Hey guys! Another short chapter, I know. But this is an important one. Filled with lots of feels! So, I hope you guys like it!

9/6

It's been a while since I've been to band practice so I went to it. It was the same as always, but Ayane wasn't there. After practice, I was about to leave as I felt something grab onto my wrist. It was Ayane. Just one look from her and I knew that she wanted me to follow her, which I did. The younger girl took me to the floodplain. "This is where I usually practice. There's never anyone around, so I can relax while I play." Ayane turned to me with an apologetic look on her face, "Sorry for dragging you out here on such short notice. But I thought it would be easier for me to tell you something here... I... I think I need to start being more selfish. For as long as I remember, I've never expressed my opinions. I've let them just build up inside me. I was trying to protect myself from conflicts by just avoiding them. But sometimes arguing about something and talking through it is what makes a relationship stronger, I think. I'm finally starting to see that... Well, no, that's not true. I've known that all along. But I was too scared to admit it... I was afraid of speaking my mind and getting shot down. I didn't want anyone to hate me. That's why I thought I could avoid getting hurt by just going with the flow... it was the easiest way out." Her tiny fist clenched.

She looked up at me, "But.. then you came along... and made me realize I was just pretending not to see what I was doing. I've been keeping a lot of... unpleasant emotions buried inside. In fact, the real me can be pretty selfish. I want people to notice me, but I never make the first move. Selfish, right? Heh... but that's me. That's why when I think about the other day, and how I threw away everything you did for me, I feel guilty. But... you helped me do a lot of things I couldn't have done on my own. I pushed myself past my limits, and on top of that, I got to hang out with someone I really care about. But most importantly, you made me look myself in the eye. I could have never done that alone. You helped me hear my own voice... so, from now on, I'm not gonna pretend that I don't care what happens anymore! I'll express my opinion, say what I think, and if that gets me on someone's bad side, then that's that. If I wanna get what I want in life, I've gotta speak my mind! I owe it all to you, Yui~Senpai... Thank you!" Ayane smiles cheerfully and gives me a hug. I hugged her back. She's grown so much since I've joined the band, and I'm so proud of her.

Rank 8

We separated from the hug and I ruffled her hair. She was giggling at the action as she tried to ruffle my hair, but I was too tall for her. "No fair, you're tall!" She pouted as I knelt down to her level to let her ruffle my hair. She does so with a big smile on her face. "Oh yeah!" Ayane starts rummaging in her bag and eventually pulls out a candle. It was scented with vanilla and lavender and it smelt amazing! "I know your birthday passed, but I still want to give you something to show my appreciation for you. I saw this candle and thought that you would like it!" I took the candle and gave her a big smile and a thank you. We talked for a little while before we went our separate ways.

When I got home, Dojima wanted to talk to me so I put the candle in my room before sitting down and talking with him. We talked about a number of topics as Nanako walked up to us, holding a book. "I'm going to sleep." She announces, "Hm? Oh, it's this late already? 'Night." Her father responded but she just stood there with a pout. Uh, I think she wants you to read her that book, uncle. "What? He asked as I facepalmed, "You said you would read me a book before bed." I knew it. Her father seemed to remember about it while he stood up, "Oh... Ohh, that's right... I got it, I got it. Just a few pages." With those words, the little girl cheered with excitement. However, it didn't last long as Dojima's phone started ringing. "Hold on. Dojima here... Ichihara-san! Yes... Yes... then that means... Well, if it's okay with you, I can be there in just a few... I understand. Goodbye..." If he actually leaves while she wants to spend time with him, especially after her running away last time, I'm gonna smack some sense into him. I don't care if it's his job, nor do I care that he's my uncle. I don't want Nanako to be like me and not have a parental figure when she absolutely needs it.

Nanako's smile turned into a frown, "Dad...? Are you leaving?" She asked as he says it's his job. I was about to smack him right then and there, but the little girl spoke up before I could. "But you said you'd read me a book..." "I can do that anytime..." 'Anytime', huh? "Dojima, can I speak with you in private? Nanako, sweety, could you do me a favor and get me the broom from the laundry room, please?" I asked as she went into the laundry room. The broom was in a place where I knew it would take a while for her to get, enough time for me to talk some sense into him. "Dojima, I know your work is important and you're looking into aunty's case, but you need to prioritize your daughter more. Especially with what happened with Nanako a few days ago." I lectured as he bit his lip. "You're right, Yui. Heh, just like your mother." He patted my head before calling for Nanako. She came back into the room with the broom in her hand. "C'mon, Nanako. Let's go read that book." Her eyes lit up at those words as she handed me the broom and took her dad, by the hand, up to her room. With a chuckle, I started cleaning up the kitchen area.

After a while, Dojima came downstairs, yawning. "Man, she made me read the whole thing..." Heh, good girl. He then looked at me seriously, "Let's talk." He says before guiding me to the backyard. "The phone call was from Ichihara-san, my former senpai. I'm having him run tests for Chisato's hit-and-run investigation. He was calling to tell me that the test results are in... Judging by his tone, he didn't find anything the police hadn't already come up with. I know going over there won't change the test results, but..." His fist clenched as I held his hand. He looked at me with a small smile before continuing, "It was a white sedan. Most likely large and American. As expected, no such car is registered in Inaba. No records of one being repaired or scrapped, either... Worst case scenario, the car's out of the country by now. It scares me... That I couldn't catch the perp... That I'll never have an outlet for this sick feeling... That I'll just have to swallow it...! Every time I look at Nanako... Every time I notice ways she looks like her mother... I feel like... my face is being pushed down into reality... And it scares me... Hah... I never thought I'd be talking to you about this..." Dojima... "You know, I think I know why. You look and act exactly like your mother. Stubborn as all heck, but also always knows what's right." Suddenly, he took me into a hug. "I know I'm not your father. But I hope I can fill that hole in your life, even if only a little." I started tearing up before hugging him back.

Rank 7

"I know I can't stay this way forever... While you're still here... I need to face myself. For you, and especially for Nanako." He says, letting me go. With a smile, I got up and headed to bed. I don't know but... knowing that Dojima sees me as a daughter is... comforting.

9/7

On my way to school, I heard my name being called from behind me. It was Yosuke and Kanji. I tried to keep my composure around Yosuke and it seemed to work. "Mornin' Senpai!" Kanji waved as I waved back with a smile. "Yo. So are you ready for the trip yet? This guy won't shut up about it." Yosuke teased, "Yosuke-senpai hasn't even started packing. He's all like, 'Was that tomorrow?' 'Sup with that?" Kanji said back as I chuckled. "You are way too excited about this. I mean, you're even worried about how many boxes of animal crackers to bring. We're only gonna be there for two nights, dude! Besides, I'm pretty sure they have convenience stores on Port Island." Animal crackers? "For serious!? I've never really left this place, so... Huh... I wonder if the murders here got as much play over there, too. Like that Mitsuo Kubo dude. They're still showing him on TV here. Every time I switch on the tube, the news is showing like, what he wrote in his yearbook. Pisses me off, man. The frickin' media's slapping together anything they can find to make the dude look like a born criminal. People think they can say anythin' they want about a guy who's been branded a criminal... 's just not right." I may not like Kubo, but I will say the media is taking it a little too far. Just let it die down.

"I agree," I say as they both nodded. "I mean, I still hate the guy's guts. But... I dunno, after getting involved with all this, I started to realize how off-base most rumors are... It's so messed up..." Don't worry, Kanji. I feel the same way. "Well, I gotta admit, the news can be pretty out there. Hey, it's Naoto." Yosuke said as we turned around to see Shirogane. Yosuke and I greeted him while Kanji got all flustered. "Good morn-" "Oh yeah, I-I'm on duty today! Heheheh! W-Well, see ya later!" And with that, Kanji left, leaving Yosuke annoyed, Shirogane confused, and me feeling bad for him. "Well, how about the three of us just walk to school?" I say as the two boys nodded. "Oh, thank you again, Shirogane for walking me to Junes the other day." I mention, piquing Yosuke's attention. "It's nothing, Senpai. I'm just glad you didn't get soaked and ended up getting sick." He responds back, making me smile. A faint pink tint covered the bridge of Shirogane's nose while I held back a giggle. "So, why did you walk Yui to Junes, Naoto~Kun?" The light brunette asked the bluenette, "It was raining, I had some spare time on my hands and she forgot her umbrella. Nothing more than an underclassman helping their Senpai." I agreed with him as Yosuke tried avoiding eye contact with Shirogane and I. What's up with him? I think Shirogane had the same thought process since we looked at each other and both shrugged.

~Timeskip~

It was after school when Ryuto approached my desk. "Hey, Kitty!" He winked, "Hey, Ryu~Chan!" I giggled as he joined in with laughing. Eventually, he took my hand, "Come with me." he whispered in my ear before pulling me from my desk and out of the class. Ryuto took me to the mountain overlooking town as we took in the beauty of the small town. "It's beautiful, isn't it? The place we call home, the place we swore to protect..." I agreed with him as his grip on my hand changed. "But not as beautiful as you..." He looked over at me as I laughed at how cheesy that line was. A sad look took over his face, "Yui... I wanted to tell you something..." Ryuto turns to face me and stares into my eyes as I do the same. He held my face with his free hand and brought himself closer to me. Is... is he trying to kiss me again...? As he came closer, the more I stood still, just letting this happen. I've liked Ryuto ever since we were kids, why wouldn't I wanna let him kiss me? The moment was right... just one kiss... just one... Just as our lips were about to touch, I placed my hand on his chest and lightly pushed away.

I couldn't do it...

He looked down dejectedly. "I'm sorry, Ryuto... it's just-" He cuts me off, "You don't have feelings for me anymore, do you?" Those words cut deep... he was right. He then grasped my shoulders, "It's okay, Yui. No matter what, you're my dearest friend. I just want you to be happy." I ran into his chest and lightly sobbed as he held me tight. "Shhhh... it's okay. It's okay." The dark brunette boy patted my head while whispering. Eventually, Ryuto kissed my forehead and wiped away my tears. "H-how did you know...?" I asked as he sat me down. "Something I learnt with manipulation was to know what someone was feeling. I needed some context clues from you, and I eventually got all the proof I needed." All the proof he needed? I questioned him about it, "When we would hang out, I would notice you slowly ignoring my flirting. Then I would see the way you look at me and the other people in your life. You look at me like you do Chie~Senpai, Yukiko~Senpai, Kanji and many others. I did stalk you in a way, my apologies." I just smiled at him and rested my head on his shoulder. "The last straw was you not being into my attempts to kiss you. The first time was, what I could assume, you were just surprised I would try that. The second time was what you truly felt." Wow... he really did his research. "Yui, I love you. But I know I missed my chance years ago. Our time has passed... so go and find the person who can make you happy." He kissed my forehead again. Ryuto...

Rank 7

We sat there for a while as we saw the sun setting. Afterwards, Ryuto walked me home and kissed the back of my hand before leaving.

"Our time has passed..."

"No matter what, you are my dearest friend."

And you are mine, Ryu~Chan...

Hey guys! So, this chapter... yeah. This chapter had a lot going for it. Ayane's rank 8, Dojima's rank 7 and even Ryuto's rank 7. Though I will say, this chapter is mainly just to say that yes, Ryuto gets friendzoned. I wanted this to have more emotion than Kou getting friendzoned because this is one of Yui's childhood friends who she had a crush on and secretly, the feelings were mutual. But, that was them when they were younger. Now that they're older and understand their emotions just a little bit more, they realize that either 1. They mistook their friendship for a crush, or 2. They grew out of their crush. I wanted to bring more reality into this love mess as my own little flair to the writing and I hope I did it justice! Thank you for reading and have a great day!

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Fool Arcana= Rank 7

Magician Arcana= Rank 10 (MAXED)

Priestess Arcana= Rank 10 (MAXED)

Empress Arcana= Rank 6

Emperor Arcana= Rank 3

Hierophant Arcana= Rank 7

Lovers Arcana= Rank 5

Chariot Arcana= Rank 10 (MAXED)

Justice Arcana= Rank 7

Hermit Arcana= Rank 6

Fortune Arcana= Rank 0

Strength Arcana= Rank 10 (MAXED)

Hanged Man Arcana= Rank 0

Death Arcana= Rank 1

Temperance Arcana= Rank 3

Devil Arcana= Rank 7

Tower Arcana= Rank 0

Star Arcana= Rank 4

Moon Arcana= Rank 10 (MAXED)

Sun Arcana= Rank 8

Judgement Arcana= Rank 0