It was a typical afternoon; Kei and I are walking home after school. We decided to walk going to and from school since I prefer walking rather than taking the car.  

 

“Let’s stop over the manga store first before going home. I need to buy some manga.” I told Kei as I saw the manga store 

“We have a quiz tomorrow. You should study on that first rather than reading some manga.” Sighed Kei but he has no choice but to come with me to the manga store 

“It’s fine. I need to boost my brain by reading this first before textbook.” I laughed and get the manga that I want and went to the cashier to pay for it. 

“Let’s grab some takoyaki first. I’m starving!” I said as I drag Kei to the takoyaki stand across the street. 

“Here.” I said and gave him the box of takoyaki, “Omou~ oishii!” I exclaimed in happiness as I eat my takoyaki 

“Don’t talk when your mouth is full.” He sighed and wipes my lip with the tissue 

“Ne, isn’t that Haruma-san’s girlfriend?!” I heard one of the girls who are buying at the takoyaki stand said 

“Yeah! It is her!” agreed another one as I saw her check the internet for clarifications 

“Then why is she dating with someone else?! Did she broke up with Haruma-san?!” said another one angrily 

“Gosh, this girl is so ty!” said one of them 

“Oi! How dare you break Haruma-san’s heart?!” shouted one of them as she grab my arm 

“What are you doing? Let go of her!” said Kei as he shove the girl’s hand away and drag me behind him 

“What are you saying!?” I exclaimed. I’m getting pissed off right now 

“You’re so ty! A week ago, you dated Haruma-san, and now, you’re dating another guy?!” exclaimed the other girl 

“You’re still in high school but you’re already a , what more can you do once you became older enough?!” said the third girl in disbelief 

“I don’t know what you’re saying!” I shouted at them 

“Don’t you dare call her !” exclaimed Kei as he looks furious 

“Get lost you !!!” shouted the three of them as they pick some stones at the nearby plant box and throw it at me 

“Ahh! Itte! Yamete!” I shouted as the stones hit me 

“What is wrong with you?! Stop it!” said Kei as he hugs and covers me 

“Die you !” said another one as they keep on throwing stones and sands on us 

“Prrrt! What are you doing?!” a police on patrol saw what happened and came running towards us. The girls then started running away 

“Oi! Stop right there!” shouted the police as he ran after them 

“You’re hurt!” exclaimed Kei as he saw my forehead bleeding because of the stone that hit me a while ago 

“I’m fine ne. Let’s just go home.” I smiled faintly and brushed off the dirt on my uniform 

 

“Baby!! What happened to you?!” papa exclaimed as he saw Kei and I with dirty uniforms and bleeding forehead and hands 

“Oh, this is nothing papa.” I said 

“Inoo Kei what happened on my daughter? You take full responsibility of this because you’re her bodyguard!” papa exclaimed as he looks so furious 

“Papa, don’t scold Kei, onegai. He did everything he can to protect me.” I protested 

“Gomen Haruma-san. I take full responsibility about what happened.” Kei said as he bows down to papa 

“Tell me what happened!” papa is enraged by now. 

“Apparently, some of your fans thought that you and Rein are dating and they got angry at her when they saw her with me, thinking that she is dating me now. They even called her a .” Kei said 

“Why did you told him that?” I nudged Kei 

“It is his right as your father to know what’s going on with you, Rein.” Kei said 

“This happened because of me. I’m so sorry my baby.” Papa said in a crack voice as he hugged me gently 

“Geez. This is nothing ne. No need for all of you to overreact.” I said 

“This is not a serious matter, Rein. They cannot just hurt you like that!” papa said firmly 

“Looks like it’s time to introduce Rein to the people and our stakeholders.” Grandpa said as he walks down the staircase 

“Ehh?” I uttered 

“I agree with you touchan.” Said papa 

“This coming Saturday, I will hold a presscon and party to introduce you as my granddaughter and the heiress of my company.” Announced grandpa which didn’t failed to send chills in my spine. Like I hate social gatherings and since this will be hosted by my grandpa, this will not gonna be your ordinary social gathering! 

“Baby, you better get ready for that ok? The world needs to know that you’re my baby and no one can hurt you ever again.” Papa said as he hugs me 

 

 

I only got 5 days left to prepare for the said event. I need to put all my efforts in preparing for it because this is my first time attending to a formal event like that! Thinking about it makes me nausea. 

 

“Ok Rein, you need to get used in wearing heels since you’ll be in these babies the entire night.” Tego said as he hands me the pair of shoes that I’ll be wearing for the party. It’s like three inches silver high heels. Like how on earth am I going to walk in those?! 

“Mou. Do I really need to wear this, Tego?” I pouted at the sight of the heels 

“Of course you do! These babies will make you have that confidence while you walk. Come on, try it.” Smiled Tego 

“Geez. Guess I have no choice.” I sighed and put them on “Woah!” I wobbled as I tried to stand on these heels 

“Keep your balance dear. Then start walking slowly.” Smiled Tego 

I started to walk slowly until I am getting the hang of it. 

“Nice. Keep going, dear.” Smiled Tego 

“Omou! My baby is practicing her heels ne. Kawaii na!” papa said as he went inside the room and hug me which made me wobble again at my place 

“Waaah!” I shouted but I felt papa’s arms catch me 

“Be careful baby.” Papa smiled at me 

“Harumacchi what are you doing?! You’re distracting our lessons! Geez!” Tego shouted as he whacks papa’s head 

“Ittai! Why did you do that, Tego?!” pouted papa 

“Stop being clingy to your daughter and let her focus on what I’m teaching her!” sneered Tego 

“Aish. Leave your daughter alone, Macchi.” Sighed Shige-san which is drinking his tea at the sofa and drags papa away from me 

“You seemed very close with Tego and Shige-san, ne papa.” I said 

“Well it’s because we’re childhood friends my dear Rein.” Smiled Tego 

“Waaah! Sugoi ne.” I said in amazement 

“Hai. That’s why then can easily whack your papa’s head.” Pouted papa as he was about to go to me but Shige-san caught him at his collar and have him behave like a child 

“Please continue.” Said Shige-san as he drinks his tea again 

 

I practiced hard for the past few days for the upcoming event. It is now Saturday so, this is it! We went to the hotel where the event will take place and I was taken to a room wherein there’s my gown, shoes and make up waiting for me. They now started to doll me up. It was almost evening when we finished with my hair and make up. I wear my gown and the heels and breathe heavily. It’s showtime. 

 

I was instructed by the coordinator to stand at the top of the stairs. Papa came to me. I heard grandpa speak. 

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank all of you for coming to this event. As you all know, I am approaching my retirement age, but worry not, for the company will be in good hands. I am happy to introduce to all of you, the heiress of my company. Non other than my granddaughter, Rein!” grandpa announced as the spotlight focused on me and that was our cue in going down the stairs 

 

Papa escorted me and I walked down the staircase. Everyone is looking at me. I almost got blind with all the flashes of the camera from every angle of the hall. I’m glad the hair and make up team are so good in dolling me up. My hair was in a messy updo and flower crystals accentuate my hair. I am wearing a halter flowy gown which hugged my body well in an ombre color of lilac and old rose. The top part is accentuated with tiny flower crystals and I am wearing the silver high heels which Tego made me practiced walking and dancing to. I heard everyone clap as we walk down the staircase. 

 

“Oh my! She is so beautiful.” I heard one of the guests said 

“I didn’t know Yuuji-san has a granddaughter ne. She looks so elegant.” Said another one 

“So this is Haruma’s daughter. She took it after her father.” Said another one 

 

“Everyone, my granddaughter Rein.” Introduced grandpa which earned applause in the hall 

“She is my one and only daughter.” Smiled papa 

 

After the introduction, everyone went to us and greeted me. Some complimented me, while the others wished me luck. I just smiled there and answer them briefly. I don’t want to make a mistake so I tried not to talk as much as possible. It’s only when they focused on grandpa that I had my lone time. 

 

“Here. You should eat first.” Said Kei as he handed me plate with foods 

“Mou! I am really hungry! You’re a life saver, Kei.” I pouted and happily takes the plate from him. 

“Rein-chan you look sooooo beautiful!” exclaimed Hikaru as he gave me a hug 

“Oi! Careful ne. My foods might get spilled.” I said “But thanks.” I smiled 

“Rein-chan, kawaii!” said Satomi as she looks so elegant herself in a royal blue off shoulder gown 

“You look pretty, Rein.” Smiled Kota who was Satomi’s for tonight 

“Picture!” said Chiaki as she took a photo of us six in her phone. She looks gorgeous as well in her mermaid high neck beaded black gown 

“You look amazing on stage, Rein.” Said Keito who is the of Chiaki 

“You don’t know how nervous I was a while ago! Like everyone is looking at me! Camera everywhere! It’s like saying I cannot make a mistake.” I said while eating the foods Kei gave to me 

“But you did well.” Kei smiled at me and wipes my lip gently 

 

“Rein! Can you come here for a while?” it was papa who’s calling me. Together with him are grandpa and four people; they look like a family. 

“Hai.” I said and walked towards them 

“Rein, I would like to introduce you to your aunt Suzu and uncle Ken. These are their twin daughters, Shinobu and Kasumi.” Grandpa introduced them 

“Suzu is my cousin.” Added papa 

“Yoroshiku ne.” I bowed at them 

 

“! It’s them!” gasped Hikaru as he saw who Rein was talking to 

“Seriously?!” uttered Kota as they all look at the direction of Rein  

“What’s wrong?” asked Satomi 

“That family should not be trusted. Apparently, Suzu-san is Haruma-san’s cousin. They must have come here when they knew that Rein will be introduced as the heiress of the company.” Said Hikaru 

“What do you mean?” asked Chiaki confusedly 

“That family wants Yuuji-san’s company to be passed on to one of their daughters.” Added Keito 

“Rein should be careful of them.” Said Kota as Kei is looking intently at them 

 

“So you will hand over your company on her, uncle.” Said this lady named Suzu as she looked at me from head to toe. I don’t like the way she looks at me. As well as her daughters. It’s as if they’ll eat me alive. 

“Just like what I announced, yes. She is the heiress of my company.” Said grandpa firmly. Why do I feel some tense in here? 

“I see. I expect that she is ready to take over your position. Running a company is not easy like walking in heels, darling.” Said Suzu as she looks at me. With that, the host announced that everyone is free to dance at the dance floor. 

 

I saw the crowd moved their way at the center. I saw Kota asking Mi-chan for a dance. Same goes to Keito and Chi-chan. Everyone went to the middle of the hall so we have to move aside because there’s quite a people in the dance area. 

“Shinobu, Kasumi, why don’t you talk with Rein first so you can bond with your cousin.” The guy named Ken instructed his daughters 

“Yes daddy.” Said Shinobu, “Let’s talk at the garden, shall we?” she turned towards me and went outside with Kasumi. I followed them 

 

“I heard you didn’t grew up together with grandpa and uncle Haruma.” Started Shinobu as we were at the garden 

“You were an orphan before they found you.” Added Kasumi 

“Ah. Hai. I was.” I uttered. What are these two trying to say? 

“Life must be tough for you ne. That’s why knowing that grandpa who owns a multibillion company is your grandfather as well is like an answered prayer ne.” smirked Shinobu 

“I heard you were born out of wedlock ne. And that having you was all a mistake. My mom told us what happened before. Uncle Haruma was a mischievous guy and your mom was an ace student in your school. Uncle Haruma dated your mother out of bet, he didn’t really loved your mother. That’s why when your mom got pregnant, uncle Haruma decided to leave her. But she pleaded and forced to be with him and that when the accident took place, when your mother insisted to be with uncle Haruma.” Said Kasumi which made my scalp numb. What are they saying? Are those true. Is that the true story?! 

“Poor you ne. Looks like uncle Haruma wants to be a bachelor for the rest of his life so he won’t be able to give grandpa an heir of the company so grandpa has no choice but to find you and put you in that position.” Said Shinobu 

“If I were you, I’ll feel like a pawn in chess ne.” added Kasumi 

“No. You’re lying.” I said as tears formed in my eyes 

“That’s what our mom told us. I don’t think she will lie about family matters.” Smirked Shinobu 

“No!” I shouted as I hold onto my head. I cannot process what they’re saying. These are all too much for me. I ran  far away from them. Far away from that party. I don’t belong there. No one wants me there. I should just probably get lost! 

 

“REIN!” shouted Kei as he looks for Rein outside and saw Shinobu and Kasumi 

“Where is Rein?!” he asked them as he looks enraged 

“She went to grab some fresh air ne.” smirked Shinobu 

“WHERE IS REIN?!” asked Kei as he looks at them angrily and scared them 

“She went that way!” said Kasumi and pointed where Rein went. Kei immediately ran where she was pointing 

 

I keep running and running. I don’t know where the hell my feet are taking me. I just want to get away from there. My feet hurts because of the heels but I don’t care, my heart is aching more than my feet. I run and run while tears fell down my eyes suddenly, I felt myself falling on the hard ground as the heel of my shoe broke. I lay there on the ground, crying. Suddenly, I heard a voice called me. 

 

“REIN!!!” it was Kei. I know his voice even without looking. Then I felt a pair of hands hold onto my shoulders and picked me up 

“Rein! Are you ok?! Tell me what’s wrong!” Kei looked at me in a panic and worried mode but I just keep on crying my eyes out. 

“Rein, please.” He said and hugged me. We stayed there for like 5 minutes or so. Then he carried me bridal style. I don’t know where he will take me, I just cry there. Minutes of walking, we arrived at a house. We went inside. The inside of the house is dark, as if no one is using it. Who’s house is this? I don’t care anymore. He opened the lights and gently placed me onto the sofa. 

“We’re at my house. Well, old house. Just feel at home.” He said and gives me a glass of water 

“Calm yourself first.” He told me as I took the glass and drink. I am starting to calm now but still in the state of shock 

“Rein, clean up yourself first. I’ll make you some tea to help you calm down.” He said as he went upstairs and when he got back, he handed me a pair of pajamas 

“These are new and clean. You can change to this. There’s the bathroom.” He told me as he pointed in one of the doors. Like a zombie, I stood up, get the pairs of pajamas and walked lifelessly towards the door he pointed. I took a bath but I still cried whenever I remembered what Shinobu and Kasumi told me. I finished taking a bath and changed into the pajamas then went out. I saw Kei waiting at the living room with the teacups and some foods on the table. I went towards him. 

 

“Feeling better now?” he asked. I am still staring blankly into space. Kei hold my hand gently. 

“Rein, please tell me what happened. Why did you suddenly ran out of the party? Why are you crying and looked like that? Rein, please.” Pleaded Kei as tears started falling down my eyes again. This time, I had the courage to tell him everything Shinobu and Kasumi told me a while ago. 

“Is that the whole story, Kei? Am I made out of mistake? Am I not really loved by my father? Am I just a pawn?!” I asked him these questions while crying hard. He then cupped my face 

“Rein, why are you believing the persons whom you just met? You’ve been living with Yuuji-san and Haruma-san for months now, you think what they’re showing you were all acts? I don’t know what happened before but don’t you think it’s unfair for Haruma-san to be judged like that without explaining his side? You should talk to the person involved before jumping into conclusions, Rein. You saw how Haruma-san loves you so much. So much to the point that he is looking like your lover. They watched you perform during school fest, you think if all they’re showing you were acts, they will go to the extra mile of watching you perform? You saw how Yuuji-san defended you when Harumi bullied you. I don’t know the root of all these but one thing is for sure, I know that they love you. They care for you.” Said Kei as he looks me in the eyes. I was stricken with his words and it made me think. He is right. All this time, I felt that the love papa and grandpa are giving me were all pure. 

“Gomen.” I finally managed to say 

“Don’t apologize to me. Apologize to Haruma-san and Yuuji-san. I know they’re all worried about you because you suddenly disappeared at the party. I already messaged them with your whereabouts though.” Kei said. With that, it started to rain outside 

“Arigatou, Kei.” I uttered and was shocked when a lightning occurred which made me hugged Kei tight 

“Are you scared of the lightning?” he asked while hugging me gently 

“Hai.” I said as I shiver when a lightning once again occurred. He placed both his palms onto my ears and looked at me straight in the eyes. 

“I will always be by your side. Don’t focus on the lightning anymore.” He whispered to me and I was surprised when he kissed me passionately.