AN: And here's chapter 2! Ninja, alex, Bloodwolf, c2, Guest, doodles, and 102992: thank you guys so much for your reviews! I'm glad you all like the story so far! Your feedback is greatly appreciated and gives me motivation to continue, thanks again! Also a big thank you to those who follow and fav!

Moving on, I'm going to continue writing this story from Nagisa's POV. I was considering including Shizuma's and others' thoughts, but I think I'll just leave that all up for the reader to decide (or just describe what they are thinking instead of doing a whole thought speech thing, whatever you want to call it). Of course, there will be times when the 'camera' will shift to other characters, but it will focus on Nagisa for the most part.

Also, I will be incorporating scenes from both the anime and novel/manga into the story. This is mainly just for the first few chapters (hopefully), since I'm too lazy to come up with new scenes to introduce the main cast (sorry guys!). Another thing, I went ahead and based the dinner around French etiquette since I forgot if the novel actually went over those trivial details. Just thought I'd explain that part.

I apologize for any grammatical errors that I overlook and for any characters that are OOC.

Enjoy.

Day One

April 19th, 2012 - Thursday

01:40 PM

Nagisa flipped the latches on her briefcase and opened it, revealing her sleek laptop, phone, two chargers, and headset. She had already finished unpacking all of her other items, and the trunk full of her mission-related gear was locked up underneath her bed. She had yet to meet her roommate. The resident director had only told her the name of the girl: Tamao Suzumi.

Hmm… Hopefully this Suzumi-san character isn't nosy. Nagisa pulled her sleeve back and looked at her watch. 13:42. Classes will be ending around 16:30, so I should have time to give Hirai a quick call, then wander the halls for a bit. Maybe I'll go and find out Hanazono-san's room number…

With that last thought, she was reminded of Shizuma and her overly-friendly behavior.

That woman… At least she lived up to her word and brought me to the dorms. Though the silence between us during the walk was very awkward… She brought a hand up to her forehead, a blush spreading across her cheeks. I can't believe she kissed me there, in front of the dormitory. Idiot…

Nagisa shook her head as if that would help disperse her thoughts. She took her phone out of the cushioned foam, started it up, and speed-dialed Hirai.

"Ah, Nagisa-san," Hirai answered after a few rings. "How do you like the school so far?"

"Takahashi-sama, why didn't you tell me that you put me in charge of a sexual predator?" Nagisa growled out.

Laughter carried through her cell phone's earpiece.

"Is she, now? Well, if I had told you of Hanazono's amorously persistent nature, you wouldn't have agreed to the mission. I figured she would become infatuated with you once she saw you. Heh." Nagisa could see Hirai now, holding his chin in his hand with a smug expression on his face. "It seems my plan has worked out perfectly so far. Now, she'll be looking for you instead, making it easier for you to protect her."

What an egotistical ass… Well, I didn't agree to these terms. So I may as well leave now while I still have the chance.

Nagisa reached under her bed and grabbed one of her empty suitcases. She stood from her kneeling position and walked over to her drawers, opening them and then unzipping her suitcase.

"Woah, hey, Nagisa-san? What's all that noise? Are you still unpacking?"

"I'm actually repacking," the redhead retorted.

"Aw, Nagisa-san. Don't be like that! I apologize for not giving you all the details," the man said with a sigh, "but I thought that would be for the best. And what about Hanazono? You're not the type to walk out on a mission where innocent lives are in danger."

"That pervert can go and die for all I care," she grumbled.

"Wow, your first impression of her was that bad?"

"Yes, she bit my finger and then bear hugged me from behind. She also kissed me without my consent. I'm not about to stick around and find out what's next." She grunted, stuffing another piece of clothing into her suitcase.

"She… she bit you?" Hirai asked, his tone incredulous. "Well, uh… Although I have no idea why she would perform such an act, I'm certain she did it… because…" He trailed off.

"See? Even you are at a loss for words. I still can't believe you sent me here without telling me about her… mannerisms. You know how much I hate being touched by unfamiliar people, yet you stick me with this."

"Yes, Nagisa-san, but I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to overcome your fear. Not everyone is out to hurt you, and you need to learn to trust others. The past…" He paused, trying to grasp words that would tactfully get his point across. "The past can be a difficult thing to come to terms with. Some people are-"

"Takahashi-sama, I didn't call you to talk about all that," she interrupted him. "The fact of the matter is that you should have respected my feelings enough to give me all the details." She gripped another shirt but faltered, guilt tugging at her heart. "But, I suppose I am being unprofessional. I shouldn't allow my personal feelings to interfere in this, especially if her life is at stake."

"Now that's the Nagisa-san I know!" Hirai chirped. Nagisa pressed her lips together and glanced to the side, shaking her head at his overly enthusiastic tone.

Idiot…

"Alright, but remember… Next time, tell me everything." She folded a shirt and set it back in the drawer, glancing down at her nearly full suitcase. "Well, I guess I'll unpack. Again."

"Gotcha. Remember to give me a call every week with an update. Good luck, Nagisa-san!"

"Yes, yes. I will. Bye," she replied and turned off her phone, placing it back into her briefcase. She shut and locked it, then slid it under her bed. Nagisa turned back to her open drawers and with a sigh, began unpacking once more.

02:04 PM

Nagisa ambled down the hallway, her hands behind her head. The corridor was empty, save for a young girl walking a few steps in front of her. She had just finished unpacking and was now on her way to the dorm office in order to find out where Shizuma's room was located.

And once I find out, I'll be able to plant a bug in her room. At night while everyone is sleeping, that would be the perfect opportunity for an assassin to strike. Then again, she does have a roommate which would make it more difficult for them. Oh well, I'm not taking any chances. She nodded to herself, her next priority set.

She suddenly ran into a small frame, breaking her from her thoughts. She stumbled, the small person in front of her falling forward. Nagisa caught her balance and swiftly wrapped an arm around the younger girl's waist, narrowly preventing her from face-planting into the floor.

"You need to be more careful. Stopping in the middle of the hallway is dangerous," Nagisa scolded the girl, her words coming out more harsher than she intended. She pulled the girl back up to her feet. "Though I suppose I'm at fault as well. I should have been paying attention. Sorry for running into you like that. Are you alright?" She asked, her tone becoming softer.

The young girl whipped around and faced Nagisa, her blue-eyes wide and face a bright shade of red. She was a cute little girl, with dark blue-gray hair fashioned into a bob and short bangs that hung right above innocent cerulean eyes. She bowed deeply and nearly shouted, "I-I'm very sorry! Please forgive m-me!"

Nagisa was taken aback by the girl's fervent apology. Most of the children she had watched and trained back at The Baran were usually rowdy and insolent. Very few of those 'pains-in-the-asses', as she so eloquently called them, actually took the time to show her any respect. She had expected the rich children to mirror that behavior and react snobbishly to anything they disagreed with.

I suppose there may be a few exceptions… Some of those brats at home could learn a thing or two from this girl…

Nagisa patted the younger girl on her head, smiling gently down at her. "Don't worry, just be careful in the future. Other students may not be so kind."

The blunette lifted her head, teary-eyed. Nagisa took that moment to offer a deep bow of her own. "Please forgive me as well." She then straightened herself up. The younger girl before her was waving her hands rapidly back-and-forth in front of her, her face flushed a shade darker than before.

"N-no, it's fine!"

Nagisa grinned at the girl, finding her shy and modest nature to be endearing. "I'm Nagisa Aoi."

"I'm Chiyo Tsukidate. It's nice to meet you, Nagisa-oneesama!" Chiyo clasped her hands together, her eyes shining brightly. "Thank you so much for catching me!"

"Y-you really don't have to call me Nagisa-oneesama," the upperclassman said with a nervous laugh, images of Shizuma popping up into her head. "And you really shouldn't be thanking me, Tsukidate-san. I mean, I caused you to fall in the first place."

"You… you don't want me to call you Nagisa-oneesama?" The blunette cast her eyes to the ground. "I… I'm sorry. Of course, you wouldn't want someone as klutzy as me to be your little sister…"

Nagisa recoiled from the girl, guilt clenching at her stomach.

Uh… Crap, I'm not good at handling these situations…

"Hey now, uh… Chiyo-chan? I would be honored to have you as my little sister! So, please! Don't cry!" Nagisa exclaimed, a bit too over-enthusiastically, as she patted the younger girl's head. Chiyo instantly brightened.

"Thank you, Nagisa-oneesama! I promise I will be the best little sister ever to you!" Chiyo vowed cheerily, pumping a fist into the air.

"Of course, of course! Ahaha…" Nagisa let out a tense laugh. "So, Chiyo…-chan, what made you stop in the hallway?"

"Oh!" Chiyo's eyes lit up in recollection. She turned her body and faced where she had been looking moments before, pointing at a spot on the floor in front of an open window. "A butterfly was trying to fly, but then it fell to the floor. It stopped moving, and I was trying to work up the courage to pick it up…" She shifted uncomfortably, rubbing a forearm in embarrassment.

"Hmm, I see…" Nagisa walked over to the butterfly, its white wings lifeless. She gently picked up the frail bug. "Poor thing…"

It appears to be on its last legs… She glanced over at Chiyo; the underclassmen was staring at her with wide, hopeful eyes. I can't let her down. I wonder if the cool air in here is affecting its wings somehow… Maybe a little hot air will warm it up enough.

Nagisa cupped her hands around the butterfly and lifted it up to her mouth, breathing softly onto it. She opened her hands, holding the butterfly outside the window. It began to flap its wings, lifting up out of her hand. Chiyo watched in awe as the butterfly took off, once again full of life.

"Looks like it just needed some warmth," Nagisa murmured. She looked down at her hands, eyes glazing over as she was suddenly overcome by her thoughts.

I have shown more mercy to that butterfly than I have to any other person… With these bloodstained hands, I gave something else life. Why? Why do I kill? Why do I listen to those who stole my future from me? She could feel all sorts of negative emotions surfacing within her. A puppy… I was like an abandoned puppy but then… The Baran took me in and gave me a home… I became a loyal lapdog in return, jumping at their every beck and call… I… I…

"…ama! …neesama! Nagisa-oneesama!" Chiyo tugged sharply on the red-head's dress. Nagisa blinked a few times, coming back to reality. She looked down at the girl, frowning upon seeing her worried expression. The upperclassman pinched the bridge of her nose and let out a sigh, irritated with herself for having an episode in front of someone.

Ugh… What the hell just happened to me? And to think it happened in front of this girl. I need to put her at ease somehow… Nagisa rested a hand on the younger girl's head and offered her a wide smile.

"Sorry, Chiyo-chan. I didn't mean to worry you. I guess I'm still a little overwhelmed by this school, being a transfer student and all."

Chiyo held a fist to her chest, a look of determination on her childish face. "Don't worry, Nagisa-oneesama! I'm here for you! If you ever need anything, you can come to me!"

"I'll be sure to remember that, my little sister," Nagisa said warmly, chuckling as the younger girl blushed. "I better let you go, I'm certain your class is worried about you."

"Oh no, you're right!" The blunette gasped. "Goodbye, Nagisa-oneesama! I hope I'll be able to see you at dinner!"

"Me too, try not to get caught running in the hall!" She called after her as Chiyo took off down the corridor.

Wait a second… Wasn't I trying to keep myself at a distance from others? And here I've gone and allowed myself to let my guard down around a child… I need to be more careful. The red-head let out a sigh, disappointed she allowed herself to make such a slip up.

Nagisa placed her hands behind her head once again and continued on her way to the resident director's office.

I wonder what's wrong with me? I have never questioned my purpose or The Baran before. But that one feeling I experienced after that simple act of mercy I performed… It made me want to question everything. Nagisa shook her head and let out a hollow laugh. I'm such an idiot. The Baran is my home, and it always will be. They took me in, provided me with a family and gave me a purpose. Besides, who else will rid the world of corrupt individuals? The law enforcement here is borderline useless… Only our organization offers the permanent solution needed to protect the innocent and hardworking citizens of Japan…

02:23 PM

"You were just here a few hours ago, weren't you?" The resident director asked. She was an elderly woman, her gray hair pulled back into a tight bun and her sharp eyes a dark brown. She wore a black, long-sleeved dress that hung down to her feet. She was currently sitting at her desk, her demeanor as serious as it always seemed to be.

"Yes. I'm Aoi-san, Sister Hamasaka. I was wondering if you would mind informing me of a student's room number."

The Sister's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Oh?" Her face then became stern. "And why would you need such information, Aoi-san?"

"I have an old friend attending this school, and I was hoping I could see her tonight," Nagisa answered, taking in the layout of the room through her peripherals.

Hn, she obviously isn't going to tell me… No computers either, they must keep all their records on paper. I guess I'll just have to casually ask someone else and try not to seem suspicious… Or I could… She smiled inwardly, a new idea popping into her head.

"Well, Aoi-san. We do not divulge that information openly. If the student wants you to know where her room is located, she will tell you. Is that all you wanted?"

"Yes. Thank you, Sister Hamasaka. Good day," Nagisa replied with a bow.

She turned on her heel and exited the room, closing the door softly behind her.

On to Plan B… I'll return to my room and prepare the tracking device, then plant it on her during dinner. Somehow…

04:42 PM

Nagisa hooked the tracking device onto the cuff of her right sleeve. It was a small and flat piece of equipment, and it had the same color as the white blouse worn underneath the dress, meaning it would blend right in if clipped to the cuff.

Now all I have to do is wait for the perfect opportunity to attach this onto her uniform… Then, I'll retrieve it sometime tomorrow after I enter her room to plant the bug. Probably during lunch time…

The red-head locked her trunk and placed it back underneath her bed. She sat on her mattress and took a moment to glance at her watch. 16:46. She figured her roommate would be returning any minute now. The door handle jiggled, then turned and opened. Well, speak of the devil…

The girl appeared to be about the same height as Nagisa, her frame maybe only just a tad more slender. A portion of her blue hair was pulled up into a bun by a light gray bow, and her bangs hung above her eyes. Two long locks of hair had been left out of her bun, hanging down from the sides of her face and reaching at just about her waist. Her violet eyes glinted with intelligence, adding to her beauty.

Nagisa stood and smiled at her. "Hello, I'm-"

"I already know," Tamao interrupted as she closed the door, her voice soft and serene. She smiled sweetly. "You're Nagisa Aoi-san, right? I rushed here as soon as class finished. I'm glad such a cute girl as yourself is my new roommate."

What a very… polite person? Nagisa racked her brain for a proper response.

"Erm… Right… You're, uh, very cute yourself, Suzumi-san," the red-head awkwardly replied and rubbed the back of her neck, laughing uneasily.

The blunette giggled. "Why, thank you, Nagisa-chan. Since I have nothing else to do today, would you like me to show you around the school?"

I figured rich kids would be all about formalities, but so far, they have been less formal than even the middle-class people I have spoken with before. Nagisa thought wryly. Though I suppose their ignorance of the struggles those less fortunate have could make some of them more trusting of others. Whatever, they can call me what they want. I guess I can allow myself to make 'friends' with a few students. They may be able to unwittingly aid me in my mission sometime in the future…

"Are you sure? Aren't club activities starting soon?"

Tamao waved her hand at the red-head's inquiries. "It's fine, I told them I would be showing you around today so you won't be lost tomorrow."

"Oh, well that sounds great then. Thank you, Suzumi-san."

"You're being too formal, Nagisa-chan. Call me by my name," Tamao said as she opened the door. The transfer student bit her tongue, holding back a retort she wanted to make in response to Tamao's sudden demand.

"Okay… Tamao-chan," Nagisa finally conceded and followed the blunette out of the room.

"So, Nagisa-chan. Do you mind telling me why you transferred to this school?"

"Well, my parents had business abroad and weren't able to bring me along with them, so I had to stay with my aunt in the city. Apparently, she used to be a student here and pulled some strings so I could transfer," Nagisa answered, carefully regurgitating the information she had memorized from her files.

"I see. It was surprising to hear that we were receiving a fourth year transfer student."

Nagisa looked at her curiously. "Really?"

"Yes. This is a very traditional school, so they don't usually allow others to transfer. Especially a fourth year student." Tamao smiled at her. "But I suppose my Nagisa-chan is the extraordinary exception to that rule."

The red-head quickly turned her head, flushing in embarrassment at the girl's possessive use of her name. "I… I see," she murmured as she pretended to look out the passing windows. Her eye twitched in irritation upon hearing the blunette giggle.

"Is something funny?" Nagisa snapped, her voice calm but sharp. She glanced at the blunette out of the corners of her eyes, only to find her roommate staring at her with a small smile on her lips.

"No, nothing at all, my Nagisa-chan." The red-head's eye twitched once again, and Tamao laughed quietly to herself.

Tamao and Shizuma… Two wicked girls that intentionally push my buttons in order to get a reaction… I hope no one else decides to use me as their form of entertainment…

05:34 PM

"Wow, this is amazing…" Nagisa stared up at the statue of the Virgin Mary in awe. The beautifully handcrafted marble towered over the two students, and it seemed to glow from the light pouring in through the windows behind it. Nagisa slowly made her way around it, her eyes taking in every little detail that was engraved in the work of art.

"It is, isn't it?" Tamao said with a smile as Nagisa came to a stop beside her. The red-head nodded, turning back towards the statue in wonderment.

Tamao interlocked her fingers in front of her, bowing her head slightly in prayer. The red-head glanced over at her and then mirrored her actions.

I don't even know if a god exists, but if one does… Please help me retain my sanity while I attend this school.

Nagisa's skin jumped as something softly brushed against her shoulder, and she just barely held back the defensive reactions her muscles wanted to make. Eyes wide, she jerked her head to look at Tamao who was now standing with her shoulder pressed against her own. The blunette had a large smirk on her face, one eye open.

"You look so lovely when you pray," Tamao said, her voice laced with affection.

Bewildered by the comment, Nagisa stepped back from the girl. She stared at her, eyes still wide and mouth agape.

Tamao giggled at her reaction. "And the expression you are wearing now is especially adorable."

Nagisa closed her mouth and narrowed her eyes. "Please refrain from touching me so familiarly, Suzumi-san."

The other girl's eyebrows rose, surprised by the vehement anger oozing from the red-head's words. The blunette then frowned, hurt flashing across her face. "I'm sorry, Nagisa-chan… You're the first roommate I've had in years, so I guess I became a little overexcited…"

So I'm the roommate that she's always wanted. She mused, glancing at Tamao. Gloom emanated from her being, and her eyes were dejectedly glued to the ground. Oh great… Now I feel bad… Nagisa sighed and crossed her arms, looking off to the side.

"Yeah, well… Just give me a warning or something in the future… Alright?" She huffed, her face reddening.

Tamao clasped her hands as she looked up, eyes sparkling. "Of course, Nagisa-chan!" She then put her hands to her cheeks and shook her head, her expression one of content. "Ah, you're so cute. My tsundere Nagisa-chan…"

The red-head covered her face with a hand in exasperation, peeking at the squirming girl through her fingers. "No shame… she has no shame…" She muttered to herself.

"Um… Sorry to interrupt, Suzumi-san, but the headmaster was looking for you."

Tamao broke out of her reverie, returning to her ladylike composure. "Thank you for telling me." She didn't even seem the least bit embarrassed that her little display was witnessed by another.

That other girl didn't even look surprised. Is it because such behavior is normal here? What a strange school…

The girl that had delivered the message nodded and continued on her way. Tamao turned to Nagisa, her face earnest. She dramatically grabbed one of the red-head's hands, enveloping it in both of hers. The latter stiffened at the contact, her jaw clenching and heart rate picking up. She mentally cursed her irrational fear and how the slightest bit of physical contact would set her on edge.

"I'm so sorry we can no longer be together!" Tamao said passionately, her voice full of anguish. Nagisa blinked, her mind returning to her current situation. She felt as if Tamao was re-enacting some scene from a sappy romantic drama. Nagisa's mouth twitched upwards at the thought.

"Tamao-chan, you do know you're just going to speak with the headmaster, right?" Nagisa deadpanned, hiding her amusement behind a stony face.

Though I really wouldn't mind if I didn't have to see this crazy girl again…

"That may be true, but anything could happen to you during that time…" Tamao replied, gripping Nagisa's hand even tighter. The red-head had to admit, she was a little moved by the genuine concern she felt coming from Tamao's tone. She gave the girl a smile in an attempt to ease her anxiety.

"While I do appreciate that you are worried about me, I can take care of myself. I'll see you back at our room, Tamao-chan."

The blunette grimaced and reluctantly let go of Nagisa's hand. "Okay… But, please. Promise me you'll be careful. And remember to get back before curfew."

"Yeah, yeah. I promise I will." Nagisa turned and began walking back towards the dorms. "You take care too, Tamao-chan."

Wait a second… Nagisa's blood ran cold as a sudden thought hit her. What did she mean 'be careful'? Does she know something? Has something happened at this school before? Or… maybe she really was just being a drama queen…?

She glanced back behind her, but Tamao was already gone.

I guess I'll just have to ask her later…

06:48 PM

Nagisa sighed to herself as she walked down the hall behind Tamao and Rokujou, the Student Council President. The red-head had caught a glimpse of Shizuma while she was on her way back to the dorm. She tried to tail her without looking too suspicious but ended up losing track of her, and because of her little 'detour', the dorm gate closed right before she could make it through. To make matters worse, she was caught jumping over the dorm wall by Sister Hamasaka. Thankfully, Rokujou arrived to pick her up from the Sister's office.

And here I was trying to do my best to look as inconspicuous as possible…

"You sure aren't lucky." A smooth voice broke Nagisa from her thoughts. She looked up and stared at the back of Rokujou's head. The sixth year was about a half-head taller than Nagisa, with short dark-blue hair and golden eyes.

"Getting caught climbing over the dorm wall, of all things," the upperclassman said with a chuckle. She turned her head to look over her shoulder, smiling softly at the red-head. "I suppose I should go ahead and introduce myself. I am St. Miator's Student Council President, Miyuki Rokujou."

"It's nice to meet you, Rokujou-sama. I'm Nagisa Aoi." The underclassman's shoulders sagged, her features becoming remorseful. "I apologize for the trouble that I have caused you…"

"Don't worry, it's my job to look after the students here at Miator." Miyuki flashed her another smile. "Just be more careful next time."

"In other words, don't get caught," Tamao chimed in with a wink she directed towards the red-head.

Miyuki glared playfully at the other blunette. "Now, Tamao-san… Even if you're joking, you shouldn't be telling that to new students." Her tone became solemn. "We here at St. Miator pride ourselves in being model students that set the standard for Le Rim and Spica to follow. Nagisa-san, I expect you to do your best here." She paused momentarily before deciding to add, "And to stay out of trouble."

Nagisa inwardly frowned, not really understanding why the president felt the need to bring her name back into the conversation. Did she look like an impressionable, naïve little girl? Nagisa couldn't help but feel a little offended.

She forced down her irritation and cheerily replied, "Of course, Rokujou-sama!"

Miyuki laughed. "It's great to have another energetic student here."

The three finally arrived at the stairs and began descending to the first floor.

"So, Nagisa-chan, are you prepared to meet the Étoile?" Tamao asked.

"Étoile?" Nagisa cocked her head to the side as she drawled out the foreign word. "Who is that?"

Tamao giggled at her reaction. "She's a student here and represents Miator, Le Rim, and Spica. The Étoile is loved and respected by all three schools, and many of the students here look up to her as their role model," her roommate explained, and Miyuki offered a silent nod in agreement.

It sounds like this 'Étoile' has many expectations of her. I respect her for taking on such a difficult position. I wonder what she looks like?

"She sounds amazing," Nagisa murmured.

"Well, she is certainly something," Miyuki said, a wry smile gracing her lips. "Ah, we've finally arrived at the cafeteria."

The group came to a halt in front of a large doorway, and the president turned to face the red-head. "Now, just follow me. We'll seat you after you meet the Étoile." Nagisa dipped her head, acknowledging that she heard her instructions.

Miyuki turned the handle and opened the door, gracefully striding inside. Nagisa followed her, head held high, while Tamao lingered behind in order to close the door. The red-head had a small smile on her face and locked eyes with a few students as she passed, doing her best to give each one a slight nod; she didn't want to appear to be too unfriendly or conceited.

Hopefully, this is the last time I have to stand in front of all these people… Their stares are making me feel uneasy… Especially knowing that members of the rogue organization are sitting in here, somewhere…

The president halted upon reaching a group of four girls: one was seated in a dining chair while the three others stood around her. Nagisa placed herself about two feet behind Miyuki, making certain her position would allow her to see around the taller upperclassman.

"This is the new transfer student. I've brought her to greet the Étoile." Miyuki blinked as the group parted to reveal a girl with dark violet hair. "Where is she?"

The violet-haired girl rose from her seat. "She should be on her way."

Nagisa watched the scene with mixed emotions. She found it funny such an important person wasn't where she was expected to be but also irritating since that meant standing longer in front of everyone.

The red-head stiffened as a warm body suddenly pressed against her back, the person's hot breath on her ear. Her heart clenched in fear at the contact, a nauseousness rising in the pit of her stomach.

"So we meet again," an all-too-familiar voice whispered.

Nagisa froze, her eyes widening and heartbeat drumming in her ears. She mechanically turned her head, her face coming within centimeters of the silver-haired beauty's. Nagisa swiftly put distance between the two of them and took a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself.

What is she doing up here?! Could she be…? No, this person couldn't possibly be the Étoile! But I could have some fun and ask her if she is… Maybe if I'm lucky, she'll get embarrassed or something. She observed the confident smile on the older girl's face. Then again, she might not even care…

"Let me guess, you're the Étoile?" Nagisa asked jokingly, a grin on her face.

Shizuma smirked at her. "You are correct."

"Heh, I knew y-wait, what?" Her mouth gaped open at the revelation. She shook her head in disbelief and directed her attention to Miyuki and Tamao. "Is she really…?"

The two nodded, their expressions conveying annoyance. She assumed it was because of Shizuma's late entrance.

"How in the world did someone like you get put into such a prestigious position?" Nagisa nearly yelled as she pointed a finger at the girl.

"By being the best," Shizuma arrogantly replied, advancing towards the underclassman.

"Hah! The best at what? Making others uncomfortable with your overbearing presence?"

Shutup, Nagisa. You are only making things worse. There is a time and place for arguments, and right now is definitely not the time nor the place! She silently berated herself, fighting to control the anger she felt towards the haughty girl before her.

"You didn't seem to mind my supposed 'overbearing presence' this morning," the silver-haired girl quipped as she steadily grew closer. She seemed to be taking her time, enjoying how the red-head squirmed in response to her advances.

Nagisa clenched her fists, knowing the other students would take what Shizuma had just said as some sort of innuendo. "Well then, I believe you should take a class on sexual harassment. You obviously do not understand the meaning of the word 'no'."

Alarms kept going off in Nagisa's head, telling her to get out of the situation as fast as she could. Her mind then shifted to thoughts about her mission: she still had a tracking device she needed to plant.

The smaller girl continued backing away from the domineering Étoile, only to be cornered into the harsh edge of a table. Now to play the part of the prey… She glared defiantly up at her predator. "I won't allow you to do this…"

"My, my… And how do you plan on stopping me?" Shizuma reached forward and gently grabbed Nagisa's chin, tilting her head upwards.

The younger girl expertly unclipped the tracking device from her cuff, and she raised her hands to grip at Shizuma's arms. Her glare faltered as she became absorbed in the silver-haired beauty's smoldering gaze. Her hands slid down, stopping at Shizuma's wrists. Nagisa used that moment to clip the device onto the upperclassman's cuff, before limply dropping her hands to her sides.

Shizuma smiled contentedly, and she drew her face closer to the red-head's, her lips slightly parting. The other students in the room began to squeal while others watched in anticipation. Tamao and Miyuki stood behind the two, the both of them looking vastly irritated by the Étoile's actions, but neither stepped forward. They knew how Shizuma could be when her 'fun' was interrupted.

Well, looks like no one is going to save me. So all of the students here at these three schools are perverts… What a surprise. I figured Miyuki would have stopped her by now. Maybe even Tamao. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to reject her in front of everyone then.

Once they were inches apart, Nagisa suddenly grinned smugly and used her hands to firmly push the Étoile away from her, causing the taller girl to gawk. She had expected Nagisa to give in just like all her previous little daisies.

"Looks like I was able to stop you, Étoile-sama," Nagisa said in a mocking tone, her voice only loud enough for Shizuma to hear.

"Touché…" Shizuma murmured, flashing that disarming smile of hers.

I think my plan just backfired… She looks more interested in me now than she did before… Nagisa sighed, wondering why the other girl didn't appear the least bit angry by her actions or words. I figured someone as controlling and proud as her would have shot back at me with a biting remark… I was actually hoping she would, too…

A sudden chime sounded from the old wall clock that hung on the cafeteria wall.

Shizuma crossed her arms, her face becoming an impassive mask. "We'll finish this another day, little Nagisa-chan," she whispered as she casually stepped away from her, acting as if nothing had ever happened.

"Everyone, please take your seats," Miyuki's stern voice echoed throughout the cafeteria.

Nagisa followed Tamao over to their chairs, the other students watching her. Some in awe, others with contempt, and many in confusion. The red-head sighed once again, something that was becoming quite a habit for her at this school. She sat down, half-expecting her body to suddenly become riddled in holes from all the intense stares she was receiving. Am I really the first person here to do something like that? How pitiful… She glanced around the cafeteria from her seat, locking eyes with a few other students. Some of them are looking at me as if I kicked their puppy… Though, I guess I did kind of insult their role model.

"Nagisa-chan…"

The red-head was brought back to reality by a soft voice. She looked to her right and saw Tamao-chan, as well as all the other students, with her hands clasped and head bowed in prayer. Nagisa quickly mirrored her actions, but she cracked open an eye in order to watch Shizuma. She looked very majestic standing at the head of the cafeteria, her silky voice carrying out the prayer.

I still don't understand how someone with such a carefree personality became the representative of all three schools…

"Amen." Shizuma lowered her hands and opened her eyes, having finished saying grace. Nagisa was still staring at her intently, trying to see what everyone else saw in her. The girl with silver-hair surprised her by looking directly her way. Shizuma smiled and winked at her, having caught the younger girl staring. Nagisa quickly averted her eyes down to her plate and picked up her left most fork, pushing some food around.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! How could you allow yourself to get caught staring? Especially by her, of all people! As if she needed anything else to stoke that already impossibly high ego of hers…

"Um, Nagisa-chan? We must wait on the Étoile before we eat. That is also the wrong fork to be using on the main dish," Tamao pointed out.

Nagisa immediately halted the motions she was making with her utensil and set it back down on the tablecloth.

I guess that quick overview of French etiquette didn't really stick. And what are they all looking at?!

"Thank you, Tamao-chan," she muttered, shooting glares towards the students giggling at her blunder. The blunette let a chuckle slip out as well, and Nagisa turned to scowl at her. "You traitor…"

Unbeknownst to her, Shizuma had watched the whole display with an affectionate smile. Her little Nagisa was quite the spitfire, and she loved the various emotions that would cross her face whenever she became flustered. Shizuma wanted her, and she would do whatever was necessary in order to obtain her.

"Shizuma!" Miyuki whispered harshly.

The Étoile glanced at her best friend, her amber orbs glinting with irritation. She set her napkin on her lap, all the other students in the cafeteria following suit.

"Bon appétit!" She announced, and everyone proceeded to eat.

The silver-haired girl snuck another peek at her Nagisa, laughing softly to herself as she watched her absently toy with her food. It seemed she was still pouting from the mistake she had made moments ago.

Nagisa poked at her food, still feeling disgruntled with the other students at her table. Especially her evil 'friend' Tamao, who seemed to always laugh at the red-head's expense.

Assholes… You're supposed to help your peers out, not make fun of them… Her train of thought halted as a prickling sensation washed over her skin. Huh, I feel like someone is watching me.

She glanced up from her food, locking eyes with the demoness. Shizuma offered her a gentle smile, and Nagisa responded with a roll of her eyes before looking back down at her meal.

I refuse to become close with that pervert… Nagisa thought with a snort as she stabbed a piece of meat and ate it.

Tamao poked her roommate in the side, and the red-head jolted in her seat in response to the touch. "Nagisa-chan, you're still using the wrong fork…"

"Well, Suzumi-san, I have decided that I don't particularly care which utensil I choose to eat my food with," the red-head growled, turning to point her fork at the blunette. "And if you poke me like that again," she stabbed another meat slice, "your fingers will be my next target."

"So you want to eat me, Nagisa-chan?" Tamao whispered suggestively. "Well you can have me whenever you like. You don't even need to ask."

Nagisa could feel the heat rise in her cheeks almost instantaneously after those words left the blunette's lips. Her expression was beyond shocked, and her fork hung limply in her hand. Tamao smirked, inwardly gushing over Nagisa's adorable look. She elegantly cut another square out of the meat on her plate.

"You should close your mouth, Nagisa-chan. It is very unbecoming of you," Tamao said teasingly, glancing at her friend out of the corner of her eye.

Nagisa closed her mouth and proceeded to eat her meal in silence. Tamao, the secret pervert. And Shizuma, the open pervert. I do not know which one I fear more…

Her first day here, and she was already beginning to lose her sanity…