Friday of the following week, Allen was back in Apocryphos. She was standing right at the front of the small stage, waiting for EXORCISTS turn to perform next. Just when she was finished replying to a message from her classmate, the band members began filing out from the curtained door at the right corner. She heard some familiar voices cheering for each members behind her and when she turned to look at them, she was not surprised to see the group of girls who shared her table last week. There was a look of recognition from them and they greeted her enthusiastically, which she returned with a bow and a small smile.

When she faced the stage again, she caught sight of the band members (except Kanda) wave in her direction. She heard the girls behind her giggle at the gesture while she just smiled at them awkwardly, not entirely sure if the greeting was meant for her too.

"Alright! So once again, we're the EXORCISTS. Please take care of us tonight as well," said Alma as soon as he was able to grab his mic and let the rest of the guys fix their instruments.

He proceeded with the usual introduction for the benefit of newcomers and explained that they were going to perform an original tonight called Keep it real, which Allen assumed the same song they played last week. After exchanging glances with his band mates, Alma nodded in approval and Kanda signaled to Lavi to begin.

Just when they all commenced playing with their own instruments, Allen caught Kanda's stare and he smirked at her.

Just what the heck is that guy's problem? She thought as her eyes narrowed and returned the stare. She refused to acknowledge that Kanda's smirk made him dangerously more handsome.

Allen rolled her eyes at her own thoughts and paid no attention to the heat creeping up from her neck to her face before she forced herself to concentrate on the task at hand: to evaluate these bunch of newbies' potential as a band.

..higher..ground..

"So, Kanda, it's gonna be your birthday soon. What's the plan?" Tokusa asked as he pulled a shirt over his head.

"Nothing," Yuu replied in clipped tone.

"Come on, Yuu! Do not be a wet blanket," Alma whined as he packed his things inside his duffel bag.

"I don't want to make a fuss. It's just a birthday. Nothing special," Yuu said as he carefully placed Mugen in its case.

"That's the thing! It's your birthday," Lavi joined the conversation. His arms widespread as if to make a point.

Yuu snarled at them and proceeded to collect his own things on the dresser.

"Yuu," Alma drawled, which made Yuu's skin crawl in disgust. "That is the point, it's your birthday! You are the leader and the founder of this band so of course we want to have fun with you. We can go and invite Allen-chan and the other girls we met last week to hang out."

"Why is the Moyashi coming?" Yuu asked in bewilderment.

"Moyashi? Ha-ha! God, you already gave her a nickname. You really adore that girl. Can't blame ya though." Alma replied, chuckling and shaking his head.

Yuu glared at Alma while he contemplated on his words. Sure, he liked teasing her just for the heck of it (like smirking at her during their entire time on stage), but it should not equate to him having any sort of attraction to Allen. For fuck's sake, she looked like a freaking vegetable! Slender, pale, small face, and white hair – the very human version of a bean sprout. It was the sole reason why he bothered with the nickname "Moyashi" in the first place, not a term of endearment of some sort.

"It's not a fucking nickname, I just don't want to bother calling her by her name! Besides, why do you get to choose who to invite over my own party?" He violently swatted Alma's arm away and picked up his precious guitar case.

"It's to brighten up the atmosphere, why else? And Yuu-chan, please. I saw you smirking at Allen-chan earlier. I never saw you like that with any other girl before," said Lavi and winked at Alma.

"Fuck. Are you serious, Lavi?" Tokusa asked in disbelief.

"Can't wrong my eyes, buddy," said Lavi nodding sagely.

"It's final then. We'll invite the girls for Kanda's celebration. Kanda, it's no use complaining," Tokusa said.

Yuu was livid. He knew he would not be able to win this stupid argument and just give in to their demands. He was being used as an excuse to pick up girls.

"Do whatever the fuck you want!" He roared before he exited the dressing room to drop his things inside the van.

He definitely heard the bastards cheer and snigger at his distress.

..higher..ground..

Allen was sitting on a stool chair on the bar counter, nursing a cool oolong tea as she typed in her assessment of EXORCISTS which she needed to send to Anita. They both agreed to not to let anyone see them together as she wanted to keep it a secret that she was very close to the owner of the bar. Just as she pressed the send button of her email, she felt someone slid onto the once empty stool to her right. She glanced furtively to her right to see the person and was surprised to see that a guy was openly staring and smiling down at her.

"Hello," said the intruder.

Allen politely nodded her head in acknowledgement.

"Hi."

"Been looking at you for a while now and noticed that you're really cute," said the guy as he rested his arm on the counter and slid closer to her.

Alarm bells immediately began to ring in her head.

"Um," she said, unsure of what to reply. "Thank you."

She slowly stood up to get away from the stench of alcohol the stranger was sporting but a hand suddenly grabbed her arm.

"Hey! Where are you going?" The stranger's tone was slightly alarmed. "I haven't even gotten to know you yet."

Allen noticed that they have garnered the attention of nearby customers. She did not enjoy being put on the spot like this.

"Um, sir," she said, amazed that she could still be polite despite being rudely grabbed by the arm. Still, if the stranger would not stop his advances anytime soon, she might do something she would regret later. "I need to look for my friends. I think they're waiting for me."

At this, she pretended to look over her shoulders, and around, hoping she would find a familiar face in the crowd.

"I don't think they're coming though. You've been alone for a while now," he drawled. He tugged Allen closer to his body and smirked. "Let's hang out for a bit. I'll give you a good time."

At this, Allen pried the hand away from her and dropped it with force and glowered at the guy. He was really starting to get on her nerves.

"I don't appreciate being manhandled, sir. It's best to walk away from here now before someone could get hurt."

"Are you threatening me?!" The stranger spat, hand gripping her hand once more, this time tighter.

"Let me go," she growled.

"Or what? Like a little girl like you can do anything against me," he said in a challenging tone. His grin menacing.

"Hey!"

Allen heard someone shout, but she paid no heed to it as she made to grab the stranger's arm with her free hand with strength the he was not expecting from her. She then twisted his arm once his grip on her loosened. Once she felt her that her other was free, she grabbed the stranger's shoulder and pushed him down with the help of her knee on his stomach.

The guy was now lying on his back, groaning. Allen made sure to put her weight on her to make sure he would not escape before Mahoja could come and throw him out of the establishment. People were now scurrying closer to see what the commotion was about.

"The fuck, Moyashi! That was dangerous!"

It was the same voice Allen heard before she knocked the stranger down. She looked up to see Kanda scowling down on them. Somehow, knowing Kanda witnessed what she just did made her face warm.

"Kanda-san, I-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Kanda stooped down and roughly grabbed the stranger by the neck and made him stand up. His face contorted with rage as he hauled him to the main door's direction. The stranger yelped and struggled on his own feet. He was gripping Kanda's arms for support.

"Kanda-san, wait!"

"Shut up, Moyashi! This troublemaker should be thrown out of the establishment!" Kanda spat.

"I know! In case you didn't notice, the bartender and waiters were about to-"

It was a mistake to look back at the bartender and waiters who were standing not far from them. It was clear in their expressions that they did not want to get involved.

Allen swore Anita would know about this incident.

"Tch! I'll take care of him myself. You stay here," Kanda ordered.

"Let go of me, you bastard! I'll kill you!" The stranger continued to scream. Though, his attempts to break free from Kanda's clutches were futile.

"I'll take care of it."

Allen looked up to see Mahoja briskly walking towards them. The sight of her towering figure made her sigh in relief.

"You alright there, lass?" Mahoja asked Allen.

"Yes," she replied. "This guy right here is drunk and is bothering other customers."

The stranger's face paled upon seeing Mahoja. He ceased his pathetic struggles when he was taken from Kanda, who obediently let him go without a word.

"Make sure that bastard won't bother people again," he said in a low voice.

"You don't have to tell me what to do, kid," replied Mahoja who flashed a huge grin at them.

"Thank you," said Allen with a nod.

Mahoja nodded at Allen in acknowledgement. She did not say anything else as to not give away the fact that they knew each other. She then turned her attention to the bartender and waiters nearby and glowered.

"I'll be sure to let Anita know how useless you've been just now! Now scram and take care of the customers!"

They all scrammed and went back to their business with their heads down, no doubt wondering how they would get scolded by the bar owner.

"Tch!"

Without a warning, Allen felt a warm hand enclosed her own right hand and get pulled in the direction of the tables on the other side of the place. She realized they were about to sit at the exact same table they occupied last week.

"Where are your friends?" Kanda asked once they were seated.

"Friends? You mean the girls from last week?"

"Who else?"

"Um, I don't know where they are," said Allen hesitantly. It did not make any sense to her as to why she was being asked about the whereabouts of the girls she just met last week. They just asked her if they could share the table at that time.

Unless, Kanda was interested in one of them? There was an uncomfortable feeling in her chest when the thought crossed her mind. On the corner of her eye, she noticed Kanda observing her.

"Are you perhaps interested in one of them?"

"Idiot! It's just that you came tonight alone which is a stupid idea as you have the ability to lure weirdos onto you." Kanda huffed. He crossed his arms across his chest as he eyed Allen down.

"Hey! What the hell do you mean by that?!" She angrily replied.

"I found them!" Someone shouted close by.

Allen focused her gaze to her right and saw Lavi, followed closely by Tokusa, Alma, Rina, Ayumi, and Haruna.

"About time!" Kanda barked as he stood up and drew his chair closer to Allen. "Where have you been?"

"Easy, Yuu! We just came to get our ladies here. We just saw them come in from the entrance," said Alma and gazed at Allen. "Though I think you're already occupied. Have we interrupted something? Is that why you're in a bad mood?"

"Shut up!" Was Kanda's only response. He crossed a leg over his other and raised his hand to get the attention of one of the waiters.

One of them came by and readied his notebook and pen in hand.

"What can I get you, sir?" The waiter addressed them politely, though his gaze lingered longer at Allen compared to the rest of the occupants of their table.

"One tall glass of beer for me," Kanda growled, then jerked his thumb at Allen. "She'll be getting a glass of cold oolong tea, then you can ask them what they wanna get for themselves."

Allen looked at Kanda in bewilderment. It didn't miss her how Kanda rudely treated the waiter.

"What is your problem, seriously?" She asked, whispering. Still, Alma seemed to have heard her.

"Oh, Yuu! You hopeless thing," he cooed, chuckling.

Kanda settled for throwing a menacing glare at Alma in response before turning his head away and tuning them all out.

"Don't worry, Allen-chan," Alma murmured in Allen's ear. "There's a first time for everyone. I believe he's currently feeling something he doesn't recognize yet so he's irritable."

Alma left his cryptic message at that and sat straight up again and glanced at Rina who was looking at them both curiously.

Allen stayed in her seat, trying to decipher Alma's words, whatever the hell they meant while staring at Kanda's figure beside her.

Nothing made sense at the moment.

..higher ground..

Wednesday was Yuu's favourite day of the week, currently. It was the day when he only had two three-hour long subjects and he was free to do whatever he wanted for the rest of the day. Luckily, they did not have a lot of assignments and papers needed to be submitted this week and he was mostly done with them so he planned to have a leisurely walk in Yoyogi park and take his lunch there. He was in the mood for a yakisoba and a can of cold green tea.

Upon entering the park, he took a left turn where he knew the less crowded benches were perched underneath the towering, old trees. There were also more bushes and all sorts of other plants providing more shade and clean air, making this part of the place cooler than the rest. It was the perfect spot for him to relax during a hot summer day like today. Just when he was trying to find himself an unoccupied bench, he was disappointed to see there was none. It was at the same time though that he spotted a familiar head glistening due to its whiteness, nose buried in a book, ears plugged with white earphones, sitting alone on one of the benches. She was wearing a white, short-sleeved blouse with large, red ribbon on her chest, a blue and white plaid skirt that rested above her knee, black socks that almost reached her knees, and shiny black shoes. Her bag was carelessly tossed to the side, occupying the empty space beside her.

Yuu sauntered towards Allen, not wanting to startle her. He pushed her bag closer to her and sat on where the bag used to lie on.

"Kanda-san?" Allen said. She pulled one of her earbuds and let it fall on her lap.

Yuu just gave Allen a side glance, then pulled out his yakisoba takeout box from the plastic. He took out his pair of chopsticks from his bag and started eating, not bothering to answer Allen's question.

Allen tried again.

"What are you doing here?"

"Eating," Yuu replied curtly.

"I can see that," Allen said, sighing. "I mean, why are you eating here?"

"My university is just nearby. I always go here every Wednesday to eat lunch," Yuu said. He opened his can of green tea and took a couple of sips. "You?"

"My school is just around the corner," said Allen. "Wow, the only university near here is that one famous for having elite students. So does that mean you're also smart, Kanda-san?"

"Are you implying something, Moyashi?" said Yuu, glaring. He did not miss Allen's slight teasing tone when she asked her question.

"Hey! You've been calling me names since last week. My name is Allen."

"Don't care. You look like a bean sprout to me," Yuu said as he shrugged.

"How rude! Bakanda!" Said Allen.

"What did you just-"

Then Yuu heard a loud grumble of a stomach.

"Sorry," said Allen, her face burning. "I haven't eaten anything yet since this morning."

Yuu sighed and shook his head. He stared at his barely eaten yakisoba then shoved it under Allen's nose.

"Eat," he commanded.

Allen switched her hesitant gaze between the yakisoba and Yuu while biting her lip. Then she grabbed it with both hands and slowly took the chopsticks from him.

"Thank you," said Allen softly. She started mixing the noodles before she took a more than a mouthful and shoved it inside her mouth gracefully.

Yuu had never seen any girl devour food they way Allen did and so he found his mouth agape with incredulity from what he was currently witnessing. If she always ate that way, it was a mystery how she maintained her body. After snapping out of his thoughts, Yuu realized he would need to buy another himself another order of soba and two more for Allen. It seemed like the one was not enough to appease her appetite.

"Stay here. I'll get myself some food," Yuu said as he stood up.

"Eh?" Allen wondered. Then she became aware of the fact that the yakisoba box had been already almost empty. "I'm so sorry Kanda-san! I didn't realize I almost ate the entire thing"

"I thought so too," said Yuu, his tone slightly sarcastic. "I'll leave my bag here. Look after it."

"Wait! Here, I'll pay for the food I ate," said Allen as she hurriedly rummaged her bag for her wallet.

"No need. I don't need a high schooler to pay me for my food when they aren't from your own pocket," said Yuu as he made to leave before Allen could argue back.

..higher ground..

Kanda came back shortly after he left for more food. He handed a separate plastic bag to Allen with two boxes of yakisoba and two cans of strawberry milk.

"Why did you get me more food?" Allen said in wonder as she meekly reached for the plastic bag. "You shouldn't have bothered."

"With the way you were eating, I knew one order won't satisfy you, you glutton," Kanda said sniffing. He settled down and started to open his own food. "Start eating already before it gets cold."

"Thank you, Kanda-san, I'll pay you later once we're done eating," said Allen solemnly.

"I said don't bother. It wasn't much," said Kanda firmly. "Bring it up again and I'll charge you 10x more than the actual price of what I got you."

It made Allen shut up and pout. It made her uneasy when someone would pay for her food as she was not used to it.

They ate in silence while Allen enjoyed her the cool breeze. It was a peaceful and serene afternoon, and she felt like there was something special that day. Maybe because for the first time in a while, she got to eat something delicious in a park with a friend?

Or was it because of Kanda's presence?

'Don't go there, self,' Allen warned. She realized she may be attracted to Kanda due to his good looks, but he had a bad personality which would turn off most girls who would be attracted to his physical appearance at first glance. He also did not appear to be interested in mingling with girls unlike his other band mates who enjoyed being showered with admiration from the female population, and flirting with them in return. If he ever got wind of the fact that Allen had a tiny crush on him, she was afraid she would be avoided like a plague or be treated coldly by Kanda.

She did not want that to happen. Also, she did not want to let her emotions affect the report she was working on.

"Oi,"

"Yes?" Said Allen dazedly, snapping out of her thoughts.

"You stopped inhaling your food. Did you not like the taste?" Kanda asked, his brow raised slightly.

"Oh no. This is actually delicious. I just remembered something," said Allen.

"Don't try to overwork that small brain of yours," said Kanda, smirking.

"Hey! Why are you always so rude, Bakanda!" Allen said angrily. She could feel her cheeks burning.

"Quiet, Moyashi. Just eat if you like the food," said Kanda, smirk still in place. He ruffled Allen's hair callously then went back to drinking his cold tea.

Allen could only glare at Kanda while she combed her hair with her hand in hopes of bringing it back to its original state. She was considering on ignoring Kanda's existence for the rest of the day when she suddenly remembered something.

"Ne, Kanda-san," she started.

"What?"

"Would you mind if I voice out a suggestion regarding one of your songs?" Asked Allen hesitantly.

Kanda stared hard at her for what seemed like a minuted before he put down his can beside him and crossed his arms.

"I mind, but let's hear it," he said.

Allen gulped, but gathered her courage.

"Regarding Keeping it real, I think it's better if you start the song with your rap before the chorus to make the flow better," she said. "What do you think?"

Kanda was silent for a moment, seemingly thinking.

"I'll try to see if it will work better that way," he answered.

Allen smiled at this. Kanda may not have shared his thoughts about what she just said, but the mere fact that he was willing to give it a shot was enough to make her happy.

"What's your contact information?" Kanda asked.

"Eh?"

"Are you deaf?" Kanda said, frowning. "I just asked you for your contact information so I can give you feedback on your suggestion after we try it."

"Oh, yes," said Allen breathily. "Right, feedback."

Allen grabbed her cell phone from her bag and flipped it open.

"We can transmit via infrared," said Allen. She hoped Kanda would not realize she was slightly flustered. "Here."

Kanda did not say anything and just held his own cellphone closer to Allen's

"Done! I also got your email," said Allen, smiling.

"Hn," Kanda responded. "Don't share my contact with other people, Moyashi. I like to keep myself private."

For some reason, this made Allen feel warm.

"Okay," she replied.

Silence once again enveloped them. Kanda leaned his back and crossed his right leg over the left and looked up at the trees, his facial expression almost serene. He was done with his food in just a short time, and Allen still was not as she was kind of distracted by her thoughts. She hurriedly went back to eating and tried to be slower as to not disturb the atmosphere.

After almost half an hour of peacefulness, Allen found herself back to bickering with Kanda about something she could no longer remember. They would talk about inconsequential things, then fight about certain things. Allen was aware that they were both being immature, but she could not stop herself. Somehow, arguing with Kanda was fun as it was stressful for her.

It was weird, but Allen thought she would not have it any other way with Kanda.

.author's notes.

Shout out to Hanashi o Suru for leaving reviews! I am so sorry for not replying to them but please know that they are highly appreciated. I have always been bad at messaging and responding to them, even in real life. I dunno why I'm like this. For those people who are thinking of leaving reviews in the future, I read them all and value them, even if at times I don't respond at all. Thank you in advance!

Please let me know your thoughts.