Walking With Nothing

"You only die once, too."

To my classmates, I'm a celebrated player; bold, mysterious, and ready to party. But my childhood was the stuff of nightmares-pure evil. What they don't know can't hurt me, and I'd rather die than have their pity. I thrive on canned coffee, cigarettes, and whatever leftovers Makoto brings when he hauls my ass to school. Once I turn 18, I can stop lying about my age at work, and hiding the fact I live on my own.

I've got scars, but no strings. I'm walking with nothing, and I like it.

Of course, I mess up everything, though.

"Riku, as long as you have a heartbeat, you have the right to live."

Hinata Tachibana is a top student, and a seasoned liar packed full of spice. The carefully carved words that fall from her mouth make me feel . . . things.

I want Hinata, but I'll break more than just her heart.

I'm an even bigger piece of shit than I give myself credit for.