The Fruit of Infinity

HANA POV

"Ah, that Aki. Why won't she just bend to my will…" I pondered, staring into space, as my ride smoothly took me to school.

Ever since I and Aki met in elementary school, she's always been raising her shoulders to me. She's almost obsessed with me, in fact. She's very violent and gets off on hurting the weak. Her philosophy's all twisted and warped, too. Unlike her, I'm kinder and gentle.

I'm from a wealthy and influential family, likewise that demoness.

But perhaps, because of the immense love radiating from me, I'm always flocked by many: In school, or when I go out with her family for Dinner parties and such.

I'm always worshipped and loved for my gentle nature and my unfortunate circumstances. A sickly girl born with a fragile constitution—I'm practically a living fairy tale. I mean, everyone desires to be close to that gentle, innocent young lady that barely leaves the house, right?

Though, as I said earlier, I am quite sickly and have to rely on medications almost all the time. I was born with a weak constitution, you see, and I've hated that for the longest time. But then I realized something; my state of being just makes people want to take me home and protect me, if only it wasn't called kidnapping, and against the law.

Certainly, that's the wonderful life of the caring and pure-hearted Hana Hanazono… It's wonderful being the protagonist.

On the surface, that is.

Aki Nakamura—that side character—the violent storm to my serene river, sees through my carefully crafted facade. Just as I see through hers. But the world is far too small for both of us to shine.

Since childhood, we've been locked in an unspoken game of one-upmanship. Where she rules with brute force, I orchestrate with precision.

She always calls me a "certified liar," but I think not. I only tell people what they want to hear. If it's true or not is not my concern… Or perhaps Aki's right, but only a fool tells the unvarnished truth.

I'm actually quite the scheming snake, if I say so myself. Beneath my kindness lies a self-respecting, master manipulator who doesn't fail to steer any—and every—event into one I desire. Honestly, I'm too shrewd for my own good.

My motto is: "Everyone is useful, use them well in order to prosper."

I'm a resourceful person, in the sense that I specialize in utilizing people until they are finished. I see people as tools they are. They are a gift from the gods to me, for me to source and succeed in life. Unadulterated certainty.

But fear not; I'm not violent like the saiyan, Aki. I treat my tools with utmost care and tenderness… except they get broken, of course.

And, oh, how she hates me.

She calls me narcissistic, but isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?

She claims I'm manipulative, but doesn't she bulldoze her way through life, leaving wreckage in her wake?

At least I disguise my intentions with charm and grace.

I'm so good at what I do, perhaps, only another high ranking "awful person," like Aki—who specializes in the same arts as me—would sniff out my traps.

AKI POV

Hana Hanazono is the bane of my existence and the only person in this world I'd dare to call my equal. She's a master manipulator, a wolf in sheep's clothing, and undeniably cunning. Yet, despite all her scheming, she can't escape my gaze.

She's is just as narcissistic as me, but also, just as blessed by admiration. Though, she is more showered with love than me.

She's my acknowledged rival; we strive to be better than ourselves at everything we do. She's almost obsessed with me, in fact. But I know her well. Oh, I know her secrets, Fufufu… actually, some of them:

Hana is—sometimes—terrified of horror movies…!

What's with that deadpan reaction?! And what do you mean "is that all?!"

Well, that's not all!

Even though she put on an air of superiority, she's softer than she looks, I'll have you know:

She actually consumes all those fluffy, romance manga and novels. And guess what I found out, He-he-he…

Hana cannot sleep without cuddling Mr. Barn!

Who is Mr. Barn, you ask? Mr. Barn is actually the name she gave her ridiculous plush bear dressed as a farmer. A FARMER, of all things!

That she still uses that ragdoll till date, is a sign of weakness I plan to utilize in a near future.

If only her army of sycophants knew the "delicate flower" they worship spends her nights swooning over love triangles.

Actually… they'll love her still… Actually, it's part of the reason they love her, but they're all dimwitted, in the first place.

Nevertheless… despite the fact that she's a terrible person—though, I'm not any less awful—I'll always be there for her, if for no one else.

I and Hana have always been locked in this twisted dance. Striving to outdo one another, competing in everything from grades to influence, and, yes, even love. There was a time, years ago, when we both fell for the same boy.

Like she was one to talk, Hana loves to remind me of my naivety back then—how I clung to him, begged him never to leave, and dreamed of a future where we'd marry. She laughs at my tears, calling me a princess in a glass castle.

I agree, I was a foolish little girl.

But, in Hana's own way, she's just sentimental, just desperate to be seen. She undoubtedly acts the way she does because she's afraid of being lonely… She's very sick, and do not know when her time will come. That time when she'll be alone in darkness, never to open those eyes again. We'll all have that time, but hers seem closer.

And maybe that's why, despite all the games we play, I'll always be there for her. If she ever falls, I'll be the one to catch her. I'll be close by, watching, doing my best for her, in my own way…

Hmph! Then when she's at her lowest, I'll crush her completely!

HANA POV

Aki always tend to think she's one leg ahead of me. Although, it truly marvels me how she manages to get dirt on me.

Yet, Aki and I are more alike than she'd ever admit. We both crave admiration, thrive on competition, and fear vulnerability. She might laugh at my subtle fear of horror movies or my love for romance novels, but I strongly believe she knows nothing about Mr. Barn—my treasured plush bear. She might mistake it as a sign of weakness. But I just find him fascinating and cute…

Mr. Barn is simply a comfort I choose to indulge in, by the way. I, by no means, cuddle and kiss him before I fall asleep every night!

I like cute things, who doesn't like cute things?!

But as for Aki, Fufufu… I've seen her flaws too. I'm just as good as getting dirt on her, as she's on me. I have one for you:

Despite all her violence and tyranny, Aki, in fact, fell in love when she was quite young. Fufufu... Well, I also fell in love with the same boy, but we're talking about Aki's weaknesses now.

She cried everyday whenever he wanted to leave her mansion, to go home. Clinging to him, and making him promise to never leave her side. She even had the audacity to talk about marrying him someday.

Hah! What a delusional princess, don't you think so…?

Though, I'll also want Makoto-sama to come carry me far away someday. Faraway from all of this, from the scheming and manipulation that define my very existence. For him, I'm willing to leave this manipulative life of mine. SIGH!!! Reality is cruel, indeed.

It'd been a difficult feat, for both I and Aki. Makoto is truly kind, too kind. The sort of person who'd make you think the world had good in it. But he's not in love with any of us.

And as time went on, he just became one of the sources of our rivalry: who'd get him to kneel first. A competition which never ends.

Despite it all, I believe Aki is the way she is because she lacks real friends who truly love her. Aki's world is emptier than mine. Sure, she has her so-called "fan club," but they're all drawn to her beauty and status. If she lost those, they'd abandon her in a heartbeat—a flaw I worked hard to terminate from myself. Dependency on fleeting admiration.

Typical humans. Only coming close, because of what catches their interests. It's why I show no mercy when I suck the life from them.

But even knowing that, I will never leave her. If everyone else turns their backs, I'll still be there. I'll be with her forever, why? Because Aki is my rival, after all. My eternal opponent. Life would certainly be flavorless without her around…

He-he-he! Still, I can't resist picturing the moment I'll have the final laugh.

When Aki's on her deathbed—one I might have put her on—she'll look up at me and say, "H-Hana… you were the enemy all this time, but you acted like my friend?"

Of course, she'll be absolutely correct, but I'll reply, with teary eyes and sweetness dripping from my voice, "Do you truly think I'd ever betray you, my dear Aki? Do you think a day will come when I'll love you less?"

She'll smile, her eyes filled with guilt, and whisper, "I see. You never betrayed me. I love you, Hana." Then close her eyes in death! I win!

Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!

"Lady Hana, you're drooling," came the dry remark from my ever-stoic bodyguard, Morgana.

I quickly wiped my mouth, heat rushing to my face. "My, h-how careless of me," I stammered.

Morgana, with her usual butler-like attire and tomboyish demeanor, gave me a pointed look. I can only imagine what she's thinking, but she's far too loyal to voice it.

It's fortunate it was just the two of us here—save for the driver. Drooling over the thought of defeating that accursed Aki would have been rather embarrassing otherwise.