Author's Note: Apologies for the huge delay/absence, everyone! I'm currently trapped in the hectic typhoon of trying to get my life in order and a hefty chunk of free time was sacrificed in turn. Regardless, I finally had the chance to plant my butt in a chair and crank this out! Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own K-On! or any of its characters.

Her teary eyes stung with each current that whipped across her face, but due to the adrenaline coursing through her body, it was the most minor detail in her entire world. Her legs pumped at staggering speeds and only strained to move faster. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest, sending waves of aftershock down her body and ending at the padding of her feet. It felt like her shoes weren't even touching the ground. She was sprinting so fast.

Through the horror, a giddy nostalgia began to flood her system. Instinct threatened to take over, almost coaxing Yui into diving head first into the sensation. But before she could lose herself in the familiar yet estranged elation, she bit her bottom lip and forced herself to slow down.

It was a struggle both physically and emotionally, but she had gradually dropped in speed until stopping in the middle of a suburban street. The internal territory that she dared to even think of treading was forbidden. Yui could only sigh to herself in relief that she didn't.

Huffing in exhaustion and hands on her hips, Yui turned her gaze in the direction she ran from and instantly felt guilt fill her. She had witnessed an innocent man's death and didn't attempt to assist him in anyway. Her fear at that time was overwhelming; she had to escape as soon as possible.

And yet, suspicions overpowered her shame, remembering that one of the robbers saved her life. She migrated to the sidewalk, hoping to draw attention away from herself, but the sweat beading her brow and disheveled hair earned curious glances from her neighbors.

An uncharacteristic frown graced her features as she wondered what reason the criminal could have for sparing her. She was certain that it couldn't have been anyone from her school since it was an all-girls academy and there weren't many people outside of school that she was acquainted with.

Then, Yui fell still.

That man's eye color. A striking yet gentle forest green. Of course, she had crossed paths with many green-eyed individuals, but none with a such an impactful hue. At least…I don't think I have… There was just a flicker of hesitation lurking in the back of her mind, as if warning Yui that she was forgetting something major.

Her psyche had every right to be reluctant.

Her stomach flipped as a bitter possibility fleeted through her mind, only for her to reject it immediately. Realizing that her hands were shaking, she tensed them into fists and took deep, calming breaths. Forget about it. Just forget about it… she inwardly chanted until the tremors died. She scolded herself for bringing up such a mental image. It was impossible for him and that criminal to be the same person, especially since the male she thought of was-

A vibration in Yui's pocket.

She retrieved her phone and saw that her younger sister Ui had sent a text message. A small smile graced her face—the message was an extensive and anxious list of questions concerning the guitarist's current location. It was expected since Yui had taken much longer than usual to return home. However, the brunette's smile turned quizzical when she read the last part.

Please hurry home there's something u need to see!

Maybe Yui was jumping to conclusions. Maybe she was still feeling paranoid because of the robbing incident, but that final statement surged fresh panic through her system. Despite her house being only a few blocks away, she broke out into a sprint. She nearly collided with the front door, but managed to skid to a halt in time and fumble clumsily with the knob. She rushed inside and distractedly kicked off her shoes, not caring where they'd fly off to. She scanned her surroundings nervously for Ui.

The younger brunette in question shot up from the couch, surprised by the commotion Yui caused when she stormed in. However, she regained her composure just as quickly and took note of Yui's rough apparel. Her sister's locks were ruffled and the sweat upon her face could fill a bucket. Ui's maternal instincts cranked into overdrive as she practically pounced on Yui and checked her over for any injuries.

"O-Onee-Chan? What happened to you?"

Yui soaked in Ui's franticness greedily, allowing it to soothe her heart rate into something more normal. It seemed that she had been worrying over nothing; her sister was as protective and fretful as ever. Thank Kami. The ditzy teen's signature smile bloomed to life as she grabbed Ui's shoulder and gently guided her back a step or two.

"Don't worry Ui, I'm fine!" To further prove her point, Yui shrugged and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, her smile widening. However, her grin faltered when she recalled the text message and couldn't help but voice her concerns about it. "Ui, you said I had to see something?"

Gasping with sudden realization, Ui abandoned her protective analyzing and pointed at the television. "O-onee-Chan, something terrible happened! Just look!" Yui cautiously approached the TV while sitting on the couch, her sister doing the same.

Breaking news hovered across the top of the screen in bold urgent letters as an anchorman faced the camera. His expression was despondent, though the professionalism remained like a stone film. Flying across the bottom of the screen just as he began to speak expressed the following report: Grocery Store Raid and Murder.

"We have just received instant information that a local grocery store in Imai Providence was robbed and vandalized less than an hour ago," the reporter informed gravely as he fiddled with a stack of documents before him.

"Onee-Chan…th-that's the same store where I shop. I couldn't even imagine what would've happened if I was there…" Ui mumbled fearfully without tearing her eyes from the TV. This was fortunate for Yui because her features slowly dropped into somber frown.

"The cashier of the establishment was held hostage during the crime. Due to massive mental and emotional trauma, he has refused to speak publicly. However, he did consent to answering a few questions privately. As it reads from the interview…" The reporter skimmed over the sheet in his hands."There were three individuals dressed entirely in black, two male and one female. One of the males was in possession of a gun and had shot a passing pedestrian who was calling 119. All the money has been liberated of the register and the windows have been smashed in and violated."

An inaudible sigh of relief escaped Yui as it seemed the cashier had forgotten to mention her presence during the altercation. If Ui or anyone close to her learned that she was involved, it would cause great unease and worry amongst them. That was the last thing she wished upon her precious people.

She then glanced down to see her younger sister's hand inching towards her own, hoping to seek a form of comfort. Yui didn't hesitate. She gently gripped Ui's hand and when she tuned back into the story, multiple recordings of the store flashed left and right. It first showed the caution tape surrounding the building and a particular sidewalk stained with a large puddle of blood.

Yui's stomach lurched as she realized who that blood belonged to and felt her previous guilt return with renewed vigor. She had almost missed the feeling of Ui squeezing her hand from the gruesome sight, but she didn't make any move to notice it.

"It has also been revealed that the name of the murdered passerby was Takeru Gimikichi. He was thirty-eight years old and had a family…A wife and three kids…" Yui's jaw clenched so hard that her teeth threatened to crack; the guilt continued to relentlessly pile onto her shoulders. She registered another squeeze from her sister but, just as before, she refused to show that she had felt it. A scarcely used sector of logic in Yui's brain told her that looking at Ui would bring further shame.

Another recording of the store rolled. One of the windows were completely shattered and—trying with all her might to suppress a chill from shooting up her spine—Yui was reminded of the bullet that had nearly taken her life. She could remember the viscous dose of adrenaline coursing through her body, mind, and soul as the bullet sliced through a centimeter worth of air next to her ear. There was still a faint ring bouncing around in her skull.

It was the most complex sensation Yui had ever been burdened to experience. That moment of shackled freedom should have been locked away in the deepest and darkest part of her subconscious. And yet it had returned so easily, as if it was all muscle memory or primal instinct. Never again. I have to…No. I need to ignore it next time and keep it out of my system. Yui gulped silently as she closed her eyes, still listening to the report.

"Multiple messages were spray painted across the other windows and walls…Every single one of them mentioning 'rebirth', 'we have returned', and 'Urban Jumpers'. This is the strongest piece of evidence that the authorities have at the moment, as they believe that the name Urban Jumpers may be an uprising rebellious gang." There was something significant to Yui about the reference to rebirth and Urban Jumpers, though she had never heard of the group before.

But the name undoubtedly sounded…reminiscent.

A plump and callous police officer stood in front of the crime scene with a small microphone attached to his vest collar. His name, Officer Kabato Yaminaka, drifted from the left-end of the screen and hovered below him. "The robbery was more than likely a random pick by the criminals. The usual steal and run. We are preparing our forensic and detective teams at this very moment to determine the identities of the three culprits, so the entire premises will be quarantined for a month or two."

Yui's eyes flung open.

She may not be fully certain what forensic meant, but she was definitely aware of the purpose behind a detective team. What if they somehow managed to find some clue that lead them back to Yui? Of course, she would have no problem answering the authority's questions, but only if it was during a private session that no one else knew of. That seemed highly unlikely though since the traumatized cashier's responses were aired on TV. Yui could guess that she wouldn't be an exception.

It brought temporary reprieve, but she bit her bottom lip to anchor her frazzled thoughts in place and listened further.

"The felons' possible location and identities are currently unknown…However, one of our men who were attempting to apprehend them did notice something particular." Both Ui and Yui stared intensely at the chief's expression as it twisted in disbelief. "He…had witnessed two of the thieves escape through a back alley and scale up the building walls. Then they ran across the rooftops. The last one had…" he trailed off uncertainly as he took a moment to form his next words. "Swung his body through an open window of the neighboring company building belonging to Saitama Insurance corporations…More importantly, this window was on the fourteenth floor."

Officer Kaboto took the liberty of pointing to his right with the camera following his motion, presenting the company that he was referring to.

Ui's eyes widened in sheer astonishment as she remembered how tall the establishment was, especially since she would have to crane her neck just to get a glimpse of the top. She couldn't fathom how someone could possibly reach that height let alone squeeze through the small opening the windows provided. However, Yui's reaction was an inaudible hum of acknowledgment.

The feat wasn't as impossible as Ui believed.

"No further information has been received from the authorities because—as quoted from Officer Kabato Yaminaka—'The crime scene had only just occurred and needs further investigation'…" It wasn't visible, but Yui could literally hear the eye-roll in the reporter's voice. "I'm Kuno Lee, local news station for Imai Providence, Japan. Where danger to the people arises, we are always first to alert you. Goodnight," Kuno said monotonously before the screen faded to black.

Feeling immense relief at the fact that her name wasn't mentioned, Yui released a deep sigh and plopped backwards into the couch. The soft thud was the only thing to exist among the silence. However, it was shattered once Ui gathered the courage to face her, features dipped in concern.

"O-onee-Chan…Those thieves are still running around somewhere! W-what if they attack us…What if they attack you?" Yui's heart clenched as she caught the faintest trace of tears pricking at the corners of Ui's eyes. Tending to the duties of a mother figure was what her younger sister knew best, but Yui knew that the possibility of either of them being in danger was overwhelming for Ui. Just the thought of the ditzy teen being assaulted or mugged by those criminals made Ui sick to her stomach.

Yui banished any lingering thoughts she had about the news and revealed one of her broad, gentle smiles. The guitarist held her little sister tightly, allowing her head to rest on her shoulder as she released a shuddering breath, attempting to calm the raging fear. Yui lovingly rubbed Ui's back while whispering, "Everything will be alright, Ui. Nothing will happen to us. We'll look out for each other, ne?"

"B-but Onee-Chan…" Ui opposed weakly.

Yui slackened her grip and leaned back a bit to stare Ui right in the eyes. Her gaze gleamed with naïve confidence as she slapped a hand over her heart and declared, "I promise, Ui! As your Onee-Chan, I will protect you with my life!" Ui's complexion paled a bit at the thought of Yui dying while protecting her. Noticing her mistake, Yui quickly added, "A-and of course I'll stay alive too!" A loud sigh escaped Ui before she smiled gratefully at her sister.

"Thank you, Onee-Chan. But that doesn't mean I want you risking your life. Just worry about staying safe, okay?" Yui nodded with a bubbly smile, the younger brunette mirroring the expression a beat after.

A shaky calmness settled over the pair. Finally. Blissfully...until a loud grumble echoed from Yui's stomach.

A cherry red blush flared across the guitarist's cheeks as she scratched the back of her head. "Heheh~. Ui…W-when's dinner?" Ui giggled at her sister's antics before standing and promptly marching towards the kitchen.

"Don't worry, Onee-Chan. It won't take me long. How about you go upstairs and do your homework? I'll call you down when I'm done," she suggested kindly as she adorned her traditional cooking apron. She began distributing the proper dishes and ingredients for supper. Holding no arguments whatsoever with the offer, Yui only smiled and happily pranced her way to the stairs.

Just then, as her foot landed on the first step, she halted as her face gained a thoughtful expression.

As much as Yui had wished against it, her previous worries concerning the store robbery returned with vengeance. So many questions were bouncing around the girl's head, yet she couldn't find a single answer. Who were the Urban Jumpers? Why did that criminal save her? And why did it seem like he knew her? Would her friends eventually find out that she was involved in the incident? And if so, how would Yui explain to them that she had left a wounded man, husband and father of three children, alone to die? Finally…what was it about the entire situation that left such an uneasy feeling in the pit of her gut?

Snapping out of her disarrayed thoughts, Yui looked up to momentarily watch her younger sister busily move about the kitchen. She gave pause, just basking in the peaceful atmosphere of her home and Ui before exhaling. A deep and cleansing sigh. Yui beamed brightly. There's nothing to worry about…Nothing could ruin this. Not even those thieves. She took another step up the stairs before calling out, "Ui?"

"Yes, Onee-Chan?" Ui responded while still bustling about.

"I almost forgot to tell you that everyone is coming over tonight to have a study

session. Is that okay with you?"

"Of course! It'd be great to have your friends over again! Oh, is Azusa-Chan coming too?" At the mention of her favorite band mate's name, the wattage behind Yui's smile doubled.

"Yep! Azunyan's coming~!" Another amused giggle escaped Ui as she detected the delight radiating from her sister.

"Well, I can't wait for it, Onee-Chan. I'll make sure to cook enough for everyone."

"That'll be a lot of food…" Yui trailed off thoughtfully but then perked up as she offered, "How about I help?"

Memories of Yui's previous failed attempts at cooking flashed through Ui's mind.

"Th-that's okay, Onee-Chan. I'll be fine."

Yui tilted her head in light confusion before replying reluctantly, "Okay Ui…If you say so." She waited a moment, just in case Ui would change her mind. However, she realized rather soon that wouldn't be the case, so she finally treaded upstairs and entered her room, her door clicking closed quietly. As the faint sound graced her ears, Ui's head suddenly whipped up as she recalled something. I never got to ask Onee-Chan why she was late coming home today. She turned a pondering expression upwards, as if expecting the ceiling to hold the answer. Regardless, she shrugged and figured she could ask Yui about it later.

-XXX-

Yui's body was completely frozen as she sat upon her bed, deep brown pupils glued to her closet. Nothing about her form gave away what was running through her mind, but her contemplative eyes expressed a thousand, unspoken words and musings. Her gaze shifted around as she tried vehemently to find answers to her questions, but she always ran into a dead end. A subconscious brick wall.

Time was not registering normally for Yui. As her leg bounced, she noticed that her room had darkened considerably. When did the sun set? she wondered briefly, only brush it aside as her attention snapped back to the closet.

As her last inkling of patience vanished from existence, Yui stood from her bed and neared the closet.

Then halted halfway.

Instead, she took a quick detour to her room door and locked it, feeling insecurity overwhelm her senses.

With privacy intact, Yui once again crept up to her closet and cautiously gripped the knob. Her abdomen clenched, reconsidering her actions. It took the mental fortitude of Hercules to fight off her hesitance. With a deep inhale, she swung it open and was immediately awarded the view of her clothes neatly arranged on hangers-thanks to Ui, obviously.

However, Yui paid no heed to this. She pushed them aside and fell to her knees. Her eyes squinted as peered down at a messy pile of childhood knick-knacks and random belongings. She also pushed this aside with equal indifference until her hands made contact with a cardboard surface, which happened to be an old and dented shoe box.

A large wave of nostalgia crashed against Yui as she gazed at the label with despondent longing. Slowly, she stood. Box in hand.

Yui re-seated herself on her bed and rested the mysterious shoe box in her lap. Her hands quivered subtly as they gingerly traced the outline of it. Remembering. Reminiscing on the familiarity of it. Vaguely wondering how long it'd been since the guitarist had last laid hands upon it.

This seemingly insignificant object had always been precious to Yui. Ui had never understood why but the older sibling had asked her not to look inside. She could only thank Kami that Ui always respected that. A tiny, endearing smile spread across Yui's face. Ui is always so trustworthy. Makes me wonder how I was lucky enough to have such a great little sister… As those words ran through her head, Yui's fingers hooked themselves under the lid, just barely lifting it.

Another beat of wariness hung over Yui.

Two more…

She flipped it open-swiftly. Before she could change her mind.

It would've been expected of anyone other than Yui. She wasn't known to be athletic, nor a lover of such a brand. Inside the box was a pair of reddish-mahogany Adidas sneakers with black laces. However, it was the folded piece of paper resting beneath the shoes that held a much greater importance to Yui than anyone would ever know.

Slowly retracting the slightly crumpled up paper, Yui unfolded it and raked her dark auburn pupils over them. Scribbled sloppily onto the paper was a list of names with a cell number next to each one.

The identities read off one-by-one: Ayumu, Isamu, Kichiro, Cho, and Iwao.

Yui's visage twisted with pain as she scanned over the last name. A troubling memory jumped to the surface-

DING-DONG!

Startled, Yui threw the paper back into the box and slammed it closed. Panic briefly coursed through her veins before her heart beat began to lull back to a normal pace. False alarm. Just a false alarm.

"Onee-Chan, your friends are here!" Ui called as the noises of multiple individuals shuffling around emitted from downstairs. Yui shoved the box as far under her bed as her arm would allow before springing to her feet and hurriedly descended the steps.

Author's Note: And there it is! Questions around Yui continue to brew. What's so important about that shoe box? Who are those list of people on that piece of paper? I suppose we'll find out next time, lovelies! But, for now, please...

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