October 13th 2017

The end of the week was finally upon them and the literature club members were still scattered around the school to study for the upcoming tests, each in their own way.

However, that day had driven some of them together by pure coincidence.
Natsuki and Yuri had decided to spend their lunch time with Sayori and Ryona like they did a few days ago. Who came as unexpected were none others than the literature club and student council presidents themselves.

Mayu and Monika, after their strange incident at the park, had decided to take it easier on studying and take some time to relax when they could.
They had been studying hard during lunch the days prior but today at least they agreed it'd be better to just go and find a nice spot to eat and relax.

Both passed right outside Natsuki's classroom and immediately spotted their friends, which immediately made both smile, nod to each other and go in there to spend some quality time with them.

Sayori receives both with the greatest smile, Natsuki gave them her classic teasing smirk and Yuri and Ryona simply waved their hands at them.
It didn't take long before the 6 of them were as lively as they ever were in the club.

"So you do drugs now, Monika?", Natsuki asked cocking an eyebrow. "Yes... Eh? I mean no! I know it sounds weird but even I still don't know what was that", Monika replied a bit startled.

"B-But since the student council president was also involved I doubt it was drugs...", Yuri commented. "I... Thank you I guess?", Mayu replied confused by what that meant.

"So you're saying I'd be the kind of person to do drugs but Mayu wouldn't?", Monika asked offended. "Yeah, I think that's what she meant", Natsuki grinned as she patted Yuri's back, proud of her.

"Are you feeling sick, Monika?", Sayori asked worried. "Eh? No, I'm not...", Monika replied a bit confused at Sayori's worry.

"Then why would you need drugs? Ah! There's a drugstore near! You want us to go and buy you something maybe?", Sayori asked with an innocent smile, making Natsuki, Yuri, Ryona and Mayu let out a drowned pfft.

"Oh Sayori... You never change", Monika sighed and giggled. "Anyways, weird things aside... Has anyone stopped by the literature club these days? I'm curious on who took the offer of using that space to study", Natsuki asked.

"Ah, yeah, I did. Yesterday actually, I went to get something from the closet and I found Erika there", Monika replied. "Erika? Hmm that's a surprise. I always thought she'd be the kind of person to go home immediately and maybe, just maybe, study there", Natsuki said.

"Yeah, I kind did picture her like that too...", Monika replied smiling awkwardly. "Erika has really good grades though. She does take her studies seriously, believe it or not", Mayu added to everyone's surprise.

"Eh? Really? How do you know that, Mayu?", Monika asked surprised. "She was in my class last year, I never really talked to her but whenever I went to see the results of the tests, she was always in the top 5, always below me and Monika though", Mayu explained.

"Freaking smart asses, you always have to brag about it", Natsuki huffed. "Come on, us normal people shouldn't hang out with the elite right?", Natsuki said dramatically as she turned her chair towards Sayori and Ryona, tugging on Yuri's sleeve for her to do the same, which she did giggling.

"You're so dramatic, Natsuki", Monika replied but then she remembered something crucial to play along with her drama. "Ah, but Yuri's also part of that elite, you know? She may not be in the top 5 but at least she's always within the top 10", Monika said with a great grin.

"What?! Yuri! How dare you!", Natsuki turned to her girlfriend who now looked nervous. "I-It's not that big of-", Yuri tried to say but Natsuki quickly stood up and pushed her chair while she was still sitting there towards Monika and Mayu.

"There! Sit with your elite friends and leave us peasants alone!", Natsuki huffed and went to sit close to Sayori and Ryona. "You got yourself a drama queen, Yuri", Monika giggled.

"Shut up!", Natsuki exclaimed offended and stuck out her tongue to the 3 elite girls. "She's cute when she gets dramatic", Yuri smiled happy.

"I'm not cute god damnit!", Natsuki stood up furious and went to put YurI in the Coquina clutch from behind. "I-I give up! I give up!", Yuri exclaimed.

"I can't hear you!", Natsuki exclaimed and then proceeded to bite Yuri's ear playfully. "Mmmnatsuki...", of course, the blush on Yuri's face and the weird voice she said that with made everyone look at her with eyes wide open.

"Sorry. I should've known you'd do that", Natsuki let go of her peacefully and went to sit down, blushing deeply while the uncomfortable silence fell upon them. Yuri simply covered her red face with both hands, wondering if she would ever be able to look at her friends in the eye.

After almost a minute like that, Natsuki continuously glanced at her ashamed girlfriend. Feeling a bit bad for her, she simply sighed and smiled, looking at her friends who simply smiled back and nodded.

"Aaaanyway! Ummm...", Natsuki said as she stood up and went to push Yuri's chair with her on it close to hers again. She was struggling what to say now however. "Where did you learn the Coquina clutch, Natsuki?", Mayu asked to break the ice again.

"Eh? Ah, that... Gen taught it to me, using Ryou as example, I practiced it with Sayori", Natsuki grinned proud. "I earned a cookie for that!", Sayori raised her hand proud, making everyone laugh except Yuri, who was still hiding her face from the public.

"Come on, babe, I know it was embarrassing but chill, alright?", Natsuki said, wrapping an arm around her girl while gently trying to remove her hands from her face with the other.

Yuri resisted a bit but little by little, she reveled a bit of her still red and ashamed face, her hair still hiding a good part of it. "Come on, we all forgot about it, see? They're already goofing about other shit", Natsuki said as Yuri looked at Monika and Sayori talking about Sayori's gluttony.

"Y-You're not mad at me, are you?", Yuri asked nervous. "Eh? No! Why would I!", Natsuki whispered to not get the attention on them.

"I-I embarrassed you...", Yuri replied sad. "No you didn't! I mean yes, it was embarrassing but not the bad kind of embarrassing, it was more like... The fun kind of embarrassing, yeah", Natsuki said.

"A-Are you sure?", Yuri asked. "I'm sure", Natsuki said and after making sure the other 4 were distracted with their own stuff, she landed a quick kiss on Yuri's head, making the purple one blush hellishly.

"Payback for the other day. Now relax and stop isolating yourself from us", Natsuki said and Yuri nodded with a now warm smile.

"So you'd take a punch to the face if that person offered you... 10 boxes of cookies?", Monika had asked while the pink and purple ones settled their little issue. "Mmmm make it 20 and I'd do it!", Sayori replied enthusiastically.

"Hahaha, okay, okay, then... A punch to the gut, what would be the price?", Monika asked. "I listen to the offer first then negotiate", Sayori replied.

"Mmm... An entire cake just for you?", Monika asked. "If it's chocolate cake then yes!", Sayori replied enthusiastically again.

Mayu and Ryona had been listening to both talk, smiling at their silliness and how easy they got along to goof around, mentally taking some notes, hoping to get to that level with them respectively.

But that day, a lot of unexpected things were bound to happen, the first came when Mayu and Ryona crossed eyes for a second.

They didn't express anything. Ryona just drifted her eyes back to Sayori but Mayu instead drifted hers lower.
Ryona never wore the vest that was part of the uniform, she'd always just wear the shirt and her blazer usually open. Sometimes, like that day, she'd wear it around her waist, leaving only the shirt on.

Mayu, as the student council president, had the obligation of saying something to her and if she certainly would've done so back when she was still trying to bother Monika, but lately she just let it past, since she hadn't since her blazerless until now.

Once again, she was about to enter serious mode but she noticed something. Under Ryona's shirt, she was wearing a black tank top and through the thin fabric of her shirt, something was visible.

On the center of that top, Mayu could distinguish a curious logo. It was like two white sickles joined, each facing the opposite side, forming a semicircle. A logo she knew well.

But the white haired girl didn't know what to say. Shades of her past self, she just lowered her gaze while thinking about it. She didn't have anyone to talk about those things, not even Monika whose tastes on that matter were quite different, although she tried to listen, it was clear it wasn't really her thing.

Mayu had found someone with similar tastes now on someone within her new circle of friends but even so, she didn't know what to say or how to approach her to talk about it. Then she remembered who she had next to her.

"And then- mm? Yes, Mayu?", Monika and Sayori had been talking non stop but as soon as the brunette felt Mayu's finger poking her shoulder, she turned to her and asked with a smile.
"Can you ask... Sayori and Ryona what kind of music do they like?", Mayu asked in whispers.

"Eh? What's with the sudden question?", Monika asked confused. "Just do it!", Mayu insisted with a cute frowning expression that got Monika a bit tingly.

"Alright, alright haha. Sayori, Ryona, kinda random question but what music do you like?", Monika asked with a casual smile. "Mm? Well, you already know what I like... Happy music! Like pop and stuff, I also love the Minecraft songs! They're really relaxing, although some are a bit creepy too hehe...", Sayori replied cheerfully.

"And you, Ryona?", Monika asked a couple of seconds after Sayori had finished talking and she still hadn't. "Me? Eh... Well... Rock", Ryona replied a bit awkwardly, scratching her cheek and look to the side. Monika was going to leave it at that but she noticed Mayu's intrigued eyes discreetly looking at Ryona, so she decided to press a little further.

"What kind of rock? There's lots of different subgenres, right?", Monika asked. "Eh... Subgenre... Subgenre...", Ryona looked troubled. She started mumbling the same word as she tried to remember the names of the subgenres she listened to. She was bad at remembering those things.

"To put it simpler then... Which bands are your favorites for example?", Monika asked to help her out a little. "Ah... I'd say... Evanescence...", Ryona replied and before she could say anything else, Mayu spoke quickly.

"That's one of my favorites too!", Mayu said with an awfully excited smile, which of course, Monika found cute. "Eh? Really?", Ryona replied surprised.

Monika knew it was time for her to remain quiet and let them go at it.
There was one thing she had learnt about Mayu in the short time they've been friends, a little bit of a sad fact about her.

Mayu had uncommon tastes for a lot of things. Music, sports, movies, clothing, food even, she knew already that most of the things Mayu liked were out of the ordinary, special for a girl her age and what's more, for a girl with her looks and aura.

Monika herself, along with almost any other student, thought of Mayu as strict, serious and refined, only that the president of the literature and most likely the messy ponytail girl, now were the only two people who had a better picture of the real Mayu.

However, what Monika thought was sad about her white haired friend wasn't the fact Mayu's interests and looks didn't match, which would probably prompt anyone to know about them to judge her, but the fact that her interests were so odd and hard to see in her, she had no one to talk about them with.

Of course, Monika had been doing her best to make Mayu open up to her more, listening to all she had to say and trying to get into the things she enjoyed but the literature club president also knew for experience that, while it's nice to have someone getting into the stuff you like, finding someone who already shares the same interests will always be something we will thrive for.

"What's your favorite album?", Mayu asked excited. "Mmm... I'd go with Fallen", Ryona replied with a shy smile.

Monika also knew that Mayu really liked to talk about the things she enjoys, getting all excited and losing all of those shades of shyness she sometimes had, which kinda reminded her of one of her dearest friends there.

In no time, Mayu and Ryona got into a passionate conversation about different rock bands and subgenres, almost looking as if they had been the best of friends forever.

Monika smiled. Sayori smiled. Even Natsuki and Yuri, who had finally rejoined the conversation, smiled. Seeing those two getting along surprisingly well was something they didn't know they needed until now.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At last, another week of school was over and as the bell rang, a lot of students quickly called it a day, leaving any remaining studying for home. Most of them hurried their way out, aside from two.
A girl of bow hairband and a girl of beanie hat.

Almost two weeks after the festival, the injury Kanae had sustained there had healed quite well. She didn't need the crutches anymore but she still had to take it easy, which meant a calm and sometimes kinda slow walk for her.

However, this never felt like an issue or anything of the sort since each and every single day, her girlfriend of brown hair was always by her side, holding her hand and taking care of her, adjusting herself to Kanae's pace.

That day was no different, at least on this aspect. What was different, was the person suddenly appearing before them at the main building's entrance.

"I finally caught you, Jazz", said the school cap boy with his usual crooked teeth grin. "Gen", Jasmine replied a bit awkward.

"Hey there, Kanae-chan", Gensai grinned at her too as greeting. "Hello", Kanae politely smiled back.

"Anything I can do for you, Gen?", Jasmine asked as they began to move aside to not block the entrance. "Yeah, actually, there is one thing I need from you. 3 minutes of your time, we need to talk", Gensai replied.

"Alright, talk away", Jasmine replied but Gensai didn't respond, instead he looked at her in the eye serious. "Right... One second", Jasmine understood.

"Come on, darling", Jasmine said as she gently dragged Kanae to the nearest bench, while Gensai stood there and waited. "I-Is something wrong?", Kanae asked concerned.

"No, not really, it's just something between the two of us haha...", Jasmine replied smiling awkwardly. "Are you hiding secrets from me?", Noroe now asked pouty.

"No, I'm not. It's more like... A private issue for him, yeah?", Jazzy replied with her sweetest smile but Noroe didn't look convinced yet, looking away a bit upset. "Hey, look at me. I'm not hiding anything from you, alright? Trust me, you're the one that knows me best, the closest to my heart", Jasmine said as she tenderly grabbed her girlfriend's cheeks between her hands to make her look at her, but Kanae still refused, keeping her eyes low.

"You promise?", Kanae asked slowly lifting her gaze to look at her girlfriend's red caring eyes. "I promise", Jasmine replied. After all, it was true Kanae was the closest to her heart at least.

"If there's ever anything that troubles you or... Something that may be paining you... Please tell me, don't be afraid of getting me worried or anything like that, yes? I want to... Be there for you in the good and bad, whenever you need me and even if you don't... I want to be there for you always", Kanae spoke. The look of care and love her eyes had, along with those words, was enough for Jasmine to fall in love with her yet again.

"Of course, darling. Thank you for letting me know, and don't be silly, I need you 24/7", Jasmine smiled blushing lightly as she landed a soft kiss on Kanae's cheek to reassure her. "Hah... Sorry for getting dramatic...", Kanae sighed with a smile as she touched her cheek almost as if she was trying to trap the sensation of Jasmine's lips still there.

"Don't be. I needed to know that too", Jazzy smiled sweetly. "Alright, I'll be right back", she added and finally approached the school cap one again.

"You almost got me in trouble with my girlfriend haha...", Jasmine said to break the ice. "Sorry dude, but this was the only way, it's been a bit difficult to get to you these past two weeks. Anyways, it seems everything went well in the end though, judging by that face", Gensai said as he discreetly glanced at Kanae's still dreamy expression, touching her cheek.

"Yeah, sorry about that... Anyway, what's up?", Jasmine asked. "It's been hard to keep an eye on everyone by myself but I've done my part and after doing a bit of research, I think I can safely say they are moving again", Gensai replied serious.

"Kaede and...?", Jasmine asked a bit doubtful. "No. Kaede is still missing, I don't know where she went after the incident at Yuri's house. Those who are on the move are the ones we hoped wouldn't move yet", Gensai replied serious.

"You can't be talking about...", Jazz said as her expression turned more serious. "The 7 Stars", Gensai said death serious.

"Shit... All of them?", Jasmine asked concerned. "So far, three of them... Well no, 4, have encountered some of our friends. Kanefusa, according to what Natsuki and Yuri said, she seems to be the one behind the incident at the restaurant last Sunday, she was stopped by Unrestrained. According to an old acquaintance of mine, Murph faced Ryona in one of those underground fights she takes part in. Then, Natsuki told me earlier after lunch about an odd incident Mayu and Monika went through 2 days ago, basically, Irina challenged Mayu to a fight, Mayu won apparently. Finally, according to what that person told me, the one sent to dispose of Satoru is none other than the 4th star", Gensai explained.

"So 7, 6, 5 and 4...", Jasmine mumbled. "Yeah, do you also notice the pattern there?", Gensai asked.

"Irina and Mayu, Murph and Ryona...", Jasmine replied. "And if my suspicions about the identity of Unrestrained are true...", Gensai added.

"Destiny is a bitch huh...", Jasmine said. "Yeah, and if that's the case then I guess you get my point by now", Gensai said and the beanie hat girl looked at him in the eye serious before glancing at her still blushing and smiley girlfriend.

"Yuri, Natsuki, me and you, if everything keeps going that way, we're next. I don't need to remind you what kind of person your rival is, you too listened to what the Head had to say about her, so I suggest you take care of Kanae-chan", Gensai said. "If she lays a finger on my Kanae...", Jasmine said death serious.

"She's dead, yeah I know, I'm pretty sure that's what the Head wants from you too. Anyways, either stay with her all the time or make sure she's somewhere safe while we take care of this", Gensai said. "Thanks for telling me this, man. Actually... We were going to my place to study... We've been studying at her house all week but she insisted she wanted to come to mine at least today, so we should be fine for now", Jasmine explained.

"Heh... You and her at your place huh? Must be good living alone for times like this" Gensai smirked. "Yeah... Ah! This is no time for your stupid jokes!!", Jasmine blushed hard.

"Hahahaha, sorry, sorry, anyways you- ?", Gensai laughed and then spoke before cutting himself off abruptly as the world before him darkened. "Ah! I'm blind!", Gensai exclaimed jokingly. Jasmine had already noticed who was the cause of this so she simply smiled.

"Togashi-kun!", the girl of orange hair and glasses exclaimed as she removed her hands off Gensai's eyes and proceeded to hug him from behind. "Oh, false alarm, I can see again", Gensai grinned.

"Long time no see, Kiyomi-chan", Jasmine said with her classic grin. "Hi, Jasmine-san", Kiyomi replied with a smile, still clinged to the school cap boy.

"What brings you here?", Jasmine asked as she signaled her girlfriend to come over there already. Kanae smiled and calmly approached her. "I always come see Togashi-kun at his club, then we walk home together", Kiyomi replied happy.

"Heh, a lot has happened these last two weeks I see", Jasmine smirked back to Gensai at last. "Yeah... She's been visiting our club as of late, Goz even thought she wanted to join the first time she came haha", Gensai replied.

"I didn't see you there, I thought you had already gone! But I'm glad I was able to find you", Kiyomi said still clinged to him. "So you still doing club activities?", Jasmine asked. Kanae was by her side again, with Jazz's arm wrapped around her shoulder. The bow hairband girl simply smiled politely and waved hi to the orange haired girl who did the same.

"Yep, just me and Gozo though, the rest of our members have been skipping training because of the tests and stuff", Gensai said. "So you two are the only irresponsibles there", Jasmine grinned.

"Training it's important. Tests... Not so much", Gensai shrugged. "I see why Gozo has trouble with his subjects now...", Jasmine said.

"That's exactly why today we ain't doing club activities. His parents forced him to go to cram school starting today... But hey at least he can still attend training later at the gym when he's done", Gensai explained. "So yeah, I'll be going to the gym right now to make the most of this free time", he added.

"You should use that time to study", Jasmine grinned jokingly. "Actually...", Kiyomi suddenly interrupted.

"I was worried about you not studying since I never see you doing it so I was gonna ask you if maybe you want to study together, Togashi-kun...?", Kiyomi replied as she let go of him and put her hands behind her back, swinging back and forth on her tip toes.

"Eh? But I told you I do study at home, don't worry about it. Besides I have to go to the gym because SOMEONE is still taking time off and someone needs to cover for her", Gensai said leaning towards Jazzy who looked away whistling while Kanae just giggled.

"Honestly, you're lucky the owner is a friend of mine otherwise you would've been fired long ago, dude", Gensai sighed. "So, sorry, Kiyomi-dono", Gensai smiled awkwardly at her.

"I-It's okay... It's just... I already told my parents I'd go study at a friends house and...", Kiyomi lowered her gaze, looking disappointed. "Come on, man, just go with her, I'm sure the owner will let you off the hook just this time", Jasmine grinned while patting Gensai's chest.

"Eh...", Gensai looked troubled. Kiyomi looked at him with sad puppy eyes. "Stop acting like a prima Donna and go!", Jasmine exclaimed and pushed her friend towards the glasses girl.

"Fine, fine, I'll go", Gensai said. "Yay! Let's go to your house then, Togashi-kun!", Kiyomi exclaimed and clinged to his arm, eager to go.

"I'm sure he could use a girl's hand in that dirty apartment of his", Jasmine grinned. "I haven't cleaned in 3 weeks", Gensai remembered out loud.

"I'll be glad to help!", Kiyomi exclaimed as she dragged him away to the gates. "Have fun Gen!", Jazzy laughed as she watched them go.

"Bye-bye Jasmine-san, Kanae-san!", Kiyomi exclaimed before being too far. Both girls waved bye at her with a smile. "Alright then, we should get going too", Jasmine said and switched to holding her girlfriend's hand, who simply nodded with a smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"My poor babies, they must miss us already...", Sayori, who walked home with her dark blue haired friend as usual, said dramatically. "I'm sure they're fine", Ryona chuckled.

"Maybe they are, but I'm not! I want to keep growing our cow farm already! This is why I hate tests", Sayori sighed. "I thought you'd play at least a bit these days", Ryona replied.

"Well... To be honest, whenever tests are around the corner, I ask my mom to hide my Xbox so I won't succumb to the temptation hehe... Otherwise I end up playing Minecraft until late and studying nothing", Sayori pressed the tip of her index fingers together.

"Makes sense", Ryona said nodding. "However... We've been doing our best to study for the test all week... one night we play shouldn't hurt.... right?", Ryona suggested, feeling a bit guilty of making the red bow girl go the bad way.

"Yeah! We've been doing our best! And my babies need me!", Sayori exclaimed surprisingly fast. "Alrighty! It's settled, I'll ask my mom to let me play tonight!", Sayori bounced fired up, making Ryona giggle while covering her mouth shyly with her fist.

"Wait for me, my beautiful cows! Mama is coming hooooome!", Sayori shouted as she speeded up the pace, extending her arms as they were wings, while Ryona did her best to keep up.

...

And as they passed outside a convenient store, an individual who didn't stand out the rest spoke to himself, watching them go behind the big glass that separated them from him.

"Happy I see... You're going against the script, Sayori... I guess I'll have to fix that up, again".

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Why do they have to teach physics in high school?! It makes no sense! I'm never gonna stop and calculate the angle when I throw a ball based on it's parable!", The pink girl complained passionately after two minutes of thinking and not being able to solve the problem Yuri had chosen for her.

"Come on, love, we already studied the theory for this problem, you should remember the formulas", Yuri insisted kindly. "Cookie", Natsuki demanded and Yuri sighed to then grab another cookie from the second pack she had opened that afternoon and put it in her girlfriend's mouth.

"Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.... Nnnnngh.... No, it's no use, I can't solve this shit", Natsuki sighed annoyed and put the pencil down, leaning on the couch while keeping her mouth open for Yuri to feed her another cookie.

"Maybe I should change it to an easier one...", Yuri said, scratching her cheek. "Yeah, do that", Natsuki said with her mouth full.

"But...", Yuri mumbled as she read the text book over and over. "That one is the easiest for this topic... Even if I teach her how to do it, again, she's gonna have trouble with the others...", she thought troubled but suddenly, an imaginary light bulb appeared over her head.

"Natsuki, I have an idea, come here please", Yuri said shyly tugging on Natsuki's blazer. "What?", the smaller girl leaned closer. Yuri had grabbed a clean sheet, a pencil and the text book, putting them on her lap.

"I'll show you how to solve this other problem, it's a bit more difficult than the one I chose for you but if you pay attention, I'm sure it'll be easier for you to understand and solve the easier one", Yuri explained. "Mmm, alright, makes sense", Natsuki smiled and rested her head on Yuri's shoulder while watching her solve that.

Yuri felt a bit nervous but it didn't take long before a smile appeared on her face along with the needed motivation to be the best teacher she could be at that moment.

After a few minutes, questions and quiet "mmhmm" sounds from Natsuki, the problem was solved and the pink girl sounded fairly convinced of having understood everything. Finally it was time for her to try again.

"Mmmmmmmmmmmmm....", Natsuki said. She started well, listing all the information the problem gave her and the formulas she knew would be useful, but as soon as she tried to apply everything, she found herself troubled again.

Yuri then realized.
Natsuki already knew the method, she was sure of it. Maybe, she just needed a bit of motivation to focus. If there was something she had learnt about her pink girl after studying together all week, is that she had trouble focusing and sometimes, she lacked confidence whenever there was something difficult for her, as if her mind convinced itself she couldn't do it.

"N-Natsuki?", Yuri said shyly. "What?", Natsuki replied, cutely frowning.

"I-If you can solve that problem, I-I'll give you one kiss", Yuri said, furiously fidgeting with her hair and looking to the side. "Eh?", Natsuki tilted her head confused.

"L-Like a reward... T-To motivate you and...", Yuri, now red as roses, tried to say while running her fingers through that long strand of purple hair. "Yeah, I get that but you're always kissing me, what's the difference?", Natsuki asked blushing lightly and looking away.

"Eh? W-Well... Umm...", Yuri hadn't thought of that. "Ah! I got a better idea! If I can solve this thing then you can't kiss me in the next 30 minutes! If I get stuck or ask you for help then you get back 30 minutes!", Natsuki exclaimed excited.

"Ehhhh?! But why???", Yuri whined. "Alright it's settled! And the more problems I solve the longer you can't kiss me!", Natsuki grinned proud of her idea.

"Natsukiiii!", Yuri exclaimed. "Yeah! I got this! How could I not see this earlier!", Natsuki exclaimed, already halfway through solving that problem.

"But I didn't-", Yuri tried to protest. "There! Check it out, I have confidence that's the right answer!", Natsuki said as she shoved her notebook in Yuri's face who after a quick read, much to her disappointment, said the words, "it's correct...".

After that, Natsuki was able to solve each and every physics problem thrown her way, even the ones Yuri chose to be particularly difficult until in the end, she had been forbidden to kiss Natsuki for 5 hours in total, after the pink girl flawlessly solved 10 of those in a row.

"Woo! I never thought I'd say this but physics are fun!", Natsuki sighed satisfied. "I hate physics now", Yuri mumbled sad, hugging her knees and burying her face on them.

"Let's see... 5 hours then, since I have to go home soon, we will resume that countdown next time we meet up, if not this would be pointless", Natsuki grinned. "Hmph", Yuri quietly complained, making Natsuki chuckle at her upset girlfriend.

"I was joking, you purple monster! I just wanted to see your reaction and it was worth it, guess I have found a good way to motivate myself", Natsuki smiled proud. "By teasing me?", Yuri asked as she finally lifted her head to look at her girl.

"Yeah, it's fun", Natsuki grinned and Yuri lowered her head still a bit upset. "Come on, don't be like that", Natsuki rolled her eyes and moved closer to Yuri, wrapping her arms around her and kissing the top of her head softly.

"See? Kisses are unbanned again", Natsuki giggled. Yuri then sighed and smiled. She just couldn't stay mad at her girlfriend, even if she was a bit mean sometimes, she knew she didn't mean any harm.

Yuri sit normally again and shyly turned her face in Natsuki's direction, closing her eyes and sticking out her lips a bit. "You're such a dork", Natsuki rolled her eyes and gave her soft peck on the lips. Yuri smiled sweetly.

"What time you have to get home again?", Yuri asked, resting her head on Natsuki's shoulder while the pink ran her hand through her hair. "Around 8. You want me to leave already or what?", Natsuki asked daring.

"N-No, no! I didn't mean-", Yuri immediately panicked. "Relax, I was kidding", Natsuki chuckled as she playfully pulled Yuri's hair a bit.

"Ouch", Yuri said. "But... It's the weekend already... Doesn't that give you an idea?", Natsuki asked, getting a bit excited.

"Mm? Ah! You're right! You could stay over the weekend! Please?", Yuri sat up smiling awfully excited. "Maybe, I don't know...", Natsuki faked, looking away and crossing her arms.

"Natsuki, please?", Yuri leaned closer to her and grabbed her hand between hers while looking at her with pleading violet eyes. "Mmmmmmm, okay, why not", Natsuki said with joking disdain.

"Thank you!", Yuri hugged her immediately, excited to spend a weekend with her girlfriend after a week busy with school work that didn't really gave them much time to enjoy their new relationship like it should.

"I gotta go home now then, I gotta tell my dad and bring clothes and stuff", Natsuki said. "You think your father will be okay with it?", Yuri asked concerned.

"Yeah, like I said, I'm just gonna let him know. I don't need to ask for permission for something like this.... At least not anymore", Natsuki mumbled that last part almost to herself. Yuri did hear that however and realized there were still a lot of things she didn't know about her girlfriend, one of these was her home life.

Yuri knew she could ask Natsuki in due time but the way she responded right now did sound a bit strange and it got her a little concerned. Her relationship with her father seemed odd to her, or maybe it was just that there was too much trust between them? She would have to wait to find out anyway.

"Alright, love, you should get going then before it gets too late, I'll clean this up, don't worry", Yuri sais as she stood up and started by grabbing the empty packs of cookies and the two glasses they drank water from to put them in the trash and sink respectively.

"Okay, see you in... Maybe an hour or two then", Natsuki stood up and approached Yuri to give her a quick goodbye kiss on the lips to then grab her back pack and head to the main door. "Be careful out there!", Yuri shouted as she watched her exit the house. Natsuki raised her arm making a peace sign in response. Yuri smiled.

Soon, Yuri was done cleaning the living room, having put the books, pens, pencils and all that stuff where they belonged and cleaning tiny leftovers from the cookies Natsuki ate.
It hadn't even been 15 minutes.

There was still time before Natsuki returned. Yuri thought of grabbing a book to read in the meantime but she got a better idea right after.

"It's almost time for dinner...", Yuri said to herself with a smile. She headed to her kitchen and scanned her fridge and pantry to see what she had available.
She wanted to welcome back Natsuki with a nice dinner to start that promising week well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There has been a change of plans: 4★

Gensai isn't going to the gym today, instead there's a much better chance we can use to keep him out of this: 4★

It's time to bring that man. Dear comrades, are you prepared? :4★

7★: I'm on my way~ ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ

6★: Ready to back that boy up in case he needs me, but I doubt it.

5★: In position.

3★: I'm waiting for the pink man to arrive at the moment.

1★: I already saw those two from afar. I'm just waiting for the right moment and I gotta say I'm eager to meet them face to face ❤️

Everything is in place then. Let's get this party started! :4★

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In a city where injustice never rests, there is one individual that doesn't either (outside school hours at least).

For some, the silent of the night is the best scenario to commit their crimes, but for others, the busiest hours where everyone are going back home from work and school are a better chance.
Too much noise, too many people tired from a long day at work or school, all too focused on their business to pay attention.

...

...

...

"AAAAAGH!!", and just like that, the scream of a man of skinny complexion who went flying through a window and landed right into trash in the back alley below wasn't heard by nobody.

Nobody except a fat man middle aged man, who was an acquaintance of him and one more individual standing and watching from the now broken window.

"Well, that was a fall worth of a movie!", grinning proud, exclaimed the one dressed in cyan blue and red. "Motherfucker!", The fat man shouted after finally having overcome the fear within him and charged against the one of strange helmet yielding a 2x4.

"Watah!!", Unrestrained exclaimed as she punched right through the wood and onto the face of the fat man. "And go!", she then knocked him out with a quick but vicious roundhouse to the head, driving it down to the floor.

"Time for my least favorite part, cleaning this mess", Unrestrained sighed and grabbed some rope she found there to tie up the fat man to then grab all she could of that despicable material she had come for in the first place.

...

"Why are there so many pedos in this country... It's the third time I do this this week", Unrestrained, now outside in that back alley, after tying up the skinny man, put all the CP and the computer of the fat man inside a cylindrical trash can and set them on fire.

"At least these make a good bonfire~", she hummed while putting her hands near the fire, enjoying watching that crap burn. "Oh! A bonfire!", A familiar voice exclaimed, much to her annoyance.

"Not again...", Unrestrained sighed, directing her gaze to one woman of magenta hair and cat ears on the edge of the roof of a small building nearby. "Nyaho! Did you miss me?", Kanefusa asked waving her hand at her with a smile.

"No. Besides, it's been what? 2 days since I last saw you? I can only have this much of you, Kanefusa. Also, I can see your panties from down here, you should stop wearing that ridiculously short dress if you're gonna be in high places or at least wear shorts", Unrestrained said as she continued enjoying the improvised bonfire.

"Don't wanna!", Kanefusa exclaimed frowning but blushing to then jump down to the back alley. "I guess I have no choice...", Unrestrained sighed.

"Nyope! You will be my pet by the end of the day, whether you like it or not!", Kanefusa exclaimed and began taking her stance, showing her slightly long but certainly sharped nails as she prepared her claw hands "And I say you will leave me alone by the end of the day, whether you like it or not", Unrestrained took her stance as well, ready to get this thorn off her side once and for all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A drink.
That was the last thing in his life he had control over.

For Naoto Sakurami, it started almost 7 years ago when his wife left him.
He lost control of his marriage without even knowing when it happened.
From there he lost control of most things in his life.

The only two things he always told to himself were under his control was alcohol (he believed he had control over it since it never interfered with his work and duties in general) and the other was his daughter.

Working at a place where he had to follow orders and bow his head to arrogant superiors, the feeling of being boss at least at home was somewhat comforting for him and his crappy life.

But not anymore.

Now that his daughter had stepped up to him, no matter how much alcohol he had on him, he couldn't bring himself to confront her anymore. Not after that day. What he saw in her magenta eyes stuck with him ever since and everytime he thought of putting her in her place like he used to, something told him it was best not to. He would lose again.

Loser.
Now to his own daughter.

But that nice and cold can was still his loyal companion at least.
He always stopped by the convenience store close to his apartment to buy some and drink them at home.

Believe it or not, outside home he was always sober and if it didn't seemed that way it was just his bad mood and bad attitude. He wasn't the kind to anyone.

And he certainly wouldn't be to the short old man blocking his way in the stairs to get to his apartment that day.

"Out the way old fart!", Naoto said rudely. The old man, with his back turned didn't move. "I said move!", Naoto exclaimed and tried to shove the old man, not giving a damn about the difference in age between them.

But the old man didn't even flinched. Naoto even thought for a moment if he was a statue when his shoulder hurt after that failed attempt to get him out of his way.

"Respect your elders, kid", the old man spoke and giggled. He then slowly turned around.
What Naoto would last remember that day was the number 3 tattooed in the palm of his hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Y-You really do study, Togashi-kun...",Kiyomi said still shocked. She was sitting on the floor. "Wahahaha! And I see you really doubted me when I told you I did", Gensai, sitting in the lotus position across her, laughed.

"I-I didn't but... I didn't expect you to do this well... Your notes are usually just a little bit below the average...", Kiyomi said deep in thought and confused while she read over and over the sheets of paper with multiple math problems correctly solved.

"Eh? How do you know that?", Gensai tilted his head confused and crossed his arms. "Ah! I-I... Natsuki-san told me!", Kiyomi looked nervous, but she quickly replied.

"Of course ahaha", Gensai grinned. "I kinda feel it was all for nothing...", Kiyomi lowered her head and twitched her mouth.

"I don't think so, you helped me clean this dumpster I had for apartment, now's all shiny and smells good", Gensai smiled and inhaled deeply the fresh smell of pine that now filled his small apartment. "But like... I wanted to teach you something or be of help to you...", Kiyomi said sad.

"But you were! Look at this place!", Gensai jumped back to his feet and went running his finger across his desk nearby. "See? Not even a particle of dust!", Gensai grinned as he showed her his index finger indeed clean. Kiyomi couldn't help but smile.

"It was really dirty hehe", she chuckled. "Yeah, my finger would turn gray whenever I touched any surface here other than my bed wahaha", Gensai laughed.

"You sure you don't want me to help you clean the bathroom?", Kiyomi asked. "No, no, no! Even I have some shame haha... I promise I'll do it myself tomorrow", Gensai scratched his slightly hairy jaw awkwardly.

"But it really is no problem, I like cleaning. It's relaxing", Kiyomi smiled sweetly. "But it's exhausting", Gensai replied.

"So is your training, but you still do it", Kiyomi giggled. "Ah, well that's because it's fun and I like it", Gensai replied almost offended.

"To me cleaning is fun and I like it", Kiyomi smiled sweetly as she rocked back and forth while sitting there. "Right... Sorry, dumb me", Gensai knocked on his head twice ashamed.

Then a brief silence fell.
Kiyomi wouldn't stop smiling and looking at him. Gensai looked back at her briefly but he then simply turned his gaze to the wall clock.

"Hmmm... It's got a bit late", Gensai said. It was almost 7 PM. "Mm? Ah, yes... I guess it was a good thing you do study, we've only been studying together for what half an hour?", Kiyomi asked.

"Yeah, before that it was all cleaning", Gensai chuckled. "What time you have to get home?", Gensai asked.

"Before midnight like Cinderella~", Kiyomi said melodically. "Wow, your parents are really lenient on you", Gensai said surprised.

"I was kidding hehehe, but... Around 9 should be fine or should I ask for permission so we can have a sleepover?", Kiyomi asked. "But I just got one futon", Gensai tilted his head confused and began thinking.

"I mean I could sleep on the floor but I have training tomorrow too and Jazzy surely is gonna skip work so I have to cover up for her tomorrow morning", Gensai said troubled. "You can still sleep in your futon", Kiyomi blushed lightly and lowered her gaze, bitting the nail of her thumb.

"No way! I couldn't let you sleep on the cold floor! Mom always told me "guests take the bed, we take the couch"!", Gensai quoted firmly. "I-I wasn't-?", Kiyomi wanted to giggle at his silliness but she didn't want to drift away from this chance.

The knocking on the door cut her off.

"Mm? Who could it be? I usually don't get any visits other than Natsuki coming to use my oven sometimes...", Gensai said as he began heading to the front door, actually not any far from them in that tiny apartment.

The knocking was just done once. Gensai gently opened the door and said, "Good eve- agh!".

He didn't even have time to see it coming. That fist flew right to his left eyes like a north American X-15 combat aircraft, not only blinding him momentarily but rocking him enough to slow down any response.

He could only feel for a couple of seconds.
He felt a sturdy body around his same height shoving him to the side to enter his small apartment. He felt the week walls shake from the impact of his own body against them.

He then heard.
"Kyaaah!", a scream, followed by the sound of glass shattering in thousand of pieces and the sound that sturdy individual made upon landing behind the small apartment building barely as big as a house.

"Shit!", Gensai shook his head repeatedly to force his brains back in place. He kept his left eye closed and rushed into the apartment.
Kiyomi had gone and so had the glass of his only window.

One eye was enough to see him as he approached the window and looked at the figure below.

It was a man judging by his complexion. He had his back turned so the only things he could recognize from there was that his clothes were black but one thing that really stood out was that strange crest of pale red hair all up like a spike on the top of his head and the image of a strange sun on the back of his somehow black head.

On his shoulder was the girl of orange hair, whose glasses had fallen off her face in the process.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It's really easy once you get the grip of it. For words ending with d or t you just pronounce the "ed" at the end for all the other words you just go with the d at the end, like just press your tongue to your teeth to make the effect. Irregular verbs of course are a different topic", the beanie hat girl explained with great confidence.

"I understand! Hehe, I guess this is yet another pro of having an American girlfriend~", Kanae said happy. "Ahaha, well, english is my mother language after all", Jasmine smiled a bit flattered.

"English subjects at school must be like a walk in the park for you", Kanae said with a sweet smile. "I'd be lying if I say that isn't the case haha...", Jasmine scratched her cheek still flattered.

"My Jasmine was troubled yesterday for something. She talked to me about it and we worked it out together. I'm happy", Kanae said in a fairly good english. Jasmine blushed surprised. "D-Did I pronounce that correctly?", Kanae asked with a shyly smile while rubbing her hands as usual.

"Ah, yeah, it was quite well", Jasmine replied a bit nervous. "You still look troubled...", Kanae said with a kind smile as she leaned closer to her girlfriend. Both were sittings on her bed and had been practicing english speaking.

"Troubled? Pfft no, whose troubled?", Jasmine said jokingly. "I'm being serious... Ever since that talk you had with Togashi-san earlier you look like there's something bothering you", Kanae said shyly but doing her best to look at girlfriend in the eye while she spoke.

"It's really nothing, I'm just a bit worried about him that's all, he's a good friend of mine you know? I tend to worry when my friends have trouble", Jasmine replied with a smile and began rubbing Kanae's cheek with her thumb. "Really?", Kanae asked still not fully convinced.

"Really, don't you worry, okay?", Jasmine said. "Then...", Kanae then grabbed Jasmine's hand on her cheek between her own and gently but firmly squeezed it between them.

"Can you promise me, right here and now that if there's anything worrying, troubling or paining you, I'll always be the first you come to and lean on?", Kanae asked with eyes full of love and concern. Jasmine could feel her small fingertips gently pressed on her hand. They were warm.

"I...", Jasmine couldn't bring herself to respond yet. If she hadn't realized how troubled she probably looked earlier, she was certain that now her face was the living representation of worry. "I just... Don't like to see you like that and if there's anything I can do to help you, I'll do it with no seconds thoughts", Kanae stated witj a sweet smile.

"I promise", Jasmine said. Those words, that smile and those eyes were enough to bring the words out of her mouth.
She maybe couldn't talk Kanae about what was really troubling just yet but just like she promised, she would be the first person she'd come to about it. She just had to find the right words.

"Thank you", Kanae said and kissed Jasmine's hand softly. "I see you're learning from me", Jasmine blushed lightly but still grinned proud.

"A-Ah! Sorry! I-I...", Kanae of course blushed harder as she let go of her hand covered her red cheeks with her hands closing her eyes embarrassed. "Hehe, it's okay, I mean I like it~ seeing you use my latin methods of romance~", Jasmine said melodically.

"Well! Latins sure know their stuff there!", Noroe now exclaimed looking away and smiling awkwardly. "Now I wonder if you'll ever give me flowers~", Jasmine sighed dreamily.

"You wish!", Noroe exclaimed and Jasmine pouted sad. "Not that it has anything to do with that but what are your favorite flowers?", Noroe, still looking away asked.

"This flower", Jasmine said sweetly as she caressed her girlfriend's cheek and winked at her. Noroe wasn't prepared for that. She blushed deeper but succumbed to the gentle touch with a shy smile. "But any flower you give me I'll love it too~", Jasmine added.

Noroe then shyly reached out her hand for her. Jasmine was a bit surprised but quickly understood and grabbed it, moved it closer to her face and kissed the top of it gently. "I-I kinda like when you do that", Noroe surprisingly admitted.

"But! It's time for me to go!", she continued as she retreated her hand and stood up. "Ah, it's 6:30 already... But we should still have some time, you told me you have to be there at home at 8", Jasmine said as she looked at the time on her phone.

"Yeah but remember I'm slow at the moment", Noroe said while packing her stuff. "We can always ride an Uber", Jasmine said.

"Don't be lazy, you're the vice president of the karate club!", Noroe exclaimed, ready to go. "Alright, alright, hah~ my girlfriend wants to get rid of me already", Jasmine said dramatically sniffing like she was crying but faking it quite convincingly.

"T-That's not true!", Noroe quickly said panicked. "Gotcha! Haha, I'm joking, let's go", Jasmine giggled and stood up to get her keys and some money.

Noroe sighed but smiled. She then followed her girlfriend out of her nice and cozy apartment.

===================

Unexpectedly, Noroe walked quite fast for the injury she had. Surely it wasn't any close to a regular fast walk speed but enough for a regular walk speed at least.

Around 7, they were just a few streets away from the bow hairband girl's house. Jasmine even thought for a second that her girlfriend really wanted to get rid of her already.

That didn't last though as Noroe suddenly spoke just when that thought crossed her mind, almost if she had seen through her.

"Not that way...", Noroe pulled her girlfriend before they could turn to the next street. "Mm? Isn't your house over there?", Jasmine asked confused.

"Let's go that way", Noroe said pointing at the opposite side of the street. "Okay?", the beanie hat girl replied and complied.

In just a couple more minutes, they arrived at the entrance of a small shrine. The typical stone stairs kept it high above their heads, but they could still see it from there, surrounded by the traditional red arc like gate named Torii.

"Can you umm pick me up and go up there?", Noroe asked a bit troubled. "Mm? Sure but why?", Jasmine said as she began picking her up bridal style.

"Just hurry, you'll see soon!", Noroe insisted. "Your wishes are my orders, my lady!", Jasmine grinned and quickly climbed the stairs with her girlfriend in her arms.

In truth, what the bow hairband girl wanted to show her girlfriend was nothing more than the beautiful sunset you could watch from there, almost like if it was sinking into their lively town before the night fell.

She had planned this ever since they agreed to study at Jasmine's house since everytime they did that at her own house, her parents would insist on her not walking more than she should so her injury could heal up better and Jasmine usually agreed with them.

That day, having the chance of taking a walk at the time the sun would set, Noroe and Kanae didn't want to miss this chance, specially after seeing their girlfriend so troubled that day.
They wanted to show them sometime nice and make her forget at least a bit, give her some peace and create a nice memory together.

But as they climbed those stairs, a figure began to emerge like a Kaiju would do from the deep ocean waters.
The first thing they saw was that orange hair around a pair of broad shoulders.

Soon it became clearer.
Broad back and shoulders, both neatly toned, even noticeable that orange qipao dress with a pattern of purple flowers and white piping, which left the upper back bare for them to see better a number 1 tattooed on the right side of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yuri had finally decided.
Welcome Natsuki back with a fancy dinner like she would surely call it later could only be fulfilled by serving something that would go well with her precious tea.

She knew for experience that, one of her favorites, green tea goes well with sea food, particularly Salmon and luckily, she had in the fridge.

She was about to get to work but before that she thought of something even better to complement that promising evening with her beloved girl.

The weather was nice that day and even thought it was already 7 PM, it was still warm with a light breeze every now and then. Perfect for a nice dinner outside in her well cared garden where the various flower beds she had grown would certainly add to the atmosphere; some aromatic candles too would be nice she thought.

After a quick calculation in her mind that concluded that if she cooked dinner right now, Natsuki would still take some time to arrive anyway, she thought it would be better to set the atmosphere first to kill some time.

Yuri went to grab a piece of cloth to make sure her round ceramic garden table for 4 was clean first.
In her mind, she was already picturing everything.

Natsuki and her sitting across each other, a couple of her small table chandeliers placed around them to hold her candles and maybe some relaxing melody playing in the background while the night and hopefully starry sky watched over them.

But the moment she stepped outside, all those thoughts fell into the abyss of oblivion.

There, on her garden table was a cup, one of her cups. The smell of green tea reached her in no time and there, sitting on one of the ceramic chairs with crossed legs was a man.

He had long lavender hair, combed back with a silver diadem adorned with a pair of blue roses. His face was well gifted, his factions were delicate and the make up and blue lipstick on it only added a bit more to his beauty without ruining anything.

All of these at first glance would seem odd with his slightly muscular and well toned body, that showed off nicely thanks to his stylish lavender jacket with some silver, golden and blue patterns, open to show a white body suit that left the chest open to show better his toned chest and the tattoo of a number 4 on it, along with his matching capri pants and silver stylish sandals, but soon you would find it fitted him just well.

"Good evening, Yuri. My name is Belrose, they also call me "The beautiful death". It is a pleasure to meet you. Please come and join me with some green tea", the man who introduced himself as Belrose said and raised a cup on his hand, which was also Yuri's.

The one in the table was for her, she realized.
She also realized that green tea was probably made with her own tea set and with that, she finally realized that man had been there with her for God knows how long.

That thought, now that she knew his nickname, sent chills down her spine and got her moving almost as if she was under a spell, going to sit there next to him and grab the cup of green tea that was for her.

"Let this be the last cup of tea you enjoy and one of many I will after you're gone", Belrose said. Yuri careful and with grace grabbed the cup between her hands.

She looked at the green liquid in there and the steam still coming from it before she could move it closer to her mouth.

It was that cup of tea what started everything that evening.