"♡—not worth my time."

Shizuka bit her lip as Riruka’s expression soured even more. In hindsight, it probably hadn’t been the best thing to say, but she felt it had to be said. Then…Riruka’s expression lifted slightly as she spoke, Shizuka making sure to listen well.

“Ah, right. Forgive me,then. I was trying to…inject, I suppose, my experiences with people like the ones you were talking about. But that was wrong of me, and I’m sorry. But still, I understand what you’re saying…now that I think of it, you’re right. There is a big difference.”

Shizuka had to admit, when Riruka said that she wasn’t going to ask to be her friend, it felt like a thump in the chest. But no, she wouldn’t get angry, would run off crying. People changed…maybe Riruka would too. Besides…it was a good idea to stay on the Queen’s good side!

So, hoping she hadn’t looked wounded or anything, Shizuka laughed, relived that it sounded genuine and happy, and not forced, she feared.

"That's all it comes down to in the end, you know? Differences. Differences make everything -- that's actually so obvious that saying it sounds silly. I'm different from these peasants, they're different from each other, and actually I'm even different than you." 

The smirk had definitely returned in full to her face by now, and she was actually starting to feel the bitterness creep away from her. It would return, definitely, but it was still nice to enjoy herself when she wasn't around the judgmental brats that attended this academy. 

Shizuka let Riruka’s words flow through her mind. There was bitterness, alright, she could here it. In a way her heart ached for the other girl. It sounded like she had a rough time so far. And she could understand her feelings about the rich, she had seen enough of Kaiba’s behaviour in Battle City, the way he refuse to divert back to Domino when Bakura, Mai and Rishid had been injured. How he didn’t call for advanced medical help when her brother was almost killed…She opened her eyes and looked Riruka in the face.

“I think I understand, now. I know what you mean…I’m actually here on a scholarship…I’m not rich at all, I can’t even afford a proper fitting uniform, for crying out loud! And I know what it’s like to try and be friendly with someone only to have them throw it back into your face….”

She sighed, and then chanced a small smile at Riruka.

The teen was silent, her lips turned down sourly. She always lashed out. It was who she was. So to have someone actually sit there and not get angry, ignore her, or tell her to shut up wasn't a normal occurrence. It had only happened with about two other people in this city, which is why Riruka had conditioned herself to assume that most of the people here were the same. Finally, feeling a bit better and still interested in the other female, the magenta haired girl smirked, rolling her eyes sarcastically. This was her version of being friendly, though most people didn't realize it. 

"It's not like I care if you understand or not. Makes no difference either way. And I never said that people made threw stuff back into my face. I was just saying they would make fun of me if I were nice to them. Big difference, don't you think?" She wasn't the type of person who would admit to things that easily, especially if they were true.