It took the pair a good ten minutes to get everything sorted out with Junpei and Yukari, and when they do, everyone was aware of the morning slumber party Minako and Shinjiro had in the room. Junpei even went as far as pretending to be offended, to which Yukari slapped him on the shoulder for- then continued to whisper something in his ear. Minako swore she heard her name in that conversation but decided to leave it alone.

In the meanwhile, Mitsuru shoved more and more pancakes onto a plate. She seemed to be the only one in a normal state- which made sense because she was the only one who didn't drink last night.

"You're drooling," Shinjiro noted. Of course, he had to end up sitting right next to her, Minako thought. She swore that this man was the devil in disguise. In response, Minako stuck out her tongue at him, unchewed pancake stuck to it and all. When Shinjiro started to choke on his pancake, their friends only gave him a weird look.

"You do know how to chew, right?" Aki raised his eyebrows, and Shinjiro made sure to hide his reading glasses somewhere later.

Not paying any attention to the conversation, Yukari turned to Minako, "We're heading home after this, right?"

Minako nodded, "Yeah, let me just get changed and we'll head out," she turned to Mitsuru, "Thank you for having us over- sorry if we were a bit much."

Mitsuru only smiled at this, "No, it's never too much. I've dealt with far worse in this dorm. Besides, you're one of us now."

Minako thought she had met an actual princess, seeing Mitsuru's face. At that moment, however, a shrill sound echoed out of someone's phone. Shinjiro stands, which made the whole table look at him as he pulled out his phone.

Immediately, the look on his face changed. The light atmosphere disappeared, and Shinji didn't look too pleased.

"Is there something wrong, senpai?" Ken asked, trying to pinpoint what had changed the older boy's mood. It wasn't anything physical, except for the big scowl on his face.

"It's fine," Shinjiro reassured the group, "Just work stuff. I have to go."

Shinjiro waves goodbye, turning to go change into his work clothes. Everyone said their goodbyes, but Minako stared at him a little too intensely as he left. She wasn't exactly sure what she was expecting- it wasn't like they were exactly friends or even enemies.

Except, Minako noticed that she wasn't entirely okay as Shinjiro's gaze swept over her, their eyes meeting for a second, as he left without a word. Suddenly, the pancake in her mouth didn't taste as sweet and didn't feel as fluffy. Instead, it felt a little too dry and hard to swallow. Minako cringed at the lump in her throat, swallowing it before asking Kenji for a glass of milk. He handed her one, as Mitsuru asked worriedly if the pancakes were bad.

Minako shrugged it off, "Too much syrup. I made it too sweet, that's all."

Mitsuru nodded, and Minako found herself bored with the desert-like meal. Junpei and Yukari noticed, but they chalked it up to the hangover they all had. And honestly, Minako tried to think that it was the problem, too.

Minako was exhausted, though, she wasn't completely sure if she did anything productive today- other than nurse her hangover and drive Junpei and Yukari home. After their breakfast, she helped Mitsuru and Ken clean up, while everyone chatted and sat around. Finally, she said goodbye to them, as well as Akihiko and Kenji, before finally heading home.

Junpei and Yukari seemed to have passed out the moment they buckled themselves in. Minako was thankful; she honestly thought they wouldn't even get to the seatbelts. After a fifteen minute drive, they all went their own ways, and Minako climbed up the stairs groggily to her apartment. Partying and drinking made you like that, kind of like a human zombie. It made everything strange and hollow, like needing the whole day to get better despite the fact you were all giggles and smiles the night before.

Minato had once told her it was, "Borrowing Happiness". That little drink gave you happiness for a temporary time before you had to return it.

Minako sat in the tub of her apartment a few hours later, thinking that it made sense. It explained why she was sitting in her bathtub at 1 in the morning with a book in hand, trying to figure out why she was moping. The worst moment happened when a thought popped into her head, to call Akio and, "just talk". Minako immediately knew that was the biggest bullshit in the world, and proceeded to turn of her phone to stop the temptation.

Her radio was on in the background playing a remixed version of Stay High and while she didn't hate this song, she was wondering why she was listening to it. It was Sunday night and normally she never listened, but this particular set list had been promising so she let it play while she filled her bathtub. Once she was settled amidst her bubbles she didn't bother with turning it off, letting it play random tracks that she actually found good.

Minako put her book to the side and slid deeper into the water, almost sinking completely. This changed, however, when she heard a familiar voice turn on.

"Gooood evening, ladies and gentlemen," It said, "It's a surprise visit from DJ Castor! I'm sure you guys weren't expecting me tonight. Well, Jia called in sick today- so she isn't here to play her crappy sets, and I'm here to take requests and chat. So ring the station and let's see how tonight goes, I need some fun."

His voice faded out and the beat in the background became a different song, one she vaguely recognized, but she didn't care too much. She was much more concerned about the low voice that was on the radio and why he was on now.

The last time she heard him, he gave her a shout out. She never did thank him for that. Would it be weird to call about that?

"That's a stupid idea," Minako huffed to herself, but she couldn't help herself from looking at the phone at her side. She dunked her head into the water almost immediately, as if she wanted to wash the thoughts out from her head. Instead, she ended up with a burning nose full of water.

"Okay, just maybe I can call. I can call and ask that question I wanted to ask Shinjiro about earlier."

She felt extra courageous today. Picking up the phone and getting out of the bath, she went to go get dressed. A few minutes later, she lay on her bed, phone pressed to her ear and fingers fumbling with the towel on her head. It was ridiculous how fast her heart was pounding. and it was even more ridiculous when she literally forgot how to speak when the DJ picked up the phone.

"Hello?" He spoke slowly, "Cat got your tongue, caller number 12?"

"No, it's nine."

DJ Castor snickered, "No, no… You're caller number 12 right now."

Minako sighed, "No! Nine, from the other night. The one who cursed you out."

Another snicker came from the DJ, but he sounded more pleased than annoyed. Minako was relieved, she didn't really want to be hung up on right now.

"Caller, caller, number nine, do you have a question so we can pass the time?" He chuckled lowly. This was probably a bad idea, but she was already there.

"I actually do and I also wanted to say thank you. For that shout out the other day."

"No problem," He actually sounded a bit taken aback, "I guess I'm just a sucker for weaklings."

"Ass."

"The best. Anyway, what's your question?"

Minako pondered over it for a second, before she asked.

"Well, do you think girls over analyze things because it's in our nature or did society and media teach us this?"

Shinjiro perked up immediately, liking the change from the usual life drama, to an actually psychological talk. He didn't get many of these, but when he did, he knew he was in for a long night.

"You realize this'll take a while to answer?" Minako heard from the other line. She couldn't see, but Shinjiro was smiling to himself.

"That's okay," She answered, "I've got time and coffee."

It was 2 in the morning, and Minako knew she needed to sleep. Instead, she was sat on her bed, blanket wrapped around her, with a deep voice sounding in her ear. She also knew that she was going to regret this when she woke up later. Just the thought of the exhaustion she would feel tomorrow made her want to press the "end call" button, but she decided that she didn't mind it when the person on the other end chuckled.

Which was weird.

But maybe, it was the fact that she didn't know him in real life which made it comforting. She could literally spout all the nonsense in her mind and not worry about meeting this person in real life. It was definitely freeing, and at the same time, a little depressing.

Minako wanted to be this comfortable around others. Of course, she had Minato, Yukari, Junpei, and even Koromaru, but she didn't want to just dump all her feelings on them all the time. She couldn't help feeling like a burden at times, but she knew that it was just a stupid thought. She knew her brother and her friends cared for her, obviously. Unfortunately, though, she's been like this for a little too long. She worried too much about stepping on the toes of those she loved and holding on too tight. It reminded her of being a child and wanting to hug friends, but being swatted away because they were too old to hold hands now, and too grown up to be affectionate.

Insecurity was honestly such an ugly thing, always showing up when you least needed it.

Yet, as she lay there with the phone pressed to her ear, it didn't exist as much, and she was somewhat comforted.

"Can I ask you something?" Minako finally asked after the faceless DJ had stopped ranting about how incredibly picky girls can be. She got it, she really did, and she felt sorry for him. Sometimes they just can't help it- especially when girls have literally been taught to spot prince charming since they were about four.

"You already did and we've been talking for about an hour. I don't see why you need to ask me," he replied, sinking into his chair with the automatic setlist playing in the background.

"Why did you give me that shoutout? I thought you were supposed to be an ice prince?" She sank down into the bed and his silence almost surprised her. He's been quick about responding to everything so far.

"How flattering that you think I'm a prince, but I'm far from it. And to answer that, I don't know, really. You seemed kind of pathetic and I felt bad for popping your pink love bubble," DJ Castor replied, not quite sure of himself. Yet, it was surprisingly easy to unravel his thoughts over the phone when he didn't have a face or name to the voice.

It was too easy.

"Idiot," Minako huffed.

"And I don't have to be nice to you," DJ Castor replied, "I could just hang up the phone here."

Minako snickered, "As if. Anyways, can I- can I ask you something else?"

The DJ leaned forward into the phone, noting that she reminded him a bit of Akihiko. Always asking questions, they were. He recognized that awkward silence on the other line, and he knew what type of question she was going to ask next. He always hated those kinds of questions, because they made him waver, and it was hard to look someone in the eye when you don't quite know where you stand.

"Shoot." He knew better than to let this continue, but he still let her ask. Maybe it was because he could actually say the truth without having someone measure his every word right in front of his face.

"Why do you like doing this? I mean, you don't sound like you believe in relationships at all. It's almost like a joke to you. Yet, I've heard you comfort people, cheer them up, give them advice, and help them. At the same time, you've torn people down, knocking sense into them. So I want to know why? And what are you, nosy or a good Samaritan?"

"Next question," he replied quickly, soliciting a groan from the other side of the line. He definitely wasn't expecting this type of question, and he was kind of surprised that she had been paying this much attention.

"Hey!"

"Fine, fine. But if I tell you, you have to promise me one thing," He chewed on his lip thoughtfully. The idea of being too honest with her was kind of like diving into the deep end of a pool. On one hand, he might drown. On the other hand, there was always a lifesaver. And that was what he needed right now.

"Alright, what is it?"

"If I answer you, you have to promise me we'll never meet. I mean, ever."

Minako stilled at the suggestion. She knew that she should be jumping for joy because the one person who single-handedly embarrassed her with well-placed words never wanted to see her. At the same time, he was the only person who's been so upfront with her- and while the idea of ever meeting is farfetched, hearing him make it definitive was like putting on a permanent blindfold.

"Fine. We'll never meet and this means we can tell each other everything and anything. No secrets."

The man on the line wasn't exactly sure if this was a good idea or not. However, despite the voice that screamed in the back of his head to say no, he agreed.

"Alright, so," the DJ began, and Minako sat in anticipation of what he was going to say next, "I've had and seen some shitty relationships."

"That's it?" Minako was confused, she really expected more.

"It's also kind of a weird personality thing," Castor sighs into the phone, "I've always liked listening to people. I'm more of an observer sometimes, and I see a lot of people mess up. Sometimes I think they deserve it and other times they don't. When they don't, I want to help and when they do, I call them out on it."

A small "oh" sounded from Minako's side.

However, the DJ continued, "I guess I'm just a sucker for people who are too soft for their own good."

Minako smiled at his response, "That's really sweet of you, you know?"

"Can you not? I'm going to regret this…"

"Don't! I think that's nice of you, I really do. But I also think that's kind of sad though…"

"And why the hell is that, princess?" Castor expected a stupid response from her, just like the things she had been saying all night. Instead, what she said surprised him.

"Because I think you're helping everyone else, hoping that someone's going to do the same for you one day, but every time you're let down and no one picks you up, you get a little colder. You're a walking contradiction."

In all honesty, Minako expected a quick answer, most likely a denial, but she was met with silence. The silence made her cringe, and for the first time in this phone call, she wished she could take her words back. However, there was no point as Shinjiro cleared his throat.

"Nine? I think we're done here. Get some sleep." He didn't even wait for a response on the other end before he pressed the end button. The only thing he heard at that point was the setlist, still playing like nothing ever happened.

He really hated caller number nine.

Shinjiro was quite rational, making sure he thought before he spoke. He tiptoed around his own feelings, careful to not lash out at the wrong person. He was mindful of his friends and his advice. He steeled himself against all the bullshit people aimed at him. Even then, there were things that slipped in through cracks and stung. He hated it and himself for it.

Maybe this was why things don't work out when he tried too hard?

He tried to stifle a groan, knowing that he shouldn't have been bothered by an over-analytical stranger and her comment. Yet, there he was, sat in his photography class, cringing about it. The words crawled up his neck and made him tense up.

He genuinely thought that it was so stupid, maybe even cliche. The man who dished it all out apparently couldn't handle it when it was thrown back at him.

"Is there something you wish to share with us Aragaki?" The professor narrowed her eyes at him.

"No, ma'am."

"Let me remind you, that you don't need to be here if you don't want to." When she turned back to her lecture, Shinjiro ducked behind his hands again and huffed.

He knew his logic was flawed, but he completely blamed caller number nine for this shitty day. The only comfort he had was that he would never see her in person, which was slightly disappointing, but that was the least of his issues at that moment. One being how he was going to pay for his next year of college.

He'd been in school for a good two and a half years already, and it had been smooth for the first year, but things started getting difficult when his parents' business had begun to slow down. A family-owned ramen shop usually didn't do too well in the face of all those chain restaurants popping up, and his father's stress began to be directed at him. That was another reason why he was so careful with his feelings, making sure he didn't direct them to the wrong person.

His parents had been supportive of his decision to become a photographer, but lately, it didn't seem like a job he loved would be enough. All their conversations suddenly turned into, "Are you sure this guarantees a proper living?" or "We need your help, we're counting on you."

Shinjiro understood the need to help his parents out, and he respected that. At the same time, however, the thought of becoming the only hope for his parents made him sick to the stomach. Sometimes, it made him want to hide- which was a fact that he was ashamed of.

He was doing what he could- getting scholarships, working odd jobs when its possible, and working at the radio station. It helped, but it didn't feel like much when things were continually getting worse.

He pressed his face to the cool side of the desk, hoping he'd disappear- if only for just a second, but it's no use because the class was over and he had homework to squeeze in before his shift at the radio station later that night.

He grabbed his bag and was on the way out when his professor called him over. Shinjiro was already preparing an apology for earlier, but he was silenced when his professor handed over a crisp yellow envelope. From the thickness of it, he could already tell that it was photos.

"What's this about?" Shinjiro's brows furrowed as the glossy photos slid out into his hands.

He expected them to be an old project, but as he saw the one of Kenji dancing, he realized that these were from his scavenger hunt. He didn't miss the one of Minako, but he quickly shoved it behind all the other ones.

"Do you not like that one?" The teacher asked him, reaching over to pull out the picture, as well as some of Kenji.

"It's a fluke shot. It wasn't even supposed to get it printed," Shinjiro's hands were behind his head, scratching at his neck awkwardly.

"You're either lying to me or lucky because this one is actually a wonderful shot, along with the rest of these. Have you heard of the competition being held?" Professor Toriumi leaned over the desk, her arms crossed over her chest, and her eyes hawk-like.

"No, I've been kind of busy with other things," he shrugged and moved to put the photos away, and the way he handled them made his teacher frown as she pressed on, knowing she would either move him or annoy him.

"Well- you should make time for it. There's a general theme with three categories and you have to pass each one to the make it to the final one."

Shinjiro shifted his weight to his other foot, and nodded his head, signaling her to continue.

"The general theme is 'What Makes Us Happy', each category touches on one of the elements, the first is love, the second is help, and the last one is a free category. If you make it to the last round and win there's a scholarship and an exhibition of all your personal work if you place in the top three there's a smaller cash prize. It's worth looking into."

Suddenly, Shinjiro felt that the envelope in his hands was a little heavier, and he wasn't quite sure if this was the answer to all his prayers.

"I don't know if it's such a good idea to get distracted right now," Shinjiro put the pictures away, this time much more carefully than a second ago. He thought that he should be concerned with graduating and getting a proper job, not being an artist.

"Think about it, Shinjiro. Okay? I don't know what your worries are, but there's nothing to lose if you join."

He wanted to tell her yes, but all he could do was nod. Her disappointment flashed for a brief moment before she returned to her normal face. Shinjiro muttered a quiet thank you, before practically sprinting out of the room. He wanted to believe this was something good, this was the last shot for him, but at the same time, there are rational choices, the intuitive ones that he knows are safe.

Did he want a definite answer or did he want to gamble?

A/N : oh boy this was a long chapter! it's been in the works for a while, but i decided to revise it here and there. have fun! leave a review if you'd like, thank you!