SMG4: Blue and Pink on Orange

Psycho Then, Saiko Now

We see a young girl, no more than 14 strolling down the road, carefree as can be. With her long pink hair tied into two pigtails, the girl arrives at her school without a single rude thought in her mind. Little did she know her entire life would be turned upside down by one single person.

The girl, known by everyone as Saiko, was just a simple band geek. Her favorite instrument: the guitar. She’d practice every morning before school and for hours on end at night, gaining the skills necessary to win first prize at her local talent show. I know, it sounds like some cliche middle school story, but it was truly just that for her back then.

However, she didn’t want first prize just for that. She wanted it to win over her longtime crush. His name was Murase (moo-rah-say), a 17 year old kid who was either loved or feared by everyone, no in between. He was as tough as nails, looking like some 80’s greaser, leather jacket and all. Saiko hoped that by winning, she’ll finally earn his attention.

And of course, she won. And as she dreamed of for so long, he was there by the staircase to greet her.

“Well well, you got some talent kid. You were killing it on that guitar.” Murase said in his usual tough fashion.

Saiko’s heart fluttered and skipped a beat. “Hehe, you really think so?”

“Yeah, you got style. Say, wanna go for a walk? I know a great place for us to go.” He gave an evil smirk, but innocent as she was, she didn’t take notice of the clear danger.

“Yes, I’d love to!” She responded with glee. He walked them over to an alleyway, far from anyone’s sight.

“We’re here.” He said

“Huh, why an alleyway?” Saiko asked innocently.

“So nobody can hear us…” Out of nowhere he jumped her and pinned her down by her arms, with her being unable to move under his weight.

“W-wait, what are you doing?! Let me go!” Saiko panicked. As he held her down, he ripped off all of her clothing, leaving her entire body bare on the pavement.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! SOMEONE HELP! HEEELP!” As she cried, the evil boy she liked so much smacked her across the face.

“Shut up! You’re gonna enjoy every second of this, I promise…” As she struggled, he revealed his manhood, and slowly but surely, entered it inside of her. Her cries were heard by noone, leaving her subjected to this pedophile’s wants.

Present day…

“He took everything from me that night. My kindness, my innocence, my virginity, everything! I got pregnant just a few weeks later and was left with no choice but to abort, losing my parents' love in the process. I grew up to be this strong, confident-looking woman without any sympathy for others. That’s why I sought love and dominance over other guys. I never wanted anyone to be dominant over me again.”

As Saiko explained through her tears and ptsd, Tari was left in tears. She never knew, nobody did.

“S-Saiko, why didn’t you ever tell me? Why would you hide something like this?”

“Everyone seems to look up to me for my tough attitude. I’ve only hid it because of that. I don’t want to let you guys down.”

“Saiko, you think that would make us think less of you? If anything, that only strengthened my beliefs that you’re the strongest person I know, both physically AND mentally. And I know the rest of the crew would think the exact same way.”

“Tari, I don’t think I’ve ever told you before, but you're like family to me. No, you ARE family to me. I just want to protect you, I don’t want you to go through what I did.” Saiko tried to hold back her tears, but Tari set a hand on her shoulder.

“Let it out, Saiko. There’s nothing wrong with crying. Unlock your emotions, they’ve been held back long enough.”

Without another second passing, Saiko released everything: her pain, her love, and most of all, her tears. As she bawled into her hands, Tari hugged her tightly, adding every ounce of comfort she could manage. Her emotions poured out for 10 minutes straight, until finally the tears stopped.

“Feeling better now, Saiko?”

“Y-yeah, I do. Thanks, Tari.”

“Saiko, you’re family to me, too. You’re like the big sister I’ve never had. And for that, I love you.”

Saiko smiled and responded with: “I love you too, Tari.” They hugged for a long while before separating.

“Tari, if you really believe it’s right, then you can date her. But please, just be careful, okay? I could never forgive myself if you get hurt like I did.”

“Thank you, Saiko. I promise I’ll be careful.”

“Alright. Go get her, kid.”

Tari smiled and walked out the door, leaving Saiko on the couch.

“She’s grown so much. It’s hard to believe she was so shy and weak just a year ago. I couldn’t be more proud of her.” Saiko thought to herself. She picked up a picture next to her, one of her and Tari playing whack-a-mole at a carnival.

“Maybe… I should try to be kinda like her, huh? Seems like kindness can go a long way…” As she thought about that, she curled up on the couch, and fell asleep.