"Moshi moshi. Hai, watashi wa toshokan ni imasu. Alright, I'm on my way."

While I was walking towards the main building, I noticed a few people taking pictures in front of the university's statue. It was sunny out, so it's a given that a lot of students are going to be taking pictures wearing their new clothes and shoes.

It was the 13th of March and the snow had just recently gone away. Winter isn't my favorite season, it was the most boring one for me. I just feel very lonely during winter.

Maybe it was because my friends always go out of town or the country to travel to their loved ones. While I stay here in Japan to continue studying. I can't travel back to the Philippines to visit my loved ones because I still don't have a free schedule. I take a lot of extracurricular and other part time jobs just to earn more money. It's ironic because my Mom is one of the richest women known in the industry and yet I have to work my ass off just to survive.

I'm a senior at my college and finals are coming and so am I finally graduating. I am so excited because I only have a few more units left and I know I could do it. Only a few more breakdowns and my hard work would finally pay off!

"Kaito, we have a surprise for you." Hiroshi said as he was reaching for something in his jacket. I rolled my eyes when I figured out what he had for me.

"Here," he took out his hand from his jacket and I saw that his middle finger was raised up.

"Tangina mo," I whispered and he flicked my forehead and I hissed at him. "What the fuck is your problem, man?"

"I told you not to speak in tagalog, right?" he said in the weirdest accent and I chuckled. I saw Airi and Sachi approaching us in my peripheral vision so I composed myself because I didn't want to look like an idiot while laughing at my dumbass best friend.

"Kon'nichiwa Kaito, ogenkidesuka?" Airi asked me and I don't know why but my heart suddenly started beating fast. Airi-san is one of the exchange students from Korea this academic year but she also knows how to speak Japanese because she took lessons before migrating here in Japan.

Since she transferred here in the university, we became friends because of Sachi. He was the one who guided Airi when she was still new here. Ever since the day she got here, I knew she had a small little crush on me which was cute. She even confessed her love for me but all I told her was that I am not yet ready to settle and commit.

But I am going to be honest, I liked her too late. I am also not planning to tell her that I am feeling something different towards her because I don't want her to get hurt by me.

"Genkidesu arigatō." I gave her a small smile and I saw how her eyes lit up when I said those two words. I don't even know what she liked about me. I am just a simple boy who strives to become better everyday.

I always had many struggles, that's why I have a part time job during the night which is being a party DJ or a club DJ. I get paid in a good amount so why not do it for the extra income? I am saving up for a flight to the Philippines anyway. Being a DJ is a hobby of mine, I like seeing people dance to the rhythms of the music.

"Kaito, I really have a surprise for you." Hiroshi said again and I gave him a glare. I swear if he's going to give me another middle finger I'll beat his ass up.

He got a small box from his bag and threw it at me. Luckily, I catched it because I could've dropped the only thing that Hiroshi has given me. I opened the box and it was a vape pod.

"I was actually the one who suggested Roshi to give you a pod," Sachi said while raising his hand.

"Quit smoking cigarettes, Kai. Use a pod instead," Hiroshi said and pulled out his own vape pod and inhaled it. He exhaled with smoke out from his mouth. I didn't use it though.

Instead, I took out a cigarette stick and placed it in my mouth. I reached for my lighter and as I was about to light up the stick, I saw Airi looking at me with her innocent eyes. I couldn't do it. So I excused myself and walked out of the scene.

While I was walking back to my apartment, my phone rang which was odd. Who was calling me at this hour?

When I looked at my phone, it was my Mom. Oh fuck, did I do something wrong? When I picked up the phone, I thought that I was going to hear loud screams but all I heard was the loudness of silence.

"Hello?"

[Hello, anak. Where are you right now?] I heard my Mom's voice on the line. My heart was racing, I don't know if I did something wrong!

"Hello, 'Ma. May kailangan po ba kayo?" I asked immediately. Alam kong hindi tumatawag si Mama nang walang dahilan. There must be something that she needed from me and it's probably a favor.

['Nak, may darating bukas d'yan na babae. Her name is Anathasia Fleurienne, call her Rienne. Sunduin mo siya sa Haneda airport, exactly 4:30 PM ang dating niya riyan. She'll stay with you at your apartment for a month or more.]

My jaw dropped with what my Mom said. A girl staying with me for a month or even more? What the fuck?

"Kuso!" I whispered a curse thinking it won't be heard by my Mother.

[Did you just curse at me, Kaito Ren? Let me remind you that I am the one paying for your tuition fee, your monthly dues, and apartment rent!] I shrugged when she started scolding me. [You don't have the right to complain. I'll be needing her help in observing how our business is being managed there since you can't do it yourself. There's an extra room at your apartment so fix it and place a bed and organize the closet. I want you to welcome her and make her feel comfortable.]

I sighed heavily, "What's in it for me?" I unconsciously said which I regretted. My impulsiveness is kicking.

[Excuse me? May I remind you that you're talking to your mother. Kailangan mo siya sunduin bukas at wala kang choice.]

"But Mom! You know that I don't want any distractions when I am studying."

[Don't worry, you won't even notice that she's there with you.]

"Huh, what do you mean?" I asked. Like she's not here with me? Ano siya, multo? Gago naman.

[Basta. Malalaman mo rin kung ano ang ibig kong sabihin kapag nakasama mo na siya sa isang bubong.]

It took me a hot minute before I answered her. "Fine. Can she speak Nihongo? Or do I have to also teach her how?" I tried not to sound sarcastic.

[Trust me, honey. Rienne might be full of surprises. So get to know her.]

"No need, I'm already excited to get over this."

[Whatever, 'nak. Just don't do anything stupid. I don't want to get a message from her complaining that you snore.]

My forehead formed a crease, "I don't snore. Goodbye, Mom."

I dropped the call and walked like a zombie back to my apartment. I groaned out of frustration because I won't be able to study tonight because I have to clean the whole apartment for a stupid girl.

I just hope she's not annoying.