(So I thought it would be interesting to get Natsuki's POV every few chapters to make it interesting! Also this chapter is 3000 words long so enjoy! Updates will be coming out slower because I want to make lengthier parts! Also thanks for 1k reads! I'd love feedback as always! But anyways enjoy the horrible grammar and usage of sentences show! *Bows* - Author-Chan)

I could feel my empty stomach churn nothingness, squirming and retracting as if trying to get even a molecule of food from my pit. There was nothing there and a sharp pain in my abdomen reminded myself that I had barely eaten in the past week. Did I even eat at all? Maybe some cupcake batter and then a cupcake, but nothing else really. It really hurt and I silently cursed myself that I had not gotten a job yet to buy my own food. Dad had his own little stash of treasured food but he would beat the shit out of me if he noticed that I had snatched some... I've already tried that once. That was the last time I would attempt such a thing. I remember for two weeks I had to wear a scarf around my neck to hide nasty bruising from his grimy, bear-like hands that felt like they were about to crush my windpipe. It was even more embarrassing going into school and being berated with repetitive questions on why I had one on in the first place, the others worry about me too much. I guess the only good thing to come out of that, that I was alive. Alive. Here. In this world. In school. Wait- oh yeah I'm in school. Ugh I hate school, though the other day meeting someone with the same interests as me was... Pretty cool I guess. I hate to admit that. Though I wanted to meet her from her last class and walk with her to the club room today, just because I was pretty bored. I had asked the teacher if I could go to the bathroom before class ended, indicating that it was an emergency, despite the disappointing frown on her face, she obliged. Eager, excited voices were muffled by shut doors as students had lined up at the exit to break free from Hell, some even pressing up against the glass door as if to force it open. People's gazes followed me as I scurried down the hall and into the girl's bathroom, sighing in relief as I chose the big stall at the end of the lavatory and closed the wooden stall door behind me. I leaned up against the wall beside the toilet and closed my eyes, the muffled voices were now even less bothersome. The question of what time it was before the bell rung made me pull out my old, slightly cracked smartphone and click the power button to see my parfait girls lockscreen present the time. 2:00. I had about 5 minutes to get to (Y/N's) class, and slipped my disheveled phone back into my bright pink backpack to venture out to where I hoped her class would be. It was definitely on the same floor as mine, I had seen her come out of there a few times. Just all the way down the hall and then a left? I walked around the corner to see an identical classroom door labeled 1A. It was an English class. I hated it but loved it because i was never satisfied with my simple, grade-school-like writing, the teachers said I need to have a use of longer words in my vocabulary. Teachers are hella lame! Another small sigh escaped my chapped lips as I slid quickly over to the other side, leaning my bony back into the cold tiled wall behind me and folding my small arms over my non-existent chest. I waited, for a bit, just thinking about all the bullshit I had to go through a daily basis. I wish I could punch someone. Mainly Papa. My face instinctively scunched up unpleasantly and my pink eyes slightly squinted, lava was bubbling inside of me already from just the thought. That drunk bastard takes things way too far. He had hurt me today because I had gotten barely any sleep, and I was struggling to get up out of bed for school. So with his huge bear hands, he snatched me up by the neck and tossed me out of bed, with a harsh kick to my frail abdomen. It hurt still, both my neck and tummy, the hunger pains didn't help at all whatsoever. "Life's just fucking peachy!" I thought to myself and jumped suddenly from the screeching bell and sudden loud noises of school inmates making their getaway. Many people bumped into me as they rushed out of the door and towards the exit, down the hall, I mumbled a few curses at them as they gave me quizzical glances. This made me snap a bit. "Hey! Keep walking you fucker!" Snarling at the couple of rowdy boys who had ran into me. They widened their eyes, probably bewildered at my sharp knife-like voice piercing their ears, and probably my aggressiveness for my small size and went down the hall with more haste, bumping into even more people on the way. The sad sight made me snarl, but I instantly erased it as I heard a familiar voice, after people had already left the building and I could finally hear my own thoughts."Hey... Natsuki!" A cheerful familiar voice broke my nasty thoughts.

"Ah, hey. (Y/N)!" I replied and took a few steps forward to finally remove myself off the tiled walls, warmth now flooded me. Sweet, sweet warmth! I tried to reply with my usual harsh voice, but I felt exceptionally weak today. I didn't turn to face her as she spoke, I could already feel myself breaking. Did my voice crack a little? C'mon Nat. Don't do this, not now, not ever! I told myself over and over again as she looked at me with her warm (E/C) eyes full of concern. Or maybe it was pity, ugh she better not be pitying me! My whole body, and spirit was worn out, I didn't want to act tough. But I HAD to... No one can EVER know what has happened... I wouldn't know what to do by then.

"Are you okay?" The (H/C) girl asked with a anxious tone, her pretty voice dancing melodicly through the empty hallways, by the heavy air I knew that she could tell that something was up, but I just tried my best to ignore her concern and swallow away my own. Like whatever they say. 'Fake it until you make it'? Yeah I'm trying my best. Suppressing a wince as I massaged my neck I headed in the direction of the Literature Club. My only true safe space. A place where I felt like I could be myself for the most part, only an occasional tease at my height or passion for anime and manga. That was something I could definitely deal with, I mostly just snapped at them and it caused most people to shut their stupid traps.

"I'm fine, okay? Its whatever." I shrugged it off and continued onward almost as if trying to shield off the fact that she had noticed that something was up with my demeanor. I forced my weakness down into a pit, trying my best to bury it so that it would not be discovered. In silence With sluggishness I lead (Y/N) to the club room, gulping down the painful stone in my throat as I controlled my grief, now opening the door energetically and placing my hands on my narrow hips as (Y/N) joins beside me. She was a good few inches taller than me. I craft my nasty and aggressive attitude once again, like putting on a mask and wander my eyes over the three other girls and boy who looked more excited to see the new member than me. They don't even care do they? They're ignoring me because I probably bug them too much... My own usual greeting is trapped in my throat, my bruised throat. My whole body is sore. I'm so hungry.

Very.

Hungry.

Sayori was being cheery as usual. How could she do that everyday? it's kind of admirable I admit. I know I couldn't do that, but if people see me this vulnerable they'll either make fun of me or be dragged in to the Hellish mess I call my life. My stomach growls and I silently curse myself for the millionth time today and slowly slink back towards the door and down to the bathroom.

Please don't notice me.

A relieved, shaky sigh escaped my dry lips as they didn't seem to notice I had left, too lost in their conversation especially with Sayori being so bubbly and loud today. The bathroom was down the stairs near the vending machine, not too far away. Though as I descended down the shiny tiled stairs I felt my knees buckle for a split moment, making me lose my balance and fly forward to doom. I braced myself for an impact that might shatter my whole frail body, but at the last second I clung onto the railing like my life depended on it gasping for air. That was way too close for comfort. It took me only a moment to gather myself again and carefully I finished the journey down stairs and into the vacant bathroom. The familiar acrylic sink and countertop greeted me along with my own blurry reflection.

I look like shit.

They probably noticed.

I'm just pathetic and weak.

A mess.

My short pink hair looked a little messy today, since I had to rush to school. I didn't even take a shower. Another sigh escaped my lips and I examined my pale, drained face. My fierce pink eyes, now full of fear adorned with gloomy dark circles from underneath. They were also full of fear, pain, and torment. Now all I could see was colors, my vision was blurry. I felt something wet and cold trickle down my slightly ruddy cheeks. It was pretty almost, silver and shining as it gracefully hit the floor.

Beautiful rain.

Maybe I should write a poem about this. Then the other side of my cheek felt cold once more, and liquid silver emerged from my eyes.

I'm crying.

What's the point in crying? Papa says it's a sign of weakness, how worthless I really am. I mean if they ignored me like that today, then maybe I am.

W o r t h l e s s.

My chest spasmed a few times as I turned on the faucet to wash my face. I washed away my silver-stained cheeks and sniffled. I was looking at myself again. My eyes are now red instead of pink. Another hunger pang came my way and decided to twist a knife inside my abdomen.

I'm extremely hungry.

I decide to look for coins around the vending machine.

 With another pained sigh I take my leave from the bathroom and embark on my quest to get food. When I get there I kneel down and reach my tiny fingers into the coin container, praying for at least some quarters. After rummaging around I felt small, flat, round metallic coins! Score for Natsuki! The few quarters were comfortingly cold to the touch. It was really exciting to take the free money since it felt nice in my palms. Papa always complained about money, and how I should be working so I can help paying bills, but I need to focus on school. Then he calls me worthless, and how I'd be better off dead. Another lump was forming in my throat. No, I must stay strong. No more fucking crying, not now in the open like this. Shaking off bad thoughts that were desperately trying to cling on to me, I go on all fours and peer behind the huge monstrous machine of food. Man if only I could break open the glass and steal some, but I wouldn't stoop that low.

I'm not like Papa.

He is a cheater.

He is a liar.

He was a monster.

I could spot a few glinting coins that were out of my reach as I jammed my slim arm under and grunt with frustration as I try to retrieve the treasure. "Damn it... C'mon if only my fingers were a tad longer...!" Another grunt comes from deep within my injured throat as I was less than half an inch away from a coin. Though I had been trying for quite a while...

I really am just good for nothing.

I could feel frustration and anger boil inside of me, I was ready to erupt like a violent volcano. Fuck this! I retracted my arm back and prepared myself to punch the stupid machine. Hell maybe it would move it out of the way, but I'm not even possibly strong enough to move the huge metal thing. I made my mark on the machine and felt pain in my bony knuckles as the only thing the vending machine did was let out a small cry, a laugh.Shit, I actually punched that thing really fucking hard! I rubbed my knuckles and rotated around to see her. (Y/N). I could feel anxiety stab me and a heavy pang in my chest as my face drained a little of its minimal color as the girl stood there quietly, with the same genuine concern in her eyes. Though I quickly jolted up onto my feet and brushed myself off of dust. The floors were pretty dirty today. Then I gave my signature cold death stare- well maybe not death glare, but a fierce one. I needed to act 'normal' again.

"Damn... Ugh you didn't see anything okay?" I grit my sharp teeth as I spoke, the tension was definitely rising. It was almost suffocating, hanging perfectly still in the air. "A-are you okay? You seem... Off?" Fidgeting with the hem of her navy skirt she take a few cautious steps forward, peering down at the me.

"I-I'm fine!" I growled and looked to the floor, though my voice was growing weaker by the second. II could feel myself almost as if I had left my body. I was floating until I fell to ground, collapsing like a ragdoll on top of (Y/N). Oh god why now?! With a yelp of surprise she caught me and settled down to the floor gently and supported my with one firm hand on my small back. I was now cursing a lot, and now I could feel that annoying headache harass me. I massaged my pale forehead with my small fingers.. "Agh... So dizzy...."

"Easy now...". Her voice was like warm syrup, sweet and smooth, but there was a hint of panic and worry. Maybe someone cares after all. There air was dense, almost heavy with a negative emotion.

Suffocating.

Her hand retracted and returned to my back once again, making me tense up and flinch by instinct. I blame Papa for that. It brought back bad memories and I quietly let out a whimper. Ugh I'm so weak. "S-sorry.." Stammering the (H/C) girl reached in her pocket and pulled out shiny coins. I'm just the worst, (Y/N) looks so guilty. "Just stay there... Please." I wanted to say that I could handle myself, but I was deathly hungry. I need the food. With defeat I brought my knees to my non-existent chest, and buried my face into them with a groan. With haste my friend got two protein bars from the vending machine, the good kinds too. Kneeling down in front of me with her index finger she taps my bony  shoulder and offers the food to me. Quickly I unwrap one and feel energy flood back into me as I cram it into my small mouth, tearing the bar apart. It was full of dried fruit and nuts, with a hint of honey covered in chocolate. It was heavenly, I could tell because my taste buds exploded with flavor, though quickly it dissipated because my body took a mind of its own and scarfed the first bar in record time. I like to savor my food, the small amount I get, but my body was ready to give out. Though (Y/N) saved me. Even if this just happened once I couldn't help myself but give her a warm smile, showing my canine fangs.

"T-thanks..." Is all i manage to say. Am I blushing? My cheeks feel really warm. "If you're w-w-wondering why that happened... It was because I don't really get much food at home. Don't have the money for it..." I managed to say, though could feel my throat tighten again. She looked me over again, as if examining an injured patient at a hospital as she sat beside me against the white wall. 

I said too much.

She'll know the truth.

Why am I so weak?

"It's nothing, if you don't get much to eat, then I could pack an extra lunch..." Another friendly gaze came my way. But i couldn't just have (Y/N) do that for me everyday, it'll just burden her! Before I could even manage to decline the way too kind offer she interjects loudly, her gentle voice now bouncing off the walls in every direction. Damn she's fiercer than I thought, well I mean I never thought she'd be the person to be remotely that loud. "I WILL make you lunch! You look famished, whether you like it or not!" Its like she's ordering me around like a child, I feel like everyone treats me that way because of my small size. Though I could see something in my friend's eyes that made it seem so genuine. Determination was as bright as day in those (E/C) eyes of hers. Now that I look at them... They are a pretty coIor. 

Ugh. No. Gross.

I puffed out my pale cheeks in a cutesy, but slightly angry manner. I hate the word 'cute'. I Could only silently accept her offer with a nod as I could feel my body float upwards again. Am I going to pass out? Though I felt warm steady hands lift me onto my feet and guide me down the hallway. 

Is this what it feels like to be taken care of?

 "If you need help, I'll be willing to give it." Sincerity dripped from her words. I think she actually cares, and again I had to smile, but it felt good this time because she also smiled back. As we walked back to the classroom I idly stuffed the other protein bar in my mouth, energy was flowing through my veins.  

I like smiling.