《Star-Like: The Series》


 PROLOGUE

    ¡°There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.¡±


    ¨D Sarah Dessen


    <hr>


    The liquor store was quiet for a place I thought would crawl with shady men. I wanted to be in and out. Quick service. I could only hope the salesperson took pity on me since I was a student, although my graduation was in three weeks.


    My father was listed among the top-ten best pastry chefs of the year, and for hisaccomplishment,I wanted to give him something he¡¯d enjoy.A Jamaica Appleton Rum. However, when I got to the rum section, I was feeling like I would have an utter meltdown with all the diverse types offered on display.


    Maybe someone was around who could help.


    I pulled my knapsack tighter to me by the straps and proceeded down the aisle.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I called out. ¡°Is anyone here?¡±


    Just then, a person emerged from the aisle on my right, startling me and blocking my path. ¡°How did you get in here?¡±


    I stumbled backwards.


    Oh, my. What a beautiful woman she was. Was she hiding?


    ¡°It¡¯s only polite to respond when asked a question,¡± said the stranger when I didn¡¯t answer right away.


    ¡°The door was open,¡± I said.


    ¡°Damn! I thought I locked it. Good thing you aren¡¯t¡­ wait¡­¡±


    I panicked and before I knew it, words began sprouting from my mouth. ¡°I know I am not allowed here, but¡­¡± I swallowed when she walked towards me.


    ¡°This is strange. You¡¯re not asking for an autograph or screaming.¡±


    Autograph? Screaming?


    ¡°You¡­don¡¯t know who I am?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Am Isupposed to?¡±


    ¡°Look closely.¡± She bridged our gap and grabbed my shoulders. ¡°You don¡¯t know about me, do you?¡±


    Ever heard about personal space?


    I gritted my teeth and stepped out of her grasp. ¡°Should I?¡±


    ¡°This is rare. Tell me¡­¡± She stepped forward again. ¡°On your way in, did you notice a group of people lingering outside?¡±If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°What?¡±


    The girl evaluated me.


    ¡°You honestlydon¡¯t know who I am.¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°I am Ray Lars. Thetop model.¡±


    Her dramatic emphasis made me want to crack up laughing, something I hadn¡¯t done in such a long time.


    I stared at her as I tried to keep a straight face. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    She was a celebrity. It seemed possible. She hadthatlook.


    ¡°You don¡¯t read magazines, do you?¡± She leaned in, causing me to bend backwards.


    ¡°Not enough to know who you are.¡±


    ¡°Interesting.¡±


    Her voice. It was not exotic or mysterious. It was clear like a bell, yet also deep and comforting, like a gentle breeze blowing through my soul.


    ¡°Why do you want to buy liquorin your school uniform? I¡¯m sure that¡¯s against school policy,¡± Ray said this without taking a single step back from me.


    Because she was so close it made me uneasy, lightheaded and nauseous.


    ¡°Tell me why you need it,¡± she demanded. ¡°Getting drunk with your friends? Buying for a boyfriend?¡± Her eyebrow raised.


    ¡°It¡¯s for congratulating my father on his accomplishment.¡±


    ¡°Oh?I¡¯ll make a special exception because I am interested in you.¡±


    I blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Be mine!¡± she demanded bluntly.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°The one who will break the law for you has the right to expect that much as a reward, doesn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°E-eh¡­? Reward?¡± It stunned me. My mouth was agape, like a fish.


    How could she say these things out loud? How could she say them so easily? Andhow could she say this to me? Someone she didn¡¯t even know.


    ¡°Is that a no then?¡± the stranger questioned, snapping me from my dizzy spell of confusion. ¡°You do not have a boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Girlfriend?¡±


    Her smirk was too obvious to ignore. I snorted. Discomfort surged through me.


    ¡°I¡­uh¡­¡± I trembled. ¡°Never mind the rum,¡± I finally said. ¡°I must be on my way now.¡± I needed to put distance between me and this odd person.


    Ray grabbed me. ¡°You¡¯re scared because you never had someone come on to you?¡±


    ¡°Let go!¡±


    ¡°Or is it because you never had someone do it this bluntly? And a girl at that?¡±


    My anxiety level was rising.


    ¡°I said let go!¡±


    ¡°That only makes me want to hold on more.¡±


    ¡°You are nuts!¡±


    ¡°You think so?¡± She licked her lips and smirked. My breathing slowed. ¡°Your face is red. Is this embarrassing you?¡±


    More like shocking me.


    Ray wrapped my tie around her hand, the school emblem now sitting in her palm.


    ¡°I decidedto take it upon myself and have my reward now.¡±


    Before I could grasp the situation, her mouth was pressed against mine. I could not believe what was happening.


    A kiss? My first kiss!

 [01] > KICHI

    The sweet aroma inside the coffeehouse took over my senses. The bitter yet inviting smell and low chatter filled the atmosphere. Nothing settled my nerves like hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream, which is what I was enjoying as I sat there, chatting with my dad over the phone.


    ¡°I hope Liberty Company lives up to your expectations, baby girl. You¡¯ve been looking forward to an opportunity like this!¡±


    Coming September, I would begin my second year of college, where I was studying artist and project development. The course load concentrated on discovering and managing artists and creating project ideas and brand developing. But for now, I wanted this job to help give me perspective about the business. I didn¡¯t want to mess it up.


    ¡°But I only get to stay in Bridgeport for the summer¡ªand only if I get the job. Remember?¡±


    ¡°Come on now. Who would ever turn you down?¡±


    I traced my index finger around the rim of the cup. Liberty was Bridgeport¡¯s most prestigious event company, and my only work experience was in my papa¡¯s pastry shop. I knew I was out of my league even interviewing for the job. Even so¡­ I felt this job would take me one step closer to what I¡¯d been looking for.


    ¡°You get going or you¡¯ll miss your interview.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Papa,¡± I said, and set the phone down as my hand shook.


    ~*~_ ~*~


    Bridgeport had always been my ideal dream place to live and work. It was a large town with a vibrant, multifaceted cultural scene and a gentle river that rambled through it. It was also crazy about its events and entertainment business.


    As I approached it, the tall glass building did not look friendly. At the very least, it seemed empty and cold, even though this was a warm summer morning. I was hesitant to enter. I patted my cheeks.


    No turning back.


    I smoothed my clothes with a single wipe of my palms. I was wearing a mini pleated dress with a black sleeveless lace top and cream-colored skirt. Perhaps it was a little plain, but pretty. I dressed it down by wearing black tights and vintage leather pointed-toe loafers.


    Unfortunately, my shoes were squeaky, which drew unwanted attention to me as I made my way toward the long and somewhat wide front desk. Before I could give my name, the young girl behind the desk stood. I noticed she dressed nicely in a well-designed pants suit.


    ¡°Ms. Hyde, hello. I¡¯ve been expecting you.¡±


    ¡°How did you know it was me?¡±


    ¡°I only have one ten-thirty on my schedule. Since no one is ever late for an interview here, it had to be you. This way please,¡± she said as she headed down the hall. I nodded and followed.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    She led me to a white-painted room with a single, long, mahogany table and eight black leather chairs. The walls were as bare as my forehead.


    I felt so on edge as I waited for my interviewer once the receptionist left.


    ¡°Did you not hear me? Or did you get bored and space out?¡±


    I jumped, startled. ¡°I want to be here, believe me. I¡¯m not bored at all.¡±


    Who was this woman?


    ¡°I¡¯m Rias, and if you¡¯re done gawping like a lost child, I¡¯ll have your name.¡±


    ¡°Kichi is my name. Kichi Hyde.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Miss Hyde,¡± she said as she pulled out a chair and sat across from me. ¡°Tell me. What makes you a good employee?¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ I am a dependable person,¡± I answered while trying not to shrink under her strong gaze.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± She wrote something down on the pad in front of her. ¡°There¡¯s nothing better than an employee who consistently follows through. Moving on. Everyone I interview dreams of working at Liberty, but you need a certain je ne sais quoi if you¡¯re going to make it here. Tell me, Ms. Hyde. Why do you want to work at Liberty?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my absolute desire to learn all I can about the entertainment business, and Liberty is my starting point.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    My eyes dropped to my entwined fingers. I did not like being noticed and seen by people. Keeping to myself put me at ease, but sitting there, I realized I had to step outside my comfort zone, entering an industry I now felt I would likely crumble underneath.


    ¡°Rias!¡± Someone from outside the room suddenly called out to my interviewer.


    Rias did not reply. Before long, voice called out again and then the door opened. A beautiful young woman stepped into the room. My eyes widened in disbelief.


    It couldn¡¯t be!


    Ray Lars did a quick inventory of the room. Her emerald eyes caught mine.


    Was that a look of surprise? Recognition?


    I wondered if she remembered me, and I couldn¡¯t believe my desperation at wanting her to remember me. A flush crept up my face.


    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± she said to Rias. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you were busy.¡±


    ¡°I told you this morning that the last of the candidates were coming for an interview today.¡±


    ¡°You did?¡±


    ¡°Do you listen at all when I speak to you?¡± Rias asked her.


    ¡°Not really.¡± Ray grinned tauntingly at her and Rias glared.


    I did not expect to see Ray Lars again, least of all in my interview with her manager.


    Ray¡¯s mobile rang, but she seemed reluctant to answer. ¡°Excuse me while I take this,¡± she said, appearing to give in ¡°Rias, let¡¯s talk outside in a bit,¡± she said, and she left.


    But the heat didn¡¯t follow her out of the room. Could Rias feel the heat radiating off me, just from being in the same room with Ray? Could she hear my heart and its loud thumping?


    ¡°Well, that concludes the interview. Thank you for your time,¡± Rias said, dismissively.


    ¡°Thank you for seeing me.¡± I bowed.

 [02] > KICHI

    I wandered around after my meeting. Where should I go now? Back to the coffeehouse? Should I sightsee? I realized this might be my last time in Bridgeport for a while. I reached into my shoulder bag and retrieved the map of Bridgeport I¡¯d bought earlier that morning. My tired eyes flickered across it as I tried to figure out where I should visit.


    ¡°Hey, wait up!¡± I heard a voice call out to me.


    My eyes shifted from the map towards the voice, my eyebrows narrowed as a girl approached me.


    ¡°Me?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Uh-huh,¡± she said as she got closer. ¡°You interviewed for a job at Liberty, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, how did you¡­¡±


    ¡°I think I interviewed for the same job just before you. You met with Rias?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it went that well for me. I was so nervous. How did it go for you?¡±


    ¡°I survived,¡± I told her absent-mindedly. I touched my lips as if I just recalled something. My heart began pounding in my chest. Ray. I could feel shivers traveling all over my body at the mere thought of her.


    ¡°She¡¯s tough. Well, I suppose the best candidate will win, huh?¡± She held out her hand. ¡°I¡¯m Patrice.¡±


    ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Kichi. I came in from Chester this morning.¡±


    ¡°You travelled all this way?¡± she exclaimed. ¡°I am impressed. I¡¯m from here. I live close by.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nice here,¡± I mused.


    ¡°I hear that a lot. You seem like such a nice person. It¡¯s a shame only one of us can get hired. But whatever happens, I hope we can become friends, right?¡±


    Friends? So suddenly¡­


    I hadn¡¯t had one friend growing up, but recently I met one. Back in school, I would only get hurt and ridiculed by everyone once they found out I liked girls and considered boys a turnoff. And that was something I didn¡¯t need.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    ¡°I suppose,¡± I answered uncertainly.


    ¡°I wish I could talk more and get to know each other better, but I have to go. It was nice meeting you, Kichi. I hope we can meet up again sometime.¡±


    ¡°Good luck with the job,¡± I told her.


    ¡°You, too,¡± Patrice said, then waved goodbye


    ~*~_ ~*~


    Snow cones. Heat. Children play and laughed while skateboarding. The constant bombardment of street vendors was a remarkable sight. I wandered around town for some time, thinking.


    I was thinking about Ray, which was nothing new. It wasn¡¯t like I spent all my time obsessing. It wasn¡¯t like I recorded her fashion shows¡ªeven though I had no interest in the trends.


    But I, like so many, didn¡¯t hold a special place in Ray¡¯s heart. Others like me, boys and girls, fantasised, obsessed, and worshipped her. This irritated me because I only wanted her to look at me.


    The sudden ring of my phone brought my focus away from Ray. Blinking, I gazed around, amazed by the distance I had walked. I had made it all the way to the waterfront. Fishing boats occupied the area, with stalls that sold everything from jewelry to street food.


    I removed the phone from my bag and gasped when Liberty Company came upon the caller ID.


    ¡°Hello,¡± I answered.


    ¡°Ms. Hyde?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Rias. Sorry I couldn¡¯t get back to you sooner.¡±


    ¡°I understand you are very busy.¡±


    ¡°I called to let you know I won¡¯t be needing you. Sorry, but you¡¯re just not qualified. Try again sometime.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°Thanks for travelling all this way,¡± Rias continued speedily.


    ¡°Wait! I¡ª¡± I suddenly felt small and scared at how fast Rias was speaking. My body broke into cold sweat, causing me to shiver.


    ¡°Have a nice trip home,¡± she said over me and ended the call.


    Sighing, I creased my lips and sniffed as if I had been crying. I stood motionless, waiting for my shock to fade. I guessed this meant they had hired Patrice, with her bubbly personality and smiling face. The absolute opposite of me.


    Seeing Ray, who didn¡¯t seem to recognise me, brought a sudden sense of despair I hadn¡¯t felt since I was a child. I stared up at the blue sky.


    Ray had stolen many kisses and many hearts without even knowing. My gaze fell over the river, the sun glistening down brightly and making it sparkle, as if by magic.


    Stupid, Ray. Why did it have to be you in my heart?

 [03] > RAY

    The spacious office on the fifth floor offered a splendid view of Bridgeport. Despite sunlight coming through the large windows, the slate grey walls dimmed and chilled the room.


    The color represented Rias¡¯s personality well. Her office was nearly bare, save for the deep, leather, burgundy Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair and tobacco-hued wood desk, a three-shelf bookcase with magazines and two globes on it, and the two hanging paintings.


    ¡°Where is she?¡± I asked Rias.


    ¡°I do not know. I wished her safe trip home though.¡±


    My face didn¡¯t hide my annoyance. ¡°You denied her the job before consulting me?¡± I slammed my palms down on the desk. Rias looked up.


    ¡°You forget that I am your manager,¡± she said, looking surprised at my outburst. ¡°I need to hire someone I believe can keep up. I don¡¯t have time to spoon-feed anyone. I just signed two more clients.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s always something with you, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    She ignored my insinuation, choosing instead to make one of her own. ¡°That girl. She resembles Chelsea. Is that why you are eager for me to hire her?¡±


    My entire body tense when she mentioned Chelsea. ¡°These are two different things.¡± I closed my eyes for a moment to gather my thoughts. Just recalling that crazy girl gave me a sinking feeling inside my gut.


    ¡°Give me her phone number,¡± I demanded.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Why?¡± Rias¡¯s voice raised somewhat. ¡°I am not hiring her. She has no experience.¡±


    It was unusual for me to meet someone who didn¡¯t know who I was. Kichi had been oblivious to my popularity from the start, and it caught my interest. She still held my interest.


    ¡°Let me have it.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    I balled my hands into fists. Rias was provoking me.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t give it to me. I don¡¯t need it to find her, anyway.¡±


    Rias walked around her desk and rested her palm on my shoulders and leaned in somewhat. ¡°I¡¯m leaving for three weeks, so I need to know things are in capable hands. I need someone competent. That girl was not up to the task.¡±


    ¡°You know nothing about her.¡±


    Rias bottom lip quivered. Our eyes met. She continued to stare at me. I swallowed the lump setting in my throat. Rias and I¡­ well¡­ Too bad I couldn¡¯t undo what I did. I sighed and removed her hold on me and stepped back. I pretended not to notice her short-lived pain expression.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know what will happen if you¡¯re caught running around with a Chelsea look alike?¡±


    That was the lone reason I was with Chelsea. She resembled Kichi.


    ¡°And I should care why?¡±


    ¡°Stop talking carelessly¡ªyou idiot.¡±


    ¡°I am going now. Talking to you doesn¡¯t get me what I want. You know how to reach me if I am needed.¡±


    On my way out, I made a quick stop at the front desk. It was empty. Jessy must have gone to the restroom. I slid into her chair and looked up the train schedule back to Chester on her computer.

 [04] > KICHI

    ¡°That¡¯s seven dollars,¡± the vendor told me.


    I handed her ten dollars and collected the cupcake key chain I bought for my father. As she handed me my change, I noticed a Daily Buzz magazine on the shelf behind her. Ray was on the cover. Maybe I didn¡¯t get hired because my reason for being in the industry wasn¡¯t pure. Meeting Ray again was my goal all along. Our encounter back then had been an active memory for me. The brash girl who stole my first kiss¡ªand eventually my heart.


    I thanked the saleswoman and headed to the train platform, feeling dismayed.


    Even though it took over two hours by train to get to Bridgeport, and only an hour by plane, I always preferred to take the train. It was one of my favorite ways to travel. I liked the view of the changing landscapes, the soothing reverberation of the train as it whizzed through them, and I was enjoying the ride.


    I hadn¡¯t called Papa yet to let him know I didn¡¯t get the job.


    I searched for my cell phone and yawned. I was up early to make it to my interview on time, and it exhausted me. I wanted a hot bath as soon as I got home, then fall into bed and hope today¡¯s disappointment would soon become a distant memory.


    It was already so late. It will be night by the time I reach Chester.


    ¡°You don¡¯t might me sitting here, do you?¡±


    When I looked up from my bag, I saw a woman wearing a heather grey and black Adidas cap pulled down on her face as if she were hiding.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    I narrowed my eyes at her.


    ¡°I must be more tired than I thought because if you are, then I am dreaming,¡± I said, dazed. ¡°I fell asleep, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Should I assume you dream about me?¡± Ray asked, taking a seat beside me.


    If it was a dream, I could be honest. ¡°Aye. Every night,¡± I said.


    Ray¡¯s smile disappeared; now a shadow fell over her face.


    ¡°Does it make you sad?¡± I asked. ¡°Should I not dream about you?¡±


    If she tells me I have no right to dream about her, I will die.


    ¡°The pain in your voice makes me sad,¡± she said.  ¡°I want to occupy your thoughts all the time. I want to mess you up so badly that you can¡¯t focus on anything else but me.¡±


    Ray would say that. It was a dream. Dreams came from either fear or what the heart desired. I desired to hear such words from Ray. Not the Ray who says wonderful things in my dreams, but the Ray I saw today at my interview.


    I sighed in displeasure and turned my face away, watching the scenery pass through the window of the moving train.


    ¡°I am right. It¡¯s a dream. You always say intense things in my dreams. The real you would never utter those words.¡±


    ¡°Kichi¡ª¡±


    ¡°Your voice sounds different calling my name, more real. It¡¯s nice.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re not¡ª¡±


    ¡°I am tired.¡± The words left my mouth with a troubled expression.


    Ray gave the top of my head a single pat before ruffling my hair. My cheeks heated as my weary eyes closed.

 [05] > RAY

    I rested Kichi¡¯s head against my arm and smiled affectionately at her.


    Even this tired, and you have an incredible glow. Thank God I caught up with you this time.


    It had been some time since I traveled by train. The ticket taker walked through the packed train car, punching each ticket he checked. Returning my attention to the lovely one next to me, I stroked her warm cheek and watched her shift. I leaned into her and inhaled. Just as I had thought the first time we met, Kichi smelled nice. Bewitching. Her skin. Her hair.


    Just sitting next to you makes me feel closer to you.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    When I lifted my gaze and looked ahead, I noticed a girl staring in my direction. A fan?


    Damn! It would mean trouble if she recognized me.


    Thinking quickly, I removed my vest and placed it over Kichi¡¯s head to hide her face. I then sank lower in my seat, pulling my cap further down to obscure my own.


    I better get comfortable because I felt like it would be a long ride to Chester. With sight, I looked at the sleeping beauty at my side.


    ¡°I missed you, Kichi.¡± I leaned down in inhaled her scent. ¡°More than you know.¡±

 [06] > RAY

    ¡°Thank you again for contacting me last night,¡± Ian, Kichi¡¯s father, told me. ¡°It¡¯s scary to think of how often she falls asleep while traveling alone.¡±


    It was sometime around nine o¡¯clock in the morning and I had come to Kichi¡¯s house after ensuring her father got her home the night before. I couldn¡¯t help myself. Even though I had no reason to feel anxious, I started to feel that way after we separated at the train station. I barely slept, and even after my shower, Kichi¡¯s sweet scent clung to me.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten yet, I hope?¡± Ian asked, breaking my train of thought.


    Eat? I¡¯d never get up this early if I didn¡¯t have work or had to work out, let alone have breakfast.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Good. I just finished making breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Smells delicious.¡±


    ¡°I wake up early to bake goods for my shop and have breakfast prepare for Kichi,¡± he explained his routine. ¡°She should get up soon.¡±


    As I sat there around the Hyde¡¯s table, my thoughts drifted to the orphanage where I grew up, and the hectic but joyful mornings Milana and the rest of the staff had as they attempted to settle everybody down for breakfast.


    When was the last time I had a homemade meal?


    ¡°Kichi commutes to college from her?¡± I asked him.


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s in town, so travelling isn¡¯t difficult. And she gets to monitor me. She worries about me, even though she doesn¡¯t have to. But I guess that¡¯s what happens when you lose one of your parents.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know what to say to that. I knew nothing would change even if I said something, and besides, I loathed depressing talk like this.


    Instead, I turned my attention to the mushroom, bell pepper, jalapeno egg white omelette he served me. He had sprinkled fresh cilantro on top and added tomato salsa on the side. He also served the dish with raisin bread, and it was absolute perfection. After one bite, I couldn¡¯t stop eating.


    ¡°This is good!¡± I told him, my taste buds exploding with each bite.


    ¡°Thanks. Baking and making omelettes are my specialities.¡± Ian took a bite of his food and when he swallowed, he said, ¡°I¡¯m surprised Kichi is still asleep.¡±


    I chuckled. It embarrassed me how such small words had the power to flutter my heart. ¡°She is tired,¡± I offered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure. She often overdoes things. I¡¯m thankful for her help, but she needs to focus more on herself. I don¡¯t want Kichi to think my passion should be hers too, that¡¯s why I am happy she went for the interview yesterday.¡±


    I looked away from him, my gaze falling on freshly baked goods on the table between us. Kichi¡¯s father did not make me nervous, per se, but I worried he might pick up on my desire for his daughter.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°She watches you on TV,¡± Ian continued. ¡°So I know it¡¯s a big deal for her, meeting you.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    I shifted anxiously. I could sense something, a question, burning at the back of Ian¡¯s throat. I stared at the slim, middle-aged man, who had notable wrinkles under his eyes, who wore his black hair short with a beard.


    What was it? What do you want to say?


    ¡°Celebrities like you, especially so young, usually fall under pressure and give in to the negativity that comes with fame, which sadly influences their fans. I don¡¯t want that for Kichi.¡±


    I set my fork aside and stared at him. ¡°Kichi doesn¡¯t strike me as a follower.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps. But based on what I saw last night at the station¡­¡±


    My flesh turned hot. Why was my heart beating so fast suddenly?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the nature of your relationship with my daughter. But from the way she clung to you last night, not wanting you to leave her side. That¡¯s rare for her. Because of the way she is¡ªshe has been selective in letting people close. It¡¯s her way of protecting herself.¡±


    Because of the way she is¡­


    ¡°You know?¡± I asked him without batting an eye.


    ¡°That my daughter likes girls?¡± Ian grinned, apparently amused. Or was he embarrassed? He scratched his hair. ¡°I raised her.¡±


    Interesting.


    ¡°Excuse me for saying this, but I know parents who crumble to shame when they find out their child fancies a partner of the same sex. Your acceptance of her lifestyle seems unusual to me.¡±


    Ian¡¯s gaze fell. ¡°The apple doesn¡¯t fall far from the tree. Honestly, I think I always knew on some level that she will become this way. Guess you could say I had time to prepare myself.¡±


    I could feel the shape of my eyebrows deepened as I studied Ian.  ¡°You are not, are you?¡± I questioned.


    ¡°Her mother.¡± He must have seen the wheels turning in my head because Ian added, ¡°It¡¯s not complicated, at least I don¡¯t think so. But it¡¯s a long story.¡±


    It was always either of those things.


    ¡°You accept her as she is?¡± I asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t I have to?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± I answered.


    ¡°The world will criticise and hate her enough, and it¡¯s hard for any father to hate their child. I honestly would rather she had a boyfriend, but that will not happen.¡±


    ¡°Does she know you know?¡±


    Ian laughed. ¡°She¡¯d get mortified if she did.¡±


    ¡°Why did you tell me?¡±


    ¡°Why, you ask? Perhaps¡­¡±


    I waited a while for him to continue, but he stayed quiet. As I was about to say something, the sound of a bell ringing interrupted me.


    Ian looked towards the direction the sound came from. ¡°Looks like this girl finally decided not to show up today.¡±


    ¡°Girl?¡±


    ¡°I have a part-timer. She does everything except work most times. She should have already been here.¡± He looked at his watch as the bell rang again. ¡°I have to go downstairs.¡±


    ¡°Of course. Thank you for breakfast,¡± I said.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± he said, then headed to the stairs. Then he turned to face me again. ¡°Do something for me, will you?¡±

 [07] > KICHI

    ¡°Kichi! Wake up!¡±


    I growled and attempted to move my feet, only to find it impossible as the weight on me got heavier.


    ¡°Come on, wake up!¡±


    Two hands clasped my shoulder blades and shook me. Still drunk with sleep and aggravated, I slapped the hands off me.


    ¡°Get out of my room, Tie!¡±


    ¡°Do we have to go through this routine every morning¡ªwhere you act as if you don¡¯t like my way of waking you up?¡±


    Every morning since Tie started working for Papa, she had become a complete headache.


    ¡°You¡¯re annoying me. Leave.¡±


    ¡°You have to see this. Open your eyes. If you don¡¯t, I will kiss you until you¡¯re breathless.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡ªyou shameless girl! Why are your face and voice the first things I must see and hear every morning? I still don¡¯t know what I did to deserve this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re being so cute this early in the morning. Don¡¯t tease me.¡±


    Tie has always been like this with me, ever since we met. I didn¡¯t get her personality at all. Even so, I found her easier to handle than most.


    ¡°You made the morning newspaper,¡± Tie told me.


    ¡°Eh?¡±


    ¡°Look.¡±


    My eyes opened. The lamp on my night table illuminated the bedroom as the morning sun peeped from behind my silver-grey curtains.


    ¡°See? You¡¯re in the celebrity section.¡±


    ¡°Get off me.¡± I hissed.


    ¡°But I like being on you. It fills me with many kinky ideas.¡± She grinned.


    ¡°Stop messing around.¡±


    It surprised me how Tie and I had become close in such a short time. It was nice.


    ¡°Let me see what all the excitement is about.¡± I snatched the newspaper from her and sat upright. I rubbed my eyes before looking at the paper.


    Yow!


    The face of the girl sleeping on Ray¡¯s shoulder was hidden. But the girl wore a dress identical to mine. Her frame, skin tone, and hair made it hard to deny this person wasn¡¯t me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. How?¡± I looked at Tie as if she could explain.


    ¡°When we first met, you were looking at a magazine with this girl on the cover. I didn¡¯t know you two were close. I thought you were an obsessed fan.¡±


    I glared. ¡°Die already! We are not close. I met her a year ago, but I didn¡¯t know who she was. Then I saw her at my job interview yesterday, and¡­ No way!¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Err¡­¡± my face heated. ¡°I think she was on the train with me yesterday.¡±


    ¡°You think?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°But if it wasn¡¯t a dream¡ªwhere is she now? Did she head back to Bridgeport?¡±


    ¡°Why would I know that?¡±


    ¡°Papa must know something, right?¡±


    I could only remember pieces of yesterday, after boarding the train. Scenes came to me like jump cuts. Was I not dreaming? I couldn¡¯t believe it was possible.


    ¡°I will ask Papa about it.¡± I attempted to move again and couldn¡¯t. ¡°Tie.¡±


    She didn¡¯t answer. Her thoughts seemed far away. I slapped her leg.


    Tie blinked. ¡°What?¡± Her voice was unexpectedly crude.


    I ignored it.


    ¡°Get off of me.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re heavy.¡±


    ¡°Even if that was true, you don¡¯t directly tell someone they¡¯re heavy.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°As much as I like your na?ve side and how you don¡¯t mince words, others might find it offensive, you know.¡±


    She leaned closer to me, confusing me.


    What¡­ what are you doing?


    ¡°Kichi, open your mouth.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± I shoved and slapped her, but Tie¡¯s face remained close still.


    Tie was like me. Someone who liked girls. She often kissed me on my lips. I thought nothing of it since she never mentioned liking me romantically and figured it was her way of teasing me. And Tie did a lot of that.


    Yet, at the moment, Tie¡¯s tongue was in my mouth. But why couldn¡¯t I push her away?


    I really let this girl have her way.


    ¡°You used your tongue,¡± I muttered when Tie broke our kiss. ¡°That was too intimate for a friendly kiss. Let¡¯s not do it again.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re probably right. Let¡¯s not.¡±


    Her response surprised me. Honestly, I expected some insistence, but relieved there wasn¡¯t any.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen your expression this gentle before,¡± Tie acknowledged.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m glad. I always thought if I told you not to kiss me anymore, you would stop being my friend. You¡¯re my first friend, so I don¡¯t know how this thing works.¡±


    ¡°Christ!¡± Tie pressed her palms against my cheeks, her mouth still close to mine. ¡°This is why your na?ve self is cute, Kichi.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! I am¡ª¡± My bedroom door opened suddenly, startling me. I blinked.


    ¡°Kichi.¡±


    Ray.


    ¡°So, it wasn¡¯t a dream.¡±


    ¡°Dream?¡± Ray scoffed. ¡°When will you stop confusing dreams with reality?¡± Her voice had an edge that made me recoil.


    ¡°Ray¡­?¡±


    ¡°Your father asked me to see if you were awake.¡±


    ¡°Oh!¡± It was all I could muster. The scene between Tie and I likely gave her the wrong impression.


    Dropping her hold on me, Tie greeted Ray. ¡°Hello, there, supermodel.¡±


    She glared, and Tie looked smug. Something was happening between them.


    Ray hissed under her breath and left without looking at me. The door slammed behind her. A breath left me in a rush. I seemed to lose the ability to move or even to look away from where Ray had stood moments ago.


    What just happened?

 [08] > KICHI

    Stupid! Why did Ray have to come in at that moment? She hated me now.


    I slid down the bathroom door, hugging my knees in my arms. Why was I overreacting? She and I weren¡¯t in a relationship therefore, it was fine, right?


    A knock on the door startled me.


    ¡°Tie, you are annoying me. I am not in the mood. Go away already!¡± I hissed, irritated.


    ¡°Kichi.¡±


    My heart throbbed. ¡°Ray.¡± Tie must have told her where to find me. ¡°Did you want something?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been in there for some time. Are you all right?¡±


    I wasn¡¯t all right. But I couldn¡¯t tell her that.


    ¡°I am fine. Be out in a moment.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Well, I have to get going.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something I have to take care of. Someone I need to see.¡±


    Someone. Who?


    My fingers gripped the towel tightly around my body. My heart was beating so fast, I felt dizzy.


    ¡°O-o-okay.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, Kichi.¡±


    Does this mean I won¡¯t see you again? Will my last memory of you be that pain in your eyes?


    My thoughts wouldn¡¯t quiet. I kept wondering what to do¡­ if there was anything I could do or say to keep Ray in Chester a while longer. But she had to return to her world, where she belonged. That was all right. Whatever happened yesterday on the train was enough for me, even if my memories were hazy. It was enough because Ray was with me.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    ~*~_ ~*~


    I put on a lace boy shorts underwear ¡ª then secured my breasts into a padded bra. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I shoved my bangs upward to inspect myself. My large eyes flickered over the image looking back at me.


    Just like I thought. Nothing special. Nothing that could keep Ray at my side.


    Releasing my hair, I turned toward the bed where my clothes for the day were. Shorts and yellow scoop neck crop top. As I reached for my top, I heard a cell phone ring. I froze momentarily before pulling back my covers.


    ¡°Hello?¡± I answered.


    ¡°Who is this?¡± an angry female voice demanded. ¡°Where is Ray?¡±


    ¡°Ray?¡±


    ¡°Yes! The owner of this phone!¡±


    Oh.


    I pulled the phone away from my ear and saw the name ¡°Rias de Claire¡± on the screen. Ray¡¯s manager. The unfriendly woman who treated me like an unwanted guest at a dinner party during my interview.


    How did her phone end up in my room?


    My morning quickly turned from bad to worse rather quickly.


    ¡°Rias, it¡¯s Kichi.¡± I recoiled like a scared child who¡¯d just learned about the bogeyman.


    ¡°Less than a day with you and the newspapers are already speculating.¡± Her words hissed into the phone.


    I didn¡¯t know what to say, so I remained quiet.


    ¡°Where is she? Put her on the phone.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not here. She left for Bridgeport. Had something to take care of. Someone to see.¡±


    ¡°She is still in Chester,¡± Rias informed me. ¡°Just find her.¡±


    ¡°Ray is still in Chester?¡± Just knowing that made my heart quicken.


    ¡°Don¡¯t sound relieved. You¡¯re not the reason she¡¯s there. However, I need you to deliver her phone.¡±


    I sat down on the bed. ¡°I don¡¯t know where she is.¡±


    ¡°Ray¡¯s childhood friend, Arah, has a liquor store downtown Chester, by the same name. It¡¯s easy to find. I¡¯m sure that¡¯s where she is. I will call back in a few hours.¡±


    I clicked out of the call with a heavy heart. I wasn¡¯t the reason Ray was in Chester. Here I was thinking she boarded the train because of me, but there was a whole other purpose.


    I bent forward and picked up the newspaper with Ray and me from the floor. I crushed it into a ball and tossed it across the room out of frustration.

 [09] > KICHI

    I walked down the indoor chocolate brown spiral staircase¡ªleading from upstairs into the pastry shop. ¡°Morning, Papa.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s past morning.¡± Papa placed ginger buns inside a basket on the counter. ¡°I expected you up and about since your very famous friend was here.¡±


    ¡°Sorry. Guess I was more tired than I thought.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure it wasn¡¯t just nerves?¡± He eyed me. ¡°I know you¡¯re a tremendous fan.¡±


    ¡°Like so many others out there,¡± I scoffed.


    Everything that happened yesterday and this morning seemed like a dream to me. To think someone who had always been far out of reach was now close, and yet, not close enough.


    ¡°Papa, you were a pleasant host, I hope.¡±


    ¡°Always.¡±


    ¡°You had breakfast?¡± Walking up to the counter, I picked up a freshly baked sugar doughnut.


    ¡°Uh-huh. Whipped up my speciality. Ray cleaned her plate. It made me wonder how long it has been since she had a home-cooked meal.¡±


    ¡°Of all things, you wonder about that. You are such a papa.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not healthy eating restaurant food all the time.¡±


    ¡°I am sure she can afford to.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s hardly the point,¡± he replied. The dissatisfied expression on his face at the thought of Ray eating unhealthy caused me to sigh.


    ¡°Then perhaps you should invite her for dinner sometime,¡± I recommended. I couldn¡¯t imagine the sight of Ray sitting around our worn-out dining table¡ªeven though she had done just that with Papa over breakfast.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see how it goes,¡± he answered. ¡°You,¡± ¡ª Papa snatched my pastry ¡ª ¡°need to get something substantial in you before you chow down on sugary goods.¡±


    ¡°No time. I have to get going.¡± I snatched another pastry and hurried to the door.


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Call me if you need anything. I shouldn¡¯t be long.¡±


    ¡°Be careful of weirdos.¡±


    ¡°Always! Love you.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Outside, I saw Tie kneeling in front of a blackboard, writing the pastry special for the day. It had once been my duty until I saw Tie¡¯s handwriting and fell in love with it. I wished my handwriting could be that nice.


    ¡°That girl¡­¡± Tie began saying. ¡°Must have been in a rush because she forgot her mobile at the dinner table. I tossed it on your bed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m on my way to return it. Her manager called.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not still mad, are you? I didn¡¯t expect her to come in. I feel like I messed up something especially important for you.¡±


    Well¡­ It wasn¡¯t as if I stood a chance to begin with.


    ¡°Tell me something,¡± I said to her.


    Tie stood and positioned the blackboard, so the specials were visible to passers-by. She threw a glance at me. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Is it¡­ easy¡­ to kiss someone you don¡¯t like? How do you do it?¡±


    ¡°Hmm.¡± Tie grinned and gripped her very dark purple hair at its root. Her expression seemed troubled.


    Did I ask something I shouldn¡¯t?


    ¡°Sorry. My question made you uncomfortable?¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s¡­ we¡¯re different, you and me. Kissing someone easily is not something you can do. It¡¯s not something you should try to do. Ray, who you idolize, I¡¯m sure has done it with someone she doesn¡¯t like. Because it¡¯s easier. You don¡¯t have to worry about what that person thinks of you.¡±


    I pouted. ¡°What makes you think I couldn¡¯t kiss someone easily?¡±


    ¡°You have that look in your eyes you¡¯ve had ever since I saw you looking at her magazine picture. It reminded me of the time when I was a child and discovered love for the first time. Yeah. That¡¯s what I thought when I saw you.¡±


    ¡°Even though we only recently met, there¡¯s much I don¡¯t know about you,¡± I told her. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard you talk about someone you like. You¡¯re always smiling and looking happy¡ªlike you have no troubles. I am terrible for not noticing.¡±


    ¡°Notice what?¡±


    ¡°There was a time when I smiled as much, but I don¡¯t anymore, so I was grateful for your constant smiling face. But your pain hidden well behind that smile, isn¡¯t it, Tie?¡±


    ¡°That was¡­. deep. Didn¡¯t know you had it in you.¡±


    ¡°Tie. If you still love this person, it¡¯s time to make it known.¡±


    ¡°But I couldn¡¯t. It¡¯s not as easy as you think. And besides, this person irritates me to my very core. I could hate her much as I like her.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a thin line between those two, you know, and was behind your smug look this morning when Ray walked in on us.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a clue what you¡¯re talking about.¡± She stretched her arms out, then reached for the broom leaning against the shop door.


    ¡°Liar.¡±


    ¡°You really are too outspoken. Even so¡­ I couldn¡¯t possibly tell you since it¡¯s my secret.¡±


    ¡°Secret?¡±


    ¡°You should get going now. You don¡¯t know when that girl will leave.¡±


    I wanted to stay and press matters more.


    Tie, who always seemed strong and happy, looked more rattled by the thought of confessing. I didn¡¯t know why I had a feeling I would find out something incredible.