Ayano watched as Hina walked over to Shoku. No matter how interested any boy was in another girl, her charms were obvious, and Shoku seemed flustered as she spoke to him.

Ayano found Amai nearby. She went over to her - something she wouldn't have even considered if she wasn't so well liked since becoming friends with Hina.

"Hi, Amai."

"Oh, hi, Ayano!" Amai smiled warmly at her.

"I was just wondering how the cookery club was going."

"Oh, it's going fantastically. We've raised so much money with the bake sale, and it's only Monday!" Amai smiled. "Oh, speaking of clubs, are you in one? Obviously, cooking is my passion, but I think the art and gardening clubs seem fun too."

"No, I'm not in a club. Maybe I'll check them out, though." Ayano answered, noting what she said. "Any you think I should avoid?"

"Well, this is just my opinion. Personally, I wouldn't join the occult or the gaming club, but that's just my preference. I'm not really into anime or video games, and I find the whole occult thing kinda creepy." Amai thought for a moment. "And obviously, you wouldn't join the delinquents or bullies any time soon, I assume."

Ayano nodded. "Thanks for the advice. I'll put some thought into it."

"No problem, Ayano. Hopefully we'll see you in an apron soon!" Amai giggled and wandered off.

Ayano returned to where Shoku and Hina were talking.

"...so, in conclusion, that is why H2O should have gotten another season."

"Umm-" Shoku started before seeing Ayano. "Oh, hi Ayano!"

Ayano shot a look at Hina, suspecting she had gotten a bit off task. "Hi, Shoku. What are you guys talking about?"

"Amai. And H2O apparently."

"Oh, Amai? I was just talking to her. Isn't she nice?"

"Yeah..." Shoku said. "I've... Ive had feelings for her for a while."

"You should go for it! Look, I found out that she loves gardening and art, maybe you could get her a gift?"

"Oh, maybe... I'll go into town tonight."

"And take her out. Girls love that." Hina said. "Plus, you're both in the cooking club. Just be extra sweet and make her all her favourite foods. She'll want you by Friday, I bet."

"You think? Okay... thanks, guys. I'm gonna do it."

***

Hina had a party that evening. On a Monday.

Ayano turned up to her house in her little black dress at 7:00PM. Budo was already there, and shirtless.

"Sorry, Ayano, this house gets so hot." He laughed.

"Not to worry." Ayano simply rolled her eyes and laughed.

"Oh, isn't he lewd?" Hina giggled, placing one of her hands on his abs.

"Yep, and she loves it." Budo replied. "Right, who's coming?"

"Uh... Akane, Uekiya, Musume's click... most of the gardening club, and Amai and Shoku..." Hina caught Ayano's eye and smiled. "Also, Taro, light music club... all of the martial arts, babe, don't worry."

"Taro's coming?" Ayano asked.

"Yeah." Hina said, smiling. "That okay?"

"Yeah. It is." Ayano replied, knowing she would stay away from him for as much of the party as she could.

Everyone invited started to show up, and Ayano noticed how Shoku and Amai arrived together. Holding hands.

"I think Taro is safe." Hina whispered.

"Yep."

"Let's go talk to him."