Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

   “Alya, why did you reject him?”

   Since I was little, I’d heard that question more times than I could count. I never understood why everyone made such a big deal out of it. If I didn’t know the boy, why would I date him? It would be strange to say yes to someone I knew nothing about.

   Even after realizing my way of thinking wasn’t exactly common, I still had no intention of dating anyone during school. It would only get in the way of the work I set for myself.

   A boy would just drag me down.

   “I’ve never even talked to him before. I don’t know him at all. Why should I date someone just because he likes how I look?”

   You don’t know what I’m aiming for, you don’t know how I act, you don’t know anything about me.

   Just my appearance.

   That isn’t a reason.

   “What are you going to do after graduating? If you keep this up, you’ll end up alone. I heard it’s harder to find someone in university. What if no one pays attention to you because you act so cold?”

   It was… a blunt question. For a moment, I wondered…what if I really grew older with no one by my side? What if no one cared for me at all?

   I had no real goal, only the habit of working hard. No end in sight. No boy could stand beside me as an equal. They were all so foolish, caring only about how pretty I looked. None of them cared about my feelings.

   None of them could support me.

   If, by some miracle, someone appeared who could care for me at this height… maybe I could move forward without fearing the unknown. But there was no one like that. I’d already left everyone behind.

   It was too late.

   Everyone is too lazy. Everyone is incompetent. How could I date someone who can’t even get their work done?

   Even when I decided I would live alone, the fear of falling remained…falling with no one to catch me.

   But I still kept walking.

   I don’t even know why.

   “Just shut up and take my hand!”

   When he said that, it felt like a weight I’d been carrying on my own finally loosened, letting me breathe again.

   Maybe…just maybe…I could have someone who accepted me, someone who stood beside me, supporting me, caring for me…

   Loving me…

   I can’t explain how much those few words meant. Part of me wanted to be loved, but another part wanted to stand above everything.

   If I became student council president, maybe I could finally be free of that pressure…

   “Yeah… I see. You’ve worked hard. Really hard.”

   “I’m happy for you. You earned this.”

   Hearing that made me feel seen. The fear of the unknown faded. Even when his carefree behavior annoyed me and I complained over little things, he never pushed back. He handled everything so gently…never with resentment or irritation.

   It was frustrating how kind he could be, how he never blamed me even when he had every right to.

   He was the only one who could stand by my side, who understood what I felt and what I went through.

   Realizing that I wasn’t the only one wandering in the dark was comforting. His warmth made the weight I carried feel lighter.

   I felt like I could fly as long as he was there.

   But somehow, he could never fly next to me freely. Something held him down—something he couldn’t show me.

   Whenever I asked, he only smiled gently and teased his way out of it.

   On my 16th birthday, Masachika finally told me what weighed on him. His sister Yuki, his family, the things from his childhood he had kept hidden behind that smile.

   I never imagined he had been holding back so much.

   He promised to become the head of the Suou family, to take responsibility for everything…but only if we win next year’s election. I can’t let that slip.

   I can’t afford failure.

   But… how long will you stay by my side?

   [ I… I need you ]

Chapter Text

    Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou is a first-year student at "Serei Private Academy".

    She is a honor student with the highest grades in the school and serves as the Treasurer for the student council. She is running for president with vice-president candidate Masachika Kuze.  

    Many know her as the "Solitary Princess" due to her lack of emotion and cold attitude she showed during the beginning of the school year.

    Though recent events such as the school festival, concert and speeches changed the perspectives of many students of the fact that she is, in fact a pretty good person once you get to know her.

    Even if Alisa wasn't cold and harsh anymore all the time, nobody would have ever thought she is the type to squirm around her bed with a flushed red face thinking of a boy.

    Yes, you heard me right, this silver haired, well cared girl on the bed of the Kujou residence is in fact, the calm and collected lady in class.

       "Hey what's up, Alya, are you free after class the day after tomorrow? I got something to do. You should wear something nice." was the message sent by the boy in her thoughts, Masachika Kuze.      

     It was currently November 19th, Wednesday, 19:23. The day after tomorrow would be Friday.

    “Yes, I am free after class on Friday." 

     When Alya had finally regained control over her girlish thoughts and fantasies, she replied after snapping back to reality.  

     "Alright! I'll tell you when we meet!"

     "What are you planning? Tell me, I don't trust you."

    Alya had thought Masachika invited her for a date, that's why she had been squirming and rolling around.

    The boy she likes asked her out on his own will! He even said wear something nice! He must be planning something romantic...  

    Is what she thought before remembering the other times he asked her to come with him, in which all of them, she thought and hoped it was a date.

   They were all just meetings where he explained student council matters and other related topics.

    But there was that one time they went shopping together when he led me by my hands, smiling.

   Ughhhh...He's so annoyingly handsome when he smiles at me... Wait what am I thinking? God! get it together Alisa!

    Just as she was slapping herself mentally, Masachika sent a reply saying.

   "It's a secret. You'll know when I show you. Just don't forget to dress up properly. I have a plan."

    Eh? What plan? This is basically a date isn't it? I hope he isn't planning anything stupid...I'm gonna kill him if it's otaku or student council related thing.

    But...he really wants me to dress up nicely huh...Does he like me? What clothes should I wear? It's probably cold outside, it's late November after all.

    "I'll kill you if it's related to the student council or otaku things."

     She sent a threatening message after yet again snapping to reality.

    "Please calm down, I mean no harm. But I'm still not gonna tell you yet. I'll show you on Friday.”

     Alya chucked to herself and agreed this was typical of Masachika, stubborn when it comes to things like this.

    I guess I'll wear something that day. Should I prepare it now? Hmm.

    After thinking for a bit, she decided to get up and make her bed at the very least. Alya then began furiously searching through her wardrobe for the "perfect" clothes. 

    For Alisa, who always prided in her sense of reason, it was a sudden obstacle she had to overcome, wearing the appropriate clothes.

   It couldn't be something way too mature, too thin, too thick, too childish and mismatching.

     Anyway, she still had to choose and wear something that day, it had been already 20 minutes of looking at her pile of clothes and pondering.

    Nothing was gonna happen at this pace.            

    She covered her face with both hands and squeezed her bangs between her fingers.

    Although she knew Masachika hadn't invited her for a romantic date under the moonlight, she still couldn't just wear plain normal clothes, it had to be something special.

     I'll check the weather.....Oh it's surprisingly warm this week, didn't expect that. Hm.

   If it's warmer than usual, I don't need thick warm clothes, going relatively thin seems fine. I could wear this then...no wait, then my jacket and pants won't match with this..Aaaaghhhhhh. 

    Her brain was coming up with ideas and shooting them down a moment later. Literally nothing would happen at this pace, she knew that.

   If it keeps going on like this, it would just end up with a lot of clothes to fold up and no outfit created.

    Alya had sat down on the bed, she had been mindlessly digging through her wardrobe for the past 40 minutes. It was already past 20:00.

      What should I wear? Why am I taking this so seriously?

     Alisa loudly refuted her own thoughts. How could she care so much for just a outfit she won't even wear today? How could she prioritize this so much?

     As she was yet again contemplating life choices over a simple outfit.

     Knock knock, "Hey, Alya dinner's ready~"

      It was a voice of a female, with a mature tone who had knocked on her door.

    "Oh, alright. I'll be there in a minute. Let me put these clothes away."

     As she replied, the door to her room opened and black haired woman peeked through the crack, smiling gleefully.

    "Oh my~, what's the occasion, Alya? I haven't seen you rummage through your clothes since you went to the beach. Let me guess... is it because of him?~"

    The female who had asked this gossiping question was Alya's mother. Akemi Kujou. She is married to Mikhail Makarovich Kujou and has two beautiful daughters.

    She has black hair, milky white complexes, soft raven locks and delicate brown eyes. Masha followed on her mother's kind gentle demeanor.

    "N- No? Absolutely not! I'm just looking for an outf- shirt I forgot about! This has nothing to do with Masachika!"

    Alya had been caught off guard when her mom had asked that suddenly.

    She tried her best to hide her embarrassment but how could you hide your emotions from your own mother? Akemi immediately saw her daughter's face.

    "When did I ever mention Masachika?~"

    Her mother had jokingly teased Alya because she had replied so quickly while stuttering. 

    Alya does like that boy Masachika huh...They're on a first name basis and paired up for the elections. I knew she wouldn't randomly pair with a guy.

    I wonder what happened for her to react like this. Did he ask her on a date perhaps?

    She had stood in the doorway looking teasingly at her daughter, who was obviously embarrassed, playing with the ends of her hair.

   Akemi looked at her and walked closer.

   "You like him don't you? Come on tell me~"

    Alya realized that she had blurted out Masachika's name accidentally after her mom asked an unsuspecting question.

    She was embarrassed on how easily she gave in and told the truth. There was no escaping from her mother now.

      "No! I don't lo- like him! It's just that he asked me if i'm free after class on Friday...

    When her daughter replied looking down in an innocent tone, Akemi understood what was happening and came up with a plan immediately.

    "Do you need help picking out a suitable outfit?”

     Alya suddenly looked up in shock, her mother was quick witted. She had seen through her already and had asked her that. It was as if her mind was read.

    “Eh?! How.. what? How did you know?.."

    "Come on Alya, I gave birth to you, any mother would be able to understand what's going on behind her daughter's face~"

    It was as if a person came in, looked at your lips, and then told what seasonings were on the chicken you finished eating a minute ago.

    Shocking for Alya who had thought she hid her emotions well.

      "Thanks... but I can manage, let's eat our dinner first though."

     "Are you really sure?~ It doesn't seem like you have an idea for an outfit~"

     "No, no I'm fine really, let's eat dinner. What's for dinner anyways?"

      Alya was trying her hardest to change the topic and divert her mother's attention away from Masachika. But her mother only looked at her smiling, not seeming to back off.

    "Alright, fine~ Dinner first it is."

     Akemi then turned on her heels and walked to the table joyfully as if she had just gotten a paid vacation from her boss.

    When Alya exited her room and went to the bathroom to wash her hands, she understood that maternal instincts are not to be joked about.

    Dinner was a typical ichiju sansai<1>. A common Japanese dinner.

    The family talked about some things related to the year ending but Alya's mother kept throwing her silver daughter teasing looks during the dinner.

     Mom won't back off I see, better just accept it. Alya had thought while drinking her soup.

      About half an hour later when Alya had finished washing the dishes, her mother came out of her room. Since she had already gave up on pushing her mother away, Alya just went into her room with her mother.

    "Let's see, where did he say he was taking you?"

     "I-, I don't know, he said it's a secret and I'll know when I get there."

     "Hmm, unknown location huh? That makes it a bit harder. But I can do it."

     "Why are you talking like it's a medieval quest?"

    "For the legs..... take these."

     She threw a navy blue skirt along with some denim colored leggings. It was a fashionable choice.

     "Well, this week is surprisingly warm so I guess I could wear these.."

     "For the top, wear..... this."

      Akemi then yet again threw her a clothing. This time it was a turtleneck cashmere shirt with sleeves. 

     "Alright? That's it? Well, it's a great choice... Just I don't know if he would like this.."

     "So you do care about what he thinks of you~, how cute~"

     "No! What? Mom! Stop teasing me!"

     "Just try wearing those, Oh now I think about it, a coat would suit this outfit perfectly!"

    After saying that Akemi went to her room and came back in a minute with a baby blue colored coat.

    When Alya had finished wearing the clothes her mother picked out, she looked striking.

    Nobody would have believed she is a first-year student.

    Alisa looked mature yet innocent, cute yet fashionable. It was wonderful how her mother easily picked this out so quickly.

     "Come on, how could any man resist this? I'm sure he'll like this. He probably would like anything you wear~"

    Alya had never realized her mother was such a gossiper on the topic of love. She had always thought Akemi would be the type stay cool and calm if she ever brought up the topic of love.

    Not like this.

    "Well....I do look great, I'll wear this on Friday. But I'm gonna iron it today. Thanks? Mom?"

     "Hey.. don't act so confused and cold towards me. I picked this out for you remember that!"

     "Fine.. Thanks, mom."  

     After her mother left the room, Alya took off her clothes ironed them and neatly folded and put them in the corner with great care.

   "Phew, that was weird. She teased me so much..."

    "I wonder what time it is."

—•—

     "Oh yeah, Alya. Are you ready to go after school?"

     It was Friday, lunch period. Masachika had gotten up from his seat and came towards her.

      "I still wanna know where you are taking me, but could we stop by the mall quickly first? I need to get a new winter coat, my old one got ripped yesterday."

     "Yeah, sure. The thing won't begin till 19:00 anyway. I'm gonna go to the cafeteria now, I'm hungry."

     "Wait, let's eat together."

      Alya got up quickly and walked after Masachika. Some classmates gave questioning glances but they continued walking.

    Shortly after, they arrived at the cafeteria, got their food and sat down.

    "Hey, uhh Alya?"

    "Yes? What is it? Do you need salt?"

     "No, no, not salt, don't you think people have been looking at us a lot more than usual? I don't wanna blame them with no evidence but it feels like people are eyeing us."

      Alya, who had been eating her food, heard Masachika say that, shot him a cold glance before looking around her.

    It was true that people were looking at the pair.

   She saw some students obviously looking at them while walking without trying to hide it at all, some quick glances and whispering.

   Seated people across them looking, it was quite strange.

    "Yeah, people do seem to be looking at us...I wonder why, I mean is it that unusual for an election pair to be eating together? Haven't we ate together before a lot?"

     Masachika thought for a bit, rummaging through his memories.

    "I think I know the reason why."

     Then turning back casually, he began to eat his spicy ramen again. Looking up at Alya, he saw that she seemed troubled. They were attracting a lot of attention.

     A moment later he felt a piercing gaze on the top of his head.

   "[What did you do?]"

    It was a cold, harsh russian directed at him. Masachika felt a sudden weight being placed on his heart, he put down his chopsticks and looked up slowly.

    "Wh- what did you just say?"

    Alisa was looking at him with a blizzard around her. She looked like a ruthless queen who was about to behead her subordinate.

   "I said, what did you do?"

   Masachika hadn't expected she would actually say what she said in Russian in Japanese.

   He froze for a bit, covering in the aura of the icicle queen before him before mustering enough courage to speak.

   "I- I didn't do anything I swear on my life! Spare me!"

    "[But you said you know the reason why.]"

   After he heard that, he realized why Alya was mad. She thought something he did was attracting all the attention of students because he had said he knew the reason why.

   "What?"

   "You did something didn't you?"

    "No! I swear on my life I have not done anything wrong to drag attention towards us! I just have a guess on the reason! Please do not kill me!"

    "Still joking around, huh? Tell me what you did."

     Masachika jerked back instinctively. Alisa was staring at him ruthlessly, not seeming to calm down.

    "Can we talk about this after we leave? Please? In the student council room or something?"

    When Masachika said that in a low tone, Alya seemed to back away a bit and calm down, or was that just his imagination? 

    After that, they both finished eating their food in silence. Masachika had looked down and away from Alya but she had stared at him the whole time, it had made him uncomfortable.

    They then left the cafeteria together and entered the empty student council room. Students passing by had gave the pair glances too. Alya was confused. 

    Yet again he felt the gaze of a hundred tundras on the back of his head. When he turned around to talk to her, Masachika was surprised how close she was.

   Close enough to be slapped by her which he thought of instantly.

    "Uhh, Alya?"

    "What did you do?"

    Still taken back by her attitude, Masachika paused for a bit.

     "Ehhhh, uhhhhhh. How do I say this properly hmmm, aaghhh."

    Masachika had backed away a bit, scratching his head. But Alya closed the distance he backed away instantly.

    "[If you don't tell me, I'll kiss you.]"

    CRITICAL HIT! MASACHIKA TOOK 60 DAMAGE!

    Masachika's heart ached weirdly, his mind went blank at the sudden Russian remark. He froze on the spot unable to think.

    EH? WHAT?! KISS ME? WHEN DID IT ESCALATE TO THIS POINT?? WASN'T SHE MAD JUST NOW? WHY?

    This all happened in the span of 1.8 seconds.

   When he had regained some composure, he looked at her.

    "Sorry, what? It's kinda scary when you say things in Russian, I don't understand what you say..."

   "I said tell me what you did or I'll slap you."

    Yeah right, "slap" me, as you say so...

    "Do you really wanna know? It's kinda hard to say."

    Alya was a bit surprised when Masachika said it was hard to say, but then approached him suddenly.

     "Tell me now. You must have done something to attract attention to us. I don't like being looked at like an exotic animal."

     Masachika's thought process almost stopped functioning when Alya had suddenly approached him and was practically leaning on him. 

     She smells nice... wait what the hell am I thinking about??

     "Well......I think it's because...we've been walking together to and back from school and we've been close lately...I heard rumors from Takeshi..."

     "What rumors?"

      He paused for a moment.

    "(the students think we are dating...)"

     Masachika looked up after saying the last part in a whisper. He obviously seemed embarrassed having to say that.

    "Eh?!"

     Alya had been caught completely off guard. She had not expected this answer at the slightest.

    "[They thought we were dating?]"

    "What? Please stop mumbling in Russian."

      She had backed off and was playing with the ends of her hair. Obviously embarrassed. Based on her behavior. Masachika guessed she wasn't angry anymore and had cleared up the misunderstanding. 

      They stood in silence for a bit. Both embarrassed. The air was awkward.

     After a few moments, Alya looked up. Her cheeks were completely red, her eyes jittering all over the place.   

      "[I wouldn't mind dating you though..]"

    CRITICAL HIT! MASACHIKA TOOK 90 DAMAGE! HE SURVIVES ON HALF A HEART!

—•—

    "Let's leave, We'll drop by the store to change clothes first though." Alya said that after changing her shoes in the locker.

    "Alright, let's go now. But, are you sure we should still be seen together? It might feed more rumors about us.."

    "No, let's just go."

    Realizing Alya won't budge at any remarks or reason, Masachika followed her as if she was the one who had a plan.

     Man, even after saying the rumors to her she still wanted to go together...I'm gonna be killed by some of her male "fans" and buried under a shed at this pace...

    Shortly after leaving school, they arrived at the special store with the changing rooms for Seirei students.

     "Get changed, meet me under this archway when you're done."

     It was 16:34 currently. He thought. Alright we've got about 2 hours before we gotta get going to make it in time for the opening.

     Should be enough for mall shopping. She said she needed a winter jacket right? Hmmm...I think I remember seeing outdoor stuff on the 3rd or 4th floor?

     After changing into casual wear, he folded his uniform and put it in his backpack.

     He was wearing simple lofi-like black anime merch and matching pants and a jacket.

     You wouldn't say he looked strange, it wasn't bad to say the least, at first glance it would just seem like a black shirt and gray pants.

     She's taking a bit longer than usual...

     Masachika was standing under the agreed meeting spot as he was waiting for Alya. Scratching his head he looked at the clock on the wall. It showed 16:43.

     What could she be trying to wear for it to take 10 minutes? Is she having trouble? Or maybe putting on makeup? No.. she's not the type to wear makeup, I think.

     Should I check on her? No wait, she might not be wearing anything...But it's been 10 minutes, she has to have worn something.

    Thinking for a bit, Masachika decided and walked towards the dressing aisles. There was no clear female/male division.

     It was just aisles meant for Seirei students. He knew Alya had walked to the left. As he turned the corner.

   "Uh, hey! Alya! Do you need hel-"

   Thud!

   "Owww... what are you doing here? I said wait under the arch!"

   "Sorry! You took a bit too long. I came to check on you."

    As I mentioned before, Alya was wearing the clothes her mother had picked out for her.

    She just took a bit long because she was just standing in the aisle debating whether if Masachika will like her or not.

     Denim leggings, navy blue skirt, turtleneck  cashmere shirt, a baby blue coat.

    The clothes emphasized her feminine features, provided comfort and warmth and most importantly, rendered Masachika's brain functionless.

      After Masachika backed away and saw her. His eyes widened. 

   "O-.........."

   "Just 'O'? Really? That's a bit of a underwhelming response~"

   He stood there as if he was a stone statue, his expression was quite...shocked to say the least.

     It was like the time Alya had worn a summer dress and Masachika, for a moment, imagined a beach scene. This time, only just a few times the intensity.

    "Heyy, Masachika~ Let's go home and warm up together~~"

    I...I think my brain just froze for a moment.. What is she wearing?! I wasn't prepared for this! She looks stunning! That thigh peek between the leggings and skirt... Wait! Stop you dumbass! Don't imagine such perverted things! Just say something normal!

    "Uhhh... Wow. You look wonderful...."

Chapter Text

     "You're imagining perverted things aren't you?~ Fufufu."

     "[You look cute when you're shocked like that~]"     

     Alya was satisfied seeing the reaction of Masachika. His face was readable like a book, it was amusing to look at.

      "What?! N- no!"

     Hearing Alya say that, he reflexively disagreed, knowing damn well it was obvious. But would you really admit having such thoughts to the person in context? Standing in front of you? Especially a girl?

    "Alright~, I'll believe you... Fufufu~"

     She then turned and walked towards the exit. Masachika shortly followed suit.

     The sun had set covering the sky in ember clouds. Even if it was late November, today was oddly warm. Young kids were playing about in the streets, people bustling and hustling, it made for a lively scene.

     When the mall had come into view, the time was 17:16. Plenty of time, he thought.

     "There's the mall, let's go, come on."

      Before Masachika could answer, Alya who had been walking slightly in front, had turn around, took his right hand and continued forwards swiftly.

     "Hey! What? Why are you holding my hand like that!? Also why are you in such a hurry?"

     He tried tugging to get his hand back, only to be met with a bone crushing grip.

    "Ow! Alya? Can you let go please?"

      I already told you about the rumorssssss, don't you feel embarrassed holding my hand in public?! There's no way we don't get seen by a Seirei student......

    "Stop complaining."

    "But h-"

    "Shut your mouth."

     Even though Alya sounded angry, Masachika saw that she seemed flushed. Her ears were tinged with a hint of red. 

     Could she be doing these types of things on purpose? Is it for the thrill of not getting caught? Or.. could she-

     "[I want us to go on a date..The rumors could be made true...you know?]" Alya mumbled. 

     Oh...that's what it is... I see.... Aughhhhhhh.

    Masachika's heart felt a bit different. He couldn't quite figure out what it was. He mostly understood what she had said, enough to reconstruct the sentence from the words he picked up.

    "What?"

    "I said 'I wanna eat a snack right now. Buy me something.' "

     She had slowed down a bit after entering the mall and was walking by his side, still holding his right hand with intertwined fingers.

      Is she role-playing an imperialist queen today? Am I a slave? What's with her? Why's she holding my hand like this?

    "Sure, but in order for me to buy you snacks, you have to let go of my hand. Then I can pick up something and pay for it, alright?"

   ".... fine."

     Reluctantly, she let go of his hand. You could see a smaller hand print which had reddened around his hand if you looked closer.

     Ow, my hand hurts a little. She's possessive today...Is this the yandere phase?! Oh god, if thats true...Sorry dad, grandpa, Yuki. I might not come home alive..

     Alya looked around slowly, the first floor was full of stalls and shops serving dishes. You could find cuisines from basically all of the food cultures here if you had a entire day to waste along with money.

    "Hmm, get me.... that."

     Saying that she pointed left towards a taiyaki shop which seemed newly renovated. It had a clean simple look while also simultaneously looking vintage. Green was the main color used.

   "Oh, taiyaki huh? Alright, I'll get it.

    Hm, I'm kinda surprised she chose taiyaki when there was, I guess better snacks nearby? 

    "Hurry up. Go on already. I'll be waiting under this poster over there."

    "How many pieces do you want? What flavor?"

    "Choose yourself."

    "You asked for this! Not me!"

     Alya shot him a cold glare, Masachika understood immediately that he should stop probing around and just listen to what the dictator-ess says.

     After rolling his eyes, he moved towards the shop. The worker seemed young, probably around 16.

    The menu was shockingly extensive. Flavors ranging from plain chocolate to carrot, it had unique and weird choices.

    Woah, this menu has a lot of items. Wait.. avocado espresso?! What the hell is even that? Avocado soaked in espresso and fried in fish shaped batter? What lunatic thought of this?

     Masachika was scratching his head as he read some of the flavors.

   "Do you need help choosing?"

     The worker had asked him if help was needed. She had blonde hair and freckles. Unusual for a japanese person.

    "Uh, yes. Please."

    "Do you have a preference, allergy, disliked tastes? It could narrow it down and then I could recommend you popular flavors."

     Masachika was a bit taken back at the question. He couldn't answer right away. 

   "Wait, uhhh..alright? Not spicy, sweet, maybe similar to red beans? And no random combinations like that avocado espresso, please."

     The girl thought for a moment. Looked down at the menu. Looked up again and said.

    "I highly recommend 'Sakura-mochi-an'. It's red bean paste with chewy pink mochi bits. Or we also have 'Kurian' too, it's sweet chestnut mixed with white bean paste."

     She knows her stuff. That was fast. I wonder how long she has been working here.

   "Thanks, uh. I'll have 2 of each of those flavors you just mentioned."

   "Alright, two each of Kurian and Sakura.<1>"

   "Also if you don't mind me asking, how long have you worked here? You seem extremely experienced."

     The worker looked at him as if he had just spoken in a foreign language she didn't understand, tilted her head in a confused manner.

   "I've worked here in my dad's business since I was 6."

    She said in a calm tone turned away casually and started preparing the order.

     Oh, since she was 6? That's a quite young age to work in a business, even if it's a family one. That's why she seems so experienced. Really surprising to be honest.

     Shortly after, the order was done. It had been put in a sage green wrap with a small cat outline printed on it. They looked like your usual taiyakis you can buy in the streets, but it was more high in quality, in a way. 

   "950¥ please."

     Masachika got his wallet and took 950¥ out of it and placed it in the tiny basket.

   "Thank you for your support. Have a great day."

     Although she said it in a flat tone, it was still appreciated by Masachika.

     Holding the taiyakis in his hands, he walked towards where Alya should be sitting. Turning the corner he saw the chair, but she wasn't there.

    Didn't she say she would be here? Did I mistake it? Where is she?

    "Hey? Alya? Where did you go?"

    As he approached the chair, he was suddenly jabbed from behind on his rib. He flinched and barely held onto the food.

    "Oww! What are you doi-."

     It was Alya who had jabbed him. She looked mad and calm at the same time.

    "What took you so long?"

    "It hasn't even been 10 minutes! You have to fry the batter fully you know? Why did you jab me?"

    "You took long because you were chatting with that blonde girl weren't you?"

    Huhh?! What? She saw me? But I didn't even talk to her about anything! What chatting?!

    "What? What do you mean chatting with the blonde girl?! I only asked her a single question after giving an order!"

    "Really?"

    "Yes! Really! What else would there be?!"

    "What did you ask her? Her number? Huh?"

    This is the yandere phase....I was correct....God save me, please... I'm gonna be tied up and interrogated at this pace....

    "What the hell are you talking about?! Why would I ask her number?"

    "Then... what did you ask her?"

     Alya was freezing Masachika with the blizzard around her, she had approached him and pushed him down to the chair. Her eyes were full of hatred.

    "I asked her how long she had worked there! It's because she seemed so experienced and gave me a recommendation almost instantly after I said some preferences! I was just curious! I did not ask her number!"

    "Really? How long did she work then? Do you like women with experience?"

   "Alya, are you okay right now?! What the hell are you talking about?!"

   "Answer my question!"

   "Sh- she said she's been working since 6... in her dad's business.."

   "Hm, really?"

    "Yes, really. I swear on my life and soul. If I'm lying I'll serve you for eternity."

   Alya looked down at him. His face showed no signs of lying or anxiety. Just pure confusion. She then smirked.

   "[That..doesn't sound so bad~ You're only mine, you know?]"

     Oh my god this woman is crazy..save me someone, please.. I need help.

   "What? Please stop saying things in Russian while smirking at me, I'm getting goosebumps."

    "Fine, I'll trust you. Let's go buy my jacket.

    "Thank you."

    Masachika then got up and gave the taiyaki to her, one each of the two flavors, he ate the rest.

     I think..I think she's back to normal now. Hopefully the taiyaki is good enough.

   "How's the flavor?"

     Alya finished eating the mochi flavored one, she stopped, swallowed.

    "It's...better than I expected, maybe the girl made it sweeter just for you..."

     "Oh my god! Alya! Can you let go of that? Nothing happened between us! Stop imagining fake idiotic scenarios!"

     Before he had realized, Alya threw the wrap into its respective trash can and held his hand yet again.

     She's actually being such a yande-, you know what? I give up. Better just comply to her. I could survive if I listen to her orders.

     He said nothing when she took his hand. Alya saw that Masachika did not say anything.

   "[Look at you, not caring about holding hands~]"

     Masachika's eye twitched at the remark. He looked right at Alya, she was smiling gently. 

     Well.. as long as she's happy, I'll be fine... I'll do anything, I guess. Even if it's outrageous. As long as she smiles.

    Even though Masachika had thought that, he hadn't thought he, yes, he, himself actually thought about that. It passed by his mind as if it was a normal usual thought.

    "What? I'm telling you, stop speaking in russian while smirking or smiling at me, I have no idea what you're talking about. It's weird. Please?"

    "No, not a chance. Fufufu~"

    "Really? If so, one day I'm gonna learn like Spanish and talk to you randomly while smiling and smirking, let's see about that then?"

    "Very funny, let's see you actually do that huh? Mark your words down. You better not be lying. You promised to serve me for eternity if you were lying you know~"

    Alya then let out a small giggle, looking at Masachika.

    "Hey! I said that only for the taiyaki shop worker incident! Not forever for every word I say! Don't twist my own words against me!"

    She giggled again, leaning on his shoulder a little.

    Although Masachika hadn't realized, he still yet again subconsciously thought about wanting to protect her happiness. Seeing her smile seemed to heal something broken inside him.

    Ding! "Door opening. This is the 1st floor." 

     As the elevator came down empty, they got on, still hand in hand. They didn't realize they had been seen by classmate number 17 and number 12 just before they got on.

    "Hey, wait wasn't that Kuze and Kujou?"

    "Oh wait, you're right. That was them wasn't it? I knew they seemed familiar somehow.”

    "The rumors about them dating was true, I guess."

    "I thought that was a lie though. No way Kujou would date someone, especially the lazy gacha addicted Kuze."

    "Didn't you just see them hand to hand walking into the elevator? That's not what being an election pair means! That's something more than being- just being seated next to each other!"

    "Are you sure they were holding hands though? I only saw them entering the elevator from here. They could just be shopping together. Maybe Kujou needed someone to carry things?"

   "Yes! I saw them dang it! They were holding hands like lovers! Like this!"

   Classmate number 17 then demonstrated how they were holding hands with his own hands to classmate number 12.

   "Really? I don't believe you."

    "Damn it, you never see anything in time. That's why you ranked 224th, you dumbass."

   "Hey! Why so sudden?! What does my test scores have to do with this?!"

—•—

    Ding! "Door opening.This is the 3rd floor."

    "Wait, I don't have the stores memorized yet. I've got a basic idea but let's look at the floor layout first."

     Masachika led them to a floor layout information sheet on the wall he saw.

   Holding hands became something normal for him somehow and his brain had removed it from thinking priority, basically walking without realizing they were holding hands. 

    She was a bit embarrassed realizing Masachika was leading her while holding hands in public, which he opposed of half a hour ago, without seeming to care.

   Although she was the one who did this first, she cared just a bit.

   "Oh look, turn left here and stores which should sell winter clothing are there. I knew I saw outdoor shops on this floor."

     Masachika pointed at the map, if you went straight down this corridor and turned left and walked, the entire area was outdoor clothing shops. According to the map.

   "Let's go then, I've got a vague idea on what I want but I'll see what options they sell."

    This time, Alya was the one leading Masachika. They walked down the hallway, passing by some accessory shops. Some strangers shot them a glance.

    Well, I mean.. to them, a guy was hand in hand with a beautiful silver haired girl who was wonderfully dressed, shopping together. They got a bit jealous.

    The guy also not being bad looking also annoyed them. "Ah.. to be young...high school love." they thought.

    "Hey...uh. Masachika~?"

    "Yes?"

    "Umm~..could you let go of my hand?"

     Masachika suddenly flinched when she said that. Looking down he realized he had been holding her hands the past few minutes. He suddenly let go.

   "I am so sorry! I did not realize I was holding yo- your hand!"

   "No, no it's fine! It was my idea in the first place...I should be sorry."

    He looked at her confused. He didn't understand why Alya was apologizing, he was the one who had unconsciously held her hand.

    "Are you sure? I was holding your hand and dragging you in public though..."

    "You weren't dragging me...it's fine. Let's just look at the jackets..."

   "Alright?, su- sure."

     They were both embarrassed, after realizing what they did, they walked with a shoulder length distance. The atmosphere was extremely awkward as they went.

    "[You don't have to be so awkward you know? I-, I actually didn't mind you holding my hand, to be honest I liked it..~]"

    Alya had mumbled that after they entered the 2nd store. The first one didn't have anything great, it was mostly heavy mountain equipment and gear. Not suited for casual wear.

    They provided warmth and protection but you don't need a super expensive mountain jacket to walk outside in the Tokyo winter.

    What? Really? Liked it!? Huh? 

   "What did you say? Sorry I didn't hear."

   "Something in Russian."

   " 'Something'? really?"

    "Yes. Anyway...this store also doesn't have anything interesting. Let's just go straight to North Lace. They're bound to have a suitable jacket in the female section."

    And so on they went, the atmosphere was less awkward but it was still lingering. The two arrived at the mentioned store.

   It was around 300 meter square in size. Kid's, men's, women's. They headed into the women's section.

     "Huh, they've got a lot of stuff. Oh wait, look, this section is having a sale."

    "Oh, they are."

    "Do you have your father's card on you? I doubt you're carrying enough cash to buy a jacket from here."

    "Yeah, I do have my father's card on me. How did you know?"

    "Well, I mean you must've told your parents your jacket's ripped. I don't think your father would send you to buy it with your own money. He must've given you his card or something."

     Alya understood the logic behind his statement. It made sense. Anyway, she started browsing the aisles. She had a raincoat-like jacket in her mind.

   "Hey, Alya. Could I sit down here and wait for you?"

    "Sure, why not. I won't be long anyway. You don't need to walk behind me all the time. Also what time is it now?"

    "Uhhh... it's 18:02. Why ask?"

    "Isn't your secret plan from 19:00? The one you didn't say anything about? I'm guessing it would take 30 minutes at the very longest to get there. So I'm checking whether if we have time to do something else."

    "Do what?"

    "Shhh, I'm not telling you. It's my secret. You'll know when it happens."

    "Using my own words aren't you? I'll sue for copyright infringement." 

     Alya let out a small giggle before turning on her heels and continuing her search for the jacket.

    Life like this isn't that bad.. I could get used to this. Wait.. used to what? Huh? What am I thinking about?

    A few minutes passed. He was still sitting there.

    "Oh! This is what I was looking for!"

     She had circled around the section back towards Masachika. Alya pulled out a black raincoat looking jacket. It supposedly had feather, despite looking like a usual raincoat.

    "You found it?"

     "Yeah, well.. this isn't exactly what I had in mind but it's the most similar among all of these. I don't think there is something better one here currently."

    "Okay, to the register we go. I guess."

    "The tag said 29,500¥ It's on sale."

     "Oh...that's not so bad for a high quality jacket. I think? They're usually 35 thousand yen or more."

    They went towards the register, Masachika was standing behind as Alya purchased the jacket.

    "Are you gonna wear it now? Or not?"

     "No, I'm not gonna wear it. But my backpack is full already."

     "Mine's still got space. You can put it in mine. If- if you don't mine though."

    "I haven't even worn this yet. You don't need to act like I'm gonna put my bra in your backpack~"

    Masachika looked at her, surprised. What she said did make sense, he was acting awkward for no reason. Alya hadn't even worn the jacket yet.

    "Sorry."

    She folded the jacket up, opened his backpack and put it in.

    "What time is it again?" 

    "Uh.. 18:13. What's your secret plan though?"

    "You didn't tell me yours, I'm not telling you mine."

    "I see..."

—•—

    Ding! "Door opening. This is the first floor."

    "Is it outside? Or inside?"

    "Just follow me."

     Masachika followed Alya as she swiftly walked between the crowds towards the exit. He wondered what it could be.

     She isn't taking me to a torture chamber to force out a lie from me right? No....the hell am I thinking about...

    As they left the mall and went outside. He was sure it had something to do with winter. The air had began to become colder but still warm like a spring morning.

   He followed her as she directed towards a small alley. He was skeptical but still followed suit.

   "Alya? Why are we heading into this sketchy looking alley?"

   "Don't worry, I know where this leads."

   "Are you sure? I feel like a yakuza member is gonna stab me and take you away or something."

   "Oh really~ Would you protect me then?"

    What? I said that as a joke! What am I supposed to say?

    "Uh..Yes?"

    "Yep. I'm gonna be kidnapped then. You sure don't sound convincing. What happened to the 'guy' who knocked a delinquents teeth out?"

    "He's gone, that 'guy' is not useful against surprise attacks from the armed yakuza."

    The alley suddenly opened. Leading to a large ice sculpture collection.

   Masachika stood back for a moment from the sudden view. He had guessed roughly it was related to winter but not ice sculptures.

    "Ice sculptures?"

    "Follow me."

    He yet again followed her. She led them towards a large sculpture of a playground.

   Surprisingly, only the outermost part and supports were made of ice, the insides were covered with wood and carpet.

    "I didn't expect it was wood on the inside. It's kinda warm here."

    "The nature committee makes these sculptures every year from November to February. They use wood and carpet because these things are designed to be walked and played in."

    "Why'd you take me here then?"

    "I come here with Masha every year during November or December. She said she didn't wanna go this year because the ice was too cold, supposedly. I just, well wanted to keep the tradition going." 

     "Oh..I see. I don't really understand but, yeah these seem well made. Also, no offense but aren't Russian people supposed to be immune to the cold or something? I'm surprised this carpeted warm box is still cold for Masha."

   "Very funny, I'm laughing so hard...What a great joke.” said Alisa,  in a flat sarcastic tone.

    They were sitting in the top of a castle like tower of the playground, which could only be accessed by a ladder inside, momentarily cut off from the rest of the world.

    "Anyway, what's the secret plan you made? Is it this ice thing?"

   Alya looked at him for a moment, before smiling suddenly.

    "Nope...well~ it's this!"

     Phud!

    Saying that she suddenly tackled him towards the wall. Masachika gasped in shock. He was pinned against the wall with her on top in a blink of an eye.

     “Hey! What the hell! Ow! The ice is still considered solid you know?!"

    "I'm not sorry."

    "Heh?!"

     Looking at Masachika, Alya came closer to his body.

     "I'm cold, let's warm up~"

     What the hell? Huh? What's gotten into her? This feels like deja vu...somehow. This is wrong? But it feels like this happened before? What's she gonna do to me?! Wait!... Shit! Did my perverted imagination manifest? What?! Yes! It fucking did! 

     "But w-!"

     Before Masachika could say anything, again, Alya put her hand over his mouth, it felt icy. He didn't expect her hand to be so cold.

    She is really cold huh....Is her blood circulation okay?! Why didn't she tell me this? She didn't bring gloves? I should've checked! She was cold all this time! You let her be cold!

    "Just stay still and be quiet."

    Alya wrapped her arms around his chest. Her breath was loud and slow, he could feel her body weight on him, she was giving off a small amount of heat.

   Their heartbeats could be felt by each other. The world was silent.

     Her body is so cold... is she fine?! Did she dress too lightly? What about the jacket? She could've worn that.. But most importantly....the elephant in the room....

    Masachika's heart started beating faster, he couldn't get the thought that her well... let's just say..boulders were in fact, pressing on his stomach and he was being closely embraced by a girl out of his mind.

   He tried to move, only to be hugged more tightly and stopped.

    His body temperature began to rise. Alya was still abnormally cold on top of him. It was both a good and a bad thing.

    NO STOP THINKING ABOUT THAT! NO! NO! GET IT TOGETHER! SHE'S COLD AND NEEDS TO WARM UP...by cuddling?? Wait... why is she!? HUH? Why am I in this predicament?? Since when could I manifest my thoughts into reality?!!?

    "Masachika...your heart is beating fast~ Are you getting excited from what I'm doing?~ Fufufu~"

    Alya had looked up at him, her head had been lying on his chest. She was smirking smugly.

    "N- no! What are you doing though!?"

    "Just warming up~, via body contact~"

    "That's exactly the problem!"

     She moved her right arm up, and quickly moved it forwards and pressed on his mouth again, signaling him to stay quiet.

   "Please? Just let me stay like this. Hug me back or something~"

   "Eh?! What kind of request is that??"

    Masachika mumbled from behind her hand. He was blushing.

   "[Oh look at that~, you're blushing...cute~]"

    He was pushed down yet again with unexpected strength from the girl on top of him. And then pinched.

    He flinched at the pain, Alya still clinging tight.

    "Do as I say, or there will be more from where that came from."

   Alya pinched him again on the back. He flinched slightly.

   Huh...is this..what it's like to have a yantsunderedere<1> girl be after you?

   "Ow! Stop pinching me!"

   "Hug me back then~, then I'll stop~"

   "......"

    After debating for a moment, reluctantly, Masachika moved his arms. He placed them around her back and head.

    It was absolutely embarrassing for him. 

    "Fufufu~, your heart is beating even faster... but that means I'll warm up faster~..."

    "......."

    They then stayed like that, till Alya felt warm enough.

Chapter Text

    K-ding!

    "Oh, it's a message from Prez.". Masachika muttered. It was unexpected.

    "Everyone meet me at the student council room, today during lunch period. I have some news to share."

     "What could he need to say? I mean the year is gonna end in a month, I don't think there are any council related events though. Maybe a Christmas/New year thing perhaps? But won't that be arranged by the school itself and not us?"

     Masachika had been sitting at his desk, math period had just ended and it was physical education now. Alya had already left.

    "What do we need to talk about? I don't think there are events till winter break."

    While waiting for a reply, he put his phone down and put the math book back on Alya's desk.

    Masachika got up after moving his table back into row and went to his locker to get his gym clothes. 

     He disliked PE, not necessarily because he was weak physically or the teacher was annoying, it's because he was cursed on ball games, which they played almost every single time.

   It's as if the flow of calamity had been used on him.<1>  

      "Ah well, it won't hurt to hear what he's gonna say, it's something that's important enough to have to explain in person."

     After slinging his bag over his shoulder, he looked over at his classmate. 

    "Hey! Takeshi, let's go quickly."

    "Wait! I think I forgot my jersey!"

     Takeshi was one of his close friends. He was bald, bad with girls, school subjects and dull in reading the room. But he was trustworthy and a great friend.

    As he watched the buzz cut buzz around the class, Masachika's phone buzzed.

    Oh did Prez reply? Shouldn't he be preparing for the next class now?

    "I'm sorry President, I can't meet up today. I have urgent business to attend after lunch. I will listen to what happened from a member tomorrow."

    It was Ayano out of all people to reply. Masachika wondered for a bit on why she would miss a council meeting, was the matter that important? She usually followed Yuki wherever she goes. This time she seems to be going alone.

    "Aha! I found it! It was in Hikaru's locker! I forgot that I forgot my jersey in the gymnasium and he took it with him!"

    "I sometimes wonder how you got into Seirei...."

    "Hey! Don't make a fool out of me! I'm smart!" Takeshi said in a serious tone, looking at him.

    Masachika shook his head at his sorry friend. 

  —•—

     "Hey, What's the news? President?" Yuki said energetically. The chair next to hers was empty.

     It was lunchtime. The student council room, everyone except Ayano was present. Masachika luckily survived today's PE.

     Touya paused for a moment, took a deep breath, then looked at them with a serious expression.

     "All members expect our general affairs representative is present, I now have some news to share."

     Everyone was taken a bit back at the statement. The president seemed grave, though he usually is in a good mood, even when there was negative information. The news was clearly bad news.

     The atmosphere grew thick, tension rose. Everyone was awaiting the arrival of the news on the edge of their seats

     "As we have discussed previously, the Christmas event organizing responsibility was transferred from our end to the Raikokai due to the incident during  the cultural festival, as an apology of some sort."

     The council members nodded in agreement, they had already talked about this last week. Expecting to host the event beforehand, hearing that news had taken a burden off their shoulders.

    Touya continued "But yesterday, around afternoon, I was contacted by the Raikokai's general relations officer who informed me of new developments."

    He paused for a bit. Kenzaki got up and took a  enclosed file off the drawer behind him. 

     "Open this and read as I explain." He said while putting the file in the middle of the table.

    Masachika who had been sitting in the middle, took the file and gave a copy to each member.

     Touya sat back down and began speaking. In a neutral tone.

    "The Raikokai has decided to not host the event."

     "What?!"

     "Huh?"   

   Everyone gave exclamations of surprise and annoyance at the information. They hadn't expected that the event would be canceled.

    It was something that was looked upon and awaited patiently by many.

    "Please, listen, the event is not canceled. Let me explain."

     "Oh~ it's not canceled? What?" said Masha, tilting her head. She had poured tea for everyone and sat down ever since she came in the room.

     "Allow me to continue , I have further news to share." Touya smiled gently.

    The mood lifted slightly when the president smiled. Kenzaki didn't seem that grave anymore, although he still seemed a bit down.

     "We all know that the event consisted of end-of-year speeches, a play made of volunteers, a concert and an exquisite ball planned to happen, and other minor entertainments starting December 19th Friday after classes and ending at Sunday afternoon. As shown on the file."

     "But the relations officer informed me of the fact that, due to urgent unplanned coincidences, they are unable to continue and host the event."

    The president continued.

    "Due to emergencies, the responsibility of hosting and managing this will be transferred back over to us. Unfortunately , we only have about 3 weeks to prepare for everything." The president finished saying it with an agitated tone.

      "Prez! Really? This isn't a lie right? It's not a joke?" Masachika asked, hoping it was a joke, knowing it isn't.

    All members were thrown into a frenzy, having trusted the Raikokai, they had left the matters of hosting and forgot about it. If they had known, they would've began half a month ago, so it could be taken slowly and lightly.

      "Damn! Three?! Three damn weeks to organize everything?!" Yuki stood up and paced around the room, stomping madly.

      "Oh, nooo....dang ittt." groaned the treasurer

      Alya had especially been looking forward for the events, walking around the festive school with Masachika was now a dream of the past.

      "Calm down people! Sit down!" Chisaki yelled. Everyone instantly stopped.

     "Thank you, Chisaki." 

      Kenzaki stood up from his seat, clapped his hands once, as if a magician was diverting the audience's reaction.

     "I know the task of hosting and organizing is daunting being suddenly handed over, but fear not! This is a great opportunity to prove our worth even more! Besides, as the Raikokai cancelled on us, they have decided to at least lend man power and connections."

     The student council members moods lifted hearing at least they got help. But still, they were agitated at the sudden change in plans.

     After a brief moment of stillness passed as everyone thought what they should do, someone broke the silence.

      "Prez, I have an important question." 

      Masachika looked at Touya in the eyes, before asking.

     "How the hell are we gonna assign who does what?"

    "Ah." Kenzaki thought for a moment. He seemed puzzled. As if the problem never crossed his mind.

    "I have no idea."

    Masachika sat still, the answer the president gave was not what he expected.

    I don't know? What?! Huh? Damn! How are we gonna assign roles?

    As the members yet again sank into deep thoughts, suddenly Masha spoke up. 

    "How about we let the students choose? It will be great! We can have votes on each of the roles!"

    Everyone looked at her in shock and confusion. The girl who said that seemed unfazed, although the idea was bizarre, it wasn't a bad suggestion.

     "What?"

  —•—

     Students clamored after each other, swaying just beyond the edge of a stampede. They were all directing towards the same room.

    "Ow! Who hit me?"

    "Hey! Watch where you're going!?"

    "Where did my hat go?!"

    "Look! I can see the door!"

    Such words were being said by many people. What had caused this commotion was, well... the idea proposed by the secretary of the council.

    Since no one else had a better idea or objected with a good reason, the suggestion was actually implemented. 

    The announcement was made stating all students if possible, should vote their own personal candidate which they think is most suited to take head for the roles of the Christmas events. 

    "FORM A STRAIGHT LINE! WAIT PATIENTLY FOR YOUR TURN! IF YOU GET OUT OF LINE THE DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE WILL TAKE ACTION!" growing tired of the commotion, Chiskai yelled.

    The vice-president was standing on a chair without a megaphone. Her voice booming. Students in the vicinity instantaneously formed a perfect line in a matter of seconds.

    The threat of using the disciplinary committee worked flawlessly.

    "Why are students rushing in so fast just to vote? I know the time limit is today but is the matter that serious?" Alya was in the room with Masachika and Masha. They were the ones taking in the paper votes and sorting them into boxes.

    "Even if this is an unplanned voting procedure, it's basically the same thing as electoral votes. You can get a grasp of fans for each election pairs and what the students think of your capabilities are just from this Christmas role assignment." replied Masachika, standing in the middle of the room. There were about 7 people in his line.

    "Ohh..I see, so if you don't get voted and win on the role of the ball, for example, basically the whole school thinks you don't have enough capabilities to make a good ball."

     The election pair looked over at the caramel haired girl who had just said that. It was true, if you thought you could direct the thing wonderfully, believing in your own capabilities, but got almost no votes, it would hurt a little.

    "You don't sugarcoat words don't you?" 

     Masha tilted her head at her little sister's remark. Alya looked pale. 

    "Hey, don't look so dead... Even if you don't get voted and get assigned something else, you can prove that you can adapt and do it too." Masachika looked over at Alya, reaffirming her. 

    "Yeah, I guess..." Alya smiled a little, looking down.

     The students gave votes by writing a number, which was assigned to each council member for the occasion, on a piece of paper and putting it in the corresponding box. Today was Monday, a few hours after the suggestion.

    "Who did you vote for the concert? I chose Kujou."

    "Oh really? I voted for Suou."

    "Wasn't it Kujou who sang in a concert? I think she would be a better pick to be assigned it."

     "Hmm, fair point. But I still already voted for Suou. She's got more pop culture knowledge you know?"

    People who had already voted were leaving and exchanging some words. Yuki caught hold of this conversation while coming in.

    "Oh my~ Would you look at that.I'm competing with Alya for the concert role, I wanted to orchestrate the ball but the concert seems interesting too. Masachika~, Do you think I can organize the concert better than her?" she purposely said it out loud so that Alya could hear.

    Alya's brow twitched at the aggravation, she almost gave in but stopped herself in time when  Masachika gave her a sideways glance. 

   "/Don't fall for the trap!/"  his eyes seemed to mean.

   "/But-!/"  she replied.

   "/No!/" he raised his eyebrow a little.

    They held a short conversation via eye contact briefly. Yuki noticed this and smiled. She came around the table and whispered something in Masachika's ear.

    "Huh?! What the hell?! No! Nothing happened!" Masachika stammered at her words. He stepped away from the little demon next to him. His cheeks became a bit red.

    "Fufufufu~. So it is true~" Yuki giggled at the reaction of her brother. Glancing over at her, Alya  seemed surprised and confused.

   "I'll help around a bit here... Hey! Masha~ Let me help you."

   Yuki went away and towards Masha and began sorting some things.    

   "God, dang it. I can never let my guard down around her... ughhh." he groaned. "(What was that?)" he muttered silently.

    Alya who saw the whole ordeal, left her table to a worker lent by the Raikokai, came over to Masachika. Another person came and took over his table too.

    "What happened? What did she whisper to you? You gave a pretty interesting reaction." she asked, looking at him. Alya was only curious.

   "Well.. she-.. never mind, you're better off not knowing... trust me."

    This only instigated her curiosity even more rather than put it out. What Yuki said to Masachika was now an important thing to know.

    "That only makes me wanna know even more...If you keep declining, I won't stop~. You will tell me~" Alya said in a playful enthusiastic tone.

   Masachika looked at her for a moment, thought briefly, then spoke. "Nope. I'm not gonna tell you what she said word by word, it's better for you that way. Please?"

   "So it's something you can't say to me? Your trust worthy partner~? <2>" 

    "(Hey! Don't say 'partner' like that in public! What if someone hears?)"

    Alya looked smug, she was planning something. Not something evil, but something bad for Masachika.

     She came a bit closer, still aware there were people in the room and there was no dividing walls...smirking.

     "Did you know of the fact that if you don't tell me, I'll hug you right now in public? Partner~? It's a great excuse for me to give you affection, you know~.

     Masachika froze in terror, the girl had made a threat. Alya giggled quietly.

     Shit. I can't tell her that Yuki said "Did something happen last weekend~? I found a piece of clothing on your bed, you know? It smelled like a girl~".

   Damn..Do I make up a lie? She saw the tie Alya accidentally left when she came over to do homework, I had put it on my bed so I don't forget but damn I forgot it!

     Masachika didn't say anything for a moment. Alya looked even more smug.

    "I'm gonna start counting down~! Tell me or else~!"

     Quickly! Make up something that's believable! Not things like "She said I forgot my homework" that's not something I would show that kind of reaction to!

     "Here we go~, 5 , 4 , 3, 2-" She started counting down while simultaneously coming closer. Alisa was not bluffing, she was actually gonna hug him in this room, full of students.   

      Masachika managed to string enough words together.  

     "(Gah! Yuki asked whether if we kissed each other or not!)" he whispered at the last second. It was partly true to what Yuki said, technically.

    Alya stopped, her face becoming dull. Mouth open in shock.  

   "She-...what?"

     "I'm not gonna repeat myself." Masachika backed away a bit, trying to regain composure.

     The smug confident girl of a few seconds ago was nowhere to be seen. Only a quiet and embarrassed Alya had been left in the wake.

    "Oh-....That's why you..reacted like that...". She started playing with the ends of her hair, like she usually does whenever she's flushed.

    "Are you satisfied now? Hearing what she said?"

   Alisa had been completely caught off guard by Yuki's supposed whisper. She had thought it would be something else she could tease Masachika with. 

     "......"

    Alya stayed quiet, looking down. Suddenly she turned on her heels and walked off.

    "[(Make it true then....)]"

    "Eh?" Masachika truly did not hear what Alya muttered while she swiftly walked away. He intuitively knew it was a russian statement but couldn't quite catch it.

—•—

    "Hey! Look they're putting up the results!"

    A adult in gray clothes labeled "Seirei Private" was putting up posters with the voting results. It was Tuesday, the day after the initial meeting. The workers had finished sorting and counting votes.

    Not even the president of the student council knew of the results, what was being put up was all new to everyone.

    Each of the roles had their own posters. The ones which required two people were the ball, play and concert.

    "Oh! That's what I expected and didn't expect. Interesting.."

   "Oh, so he's in charge of that?"

    "Hey! Look! She won!"

     There was a total of 4 different posters. The top results were as the following. 

    Concert:

     Alisa Kujou- 51% 

     Masachika Kuze-  23%

    Ball:

      Yuki Suou-  56%

      Mariya Kujou-  37%

    Play:

       Chisaki Sarashina- 42%

       Ayano Kimishina- 29%

    Miscellaneous/Speeches:

       Touya Kenzaki- 78%

   "Oh?.. Hey! Alya! We got chosen together for the concert!" Masachika saw their scores while memorizing the others through the crowd.

   He had turn around to Alya who had been standing behind him, or so he thought.

   "Hey, hey.. (Onii-chan), I'm not Alya, you know? God that girl really got into your head for you to be calling any girl automatically by her name huh?"

   It was Yuki, who had been standing behind him, not Alisa. She had already moved around the crowd to see the results.

   "Since when were you here?" Masachika asked.

    "All that movement from her last weekend really messed up with your mind didn't it? Did going forwards and backwards shake and damage your brain?" Yuki muttered, talking in a tone like a disappointed mother.

    "The hell are you talking about?! What brain damage?!" 

     "Come on~.... You don't have to hide the fact you two did something over the weekend.. Why would there be her tie on your bed then~?" Yuki stated, smiling innocently. Suddenly her expression changed. 

     "Don't tell me it's not her tie?? Oh my god! Are you cheating on her? Is it a perverted harem fantasy? What's the new girl like? Tell me~....Is she one cup larger? Could it be... Masha?!" she continued on yapping, not giving her brother a chance speak. She made one final statement, dramatically.

    "Yuki!?! Shut the hell up! You're the one with brain damage! Stop with the blabbering! Did you forget where we are?! Damn!" was all Masachika could say and do at the moment, he couldn't do what he usually does to Yuki here. 

   This is all because I forgot to put the tie in my backpack........

    "Brain damage?" someone suddenly asked from behind. His heart froze. It was a familiar voice.

    Out of all times, now she shows up?! How much of our conversation did she over hearrr?!! I'm so done for...

    Masachika turned around slowly. Alya came back from the crowd and had found him. Luckily, she wore a confused look, not a disgusted one.

    Phew, I think she only heard my words. Masachika calmed down a bit. He scratched his head, went closer to her, and beckoned to go. Leaving Yuki behind.

    "Alya...let me tell you one thing." he said, looking at her seriously.

    "Uh... yes? What is it?"

     "You still haven't fully understood and came to terms with, well... Yuki's personalities right?"

    "Yes?..I still don't understand whatever she does in that supposed 'cute lil sis' mode." Alya replied, taken a bit back at his serious behavior.

     "Ignore Yuki and whatever she is doing, saying to me or you, for today and tomorrow. Please..." Masachika looked at Alisa, he seemed like a tired old man, lecturing his grandkid.

    "Okay? Alright? Are you fine?" she asked, worryingly. Masachika spoke like he was on his deathbed, saying his will.

    "Ignore her teases. Pretend like nothing happened if you happen to hear what she says."

    Alya paused for a bit, and thought back to the time they arrived at the Suou mansion, the days after her birthday, and times even before those. Gradually, Alisa's face began to sink.

    Hey……..

    Stop remembering what she said!....and what you did... uuuuu~~. Why are you remembering now?!

    Stop recalling everythingggg! I can't believe I did those…. things....

    Masachika hadn't noticed the girl next to her ticking down. It was about to explode soon. Although she already let out a tantrum on him and reflected on her actions afterwards, there was gonna be a second time, with all of the leftovers plus everything else. 

   They had left the hall and were walking towards their classroom.

    "Alrighty! Yuki matters aside! How do you wanna do the concert? We got paired up luckily.. I still don't quite get why I was voted too though. Maybe because I was the manager for the previous concert?" he said, trying to break the awkward stillness. Masachika was back to his usual playful mood. However, the clock was ticking down even more.

    As they entered their class, it was empty. Everyone had left to see the posters, he figured. Masachika walked towards his desk and got his wallet. It was lunch period and he hadn't gotten anything to eat yet.

   Alya stayed silent, looking away from him. Finally, he noticed her behavior.

    "Hey.. Alya? You seem a bit down.. Are you okay? Do you have anything to say?" he asked, gently.

     "......" she continued being silent, still purposefully looking away from him. Something was wrong.

     "Is something the matter? You can tell me, you know? Did you want something else than the concert?" Masachika knew Alya was thinking about other things. He walked closer, but still kept some distance.

    "[I feel... shameful....]"

    Alisa said, clearly sounding and looking depressed. It made his heart ache, it hurt in a strange way. Masachika felt bad for some reason, as if he did something he shouldn't have, as if everything was his fault. The ticking bomb didn't explode, rather it was absorbed.

    After a brief moment, he spoke up.

    "I can't understand Russian but...did you just say something along the lines of 'I feel bad' ?"

   "!"   

    Masachika noticed the change in her breath. Alisa looked at him surprised.

   "So you did .... what's making you feel so bad?"

    Shortly after, he continued. "As you said yesterday...I'm your.... partner, heh. You can tell me the things you want " 

   But she still stayed quiet. After thinking of what to say, Masachika told her.

    "I'll do anything you say, as a payback from before the debate. What's bothering you?"  

    Alya was sitting on her desk. She didn't expect he would give this proposal, alike to the one she gave before.

    She paused for a bit, her mood improved a little.

    ".....I feel like...I feel shameful for the things I did to you.... For some reason, I'm recalling everything.. I did so many stupid things... I was so clingy and...and undisciplined..." Alisa took a moment, before muttering. "I'm.. I'm sorry, Masachika."

    Alya said that while looking in his eyes, and then put her head down on her table. Her beautiful silver hair dangled down, covering her face.

   Oh...she feels shameful and embarrassed about her actions of teasing me?.....Truth be told she was crossing the line a bit too much sometimes.. but it's not this.. this serious...

   "Hey... Come on Alya, do you really think that's such a grave matter? It's fine... you... you don't have to feel so bad about it, just... just be yourself, really... that's all that matters.. the things you did isn't enough to blame yourself this heavily." he spoke in a gentle tone, as if a parent was talking to their kid.

    "Even if you feel bad.. just remember that you have me..and everyone else. You don't have to stop whatever you wanna do, just because you think it's bad."

    Alisa moved her head and looked up at Masachika, he seemed sad, genuinely worried. He had crouched down in front of her table.

   "You mean that? Really?.." she spoke, quietly.

   "I can forgive you, if that's what you want, but understand that, I never was angry or thought you were shameful and undisciplined in the first place, you don't have to act like this.."

    Alya paused for a moment, then smiled, smiled happily, even if it was a little curve of the mouth. Her eyes loosened, brows uncurled.

    "I see..."

    She finally moved up and sat straight, the previous mood seemingly gone, washed away by Masachika's kindness. Although some tiny puddles were left, her self loathing had disappeared.

    "So you don't think I'm shameful?" Alya asked him, in a subtle tone.

    Masachika nodded, "I never did, I can't quite put my finger on why you thought that."

     Alya seemed content and relaxed after hearing his voice, like a student who got told they passed the test, which they thought they utterly failed.

    Suddenly, she giggled. He jerked back a bit at the sudden change of emotions from her.

    "Then~.... for the promise you just made..."

     Masachika's heart sank briefly, he had forgotten he had said he'll do anything as payback from before the debate, in the sensitive atmosphere.

   What's with her? Is this the so called emotional roller-coaster? Uh oh. What's she gonna do?! 

    "Firstly~... Come around." Alya seemed to be instantly back in her usual mood, ordering him. It was quite strange how much her mood swayed in a matter of minutes.

    Damn. I dug my own grave with this one.... Masachika stood up and came around the table. He couldn't break his promise, when Alya had just come to her senses.

    Alya was smirking. Hey.. at least she's back to normal. He thought.  

   "Forgive me for copying your words yet again, hmmm.. fufufu~" she said after looking at him, bottom to up, for a moment. 

   "Hug me affectionately and show me love~.<3> Since you avoided my affection before, you gotta give it to me now." her voice seemingly echoed in the still classroom. The words hit like a rock.

    Masachika couldn't believe what he heard. Completely stunned, he took a step back, his mind in a jumbled mess. He blinked multiple times.

    "What?-" was all he could say.

     "I'm gonna keep copying your words at this point... 'I'm not gonna repeat myself'." Alya replied, smugly. She seemed to be enjoying every bit of his reaction.

    "......" 

    No way! No way, I'm not gonna do that! No! What?! Wasn't she a emotional mess a hot minute ago?

   Masachika's inner voice screamed, his heart pounding, blood rising to his face, frozen in place. 

     As a few suspenseful moment passed, he could muster enough words to speak back.

    "Hug and show you love?!" he practically yelled.

    "Fufufu~, that's right! I want you to show me love and affection! You promised to do anything~.... Besides..I already did that to you..Didn't I? You asked for it in the first place~..."

    "Make sure it's not just a hug, you gotta say affectionate things to me too.."

    "......" Masachika backed away a couple of steps. His mind was still a mess.

   "Awww.. backing away? You coward~."

    Masachika's cheek twitched at the aggravation, his pride was being suddenly poked at.

   "You won't do it? You're chickening out?"

    Boom! Bam! Repeated relentless attacks on his pride! It's effective! Masachika took 85 damage!

    "Did Yuki do something to get your brain messed up?! You're acting like her! Acting crazy! You know?!" as he finished replying, a board creaked somewhere, adding to the silence.

    "Am I?" Alya acted clueless, asking with an innocent smile, very much like Yuki.

    "Yes! Very much so!" 

     "Really?"

     "Yes!"

      "Are you sure?"

      "This isn't getting anywhere! You are! You are acting like her! Is this what she asked you to do?"

      "Nope." she replied, in a flat tone.

      Masachika groaned, he rubbed his temples. Alya was purposely acting dull.

     After a moment. He objected . "You want me to hug you? Me? What if I say no?"

    "Then I'll...." she thought for a bit. "....continually non-stop hug you in public tomorrow. Or you could hug me now and make that not happen. Fufufu~"

    Since when did she master the art of black mailing?! 

    He looked at her for a moment, she made the same threat of clinging on him in public yet again, for the second time, this week.

     I've got no choice huh?.... Either hug her now when there is no one around OR be shown to everyone and be in the gossip topic for months.

   "Alya..." he said. Masachika had almost come to terms with his situation. He had thought for a moment.

     "Finally gonna do it?~"

     ".....I don't know."

     "Hmmm~... Then-" 

      Before Masachika could answer, Alya stood up and jumped at him, in a way that needed him to catch her, otherwise she would fall and hurt herself.

   "Wha-" he grunted out.

   Phud!

   "Oww..but...hey! My plan worked!"

    Masachika had instinctively reacted and reached out, grabbed her with both hands behind her back. They were now on the floor with Alya on top, with the deflated Masachika below, holding her.

    "What the hell is with you and pushing me to the ground forcefully!?!"

    Oh my god... I wonder how many times she has almost split my skull open...5?

     "......"

      "Hey! What?! One dang day, I'm gonna crack my head open because you tackled me!"

    "....."

    "Alya! I'm saying things here!"

    She elbowed him in the stomach in response.

    "Heeugh-" Masachika made a weird noise, almost cartoonish.

    "Shut up and make the promise you said true on your end."

    Alya wiggled a bit into a more comfortable position for her. However it was not as comfortable for the alive body pillow below.

    "Whgaut?" Masachika was still reeling from the pain, mumbling.

     "Come on...I don't think I made you hit your head that bad.."

     God damn. Huh...

     He stopped his futile escape attempt and lay there lifeless, for a moment, thinking of what he should and shouldn't do. Finally, he thought of something.

     Just as Alya opened her mouth to say something, probably along the lines of "Hug me or I'll kill you." Masachika moved swiftly, making use of the short period which Alya had dropped her guard, even if it was a little amount.

     "Eep-!" she yelped. Alya had been suddenly flipped and embraced. They were now sideways, still on the ground, right behind their tables. The wooden floorboards felt cold, yet warm.

    "Masa- Masachika?! Hey! Wha- What are you doing??" Alya wiggled, trying to escape from her partner's grasp, she was flustered. Her whole body felt weird. Her arms were stuck, shaking. Alisa had been caught fully off guard.

    Her memory of a few seconds ago, gone, overwhelmed completely by the present.

     "......" 

     Masachika didn't say anything, yet. He still kept his solid grasp on Alya. She was facing at him as they were on the ground.

    Her head was at his neck, he had curved a little, covering her.

    Alya's heart started racing, her cheeks felt like they were about to burst, her brain, a unorganized heap, the body of a different person made her nerves go wild, sending disarrayed signals, her breathing quickened.

   The faint perfume of his clothes were the only thing she could smell, it was a familiar smell.

    Although she had touched and embraced him many times before, this time, it was different.

    Masachika was the one who was touching her, not her touching him. Although Alya had literally asked for him to do this, she still felt fear.

    The fear of being unable to do anything about the vast difference in biological strength. Her survival instincts kicked in, adrenaline started pumping.

    Suddenly, Masachika spoke. His voice was soothing, the atmosphere changed immediately.

   "Alya..you..can do this, I trust you. I trust you to be my partner, the concert director...anything even. But you gotta trust yourself first. You know?"

    Alisa paused. She stopped jittering. Her heart started to slow down. Her mind began to think normally.

     Huh...What was I even thinking about?....I feel stupid, I feel dumb for being afraid.. scared of his strength and thoughts, even if it was just for a moment. Heh..  I really doubted him, somehow....Stupid girl, I asked for this didn't I. Hah...

   After a brief moment. She spoke back, quietly.

   ".....I'm... sorry. Let me apologize, please. Masachika."

     He had noticed her physical behavior just a moment ago, Masachika started to gently stroke her head from behind.

     I think... I think I accidentally scared her by suddenly moving and locking her in place... Huh... I..feel bad.. If I did scare her like that.

    "I'm sorry too. Did I scare you? I didn't mean to. My bad.  

    Alya didn't say anything, however she moved in closer, loosening her body a bit, beckoning him to hug her even more tightly.

   "You were....I'm sorry. Also, apology fully accepted, We have nothing against each other now."

    Masachika slowly stopped stroking her head. He also loosened his body a bit. 

    The sunlight came in through the window, lighting the classroom in a soft, dim light. A gentle breeze blew in, it was refreshing.

    A few still moments passed, as if frozen in time.

    Then....

       Thud! Click! Clack! Whistle!

     "ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! BRAVO! STRAIGHT OUT OF A ROMANTIC FICTION! ENOUGH TO MAKE ME SHED A TEAR, THAT'S SAYING SOMETHING, IF YOU KNOW MY STANDARDS!"

     Masachika and Alya's entire bodies were pulverized, down to the atom.

   Their hearts were squashed, brains were hit with sledgehammers, their body felt like chains weighing hundreds of elephants weighed them down. It was mortifying.

   Instantaneously, they pushed away from each other, almost hitting and kicking. They got up and looked at the door. Their brains hadn't fully understood what was happening.

    Blood immediately rushed to their heads, their faces became bright red, it felt like it was about to explode.

    It was Yuki, who was standing there, holding her phone in one hand, grinning with all of her teeth visible.

   "YUKI?! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING H- HERE?!?"  Masachika yelled out desperately at the human who just appeared out of nowhere.

    "Just watching ya guys... Is that such a bad thing?~" Yuki replied tilting her head left, she was standing in the door frame, leaning on it.

    "HOW LO- LONG WERE YOU STANDING THERE?!?" Masachika yelled, he could barely construct sentences.

      Alisa looked completely lifeless, she hadn't moved or spoke since she got up. Her face was red to the point it looked like a medical emergency. She stood there, limp, staring at the door.

    Yuki came in through the doorway, smiled at her brother and then hit a sudden pose.

    "Just before Alya asked you to show her affection! Ba-thump!" She mimicked a gong with her voice, announcing it dramatically.

    Masachika and Alya looked at each other, eyes full of shock, their faces completely covered in the color red. Their brains were factory reset.

    After, maybe having a existential crisis, Alya finally yelled out.

    "WHY DO YOU HAVE YOUR PHONE?!"

     Yuki smirked, tilted her head down a bit, her mood changed dramatically, to the one of a mafia boss, somehow, in a sense.

    After pausing for a second, she spoke. "Oh... this? Heh....I.. I... took y'all's... pictures and vide-"

   Before she could finish, Masachika got up in record time, faster than an Olympic champion, dashed at the mischievous little annoying devil.

    But, Yuki who instinctively knew he was about to do that, via telepathy or not, she had dashed at the same moment, back into the hall, full speed

    "Yo- You will never catch me! Muhahahaha!"

    Yuki laughed like a villainess, her voice echoing down the hall, which just started to refill with some students.

   Masachika followed suit, but Yuki, who had a smaller figure, easily passed by the crowds, dashed off into the unknown..

Chapter Text

    "Alright, students! Listen!"

    The homeroom teacher had come into his class. It was currently early morning, before the first period. Almost all of the students were present, a few were running chores around the school, which the teacher gently forced them to do.

    "I don't want be babysitting you guys, chasing after you to tell you and remind things for the short time this term has left. So I'm just going to say things now! I won't say it again!" The teacher took one glance across the class, before speaking.

    "You all know the term is closing, alongside this year pretty soon, sooner than you think though. Reminding you of end-of-term exams is pointless."

     "Although, I don't want to force it on everyone...there is something I want, personally." he looked down, as if in deep thought.

     The teacher took a moment, standing behind the table, looked up at them.

    "I want this class to rank number one on the leaderboard."

     "Excuse me, What?"

     "Leaderboard?"

     "Rank first on what?"

   Everyone was confused, they had no knowledge of the supposed 'leaderboard' the teacher just mentioned. They did know the term was ending soon but not of a ranking.   

    "Masachika~ ... do you know what he means by a leaderboard ?"

    Masachika looked at Alya, who had just asked him a question. She was looking sideways, with her head on her hands, hair tied, acting feminine.

     He noticed the weird behavior earlier, it was obvious she was acting different than usual.

   "No, not really." he replied bluntly, as if to mean 'I'm not interested in giving you attention.'

   Why is she acting so feminine suddenly!? What happened? Who's she trying to show off to?.........Wait... yeah... of course....it's me... who else....

   " Hmmm ." Alya hummed, she turned forwards, gracefully, somewhat.

    Suddenly the teacher spoke, he had finished writing something on the board with chalk.

    " The teachers get together and we, each year and term, privately, make a list for every class, based off a system. This was just decided to be made public just yesterday, that's why I'm telling you now."

   The thing on the board was a complex diagram, branching off into multiple sections, each labelled with different names, each class having different types in different sections.

    It looked hard to understand at first but if you look closer, it was actually delicately made, and easy to understand and sort things.

    "What I just made with the chalk is not the leaderboard, it's the system I just mentioned, behind the ranking. The actual leaderboard will look like this."

   He moved and drew a table, next to the diagram. It was your usual board that showed rankings.

   "The board will be simple, easy to understand. This is the thing that will be put publicly in the halls, from the end of this term onwards, every year, every term."

    "Huh?"

     "So we are competing with all of the other classes?"

     "Really?"

     "Ohhhh."

   The students now understood what the teacher meant by 'leaderboard' and 'place first'. They knew that they were being ranked by the teachers and compared to other classes.

   "Let me tell the basics of how 'points' are earned."

   The teacher opened his bag and then took out a small notebook.

   "Firstly, grades aren't the only thing that matters, they are important, but you can earn points for other things, it's not just limited to achieving good grades."

   He wrote as he went, summarizing in bullet points and key words on the board.

   "You can earn points from basically anything that can be officially recorded. What I mean by 'officially recordable' is it has to be well, obviously official and have witnesses. This is so you can't just claim that you helped an elderly woman and expect to earn kindness 'points', you must show proof."

   "As we discussed between each other, the board came up with a plan to cover the loophole...You personally will not claim anything you do. The points will either be given by a official member of the school on their own accord, or your fellow peers and seniors will pass on the news to us and if validated, you will receive points."

    Huh...that's... actually a good idea.. Masachika thought.

   "The main rule is, no one is allowed to claim actions personally for themselves. I will leave a detailed printed sheet during lunch. That's all, you may prepare for classes."

   The teacher got up, took his bag and left. Instantly, the moment the door closed, the class burst into conversations.

    "The rumors I heard were true!"

    "Really? You heard of this before? Why didn't you tell us?"

     "I thought it was one of those baseless claims, I didn't believe it at first."

    "Hey! So are we aiming for the top spot?"

    "Of course! Idiot! We are!"

    "( That's interesting...) " Masachika mumbled, he was leaning back on his chair a bit. His attention was focused on the diagram, trying to figure if it was fair or not, lost in thought.

    " [Are you thinking about me~?]"

     A voice seemingly echoed from his left, stopping his thoughts in its tracks and switching the topic. Masachika almost fell backwards as he was rocking in his chair, because of the sudden Russian.

    He looked at Alya, she was searching for something in her bag, looking like she didn't say anything a second ago.

    "Excuse me, did you just say something ? Alya?" he asked with his eye twitching.

   " Hmm ? No? I didn't say anything ~"

   "Are you sure? I swear I heard Russian..."

    Alya looked at him, she wore a confused look. "No? I didn't...you must be imagining things~ "

    "Imagine what ? Fake words? I don't think I'm senile yet though." he replied sharply.

    "[ Imagining me~.... ]" Alya spoke.

     I walked straight into that! Damn, She got me!

    " Hey ! You did say something ! Like that!"

    Alya smiled, still acting clueless. "That was the first time I've spoken Russian today~.. You must've imagined it before..."

   "....."

   Masachika stayed quiet, he moved back into his seat and began to get his things for the first period, the Russian words still lingering in his mind.

   Half a minute later, he had finished sorting things. Two classmates then approached Masachika.

   "Hey? Uhhh , Kuze? Can we talk for a moment? Quickly ?"

   He looked up, two of his male classmates were standing in front of him. It was number 17 and 12.

   " Hm? Yes? What is it?" he replied.

   " Uhmm.. can we talk about this outside? Do you have a minute or two? It's one question."

    Masachika looked at the two of them, they were strangely jittery, acting a bit embarrassed.

   Why step outside? What's wrong with asking here? I wonder why..       

    "Can't you ask it here?"

    They both froze when he asked them that.

     "We- shouldn't.. someone might overhear." number 17 finally spoke up after a moment, glancing somewhere behind him quickly.

    This is a bit suspicious....

   " Fine , one question it is." Masachika replied after thinking for a second.

    Alya saw them step outside, she didn't think much of it though, at first. But shortly after, she got a strange feeling of wanting to eavesdrop, weirdly enough.

    No, no, I shouldn't eavesdrop, besides it's something that's probably irrelevant anyways...I think...He's talking about random things, right?..but I wanna know what they're gonna talk aboutttt......wait...why do I care what they talk about? I have this strange feeling of wanting to know...but why? Does it matter? But....

     Alisa debated with herself, her mischievous side won for a moment, as she got up and walked towards the door, Alya managed to stop and come to her senses.

    While she was walking back towards her table, Alya heard the door open behind her, she looked back. Masachika came in. He looked annoyed.

   "Oh ? Masachika? What's wrong?"

   "It- It's nothing.."

   "What did they ask you? Was it something dumb?" she asked, unknowingly hitting the nail on its head.

   Masachika smiled suddenly before answering, "Yes, exactly."

   "What?"

   " Heh .. nothing.."

—•—

   Okay...uhh, now...oh yeah! I forgot about that! Hm, I need some help though..

   Touya walked down the hall, directing towards the student council room. He had just finished a call with someone who was now gonna help with the miscellaneous events.

   "Good afternoon, President."

   "Good afternoon to you too."

    He passed by some students, greeting them. Shortly after, Touya stopped by somewhere, it was the handicraft club.

   "Hey! How's the costume going? I know it hasn't been long but since I'm passing by I'm asking."

    "Oh, hey! President! Didn't know you were coming."

   "Sorry for the unexpected notice, asking for a costume in a short amount of time."

   "It's fine~, the costume materials have been brought here and the layout is decided, so.. all that's left is to stitch it together! Maybe uhh.. it's at 30% right now?"

   "Oh, I see. Great work then, notify the vice-president if you can't contact me when it's finished."

    "Yes sir!"

    Kenzaki left and continued walking towards the council room.

    After walking for a minute, he debated whether to text the group chat or find someone physically.

   I heard Suou and Kujou are busy.. Chisaki is working on the play right now with Kimishima, so that leaves.. lil sis Kujou and Kuze? I wonder where they are... their class is a small detour from over there..

   Touya decided to go to their class and ask them to help, after all, school just ended ten minutes ago. They shouldn't have went already.

   They should be there, I just gotta turn that corner....

     Shriek!

     "Al- Alya!?"

     "Th- ther- cockroach!"

     "Huh!? Cockroach!? Where?!"

     "Get i- it away from m- me!"

    What Touya saw around the corner was of a scene straight out of a comedy show. The terrified Alya had clinged and climbed on the surprised Masachika, yelling at the supposed cockroach, they were both bewildered, unaware of any other surroundings.

    The moment almost initiated a laugh from him after the surprise went away, but Touya managed to control his emotions.

    The president made a decision and stood there, waiting for them to realize he was there, watching it unfold, Kenzaki thought it was a great idea.

   "Oh! There! I see the th- thing! It's right there! Under the- heugh-" Masachika got hit before he could finish his sentence, by Alisa.

    "Don't make me look at it!" she yelped.

    "Hey ! Ow! I didn't say look at it! Am I supposed kill it or no?!"

    Masachika staggered back, but he still supported Alya, trying his hardest to keep her off the ground and balanced enough to not fall.

    "Wait ! It's climbing towards the vent!"

    " Stop making me imagine it!" she clung on even tighter, circling her legs around his stomach.

     "Alya ! Come on!"

     Masachika started to lose balance when she suddenly shifted her weight. He desperately tried to track the unsightly creator of terror while simultaneously moving little by little to stay balanced.

     " Hey ! It's actually going into the vent!"

     "Not a good enough excuse!"

     " Huh ?! What do you mean not an excuse ?!?"

     She didn't reply.

     " Alya ! It's gone now! It went into the ventilation! You can get off !" Masachika stammered, with his balance failing quickly.

    " What if it comes back ?!" she objected instantly.

    "No it won't ! Get off ! I'm gonna fall soon!"

    " Stop lying! " Alya yelled, she had shut her eyes and was clinging on for dear life.

     What are these two doing.....haha....

     It was entertaining for Touya, who, for the past few days, hadn't laughed. He had been too busy with council duties. The president still stood there, waiting for them to notice his presence.   

    Alya moved, trying to climb higher, farther away from the harbinger or chaos, not believing it went into the ventilation.

   " Heey ! Don't move!? I'm gonna fa - fall !" Masachika blurted out.

    Indeed he was beginning to enter the stages of falling, the first, losing footing. The brave captain fought dearly for his life, trying to keep the gold above the sea level, whose ship at last, will inevitably sink into the unforgiving cold ocean floor alongside the treasure...      

    Make sure she doesn't get hurt! Hurry! Grab her!   

    Alya was on his left, in an impromptu angled piggyback. Masachika summoned out the last of his strengths which had been almost used completely dry.

    As he slowly but surely fell, he managed to turn and grab onto Alisa and cover her with his body, to cushion the fall for her. He successfully managed and awaited the impact.   

    But it refused<1>. The painfully awaited moment never happened. The ground never came.

    For what felt like a eternity for Masachika, the scene only unfolded in a matter of seconds.

   " Hey ! Don't just accept fate and hit the ground like that! You know!"

   " Huh ?! Prez?!"

    Touya had scrambled forwards when he saw that Masachika was indeed actually falling, and caught them just before they hit the ground. The workouts helped tremendously.

    " Pr - President?!" Alya stammered after opening her eyes, she was equally surprised on when and how he had appeared magically just before they fell.

    " Why ? I mean how are you here?!" he asked Touya, looking at him with a shocked expression.

    "I went towards your classroom to seek for you two but, well... saw what was happening and..... I decided to watch...." he added, laughing a little.

     Kenzaki put Masachika down, alongside Alya on top him, who was still oblivious of her position.

    Masachika and Alya's blood started to flow towards their heads. Hearing that Touya had watched the entire thing unfold, wasn't a good thing.

    Am I forever cursed with spectators?.... he thought, recalling to the day before yesterday. He couldn't catch Yuki then.

   Masachika had talked to her on today's lunch, but it .. didn't work out as intended.

   When a few seconds passed, Alya finally became aware of the fact she was on top of Masachika, in front of the president.

    She wasn't on top of him in a suspicious way, only just piled on him.

   " Ouup -!" she exclaimed, pushing off him sideways onto the ground.

    They quickly got up and started dusting their clothes and fixing their hair. Trying their hardest to act like nothing ever happened. It was not working, sadly.

     Anyone could see that they were embarrassed, even a dull person.

   Touya understood what was happening and tried to help them, laughing at the two inside.

   "I, uh. . I need you two to sort and sign paperworks for everyone, we've got piles of paper in the student council room. It has all of the Christmas event roles and everyone said it would be appreciated if it could be done quickly. Are you two free today? I heard the concert preparation begins tomorrow, Friday right?"

   Masachika caught hold of the president's attempt to ignore what happened and played along, like it was a normal interaction. Alya hadn't yet.

   " Uh - Yes! Actually ! We are free today? Right? Yeah .. it begins tomorrow. We can sort paperwork today. Alya? ( come on. )" he said, giving a glance at her, whispering.

    Alisa also understood and nodded, smiling like usual, or so she thought, the smile was lifeless.

    Stiffly, the three of them went towards the room. The awkwardness was dissipating, they picked up some topics to discuss, joking a little, having conversations about the future events. The stillness improved.

    By the time they arrived at the room, everything was almost back to normal, almost.

   " Aalrightt ! Let's see the paperwork!" Masachika said cheerfully. His mood was back.

   Unfortunately , it went back down the instant when the president pulled out an actual mountain of paper.

   It stood at a whopping height of an entire hand. But, it didn't stop there, he put three others of roughly the same size next to it.

   Each one taking a bigger and bigger toll on Alya and Masachika.

   " Well... this is what you two need to do... the other members have already done their respective papers..."

    "........."

    "........."

    They both didn't speak, frozen, looking at the hundreds of pages of paper.

    " Uh .. I apologize for forcing this on you guys, but... well.. good luck. I'll help out for a bit before I gotta get going though."

    "... yeah.. I see ..."

—•—

    It was one hour and a half later since they had come into the room. Touya had helped out tremendously, probably saving them an extra forty minutes, but he had to do other things and left.

    They were now alone together, quietly shifting and going through pages.

    Alya connected their chairs together after the president had left and was working quietly, for now.

    The sun had began setting, still moderately high in the sky, covering the room in silky yellow hue.

     Masachika didn't object when she moved much closer, trying to focus on finishing the work early as possible. He had done roughly half as much as her.

    Like earlier today in the morning, Alisa was strangely more feminine , unlike what she usually is. Moving more gracefully and speaking in a different tone. In a way. He noticed her behavior again, but couldn't understand why.

    " Hnngh ! Ah, my hands are kinda sore..how long have we been sitting here, I wonder..." Masachika moved his chair back and got up to stretch.

    " Roughly an hour and a half~ " she spoke, seductively, for some reason.

   Hey, wait.....she..that's...not a normal tone!

   He looked down at Alya, she was still sitting, sorting through their paperwork. Her posture seemed more elegant, her movement more gentle. It's as if she was trying to act like a lady suddenly.

   After scratching his head at his partner's change in behavior, Masachika decided to ignore it, thinking it's for the better. Fatal mistake, sadly...

    "Wanna take a break? I'm kinda hungry, do you want something to eat too?" he asked.

    " Hmm~? Yes, sure."

    She is absolutely acting different...why though? What's with the sudden elegance?!

   Taking a moment to organize, Alya put the papers on the table in order, so it's easily accessible later.

    "Should we go together or do you want to wait here?"

    Without replying, Alisa wrapped her left hand around his arm and turned to the door. Masachika almost predicted this would happen.

    He knew Alya was going to decide to go together no matter what. But he only thought she would hold his hands, not his arm.

     "Okay? Together it is! As you say so!"

     Still saying nothing, she tried to open the door, it didn't budge , confused, she pushed again, still nothing.

   Wait a minute... since when was the door locked?! Neither Masachika or me got up since the president left....huh?

     "The door isn't opening.." she said, after trying multiple times.

     "Really ? Let me try-"

     Alya let go of his arms so Masachika could attempt to open the door. He moved forwards, thinking the door was only just stuck.

    Dud! Dut! Dut! Thud! Thud! THUD! THUD !

    Masachika repeatedly attempted to open the door, with each one being more forceful than the last. The room was absolutely locked. It doomed on him.

    No..no..no..it can't be........Damn it Yuki!!! I KNOW YOU CAUSED THIS! with that he let his last desperate attempt hit the door, all was hopeless.

—•—

    A few hours ago, Thursday. Lunch period, the empty ballroom hall, a mere human trying to strike a deal with the devil.

   "You will delete the videos and photos. Or else.."

    " Or else what~?" Yuki was grinning, knowing she had the advantage, her brother was in no position to argue.

     Damn it! She has the photos and videos saved on a hard drive which I don't know where it is! Shit!

    "......."

     Masachika knew Yuki had the upper hand, he couldn't come up with anything of equal value for the destruction of the blackmail.

    "Don't worry, Onii-chan ... I won't ever bever never show it to other people~ I promise with my pinky! " she said sweetly, holding out her small finger towards him.

   "I don't trust you!" he replied, backing away from the devil a little.

   "Awwww, you don't believe in your trusty lil sis? Tha- that....saddens me~" Yuki replied, changing her tone drastically and falling to her knees.

   " He- Hey! Don't be so dramatic ! Get up!"

    "Okay!"

     It was hard to believe this little mischievous gremlin was actually a real person. Her emotions changed at the flick of a finger.

    Yuki had instantly stood up and became cheerful, Masachika was still taken back at the scene, even if he was used to things like this.

    "What the hell?!" he exclaimed.

    " Trust mee~ I won't show it to random strangers! Hmmm~..... maybe some friends though~"

    " Yuki !"

     "I actually won't show it to anyone and I'll give it to you ....if you agree on something ~" Yuki circled around him, talking in a serious tone.

     Hell no! No chance I'm agreeing to the 'something'! It's probably something absolutely diabolical! No!

     Masachika twitched at the suggestion, but stayed quiet, he knew that if he agreed, it would be the end of his pride as a man and human. Leaving the blackmail would probably be better.

    " You know ~, you and Alya really looked close ~ Are you sure that she's just a friend ~? Come on... no girl will do that without having feelings ~ You too ~... I know you're not the type of guy to snuggle in bed and on the ground with a girl without having feelings ~ Fufufufu~" Yuki spoke, standing behind her brother.

     " Th- the hell are you going on about? !?" he stuttered, a bit embarrassed. He couldn't say anything else to defend himself, like he usually does, his tongue felt heavy. Yuki wasn't teasing him on a baseless accusation.

     "Fufufufu~ You do~...Come on, make me an auntie already! Be fast! It's not like y'all didn't do it before right~? Especially during the time we went to the beach~ Next time, you two just gotta go unpro-"

     "Shut the hell up! No ! We didn't do anything ! Why are you so obsessed with it, anyways? !" he cut her off, before things could worsen even more.

    "Is it that bad for a little sister to want to become an aunt ? I want to play with my niece and nephews before I graduate and go away!" Yuki added, smiling.

   Oh my god.....where did she get this stupid idea?!?

    "I'm not gonna have kids now ! What fucking series did you read this from???"

    "The wonderful series called my imagination ~"

     " Just ...j-, oh my god.. can you.. just delete the things? Please ?" Masachika spoke, after thinking for a while. He had given up on listening to Yuki’s blabbering nonsense. His tone was that of a desperate man.

     " Hmmm ~... I said only if you agree on something ~" Yuki replied, tilting her head.

     Shit... that's the only option I have?!

     Reluctantly, Masachika decided to , at least hear what she has to say.

    "..... aaughhhh... fine, what's the 'something'? It better not be something idiotic.." he groaned.

    "Yay!"

     " Just tell me..." Masachika's mental health was drained. Yuki's blabbering took a heavy toll. Although he did recover during the classes after lunch, mainly due to Takeshi, his energy was gone.

    " I want you to!...." Yuki took a dramatic pause.

    Please, be something normal....please....

    " to send me the footage of you two doing i-"

   Yuki got silenced, Masachika jabbed her stomach to temporarily paralyze and flipped her onto the ground.

    He then rolled her up in a long piece of a spare curtain, like it was something usual.

    Masachika had become more and more faster and experienced each time he folded up his unhinged sister when she yapped.

    This all happened in five seconds, you could say he should compete in the 'national putting annoying lil sis in a big fold' competition, he would most definitely win first place.

    "There, I'm not gonna take you out. And no, I'm not gonna agree to that condition, absolutely not." Masachika spoke angrily at the pile.

   The pile of curtains spoke back, in a mumbled fashion. " How dare you hit my beautiful belly! It's tarnished now!"

    She continued. " I'm gonna make sure it happens! I will have my nephews!"

   "No, you won't. I won't give you nephews that soon, wait until I'm at least 18! It's two years!"

    " That's too loooong! I want my nieces now!"

    "No." Masachika got up and started rolling the curtain, towards a corner.

    " I'm gonna throw upp! Stop spinning meaea~! "

     "You deserve this, I'm gonna leave you to rot forever here."

    He finished moving the gremlin into the left corner of the gigantic room. Masachika knew Yuki wouldn't be stuck like this for a long time. Lunch will inevitably end and students will find her sooner or later.

    " Damn you hero! You think you can seal off my demonic powers this easily? I will get my revenge! Mark my words you foolish human! " Yuki yelled out from under the cloth.

     "Tell me where the magical hard drive is!" Masachika replied, playing along with the topic. Hoping she would tell him if he did. 

     " Never! That's the source of my immense magic life essence! I won't ever tell you! "     

     "Then I'm gonna seal you off forever! Say goodbye to a merciful death and hello to eternal suffering!"

     " I will escape and thwart your plans! My prophecy will become true !"

     "I'll be waiting demon king ! I'll seal you back right away !"

    " It's demon queen! You dumb fu -"

    Masachika shut the door, sealing away the evil from the world.

—•—

   Back to the present, roughly two hours after classes, Thursday. The locked student council door.

     Pud! Pud! Pud !

     Damn, damn, damn it! She actually did something! Shit! The demon ki- queen's prophecy! What's it going to be?!

     Masachika desperately pounded on the door, Alisa didn't understand why he was acting like that. His actions were confusing.

   " Masachika? Are you okay? " Alya asked worryingly, she was standing behind him. Her lady-like demeanor stopped.

    " No , I'm not .." he replied, truthfully.

    " Eh ? What's wrong?"

    "........" he stayed silent, debating whether if he should tell the true circumstances or not.

    " Masachika ? You're worrying me.." she asked, subtly.

    "The door is locked, everyone is out of school right now probably, it's been two hours since classes ended, clubs also disbanded half a hour ago..I think we may be stuck here."

   "Huh? Stuck ?"

    " Yes . I think so." he responded, gravely. Masachika turned around and sat on the couch, already accepting his demise.

    "Isn't there a spare key in here though? Even if there isn't, we could just contact someone we know? They could get someone to open this." she stated.

   Wait! Yes! We can! I'm so dumb! I was so caught up with what Yuki was gonna do I got tunnel vision! Ahaha! No prophecy!

    At the same moment, he felt his phone vibrate. He pulled out his phone, wondering who it was for a brief moment.

   As he looked at the screen, Masachika's heart sank, his face darkened. It was from the unsealed demon. A threatening message.

    " If you attempt to contact someone from the outside to help you out...you'll know what I meant by showing to some 'friends', I will know if you do or not. Don't ask how. Also, I took the spare key ;)."

   Shit! was all he could think of. The perfect plan of calling someone else or just unlocking the door was shattered to pieces.

   His phone vibrated again and a new message appeared.

   " You better tell Alya to not contact anyone."  it read .

   Damn! Not againn!

    He recalled to the last time Yuki's shenanigans had gotten the two of them inside a locked space.

    That time they couldn't call someone because they literally couldn't , signal had been too bad inside the warehouse< 2> .

    However, now, even if when they did have a signal , contacting someone very well meant death .

   " Wait ! Alya! No ! Stop !" Masachika yelled at her, who had taken her phone out and was beginning to type in something.

   Alisa looked at him in surprise, she stopped for a moment.

   " What ? Why? Stop ?" she questioned.

    " Aaughh ! Don't!"

    "I don't quite understand what you mean."

    Alya, not listening to his cries, continued to type the message, inquiring where the key is stored. Unknowingly edging closer to their demise.

   Stop her! Now!

   Masachika got up in an instant, ran towards Alya and took her phone out of her hand, much to her surprise, and turned it off.

    “He- Hey! Masachika?! What are you doing ?!" Alisa exclaimed.

   "It's for the sake of our lives, don't contact anyone!" Masachika spoke as if it was his life support that was being unplugged.

   " Huh !? Masachika? Are you okay ? We're stuck here you know?! What do you mean by don't tell anyone? !"

   "..........."

    Gah! Should I tell her it's because Yuki is threatening to blackmail us?? Will she even believe that? Maybe!? She knows her personalities, but.......aaaaaaaghhhh!

   Masachika backed away, holding her phone, saying nothing.

   " Masachika ! Tell me what's happening ! Give me my phone back! We need to call the president or someone!" Alya pressed closer, annoyed.

   "..........."

    " Hey ! Say something ! You're acting really strange !”

   ".........." Masachika kept backing farther away, but hit the wall and stopped.

   "Hey! Talk !" Alya had closed the distance, she was pushing him against the wall. His options of escape were gone.

   Damn! I'm just gonna tell her the truth! She should understand, right?! Right!?

    " Okay! Okay! Promise you can stay calm though! It may be a bit stupid !" he blurted out, finally.

    " Huh ?"

    "Maintain your cool, alright?"

    " Eh ?"

    "Promise?"

     " Masachika ! What are you going on about?!"

    "Just listen to my reason!" he said, edging away from the wall.

    Alya stood there, watching him speak utter nonsense. To her, his actions made absolutely no sense.

    Masachika tried to begin telling her the truth, just before he opened his mouth, the silence was suddenly broken by her phone ringing. They both flinched at the sudden noise.

    Why is her phone not on silent?!

    " Hey! Give me that! " Alya demanded, she turned towards him.

    Masachika gulped, he knew intuitively it was Yuki, who was calling her phone. There were definitely no excuses to avoid this. Indeed it was the demon queen.

     ".........."

     " Masachika! "

     "..........." he didn't speak, his mind was filled with with thoughts going like, " If I accept this call...Alya's gonna find out Yuki's dumbass schemes...How will they stay friends or even look at each other afterwards?!"

    Masachika stood between her and the phone. He didn't know of the fact that, as Yuki already confessed her deeds, Alya already knew the whole shebang.

    "Hng-!" Alya darted forwards, passing by the slow-reacting thinking Masachika, snatching her phone and onto the table. Before he could move, she had picked up the call.

    " Helloooo~!" a voice rang, from the other side.

     Alisa froze for a moment, surprised that Yuki was the one speaking from the device.

    " Hey, wait! Yuki?"

    " Yes~? Alya? "

    "Eh?! Wait! You called me!" Alya replied.

    " Do you need help?"

    "Huh?"

    "Do you need help?" repeated Yuki, as if it was a normal question in this situation.

     " Wh - what? Huh?"

    "Do you need help?" repeated Yuki, for the third time, her tone didn't change at all.

    "Eh? well.... I guess I do ?" Alya gave in.

     " Ask away !"

    Alya paused, the siblings both were talking nonsense. Yuki for example, called her, and was talking like she was the one who had called her.

     " I'll help in any way! " Yuki continued.

     " Okay ?"

     " What's the problem? "

      Alisa took a second to process the conversation.

     "Weird situation but ...Do you know where the spare key for the student council room is inside here? I think I'm stuck here. It's locked."

    " Fufufufufu ~!" Yuki laughed.

    "Yuki? Why are you laughing suddenly?! I need you to come and open this if the key isn't here! This isn't funny!"

    Oh no....

    Masachika had been standing there, quietly, expecting the bomb to be dropped anytime. He was waiting for Yuki to tell Alya the truth.

    "Come on Yuki! I don't have all day! Can you come and open the door?" Alisa begged the other person.

    " Let me think~ " she replied, sluggishly.

    " Huh !?" Alya exclaimed.

     " Yuki ! Open the door!" he decided to yell after a moment,  his patience running out.

    The voice stopped, before speaking again.

     " Oh my~ Alya~!.....You didn't tell me you were with Masachika~... in a locked room~!" she teased. It worked, Alya became red, it seemed that she had grasped the actual situation, almost.

   Damn it! No! Yuki's playing the unknowing hero! She's manipulating Alya! She doesn't understand that it's all set up by her! The hero is actually the demon underneath! A wolf in sheep's clothing!

    "Th- that doesn't matter! Mas - Masachika and I were doing student council duties together! So wh - what if we're locked in a room toge - together?! Get me out! That doesn't mean anything !"

    " Okay~!....I'll come and get you two,  just don't try to do anything~ in the mean time.... but I have a bit of work to do right now so I'll arrive in a hour or later.."

    With that Yuki hung up the call, without letting Alisa say anything. She was still red, maybe refusing to accept the fact they were in a room together.

      Yuki's...damn..she avoided telling Alya the whole thing, now it seems like she's the savior when this all fricking happened because of her....aaaaaughhhh...what is she going to do now?!

    Masachika scratched his head, contemplating whether if his little sister was actually a devil or not. She seemed like an evil cupid who would force love onto random victims just for the love of the game.

    They didn't talk, Masachika sat on the couch and her on the table. A few minutes passed in silence.

    Alya had started mumbling in Russian, barely loud enough for even herself to hear. The duo had almost finished their assignment, with only one pile left.

    Alisa began sorting through the leftovers, muttering things to herself. Masachika could roughly guess her thoughts, it was obvious from the way she was acting.   

    " Hey ... Alya ? Let me help, we can finish this before Yuki comes." Masachika got up and asked her politely, knowing that she was embarrassed.

    "Eh? No ! Wha - I mean yes! Yeah sure!" Alya looked up, stuttering.

   ".........." saying nothing, Masachika got in the chair opposite her, not his own seat next to her.

    " Uhhh .. Alya? This is in the wrong place.."

    He picked up three pages, showing it to her. It had been placed in the wrong folder.

    "O- oh is it? I- I didn't realize, haha ...." she said, awkwardly, looking down.

    A moment passed, Masachika put the pages in the correct spots and tried to find any other errors, thinking Alya might've made a few mistakes.

   "[ You wouldn't do anything to me right? I think I- I trust you. ]" she spoke, out of nowhere.

   Masachika almost choked on his spit, barely maintaining his posture at the Russian remark. Luckily, Alisa had looked down so she didn't notice his facial expressions.

    Gah-! That's what she's been thinking about?!?

   " Wh- what?" he asked.

    After taking a second, Alya turned to him.

   "....can you do this?" she replied, casually, passing him half of the pile.

   " Huh ? What?... uhhh .. yea sure!"

   Alya's mood changed drastically, she was acting normal now out of thin air. Her strange mutterings ceased. Seemingly, all of it went out alongside the statement. Although, not all, all .

    Without really having a topic to talk about, they worked in silence, keeping each other company just by being there. The work finished surprisingly fast. The last pile left required much less time than it had usually took for the other three.

    " Finally ! That's the last page! Phew ! Prez really gave a chore to us, didn't he? This took maybe three hours total?"

    " Yeah ...my hands are stiff..we gotta do the concert preparation from tomorrow too thoughhhhh, ughhhh... This work is never gonna end..." Alya complained.

   Looking over at the clock on the wall, it showed 18:37. Huh, I would be at home usually now..but until this term ends... I'm probably gonna arrive much later.... she thought, predicting her future accurately.

   "I'm thirsty.. Masachika , did you get water? You were on supply refill duty last time." she inquired, her throat felt strangely dry.

   "I- uhhh.. yeah I did, it's in that upper shelf over there." Masachika answered, pointing at the corner.

   Nodding, Alya sluggishly walked to the shelf and got a bottle of water. The lights were turned on, curtains closed.

    Yuki was supposedly going to come in 30 minutes.

    As Alya sat on the couch and started drinking the water, Masachika's phone vibrated.

    It felt as if a demon grasped his heart. Reluctantly, he read the message.

    " Oh, yeah. I forgot to mention! The water bottles are laced with something~ It's would be greatly appreciated if you both drink it!"

    Shit! I let my guard down! Of course she had a trick up her sleeve! No! Damn it all!

   " ALYA ! DON'T DRINK THAT !" he yelled. Alisa stopped, almost choking when he screamed suddenly. But the bottle was already half empty, she had drunk most of it.

   " Hm ? What is it again? " Alya spoke, she sounded annoyed.

    NO! I was too late! Damn it! The hell did Yuki lace it with?! Wait! How did she know when to send this? Fuck! She's watching somehow! he thought, desperately looking around the room briefly.

   " Th- the water probably tastes terrible !..I forgot I left the bottles in the sunlight for a day before putting them in the shelves!" Masachika spoke, coming up with a half believable lie on the spot about water going “ bad” in that short period of time.

   " Now that you mention it ...this water tastes  funny ...almost... almond like? If I had to say?" Alya believed in his stupid lie. Her mind started to function more slower.

   His phone vibrated again.

    " I found the thing when I was out shopping with Ayano...it was surprisingly cheap for 300¥. But the shopkeeper was selling relics for 500¥ too. He kept telling me if I gave him 1000¥, he would read my future..."

    "Anyways, I tried it out on Ayano first, don't get mad onii-chan, she consented. She said it tasted like almonds. The liquid works like the guy said it to be, a serum that makes people lose control, their most thought subconscious thoughts appear with some funny benefits~"

   Oh shit. He thought, Alya had just said the water tastes like almonds..

   "During test no.1 Ayano became strangely submissive. No.2, she became dominant, No.3 she showed both signs. Tests conclude that the potion does indeed have 'funny' benefits."

   "I laced the water bottles in the council room on Tuesday, I was originally planning to only let you two drink it while you were with everyone else. But.. well, plans change." it read, she sent multiple paragraphs after each other with amazing speed.

   "Yuki! The hell are you doing? What did you do to Alya?! Is the serum harmful? What's the damn cure?!" Masachika wrote back hurriedly, he saw Alya's eyes had became lifeless and she was sitting stiffly.

   " Good luck. The effect wears off in about an hour or maybe earlier."

   Yuki replied vaguely, not answering his questions. She didn't read his messages he sent afterwards.

    No! No! Not again! Why! Why is it always me?! No! It keeps happening! All the time! Why?! No! Aughhhhhh!

   Masachika hit himself in the head to make sure he wasn't dreaming, it hurt a lot. Then it dawned on him suddenly, Alya had already drank the potion Yuki bought, the effects were unknown, save the few test results.

    He didn't know what was going to happen to her. It could very well be life threatening.

   " Alya ! Are you feeling okay ?! Does your head hurt ? Do you feel anything weird ?" he hurried over to Alisa, jumping onto the couch, next to her. Her face was blank, staring into the ceiling. She had become limp.

   "Hey! Say something! Alya!" his voice became shallow, beckoning at the rag doll-like body.

   " Alya !" Masachika shook her shoulders violently, she still didn't react. Her body felt cold, his blood rushed, his arms went numb, adrenaline pumping.

    He suddenly became deeply afraid , afraid of losing her. Something was tugging him from deep down.

    He couldn't think, all he saw was the unresponsive Alisa in front of him.

   " Damn it!!" he yelled, collapsing next to Alya.

    Inhale-... exhale-...

   A sliver of hope appeared, he heard her breathe out loud, Masachika looked up instantly.

    Alisa looked to be only sleeping now, her body had become loose, the signs of her being alive was visible.

    She had sunk into the couch. The lifelessness seemed to have disappeared.

    Thank god! he thought. Truly happy.

    "Hey! Alya ! Are you okay?! Wake up!" he spoke, loudly, shaking her shoulders, not as violently as before though.

   Alya stirred in her slumber, mumbling almost incoherent words, " ...wh- what's wbong~? Let me sweep a libble..."

   "No, no.. Alya, you gotta wake up now! It's something important!" Masachika replied, gently. His panic had calmed down a little.

   "... Som- somethung imbordant? Fi- fime..I'll geb ub.. " after speaking on a level worser than a grade schooler, Alya reluctantly opened her eyes, to see the delighted Masachika beaming at her. The scene jolted her awake.

   She sounds cute, mumbling in her sleep... he thought, unconsciously.

    "Maba- Masachika?"

    It seems the serum expired and didn't work, I think....it only managed to knock her out for a moment....

    " I'm so glad you're okay. ." he said. Before Masachika realized himself, he had already hugged Alya, like it was his last chance to see her.

    Alya, who had just woken up, was absolutely flabbergasted.

   "What? Eh?! Eh !? EH?! MASACHIKA? !" she yelped, trying to break free from the sudden wake up hug.

   However, Masachika, did not let go. He kept his grasp on to her momentarily. Alisa's mental state was deteriorating, the breaking point had been already reached for a normal girl.

    She stopped struggling and became quiet. Alya could feel her mind becoming fuzzy, thoughts became a scrambled mess.

    Something....something switched off.

   "Alya, you lost consciousness and weren't responding for a bit..... you scared me. You know?" Masachika looked down as he spoke after letting Alisa go, he backed away a bit.

    It wasn't long before he realized Alya was acting a bit different, she had became suddenly quiet.

   Out of nowhere, without prior warning, Alya moved her hands and angled his head up towards herself with her index finger,

   Masachika felt fear and shock tremble throughout his body.

   Alya didn't have an embarrassed or shocked face, from the hug as she had a moment ago. None of those were visible on her expression.       

   What was visible was something enough to send shivers down Masachika's spine. She was smiling... smugly , in such a way that terrified him to the core.

    He couldn't explain in words on why he felt fear , probably something only someone in his shoes could understand.

   The conscious, sober side of Alisa had fought a brave and fierce battle, almost winning, but ultimately lost when the second commander in line, betrayed the captain and joined the evil serum's side of control on their own will.

    " Al- Alya?-....Wha- what are y- you d- doing?!" Masachika stuttered, he tried to back away, off the couch.

    Unfortunately, his feeble attempt at moving was insufficient. Alya moved at the same time and grabbed him by his collar, stopping him.

   " Alya!?" Masachika understood his situation, he knew what had gotten into her. He looked up at the icy queen who was smirking. The laced water bottle did its job well...

    All that hope for nothing... she isn't okay...oh no... wait... didn't Yuki say it brings out subconscious thoughts and Ayano became submissive/dominant?!? Wait, NO! NO! NO!

   Masachika was pushed down, onto his back, he lay there parallel to the couch. It was a big couch to mention, by the way, coincidentally the size of a single bed. All favors were in side of Alya.

    Oh shit.

    "[ Cute~ ]" she said, simultaneously climbing onto Masachika. It was not on his stomach, nor thighs, it was... well..... you know where .

   Our poor boy Masachika was frozen, unable to move, his primal instincts were starting to kick in, still reeling from the shock.

   This isn't real right? Right? RIGHT?

   He tried to convince himself this was all a stupid dream, but deep down, Masachika knew it was all real.

   "[ Are you excited ? You seem nervous ~ You ignored my lady mode today, didn’t you? ]”

    "N- NO! WAIT! AL- ALYA ! COME TO YOUR SENSES! ALISA ! NO ! THIS ISN'T YOU !"

    As Masachika desperately cried out, trying to move his locked arms and break his body free. Alya moved her head closer to his, bending down. Time felt abysmally slow.

    Smooch.

    She kissed him on his forehead, instantly deleting his memories, his will, his mind. Everything went blank for Masachika. He became lifeless.

   At the same time, his phone on the table vibrated. Yuki had sent a message.

  " That's the spirit! "

    She was indeed watching through a micro camera she had set up earlier that day.

    Yuki had already arrived at the school, she was waiting outside, with Ayano standing next to her, holding her phone which was transmitting the video.

    "[ It feels hot in here~.... ]" Alya muttered.

    She rose back up from the semi-unconscious Masachika, and started unbuttoning her top, bottom to up, much to the demon's delight. But, Yuki had decided to actually interfere if things went really wrong . ( ps: “really wrong” in her terms of thinking is basically never going to interfere. )

   Where.....where am I? Why..why do I feel heavy? Something, no... someone's on me...wait? Someone? huh? What's happening?

    Masachika was recovering from the tiny stroke he had, as he slowly opened his eyes, he was met with the wildest scenario any guy could ever only dream of...

   WAIT! I REMEMBER! WHAT THE HELL WAS I JUST DOING NOW? DID I LOSE MY MEMORY FOR A BIT?! NO! WAIT! MASACHIKA! STOP HER FIRST! ANY MEANS NECESSARY! NOW !

   You gotta appreciate his indomitable human spirit, any usual boy of his age would, uhhhh , you know? ( I'm not gonna say exactly what, just use your brain) well, fold and succumb to the temptation . However, our Masachigoat , had no such ulterior motives, currently . All that went through his mind was to stop and bring Alisa back to normal.

   Rustle~ Rub~

   Unfortunately , his will was beginning to falter in and out. It was becoming the greatest obstacle of his life to resist the voices in his head, and stop her.

   Oh my god! ALYA! What the hell did this concoction do to you?!??!? Put your damn shirt back on!!! Not really... WHAT! NO ACTUALLY PUT IT BACK ON!

   She's wearing blu-.... NO! DO NOT THINK ABOUT THAT! NO! RAAAAGHHH! DAMN YOU PUBERTY! YUKI! YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!

   With that last attempt, Masachika pushed Alya with all his might, sideways into the couch, earning a surprised yelp from her.

    Instantly, he picked up her shirt off the ground and threw it at her.

   " H- hey ! Masachika ~?" Alya exclaimed, she sounded like her internet had got cut off in a ranked game, disappointed, somehow.

   " ALYA ! PUT YOUR SHIRT BACK ON! YOU'RE NOT YOURSELF RIGHT NOW!" he yelled, looking up and away.

    Weirdly enough, Alya started to actually put on her shirt, her face seemed sad. She was diligently listening to his commands.

     It was like a small kid complaining about not wanting to go to school, but simultaneously wearing their backpacks and shoes.

   " There -...now what? You prefer it with clothes on~?" she spoke after putting on her shirt.

   What? was all he could think of, Alisa was a completely different woman currently. This was not the Alya he knew, at all. He convinced himself this was a stranger with the same name and looks.

    " Alya ! Come to your senses ! You're acting like this because you ingested a suspicious substance !"

       Alya looked at him a little, her expression changed instantly, tears began flowing down her cheeks.

   Huh? What? Why is she cryinggg!? Now of all times?!

    "Hey?! Why are you crying so suddenly?!" he asked, annoyed and worryingly.

    "[ Y- you.. hic- don't li- like.. hic- m- me? hic- ]"

    Huh ?!

    "No I don't hate you !" Masachika reflexively answered, not realizing she asked him in Russian.

   "[ Then.. hic- wh-, why did you.. hic- push.. hic- me off and ye- yell hic- at me? ]" she sobbed, hiccuping many times between her words, almost blabbering.

    Is this really a potion ? It just seems like potent alcohol that doesn't smell...Also...Masha and she are really alike in some parts....weirdly enough..do they know they act almost the same?! Is there an inherited gene that causes them to act like this when they are drunk?!

   " Alya ! It's because you're acting wrong! I don't hate you ! You need to realize what's happening !"

   She looked at Masachika with teary eyes, now clothed properly, in a messy way though.

   " I'm ac- acting hic - wrong?"

    He came a bit closer, thinking Alya was beginning to become sober.. He didn't really know.

   "I don't know if you will remember this when you become fully conscious... but yes, you did ."

   " uuuuuu ~"

    Masachika saw a hint of her face, expression changing suddenly. It seemed her sober side was fighting still.

    Alya got up and swiftly walked towards him, still sobbing and tried to hug him. Masachika let it happen, hoping it would calm her down.

   As she wrapped her arms around him, she tightened her grip to an extraordinary level. Forcing a grunt out of him, she didn't hear that.

   " uuuuuuuu ~" she continued groaning in his shoulder, still sobbing a little.

    She’s like a little girl…

   He wanted to stroke her head and back to calm her down, only if his arms weren't squeezed and unable to function properly. All he did was just stand there, letting the drugged emotional Alisa cry out.

   A minute or two passed, Masachika slowly felt her grip releasing, but, it was releasing too much.

   Hey ? Wait! Don't tell me she-

   " hnng~, zzzzzzz~ "

    -fell asleep..... Masachika slapped himself mentally, Alya had literally cried herself to sleep on his shoulder, standing. He couldn't believe it.

    " Alya? Did you really fall asleep?! "

    "......." she answered with nothing, leaning on him loosely.

    "That's..so...so... huh ."

    She’s actually a quite strange little girl…

    Masachika slowly lowered Alya to the ground, gently placing her on the rug. Her silver hair glistened in the room's light, she slept peacefully. No one would thought she had done uhhhh, something five minutes ago.

    I don't understand her... she's such an emotional wreck, highs and lows within seconds of each other... She's the definition of an emotional roller coaster... huh...

    Masachika debated if he made correct friends and decisions with females in his life, thinking back on everyone, there was not a single " normal" girl he knew well. All of them had a screw loose somewhere .

    Ah well, it's late. I can't have her spend the night here... I gotta get her to her apartment..somehow.. Hey! Wait! The door is still locked!

    Hurriedly, he picked up his phone. Masachika's face went gloomy when he read the newest message before he called the demon.

   " Yes~? Onii-tan?<3>" Yuki instantly picked up.

   " GOD DAMN IT YUKI! OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!"

   "Why so angry my dear brother?"

    "YOU CAUSED ALL OF THIS! DO YOU KNOW THE WEIGHT OF WHAT YOU DID?!"

   "Shhhh, Alya's sleeping you know?"

    Masachika paused, he looked back, Alya was still sound asleep, calmed down and then continued, angrily.

    "I KNOW! You have a camera in here! I know you do! "

    "What if I say yes?"

     "I already know! Just open the door! I need to get Alya to her apartment! It's getting late!"

    "You're taking her to an actual bed? How romantic~ Was the couch too stiff for your preference?"

   "I'm gonna tear you limb by limb if you don't open this door in the next five minutes."

    "....fine~ I'll open the door..."

    With that, Masachika hung up. He knew he couldn't hate Yuki forever... she was gonna do something about it, probably blackmail him again.

    Pacing around the room, he debated whether if he should wake up Alya or not. He decided to awake her and hope for the best.

    If she remembered, he would explain on the spot and they could go back to normal in a few days, hopefully.

    If she didn't, he would lie and just walk her home, carrying this incident to his grave.

   Click!

   The tormenting door of hell finally opened, just before Masachika was going to wake up Alya.

   He almost yelled at the person who opened it, automatically assuming it was Yuki.

   "Would you like for me to walk Alya home?"

   "No, thanks Ayano. I'll walk her home myself."

   Saying that, he turned to the sleeping Alya. Masachika gently nudged her shoulder and spoke in her ear.

   " Alya... wake up, the door opened. "

    Alisa stirred, mumbled something incoherent before slowly opening her eyes.

   " Mas- ? What are you doing here?"    

   " Come on, Yuki came with Ayano and opened the door. You fell asleep waiting for them."

   Please have magically forgotten...... he prayed from the bottom of his heart. Watching Alya closely. He hadn't calmed down fully yet because she also had woke up like this and then suddenly switched, before.

   Thankfully, the gods had listened to him, Alisa had no recollection of the event.

   "What time is it?"

   " Time for us to go, I'll walk you to your house."

Chapter Text

    Dring! Dring! Dring! Dri-

    Huh?....aaaaaaghhh.....is it morning..already?...I want to sleep a little more...just a bit more....nothing is wrong with an extra few minutes right?..yeah... only a couple minutes.....I'll get up in five minutes..

    He stirred in his sleep. Masachika was unusually tired today, although he hadn't stayed up late watching anime.

    Today was Friday, the day the concert preparations begin.

    ...I..had a strange..dream?.....really weird.....it felt so... real..somehow...what was it about again?.....hmmm....was it uhhh...no...it wasn't....then....was it that?....no not that too.....I know it wasn't those...that's what I remember....oh..wait..it involved Alya...yeah it did....wait...it involved Alya!?....did I really dream about Alya?.....that's...strange...yeah...but.. what happened though?....

   He was switching between the realms of the subconscious and conscious, faced straight down on the bed, constructing sentences and thoughts while simultaneously also sleeping.

   His mind, sluggish and slow. His body, sore and exhausted.

    "hnngg-....Alya?" he muttered, still half asleep. Ten minutes had passed since his alarm went off, without moving an inch.

     Schwip!

    "OWW! Hu- Huh?!" he yelled, cringing at the sharp pain.

    Masachika jolted awake. His lower back was screaming, something whip-like had hit parallel to it, he instantly got up and looked around.

    "I never would've thought...that my own precious brother, would dream fantasies about a girl and mutter her name while sleeping.... I'm prideful and disappointed at the same time."

     Yuki clicked her tongue in disapproval, looking up at him. She was holding a belt in her right hand with the other on her hip.

    Yuki?! Why is she here?!

     Masachika paused and took in the situation before angrily replying.

    "What the hell are you doing here?! I thought you went to the Suou manor?!?" 

     "I came here last night, after you slept." she replied.

     Huh? Last night?!

     "What? Wait then why did you hit me with a belt?! It hurts you know!?"

    "Because..uhhh...you were dreaming about Alya, muttering her name!" Yuki spoke, whipping the belt mid air violently.

    Masachika's face went blank at the accusation from her. His brain couldn't fully comprehend the thought thrown at him.

    "Wh-?!? Muttering her name!? Don't make up things!"

    "Also, remember the plan you destroyed yesterday? My beautiful plan to become an aunt?! Besides, you slept past your alarm! You wouldn't wake up!" she spoke in a agitated tone.

    "Eh?!"

    He froze at the statement, his lower back was still twitching from the shock. Yuki had appeared out of nowhere, hit him then said confusing things.

    Masachika hadn't fully awoken yet, some parts of his brain were still in the process turning on.

   "But... it's a good thing, I'm sure those imaginary scenarios would come true soon enough. Just tell her that you dream about her every night. Alya should understand right?~" she spoke, in a playful manner, changing her mood, smiling gleefully.

    "Wh- what? Huh?!?"

    "By the way..you'll be late to school at this pace! Better hurry up~! I'm sure was Alya soooo~ lonelyy without you to warm her up in beddddd~!" she spoke hurriedly, edging back a little.

    Yuki relentlessly bombarded Masachika with her own fantasies, confusing and angering him more with each one.

    "What the hell are you going on about??!" he moved towards her, blood starting to flow to his face.

    "You gotta make up to her~ Go have fun tonight! You have my full support!"

   "Eh?!"

    Thud!

    Before Masachika could grasp the devious words made by Yuki and get off, she ran out and slammed the door.

   "HEY!" he exclaimed, before getting off the bed and dashing at the door. His cheeks were a little red. But, fate had different plans.

   Tug-

   Oh no-

   Out of all times, he tripped on his own foot, trying to scramble after the gremlin. He had realized he was falling but not early enough to catch himself. A moment later, he was on the ground.

    Augh! Owww! Why am I in so much pain this early in the morning?!?? Why?! What did I do wrong in life?!? Why?! Yuki!?

   Masachika had fallen and hit his forehead. As he was in utter despair and pain, he heard the front door open and close, indicating the root cause of the problems left the apartment.

   My head hurts.....I hit it on the dang door..but...it seems fine?...I haven't lost consciousness or gotten dizzy...it just hurts....gaaaahhhh! Fuck! Damn it! Yuki! Your sins keep piling on each other!

   "....ugghhhhhh." grumbled Masachika, getting up from his pitiful fall.

   What time is it now?......Shit! I'm going to be late!

   His phone showed November 28th, Friday, 07:38. Masachika would be late if he did not hurry. Classes starts 08:00 o'clock sharp. Getting to Seirei took twenty minutes on foot, at a normal walking pace, getting ready in the morning took an average of ten minutes.

   Most of the time, Masachika leaves without eating breakfast. He just wakes up, gets ready and goes to school, maximizing his sleep by the minute.

    Whenever his dad is here though, he wakes up a bit earlier and eats food.

       Masachika hurriedly paced around the apartment, brushing his teeth, making his bed (surprisingly he does) and got his school supplies ready and wore the uniform.

   Uhhh...it's 07:46 now... I can almost make it in time if I sprint a little... but it's winter....I don't want to run...I might slip and fall again....judging from what happened already...I definitely will get hurt....aaaaaagh.... 

   Nonetheless....I only have 14 minutes at the very max to get there..but....realistically it's only 8 minutes.. I can't arrive exactly just before the bell rings..it would be too late. Damn it! I got to run! Why didn't I get up in time? All of this wouldn't have happened...

    And so on with his decision, Masachika ran out of the apartment into the cold and chilly late November air.

—•—

     "Goo- good- mo- morning!" greeted Masachika, breathless. He collapsed onto his chair.

    "G- good morning to you too? Did you run? Masachika?"

    "I- I did... well...slept past my ala- alarm.. (and some things happened)" he replied, whispering the last part quietly, panting. 

     "I see..."

    "Phew! I almost fe- fell on the way here. There was a bi- big ice blob on the pedestrian si- side."

   "Are you sure you didn't fall?" Alya asked, looking at his face, raising her eyebrows.

   Masachika looked at her for a second, his eyes widened a little.

   "N- no? I didn't...I almost fell though.." his breath was coming back.

   Alya got up and approached him. "Then~, why is your forehead bruised?" she spoke, touching his head with her hands, gently. It felt comforting.

   Shit! I forgot I hit my damn big ass forehead on the door! 

   "O- oh!....That! Ye- yeah! I- uh- forgot to mention! Uh- I... uhh.." he stammered, trying to come up with a reasonable excuse other than the truth. Alya suddenly stroking his forehead did not help.

    Wait..why am I so desperate to lie about that? Why am I? I just don't need to tell her about Yuki!

   "You fell and hit your head, right here...You didn't have to lie, you know~?" she asked.

   "I- didn-! I said I only didn't fall on the way here!" 

    "Oh~, so you fell before coming here? Why and how then?" Alya spoke, smiling a little. She took her hand off.

   "Well....when I woke up and saw the time on my phone...I hurried out of my bed because I was...going to be late..and...uhh......" he paused, before continuing, quietly. "(tripped on my legs and hit the door..)"

   "Oh really?~Fufufufu~" Alya started to laugh after he finished speaking. She stood in front of him. Inside her head was the imaginary Masachika falling stupidly and hitting his comically large head on the door after scrambling to get up.

    Of course she would laugh, it's idiotic to even think about...

    "Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want. I know it's stupid. But! I didn't fall running here outside on the snow! Even if there wasn't that much! Isn't that impressive?!"

    Alya didn't talk, she continued giggling quietly while looking at his face.

     "Are you finished?" Masachika asked after a moment, sarcastically. The teacher had just came in for the first period.

    "Fufufu~ I am~" she smirked.

   "No you're not....Oh my god, this accident will be forever in your thoughts won't it?"

    "I'll cherish your clumsiness.." replied Alya.

     "Of course, you would cherish that..." Masachika rolled his eyes before smiling a little. The morning accident seemed to have been washed away.

     "(It's cute, you know~?)" she added, from nowhere. His smile disappeared the second it appeared.

     Eh?! Hey! She said that in Japanese! Huh?!

    "Wh- what?" he stuttered, obviously taken back.

   Alisa giggled, looking at the slightly red and shocked Masachika. 

   "Oh look at that...you're embarrassed~" she spoke while raising her left hand, putting it back on his bruised forehead.

  Shortly after, Alya made eye contact. Time felt like it was slowing down, Masachika stared back.

    Wh- what? Why's she looking at me?!

    "A- Alya?"

    After what felt like an eternity, Alya looked away. Her cheeks became bright red, as if she just understood what she was doing. Alisa took her hand off swiftly, sitting back on her desk instantly.

   What was that?!

    Her blue eyes had stared intently at him. He couldn't quite pin down the feeling he got.

   A few minutes passed in silence afterwards. Both parties faced away from each other. Masachika started to do prepare schoolwork, trying to distract himself from what just happened.

   Why's she so embarrassed now?!

    Still confused, he decided to look for the current lesson's book in his bag....it wasn't there. He checked under his table, not there too.

   No! Damn! I brought the wrong textbook in the hurry to get out!

    Dringgg!

   "Oh, that's the bell..." Alya muttured, quietly. She was still red in the face.

    Masachika slapped himself mentally for forgetting the book at his house. Now he had to ask Alya and sit together.

    Can I really ask her now? I've been going well lately, without forgetting....but that's not the issue now....Why is she embarrassed sooo much after she stared me in the eyes?! You looked first!!

   Alya had been fidgeting in her chair a little, glancing up and down. Her ears were red. Randomly looking in his eyes, even for that short period of time, seemed to have done a lot of damage.

   "Get the light green textbooks out, we'll be looking from page 176. No, not that deep green one, it's the light green one, Yuuka<1>." announced the teacher.

   I got to ask her...aaaaaa.....

   Masachika had already thought of asking his other deskmate on his right. Sadly, they had already sat with another person, Yuuka<1>, much to his dismay.

   He hesitated to ask Alya and sit together. Usually, he would just tell her and they would move their desks together, but now, he couldn't really straight out ask her, after that. Even if nothing really happened.

   There's really no other way, is there?...Dang...

   Debating, he finally decided to ask her, and pretend like nothing happened, again. God knows the amount of times he did this week, trying to act like it didn't happen at all... It was ironic.

   "Hey? Uhhh...Alya? I-...I- uhh, forgot the textbook.. I- in the hurry to get to school ear- earlier today.....Can we sit....together?.." Masachika spoke, finally.

   Alya jumped in her chair and looked at him with an open mouth, not saying anything for a second.

    "Ye- Yes! S- sure! N- no problem!" she stammered.

   ..There is a problem..isn't there?

    "Okay, thanks? Sorry, I forgot.." he replied.

    "It's fi- fine, really.."

     She is not fine...aaghh.... he thought, while moving their desks together. Masachika sat down, trying his best to ignore Alya and pay attention to the lesson.

   Awkwardly, they spent the entire first period, sitting next to each other, without talking. Quietly doing what the teacher asked them to do.

   "That's it for today's lesson, homework is finish this with the next two pages. Class dismissed."

    The classroom became loud, conversing different topics. He started to sort things, putting the notebook in his bag, pencils in the compartment. 

   Out of the blue, Masachika heard a familiar voice from his left. Alya was looking away.

   "[You wouldn't have woken up late if you were with me..]"

    Eh?

   This wasn't the usual Russian he knew well, his guard had been low, leaving him wide open.

   "[I would wake you up on time, if we-... we were in the same ro- house...]" Alya added, her voice cracking. She got up and walked out of the room, leaving the stunned Masachika in a matter of seconds.

   His brain now stopped fully functioning, everything ceased to work. The mechanisms all broke down. He sat there, as the bell rang, shocked at the sudden Russian. Words wouldn't come out of his mouth.

—•—

    "Okay, what do we need to do now?" he asked, a few minutes after the student council meeting. Classes had long ended and the students all dissolved into the go-home club and other extracurricular activities.

    "Let's go see the person, then the other stuff afterwards, come on. Our plan is packed for today." Alya spoke, directing towards the exit. She was in her usual mood. Masachika followed.

   I think I remember her saying that she will personally go meet in person...with the main singer...

    "Oh wait! Masachika!" Alya turned around, "Go to uhhhh... room.. 309! There should be a file in a blue cover, that's the things we need later. I'll be going first, meet me at the left entrance! Be quick!" she spoke hurriedly, remembering something that was needed to be done.

    "Alright, I'll go get it. Uh... 309 right?"

    "Yes, yes. Hurry up, don't make me wait long." with that Alya turned the corner and disappeared. Masachika also went towards the room, where the blue file was placed.

    Suddenly assigning errands...suddenly saying things...suddenly breaking down in tears....getting angry...embarrassed...my god.. she's so randommmm.......I bet she's going to drag me along now too..well..I don't have plans today..I guess I could tag along..but still...

  He thought about how unpredictable his election pair was as he walked. Room 309 wasn't exactly close, it was a minute or two's walk inside the building, on the floor above.

    We have only 3 weeks to fully finish the concert now, she already made a schedule so I just need to follow it.. I think it wasn't that packed on my end...she took on most of the other responsibilities...maybe way too much though....

   Masachika was climbing up the stairs, to the next floor. The room was next to the cooking clubroom, he had been here before, also on an another errand.

    I should try asking her to move some of the stuff to me... she has a lot of things to do if we go with that schedule... Will she be able to get some rest? I don't know.. judging from her...she's probably going to steamroll through.. and finish everything without a proper break...hmmm

    Knock! Knock!

   He knocked on the door, it opened shortly afterwards, by someone he didn't know. 

   "Ah, Kuze! I expected you to come!" a girl greeted, as if they were familiar.

    "Eh?"

    "Kujou sent you didn't she?" 

     I haven't seen this girl before..how does she know?

     "She did?...Something about a file?"

     "Here are the files." the girl spoke, handing him a light blue case. Her tie indicated that she was a first year student, like him too. She had dyed some of her hair orange.

    "Okay?...Thanks?" he replied, taking the case, nodding his head before turning on his heels and heading out.

    That was a bit weird...

   A moment later right as he went down the stairs, the girl peeked her head out of the door suddenly, as if to announce something.

     "My name is Aiko! By the way!" she blurted out. <2>

     "Huh? What?" Masachika paused on the steps, looking back.

    "Remember it! Now go on!" after she said that, he heard the door close with a slam.

   Eh? What? Aiko? Why's she saying her name? Huh? Remember it? Go on? What?

    He stood still, confused by the actions of the strange girl, at the stairs, until his phone rang.

   Oh! Someone's calling..

    "Yes?"

    "Did you get it? Hurry up!"

     "Oh yeah I did! Coming!" 

     Briefly forgetting about what happened, Masachika hurriedly went down the stairs, now taking a different route towards the left entrance, as planned.

   "Put that in your bag, it's actually your things, I forgot to mention, by the way." she said, walking in front of him.

    Oh it's my things?

    "Okay, but hold on for a moment! Let me put it in! My bag's pretty stuffed."

     Masachika stopped shortly to put it in his bag.

    "We don't have a lot of different things to do, just one thing that might take long. Hurrying should be better. I want to meet up with them and go back home early." Alya said while walking again.

   "I heard they are in Hachioji <3> aren't they? It's moderately far, I guess. The next train, wait let me see..." he pulled his phone out, opening the metro app, "Will leave... in 40 minutes, we got some time. No need to hurry so much, Alya."

    "Oh, really? I think I mistook the wrong train then, it was gonna leave in 10 minutes, that's why I was in a rush."

     "Wait... look, that train got delayed due to obstruction on the track, so it leaves in 40 minutes now." he showed her his phone.

    Alya read the notice, "Obstruction on the tracks? That is unusual..."

   "Then should we drop by our houses first and change quickly, right? Or do we go and wait at the station?"

    Alya thought for a moment, "I guess we should...I mean we got some time to go anyways, we should change. Also leaving the bag will mean less of a burden to carry around. Yeah, let's split up. Meet me at the fishing market towards the station, the blue one."

 —•—

    I feel a little...snoozy.....I slept very very late.. last night, making the schedule....Maybe a quick nap now?...mmmm...yes....I feel....comfortable...

    They were on the train, sitting next to each other. The cabin was relatively empty, surprisingly enough. City life blurred past, the engine humming quietly beneath. A dim light, through the heavy grey clouds illuminated the scene.

     Alya's eyelids felt heavy, as if they weighed her entire body. Masachika was on her right, sitting, looking outside the window. She had sat down already grabbing onto his arm, much to his objection, without letting go.

    "I slept late yesterday...~" murmured Alya, moving her body slightly before going loose.

    "Mmh?"

    As each sleepy minute passed, Alisa's eyes closed bit by bit, going further and further into the realms of the subconscious, her head sinking towards her right even more and more till at last she was asleep.

    "Hm? Alya?" 

    "............"

     "Alya?"

    "............."

    She's asleep again..... like a baby.......Is she that tired?...I guess she did just say she slept late....maybe the effects of the serum?

    Alya's head was lying on his shoulder, silver hair dangling down the coat. His left arm had been held captive by her beforehand, now serving as a support, shoulder as a pillow. 

    Masachika felt her chest slowly rise and fall through his arm. Her breathing was soft and long, barely distinguishable from the background noise.  Alisa was sound asleep, peacefully, it felt as if it would be a crime to wake her up.

    Uhhh..let me see....the train arrives in 20 minutes... It would take..I think 20 minutes also by taxi to get to the studio....I got to wake her up sooner or later.....but I'll let her sleep for now...I guess..

    Masachika sat still, letting her rest. The world flashed by in a blur, edging closer to their destination.

   A few minutes later, the door connecting to the other cabin opened and an old man entered. He seemed healthy, walking upright without a cane. After he walked past the two, towards the next cabin, he paused suddenly.

   "Wait a minute...." he muttered under his breath.

   The old man turned around slowly, at the pair. His eyebrows raised. Masachika noticed this.

   Who’s he? Why's he looking at us?

    Before he could form more thoughts, the man spoke with surprising speed, "You're Masachika Kuze aren't you? It's been so long since I last saw you! You even got a girlfriend sleeping on your shoulder! Haha! My boy!"

   "Eh?!" his head darted up.

   "Apologies, you probably don't recall me, we never interacted much anyways, but I know all about you! You're Tomohisa's grandson! I'm his friend, you know?"

    "Huh?! His friend?" exclaimed Masachika.

    The old man sat down in the seat opposite them, "Tomohisa kept blabbering about how his grandson got himself a beautiful "sweet mother of all europe, dainty of ice, queen of the motherland” girlfriend while he was out with me. I guess it was true and he hadn't gone demented to imagine things yet! You know? Haha!" he added with a laugh, shocking the poor unsuspecting boy.

    "Huh?! What? Wait! N- no! She's not my girlfriend! He's lying! No! Don't believe what he says!" stuttered Masachika.

    "Shhhhh, my boy, let your girlfriend sleep in peace, you're gonna wake her up." said the old man quietly, putting his finger up as if to say 'be silent'.

    "(She is not my girlfriend!!)" loudly whispered Masachika.

    "(Explain your situation then, hahaha!)" chuckled the man.

    Amidst all this commotion, the 'girlfriend' in question, slept unfazed. Not bothered by the loud conversation.

    Masachika couldn't make up an excuse. He knew it looked that way and denying that will be really stupid and idiotic. What girl in high school, would fall asleep on the shoulders of a 'just-a-friend" guy? And vice versa? There was no defending himself.

   Jokes aside, Masachika paused. He felt uncomfortable emotions rising from the well of his heart. Something was wrong, guilt hit him like a rock. His face went gloomy.

   She isn’t my girlfriend……..that’s a fact………What the fuck am I doing?!..I know that…..that she likes me………What….am I-?…….

   Playing with her feelings?…….No…..maybe…I…..I….am……Yes…I am…..

   His heart felt heavy, guilt hung on it like a leech. 

    “Masachika?”

    He looked up. The old man had a worried face, his teasing one was gone. He had edged forward a little.

    “My boy, are you alright? Are you feeling blue?” he asked, in a reassuring manner.

    Masachika froze. He didn’t know what to say, the man wouldn’t understand if he, himself didn’t even understand.

     “No, no, I- I’m fine. R- really.. I just remembered something…”

    “Masachika. I apologize if something I said offended you. Do you need to talk about it?” the man spoke. He had adopted a caring attitude, giving off a trustworthy vibe.

    No…..quite the opposite actually….you didn’t offend me….rather reminded me of something……..I feel shitty………The hell am I even doing?

   He glanced over at Alya, she was still sleeping quietly, leaning on his body. Guilt hit him again, harder.

    I…..I…..need..to……confront this, seriously………starting with-….

    “I’ll figure it out…it’s fine…” replied Masachika to the old man.

Chapter Text

     The train hummed quietly beneath, wind soared past, landscapes rushed into a green smear, the stillness of the cabin, Alisa slept on, unaware of the conversation held moments ago. Masachika had been reminded out of the blue.

     Huh.... he thought, Alya still resting on him. He had grown uneasy.

    What...what...should...I even...do?

    He had long been suppressing his own emotions, bottling it up after the girl at the playground had left suddenly, not realizing that he hadn't fully understood what he had done. Never bringing it out to examine properly.

   He had smiled and brushed off any new, strange feelings inside him, always thinking "It can't be, right?". 

   Not courageous enough to accept, maybe it was, maybe it was that.

   This year, he had went through many difficulties, scenarios and conversations, quite literally changing the course of his journey through life. 

     Discovering himself in the process, he met new people, friends, classmates, changing how he acted and talked.

   Without anyone to push, encourage and give a goal for him, Masachika well may have just went to a normal school, did nothing and lived his life in regret afterwards. 

    He wouldn't have ever became the person he is now.

   Coincidentally, he also met the girl from his childhood, who had grown and matured into a wonderful woman. 

    They both realized they were the kids from the past, causing complicated relationships to rise.

    Mariya was indeed the first love he felt, there was no denying that, but things were confusing now. 

    Although she was still the same person, twelve years later, the childhood love, is just not as it was. 

    Something about it changed. 

    Something wasn't...genuine.

    The little Masachika Suou, who had left his home and changed into a Kuze, felt a special connection with the young girl he met at the playground. 

     She was caring and gentle, affectionate and friendly, helping him in his issues of that moment, showing him that he had someone to turn to, someone to be at ease with, someone he could trust.

    He felt happy, he felt accepted, he felt comfortable near the girl. 

     After he had been lost, aimlessly wandering about, his aching heart was massaged with affection, the loneliness of not having friends to play around, was filled. 

     The emptiness inside him disappeared as each moment he spent with the blonde child passed, rekindling something that had been dormant his entire life.

   Days slipped by as the sun and the moon rose and set in turn, the peaceful moments were happily spent. 

    He finally felt like a normal child, born into your usual household, free of any prestigious responsibilities, who could live their life by their own means, not tied down by any other family rules.

    He was grateful that those moments happened, he was aware that it molded him into who he is. 

   God knows what would have happened to the present if he had never left the house and stayed shut inside his room, alone with his confused mind, not a single friend he could turn to, no one of his age to show him affection.

    Masha expressed that she still had lingering feelings about him, wishing him to give her an answer after he had solved his own feelings, further scrambling the matters. 

    Masachika couldn't deny the fact that Masha, was indeed a great person, and that he had felt some things towards her before. 

     But...now...he couldn't help but feel, that, it wasn't.....it., anymore. 

    It wasn't "liking" he felt towards her, it...felt off... in a way...

     The spot where it should be was...closed.

    For some reason, Masha seemed to be an entirely different human, things had changed. Even though she still was the gentle motherly girl, the innocent days in the past felt different.

    To love someone, is to wish them to be truly happy, free of all evil, free of all burdens, smiling, with you. 

    He wished Masha to be happy, but not from that angle. He couldn't distinguish whether the past was love, or not. All had been forgotten and buried deep.

    He had partly realized that, but he was still not brave enough to confront it head on, afraid of hurting her. 

    Telling his "first love" that, felt wrong. It would feel like it was all a hoax, like denying an outright truth, saying it's wrong. Or was it even true in the first place?

    I'll.....I'll wait till....... the new years......then... I'll.....I'll-

    Beep! "The train will be arriving at Hachioji shortly, please check your belongings before leaving. Thank you."

    Masachika had been long lost in thought, quietly, time slipping by as if it was liquid. The twenty minutes had almost finished, the old man left a while ago.

    Getting pulled back into the real world by the announcement, he sat there, for a moment. 

    He looked left at Alya.

   Whether if because his thoughts had changed, or not, she seemed......calming to the eye.

    Her very presence seemed beautiful, her resting head, framed by long silver strands that caught the faintest lights, her pale skin almost angelic in contrast to the dark grey cloudy sky.

    The rise and fall of her breath, was steady and unbothered, and for a moment he felt the weight of the world, along with responsibilities, ease just by looking at her.

    Haha....What....am I even doing? It's... just...so...heh....stupid....It's almost......not even-.....

    He chuckled to himself, inside. Laughing at his own stupidity, his idiotic actions, his lack of foresight. 

    But, those things led to this moment, that he understood too.

    I...I shouldn't blame her...It's my fault, in the first place..........She's basically innocent here...

     Masachika smiled, loosening the body he hadn't realized he had stiffened. Alya still held a grip, while sleeping, as if to never let him go.

    Slowly, he felt the train come to a stop, already in the station. They were now in Hachioji, a city in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The sun had set.

    Beep! "This is Hachioji, thank you for your time."

    He moved his captive hand, to gently awake her.

    Nudge, "Hey... Alya?"

     No response. He spoke again, quietly, moving closer to her ear.

    "Hello? We're here."

     Still nothing.

   "Alya? Come on, let's go, wake up." he said, shaking her body a little, which at last the girl started to slowly stir.

   "There you go...come on. We've just arrived, let's get off."

   "Nnnng~" she groaned, moving her head a bit.

    Alya finally started to come to her senses, at the third nudge. She loosened her grip on his arm and looked at him, with half open eyes.

   "Oh? We're bere? Albeaby?" mumbled the bear, who had just come out of the short winter hibernation.

    She's got a habit of blabbering right after she wakes up, doesn't she?

    "We can't be taking so long to get off the train, you know? Let's get up."

   "Hm? Oh, albright, supbort me.." requested the same bear, as if it was an automatic response, still sluggish. 

    She instantly clung on again. It was taking long for her to fully awake.

    "A- alright?" said Masachika, complying. They slowly got up with her leaning on his side. 

    It felt as if he was going to help an elderly woman cross the street. Only the person in need was way more than capable.

   "I..beel...snuggly..." Alya muttured, her eyes were closed again, she was barely standing upright. Almost all of her body weight was placed on him.

    Hey....why's she still sleeping?!

   "Alya? Could you please wake up fully?"

    "No..Ibd's tuu... combfy...no.." her legs started to not hold her body up anymore.

    It's too comfy? Huh?

   She sank her head into his shoulder yet again, making mumbling noises. The train door opened suddenly.

   Oh shi-

   "Alya! We got to get off! Walk!" A few people who were in the cabin exited, throwing glances at the pair.

   Left with no choice, Masachika took his arm out and put it around Alya, to support her more as he slowly but steadily, dragged her outside the train. 

    Verbally instructing the half-conscious Alya to take steps and to not fall that direction.

   There's no way the water bottle still has effects now right?! Does she just sleep that much? Is that normal??

    It was in fact, not. At least in a usual situation.

    Even after exiting the train, she continued sleeping upright, clinging on to him, again, continuously. 

    It made for an interesting scene, for outsiders. 

    It looked as if a small child, who had woken up in the middle of the night, was hugging their teddy bear.

    I don't remember the studio's location.....I need to wake her up and ask her....but.....will she even wake up? She's the only one who knows the number for them!

    He decided to at least, stumble over towards the nearest seat, practically lifting Alya to it, then wake her up, as they couldn't just stay there, standing.

    Masachika struggled and made it to the chair, which was empty and lowered the hibernating bear onto it, then sat next to her.

    As he tried to tug his arm back out, for the who knows what time, Alya lost balance and fell. 

    Fortunately or unfortunately, that fall was the deciding factor.

    "He- Hey! Alya! You finally wo- woke up!" stammered Masachika, trying to play it off.

   She was lying on him as she got up, her head on his legs.

    "Al- Alya? We sh- should get going to the st- studio. You..know their number and address ri- right?"

   After a while, she nodded, without saying anything.

    Shortly afterwards, Alya got up. And then spoke, quietly, facing away.

    "I'll...I'll call a taxi..."

    "Ye- yeah! Go ahead! S- sure!"

—•—

     Bing!

    The device in the stand made a sound, signaling the meter had finished counting. 

    "That would be 1,450¥."

     "Understood, please hold on for a moment."

     Alya pulled her wallet out and handed the driver 1500¥, getting a 50¥ refund. Although Masachika objected for her to pay, she did anyways.

   He had miscalculated the taxi time beforehand, expecting a twenty minute ride, they arrived at the studio in ten minutes. 

    It was a large odd building, diagonally built on a flat surface, with multiple colors in each floor and strange shaped windows. 

    There was no signs visible, indicating what it was at least.

    Thud- Thud-

   The two got out of the taxi, looking at the structure. They both hadn't expected it to look like that. 

    He pulled out an umbrella, holding it over them. It was raining.

   "Hey...uh...you sure this is the studio?" asked Masachika, half sarcastically.

   "Well...It should be...I mean she did say the building should catch your attention.."

    "It sure does..."  he agreed, nodding.

    "I'll call her..." 

     Alisa took her phone out and called a number she had written down on a piece of paper. 

     It rang for some time before being picked up. She put it on speaker, although it was raining outside.

    "Who's this?" A woman with a clear voice answered.

    "Hello! We've just arrived! It's the Seirei students!" 

    "Oh! Come on in! The front door is unlocked! I'm at the third floor! Orange door!"

     "Okay!" replied Alya, she hung up the call as it was getting louder outside. They headed into the building, walking along its small garden path.

    Masachika grabbed the handle and opened the front door, which was unlocked as the woman said. Alisa entered and he came in afterwards, folding his umbrella up.

    After wiping and rubbing the water off their clothes, he noticed disposable shoe covers, on the right side.

   "Here, wear this." spoke Masachika, handing her two from the four he got.

    "Mhm"

     Wearing the covers and hanging their jackets, they walked into the corridor. 

     The building was a rentable business type, having different companies and studios across the floors. The stair was on the left.

    He took the lead climbing up the steps to the third floor. As also mentioned, there was an orange door.

    "It's that, right?"

    "Yes." said Alya, walking towards the door, then knocking.

    Knock! Knock!

    The door was instantly swung open, and a girl cheerfully welcomed them in. Another woman was standing behind her, presumably the hostess.

    Huh?!

    "Thanks for having us." spoke Alya, bowing.

    However, Masachika stood there without saying anything, looking at the girl who opened the door. Some of her hair was dyed orange. 

     It was the strange girl he had taken a file from, earlier today, out of everyone possible. <1>

    "Please come in, Kuze, right?" asked the woman.

    Getting mentioned, Masachika bowed and entered. He was mildly confused.

    Wasn't she at Seirei? Right before we left?! Did she get in the same train as us?? Why's she here?!

    The studio was fairly spacious, furnished with clean, modern looking furniture, colored with vibrant tones. It was also squeaky clean. 

    A sign in the hallway showed "Sloped Sky", maybe the name of the studio.

    He glanced over at the girl who opened the door. She was smiling at them. The woman and Alya were having a conversation.

    Noticing that Alya was occupied, he asked the other girl, distancing a little.

    "Why- I mean how are you here?!"

     Aiko tilted her head in a slightly playful manner.

     "Pleasure to be working with you onwards. I am the daughter of the singer, Aiko Fukushima. At your service." she spoke, bowing her head.

     "Answer my question!"

     "I get on a call with my mother often. She said that an election pair from Seirei, Kujou and Kuze, would be coming today, personally. So...although I live by myself in Tokyo, I decided to come here today!"

     "Eh?"

     "I am her daugther, I will be helping you with the concert from now on. Is that clear?" she spoke, gesturing towards the woman.

     Huh...

    Masachika stood still, looking at her. Until Alya called out to him.

   "Masachika! Come!"

   Turning around, he saw they were heading towards a room. He glanced at Aiko once before going towards them. 

   He came into the room. It was the guest room, with a large couch in the middle, two chairs facing at it with a small table between. 

   Alya was sitting on the couch, the woman on the chair.

   "Hot tea? Chocolate? Perhaps?" she asked.

   Masachika sat down on the left of Alya, the hostess was sitting gracefully.

   "Hot cocoa would be nice, thank you." he answered.

    "Same for me too." followed Alya, she nudged closer a little.

   The singer called out, "Aiko! Please get us two cups of hot chocolate!" after they said their preferences.

    A moment later, she turned back to them.

    "Allow me to formally introduce myself, again."

   She looked at Masachika, specifically. Smiling softly. The daughter and mother were alike in that sense.

    "My name is Sora Fukushima, I was a former lead singer and manager for the band known as "Close Clear". Although I have retired from music, I opened this studio, to help other young artists and musicians get a foothold in this industry." <2>

     Masachika replied by introducing himself, briefly going over his roles. Alya had already told beforehand but she also introduced herself again.

    "As I just mentioned, I no longer sing, professionally, to mention. But, your offer and situation has piqued my interest." the woman continued.

    Sora was a diligent woman. She seemed well behaved, welcoming, polite and friendly. She was around the same age as Yumi, but she looked young. No one would guess she was a day older than 20, let alone having a daughter who was around their age.

    "I'm not sure if you two know my daughter, the girl you just saw, she goes to Seirei too, as a first year student."

     Alya raised her eyebrow a little at the information.

     "I've heard of the Christmas event that happens every year. Aiko was really looking forward to it. But the hosting was given back to the student council right?"

     The election pair nodded. She took a sip out of her cup, before continuing.

    "And then you contacted me, asking if I could come and sing for the concert." she spoke, gesturing at Alya.

    After that she got up and held her hand out.

    "I was originally against the idea but, I will sing for the concert. I am looking forward to working with you two."

    They both got up, in a half hurried fashion. Shaking hands with her at the sudden acceptance.

    "Same for us too, pleasure to have you."

    "Thank you."

     As they sat down and continued talking about their general plan, a minute or two later, Aiko came in with two cups of hot chocolate, which they accepted happily.

    While conversing with her, Masachika and Alya both noticed the rain started to pour and worsen, much to their dismay. 

    It was currently 19:53, they had been talking for about forty minutes. The train back would take a hour, they had to get going soon, an hour the very latest.

    Masachika, while talking with her, had understood that Sora was a wonderful woman who had climbed the ladder of the world, working hard behind the scenes for her children. She had mutually agreed and divorced, now raising her two kids alone.    

   Alya had kept nudging closer and closer throughout the entire time, now sitting practically next to him. Purposefully or not, he didn't know.

   This raised a question from Sora, who asked randomly.

   "By the way, you two are a couple right?"

    Alisa almost chocked on her spit, physically jolting at the sudden question. Masachika gave a startled look at the woman. 

    This was the second time that day he had been asked that. They both objected at the same time.

     "No! We aren't!"

     "No! We aren't!"

     Alya and Masachika looked at each other the moment they said it together, surprised. She backed away, after edging closer the entire conversation.

    "Hmm~ I see." said Sora, grasping the situation. They two had become shy, now slightly red.

     It's...not really a........bad...ide-...NO! 

    They didn't know that, they had just thought of the exact same thing and slapped themselves mentally, at the same exact time    

    A sudden lightning stroke light up the room, causing everyone's attention to avert. The rain had become a rainstorm, pouring as each moment passed.

   "Can w- we  continue this Monday? I- I think we should get going to the station before this gets any worse." said Alya, glancing outside the window.

    "Ye- yeah." added Masachika. He wanted a good enough reason to leave.

    "Then...we'll be excusing ourselves. Thanks for the audience." 

    Alisa stood up and bowed her head before heading to the door.

     "Looking forward to Monday, farewell!" 

     He got up hurriedly and went after her.

—•—

      Oh....oh no....no..no! No!

     The worst anticipated situation had happened. This had been on the back of their minds but they had not realized it would happen, for real.

    "Gahhhhh!" exclaimed Masachika, scratching his head violently.

    "Wha- what should we do now?" Alya groaned, pacing around in circles.

    They stayed quiet, pondering their choices.

    "Trains from Hachioji track 3 are suspended due to a landslide and rain obstruction on the tracks. Restoration team is in progress. We apologize for the inconvenience." announced the PA, again.

    The rainstorm had kept worsening as they took a taxi back. Masachika and Alya were now inside the metro station, looking at the never changing text that worded doom.

    "The team was just recently sent, the landslide is way deep in the tracks....

     "It's going to take about seven hours until the next train moves......"

    "Seven hours......"

    Murmurs of dissatisfaction were going about the crowd, including them. They had no choice other than waiting.

    "I'll...tell my parents, that I'm stuck here." spoke Alya, in an annoyed tone, getting her phone out and typing.

     "Why of all times.....is there a rainstorm in late November?! Isn't this a dry season?! Is god playing with us?!" complained Masachika, unknowingly telling the truth. 

     In fact, the gods are playing with you, I am in fact, hahaha, I control everything. <3>

    Alisa finished texting her family, notifying them of her situation. They were leaning on one of the pillars, next to each other.

    Now the lingering issue, how do they wait? The question appeared before them.

    Unless this was the great and wonderful New Yorkian subway, which then sleeping on the ground would be normal, along with many other "activities" included, they had to find a place to stay the night.

    That now left....getting a room. The two knew this was the only option, they had already thought of the other things, they didn't want to speak it out loud. 

     Because...well...teenagers in adolescence couldn't really say "Lets get a room" to each other, it just wasn't okay.

    A few minutes passed, until Alisa's phone rang.

    She picked up the phone, "Yes?"

    "*inaudible*"

    "I am." replied Alya.

    "*inaudible*" 

     "I will have to."

     She paused before continuing, her expression slightly shocked, as if she realized something.

     "Hold on."

     Muting her call briefly, Alya looked at Masachika. Taking another short pause before asking, quickly.

      "D- do I...tell them that yo- you're..with me?"   

      Masachika snapped to reality. He looked back at her.

      "Don't they already know that w- we left together?" he stated, after a second or two.

     I mean...they probably do right?...right?

     "But-!" objected Alya, the grace period was running out, she had to unmute soon.

     "J- just tell them! Lying won't get anywhere! What happens if they find out later?!"

    He wasn't worried about her parents that much, only about someone he knew well who could cause trouble afterwards.

   She opened her mouth as if to object once more, but shut it in defeat and turned around.

    Unmuting, Alisa continued.

    "Sorry, something happened."

    "*inaudible*"

    "Yeah, I'm going to try find one."

    "*inaudible*" 

    A few seconds passed, "*inaudible*" 

     "Mhm." murmured Alya, agreeing to what they were saying.

    "*inaudible*"

   Masachika couldn't hear and he didn't bother to. It seemed that they had asked something about him. Alya froze for a moment.

    "One thing to mention...ehm..." she spoke, quietly.

    "I'm..I'm with M- Kuze...We came here together to meet the singer..." said Alya, abruptly. 

     A brief moment passed before they spoke again.

    "*inaudible*"

     "M- mom! N- no!" Alisa became a little red around her ear.

    "*inaudible*"

    "[N- no! Absolutely no way!]" she switched to her other tongue, reflexively or not.

    "*inaudible*"

    "[Not you too dad!]" her tone changed into a surprised one.

    "*inaudible*"

    "Yes! I won't!" Alya started speaking in Japanese again.

    "*inaudible*"

    "Huh?..................fine." Alya gave up.

    Did her mother tease her or something?

    Masachika was still leaning on the pillar, looking up at the board. It felt like it was never going to change.

    "*inaudible*"

    "Okay...goodbye...I'll come home tomorrow..."

    "*inaudible*"

    "I'll send updates..."

    With that, Alisa hung up the call and put her phone back into her small bag.

   After pausing and stopping herself a few times, she finally turned to him, mustering enough courage.

   "Let's...f- find a p- place to stay.."

    She said it, the words, the things Masachika couldn't get out.

     Damn it.....

    He knew there was absolutely nothing else he could do. Or was there? A sudden paragon of hope appeared in his mind.

    Capsule hotels! Why didn't I think of those?! Of course!

    Masachika replied back, not knowing there was the slightest smirk on his face.

   "Yes...Absolutely." 

    Capsules felt like a savior from getting the same hotel room, which he didn't have to anymore.

   Unfortunately, that hope was too strong. He hadn't realized that it came off the wrong way and he had affected the girl in front of him, mentally.

      .....W- wh- why......d- di- did...h-... h- he......s- sm- smi- smirk?!!?!!

    The moment she saw the slight curvature of his mouth, her chest tightened, breath hitched and every thought in her head scattered, stunned by how much weight that tiny expression carried.

   Alisa stood there, shocked to the absolute core. Her brain a jumbled heap of mess, not capable of thinking properly.

    M- Mas- Masachika?!?!

   The person in context turned around and walked away, to find the "room(s)", unknowingly leaving the girl behind, thinking she was following him.

   H- he...doesn't me- mean t- t- th- that...ri- right?

   Her head felt like it was about to burst from the pressure exerted by the blood pumped to her face. It probably would, at this pace.

    M- Masachika?

    Her hands started to shake. Alya's thoughts were running all over the place, jumping from one side to the other, up and down, circles, hoola hoops, everywhere, absolutely everywhere.

   Gulp-

    Alisa started to control her mind shortly after, consciously realizing her astray thoughts. It was a good and a bad thing. 

  She tried her best to compose herself again. The imaginations did not help, at all.

   The more she tried to suppress it, the more it fought back.

   The more vivid the scene became, the more her heart reacted.

   The more she fabricated it, the more it felt it was reality.

—•—

    "It should be around that corner!" said Masachika, loudly through the pitter of the heavy rain.

    "Mhm-" Alya made a noise, agreeing, barely distinguishable from the sound around them.

    Rain poured and ran down on the concrete pavement, trickling into large bodies of streams. 

   The occasional lightning lit up the distant fields, giving color to the dull sky, appearing as if they were fireworks.

   Masachika had purchased the only umbrella that was left in the station shop, holding it above them. 

   They quickly made pace across the street, jumping over little puddles, hoping to reach proper shelter soon.

   The cover provided by the umbrella, only helped them just a bit. 

   They weren't absolutely drenched but they weren't exactly protected from the spite of Zeus.

   As the corner was turned, they could see a little lit sign that read "Hotel Berler".

   The reason why they were a couple hundred meters away from the station, running in the cold, was simple.

   Every single room was booked.

   They had already physically went into five other accommodations, checking thirteen others online, which all, to their demise, turned them down because someone had already booked into it.

   Every hotel, motel, capsule, or whatever were unavailable within a large radius of the station.

   Adding onto the usual traffic Hachioji had, the sudden delay of trains, not only on track 3, caused the passengers of all of them, to spend the night here, in this city, completely filling it out.

   This, well, damp night, was the 28th of the "dry" November, 22:28. One week after the ice sculptures.

  Phud!

  "Is there a room!?" exclaimed Masachika, the very moment he entered.

   The receptionist looked at him, surprised. He seemed to be a man of elegance, judging from the way he was dressed and seated.

   He wore a clean suit and jacket, his silver hair neatly swept back, catching the light like polished steel. 

    His build was solid, the kind earned from years of discipline rather than vanity, and his face carried sharp lines that lent him both authority and distinction. 

   Glancing at the man, Masachika realized his rude behavior, caused by the repetitive rejections from the hotels.

   Quickly collecting himself, he bowed before continuing.

   "Apologies, I barged in." spoke Masachika, then looking up, "May I ask whether if there is a room available?"

    The man answered with a crisp voice. Smiling, fatherly, in a way.

   "Accommodation for two? You are with that lovely lady, I presume?" he glanced over to his right.

    "Yes."

    "You are in luck. We have one room left."

    Cue "Wicked X God is", second 10<4>. That what it felt like to Masachika, hearing that there was a room available.

     Finally! 

    "We'll book that!"

    The room in which the man sat in, was decorated alike to a wooden inn, towards the European style. 

     "Absolutely, the cost is 8500¥."

      Well....it's relatively on the cheaper side? I think...I have enough in my card...

     "I'll...pay by card."

     The receptionist nodded before typing in the allotted price into the card payment machine.

     He turned the thing around, showing "7500¥".

     Eh? Didn't he say 8500?

   Perhaps noticing the slight confusion in his face, the man spoke, smiling.

   "Couple's discount."

   .................

    Masachika stared in disbelief at the man. His face went blank.

   This was, the third time, this day, he had been asked that. It pierced a dagger into his heart.

   He said nothing, pausing for a moment. He just accepted the situation.

    "Wait.....does this room have two beds?" asked Masachika, in a grave manner.

   "No, the room only has one bed. It is a single room with a private bathroom." replied the man.

    Bam, another short sword to his chest.

    Masachika had no other choice than get this guaranteed room now, in this decent place, or go run out in the rain to the nearest other accommodation, which he had already seen the location of. 

   The next hotel was not close, at all.

    As Masachika froze yet again, someone started functioning again.

   Alisa came up to the receptionist, moving after role playing a statue for a bit.

   "We'll still take it." spoke Alya, confidently.

    Masachika looked at her in surprise. She showed no signs of embarrassment, only her usual focused gaze was visible.

    Although she was cringing inside a lot, and a tiny bit on the outside, Masachika didn't notice it.

    He dropped his mouth open in shock, maybe to say something which didn't come out.

    After a second or two passed, Alya looked at him.

    "Come on, pay." she demanded.

    Huh?

    He was still slightly confused and startled.

    "I didn't bring my card, you know? I'll give half of it back later."

    Masachika came to his senses a little, his embarrassment and shock started to fade away as he looked at the calm and focused Alisa, or so he saw.

     If Alya was fine with it, why should he be so worried?

    She's okay with it isn't she? She knows that this is the only way.....right? Yeah..I'll just pay....

   "Sorry, I zoned out."

    With that he put his card in the reader and put his pin code in, to complete the transaction. He was practically back to normal.

   He didn't notice the slight change in her expression and eye. A flicker appeared at the same moment, which returned back instantly.

    "The room is on the second floor, 213. Here is the pass-card."

    The receptionist handed them a beige brown card, which would open the door and give electricity when put in the holder. 

   "You go, I'll get something first." said Masachika, to Alya.

   "Hm? Sure." 

     Alisa was unusually calm and relaxed. Eerily normal. She took the card and went upstairs, disappearing.

    Turning back to the man, he asked.

    "Do you have an extra futon?"

     "Allow me to check." replied the receptionist.

    The man got up and went into the door behind him, reappearing after about thirty seconds.

     "Unfortunately, we do not. The previous ones have not been cleaned and washed yet. Do you need anything else? I will try my best to fulfill your requests."

    Damn it! Now what?!?

    He scratched his head, screaming internally. Taking a moment to think.

    "Extra blankets?" he asked, after a moment.

    "We do. Do you need one?" 

     "Yeah......also...a couple big pillows. Please."

     "Noted, I will have these be sent shortly after. Would you prefer our hotel dinner? Or would you rather get light snacks?" questioned the receptionist, recommending options.

    To bother the staff to make dinner at this hour is a bit rude isn't it?

    "Hm, no thank you. But is there breakfast possible? Tomorrow? Even if we only stay this night?"

   "Absolutely, I will arrange for that. It will cost 2000¥, to mention."

   I see, we'll eat it here... then we'll leave.

   "Oh yeah...is there a vending machine here?" asked Masachika.

    He nodded, gesturing at the end of the hall with his hand, politely.

    "There is, around that corner."

    "Thank you."

     He walked to the vending machine, planning to get drinks and snacks for themselves.

     He put coins in, choosing four items.

    He took them and walked back, to the stair and the receptionist.

    They exchanged farewells by eye contact, seemingly saying "Goodbye."

    Just as he climbed up the stairs, the man called out.

    "Please do try to not disturb other people in the middle of the night."

    Masachika's eye twitched violently, he almost lashed out. 

    However, he just sucked it up and went away. He had almost gotten used to this.

   Without making a statement, he went up.

    Knock, Knock

    He knocked on the door of their room, holding a few things in his hands.

    It was opened shortly after, by Alya. She was holding a white clothing he didn't recognize.

  Masachika entered fully, and his heart sank.

   The room was indeed, literally, just one bed. There was no other furniture save the shelf right at the door.

   Even if Masachika had gotten an extra futon, there was absolutely nowhere to place it. The door opened up into an another door next to it, which was the bathroom, take a step, the bed.

   The room was small, only containing the queen sized bed in it, with a few lamps. That was it.

   Fuck!

   Without even a single couch, hell even a wooden chair to sleep sitting in, nor even the floor space, he would be forced to sleep on the bed.

   Also... there was that teeny wiiny little issue. 

    There was going to be an another homo sapiens sapiens<5> he knew well, who will sleep there, too. Unfortunately of the opposition.

    The room was of great quality, the only downside being the volume of it all. Also, on the other hand, it had a window, at least.

     Rain poured outside still, drenching the concrete society in freshwater.

    "I'll go shower now.." said Alya, opening the bathroom door, Masachika had to jump on the bed to let her pass after taking his shoes off.

   "Sure.. sure.."

    She closed the door.

   What can I do? Think.......use what you have....figure out something..........

    He thought while deciding to change into the pajamas from the hotel, folding his own clothes on the tiny nightstand.

    He had been sitting for a minute or two, before the room was knocked on.

    "Extra pillows and blankets?" spoke someone, barely hearable. Looks like the door is almost soundproof.

    Oh?

    Masachika got up, walking to the door and opening it. The receptionist was standing there, holding two fairly large compressed bags.

   "Here you go." he handed him the things, they weighed more than Masachika had thought.

   "Thank you."

    The man closed the door, after bowing.

    Masachika looked at the bags. He saw the slightly smaller one were the pillows, the latter being the blanket.

    Suddenly, eureka. He thought of what he wanted to.

     Wait...I can place these in the middle!

     Slightly genius idea, still a bit wonky though.

     By placing the pillows he originally meant to use as a makeshift bed, he could erect a border between them, practically (not really) making them sleep on "different" beds.

    Then they could use the two blankets respectively for themselves, it was the perfect idea.

    Masachika laid down, content with his thoughtfulness. He checked his phone again, the train was still delayed, why shouldn't it be?

     He didn't need to contact anyone, informing that he was spending the night in Hachioji, as it would be useless. 

    Even if he had been in Tokyo, in his apartment, waking up here and there had no real difference. No one even knew or checked anyways, his dad was on a long trip and Yuki, was probably goofing off somewhere else.

    Telling his grandpa would backfire. He felt as if his Russian-loving relative would have deducted he was with Alya, probably through his friend he had met in the train, relentlessly teasing him and asking him to marry her or something else stupid. 

     It was better off to just stay quiet and spend the night here, as there was literally nothing else that he could do. 

    Masachika had already learned the hard way of informing his family members about things related to the silver haired girl, specifically two people.

    He opened the gacha game, after building up the border, getting pretty bored.

    Opening one of the chips, he started eating it, playing at the same time. He decided to fully finish the bag.

    Oh..hm.. 7 star is coming back? Interesting...

    A couple minutes passed. For some odd reason, he didn't feel as absorbed playing the game. It felt boring and repetitive out of the blue.

    Masachika put his phone down, took the bag and put it in the trash, conveniently close due to the room size.

    I need to find an another game....

    As he sat down, the bathroom door suddenly opened, as if it was loose before. He heard no clicking.

    Hey...wait! 

    If he trusted his pair of sensory organs, then the following would be true.

     She didn't lock it?!?

     Alisa came out in the hotel pajamas, holding her own clothes. 

    Her glistening hair was slicked back, wet still, her body seemed to be a bit tinged, maybe red due to the hot water.

   Alya's eyes looked a bit pale, but determined in a sense.

    Startled but in his senses, Masachika asked her.

    "Uh..Can I shower now?"

     "Yes, definitely, I'm done using it..... are those snacks?"

     She glanced over at the things on the nightstand.

     Nevermind, I must be imagining things...that was probably on accident....

    Shrugging his thoughts off internally, he got up, passing by her and into the bathroom.

   Alisa smelled of lavender and peaches, strongly yet faint at the same time. It caught his attention shortly.

   He went into the bathroom, which was also small but it contained a spacious shower, with a toilet which had the faucet on top of it.

    Masachika turned around to lock the door.

   There IS a lock.....she must've forgot...right?

    There in fact was. It was clearly there. Turnable.

—•—

    The hot water here is nice....large shower...

    Masachika was wearing the hotel pajamas again, as he had been only wearing it for about ten minutes the very latest.

    He wiped his hair down with a fresh towel on the hanger after wearing his clothes fully.

    He also, smelled of lavender, as that was the only body-wash.

    Was it been...uhh...ten minutes? I think? Should I brush my teeth too?

    There were one use disposable paper toothbrushes in the bathroom.

    I guess I should...

    He took one, opening the package. There was the hotel toothpaste, it looked unused.

    Masachika started to quickly brush his teeth, which he finished shortly afterwards.

   It's hot in here...

   Masachika unlocked and swung open the bathroom door, as it was humid inside from the back to back hot showers.

   Thud!

   "A- Alya?!" he exclaimed, surprised.

    Alya was holding her head with her hands. Seemingly hit by the door.

   "Owwwww...." she groaned.

    Did I open it too fast?!

    Masachika could only worry, about hitting Alisa with the door, not realizing that she had been standing there, not on the bed.

    "H- hey! Are you okay?" he crouched.

    Alisa flinched a little when he came closer, which he noticed.

   Hm?

   "Is your head fine?"

   "Y- yes! I'm f- fine." replied Alya, taking her hands off after rubbing it once. She seemed stressed.

   "Okay?..."

   "I- I- was going to k- knock!..(y- yeah!)...there are toothbrushes h- here right?" she asked, whispering something in the middle.   

   She's acting a lil strange, isn't she?

    "Yeah...I just brushed." 

    "Don't mind me t- then."

     Alya stood up and went into the bathroom, Masachika let her pass.

    He laid on "his side" of the bed. Thinking a little.

    Maybe...she isn't that calm....about...this...

—•—

    The hotel room rested in silence, its walls holding a stillness that felt untouched by the world outside. 

   Sunlight painted the miniature curtains gold, stretched across the bedspread.

    A bird perched on the sill, wings puffed against the breeze, the faint scent of rain lingered on.

   Inhale- 

    Exhale-

    Alya slept comfortably. She felt warm, safe and relaxed. As if nothing in this world could ever harm her, if only she stayed here.

   It was similar to the warmth of a caring person.

   She felt this before, on the train, which was a bit hazy to recall, but it was familiar.

   Inhale- 

    Exhale-

    The sound of gentle breathing, rising up and down.

    Staggering on the edge of waking up, she lay motionless, her body resting, mind starting to kick into gear.

   Inhale- 

    Exhale-    

    Alisa slowly became conscious, still with her eyes closed, feeling completely relaxed. Opening it would break the tranquility.

    B-dum

    Her hand felt something.

    Something beating.

    Hnm~? she thought, slightly confused at the sensation. 

    B-dum

     There was no mistaking it now. There was definitely something.

   Inhale- 

    Exhale-

    Hm?

    Curious about the strange feeling below her hand, Alisa opened her eyes, after keeping them closed for a while.

    A little sleepy, she couldn't understand what she saw, the very moment she did.

   A few seconds later.

    EH!???!?

    Say goodbye to the sleepiness. Alya darted awake.

    W- w- w- wh- what?!????!

    She lost her voice, unable to even utter a noise. Taken completely back by the sight.

    Blood rushed to her head, clouding her thoughts.

     Alisa had been lying, hand on chest, head on shoulder.............on Masachika.

   The breathing she heard, was not hers. The thumping below her hand, had been his heart, beating.

  The comfort she felt, was made from the fact, he was giving her warmth.

   M- M- Mas-

   Her eyes were wide open, brain breaking down.

   Suddenly, she recalled things, stuff from yesterday.

   Unfortunately, she remembered the wrong things, further pushing the situation, to the extreme side.

   Alisa didn't remember the correct true reason about why they were in the hotel, only the "imaginary stuff", which obviously, were fake and untrue.

    The "scenario" could explain why Masachika was lying right there, for the flabbergasted Alya, who had just woken up and connected the wrong dots.

    "([Masachika.....])"

    She lifted her hand off his chest. He slept, undisturbed by the quiet Russian.

    If you had seen Alisa's head at that moment, you would've thought that she had a skin illness which caused it to be red. Completely.

   Her body temperature started to rise, her breathing quickened.

   Gulp-

   Alya moved slowly, away and farther, to her side, which she was supposed to be in, as he had told before they slept.

   The "wall/border" had been fully cast away, it no longer stood to mark the line or at least stop an accidental roll.

   It looked as if it had been moved away on purpose..

   The pillows had been put to the side......neatly.........Not randomly moved, or slightly opened.

   She got up, making sure to not cause any noise, to the tiny space below the bed.

   Alya still hadn't realized the truth of it all, still believing the "stuff" happened, for real.

   "(Mas- Masachika....)"

   She could only utter his name in silence.

   Blood rushed to her head yet again.

    I- I-....should...s- shower......y- yeah........

    Finally thinking of a coherent thought, Alisa took her own clothes, from her side of the bed and went into the bathroom, in one quick motion.

    Right before she went into the bathroom, Alya gave one look at the sleeping person.

  —•—

    A certain silver haired girl, lay cringing and in disbelief. Absolutely disgusted at herself.

   She covered her face in her hands, unable to face the world.

    Alya had been in showering in water, yes that was true. But she also had been showering in utter embarrassment and despair at the same time.

    The very moment the hot water hit her skin, Alisa recalled the correct events that led to this moment. Realizing she had completely misunderstood what had occurred.

    She couldn't believe herself for thinking of such blasphemous activities. 

    And the worst part is.........she just.......accepted it.

    That's what hit her the hardest, piercing through her pride of a woman and honor student, leaving behind the empty shell of a human, to drown in the pool of embarrassment.

     L- like....h- how...did I even reach t- that conclusion?!???!?? Alya!??

    Ughhfhgfh!

    A- absolutely not a chance!

    Uuuuuuuuuuuu.....

    No! No! No! No!

    Aughhhhhhhhhhh!

    So she thought, wriggling around as water poured down.  

   I- I'm.....I'm....not a... g- good girl....

   The more she pondered about it, the more she felt......shitty.

   Wait.....yes………..it's...it's his fault...yes...it's his fault for be- being s- so g- g- good looking....who wouldn't...r- right!?

   Blaming the unsuspecting guy, she felt a little relieved, finding an.....interesting excuse to justify herself.

   No! W- w- what am I e- even s- saying?!??

   Back to ground zero, she crumbled down again.

    Repeatedly falling further and deeper into the rabbit hole, Alisa Mikhailovna, spent an ungodly amount of time in the shower.

Chapter Text

   He grew tired and exhausted.

   Heave, heave

   “Come on…..Hold on for a little!!”

   Masachika had been carrying Alisa for a long long time now. So he thought.

   The cloudless, pristine sky stretched far beyond the horizon, visible through gaps of the skyscrapers, swallowing everything in an embracing darkness.

   Sitting on him, Alya reached up, swaying.

   “Put it up already!” he groaned, broadly standing on the ground, goofily, to stabilize himself.

   “Just a little longer!” replied Alisa, from above.

   The air was cold and fresh.

   A slight breeze blew throughout the school.

   “It’s been way too many ‘Hold on’-s!” Masachika snapped back, shaking his head.

   Stumbling about, the two were outside, on the announcement board, next to the east gate.

   “A bit more to the right!”

   “Fine!”

   Light snow crumbled below his boot.

   Jab- Jab- Jab!

   “T- there!”

   She finally managed to pin down the top corner, within a few (a lot of) attempts.

   “How are you going to get down now?!”

   “I’ll get off by balancing on the board!”

   Due to winter clothes, they were a little bit more fluffier, making the mildly difficult task of just jumping off, tricky.

   “A- alright!”

   She was piggybacked on his shoulder, legs around his neck.

   Masachika had finished the management poster, which he was supposed to print next week. He was a little ahead of schedule.

   This was the reason why they were out here, so early in the morning.

   “Be careful!” he spoke, supporting her as she slowly came down, leaning against the wall.

   Words came out as cold vapor, dissipating into the morning.

   The only viable option on the board had been the top left corner of it, with all of the other spaces filled.

   Alya had refused to go and get a stool of some sorts, heavily insisting that, he should “become it”. He didn’t understand why but since she was so persistent about it, he reluctantly agreed to do it.

   Crouching down to let her get on, he had slowly lifted her up to the top, like an annoyed parent listening to their child’s demands.

   “I told to you we should’ve gotten the ladder from the shed over there… it would’ve made it safer, you know?” he said, after she came down.

    “Aw~, since when did you ever care about things like that?~” questioned Alya, tilting her head and looking at him, teasingly.

   His eyebrow twitched.

   “Because…y- you know….” he spoke.

   “Hm~?”

   “Y- you’re really cl- clumsy.<1>” continued Masachika, bluntly, looking away.

   “You little-“

   Pud!

   He instantly got hit in the stomach as a response from her. It landed quite softly, through the layers and her glove, which was the one he had gotten her, for her birthday.

   “Ow!?”

   Masachika pretended to be deeply injured, putting on a dramatical act, holding his stomach, which he learned from a certain associate.

   “Thought you were going to say something else than that. Perhaps I got my hopes up too much.”

   “Eh?”

   “You’re the clumsy<2> and lazy one.” continued Alya, her tone playful yet sharp, pointing at him.

   That sounds like a insuuult! he thought.

   Masachika reeled in surprise for a split second.

   “Reallyy?” he asked, sarcastically.

   “Who plays games and sleeps in class then?”

   “I haven’t slept in class for a hot minute!” he objected, defending his name.

   “You still play games. Matter of fact, you are a phone addict.”

   To be honest….games are getting boring for me….

   “I'm not addicted, I'm just in a very committed relationship with the device.”

   “You are hopeless.”

   Shaking her head, Alisa started to walk, snow crunching as she approached the school.

   Masachika followed, “You might’ve fallen.”

   Alya turned around, “I’m more athletic than you!”

   The morning was dark. The sun lurked behind the horizon, waiting to submerge the world in its warmth.

   “Y- yea! But you still fall a lot!”

   “Oh? A lot?” she stood her ground.

   “Mhm.” Masachika nodded.

   “Name the times I did, then.”

   Alisa spoke confidently, thinking she got him.

   Masachika paused, digging his memories.

   After a second, he continued, “So! We have…uhh..the dance, uh…also when you fell from your chair….and t-“

   He got cut off by Alisa.

   “T- that was a figure of speech!”

   “You asked me to name them! What kind of figure is that?!” he repented.

   “Shut up!”

   Oh yeah!

   “Also! The time when you slipped on the rock at the bea-”

   “G- fhg!” she made a strange noise.

   Pad!

   He got punched yet again, much harder than the previous one, before he could react. It still didn’t hurt that much, as if it was pulled at the last moment.

   Alya was pouting, visible through her white scarf.

   “Come on, Alya!” 

   “D- don’t m- mention t- that!”

   “Y- you asked me to list them!”

   “You idiot!”

   A silent few seconds passed before Alya inhaled and exhaled loudly before continuing,   “……You don’t call me clumsy….Only I can.” she spoke, coldly.

   “What does that even mean?”

   “It means.. I can insult you, but you can’t to me.”

   Although Alisa was mad, you could also see she was also smiling a bit at the same time.

   “Huh?”

   “Exactly as I said it.”

   “T- that’s unfair!”

   “No~”

   “What are you getting at?”

   Alya turned around and started walking towards the gate again, covering her ears, without replying.

   School was going to begin in about half an hour. They had both arrived much earlier than usual today, having cleaning duties plus the poster.

   A few students were going about the place, minding their own business.

   Huh…

   Masachika walked after her, smiling a little too.

   They went in silence, to their class.

   Stepping into the school felt like standing in the calm before a storm, still and quiet, waiting.

   The halls echoed faintly, soon to be flooded with hundreds of voices.

   Masachika expected a semi-normal day.

—•—

   “Greetings.”

   “Hi, it’s over there, by the way.”

   A woman wearing autumn yellow clothes came in, holding a small bag.

   “I see.”

   It was Sora, the main lead singer for the Christmas event, scouted and asked by the pair Kujou and Kuze.

   She headed to the table which had been pointed at.

   It had a set of costumes, spread out. Each one slightly different than the last.

   They put in the work, didn’t they?

   Studying each sets one by one, Sora slowly made a full three-sixty observation of all of them, raising them up, flipping and rotating, taking mental notes of the details and colors.

   The design of it mattered a lot, according to her and a professional designer who had been hired by the Raikokai.

   Surprisingly, Masachika too, out of all people, gave much attention to the work of it all, despite looking like he didn’t care much about fashion.

   Sora folded and tidied the last one, back on the table, content, but not satisfied.

   It was of great quality, some of them made by the handicraft club, done exactly as she had hoped. Although, something felt wrong, as if a major piece was missing.

   Otherwise, they were absolutely great.

   “Oh, hello.”

   “Ms. Fukushima, you arrived a little early, how are the costumes?” 

   It was Masachika. He had just came into the preparation room. Classes ended not long ago.

   “Wonderful, but…it feels as if it’s missing something.” she replied.

   “Missing something?” he walked closer to the table.

   “It’s as though drawing a sun without its beams. If you get what I mean.”

   “No, I quite don’t.”

   “It needs an external component, something that sticks out..”

   “So, you mean that…the costume is a bit… bland and forgettable?”

   “Exactly.”

   “Hm.”

   He glanced over the table, across the slightly varying clothes.

   “I think…that is true?..” said Masachika, nodding, slightly confused.

   “Where is the clubroom that manages these things?”

   “Uhh… it’s next to the nurse’s, above.”  

   “Thank you.”

   “I can go, if you need me to.” he suggested.

   She shook her head politely, “It’s fine, you two are doing a lot anyways.”

   “Okay?”

   “I will go, I have a lot of questions for them anyways.”

   “Alright.”

   Ah well, later, I guess.

   Sora turned around to the door and left, heading towards the handicrafts room.

   He was still waiting for Alya to come, after she does what she needed to do.

   I guess I’ll check our equipment and the set ups then…..to be honest, nothing else really to do as of now….

   After a few minutes, Masachika went into the small storage room, holding a checklist in his hand.

   Okay…then..let’s get started! Alya’s not finishing for a bit! She’ll be thankful if I do this.

   Four large speakers….…check….where is the b- oh there…..there should be three…hm? Did I miscount?

   One..two..thr- no, wait that’s the other end of this… One….two……yea…the third one is not here…

   He crouched up again.

   Going on around the shelfs, he noted down what things they had and what they were missing.

   Now…this…..should be….

   That box should have those…let me check…….hugh! Damn it’s heavy..

   He placed down a rectangular box on the floor. What he was looking for wasn’t there.

   Hm…is it…. that then?

   Masachika placed it back, now heading to a different one.

   Heugh! Damn! Why is this so heavy too?!

   Thud!

   He couldn’t help but drop the container onto the floor before he could place it properly.

   Whats it made out of?!

   He stared in disbelief at the box of absolute weight and density, before crouching down next to it.

   Clack! Masachika opened it.

   Yeah…anyways..it’s in here….so…uhhh…..four, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty, twenty four, twenty eight, thirty two.   

   He counted the rows, going with 4 each time.

   Cluck! he closed the box again.

   No way I’m lifting this back up there….I’ll just move it….here.

   Grind-

   He pushed the container with his legs towards the wall.

   Masachika went on like this, counting everything.

   So, three of this, four, one, one, two… skimming through the paper, Masachika put a marking indicator below each missing items. He was sitting on the ground, leaning against the wall.

   Knock, Knock

   The door of the storage was knocked on.

   Huh? he thought, his trance suddenly broken.

   Knock, Knock

   Who’s knocking? Its unlocked though…

   “Yes?” he called out.

   It opened as soon as he spoke, without a single reply, letting the brighter light spill into the dim room.

   Huh?

   “Masha? What are you doing here?”

   A brown haired girl came in.

   “You’re here…S- Masachika.” she spoke.

   “Eh?”

   She glanced around the room, as if she was looking for something or someone. She didn’t find anyone except him.

   Why’s she here?

   Masha approached him, now smiling, like she usually does.

   “Masachika~, I have a favor to ask.”

   “Uh? Yes?” 

   “Well, it’s actually two things.”

   “Okay? W- what is it?”

   Masha crouched down next to him.

   “You’re done with this right?” she asked.

   Masachika was confused by her manner.

   “Y- yeah?” he replied, nodding.

   “Then, firstly….I need your help for a bit.”

   Eh?

   “For……what?” he inquired.

   “The ball.” Masha replied.

   The ball? Huh?

   “Eh?”

   “Come with me, please?”

   “To…do?”

   “I’ll explain later.”

   “Right now?” he asked.

   “Yes, it won’t be that long.”

   What is it? Huh? Why so suddenly?

   Masha got up, signaling him to do the same too.

   “O- okay?….But…..let me give this to Alya…I just finished listing things.”

   A flicker passed by her eyes, which he didn’t notice through the dim light of the room.

   “Yes….” she spoke, in a flat tone, or not.

   “Well then, shall we get going? I’m pretty free right now. I- I guess.”

   He got up and followed Masha out.

   “I’ll be in the ballroom if someone asks.” 

   “Understood.” replied them.

   “What is it anyways?” he asked, after leaving the storage unit. They were now walking towards the ballroom, planning to stop on the way and give Alisa the checklist, if he could find her.

   “Uhm, you’ll understand when you see it, a bit hard to explain in words..”

  “I- I see?” Masachika looked at his left, eyebrows slightly raised.

   What is it I wonder…..

   “Let’s hurry up.” 

   Masha began to speed up, which was unusual. He did too.

   She was acting strangely. Out of her usual behavior and mood.

   “A- alright?” he replied, practically at a joggers pace now. He thought she was in a hurry.

   Masha stayed quiet, walking at a surprising speed for her figure. He didn’t bother to ask her what was happening. She didn’t give a clear explanation anyways.

   Hallways slipped past, classrooms fading one by one. The scarcely spaced open windows let in a cold breeze, refreshing anyone who passed on through.

   Thud- Thud- the sound of their footsteps.

   After a minute or two, she slowed down, a little out of breath. The ballroom was right there.

   “Come on.” she insisted, beckoning him to follow her.

   “Alright?” 

   They were now in the ballroom. It was empty, Yuki wasn’t here, nor any other people.

   Slight noises and clamor of the students still at the school could be heard, faintly in the distance, echoing throughout the building. 

   “Um~” she stopped and turned around.

   “Masha?”

   “Fnng~!” she made a small noise, out of nowhere, alike to a really big hamster.

   Masha jumped at him, if you could call a quick and clumsy step forward—jumping, yes it would be.

   “H- Hey!?” he yelled out.

   His hands got locked from the sides by ungodly strength blessed upon by Kratos, thrown at him at the speed of one step forward.

   “Saa-kun!<3>” she groaned.

   “M- Masha!? W- what are you d- doing!?”

   Masachika tried his best to break free, fidgeting around with his might, although not with all of it. He was still surprised by her sudden actions.

   “Unnngh~!” she exclaimed, “I- I can barely wait until Christmas!!”

   She increased her grip, to a yet another inhumanly level, causing him to grunt against his will, reflexively.

   “H- Huh!?!!?”

   “It’s testing my patience!”

   “W- What!??!”

   “Your promise!”

   Bam.

   Fuck-

   Masachika suddenly felt the deepest sense of remorse and guilt heavy as a rock drag his body down.

   It shouldn’t have turned out this way.

   In the beginning, when he had requested to go out with her, he didn’t mean for this….

   He had finally mustered enough courage and resolve to face his feelings.  

   To him, Masha was a wonderful person, great as humans could get, respectful and caring. Always supportive of each of his decisions, his friends and his family.

   He acknowledged that she liked him.

   Uncomfortable emotions arose, seeming to suffocate him. Throwing him into a spiral of confusion that got worse as time passed.

   He had stood up for…..himself, against…….himself.

   But…now, he couldn’t help but..feel the slightest tinge of…discomfort.

   “…….”

   “But…I… I will wait. Saa-kun. I will have to.” she spoke, loosening her grip.

   Masachika looked down at her in surprise. He didn’t expect to hear something like that from her, judging from previous experiences. She would have been usually clingy and overly affectionate. Masha seemed mature.

   She continued before he could reply.

   “I am waiting for you.”

   His heart sank, shattering into pieces.

   “T- that’s all I wanted to… s- say.”

   She turned around and started walking away.

   The soft daylight filtered through the blinds, casting lines of gold across the room as the caramel-haired girl walked away from him… again.

<4>

—•—

   “Do I look beautiful?”

   “Don’t repeat the same question twice.”

   “So?”

   “What do you mean ‘so?’ ”

   She ignored what he said,  “I went through the trouble of wearing this, say something about me.”

   “May I inquire about why you’re asking me this?”

   Alya was wearing a dress. It had a unique style, utilizing seams and lines, as if it was purposefully turned inside out. Made out of grey/white fabric, designed with great care ulterior motives.

   It did quite a bit of damage to the poor otaku-rotten guy. Which he hid, or at least tried to.

   “Who else do I ask?”

   “Anyone else?”

   “I could but…only your opinion counts~”

   Why’s she’s wording it out in Japanese more than Russian!?!?

   “Answer me~”

   “Huh?….” he looked away for a moment.

   “How do I look?” she inquired, again.

   “A- ah uh…w- wonderful. I- I guess.” stated Masachika, dully.

   “You can do better.”

   “The dress suits you.”

   “Not enough.”  

   He thought for a second, “It……hm…uh emphasizes your femininity.”

   “Feels like your words lacking some genuine emotion behind it.”

   “You want more?” he exclaimed.

   “Dry statements won’t be enough.”

   I can’t with her! Damn it!

   Masachika looked up, hoping maybe if he didn’t see her, she didn’t see him.

   “Hey, my face’s down here. Look at the woman if you’re going to compliment her.”

   Augh!

   “What do you want!?” he asked, swaying his hands in the air.

   “I’ve clearly stated my intentions quite a few times already, forgetful boy~” she giggled softly.

   That’s not what I meant!

   “I- I know!” he repented.

   “Then~, get on with it~”

   Masachika paused.

   “The so called ‘Slit’ made this for me recently~, if you’re thinking about where I got it.” said Alya, putting her hand on her waist.

   God!

   “Even if so, why are you wearing that?!”

   “Is it wrong for a girl to wear something she finds interesting?”

   “T- that’s not your actual reason!”

   Alisa stopped, thinking. She spoke after a bit.

   “I…….wanted to wear…something else…..for the ending ceremony~”

   That’s a lie! You just made that up on the spot!

   “It- it’s still fifteen days!”

   “I don’t see how that correlates to me wearing this now.”

   “There’s a clear line that connects those two! The hell do you mean?!”

   “This useless conversation could be over if you just obediently follow my orders~”

   Where did that ice queen come from!?!?

   “I’m not your dog!” Masachika objected.

   “[I can make you mine~]” she replied, instantly.

   Masachika skimmed dangerously close to the surface that kept his reactions in check, leaving a ripple in its wake.

   He froze in place and closed his eyes, hoping to regain just a little bit of control. Letting her know that he understood that now, was not the correct timing.

   Inhale- Exhale-

   “A- a- ahem..” he cleared his throat, breathing deeply, blood pressure rising and lowering, eye twitching.

   Calm down Masachika……….. Remember she’s just fucking with you….Do NOT lash out.

   “Still waiting for that praise~” she spoke, after a moment.

   “Y-…y- you don’t force out a comment from a guy like t- this, dearest Alya.” he said, after collectively scraping all of his remaining will out of his empty tanks.

   “That sounds great~” Alisa paused.

   “H- Huh?”

   She tilted her head.

   “[I want to be called dear by you every day~]” she replied swiftly, again.

   “W- wfg!?” he choked on his spit.

   “Masachika?”

   “Gfhg! K- ka- I- It- It’s nod- nothink!”

   SHE’S JUST PLAYING WITH YOU!!! DON’T FORGET!!! DO NOT FORGET! DON’T GIVE IN!!!

   His ears were tinged with red, some impure thoughts flowing into his head and cheeks. Strangely, Alya showed no signs of any hidden emotions.

   “You really want my opinion this bad!?! By forcing it out of me?!”

   “Oh, I do and I will.”

   Alisa’s relentless verbal jabs were taking a heavy toll on him, she just wouldn’t stop.

   GAH!!?!??

   “The hell do you even want me to say!?” he yelled.

   “Fascinating stuff about how wonderful I look would be nice.”

   “Eh!?”

   “Come on~. You’ve showered me with praise so easily and flawlessly before. What’s wrong now?~ [Stunned by my beauty?]”

   AAAAAAAAAGHHH!!!

   His cheek twitched violently. Masachika looked at her eyes.

   “What the hell!? Are you!? even saying in Russian!?” he exclaimed, trying to get it out of his system.

   “School stuff.” 

   NO!

   “School!??!”

   SCHOOL MY A-

   “Look at me and tell me what you think about this.”

   Alisa posed stylishly.

   “Aughhh!!!…f- fine!….Could you move away first then?!?!?”

   He….gave in, but in the correct way he should’ve done already.

   Alya had edged close and closer while demanding compliments, like she usually did.

   “Eyes up here, dummy.”

   “I- I didn’t l- look!!”

   “I never said that you looked~ You dirty boy.”

   RAAGHH!?!!!?! he yelled internally. Masachika was nearing exploding point, for the second time the very same minute.

   He had been able to compliment Alisa before, without breaking form. But now, he didn’t have that grace period in between to recover. It kept on coming and coming. <5>

   “Gnfggg!” he made a strange sound, slapping his face.

   “Aw~ You want to touch them first that bad~? Since you were looking?~”

   Masachika tried. He really did. But..welp, that was it.

   He broke.

   “A-!” 

   Clack!

   “Found you two!” someone called, out of nowhere.

   Eh?!

   They both looked at the direction it came from in surprise, stopped dead in their tracks.

   “Did I interrupt something?”

   Although she had taken quite a long time, Sora had come back.

   The two didn’t reply.  

   She spoke since they didn’t say anything, looking at Alisa.

   “Oh~ My, my, that’s quite the dress you have there.”

   After taking a moment, the person wearing the dress talked.

   “O- oh, hello, Ms. Fukushima….”

   Alya seemed to have shrank, or was that just his imagination?

   Masachika was still fuming a little, abruptly paused when he was about to break.

   “Pardon me if I barged in. This is out of the blue, but…is there any chance that the two of you are currently free till late today?”

   “Eh?”

   “Eh?”

—•—

   “D- do we have to do t- this?”

   “There’s no point in complaining now….Masachika.”

   “I- I know…”

   “But I do agree with you on that point. Do we?”

   “It’s just…so…random.”

   “Yes. Yes it is.” her tone was sarcastic.

   “We were free today but that’s just because we crammed everything together and did them earlier!”

   “Mhm.” nodded Alya.

   “Are you sure there weren’t anyone else she could have asked?”

   “Masachika~ We are already outside.”

   “Hmm…”

   They were standing on the streets, already in casual clothing. 

   The winter air was frosty and cold.

   Snow lay on rooftops, glistening in the slight illumination of the hidden sun beneath the horizon.

   “I guess…we’ll do what she requested now. (I mean I literally have no other choice)” muttered Masachika.

   Let’s have a slight rewind, for better context.

   An hour and a half ago. The near past.

   “Please?”

   It was strange to see Sora, a grown woman, practically begging two random teenagers she met recently to babysit her son, out of nowhere.

   “I- I’m n- not sure..” replied Alisa.

   “Right now? Why?” spoke Masachika.

   “You two worked hard the past few days. Besides, he can’t wait any longer. I can’t have him throw a tantrum, absolutely not. Believe me.”

   “Are you suggesting that we take this as a convenient excuse to get some rest?”

   “Yes. And most importantly, for the sake of Minato.” <6>