Archive of Our Own ^beta

"So many documents..."

Hina muttered, rubbing her temple as she stared down at her desk, sorting through the ridiculously thick bundle of folders. Budget requests for ammunition... incident reports... something about disciplinary action... she sighed as she continued going through the endless stack. Ako cheerfully dropped them off at her desk with a bright smile and the reassurance that she had organized everything by urgency, and that if Hina needed any help, Ako would be right by her side.

Then she walked out to get coffee with Iori.

Lies. They were all lies. If she's my pet, why doesn't she do the work for me? Hina grumbled internally as she straightened the messy pile, aligning the edges carefully before opening the file on the top of the endless sea of yellow sleeves.

However, she was stopped in her tracks by an insistent chime from a nearby electronic device. Who would message me at this time? Well... whatever. It doesn't matter much. Hina ignored the sound. The device went off again, then a third time, almost as if in protest. Hina grumbled and fished her phone out of her pocket, waking up the screen with a flick of her finger. She had intended to silence it to avoid further interrupting her workflow, but to her surprise, the lock screen was empty, with no banners or notifications obscuring the wallpaper.

The notifications weren't coming from her phone.

The laptop next to her went off a fourth time. Hina blinked and then slipped her phone back in her pocket sheepishly. "...Ah."

Her hand idly cupped over her mouse, the cursor sliding across the screen to open up the mail app. As it loaded, Hina's attention returned to her paperwork. She grasped her fountain pen, removed a sheet of paper from the folder, and prepared to sign her name at the bottom of the page. Her gaze flicked up to see that the application had loaded.

At the top sat one new, unread email.

Sensei.

Her pen hovered over the document she was about to sign, her muscles freezing up as she caught sight of the familiar name on the screen. It was an email from Sensei about something related to Gehenna. The email's contents themselves were trivial, but the moment Hina saw his name, a familiar, uncomfortable emotion drifted into her chest.

Jealousy.

An all-too-familiar guilt settled in her stomach like a weight. There was no reason to worry about Sensei or what he was doing, or be envious of him. Abydos High, in particular, needed constant communication with the teacher. She wasn't confused or worried at all about his activities.

...

Who was she kidding?

She still remembered the teacher's snicker. Hina had bumped into him on a walk a few days ago and struck up a conversation. But a few minutes later, Sensei's phone buzzed in his pocket, and as he fished it out and unlocked the screen, Hina caught a glimpse of the message history between him and Hoshino, just before he angled the phone away from her.

Normal teacher-student things. They were just talking.

And then, he let out this weird, breathy laugh, and then excused himself immediately.

Not normal teacher-student things.

Why was he hiding it from me? Is... Hoshino... No, she wouldn't. Don't. Hina buried her face in her hands shamefully. She couldn't believe the thought had even crossed her mind: it felt so wrong. Hoshino wouldn't do something like that. She and Hoshino had been together for seven months by now. There was no reason to be this insecure.

The guilt felt even heavier on her shoulders. She let out a deep exhale, discarding the thought from her memory. I know better than to doubt her. I trust Hoshino... I love her. They're probably talking about something important.

But... that's not what I'm worried about, is it? I'm not scared of Hoshino cheating on me.

No... I'm jealous of Sensei stealing Hoshino's attention.

The thought made Hina flinch and straighten her back instinctively. She was disgusted with herself. Before she could dwell more on her thoughts, however, two raps sounded on her office door.

"Hina-chaan~! I'm coming in!"

Ako slammed through the door without waiting for a response, bursting through the doorway cheerfully and breaking Hina out of her trance. Her loud, shrill voice alone was enough to cut several years from Hina's lifespan. She stepped in, clasping her hands behind her back with that irritating I'll be here whenever you need me! smile (which was never). "Good morning! Or, afternoon, I guess. Time flies when you're working, am I right?"

Hina ignored Ako at first, still sour at the blue-haired Prefect Team member for just dropping the stack of folders onto her desk. Hina didn't take her eyes off her paperwork for a second as she spoke. "If you're here to comment on my workload, you can leave, unless you want to handle all of..." Hina gestured wearily to the pile of folders in front of her.

"No, no, this is important! Really important!" Ako skipped towards Hina's desk and leaned forward, planting her hands on the wooden surface to steady herself from tipping over. "So~ the party between Trinity and Gehenna today... I just wanted to remind you of today's inter-school party at the gym! Ugh, can you believe it? Trinity students and that stupid Tea Party on our grounds..."

"Aren't we at odds? Rivals? Don't our two schools hate each other?" Hina offered, still not sparing the blue-haired Prefect member a glance as she scribbled down her signature on another piece of paper. "Is this party the signing of a peace treaty or something?"

"You forgot about the Eden Treaty?" Ako looked dumbfounded. "You know? The... peace treaty we signed, ten months- almost a year back?"

"Oh. Yeah... that." Hina rubbed the back of her neck, frustratedly. She was more of an old-timer than her girlfriend these days, with her awful memory. I need to get more sleep... "Of course I didn't forget," she lied.

"...You're overworking yourself," she sighed at first, before continuing. "And I heard those weird Abydos kids are in attendance. Don't know what Makoto was doing inviting them of all people, that bastard," Ako scowled with a frown on her face. It was clear she had heavy disdain for the dying school.

Hina hummed in acknowledgement.

"Happy Birthday, our dear Head Prefect!" Ako tried to imitate a confetti explosion with her hands. "Ugh, if Makoto didn't just have to organize this dumb party on your birthday, we would have thrown you a party... She did this on purpose, I swear!-"

"...What?" Hina finally looked up from her paper, her pen dropping onto the wooden desk and her hand going limp.

"Makoto did this on purpose, I said-"

"No, not that. You said it was my what?" Hina demanded.

"You, uh... It's your birthday today, remember?" Ako ruffled her collar nervously, her smile slowly fading. The room suddenly felt extremely quiet.

"...Of course," Hina muttered, staring back down at her paperwork. She suddenly felt extremely small under Ako's questioning gaze. "Of course I remembered."

Ako studied her for a moment, her eyes narrowing for a beat. "I mean... Of course! Obviously." She laughed awkwardly, swallowing apprehensively as she noticed Hina's grip tightening on the desk. "...Well, uh, I'll leave you to it..." She slowly retreated out of Hina's office, closing the door gently behind her.

Hina sat there, totally dumbfounded. Oh... it is my birthday. She loosened her grip on the table. Maybe in her first year, she would have cared enough to jot the date, but with how busy she had been lately, it hadn't even crossed her mind. She stared at the document below her, staring at it until the words blurred together into a mix of black-and-white.

She pushed back her rolling chair and bent down to pick up her pen. It had been seven months since she had allowed herself something warm and something extremely reckless. A relationship that was a gamble between losing her reputation and finding true love.

Hoshino... where are you?

What are you doing?

Why aren't you giving me as much attention as Sensei these days...

Almost as if on cue, her phone buzzed on the desk, then again. Hina slowly, tentatively reached for it, almost like she was afraid of what she'd see. She stared at the empty black screen for a few seconds before turning on the device. Two notifications obscured the wallpaper behind them.

Hoshino: Heyy, Miss Head Prefect. How's your day going?

Hina stared at the message.

Miss Head Prefect? Hoshino knew she hated that nickname. It was what the pink-haired used to call her, before the Train Cannon incident happened. It was a robotic, professional title, rather than a pet name or something that you'd call your girlfriend.

Are we really growing distant?

Hoshino: Oh.

Hoshino: You're busy.

Hoshino: Well... It's fine, I was going to go take a nap anyway.

Hina blinked. She was so lost in her thoughts that she had forgotten to reply to Hoshino.

Hina: I'm working.

The message was colder than she had intended. Maybe she'll feel worried about our relationship, just like me. Maybe if I act cold for long enough, she'll get jealous and direct all her attention back on me again... The thought slipped past her defenses traitorously, just for a moment, before Hina immediately pushed it to the back of her head.

Hoshino: That wasn't the question, but okay.

There was a short pause.

Hoshino: So. About the party tonight. Your student council leader invited our school.

Hina: I am aware.

Hoshino: Dress?

Hina sat there, dumbfounded for a few moments, before replying with two question marks.

Hina: ??

Hoshino: Do you have a dress yet?

Hina: No...

Hoshino: Planning to scare everyone with your uniform?

Hina let out a giggle under her breath as she replied.

Hina: Maybe.

Hina: What's your point? Should I go dress shopping?

Hoshino: With meee. In the afternoon!

Hina: That won't be needed. Get some rest.

Hoshino: I know you don't need it, I just... want to go with you.

Hina: That tracks.

Hina sat there, glancing at her texts, then at her documents. Dress-shopping with Hoshino? Hina had honestly planned to just enter the party in her uniform and then be security at the venue.

Do I even have enough time? Hina glanced at the thick bundle of folders on her desk. Can I finish all this in time? The obvious, realistic answer was a resounding 'no.' But for Hoshino... We haven't had an in-person meetup in a long time. About two weeks or so. I'm itching for another one...

Hina: ...You should go alone.

Hina: I'd just bother you.

There was a long silence.

Hoshino: Oh.

Hoshino: Is that really what you think?

Hoshino: I just want to see your face again.

Hina sighed. That did it. Warmth began to bubble up in her chest.

Hina: ...I can spare some time.

Hoshino: Deal!! I'll behave.

A traitorous grin peeked up on her face, despite everything, as she set her phone face down on the desk. I hope you don't, she thought to herself.

The mall was bustling with activity, as it always is at this time of day. It sat just outside the Gehenna district, as Hina had suggested. Hina walked beside Hoshino, her hands to her sides and her giant gun slung across her back as people passed in both directions. People weaved in and out of storefronts constantly, like a tide receding and then attacking.

Some citizens and mall security gave her weird looks, while other students they passed recognized her and instantly kept their distance.

"Head Prefect... Hey, that's the Head Prefect!"
"That's her?! So small!"
"So scary, even with that tiny frame..."
"She goes shopping?! I honestly thought she was an alien."

Hina could hear scattered pieces of gossip a few steps behind her. Wow, they act like I'm a zoo animal. Tiny... they just called me that, while I was in earshot. In Gehenna, I would have given them a piece of my mind... But I have no jurisdiction here. What disrespect...

Her eyes darkened for a brief moment, her shoulders stiffening like cardboard. Before she could turn around and shoot them a dangerous death glare, Hoshino tugged on her uniform's sleeve urgently, breaking Hina out of her trance.

"Ta-da! This is the store-" yawn "...I had in mind," Hoshino said, her sentence broken into two by a drawn-out, crispy yawn. "Anyways..." She pointed at a storefront, and immediately from the get-go, Hina wondered if Hoshino could afford shopping here.

Through the glass panes on either side of the doorway, Hina could see that the dresses on display were either beautiful, simple designs or even more gorgeous, complex designs (that probably cost ten times more).

"...Are you sure you can afford shopping here?" Hina said, cocking her head curiously and studying the elegant patterns on each dress. One, in particular, caught her eye, with its star-speckled, strapless design... Hina tore her gaze away reluctantly.

That's so flashy... Would people think I was arrogant for wearing such an outfit? Hina stared at every dress on display. They all seemed so expensive. "If you really want to, I'll cover for you with my wallet-"

Hoshino giggled loudly, drawing eyes briefly. "Come on! Even if our school is crippled and in debt, do you think I'm that broke? If my girlfriend thinks this lowly of me, what does the public think of Abydos High students?"

"Well... S-Sorry. I just..." Before Hina had even finished her sentence, Hoshino was already skipping into the entrance of the store. The word 'girlfriend' had drawn the attention of passing students almost instantly. There was already a crowd muttering excitedly and snapping photos like the two of them were celebrities.

Well. Not like it mattered. The only person she wanted attention from was the pink-haired girl in front of her.

Now there's going to be a rumor going around. Hina groaned awkwardly, trying to ignore the surprised stares of the students around her, and followed, pushing past the double glass doors.

She's so much braver than me. I could never even dare to do such a thing.

Maybe if the rumor spread... others would also want a piece of her. Maybe she'd have so many more friends than before, and then she wouldn't have time for me anymore.

Maybe her attention will become even more split-

Inside the store, the air was slightly fresher, and the closed doors had drowned out the mall's chatter and Hina's self-deprecating thoughts.

A shop attendant approached them almost instantly, but Hoshino waved them off lazily and began browsing the dresses immediately. From the shop attendant's expression, it was clear he thought she was a common thief trying to steal the store's dresses. He walked over to a nearby security guard. "When that girl runs out of the store without paying," he hissed, just loud enough for Hina to hear, "be ready to intercept her."

Hina immediately shot the two a dangerous look, her face darkening. Her presence alone was intimidating enough, and the weapon on her back served as a warning of what might happen if they defied her.

"...U-Uh, better to just let them do what they want, actually," the shop attendant stammered, breaking into a sweat and immediately scurrying off elsewhere in the store as he caught a glimpse of Hina's machine gun.

After that, Hina went in the opposite direction from Hoshino. Her eyes skimmed over the designs curiously. I'm so bad at dress-picking... Her eyes immediately brightened at the sight of one. It was simple and didn't stand out much from the crowd: a strapless black dress. It would let her blend in with the crowd when the partying began. Her fingers tentatively reached out for the dress's hanger...

"You're picking that? Come on now," Hoshino sighed, though a suppressed giggle told Hina that she had been expecting her to pick out something terrible or overly basic. "You're too worried about not looking arrogant instead of looking pretty! Here, I'll pick one out for you." Hoshino's dextrous fingers slipped between the row of dresses and fished out something that immediately horrified Hina.

The dress Hoshino was holding up was strapless, with a ruffled neckline that framed the shoulders without exposing too much. The bodice was fitted and adorned with tiny, star-like decorations... The skirt flared into layered tulle, falling just to the knee... Okay, it's growing on me a little. It looks comfortable, and not too flashy... "...Wouldn't wearing such a fancy dress make me look arrogant?"

"You're thinking too much," Hoshino said with a lazy smirk on her face that warmed Hina's heart. "Come on~ don't you trust me?"

"Well... I guess... What about your dress?"

"Mm... I want to keep it a secret from you so I can see your reaction..." Hoshino was holding a folded dress behind her back secretively, her eyes drifting off into space. "And then you'll say 'Wow, Hoshino-chan, you look amazing!' and I'll go 'Don't flatter me,' and then we'll kiss in front of the whole crowd..." she mused dreamily, a mischievous grin appearing on her face that stretched as wide as the moon.

Hina stared at Hoshino like she had two heads, her face flushing at the mere thought of it. "T-That's preposterous. I have more self-restraint than you think. As if I'd just let loose like a cannon at a gathering like that..."

"Hehe! You look so flustered! I love that expression. Anyway, try on your dress! Don't worry, I won't peek. I'm trying to save the excitement for the party." Hoshino covered her eyes to emphasize her point, though Hina could tell she was staring through the spaces between her fingers. "Go on."

Hina lumbered to the front, the door clicking shut behind her as she slipped into a fitting room. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead loudly, almost as if they were going to snap off or explode at any second. She changed rather quickly, hanging her crinkled uniform on a hook and setting down her machine gun. Then, she put on the dress, adjusting the fabric and smoothing out the bodice.

When she turned to the mirror, she was pleasantly surprised by the way the color contrasted against her skin. It was elegant without being overly excessive, and comfortable to wear. The star pattern on the front wasn't overly flashy, but rather subtle, catching the light as Hina turned... I suppose this dress is fine. She lifted a hand, her fingers hovering at her neck. But I need to add some accessories... And do my hair.

In the fitting room beside hers, she could make out the sound of Hoshino giggling through the relatively thin walls. The sound beneath the wall was easy to catch Hina off guard. "Whoa, this looks good on this old-timer! I can't wait to see your reaction to it!"

Hina's hand froze on her collarbone, her fingers stiffening as the thought crept in. What would Hoshino say if she saw me like this? The idea made Hina muse for a brief moment. Would she grin? Maybe she would tease... Or say something nice in a warm voice. Hina blinked thoughtfully. What was the word for that? Yes. Praise. I want to be praised by Hoshino. Not anyone else.

Just her.

I want her eyes on me during the party...

Hina pressed her lips into a firm line. How childish. How immature. What a pointless desire... She exhaled slowly, shaking her head like that would erase the idea from her mind. She took off the dress and slipped back into her uniform, composing herself and smoothing out the crinkles in her sleeves. After holstering her weapon and slinging it over her back, Hina walked out of the dressing room with the dress folded neatly.

"I'll take it," she said flatly.

"O-Oh! You'll pay?" the attendant stammered, his voice carrying a hint of surprise. The very notion of it made Hina furious.

"Is that surprising?" Hina offered coldly, fishing out her card and swiping it across the register. A loud, satisfying beep sound emerged from the machine. "Do I look like a common thief to you?"

"N-No... You and your friend look like... Good, paying customers..." the attendant stuttered unconvincingly as he slipped the dress into a large paper bag, muttering something about intimidating delinquents.

As the attendant spoke, Hoshino emerged from her own fitting room with a loud yawn, hiding the dress she had picked behind her back. Her eyes met with Hina's for a second before the Head Prefect forcefully tore away her gaze, though it was extremely tempting not to glance at the dress as Hoshino slid it onto the counter.

"Remember!" Hoshino said, a loud yawn breaking the word in half. "No peeking, okay?"

"It's a bit hard to resist the temptation," Hina admitted. The sound of a card beeping, and then a paper bag crinkling materialized from Hoshino's direction. After a brief silence, Hina felt a tap on her shoulder as Hoshino came into view, carrying a comically massive paper bag.

Hoshino yawned, stretching her arms upwards and arching her back, one eye closed as the two walked in tandem out of the clothing store. "Well? Where to next? The park? A terrace? Ooh, we could grab some food..."

"I have work to attend to," Hina said firmly. The sentence had come out a little colder than she had intended. "Today's a busy day."

I know it's wrong, but I secretly want her to nag and beg for me to stay.

I don't know, just something... to show she still needs me...

"Oh." The faintest flicker of a frown crossed Hoshino's face. "Well, that's okay. I was thinking of taking a nap," she said lazily, lifting her hand in an effortless wave. Hina could feel her heartstrings tightening as she watched the pink-haired Abydos student slowly disappear. She had been looking forward to spending time with Hoshino, but her schedule today was far too busy.

...

Oh.

Hmm...

Hina turned around and walked in the opposite direction, trying not to let her thoughts push her over the edge. These were childish, immature, and utterly pointless thoughts, and she knew that... She straightened out the crinkles in her uniform. She couldn't help but hope that tonight, at the party, Hoshino's eyes would be on her.

Hoshino didn't make it very far before she stopped, slumping over against a bridge's railing. Below her was the sound of rushing water, a beautiful, relaxing melody.

Well. It did nothing to soothe her nerves. "...That was dumb," she muttered to herself, glancing at nowhere in particular. She scratched the back of her neck, her half-lidded eyes unfocused. Hina hadn't yelled. She hadn't snapped.

She seemed so distant.

That's odd... especially since it's her birthday. Hoshino opened her phone, glancing at the sea of messages she had sent Sensei in preparation for the party. Of course, after the news about the Trinity-Gehenna inter-school party, they had to postpone it by a day.

But never would Hoshino have thought Hina would be this cold. Especially not today. The way Hina had glanced at her before telling her she had to go to work, it seemed like she was asking for something. Demanding.

Demanding... to leave. She seemed so irritated. Maybe... because... we just aren't a good fit for each other anymore?

The longer Hoshino thought about it, the more she thought like she was actually going to cough up blood. Hoshino tapped her and Hina's messages, ready to send something, but she didn't know what to say.

Why are you so distant lately?

I just wanted to spend time with you.

Was I a nuisance?

She typed the messages but found herself afraid to send them. She ended up deleting it all, letting out a frustrated growl underneath her breath. "Ugh... this is complicated."

"Are... we growing distant?"

The mere thought made Hoshino's chest hurt. In the past few weeks or so, she had sensed that Hina had grown colder and drier in her replies. Until now, she had been afraid to acknowledge that she might be just another nuisance on Hina's schedule. Now, that possibility...

Could it be true?

Hoshino sighed. "Today's your birthday. I wanted today to be easy..." She glanced at her phone. All of those logistics, those stupid finances, and that shopping for party supplies... All of those anxious late-night calls... All of those naps Hoshino had to forsake to prepare something for her. "They were all for you, Hina..."

Was it all in vain?

Hoshino wiped the thought from her head. Perhaps, if she just gave Hina space tonight at the party, that was all she needed. Maybe then, things would return to normal. Hoshino's gaze lingered on the blue sky for a second longer before she turned her head and walked back to Abydos.

"Huh. They really dressed up the gymnasium well for this party," Chinatsu commented idly. "I can't even tell what it's supposed to be."

Hina adjusted the long gloves on her arm. Being in this dress felt horribly exposing, even though it barely showed any skin. Her hair was tied back in an uncomfortable bun, with some loose strands framing her face and a sideswept fringe that partially covered her left eye.

"Head Prefect." Hina turned around to face the Disciplinary Committee's members, her posture straightening on instinct under their gazes as they moved beside her. Iori was scanning the room, as usual, prepared to make another rash decision if a threat appeared, while Chinatsu offered polite, drawn-back smiles to everyone that passed.

And... well... Ako was right beside Hina, to her left, gawking openly and somewhat rudely. "...Hina?" she said slowly, studying the Head Prefect like she was an entirely new person. Iori muttered under her breath something about 'getting off the Head Prefect's back.'

"Yes?" Hina replied neutrally, giving nothing away from her expression.

"You... You look, I mean..." She clasped a hand over her mouth, unsure what words to use. "Good! You look good. This is a good impression on the Tea Party!"

"Stop bothering the Head Prefect. She looks preoccupied enough, can't you tell?" Iori snapped, moving between Ako and Hina to separate the two. "Give her some space. It's her... You know. Her birthday?"

Ako scowled and began bickering with Iori, but Hina barely heard it. Maybe it was because she was staring at the Foreclosure Task Force, who had just entered the Gehenna gymnasium. Some members, like a black-haired girl with red eyes and a set of dark blue cat ears, seemed unruly and irritated. Another one with green eyes and yellow hair seemed polite and cautious of everything she touched.

Hoshino was the only one Hina was focusing on. Her dress was strapless, like Hina's, but it seemed looser on her body. The fabric was a dark, turquoise-green, flowing into a gently flared skirt that brushed her knees as she moved. A faint ribbon was wrapped around her waist, and her hair was made into a lazy ponytail.

It was effortless. Everything about it was simple and totally lazy... yet still amazing. She looks good, Hina thought to herself. She looks happy with her friends. Hina despised the traitorous feeling of jealousy that was forming in her chest, but it was impossible to stop.

"Thank you for attending," she said calmly as she approached the group of Abydos students. Iori shot the group a nasty, unfriendly glare as Hina talked.

Serika looked vaguely irritated just to be there, mumbling something about her part-time job. "I can't believe Hoshino would just randomly go to a party like this. Something's fishy..."

Nonomi gave Serika a gentle nudge. Shiroko dipped her head slightly, not saying anything else. "I'd like to thank your committee and the Pandemonium Society for inviting us here," Ayane began.

"Wow. You look really formal tonight, Miss Head Prefect," Hoshino said with a weirdly professional smile. Before Hina could reply, Hoshino pulled her into a casual, light hug. Instantly, Hina's brain short-circuited at the feeling of Hoshino's hands on her back, her shoulders stiffening. She's just doing this?! In public?!

Iori looked like she was about to rip Hoshino's head off. The pink-haired Abydos student grinned lazily as she drew back from her hug. "Oops. Sorry, reflex."

"What's that supposed to mean? You guys have hugging sessions or something?" Serika joked.

Hoshino didn't reply, only glancing at Hina with a knowing smirk.

"...You guys don't have hugging sessions, right?" Nonomi laughed, her brows furrowing. "...Right??"

"Well! We'll see you around, Disciplinary Commi- yawn... -ttee." Hoshino let out a loud yawn mid-sentence as she completely changed the topic. Under normal circumstances, Hina would have thought the yawn was ill-mannered and immature, but... well... It was Hoshino.

As the Foreclosure Task Force slowly retreated from view, the warmth from Hoshino's hug had long-gone. Ako immediately launched into a tirade on the inappropriateness and lack of manners of the 'acting student council of Abydos High,' but Hina couldn't be bothered to listen.

The Prefect team members eventually scattered to go do their own things: talk with their friends, interact with other student councils, and whatnot. Eventually, Hina grew tired of going around talking to Tea Party officers and took a seat at the non-alcoholic bar. She had lost count of how many drinks she had ordered after a while.

The student barista glanced at her with worry. "...Uh, this is your third cup of coffee."

"I'm feeling tired," Hina said wearily as she leaned forward, wrapped her fingers around the mug's handle, and took a gentle, composed sip. Ako hovered around nearby like a lost sparrow. How annoying, Hina thought to herself as her grip tightened on the mug.

Her attention drifted to a voice in the distance. Of course, it was Hoshino's. Laughing in the distance with her friends, complimenting others... Hina pictured Hoshino's lazy, careless face lit with laughter. Looks like she's enjoying herself without me, she thought to herself dejectedly.

Maybe we are growing distant. She hasn't even approached me this entire time...

"Head Prefect? You've been zoning out," Ako said, leaning in closer. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine."

"Head Prefect, if this is all too much, I can..."

"Ako." She cupped a hand over her face, casting an ominous shadow across it. Her glare held dozens of unspoken words. Her voice was tight and sharp, like she was restraining herself from saying something she'd regret. Ako hesitated, taking a step back.

"Get. Out," she continued, her voice low and clipped.

Ako glanced around nervously. Even Iori seemed surprised at how profoundly irritated the Head Prefect was.

"Iori."

"O-Okay..." Iori mumbled, grabbing Ako's hand and leading her away back to the main room.

God... what's wrong with me today?

Hina suddenly became acutely aware of a low, dull pounding in her skull. She pressed her hand against her forehead. A headache... It hurts. Her ears felt like they were going to burst from the pressure in her skull. It was only growing worse and worse, like a balloon...

"...Ma'am?" the barista mumbled uncertainly.

"That's Head Prefect for you," Hina snapped. "I need another cup."

The barista gulped and hesitantly went to make another double-shot espresso for her. Hina felt her face burning. She felt her ears burning. Everything was burning. I... I can't think straight. What's happening...?

"Oh! Hina."

That voice... Sensei's voice snapped Hina out of her delirious trance. The teacher took the seat beside Hina's, leaning over on the countertop. "I was looking for you! Normally, you'd be out there, acting all professional..." He rubbed his temples sheepishly. "You look great tonight, by the way," he said casually. "Looks like someone with good taste picked out that dress!"

"Sensei..." Hina sighed, pressing her head against the marble countertop. "...Why are you here..."

"Huh! You sound happy to see me here." If Hina didn't know better, she would have thought he had just pouted. "I can't just come to accompany my most trusted student? Plus, you looked like you needed the company." As the barista returned with Hina's coffee, his eyes widened in alarm. "Whoa. That's a strong one." He turned to the barista. "How many cups has she...?"

"This is her fourth one," the barista said wearily.

"W-What?! All stuff like this?!"

The barista nodded gloomily. "I'm not going to refuse the Head Prefect. She'd probably rip me to shreds if I did."

"Hina..." Sensei diverted his attention back to the student. "Are you okay?"

Hina didn't reply at first, taking a sip of the coffee. Even with all that caffeine flowing around her veins, she felt emotionally spent. "...Sensei," she began. "Why... were you talking to Hoshino so much?" Hina hoped her voice didn't sound too desperate as she took another swig from her mug. "Why are you taking her attention away from me?"

"Oh... That?"

"Yes, that."

"I can't tell you!" Sensei said with a light smile.

Most trusted student, my ass. "Why not?"

"Secret."

"No shit, but why not?" Her voice was rising in pitch, almost feverishly, a sense of frustration building in her chest. Sensei visibly flinched. "S-Sorry, I didn't mean that... It's just..."

"...Whoa. First time seeing you swear."

"You've been talking a lot, you and her, recently," Hina continued. "I... I'm just worried for my partner, alright?"

Sensei shot her a confused look. "So... is this an interrogation or...? Oh. Oh." Sensei seemed to understand what Hina was trying to say. "Are you two together? Wait, no, that's stupid. Wait, are you, though?"

"...Yeah..."

Sensei's eyes lit up. "WAIT! Actually!?" He had this wide, stupid grin on his face. "Now I get it. I thought all of that was too excessive for a friend."

"H-Huh!? W-Wait, keep your voice down!"

"Wait. You're telling me because?"

Hina swallowed, taking another sip of her coffee. "...Well... I think she's growing kind of distant. She's reverting to using that stupid nickname, Miss Head Prefect... every time we call, it's always just cut short... I don't know. She doesn't look at me the same." The words tripped after one another in rapid succession. "And I know it's irrational, but I feel like I'm losing her attention. I don't know why, I just want her all to myself. It's possessive, it's disgusting... I hate myself for it... But, I just... I feel like I'm going to be discarded by her soon-"

Sensei giggled at first, before breaking into a full-on laugh. He pounded his fist on the table. "Oh, you're actually totally oblivious?"

"...Sensei?" Hina was completely dumbfounded.

"I'm sorry," Sensei said, clearing his throat. "It's just... She's been preparing for your birthday. Obsessively. That's the reason she's been calling me all the time. And you probably think she's more distant because she's trying to be secretive. Her attention is a hundred percent still on you, I don't know what you're talking about!"

"...What?" Hina suddenly felt extremely, extremely small.

"She's been planning the whole thing. She even had to tag along to Serika's job just to scrape some money. She's been planning for the last two months, Hina. She's terrified of messing it up."

"...My birthday. She's been doing this all for my birthday." The room felt as if it were spinning around her, faster and faster. Hina's headache began to pulse again, so much stronger this time. She suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded.

"She wanted it to be perfect," Sensei continued. "She didn't want you to suspect anything. She's been asking me questions all the time. We had an hour-long conversation over the phone yesterday because she learned that, since there was actually an inter-school party tonight, we'd have to postpone it to the next day. I've never seen Hoshino this productive in my life. She really does love you."

Her chest felt like it was closing in on her. The walls around the bar suddenly felt extremely constrictive, like they were slowly closing in on her. "Oh," Hina said simply, stumbling out of her seat. She felt like she was suffocating. "I see. Oh, I see. Oh..."

I was sitting here, pathetic and jealous, while she was doing a part-time job.

I was worrying about praise and attention, and all that crap...

I'm a horrible human being.

"I... I thought..."

"...Hina?" Sensei took notice immediately, leaning in and clasping her hand in his. "Hey, Hina. Snap out of it."

Her hands were shaking. Her body was quaking like a twig in a storm. It was pathetic. "I think..." she choked out, "I think I've been a horrible girlfriend. I've been jealous, shitty, I've done everything wrong... I don't deserve someone like her..."

"Hina, no..."

"I need... Excuse me..." Her vision felt blurry. She was running somewhere, anywhere, to some little dark corner away from all the noise. Away from the music, away from the distractions. I'm overstimulated... I need something to anchor me, to stop me from...

Hina ran into a broom closet, closed the door, and hid behind a pile of boxes, burying her face in her hands. It was darker here. Barely any light got through. The music was a little more mellow inside here. Her heart was pounding so hard she could hear it in her ears.

She let out a pathetic, wobbly whimper.

Wow. "One-woman army" is really what they call you?

Trembling, snivelling...

Useless...

There was too much to take in.

Jealous while she was helping you...

"Stop," she muttered. She was surprised the tears hadn't started yet. She chewed on the inside of her cheek. "Stop, stop... Stop..." She inhaled deeply, her body's violent shaking slowly easing into a gentler shudder.

"I'm a horrible girlfriend," she sniffled to no one in particular.

She slowly rose to her feet. The shaking had stopped. She pushed open the broom closet door. She stumbled out into the hallway like a drunkard, almost bumping into a shocked Trinity student. "...Excuse me," she said curtly, taking in a deep breath to compose herself.

Do what's right. You know what's right.

End it.

End your pathetic little relationship.

She deserves better than you.

She adjusted her gloves, eased her shoulders, and moved one foot in front of the other. Then again. With each step, she felt the dread in her stomach only growing. As she finally re-entered the main room, she bumped into someone. Who it was, she couldn't tell or care for.

"Oh, hey, Head Prefect!" The person was Makoto, her sly smirk betraying a plan to humiliate Hina. The two had always harboured resentment towards each other, and today was no different. The chairwoman of the Pandemonium Society flashed her fancy dress, brushing her feet-length white hair to the side. "Didn't see you around at tonight's party much. Are you too busy sulking about how you have to spend your birthday out here, actually being social?"

"Out of the way, Makoto."

"Hm? Me? Take orders from Hiniature? Hah! Preposterous-"

"I said. Out. Of. The. Way."

Makoto gulped as she caught a glimpse of Hina's intimidating glare. "Whoa... Uh... You looked really pissed right now..." she mumbled, almost to herself, before slowly retreating back into the crowd.

Hina glanced at the spot where Makoto had been before blinking, snapping out of it. What am I here for... yes, to find Hoshino... She ignored the greetings and catcalls around her, her attention fixated solely on finding Hoshino. She could feel the edges of her vision blurring, the sounds around her slowly growing more and more high-pitched until everything seemed like a fever dream.

She bumped into a random girl in her daze. The girl let out a high-pitched yipe before muttering something under her breath.

"...Wait, is that you...?"

Hina swivelled around to meet a pink-haired girl in the eye, before immediately brushing past her. She had to find Hoshino. Wait... that was Hoshino. Hina turned back around to stare at Hoshino in the eye, her breath bated. "Hoshino," she began.

"Hina, you look so tired!" Hoshino teased, letting out a low-pitched groan as she stretched her arms outwards. "...Aaah. That knuckle crack felt good. Anyway... You kinda vanished earlier, y'know? I got all worried about you... And Sensei just rushed over and said, 'Hey, do you know where Hina went?' and then just left immediately after. I was so confused-"

"Hoshino. I gotta- I mean... I have to talk to you." She inhaled deeply. Her head felt like it was about to split open like a piñata: the headache's pulsing felt like the bass of a speaker.

Hoshino glanced at Hina, first quizically, then with concern. Her lazy smile had totally faded. "Hina? Are you okay? W-What do you need?"

A sudden sense of fear welled in Hina's chest. She wasn't brave enough to do this here. No... I'll just text her. I'll just send the breakup over text. She stumbled away, pushing past the crowd.

Hoshino followed after her. "Hey, Hina... Where are you going?"

"Leave me alone!" Hina snapped. Her eyes were welling up. It felt as if, whenever Hina looked at the Abydos student council president again, she would throw up or break into tears. She wasn't sure which was worse. She tripped over something, bracing against a wall to stop her entire body from falling over like a domino. She was in a hallway where the sounds of the crowd were muffled, replaced by the sound of fluorescent lights buzzing overhead.

Please... Don't follow me here...

She could hear insistent footsteps behind her. "Hina, what-"

Hina felt overwhelmed. She felt like she was going to choke. "P-Please... just go away..." She pushed against a metal door, stumbling into a bathroom. She propped herself up on a sink's countertop. She could feel the tears rolling down her cheeks now. She glanced up at the mirror for a brief second before her gaze dropped down to the floor again. I can't even look myself in the eye anymore...

She could hear the bathroom door creaking open. From the corner of her eye, she could see the outline of Hoshino's dress in the mirror. "Hina. What's happening?" Hoshino began, the usual laziness in her voice having turned into pure concern. There was a short pause before Hina felt a curt tap on her shoulder.

"Hoshino." Hina kept her hands planted on the sink. Her legs felt so weak, like they would give up on her at any moment. I can't even look at her. She deserves someone better than this. Hina suddenly became acutely aware that her entire body was pathetically shaking like a leaf. She swallowed, clenching her fists at her side. "H-Hoshino... Stop..."

"Hina...?" She reached out a hand uncertainly, clasping Hina's tightly. "Hina-chan. Are you okay?"

"I think you'd be happier without me," she blurted.

"What?" Hoshino immediately blurted, her eyes going wide. She stared at Hina as if she were an alien who had just dropped from another planet. "Hina, what?" she repeated, disbelievingly.

"I said, I think you'd be-"

"No." Hoshino cut her off immediately, blinking in confusion, and perhaps denial. She took two staggered steps back, as if to steady herself. Her gaze became unfocused, her mind blanking out. "No, you're... I thought we were doing fine. No, we were doing well. Why? What..." Hoshino snapped out of her trance, her gaze zeroing in on Hina's face. "What... Did I do something wrong?"

"No!" Hina cried out. Her gaze snapped up from the sink as she stared into the mirror, wiping frustrated tears off her face with the back of her hand. Her body was quaking violently now. "No," she repeated, her voice quieter than before. "No, it's my fault. I'm sorry. You'll find someone better."

"Well. That's a load of shit," Hoshino snapped, taking Hina aback and making her flinch.

No... this is exactly the reaction I was scared of. Hina swallowed before making a beeline for the bathroom door. Everything was blurring around her.

She suddenly felt a tight grip on her shoulder, before her back was pressed against the tiled walls of the bathroom with a dull thud. Hina grunted, more startled than painfully. She looked up, expecting to see rage, fury, something in Hoshino's eyes.

Instead, she looked and saw desperation. Hoshino had one hand braced against Hina's hand, the other gripping her shoulder tightly like she was afraid the Head Prefect would disintegrate and vanish into thin air. "Don't. Don't walk away from me like that."

"I... I can't," Hina began.

Hoshino inhaled deeply, muttering some words under her breath. "Hina. You don't get to decide my happiness for me without telling me why," she said, her voice shaking a little.

Hina squeezed her eyes shut. "I-I was scared!" she sobbed, the tears in her face streaking down quicker. "I was scared because I doubted you. I was possessive of you. All these weeks I've been wanting your attention like a pathetic little puppy. I got jealous over nothing, and I got greedy, wanting your eyes on me. I hate myself, because you were out there doing so much for me while I was just spinning in my office chair, wondering when you'd break up with me. You deserve someone better than me. Is that good enough of a reason?!" Her shoulders shook violently now. "I thought if I let you go first, maybe you'd find someone else better before you had to see my true colors. Or maybe it'd just hurt less than you leaving me."

Hoshino's grip on Hina slowly loosened. "...Hina..." She wrapped her arms around the white-haired girl tightly, into a grounding embrace. "That's so fucking stupid... I never even thought about leaving, so why'd you have to do this to me..."

Hina tried to compose herself, but the way Hoshino was hugging her made it a little hard to breathe. "I'm sorry," was all she could say.

"You should be," Hoshino muttered. "...I should be more mad at you, I think. But I can't really stay angry with a face like that." Hoshino sighed, reaching into the pocket of her dress and pulling out a tiny little box. "I kind of wanted to give this to you... tomorrow. I was kinda scared you'd hate it," she confessed.

She didn't get on one knee or anything cheesy like that. Hoshino just opened the box, and a simple golden ring sat in the middle. It wasn't anything too glamorous or fancy. "...Hoshino. I don't deserve this."

"I don't care what you think. I love you, okay?" she blurted out. "I'm sorry for being distant and all." Hoshino took a shaky breath. "Wow, you almost made me cry there. Don't ever do something like that again."

"...I'm sorry," Hina repeated.

"Not what I was looking for."

"...I... I won't do something stupid like this again, okay? I love you," she admitted quietly.

"...Hm. I guess I forgive you." Hoshino took the ring out of the box and slipped it onto Hina's finger slowly. "Uh-uh," she muttered as Hina reached out in protest. "This is your punishment for doing this to me tonight."

The corners of her lips twitched upwards involuntarily, into a reluctant smile. "...Fine, but you shouldn't expect me to dance."

"Oh, don't worry, I will," she murmured, going back to acting like she hadn't just almost broken into tears. She let out a long, drawn-out yawn. "I didn't really want you to see that side of me," she murmured, almost to herself, "but if it means I get to keep you, I'm fine with it."

Hina hummed. "I'd like to see more of that side from you."

"Where were you?" Iori snapped.

"Bathroom," Hina said plainly.

"For twenty whole minutes?! Sensei rushed over and gave us all a heart attack before you walked out of there. And why'd you wash off your makeup?!"

"I wasn't wearing much to begin with," Hina sighed, her face flushing faintly at the excuse. "I didn't like it much, so I just took it all off."

Light, slow music drifted from the speakers on the stage. If Hina hadn't known better, she would have called it romantic. She smoothed out the wrinkles in her gloves. "Well, I have a dance to get to."

"E-Eh?!" Iori glanced at her, confused, as Hina walked off back into the crowd, her eyes scanning the crowd for the pink-haired Abydos student. I don't really want to do this... but I owe her. She spotted Hoshino amongst a tightly huddled group of five that Hina immediately recognized as the Foreclosure Task Force. She and Hoshino immediately locked eyes, as if Hoshino had been waiting for her.

Hina approached the group. "Excuse me," she mumbled as she approached Hoshino.

"Wow. The ring on your finger really does look good," Hoshino teased as she turned to Hina.

"You guys seem oddly familiar with each other," Serika noted.

"Hmm... maybe because she's my girlfriend?" Hoshino muttered to no one in particular, a lazy smile crossing her face. Hina immediately felt her face burst into flames.

"W-What?!" Ayane stuttered, bewildered. "You're in a relationship with...?"

"Oh nooo, I have to go." Hoshino gave Hina a knowing glance as she clasped Hina's hands in hers. "Come on. We got a dance to do." She led Hina to the center of the gymnasium, right in front of the stage and all the speakers. The lights were dim enough for the crowd to fade into silhouettes. The people already dancing there could be counted on one hand.

"No way!" a Trinity student called out. Immediately, Hina felt dozens of pairs of eyes on her and Hoshino.

"That's Gehenna's feared Head Prefect!"
"With... some pink-haired girl?"
"I think she's Mika-san!"
"No, it's the president of Abydos High... Both of them are so scary! But why are they dancing together?"

Hoshino stopped and turned to face Hina, a sly grin on her face. "You know I'm going to make you do the most embarrassing things possible, right?"

"Well. I suppose I deserve it," Hina mumbled reluctantly. Her dress shoes felt extremely loud on the hardwood floor. Hina exhaled, finally easing her shoulders as she placed a hand on Hoshino's waist. The pink-haired girl responded by closing the distance, slinging her arm around Hina's shoulder casually.

"I think we've practiced this position in bed before," she remarked casually.

"H-Hey. Not so loudly," Hina muttered. Her face had turned entirely scarlet, like that of a tomato. As the music reached a gentle swell, the two swayed slowly at first, almost awkwardly. Hina was acutely aware of every single eye on her, but at that moment, she really couldn't be bothered less.

"You're overthinking," Hoshino said.

"What else is new?" Hina murmured.

Hoshino yawned, her eyes half-lidded as the two continued to sway. She tilted her head in amusement. "Relaaax. The dress suits you. I told you I had good taste."

"That's not really what I'm worried about." Hina saw out of the corner of her eye that the students around her were beginning to raise their phones. Other couples dancing on the same floor were giving them confused or sometimes hard glances. Hina could barely make out, in the crowd, Makoto's stunned expression. The Disciplinary Committee's members were staring after the two in shock, while the Foreclosure Task Force was already pushing their way to the front to see what was happening.

"You know! If we're already causing this much chaos..." Hoshino giggled.

"What are you suggesting..." Hina's face was already burning enough.

"Might as well commit!" Before Hina could protest, Hoshino tugged her down just slightly and pressed a brief kiss to her lips. The contact was electric, almost making Hina stumble back in astonishment. "Hmm... tastes good." Hoshino drew back, drawing her tongue across her lips.

If the room had been surprised before, it was now completely alight with chaos. Students gossiped and chattered. Phones were recording almost everywhere. The music was still playing, but now it felt a little more awkward. "...Okay," Hina stammered, embarrassed, "now what's your plan?"

"Romantic getaway before they make you do an announcement or something. What else?" Before Hina could reply, Hoshino grabbed her hand, and the two made a beeline towards the exit in tandem.