The Golden Pear [YA - Featured]

♫~Notes 01~♫

Evening had fallen above the vast city. Its skyscrapers climbed toward the sky like praying hands, and lazy clouds drifted away from their reach. Smog and putrid haze from cars and cigarettes poisoned the air, veiling it in gray.

The breeze tugged the red hair of a young girl sitting on the grass. Her green eyes fixed on the calming azure as she listened to the river's soothing melody. She tucked a stray lock of wavy hair behind her ear, but the wind quickly freed it, letting it dangle loosely.

No amount of make-up could hide her freckles, not that she bothered to try. She had never been into beauty products–not even nail polish. Why waste time and money on something so superficial when she could spend it on repairing her kilt-like school skirt? It had ripped at one side, with another hole appearing on the other. At this rate, she might need to buy a new one.

She raked her fingers through the cooling grass. Some of its green got onto her white knee socks, and her pumps' soles had seen cleaner days.

A butterfly landed on her shoulder, perhaps attracted by the sunflower on her white blouse or by the fancy name tag, which read Freya Inuhakka. It lazily flapped its wings before chasing the wind across the river.

A few girls in a different uniform passed behind her. Freya didn't notice or care for their envious glances. She attended the best private school in the prefecture, and many failed to get in. It was everybody's dream to go through that nightmare and land a prominent position with a big company.

It was something she had earned with hard work. The remains of bruises on her fingers could talk about it for hours. And with the right angle, one might notice shades under her eyes. However, now it was just her and the peaceful river. She could forget about the real world for a moment.

The contentment on her face remained even after three shadows approached her.

One said, "Sumimasen, we would like to ask you for help."

His brown hair laid perfectly across his head, and his rectangular glasses gave him a stern appearance, as if the tuxedo and dress shirt weren't enough.

In his hands, he carried a paper bag. Next to him, it seemed quite out of place and shabby. Perhaps it held some fruit for a snack based on its bulged bottom.

The wind whispered between them, but Freya didn't look at them, acting as if they didn't exist in her world. Not even the river purled, awaiting how the scene shall unfold.

"Please, help us with our minor dispute," said a smooth voice.

A young man with long blonde hair came closer. His blue eyes sparkled like gemstones, going well with the same colored shirt. The sun's rays reflected from his teeth, putting any toothpaste ad to shame. From his white suit, he pulled out a rose, smelling it.

But not even now, Freya reacted. The two boys exchanged glances, reflecting slight confusion. This wasn't working the way they expected.

The third boy approached her with a huff. "Oi, are you listening?" Ripped holes decorated his clothes, and his raven hair imitated a bird's nest. Hungry baby birds could appear at any second.