Thankfully, because the May Festival landed on a Thursday, the students had no classes Friday and Saturday. On Friday morning, I woke up earlier than usual and couldn't fall asleep again. I felt like my body was more tense than usual, so I decided to forego my morning run and instead, I took a lotus position at the very centre of my room and worked on a skill I hadn't used often: meditation. Since my morning runs and usual workout routines almost always worked to keep my mind clear, I hardly needed to do so, but the influx of emotions I had due to Konomi's actions last night made it damn near impossible for me to relax. It was a wonder that I was able to fall asleep at all.

Thankfully, the mediation works wonders on my mind. I can feel myself relax as I control my breathing, and when I attempt to clear my head, I manage it with little difficulty. Once that was done, I could feel myself relax enough to feel like I was floating, and I decided to remain like that for a little while just to keep the sensation.

When I open my eyes, though, I'm a little surprised to see that the captain of the Gardiane, Chika, standing just a foot away from me, with another Gardiane officer standing by the door, who was shooting me furtive glances.

"Chika-san, good morning," I greeted her as I stood up.

"It is already noon, Masaya-san," Chika pointed out.

"Good afternoon, then," I transition smoothly. "May I ask for the reason of this visit? You two didn't think of knocking?"

"Yes, we did, but you were so deep into your mediation that you did not hear," Chika explained. "We were sent to bring you to the headmistress' office."

"That so? What's the occasion?" I asked as I went to put on some clothes, already having a good guess as to what it was.

"I was not told, but I assume it has to do with both your actions and those of Konomi last night," Chika said.

I nodded and finished dressing in about five minutes. Once I combed my hair, we went on our way. The entire walk to the office, I could see that the Maidens of Vincennes that were currently outside were shooting a lot of looks my way, covering the entire emotional spectrum. Some were sympathetic, others were derisive, and some were just plain confused. I had to shake my head in exasperation, but I understood. Some had seen more of the world than others, and thus, reacted accordingly.

It took about five minutes to reach the headmistress' office, and the Gardiane knocked lightly before entering. I follow her in, surprised to spot Konomi at the right side of the room, hands behind her back and looking gloomy. The headmistress was sitting behind her desk as usual, and on one of the seats around the office was the chairwoman.

"Thank you, Chika. You may leave," the headmistress said authoritatively, and the Gardiane captain bowed and followed the order.

Now, it was just the four of us.

I refused to look at Konomi just yet. My mind was a maelstrom of thoughts at the moment because, as soon as I'd spotted her, I had remembered the feeling of anger I had last night, and I wanted to remain as calm as possible right now.

"Now, Masaya-kun," the chairwoman began, standing up from her seat. "I'm sure you know why you're here."

"I have an idea."

"Good. I have already received Konomi's side of the altercation that happened last night. I would like to hear yours."

Taking a quick glance at the headmistress, I could see that her eyes were cold and were mostly focused on me. Something told me that, had the chairwoman not been there, I'd have likely been expelled for threatening and hurting a Vincennes maiden, regardless of who attacked first.

As calmly as I could, I explained what had happened last night from my point of view. I briefly went over the dances, then spoke of bringing Ritsuko out to the dance floor. I could see the headmistress outright glare at me for that, but I ignored her and continued, explaining how I moved away and then neutralised Konomi.

"Well, your stories correlate," the chairwoman nodded, "But was it necessary to say what would have happened to yourself aloud, Masaya-kun?"

"Yes."

The quick response startled the woman a little, but she simply nodded and continued. "Your side of the story is not the only reason you're here, Masaya-kun. As you are the innocent party in this case, and since this was an attempted murder, it is your decision as to whether you wish to press charges."

I could the that the headmistress definitely didn't want that by the way she glared at the chairwoman, who ignored her. With narrowed eyes, I finally looked over to Konomi, who seemed to have shrunk inwards quite a bit. She refused to meet my eyes, instead looking down at the floor with a depressed air around her.

I stared at her for a little bit more, making her squirm uncomfortably, then took a breath and responded.

"No."

That startled Konomi. She looked up at me in astonishment and what seemed like gratitude, which made me smile inwardly.

"Considering what I told her yesterday, I think she understands what the repercussions of her actions could have been. I don't plan on pressing charges. Besides, it would be a bit of a blow to the school's reputation to have 'had a student on trial for attempted murder' printed on its resume, wouldn't it? I came out of this unscathed, so it's unnecessary."

The two women nodded in tandem to my words, and the headmistress picked up the conversation, turning to my would-be murderer. "Be that as it may, Konomi, you still broke Vincennes rules by bringing your naginata to the Soiree Dansante last night. As such, I am suspending you from your club's activities for a month, and you are not to take your naginata anywhere until then. Are we clear?"

"Yes, Madame Headmistress," Konomi responded morosely.

"Good. You are both dismissed," she spoke authoritatively.

Konomi and I filed out of the office. Once outside, I turned to the girl and said, "I hope this taught you something, Konomi. You need to have better control over your impulses, otherwise you could hurt someone you didn't mean to."

"I understand," Konomi nodded.

"Good. Now, I have somewhere I need to be, so if you'll excuse me," I excused myself, walking away.

"Masaya-sama," Konomi called out. I turned back to see her giving me a shrewd look. "I still do not trust you."

"I understand that," I nodded. "Therefore, when you think of a way you can trust me, come find me."

And with that, I walked away from her, headed to the Rose Garden.

...

I had arrived there quite early, as there were very few people around. Regardless, I took a seat at one of the tables, pulled out a snack bar I'd stored in my pocket before going to the office, and munched on it, waiting for Mitsuki to show.

It was no more than a few minutes later when I saw her stepping into the Rose Garden, looking around quietly. She spotted me easily and made her way to me, sitting across from me once she reached the table.

"Salutations, Masaya-san."

"Good morning," I nodded at her, my face neutral.

"Why did you ask me to come here?" Mitsuki immediately asked.

"Simple. I want to talk," I respond. "In short, I want to get to know you better. In long, I want you and me to understand each other and end the animosity between us."

"Why?"

I look her directly in the eyes. "I've seen first-hand what holding on to a baseless grudge can do to a person, Mitsuki-san. You and I didn't meet under the best of terms, and I can understand being wary of a person based on preconceptions. I don't want to have to be wary of my classmates, Mitsuki-san, and thus, if after this, we still don't get along, I can at least come to understand that we tried to fix it and will pursue this course of action no more."

Mitsuki stared at me, seeming to be a little thrown off, but eventually coughs awkwardly and nods. "Very well, Masaya-san. If you wish to talk, I have no qualms about it."

"Unfortunately," I sigh, "You already know my story, as I did have that interview with Tamie-san. Thus… I don't have much to give you."

Mitsuki looks away for a moment, and I raise an eyebrow in confusion.

"That is… assuming you've read it?"

After a moment, Mitsuki shakes her head, leaving me a little astonished.

"Do you not read the newspaper?"

"It isn't that. I read it often, just…"

"Just not this time, I understand," I nod. "Alright, then, I'll start. I want you to get to know me as well as I wish to know you, so it seems we'll be here a little while."

Mitsuki nods, remaining silent. Waiting for me to begin, I guess. With a little sigh, I remember everything that I had told Tamie, steel myself for the memories this would bring up, and begin.

"And that's it in a nutshell, Mitsuki-san," I finish my story with a strong exhale, trying to expel the feelings of regret I still harboured. Mitsuki was staring at me with calculating eyes, as if searching my eyes for the truth. In the end, she sighed and nodded, looking down at the table.

"That's… quite a tale, Masaya-san."

"So I've been told," I respond with a wry smirk. "Will you return the favour?"

Mitsuki's face seems to scrunch up, like she bit something sour, but she nods. "I suppose it's only fair. However, unlike you, my story is… much blander."

I don't respond, and with that silent confirmation, she starts.

Thus, Mitsuki tells me of her life growing up, which is not so much bland as it is lonely. She's lived in Vincennes her entire life, and by her account, her home life is quite isolated. Her parents were focused only on her studies, constantly pushing her to only think about her studies and harshly punishing her when she got anything under a 90%. Thus, while she became very proficient in her studies, her mannerisms, personality, and social life suffered because of it. She became bitter towards those that had so much freedom of choice, which she admitted was the reason she had ended her friendship with Rise just the year before, when she had become the Chef de Corps. She had become jealous of how the radical, pink-haired girl had been so popular, and thus, had drifted apart from her on her own accord.

The more I listen to her, the more sympathy I feel for the girl. She had also been forced into a life of solitude by interference from her parents, and that had unfortunately retarded her sense of society. That also explains very much the awkwardness that I've felt many times coming from her and the forced haughtiness she has.

"… and even now, when I go back to them, all I hear from them is, 'How are your grades?' No questions on how I am, or if I've made any new friends. Nothing about me. The only thing that matters is my academics… And the funny thing is, it isn't even for my benefit. The only reason they force me to succeed is so that they have something to brag about to their friends." Mitsuki, now with tears rolling down her cheeks, looks down at the table, hands tightly gripping a teacup she had brought earlier. "They've pushed me since childhood to be academically perfect… all just to protect their public image…"

I continue frowning when she falls silent. It seems that she had reached the end of her tale.

With a small sob, she reaches up and swipes at her cheeks, forcefully pushing away her tears. "Sorry to burden you with such a lousy story," she mutters, still looking at the table.

This makes me frown more intensely. Despite how antagonistic she's been to me, I still worry for her, especially with that reaction. Her sense of self-worth had also taken quite a hit due to her parents' mistreatment. Looking around, I note that the sun had just begun to set, which makes me startle a little. How long had we been talking for?

Thinking it over a bit, however, I realise I can use this to my advantage.

"Mitsuki-san," I say, grabbing her attention. "Come with me."

She stares at me, uncomprehending, so I hold my hand out to her and smile, hoping to ease her doubts. Looking between me and my hand, I see her blush before she takes it and lets me pull her up from the seat.

I lead her to our dormitory building. I do notice the shrewd look she gives me when it seems we're walking to my room, but when we pass it without me even mentioning it, her face changes to confusion.

The confusion on her face only increases when I lead her to the roof of the building, which I had found out a week ago wasn't kept locked.

"Masaya-san, why did you bring me here?" she asks, looking around the empty rooftop.

Before I answer, I reach out my hand again, wordlessly asking her to trust me on this. She places her hand in mine more quickly this time, which I'm glad to note. With her hand in mine, I bring her to the very edge of the roof and lift that hand, making our intertwined hands reach out to the setting sun.

"Look out there, Mitsuki-san," I say calmly, nodding at the sunset. She does so, and when I glance at her, I'm relieved to note that her expression has become just as calm as I feel. "And wait."

We stand there for a few minutes, watching as the sun finally disappears from view. I look at her, prompting her to look at me, then motion upwards, to where the moon had now fully appeared.

"It's a beautiful sight, isn't it… Larme de Lune?"

Mitsuki gasps when I say that title. "H-How do you know that title?"

I smirk. "Rise told us a little of your past relationship not too long ago. Besides that, I've heard it once or twice."

Realisation dawns on her face as she looks up at the moon again.

"Tell me again why you decided to distance yourself from Rise?" I gently ask her.

Mitsuki's eyes come down and land on mine. "…Because I was jealous… of how popular she was becoming… I felt she was leaving me behind."

I nod. "But tell me, Mitsuki-san. Do you think the moon ever has to compete with the sun?" She looks up at the moon again, but I continue before she can say anything. "No, it doesn't. It gains strength from it, creating a relationship where both can help those that are around and beneath them. The sun is large, powerful, and bright, but the moon is mysterious, calm, and aloof. They're two sides to a coin, but they work together, in tandem, to give us a way to see." When she looks back down at me, tears filming her eyes, I smile softly. "And that's exactly why you were mistaken in your jealousy. You thought Rise was leaving you behind, but the truth is, like the Earth doesn't need two suns, neither does Vincennes. Instead, it has its own sun and moon, which may be contrasts to each other but have the ability to be the greatest partners ever seen. That's what you are, Mitsuki-san: Vincennes' moon. You may be underestimated now, and you may think yourself unequal to those around you, but the fact of the matter is that you have more of an effect on Vincennes and its students than you think, you're beautiful in your own right, and you have just as much strength as anyone else."

To be perfectly honest, I had rambled a little. I had said the first things that came to mind, but when I see the a wide smile appear on Mitsuki's face as her eyes continue to cry, I feel thankful to my friends in Mihama for the things they had taught me. All of the smoothness I'd just said? Amane's work, and some of Yumiko's as well. Like the dancing, they had given me a few tips and tricks on what certain girls may like most, and now, I think that's paying off.

Suddenly, Mitsuki surprises me by jumping forward and embracing my torso, hiding her face in my chest. "That… was beautiful, Masaya-san."

I smile and, out of instinct, reach up and place my hand on her head as I hug her back, choosing to say nothing.

We stand there, in our embrace, for what I count to be a minute, before Mitsuki breaks it and wipes at her face.

"You're really not that bad a person, Masaya-san," Mitsuki says, smiling at me.

"Glad to hear," I smirk. "I do try."

"And you're right," Mitsuki continues, more determination in her voice. "I need to be my own person. I can't think of myself so lowly… but it's not easy."

"Nothing says you have to do it immediately," I respond. "And no one's going to push you. You can come out of your shell at your own pace. However, I do think there's something you need to do."

She looks at me in askance, then seems to realise what I'm implying and sighs. "I do need to apologise to her, don't I?"

I nod. "The sadness in her voice was palpable when she told us of your past. I think it's been long enough, don't you?"

Mitsuki nods resolutely and begins to walk to the doorway. Halfway there, however, she stops and looks back at me. I stare at her as she seems to ponder something, then she asks, "Would you… come with me?"

I raise an eyebrow, but eventually nod, and together, we head down into the dormitory.

Rousenin Rise wasn't sure what to think when she received a message from Mitsuki, of all people, to meet her at the Rose Garden as soon as possible. It didn't sound particularly urgent, but she still hurried over, curious as to why her old friend would want to meet like this.

When she arrived, she noticed that Mitsuki wasn't alone. Instead, she was sitting at a table with none other than Masaya, speaking in low tones. Masaya seemed to immediately notice she was there, because he looked over as soon as she saw them, locking eyes with her and nodding in greeting. Masaya whispered a few more words at Mitsuki, who now looked a little panicked.

"Salutations," Rise announced her presence, making Mitsuki freeze.

"Hey, Rise," Masaya responded, standing up. "Well, I'll leave you to it, then."

"What?!" Mitsuki exclaimed, snatching his wrist as he began to walk away. "But-"

Masaya reached down and softly grabbed her wrist, pulling his hand free, then gave Mitsuki a calm smile. "Don't worry, Mitsuki-san," Masaya said in a soft voice, "I won't be far. In fact, I'll be just behind that tree." He nods to a tree a few paces away. "But this is something you need to do. If you want to gain inner strength, it's a good idea to start with the closest people."

And with that, he nodded to Rise again and walked away, hands in his pockets. Rise decided to take a seat across from Mitsuki, who now seemed to be getting her courage back.

"Mitsuki-san?" Rise asked aloud.

Mitsuki nodded once, then opened her eyes and looked at Rise.

...

I was surprised when, not half an hour later, I heard two pairs of footsteps approaching the tree I was leaning against. Looking over my shoulder, I noticed that the pink and purple haired girls were walking towards me, talking with each other in happy tones I was glad to hear.

"So, can I assume it went well?" I ask as I move away from the tree.

Both girls look at me, with Mitsuki walking forward and giving me a light bow. "Yes, it did. Thank you, Masaya-san."

I smile and approach her, placing a hand on her shoulder and lightly jerking her upright. "It was my pleasure, but I suppose during all that talking, Rise never told you that I don't like people bowing to me."

"Oh, no, she didn't," Mitsuki said, an embarrassed flush coming across her cheeks.

"Masaya-san, if I may ask, why is it that you don't like it?" Rise asked.

I sigh in response. "Normally, it's just because of how I see myself. I felt like an utter waste of space after my parents' deaths, and that still lingers around my psyche. Seeing someone bow to me makes me feel uncomfortable because I just don't think I deserve it. If anything, a 'thank you' alone is fine."

Rise and Mitsuki nod in tandem, then both girls startle when a flash of lightning passes overhead, followed by the roar of thunder. Looking up, I notice that the sky, which had been getting cloudy ever since Mitsuki and I had come down from the rooftop of the dorm, was now starting to discharge some water. One of those drops lands squarely on my nose, and I wipe it away.

"Well, I guess that's our cue to head inside?" I ask.

Both girls nod hurriedly, and the three of us jog lightly to the dormitory.

By the time we arrive, the rain is falling unrelentingly, and all of us are lightly soaked. Rise, having the longest hair, begins to squeeze some water from it, while Mitsuki focuses on her clothes. I don't bother and instead look out from the doorway we were standing at, watching as the rain covered everything in sight.

I had never been averse to rain. In fact, I considered myself a light pluviophile. There was something about the falling rain that I felt was calming and cleansing, especially when it was a light drizzle in the morning. On such days, when I went out to jog, I would take more time than usual in my route, letting the drizzle fall on me.

"Masaya-san?" I hear Mitsuki say my name. "Are you coming?"

I turn back halfway and notice the girls are already inside the dormitory, but looking back at me with curiosity. Looking at the shower outside, I smile lightly and shake my head.

"Nah… not yet."

With the girls watching me in confusion, I take off my button-up shirt and hang it on a nearby chair, leaving me in my plain white undershirt. With a slight grin to the girls, I walk backwards, right into the downpour, and immediately feel a chill on my body as it gets soaked to the bone.

"Masaya-san!" Rise exclaims. "What are you doing?!"

I hold my hands to the side, the grin on my face widening. "Getting rained on."

"Yes, we can see that!" Mitsuki exclaims. "The question is, why?!"

I shrug. "I've always liked the rain. It feels relaxing to me, honestly." I turn and begin walking away, saying over my shoulder, "So I think I'll stay out here a little more."

I close my eyes and tilt my head up, letting the rain hit me right on the face. After a few seconds of this, however, I hear a pair of footsteps splash up to me and smirk.

"You'll catch a cold, you know," Mitsuki's voice floats over to me.

I open my eyes and look at her smiling visage, rainwater running down her face, and smile back.

"Perhaps… but I think the peace of mind I get from it is worth a little cough."

Mitsuki shakes her head and wiggles her shoulders a little, which lead me to notice she took off the vest part of the Vincennes uniform, leaving her in a long-sleeved blouse. "What do you find so relaxing about it?"

I sigh, then spit out a little water that falls in my mouth. "I suppose it's the feeling of cleansing I get, you know? I feel like the rain washes away my doubts and worries, and after I take a hot shower, I feel refreshed."

Mitsuki stares at me a little, then smiles a bit wider and looks up as well. "I can see that."

"What, me taking a hot shower? My, my, Mitsuki-san, you're quite bold."

"Pervert!" Mitsuki exclaims, slapping my shoulder with a wet smack.

I laugh in response, placing my hand on her head and rubbing it a little. "Ah, you're so fun to tease."

"You're a strange one, Masaya-san," Mitsuki says with eyes narrowed, though I notice she doesn't try to take my hand off her head.

"So I've been told," I shrug, then look around for a moment. "Where's Rise?"

In response, Mitsuki points to an umbrella-covered table, where Rise is sitting and staring shrewdly at us.

"Hey, Rise! Why not join us?" I call out to her.

"No, thank you! You two have much shorter hair than I do, and drying all of my hair with this downpour would take me an annoying amount of time!" she yells back.

I laugh and shake my head, then turn back to Mitsuki, who's looking at Rise with a pensive look. "Good thing we don't have to deal with that, eh?"

Mitsuki doesn't immediately respond, but when she turns to look at me, I notice that one of her hands goes up to her hair. "Um… Masaya-san…"

'Please don't tell me she's going to ask what I think she's going to ask.'

"Do you like girls with long hair?"

'Son of a-.'

"Well, I certainly don't dislike them. A majority of the girls I know have long hair. You're one of the exceptions."

"Yes, but-!"

With a raised eyebrow, I reach out and lightly flick her forehead, making her give a little 'eep' and step back.

"Stop it, Mitsuki-san. My preference should not define how you maintain yourself. I told you, you're beautiful as you are, and any change you make to yourself should be based on how you want to be."

Mitsuki stares at me, her face changing expressions as if she's not sure whether she wants to be happy or sad at what I said. I sigh and decide to relent.

"If you want my input, though… I do like your short hair. I feel it fits you better than long hair, based on your facial structure and body type. It's quite fetching."

Mitsuki blushes and steps back again, making me smirk.

'Well, hope she got what she wanted.'

When I see her eventually smile, I'm pleased to see I'm right.

Finally, a few minutes later, the rain begins to abate and a cold feeling begins to seep into my skin, signalling it was time for me to head inside. Rise and Mitsuki were more than happy to oblige.

Once in my room, I take a hot shower, staying under the water until I'm sure I can feel my body temperature return to normal. Then, once out, I put on a pair of shorts and flop onto my bed, reviewing the day.

The one thing that truly stood out to me was what I had said to Mitsuki, especially the words I'd said on the rooftop. Thinking back now, I think I was unnecessarily… romantic with my words.

"I have a feeling that may bite me in the ass…" I mutter aloud. Turning to my side, I stare out the window, where a light drizzle was still falling, and shrug. "Well, Mitsuki-san's pretty attractive… I guess it's no big deal."

Now I just had to prepare myself for the eventual fallout.