Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own it.

Warnings: Implications of spoilers?

A/N: Now that I think about it, Kirika and Yuuki haven't interacted at all. Not that that will stop me, but still… makes you think a little.

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Locked in a Cage
07

(Coming Down)

Yuuki bid Shingen 'goodbye' before he left for home – he had to practice diligently, after all. Even with the new events unfolding, he would not allow himself to slack off and stop what he loved to do most, just because of that.

It was a little strange, then, that he stopped just outside of the school gates, while others passed by him. The violinist showed now amount of shock or surprise at Kirika's unexpected appearance (although others gave her glances before they hurried off; who would have thought an older student would be hanging around like that, anyway? It was a little unnerving).

As the last stragglers filtered past him, Kirika spoke to the road opposite where she stood; "Do you really know what you're doing, Sakurai-kun?"

Her voice was light, as if they were merely having a normal conversation. Yuuki played along, mimicking her tone easily as he took a stand next to her, leaning against the wall.

"I think I do; with what little Kazune-kun told me, alongside with Rika-san's information, I think I know what I'm actually doing, and the consequences that come with it."

"Really? Because I'm sure you know how many people are going to be hurt by this. Aren't they your classmates? Friends?"

Her words pierced the building lull that had surrounded them, as her eyes searched his. He didn't return the gesture, though, as he thought over her questions.

Eventually, Yuuki turned to face her, a smile in place, "You have to take the beautiful with the ugly; that's a fact of life."

Kirika frowned, then shrugged and sighed, as she pushed herself upright and began her trek home without another word. Yuuki watched her departure in silence, before he turned away as well.

The conversation continued to hang over their minds, long after they split paths.