Rika's POV
One ordinary morning… and just my daily routine.
Running through the hallways like a maniac, waving and yelling.
Mila: "Ohhh, morning, Rika! So energetic for a Monday, huh!"
She waved from our classroom on the second floor, her smile like warm sunshine.
Bryan: "Hey! Rika! Let me copy your math assignment! Please!"
He ran beside me like a puppy begging for food.
Rika: "Hahaha! Okay, okay — but first! Let me escape the prefect of discipline!!! AHHHH!!"
I dashed full speed while our guidance teacher chased me down like some boss monster from an RPG.
Teacher Mary: "You little brat! How many times do I have to tell you?! WEAR YOUR UNIFORM ON MONDAYS!!"
Rika: "NOOOO! I hate skirts — EWWW!!"
Upstairs, Mila and Bryan watched the scene like it was a morning comedy show.
Mila: "Here we go again…"
She leaned on the windowsill, totally unbothered.
Bryan: "Good thing I brought an extra shirt. She's gonna be soaked."
Finally, after a whole marathon, Teacher Mary gave up, panting in defeat.
I burst into our classroom, gasping for breath, dripping in sweat.
Bryan: "Need water?" (He handed me the shirt.)
Mila: "Geez. You could've just worn your uniform this morning and changed after! Look at you — you're a mess." (She wiped my face with a handkerchief.)
I was still trying to catch my breath, but my grin was glued to my face.
Rika: "Hahaha, sorry~ But hey, it's good exercise! Wanna join next time?"
Bryan: "Nope."
Mila: "Have fun. Alone."
Rika: "Traitors. I thought we were besties—buhuhuhu~"
Bryan: "Stop whining and fix yourself already."
Rika: "Huh? Why?"
Both of them raised their brows at me in sync.
Mila: "You forgot? You're supposed to assist the new transfer student today."
Rika: "M–Me? Why?!"
Bryan: "Teacher Lauren appointed you yesterday. Don't tell me you were half-asleep again?"
Mila: "She probably said yes with zero brain cells working."
Rika: "You two are cruel! Hahaha…"
As we kept barking at each other like usual, my phone suddenly buzzed in my pocket.
I pulled it out and saw Mom's name on the screen.
I laughed along with them and sat on my chair, still all sweaty from running earlier.
Then… I read the message.
Mom: Hey sweetie, hope to see you soon later. Mom misses you so much.
Mila peeked at my phone and immediately started the teasing again.
Mila: "Aww~ Mommy still texts you like that? You're in second year already!"
Bryan: "Want some warm milk too, baby Rika? Chuchuuu~" (He laughed way too hard at that.)
I rolled my eyes, but my smile stayed.
Rika: "Geez, what's wrong with having a sweet mom? Bryan, here's my notebook. Go copy quietly, okay?"
Bryan grabbed it like a hungry squirrel. Mila giggled and returned to her seat.
I locked my phone, still smiling…
…But that message? That wasn't just "Mom being sweet."
It was code.
"Go home. Immediately. No questions."
I stared straight ahead, staying calm as class began.
But my hand trembled slightly on the desk.
No one noticed.
I clasped my hand tight.
"Do just what we do.
Don't let emotions control you."
A whisper. A prayer. A rule.
And just like that
The shaking stopped.
The mask stayed on.
Yes.
That's right.
No feelings.
Just do what needs to be done.
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