Before Ayano could even react, Hina had grabbed her arm and lead her over to Senpai. As soon as they were near, Ayano felt herself squirm and become hot.

"Hey, Taro!"

Senpai turned. "Oh, hi Hina!"

"You know Ayano?"

"Yeah, hi, Ayano."

Ayano forced a smile, and tried to get the words out - a simple "hi, Taro." However, they wouldn't come out. Her breathing seemed to stop as Senpai awaited her answer.

"Oh, she can get pretty shy." Hina butted in. "But she's really cool."

Senpai nodded. "Right, well, I'm gonna go talk to Amai."

Hina turned, seeing Amai and Shoku in deep conversation. "I don't know. Looks like she's pretty busy with Shoku. Come hang out with Budo, Ayano, and me!"

"Oh, that's alright." Senpai was kind of confused by Ayano's sudden erratic behaviour, and looked around desperately for anyone who he knew. "Hey, where's your bathroom?"

"Just down the hall." Hina said, watching as he walked off. Ayano physically relaxed next to her. "God, what's the matter with you?"

"I don't know. I can't help it, it's whenever he's around." Ayano said.

Hina laughed. "Right, we're gonna have to work on that. Let's get you a drink, you need to calm down."

Hina and Ayano went to the kitchen. Musume and Budo were in there, with him looking somewhat uncomfortable.

Ayano grabbed Hina's arm before she could enter the room, pointing them out.

"So, like, what's your workout routine? These are some massive muscles." Musume purred, squeezing Budo's bicep.

"Oh, weights at the gym, just the normal stuff. Nothing majorly special, the key is to do it often." Budo moved back slightly.

"Wow." Musume looked him up and down, lip bitten, and gave him the bedroom eyes. "I can tell how passionate you are."

Hina cleared her throat, and the two looked over at her. "Hey, guys." she said.

"Hey, Hina, loving the party. That dress is so pretty." Musume said, moving past her and Ayano. "Really, you look so good, I didn't recognise you for a moment!" she giggled, and rejoined her posse.

Budo looked over at her. "Thank God you arrived. I thought she was gonna rip my shirt off."

Hina wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Stupid blonde skank. I only invited her cos I know there'd be huge issues if I didn't."

"Funny, it's usually me prying the boys off you, not the other way around." Budo laughed, before pressing a kiss on her head, messing her hair up just slightly.

"Right. Ayano needs a drink." she pulled away from the embrace, crouching on the floor, reaching into a cupboard, and finding a bottle of vodka. She poured Ayano a shot, then one for herself. "Budo?"

"No thanks, babe."

She handed one to Ayano and downed her own. Ayano did the same. It didn't have much effect, but did make her feel slightly less embarrassed about the awkward moment with Senpai.

As if on cue, Senpai appeared at the door of the kitchen. "Hey, Hina, I gotta head home. My little sister isn't well."

"Isn't she 18? She can look after herself." Budo said. "Stay a little longer! Come have a drink, Yamada! It'll do you some good, doing something other than reading." he placed an arm around her.

"Thanks, Budo, but I think it's for the best it I leave." He removed Budo's arm quickly. "Thanks for inviting me, Hina. See you guys tomorrow."

"Bye, Taro!" Hina said. "Hope your sister feels better!" She nudged Ayano.

"I, uh-" Ayano started.

"Bye!" And Senpai left.

Ayano sighed, and Hina filled her shot glass again before she even asked.

"That Yamada guy is a strange one. No club, just flitting around, reading, doing nothing." he shook his head.

Hina shrugged. "I don't know. To the right person he's probably perfect."

"Are you implying something, babe?" Budo asked her.

"No, I'm just saying." Hina wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him quickly. Ayano looked back at Musume and her little clique, who was watching, whispering to the others, and giggling.

As she walked out of the kitchen, she overheard them. "Watch her get all jealous. So immature." Musume laughed. The bullies tittered in response.

Ignoring her, she walked past and saw exactly what she wanted to see: Amai and Shoku cuddling on a couch, clearly somewhat tipsy, and talking idly.

With a smile and the knowledge Senpai was a thought in the back of Amai's mind, she began gathering her belongings, saying goodbye, and left.