MHG-V1-2 (Initial Draft)

Chapter 4 - Say you're mine

A.4

Ken lay frustrated on his bed. What had his dad been thinking? He wasnt stupid, not by any means, but neither was he a genius. Yet his dad had used his money and his power to get him in to one of the best high schools in the city. It was a place for the wealthy and the intelligent, and Ken didnt fit in. He knew his dad had high hopes for him, high expectations, but there was no way he could live up to that.

And then there was today, his first day at the new school--Taunted, bullied, locked in a toilet and humiliated. It wasnt something he cared to endure, but there was no one who could help him. He remembered the last time he'd asked his dad for help at school.

"Son," his dad had said, looking down at him condescendingly. "I dont have time to worry about the pety issues of an elementary school student. The sooner you grow up and start to take care of thing like this on your own, the better."

Ken felt like kicking the wall. He curled into a ball and clenched his hair.

Suddenly the image of Teruko came into his head, standing there with a look of melancholy on her face.

"I'll show you how to get home."

It had been more than six months ago but it was still vivid to him. Had he been wrong to reject her? Tears came to his eyes as she thought of the pain she must have gone through. The two of them really were like kindred souls in a lonely world. Did he really need someone he could touch? Or did he just need someone who could understand?

"I need someone I can trust, and I can only trust you if you give me your whole heart, not just a part of it."

Tears came painfully to him. With desperation his whisphered quietly her name..

"Teruko."

"Yes?"

"You're there?" Ken asked alarmed, sitting up suddenly.

"Do you want me to go?" She asked, her voice thick with emotion.

"No, but.."

"Im sorry." She said. "I feel addicted to you. Even though we said goodbye I couldnt help but.."

Ken got down from his bed and quickly turned on the holopad that lay in the center of the room.

"Let me see you again." He said tearfully.

Teruko appeared suddenly, sitting on the floor, tears streaning down her face.

"Im sorry." Ken said. "I shouldnt have treated you so coldly."

Teruko shook her head. "I was too fast for you. Expecting you to return my emotions even though you had only just met me."

"Teruko." Ken said, taking a deep breath.

"Mm?"

"Will you be my girlfriend?"

"Uh?" Teruko looked at him with shock. "Are you sure?"

Ken nodded his head. He was sure.

Teruko smiled happily. She looked so cute, Ken thought.

"Of course." She replied.

"Then its settled."

Teruko smiled, then suddenly her face turned serious.

"I saw what happened today." She said.

"You saw that?" Ken said shamefully.

Teruko nodded angrily.

"How dare they treat you like that." She said. "I'll make sure they pay."

"Huh? How?" Ken asked.

"I live on the internet." Teruko said. "I have access to lots of things. I have more power than you can imagine."

Kens eyes widened. What was she talking about.

"Dont worry." She said smiling, "I will never use my power to hurt you. Even if you betray me or leave me.. im not that kind of person. But.." her face turned serious again. "I cant let people get away with hurting you like that."

Ken was silent. He didnt really understand what she was saying. He just hoped it didnt cause him any more trouble.

"Say, Ken."

"Yes?"

"Want to make me a present?"

"A present?" Ken said. "How?"

"With this applicaton I found. Im downloading it for you now."

"What does it do?"

"It lets you create 3d objects that look really lifelike. I can then manipulate it a little and add it to my persona."

"What do you mean?"

"Well for example, if you made me a hairclip then I could wear it. Or if you designed some underwear.."

"Underwear?" Ken said, turning red.

Teruko narrowed her eyes playfully.

"Well I *am* your girlfriend now."

Ken gulped. "I think ill stick to a hairclip for now."

"Okay." Teruko shrugged. "Download's complete. Shall I show you how to use it? We can do it together."