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Dear Diary,
Today is the first day back to school since break. I’ll be a sophomore this year, even though I’ve already turned sixteen. Though I love sports, the one thing I’m dreading returning to is being Sports Captain on the Student Council. But at least I won’t be home for so long anymore. Papa will be gone for most of the day since he works from 5am-12pm. Maybe this’ll be a good change. Even though I’m relatively new to the school, I’m fairly popular already and I’ve got a lot of friends. However, this makes it all the harder for me to cover them up. People are starting to wonder how I get so many bruises and cuts. I hope they don’t find out.
--Rei Ling
Age 16
Physically abused by her father

TAKEN..When Rei Ling was five years old, she and her mother were walking home from work when they were pulled into a side-alley by an armed masked man. They were kidnapped and held captive for a full week of torture. Rei witnessed the torture, rape, and beating or her mother day after day while they waited for help. Two hours before they were saved, her mother was killed – shot. Haunted with these memories, she grew up as an outstanding girl who took on the loud, strong personality to cover up her insecurity and fear. Her father blames her for her mother’s death and abuses her constantly to remind her this. Rei took up sports on her eighth birthday to have an excuse for the scars. She’s extremely intelligent but rarely shows interest in anything but sports. Though neither of them know it, she works at the same café that Ikuto works at. She’s one of the cooks who does the later shifts.

Dear Journal,
God, school is starting back again. I was just getting used to all my free time away from the girls. I have to be the coolest guy in the school – or at least out of the juniors – but that doesn’t mean that girls have to confess to me constantly. I’d rather stay home in my apartment or even go back to the Mansion (which is saying a lot) than go back to the school. But I can’t go back to the Mansion anyway, they forced me out. I’m still trying to figure out what I can do to pay for everything with this stupid waiter job. Ah well, it doesn’t matter. When I return to school I’ll just be the rebel Student President of the school. I can’t believe they’re still letting me in the position. I thought they’d kick me out already. But I guess since I am the smartest kid in the school, it makes a big difference.
--Ikuto
Age 17
Disowned by his family and can’t pay the bills

Since he grew up in a rich family, Ikuto has that cool personality. He always appears indifferent and nonchalant, never letting things bother her too much. His perverted behavior around his female friends often gets him a slap in the face, but he seems to find it entertaining. On his seventh birthday, it was announced that he’d marry a young lady named Sakura. After they met, he plainly told his father that he would rather be disowned than marry him. When Ikuto turned fourteen, the year he was supposed to marry her, his father disowned him without reluctance. At one point, he lived with his grandparents, though after realizing that he was being a burden, he began renting an apartment. His grandparents helped fund him until this past year when they had to focus on their own health care. He’s been struggling to pay the bills, so he got a job as a waiter at a café.

Dear Diary,
Being the secretary for the Student Council is a drag, not to mention that being a sophomore starting today is ruining my life. It pisses me off that they don’t have a fashion designer instead. I can’t wait to get out of school and become a designer while I get the chance. Then again, I really want to spend my time with Ikuto while I can. Ever since that Rei girl got here, he’s been paying all of his time towards her. It’s like he thinks something is special about her. Whatever, screw this – why am I even writing this anyway? Nobody cares. Not even my parents. They’re so stupid that they don’t even see my scars. Whatever. They can go to hell. Everyone can – well, not Ikuto.
--Sakura
Age 15
Suffering from cutting her wrists and taking drugs

Life for Sakura has been hard for as long as she can remember. She lives with her adoptive parents who plainly ignore her now that she’s a teenager. Her rebellious behavior is all fake, an attempt to get their loving attention once more. Her reputation at the school isn’t good either since she’s been labeled as the school slut. More than this, she has to deal with Ikuto. She was supposed to marry him by arranged marriage, but she was heart-broken when he decided that he didn’t like a single drop of her blood. Through her problems, she’s grown to resorting to inflicting pain to herself as well as taking drugs. She’s overly jealous of Rei Ling since the girls seems to be able to get any guy she wants, but denies them all.

Dear Journal,
Finally Junior year! I can’t wait to see everyone else from the Student Council again. They all seemed happy when I was assigned to be the Vice President. It’s weird to think that I’m seventeen any everyone else in my class is way younger, but that’s alright. The girl – Rei Ling - I like isn’t in my year anyway. Going home is getting difficult, so I’ve been staying with—guess who? Rei Ling! I couldn’t believe it when she offered to let me stay there. I’m working hard to beat my rival, Ikuto, and I’m hoping to develop a better friendship with Sakura. Maybe I can make a difference. Even if I can’t help my parents, I can help my friends!
--Kohaku
Age 17
Depressed by his constantly arguing parents

Unlike the other three of the small Student Council, Kohaku didn’t have problems with his life until this year. He’s always been optimistic, the guy that charms with his bright personality. This personality, however, was sculpted by his parents. Truthfullly, he’s a dark and touchy guy. He’s the sort of guy who enjoys the heavy romance. He uses his brain carefully to construct ingenious plans to get what he wants. Recently, his parents have been fighting more and more. Kohaku feels as if it is his fault for his parents arguing. Thankfully, Rei Ling came to his rescue and is allowing him to stay at her house until his parents quiet down. He’ll make his move when he gets a chance – that is, if Ikuto doesn’t get in his way first.

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