Author's Note: Again guys, this is not betaed. I really have no time to give this to TruePrime and Grumpo. I apologize profusely again. I would really hope that I get the chance to actually have the time to actually betaread the next chapter. So far, this is the fifth chapter. Hope you'll enjoy. I know I'm like super late, so I'm sorry again. And for the previous chapter, I would like to say, no offense, that that isn't a filler chapter. It's an important role for the following plot. Trust me. And I meant this statement with no offense at all. I just would like to point it out. I apologize in advance then if I offend some opinions to the previous chapter because that is what you think and so I have nothing, absolutely nothing, against that. Anyway, onto the next chapter. Thanks for the reviews and enjoy!

Music Note 5: Two Day Lockdown

"Tell me again, that we’re lovers and friends." - Usher

Himemiya Chikane, in a blue nightgown, woke up in the strangest sounds and sights at eight in the morning and at the first day of September.

There was Erin, her new African American junior friend, wearing her usual boho clothes. She was doing some kind of hum on a yoga mat cross-legged while drinking coffee and strumming her guitar. Chikane never thought that someone could actually multitask that much.

And then there were muffled noises from next door that sounded like two women arguing, one being so rational and the other practically shouting until kingdom come.

I have no idea how that came up. The beautiful woman thought when she actually registered and determined that.

“Oh hey girl, finally you’re up!” Erin cheered, opening one eye towards her, as she stopped what she was doing temporarily. “God, I totally thought I was going to suffer through the noise all alone.”

“What…” Chikane murmured, as she blinked twice as she tried to comprehend what really was happening. She tried not to comment on the uncomfortable forged nickname on her from Erin.

“I’m just doing my morning routine,” Erin explained as she caught her questioning gaze and then grinned, “You’ll get used to it,”

“I assumed so,” She replied with a small smile, “…And the noise?”

Erin guffawed until Chikane raised an eyebrow towards her direction. “It’s just our neighbours, Reiko Oota and Korona,” She said when her laughter died down, “They’re Japanese like you, but nobody knows Korona’s real name, though,”

“Reiko’s already a sophomore artist, and Korona’s a singer and a freshman like you,” Erin continued as she put her coffee and guitar on the side before she started stretching. “They always fight at every little thing ‘cause Korona’s a potty mouthed, skanky brat and Reiko’s always seem to make her pissed,”

“The ridiculous thing is though,” Erin laughed for the second time. “Is that Korona thinks her so-called secret affair with Reiko is a secret. But Reiko knows better. We all know about them sleeping together,” Chikane’s eyes widened a bit at that as she went on as if to remind her, “This happens everyday ever since Korona got in here, you see. It’s disturbing for a while because everytime they fight, they would always end up making up anyway with… methods you probably don’t want to hear, but again you’ll get used to it.”

“They’re a couple,” It wasn’t meant as a question as Chikane stared with Erin shrugging.

She nodded as a crash next door hit their side of the wall that sounded like a body was being pinned.

Chikane snapped her head through the sudden loudness of the noise… or moans, if she were to be specific. She stared at her braided friend again; who was still acting like it was nothing.

“Yep. A match made in hell,” Erin was deadpanned at saying that, “My sources say they’ve been together for two demonic years almost going three,”

“Oh. Wow.” She responded, trying not to be rude. Although she wasn’t new to this kind of ‘issue’ at hand, Chikane was still a little bit surprised.

“You Japanese people can really hold on a relationship,” Erin slyly winked at her. “And don’t be too surprised. They’re not the only ones who got eyes for girls around here,”

She didn’t know whether to laugh or be appalled at that new information.

“Shit! Himeko, wake up! Alexis said that Check-In’s on nine! If we’re going to be late for the orientation, I swear I’m going to request for a new dorm mate,” Makoto said as she snapped her bra in place after she wore her panties. “We’re seriously lucky that this orientation doesn’t need registration and we still got four more days before school officially starts, so you better make it up to me for sleeping in!”

She had already showered after another early jog and when she saw Himeko still drooling all over her bed when she stepped out of the bathroom, she knew that they were going to be in serious trouble if she wouldn’t wake up soon.

It was already eight-thirty for crying out loud.

Himeko groaned as she rolled over to her back, her red camisole riding up to her abdomen with her white boy shorts slightly folded from the tossing and turning last night. “This is your fault, Makoto-chan. You were the one who decided to have some random late night jog when you know it was near curfew time,” Her amethyst eyes were still blurry as she tried to rub off the sleep when she sat up.

“Come on,” Makoto replied, slipping on her flared denim jeans. “There was still about five minutes when I got back!”

“You know I don’t do late nights and you made me carry all those bags,” The blonde countered as she plopped a pillow over her head after she lied down again. Himeko didn’t want to add that a certain celebrity had helped her with the bags and had small talk with her.

As sweet, shy, and innocent as she was, Himeko wanted to make Makoto guilty for making her wait.

“I thought you understood!” Makoto paused in a beat. “Ok, Fine, look, I’m sorry ok,” She said exasperatedly, grabbing a random green tank top from her closet.

Himeko sighed and until peering over at a shirtless, lithe Makoto. “You definitely look sorry,” She murmured but couldn’t contain a blush when she witnessed the free show.

Makoto, who was clueless on what Himeko was thinking, growled and stalked towards Himeko and clutched the bed sheets underneath her, leaving her tank top on her own bed. “Well then, I’ll definitely look sorry when I do this,”

The cute woman gasped in horror. “You wouldn’t dare-” Himeko couldn’t even finish as Makoto pulled hard, letting her roll over to the ground, head first.

“Oh, I’m sorry about that,” Makoto’s eyes had a mischievous twinkle in her eyes as she pouted at the glaring, beet red Himeko. She didn’t look apologetic at all. “Now shower up.” The runner grinned and winked at her as she threw a towel to her face.

“You’ll definitely pay for that,” She muttered and cradled her head. She was blushing as she grudgingly stood up and snatched the towel away from her face.

“Two to two.” Makoto practically sang as she wore the green tank top she had abandoned just a minute ago.

Ryo, we’re about to go to the airport. This is your mother using your brother’s cell phone. I hope you are all settled in. Shou says that you and Chikane take care. Hikaru and I love you. :)

Ryo turned off the ignition of his 1972 Ford Gran Torino after he had parked it on an available spot on the school grounds along with other cars in a parallel line. He took the key out and ran one of his hands on the wheel with a smile.

There was one thing that he and his father agreed on: vintage cars.

With a contented sigh, he got out of the car with his brown sling bag and locked it. He looked out towards the busy grounds, some of the students watching and whispered about him as if he was familiar.

Scratch that. He was.

Ignoring them, he traversed towards his destination.

--

Hikaru straightened out his black suit on the mirror with intensity and then finally turned around to meet Agnese already on the task of tying properly his white tie. They were now about to go to the airport.

“It’s alright, Agnese,”

Agnese giggled until replying, “You’ve been saying that ever since I helped you with your tie,”

Hikaru frowned, not bothering to even respond at that. He didn’t even need to when Shou knocked on their door. The beautiful man had been two doors down sleeping, separate from them.

“I’m going to go ahead and bring my bags down,” A beat. “Do you need my assistance on yours?”

“No need, Shou,” Agnese said, still busy with the tie. “We will be down in a few minutes,”

“Very well,” He called out back. His presence was now gone on the other side of the door.

“Your silence is very reassuring,” She whispered when she noticed Hikaru hadn’t said anything at all for more than a good minute. Her fingers lightly touched the outline of the finished tie.

Hikaru placed his own hand over Agnese’s. His intimidating face almost looked sad. “…I’m sorry.”

“What are you apologizing for? You did absolutely nothing wrong,” She avoided and leaked out a reassuring smile. “Now, we must go or else we will miss the flight,”

Hikaru shook his head, trying to change the subject. He knew better than to test Agnese’s infinite patience. “That boy must do well or else I’ll have to feed him to Grizzly,”

“Keizer I would understand since he’s a border collie,” Agnese laughed. “But Grizzly the pug? I do not get the logic at all,”

Hikaru scoffed. “Just by his looks alone,” He paused, the slightest hint of an upward curve formed on his grim lips, the rare occasion only meant that it was just reserved for Agnese. “I’m certain that he’s a demon on four legs.”

“I-is this the part where I should leave you two alone?” Himeko, who was wearing her fitting, sleeveless red hooded jacket and a short white skirt to match her plaid high-cut Converse shoes carrying with her blue messenger bag, commented with a question.

She stared at Makoto---who was also carrying her own bag---that felt like forever, who was eating her breakfast bagel on butter. After they had left the play fight at the dorm into the back of their minds to reserve it for later with a tie of the score, they were now outside, strolling along with Makoto teasing just a moment ago until she had found her sights of the godforsaken bagel.

It was something that she should look away, knowing that her cheeks were already flushed, but she just couldn’t. It looked like one of those slow-motion sequences on movies where a woman would seductively eat something while guys in another cut would fantasize that the something that the woman was eating was them.

“What?” Makoto asked, positively clueless as she sucked her index finger slowly when it had suddenly touched the butter. After that curiously enticing move, she continued licking her bagel all the while looking at Himeko as they walked towards the nearing Emeret Gallery Halls for Check-In. “The bagel’s really good here. Especially their butter,”

“You two need a room,” Himeko mumbled shyly and tore her eyes away from her best friend, blushing harder. As she did so, she caught a platinum blonde college jock passing by them and even stopped and turned at the sight, the auburn haired person next to her that could only be his girlfriend immediately slapped him on the back of his head.

“What? I was just looking babe,” She heard the jock say.

“Right! Like I would believe anything you say these days,” The redhead replied heatedly and then Himeko saw her bypassing them again. She was now in the opposite direction to where she was supposed to be heading.

“Come on, babe! Even you got to admit that was freakin’ hot!”

Himeko then gaped at Makoto, eventually ignoring the two fighting. She still didn’t know how Makoto could even gather attention without even trying.

“Why did I have you for a best friend again?”

Makoto, now realizing what she did, smirked before giving her a look as if telling Himeko that she really wanted to pinch her for being so adorable. “Aww,” She started as she put her one arm around the blushing Himeko and kissed her on the blushing cheek, a simple sign of a close friendship.

“It’s because you love me, you dork.”

“Chiaki, will you please leave the phone?” Yasuo lightly requested after noticing Chiaki still on the phone while slipping in her white tea length dress. They were still in their mansion bedroom, getting ready for their flight along with the Takahashis.

“Chikane hasn’t picked up yet,” The topaz haired woman said in a panicky voice, accomplishing wearing her dress completely.

“I’m sure it’s just her mobile phone off,” He reasoned, inserting his arms into his gray jacket over his white polo.

“It’s already thirty minutes past eight,”

The hazel-eyed man sighed and held both of her shoulders, stroking down to her arms and back up again. “Breathe, Chiaki. She is just getting ready for the orientation,” He kissed her on the temple.

“I know, but I need to make sure that she’s alright,”

“We have discussed this for almost a day now,” He reasoned. “She’s in school. Nothing would ever touch her there. Not if I can help it,”

The beautiful older woman exhaled and leaned her head on her husband’s chest. The pregnant silence waved along between them, savouring the much needed time for it to come. He knew she wouldn’t suddenly understand that their little Chikane was growing up but sometimes, he needed to keep her straight so that their daughter wouldn’t actually be guilty, having her think that this was her fault of making Chiaki so… Chiaki.

“I trust you on that judgment.” She finally said.

Yasuo nodded as he brushed his wife’s hair. “Just give her time to indulge on this new experience alone.”

Makoto and Himeko were about to go inside until someone called just out of eyeshot.

“Hey guys!” Jared called out as he waved over to them when they turned. He ran leisurely towards them.

The runner grinned. “Hi, Jed. Did you shave?” She noted as the senior was looking rather outside of his shaggy element in a neat polo and pressed pants when he was just inches before them.

Jared rubbed his spotless chin. “Yeah, I did. Pastor Miyako would kill me if I don’t look clean since I’m one of the Orientation Leaders, after all,”

“Who’s Pastor Miyako?” Himeko asked politely, knowing better than to keep silent. She was in a new place. Socializing wouldn’t hurt her.

“She’s one of the advisers here. She practically teaches everything,” Jared explained. “You’ll meet her in the Emeret main gymnasium. Pastor’s pretty scary if you’re gonna mess with her,” Jared went on and warned, “Just see what she looks like, and never underestimate her.

Little Chikane, don’t mind about the multiple missed calls from your mother. She’s just checking if her phone still is in working condition. We are going to the airport now. Have fun in the orientation. We love you so much.

A soft smile teased on her lips as she read the message, amusing her to no end that her father was a bad liar. She flipped close her Motorola and inserted it back to her bag, going down the steps as freshmen were out of their rooms and going towards the same destination as she was. Some stopped and stared at her, gossiping and even squealed when she came in a meter radius around the women.

Chikane knew it would have to die down sooner or later.

Another beep from her cell phone came, leaving her no choice but to open it rather than leaving it to whine murderously.

Your mother said that she hoped your roommate is not bothering you.

Oh, right. Chikane’s face slightly fell at the thought. The previous conversation with Erin to say the least was an eye-opener. In Japan, she would only have to witness this on books. Sure, she read I Can’t Think Straight by Shamim Sarif or even Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami, and she initially didn’t care what the romance or explorations of this book had encountered. It was books. Fictional stories. One talking about two people in love and rediscovering what their true selves were, while the other suddenly falling madly in love with a desire-less woman ten years her senior.

Her mindset on those people were just women who didn’t give any second glances to the opposite sex and had eyes towards the more beautiful, curvy gender than the rough and prouder gender.

Romance is romance. Chikane thought. There really wasn’t any difference. Even being taught from a religion that gave strict philosophy, it didn’t really say anything that Christianity had tabooed or prohibited in their different set of beliefs.

So why had she been shocked when Erin instilled that subtle hints and information into her brain?

And why was she going nowhere around this simple yet complex topic?

And why did she even bother thinking about this?

She didn’t even finish her mental rant when she opened the door and found grinning Ryo already waiting for her outside.

“Did I ever mention that I prefer casual over suits?” He asked almost as Chikane closing the door and standing there in front of him. His signature camouflage cap, black printed t-shirt, semi-baggy denim shorts, and yellow and black kicks were what he donned.

He already knew the answer though.

“Good morning as well to you too, Ryo-kun.” She returned the smile, trying to hide the thoughts about her previous fight against her mind and not let him read what she was thinking with a teasing answer, “And no, actually, no.”

It had partially worked when Ryo raised an eyebrow and then let it slid under his keen radar with a reply, “Oh. Well, then I do.”

Chikane thanked Ryo for letting it slip mentally. The raven-haired man nodded, practically picking the signals up as if telling her that he would never touch the mystery topic until Chikane is comfortable with sharing it.

Then and there, they avoided what happened just a few seconds ago.

“But now that you mention it,” She purposely said as they began to walk, getting back to the previous discussion about his casualness, “No wonder I always feel over dressed when I am around you,” Chikane teased him for stating the painfully obvious, wearing another gray ruche cocktail dress under her gray laced bolero with her Himemiya crest adorned as a bracelet around her left pale wrist.

It was safe to say that it had put Ryo’s outfit paling in comparison.

“I walked right into that,” He replied with expectance in his voice. “It seems like someone’s still rather chipper today.”

“I’m just glad that we are finally settled in,” She didn’t add the incident with Erin or their next door neighbours.

“That one too,” Referring to other one where she got the seal of approval of her parents to live in the dorms. “You even hugged Otoha-san,” He went on in awe, “I feel that this would last for a while.”

“I suppose so, and speaking of everlasting,” She replied, doing a once-over at Ryo again. “Here I thought you would look clean and proper for more than three days.”

He sighed. Ryo was entertained that Chikane was particular in changing topics at a conspicuous, lightning pace. “You know I loathe those clothes. How can you actually breathe in those things?” He answered her anyway. “And do not mock the cap. Father gave this to me,”

She shook her head, a lopsided grin decorating her lips. “Remember what happened at the Morioka wedding? You had your shirt untucked, no jacket, and your bow tie hanging on the side-”

“Ok, now I know I am labelled as the mind reader,” He turned to Chikane, now walking in reverse as he went on, “But are you sure you and Shou-nii-san don’t read minds as well? You two seem to say the exact same things when you two are with me,”

“I guess some people’s skills affect the people around them,”

“Right, but it’s rather unfair that I am not affected with the Himemiya stubbornness and Shou’s bangs yet.” He retorted, shoving his hands into his pockets before turning around to walk normally.

“No wonder we became best friends.” She said nonchalantly, but a playful smile was on her.

“No one can keep up with you like I do,”

“Though it was rather miraculous that you actually went through one night inside a tux,” She continued.

“It was a special occasion.” He paused before displaying two digits from his right hand, “Actually two special occasions. That was my limit.”

“A special thing to do that is completely against your personality over a special occasion…” Chikane trailed off, a contemplating expression on her face until, “That barely makes sense to me. But you and Shou-kun have an impeccable sense of timing to do that.”

“This is coming from the girl who actually was extra-happy yesterday. I have not seen you like that ever since...” He tapped his forehead and then made an ‘Aha!’ look, resulting to Chikane’s blue eyes gazing weirdly at him. “Oh wait, I’ve never seen you so extra-happy since ever.”

The blue-haired rolled her eyes. “Very funny.”

“And Shou-nii-san thinks I have a sarcastic sense of humour,”

She rolled her eyes, knowing that was sarcasm yet again. “Oh, how wrong he must be then,” She countered back in amusement.

Ryo chortled at that until he noticed two familiar figures talking to a senior at the corner of his eye. He turned his head slightly so he could see, before turning back and gave a roguish smirk at her. Chikane raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

They had now reached the gallery for the Check-In, just in time when the nonsensical conversation ended. He opened one of the double doors with still having that playful glint in his eyes, “After you,”

Chikane scrunched up her eyebrows, unwillingly going through the door with Ryo following closely behind her. When they got good distance from the entrance, he placed his hand on her back, urging her on to walk forward.

“Ok, you are honestly frightening me,” Chikane commented on her creeping best friend. “Will you please tell me whatever the matter is?”

Ryo leaned down to her ear level. “Correct me if I’m wrong, which I know I’m absolutely not but you did not tell me that the cute blonde photographer and her charming best friend in the plane were studying and living here,” He smirked. “With you.”

Chikane regained her cool composure. “You didn’t ask.”

“Or you just did not want to tell me so that I won’t interrogate you with questions that are against your preserved nature, correct?”

“Correct,” She responded peevishly. They reached the end of the hallway, a desk propped up with a handful of freshmen lining up for checking in.

His lips crack into a look of delight. “It’s a shame for you that I will eventually ask,”

“What if I do not accept your silly inquest?” The beautiful woman challenged.

“You are too polite for your own good. I’m confident that I can break you down and tell me,” Ryo answered, grinning. “But not at this moment, since I do notice that you still haven’t taken the next step between strangers and friends with them,”

“How predictable.”

“To me, everything is calculable,” Another beat. “I still have not decided whether this is a curse or a blessing,”

“Well, prepare to be disappointed,” She replied. “I don’t have the need to talk to her.”

“Ah, but why last night then? And I’m guessing you actually told her that you two will see each other at the orientation, meaning that you do have the need to talk to her.”

“What do you expect for me to say? ‘I never want to see you again?’ It’s definitely not proper,” Chikane reasoned. “I am not really drawn to her to actually get into a facile conversation with her and know her personality,”

“Not really? To her?” Ryo found subtexts, getting even more amused. “I see that that kind of implication means that there is still hope that this cold, antisocial exterior of yours will open up and speak easy words to someone other than me, Shou-nii-san, my parents, and your parents,”

“I do talk to people,” She reasoned.

“Ah, but only if they talk first or you have no second options, or you like I don’t know… meet or bump into someone and you miraculously got interested into that person? The last one does not happen to you since ever but now…” Ryo wiggled his eyebrows, leaving no room for Chikane to hide. “And the fact that her you’re implying to, well, you’re clearly had talked to that blonde girl, rather than her best friend.”

“If they judge cover with books, people would be entirely surprised about you,” She spoke, cornered by Ryo with his precision in words and referring at how he looked with his outfit. She hesitated for a while and paused. Before finally, “And her name is Kurusugawa Himeko.”

He didn’t bother to reply as he sensed two presences behind him. His enjoyment only grew three times more as he saw Himeko and Makoto more a few meters away talking to each other fervently.

“Speak of the devil himself,” Ryo teased. Chikane didn’t want to look, but against her will and her reasonable, intellectual mind, she turned her head to glance over before snapping her head back at the previous position.

She was sure of it now.

The Gods were in Ryo’s side in this one.

“Himemiya Chikane,” She said to the list handler when the line had diminished, dodging Ryo’s ridicules.

The handsome man only snorted at the attempt.

“Oh fu-” The brown-haired, green-eyed Korona barely hissed out as Reiko practically jammed her lips to hers, her fingers delving inside her orange frock camisole to touch bare skin.

“What is it now?” Her red-haired, red-eyed lover silently asked in annoyance as they came out for oxygen, her hands still busy taking off her bra.

“Just stop,” Korona commanded as she reached out of the back to stop her from completely taking it off. She glanced at the clock. It was fifteen minutes before nine. “I’m gonna be so late if I don’t go, like, now!”

Reiko quietly nodded, letting her go, and then watched her as she grabbed her denim shorts that had been discarded by her girlfriend a while ago and slipped it on. Without even saying goodbye, she went out of the door with her leaving Reiko alone to dress herself up back to her usual decency.

“Himemiya-sama,” Her name escaped from Himeko’s mouth just as soon as she saw the back view of beautiful woman and a man beside her from a distance and then regretted it because Makoto was there just beside her.

“Huh?” She looked at her before following her eyesight and then nodded. “Oh yeah, you’re right,” Makoto then beamed. “And who’s that guy with her? His backside is amazingly hot,”

Himeko blushed suddenly. And when Himeko wasn’t commenting about her and her guy comments, Makoto realized something was distracting her.

“You’re still embarrassed about the bump thing yesterday morning? I know she’s a celebrity and a really famous person, but really, you didn’t actually do it on purpose.” She guessed, “I’m pretty sure that she already forgot about it,”

The photographer nodded, still blushing. “You may be right,” Himeko lied.

“Ok, something obvious tells that I’m wrong,” Makoto continued in exasperation when Himeko blushed harder as a sign of being guilty as charged, “At least try to be convincing!”

“Himeko, you’re not telling me something!” She whispered conspiratorially, earning another set of nearby glances along their way as she practically crushed her right arm to stop her from walking and then pulled her to the side of the hallway. Her jaw slacked as Himeko started fidgeting under her glare. She was reading her like an open book. “Oh my god, Himeko!”

Which she was.

“Ow! Ok, fine,” Himeko said as Makoto released her death grip on her right arm, her cheeks starting to recuperate as she gave up. “I might have edited a little bit of the truth on what happened last night.” She gestured with her hand, as if measuring how little it was.

“…What? So you’re making me feel guilty throughout the night for nothing?” Makoto glared harder at her.

Himeko sheepishly simpered, reddening at every second. “I’m sorry,” Makoto groaned in irritation.

“You’re seriously lucky that I’m your best friend and I love you,” Makoto started, her eyes narrowing dangerously, making Himeko evidently gulp in fear. “But you’re gonna make it up to me big time.”

“Out of the way!” A scream came out of nowhere before Makoto and Himeko looked from behind, finding a scantily clad girl running to their direction.

“No running in the hallways!” A hall monitor shouted but the girl looked like she ignored it as she kept running. A few jocks stared at the view of the shorts, some whistling in appreciation before going back to their usual business.

When the brunette bypassed them, Makoto rolled her eyes. “Boys will be boys.”

“And you practically worship them.” Himeko stated simply, earning an opposite reaction she was expecting from her best friend.

Makoto winked and smirked at her. “That’s because some of them are criminally hot. They should be punished. You know, with whips and-”

Himeko held up her hand in front of her, cutting Makoto off while blushing all over again. “There’s such a thing for too much information, Mako-chan. Even if I’m your best friend.”

At least they weren’t arguing anymore.

“Come on talk to her,” Ryo egged her when he saw them stopping at the side of the hallway. They were still standing just a few inches away from the desk, not moving yet. They were glancing over at the panting Korona, but weren’t totally staring at the unfamiliar brunette girl.

“Anyway, this would be a rare sight of Himemiya Chikane in action with strangers,” He continued as if it was a documentary film, snapping their trances out of watching the girl and back to their conversation about the runner and the photographer.

He suspected that the two women were talking something from an argument to a light-hearted banter, but why not? He knew it was against his manners but it looked like the situation could actually be fun.

Chikane glared at him. “They’re talking. I can’t just intercept them. It’s rude, and you know it’s rude,” She said. “And you know you are using an unfair advantage on me because I have actually talked to one of them and the fact that you could have an excuse to join in and blatantly flirt with Kurusugawa-san,”

Ryo chuckled. “That about sums almost all of it,”

“And I’m not to be used,” Chikane continued on, “You may be a gentleman, but you are still a man,”

He grinned. “But I do think that since you are here living without me…” Ryo trailed off. “Why don’t you get to know the two? It would be good if you are going to be starting a new leaf. You were untouchable when you were in high school, and we only saw each other when we visit each other, which was every week but it still got pretty lonely for you, don’t deny it.” Ryo paused. “You were only getting love letters every single day. You were pretty much an adored ice queen.”

“Ice queen?” Chikane raised an eyebrow. “And I am not lonely.”

“Oh yes you are. And lone wolf would perhaps suit you more.” Ryo countered.

“Alright,” Chikane held up one hand, defending herself. “I am certainly not a lone wolf or an ice queen,”

Ryo winked and popped her head towards the two women’s direction. “Prove me wrong then, Chikane.”

Chikane paused at that. Ryo was having a good point. A really good point.

Her years in high school, even elementary and kindergarten, were just mainly used up for studying and her school duties. Being the undisputed school chair had its perks, but it always came to down to being busy. Her classmates and her schoolmates only reached to the brink of acquaintances with her, nothing more.

If not acquaintances at school, there were fans of hers.

If not fans, there were admirers.

If not admirers, there were rivals.

If not rivals, then there were jealous enemies.

And it only had stopped there, having no friends at all. They weren’t to blame though, knowing that it was her nature to push someone away when they just got too close for her taste.

But then again, it didn’t really bother her and instead, she accepted who she really was rather than being someone who she was not unlike many of the girls at school she had attended.

Apparently, her only real friends were just Ryo and Shou. And it wasn’t fate or anything like that. It was because she had to since their fathers were best friends.

Himemiya Chikane had no choice but to actually get to know and befriend---but not be entirely open to---Ryo and Shou because their families always visited each other. But it wasn’t just that.

It was almost everything she did had no choices.

She had no choice but to go to parties.

She had no choice but to go to school.

She had no choice but to be at the top.

She had no choice but to be a chairperson.

She had no choice but to excel at everything she did.

She had no choice but to become perfect.

It was an irony on her part, having two loving parents giving and sacrificing everything for her, causing her to feel that she needed to pay them back that only thing left to give for her parents in this world was her own body and blood and soul.

While she did force herself to ask consent from her parents to live in the dorms, it wasn’t much a miracle to ask from her parents that kind of decision.

The reason was, surprise, she had to. So that she couldn’t depend on her parents as much as before. She didn’t want to be passed as much more a burden than she was.

Which she really wasn’t. But in her own mind, she was.

Himemiya Chikane always had to not because she had no choices given. In fact, she always had choices. It was just the simple truth that Chikane needed to make everyone around her satisfied in what she does while preferring and wanting it to do it alone and as silent as possible.

Himemiya Chikane, the lone wolf and ice queen indeed. Her nature.

And now Ryo was asking her the impossible---make him satisfied while not being alone and as silent as possible.

Would she do it?

Would it work?

Would this actually be worth it?

“I think I made it through that stubborn skull of yours,” Ryo said, forcing her back to reality, “So, what do you say? As your best friend, I hereby permit you to actually make friends outside our triangle,” He joked. “Shou-nii-san also made me promise to make your life paradise here.”

Chikane rolled her eyes, sighing.

“Maybe during the orientation, we have all night,” Chikane paused and eyed him. “But only because you want to get to know them too,”

Ryo winked. “Whatever you say,” He put his one arm around her and squeezed her a bit, giving her comfort. “Us four will be great friends.” He ended, very sure as they started to walk towards their next destination unnoticed by Himeko and Makoto, who were now a good distance away from them.

Chikane unconsciously smiled as she glanced over at Ryo, who returned the gesture without looking at her.

Even she actually had to, she never regretted to be best friends with the two of the most amazing people she had ever met.

Ryo and even Shou, even if he wasn’t here, definitely made her more human than she was in high school.

“I knew it. He’s definitely Takahashi Ryo, one of the famous Takahashi brothers. Himemiya-sama’s best friend. High-class and a famous musician. No wonder he’s so familiar.” Makoto whispered giddily to Himeko as she caught the handsome man with a quick, not so discreet look over her shoulder. “He’s way hotter in person than in TV. A ten definitely. I wonder where his older brother, Shou-sama is. I bet he’s hotter in person too.” Another pause. “Hey did you know, Takahashi Shou is a famous athlete too and Miya-sama’s boyfriend?”

“No,” Himeko sighed, not bothering to ask her who the Takahashi brothers are and Shou’s relationship with Chikane because she knew she would receive another verbal smack down from Makoto about how she didn’t know them or about their personal lives.

Better safe than sorry, she reminded herself.

“But is it too much to ask if you’re not going to talk about guys and rate them like they were meant to be on a scale? And you said Shou-sama has Miya-sama as a girlfriend,”

“What? It’s just what I do. And besides, it’s not like I’m going to steal Shou-sama away from her by rating him.” Makoto shrugged.

Himeko knew it was pointless to fight with Makoto. “So… you and Miya-sama huh?” Makoto started again, playful when Himeko wasn’t responding to her.

“W-what? Me and Miya-sama? N-no! Of c-course not! Why… why would you… why would you say that? That’s… that’s… I… you…” Himeko struggled incoherently, her cheeks flushing profusely, going too red even for a human being almost tripping on the process. Makoto stopped her from saying more, grappling her left shoulder to sooth her as they continued to walk.

“Geez, calm down, Himeko. I meant that you two were talking yesterday,” Makoto laughed. “I haven’t seen you inhumanly stutter and have a balance awkwardness moment and blush so much ever since you changed,” Makoto went on. “Looks like your Himeko-ness is having a one-morning only show.”

“Sorry,” She touched her cheeks. Himeko was so hot. Even her ears and fingertips were.

“Hey, hey. It’s alright.” Makoto put her arm around Himeko, pulling her to lean on her body and let her hide her face under her jaw. “Trust me. Even if you didn’t try to change, you can still blush like no one can. And stutter. And fall. And as socially awkward.”

“How very reassuring of you,” Himeko mumbled under her breath when Makoto opened the doors to outside, already going to the direction of where the orientation will take place.

Makoto giggled. “But no seriously, you did change. You know, with the social and interacting aspects of things. And the balance too. Just not too much to get rid of her Himeko-ness,”

“Again,” The blonde responded, sighing before pulling back and looked at Makoto. “How very reassuring of you.”

“And honestly,” The brunette countered, a jesting smirk on her face when she looked back at her. “I’m not trying to.” Himeko shook her head but smiled back.

Makoto and even Souma, even though he wasn’t here, definitely made her more human than she was in high school.

“I’m Pastor Miyako and I’m one of your advisers for today’s orientation. Please take this seriously. This two-day activity will help you start your freshman year as easy as possible. But here in Emeret, we do things a bit differently on how we take orientations, so please listen carefully. ” A purple-haired woman with golden eyes was standing on the centre of the basketball court with a microphone on hand with the students on the gym seats. The freshmen looked on at the young woman as they listened to further instructions.

“You all will have to stay overnight in the campus. Specifically, you all will sleep here in the gymnasium as a two-day lockdown even if you are staying at the dorms. All three meals will be in the nearest cafeteria and will be taken together,”

“We have Orientation Leaders who will give you a tour around the campus for your convenience. They will take you to meet other students, administrators and give you the chances to complete your course selections if you haven’t chosen yet. They’re also going to help you learn the academic expectations, services and resources, and rules,”

“Until then, we will now commence the placement tests. For those of you who were planning to take the tests, please follow me.” Miyako finished with her usual cool-headedness before some of the freshmen started to file up and followed her to the other room.

“Wow, she’s so young and yet she’s so respected.” Makoto commented, whispering beside her. Himeko and Makoto were sitting on the Bleacher A, which was on the left.

“And she looks pretty scary.” Himeko noted at the stern, indifferent surveying of the surroundings by Pastor Miyako as if saying ‘you better not disobey me or else’ before she left.

The runner agreed before the other freshmen, which included her and Himeko, who didn’t take the placement tests also stood up and went down from the seats when the Orientation Leaders started to call out their names from their clipboard where Pastor Miyako was before she left with the other students. Most of them were mainly going either for music, art, or athletics and it seemed that there were all assigned to one of Orientation Leaders.

“Himeko Kurusugawa, Makoto Saotome…” Jared grinned and gave a nod towards the approaching two women, flipping through his clipboard papers whilst holding his megaphone to his mouth so that the crowd could actually hear him through all the commotion being caused from both the students and the Orientation Leaders. His expression eventually turned into astonishment. “Chikane Himemiya, and Ryo Takahashi,”

“Oh my god.” Makoto stopped in her tracks on the stairs went to a fit of laughter at the coincidence as Himeko blushed so hard, her mouth going into a small round shape. She was still deciding whether she wanted to cry or wished that a great big hole under her feet would swallow her whole now.

“Well, well, well.” Ryo, for a long time, laughed so hard that his shoulders trembled when Chikane had stood frozen. They had been on the opposite side of Bleacher A, which was obviously named as Bleacher B. And right now, Ryo and Chikane were already on the court.

“No turning back now, Chikane.”

Chikane glared at him but sighed nonetheless as she started walking again, regaining her regal composure. Ryo followed closely from behind, still laughing in the background.

On the other side, Makoto was having a little game tug-of-war with Himeko down to the stairs, who was still grabbing hold the hand rail like a lifeline. Luckily, they were the only ones there.

“God, Himeko! Why are you so scared of her?”

“I’m n-not! I-I… Is there just a chance of backing out?”

“Are you out of your mind? No there’s no chance! And I’m not letting you back out! There’s the hot guy with Miya-sama just a while ago too and I’m not gonna let this chance to flirt with him just pass by! Just let go of the damn rail and get your ass down the stairs with me,”

“Can you just go alone? I feel sick,” She lamely gave an excuse as Makoto glared at her.

“I’m not gonna go alone, Himeko. Come on! We’re in this together,”

Himeko’s shoulders slumped and drew out a shaky breath. The brunette released her grip on the blonde’s wrist and sighed in relief.

“It’s just… Miya-sama makes me…” Himeko started, trying to find an appropriate word as she shifted from one of the other while finding the floor interesting.

Makoto gave a look of encouragement, egging her on to continue. Himeko blushed, waving Makoto off. “Never mind,”

The runner was already grinning. “Just breathe ok? You’re acting like a high school girl having a crush on the cutest guy on earth.”

Himeko glared. “Which you’re about to be when you meet Takahashi-sama. Am I right?”

“…Maybe.”

“Go talk to her. We made a deal.” Ryo told her after Jared had introduced himself to Chikane and for the second time to the handsome and they were now waiting for the other two.

“I simply recall that you forced me into this,” Chikane nonchalantly replied, her blue gaze pierced through Ryo.

The raven-haired man raised his hands up as a sign of peace and couldn’t help but smirk when the two women were now just an arm length’s away from them. The brunette was fidgeting in nervousness and Makoto was eyeing him, he noticed.

“The brunette looks charming.” Ryo whispered to Chikane, knowing that the brunette was interested in him. He walked towards Makoto and held out his hand as an invitation.

“Good morning,” Ryo gave out one of his megawatt smiles. “My name is Takahashi Ryo. A pleasure it is to meet such a pretty young lady like yourself. And you are…?

“Saotome Makoto. And thank you, Takahashi-sama. I knew you were quite familiar when I first saw you. And you don’t look half bad yourself.” Makoto was turning her charm on as well as she rested her hand on his open palm.

Ryo kissed the back of her hand and smiled wider. “Thank you, Saotome-san. But please, call me Ryo. No need for a high title to call me. We are all students here. May I call you Makoto as well?”

The interaction only got two eye rolls from Himeko to Makoto and Chikane to Ryo.

Ryo secretly glanced over at Chikane and then to Himeko, signalling her to talk to Himeko. Chikane sighed again before approaching the shy woman.

“…Kurusugawa-san, we meet again,” Again and again and again.

Not that she minded, surprisingly. Not at all.

Now she wondered why.

The blue-haired woman gave out a genuine smile, trying to ignore the thoughts in her head and the amused stare from Ryo.

“…Himemiya-sama, good morning,” She bowed at her, also avoiding Makoto’s.

“Why don’t I introduce you to my friend,” Chikane suggested as Ryo turned to them, giving a smile.

“Hello. Takahashi Ryo. Please call me Ryo. Kurusugawa Himeko, correct? May I call you Himeko?”

“Uhm, yes, how…?” Himeko started as she shook his hand. Ryo chuckled at that.

“A little beautiful bluebird told me.”

It was now night time. Specifically eight o’clock at night. All were ready with their sleeping bags that were given by the school for the lights out at the gymnasium as everyone finished their first day of the orientation in a breeze.

Well, almost everyone.

After the very, very short addresses they had made to each other, Himemiya Chikane and Kurusugawa Himeko had been trying to avoid each other the whole day. The try being emphasized a hundred wouldn’t have been enough when they were in the same group.

The two having completely different yet eerily similar motives.

One, Himeko didn’t want to talk to Chikane due to the fact that she didn’t want to embarrass herself further and make a really bad impression probably for the umpteenth time on her. She knew there was something about Chikane made her so nervous and scared and frightened all at the same time. But what’s weirder though and even if she didn’t want to admit it, was that Chikane made her so nervous and scared and frightened all at the same time in a good way.

Two, Chikane respected Himeko’s space by not talking to Himeko also due to the fact that she didn’t want to embarrass her further and make Himeko think that the blonde made a bad impression on her. But at the same time, she didn’t want to lose her sense of preservation to the cute blonde since that was what Himeko did to her last night. It was nothing like she felt before. And she didn’t know if that was a good feeling or a bad feeling.

But one thing’s not entirely sure---she kind of didn’t want to experience of losing her personal space again.

Sure, they had actually talked yesterday but in both of their minds, it was supposed to be a one time thing because of the bumping incidents. And although they had been interested to each other, they didn’t exactly foresaw that they would be friends and click right away that they would instantly braid each other’s hair and gush about American Idol or The Hills.

And now, their two best friends were already cheered them on like they were in some wacked out movie where the protagonist would in the end get together with the love interest, even knowing that one was already embarrassed to death and just too shy and the other too stubborn and antisocial for her own good to make a friend.

“We made a deal.” Ryo’s voice emerged in her head. Chikane sighed, reminding herself that she needed to experience that again.

“The dinner was quite good don’t you think so?” The handsome man, already in his white sweatpants and loose blue shirt, said as he stood beside the white nightgown clad beautiful woman sitting gracefully on the floor, her own sleeping bag already ready for sleeping. He shook his head in mirth when she didn’t reply, knowing that she was still staring the blonde girl nearby. “Looks like someone is avoiding someone and yet still staring at the someone who that someone is avoiding to,”

“I do not know what you’re talking about.”

Ryo sighed and squatted in front of her, looking straight into her eyes as if reading something. Chikane stared back all the while tying her hair back into a ponytail when she took off her yellow headband and put in the bag.

“You’re quite a multitasker,” Ryo simply said, grinning. “Himeko really affected you last night and today. I know that I wasn’t there last night on what you two were actually doing but I’m certain that you two did a conversation. So why start avoiding now when you started?”

“We’re just acquaintances. We don’t need to be friends, Ryo-kun.”

“I know you hate people getting into your space…” He analyzed. “But now I think you are afraid that Himeko might actually get to you,”

“You should be on the other side of the court, Ryo-kun. Pastor Miyako shall catch you,” She excused her way out coldly. Chikane didn’t want to talk about it. Of course, Ryo was right but that didn’t mean she agreed with his assumption.

“Nice try, Little Miss Stubborn. Pastor Miyako will be back in fifteen minutes. And there are still guys on this side of the court as well.” He responded. “And I’m not got let this slide for the seventh time today. Remember Chikane, you always keep your word. Why start breaking it now for a shy blonde girl?”

Chikane stared at him for a long moment and exhaled sharply. She closed her eyes, trying to decipher what she really was going to do.

To keep her word or not to keep her word?

She wasn’t going to do this.

She won’t do this.

No she won’t.

She shouldn’t.

No.

…She was going to do this.

You are going to do this. What is so degrading about talking to someone out of your triangle?

Great. Even her conscience was in Ryo’s side.

She might as well get over this.

“…Very well.”

That was rather easy. Ryo raised an eyebrow but smiled finally. He realized that even though it felt like he was forcing her the raven-haired man knew that he was doing Chikane a favour. A great favour.

And he knew then and there that he chose the right person to be Chikane’s friend.

“You’re avoiding Miya-sama, aren’t you? Don’t deny it. I’m sure you are.” Makoto---in her pink girl boxers and camisole---answered her own question, catching the oversized purple polo and black short donning Himeko staring at Chikane nearby while spreading her red sleeping bag. “I don’t get it. Are you bipolar or something? Why are you avoiding her? I thought you two talked yesterday,”

At the very least, Himeko was disappointed. The photographer was hoping that Makoto wasn’t going to notice knowing that the runner, boy crazy as she was, would still be too busy thinking or talking about how hot Ryo was.

So much for hope.

“She was just helping me with the groceries, Mako-chan. And no I’m not bipolar.” She countered. “I know you and Ryo-kun clicked away and talked for the whole day but that doesn’t mean Miya-sama and I would have to too,”

“That’s not the point. You are avoiding her.”

“I’m not.”

“You so are.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Am not.”

“Are too.”

“Are we really gonna have to do this now?”

“Right now…” Makoto suddenly smirked as she caught Chikane making her way to where they were. “Nope, I don’t think so.”

Himeko raised an eyebrow at the expression, clueless at everything. “What? Why?”

“’Cause it looks like you’re not going to avoid her now.” She stood up. “I’m going to talk to Ryo-kun alright? Need anything?” Before Himeko could even muster a word she continued, “No? Good. Bye!” With that, Makoto walked briskly out of her sight.

The cute blonde scratched her head. What the hell was wrong with Makoto?

“Kurusugawa-san.”

Himeko visibly stiffened. Her cheeks were already red before she could control herself. She could recognize the divine voice anywhere even if she was wearing earmuffs and was tone deaf all at the same time.

Himeko! She’s talking to you!

She twisted her head and body around, an awkward position taking place when she was sitting cross-legged. There, she saw Himemiya Chikane hovering over her, looking like she was waiting for a response.

Because she is. Stupid. She thought, cursing. Himeko coughed, clearing her throat. She was swirling and was as nervous like last night that she barely deciphered what was going to come out of her mouth after she hastened to stand up and averted her amethyst eyes at Chikane’s sapphire ones.

“Chi-Chikane-chan.”

Chikane went wide-eyed, definitely shocked at the sudden intimacy of the title. No one ever called her that. Even neither Ryo nor Shou.

“…What?”

Himeko blinked and bit her tongue, realizing what she had done.

Oh no, no, no. You’ve really done it this time.

“Oh… oh my god I didn’t mean that. Please forgive m-me,” She frantically started. “That… that totally came out wrong- I- Sorry… I m-meant Himemiya-sama,”

“I…” For the first time in her life, she didn’t know what to say. Her mouth parted slightly, trying to register the suffix in her head. Chikane was suspecting that she would be offended and insulted by this, that she would actually tell the blonde that it was rude and that they just met---excluding the plane ride---yesterday.

But she wasn’t.

She, of all people that are holily stubborn and sophisticated, wasn’t.

Himeko’s cheeks turned scarlet. The blonde seriously envisioned that she really was going to purgatory after what she said. “Please… please forget about it. I’m- I’m so sorry,”

Just out of the blue, her mood went from flabbergast to amusement.

So this was the first impression on why she talked to Himeko. She was utterly, positively adorable. The beautiful woman’s personal space began to slowly disappear as soon as she tried to build up a wall between them.

Did this blonde have superpowers on her?

“Stop apologizing, Kurusugawa-san. It’s…” Chikane broke out into a small chuckle, shocked that she really was going to say what’s next. “It’s actually alright,”

“I know it’s wrong and I-” Himeko halted herself from being a talking disaster as she heard those three words. “Wait. What?”

Chikane gave out an impressive smile. “It’s ok, truly. You don’t need to be remorseful about this,”

“I- uh… thank you, Himemiya-sama.” Himeko definitely was confused now, but finally relaxed nonetheless.

“Please… just call me by your previous title.”

It was Himeko’s turn to be completely surprised.

“Looks like they’re hitting it off,” Makoto watched as Himeko and Chikane eventually sat down from afar. They had been very animated a few seconds ago and now, she observed that they were already comfortable with each other.

“I know they’re getting along,” Ryo replied also liking what he was seeing. “I do bet that the two would be best friends in a few months at the least.”

The runner gaped at the handsome man. “No way. That’s way too quick.”

The heterochromic man turned and read her eyes. “But you two did click right away in a few weeks. A few months are a little longer than your friendship and Makoto, am I correct?”

Makoto knitted her eyebrows. “How did you know that?”

Ryo shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes and his answer was, as usual, ambiguous. “Just predictable. Like everything is. Just like I’m certain it will be a few months.”

She eyed the male musician, her competitive spirit rising up to the surface. “Ok. How about we bet? I’ll give them a whole year until they become best friends.”

“That’s a bit too long, don’t you think so?”

The runner shook her head, determined. “No. It’s just right judging by Himeko’s personality and Miya-sama’s personality. So a bet? Or are you scared being beaten by me?” She challenged him, grinning.

Feisty. Ryo smirked. “Ok then. A bet it is.”

“Whoever wins get to walk around naked in campus and sings Blue for the whole day?”

Bring on the mail truck and I’ll fulfil Father’s wishes. He entertained the thought but said back, “That’s a little extreme. We might as well be called an exhibitionist.”

Makoto pouted, crestfallen. “Fine. But I’ve got nothing else to offer,”

“How about when I win I’ll take you on a date.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Do you think I’ll go out with you?”

“I know you will go out with me,”

“A bit over your head, aren’t you?”

“I do try,”

“Well then, when I do win, you will be my slave for one whole day.”

“I doubt that.” Ryo smugly said.

“We’ll see.”

“What are you taking, Himeko?” Chikane asked, using her first name when Himeko had requested as an exchange for telling her that she could use hers as well.

It was almost, surprisingly, comfortable on her part at how she seemed to utter the name so much clarity and familiarity. It was a caress of sorts that seemed to make Chikane smile inwardly at how weird that she came up with that word.

Caress.

“Photography. I also paint,” Himeko was completely at ease now, compelled at telling her everything Chikane wanted to know. Himeko had noticed the simple yet defined name calling, letting her cheeks gave soft red colour.

“Really?” Chikane’s eyebrows raised in genuine impression.

Himeko nodded timidly. “Yes, but I’m not really good at it,”

Chikane smiled at Himeko’s humility. They’ve completely forgotten about the previous incident now. It was almost funny at how this day kept letting everything slide recently. “I’m sure they’re great. That’s why you’re here right now when you applied, am I correct?”

Himeko opened her mouth, challenging her but at the end, there were no words spilling out of her lips. Chikane was right about that but then again, this wasn’t her own obligation to actually stay in the US of A.

“Actually, Mako-chan did all this,” she emphasized the last word.

“Oh?”

“Yes. And then we got accepted. So, it’s not really me…”

Chikane chuckled gently. “I see. But that does still mean that you are skilled at what you are doing right now. It’s actually more impressive that the Dean here didn’t even ask for you in person and just enrolled you instantly,”

Himeko blushed again. “I guess, but how about you?”

“Well,” Chikane didn’t hesitate in continuing, pushing towards the boundaries of her personal space again. “My parents chose this school for me,”

“I see.”

Chikane noticed Ryo giving her a look that Pastor Miyako was coming. Chikane then looked at Himeko, quite clueless and lost when they stopped their casual conversation. Chikane’s lips almost hurt from not giving out an amused grin.

“I apologize for stopping the conversation but I think Pastor Miyako’s coming. I should go,” Chikane reluctantly said. She was shocked that she didn’t actually want the conversation to end. Chikane shook her head, convinced that this wasn’t like her.

Himeko’s eyes widened. “Oh, sure, sure. It’s no problem, Chikane-chan.”

Chikane gave one of her signature smiles for the last time, slowly already liking the nickname for her. “Well then, I shall see you tomorrow then?”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Himeko eased out; relieved that Chikane’s aura wasn’t having that effect on her personality so much.

But she had to admit, there was this little shy, socially awkward high school girl coming out of her again just by looking at Chikane’s smile. She blushed hard again at that thought.

“See you,” Chikane responded as she started to stand up and turned around.

“Ah, wait,” Himeko started unconsciously as she grabbed Chikane’s right hand.

Chikane stiffened at the touch, the warmth of Himeko’s hand piercing her pale, cool skin. It made her shiver, her fingers almost vibrating at the friendly grasp.

What the hell was happening with her?

Chikane cleared her throat, trying to gain her composure again. “Yes? Is something wrong, Himeko?” she asked.

Himeko brightened as she stood up as well, still holding her hand when she reached out of her pocket of her polo. She then presented her a small square drawing of Chikane giving out an amused smile. It was the scene yesterday. The front porch. Her looking at the CD.

So Himeko had known at the end of the night that Chikane had caught her CDs.

It was the most random drawing she had ever seen.

“I, uhm, I-I accidentally pressed the camera with my phone when I was carrying the grocery bags. I decided to draw it. Weird, I know. But it looked so natural,” Himeko stuttered out, now wondering if this was actually a good idea.

It wasn’t on purpose she actually drew it last night but on simple impulse, finding the photo simply magical. And another impulse that she was compelled to actually give it to the model in her drawing. Stupid and irrational, yes she knew but she needed to let Chikane see it, letting her know what she thought about it.

Chikane stared at the photo then to their unarmed feel of their hands then to Himeko’s worried expression. Silence again seeped through them until Chikane smiled as she went back to square one of her staring.

“It’s amazing,” she said truthfully, becoming as amused as the drawing.

Himeko’s shoulders slumped in relief again and gave out another bright smile. “Really?”

“Truly,” Chikane said in true honesty, not usually based by her nature to actually tell a complement without forced to do so. She was a perfectionist, no doubt and this was a drawing with a few flaws that couldn't be seen by other people's eyes other than her.

But for Chikane, it was alive and amazing.

And she realized that she wanted to keep it. Random, she knew. But so was the drawing right?

It felt right that she actually want to have it.

“…Can I keep it?” she asked finally, knowing that she really wanted it.

Himeko’s eyes gave out a joy in her, very flattered that she actually wanted it. Chikane wanted it. Himemiya Chikane wanted it.

This was a question she couldn't refuse.

“O-of course!”

“Thank you, Himeko.” Chikane replied, receiving the drawing with the other’s eagerness.

Himeko only grinned happily as she let go of her hand, letting her go at the same time before Chikane turned around and walked towards her bed a few distances away from Himeko’s.

Ryo grinned and winked at Chikane from afar as he stood up and went towards the men’s side.

Makoto grinned and winked at Himeko from afar as she stood up and went towards her.

Chikane rolled her eyes but smiled, realizing that her college life would really be an all kinds of experience.

Himeko blushed but smiled, realizing that her college life here, far away from Japan, would be worth it.

And then both realized they were now acquaintances to friends.