Morning at the Hyoudou residence was calm and peaceful.

The dining table was laid with plates of breakfast, and the sound of the rice cooker that signaled rice was ready always made Issei's mouth watery. He could tell it was his second favorite dish: grilled mackerel with hot Miso soup!

When he smelled the delicious scent of his mother's cooking, the only child of the Hyoudou couple literally leaped out from his bed, brushed his teeth and switched to his middle-school uniform. His stomach growled in agreement too so he descended down the stairs briskly, entered the vicinity of his father's sight and sat down in the seat he usually took.

"You're up early, Ise." Said his father, unfolding the newspaper placed right next to his plates. "Oh, looks like the local market is in trouble again."

Local market? Again? Issei tilted his head but he soon shrugged the thought off. He didn't have any interest in reading newspaper and it wasn't like there were illustrations of beautiful girls with majestic breasts over there. Maybe the summer edition has it…

Slapping his hands together, the boy thanked for the food and began digging in his breakfast. The light texture of the mackerel mixed well with the sweet flavor of rice. Once he properly chewed for twenty times, he scooped in miso soup and felt it warming down his throat to the stomach, spreading all over his body.

Issei sighed in satisfaction. Ah, this is life, he thought with a light-hearted smile before switching back to eat the rice and mackerel. The process repeated several times until his parent flipped another page of newspaper.

"Come to think of it, I heard you're hanging out around the Hero Club, Ise," His father muttered. "I didn't expect you to join a club this late."

"Ugh... Don't remind me, dad." Issei crunched fishbone, grinding it down to the point that he could safely swallow it. "I was dragged to join in. I didn't even know there's an extracurricular club like that."

Uh-huh, the man replied, nodding once as he continued reading the newspapers. It made the boy to grumble but there was nothing else to it. Fortunately or unfortunately, this was usual to the father and son duo.

Hyoudou Ichiro was a former white-collar worker. His hair was cut short and tidy, had a somewhat slanted looks. In addition of the black beard sprinkled around the chin lightly, he had a broad build which was quite healthy for someone of his age.

He worked from eight to nine, sometimes receiving overtimes which caused him to rarely spend times at home. But he was, in all purpose and intent, a man who let his whims overtake his every action; just like his son.

Still, he's letting me do as I please more and more, Issei thought. Heck, he even allowed me to buy erotic games as long as mom doesn't find out.

It might be that their interests were similar. 'Like father, like son' – some people would say but he wondered how his old man knew his liking of breasts. Thinking idly, Issei shook his head and resumed eating breakfast. That could wait for later, maybe Sunday. And yet, when his mother returned from the kitchen, she asked a question as well.

"You didn't make another trouble, right?" The woman with a combination of black and blond hair – Hyoudou Kanae dried her wet hands with a handkerchief. "I hope you are treating your new classmates well, Ise."

"I know, mom... You don't have to tell me all the time." Issei sighed, sipping his miso soup again.

"But I'm worried! You didn't even get acquainted with a girl in Kuoh!"

Ugh! That's a low-blow, mom! Issei nearly choked. Thankfully, he did not. It would be awful if he snorted in a diced leek or pepper. That would hurt like hell—!

"So when can I expect a grandchild?"

And Issei choked.

"Gwoh! Gbah! Bah...!?" The poor boy exasperated, excessive coughs escaped his mouth and snots ran down his nose. "Wh-what the hell, dad!? What the heck was that question!?"

Arching an eyebrow, the regular-time worker looked at his son's face as if something was funny. But then he replied.

"The Sanshu Middle-School Hero Club is famous for its energetic members, not to mention they're all cute girls too." The head of the Hyoudou household grinned. "So who is it? Is it that cheerful girl with red hair? Her name's Yuuki Yuuna, right? Or maybe her friend who's always seen together with her."

Gah! He even knew them...!

"It's! Not! Like! That!" Issei shouted. "Or rather, how did you know, dad!?"

Ichiro smirked like a child receiving a Christmas gift from Santa Claus directly. "Well, the Yuuki family is only two blocks away from here, and the head of the house is a famous martial artist. I even got his autograph!"

His old man was a fan of her classmate's father!? What kind of turn of events is this!?

Issei's jaw almost hit the floor but Kanae swiftly interrupted.

"Ise, if you don't finish your breakfast soon, you're going to be late." She reminded.

Whaaaat!?

The bells rang, signaling the beginning of classes. All students of the Sanshu Municipal Middle-School filed into their own classrooms, all sort of noise beginning to subside as time went by.

"Ugh... Made it in time..."

In one particular classroom for the Second Years, Hyoudou Issei sighed, his head lying on the desk. The wooden surface was cold, truly. Rubbing his cheek to the right, he then checked out the surroundings. Though classes had started, the teacher have yet to arrive, making the students to chat between each other. Some asked if they have done their homework. Other talked about what they did yesterday, or what had happened in the television last night, or discussing their plan once classes are over.

Honestly, Issei's classmates were all lively bunch. But his concern wasn't focused in the rowdiness, or his fellow perverted friends who were in different classrooms. Fast friends they might be, Matsuda and Motohama were weirder than him, and he was someone who came from the mainland.

"Tougou-san! Hear me out! Last night, I—"

Diagonally across of him, at the other side of the classroom was a girl with noticeable red hair tied in ponytail. She was talking spiritedly with her friend, and her voice brought others to join in the conversation.

That girl was Yuuki Yuuna, Issei's classmate, club mate, and (hopefully) friend. As always, an energetic smile painted her angular face, and she had a way for words to rise the mood. But now that the Hyoudou observed keenly, she looked even more dazzling than the usual...

'So when can I expect a grandchild?'

"Gah!?" Issei squeaked, immediately moving to smash his forehead against the desk.

Of course that elicited various reactions but the boy couldn't care less. Hell, he was occupying his head with random stuff to ensure he wouldn't remember what his old man had said!

"Dammit, old man...! Why did you have to say something unnecessary!?"

People would think of being acquainted with cute girls of the same age was already a blessing, but Hyoudou Issei knew his limitation. Or rather, he understood that girls would go for more attractive fellows with better conducts than him. Heck, as if there was a girl who wanted to go out with an open pervert like him! Especially a classmate who knew his behavior exceedingly well!

But I can't stop being myself! As if I am 'Hyoudou Issei' if I don't stay true to my heart! Ah, but my only chance to get a girlfriend might be only now…!

In deep agony and dilemma, Issei cried out. "What the hell should I do...!?"

As he pulled his hair out of immense frustration, he no longer paid attention to the surroundings and didn't realize he was being watched. To those who had known him ever since his transfer would have ignored him. But to those who couldn't get used to it, or if they were new to the problem child's antics, it made quite a disturbing scene, particularly to the girls.

The boy was foolish in that part of him. He wasn't even aware that his usual conducts affected his schoolmates' views of him, and he made it worse by standing firm in that he didn't mind being disliked at all.

Although...

"Uhm... Ise-senpai looks like he's in a bind." Yuuna said, a drop of sweat lining down her cheek.

"Shush, Yuuna-chan. You mustn't pay attention to him." Tougou added.

Classes were finally over.

As the bells rang, once again the daily scene of students filing out of the school premise, participating in extracurricular activities or hanging out with their friends repeated. Normally, issei would have been in the third group due to his habits but now was different.

"So… back to here again, huh…?" The pervert looked up, in front of him a door leading to a certain club room.

I didn't even talk with Yuuna-chan or Tougou-san today, Issei's shoulders sank when that phrase popped for the umpteenth time for today. Both the timing and situation was so poor that it ended up causing him to stutter and flee whenever he sighted his club mates. Honestly, he was appalled by himself at this point. And this is all your fault, dad…

Unfortunately, wasting time wasn't a wise thing to do. He remembered his junior, senior and classmates treating him well yesterday so that meant he already involved himself far too deep in. Common etiquette commanded him to not make a lady waiting so… Taking a deep breath in, Issei steeled himself and slid open the door.

"Excuse me—"

"Oh! Here comes the main actor!" A cheery voice emerged. "Catch him!"

Eh? Before he could understand what was going on, his shoulders were grabbed, his arms wrapped in tight grip of two slender arms and he was pulled into the club room.

Going past the shelves, the lockers, the rectangular table combined from four tables and the computer meant for club purposes – Issei was made to stand in front of a bookshelf encased in antiquated wooden furniture. It was pretty huge and tall, and some cardboards filled with stuff were on top of it.

But when looking to the right and left, his classmate and junior retreated. From behind, he heard rushing footsteps—

"Tou!" A blonde exclaimed, stomping off the ground to land with her legs between Issei's head.

"Gwah!?" The boy shouted, surprised at the sudden increase of weight that he couldn't pay attention at all with the softness and tenderness of those legs. "S-senpai…!?"

"Sit still! It's the captain's order!"

Whaaaat!? Issei almost tried to look back but suddenly there was darkness. Why? Who turned the lights off?!

"Stand straight! Also, don't you dare move around unless I told you so!"

"Th-that's ridiculous…!" Issei whined. "Or rather, you're heavy, Senpa—gyaaah!?"

His head was being crushed! What power, to bind his head in place and tying his neck with a vice grip using her legs! But this is dangerous! It's dangerous in so many ways I can't even comment on it all!

Just as he was about to speak again, the boy felt something ruffling his head and pressed on it. Did Fuu just grabbed his head? In his confusion, the upperclassman made weird noises and saying stuff like 'Ugh, still not there yet…!' and 'A little bit more!'. Was she in a bind…?

"There!" And then Fuu let go of his head, sighing. "Phew, I got it! Thanks for the assist, Issei – hm? Earthquake?"

"H-heavy…! I can't…!"

"What!? Are you saying I'm too heavy – w-wait, hold on…!?"

Issei's legs buckled under the sudden increase of weight, his balance crumbled and the two fell down backward. Of course, there were two screams echoing in chorus upon the chaos, courtesy to the fallen members of the Hero Club.

"Waaaaah!? Fuu-senpai!? Ise-senpai!?"

"O-Onee-chan, are you alright!?"

Clouds of dust settled. Coughs were heard, and the older Inubouzaki sat up, rubbing the back of her head. The remaining club members immediately approached her but they suddenly halted their steps.

"Owwie… That was close," Fuu said, wincing. "…Mh? What's wrong, you two?"

Something was wrong. Her sister's face was boiling red like an octopus, and Yuuna stuttered without any coherence. One thing to be noted was that Tougou wasn't around for a health check-up. Nevertheless, it was rare for her family and friend to be so stupefied.

Wait a minute… Where's our newest member? No, wait. Yuuna's looking down so that means…

Fuu followed her junior's gaze and stared down to the floor. And when she did so… There was a boy sprawled there, completely unmoving. His limbs were spread wide and his torso was heaving inconspicuously. But the problem was where his head was located at.

It was right below…!

Fuu trembled, heat rising to her cheeks and the tip of her ears. As she began to tremble, her lips parted open and—

"G-gyaaaaaaaaaaaah!?"

And so another ruckus dawned upon the Hero Club. Unfortunately or fortunately – Issei was already knocked out cold ever since he hit his head against the floor.

"Ugh...! That was cruel, even for being a senior!" Issei protested, trudging down the hallway with his classmate.

"Maa, maa. Ise-senpai, Fuu-senpai has already apologized, right?" Yuuna smiled, her schoolbag in hand.

Yeah but still... Issei had to wonder if staying in the Hero Club was truly alright now. He did lose consciousness just by being confused of everything...

"Besides, didn't Senpai said you wouldn't dislike us? Or are you changing your mind?"

"Mrgh..." Issei grunted. "Yuuna-chan, that's a low-blow, even from you..."

"Eh he he... I'm not that great..." The redhead scratched the back of her head, bashful.

"That's not a compliment."

Really, this girl is full of wonder, Issei thought. Walking alongside her, he appreciated her presence but somehow, there was something strange with her. No, that wasn't it either.

I felt at ease just by being with her... I wonder why?

The hallway was painted with orange glow. The shadows had stretched and places that had no windows were obscured in total darkness. For example, the spots connecting the hallways with the shoe lockers. But with a companion, a girl to boot, Issei's heart was encouraged and he believed he could endure all kind of hardships just to stay cool.

As the boy and the girl chatted while changing their indoor shoes, the former thought deeper. There were some similarities between Yuuna and his childhood friend. The one who left Japan for the sake of his family...

Years had gone by after his farewell with his best friend. Still Issei could remember it all as if it had happened yesterday. 'Becoming a Hero' – that was once a promise they made. A very childish dream befitting two little boys.

Issei recalled how often he got in troubles just because he tried to act as some sort of Ally of Justice. Then again, some memories were kind of embarrassing so he wouldn't want to reminisce so much. Nevertheless...

I guess Yuuna-chan is just that similar with Irina...

...

He should stop. His father taught him that one must not compare a woman with somebody else, even if it was a man who he used the comparison with. Issei also believed that it would make a lot of things uncomfortable if he treated his friend like that. That would be unfair...

"...Ah," Issei paused. "I just thought of Yuuna-chan as a friend, huh...?"

Just as he mused quietly at the natural way his classmate's position had become, he heard his name being called. Looking forward, the red-haired girl had already went out of the school building, stepping off the shadows and entering a world of twilight.

Yuuna waved her arm. "Ise-senpai, let's hurry! The gate is going to be closed soon!"

...

There was... There was something weird. Grasping his chest, Issei's heart pounded. It was in a faster rate than the usual. Why?

Even as he caught up with her, the drumming beat didn't stop. In fact, it went faster and louder, filling his entire body with indescribable warm.

In the meanwhile, the boy talked with the girl, trying his best not to show his inner turmoil in his face. Issei thought it would be extremely embarrassing, but a part of him once again asked.

Why?

"So, you see... Tougou-san is with her parents for a health check-up around this time of the month – Ise-senpai?"

"Hmm...?"

"Have you been listening at all?"

...Oh, the boy belatedly thought. His mouth hung open, but no word came out. Feeling the long stare of the girl's red eyes, he has just realized that he screwed up. Bad.

I was found out! What should I do!?

"I've been wondering for a while, but did something happen, Senpai?" Yuuna paced around to face him. "If you are fine with me, I will listen to your problem."

"Uh...? H-hold on, Yuuna-chan... I don't think I have a problem—"

"Then did something happen that makes you avoiding me and Tougou-san?"

She notiiiiiiccceed! Now I want to die!

Rather than a bad thing, it was the worst thing. He didn't expect Yuuna to actually observe his actions when he tried his best to be cautious and indiscreet. How could she be so perceptive?

The dumb boy couldn't understand so all he could do was to cry internally and wishing that there was a hole he could disappear into. After all...

I must have looked like a weirdo in all that time!

"Please forget that! Yuuna-chan, I'll do anything you want so just forget all that!"

"E-eh...? What's wrong with you, Senpai...?"

"Please!"

Without thinking twice, he had already bowed down to the girl. In the middle of the street, even. Other people would have read the situation wrong and caused some misunderstandings but one of the party involved was—

"No way. I can't do that, Senpai."

Huh!? Issei whipped back to his default position and stared wide-eyed at Yuuna.

She said, "That's not going to solve Senpai's problem so I can't forget that. I won't let you to forget either."

"B-but...!"

"Senpai, if you have a problem, then you should talk with someone about it. That's the tenet of Hero Club."

Uh...? "T-tenet...?"

That was new to him. The boy didn't know there was something like that, but then again, he was a new member. It's normal if there were a lot of things he didn't know.

But still... Talk with someone about his problem...? The only thing he was bothered with today was...

'So when can I expect a grandchild?'

"G-gaaaaah! Like hell can I consult about that kind of thing, goddammit...!"

It was with much frustration that Issei cried out, smashing his forehead against the nearest wall. It surprises Yuuna and she frantically coaxed the foolish boy to stop hurting himself.

And after much negotiation...

"Eh? Perishable?"

"Terrible. Something terrible. It's something my old man said."

"H-haa... And what does that relate to this?"

Nothing important, Issei replied, pressing a button to select his drink of choice. While standing in front of a vending machine at the nearest park, the two middle-schoolers decided that it was best to talk things out.

But as if Issei could divulge the entire truth. He had no inclination to distance himself from the only female friends he had. His parents would be utterly disappointed and his friends would just badmouth him if that were to happen. Even more, he himself didn't want to lose this small happiness.

So, tread carefully it is.

"Errm... Is your father a strict person, Senpai?" Yuuna asked while picking her own drink.

"No? Not at all, but he said weird stuff sometimes," Issei squatted down, taking out a canned carbonated juice. "So it's not a really big deal, Yuuna-chan."

"But you looked like you're in deep agony, Senpai..."

Eh... That was... Now he couldn't say anything back. Maybe he did exaggerate a little too much but did he look like he was suffering that much?

He learned a new thing today... Or rather, the last several days earned him quite a few interesting experiences. I wonder if I should be happy or not?

"...Well, like I said, it's not a huge deal," Issei opened the can, taking a sip of the juice. "Still, thank you very much for your concern, Yuuna-chan."

"Mhm! I'm glad I can be of some help!"

The girl pumped her fist upward, saying 'all's well that ends well!' with much spirits. Seeing Yuuna doing that every time didn't tire him out, so he curved down his lips in amusement.

Then a thought crossed his head.

"Say, Yuuna-chan?" Issei called out.

The redhead replied with a curious hum. Knowing he successfully drew her attention, he gazed at her.

"Why are you calling me 'senpai'?"

Issei had been thinking about it. He was a stranger in this region, and he barely knew of the local events or specialties. From a native perspective, he should be someone that might have different views than them.

What's more, Issei and Yuuna were classmates, but the fact didn't change that they were simply that. Mere acquaintances with shallow bond.

Just like how the boy didn't know what kind of club the girl was in, she too probably didn't know what kind of thing he usually did, his habits or favorite stuff, or even his dream and aspiration. It was why he was weirded out when Yuuna addressed him in a respectful manner from day one.

"We-well... That is..."

For the first time, there were clouds of hesitation hovering above Yuuki Yuuna's head. It was more than surprising, because Issei had never seen her to stumble over words.

"Yuuna… chan…?"

The boy approached her. Worry washing over him, he stretched out a hand, and—

Mechanical chimes reverberated.

"H-huh?!" Yuuna gasped, quickly looking around and then down to her back. "M-my cellphone? But what's this ringtone…?"

The sound echoed again. It was like an alarm, blaring with uncomfortable repeating rhythm. It easily reached Issei's ears, but the effect was more than he could expect.

Thump… Something pounded against his chest, threatening his mind with its echo.

"Eh…? Did I change the wallpaper…? Something's written on it…"

Thump… His ears picked up different noise, and his spine shuddered. No, wrong. This sensation was closer to his entire cells within his body freezing deathly cold. An alien sensation he had never experienced before, but somehow could be understood.

"'Forestize… Warning…?'"

Following those words, the sunset dyeing the western horizon sky blacked out.

It was the boy who had seen the starless sky.

It was the girl who realized there soundless world.

As sudden tremors ran across the quiet seaside town, light basked everything from the horizon, enveloping all with a storm of flower petals.

-Author's Note-

My. I'm such a tease, sometimes. But my real reason is that the chapter bloated up beyond recognition that I have to split it up or else it will be problematic. In various ways, that is.