanish as she stood before Light Shine. The fiery-haired school idol started to fidget with the hem of her skirt, her face turning an adorable shade of pink that matched her hair. "Umm... L-Light Shine," she began, her voice several octaves higher than her usual sultry tone. "I... I've been meaning to tell you something." Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged incredulous glances. Is this really the same Spring? The unflappable beauty everyone idolizes? they thought. Drawing a deep breath, Spring continued, "You see... I might seem like this confident person in front of everyone. But, when it comes to you, I... I just become this puddle of... of..." "A mess?" Zero Gravity whispered to Lilith, barely suppressing a giggle. "Exactly! I mean, no! Not a mess!" Spring exclaimed, covering her face in embarrassment, realizing she'd just agreed with Zero Gravity out loud. The students around were whispering excitedly, some were trying to record the event with their phones, others were placing bets on Light Shine's response. This was a scene no one had ever imagined they'd witness. Taking another deep breath, Spring looked straight into Light Shine's eyes, "Light Shine, I... I think I've fallen for you. No, I'm sure of it. I love you!" She blurted out the last part so quickly that it sounded like one word. The entire courtyard went silent. A bird could be heard chirping in the distance, and somewhere, someone dropped a textbook. Light Shine looked as if he had been turned to stone, his mouth hanging open in shock. "Umm... Uhh..." He stammered, clearly at a loss for words. Spring, realizing she'd thrown him for a loop, tried to salvage the situation, "It's okay! You don't have to say anything now! Just... think about it. I'll wait for your answer until after the graduation ceremony next week. Alright?" She punctuated her words with an awkward yet endearing little thumbs up. Lilith and Zero Gravity were staring, their mouths agape, completely taken aback by the turn of events. Just as things seemed they couldn't get any crazier, a paper airplane glided from the crowd, hitting Light Shine square in the forehead. Scribbled on it was, "Think wisely, dude!" Shaking his head and chuckling at the absurdity of the moment, Light Shine simply nodded, "Alright, Spring. I'll think about it." As Spring turned and made her way through the crowd, her walk slightly less graceful than usual, the entire scene felt like a bizarre dream. Students laughed and chatted animatedly, discussing the unexpected love confession they had just witnessed. The dim light filtering through the curtains of the empty classroom cast a subdued glow on Spring's face. As she walked to the window, her poised and elegant image had vanished, replaced by a more intense and darker expression. Her fingers tapped the window pane rhythmically as she gazed down at the courtyard, where the trio still stood. "So, they think they can compete with me, huh?" she muttered, her lips curling into a smile that was more predatory than sweet. "Little do they realize that they're merely moths to a flame. Light Shine is the flame, and I'm the one who'll engulf him." Spring leaned closer to the window, her reflection barely visible. Her eyes, normally warm and kind, now bore an unsettling glint. "Those girls don’t stand a chance. They don't know the depth of my love, the lengths I'd go to ensure that Light Shine is mine." She began to laugh softly, the sound echoing around the room, steadily growing louder and more maniacal. "It's simple really. They see a handsome young man and are drawn to his charm, his charisma. But me? I see his soul. I feel his heartbeats. He and I are destined to be together. He just doesn’t know it yet." Closing her eyes, Spring took a deep breath, "Every night, I dream of him. His touch, his scent, his voice. It's intoxicating. I'm already addicted, and there's no cure." She then walked to a desk in the middle of the classroom, where a few candles were placed. Lighting one, she looked at the flame, a smirk forming on her lips. "And just like this flame, our love will burn brightly. Any moth that comes near will simply burn away. After all, Light Shine's body and soul are meant to be mine... only mine." Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Spring quickly extinguished the candle, her yandere demeanor melting away, replaced by her typical graceful and amiable facade. The silhouette of a student appeared, looking for a lost notebook, oblivious to the intensity of the scene they'd just interrupted. But as they left, the lingering scent of the burnt wick remained, a testament to the depths of Spring's obsession. Light Shine blinked, trying to process the whirlwind of events. He glanced at the two girls, expecting them to burst into one of their comical tirades about Spring's confession. But, instead, they both looked oddly focused and serious. "So... um... that was unexpected," he said, trying to ease the tension. "Spring's confession came out of nowhere." Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. "You know, Light Shine," began Zero Gravity, "We... we just remembered we had to go see a teacher about... um... some project work! Yeah, project work!" Lilith nodded vigorously, adding, "Yes! Project work! It's super important. We completely forgot about it!" Light Shine raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "Project work? Right now? Aren’t you two done with everything?" "Oh, you know, last-minute stuff," Lilith said, waving her hand dismissively. "You head back home, and we'll catch up later." Zero Gravity leaned closer to Light Shine, giving him a wink. "Don't miss us too much! And don't think too hard about Spring's confession." Light Shine scratched his head, still baffled. "Okay...? Just... be careful. And I'll see you both at home, I guess." As he walked away, Zero Gravity whispered to Lilith, "We need to find out what's going on with Spring. Did you see how she acted?" Lilith nodded, "Yes, and we need to find out fast. For Light Shine's sake." With determination fueling their steps, the duo set out in pursuit of the school idol, leaving behind a bemused and utterly clueless Light Shine. Lilith and Zero Gravity cautiously approached the classroom, pausing at the door when they heard a soft giggle emanate from inside. They exchanged a glance and slowly pushed the door open. The sight that met them was both surreal and unnerving. Spring sat at one of the desks, her luscious red hair cascading around her like a fiery halo. The room was dimly lit, with only the setting sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm orange glow. She had surrounded herself with numerous pictures of Light Shine – some candid shots from afar, some close-ups, and even some of them together from school events. "Oh! I was wondering how long it would take you two to find me," Spring said with an eerily sweet tone. Her large, emerald eyes glistened as they darted between Lilith and Zero Gravity. "You've been... watching Light Shine?" Zero Gravity managed to ask, her voice betraying her disbelief. Spring giggled again, holding one of the pictures close to her chest. "He's so wonderful, isn't he? I've loved him for so long. From afar, always from afar. I've kept these memories close to me, cherishing each one." Lilith stepped forward, her tone firm but diplomatic. "Spring, this... this isn't healthy. You can't just obsess over someone like this." Spring's smile faltered for a moment, but then it returned, even wider. "You wouldn't understand. The two of you play your little games, competing for his attention. But I've seen him, truly seen him. Every little gesture, every smile, every frown. He's mine." Zero Gravity took a deep breath, trying to keep her calm. "Spring, we all care for Light Shine, but this... this is too much. You need to let him make his own choices." Spring tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I've given him a choice. After the graduation ceremony, he'll be mine." Both Lilith and Zero Gravity felt a chill run down their spines. There was a delicate balance between love and obsession, and it was clear that Spring had crossed it. "You both better stay out of my way," Spring whispered, her tone suddenly taking a dark turn. "Because nothing and no one will come between me and my love." With that, she slowly gathered her pictures, placing them into a folder, and walked past the stunned duo. As she exited the classroom, she paused for a moment, glancing back with a manic glint in her eyes. "Remember, after graduation, he'll be mine." The room was filled with a heavy silence as Lilith and Zero Gravity processed what had just transpired. They both knew that they had to act, not just for their sake, but for Light Shine's as well. Zero Gravity quickly snapped out of her stunned state and darted out of the classroom, catching up to Spring in the hallway. She placed a firm hand on Spring's shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. "Hey, listen here, Red! I've known Light Shine way longer than you have. You can't just claim him as yours," Zero Gravity exclaimed, trying to puff out her chest and stand tall despite her shorter stature compared to Spring. Spring turned around, her eyes narrowing as she looked down at Zero Gravity. "Oh? And what are you going to do about it, little childhood friend? He needs someone mature, someone who can truly understand him. Not someone who’s been playing tag with him since kindergarten." Zero Gravity felt her blood boil, but she tried to keep her composure. "Well, at least I've actually talked to him, spent time with him, unlike some people who just stalk him from afar!" Spring smirked, flicking her long red hair over her shoulder. "Oh, please. I've seen the way he looks at me. He's just too shy to admit his feelings. But don't worry, I'll take good care of him." "Over my dead body!" Zero Gravity shouted, her composure finally cracking as she lunged at Spring. Spring sidestepped gracefully, laughing as she did. "Oh, how cute. The little childhood friend is trying to play the hero. Well, guess what? This isn't a fairy tale, and you're not the princess." Zero Gravity growled, her competitive nature kicking in. "Well, if this isn't a fairy tale, then you're definitely not the 'model' student everyone thinks you are!" Spring's laughter echoed through the hallway as she walked away, leaving Zero Gravity fuming. "We'll just see about that. After all, the graduation ceremony is just around the corner." Lilith, who had followed them, couldn't help but chuckle at their exchange. "Well, that was... something." Zero Gravity turned to Lilith, her eyes blazing. "We can't let her win. We can't let her take Light Shine!" Lilith nodded in agreement, her own determination flaring up. "You're right. We need a plan." And with that, the two girls, once rivals, now united by a common goal, set off to devise a plan to save their beloved Light Shine from the clutches of the yandere model. LATER THAT NIGHT As the sun started setting, Lilith and Zero Gravity sat down in Lilith's room, with an array of romantic comedy DVDs and manga spread across the floor. Lilith put on a pair of reading glasses (which she didn't really need but felt it made her look more intellectual) and pulled out a notepad, poised to jot down any successful seduction techniques. "Alright, let's start with 'Love Rhapsody Returns.' In episode 7, Miki drops her eraser, and then they both reach down to get it and their hands touch," Lilith began, drawing out the scene in stick figures. Zero Gravity squinted at the doodle, "So we... drop an eraser? That's the plan?" Lilith sighed, "No, we need to adapt it. We make Light Shine drop something, and then we both reach down. Double the hands, double the romance." Zero Gravity paused, "But what if he doesn't drop anything? Do we... throw something at him?" Lilith tapped her chin thoughtfully. "That might be too aggressive. Let's think of something else." Zero Gravity then brightened up, "I've got it! In 'Heartbeats Unchained', Yuna makes an amazing lunch for Kaito! We can do the same for Light Shine. Imagine the look on his face when he opens his lunchbox to find the most delicious and heart-shaped sandwiches!" Lilith looked skeptical, "But can we cook? Last time I tried making toast, I almost burnt down the house." "We can always order takeout and then just place them in cute containers!" Zero Gravity suggested with a wink. Lilith then snapped her fingers, "Oh! How about recreating the famous 'wall-slam'? I've seen it work in like, ten different dramas." Zero Gravity raised an eyebrow, "But... neither of us is tall enough to do that to Light Shine." Lilith looked disappointed, "True... But what if we did a... double wall-slam? One of us on each side. It'd be revolutionary!" As the hours went on, the plans became more convoluted and ridiculous. From staging a fake love letter competition to organizing a surprise romantic boat ride (even though none of them knew how to row), the girls were nothing if not inventive. By midnight, they had a notebook full of plans, diagrams, and backup plans. They were ready, or so they thought, for anything Spring might throw their way. Little did they know how complicated things were about to get. The next morning, armed with determination and their 'foolproof' notebook of seduction plans, Lilith and Zero Gravity set out on their mission. Their first plan of action was the heart-shaped sandwiches for lunch. Zero Gravity, with a smug grin, handed Light Shine a beautifully wrapped lunchbox during their morning break. "Just a little something I thought you'd like," she said with a wink. Light Shine, ever the gentleman, gratefully accepted it. "Thanks, that's really sweet of you." He opened it to reveal a collection of heart-shaped sandwiches, artistically arranged. Before he could take a bite, Spring swooped in with a tray containing a gourmet three-course meal, complete with silverware and a folded napkin. "Oh, Light Shine, I just happened to cook a little extra this morning," she said innocently, batting her eyelashes. Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged glances, frustration evident in their eyes. Their carefully prepared sandwiches suddenly looked quite plain in comparison to Spring's elaborate offering. Not to be discouraged, they moved on to their next plan: the double wall-slam. Finding the perfect spot, they waited for Light Shine to pass by. Just as he was within reach, they jumped out, one on each side, trying to execute the perfect simultaneous wall-slam. But just before they could close in on him, Spring conveniently passed by, dropping a stack of papers. Light Shine, being the helpful guy he is, immediately bent down to help her pick them up, completely evading the wall-slam attempt. The two girls collided into each other instead, tumbling into a heap on the floor. Throughout the week, Lilith and Zero Gravity's efforts continued in this vein, with every plan being either interrupted or upstaged by Spring. The romantic boat ride? Spring rented a luxurious yacht. The surprise serenade under Light Shine's window? Spring organized a flash mob. The sweet handwritten love letters? Spring had hers delivered by a singing telegram. At every turn, Lilith and Zero Gravity's efforts seemed to pale in comparison to Spring's grand gestures. They were left feeling frustrated, comical, and slightly defeated. One evening, after another thwarted plan, Zero Gravity sighed, "She's always one step ahead of us. How do we compete with that?" Lilith, ever the optimist, replied, "We just have to be ourselves. If Light Shine likes us, it'll be for who we are, not for some extravagant gestures." Both girls nodded in agreement, resolving to stay true to themselves, no matter how over-the-top Spring's advances became. The day before the graduation ceremony was charged with an air of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. Amid the bustle, the drama between Spring, Lilith, and Zero Gravity reached a climax. The three girls found themselves once again in the same classroom where they had previously confronted Spring. The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. Spring, leaning against a desk with a mischievous smirk, began, "Ah, it's the duo again. Have you come to concede defeat?" Zero Gravity's hands clenched into fists, her anger evident. "Spring, enough of your games! We both—" Before Zero Gravity could finish, Lilith stepped forward, a calm demeanor contrasting her friend's fiery disposition. "Spring, we're not here for another quarrel. We genuinely want to understand. What is it about Light Shine that has you so enamored?" Spring's playful demeanor faltered for a moment, caught off guard by the sincerity in Lilith's question. She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. A tense silence filled the room, the weight of unsaid emotions and intentions hanging in the air. Spring’s playful facade melted away, revealing vulnerability rarely seen. She hesitated, then began to recount her past with a quiver in her voice. "When Light Shine and I were in Junior High," she started, her voice soft, "my family faced extreme financial hardship. We couldn’t even afford proper meals. I became so malnourished that I looked... grotesque. My figure was skeletal, each bone sharply defined beneath my pale skin. With my red hair, classmates would taunt me, saying I looked like a 'redheaded ghost.'" Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged glances, the weight of Spring's words sinking in. They had known Spring as the glamorous school idol; it was hard to imagine her in such a state. Spring continued, "Every day was a battle. The bullying, the taunts, the laughter. But Light Shine... he was different. Instead of mocking or avoiding me, he would sit beside me during lunch breaks and share his food. He noticed how weak I was, and soon, he began bringing an extra lunchbox just for me." Tears formed in Spring's eyes. "Every meal he shared was a gesture of kindness that I can never repay. He probably doesn’t even remember those moments, but for me, they were lifelines. He treated me with kindness and dignity when no one else did. How could I not fall in love with such a person?" A heavy silence filled the room as Lilith and Zero Gravity processed Spring's confession. All animosity between the three girls seemed to dissipate in the face of such a heartfelt revelation. Zero Gravity sighed, "Light Shine... he's always been like that, hasn't he?" Lilith nodded, "Even though our reasons differ, the feelings are genuine. We all care for him deeply." Spring's voice, soft and shaky, continued. "Once I entered high school, things began to change for me. Thanks to the consistent meals from Light Shine, I had a late growth spurt. It transformed me from that 'redheaded ghost' to the person standing in front of you today. Of course, I also took up gym sessions to stay fit and strong." Lilith and Zero Gravity listened with rapt attention. It was astonishing how much of a hand Light Shine had in shaping the person Spring had become. Spring’s voice picked up in excitement. "Not long after my transformation, I was scouted to be a model. That was a significant turning point for my family. My mother, being a makeup artist, started doing my makeup for shoots. My father, with his keen organizational skills, managed my schedules. We were the dream team. Together, we lifted ourselves out of our dire financial situation." Her bright expression dimmed, and she hesitated before continuing, "But fame has its dark side. One evening, after a late photoshoot, as I was making my way home, I was ambushed. A man, maybe a crazed fan or a predator, I don’t know… He tried to... to assault me." Her voice trembled at the memory. Tears welled up in Zero Gravity’s eyes, while Lilith clenched her fists in anger. Spring continued, her voice stronger now, as if she was drawing strength from the memory. "I was terrified. I thought that was the end for me. But then, out of nowhere, Light Shine appeared. He intervened, saving me from the worst fate imaginable. He tackled the man, holding him down, landing blow after blow until the assailant was incapacitated. We waited for the police to arrive, and they took that monster away. I was safe, all thanks to Light Shine." The room was silent for a few moments, the weight of Spring's confession settling around them. Zero Gravity finally whispered, "He really is something else, isn’t he?" Lilith, lost in thought, simply nodded. Spring sighed, wiping away a stray tear, "That’s why I love him. Not just because he fed me or stood by me in school. But because he was my hero when I needed him the most." Understanding dawned on the faces of Lilith and Zero Gravity. They may have had their reasons for loving Light Shine, but in that moment, they truly understood Spring's. The competition might not have ended, but a deep, mutual respect had been forged between the three girls. The three of them sat in a circle, the palpable tension from moments ago dissipating, replaced by a camaraderie of shared affection for one person: Light Shine. Lilith, leaning back with a thoughtful look, began, "You know, there's something about the way he smiles, especially that little lopsided grin of his. Whenever he’s trying to hide his amusement and fails miserably? It’s the most endearing thing.” Spring giggled, "Yes! And have you noticed his eyes? They have this specific twinkle when he talks about things he's passionate about. It’s like staring into a galaxy. And... oh, the way he pushes back his hair when he’s nervous?” Zero Gravity smirked, "Oh, don’t get me started on his hair! The softness? I might have, on a few occasions, fantasized about running my fingers through it.” She blushed, realizing what she'd just admitted, causing the others to erupt into laughter. Lilith added, "And his voice! That gentle, calming tone he uses when someone’s upset? It’s like he’s casting a spell to make all your worries disappear.” Spring nodded enthusiastically, "Yes! And his scent! It’s so subtle, but it has this mixture of fresh earth after rain and warm vanilla. It’s intoxicating." The girls sighed dreamily, lost in their shared daydreams. Zero Gravity piped up, "And his cooking! My gosh, his spaghetti bolognese? Heaven on earth. It's like each dish he makes is infused with love." Lilith playfully rolled her eyes, "Oh please, his pancakes are where it’s at. Fluffy, light, and just the right amount of sweetness." Spring added with a grin, "You both have it all wrong. It's his homemade chocolate chip cookies. Melt-in-your-mouth goodness." As they continued discussing every detail of Light Shine, from the way he hummed while working to his choice in socks, they found themselves laughing, teasing, and bonding over their shared crush. It was clear that their affections were rooted in genuine appreciation of his character, and not just a passing infatuation. Eventually, as the laughter died down and a comfortable silence settled, Lilith sat up straighter, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know what, ladies? I have an idea." The other two leaned in, intrigued, as the chapter came to a close. THE NEXT DAY The auditorium buzzed with the palpable excitement and nostalgia of graduation. Parents clapped and cheered, students hugged and took endless pictures, and the emotions ranged from tears of joy to shouts of exuberance. Light Shine, having just stepped off the stage with his diploma in hand, was enveloped in a warm embrace from his parents. "Son, we're so proud of you!" His mother's voice was thick with emotion as she held him tight. His father patted him on the back, his smile wide and proud, "You've grown into a fine young man, Light Shine." From the small screen of a phone, his sister's face appeared, lit up in a grin, "Wish I could be there, little bro! But seriously, congrats! University's keeping me crazy busy, but I wouldn't miss seeing you graduate, even if it's just over a call." Light Shine chuckled, "Thanks, sis. Miss you." But amidst the celebration, he noticed something—or rather, someone—missing. Lilith, Zero Gravity, and Spring. The three girls had been there at the start, their excitement palpable, but as he scanned the crowds, they were nowhere to be found. Needing a moment to collect his thoughts and perhaps find his friends, Light Shine decided to step out into the garden. The gentle breeze and the soft chirping of birds provided a stark contrast to the bustling energy inside. As he took a deep breath, trying to soak in the reality of the day, he suddenly felt an unusual shift in the atmosphere. Turning around, he found himself encircled by the three girls, each looking at him with a mix of determination and vulnerability. Lilith stepped forward, her voice soft but sure, "Light Shine, over the years, my feelings for you have grown. I... I love you." Before he could process her confession, Zero Gravity took a step closer, her eyes intense, "Light Shine, ever since we were kids, there’s been this connection. I... I love you too." Spring, with a gentle smile, approached, "Light Shine, our past and the kindness you showed me... it made me realize that I am deeply, truly in love with you." Light Shine was left speechless, the weight of their confessions pressing down on him. His heart raced, the enormity of the moment not lost on him. He opened his mouth, searching for words, but none came.
R.S.S. Ch. 1 The Queen Bee“Hi, my name is Light Shine, I’m a senior in high school and… I’m an introvert with few friends… it’s not that I want to be alone, it’s just that… I’m the type of person that likes to keep to myself… of course, my personality gives off the wrong idea that I am stuck up and arrogant… however there is another reason why most classmates stay away or make fun of me…” Light thought as a bunch of loud feminine voices entered his eardrums “Wow, your earrings are so pretty,” a girl squealed “I know, that’s why I bought them,” said another girl arrogantly “Where did you buy them, I’d love to buy some too!” said another girl “Sorry, but these earrings were hand-made just for me, they were made by Sapphire Jewelry’s master jeweler himself, they cost me around $150,000, truly one of a kind,” said the arrogant girl “Wow, that sounds really expensive,” said another girl “HA! For my family, that kind of money is nothing,” she said as they all turned to face Light Shine “Oh Hey L! You’re still as miserable as always, HAHAHA,” the girl said as she walked over to him “Morning to you Lilith,” Light Shine said “It’s MISS Lilith to you, commoner!” said Lilith “Sorry, morning to you too Miss Lilith,” said Light Shine earning a laugh from all of the girls in the group “HA! You still have no presence at all,” said another girl “You’re so lame,” said another “Sigh… this shit again,” Light Shine said “This is the “popular girl group” and their queen Bee is Lilith, the girl that came up to me first, … she comes from a very wealthy family and has a very self-centered and arrogant attitude… but despite all that, she is very pretty, the prettiest girl in the whole school… maybe even the whole city… she is a unicorn and has a beautiful snow with coat, long red and black detailed hair and red piercing eyes, she is about 5’5” and to finish it all off… her boobs are huge… I’m no expert but I think they are DD’s or F’s… anyway, Lilith is also wickedly smart, and I mean it, she is one of the top students in the school, usually finishing in the top 3… however she sucks at most sports, which is kind of weird since she is great at gymnastics… maybe she just doesn’t like sports like soccer, basketball or volleyball… and when it comes to swimming, she just doesn't want to get her hair wet… and every day, since day one of our junior year, she has been making fun of me and my appearance, and today is no different,” “You look worn-out and poor, you’re pathetic, aren’t you embarrassed?” Lilith said “You’re just helpless,” said another girl called Meinu “You know what being classy means?” said another girl “Ok, I’m sorry,” said Light Shine “Don’t you understand you’re being judged by it?” said another girl “So funny, he doesn't understand, HAHA!” said Lilith “I feel sorry for you, I’m glad I have rich parents “Umm… gals, please stop it… do you really think you can never go down?” Light Shine tried to fight back politely “Huh! Who do you think you are? Eww!” said Meinu “Umm, it’s kind of funny to hear someone who is already down say something, haha!” said Lilith as they all walked away “Sigh… I guess I forgot to mention that the school I attend, Tall Tale Academy, is a private school for rich and powerful families and students, and the only reason why I’m here is because of an academic and sports scholarship that I received in junior high… “ “... I might not be poor, per se, but, I am the purest student in the academy… usually no one cares, and many of my classmates respect me, especially my teammates on the soccer team, but we’re not close enough to be considered friends, yes they talk to me and involve me in their group, but, we don’t talk outside of school,” “My family has never been considered “rich” but, my mom is the daughter of a very successful businessman, however, they had a fight when she was younger because of an arranged marriage issue, and he was so angry that he disowned her, his only daughter, and she ran away with my father and started a family, aka, me and my older sister…” “We’ve had tuff times before, I mean, there was a point while I was in elementary school that we literally had to eat once a day to be able to afford the room we were living in, and yes, I mean ROOM, sometimes my sister and I had to go to the nearby woods to find fruits and vegetables to eat…” “But, right before I entered Middle school, my father and mother were hired as web engineers at a massive corporation; we were able to buy a house and a used car, but money was still tight, so my sister and I decided to work and study hard to be less of a burden on our parents, and it paid off, my sister got a full scholarship and moved out after graduating from university and moved to the Crystal Empire to work, on another note, I’m going to be an uncle soon! HOORAY!” “Anyway… I’ve grown used to her treatment… and honestly, even though I get angry and annoyed, I kind of feel sorry for her… I’ve seen this type of scenario play out in Soupoperas and animes and people like her, usually have a very rude awakening… but that’s not my problem,” Light Shine continued to receive the same treatment from the popular girls for months, but then, one Friday… “YAWN!... I really need to catch up with my sleep, I mean, I’ve been working for 52 hours none stop these past weeks… well, there is nothing I can do, we’re so understaffed, and most of my coworkers have to put in double shifts just to keep the restaurant afloat,” Light Shine thought as he sat down on his desk and laid his head on it “YO! Light, wassup?” came a male voice “The ceiling,” Light Shine answered sarcastically “True… anyway, what’s up with you?” asked the boy “Tired,” Light Shine said “Oh, are the employee shortages still ongoing?” asked the boy “Do you really need me to answer that? Light Shine said as he looked up at him “Fair,” said the boy “So… what do you want Moonshadow?” asked Light Shine “Coach said that the game this weekend was postponed due to the other team having an injury epidemic,” said Moonshadow “Oh Thank God,” said Light Shine “Yeah, now you can rest,” said Moonshadow “Yeah, I had to work tomorrow as well, so now I can have a decent rest on Sunday,” said Light Shine Then the door to the class opened. “GOOD MORNING LILITH!” came loud voices from the popular girl group as Lilith entered the room However, there was something different about her this time, for once, she wasn’t being loud and obnoxiously rude to others, but, quiet and timid… she even seemed, depressed. “Well, you look pretty as usual,” said one of her friends “Oh, umm, good morning,” Lilith answered back “Hey… is it just me or is Lilith unusually quiet?” asked Moonshadow “Yeah… I think today will be a nice day,” said Karat “That’s true!” said Roller as he let out a chuckle “Hm~ Something is definitely going on, unlike her usual self, she is being awfully quiet,” thought Light Shine At first, many were worried for her and talked to her, but she brushed them off continuously day after day. And because of that and her past personality, no one got close to her, not even her “friends” and she ended up all alone. Even her closest friend Meinu, who was somewhat of a minion to her started ignoring her and suddenly spreading weird rumors about her. This continued for a few more days and every day she looked even more depressed than the last. This was starting to worry Light Shine but every time he wanted to approach her, something stopped him, either the school bell, his after-school activities, his job, or plain down bad timing. So after a few days, he decided to stop trying to approach her, thinking that she was just going through a face and she was going to be back to normal soon. Oh, how wrong he was… FRIDAY EVENING (2 WEEKS LATER) “SEE YOU ALL TOMORROW!!” Light Shine said as he left the McDonald’s he works in “Have a nice night!” his manager called back as he left “Well, it is the first time I can actually go home early for once, I might even have time to play some video games after so long… Man, I can’t wait!!!” Light Shine said as he walked home, oblivious to the rest of the world, music playing on his headphones. Until something caught his attention. When he was crossing the park, he noticed something out of the corner of his eyes “Hey, isn’t that Lilith?... wow, she has some luggage, I wonder if she is going on a trip?... I wish I could take my parents to the beach, but we’re all really busy with work and… wait, is-is she crying?...” Light Shine said as he looked at Lilith wipe away some tears. “I wonder what’s wrong with her?... well, it's none of my business… sigh, who am I kidding, I am concerned,” Light Shine said as he walked towards her. “What am I going to do?... if someone were to see me I’d die of embarrassment,” Lilith thought to herself as she sat on a bench “Are you ok?” asked Light Shine Lilith immediately jumped up at the sudden appearance of the new voice, and when she turned to look at the owner of the voice, she almost had a heart attack “THE WORST POSSIBLE PERSON SAW ME!!!” she screamed in her head “L-Light Shine, w-what are you doing here?” asked Lilith “I just got off work, and I usually cross this park to get home, it saves me time, what about you?... you going on a trip?” asked Light Shine “Y-yeah, yeah, I’m just… I’m just waiting for my ride, yeah, that’s all,” Lilith lied Light Shine looked her dead in the eyes and raised an eyebrow Lilith looked at him for a few seconds and sighed in defeat “T-the truth is… my dad’s business is going under and has been in the red for almost a month due to the economic recession…” Lilith said as she sat down on the bench Light Shine followed in the motion “... In a desperate move to save the company, my parents sold everything they owed to pay the debts… even taking most of the jewelry and clothes I owned… today, when I came back to the mansion, it had a foreclosed sign on it and a letter from my parents next to the luggage I found outside…” Lilith said as she gave the letter to Light Shine “Dear Lily: I know this is sudden, but, we have foreclosed the mansion, to reduce living expenses, and decided to move to a motel on the outskirts of town with your little sister; I know mom and I should’ve given you a heads-up, but, in the heat of the moment this was the best we could do. But, I know you are a smart girl, and that you have many friends, I know you’ll figure something out. I know we are going through tough times, and I know you understand that; once we’ve solved this issue, you are free to hate me and scream at me all you want. Love Daddy” Light Shine read “... I tried to contact him by phone, but he didn’t pick up… so, I decided to start calling all of my friends, but, they turned me down, most of them because they didn’t have the extra room, and I kind of knew it, and others, plainly said no…” Lilith said “What about your friend, what’s her name, Meinu?” asked Light Shine “She just laughed at me, and closed the door in my face, saying that she had no reason to help me out,” Lilith said crying from the betrayal and desperation “Light, what am I gonna do now?” she said “Man, I hate it when I’m right, I could see this coming from a mile away… Plus, I mean, she deserves this, she was always mean to me, this is just karma doing its job… but, at the same time… I just can bare to see her like this, bully and all… I guess she was rude to me because she wasn’t taught many boundaries… and… I know what it feels like to have no money and fear for the future…” Light Shine debated within him. Light Shine then got up and grabbed 2 of the luggage that Lilith had with her. “W-where are you going?” asked Lilith as she wiped away tears “Home… and you’re coming with me,” said Light Shine “W-what?” asked Lilith in shock “Well, I can’t just leave you out here, it’s almost winter, and the temperature drops at night, plus, you’re a girl, a very pretty one, I shiver at the thought of some weirdo taking advantage of you,” Light Shine said This comment made Lilith turn red and her heart skip a beat. “So, are you coming, it’s about a 7-minute walk, but, at least you’ll be warm, safe, and have a hot meal to eat… I really doubt that my parents will turn you away, plus, with my sister getting married and leaving, we have an extra room, so…” said Light Shine Lilith looked at him, and for the first time in a long time, Lilith smiled, not her usual smile, but a smile nonetheless. A FEW MINUTES LATER “... And here we are, it’s not much, but it's enough,” Light Shine said as he and Lilith arrive outside a 2-floor townhouse. “I thought you lived in a much smaller house,” said Lilith “No offense” “Well, we did go through tough times, but we were able to afford this place, and now, it's Home Sweet Home,” Light Shine said MEANWHILE INSIDE “Darling, are you seeing this?” said a unicorn “I am, and I can’t believe it…” said the pegasus “LIGHT HAS A GIRLFRIEND?!!!!” they both said as they looked at each other, and after a few seconds they hugged each other and jumped in celebration “Finally, our prayers have been answered!” the unicorn cheered “Yeah, Lighty finally got a girlfriend, and a very pretty one at that!” said the pegasus “I can’t believe that quiet and lonesome child of ours did it,” said the Unicorn “YEAH… wait, why are they carrying luggage?” asked the Pegasus JUST THEN “MOM, DAD, I’M HOME, AND I’VE GOT COMPANY!” Light Shine announced as he entered the house “We can see that,” said the unicorn “Mom, Dad, Lilith… Lilith, this is my mom, Scarlet Harmony…” Light said as he pointed to the blue unicorn, with long silver hair and blue eyes. “Hi, sweety, nice to meet you, you can call me Scarlet,” she said “... and my dad, Solar Bolt,” he said pointing at the pegasus “Hello, nice to make your accountancy,” said Solar “Mind me asking, but, to what do we owe the pleasure of her visit?” asked Scarlet “W-well, the thing is…” Light said as he started to tell them the problem. A FEW MINUTES LATER “Oh dear, that does sound serious, well, you are more than welcome to stay with us, would you agree baby… baby?... Hon?... Oh no,” said Solar as he turned to look at his wife who seemed to be ready to blow. “You might want to cover your ears,” said Light Shine Lilith did as she was told, and not a moment too soon, as soon as her ears were covered, Scarlet blew into a fit of rage, cursing at the situation that Lilith was in and at her father doing something so stupid and selfish while pacing back and forth in the hallway they were standing in. “SCARLET! Calm down!... Sorry, Light, I’m gonna have to go deal with your mom for a minute, but please make her feel at home, ok? Be right back!” Solar said as she bear-hugged his angry wife and carried her down into the basement. “What was that about?” asked Lilith “My grandfather, my mom’s father, did something similar to my mom… I think this just made her relive her past traumas,” said Light Shine “Oh dear, i-is she going to be alright?” asked Lilith “I’ll let my dad handle that, he knows how to calm her down or clam her up, anyway, follow me, and I’ll take you to your room,” said Light Shine “Thanks,” said Lilith as she heard the sound of a slap and a moan, followed by the sound of a door closing in the basement. ALMOST AN HOUR LATER “Are you sure?” asked Lilith “Yeah, you can stay here as long as you want,” Scarlet said with a goofy smile on her face as she walked awkwardly around the room “Plus, there is no way we’ll throw our son’s girlfriend out into the cold streets,” Solar said winking at Light Shine That comment made both Light Shine and Lilith turn red “WE’RE NOT DATING!” they both said out loud “Oh, our mistake, we jumped to conclusions there, but, anyway, feel free to stay as long as you want,” said Solar “Thank you, thank you so much,” said Lilith “It’s ok my dear… now, why don’t you go freshen up a little, dinner is almost ready,” said Scarlet earning a nod from Lilith who got up and headed to the room that Light Shine had given her. “Thanks for letting her stay,” said Light Shine “It's a no-brainer son,” said Solar “Yeah, as you said, she is a pretty young lady, and being the weekend, there will be a lot of weirdos out there, she is safer with us,” Scarlet said “I called your sister and she agreed, she even told us to give her her old clothes, she wants to help us much as possible too,” said Solar “Thanks, seriously,” said Light Shine as he got up and headed to his room “Do you think…?” asked Scarlet “It seems like it, but, he is my son after all… remember how hard it was for me to get your advances?” said Solar “Ugh, don’t remind me,” said Scarlet as she glared at him. LATER THAT NIGHT “Are you all set?” asked Light Shine “Yeah, thanks so much again,” said Lilith “Don’t worry… oh yeah, my sister called and we told her what happened, and she is more than happy to give you her old clothes, however… you are bigger than her in some… “departments” so, it might be a bit tight,” said Light Shine turning red “B-beggers can’t be choosers… tell your sister I said thanks,” said Lilith who was also redder than a tomato “Right, have a good night,” said Light Shine as he started to close the door “WAIT!” Lilith said “What’s wrong?” asked Light Shine “It’s just… I don’t want to freeload off you and your family, I want to do something to help but… I’ve never done the housework before, and… I have not many skills anyway…” said Lilith Light Shine thought for a second and an idea came into his head “I have an idea, but it’ll have to wait until tomorrow,” said Light Shine “What is it?” asked Lilith, a bit nervous “Don’t worry your pretty little face about it, concentrate on having a good night's sleep, and make yourself look pretty for tomorrow morning, this idea is fool-proof,” Light Shine said as he closed the door “H-he called me pretty,” Lilith said turning red as she plopped down on the bed. THE NEXT MORNING “...Ok sure, welcome aboard!” said Costal “Really? J-just like that?” asked Lilith “Darling, we are so desperate for more employees, we’re even trying to hire the homeless and retirees to make it easier for us to operate,’ Costal said “Thanks, manager,” said Light Shine “Thanks to you Light… hey, try looking around your school, maybe someone wants a part-time job,” said Costal “I’ll try,” said Light Shine as he headed off to start his shift “Anyway, follow me, dear, we’re gonna get you fitted,” said Costal as she guided Lilith to the Crew room to give her a uniform… “... Here we go, try this one… hmm… on second thought…” said Costal “I-is something wrong?” asked Lilith “N-not exactly, truth is… your boobs are much bigger than usual, we’ve never had an employee with your bust size…, I mean, before you came, I had the biggest boobs in the store, but now… don’t get me wrong, you are an attractive young lady, but I don’t want you to be uncomfortable while working, nor do I want your “twins” to pop out and say hello while manning the front counter…” said Costal “Oh…” said Lilith a little uncomfortably “Yeah, I’ll go and find a men’s shirt… probably a Large will do… try this one,” Costal said as she handed her a shirt. “Thanks,” said Lilith as she took off her shirt and changed tried it on “Yup, that works, and your goods are hidden enough… except for the bulge… but, don’t worry they’re safe… at least until you and Lighty get back home,” Costal teased making Lilith red “W-we don’t have that type of relationship!” she exclaimed “Maybe, but I can tell you want to have it, maybe even more… by the way, what size are your boobs? Mine are DDs, but I’m just curious, and how a girl your age has bigger ones,” said Costal completely ignoring the comment she just made to Lilith “H-have a physical relationship with Light Shine? N-no way, we’re too young to have that type of love, p-plus, I-I’ve never even dated anyone before… N-not that I-I am against the idea of the 2 of us being a couple and hold hands… and kiss… and have sex… on a regular basis… WOW! WE’RE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS! And I shouldn’t forget the fact that I did treat him badly for a long time, of course, he wouldn’t be sexually or romantically interested in me… but, I’d like for it to happen…” Lilith said in her brain ignoring Costal “Lilith?... Lilith?!... LILITH?!!!” Costal screamed getting her out of her trance “W-what?” asked Lilith “It seemed like you were having some sort of internal battle, are you ok?” asked Costal “Y-yeah, just thinking,” said Lilith “About you and Light Shine on the bed, am I right?” she said raising an eyebrow “N-n-Yes,” said Lilith “Don’t blame ya kid, Light Shine is really nice, if I were 5 years younger, I’d asked him out,” said Costal “5 years younger?” asked Lilith “Well, yeah, I’m 21, and a college student, plus, Light Shine isn’t into older girls, just my luck,” said Costal “Oh,” said Lilith “Yeah, anyway… what size are your boobs?” asked Costal again “W-what?” asked Lilith getting redder “I’m asking, both out of curiosity and because I should tell corporate to make some shirts bigger for female employees like you,” said Costal “T-they’re F’s,” Lilith said redder than a red-painted tomato “Hot damn, they’re big… anyway, you ready to start working?” asked Costal “T-today?” asked Lilith “Yeah, if you feel up for the challenge,” said Costal “S-sure, but, I-I’ve never…” Lilith began “Worked here or done much before cuz I was a sheltered, rich girl, don’t worry, I’ve got just the MAN for the job,” Costal said as she pointed at the door was just in time for Light Shine to walk by “Lighty! She’s ready for you~… in more ways than one~” Costal said earning a glare from Light Shine and a red face from Lilith “Well, good luck on your first day,” she said as she walked off “Sorry about her, I forgot to mention she’s weird like that,” said Light Shine “I-It’s ok, she’s fun to talk to,” said Lilith “Right, oh, some words of advice, never ask her for dating advice,” said Light Shine “Oh, why not?” asked Lilith “She is a firm believer in herds or harems and she will more than likely tell you about her “sexual life” with her boyfriend and girlfriends,” said Light Shine “Is she allowed to do that?” asked Lilith “Outside the clock, she can do whatever she wants, here, she tries to be subtle about her shit… anyway, ready to start?” asked Light Shine Lilith just nodded. “I trained Lilith in all of the stations in the establishment, however, her strong points were definitely the customer-oriented ones, she aced the drive-thru, presenting, and the front counter positions, but, when it came to the coffee area or the kitchen, she seemed to be lacking some motor skills, nothing some practice won’t help, but, for now, I better keep her as far away from the friers as possible… Huh, I can’t believe Lilith can be so self-assured, and yet so clumsy, it makes her look even cuter… AND~ I have no idea where that came from…” A FEW MONTHS LATER “Thank you for your hard work today!” Costal said as Lilith and Light Shine walked out of the store. “Bye,” Light said “See you next week, guys!” Lilith said “Hey, the cute cashier is leaving!” said a customer “Well, I’ll just come back next week to see her again,” said another “You sure are popular,” said Light “Well, with my beauty, of course, I am,” said Lilith “Glad to see you got your sense of humor back,” Light Shine said “I’m not joking though,” Lilith said as they both started to laugh as they continued to walk home “Huh?... WAIT! Is that you Lilith?!” came a female voice the 2 of them knew very well “Meinu?” said Lilith “WOW… how the mighty have fallen, you like, have no class at all…” Meinu said as she started to laugh hysterically as she pointed at Lilith, who was still wearing her work uniform “... You used to act as if you were all that, but now… hahaha, you’re working at a Mickey D’s… hahaha… what's more, you’re hanging around this loser… well, taking into consideration that now you are poorer than him… you should find more suitable friends, Lighty, unlike a broke loser like her…” Meinu said as she continued to laugh at Lilith Lilith just stood there, silent, tears falling down her face. Light Shine wanted to say something, but nothing came out After a few more insults and laughing, Lilith couldn’t take it and ran off, brushing past Meinu and causing her to fall on her butt “WHAT WHERE YOU’RE GOING BITCH!... Gosh, that really hurt… not compared to when they spank you, but still…” she said as she looked up and saw Light Shine looking at her “What are you looking at, loser? You’re like, not even supposed to breathe the same air as me… well, you might as well make yourself useful and help me up,” Light Shine said nothing and walked past her, flipping her the finger as he walked away “Hey, where are you going? That’s like, so uncool,” Meinu said as she saw him leave. Lilith sits on a park bench, her eyes misty and her fingers clutching a crumpled letter. Petals settle on her hair and lap. As Light Shine approaches, he takes a moment to admire her, framed by the romantic backdrop. He takes a deep breath, trying to summon courage. "Lilith?" he says softly She startles slightly, quickly wiping away a tear and trying to compose herself. "Oh! Light Shine... I wasn’t expecting you to come here." "I heard what Meinu said. I'm so sorry." he said while sitting down next to her Lilith looks away, her voice quivering. "I thought she was my friend. How could she say such things?" "Sometimes, people project their insecurities onto others. It’s more about them than it is about you." Light Shine said gently She sighs, staring at the floating petals. "It's just that... every time I think I'm moving forward, something like this drags me back." "Life has its way of testing us. But you’re stronger than any challenge or hurtful word. And you have people who genuinely care about you." Light Shine said "Like you?" Lilith said turning to him with a small smile "Yes, like me. I mean, I've always admired your spirit and resilience. It's... captivating." Light Shine said giving her a hug A serene silence settles between them, the only sound being the gentle rustling of leaves and distant chirping of crickets. Lilith: "Thank you, Light Shine. I needed to hear that." Light Shine: (grinning) "Anytime. How about we grab some ice cream? It might not solve everything, but it's a start." Lilith laughs, her spirit lifting. "Ice cream does sound good." They rise from the bench, and as they walk side by side, Light Shine discreetly extends his hand. Lilith hesitates for a moment, then slips her hand into his, their fingers entwining. As cherry blossoms continue to cascade around them, the two figures are illuminated by the soft glow of the lanterns, creating a picture-perfect moment. ONE WEEK LATER Lilith's phone buzzed as she settled on her makeshift bed in Light Shine's living room. The screen displayed an unfamiliar number. Cautiously, she answered, "Hello?" "Lilith? It's me, Dad." The voice was hesitant, carrying a heavy weight. She froze. A torrent of emotions surged through her. "What do you want?" she asked coldly. There was a pause, long enough for Lilith to hear the distant noise of a city on the other end. "I want to see you. To talk." "Why now?" Lilith's voice trembled. "After leaving me with nothing? With nobody?" "I... I know I made mistakes. And I am sorry. I want to make it right." Her anger built. "Making it right? Do you even understand what you put me through?" she snapped, her voice rising. From the kitchen, she could hear the soft murmurs of Solar and Scarlett, trying to keep their voices low, probably discussing the unexpected call. It made her feel more cornered, more vulnerable. She took a deep breath, her fingers gripping the phone. Before her father could answer, she added, "You left me. Alone. The life I had, the luxuries... everything vanished overnight. Do you have any idea how hard it was to pick up the pieces?" Her father's voice cracked. "I know it doesn't change things, but I think about it every day." Lilith's eyes filled with tears. "Do you know where I am now? Who took me in when my so-called 'friends' turned their backs on me? The boy I bullied in school, Light Shine. The same person whose family has shown me kindness when I had none left in my life. And you... you call now?" She heard Solar approach, his voice gentle. "Lilith, it might be good to hear him out. Life's too short for regrets." But Lilith wasn't ready. "I'm not sure if I can ever forgive you," she whispered into the phone. "Maybe... Maybe one day. But not now." Ending the call, she sank onto the floor, emotions crashing over her. Scarlett gently knelt beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Life throws curveballs, dear. And we have to decide how to handle them." Lilith nodded, taking in the warmth and understanding. "Thank you. For everything." Solar sighed, looking out the window. "Your journey's been hard. But remember, each day is a chance to rebuild and move forward." As the evening sun painted the room gold, Lilith felt a sense of belonging and warmth. Here, among people who had no obligation to her, she found genuine love and care. The wounds from her past were deep, but maybe, just maybe, they'd start to heal with time. As the sun dipped lower, casting longer shadows in the living room, Light Shine entered quietly. He had been out, getting groceries for dinner. Setting down the bags, he glanced at Lilith, sensing the storm of emotions swirling within her. Sitting down beside her, he began tentatively, "I heard you got a call from your dad." Lilith's gaze remained fixed on a distant point. "Yeah," she replied, her voice subdued. "I don't know how to feel. So many emotions." Light Shine nodded, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "Lilith, I know it's not my place to say, but maybe you should give him a chance to explain." She turned to him, her eyes searching his. "Why? After everything he did?" Light Shine sighed. "I remember when my family went through a tough financial phase. My dad had to make difficult decisions, and we didn't always understand or agree with them. But looking back, I realize he did what he thought was best for us." Lilith frowned. "But he left me. Just left." Light Shine reached out, placing a gentle hand on hers. "Sometimes, in the face of overwhelming challenges, people panic and make mistakes. Big ones. Maybe he thought you'd be better off without the burden of the family's downfall. Or maybe he was just scared and didn't know how to face you after everything that happened." Lilith's eyes welled up again. "But I needed him. Especially then." "I know," Light Shine whispered. "And he needs to know how that decision impacted you. But keeping this anger and hurt inside won't help you heal. Talking to him might." She looked down, processing his words. "It's just... hard." Light Shine gave her a gentle smile. "I know. And whatever you decide, I'm here. We all are." Lilith took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision ahead. "Okay. Maybe... maybe I'll meet him. Just to talk. And to get some closure." Light Shine squeezed her hand. "That's all you can do. Take it one step at a time." With the night settling around them, Lilith felt a renewed sense of purpose. Facing her father would be difficult, but perhaps it was the first step towards healing and finding peace. THAT FRIDAY The family restaurant had been a staple in their neighborhood for years. Its familiar ambiance, with worn-out wooden seats and the faint aroma of sizzling dishes, felt like stepping into a time capsule. It was here that Lilith had decided to meet her father. As she approached, she saw him. He had aged, the sharp lines of stress evident on his face. He was already seated, looking nervously out the window. Lilith took a deep breath and walked in. Upon seeing her, his eyes lit up with a mixture of hope and guilt. "Lilith," he started but she raised a hand, signaling him to stop. She took the seat across from him, her eyes never leaving his. "Before you say anything, I want to know: Why?" He gulped audibly. "First, how are you? Truly." She snorted, "You already know, don't you? Left alone, abandoned, struggling to survive." He looked down, guilt evident in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Lilith. There's not a day that's gone by that I haven't regretted that decision. The company's collapse was sudden, and the debts... they were suffocating. I panicked. I thought moving away with your stepmother and sister, starting fresh elsewhere, would give them a chance at a better life. I believed you'd be strong enough to make it through." "That doesn’t justify abandoning me," Lilith's voice trembled with a mix of anger and sadness. He took her hand gently, his eyes pleading. "I know. And I can never make up for it. But I want to try." Lilith pulled her hand away. "What's changed?" Taking a deep breath, he said, "We managed to save the business. It took time, loans, negotiations, and sacrifices. But we're stable now. We can go back to our previous life." Lilith's heart raced. The lavish lifestyle, the comforts, the status - it was all within reach again. But then she thought of Light Shine, Solar, Scarlett, and the warmth of their modest home. She remembered the lessons she'd learned, the genuine connections she'd formed, and the simple pleasures she'd come to cherish. She was torn. On one hand was the life she'd known and missed. On the other, was a life filled with authenticity, love, and growth. Seeing her internal struggle, her father added, "You don’t have to decide right now. Just... think about it." Lilith nodded, her mind racing. "I need time." He smiled sadly, "Take all the time you need. I just want you to be happy." They finished their meal mostly in silence, with occasional small talk. As they left the restaurant, Lilith felt the weight of the decision pressing down on her. The past beckoned, but so did the promise of the future. As she walked back, the evening sky painted in hues of purple and gold, Lilith's heart was filled with conflict and uncertainty. What path would she choose? MONDAY The weekend passed by, Lilith never came home after that conversation with her father, but the hands of the clock seemed slower than ever as Light Shine sat at his desk after class. The emptiness of the classroom echoed the void he felt inside. The desks were deserted, pencils and books abandoned, and memories hovered like specters. She was right here, he thought, laughing, arguing, occasionally stealing my fries during lunch. But now? He felt a pang of loss so sharp it was almost palpable. In the silence of the room, he reminisced about the myriad moments they shared: the late-night conversations about life, the moments of understanding, the quiet comfort of just having her around. It all seemed like a dream now. The quiet laughs, the inside jokes, even the occasional arguments; they added color to his life. But perhaps it was always destined to be this way, Light Shine mused. Maybe our worlds were too different to ever truly merge. She was a shooting star, meant to dazzle but only for a brief moment. Lost in his musings, he barely heard the door creak open. It was Lilith, her face lighting up with her usual mischief. "Are you planning to grow roots there? Hurry up, or we'll be late for our shift!" For a moment, he was too stunned to speak. The relief and surprise jumbled his words, "I thought... I mean, I believed you had..." Lilith grinned, rolling her eyes. "Went back to my princess tower? Nah. That life was beautiful, but it was never real, Light. This is where I belong." As they walked together, the familiar rhythm of their footsteps in sync, Light Shine couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure about this? You could have had everything back. The luxuries, the privileges. Why stay here?" She looked at him, her eyes soft with genuine affection. "Because I found something more precious here. Friendship, family, a sense of belonging. And besides," she added with a chuckle, "Where else would I get to tease you daily?" He smiled, but his voice still carried a hint of concern. "But won't you miss your old life?" She took a deep breath. "Of course, there are things I'll miss. But we reached an agreement. Dad's helping with the rent, as a way to make amends. And I... I just want to build something real, with my own hands." They continued walking, the bond between them strengthened by the trials they'd faced together. The city lights shimmered around them, but their path seemed clear. They had each other, and together, they'd face whatever the future held.
R.S.S. Ch. 2 The Punk Childhood friendTwo months felt like the blink of an eye, yet so much had changed. The leaves had shifted from the bright hues of summer to the mellower shades of fall. The air had a fresh crispness, and the world seemed to move with a renewed energy. Light Shine and Lilith walked together to school, their bond stronger than ever. They chatted about everything - the latest movies, the assignment they both forgot, the strangely flavored ice cream they had tried the previous weekend. However, Lilith often found her gaze lingering on Light Shine, noting how the sunlight caught the glint in his eyes or the way he pushed his hair back when he was thinking. Every little detail seemed to amplify her growing feelings for him, a secret she held close to her heart, unsure of how he'd react. Lost in conversation, they were suddenly interrupted by a sharp voice, "Hey, Sunbeam!" Both turned around, and there stood a girl with raven-black hair streaked with vibrant colors. Her leather jacket was adorned with patches and pins, and her boots looked like they'd seen a thousand adventures. Despite the punk exterior, there was a spark of playfulness in her eyes. Light Shine's face broke into a grin of recognition. "Zero? Zero Gravity? Is that really you?" Without waiting for an answer, the two of them rushed toward each other, enveloping each other in a warm, tight hug. When they finally pulled apart, both were laughing, the joy of reunion evident in their eyes. Lilith stood a few steps away, watching the interaction with a mix of confusion and a sting of jealousy. She noted how naturally they laughed together, the familiarity in their gestures, and the genuine happiness in Light Shine's eyes. Zero Gravity finally looked at Lilith, her eyebrow raised in a teasing challenge. "And who's this?" Light Shine, suddenly realizing he hadn't made introductions, gestured toward Lilith. "Oh! This is Lilith. She's... uh, a very close friend." Lilith's heart sank a little at the casual introduction. She forced a smile, extending her hand. "Nice to meet you." Zero Gravity took her hand with a firm grip. "Likewise. Light Shine and I go way back. Childhood partners in crime." She winked. Lilith nodded, trying to hide her discomfort. "That's lovely. It's always nice to meet someone from Light Shine's past." As the trio walked together, with Light Shine and Zero reminiscing about their shared memories, Lilith couldn't help but feel like an outsider. Her heart was a mess of emotions: happiness for Light Shine, jealousy toward Zero Gravity, and a nagging fear that she might lose her place in his life. But for now, she tried to push those feelings aside, hoping time would reveal where her heart truly belonged. The school bell rang, signaling the beginning of yet another lesson. As the students took their seats, there was an undeniable buzz in the classroom, an electric current of anticipation. Word had spread about the new transfer student, and when the door opened to reveal Zero Gravity, all eyes were fixed on her. The teacher, Mrs. Calloway, cleared her throat. "Class, we have a new student joining us today. Please welcome Zero Gravity." As expected, Zero stole the show from the moment she walked in. With a confidence that turned heads, she scanned the room, her eyes landing on Light Shine. With a playful smirk, she offered him a salute, drawing whispers and stares from their classmates. Light Shine chuckled and shook his head, clearly entertained by Zero's antics. But amidst the classroom's reactions, Lilith's emotions were a swirling storm. “Why did she have to be in our class?” Lilith thought, irritation evident in her inner monologue. Of all the classes in this school, she just had to land in ours. She noted how Zero's every movement seemed calculated for maximum impact. The way she flipped her hair, the small wink she gave to Light Shine, even her casual banter with those sitting around her – it all seemed to scream for attention. Does she know about my feelings for Light Shine? Is she deliberately trying to stake her claim? Lilith mused, the green monster of jealousy gnawing at her insides. But beyond the jealousy, there was an underlying sense of insecurity. Zero and Light Shine had a shared history, a bond that dated back to their childhood. How could she, Lilith, possibly compete with that? She felt like an intruder in their story, a mere footnote in the epic tale of their friendship. As the class proceeded, and Zero answered questions with a sharp wit that had even Mrs. Calloway smiling, Lilith felt like she was slowly fading into the background. Every glance that Light Shine threw Zero's way, every chuckle they shared at an inside joke, seemed to drive a wedge between her and the boy she was falling for. “Get a grip, Lilith,” she chided herself. “It's just one day. But if I'm going to get through this, I need to keep my emotions in check.” Determined, Lilith forced herself to focus on the lesson, pushing away the jealousy and insecurity, at least for now. But in her heart, she knew that the arrival of Zero Gravity had changed the dynamics in ways she couldn't yet understand. The journey ahead was bound to be a challenging one. MINUTES LATER The class ended with Mrs. Calloway assigning some group work, creating an underlying chatter as students formed groups. But amidst all this, Zero Gravity had one target – Light Shine. With a grace that seemed effortless, she weaved her way through the desks, leaning casually against Light Shine's, her face inches from his. "You know, it's kind of surreal seeing you again," she began, her voice tinged with genuine nostalgia. "I missed you, Sunbeam. Life just wasn’t the same after I moved." Light Shine's eyes softened, the shared memories evident in his gaze. "Yeah, it was quite a shift not having you around. The neighborhood wasn’t as lively, that's for sure." Zero's fingers brushed the back of his hand lightly, her voice dropping an octave, "Well, I'm back now. And I plan on making up for lost time." There was a mischievous glint in her eyes, a teasing undertone in her words. Unbeknownst to her flirtatious gestures, Light Shine laughed, "With the kind of energy you've got, I have no doubt. Welcome back, Zero." A few desks away, Lilith was battling her own tempest. Her fingers tightened around her pencil, the pressure causing it to snap with a crisp sound. A second pencil met the same fate shortly after. “That conniving, manipulative, BITCH!” Lilith's thoughts grew darker, a stark contrast to her usually calm demeanor. Every touch, every shared laugh, every moment between Zero and Light Shine felt like a needle pricking at her heart. “How can he not see it? She's practically throwing herself at him! And he's just... laughing?” Frustration bubbled up, the sense of unfairness overwhelming. Yet, deep down, Lilith also battled with another emotion – fear. Fear of losing Light Shine, fear of becoming just another face in the crowd while Zero reclaimed her spot by his side. Taking a deep breath, she tried to compose herself, reminding herself of the bond she and Light Shine had built over the past months. But with Zero Gravity in the picture, the path ahead seemed fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Lilith knew she had to navigate this carefully, or risk losing everything she held dear. Throughout the day, it was clear that the bond between Zero Gravity and Light Shine was strong. They reminisced about shared memories, roared with laughter at inside jokes, and generally seemed inseparable. With every passing period, Lilith's presence faded further into the background. She watched, increasingly exasperated, as they walked to classes together, ate lunch side by side, and whispered in corners. Her patience, or perhaps the lack of it, began to wear thin. She had grown used to being by Light Shine’s side, sharing moments and stories, and now felt like an outsider watching their own life pass by. As the day drew to a close, Lilith stood by her locker, her reflection bouncing back from the mirror inside. She examined herself, taking in her features. The smooth curve of her neck, her clear skin, the gentle swell of her chest. “Why does he even bother with Zero? Lilith thought, a touch of arrogance tainting her inner voice. I am clearly more refined. My sense of style, my demeanor. Everything screams class and sophistication. And let’s be real here, I've definitely got her beat in the curves department.” Lilith adjusted her top slightly, taking a moment to compare herself to the punk aesthetic that Zero rocked. “She's just so... brash. Everything about her screams for attention. It's all so desperate.” She smirked, her confidence somewhat restored. “She might have history with Light Shine, but I've grown close to him these past months. She can't possibly think that some dyed hair and punk attitude will win him over for good. Especially when I have so much more to offer.” But underneath the facade of confidence, the seeds of insecurity had been sown. It wasn't just about appearance or class. It was about the shared history, the bond, the camaraderie that Lilith had witnessed between Light Shine and Zero Gravity. The fear of being sidelined was very real, and she had to decide her next move carefully. As the school day ended, students spilled out into the courtyard, forming little pockets of conversations. Zero Gravity, with her signature confidence, looped an arm around Light Shine's shoulder. "Hey, Sunbeam," she said, her voice dripping with playful seduction, "how about coming over to my place later? We could catch up on... old times." Just as Light Shine was about to respond, a determined Lilith intervened, grabbing Light Shine's other arm and wrapping it between her boobs. "We can't. Remember, Light Shine? We have a shift today at work." Caught off-guard by the sudden intervention, Light Shine hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement, turning red when he realized where his arm was, "Yeah, Zero, I'd love to, but we've got responsibilities. Maybe some other time?" Zero Gravity's eyes narrowed slightly, her sharp gaze bouncing between Light Shine and Lilith. While she projected an air of indifference, internally, gears were turning. “Something's changed,” she thought, watching them. “The way she holds onto him, the slight possessiveness in her tone. They're more than just friends, aren't they?” As Light Shine and Lilith began to walk away, Zero's eyes remained fixed on them. She could see the subtle, almost invisible, gestures – the way Lilith's fingers brushed against Light Shine's, the quick glances they exchanged, the synchronization in their steps. A pang of something unfamiliar stirred within Zero Gravity. Jealousy? Concern? It was hard to pinpoint. “They've grown close,” she mused, a hint of bitterness touching her thoughts. “Too close. I was gone, and she took my place. But I won't let her have him so easily.” A competitive spark ignited in Zero's eyes. The game was on. The return to her hometown was no longer just about revisiting old memories. Now, it had a new purpose – reclaiming her place by Light Shine's side. As the two walked side by side to work, the atmosphere between them was thick with unspoken words. The setting sun cast long shadows on the pavement, mirroring the emotional distance that had formed between them. Lilith, with a deep breath, finally broke the silence. "So... Zero Gravity," she started hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You two seemed really close. How did you know her?" Light Shine looked ahead, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "We grew up together. Zero and I were neighbors, our houses just next door to each other. We were inseparable – climbing trees, getting into mischief, having sleepovers... the works." Lilith waited for him to continue, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. "But the Zero you saw today? That's not the girl I remember," Light Shine admitted, his tone tinged with surprise. "She was... well, a bit of a crybaby, to be honest. Whenever she'd fall or get into some sort of trouble, she'd run to me, tears streaming down her face. I'd always comfort her, telling her it'd be okay. I was her protector, I guess." Lilith frowned slightly, trying to reconcile this image with the bold, confident girl she'd met at school. "So, what happened? Why the drastic change?" Light Shine shrugged, his brow furrowed in thought. "People change, I suppose. It's been years since I last saw her. We drifted apart after she moved away. From what I've heard, she went through a lot during her time away. New city, new school, and all the challenges that come with it. I guess it made her tougher." A silence enveloped them once more, punctuated only by the rhythmic tapping of their shoes against the pavement. Lilith took a moment to process all of this. The idea that Light Shine had such a deep history with someone else, someone so different from her, stirred a mix of emotions – from jealousy to curiosity. The road ahead, it seemed, was more complicated than she had imagined. Inside McDonald's, the evening rush had set in. The restaurant was filled with a buzz of activity – students grabbing a quick bite after school, families settling in for an early dinner, and coworkers discussing their day over coffee. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Light Shine and Lilith worked seamlessly, their previous bond amplified by their shared experiences and the challenges they'd faced together. Lilith found herself gravitating towards Light Shine more than usual. Whether it was passing him supplies or helping with an order, she was always by his side. Every move she made was calculated, ensuring she remained within arm's reach. Just as they were getting into the flow of their shift, the entrance bell jingled, announcing a new customer. Zero Gravity sauntered in, her punk aesthetic making her stand out amidst the crowd. Her gaze fixed on Light Shine instantly, a smirk playing on her lips. Approaching the counter, Zero leaned forward, her fingers drumming a playful rhythm. "Didn't expect to see you here, Sunbeam," she teased, her voice dripping with flirtation. "What's a good-looking guy like you doing in a place like this?" Light Shine, ever the professional, gave her a polite smile. "Working. How can I help you today?" Zero pouted, feigning disappointment. "No special treatment for an old friend?" She then pointed towards the menu, ordering with an exaggerated wink, "I'll have a double cheeseburger and... your number." Lilith, trying to maintain her composure, intervened, "Would you like fries with that?" Zero Gravity's gaze shifted to Lilith, sizing her up. "No, thanks," she replied, her voice dripping with condescension. "Just the burger will be fine." As Light Shine prepared the order, Lilith and Zero Gravity engaged in a silent battle of wills, their eyes locked in an intense stare-down. Zero's message was clear: she was here to stay, and she would do whatever it took to reclaim her place in Light Shine's life. However, what Zero hadn't anticipated was the resilience and determination of Lilith. She wasn't about to let go of the bond she'd formed with Light Shine so easily. The challenge had been set, and the two girls were now locked in a game of emotional chess. The neon lights of the McDonald's sign dimmed as Light Shine and Lilith exited the establishment, the weight of their day slowly lifting from their shoulders. Their steps synchronized, they walked side by side, the soft hum of the city around them providing a soothing backdrop. However, their brief moment of peace was interrupted as Zero Gravity suddenly appeared in their path, her confident demeanor unmistakable even in the dim lighting. "Sunbeam!" she exclaimed, addressing Light Shine, "The night's still young. How about we go for a walk, grab a drink or something? Just like old times." Before Light Shine could respond, Lilith jumped in, her tone firm. "It's late, Zero. We've had a long day and there's school tomorrow. We should all head home." Zero's eyes narrowed slightly, her playful smile replaced by a more determined expression. "Come on, it's just one night. We've got a lot of catching up to do," she pressed. Lilith, feeling the need to assert her position, gripped Light Shine's arm tighter and began to lead him away. "We're heading home, Zero. Goodnight." Sensing the tension, Zero took a step forward, her curiosity piqued. "Home? Where's that?" Lilith turned back, a smirk playing on her lips. "We live together. Same house." The implication hung heavy in the air, and for the first time, Zero Gravity was caught off guard. Her face contorted with a mix of jealousy and rage. The fact that Lilith and Light Shine were not only close friends but also housemates had never crossed her mind. She watched as Lilith confidently led Light Shine away, the distance between them growing with each step. The realization hit her hard – she had underestimated Lilith and the bond she shared with Light Shine. The challenge she faced was more significant than she had imagined. Left alone in the dim light of the street, Zero clenched her fists, her eyes burning with determination. The battle lines had been drawn, and she was ready for the fight. The familiar golden arches came into view as Lilith and Light Shine approached McDonald's. The day was bright and sunlit, perfectly reflecting Lilith's buoyant mood. For once, it seemed, the universe had granted her a full day without Zero Gravity hovering around Light Shine. Every step she took felt lighter, every breath more vibrant. Today, she mused, would be their little "slice of heaven." As they entered the restaurant, Lilith mentally prepared herself for another peaceful shift. Her heart sang with the joys of small victories. But just as she was getting lost in her happy reverie, a voice, all too familiar, broke her bubble. "Welcome to McDonald's! May I take your order?" chirped Zero Gravity, wearing the unmistakable red and yellow uniform, complete with a nametag that read 'ZERO.' Light Shine blinked in surprise, his gaze locking onto Zero's. "Zero? What are you...?" Before he could finish his sentence, Zero flashed a dazzling smile. "Surprise! I thought, 'Why not join the two of you? Seems like a fun place to work!'" Lilith's eye twitched, her daydreams of a peaceful shift now shattered into a million pieces. She shot a look at Light Shine, whose expression was an adorable mix of confusion and amusement. Trying to keep her composure, Lilith approached the counter with an exaggerated cheerfulness. "Well, isn't this a delightful turn of events? So, you're working here now?" Zero nodded enthusiastically, twirling a strand of her punk-colored hair. "Yep! And guess what? We're on the same shift!" She winked at Light Shine, who chuckled nervously, clearly sensing the impending storm. The entire scene felt like something out of a sitcom – the previously reigning employee now faced with the unexpected competition, the clueless male lead caught between two forces, and the new, over-enthusiastic coworker ready to stir the pot. Lilith took a deep breath, plastering on a smile that was a tad too wide. "Well then, Zero Gravity, welcome to the team. Let's make this a memorable experience, shall we?" With that, the shift began, and the McDonald's was filled with an electrifying energy, one that promised a mix of comedy, drama, and a dash of chaos… everyone knew, shit was about to hit the fan… in a good way… maybe. The McDonald's had never seen a shift quite like this one. Every time a customer walked in, Lilith and Zero Gravity would rush to the counter, trying to outdo each other in providing the warmest welcome. "Hi there! Welcome to McDonald's! How can I assist you today?" Lilith would sing out, her voice dripping with honey. Only to be topped by Zero Gravity, who'd chime in, flipping her colorful hair back, "Good to see you! Let us know if you need any recommendations. Our specials today are especially... special!" Light Shine, who was manning the fry station, could only shake his head in disbelief, occasionally glancing at the two girls, a bemused smile playing on his lips. The competition, however, was only beginning. When a young boy dropped his ice cream cone, Lilith was the first on the scene, handing him a new one with a flourish. "There you go, little champ! On the house!" But Zero wasn't to be outdone. She quickly approached with a balloon, bending down to tie it around the boy's wrist. "Here's something extra for being so brave!" During a brief lull in the rush, Lilith decided to showcase her milkshake-making skills, creating a perfectly swirled, triple-layered treat. She then "accidentally" walked it past Light Shine, ensuring he got a good look. "Oops! Almost forgot the cherry," she cooed, placing the vibrant red fruit on top with a wink in his direction. Zero Gravity, seizing the opportunity, promptly started preparing an elaborate coffee order, complete with latte art. As the frothy milk took the shape of a heart, she casually remarked, loud enough for Light Shine to hear, "I've always felt that food is the way to a person's heart. Don't you think so, Light Shine?" The playful war continued. From juggling condiment bottles to flaunting their tray-carrying skills, both girls were pulling out all stops. At one point, Zero even started an impromptu dance routine to the tune playing overhead, much to the amusement of the customers. Light Shine, for his part, played along, chuckling at their antics. He appreciated their enthusiasm, even if it was slightly misplaced. When the shift finally ended, the entire staff was in splits, having thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected entertainment. As they left, Light Shine, shaking his head in mock exasperation, remarked, "You two sure know how to keep things... lively." Both girls, feigning innocence, simply smiled back, their competitive streak momentarily at rest. But both knew, the game was far from over. SOME TIME LATER Three months had gone by, and the competitive edge between Lilith and Zero Gravity had evolved. While the underlying rivalry was still very much present, the two had grown closer, more amicable, in their shared mission of vying for Light Shine's attention. The two would frequently find themselves laughing at their own antics, sharing inside jokes, and even occasionally teaming up for little pranks on Light Shine, much to his mock dismay. One day, during lunch break, the school's courtyard was bathed in sunlight. The scent of freshly mown grass wafted through the air as students chatted animatedly around. Light Shine, Lilith, and Zero Gravity sat on their usual spot, a quiet corner beneath a large oak tree. Midway through their conversation, Light Shine excused himself to use the restroom. Lilith seized this opportunity. With a deep breath, she turned to Zero Gravity, "Alright, Zero, spill. Why are you so smitten with Light Shine?" Zero's playful demeanor faltered for a second, her gaze dropping to her hands. She began hesitantly, "When we were kids, I was constantly bullied...," she took a deep breath, her voice quivering, "because of my mother's reputation. She... she was known for having... multiple affairs in our old neighborhood… one time they even caught her in a woman only orgy at a local love hotel… you can imagine my father’s shock." Lilith felt a pang of sympathy, her heart going out to the punk girl beside her. The lively, spirited Zero Gravity had hidden this painful part of her past so well. Zero continued, her voice soft and distant, "The kids in school would mock me endlessly, call me names, and make life unbearable. But there was one person who never turned his back on me. One person who would always stand up for me, defend me, no matter the cost." Lilith didn't need to guess. "Light Shine," she whispered. Zero nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. "Every time I cried, every time I felt like the world was against me, he was there, like a protective older brother. He shielded me from all the harsh words, the judgment, and the ridicule. He taught me to be strong, to find my voice." She paused, wiping away a tear. "When my family moved, it broke my heart. Losing my only true friend... I felt so lost. Coming back here, seeing him again... it was like rediscovering a part of me that was missing." Lilith was silent for a moment, processing Zero's story. The playful rivalry they had shared suddenly felt trivial in comparison. She reached out, taking Zero's hand in hers. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Zero. And I understand now." Zero smiled weakly, "It's not about 'winning' him. It's about cherishing those moments, those memories." Lilith nodded, understanding dawning on her. Their bond had taken a new turn, from competitors to friends, united by a shared affection for Light Shine. When he returned, he found the two girls in quiet conversation, a newfound camaraderie evident in their interactions. And though the rivalry would still flare up from time to time, there was now an underlying bond that neither could deny. Zero Gravity studied Lilith's face for a moment, her piercing eyes probing. "Your turn, Lilith. Why Light Shine?" Lilith hesitated for a moment, recalling the whirlwind of emotions and events that had transpired. "You see, Zero, before I met him properly, I was someone... very different. Spoiled, bratty, and often mean. I had everything I could ever want, until one day it all vanished." She sighed deeply, memories of her father's company going bust and her family's desertion flooding her mind. "I was left all alone, abandoned by the very family that was supposed to protect and love me. Suddenly, I had nothing, and nowhere to go." Zero watched Lilith intently, seeing the pain and vulnerability in her eyes. "And then there was Light Shine," Lilith continued, her voice softening. "The boy I once bullied in class. The last person I expected kindness from. He saw me, vulnerable and broken, and offered me a helping hand. He brought me into his home, shared everything with his family, and gave me a roof over my head." A tear rolled down her cheek, her voice wavering, "He showed me kindness when I least deserved it. He taught me humility, the value of hard work, and most importantly, he taught me how to love and be loved. His family, especially Solar and Scarlett, embraced me as their own, even after everything." She took a deep breath, "In the darkest moment of my life, he was my Light. That's why I love him." Zero Gravity sat in silence, absorbing Lilith's confession. Both girls, with stories so different yet intertwined by the same person, found solace in the bond they shared. The weight of their respective confessions hung in the air, but it was a weight that they now bore together. Zero Gravity, with a more compassionate tone than Lilith had heard before, asked, "And what about your family now? Are things okay between you and them?" Lilith bit her lip, hesitating momentarily before answering. "Yes, actually. After that tumultuous period, things started to mend. My father... he eventually came back to me, wanting to make amends. It was difficult at first, swallowing the hurt and resentment, but over time, we've started to rebuild our relationship." Her gaze became distant, "My step-mother, surprisingly, has been understanding. I guess life's challenges changed her too. And my step-sister... well, she's been a constant pillar of support. We've grown closer than ever." A small smile crept onto Lilith's face, "They even have another baby on the way. It's weird to think I'll be a big sister again." Zero Gravity grinned, "That's really nice to hear. Families have their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, they're the ones who've known us the longest and still choose to stand by our side." Lilith nodded in agreement, "Yes, and the experience taught me the value of the bonds we form, both by blood and by choice. Speaking of which," she said, playfully nudging Zero Gravity, "I'm glad we're getting to know each other better. From rivals to... whatever this is now." Zero laughed, "Friendly competitors? Allies in the battlefield of love? Who knows? But I'm glad too." The two of them sat in a momentary silence, the camaraderie between them growing stronger. It was clear that their bond, formed through their shared affection for Light Shine, was becoming a friendship of its own. Zero Gravity's eyes widened slightly at Lilith's revelation. "Your step-mother? What about your birth mother?" Lilith's face clouded slightly, hinting at a mix of sadness and exasperation. "Ah, my birth mother. She's... quite a character. She and my father divorced when I was around five. She was always chasing some version of her youth, always acting like a teenager, even though those days were long behind her." She sighed, a touch of bitterness in her tone, "She fell in love with someone else, said he made her feel 'young and alive'. The way she left was abrupt, almost whimsical, as if she was chasing a new adventure." Zero Gravity leaned in, her own intrigue piqued. "Have you heard from her since?" Lilith smirked, "Oh, occasionally. Through the grapevine mostly. The latest I heard was she had a son with her lover. Ironically, from what I've heard, her son turned out to be the mature one in their relationship. Can you imagine? A boy in his early teens acting like the adult while she's stuck in perpetual adolescence." Zero Gravity laughed, "That's got to be challenging. A role reversal for sure. But it sounds like she's... happy?" Lilith pondered for a moment, "In her own way, I suppose she is. I've come to accept her for who she is. It's her life, her choices. As much as it hurt when she left, perhaps it was for the best for both of us." Both girls fell into another reflective silence. It was moments like these that showed them how complex and intricate family dynamics could be. But it also showed them the importance of understanding and accepting, even if they didn't always agree. The evening sun cast a mellow glow across the McDonald's floor as it began to fill with the usual after-school crowd. For the first time in what seemed like forever, Lilith and Zero Gravity weren't in their usual tug-of-war for Light Shine's attention. Instead, they found themselves working seamlessly together, taking orders, serving customers, and managing the till. But the harmonious atmosphere was disrupted when the door jangled, and in walked the local delinquents. They swaggered in with an air of arrogance, their loud laughter immediately drawing attention. Dressed in ragged jeans, leather jackets, and sporting unkempt hair, they looked every bit the part of troublemakers. Making a beeline for the counter, they started to openly flirt and harass Lilith and Zero Gravity. "Hey there, pretty ladies," one of them, a tall guy with a snake tattoo on his neck, drawled. "How about a date after your shift?" Another, bulkier with a bald head, flexed his biceps obnoxiously, "Ever seen muscles like these, eh?" Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged glances, both clearly uncomfortable. They tried to maintain their professionalism, with Zero Gravity replying, "We're here to work. Please place your order or move along." But the delinquents weren't easily dissuaded. They persisted, closing in on the girls and making lewd comments like: “Come on, with bodies like yours, you can easily satisfy all of us at the same time,” or “We can give you pleasure way beyond your wildest dreams,” one of them even saying “Come on, it’ll be fine, after we’re done, you’ll come back for more, over, and over, and over again,” Suddenly, a firm voice broke through the tension. "If you're not ordering, I'd suggest you leave." All eyes turned to Light Shine who had emerged from the back room, his expression stern and unyielding. The playful nature he usually carried was replaced by a protective determination. The delinquents sized him up, clearly considering whether to challenge him or not. After a tense pause, the snake-tattooed one scoffed, "Whatever. This place isn't worth our time anyway." With that, the group sauntered out, casting one last defiant look at Light Shine. The atmosphere in the McDonald's gradually returned to normal. Customers whispered among themselves about the confrontation they had just witnessed, while Light Shine approached the counter, his face softening with concern. "Are you two okay?" he asked Lilith and Zero Gravity. The two girls exchanged a grateful glance. Lilith replied, her voice still a little shaky, "Thanks to you, yes. That was... unnerving." Zero Gravity nodded, "Thanks, Light Shine. Really." He smiled, "Just doing what's right. Let's get back to work, shall we?" And as the evening wore on, the trio worked together more closely than ever, with the events of the day serving as a testament to the bond they were building. Outside the glowing 7-11, amidst the orange and white hue, the delinquents lounged on their motorcycles, sipping on oversized sodas and nursing their bruised egos. The leader of the group, the snake-tattooed guy named Razor, spat on the ground, his glare still fixated on the direction of McDonald’s. "Can't believe we got schooled by a fast-food geek," Razor growled, crushing his soda can with a single squeeze. His sidekick, a skinny guy named Twitch with multiple piercings, added, "That Light Shine dude didn’t even lay a finger on us, and yet we backed off." "Yeah, well," Razor snapped, "there's a time and place. McDonald’s ain’t it." The conversation took a darker turn when another member, Cogs, with a greasy mop of hair, piped up. "Hey, wasn’t that punk chick Zero Gravity? I’ve heard of her. Some say she’s got a reputation, just like her mother." Twitch smirked, "Oh yeah, heard about her mom. Like mother, like daughter, huh?" Cogs chuckled, "Seems like 'easiness' runs in the family." Razor, still fuming from the earlier confrontation, saw an opportunity for revenge. "Well, if that's the case," he began, a malicious grin spreading across his face, "maybe we can have a little fun with Zero Gravity. You know, give her and that Light Shine guy a lesson they won't forget." The group exchanged knowing looks, their intentions clear. LATER THAT NIGHT The streetlights overhead painted the sidewalk with a soft orange glow, a gentle contrast to the cool night air. Lilith and Zero Gravity's giggles echoed in the streets as they discussed and laughed about their imaginative plans to win Light Shine over. "I'm telling you, the way to his heart is through a limited edition game console," Lilith chuckled, her breath visible in the cool evening air. Zero Gravity nudged her playfully, "Please, it’s clearly a custom-painted skateboard. Trust me." As they joked around, a dark shadow quickly enveloped their laughter. The familiar revving of motorcycles echoed ominously around them. Turning a corner, they found themselves face to face with Razor and his gang, who quickly closed off their escape route. "Look who we have here," Razor sneered, his gaze fixated on Zero Gravity. "Heard you're just like your mother, offering 'special services'." Zero Gravity's face turned scarlet with rage and embarrassment, "Shut up! You don’t know anything!" Lilith took a protective stance in front of her newfound friend. "Back off! We don't have time for your childish games." Twitch, trying to play the role of a mediator, stepped in, "Oh, come on, ladies. We just want a little fun. Especially with someone who's got 'it' in her genes," he said, making a crude gesture towards Zero Gravity. The atmosphere became heavy, the tension palpable. But before things could escalate further, a familiar shout rang through the air. "Enough!" It was Light Shine, his face a mix of worry and anger. He was slightly out of breath, likely having run the entire way after sensing that something was amiss. Razor smirked, "Look who finally showed up. Ready for round two?" Without waiting for a response, Razor lunged at Light Shine. The dim streetlights served as a makeshift stage, and in that moment, the street became an arena. Razor's lunge was the opening act, his fist arcing through the air aimed squarely at Light Shine's face. Light Shine sidestepped swiftly, grabbing Razor's extended wrist and using his momentum to swing him into a nearby lamppost. Lilith and Zero Gravity watched, their hearts in their throats, as the rest of the delinquents moved in. Two bigger ones, known as Bull and Hawk, advanced together. Bull aimed a low punch towards Light Shine’s gut, while Hawk tried to get him in a headlock. But Light Shine was quicker. He ducked beneath Hawk's arms, spun, and delivered a solid kick to Bull’s midsection. Bull gasped and staggered back, the wind knocked out of him. Hawk, recovering from his missed grab, lunged at Light Shine again. This time, Light Shine gripped Hawk's outstretched arm, twisted, and forced Hawk into an uncomfortable armlock. With a slight increase in pressure, Hawk yelped and went down on one knee. Razor, recovering, advanced with two more gang members. The three of them circled Light Shine, looking for an opening. It was a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Light Shine kept his movements fluid, watching all three closely. When one of the members lunged, Light Shine used Razor's own momentum against him, making him crash into one of his gang members. Suddenly, a piercing whistle cut through the air. All heads turned towards the sound, spotting the flashing lights of a police car approaching. The delinquents, realizing the danger, began to scatter. But before they could get too far, another police car blocked the other end of the street. They were trapped. The officers approached with caution, handcuffs at the ready. One by one, the delinquents were restrained, their bravado replaced with a mixture of fear and anger. Light Shine, panting, turned to find Lilith and Zero Gravity, their eyes wide with a mix of fear, gratitude, and awe. "You okay?" He managed to ask, his voice hoarse. Both girls nodded, rushing forward to embrace him in a grateful hug. “Where did you learn to fight?” asked Lilith “Dad made me learn martial arts, for the fun of it,” Light Shine said “Thank God for that,” Zero Gravity said as they all embraced tighter. In the background, the police began to take statements, and the aftermath of the fight began to settle. As the sun began to cast its early morning glow, Light Shine and Lilith stepped out of their home, the day's routine already set in motion. However, they were met with an unexpected sight. Zero Gravity stood at the doorstep, luggage by her side, and an innocent smile plastered across her face. Behind her, Light Shine's parents were hefting bags and suitcases, the merriment in their eyes betraying their amusement at the situation. Lilith's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, her gaze darting between Zero Gravity and the bags. "What's going on?" Zero Gravity fluffed her hair and gave a little laugh, "I just didn't feel safe in my place after what happened. And where better to feel safe than beside my childhood protector, right?" She winked at Light Shine, causing him to blush slightly. Lilith's gaze darkened, her protective instincts kicking in. But before she could voice her concerns, Light Shine's mother spoke up. "It's alright, dear. She can either share a room with you or take the attic room. What do you think?" Zero Gravity's eyes twinkled with mischief, "I could always share Light Shine's room. We go way back, after all." Lilith's protest was instantaneous. "That's not happening!" Even Light Shine seemed flustered, "Zero, we can't..." His father interrupted with a chuckle, "I'm inclined to agree with Lilith. It might not be the best idea." Zero Gravity pouted but didn't push further. "Fine, fine! The attic room it is. As long as I'm close by, it's all good." Lilith gave a nod of approval, her stance softening. "I'm just glad you're safe, Zero." “Well played, bitch” she thought as she looked at Zero Gravity Zero Gravity smiled, her playful demeanor subsiding for a brief moment. "Thank you, Lilith. That means a lot." “The battle ain’t over yet,” Zero Gravity thought while looking back at her 2 friends. As the group made their way inside, ready to begin another day, the bond between the trio was evident. Their adventures were just beginning, and the house was about to get a lot livelier. “Oh… this complicates things even more… but don’t worry Lighty… soon we’ll be together,”.
R.S.S. Ch. 3 The School Idol's confession2 WEEKS LATER It's been 2 weeks since Zero Gravity, Lilith, and Light Shine started living together with Light Shine's parents. In this time, Lilith's and Zero Gravity's competition for Light Shine's attention has become more intense and comical. The house was in a constant state of uproar. With Light Shine caught in the middle of two fiercely competing ladies, things had taken a comical turn. On Monday, Lilith had set up an intricate alarm system that played Light Shine's favorite song to wake him up. Just when he was beginning to enjoy the gesture, the next day, Zero Gravity set up a mini breakfast stall right outside his door, complete with pancakes, waffles, and his favorite bacon sandwich. Wednesday saw Lilith and Zero Gravity getting into a heated debate on whose dish was Light Shine's favorite. Zero Gravity, believing it was the spaghetti she'd made during their childhood, challenged Lilith, who was certain it was the sushi rolls she had learned to prepare. In the end, Light Shine ate both to keep the peace, and the two ladies ended up declaring it a draw. Then, on Friday, Lilith tried impressing Light Shine by wearing a T-shirt with his favorite band logo. However, Zero Gravity, not one to be left behind, showed up in a full band costume, complete with makeup, which made Light Shine blush and chuckle. It was all fun and games until one evening, when a letter arrived, addressed to Light Shine. The trio was lounging in the living room when Light Shine's mother handed him the sealed envelope. He eyed it curiously, not recognizing the sender's name. As he opened it, his face went from puzzled to shocked. "What is it?" Lilith asked, leaning over to try and catch a glimpse. Zero Gravity too craned her neck, "What's the big news, Light?" Light Shine cleared his throat, trying to mask his surprise. "It's from a University. They've offered me a full scholarship to study, but it’s in another town. They say they've been impressed with my academic and extracurricular achievements." Silence enveloped the room. The jovial atmosphere from moments ago was now replaced with tension. Lilith felt her heart drop. Zero Gravity blinked, processing the news. "It's... it's an amazing opportunity," Light Shine muttered, unsure of his own feelings. Zero Gravity was the first to break the silence, "Well, that's great news! Congratulations!" Her voice held a tinge of sadness, but she masked it with a smile. Lilith took a moment longer, her thoughts swirling. Then, taking a deep breath, she added, "It's a chance of a lifetime, Light Shine. You should seriously consider it." The trio stared at the letter, realizing that life was about to change... again. Throughout the next few weeks, the weight of Light Shine's potential departure loomed over the household. While it was unsaid, the knowledge of his upcoming decision was evident in every shared meal, every movie night, and every casual conversation. Lilith and Zero Gravity remained supportive, but in private, both began hatching plans to stay close to Light Shine. Lilith considered applying for a part-time job near the university. She'd done her research, finding cafes and bookstores that were hiring. However, the more she learned about the university town, the more she realized that just a job wouldn't suffice. She needed a reason to be there, something like... enrolling in a course. Zero Gravity had a similar idea. But instead of a job, she thought about enrolling in a nearby community college, hoping to transfer credits and join Light Shine in his university journey. She'd always been good at arts, so maybe an arts program would be a fit? The pair separately started investigating the application process and criteria for the institutions around Light Shine's prospective university. But it didn't take long for them to hit a significant roadblock – their academic grades. One evening, in Light Shine's room, the two rivals-turned-friends shared their findings. "It's frustrating," Lilith sighed, "Our grades aren't bad, but they aren't enough for any of the institutions near Light Shine's university." Zero Gravity nodded in agreement, "I even thought of showing them my art portfolio, hoping it might sway the decision, but academic requirements are stringent." Lilith frowned, "We've got a few months left before graduation. Maybe if we push ourselves, get some tutoring, we might be able to lift our grades?" "That's ambitious," Zero Gravity mused. "But it might be our only shot. Plus, aiming for higher grades is beneficial in any scenario… hey, we can ask Light to tutor us, I mean, it will also benefit him," Lilith shaked her head in agreement and said “Zero, that is the smartest thing you’ve said since I met you… I was beginning to worry there wasn’t much in that head of yours,” as she got up and headed for her room. “What is that supposed to mean?!” Zero said as she followed her Both were determined. The next day, they approached their teachers, asking for extra assignments, help sessions, and tips for improving their grades. Their teachers were surprised but pleased to see such determination. Weekends were no longer solely about Light Shine. They became marathon study sessions, with Lilith and Zero Gravity challenging each other, pushing each other further. They even convinced Light Shine to tutor them. Despite their rigorous efforts, both girls were well aware that it was a gamble. Whether their grades would rise enough to make a difference remained to be seen. But the process brought them even closer together. They were no longer just competitors for Light Shine's affection; they were comrades in the battle for their futures. But, at the same time, they had achieved something else, earn Light Shine’s respect and admiration as he saw them stay up night after night, completing the extra points work, projects or even studying. For Light Shine, it was an interesting turn of events, since he knew that Lilith valued her “beauty sleep” more than anything in the world, not to mention the make-up applying sessions every morning. It had been weeks since he last saw her having beauty sleep, or applying many layers of make up on her face. It was the same for Zero Gravity, Light knew her well, she could barely keep herself awake during class, and studying wasn’t even on her list of “essential” activities, which caused the sight of her having the same attitude as Lilith to make him feel uncomfortable. However, he didn’t mind helping them study, or even help them win some extra credits. SOME TIME LATER The school's clock tower chimed, signaling the end of another day. But this wasn't just any ordinary day – it was the last day of final exams. The atmosphere was electrifying, with students cheering, hugging, and some even shedding tears of relief. The school year, full of challenges, trials, and tribulations, had finally drawn to an end. As the flood of students exited the school gates, two figures stood out from the rest. Lilith and Zero Gravity, arm in arm, looked at each other with a mix of elation and exhaustion. Their eyes sparkled with achievement. "We did it!" Zero Gravity cheered, squeezing Lilith's arm. "Can you believe it? All that hard work!" Lilith smiled, her eyes misting over slightly. "I knew we could. But I still can't believe we managed to pull up our grades to a B+ average!" Both girls were overwhelmed with emotions. The months of rigorous studying, the countless hours spent over textbooks, and the innumerable practice papers – it all paid off. Spotting Light Shine nearby, the girls rushed over. Without warning, they both wrapped their arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. Light Shine chuckled, slightly taken aback but touched by their gesture. "Thank you, Light Shine," Lilith whispered, her voice full of gratitude. "For being our rock. For being there during those long study sessions, for those pep talks, and for all the snacks you brought us." Zero Gravity nodded, her voice slightly muffled by Light Shine's shoulder. "Yeah, we couldn't have done it without you." Light Shine gently pulled away, a proud smile playing on his lips. "You two are giving me too much credit," he said, brushing a strand of hair behind Lilith's ear and giving Zero Gravity a fond pat on the back. "It was your determination, your hard work, and your drive that got you here. I just cheered from the sidelines." Both girls blushed, their faces matching the shade of the evening sky. "Still," Zero Gravity murmured, "you were an essential part of our journey." Lilith nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Thank you, Light Shine." As the trio stood there, basking in the glow of their achievements, they were a testament to the power of hard work, friendship, and mutual support. Whatever the future held, they were ready to face it together. Zero Gravity looked around, her eyes widening as she took in the flurry of emotions surrounding them. Couples, both new and old, were engaged in deep, heartfelt conversations. The air was thick with emotions – joy, surprise, sadness, and anticipation. Everywhere she looked, students were either confessing their feelings, asking each other out, or sealing their newly minted relationships with a kiss. The scene was a colorful tapestry of emotions, with each thread weaving a different story. "What's going on?" Zero Gravity murmured, her voice tinged with curiosity. Lilith chuckled, "Ah, you're not aware of the end-of-school year tradition? It's been going on for as long as I remember." Light Shine, overhearing the conversation, nodded in agreement. "It's like an unwritten rule. The end of the school year is seen as the perfect opportunity to confess your feelings. It's believed that if you start a relationship now, it'll last forever." Zero Gravity looked both puzzled and intrigued. "But why? What makes today any different from any other day?" Lilith's eyes twinkled with a mix of mischief and nostalgia. "Legend has it that a couple from our school, many years ago, confessed their feelings for each other on this very day. They went on to have the kind of love story people write books about. They faced numerous challenges, but their love only grew stronger. People believe that confessing on this day will bless their relationship with the same kind of eternal love." As the trio walked through the school grounds, they couldn't help but get swept up in the romance of it all. Students of all backgrounds and orientations, stepping forward with courage, laying their hearts bare in the hopes of finding love. Zero Gravity sighed, her thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. "It's beautiful, really. The idea of eternal love." Lilith smiled, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Yes, it is. Makes you wonder, doesn't it?" Light Shine looked between the two girls, sensing the underlying tension. The three of them were about to step into a new chapter of their lives. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the school, the seeds of new beginnings were being sown all around them. [At this point we all know where this is going… right?”] As the school grounds continued to be filled with the sounds of laughter, whispers, and sweet nothings, Lilith and Zero Gravity found themselves mustering the courage to approach Light Shine. Both of them had a nervous energy about them, but they were determined to not let this day pass without confessing their feelings. Walking side by side, the two girls exchanged a brief, knowing glance, silently cheering each other on. As they neared Light Shine, they took a deep breath, preparing to pour their hearts out. "L-Light Shine..." Lilith began, her voice wavering just a tad. Zero Gravity nodded in agreement, "We wanted to tell you..." Their words, however, were abruptly interrupted by a melodious voice that seemed to echo across the courtyard, capturing the attention of everyone present. "Light Shine!" All eyes, including those of Lilith and Zero Gravity, turned to the source of the voice. Emerging from the crowd was none other than Spring, the school idol. Her wavy, fiery-red hair cascaded down her back like a river of flames, reflecting the golden rays of the setting sun. Her svelte figure and graceful poise were testament to her background as a model. Every step she took seemed to be straight out of a runway show, with the school courtyard as her stage. The chatter around them quieted down, as students whispered and pointed. "Is that Spring? Why is she here? What does she want with Light Shine?" The murmurs grew louder, filling the air with anticipation. Spring approached the trio, her emerald eyes locked onto Light Shine. She smiled warmly, her dazzling beauty momentarily blinding Lilith and Zero Gravity. "Sorry for interrupting," she said, her voice soft and enchanting. "I just needed a moment with Light Shine." Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged surprised glances, their intentions temporarily thwarted. The suspense in the air was palpable, with everyone waiting to see what would unfold next. Spring's typical confident and poised demeanor seemed to vanish as she stood before Light Shine. The fiery-haired school idol started to fidget with the hem of her skirt, her face turning an adorable shade of pink that matched her hair. "Umm... L-Light Shine," she began, her voice several octaves higher than her usual sultry tone. "I... I've been meaning to tell you something." Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged incredulous glances. Is this really the same Spring? The unflappable beauty everyone idolizes? they thought. Drawing a deep breath, Spring continued, "You see... I might seem like this confident person in front of everyone. But, when it comes to you, I... I just become this puddle of... of..." "A mess?" Zero Gravity whispered to Lilith, barely suppressing a giggle. "Exactly! I mean, no! Not a mess!" Spring exclaimed, covering her face in embarrassment, realizing she'd just agreed with Zero Gravity out loud. The students around were whispering excitedly, some were trying to record the event with their phones, others were placing bets on Light Shine's response. This was a scene no one had ever imagined they'd witness. Taking another deep breath, Spring looked straight into Light Shine's eyes, "Light Shine, I... I think I've fallen for you. No, I'm sure of it. I love you!" She blurted out the last part so quickly that it sounded like one word. The entire courtyard went silent. A bird could be heard chirping in the distance, and somewhere, someone dropped a textbook. Light Shine looked as if he had been turned to stone, his mouth hanging open in shock. "Umm... Uhh..." He stammered, clearly at a loss for words. Spring, realizing she'd thrown him for a loop, tried to salvage the situation, "It's okay! You don't have to say anything now! Just... think about it. I'll wait for your answer until after the graduation ceremony next week. Alright?" She punctuated her words with an awkward yet endearing little thumbs up. Lilith and Zero Gravity were staring, their mouths agape, completely taken aback by the turn of events. Just as things seemed they couldn't get any crazier, a paper airplane glided from the crowd, hitting Light Shine square in the forehead. Scribbled on it was, "Think wisely, dude!" Shaking his head and chuckling at the absurdity of the moment, Light Shine simply nodded, "Alright, Spring. I'll think about it." As Spring turned and made her way through the crowd, her walk slightly less graceful than usual, the entire scene felt like a bizarre dream. Students laughed and chatted animatedly, discussing the unexpected love confession they had just witnessed. The dim light filtering through the curtains of the empty classroom cast a subdued glow on Spring's face. As she walked to the window, her poised and elegant image had vanished, replaced by a more intense and darker expression. Her fingers tapped the window pane rhythmically as she gazed down at the courtyard, where the trio still stood. "So, they think they can compete with me, huh?" she muttered, her lips curling into a smile that was more predatory than sweet. "Little do they realize that they're merely moths to a flame. Light Shine is the flame, and I'm the one who'll engulf him." Spring leaned closer to the window, her reflection barely visible. Her eyes, normally warm and kind, now bore an unsettling glint. "Those girls don’t stand a chance. They don't know the depth of my love, the lengths I'd go to ensure that Light Shine is mine." She began to laugh softly, the sound echoing around the room, steadily growing louder and more maniacal. "It's simple really. They see a handsome young man and are drawn to his charm, his charisma. But me? I see his soul. I feel his heartbeats. He and I are destined to be together. He just doesn’t know it yet." Closing her eyes, Spring took a deep breath, "Every night, I dream of him. His touch, his scent, his voice. It's intoxicating. I'm already addicted, and there's no cure." She then walked to a desk in the middle of the classroom, where a few candles were placed. Lighting one, she looked at the flame, a smirk forming on her lips. "And just like this flame, our love will burn brightly. Any moth that comes near will simply burn away. After all, Light Shine's body and soul are meant to be mine... only mine." Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Spring quickly extinguished the candle, her yandere demeanor melting away, replaced by her typical graceful and amiable facade. The silhouette of a student appeared, looking for a lost notebook, oblivious to the intensity of the scene they'd just interrupted. But as they left, the lingering scent of the burnt wick remained, a testament to the depths of Spring's obsession. Light Shine blinked, trying to process the whirlwind of events. He glanced at the two girls, expecting them to burst into one of their comical tirades about Spring's confession. But, instead, they both looked oddly focused and serious. "So... um... that was unexpected," he said, trying to ease the tension. "Spring's confession came out of nowhere." Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them. "You know, Light Shine," began Zero Gravity, "We... we just remembered we had to go see a teacher about... um... some project work! Yeah, project work!" Lilith nodded vigorously, adding, "Yes! Project work! It's super important. We completely forgot about it!" Light Shine raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "Project work? Right now? Aren’t you two done with everything?" "Oh, you know, last-minute stuff," Lilith said, waving her hand dismissively. "You head back home, and we'll catch up later." Zero Gravity leaned closer to Light Shine, giving him a wink. "Don't miss us too much! And don't think too hard about Spring's confession." Light Shine scratched his head, still baffled. "Okay...? Just... be careful. And I'll see you both at home, I guess." As he walked away, Zero Gravity whispered to Lilith, "We need to find out what's going on with Spring. Did you see how she acted?" Lilith nodded, "Yes, and we need to find out fast. For Light Shine's sake." With determination fueling their steps, the duo set out in pursuit of the school idol, leaving behind a bemused and utterly clueless Light Shine. Lilith and Zero Gravity cautiously approached the classroom, pausing at the door when they heard a soft giggle emanate from inside. They exchanged a glance and slowly pushed the door open. The sight that met them was both surreal and unnerving. Spring sat at one of the desks, her luscious red hair cascading around her like a fiery halo. The room was dimly lit, with only the setting sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm orange glow. She had surrounded herself with numerous pictures of Light Shine – some candid shots from afar, some close-ups, and even some of them together from school events. "Oh! I was wondering how long it would take you two to find me," Spring said with an eerily sweet tone. Her large, emerald eyes glistened as they darted between Lilith and Zero Gravity. "You've been... watching Light Shine?" Zero Gravity managed to ask, her voice betraying her disbelief. Spring giggled again, holding one of the pictures close to her chest. "He's so wonderful, isn't he? I've loved him for so long. From afar, always from afar. I've kept these memories close to me, cherishing each one." Lilith stepped forward, her tone firm but diplomatic. "Spring, this... this isn't healthy. You can't just obsess over someone like this." Spring's smile faltered for a moment, but then it returned, even wider. "You wouldn't understand. The two of you play your little games, competing for his attention. But I've seen him, truly seen him. Every little gesture, every smile, every frown. He's mine." Zero Gravity took a deep breath, trying to keep her calm. "Spring, we all care for Light Shine, but this... this is too much. You need to let him make his own choices." Spring tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I've given him a choice. After the graduation ceremony, he'll be mine." Both Lilith and Zero Gravity felt a chill run down their spines. There was a delicate balance between love and obsession, and it was clear that Spring had crossed it. "You both better stay out of my way," Spring whispered, her tone suddenly taking a dark turn. "Because nothing and no one will come between me and my love." With that, she slowly gathered her pictures, placing them into a folder, and walked past the stunned duo. As she exited the classroom, she paused for a moment, glancing back with a manic glint in her eyes. "Remember, after graduation, he'll be mine." The room was filled with a heavy silence as Lilith and Zero Gravity processed what had just transpired. They both knew that they had to act, not just for their sake, but for Light Shine's as well. Zero Gravity quickly snapped out of her stunned state and darted out of the classroom, catching up to Spring in the hallway. She placed a firm hand on Spring's shoulder, stopping her in her tracks. "Hey, listen here, Red! I've known Light Shine way longer than you have. You can't just claim him as yours," Zero Gravity exclaimed, trying to puff out her chest and stand tall despite her shorter stature compared to Spring. Spring turned around, her eyes narrowing as she looked down at Zero Gravity. "Oh? And what are you going to do about it, little childhood friend? He needs someone mature, someone who can truly understand him. Not someone who’s been playing tag with him since kindergarten." Zero Gravity felt her blood boil, but she tried to keep her composure. "Well, at least I've actually talked to him, spent time with him, unlike some people who just stalk him from afar!" Spring smirked, flicking her long red hair over her shoulder. "Oh, please. I've seen the way he looks at me. He's just too shy to admit his feelings. But don't worry, I'll take good care of him." "Over my dead body!" Zero Gravity shouted, her composure finally cracking as she lunged at Spring. Spring sidestepped gracefully, laughing as she did. "Oh, how cute. The little childhood friend is trying to play the hero. Well, guess what? This isn't a fairy tale, and you're not the princess." Zero Gravity growled, her competitive nature kicking in. "Well, if this isn't a fairy tale, then you're definitely not the 'model' student everyone thinks you are!" Spring's laughter echoed through the hallway as she walked away, leaving Zero Gravity fuming. "We'll just see about that. After all, the graduation ceremony is just around the corner." Lilith, who had followed them, couldn't help but chuckle at their exchange. "Well, that was... something." Zero Gravity turned to Lilith, her eyes blazing. "We can't let her win. We can't let her take Light Shine!" Lilith nodded in agreement, her own determination flaring up. "You're right. We need a plan." And with that, the two girls, once rivals, now united by a common goal, set off to devise a plan to save their beloved Light Shine from the clutches of the yandere model. LATER THAT NIGHT As the sun started setting, Lilith and Zero Gravity sat down in Lilith's room, with an array of romantic comedy DVDs and manga spread across the floor. Lilith put on a pair of reading glasses (which she didn't really need but felt it made her look more intellectual) and pulled out a notepad, poised to jot down any successful seduction techniques. "Alright, let's start with 'Love Rhapsody Returns.' In episode 7, Miki drops her eraser, and then they both reach down to get it and their hands touch," Lilith began, drawing out the scene in stick figures. Zero Gravity squinted at the doodle, "So we... drop an eraser? That's the plan?" Lilith sighed, "No, we need to adapt it. We make Light Shine drop something, and then we both reach down. Double the hands, double the romance." Zero Gravity paused, "But what if he doesn't drop anything? Do we... throw something at him?" Lilith tapped her chin thoughtfully. "That might be too aggressive. Let's think of something else." Zero Gravity then brightened up, "I've got it! In 'Heartbeats Unchained', Yuna makes an amazing lunch for Kaito! We can do the same for Light Shine. Imagine the look on his face when he opens his lunchbox to find the most delicious and heart-shaped sandwiches!" Lilith looked skeptical, "But can we cook? Last time I tried making toast, I almost burnt down the house." "We can always order takeout and then just place them in cute containers!" Zero Gravity suggested with a wink. Lilith then snapped her fingers, "Oh! How about recreating the famous 'wall-slam'? I've seen it work in like, ten different dramas." Zero Gravity raised an eyebrow, "But... neither of us is tall enough to do that to Light Shine." Lilith looked disappointed, "True... But what if we did a... double wall-slam? One of us on each side. It'd be revolutionary!" As the hours went on, the plans became more convoluted and ridiculous. From staging a fake love letter competition to organizing a surprise romantic boat ride (even though none of them knew how to row), the girls were nothing if not inventive. By midnight, they had a notebook full of plans, diagrams, and backup plans. They were ready, or so they thought, for anything Spring might throw their way. Little did they know how complicated things were about to get. The next morning, armed with determination and their 'foolproof' notebook of seduction plans, Lilith and Zero Gravity set out on their mission. Their first plan of action was the heart-shaped sandwiches for lunch. Zero Gravity, with a smug grin, handed Light Shine a beautifully wrapped lunchbox during their morning break. "Just a little something I thought you'd like," she said with a wink. Light Shine, ever the gentleman, gratefully accepted it. "Thanks, that's really sweet of you." He opened it to reveal a collection of heart-shaped sandwiches, artistically arranged. Before he could take a bite, Spring swooped in with a tray containing a gourmet three-course meal, complete with silverware and a folded napkin. "Oh, Light Shine, I just happened to cook a little extra this morning," she said innocently, batting her eyelashes. Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged glances, frustration evident in their eyes. Their carefully prepared sandwiches suddenly looked quite plain in comparison to Spring's elaborate offering. Not to be discouraged, they moved on to their next plan: the double wall-slam. Finding the perfect spot, they waited for Light Shine to pass by. Just as he was within reach, they jumped out, one on each side, trying to execute the perfect simultaneous wall-slam. But just before they could close in on him, Spring conveniently passed by, dropping a stack of papers. Light Shine, being the helpful guy he is, immediately bent down to help her pick them up, completely evading the wall-slam attempt. The two girls collided into each other instead, tumbling into a heap on the floor. Throughout the week, Lilith and Zero Gravity's efforts continued in this vein, with every plan being either interrupted or upstaged by Spring. The romantic boat ride? Spring rented a luxurious yacht. The surprise serenade under Light Shine's window? Spring organized a flash mob. The sweet handwritten love letters? Spring had hers delivered by a singing telegram. At every turn, Lilith and Zero Gravity's efforts seemed to pale in comparison to Spring's grand gestures. They were left feeling frustrated, comical, and slightly defeated. One evening, after another thwarted plan, Zero Gravity sighed, "She's always one step ahead of us. How do we compete with that?" Lilith, ever the optimist, replied, "We just have to be ourselves. If Light Shine likes us, it'll be for who we are, not for some extravagant gestures." Both girls nodded in agreement, resolving to stay true to themselves, no matter how over-the-top Spring's advances became. The day before the graduation ceremony was charged with an air of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. Amid the bustle, the drama between Spring, Lilith, and Zero Gravity reached a climax. The three girls found themselves once again in the same classroom where they had previously confronted Spring. The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. Spring, leaning against a desk with a mischievous smirk, began, "Ah, it's the duo again. Have you come to concede defeat?" Zero Gravity's hands clenched into fists, her anger evident. "Spring, enough of your games! We both—" Before Zero Gravity could finish, Lilith stepped forward, a calm demeanor contrasting her friend's fiery disposition. "Spring, we're not here for another quarrel. We genuinely want to understand. What is it about Light Shine that has you so enamored?" Spring's playful demeanor faltered for a moment, caught off guard by the sincerity in Lilith's question. She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. A tense silence filled the room, the weight of unsaid emotions and intentions hanging in the air. Spring’s playful facade melted away, revealing vulnerability rarely seen. She hesitated, then began to recount her past with a quiver in her voice. "When Light Shine and I were in Junior High," she started, her voice soft, "my family faced extreme financial hardship. We couldn’t even afford proper meals. I became so malnourished that I looked... grotesque. My figure was skeletal, each bone sharply defined beneath my pale skin. With my red hair, classmates would taunt me, saying I looked like a 'redheaded ghost.'" Lilith and Zero Gravity exchanged glances, the weight of Spring's words sinking in. They had known Spring as the glamorous school idol; it was hard to imagine her in such a state. Spring continued, "Every day was a battle. The bullying, the taunts, the laughter. But Light Shine... he was different. Instead of mocking or avoiding me, he would sit beside me during lunch breaks and share his food. He noticed how weak I was, and soon, he began bringing an extra lunchbox just for me." Tears formed in Spring's eyes. "Every meal he shared was a gesture of kindness that I can never repay. He probably doesn’t even remember those moments, but for me, they were lifelines. He treated me with kindness and dignity when no one else did. How could I not fall in love with such a person?" A heavy silence filled the room as Lilith and Zero Gravity processed Spring's confession. All animosity between the three girls seemed to dissipate in the face of such a heartfelt revelation. Zero Gravity sighed, "Light Shine... he's always been like that, hasn't he?" Lilith nodded, "Even though our reasons differ, the feelings are genuine. We all care for him deeply." Spring's voice, soft and shaky, continued. "Once I entered high school, things began to change for me. Thanks to the consistent meals from Light Shine, I had a late growth spurt. It transformed me from that 'redheaded ghost' to the person standing in front of you today. Of course, I also took up gym sessions to stay fit and strong." Lilith and Zero Gravity listened with rapt attention. It was astonishing how much of a hand Light Shine had in shaping the person Spring had become. Spring’s voice picked up in excitement. "Not long after my transformation, I was scouted to be a model. That was a significant turning point for my family. My mother, being a makeup artist, started doing my makeup for shoots. My father, with his keen organizational skills, managed my schedules. We were the dream team. Together, we lifted ourselves out of our dire financial situation." Her bright expression dimmed, and she hesitated before continuing, "But fame has its dark side. One evening, after a late photoshoot, as I was making my way home, I was ambushed. A man, maybe a crazed fan or a predator, I don’t know… He tried to... to assault me." Her voice trembled at the memory. Tears welled up in Zero Gravity’s eyes, while Lilith clenched her fists in anger. Spring continued, her voice stronger now, as if she was drawing strength from the memory. "I was terrified. I thought that was the end for me. But then, out of nowhere, Light Shine appeared. He intervened, saving me from the worst fate imaginable. He tackled the man, holding him down, landing blow after blow until the assailant was incapacitated. We waited for the police to arrive, and they took that monster away. I was safe, all thanks to Light Shine." The room was silent for a few moments, the weight of Spring's confession settling around them. Zero Gravity finally whispered, "He really is something else, isn’t he?" Lilith, lost in thought, simply nodded. Spring sighed, wiping away a stray tear, "That’s why I love him. Not just because he fed me or stood by me in school. But because he was my hero when I needed him the most." Understanding dawned on the faces of Lilith and Zero Gravity. They may have had their reasons for loving Light Shine, but in that moment, they truly understood Spring's. The competition might not have ended, but a deep, mutual respect had been forged between the three girls. The three of them sat in a circle, the palpable tension from moments ago dissipating, replaced by a camaraderie of shared affection for one person: Light Shine. Lilith, leaning back with a thoughtful look, began, "You know, there's something about the way he smiles, especially that little lopsided grin of his. Whenever he’s trying to hide his amusement and fails miserably? It’s the most endearing thing.” Spring giggled, "Yes! And have you noticed his eyes? They have this specific twinkle when he talks about things he's passionate about. It’s like staring into a galaxy. And... oh, the way he pushes back his hair when he’s nervous?” Zero Gravity smirked, "Oh, don’t get me started on his hair! The softness? I might have, on a few occasions, fantasized about running my fingers through it.” She blushed, realizing what she'd just admitted, causing the others to erupt into laughter. Lilith added, "And his voice! That gentle, calming tone he uses when someone’s upset? It’s like he’s casting a spell to make all your worries disappear.” Spring nodded enthusiastically, "Yes! And his scent! It’s so subtle, but it has this mixture of fresh earth after rain and warm vanilla. It’s intoxicating." The girls sighed dreamily, lost in their shared daydreams. Zero Gravity piped up, "And his cooking! My gosh, his spaghetti bolognese? Heaven on earth. It's like each dish he makes is infused with love." Lilith playfully rolled her eyes, "Oh please, his pancakes are where it’s at. Fluffy, light, and just the right amount of sweetness." Spring added with a grin, "You both have it all wrong. It's his homemade chocolate chip cookies. Melt-in-your-mouth goodness." As they continued discussing every detail of Light Shine, from the way he hummed while working to his choice in socks, they found themselves laughing, teasing, and bonding over their shared crush. It was clear that their affections were rooted in genuine appreciation of his character, and not just a passing infatuation. Eventually, as the laughter died down and a comfortable silence settled, Lilith sat up straighter, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You know what, ladies? I have an idea." The other two leaned in, intrigued, as the chapter came to a close. THE NEXT DAY The auditorium buzzed with the palpable excitement and nostalgia of graduation. Parents clapped and cheered, students hugged and took endless pictures, and the emotions ranged from tears of joy to shouts of exuberance. Light Shine, having just stepped off the stage with his diploma in hand, was enveloped in a warm embrace from his parents. "Son, we're so proud of you!" His mother's voice was thick with emotion as she held him tight. His father patted him on the back, his smile wide and proud, "You've grown into a fine young man, Light Shine." From the small screen of a phone, his sister's face appeared, lit up in a grin, "Wish I could be there, little bro! But seriously, congrats! University's keeping me crazy busy, but I wouldn't miss seeing you graduate, even if it's just over a call." Light Shine chuckled, "Thanks, sis. Miss you." But amidst the celebration, he noticed something—or rather, someone—missing. Lilith, Zero Gravity, and Spring. The three girls had been there at the start, their excitement palpable, but as he scanned the crowds, they were nowhere to be found. Needing a moment to collect his thoughts and perhaps find his friends, Light Shine decided to step out into the garden. The gentle breeze and the soft chirping of birds provided a stark contrast to the bustling energy inside. As he took a deep breath, trying to soak in the reality of the day, he suddenly felt an unusual shift in the atmosphere. Turning around, he found himself encircled by the three girls, each looking at him with a mix of determination and vulnerability. Lilith stepped forward, her voice soft but sure, "Light Shine, over the years, my feelings for you have grown. I... I love you." Before he could process her confession, Zero Gravity took a step closer, her eyes intense, "Light Shine, ever since we were kids, there’s been this connection. I... I love you too." Spring, with a gentle smile, approached, "Light Shine, our past and the kindness you showed me... it made me realize that I am deeply, truly in love with you." Light Shine was left speechless, the weight of their confessions pressing down on him. His heart raced, the enormity of the moment not lost on him. He opened his mouth, searching for words, but none came.
