(The next day)

Aika was in the kitchen making herself some steamed rice and tamagoyaki with cheese in the middle when the phone started ringing. She picked it up and heard her mother's calm, and caring voice over the line.

"Hello sweetie, how are you doing?" Aika's mother asked.

"Alright mom just had an interaction with that STD spreader at the store behind our house last night." Aika said, still disgusted by what happened last night.

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that sweet heart." Aika's mom said over the phone, sadness in her voice as she knew about her daughters situation with Hinote.

"It's okay mom, I punched that jerk right in the face when he grabbed at me." Aika said, reassured her mom.

"Well I don't like it when you use violence but considering the situation I'll let it slide." Aika's mom said.

"Thanks mom." Aika thanked graciously.

" Oh and sweetie can you do me a favor? I deposited some yen for you in the bank. I need you to go withdrawal it once your done doing what your doing " Her mother explained.

" Okay, I wanted to go out into town anyway after eating something and taking a shower " She told her mother, melting at the sound of a nice hot steamy shower.

"That's good dear I love you and I miss you." Aika's mom said lovingly.

"I love you mom bye." Aika said, she then ended the call with her mom.

As she was eating her rice and Tamagoyaki together she pulled out the notebook flipping through her drawings. Some of them were gory that she had fabricated, others were anime characters that she made classified as oc's. Her love for anime drive her to draw most of the things she does, as long as the anime is horror.

* Huh, I wonder if Amaya would've liked any of these if she never joined the cheerleading team * Aika questioned herself quietly. She tends to ponder what her and Amaya's relationship would look like now. Maybe she'd draw with her, she'll never know though.

Before Amaya had joined the cheerleading team she would compliment Aika on her drawings, saying things like ' Your talented ' or ' I really like that one '. Yet now it's always her saying that they are the ugliest things she's ever seen. With the only friend Aika ever had gone, all she had was her mom. Despite her mother not liking violence and gore it never once stopped her from supporting Aika, telling her that they were great drawings and everything. Even If Aika knew that her mom was a big supporter she still wanted someone else's opinion on her drawings. Being an outcast blocks out that chance, once people see you as a weirdo that's all you are.

The warm feeling on Aika's face snapped her out of her daydreaming, she was surprised to find that she was crying. Wiping the tears off her face she decided to watch some TV to try and distract herself from thinking about her ex-friend and her lonely life. She grabbed her bowl of rice, plate of tamagoyaki, her notebook, and sat down on the sofa. Aika began to watch TV looking for anything interesting as there was never really much on that grabbed her attention.

"And that's the weather for you all." The young and pretty newscaster announced before continuing on with "In other news a group of five teenage boys were found dead in an alleyway, strangely they were all cut perfectly. Live on the scene is commander officer Kaji who will give us a report on the situation regarding the case."

The TV then changed to the scene where the Commander was standing in front of the alleyway. Splatters of blood could be seen on the walls and the entrance was closed off with yellow police tape. Flashing red and blue light's could also be seen flashing off screen as there were still police cars in the area.

"Kaji how has the investigation on this murder been going and is their any clues on what may have happened to these boys?" The news woman who was there at the scene asked, before handing the microphone to Kaji.

" No unfortunately, we haven't been able to determine who the killer might be but I promise you that this murder will not go unpunished " He stated in a serious clear tone

"You hear that ladies and gentlemen commander Kaji here will not rest till the killer is brought to justice." The News woman stated while looking at the camera.

* Hm, some boys got killed? Never heard that before around here. I wonder who they were * Aika asked herself while continuing to eat.

As if the newscaster could hear her she said "In case you're all wondering who the victims are, Aakar will show you all their pictures of them." It then changed to the news man and the pictures of the boys all popped up.

When Aika saw one of the pictures she froze, one of them was Hinote. It shocked her, she had never wanted him to die just to stop bothering her.

"What the hell happened to him and who or what killed him?" Aika asked herself scared by this.

Being into gore and graphic stuff was one thing but seeing someone die that she knew even if she didn't like them is something completely different. Things like this just go to show that monsters truly exist deep down in some people. Aika was contemplating if she should still head out to withdraw the money for her mom- knowing there was a potential killer on the lose... she'd rather not be murdered today.

*Nah that won't happen, murders aren't that stupid enough to kill in broad daylight especially when this is the busiest time of day. I'm sure I'll be fine going out for a few hours, I might even get some lunch, do some sight seeing in stores * Aika said to herself finishing up her breakfast.

After she was done eating she got her dress, socks and shoes and headed to the bathroom. When she got into the bathroom Aika took off her purple and black striped pajamas and threw them into the laundry basket. She also slipped off her undergarments and threw them into the laundry basket as well. After getting undressed she looked into the mirror and looked at the bit of hair that was covering up her face in the reflection.

She crept closer to the mirror putting her hand up to her face, she pushed her hair out of her face. A flashback came back to her from her younger self, gasping at the memory she pulled her hair back before stepping away from the mirror. Her back hit the wall as she slid down sitting on the floor trying her hardest to forget the bad memory. Aika's hands covered her face while shaking her head.

" It's okay Aika, just focus on taking a shower and going out! It's okay " She told herself.

Aika got up opening the walk-in shower door turning on the shower. She waited for a minute before feeling the water, it wasn't too hot so she stepped in eager to just take her shower and forget the previous meltdown.

After she let the warm embrace of the shower wash away the horrible flashback, she slipped her clothes on grabbing her bag and sunglasses before heading out. She locked the door behide her and headed to the back and Mall.

* This would be alot easier with a bike * Aika thought to herself, she had never wanted one though it made travel faster. So she stuck to walking.

The area she lived in was about an half an hour walk to the city so Aika could walk there and back. On her way there she saw Amaya standing on the porch of one of the cheerleaders' houses. Aika started speed walking not wanting to talk to Amaya unfortunately Amaya spotted her and started running up to her.

"HEY AIKA I'VE GOT SOMETHING TO SAY TO YOU!" Amaya screamed angrily before grabbing Aika roughly by the arm.

"Ugh, what do you want Amaya?" Aika asked angrily while trying to get her arm out of Amaya's grip.

"IT'S HINOTE! THE LAST PERSON HE TALKED TO WAS YOU!" Amaya screams angrily while griping tighter on Aika's arm.

"Hey I didn't want to talk to him in the first place" Aika stated, before finally pulling her arm out of Amaya's grip.

" IT SHOULD'VE BEEN ME. INSTEAD IT WAS SOMEONE LIKE YOU! YOU TOOK HIM FROM ME YOU BITCH! " She cursed getting more heated.

" I DIDN'T! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY IT BEFORE IT CLICKS IN YOUR HEAD!? I HATE HIM! MAYBE IF YOU APPROACHED HIM YOURSELF YOU WOULD'VE HAD A CHANCE WITH HIM " Aika screamed back trying to catch her breath.

Furious by Aika's response Amaya raised her fist when they were stopped by what Aika remembered to be her mother.

" Woah! Okay maybe let's not hit each other. Why don't you and Amaya talk inside? I can make some green tea as well " Amaya's mother suggested while motioning the two inside to prevent a cat fight.

As she was being taken into the house she shot Aika a death glare to which Aika just rolled her eyes and continued on her way.

(Half an hour later)

Aika was now in the bank talking to her mom's bank assistant about the withdrawal.

"Okay your mother withdrew 25000 yen and she said that half of it is for you to get food and the other half is for emergencies." The bank assistant explained.

"Okay, I guessed as much. I'm glad we can save more yen since we Paid off my father's gambling debt that his stupid ass dragged us into " Aika spat the last part out of anger

"Yeah I know she told me about what happened to him. While I don't wish death upon anyone, I feel like what happened to him was the only way for you and your mom to live in peace in this world." The Bank assistant explained.

"Well I'm glad that happened to him, I hated him for my whole life. When I figured out we were never gonna see him again I was overwhelmed with happiness." Aika said to herself, forgetting the bank assistant.

"Oh I never knew that you felt that way about him." The bank assistant said, surprised by what Aika had said.

"Huh oh sorry I was thinking out loud. I'll just be on my way and head to the mall. I have no other business here." Aika explained, excusing herself.

"Oh no it's alright I understand he was an awful man so I know that you hated him." The bank assistant reassured Aika.

Glad to hear that, she soon finished up what she had to do. Once she was done there she left the bank heading towards the mall. When Aika walked in she saw that the place was packed full of people...as usual.

* What did I even expect?! School just end of course people are going to be crowding this place * She said to herself annoyed a little but not enough to make her leave.

She pushed through the crowds and went to the accessory shop to see if she could find a new hair clip. When she got there she was disappointed to see the other cheerleaders where in the shop as well.

* Great. Just fucking great. Like my day couldn't get any worse.* Aika thought to herself.

Aika quickly walked away trying her best to avoid the sight of the girls. She went into the hair accessories aisle, hopefully to find a hair clip that speaks to her. She groaned internally when she saw that they were all too pink and girly, she was looking for a more Gothic approach.

" *sigh* Why does every single store I go into never have the things I want " Aika asked herself out loud.

"Oh I don't know, probably because your fashion sense is ugly as hell." A snarky voice commented.

Aika cringed at the sound of the voice, and looked to her right and frowned as she saw three of the cheerleader's standing a few feet away from her.

"What the hell do you want?" Aika asked annoyed by them bothering her.

"Oh nothing, just some of the yen you got on you." The cheerleader said confadently.

"No way my mom left me this while she's away on her business trip." Aika spat before holding her bag that also had her wallet in it behind herself.

Unfortunately she felt someone trying to yank it out of her hand. When she looked back she saw there were two more cheerleaders, this made her even more angry as she only wanted to have a relaxing day at the mall.

"WHY THE FUKING HELL DO YOU GIRLS HATE ME SO MUCH!" Aika screamed furious, not even being careful with her words while she was pulling on her bag.

"Because you're a loner and a loser. It's sad honestly, you're mom is the only one who actually cares for you and she left your pathetic ass " She spoke while still trying to take her bag.

" How fucking dare you...YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO COMMENT ON ANYTHING! YOU WHORES TOOK MY FRIEND AWAY! IM THE WAY I AM BECAUSE OF YOU! " Aika screamed chasing her breath distracting her giving them the opportunity to rip the bag out her hands.

One girl landed a kick to her stomach, the other punched her making her slam against the shelves causing everything to fall.

" Oh look~ A notebook, I bet she draws ugly art in here. Like herself hm " She spoke opening the notebook.

She then pulled out the notebook and opened it up to see and hopefully rip out what Aika had drawn in it.

"Ugh look at this thing it's so ugly my eyes wanna die." The Cheerleader laughed and showed the other girls the picture.

They all laughed at the anime characters in her book that she had drawn. Their laughed echoing throughout the store as they made hurtful comments, the burn in Aika's heart and eyes started to set in. Memories of her father coming back.

" Look, her wallet. I wonder how much you were carrying on you " Another girl said while pulling out the black wallet adorned with purple.

" N-no! My mom gave that to me, please! " She begged trying to stand but was stopped with another kick to the stomach.

" So what? We don't give two shits that your pathetic mother gave it to you! If we want it, we take it. Unlucky for you, we want your money " Her hand slowly opened the wallet yet it was stopped by someone gripping her.

" GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME- " her sentence cut off by her pure shock at what she turned around to. There stood the manager, the cashier, and Haru. Safe to say they weren't happy with what they saw

"Oh M-Maneger! we-we were uuuhhh-" one of the girls tried to explain but was cut off by the manager.

" How dare you come into my store, abuse this poor young women and attempt to steal her money! You all are coming with me! " The manager took two of the girls while the cashier who had witnessed it and went to get help grabbed the other three with him into the back.

Haru stayed with Aika and helped her up and put her stuff back in her bag.

" T-thanks Haru..." Aika's voice shakily spoke out sitting in discomfort seemingly cluching her stomach from the previous attacks.

"Anytime I guess it was luck that I was here when they started bullying you, and it was a good idea to get a manager and employee." Haru said a bit flustered.

"Y-yeah well thanks I think I-I need to go to the clinic to get checked." Aika said as she felt like that she could've gotten a few cuts from the attack.

" I'll take you, there's one near by and I don't have a problem with it " He said almost a little too happy, he picked her up bridal style walking out the store hold her as if she was a new born.

* Oh my God, I'm actually carrying her! I've liked her for so long- I've dreamt about this and it's happening! I mean with Hinote out the way I can have her to myself. *Sigh* let's calm down Haru, you don't want to be creepy. I'm not one of those stalkers in a video, so as long as I play it cool and keep it together I'll be fine * Haru happy reassured himself

Soon the two got to the first aid station and the doctor working there took a look at Aika.

"hmm aside from a few bruises and the scratch on your arm you should be okay." The doctor said to the relief of Haru and Aika.

He then disinfected the scratch Aika had on her arm and got out a bandage to put over it. However when Aika got a look at the design she cringed again as she saw that it was pink and was decorated with rainbows.

"Un sir do you have any other bandages? I don't like the color pink or rainbows." Aika explained

"well we do have regular bandages if you don't want one that's decorated as the decorated ones are meant for younger kids." The doctor explained

"I'd like that, Thank you sir." Aika said graciously.

" Hey, it's just a part of the job " The doctor said smiling at the two while putting a plane bandage on her scratch.

Aika and Haru thanked him once again for his services and the two made their way to the food court.

"Hey Aika, would you like some ramen?" Haru asked.

"Sure, I'm in the mood for some shrimp ramen." Aika answered.

"Okay let's go get some." Haru said before leading Aika to the ramen shop.

"One steak ramen please." Haru ordered.

"And I'll have a shrimp Ramen with no mushrooms or boiled egg." Aika ordered with a few changes to how the ramen is made.

The cashier then told them the price for the ramen and Haru paid for both of them.

"Oh thanks Haru." Aika said grateful.

"Hey It's the least I could do after what happened with you and those cheerleaders." Haru said while putting his arm around Aika's shoulder.

" Hey love birds! You might as well just kiss already " Someone further back in the line shouted.

"WE'RE NOT LOVERS SO SHUT UP!" Aika shouted annoyed, with a bit of blush on her face while Haru was also blushing and rubbing the back of his head.

Soon their orders came and the two took their ramen bowls and sat down on a nearby table.

"So Aika what do you normally do at home?" Haru asked trying to create some form of a conversation.

"I mostly draw or when, my mom's home I do activities with her like gardening or shop for groceries and accessories around here." Aika answered.

"Oh well, do you play any video games?" Haru asked.

" Well, we couldn't afford consoles as my dumbass father's gambling got us into debt " She spat.

"Oh what did he do?" Haru asked feeling a bit sad for Aika when he heard that.

" He owes money to loan sharks that he couldn't pay back, so he gambled trying to. Of course it failed and it made our lives a living hell. We couldn't afford many basic living needs...but one day the loan sharks were tried of waiting for him I guess and one thing lead to another. I heard my mom talking to the police officer who told her he was found dead near a ditch somewhere secluded from the normal bush streets. That day I smiled- how could I not? We could finally live freely with my mom paying off the debt. Her having a good job made it easier and in the blink of an eye we were debt free. Now we live more comfortable lives...the lives we deserved " Aika explained coldly yet satisfied.

"Oh wow I had no idea that you and your mom had gone through that." Haru said feeling sorry for Aika and what she went through when she was younger.

"Yeah, but you wanna know another reason I'm glad he's dead? Because he was physically and verbally abusive as he also had an alcohol and drug addiction." Aika said bitterly and angerly.

" Wow. I'm really sorry for you and your mom. It must've been tough when he was around " Haru said.

"Yeah they were but now that he's gone our lives have never been better." Aika said with a slight smile on her face.

"Well I'm glad to hear that. Hey, can I see what you've drawn in your notebook?" Haru asked curious on what she drew in it.

"Oh sure and hey if you have yours I'd like to see it." Aika said as she got her notebook out, even though she was afraid that Haru would say about her drawings.

"Oh sure here" Haru said and pulled his out of his bag.

The two shared their drawing with each other and were impressed with one another's drawing talents.

"Wow Aika you're really talented! I love your art style it looks amazing, much better them my art style." Hari explained while looking at his notebook and drawings.

" Really? I've never had anyone else aside from my mom say that my drawings were good. Those girls always say the same thing, my drawings make them wish they were blind or there ugly " she explained a bit sad, yet a slight red coated her face.

"Well I'm surprised that those cheerleaders thought that they where bad, if they think your drawings are bad then they must not have good taste in art." Haru explained jokingly.

"Wow... I don't know what to say... Thanks Haru, that's one of the nicest things anyone aside from my mom had ever said to me." Aika explained.

Haru smiled at that and the two keep on having a conversation about other their likes and dislikes. However they didn't notices that a woman was hiding herself in the shadows with an earpiece on and was talking on the microphone.

"Yes sir, they're here, the last two entries. One of them knows what the notebooks do while the girl still doesn't know what they do. However, you should still make the announcement for the game." The woman said to the person on the other line.

The person on the other side of the line agreed with the woman and told her to head back to base. She agreed and left, but not before taking one look back to Aika and Haru.

"You two better watch out as you'll be in for the fight of your lives." The woman said before disappearing into the shadows.