A/N: Seems you're back again, thanks for sticking this long! Back on topic, so this chapter is directly after the ending to the last. If you don't remember I'll just put the last thing said here:

'Not even five minutes in with her and I'm already mentally exhausted. Now all that I have to get through is being at home.'

See, if I were smart, I could just put the in the chapter itself but I'm not so…oh well! Moving on, there's a new character and you find out why Natsuki is acting how she is! Did you expect it? Possibly—I don't know what goes through your mind~. Also, one more thing left to say. Well, I cut this chapter into two so be expecting only half of it and then read on to the next one.

Well enough with me talking, it's time for me to stop doing so and let you read. Enjoy. :)


"Natsuki, don't feel obligated to answer this but is something wrong? You're so deep in thought, I can't help but ask." Said Shizuru breaking the silence the two had created as they left school grounds.

"There's no need to ask, you'll find out in a few."

A tad bit displeased the tawny haired girl let out a pout and look down to the sidewalk they were walking on as if wondering 'why can't she just tell me?' After another moment of silence, she inquired the raven haired girl once again "…Can you give me a hint?"

Emerald eyes displayed nothing but rage while her face held a scowl and boiled as her tolerance grew smaller, smaller than the specks visible to the eye scanning the path they walked upon. She was going to burst. Although, somehow she managed to suppress herself and simply relied with "I told you, once we get back you'll know." Hoping that it would prevent anymore further questions

"Ikezu~ (Meanie) it's not a hint if you've already told me it. One more clue so I can guess?" she couldn't help but gain joy and find herself giggling at the aggravation in Natsuki's face—it was amusing.

"I said no already! Learn how to wait." Hollered Natsuki while briskly passing Shizuru and crossed the street in haste to reach her destination "If you really can't wait then you might want to hurry." She was now far from the brunette and still increasing the distance with every step.

I know I want to get it over with.

"Natsuki wait for me!" As she said that suddenly the bluenette came to a stop. Shizuru, the girl who showed a smile in every situation, looked almost desperate to reach Natsuki.

How is she perfect in every other aspect except being athletic? I guess she was raised to have grace, not someone who degrades themselves with such an absurd act of running.

"Fine, fine. Just pick up the pace a little—I'll be waiting here." spoke Natsuki now only a short distance away from Shizuru.

Eventually Shizuru did catch up entirely and thanked Natsuki for actually stopping for her, but nothing more. The entire rest of the walk was hushed and even created an awkward atmosphere between them. Natsuki being preoccupied with what to do when she returned home and Shizuru who was still a bit irked at the fact that her friend hadn't told her what was wrong didn't dare to speak.


"…Seems we're here." murmured the emerald eyed girl halfheartedly.

"Ara, isn't that a good thing, Natsuki?"

"Sure, you could say that." Natsuki reached into her schoolbag and pulled out her keys. A bit agitated as to what may happen she swallowed the knot in her throat and entered the keys into the lock. Click. The door was now unlocked free to open the door and go into the apartment. There was thunderous yet muffled barking coming from what seemed to be a shut room. Normally when a dog was kept alone in a room the owner was out. Was it really safe to go inside and attempt to avoid a man such as him?

Stepping through the doorway with a bit of caution, she managed to say "I'm ho-"

"Natsuki, dad missed you~!" said the man while pouncing onto his daughter. He latched his arms around her and it seems as he was attempting to squeeze all the air she retained in her body. She hated it. No, she hated him.

"Get off, I told you not to do that!"

"But that's no fun."

"Your point? Anyway…So tell me, why are you here?"

"To visit you, of course." said the father of Natsuki, bluntly while regaining his composure. He was a stern looking man—what a deceiving trait of his.

There, by the doorway, appeared a brunette sticking her head the slightest bit to see who this man otherwise known as, Mr. Kuga. He had a medium length sized hair. Not to long or too short and it was a shadow tint which shined in the light which emerged from the window. He had possessed irises, unlike Natsuki, of a teal bordering a blue-green shade. Ones which could lead you into a trance from solely looking at them—much like her own. From a glance his height was about six foot three and the rest of his figure seemed slim under his suit. He was what many would call 'handsome.' She wondered, although perfectly fine with the young Kuga as is, that if Natsuki were to be born male, would she look that stunning as well?

Shizuru, still curious from a one small gaze, decided to enter the chamber where the two Kuga's had chatted amongst each other. Before she could even fully enter she was kept at a halt. "Ah, sorry." Said, Natsuki, realizing that she had neglected her dear friend for so long. "Father," she said rather austerely, for she loathed the fact that he was indeed her father "this is a friend of mine; she'll be staying here for a while."

After the hearing the words "staying here for a while" he could not help but raise a brow and raise his hand to rub the back of his neck. "A while, huh?"

"Yes, sir. I'm in great debt of both you and Natsuki for kindly letting me stay. Also, I have not properly introduced myself, I am Shizuru Fujino. I'm pleased to meet you." She said rather calmly. No Fujino would ever live without learning how to be proper to those around them, so it came with ease.

His eyes slightly widened at who his daughter had befriended but quickly recovered his composure and stuck out his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. Never had I thought I'd get the chance to meet a Fujino of any age." A mournful look crawled upon his face after moments later "How have you been doing for the past year?"

"Well…" said the girl adverting her eyes downward.

"Yes?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I meant we're doing well."

"I see that's great to hear."

[A few hours later]

"Natsuki, may I enter?" she inquired hoping to get a yes.

"No."

"Then would you please come out?"

"No."

"Fine then, I'll be coming in."

"Wait! I'll come out okay?"


A/N: Half the chapter and one more to go. The second half will be here in a few, and by a few I mean either in a few minutes or hour at most (still a bit busy). I need to at least see if it makes sense, you know?Oh, and, the title...yeah I know. It's awful, I couldn't think on anything. XD

Well, I'll be doing that now and like I said be waiting for the next half soon!