Hi, everyone! This fic is the second in a Oumeno series I'm writing. The characters refer to the events in the first fic, The Mage's New Apprentice, but it's not necessary to have read the other fic to understand this story. Enjoy!

Closing her eyes, Himiko sucked in a deep breath. The straightjacket's new leather smell assailed her nose. Her arms were crossed over her chest, held tightly in place by a strap. She paused, listening. Doves cooed in their cage. Water churned as the piranhas circled in their tanks. The familiar, soothing riffft of shuffling cards.

Her master's signaled, "Go."

Bending at the waist, Himiko jerked her arms to the side. The strap trapping her arms to her chest loosened. Arms free, she untied the strap running between her legs. Shimming, she wiggled the straitjacket up her chest then over her head. The straightjacket fell to the floor of her research lab.

Panting, Himiko assessed her surroundings. Props of every kind of magic gleamed under the florescent lights. Swords stuck out of a magic box meant for cutting people in half. Rabbits nibbled on carrots in their cages. A guillotine rested against the back corner. Glass bookcases stuffed with magic books and various autographed magic props lined the wall to the right.

"Aaaand…" The sound of shuffling cards stilled. Gasping, Kokichi held up a signed card. "Oh, I got it! I got it! You have to make me your apprentice now…" Seeing the Ultimate Magician, his face fell. "I just tied you up in that a few minutes ago. How did you do that?"

Smirking, Himiko tossed her red bangs aside. She strode up to beside him at the table. "When you can free yourself from a straitjacket then you can become my familiar."

Frowning, Kokichi cut Himiko a glance. "No way. You'll leave me stuck in it."

"Of course. That's the only way you'll learn." Yawning, Himiko pulled up fold out chair to the table. "Now lemme watch you practice."

Pouting, Kokichi shuffled the cards. "Fiiine…" Himiko began to sit. "Actually, that's a lie!" Throwing a spinning card in the air, Kokichi kicked out her chair. Himiko tumbled to the ground. "I'm going on strike."

Groaning, Himiko rubbed her butt. "N-nyeh? Why?"

Kokichi continued to perform card scaling by throwing cards like boomerangs into the air. "We made a deal. You'd teach me sleight of hand and escapology and I show you how to pick locks. I'd be your apprentice and you'll join my organization. But it's been like, months and months, since I started studying under you. You haven't become a member of my evil organization."

Scowling, Himiko righted the chair. "I said I would consider joining if you proved good enough to be my apprentice."

"I haven't been in one magic show either!" Pouting, Kokichi messily clutched the cards to his chest. Tears pooled in his lavender eyes. "I feel so unloved right now. And that's not a lie."

Sighing, Himiko gazed at the bags outside her closet; she had been too lazy to put them inside. Mixed in with the feed for pets were bags of fan mail. "I may be an amazing mage, but I still have a lot to learn. If people realize I've taken on an apprentice so early in my career, they'd think I was being…"

"Foolish? Distracted? Egotistical?"

Himiko glared at him from under her hat. "Overconfident. The apprentice to the Ultimate Mage Himiko Yumeno has to be the Ultimate Apprentice or else the public won't accept it."

Face void of expression, Kokichi studied her. "Figured it would be something like that."

"Then why are you being such a pain?"

Smiling, Kokichi flourished the seven of hearts. "Cuz I wanted to hear how dedicated you are to me."

A blush crept along Himiko's cheeks. "I… Um, l-look at this." She fumbled with pulling out a flyer. As she unfolded it, Kokichi set the cards aside and sat. A theater with neon lights and glowing spotlights emblazoned the poster. She pointed to the date the bottom: February 27. "I'll be unveiling the new spell we've been practicing at this show. But I want to see how much people will like it before using it, so we're gonna throw a performance at school by the end of January. If you do well during the school show, then you can be my apprentice."

Brows furrowed, Kokichi slammed his hands on the table. "You're not ly –"

Rolling her eyes, Himiko picked her ear. "No crossies or take backs."

The leaders' eyes widen marginally. He blinked twice. After a second, his frown deepened. "You forgot cross your heart and hope to die."

"Unlike you, I keep my promises." Eyes narrowed, Himiko jabbed her finger into his chest. "So you gotta take practicing seriously!"

Eyes sparkling, he clapped his hands. "Yay! I finally get to be in a magic show! Now I can show everyone how good lies and tricks can be."

"It's magic," sighed Himiko. "Not tricks."

But Kokichi had already taken off. The Ultimate leader skipped to the magic mystery box. Whistling, he wheeled it towards the room's center. The doves chirruped along with his tune. Then he turned back to gather the other required magical implements.

Smiling, Himiko watched him. We've spent so many hours practicing in here. Memories replayed in her mind. Kokichi magicking a bouquet of flowers infested with Gonta's beetles. Him locking Himiko in a box until she revealed the secret behind a complicated spell. Kokichi trying knife throwing, frightening Himiko so much she burst into tears. Nyeh. They're all bad memories… thought Himiko. But a ghost of a smile played with her lips.

Kokichi snapped his fingers in her face. Himiko flinched. "Stop daydreaming, you lazy girl! We only have three weeks til it's showtime. So let's hup to!"

Himiko shook her head. "We've performed the spell enough already. I have to train you in the art of how to put on a show." Hand on a hip, Himiko shook her finger like a teacher. "You have to make your audience care about the spells being performed whether it's telling a story or putting on a funny persona."

Finger to his lips, Kokichi titled his head to the side. "Funny persona? Why do you need to do that? Your face is funny enough as it is."

Himiko screwed her eyes shut. Ignore him. Or else we'll never start practice. "So we're gonna rehearse cute magic poses." Hands out to her side, Himiko spun in a circle. Smiling, she stopped, making a sideways peace sign by her eyes. "Now you do one."

Kokichi stared at her in silence, his face as blank as a poker player. But his eyes sparked with suppressed laughter. "Sorry, my beloved mage. I can't be cute."

"Whaddya mean?"

Hands out to his side, Kokichi spun in a circle. Smirking, he stopped, and blew a kiss. "Cuz I can't turn off the sexy." He winked.

Himiko's face flushed as red as her hair. Face burning, she turned back to the table. "U-um, erm… L-let's watch some videos then…"

"Nee-heehee." Laughing quietly, Kokichi followed.

The Ultimate Mage glanced over at Kokichi sitting beside her. Being so close, Himiko could smell his shampoo and catch a whiff of musk. Kaede had once told Himiko the pianist paid so much attention to Shuichi she couldn't remember the movie they were watching. But this isn't a date… Swallowing, Himiko glanced back to the laptop. Her heart beat more rapidly than the time she had to juggle torches.

On the laptop screen before them, a twelve-year-old Himiko was mid-performance with her master. A theater full of people excitedly waved their hands in the air. The young magician spun around in place. When she suddenly stopped, she stumbled slightly, eliciting a laugh from the audience. She thrust a finger at a man. "You! What's your name?"

"John."

"What?!" she gasped. "This is your moment, your time to shine! And you wanna be known as plain John Doe? At least add 'the Great' to the end or something." Peals of laughter echoed throughout the theater.

Himiko stiffened. Watching the video was like a knife striking her heart.

The girl prompted, "Pick a number between 1 and 52."

"43."

The young Himiko splayed out cards in a fan, about to count the cards. The Ultimate Magician paused the video. "Master and I began the show with a rapid pace, casting spell after spell. But since the audience member chose such a high number, I switched tactics. I slowed down and had them help count, making the audience really care about the spell. I brought out the feeling. See?"

"Uh huh."

Fists to his cheeks, Kokichi rested his elbows on the table. With laser like focus, he gazed at the screen. Over the past half hour he hadn't glanced away once, even to check the time. She frowned. It's like he's forcing himself to watch every second. "Have you seen this before?"

Brows raised, Kokichi looked at her. "How…?" He leaned back, hands behind his head. "You got me! I watched all your videos a while ago. As an assistant-in-training I gotta take studying seriously, y'know? But that's a lie." Kokichi leaned so close their noses nearly touched. Himiko's heart jumped into her throat. He grinned. "I could never be bored watching you."

Himiko's mouth went dry. Her tongue, flappy and useless, couldn't form words. Then his hand crawled up her the side of her stomach. His fingers tore into her side, tickling her. Squealing, Himiko jerked back. "Nooo! Stop!"

Laughing, Kokichi beset her with both hands. "This wittle piggy went crying all the way home."

I'm not a pig! Himiko tried to grab his hands, but like an eel he slipped from her grasp. Being so close to Himiko had been misdirection for tickling her. Well, two can play at that game! Himiko scooted backwards, nearly falling out of her chair. Kokichi stood up to reach her.

Click!

Blinking, Kokichi jerked his hand. But it was stuck. Panting heavily, Himiko stepped back, brushing hair from her face.

Himiko had handcuffed his hand to the table's leg.

Lips parted, Kokichi turned his palm up and down. He started up at Himiko, shaking his head back and forth slowly. A smile grew across his face. "Wooow, Himiko. I'm impressed at how abusive you are. All you're missing are the high heels and whip."

"Says the person who was tickling me." Himiko retrieved her hat from the floor, dusted it off, and set it on her head. Walking away, she called, "Now I can practice in peace."

"Rrrgh!" She could hear Kokichi violently jerking on the handcuffs behind her. "You're so meeeeean!" Startled, the doves frantically beat their wings. "First thing I'm gonna do when I get free is see if you can take as well as you give!"

"Nyeeeh. Sounds like a pain, but sure."

Himiko walked without looking back. If she did, he would have seen her smiling. Heavens know the last thing he needed was for his ego to inflate more.

Humming to himself, Kokichi opened the door to his dorm. In the living room before him, Keebo and Kaito were sitting on the couch playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Keebo's Luigi was dominating the purple Donkey Kong Kaito was playing. Furious button mashing filled the room. Soft classical music drifted in from Shuichi's bedroom to the right. Kokichi doffed his shoes, then tiptoed up behind them. He leaned heavily against the couch's back between the players. "Kee-boy, I told you should be playing the robot Rob."

The boys jumped. Keebo whirled around. "Please stop already! I'll never play a robot."

"Poor Kee-boy. Only in virtual reality can you be a human."

"Y-you –!"

"Knock it off, man." Scowling, Kaito pressed the pause button and set his controller on the coffee table before him.

The classical music stopped. "Is that Kokichi?" Shuichi ducked out of his room, a hand resting on the wall. He nearly dislodged one of the many pictures of the foursome goofing off taped to the wall. A few months back Kokichi had doodled devil horns mustaches on everyone but him. Shuichi had been too lazy to print off new ones. "What took you so long to get back from Himiko's lab? Lunch was a while ago."

Kokichi pressed his cheek to the couch and smiled at his roommate. "Aw, concerned about li'l ol' me? I'm touched." Bending over the couch's back, he reached out for the controller.

Kaito swiped the controller away. "We're in the middle of a match."

Pouting, Kokichi pounded a brown couch seat. Unidentifiable stains from previous owners disfigured it. "Meanie. You're gonna lose in two seconds anyway."

Huffing, Kokichi moseyed over to the kitchen besides the door. The wooden kitchen cabinets and counter were as nicked as a carpenter's workbench. A marble counter would have been preferable, but Hope's Peak Academy spent every yen on their research of talent. He breathed in the smell of teabags and coffee. Shuichi's coffee maker sat, broken and unplugged, in the far corner of the counter. Humming, Kokichi searched the overhead cabinets.

Shuichi walked up beside him. "We have our giant group assignment for Psychology of Motivation due on Monday." The detective glanced towards the wall on the living room's left. A big wipe off calendar covered the wall. Colored coded assignments and planned outings with friends were crammed into the squares. "And an essay in Group Dynamics. You don't have, what, five hours to spend with Himiko."

Kokichi's jaw clenched. Who are you to dictate to the dictator how to spend his time? Kokichi mechanically opened a barbeque potato chip bag and munched on a chip. He offered the bag to Shuichi. "Jealous?"

He reached for a chip. "No."

Kokichi smashed the bag. He left it drop to the floor. "A shame. I'd spend that much time cuddling with you if any one of you promised to join my organization. Well, minus Kee-boy cuz only humans allowed and Kaito cuz he's as dumb as an inanimate object."

"That's robophobic!"

"What kind of object?"

Sighing, Shuichi bent down to examine the bag for any unbroken chips to eat. Finding none, he tossed it in the trash can by the door. "I've told you many times. I have no intention of pretending to join a fake organization." Kokichi pursed his lips.

After pausing the match, Keebo turned around on the couch. "How much time are you teasing her vs the two of you actually practicing?"

Humming, Kokichi tilted his head to the side. "Hmm… maybe 60/40?" Kaito shook his head. Laughing, Kokichi placed his hands on his hips. "That's a lie. It's more like 80/20."

Kaito ran a hand through his purple hair. "I don't know how she puts up with you. You're totally stringing her along with some vague promise of being her assistant."

Scowling, Kokichi balled his hands into fists. "I'll have you know Himiko and I are training to perform a show!"

Kaito raised a brow. "What kind of show?"

Eyes narrowed, Kokichi stared at the astronaut-in-training. "Come on. You're not that stu –" Blushing, he cried, "Hey!"

"Although crude," Shuichi began, hand raised in a peace offering, "Kaito does have a point. Your teasing is more like flirting. At least when it comes to Himiko."

Gasping loudly, Kokichi clutched his checkered bandana. "Are you and Kee-boy both accusing me of being discriminatory? I love everyone equally!"

Keebo held his chin. "Is that really the most logical assumption though? If Kokichi believes it, then I'm inclined to conclude it's a lie."

Kaito scratched the back of his head. "Well, let's see. Kaede's taken already and Maki is my sidekick so she's… uh, occupied." Shuichi hid a laugh behind a hand while Kokichi rolled his eyes. "You tease Kirumi about being your mom which she finds insulting, but… it's not inherently bad, I guess."

"I don't have an Oedipus complex, thank you very much!"

Gaze downcast, Keebo pressed his index fingers together. "There's Miu, but… Er."

Kokichi cupped a hand around his mouth, jeering, "Miu's a whore! And Tenko is prolly batting for the other team."

Shuichi spread out a hand to the side. "And you don't show Angie or Tsumugi any special attention." He spoke gently as though breaking some bad news to a client. "Unlike Himiko."

For a half second, the ever-working gears in Kokichi's mind stopped. Then his heart beat so fast it threatened to beat out of his chest. That… that can't be. Kokichi shook his head slowly. "You're… you're missing half of the possibilities, y'know."

Shuichi shrugged. "True, that's only the girls in our homeroom. But we aren't with the girls in 1-A and 1-B as much. The upperclassmen don't give us first years the time of day."

Suppressing a growl of frustration, Kokichi returned to combing the cabinets for lunch. Kokichi's sugary cereals lined the shelves. Another contained tea bags of every kind imaginable.

"Look," Shuichi continued. "I don't think we're the only ones who've picked up on this. I mean, Himiko can be a little slow on the uptake sometimes, but I'm sure your constant teasing has confused her. She might think you have a cru –"

Kaito interjected, "I'm surprised I haven't found you two making out in some broom closet somewhere." Face reddening, Keebo raised his hands.

Grinding his teeth, Kokichi gripped the cabinet door so hard his nails left marks. He faced them before bursting into tears. "First you imply I'm doing peep shows with Himiko and now this? Why are you all ganging up on meeeeee? What's with this double standard?"

"Double standard?" frowned the robot.

"Yeah!" Kokichi happily exclaimed, tears vanishing. "Shuichi's been learning piano lessons from Kaede her in lab." Eyes overcast by his bangs' shadow, Kokichi smirked from ear to ear. "Who's to say Shuichi isn't pressing her keys?"

Blushing furiously, Shuichi gasped, "What? No! It isn't like that!"

Crying out, Keebo and Kaito rose from the couch. Fist raised, Kaito shouted, "Where the hell do you get off saying such crap?! Shuichi would never do such a thing."

Keebo jabbed a finger at Kokichi. "He isn't foul like you!"

Kokichi threw a hand out to the side. "Shuichi is just brown nosing Kaede. He not gonna participate in any of her piano recitals. I'm only practicing with Himiko because it'll help each other's careers!"

"That so?" Kaito snorted. Eyes narrowed, he looked down the bridge of nose at the Ultimate Supreme Leader. "That's the worse lie you've ever told. Do you actually expect us to believe your bullshit?"

Kokichi screwed his eyes shut. Had they been opened, his lavender eyes would have borne twin holes into Kaito. The leader hid his shaking fists by clasping the back of his head. He smiled. "Of course, I don't, stupid! Nor I do think Himiko will believe anything I say, either."

Frowning, Keebo held his head with a hand. "Wait, I'm confused. What does that mean?"

Kaito crossed his arms and scoffed, "Probably just another one of his lies. He's trying to trick everyone, Himiko most of all."

Clearing his throat, Shuichi pulled on his collar with a finger. "Kaito, it's all right. Let's call a truce, okay?" Kaito shrugged. Exhaling a nervous laugh, Shuichi laid a hand on Kokichi's shoulder. "Hey, Kokichi. We were planning on going to the cafeteria for dinner. You can eat a snack now and join –"

Kokichi clapped his hands. "I'd say I would love too, but then you'll think that's a lie, right? So I'll pass, thanks." He shrugged off Shuichi's hand, strode to his bedroom to the left, and slammed the door.

Balancing her tray of food, Himiko weaved her way through the crowd of hungry students. The cafeteria had only opened for dinner a half hour ago, but already it was packed. The students' raucous chatter, the competing smells of fried meats and fresh vegetables, how close the crowd pressed in on her made Himiko's head spin. Stumbling, Himiko crossed the red checkered tiles to her roommates' usual table. If only someone would give her a piggyback ride.

Kaede and Maki were already sitting in the tan open backed chairs. As Maki pinched up ramen with chopsticks, she scanned the floor-to-ceiling windows. Being early January, darkness had already claimed the sky. The night dimmed the already dull overhead fluorescent lights.

"Do you see they're offering paninis today?" Tsumugi walked up from behind, a red plastic tray in hand. She slipped into a seat. "I'll have to go back to get mine later."

Kaede nodded. "Yeah, I'm getting one, too. I hope it won't be as burned as last time."

"Himiko, wait for me!"

Sighing, Himiko claimed the chair at the end to the right of Tsumugi.

Pigtails bouncing, Tenko dashed up to them, her dinner nearly falling out of the tray. "Why did you leave me behind?" There was no way for Tenko to sit next to the magician thanks to Tsumugi. Tenko fetched a chair, pulled it around towards the table's edge, and sat perpendicular to Himiko. "But it's good to see you so energized, Himiko! Oh, sorry, I mean full of MP."

Himiko groaned. Between her and Kokichi she never got any rest. She stuffed her mouth full of seaweed rice as fast as she could manipulate her chopsticks. Maki's red eyes flickered upwards. "Slow down, Himiko. If you choke, I'll have to have to use the Heimlich on you."

"Scmpp –" The mage swallowed. "Skipping meals are bad for a growing girl like me."

Spying Shuichi entering the cafeteria, Kaede waved at him. The detective shyly raised a hand. Followed by Kaito and Keebo, he headed towards the kitchen counter. Smiling, Kaede turned back to the table. "Yeah, why were you so late today?" Purple eyes alight, the blond leaned forward with folded hands. "Were you spending all that time with Kokichi?"

Tenko coughed on her miso soup. "He's the worst male I ever met! If he so much as makes you the tiniest bit upset, I'll show him my Neo-Aikido."

Setting her chopsticks down, Himiko stared at her rice. "He does that every day. He calls me names, lies and pulls pranks, and he doesn't work as nearly as hard as he should. Kokichi's a huge pain." Himiko brushed a stray hair from her face. Her fingers gazed her barrette's turquoise gemstone. It was the last birthday gift from her master before he left her. Eyes lost in memory, Himiko whispered, "But Kokichi promised to be my apprentice. I won't abandon him." Not like my master did to me.

No, Himiko corrected herself. That anti-mage stole his powers from him. That's why he left. Master did NOT abandon me!

Tenko pounded her fists against the white table. "I can practice magic, too. I'll be ten times the apprentice he pretends to be!"

Sighing, Himiko resuming eating. "You can't even shuffle cards properly."

"Y-yeah but… I'm your biggest fan!"

"Nyeh, I have plenty of those."

Laughing, Kaede spooned her miso soup. "Well, Kokichi might be aggravating, but I'm glad there's one person who enjoys his company."

Blushing, Himiko pulled down her mage's hat. "I-I didn't say that…"

Maki tossed one of her black pigtails. "He's nothing but trouble. One of these days you'll regret you ever associated with Kokichi."

"Speaking of that handsome devil!"

The girls flinched. Snickering, Kokichi elbowed his way in-between Himiko and Tsumugi. Crying out, the cosplayer fell backwards, allowing him to claim her seat. Kokichi chirped, "Hey there, Himi!"

A flush reddened her cheeks. "N-n-nyeh?!"

Grinning, Kokichi picked up her chopsticks. "Like your new nickname? Good. I won't mind if you called me Kichi, y'know. I'm not lying." He deftly snatched up Himiko's slice of steak and ate it in two gulps. "Whaddya doing with meat, Himi? No matter what you eat, you'll only gain fat, not muscle. Though getting fatter would complement your ugly face quite nicely."

As though punched in the stomach, all of Himiko's breath left her.

"Hey!" Tenko and Kaede exclaimed.

Heart pounding, Himiko scanned the area. Against the yellow framed wall was Shuichi. Eyes trained on Kokichi, the detective was half rising out of his seat. Kaito and Keebo stopped their conversation to worriedly glance up at their roommate.

"Hm?" Kokichi followed the mage's gaze. Upon spying Shuichi, a wicked grin spread across his face. He waved with his fingers. When Shuichi stood, Himiko shook her head. After a moment, the detective sat down, frowning.

The leader turned back to the girls. Pouting, he cooed, "Aw, don't be upset. Didn't you know boys tease the girls they like?"

Himiko went cold. Is… Is that why he…?

Tsumugi placed a trembling hand over her mouth. "T-that may be, but it's plain to see your brand of teasing is a bit… aggressive."

Eyes narrowed, Tenko punched a fist into her palm. "Your typical degenerative behavior is not welcome!"

Kokichi's laugh bellowed so loudly, other students ceased their chatter to turn and watch. "Just kidding! I could never like a girl with donkey lips. What are you, stupid?"

Himiko's jaw quivered. Her eyes filmed over with tears.

Maki scoffed, "Told you."

Scowling, Kaede crossed her arms. "Kokichi, please. Why are you doing this?"

The mage slowly shook her head. "T-this isn't," her voice squeaked. She swallowed the lump in her throat. "This isn't your usual teasing. You're attacking me. I haven't done anything wrong."

Kokichi snorted. "Your stinky breath is an insult to everything that breathes."

Tray clattering, Himiko launched from her seat. Her legs trembled beneath her. "I-I've had enough of you."

Head tilted to the side, the dictator lazily gazed up at her. "That so?" Smirking, Kokichi saddled up alongside her. She could feel his heat along the length of her entire body. Smell his shampoo. Her heart beat so loudly it drowned out the clattering utensils, shuffling feet, and chattering students. His warmth breath tickled her ear. "Then why do you keep coming back for more? Admit it: you haven't had your fill of me yet." His hand drifted up her side. Leaning closer, his lips grazed her ear. "When you give in, I'll be happy to oblige."

Crying out, Himiko shoved him away. "Leave me alone!" She bolted towards the door. The memory of Kokichi's laughter rang through her head long after she had left.

Sniffing, Himiko buried her head into a pink pillow. The smell of sweat assailed her nose. The giant wet stain of snot and tears cooled her flushed face. Like a wet rag wrung dry, Himiko couldn't summon any more tears. Her sole remaining energy was spent expanding her chest against the pink owl bedsheets. The only time her MP stores were depleted more was the night her master left. Kokichi hasn't left me though… right? She gnawed on her lip.

"Just kidding! I could never like a girl with donkey lips. What are you, stupid?"

The pillow quieted her sniffling.

Her bedroom door slammed open. The nearby potted tree almost tipped and crashed. "Himiko! Are you all right?" Tenko's voice cried. Groaning, Himiko ducked her head under the pillow. All she saw was darkness. A dish clattered. Gentler, Tenko pleaded, "I brought you your dinner. I know you don't feel like it at the moment, but you should eat soon."

Sighing, Himiko wiped her face, removed the pillow, and sat up. Although slightly lightheaded, she cast her gaze round the room. Himiko's half eaten rice and steak cuts were situated on her bedside table. Knickknacks were placed on the high shelves lining her room. Souvenirs from her time spent traveling the world performing with her master. A plate of cookies with a half-folded paper on it rested on her vanity. At the doorway, Himiko's roommates cautiously looked in.

Tsumugi flashed a tepid smile. "Sorry we took so long. We had to, um, stop Tenko's rampage."

Tenko pounded her chest. "Then I realized that you hadn't eaten so I came back!" She smiled expectantly at the mage, as if a dog seeking praise for playing fetch.

Maki entered and lounged in the vanity chair. Gnawing on a thumb nail, she reported, "We couldn't locate him. The moment you left he took off. He crawled back to one of his hideouts like the worm he is. I swear for every one I discover he has another three."

"Nyeh, it's okay."

"No, it's not okay, Himiko." Lips pursed, Kaede made her way into the bedroom. She moved aside the magician's magic show and soap operas DVDs to sit on the easy chair. The pianist leaned forward, gazing at Himiko from beyond the edge of her bed. "It's not right for Kokichi to tease you like that."

"That wasn't teasing." Tenko ground her fist into her other palm. "That perverted male was flirting! It's his typical degenerative behavior for Kokichi to tell everyone he loves them, but today's atrocity was a step further."

"That's plain obvious to see." Tsumugi sunk into the floor cushion shaped like a tiger's head. "Question is why?"

Kaede crossed her arms. "If Kokichi doesn't have a crush on you then he's just being a jerk. But even if he does like you, that doesn't excuse his actions. He's leading you on without having made any commitment."

Himiko's hat had fallen onto the white tilted floor. The lazy mage opted to bury her face into the stuffed bear on the bed instead. "W-what are you talking about? He promised to work hard to become my assistant."

Scoffing, Maki played with one of the half-finished origami animals from her vanity. A few weeks ago, Himiko had offered to teach Maki to entertain the kids from the caregiver's orphanage. Maki, however, had quickly lost interest. "Then stop practicing with him." She crushed the origami with a fist. "Don't give him any more chances to take advantage of your vulnerability."

"But…" Himiko gazed at a flyer posted next to her vanity. A second copy of the magic theater she showed Kokichi. "I promised."

Kaede scratched her head. "I don't know, Maki. That's a little harsh. I know you gave Kaito the silent treatment when you first met, but Kaito didn't give up. And things are better between you two after you talked things out, right?"

Blushing, Maki scrunched her uniform's bow. "That has nothing to do with this." The pianist giggled.

Tilting her head, Tsumugi cupped her face with a hand. "I agree with Kaede. You just need to figure out how Kokichi feels. It's plain to see you need to put him a situation in which he's more likely to tell you the truth."

"Ha!" Tenko barked. "Good luck. He's a liar to the core. He'd never tell the truth about what he's really feeling. Not of his own volition anyway."

Biting her lip, Himiko pressed the teddy bear against her face. Her mind raced. Does Kokichi like me? Kokichi had watched her magic videos of his own initiative. But he rarely took practice seriously. His constant teasing bordered on flirting. And yet he humiliated her in front of the whole cafeteria. Whimpering, Himiko screwed her eyes shut. "This is too much of a pain."

"Fine, then sit there. Nothing will be resolved. Maybe then you'll learn how to stand up for yourself." Sighing, Maki replaced the origami for a cookie from the plate on the vanity's top. "Himiko, where did you get these? They're really good."

"Nyeh? I never got cookies."

"Ah!" Tsumugi cried, standing up. "Those are mine!" When everyone gave her confused looks, she explained. "Kirumi and I agreed to meet this afternoon to discuss cosplay. I wanted to see if she was interested in trying different maids from anime like Rem. Kirumi baked cookies for the occasion, but someone had stolen them."

"Gimme," ordered Himiko. Maki complied. Frowning, the magician unfolded a piece of paper sitting on the pile.

Kokichi's hand had written, "You silly mage! You forgot to eat the rest of your dinner. I might have put tabasco sauce on one of them. Or maybe I didn't. Have fun finding out!"

Blinking, Himiko slowly lowered the paper. Tenko snatched the note and read it aloud. "What?" gasped Kaede. "If Kokichi stole those cookies this afternoon, before dinner…"

Pursing her lips, Maki turned her head away. "Then he planned on apologizing for the argument before it occurred."

Tsumugi frowned. "Then why go through with it at all?"

Sweat slid down Himiko's brow. Her stomach churned like stormy sea waves. "I don't… I don't know what to believe anymore."

"Believe in your feelings."

Eyes wide, Himiko glanced up at Tenko. The Aikido master smiled down at her. "Tell him what you feel. If you wanna cry your eyes out, go right ahead." Tenko thrust a punch. Himiko's souvenirs lining the shelves shook. "I'll be right beside you if you want to punch him! Or if you want to laugh and continue having fun practicing magic with him, then let him know that. And if he lies afterwards, don't get frustrated. I'll throw him with my Neo-Aikido and find out his real feelings. But first, you must train your heart so you're not scared to share your emotions with him. After all, you have the most beautiful heart of all."

Face flushing, Himiko couldn't meet Tenko's gaze. Over the Aikido master's shoulder, the magic theater flyer gleamed in the light. Years ago, Himiko and her master had performed at the same theater. The young girl had always wanted to perform host another show there, but there hadn't been another opportunity. Until now. Himiko's hands balled into fists. I don't want to lose Kokichi, too. No, I won't lose him!

Jaw set, Himiko pushed the bear aside and reclaimed her hat from the floor. Setting the hat on her head, Himiko grinned. "I'll show that liar what I'm made of! He'll be so dazzled he'll fall to his knees before the amazing Ultimate Mage Himiko!"

Laughing, the girls applauded. Himiko basked in the light of their smiles.

In her mind, the voice of her master whispered. "You must never forget, my dear. A mage must always strive to make people smile. From their happiness we draw our strength."

I'm sorry, Master, thought Himiko. I'll do my best to make everyone smile, especially Kokichi.

Frowning, Kokichi tapped the tip of his pencil to the page on his bedroom desk. With the lights off, only the neon red glow of his digital clock illuminated the cluttered desktop. Sticks of gum, doodles of sci-fi weapons, and water gun had been pushed aside for his notebook. The heater hummed in the background. For the thousandth time, Kokichi read the words on the page.

"Relationship with Himiko Analysis"

Below it was a dash was written. 2 a.m. and still no words.

A smile playing with his lips, he began drawing. A chibi Himiko head came to life. Kokichi finished it off with diagonal lines across her cheeks, denotating embarrassment. He bit the pencil's eraser. Then he added tear drops from her eyes.

"Bleeeh…" Kokichi banged his against the desk. "Why did I have to find out the truth?" He stared at his doodle. At its tears. Sighing, he closed his eyes. "I shoulda just kept on lying."

Kokichi lifted the red velveteen curtains to peer into the audience. First year students filled the school gym. Their excited chatter echoed off the gym's high beams. Kirumi passed through the rows of fold out chairs, passing out food and drinks like a walking concession stand. Tenko attempted to lead the other students in chanting, but everyone, except for Gonta, ignored her.

"What are you doing?" Kokichi dropped the curtain to face a shaking Himiko. "Checking on the audience inflicts you with the paralysis status effect."

Kokichi pushed aside a metal wired container of basketballs to stand next to her. The backstage smelled of sweat and cleaner fluid so strongly anyone could have developed a headache. "Looks more like you've been poisoned and are experiencing a seizure."

Sweating, Himiko wrung her hands. "I-I'm always like this before a show…"

Kokichi pursed his lips. "You're a ball of nerves. With one spark, you'd electrocute. I've helped you set up other shows and you've never been such a floppy jelly." He balled a hand into a fist. It's because of me, isn't it?

Himiko brushed her bangs back, her fingers lingering over her barrette. "Don't worry. It's not because I'm worried about your performance."

Kokichi flinched. How does she always do that?!

At his widened eyes, Himiko flashed a smile. "I wondered if Master had felt nervous before his first few shows because of me, too."

"Riiight…" Kokichi laid his hands behind his head and spun around. "Welp! Get it together, mmkay? I don't my first grand performance ruined because of you." Peering over his shoulder, he glimpsed Himiko hanging her head. Kokichi bit back a sigh.

"Hey, Himiko! You ate my cookies I got you? Betcha that made you happy."

"Y-yeah… You stole them, but they were pretty good. And I, um, I-I need to…"

"Hm? What is it? Speak up."

"N-never mind. I'll tell you later. Maybe."

"Y'know, I didn't…"

"Didn't what?"

"…Didn't know if we were watching more videos or striking sexy poses!"

"Neither! We're going to be practicing seriously from now on, you hear me?"

"Hmm… Hmmm… HMMM!"

"What are you doing?" Kokichi exclaimed, whirling around. "You're making my cute ears bleed."

Eyes closed, Himiko had her hands raised in the air, making devil horns with her fingers. "I'm meditating. Angie said if I prayed to Atua before my shows, I'd be a platinum follower."

"Y'know, for a magician you sure fall for some dumb tricks."

"I'm a mage!"

"Whatevs." The leader scrolled through his phone. "Here. Lookit this." Brow raised, Himiko moved closer. Kokichi paused; he had intended to hand his phone over not have Himiko stand by him. Beneath the backstage's stench of cleaner, he could smell her vanilla shampoo. Heart racing, he began the video. The screen showed a lizard on a wood floor. Whenever he moved rock music played. Himiko burst out laughing. Kokichi smirked. "I knew you'd like this kind of dumb shit."

Smiling wide, Himiko replayed the video. "I've seen it like four times, but it's still really funny." Her brown eyes alit while watching it. Whenever she laughed, her petite nose scrunched up a bit.

Kokichi smiled. I wonder what she'd do if I asked her to kiss me for good luck. Blushing furiously, Kokichi turned away, hand over his mouth. Wait, what am I thinking? What if she actually kissed me?

"Huh? What are you making such a funny face for? Are you constipated?"

"Ha, ha! Uh, nope! It's just listening to you laugh makes me want to barf."

Instantly, Himiko's face fell. "What?" She pouted like a child who received coal on Christmas. "But you were the one to suggest watching videos. You don't make any sense."

"Nee-heehee." Damn it! Way to go, moron! Why didn't I use one of my prepared lines?

Angie popped her head out of the stage's soundboard room. "Two minutes until showtime!" She closed the door, resuming her post.

"Nyeeeh…" Himiko began shaking like a car's engine on its last leg. Sweat dripped down her brow. "Maybe I'm the one who's gonna vomit."

Brows furrowed, Kokichi reclaimed his phone. He bent forward, peering up into her pale face. "What's wrong? Got a surprise for the magic show?" Arms wrapping around her stomach, Himiko dug her chin into her collarbone. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I… Master trained me for three years before I stepped onstage with him. Obviously, we don't have that much time together. But I don't… I don't want to set you up for failure."

Kokichi sucked in a breath. Then he smiled broadly. Chuckling, he flicked her nose. Squealing, Himiko covered her face. "D'awww. No one's ever said that to me before. Being a leader of an evil organization, there's a bunch of people who'd love to watch me burn. But hey." Straightening, Kokichi shrugged a shoulder. "If I don't make the cut, then I can say I never wanted to be your assistant in the first place. Just a prank. Everyone would believe it." The leader shoved his hands into his pockets. He gripped his phone so hard his knuckles turned white. "So you'd be free to pursue magic on your own. A lot less of a pain then."

Himiko stilled. She still refused to meet his eyes.

"Thirty seconds!" Angie cried

"No," the mage murmured. "I thought I told you already." Fists raised, Himiko stepped towards him and cried, "I'm not giving up on you!" Kokichi froze. She was so close, Kokichi could make out every golden fleck in her brown eyes. "We're gonna go out there and show them what you—what we can do!" Himiko grabbed Kokichi's hand and held it tight. She ran towards the stage, pulling Kokichi along. "Let's make this the best show ever!"

Laughing quietly, Kokichi allowed himself to dragged. He couldn't see to her face burn when the audience sees them holding hands.

Clapping, the students jumped to their feet. Tenko's shrill whistles echoed off the gym's walls. Although the show had a rocky start due to Himiko's embarrassment, the show went off without a hitch. Kokichi, grinning, spread his arms wide, savoring the sound of their cheers. With DICE being a secret organization, the leader never received any public recognition. I could get used to this.

Chuckling, Kokichi clasped Himiko's hand. She shot him a nervous, flustered glance. Smiling, he led her into bowing together.

"Good job, you two!" shouted Kaede.

Tenko cried louder. "Fantastic performance, Himiko!"

"Nee-heehee." Still holding hands, Kokichi spun Himiko then dipped her. The magician gasped. Kokichi caught her with the crook of his arm. Eyes wide, Himiko stared up at him. She was as tightly wound as a bow's string. Leaning in close, Kokichi whispered. "You gonna make me your apprentice now?"

Himiko sucked in a deep breath through her nose. Closed her eyes. Swallowed. Then she pressed her lips to his.

Kokichi's lips were soft. Warmer than Himiko expected, especially for a liar like him. A bit wet. A strange warmth curled though her stomach, pushing her for more. She reached up with a hand, to cradle his face.

Kokichi dropped her. Himiko smacked into the gym's stage. Blinking stars out of her vision, she looked up. The mage squinted from bright overhead stage lights blazing down on her.

Eyes wide, Kokichi stared down at her. All the blood had drained from his face. His arms hung limp at his sides like a marionette's strings gone slack.

The audience's cheers turned to gasps. Only the hum of the heater punctured the silence. Then murmurs rippled through the crowd. Himiko felt like an ant being fried with a magnifier glass and the sun.

Her eyes darted from the students to Kokichi. The two magicians stared at each other as if in a trance. A flicker of movement of his lips. Mouthing a word.

Why.

Sweat beaded down her face. Not sweat. Tears.

"I'm coming, Himiko!" Tenko's voice cried.

The spell cast over the pair broke. Himiko rose, narrowly dodging Tenko jumping onto the stage. Kokichi, hands raised, backed up. "Hold on –"

Tenko struck like lightning. She seized Kokichi's collar and belt before throwing him over her shoulder. Himiko scrambled to her feet. The leader hit the ground with a grunt. Tenko pinned his head down with a hand. "Confess!"

"Get off of me!"

The audience rose to their feet. Their confused gasps and exclamations were like grating static in Himiko's ears. Legs quaking, she clamped her hands over her ears. If only she could sink through the floor and disappear.

Teeth bared, Tenko ground Kokichi's cheek into the stage's wooden slats with her knee. "You don't get the luxury of hiding anymore." She breathed in ear. "Now confess!"

Himiko locked eyes with Kokichi. His lavender eyes searched hers. She couldn't draw another breath. "I didn't –" Kokichi lowered his gaze. "I didn't know."

A sob escaped her lips. Himiko blindly ran towards backstage, tears blurring her vision.

"Himiko!" Kokichi cried. "Wait –!"

Roaring, Tenko flung him around like a rag doll. Kokichi's screams pierced the air.

The mage ducked into the back-stage's darkness. Her pounding heart drowned out all other noise. One sole thought beat in her head, in time with her racing heart.

Liar.