Lumi couldn't help but giggle softly as the girl repeated the compliment and pumped her fists. The smile that graced her lips even brightened to a small grin for a moment. She decided to settle with the compliment this time, although her thoughts swayed differently in her head. "Thank you, Miss Rika."

The girl had decided to go to the library. It was good to at least know where it was, even if you didn't have an intent on going there right away. There were multiple libraries, actually, both belonging to Spica and Miator. Lumi hadn't explored around herself enough to check if Lulim even had one. Rika appeared to be from Miator, so she guessed that that was the library she was trying to find. Technically a student was allowed to access another school's library if need be. Astrea was a friendly campus enough to allow other students from other schools to access any vicinity regardless to the academy one might attend. Of course, some institutes were frequented mostly by members of the school it was located on, such as the various cafes across the different campuses. She noticed Rika watching her tend to the rose. "That should be better now." The soft comment was directed at the tiny rose.

Taking a look back over her shoulder at the host club, she performed one more quick analysis of the scene. They had a lot of hosts scurrying about, and while they still did look busy, it appeared as if it was almost calming down a little. Nobody had called out to her, either, so her assistance wasn't needed. They probably wouldn't even notice if she left in the first place. Even the table she had been originally tending to had been replaced by the service of a dashing prince of whom the occupants were swooning openly over. Emerald eyes flickered their warm light back onto the girl, flashing beneath the lenses of her round glasses. "Alright then, let's go, shall we, Miss Rika?"

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE IN THIS WORLD? FOR A GIRL?
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"You're welcome, Lumisade Senpai!" Rika chimed cheerfully. Usually there was always her parents or her brother being the ones to cheer her up whenever she was down but now, Rika was cheering someone else up from believing otherwise about themselves. It probably wouldn't last all that long but it still felt good to be nice to someone that was deserving of it. She didn't see any reason as to why Lumisade didn't deserve it. She did wonder about why none of the girls that were part of the host club requested the older girl's presence. She was obviously part of the club too so she found it a bit odd that she was here with her and not with the others. Maybe they did view things on a superficial level. She wasn't sure but at the same time, Rika wasn't going to complain. Lumisade was nice to her as she was sure she was to others. Plus she was willing to help her find the Miator library that she'd been looking for. Ending up all the way here made her feel a little bit like her brother since he would get lost in a large place such as Astrea.

Ah well, no sense in dwelling on it now. As Lumisade had rose to her feet, Rika nodded her head, indicating that she was reading to go. She didn't want to remain here for too long before others took notice to it. Granted Lumisade she was more than welcome to be there but she still wasn't sure if the other girls would see it that way. Besides, she didn't want to get in the way of everyone enjoying their tie with the hosts they required attention from. She needed to get back to her own campus anyway before curfew and Rika knew that she wouldn't be able to find her way back in the dark if she stuck around any longer. "Hai!" Instead of going ahead, she decided to follow Lumisade, seeing as how she knew how to get to the place in which Rika was looking for. Hopefully once they got there, she'll remember where it is and not end up getting lost again.

(My apologies for taking so long to reply! Got really busy.)

Even though the purple rose was not worthy of it, it was nice that Rika was trying to cheer her up. Lumi smiled warmly at her, the warmth manifesting itself in the emerald green of her eyes for the few moments it lasted. Making sure Rika was ready to leave, she cast a last parting glance at the host club and the other hosts. They were scurrying about, grinning and providing the desired attention the majority of the guests wanted from them. No one would probably noticed if she just slipped out. She turned back to the girl and beckoned her to follow before giving an elegant turn and heading to the entrance of the rose garden. The breeze stirred through the air a little as the two left, making the flowery heads of the roses sway as if waving goodbye.

Lumi clasped her hands behind her as she walked, twirling the rose stem, still, ever so gently between her forefingers. The position gave her a little sway to her walk, although she did not really notice. The event in the rose garden could still be heard a distance away as a low drone coasting above the breeze. The Lulim student hadn't done too much exploring of the other campuses herself, but knew enough to get around because of being asked to escort girls - or in one case, a staff member - to places they were not sure where something was located. But that was Lumi's purpose however. To serve others no matter what. Never had she spoken out against any of those requests. She always took them with a smile and carried on just like that regardless if what transpired along the way. Soon, she turned back to Rika. "The Miator library, correct, miss Rika?"

It was a bit of a strange thing to ask, some would say, but not everyone on Astrea preferred to go to the library of their own school. Miator students sometimes visited the Spica library when the Miator one got to busy, and the Spica students, vice versa. The Lulim students usually just selected one of the two to visit whenever they needed anything. It wasn't like Lulim didn't have its own library, but with the sleepy laid-back atmosphere of the fairytale-like school, many just found it just too much of a challenge to stay awake to study in the lull of the Lulim one.

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE IN THIS WORLD? FOR A GIRL?
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(OOC: It's alright. I've been busy as well as tired myself what with having to work so much this week. Finally thought of a response because I was so brain dead. x.x)

When asked about the library, Rika looked toward the girl and nodded her head, letting her know that's where she wanted to go. That was her intention in the first place but she'd gotten way lost to a point that she ended up at Lulim's campus. Thankfully no one seemed to have a problem with it. Plus given what she saw at the Rose Garden, it would seem that Spica and Miator students flock to the area as well for the host club to be "entertained". It was a relief to know that her presence didn't cause any problems. Rika wouldn't know what to do if it had. She could come back anytime she wanted to though, which was also a good thing because the garden was so beautiful with all the pretty roses, not to mention how the sun's bright light just makes them shine and blossom. Yeah, the hazel eyed girl definitely wanted to come back, if only to admire the garden and nothing else. If Lumisade was around, she could always speak to her too if the other girl didn't mind. Speaking of Lumisade, she didn't know what grade the girl was in. Rika assumed she was a year higher than herself so she automatically addressed her as "senpai" without asking first. She hoped the other girl wasn't offended by her doing so. Thinking about that, it was probably best to ask, since it was only proper. "I appreciate you taking me to the Miator Library, Lumisade Senpai. Etto ... if you don't mind me asking Senpai, what grade are you in here at Lulim?"

(I am so so sorry for taking so long to reply! Took a long while recovering from a flu and it gave me a giant writer's block! My sincere apologies, and I hope we can continue this thread now~ So sorry!! )

The Miator library it was then. Fortunately she had helped a few other girls find it in the past, so she knew how to get there in little time at all. Yet she kept her leisurely pace relaxed, seeing as the girl did not seem to be in a hurry. She remained vigilant though just in case an order was given to walk on head faster. A question was inquired and the purple haired half-Japanese turned her head to look at Rika, sending the few loose strands from her coiled hair whisking about her silken caramel cheeks.

"Ah, I am a first year at Lulim, miss Rika." She answered politely. Rika looked like a first year herself, too. Lumi still felt like she wanted to giggle a little at being called senpai at the thought. Though it was kind of understandable. She was the type of girl who naturally looked older than she was. Finding it to be appropriate, she softly echoed the question with a warm smile, "May I ask what year you are at Miator, miss Rika? If that is alright, of course."

Lumi was always a bit hesitant when asking questions, even echoed basic ones, for privacy's respect. It wasn't her business to know at all if one did not find it alright to have questions asked of them. But Rika had a kindness about her that calmed the purple rose a little. Maybe it was the gradually certain conclusion that the girl wouldn't harm her. Yet kindness aside, even if she were to be harmed by the girl, Lumi would take no reaction nor outward offense towards any sort of violent action. It wasn't the safest course of action, but who was she to lash back at another? What did she feel matter? Those were the followings and mindset of the insecure purple rose.

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE IN THIS WORLD? FOR A GIRL?
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(OOC: You're fine. Glad to hear that you're better. Having the flu isn't fun at all. I've luckily only had it once in my life, don't want to have it again. x.x And we're still good for RPing. ^^ I'm also game if you want to start something new as well.)

Rika was surprised to hear that Lumisade was a first year student at Lulim. Judging by her appearance, she could've sworn that the girl was a grade higher than her. Another miscalculation on the girl's part and she felt so embarrassed about it. She immediately addressed her as Senpai without even thinking. She hoped she hadn't made the girl feel as if she was older. That wasn't her intention at all. "Gomen ne, Lumisade-san. I hadn't meant to assume you were a grade higher than me. It just seemed that you were. Please don't be angry as I meant nothing bad about it," she replied to reassure the girl, now twiddling her thumbs in embarrassment as she continued to walk alongside the dark haired Lulim girl. "I guess we are one in the same. I am also a first year student. Truth be told ... this is my first time attending a real school. I've been home schooled the majority of my life so there are still some things that I don't understand or may misinterpret. Gomen," Rika apologized again.

( You have only had the flu once? Lucky!! I caught the flu and a painful case of tonsillitis for the first time on top of it, so it was miserable this time around DX We could start something new if you would like, sure~ And I am not sure if you knew or not or if I ever mentioned it, but just a little side note since you posted with Anissa, but I also play Alice Himeno as well~ )

Angry? Why on Earth would she be angry? Lumi's emerald gaze flickered to the teal-haired girl, the edges of her eyes widened slightly. This girl kind of reminded her of herself a little. Not desiring to mean any harm and being quick to apologize for the slightest of things. The caramel skinned girl smiled a little. "There is no need to apologize, miss Rika. It is a common mistake. Never would I be angry with you for it."

Really, Lumi would never anger with anyone no matter what. She was a rose without thorns. Without any exterior protection or ability to do harm of any kind to another. For her opinion was inferior and she was only meant to serve, never to fall into the rift of her own personal beliefs or actions or opinions in front of that of others. "I am a bit flattered, really." She added with a soft giggle while a tan index finger curled up to brush a troublesome loose strand of purple hair that had slipped underneath her circular glasses. She wondered how shocking it would be for her to reveal just how much hair was so carefully coiled into the tight pinned-up section under her head. But letting it down was an insecurity of hers. It was only let loose in front of those she was comfortable around; namely her cousin and aunt so far as well as the roses in the rose garden and the flowers in the green house. Yes, it was only under the gaze of the floral company did she feel most comfortable, especially around the roses of the garden.

It appeared as if Rika was a first year as well. Lumi kind of assumed that, but had not concluded anything right away as to exercise her natural politeness and modesty. Lumi's eyes widened behind her glasses a little for a second time, but now for a different reason. The girl was home-schooled for quite some time? It made her curious as to why yet she knew it was not her place to ask and would probably not be respectful to inquire. "Ah, it's completely alright, miss Rika. It is understandable. I hope Miator is proving to be a remarkable school for your first one." She paused for a moment, bringing the caramel hand down to fold with the other one in front of her. "To be honest, this is my first official one too..." Realizing she had spoken out of turn and of her own probably boring own self, she quickly scurried to dismiss it, "A-Ah, my apologies, miss Rika!"

Emerald orbs looked at the ground for a moment. St. Lulim was her first real school you could say. The one back in India was a run-down building loaned to a few neighborhood volunteers whom took the place of teachers and where dilapidated rooms served as classrooms. Nothing as magnificent as the wealthy Astrea Hill. She wondered what Rika must think of it all; Astrea and the school environment. Was it overwhelming? Surely, being home-schooled then suddenly tossed into a school environment must be even if just a little. Lumi really hoped the girl was adjusting well.

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE IN THIS WORLD? FOR A GIRL?
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(OOC: Yep and I was in high school when I had it too. Kept me out of school for a week. Not fun playing catch up. x.x Now it's just irritating colds that tend to linger is what I get but they do go away. *hugs* Well it is glad to have you back. ^^ And I replied to the thread with Alice in it, had no idea that was you as well lol.)

Rika was relieved to hear that. If it had been anyone else, she knew they probably would've gotten offended by being addressed as Senpai if they were the same year as her. She couldn't blame them for it if they did but she was still learning how to be social with others. It was going to take some time but Rika was in no rush. As long as her body would allow her to continue moving day to day, she had time to learn all sorts of new things and meet all sorts of new people. "I'm glad you're not angry, Lumisade-san. And yes, Miator is proving to be a really nice school. Though from my understanding, I'm picking up that a lot of girls from the adjacent schools don't like Miator very much or they have some really jaded view about it into believe that there's only one reason that girls attend it. I could be wrong though." She'd seemed to met a few people that had their own opinions about Miator but they usually ended with the girls stating that they couldn't be themselves there as well as it being a school for brides.

No one was looking at it from an educational aspect they were just judging it based on what the school centered around. Seemed a little unfair and silly but there was nothing she could do about how others felt. Lumisade didn't seem to mind hanging around her even though she was a student of Lulim and that was awesome. She looked toward the girl as she spoke about Lulim being her first official school as well. This had made Rika smile a bit as she wasn't allow in that it would seem. "No need to apologize, Lumisade-san I'm not ashamed to admit this being my first real school and you shouldn't either. Besides ... I probably would've gone to school sooner while younger demo ... there were reasons behind it that prevented me from doing so." She giggled, her eyes on the dark skinned girl as they walked. "But it's okay now and I'm happy to have the opportunity to be around others my own age. Well, besides my twin brother Riko."

"A school for brides, or so it is said. At least, that is what popular opinion holds. It is quite a lovely school regardless of the label." Lumi commented quietly. She personally was fond of Miator. The outfit, the school itself, the atmosphere; she didn't think the label was quite befitting of the school, yet what did an opinion from an ugly duckling matter among the world of swans? Regardless, the school still fascinated her. It wasn't bold like Spica nor sleepy like Lulim, but in the happy medium in between. The traditional teachings of the school was quite intriguing as well. Not everyone that went to Miator was a bride, that she was sure of. Although many of the girls whom attended often were derived from wealthy families of whom had already hand-selected a groom for them to wed when they matured and graduated. The whole ordeal saddened Lumi a little. Being wed off and not even seeing the person you were to spend the remainder of your life with before the day of the marriage... There wasn't much freedom nor fairness in that. Even so, she herself did not regard the school as just one for brides. Really, that was the last thing that crossed her mind about the glorious school and its even more glorious students.

The emerald gaze trickled back over to the teal haired Rika. So Rika had to be kept away from school for certain reasons. Lumi was a little curious as to what those were, but, of course, she would not press to ask. Private information should be respected unless given the alright to be openly shared. The Tamil-Japanese's lips faded slightly into a frown. "I am sorry to here that, miss Rika... But it is wonderful that you can experience being around others, now. It is not too overwhelming, is it?"

Yet again Rika mentioned her twin. Lumi pondered about asking about him, but decided to hold off on that for right this moment for right now. She was always careful about asking questions, especially what might be personal ones. A small smile held to the caramel lips as she walked, her gaze re-focused back on Rika.

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE IN THIS WORLD? FOR A GIRL?
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"That is what I am often hearing from a lot of girls. That Miator is a school for brides. Maybe so but who knows? I'm pretty sure there are a lot of girls here that are part of arranged marriages by their parents. So the school is supposed to in a way polish girls to be more ladylike when with their husband or something or another. I'm merely guessing though, for I could completely be wrong about that too," said Rika with a small laugh. Regardless of all of that though, Rika still enjoyed being at Miator. Things will pick up for her soon as she was in no rush since she felt like she had all the time in the world even if it may not hold to be true someday but that was not going to stop her from living. So when Lumisade showed concern for her mentioning there were reasons as to why she'd never attended school before, Rika merely shook her head and said, "Iie, iie no need to worry. I'm just glad to be attending school at all with my parents finally allowing me to do so. And I really like it. It's much better than being indoors all day and I get to explore anytime I want to."

(Ahh, sorry it took so long to reply! I'm having writing blocks with threads left and right, haha. Anissa is actually in a lucky spot to be in Alice's presence at the moment by the way; if she wasn't in the foul mood she was in, then Anissa might be in trouble because Alice can be a manipulative flirt. But she's still a noble, refined lady underneath~) 

"I think you are correct, miss Rika. Many girls of Miator - ah, well, many girls of Astrea, really - come from wealthy, influential families and typically have arranged marriages set up for them since birth. Miator is probably selected to house the girls because it focuses more on submission and the old-tradition values of the Victorian woman." The Tamil-Japanese stopped walking for a moment to sweep her emerald gaze about her surroundings. The regal Gothic spires of the Victorian-styled Miator girl's academy could be seen peeking over the tops of the trees like the towers of a noble castle. Maiden Park was the quickest connecting shortcut between all three schools. Lumi hadn't noticed until now that they were a little over half-way there.

The emerald orbs settled back on the young Miator girl. Maybe she'd been sick? Or maybe she'd had an injury that had prevented her from attending school? Those were the usual possibilities of why some students didn't regularly attend school or attend at all, or so Lumi had most commonly discovered. Still, she was glad that Rika seemed like she was trying her best to make the most of it and smile. Some in similar positions were often too nervous; too overwhelmed by the shock of the new environment; to do so. She offered a warm smile, no longer twirling the rose gently in between her forefingers. It's flowery head arched in the air and quivered slightly as a gentle gust of an autumn breeze caressed its petals. When she realized she had stopped walking, she gave a hasty apology and a bow, and stepped off again. "That's great, miss Rika. Some become so overwhelmed by the environment and all the people they forget how to smile and enjoy it."

The caramel-skinned girl had experienced that slightly upon her transfer here, but she had sought her comfort and familiarity in the roses and the flowers. No, she'd not yet a friend to call her own. Everyone at Astrea was far too glamorous and noble to want to be associated with an inferior little vessel like her anyways. Or so that was her submissive mindset.

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DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE FOR A GIRL?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE IN THIS WORLD? FOR A GIRL?
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(OOC: It's quite fine. I've been having a bit of writer's block myself. Have some threads at my own site I need to get to but my brain be not working sometimes. Work kills the muse hard, lol. Suppose I should count Anissa to be lucky then, though she more than likely wouldn't respond to Alice's flirting and just be highly uncomfortable around her. ^^;)

"O-Oh, I see. I never really thought of it that way. I just chose a random school to go to and didn't really pay much attention to all of that. My parents don't have anyone arranged for me to marry for they'd be fine with whomever I'm with in the future. So long as I'm happy, they're happy," Rika told her. Her family, while they had money, they weren't like most families that were trying to push their children into something they didn't want to do. Despite being Japanese, they had more of the mindset of foreigners that respected their children's decision for what they wanted to do with their lives. So that meant she and Riko could do what they wanted but know that as their parents they would always be worried for them no matter what. That's just what parents do. They worried about their children and that was normal. No, her parents weren't selfish people and the hazel eyed teen was grateful for that. "I think parents should always be supportive of their children. So long as they make good decisions for themselves. As much as many would like to think for their kids, they know they can't for they would have to make their own mistakes so they can learn from them and grow on their own. So that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to grow and learn from any mistakes I may make. Not that I have done so yet but the future isn't here yet. I have plenty of time and wish to make plenty of friends here. Maybe someday I'll find someone that I may like. I'm not sure yet but if I do, I hope they'll be so nice as well as caring," she said with a giggle.