A.N. Well, what can I say about this show/manga? I absolutely love it, for one. It's hilarious as heck. They somehow are making plot progression while executing the same loop over and over again, which is really quite something: Raku encounters a girl, he and said girl have some intense moment, and then that moment falls apart and nothing comes out of it. And yet, like I said, they are somehow progressing a story with such a formula. Props to that!

Anyways, on the topic of those moments that have nothing come from them, what would happen if Raku acted differently? You know, maybe told the truth or spoke optimistically instead of pessimistically? Interesting concept, no? Let's begin then, starting with:

Raku and Haru, at the festival, with the fireworks.

"Raku, are you the prince that I've been looking for?"

What is with this sudden serious atmosphere? The fireworks just started too! What terrible timing, honestly. But this question—it definitely isn't one I would expect her to ask. Really, I don't want to be giving this crooked smile of disbelief, but with how exasperated she got when I told her the truth before, it can't be helped. "That's right," I say while scratching my cheek, "I told you before."

She's staring at me now, completely doe-eyed and innocent. It's cute, sure, but I know exactly what's about to come, so I wave my hands in defense and hastily explain, "I-I'm really sorry about lying! There is no friend who is being chased around by shady people…" I can't help but laugh at how anyone could have believed that story in the first place. Threatened by people in the 'underworld?' Get real! Err, then again, my family is...but that's not the point!

And~ she's still staring at me. Odd, by now I expected her to be overcome with rage at my supposed lying. Something escapes her lips, leaving them slightly parted. Was it a word, or perhaps a gasp? Nah, it had to be a sigh of disgust. She takes a step forward. Oh boy, here it comes! I'm in for it—

She clutches my shirt with both hands desperately, and then looks up at me with disturbingly gleaming eyes full of…hope? "Are you really him?"

I'm a little confused at this display. All right, that's a lie—I'm absolutely, positively lost at this display of hers. As such, I simply nod, and the moment I do, her grip on my shirt tightens.

Suddenly there's a loud bang that drowns out all the other fireworks and steals the attention of everyone. In the sky and stretching nearly the span of the festival grounds is a grand heart-shaped firework as pink as a…well, as a heart. I murmur to myself about the ridiculousness of that firework, the 'binding firework,' as everyone calls it, and look down at the girl still clutching my shirt. "Did you see that just now?" Maybe I'm more superstitious than I realize, because I let slip out, "Or actually, I'm sorry you had to see that with someone like me."

Huh?

She's smiling. Why is she smiling? It's a really cute and coy smile too and—is that a blush across her face?

She looks up at me. "I finally found you, my prince."

I can't help but blush at such a comment, though maybe the real reason is because she's now snuggled against my chest.

And wouldn't you know it? Onodera is standing right there in front of me as pale as a ghost. No, not this Onodera. That Onodera.

Just.

My.

Luck.

Well, I guess it isn't all bad…

A.N. That's right, Raku! It isn't bad at all. You've got a girl that shares all of your tastes and interests while also looking like your precious Kosaki, because you know, she's her sister. Really not a tough call, in my opinion. Haha! Anyways, hope you enjoyed! Wrote up a few of these shorts all at once, so you can expect at least two more. Rest assured that it will be a different character next time.