Ayano watched from a distance as her roommate and her beloved rival conversed. Ayano hid behind the edge of a locker, which obstructed her view a great deal, but whatever it was they were discussing it was clearly of some importance. Kyoko was clearly energetic and excited. Her sporadic jumping and bouncing contrasted heavily against Yui's stoic facial expressions and statuesque pose. The two were barely audible from Ayano's distance, and she wished desperately that she could move within range of their conversation, but Ayano didn't let her curiosity blow her cover. As the conversation died out, Kyoko hugged Yui energetically, Yui mouthed something along the lines of "Don't do embarrassing displays of affection in public," and the two departed for class.

Ayano mused to herself just what the conversation was about, and although she lacked any sufficient clues, she was certain that it was linked Yui's recent behavior.

"Good morning, Ayano-chan!"

"Gah!" Ayano nearly died of fright as a soft-voice crept up from behind her. She threw herself around and was met by a smiling Chitose. "Ah, God! Chitose. Don't do that! You nearly gave me a heart attack."

"Sorry," Chitose apologized with a laugh. "What are you doing anyway? We should be getting to class, you know."

"Ah yes, right," Ayano responded, and the two proceeded towards homeroom. They walked in silence for a bit, but Chitose began to detect a glimpse of anxiousness on her friend's face.

"So, what were you doing back there, Ayano-chan?"

"Hmm? Oh, I was trying to eavesdrop on Kyoko and Yui's conversation," Ayano immediately recognized how bad that sounded. She looked at her friend, but Chitose was still smiling.

"Jealous, are you?" Chitose asked, causing Ayano's face to redden.

"No, don't be ridiculous! You know I'm over that. No, its just Yui has been acting weird a bit this morning, and I was just curious as to what it was all about."

"Ah, I see."

"I followed her over to the lockers and I saw her talking to Toshino Kyoko. I know that that circle of theirs is plotting something. I wonder what it could be."

"Yeah," Chitose said, touching her chin. "I wonder what." Chitose giggled a little. "Perhaps we should investigate the Amusement Club after school. Knowing their pattern of behavior they're probably up to some hijinks."

"Hmm?" Ayano was lost in thought. "Ah, no. There's no need. It's the last day of school. We'll be way to preoccupied to pay them any heed. I'm sure it's nothing."

"If you say so."

Ayano was a loss in another world while Chitose softly chuckled to herself.

A/N - Yeah, I know it's short! I'm sorry for that, but remember! Short doesn't mean unimportant! There's a lot in here if you can read in between the lines.

I was originally intending this to be apart of the next chapter, which I am working on and the two were going to be one big chapter, but I once again wasn't able to really attack my keyboard this weekend like I hoped. I know you guys are thinking that I must be some sort of sadist with Never Change practically being updated every two or three days and yet it's been at least a week and a half since I last updated this, but again I've been very busy with work, and at home there are many distractions. But because of that, I said to myself, "Eh, it's short, but it's full, and it can stand on it's own." And that's the story of chapter three.

And with the apologies and the explanations aside, how are you all enjoying the story so far? I know I basically said I hated it the last time, but now giving it a new look, it's just different is all. It's still a work in progress. I do like how this one if more freeform. "Never Change" was more-or-less written in a day so it's very structured, but "Spring Time" is very loose, which has it's own advantages. I'm also surprised at how much of a mystery it is! I just finished reading "The Big Sleep," a mystery novel by Raymond Chandler before I really dived into this one, so that's probably why the story is developing in this noir-esque fashion. Wouldn't that be something? Ayano Sagiura - Private Detective! Kyoko would make an excellent femme fatale, I have to say. Is this a future story idea, perhaps? The Death of the Presence - An Ayano Sagiuria Adventure?

Well, I feel better now having given you all something. If you liked, you know what to do - review and favorite and follow. I've kept it no secret how much I appreciate and adore feedback of all sorts.

I promise that I'll try to keep a better update schedule from hereon. I'll try to get chapter four up by either Friday or Saturday. If you're all good, maybe I'll work extra hard and get it out by Thursday! ;)

Alright, gotta go. Peace out.