Mizuhime takes a step forward. She raises her eyes to stare into Stratos's, eyes wide and full of tears and emotion. She blushes. "Stratos...there's always something I've wanted to tell you...something I've always wanted to say..."
"What...what is it?"
Mizuhime takes a deep breath, and says:
"Now this is a story, all about how
My life got flipped, turned upside-down
And I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there
And tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel Air
Iiiiiiiiin, West Philadelphia, born and raised!
On the playground, is where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin' all cool
And all shootin some b-ball outside of the school
When a couple of guys, who were up to no good
Started making trouble in my neighbourhood!
I got in one little fight and my mom got scared
She said "You're moving with your auntie and uncle in Bel Air!""
"What...what is it?"
Mizuhime takes a deep breath, and says:
"Now this is a story, all about how
My life got flipped, turned upside-down
And I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there
And tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel Air
Iiiiiiiiin, West Philadelphia, born and raised!
On the playground, is where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out, maxin', relaxin' all cool
And all shootin some b-ball outside of the school
When a couple of guys, who were up to no good
Started making trouble in my neighbourhood!
I got in one little fight and my mom got scared
She said "You're moving with your auntie and uncle in Bel Air!""
"You...you took my Tier Leaders away," Stratos murmurs in disbelief. Tears are streaming down his face.
Mizuhime, distressed, attempts to make eye contact with Stratos, but he keeps his eyes distant. "Stratos, listen-"
"S-shut up!! I don't want to hear anything from you anymore!" Stratos turns and starts to run away, away from the girl he secretly loves. His footsteps make large splashes amidst the downpour.
Mizuhime stares after him. Her face is wet, but not from the rain. She feels her heart tearing apart; she doesn't know if she can take this pain. But somewhere deep inside, she strengthens her resolve, and yells: "I did it to help you!"
Stratos stops in his tracks. The rain falls harder. "You took away everything I worked so hard for...how could that possibly be helping me? All you care about is power...and-"
"T-that's not all I care about!"
Stratos's eyes widen. He has never heard this much emotion in Mizuhime's voice before.
Looking at her feet, Mizuhime continues: "You're always working so hard...people worry that you're overexerting yourself, you know!? S-stupid..."
There is a moment of silence. Both of them are staring at each other.