AN: Hello again, my dear readers! It's about damn time I start writing this story lol. I've been planning this for ages now, and I had the basic idea for this fanfic even before I started on my first one ("What happens in the infirmary, stays in the infirmary"). But as this fic is based on the Manga version of Mayo Chiki!, I had to re-read it to clarify some things, and to make sure what I wrote was accurate.

If you've read my other Mayo Chiki! Fanfiction, you'll know that I'm a huge shipper of Jirou and Kanade. That ship will be the main focus of this story. As I mentioned, this story is based on the Manga, so if you haven't read it, there will be some spoilers relating to certain events, as I will try to follow the "timeline" of the Manga as best as possible, but as this is a fanfiction that deviates from the main plot somewhat, there'll be some original content as well. As the Manga version of the story is slightly different to that of the Anime, I heavily recommend that you read it, so that you understand all the references, and what's going on in general. This fic starts out from the 22nd chapter, found in the 4th volume, and the scene within it. But, if you've read the Manga, you'll notice something is different ;)

Without delaying this any further, I hope you lot enjoy this story! Like always, I enjoy writing this story, as I personally thought when writing this: "If the kind of fanfiction I want to read doesn't exist, I'll just have to write one myself!"

Chapter 1 – Think, Suzutsuki Kanade

August 31st

Thu-thump

Thu-thump

Thu-thump

My heart was beating in my chest like crazy. It was because I was thinking about him again. When I'm near him I'm never bored. As a result, I find myself wanting to be near him more and more.

"It's so strange. I've never felt this way about a man before." I said to myself.

Then, there was Golden Week. I thought as I laid back down on my bed.

"When I..."

Thu-thump

"I… K-ki..."

Thu-thump

"I kissed him."

Thu-thump

I did it to shock him. I thought it would be fun.

"But… That was my first kiss as well..."

Thu-thump

And then, during our extra-curricular classes… When he called me cute…

"It affected me in ways I never imagined… I felt entirely unlike myself." I buried my face into my pillow.

Thu-thump

I can't help but think about him. Even after he had talked me down, how he talked to me so harshly, It made me angry… but… I couldn't help but be worried about him, to think about him. It felt so nice to sleep next to him when he was in hospital… and when he woke up and we…

Thu-thump

...Kissed

"Jirou..." I said and brought my hand to my mouth, as if remembering the feeling of his lips on mine.

Thu-thump

But… I must also think of Subaru… She's in love with him as well, but the dense idiot hasn't noticed either one of our feelings… What should I do… I thought as I curled up on my bed. I felt like just sleeping forever, but I couldn't bring him out of my thoughts. I subconsciously brought my right hand over my chest, while the other one trailed down my body, slowly getting closer and closer to…

Nok Nok

A knock on my door pulled me out of my thoughts. I quickly rose up to sit down on my bed and blushed as I realized what I would've done if I hadn't been interrupted.

"Ojou-sama, are you awake?" The voice of my butler came from the other side of the door.

I took a deep breath to compose myself and sat on the bed before answering.

"Yes, Subaru, I am. Come in."

"I beg your pardon, Ojou-sama." Subaru said as she opened the door and entered my room.

"What is it? You rarely visit my room at this time of night." I said and glanced at the clock. The arms told me it was already 11 pm.

"I… I wish to ask for your advice on something." Subaru replied and fidgeted.

"Of course! Ask away." I said as she walked over to me. "But while you're at it, remember your promise." I continued with a slight smirk.

Subaru stopped in her tracks and flinched, a visible blush on her face.

"Hm? Can't you do it?"

"I-I can. Kana-chan." Subaru said and lowered her head.

Hee Hee "Well done, Subaru!" I stood up and put a hand on her shoulder.

Subaru raised her gaze again and took a deep breath, then looked me straight in the eyes, though I could see it was difficult for her.

"Um, Kana-chan?" She asked me weakly.

"Yes?"

"D-do you… Like Jirou?"

I stood there, facing her wide-eyed, and I had to concentrate hard to not let my mouth fall agape. I subconsciously averted my gaze from her. That's the question, isn't it? If I think about it… there's no doubt about it. I returned my gaze to meet Subaru's eyes. She was still waiting for an answer. But what do I say to her? Think, Suzutsuki Kanade.

"K-Kana-chan?" Subaru said to me after I had been quiet for a few seconds.

"I..." I opened my mouth but no other words came out.

Why is this so hard? What do I do? Images of Jirou once again came to my mind, and with them, the memory of us kissing.

Thu-thump

I could feel my heartbeat rising. There was no way around this question. I had to face it head on with honesty. And I had to do the same thing with my feelings, too.

"Yes. I do certainly like him." I finally replied to her. My heart was beating like crazy, and I had no doubt about why my cheeks felt so warm. Why do you do this to me, Jirou-kun?

"Y-you do?" Subaru asked, looking quite shocked. "I-in what way d-do you l-like him?"

Of course she would ask that, she's in love with him too. Ugh, how did this end up happening? I thought I was just tormenting him because it was funny, but now…

Thu-thump

"I..." Once again, no words came out of my mouth. But I was determined to make them come out. "I like him… more than as a friend… I like… no… I love him." I did it. I managed to confess my feelings. Shame he wasn't here to hear me say it.

"R-really? I-I should have guessed it… I am your butler, after all..." Subaru said and directed her gaze to the floor.

"But… What do my feelings have to do with the advice you wanted?"

"Huh? O-oh. Well, you see, at the summer festival… I confessed my feelings to him… Or rather, I tried to. It didn't come out right, and I was afraid that he might reject me, so I back-pedalled and said that I wanted to be best friends instead..." Subaru rambled on, but honestly, my attention wasn't on her.

That chicken… He lied to me when he said nothing happened between the two of them… Although… he is quite dense, so I can see why he didn't understand it… I feel… kind of relieved that Subaru wasn't able to convey her feelings. Wait, what am I thinking? Do I really… love… him that much? That I'd be jealous because Subaru tried to confess. The memory of his lips on mine came back to me, as well as the time he called me cute.

Thu-thump

"...But if you truly feel that way towards Jirou-kun, then..." Subaru's words brought me out of my thoughts.

"Subaru..."

"Don't say anything, please. If you truly love Jirou-kun, then it's my job as your butler – no, as your friend – to… to..." Subaru swallowed, and I could see tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes. "T-to p-put aside my o-own feelings a-and support you, Ojou-sama." Subaru said and bowed. I could hear a couple of sniffles from her.

"Subaru, wait, you don't-"

"Don't say it. I know how you feel right now." Subaru cut me off and rose up, then she took my hands into her palms. "I appreciate what you want to do, Kana-chan, but this is my job as your butler. I mean, if he still hasn't noticed how I feel, and if I'm not able to convey those feelings to him, then maybe… maybe we just aren't meant to be..." A single tear went down her cheek, and I could feel some of my own welling up.

"Subaru..." I said and she squeezed my hands with hers.

"It wouldn't be right for me to be your rival in this matter. If you truly love him, you deserve to be with him, Kana-chan." Subaru said with a pained smile. "It's okay, I'll do everything I can for the two of you."

I was on the verge of crying. Subaru was willing to do what I would have done for her. And this was not not just her acting like a true butler should, she was doing this because I was her friend, not because I was her mistress. I was trembling, and Subaru embraced me.

"Is… this really okay for you, Subaru?"

"Yes, yes it is. Jirou was my first ever friend, and I'm glad that is the case, but I know that we should… probably stay that way. I'm sure the two of you are perfect for each other, Kana-chan."

I couldn't hold my tears any more. Subaru held onto me as I cried to my heart's content. This is so not like me. I guess they do say that love changes a person, huh? After a couple minutes of staying like this, my crying was reduced to occasional sniffles.

"Thank you, Subaru." I finally managed to say as I wiped away my tears.

"You're welcome, Kana-chan. I'll do my best in cheering on your love." Subaru said to me with another pained smile, though I knew she was sincere with her words.

I smiled back at her and hugged her again. My smile became wider as I thought of the coming days and weeks I would spend with Jirou. The sports festival is the next big thing, and I'll most likely not be participating myself, as father will probably want me to host it. My smile turned into a smirk. I'll have to figure out something… amusing for Jirou.

September 9th – One week to the Sports Festival

"Ohio, Jirou-kun! A little bird told me that poor Jirou is broke, and cannot afford to buy himself lunch! But do not worry, your saving angel Suzutsuki Kanade is here! I'll have a nice lunch prepared, just for you~ 3 I'll see you in class, Jirou-kun!"

"What is this, Suzutsuki." I asked as I raised my phone to show her the message I had received this morning.

"My, what do you mean? Isn't it obvious what it is?" Suzutsuki said and looked over at Konoe, who nodded and began to fiddle with the bag she was carrying. "What, do you not want to eat the lunch I've made for you?"

"Well, I do appreciate it, but… Coming from you, this is… unexpected. I'm honestly quite afraid of it, you're always scheming something." I said and rubbed the back of my neck as I pocketed my phone.

"I think you'll find that women in general are always scheming something, Jirou-kun." Konoe handed Suzutstuki a bento box, who in turn presented it to me. "But this time, I promise, there are no tricks. I… made this myself. With the help of the cook, of course, but mostly myself. Do you… still not want it?" Suzutsuki said and looked at me with a face that made my heart skip a beat. I felt a slight blush coming onto my face, and I could see a small hint of red on her cheeks as well.

"Ah, well, I… When you put it like that… I-I'll take it. Thank you." I said and took the bento box Suzutsuki offered to me. "I would have probably been in a pinch without this. But, you said that… you made it yourself?"

"Yes, that's right. As I said, I had our cook help me, but mostly I did it myself. I… wanted to do at least that much… for you. Consider it… a reward. Yes, a reward for… doing so well with your gynophobia." Suzutsuki said and fidgeted a little bit. Was she always this cute? Calm down, heart!

"Uhh… yeah, thanks again. Though I feel like I haven't made much progress." I quickly averted my gaze as I felt the blush getting stronger. She's definitely doing this on purpose.

"Well, that just means we aren't trying hard enough." Suzutsuki said and stood up, making her way next to me before latching onto my arm. "But that can be fixed! Remember, the Sports Festival is coming up~"

"S-Suzutsuki! C-can you l-let go p-please." I said as I quickly brought my hand to stop the expected nosebleed.

Suzutsuki grinned wickedly and let go of my arm. Luckily, my nose didn't start to bleed just yet. I could feel the glares of some of my male classmates on me. You guys are lucky you don't know her, believe me!

"Senpai!" Came a sudden shout after the door to the classroom was opened with a loud 'wham'.

Everyone in the classroom turned their heads, but only a few of us recognized the person in the doorway. Narumi Nakuru, the cat-eared (I still don't know why she wears those. Maybe she's just weird. Scratch that, she definitely is weird.) first-year student, who is the chairwoman of one of Konoe's fanclubs. And she was definitely looking for me, as I was the only person I knew that she referred to as "senpai", or sometimes "Sakamachi-senpai".

"Haa… haa… Oh, Good. She isn't here yet. Haaaaa..." Nakuru leaned against the doorway, panting heavily. Beads of sweat rolled down her face, indicating that she had made one hell of run to get here.

"Nakuru? Why'd you come running all the way down here? What's up?" I asked as I walked over to her.

"Um… well… Things have gotten slightly out of hand..." Nakuru said to me, before suddenly grabbing both of my hands. "So please listen to me! Run away with me right now! We have to escape!" Nakuru stared deep into my eyes, as if awaiting an answer.

I closed my eyes and sighed deeply, freeing my hands from hers at the same time.

"Nakuru." I said sternly.

"Y-yes?"

"Do me a favour, okay? Just turn yourself in."

"Huh..?"

"I assume you finally let your appetites overwhelm you, and turned to a life of crime..." I said and pinched the bridge of my nose. This girl…

"S-senpai! What kind of person do you think I am?! This is a serious situation! If we don't hurry, she'll find you!" Nakuru started to sound desperate.

"She? Who is 'she'?"

"So you're Sakamachi Kinjirou, hmm?" Another voice said from behind Nakuru. "Hmph. Given your sister, I expected you to be more impressive." Sounds like straight out of a cheesy Anime… I thought to myself as I heard the female voice.

I looked past Nakuru, and my eyes met a girl's purple ones. Hard, perceptive eyes glared into my very soul, her glossy, silver hair nearly reaching down to her shoulders. Underneath the skirt of her uniform, I could spot a pair of biker shorts, like an athlete's. But most importantly, she was short. Like, extremely short. This didn't do anything to lessen the aura of doom that she seemed to radiate.

"Clean out your ears and listen up, Sakamachi Kinjirou! You're addressing a third-year student! I'm vice-captain of the handicrafts club, and the highest-ranked member! I'm Narumi Schrödinger!" The girl exclaimed. Uhhh… who? And how does she know my name. Wait, did she mention the handicrafts club?

"Wait! Onee-chan, please!" Nakuru pleaded to the girl.

"H-hey! Nakuru! Who is that pip-squeak?" I asked her.

"Uh… She's my big sister, like I said."

"Seriously? You don't look alike at all." I glanced between both of them. It was really hard to believe this shortie was Nakuru's older sister. Especially when Nakuru looked more… mature than her.

The rest of the class whispered among themselves, staying a safe distance away as "Schrö-senpai" walked up to me. I briefly glanced over at Suzutsuki, who was acting oblivious to the entire situation. For a brief moment, however, our eyes met, and I swear I could see… worrying in them.

"Er… Haven't you heard of her? She's so famous that every member of every athletic club calls her 'Schrö-senpai', even her classmates! Especially after she went around and beat every athletic club at its own game." Nakuru explained to me as the whispering around us continued.

"She… She what..?" I looked back at Nakuru in disbelief. Is that even possible? Though if she's part of the handicrafts club like Kureha is, I find it slightly believable.

"Track, judo, kendo, football… She visited every club and challenged them all to beat her… and she won. No matter what challenge the picked, she beat them every single time." Nakuru continued as I looked at her sister. Her expression hadn't changed, it was still overflowing with animosity.

"Okay, so your sister's an athletic freak of nature. But… what's her beef with me?"

"Well, er..." Nakuru fidgeted and turned to face me, until her sister interrupted her by putting a hand on her shoulder.

"You wanna know? I'll fill you in!" She pointed her finger right at me. "It's because you put your filthy paws on my baby sister!" The smaller – but apparently older – one of the Narumi sisters accused me.

"Huh?" Is all that came out of my mouth. What the hell is she talking about? If she knew me, she would know nothing like that would never happen!

"You two went on a date over summer vacation, right?" Suddenly, realization hit me. "You didn't just eat the handmade lunch she brought you – you made her feed it to you!" Memories of that day came back to me with each word she said. "And what's worse, right there in broad daylight..." She clenched her fist. "You got all fired up and grabbed hold of her where anyone could see you!"

Whaaaaa?! She's totally got the wrong idea! How did she even find out?

"Onee-chan, please! You have to listen to me!" That's it, Nakuru, you tell her what really happened! That was just an ordinary- "That was a compensated date! That's all!" Schrödinger-senpai looked at her little sister dumbfounded.

"That's how you're gonna explain it?!" I blurted out. I should have expected this, it is Nakuru, after all. I could hear a faint, feminine snicker from behind me. I had no doubts that a certain sadist was enjoying this.

"But that's what it was! I offered you a part-time job dating me, and I paid you afterwards." Nakuru said as she turned to face me again.

"If you're gonna be completely literal, then yeah, sure! I admit, you paid me, but what I got was worth hardly anything!" I can't even remember what I've done with the pair of glasses she gave me.

"Senpai, how mean! The gift I gave you was precious! Priceless! Something only I could give you..!"

"Will you please stop phrasing things so vaguely? People take it the wrong way!"

I could already hear the whispers in the classroom. "A compensated date?" "Something only she could give? Does that mean..?" I glanced back over to where Suzutsuki was sitting. She had now stopped faking disinterest, while Konoe was fidgeting next to her. Damn it, Nakuru! Like my popularity wasn't low enough to begin with!

"You've got some guts, doing that to my sister, of all people..!" Schrödinger-senpai's voice had taken a dark turn.

"Senpai! Run! You must escape! Onee-chan can even beat Kureha-chan in one-on-one combat!" Nakuru nudged my slightly.

"S-seriously?!" Apart from mother, Kureha was the strongest person I knew. If she can beat my little sister… I swallowed loudly.

"Yes! Her strength is terrifying! Her gift for anything athletic is off the charts!" Nakuru slumped down a little. "Please, Senpai..."

"Are you prepared to die… Sakamachi Kinjirou?!" Schrödinger-senpai said and cracked her knuckles. Well, I guess I'm screwed. If she can beat Kureha, she's incredible.

The sound of a chair scraping against the floor interrupted my imminent death. I turned and saw Suzutsuki had risen from her chair. Konoe stayed behind as Suzutsuki made her way to me, stopping to stand to my left, slightly in front of me.

"Schrödinger-san, was it? Don't you know that you're being quite loud." Suzutsuki said calmly, crossing her arms under her ample chest. Wait, why did I think that? I'm about to die here!

"Suzutsuki..?" Was she trying to… save me? She glanced briefly in my direction, smiling reassuringly before returning her gaze to Schrödinger-senpai. That smile… it wasn't like her usual ones. It was… genuine.

"I don't think you've quite understood the situation here. Jirou-kun here would never do something like that." Suzutsuki latched onto my arm again. "And that's because he's my fiancé. He wouldn't even dare look at other girls like that. And I'm sure you've heard of me. Can you guess what would happen if you were to hurt him?" I… get what she's doing, but… does she have to do it like this?! I'd let her kill me over getting a nosebleed right now!

"Hmmm… Of course I know you. Along with your butler over there, is there anyone at Rouran who doesn't know who you are, Suzutsuki Kanade." It was now her turn to cross her arms under her… less than ample chest. You'd think that if she's related to Nakuru… wait, stop thinking that! Though I can't really help it when Suzutsuki's pressed against me… STOP IT BRAIN!

"So, do you understand the situation now? If you know my butler, you know what he's capable of. But physical revenge is the least of your worries." Suzutsuki was essentially whispering now. "You know who my father is..." You're starting to sound like a yandere, there...

"...Hmph. You must seriously be in love if you're that protective of him." I briefly thought I saw a blush on Suzutsuki's face. She's just a manipulative sadist, but I don't want to say that out loud. "I guess I'll let him live, for now. It'd be bad for me to get involved in any… unpleasant activities anyway, since I'm part of the festival committee this year. Say, given your position, won't you be the one to host the entire thing?"

"Most certainly. Father will have me as an announcer, at the very least. What does that have to do with anything, though?" Suzutsuki finally let go of my arm and took on an inquisitive pose. Schrödinger-senpai replied with a smirk.

"Well, since it looks like I won't be able to teach your fiancé a lesson, how about we settle the score with a nice, legal wager instead?"

"A-a legal what..?" I asked as her smirk grew wider and she let out a little chuckle. What does she mean by that?

"Sakamachi Kinjirou! During the festival, I'm going to prepare a special event just for you! If you defeat me at it, I'll consider this whole matter settled. Got it?!" She exclaimed with a triumphant voice, as if she was sure I would lose to her.

"Huh?!" This is bad, this is bad, this is bad!

"Wait a moment, Schrödinger-san." Suzutsuki interjected again. "What makes you think I would approve of such an event?"

"Worried about your fiancé, are you? Don't worry, I won't make it anything too deadly." Schrödinger-senpai said with a smirk. "If you worry about him so much, why not have your butler help him? The two of them are good friends, to my knowledge. Besides, a lot of the events that day will have us working in pairs or groups."

I swallowed again and looked at Suzutsuki, who in turn looked at Konoe. She walked over to us and stood on the other side of Suzutsuki.

"Ojou-sama, I would have no problems attending this special event with Jirou, if it comes to that." She said, keeping her calm and stoic attitude.

Suzutsuki looked back at me, asking me what I wanted to do with her expression. I know she probably has a way to get me out of this, and I really appreciate how far she is willing to go for me, even if her help is a bit unexpected, but… I know she hides her true self for a reason, almost like Konoe does. This could risk damaging her reputation. If Suzutsuki's willing to do this for me, then I have to be willing to do something for her. "Stand by me", eh? As my father's words lingered in my mind, I gave Suzutsuki a brief nod before taking a deep breath.

"All right, I'll do it. And Konoe will be with me, if Suzutsuki allows it." I glanced at Suzutsuki, who smiled and nodded at me.

"That's decided then. Oh, yeah, and naturally, if I win, you'll have to do exactly as I say! What should my first demand be?" Eh? Eh?! Schrödinger-senpai snickered before continuing in a darker tone. "Maybe I'll make you my slave for a month."

"H-hey!" Crap! This didn't solve anything, I just delayed things for a week!

"Right! We'll settle this at the festival. Not that it's possible for you to win." Schrödinger-senpai said and turned to leave the classroom. "But if you do find some way to beat me… I guess I could… Pretend to be your sister and call you 'Onii-chan', Hah!" Her laugh echoed in the hallway as she left us at the doorway to the classroom.

"I'm so sorry, senpai. This is all my fault!" Came Nakuru's voice from behind us.

"Nah, don't sweat it. I'm partly to blame too." I replied as I turned to look at her.

"I really don't think you should take part in her 'special event'. You'll never beet onee-chan. She's incredibly ruthless when it comes to these things."

"Yeah, I get that." I didn't exactly want to reveal the real reason as to why I decided to do it. It would be pretty embarrassing to say I didn't it for Suzutsuki's sake, especially right in front of her. "But...she… picked a fight, and I accepted. So you've got nothing to feel guilty about."

"O-oh… Thank you, senpai." Nakuru lowered her head slightly, and I could see she was blushing. So she can act like a normal girl, huh? "I-I should, um, get back to class now." Nakuru said and left us, rather quickly, as well.

As the three of us stood at the entrance to the classroom, Suzutsuki sent a glance over to Konoe, who simply bowed and returned inside. She then closed the classroom door and turned to me.

"You should be very grateful, Jirou-kun. If I hadn't saved you then, who knows what she would've done to you."

"I know that. I quite literally owe my life to you, now. Thank you very much, Suzutsuki." I said and bowed to her.

"My, my Jirou-kun. No need to be so formal." Suzutsuki said and used her hand to lift my head up, resulting in our faces coming uncomfortably close. "Subaru would have done the same to you, but ever since..." She suddenly paused, and I could see a blush appearing on her face. "...Never mind. But you do know that you'll be in debt to me."

"Y-yes, of course." I was thinking of mentioning to her that I accepted the challenge so she wouldn't have to worry any more, but I blushed at the thought of it. Must be because she's so close. "B-but why did you… you know, do all that. You… didn't have to go that far."

"Oh? Are you referring to the fiancé part? Well, you know, I… care… about you..." Suzutsuki trailed off and looked away. Okay, that was definitely not the answer I was expecting. "A-anyway, I think a suitable way for you to… pay back your debt, so to speak, is to… well, act like you're my… f-fiancé." She was definitely blushing now. Calm down heart. This is definitely just her scheming, right? Yeah that has to be the case. Nothing else going on here.

"Ah, like actually acting like your… f-fiancé? Not like before, but like… actually?"

"Well… yes. What I've just done has probably already been told to half of the school. It would just be for the best if we acted that way." Suzutsuki fidgeted awkwardly. This is… I've never seen her like this before. It's… cute.

"Y-yeah, I-I guess you're r-right." I said and looked away as I rubbed the back of my neck. I could feel a blush appearing on my face as well. "Well, I… guess that's that, then?"

Suzutsuki smiled at me and latched onto my arm, before using her other hand to open the door, dragging me back to the classroom. All of the eyes in the room were on me, ranging from disgusted glares to jealousy. I once again pinched my nose, hoping I could prevent the nosebleed.

"We can take this opportunity to help cure your gynophobia, too." Suzutsuki said to me with a smirk.

"Hey, don't speak about that so openly!" I said back, a little louder than intended, causing another set of glares being directed at me. Disgusted looks from girls, and envious ones from boys. Crap, that came out wrong. And just when we had solved the situation with Nakuru...

Suzutsuki simply giggled at me and let go of my arm as she sat down. Konoe sat down next to her in silence. Things had been kinda awkward between the two of us recently, but she seemed to be back to her stoic attitude. It either meant that whatever had caused the awkwardness between us had been resolved, or she was mad at me. I hoped it wasn't the latter.

"By the way, Jirou-kun..." Suzutsuki asked as I was about to go sit down at my own desk.

"What is it?"

"About that 'date' you supposedly had with Nakuru-san..."

"Ah, that was nothing special. She may have worded it terribly, but you know how weird she is… She just needed someone to listen to her, and give her advice, I guess." I explained to her.

"Really? Nothing happened between you two?" Suzutsuki asked with a wicked grin.

"Really, nothing happened, Suzutsuki. I mean, she was kinda… I don't know. Anyway, nothing happened between us. She just worded it horribly. That's all." I said and started to make my way to my desk again.

"Wait." Suzutsuki grabbed my arm and pulled me back towards her with unexpected strength.

"Uwah! W-what is it now?"

"I thought you agreed that you'd be my fiancé, hmmm? I don't think calling me by my family name is very convincing." She whispered to me.

"O-oh, right. Should I call you by your f-first name then?"

"Please do, Jirou-kun." She said and blushed slightly.

"O-okay, got it. K-K-Kanade." I could see the blush on her face growing slightly brighter as I called her by her first name. I was feeling slightly embarrassed myself.

"Say it again." Kanade whispered to me.

"K-Kanade." I said her name again, and I saw that amidst her blush she was now smiling. Something like this happened with Masamune too, didn't it?

"Right, that'll be good enough." Kanade let go of my arm and moved closer to whisper to my ear. "Just remember to call me that from now on, Jirou-kun~!" She finished by winking at me and moving back to her seat.

I stood still for a few moments, no doubt with a blush on my face. Calm down! This is definitely one of her schemes. But… I do also owe her big time. And if it helps with my gynophobia at all, I'll go for it. I smiled to myself and made my way to my seat. For some odd reason, Kanade would stay on my mind for the rest of the day.

AN: And that's a wrap! Happy new years, folks! I hope everyone is having a great time! I finally got this story underway, but I'll be sure to update it regularly! Since this is based on the Manga, it'll be much easier for me to update it, so I'll try to do so as often as possible. I will, of course try to do so with all of my other stories as well, but this one will most likely take priority. Look forward to the next chapter within a week or so!