CHAPTER 44 (PART 2)

          "I'm going to do it."

"Don't. It's too risky."

The wall Hiro and I were hiding behind led into a separate corridor, giving us a good view of the vacated hall. Primarily, the girl of long black hair currently scanning over the clipboard for the upcoming event. Wannabe wasn't in sight, and the silence in the air was insanely unnerving, to say the least. The only means of noise originated from the open window nearby, waves of cheers of one of the sporting events underway. After the occurrence of the three-legged race, events had resumed with little to no argument. Though, knowing the repercussions that could've followed if we'd done another big-scale prank like that, we kept on a low profile, performing small things to delay events like misplacing name tags, scattering equipment, etc.

Hiro and I had just finished rolling out some dodgeballs and having a surge of boys dodge like madmen, when we came across this sudden sight. Ikumi, by herself in this hall, definitely a mess of all things frustration.

"What's going on today? This event should be perfect," she grumbled to herself.

She brought her thumbnail to her mouth, biting it fervently as she cast the clipboard onto the closest window ledge. Then she rested her elbows on it, gazing out and scanning the situation below.

"I'm going for it," I whispered. "How angry can she possibly get?"

Hiro shook his head, as to tell me not to. And honestly, I should've listened to him. But seeing such a golden opportunity ahead of me pushed all my rationality out the window.

With Ikumi's back to me, I crawled forward, as silently as I could with my kneesocks scraping against the floor. My heart pounded like a drill in my chest. I kept a firm look upwards in case she suddenly moved, but fortunately the girl's mind was too preoccupied that her senses of her surroundings had dulled. When I arrived underneath the windowpane, her calves inches from my face, my fingers trembled. Okay, now that I had crossed over to this side, this could very well mean my demise as well as ruin everything that comprised our mission today. Or things could go really well and I could see Ikumi lose her top for the first time since I met her.

I spared a glance to Hiro. The look on his face was easily impassive, giving me the notice that I was completely on my own. Maybe I really should've thought this through more... Knowing, however, that such regret wouldn't do me any good in this situation, I cleared my mind the best I could and reached to the ledge. My fingers barely skimmed the papers when Ikumi heaved a loud breath and moved. My heart dropped and I immediately dived back down, throwing myself into fetal position and pressing as close as I could to the wall.

Fortunately, Ikumi never lowered her gaze. She'd simply repositioned her elbow, this time her head craned left—in the complete opposite direction that I was. Albeit wanting to breathe out in relief, I didn't dare risk it. It was now or never. Mustering all the courage I still had buried within me, I rose on my knees, jerked my hand back up and snatched the board as swiftly as possible. Then without even bothering to wait for a response, adrenaline running high through my veins, I crawled like a madwoman back to Hiro.

I skidded behind the wall, burying myself the best I could from her ray of view. Ignoring the burn of my kneecaps through my socks from crawling, I lowly breathed out, "Success."

The corners of Hiro's lips downturned further. "That was a stupid idea."

Setting down the clipboard of the organized events, I gave him a flat look. "Look, just because you're book smart and have your head screwed on better than me when it comes to reality doesn't mean you have the right tell me this was a stupid idea when I know for a fact—"

Ikumi's head snapped in our direction, nothing but rage claiming her features. I paled, ducking back in barely enough time to dodge her ray of sight. She'd noticed it was gone. There was a high chance she heard me too, judging by how her heels clattered our way. My lungs momentarily stop functioning.

"—th-that this was the stupidest decision I've ever made in my entire life," I hissed, scrambling to my feet. "Why did you even let my stupid ass go through with this? Retreat, man! Retreat!"

Hiro didn't need to hear me twice. Equally as fearful, we bolted like mad down the vacant hall—in a hasty retreat before Ikumi could dare turn the corner. I'd never run so fast in my life, let alone fast enough for the world to blur behind my eyes. I hadn't even noticed I'd left the clipboard behind. So when Hiro who'd long left me in the dust slowed to an unexpected halt, I admit I was frazzled. He hunched his torso, stuttering breaths leaving his mouth. Eyes wide, I stopped to look at his face.

"Tired already?"

One look on his face and that ruled out the idea entirely. Unlike me who was still unfittingly attempting to catch my breath, Hiro couldn't have appeared any more invigorated. He shook his head, clasping his abdomen as he continued to erupt in an unwarranted laugh. "That's not it," he told me, waving me off. "I-I can't stop laughing. You're such an idiot."

My jaw fell. His laughter only intensified as my mouth flapped wordlessly. "Hey!" I eventually cried between breaths. "Is that really something you should be saying to my face?"

"Sorry." The apology had slipped into his face as a rain of chuckles continued to pool from his mouth. "I really don't mean to laugh, but..."

The smile he gave was so unexpectedly sweet that my heart skipped an unexpected beat. It took a lot for Hiro to smile, let alone break out into a sincere laugh. Not that I approved of him calling me an idiot. Then again, what I did right now regardless of his initial warning really was asking for it.

I set my hands to my hips, inhaling heavily. Considering Ikumi was no longer following us, we were, for the most part, in the clear. Though...

"You do realize if you keep laughing like this she'll figure out where we are, right?"

Despite my point, Hiro merely couldn't relent his snickers. "But your face," he excused.

My lips met in a momentary purse. He was really milking this... I couldn't simply rain on his parade though. A happy Hiro was a rare Hiro, after all. Well, if he was going to drag out this situation, so was I.

"Which face?" I promptly met his eyes and went to perform my best imitation of The Scream. "This one?"

One look caused him to guffaw and swat me away. "St-stop!"

I forced him to stare at my next attempt. "Or is this one more accurate? How about this one?"

"H-Hoshino, y-you're killing me...!"

His cheeks had tinged to a pinch-able shade. I couldn't help but crack a grin of my own. Why was his laugh so cute? He should show it more often. Then again, with things being awkward between us lately I'd nearly forgotten why I enjoyed pushing his buttons to see his reactions. Beneath his stoic facade was a softer, marshmallow version of him.

The sound of footsteps reached my ears. I jumped, swerving around. Hiro had stopped laughing, too. Simultaneous dread consumed our features as a shadow loomed over the corner ahead.

"What did I tell you?" I hissed, already inching backwards.

Hiro's head jerked around when all at once, he seized my wrist. He broke into a sprint, dragging me with him. "This way."

He led me into the furthest classroom in the hall. Unsurprisingly, it was empty, and the lights were dimmed. We panted heavily, but slowly but surely, the footsteps started up again. They were strolling toward this classroom, in casual strides.

I admit, I had probably lost all colour in my complexion. Running outside was no longer an option. Even jumping out the window, as we were on the third floor. I really went and screwed up.

I couldn't see Hiro's face from where I was. Which was why when he suddenly swivelled around and forced me to concede a step, I hadn't anticipated for him to open the classroom supply closet and shove me inside. Neither had I when he slipped in right afterward.

"Let's wait here for her to pass."

My cheeks burned as Hiro shut the door behind us and snagged my waist even closer towards him. "I-In here? Um, I can barely breathe—"

"Shh."

I mutely clasped his biceps for support. Considering the confined space, my ear had no choice but to rest against his chest. Hiro remained oblivious to my existential crisis as he gazed through the slots of the locker and into the empty classroom, primarily the hallway where Ikumi's presence was at large. Even if I tried to push away, I knew the closet door would move and Ikumi would see us. But if I stayed in here... If I stayed so close to him like this...

Th-thump. Th-thump.

I shut my eyes. Was that my heartbeat? Was it really pounding that hard and loud? After a period of listening to the erratic rhythm, I soon came to the realization mine wasn't following the same beat. My eyebrows rose high on my forehead when it settled in. It was Hiro's heartbeat.

I couldn't frame my head to see his face in this tight area, but even in this darkness, and my ear against his chest the way that it was it instantly became apparent to me just how rapid his heart's rhythm really was. He was this nervous? Because we were getting tailed? Well, obviously he didn't want to be caught. And obviously he had a heartbeat—the guy wasn't a vampire, or dead.

Then again... it could also be because of what he'd told me that day...

I had to resist the urge to squirm at the recollection. No, calm down, me! Calm down!

"—shino." Hiro's urgent hiss snapped me from my thoughts. "I think she's gone—"

In his sudden call to my senses, my shoulder knocked the door ajar. I let out a startled cry and tumbled out first. Hiro reacted fast, pulling me into his chest as he took the impact first. He winced in pain, but had succeeded in cushioning my fall. When I hoisted myself from his body, grimacing from my own uncomfortable position, I was startled to find how sparingly close his face was to mine. Hiro was wide-eyed, soaking up as much heat to his face as possible, but it was unparalleled to the amount that consumed mine.

I lurched backwards at once, falling on my shins. My embarrassment and blazing face wasn't relenting. "S-sorry!"

Ugh, I needed to pull myself together. We just had our first nonchalant moment in more than a week and now things had somehow gone back to being awkward in only a couple minutes? Why was I even getting all flustered? Just because he may or may not have kissed or confessed to me a while back...?

A camera flash went off, stunning my eyesight.

"You two seem to be having fun."

I jolted left, my hand going to rub my eyelids. The boy was squatted inches from us, lowering his keepsake camera from his eye. I gaped, all the while Kouichi stared right back, innocently fluttering his eyelashes behind his glasses.

"Wh-when'd you get here?" Hiro demanded, hoisting himself to his knees.

"About the time you two decided to get all warm and cozy in that closet." Kouichi paused to look over the image of us he had taken. "A quick game of seven minutes in heaven, perhaps? What unspoken deeds were you indulging in during school hours I wonder~?"

"None!" we simultaneously shouted.

Hiro vigorously bobbed his head. "Hoshino thought it'd be funny to steal Ikumi's clipboard, but she quickly caught on so we ran in here—"

"—Th-then we heard footsteps approaching and assumed it was her, and hid," I agreed. "It was our only option!"

"I see..." Kouichi tilted his head. "But for Hiro-san to not even try to defile Hoshino-san's body in such a dark and confined place really worries me about his masculinity—"

While I blushed openmouthed like an idiot, Hiro slammed his knuckles into his head and grounded them against his skull.

"—Ow," he hissed, "y-you're hurting me, Hiro-s-san."

"Drop. It," he enunciated ominously.

Kouichi only continued to whimper, "Y-you had to at least want to kiss her— o-ow! Ouch! Hiro-san! It really hurts!"

While Hiro was busy grinding the stupidity out of Kouichi's irksome head, he eventually conceded and let out an audible sigh. He eased off the guy, and had to hold himself back before he could attack him again.

"What's your update?" Hiro grumbled before long.

Kouichi was quick to disregard the pain. His lips peeled into a smile, bringing more light to his freckled cheeks. "Oh, the good news is that I finally got chosen to play in the soccer tournament today. Bad news, I was subbed out as soon as I stepped onto the field. It really hurt. Do you both think my nerdy appearance make others think I'm incapable of playing sports?"

"The situation, Kouichi," I cut in. "What's the situation?"

"Oh, that." His glasses caught a glint in the sunlight, smile vanishing. "I come with a message from Kazuya-san."

The silence that lapsed in the room bristled newfound goosebumps across my arms.

"Where is he?" I finally asked. "He wasn't with Ikumi."

"About that," Kouichi drawled, and nodded as if to confirm his next words. "We're the only ones left."

To say Hiro and I gawped would be an understatement.

"Everyone got caught already?" Hiro half-shouted.

"Not exactly," Kouichi responded after a grand pause, "but that's exactly why it's urgent we get to the first floor right away."

The confusion that riddled us wasn't easy to displace. Clenching the fabric of my skirt, I said, "Stop speaking in riddles already. What exactly is going on?"

Fortunately, Kouichi had no intention of avoiding the topic. "As you know, I was in charge of getting rid of the surveillance footage. I made sure our doings were kept as hidden as possible by the larger cameras but that doesn't mean I was able to keep the principal from asking the broadcast committee for all tapes relating to today."

I swallowed hard, playing back his words in oncoming dread. "Wait, so he knows it's us?"

"No." Kouichi sat straighter and adjusted his spectacles to rest higher on his nose. "I performed my role perfectly."

As if to prove that menial fact, he chose that moment to sling off his one-shouldered bag and spilled out records upon records of tapes. Being the most knowledgeable about videos and cameras in general, it was why we'd left him the role. Just one look at the footage and this mission of ours would've been completely pointless.

"Then what's the issue?" Hiro demanded.

My once tensed shoulders relaxed as well. Kouichi made a face.

"Like I said, I was barely able to salvage all the detrimental footage in time before the principal came barging into the room. But sadly... something unexpected happened."

"Unexpected?" I asked.

"I think this may also be the reason why Ikumi-san stopped her pursuit of you two as well." Kouichi piled everything back into his bag and rose to his feet. He slung it over his shoulder. "Let's get to the first floor."

Leave it to Kouichi to remain the enigma he was. Though, not being in the mood to argue, Hiro and I ascended to our feet. We followed Kouichi toward the doorway, but right before we could officially leave the room, he abruptly halted. I just about collided into his back. Puzzled, I watched as he glanced over his shoulder.

"By the way," he spoke up via slow blinks, "Hiro-san, were you the one giggling in the hallway?"

Hiro flushed like an apple, while I myself—not expecting Kouichi's question—snorted.

"I was not giggling," Hiro refuted.

"Kinda was a bit of giggling," I said.

"I one hundred percent thought you were a girl," Kouichi agreed. "I wish I could've caught it on video."

I gasped. "Why didn't I think of doing that?"

"I bet if we upload such an unnatural phenomenon we'd get millions of views."

"Should we tickle him?"

"After you."

"You are not tickling me," Hiro snapped. Cheeks soaked in red, he brushed past the both of us and briskly walked toward the staircase. "This is why I don't laugh in front of you guys. Let's just get to the main floor."

Kouichi cracked a miniscule smile as did I. We pursued him, stalking down the steps. I kept a close eye out in case Ikumi or even Eita would pop out of nowhere, but even as we arrived on the first floor and nothing but an eerie quiet greeted us, the nerves that consumed me grew more tense. I peered up at Kouichi beside me, but I couldn't quite read his face. What exactly happened to everyone else?

When we reached the main hall, everything became clear. Shouts raided in the distance and when we reached the clearing of the next hallway the cause was apparent. The entire hall was a mess. Scattered across the entire floor were a bunch of balls and sport equipment, as well as banners and markers—exploded water balloons too. Wannabe, along with the rest of them, including Saki, were hovering towards the back, but not a single one of them made the motion to move. Because standing centre stage of other gawking students was Eita and Ikumi, the enraged principal looming above them.

"Are you going to take responsibility for this chaos today?" Fujiwara-sensei demanded lividly.

Ikumi was pale as snow, Eita behind her shivering more than ever. She was also a drenched mess along with every other individual currently in the hall now, cowering like a kitten in the rain. "I-I—"

          "You continually begged me to let you run this event," Fujiwara-sensei was fuming, "and I granted it because I have high expectations from you Yamamoto's. So what exactly was today's sorry excuse of an athletics event? Insurmountable complaints have been sent to me because you two were busy running around the school trying to contain this madness. I couldn't even find the proper surveillance videos without the blame still falling onto the Disciplinary Committee's shoulders—"

          "You let them take the blame?" Hiro asked.

          Kouichi fixed his glasses again. "A true ninja never reveals his identity."

          Nevertheless, Fujiwara-sensei was spewing. "—What happened to guiding the students down the right path, Yamamoto-san?" His focus was entirely on Ikumi now. "Your role is to keep all students in check—ensuring the smooth sailing of all school activities and assemblies. This can't even come close to administering such order! And even in the face of it, you didn't even try to get help, as if you could've solved it yourself. You completely failed at your President role and disappointed not only me but every student participating!"

          "I-I can still do this, Fujiwara-sensei." Her stoic facade had crumbled. "Let me— I'll find whoever these students are, and then—"

          He brusquely shook his head. "With your lack of leadership today, let alone allow you to lead the school, I don't even think I should give you another chance. You're both off the committee."

          "Fujiwara-sensei! No! Please. This wasn't my fault! M-my parents—if they find out—I..."

          In only an instant, guilt settled at the pit of my stomach. Not only the expressions painting Wannabe's face, but Yuji, Hibiki and Saki's as well proved that we'd messed up. It was exactly what we wanted. And honestly, seeing Ikumi being chewed out should've made me giddy. But although I had prided myself in my black hole of a heart, somehow this situation we'd aimed for didn't come close to bringing the fulfillment we expected. The message Wannabe asked Kouichi to deliver to Hiro and I, was probably to tell us to stop and see this....

Was it because witnessing firsthand the robot that ruthlessly governed both the school and Saki—Ikumi—crack in front of so many people put it in a relatively realistic perspective? Regardless of how coldly she behaved, and what she did, Ikumi was human. Getting her off the committee was ideal, but if it meant her looking ready to cry like this...

          "I've never felt so... wrong and disgusted with myself," Yuji voiced our thoughts exactly. His drenched clothes only added to the appeal of his puppy dog pout.

          "I can't even ask you idiots to high-five me," I agreed.

Hibiki ran his fingers through his wet hair. "This is worse than lying and begging those cute girls from the three-legged race to forgive me after their fall..."

But we did this for a good reason, right? They were off the committee, and that would mean Saki would be free to do what she wanted... But was it really worth kicking them off like this when they weren't responsible for the ruination of the event in the first place?

"Fujiwara-sensei, please let her off the hook!"

When Saki raced out into the open, I admit, my heart dropped in my chest. My jaw fell. What was she— "Saki!"

But she had already manoeuvred in front of Ikumi, extending her arms as if to shield her. "Iku-nee didn't do this!" Saki went on, biting her lip despite her trembling limbs. "I—I'm the one who did!"

"No," Ikumi hissed, wide-eyed. "Saki, there's no way you— What are you—"

"What is she doing?" Yuji demanded.

We all took subconscious steps forward. Sure we were feeling guilty too but she couldn't simply take the blame for this entire ordeal. Not because she truthfully hadn't participated, but because if she did, there was no telling what Fujiwara-sensei would do to her.

          "You?" the principal enunciated.

          Saki stiffened. Her mouth flapped wordlessly, attempting to justify her claim. Against such an overwhelming authority figure, I guess even she couldn't maintain her conviction. Therefore, my shoulders drooped in defeat, ready to shoulder the responsibility. I had confidence when back-talking to teachers and principals at least. Considering the last time we interacted in his office he seemed to genuinely like me, so maybe I could have the hope to be let off with simple detention or suspension.

        Right as I opened my mouth to muster my voice, another overlapped mine.

         "Fujiwara-sensei."

         Stunned, I watched as Wannabe held his arm to shield my body. Without even sparing me a look, he stood firm, focus to the equally as startled principal. He took a definite step forward, and unlike Saki, he plastered on the most serious expression I'd ever seen on him.

          "As members did the Humanity Club, we'll take full responsibility to help with the mess."

          "Kazuya?" Fujiwara-sensei sputtered.

          "I understand today has been a mess, and I have no right to question your authority, but Ikumi-chan and Eita have always worked hard to keep the peace of Seisein Academy at its best. No matter the occasion, the school has always been their priority. And they've never failed in their duties once before."

           Ikumi, evidently caught off guard at the compliments, gaped. "Kazuya-san...?"

          I folded my arms across my chest. Was that his plan? It was better than taking the blame head on, anyway. "I agree," I spoke up, drawing all eyes to me. "As much as it sickens me to say it, the two of them work extremely hard for the academy. They're the definition of devoted."

          "I've never seen them make a mistake in judgement either," Yuji agreed.

          "They enforce the school rules almost religiously," Hiro tacked on.

          Hibiki grinned as well. "I can't even imagine anyone but Ikumi-chan lecturing me every morning to follow the proper dress code."

          "Th-that you never listen to," Eita whispered.

          "That I never listen to," Hibiki proudly agreed.

          "Even this water balloon fight wasn't their doing, but all the students here," Saki agreed to drive the focus away from Hibiki digging his own grave.

          "They do so much for us," Wannabe finished, and dropped his head in an appropriate bow. "So please, let Ikumi-chan and Eita off the hook."

          Him bowing was such an unexpected twist that left even Fujiwara-sensei. More so, when the rest of us followed his example by doing the same. The anger once emanating from him had been suspended. His widened eyes scanned us and the guilty onlookers before he paused. He cleared his throat.

          "I guess.... I may have slightly overreacted," he said, slowly. Excitement bubbled at the pit of my stomach as I rose up to see he was addressing Ikumi, almost sheepishly. "Kicking you off the committee over an issue I don't even know who's at fault... is unreasonable. Especially considering your otherwise clean slate."

         Saki who'd moved away from her sister lit up as well. All our pressuring stares caused Fujiwara-sensei to sigh and use a handkerchief to wipe at his upper brow.

          "Stay on the committee," he told them. "I— I've got to speak at the closing ceremony. Those of you who decided it'd be funny to start a water balloon fight indoors, head to the gymnasium now. And Kazuya, I'll adhere to what you requested and leave this clean-up to your club."

          Wannabe didn't rise from his bow until Fujiwara-sensei left. Nothing but relief consumed me. Likewise, the rest of them were equally as joyful. The students who were witness to this all, soaked from the water balloon fight that had occurred here earlier, ducked out as well. Without proper evidence, and the interjection of Wannabe of all people—the son of his boss—I guess even Fujiwara-sensei couldn't suspend us all on the spot. He was running late for the ceremony too.

          "Why... did you stand up for me?" Ikumi demanded as soon as the hall was completely cleared. Her cheeks were still soiled in tears, voice hoarse, as she tapered her eyes nastily to her nearby sister. "To get brownie points from Fujiwara-sensei to keep your friends' club instated? I already told you—"

          "You're my sister," Saki hurriedly excused. Nothing but sorrow consumed her face as she hung her head. "I-I only said the obvious. I do know first-hand how hard you work for the school because you are amazing. So seeing you break like that, I..."

          Ikumi eyebrows peeled higher on her forehead. As if she couldn't believe her words. But Saki was just that kind. Things did work out, but even if they didn't, she would've somehow found a way to take the blame.

I expected Ikumi to explode. Which was why when she instead relaxed herself, forcing her expression back into its usual impassive state, I hardly could believe her next words.

          "You're kicked off the committee."

          Saki gaped. She couldn't believe her ears. Honestly, neither could I. "H-huh?" she said.

          "Stay with these losers if you care so much.  I don't care anymore." With the twirl of her heels, she stormed off. "Eita, stop your whimpering. Let's go apologize at the ceremony."

          He was already scrambling after her.  "Y-y-yes, Iku-nee."

          After the two scampered off, and it was only us remaining, I sighed. It sucked she didn't get kicked off the committee as planned, but at least this situation felt a whole lot better than the initial plan.

          "You know," Hibiki spoke up, "if you ignore her icy persona and sharp-tongue, I bet she could actually be really cute—"

          I elbowed him in the abdomen. He hunched over with a groan.

          "That hurt, Miyuki," he whined.

          "Then stop saying the worst possible things at the worst possible moments."

          "Am I wrong though?"

          "No, I agree with you, Hibiki-san," Kouichi said in my stead. "Ikumi-san definitely does have a charm beneath her stony exterior."

          He gestured wildly for emphasis.

          Out of the corner of my eye I caught Hiro face-palm. He then asked, "Where are the imbecile and Mori?"

          "They're already at the ceremony," Hibiki excused. "And his name is Kaishou."

          "Like a said, 'the imbecile.'"

          Hibiki scowled at him. Hard. "I never did like you, shorty."

          "What a coincidence. Neither did I."

          "Hibiki's choice of friends aside," Yuji spoke up, mussing his hair, "this was a total flop. She keeps the committee instated and we have to clean this mess ourselves? Granted, this was because a certain somebody decided to be stupid and start a water balloon fight..."

          All eyes steered in his direction.

          "That 'somebody' is you, Yuji," Wannabe said.

         The guy immediately turned his head. "Dammit. I was hoping you guys hadn't figured that out yet."

          I peeled my gaze away from their typical nonchalance toward the girl who still had yet to join in. When I caught her off to the side, struggling to withhold a snivel, my heart somewhat sunk in my chest. I cracked a hopeless smile.

          "Saki, are you crying?"

          All focus fell to her. She only snuffled, burying her face further into her hands, shoulders shaking.

          "She's definitely crying," Hiro concluded.

          Yuji hummed and tilted his head to get a good look at her face. "Sheesh, if you were going to miss us that much you shouldn't have left in the first place."

         "It's because she's so soft-hearted she always ends up bawling like some baby," Hiro added via headshake.

         Snapping from embarrassment, Saki reached to smack him. "Shut your fat mouths, Yuji, Hiro! Y-you're the babies!"

          Both dodged her moved with ease, as if used to her ganging up on them over the years of friendship. Saki gave up before long, eyes still bloodshot and filled to the brim in tears.

         "You're too nice," Hiro sighed—vocalizing it for us all. "She didn't deserve that."

          Saki puffed her cheeks. "I-I know, but... She... Iku-nee may be the rudest..."

         Seeing her struggle to get the insult out, being the sweetest angel she was, everyone sighed.

          "Robot," Yuji offered.

          "Scumbag," Hiro added.

          "Unkind," Kouichi suggested.

          "Obnoxious," said Wannabe.

          "Two-faced," Hibiki quipped.

          "Bitch," I finished for them all. They all turned to me. I shrugged. "It's truth and we all know it."

           Saki went to hold up both fists in defence. "O-okay maybe all of those can be true, but Iku-nee always works so hard for the sake of the school. Seeing such a perfect girl become so pathetic... Watching her crack in front of so many people just..."

           Yuji mussed Saki's hair regardless of her protests. "This is why we say you're too kind."

           "Tell me about it," Hiro agreed. "She doesn't have a bad bone in her body."

           Saki's mouth twisted down further. "I'm sorry for being so kind then!"

           They chuckled, and soon all of us were joining in.

          "Saki, you do get it, right?" Wannabe snatched all of our attention by approaching her.

          She froze, bewildered enough to be a statue.

          Wannabe only continued, "Even if it was familial circumstance, there was no reason for you to tune us out. Sure Hiro and Yuji may have known you their entire lives while the rest of us haven't known each other long, but as friends, we'll have each other's backs. Meaning, if you ever want to confide in us, we'll listen. Or in case you need a good laugh, I'm sure we can arrange that too."

           We all were standing beside Wannabe who declared this, matching smiles consuming our faces. She craned her neck, swollen eyes from crying not adding to her openmouthed stare. A grinning mess from ear to ear, Wannabe extended out his palm for her to take. The rest of us weren't any better. He was being so needlessly cheesy.

          "I know we're all a mess—both metaphorically and realistically at the moment—but welcome back to the Humanity Club, Saki. We've missed you."