Hey everyone! I just wanna thank you guys for the reviews! It's only been two chapters but we already have 12 reviews, this makes me so happy QuQ I love you all.

Anyway, since it's November (Belated HBD to our dear Shota), this chapter shall be Halloween-related AND...

AYANO!

It's our heroine's birthday soon, so I'm dedicating this chapter to her!

Ah, and to all readers who have been waiting for Shintaro's appearance, the wait is over!


DISCLAIMER: I do not own KagePro or any of its characters.


It was the fourth week of November, and everyone was busy preparing for the upcoming Halloween Party.

Which would be followed by a ball.


Haruka felt queasy whenever he thought of the ball.

It's because he'd never been into a gathering, okay maybe that's just half the reason why he felt nauseous. It was mainly because his dance would be none other than Tateyama Ayano.

Of course, it wasn't his doing. Haruka would never have the guts to ask her for a dance. It was Kenjirou's. Haruka didn't know why Kenjirou picked him to be Ayano's date. If he was in his position, he would've picked Shintaro, seeing how close he is to Ayano. Haruka had already discussed this with the said girl, she only shrugged when asked about her father.

Well, she also said she was okay with being partners with Haruka.

It was more than enough to send him to paradise. He still two days left before the party, but he already had everything prepared. Even so, he was still terribly nervous. It wasn't just the party, it wasn't just the ball...

It was also Ayano's birthday.


November 21st, it was the night of the event. Haruka shifted nervously in his position.

He waited by the classroom, since it was where they (Ayano, Takane and Shintaro) were supposed to gather. He got there first, which was no surprise at all. He took his time to fix everything in his costume.

Haruka went as a werewolf. He wore a simple dress shirt, the first two buttons undone, and a loosened black tie. His fake wolf ears looked almost normal to his dark hair, and the tail had suited him quite well. He wore little fangs as an addition. He felt pretty contented with his costume. Haruka picked it because it was simple, and was easy to move around with. He was sure to enjoy this party.

In the next few minutes, Shintaro arrived. He appears to have dressed as a vampire. Shintaro wore a cape over his vest, making him look rather mysterious. His black pants added formality to his costume. Like Haruka, he also wore fake fangs, though his was longer. It surprised Haruka, for he didn't think Shintaro would take this event that seriously.

"Don't give me that look," He said in annoyance, "My sister did this, not me."

"Oh," was all he could say. He smiled a little at the thought of Shintaro being helped by his little sister.

"S-sorry, were we late?" The boys quickly looked over to the speaker. There, stood the two girls dressed in their costumes. Shintaro swore Halloween was a torture to all men.

Takane dressed up as a witch. She wore a black balloon dress that stopped after her knee, a red belt wrapped around her waist. She wore long knee-socks to hide the unnecessary skin, and a pointy black hat.

On the other hand, Ayano strived for a more innocent costume. She chose 'Little Red Riding Hood'. Ayano wore a white peasant-styled blouse, along with a black corset, complimented by a red petticoat over a frilly white skirt and brown boots. Instead of wearing a hood cape, Ayano kept her beloved muffler.

"W-wow, Takane and Ayano really look pretty!" Haruka commented in all his honesty.

"Y-yeah.." Shintaro nearly cursed himself for stammering.

Takane shyly fiddled with her skirt upon the compliment, Ayano blushed a little, but recovered rather quickly. "You two look cool!"

After a little chat, they decided to go to the venue of the party. It wasn't far from school, and Ayano said Kenjirou would arrive in a few minutes to pick them up.


"Haruka, I entrust my angel to you for the night." Kenjirou said, his eyes closed and his voice strangled, "Don't let any other guy and I mean ANY OTHER GUY get too close to her."

Haruka sweatdropped, "Y-yes, sensei."

"Mou, Papa is being overdramatic. It's just a party!" Ayano cried, flailing her arms like a child.

"B-but I can't let my Ayano-chan go unprotected when you're dressed up like that!" Kenjirou reasoned out, though it was pretty much a valid reason for all fathers to keep their daughters from all other suitors.

"Papa, I'll be fine! Now, gooo. The teachers will be looking for you!" Ayano said, knowing it's the only thing that could actually make her father go away. Kenjirou sighed in defeat and waved her goodbye before going back to the driver's seat and zooming off.

"Your dad is really annoying." Shintaro said with a huff. Ayano laughed at his statement. She saw them secretly sending glares at each other's direction through out the whole trip. She doesn't understand why those two just can't seem to get along.

"He's just a bit overprotective." Takane replied, understanding that Kenjirou probably hated Shintaro because of his closeness with his daughter. She can't believe none of them even noticed why Kenjirou was acting like that. The moment Kenjirou begged for Haruka to take Ayano, she immediately got the message. After that, Kenjirou apologized for 'borrowing' Haruka for a while, though Takane didn't really mind. She wasn't really planning to go to the ball, but she thought she could use that opportunity to dress up and impress the lad. Of course, she couldn't go without a date, so she settled for Shintaro (who was also forced to go because of Ayano).

"Well, shall we go now?" Haruka cleared his throat to catch everyone's attention. They smiled (except for Shintaro) and nodded, hooking arms with their partner before entering.


The place was wide and spacious, suited for a ball. Colored lights danced across the room, loud music blared from the speakers, everything was so lively.

Ayano couldn't help but gape. Everyone was dressed up in their respective costumes, some were creepy, but other's were very stunning. Ayano was greeted by many people, Haruka noted. He, and the other two, felt a little out of place. Haruka and Takane were in a different class, and didn't know most of the school's population. Shintaro was an antisocial boy who barely pays attention to anyone in his class. Unlike Ayano, they felt like they were cast out.

"Brighten up, everyone!" Ayano beamed, noticing the change in atmosphere. "You guys should enjoy this, okay? Else, I won't enjoy it too!" She said, inflating her cheeks a little.

Haruka smiled. It was one of the little things he liked about Ayano. She was the epitome of selflessness. In everything she did, she prioritized everyone else's feelings.

Sometimes, her selflessness worried Haruka.

His train of thoughts vanished when he felt Ayano dragging him. "Kuhh, do I really have to force you guys?"

Takane laughed, for the first time this night. Ayano really wanted them to enjoy this, and she didn't want to let her down. After all, the poor girl would be celebrating her birthday soon.

Before long, they found themselves joining the others on the dance floor.

At first, Shintaro and Takane were a bit stubborn, but Haruka and Ayano managed to get them to dance along. It was fun, Haruka had to admit. He had never been to parties, this was all so new to him. And because of his illness, he wanted to make the best of this moment. This may be his first party, but it could also be his last.

As if some switch was flicked, the colored lights dimmed and the room got quiet. A mellow song began to play.

"Ah, so this is why we needed a partner..." Ayano muttered to herself in her moment of realization. Haruka chuckled, that's really typical of Ayano.

All the other students started facing their partners, some even hugged, and then started dancing at a slow pace. The four felt awkward, being inexperienced in this kind of dance.

Shintaro sighed, they'll only look more idiotic if they just stood there. He offered his hand to Takane, who hesitated at first.

"It's just a dance." Shintaro rolled his eyes. "Or is it because Lightning Dancer Ene can't dance?"

"Is that a challenge I hear?" Takane scowled before taking his hand.

Ayano giggled at their little show. She wondered if Shintaro purposely annoyed Takane to lessen the tension. They were always like that. Fighting seems to be their only way of communicating.

"W-well, uhm..." Ayano turned to look at Haruka, "May I?"

He stretched out his hand, offering it to the younger lady. Ayano smiled and took his hand.

The slow song continued, everyone seemed to be in their own little world. The room was rather quiet, it was making Haruka feel more and more uncomfortable. He was gonna put his hand on the small of her back, but hesitated. He looked at her in the eyes, asking for permission. Ayano laughed a bit.

"It's okay, Haruka-senpai." She said in a hushed voice. Haruka complied as Ayano rested her hand on his shoulder.

They moved slowly according to the rhythm of the music. Haruka kept a respectable distance, careful not to invade Ayano's personal space.

"Ne, I wasn't expecting Haruka-senpai to dress up as a wolf." Ayano quietly said, a smile playing on her lips.

"Hm, it's not that bad, right?" He asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"It's just funny..." She let out a quiet laugh, "Me, being the 'Red Riding Hood' and all." Ayano did a small twirl.

Haruka chuckled, he had heard of the story when he was young. He remembered some of the characters, like Red Riding Hood and the Bid Bad Wolf. He inwardly laughed, Ayano's observing skills was actually more impressive than his.

"Yes, and I'm the 'Big Bad Wolf'." Haruka grinned, showing his fangs.

Ayano laughed again, "Say, are you enjoying this party?"

Haruka didn't have to think twice about the answer. Even before he came here, he knew he would enjoy every minute of this occasion. "Yes."

"I'm glad." Ayano simply answered as they continue to dance.

Haruka discreetly glanced at his watch, it was almost midnight. Almost her birthday.

"A-Ayano..." He leaned in, resting his head on her shoulder. Ayano almost panicked, was Haruka having an attack?

"Haruka-senpai, is something wrong? Are you okay?" She asked. She really didn't know what to do if he suddenly gets an attack. There were too many people, Takane and Shintaro were nowhere to be seen.

"No...Ayano.." He murmured. Ayano felt her worry increase tenfold.

"Is it another a-attack, Haruka-senpai?" She asked, gently stroking his back.

"Ayano..." Without warning, he suddenly pinched her cheeks. "Happy Birthday."

Even in the dark, Haruka could see the flustered look on her face. "E-eh?"

Ayano felt someone tap her back. She turned around and saw Takane and Shintaro holding a cake. "Happy Birthday!"

"Y-you guys...y-you r-really didn't have to..!" Ayano couldn't stop the smile that was forming. She really did have the nicest friends.

Haruka scooped some icing and wiped it over Ayano's lip. "Ahaha, you should taste it!"

Ayano licked her lip and grinned, "Honey lemon cake?"


Ah, such cliffy, much honey lemon, very useless fluff. Let's all sing a Happy Birthday to our dearest Onee-chan! Lawl, I really had no idea what to write. I wanted some HaruAya to take action but Haruka haven't even confessed yet orz hmm I wonder if Takane already noticed that Haruka likes Ayano? Such feels, much feels, very feels, many wow. Well, you'll find out on the next chapter.

Anyway, in this chapter, Ayano turns 15. Meaning the next chapter will take place the following year, possibly around August.

As promised, I added ShinTaka AND finally put Kenjirou. Shintaro is sure to appear on future chapters, but the next chapter could be Takane's last appearance, also Haruka's last appearance. Bye Takane, bye Haruka, HELLO ENE, HELLO KONOHA.

Brace yourselves, the next chapter will be feelsy.