A/N: So basically this is not a continuation of the previous chapters. Let's say it's and AU of an AU or at least an Omake or whatever. Ah, I know, a special chapter made especially for Valentine's Day. I've thought about what to write and based the pairings on your choices (which weren't a lot) so enjoy I guess. Whoo… Sorry for the lateness of this. As much as I wanted to actually post it one Valentine's Day, I ended up not finishing it so… Happy Valentine's Month guys!


"Say what now?" Honoka asked Silver who was sitting across her. They were in the usual restaurant. They have been acquainted thanks to Maki since she was a friend of Kei who was a friend of Marcos and Silver. Marcos and Kei were both from an all-boys school some ways from here but thanks to Kei's and Maki's parents, they all got together. Now Silver was a student of UTX High and he was explaining to them something very important.

"A prom. You know, you take someone very dear to you, either friend of something more, and then party there." Silver replied. "UTX is holding one on February 14, Valentine's Day and they're inviting non-UTX students so it would be more fun. Well as long as they know someone inside then you can go."

"And that's why you're telling this to us? So that we can go?" Eri asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well I just thought you guys might be interested." Silver replied. "It's not something that happens every year you know? Well for us, it is but for non-UTX students to go… Well it's just… once in a lifetime I guess."

"It does sound interesting." Umi replied honestly. "But do you really need a partner to go?" She seemed a little shaken up and Silver took note of that.

Silver had a smile. "Of course you need one to go in. But don't worry, we're not going to judge you if you go with someone of the same gender. Us students in UTX are pretty open-minded so it's fine." He replied honestly. He knew his cousin best and he thought that what he just said would help her calm down. It seems that he was mistaken. Umi was now looking down, blushing madly and sneaking glances at a certain ash-grey haired girl.

"Oh so, who are you going with then Ryotaru-kun?" Nozomi asked as she looked intently on the silver-haired male with a grin.

Silver's eyes darted to a certain blonde beside Nozomi before looking back at the violet-haired girl. No one seemed to have noticed it, besides that one he was talking to. By now, most of the other girls were already looking around nervously. "Got your answer Toujou-san?" He asked.

"Oh yes, I did." Nozomi said keeping her grin. Eri looked at her best friend with curiosity. Did the two just have a silent conversation?

"Well, what about it? Are you guys gonna go or what?" Silver asked as he leaned back on his chair.

The girls looked at each other, some blushes toned down, and nodded. "We'll be there."

Marcos and Kei nodded. "Us too. It sounds exciting."

"Great!" Silver exclaimed. "I'll tell Anju-san right away." He said already taking his phone out.

"Wait… you know Yukki-san?" Hanayo asked as Silver was already searching for Anju's number.

"Huh?" Silver looked at her. "Yeah, I do. She was the one who came up with the idea too. Excuse me for a sec." He said walking out of the restaurant and calling Anju.

"So, right now there are nine girls and three boys up for the spot." Nozomi said, her hands clasping together as she rested her elbows on the table and she had her all too familiar grin. "Now we get to decide who goes with who since we know each other and it won't be that awkward… right?" She asked with a tilt of her head. Once again, the girls' faces were as red as a tomato save for Maki, Eri and herself. The boys on the other hand were as calm as they were before she even asked. She hated how Marcos, Kei and Silver manage to stay calm even though she's teasing them.

Silver, who just came in, noticed that everyone was more or less embarrassed about something so she looked over at Nozomi, already suspecting her of doing something that would get this kind of reaction out of them. "Toujou-san, what did you say while I was out? It's not rare for my cousin to blush but the others… eh… you know."

"I just asked them who they will be going with and since there are 12 of us present right now… It's pretty obvious that we can just split into 6 pairs right?" Nozomi replied.

Marcos shrugged. "Her logic isn't quite far off. Since we're all friends here, we won't have an awkward time together."

"Exactly. Besides, it's just partnering so we can enter right?" Kei asked. "So why are you guys getting all nervous?"

"But right now, I think I see why…" Marcos said, winking at Nozomi in the process. The violet haired girl caught the message. "We should give them time to think about it."

Nozomi nodded. "Yeah we should… but remember, February 14 is on Saturday… better act quickly."

"I already got my eyes on someone." Silver said nodding at the two boys and Nozomi. "And as long as she's not getting asked out by someone, I'm gonna make my move."

The girls all looked at each other, wondering who he was referring to before looking back down once they met the gaze of who they liked to be with. They all left soon and the three boys and Nozomi were walking back together since their houses were all on the same road.

"Best idea so far Toujou." Marcos said.

"Yeah, I can practically still remember their embarrassed faces once Silver announced that the prom supports same sex partnership." Kei said with a laugh. "And this just might be your chance Silver…" He said turning to the silver haired male. "Your chance to finally get her."

Silver shrugged. "I think she got the idea that it's just to enter the prom and nothing more than that."

"Aw, come on Ryotaru-kun… I think once you confess, she'll get the idea." Nozomi said while nudging him.

Silver had a slight blush on his face. "C-Confess? We've only just known each other for two months and you already expect me to confess?" He continued to ask, his voice slightly trembling at the thought and his blush deepening.

"You know Silver, I find it very surprising that you, of all people, are getting embarrassed at the thought of confessing to someone you like." Marcos said, now wearing a smirk.

"Oh come on guys, give him some break." Nozomi said. The two were honestly surprised that she would say something like that. "He actually did us a favor. He was the one who convinced Yukki-san to make the prom open to the public."

"Meh, good point." Kei said with another shrug. "But seriously, who are you going with Marcos?"

"I don't particularly know." Marcos replied while pushing his glasses up. "But I think I know someone I may want to go with."

His companions' gazes turned to him, expecting for him to continue but sadly he did not. "Aw come on Marcos, tell us." Kei said.

"I believe that I am entitled to my own secrets." Marcos said earning a pout from Nozomi.

"No fair Ibarra-kun… We told you who we want to go with and you don't tell us?" Nozomi said.

Marcos sighed. "I do not remember you ever telling us who you liked."

"Because I don't like anyone." Nozomi replied.

"Oh really now?" Marcos asked.

"You know what, let's just wait for the day that everyone will just confess to each other so that everyone will be happy and that we shouldn't push anyone. Deal?" Silver suggested.

"No deal!"


Maki was having a weird feeling that morning. It was a Wednesday and the prom wasn't far off. She had no interest in going but everyone seemed to be intent on doing so that she has to attend as well. She couldn't place a finger on what that weird feeling was but she felt like she was being followed or something. She turned around to see no one so she continued to walk. She wasn't with Rin or Hanayo because of some reasons the two won't state. She sighed and looked up to catch a glimpse of a red haired man as he turned left on the intersection. As she walked on by, the same red haired man was leaning on the wall behind him.

"Takamitsu, what are you doing here?" Maki asked. "Isn't your school on the other direction?" Was he the one she felt? The one who was following her? No, impossible. He was ahead of her after all.

"Yeah, it is." Kei said locking his phone and looking at Maki as he put it in his pocket. "Good morning by the way."

"Good morning as well." She felt obligated to return the kind gesture. "Now, why are you here?"

Kei shrugged. "Ryotaru told me to head to Otonokizaka and he'll pick me up from there. He said something about taking me and Ibarra to UTX."

"Then why did you stop? You were walking a while ago." She retorted.

"It is not wise to walk while having your attention on your phone. The last thing I want is to get hit by a truck." Kei replied with his signature smile. "Well since we're both headed the same way, why don't we walk together then?"

Maki shrugged. "Sure, why not." She said as she began walking with Kei not too far behind her. "Do you have at least a slight bit of idea on what he's going to do with you two?" She asked, momentarily looking back at Kei before looking ahead of her.

"I guess it has something to do with the prom." Kei jogged up until he was beside her and asked, "Do you have any particular guy or girl who you want to be your partner in the prom?"

"I don't even have an interest in it." Maki replied with a flat voice earning a nervous-ish laugh from Kei.

"Is that so?" He asked. Suddenly, he felt like daggers were piercing his backside. He looked back to see one black haired girl peeking from a corner and glaring daggers at him. He let out another chuckle.

"What's funny?" Maki asked as she looked at Kei and noticed that he was looking back. "Is someone there?" She asked as she began to turn her head when suddenly Kei pointed in front of them.

"Hey, look!" He pointed at a banner hanging from a lamppost stating the Prom of UTX High. "They really went all out huh?"

"They did." Maki replied, forgetting about looking back.

Nico sighed in relief as Maki didn't turn to see her following the red head. Maybe she should thank Kei for saving her… "Why am I gonna thank him? He's hogging all of Maki's attention." She said as she crossed her arms and peeked around to see that they put quite a distance from her in such a short time. She started walking/following them all the way to Otonokizaka.

"Well, see you later I suppose." Kei said before leaning on the wall and plugging his earphones as he waited for Marcos and Silver to arrive. "Have fun in school."

Maki didn't reply as she headed to her room. She sat down on the chair and for once, not feeling the want to play the piano that morning. Her mind wandered to Kei's question, 'Do you have any particular guy or girl who you want to be your partner in the prom?' Since she was going, much to her dismay, she had to get a partner though she didn't know who would actually be willing to be her partner. As far as she knew, she was the most distant in the whole group.

"Maki-chan, good morning." That was the sentence that snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked at the one who greeted her to see the sight of Hanayo and Rin standing beside her.

"Good morning." She looked at the time. 30 minutes have already passed by and she didn't even know it. She just shook the fact off as she looked at her friends again. "What took you guys so long?"

Hanayo and Rin looked at each other and nodded. "I asked her out to the prom nya~"

"Oh and based from your expression, Hanayo said yes." Maki said and Hanayo just nodded, a blush still evident in her face. It was obvious that it was not just an 'invitation' to the prom but something that allowed them to get out of the best friend area and into the 'something more' level. "Congratulations you two."

"Thanks Maki-chan!" Rin said as she hugged the red head, much to her dismay.

She sighed and gently pushed Rin so that she would release her. "You can't do that now. You and Hanayo are dating aren't you? Someone might get jealous."

"Ehhh?" Rin said as she looked at Hanayo. "Sorry Kayo-chin, I didn't know." She said, now hugging her girlfriend.

"It's okay Rin-chan. I don't mind." Hanayo said while petting Rin's head. "Maki-chan's still our friend, no matter what happens to our relationship." She said with a smile.

Rin pulled away from the hug she initiated with a smile. "I knew Kayo-chin would say that!"

Soon enough, classes started and they listened intently in class.


It was lunch and the girls were gathered at the rooftop.

"Congratulations you two!" Honoka exclaimed as she hugged Rin and Hanayo and then released them soon afterwards.

"I can't believe it only took the prom for you two to get together." Eri said with a smile.

Nico mumbled something about Rin having such high confidence because the two were best friends before a voice spoke up.

"Did I hear right? Rin and Hanayo are dating because of the prom?" A voice, slightly garbled because he was speaking through phone, said.

Maki was holding out her phone which showed Kei's smiling face. He backed up to reveal that Silver and Marcos was with him at the moment. "Congratulations." Marcos said before putting something down on his notebook.

"Thanks nya~" Rin said while chuckling. Hanayo, on the other hand, wasn't taking this as well as Rin. She was blushing out of control and was feeling uncomfortable.

"Is something wrong Hanayo-chan?" Kotori asked as she noticed her friend's discomfort.

"N-No, there's nothing wrong." Hanayo replied, looking down in the process.

The boys looked at each other with all knowing smirks. "Hey Hoshizora, Koizumi-san doesn't look fine." Silver pointed out.

Rin looked at her. By some miracle, Rin got what they wanted her to do so she leaned closer to Hanayo, her face closing in. "R-Rin-chan…" Hanayo fidgeted and attempted to run when something locked her in place. Nozomi was just behind her.

Rin put her hands on Hanayo's shoulders, firmly stopping her. "Just stay still Kayo-chin…" She said in a soft voice. Her right hand going to Hanayo's cheek and she closed the distance between their faces. The others watched with blushing faces, Umi already feeling faint. The guys didn't want to do it but they stared at the screen of Kei's phone to see what happens. Their lips met and Hanayo, at first hesitates, but soon kisses back.

"Awww~" The three guys said, faint blushes evident in their faces.

Umi, on the other hand, didn't take it as well as the guys as she fainted almost immediately. "This is so…" She trailed off. Honoka and Kotori went to their childhoon friend's side. "Shameless."

"Hey Nishikino, give the phone to Umi." Maki obediently gave the phone to Umi and it was taken off loudspeaker.

"Oi, oi, if you're dreaming of doing that to the one you like then you better handle these kinds of situations cousin." Silver said through the phone making Umi blush even deeper and feeling fainter than before.

"Umi-chan?" Kotori asked as she noticed that Umi was practically dying. By now Hanayo and Rin have separated and were now panting for air. Everything around her dulled except for the face of Kotori and her cousin's voice. Kotori had her face very close to Umi and she resisted every urge to do anything but her cousin wasn't helping.

"Come on Umi." Silver said. "It's so close. Make your move. I know you're not gonna regret it." He continued on saying, smiling at Marcos and Kei. "Now or never. You know what, do what you want but don't tell me I didn't tell you to do it now."

Umi shut her eyes, focusing on what her cousin said but then it disappears. She was plunged deep in her own consciousness. 'Do what I want? What do I want?' Then everything came clearly as she opened her eyes, Kotori's golden eyes full of worry as she looked down on her friend. Most of the others were currently looking over her while the others were in the background. She slowly sat up, the phone sliding from her hand and crashing to the ground and thankfully not broken. Maki seized the phone, checking it for any damages before letting the guys watch what was happening.

"I'm glad you're awake Umi-chan. We thought we lost you a moment th-" Kotori was cut off as Umi kissed her.

"Oooohhhhh!" The guys exclaimed. "Yesssss!" The girls… well they were speechless, all except for their spiritual expert.

Umi pulled back, looking at Kotori. Both had blushes in their faces and Umi just realized what she did and jumped back. "W-W-What did I-" She looked angrily at her cousin in the video call. "You put me in this situation Silver!"

"What?" Silver asked. "Me? I wasn't the one who kissed Minami-san." He continued. "You were the one who made the action."

Umi continued to glare at her cousin who just chuckled in reply. "Um… U-Umi-chan?" Kotori spoke up making Umi look back at her. She was getting all nervous on what Kotori would say next. "I'm glad you feel the same way."

Umi looked at her with eyes widened. "W-What?" But before Kotori could speak up, everyone rejoiced.

"Two points for Cupid huh?" Kei said. "Thanks Nishikino, for sharing this with us."

"No problem Takamitsu." Maki said, ending the call.

Who knew that because of only one situation could get four people to confess to each other. There was still of course, the boys' cases where they haven't said anything to whom they would like to go with.


But the silver haired guy decided to finally make his move. It was Friday and to be put bluntly, there were no classes in courtesy of a national holiday. Silver had already asked Eri out on a small hang-out as he called it. Now, he was standing in front of her house, waiting for her to come out.

"Well Arisa, I'm off." Her voice said which made Silver smile.

"Goodbye Onee-chan!" Arisa replied as Eri opened the door and went outside, quite shocked that Silver was already there.

"Ryo- Silver-kun, how did you know I live here?" Eri asked as she walked towards the silver haired third year.

"Toujou." Silver replied simply knowing that Eri would understand.

"Oh I see…" Eri said, looking up to the sky and slowly wishing that Nozomi would stop doing this. "Well anyway, what are we suppose to be doing today?" She asked.

"Hang out." Silver replied with a shrug. "Get to know each other better, eat food, play games, sightsee… you know the usual." He said.

"The usual huh?" Eri asked. "I must admit, that sounds awfully a lot like a date."

Silver tensed up but not too much for Eri to notice. "Sounds like a date but it's not one." He pointed out quickly.

"All right, all right…" Eri said with a smile. "So, where to first?"

"You choose." Silver said. "I never thought about it." He said while laughing a bit nervously.

"Geez, if you're going to ask someone out you should think it through." Eri said making Silver look down in embarrassment. "But good thing you're with me because I know exactly where we should go." She said with a smile as she pointed at Silver with a smile.

This made Silver's heart skip a beat. 'Honestly, this girl will be the death of me…' He thought as he continued to smile at Eri. "Where is it then?"

"Before we go there… you need a place to go to first." Eri said as she went to her original placement.

"E-Eh?" Silver sighed. "Then you should've told me that first. You got me all excited for nothing." He said then looked around, thinking of a place where they could go. "The amusement park then."

"Alright, let's go." Eri said and they both walked towards the amusement park.

They arrived to see that it was packed with more people than they first anticipated. They paid for their tickets and headed inside. "So, what first?" Eri asked, looking at the man who accompanied her.

"The rollercoasters…" Silver replied as he pointed at one. It was huge in comparison to the other rollercoasters and the speed the cart was going looked dangerous and thrilling. The two things seem to go hand in hand after all. "Looks interesting, wanna give it a try?" He asked as he looked at the blonde.

"Do you have the guts to ride it though?" Eri asked as a joke.

"I accept the challenge." Silver said, grabbing Eri by her wrist and pulling her to the rollercoaster.

Eri stopped him as he headed to the rollercoaster and said, "Wait, let's try the others first. So we can still find everything thrilling." She pointed out. Silver just nodded and they went to a lot of rollercoasaters. They had fun and neither felt nauseous. They headed for the ultimate rollercoaster which made everyone's stomachs upside down. There weren't many people lined up for this fear-inducing ride. That much was understandable though. The silver haired teen didn't let go of Eri's wrist as they lined up but let go once they got into the ride. They had the first two seats and they looked at each other excitedly. "You know what; I think I'm going to puke to my heart's content thanks to this ride." Silver admitted as he examined the ride from that point of view.

"Don't tell me you're gonna chicken out now Silver-kun." Eri said teasingly.

This earned a smirk from Silver. "Let's see who chickens out first."

4 minutes later…

Both Eri and Silver were on their fours as the panted, trying very hard not to puke then and there. The other passengers were in a much worse state and some were already throwing up on a nearby trash bin. Silver managed to pick himself up and stand up, now looking at Eri. "Let us never ever do that again." He suggested, holding a hand out to help the blonde stand.

"Agreed." Eri said, taking the hand and Silver pulled her up. She was still a bit wobbly on her legs so she stumbled and fell on Silver. Silver, on the other hand, managed to stand firmly even with Eri leaning on him. This didn't stop his face from blushing and his heart beating faster. "Sorry." She said, pushing herself away from Silver and hanging on to the railing near her. She has a faint blush on her face too.

Silver checked the time, "12:41? It's gotten this late already?" He asked as he looked at Eri, she looked better at least.

"Time sure flies when you're having fun huh?" Eri asked with a smile. "Let's get some lunch shall we?"

Silver nodded and they were off to the food court. Unknown to them, a certain violet haired girl and blue haired boy were following them in secret.

"Order whatever you want, it's my treat today." Silver said making Eri look at him, confused.

"What's with the change of heart?" Eri asked. "You're not… scratch that, never like this. I know how you hate spending money on useless things."

"But treating you to lunch isn't a useless thing. We are hanging out after all." Silver replied, taking his wallet out. "Now go on, order anything you want."

"Well, if you say so…" Eri said then ordered what she wanted then Silver ordered what he wanted then he paid. They took a seat and waited for their order to come. "You know, I really enjoyed today."

"Me too and we're still not done. We have at least 5 more hours 'till you need to get back home to take care of Arisa-san." Silver said, sneaking a peek at his watch as he said those words.

"Don't forget about that place I told you about." Eri said with a wink.

"Why don't you just tell me where we're going already?" Silver asked. "I've been on edge thanks to that."

"It's. A. Surprise." She replied and the waitress came and served their orders. "Well, time to eat."

"Thank you for the food~" They both said as they dug in.

Once they finished, they ventured through the amusement park. Then, one thing that they haven't taken into consideration is Eri's popularity.

"Look, it's Eli-chan!" "Hey you're right!" "Who is she with?" A lot of girls were running towards them like madwomen.

The two ran as fast as they could to escape the horde of fangirls. Silver, on impulse, pulled Eri to the haunted house. The girls lost them when they got in so Silver sighed in relief.

He looked around. It had a creepy atmosphere; it was dark, decorated with floating lanterns, fake corpses and flying sheets or what it looked like to Silver just for him to realize that they were supposed to be ghosts. The door behind them closed. "Oh well, we need to proceed it seems. Le-" He began looking around. "Eri? Where are you?" Suddenly, he felt a grip of a hand tighten on his shirt. He looked back to see Eri fidgeting and holding on to his shirt. She looked as if she wanted to do more than just grip his shirt but embarrassment overcame her fear. "Are you scared?"

Eri nodded. "M-Might as well b-be honest." She said stuttering every now and then. "I-I'm sort of scared of the dark."

"Sort of?" Silver asked. "Well we need to get out of her as soon as possible then. They don't look like they're letting us out through the entrance."

"Alright." Eri said as she walked besides Silver, still gripping the latter's shirt.

Behind the entrance doors were Nozomi and Marcos. They have gotten the permission to make the haunted house as scary as possible just for the two and they were the one who closed the door.

"That should settle it." Marcos said with a smile.

"Yeah." Nozomi replied. "Ooooh, I can't wait to see Eri's face when Silver confesses to her."

They walked through the dim hallway with only the floating blue flames giving them light and even those appear and disappear on occasion making Eri whimper. Silver, on the other hand, was perfectly calm, disappointed even. He wasn't scared and since this was a famous amusement park, he should've found it terrifying to the point where he would act like Eri. "Way to get my hopes up…" He muttered as they entered the next room. "A mirror maze?" He said noticing that both walls were plastered with mirrors. "This isn't so scary."

Eri looked at one mirror for a long time then suddenly, a woman with a bloody face and dressed in a white, bloody dress and holding a knife appeared in the mirror. She screamed and jerked back, losing her grip on Silver and crashing onto the mirror on the other side. Then two arms appeared and wrapped themselves around Eri. She couldn't even scream anymore as she became paralyzed.

If Eri was a different person, Silver would've laughed… hard. It was such a priceless reaction and this was what Silver expected in such a high-budget Haunted House. "Hey, let go of her!" He exclaimed as he walked towards where Eri was. He was stunned for a moment as he looked at her eyes. It was filled with fear and tears were already forming. This was a look he never wanted to see again as he pried the arms off of Eri and pulling her off the wall, accidentally hugging her in the process. He attempted to break the hug but Eri just pulled him closer. "P-Please… D-Don't let go…" She was obviously crying, evident by the sound and the quick rising and falling of her shoulders. Silver instinctively rubbed her back in an attempt to comfort her. "It's gonna be alright Eri. I won't let anything happen to you." The words escaped his mouth. He wasn't even thinking of saying it but despite this, he did not take it back.

Eri looked up, blushing either because of what Silver said or because she was crying. He didn't care either way. "Really?"

He smiled and nodded. "Yeah. But we really need to get out of here first."

"R-Right." She replied. She slowly backed up and faced the hallway. Silver, seeing her hesitation, took her hand and pulled to walk. He led her to the exit. The rest was as scary as the mirror maze but Eri managed to keep calm, by calm I mean she's not screaming a lot, all the way. She held on Silver's arm though and it looked like his arm was turning white. When they got out, Eri and Silver walked to a bench and sat there to calm Eri down.

"You were really scared. I never thought I'd see that side of you." He admitted, smiling slightly.

Eri did not say nor do anything to retort his statement. She just simply looked down, a little ashamed that she showed her vulnerable side to a guy she has only known for two months.

"Embarrassed?" Silver asked and looked up and sighed. "Well you shouldn't be, everyone has their own fears. You have a fear of the darkness, a common fear if I may say so myself. You want me to tell you what my fear is? You know, to make it even."

She looked at him and asked, "You won't mind."

"No, not at all." He sighed, as if a little reluctant. "I'm plenty afraid of heights."

"Really?" Eri asked, a little in disbelief before she frowned, "You're lying. That rollercoaster we went on was high enough to make someone with your phobia faint yet you didn't hesitate one bit!"

"Why would a guy show his fear in front of a girl?" He asked. 'Especially the girl you like…'

"Good point. I didn't hear you scream though."

"Then you should've seen me. I shut my eyes when it started moving and whenever I opened them, I become too scared to say anything." He replied, a little embarrassed by it.

"Oh." She sighed. 'It's very nice of Silver to tell me his fears when he did his best to hide it.'

"Surprised?" He asked with a chuckle. "It's sad really. They say that the view atop the roof of UTX is very beautiful and here I am missing out because of my fear."

"Oh really?" Eri asked. "Maybe we should see it next time. I'll force you to look at it."

"Ahahaha… that sounds a lot like a-" He was cut off by Eri suddenly standing.

"Let's go to that place I wanted to show you." Eri said. Silver just looked at her and she took his hand and pulled him up. "It's quite far so we need to hurry."

"Uhhh… alright, let's go." Silver replied as the two walked side by side to the place where Eri would want to go.


Let's go back in time… to Friday morning once more and this time, in Otonokizaka School.

Maki proceeded to the music room to clear her mind. A lot of love was spreading this week and she wanted away from it all and she thought that the music room would give her that…

She thought wrong. When she opened the door, there sat Kei, her friend, putting his fingers on the keys. He seemed to be mesmerized by the keys and then started to play. Maki had to admit, Kei wasn't half bad. She wasn't surprised though since Kei has been taking piano lessons like her when they were kids. He often visited her house thanks to that. They were never close so she didn't talk to him while their teacher was teaching them. Kei stopped mid-song for some odd reason, as if there was something in the notes that caught his attention.

"Why stop?" Maki asked.

Kei looked at him, a surprised look evident in his face. "Oh hello Nishikino. There's something wrong here. It doesn't match the whole tempo of the song."

"Really now? Let me see." Maki said, walking to the piano and then looking over his shoulder to see the notes. She studied it and sighed, "You have a sharp eye Kei-kun." She said dropping the last name calling and switching to first name basis. The two often did this for fun. "But I don't remember this song to be in that piano when I left it."

"Oh, I brought this here." Kei replied. "Decided to just practice the piano. My parents dumped the piano in my house so here I am, trying to find somewhere to play it."

"How'd you even get in?" She asked, a little weird for her since this was an all girl's school.

"I used your name. I told them that I was going to meet you here in the Music Room." Kei replied with a smile earning a glare from Maki.

"Never do that again. Rumors might spread." Maki replied. "But I suppose I can let it go for now."

"Why are you practicing anyway?" She asked.

"I find playing the piano fun…" Kei replied with a smile. "You know, like you."

Maki sighed and said, "Why did they take your piano in the first place?"

"I have no clue." Kei replied and then stood up. "Something about my time being consumed by playing it and don't forget about the space."

"You almost sound happy about it." Maki said, taking the seat Kei previously occupied.

"Do I?" Kei asked. "That's probably just because I'm happy thanks to getting to play the piano after such a long time." He shot the piano a longing gaze.

"Just how long has it been since you last played the piano?" Maki asked.

"6 years have passed." Kei replied, a little hurt about the realization it seems.

Maki's eyes widened and her fingers unconsciously pressed down on multiple keys, making the two red heads cringe at the horrible sound. "6 years? That's when you stopped learning the piano with me."

Kei nodded with a sad smile on his face. "Yeah. It is. When I stopped learning with you, the piano was thrown away."

Maki's fingers lifted from the piano keys, sighing at the same time. "You could've just visited my house to play you know? It's not like my parents don't know you."

"Well you obviously don't know the agreement do you?" Kei asked.

Maki raised an eyebrow. "Agreement? What agreement?"

Kei sighed and felt the need to explain, his face having a faint blush as he thought of the words that could explain the whole thing. "Well you see…"

The door opened and slammed on the wall, effectively surprising the two. "M-Maki-chan, I want you to go to the prom with me! There, standing at the entrance was none other than Muse's center, Kosaka Honoka. "Because I really like you!"

Maki's face was as red as her hair as she heard this. She was speechless. Honoka was blushing as well and her attention seemed to have been so focused on Maki that she failed to notice Kei standing right there. When she saw him, she immediately gasped. "Kei-kun?" Her face flushed. She thought that Maki was alone when she heard the piano playing. "I… uhhh…"

"Well, I'm going…" Kei said as he headed for the door to find something stopping him. He looked back to see Maki's eyes pleading for help. He walked to the door and then leaned on the doorframe. An action she knows full well, 'Your problem, not mine. Handle this on your own.'

A moment passed in utter silence… and then two… Finally Maki spoke up, "I-I'll think about it… Honoka…"

Honoka nodded as she headed off but not before whispering to Kei, "Did you ask her out?"

"Nope." Kei replied straightly. Honoka nodded and quickly left. Kei entered the room once again and closed the door.

"What am I going to do?" Maki asked as she sat down, her face buried on her hands.

"What are you worrying about?" Kei asked, walking to his friend. "You should just say yes."

"B-But Nico-chan asked me out as well…" Maki replied. "I don't know what to do."

Kei put a hand on Maki's shoulder. "Good luck on your choice."

Maki shot a look at him and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. "You're gonna help me with this."

"W-Why?" Kei asked, not fighting her grip. "It should be your choice! You're the one being asked out!"

"No, it's not the choice." Maki said, her grip loosening and let go. "It's convincing my parents to allow me to go with a girl."

"Oh… alright." Kei said. "I'll help you."

"Thanks!" Maki exclaimed. It seemed like she already knew who she was going to answer.

"You owe me one if I succeed in helping you." Kei said to which Maki nodded. "Great… Let's go now then."

"Okay…" Maki said as she stood up and headed for the door as well only to stop and look back at the piano. "Can you play again? For old time's sake."

Kei looked back at her with a smile. "Alright." He sat down and played with Maki listening intently. She was drowned with the music he was playing. Soon he started singing…

When your legs don't work like they used to before
And I can't sweep you off of your feet
Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love?
Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks?

Maki was quite surprised. He spoke in fluent English but even she could understand it. She was sure that Kei was forced to go through many tutors to learn English. It seemed to be paying off.

And, darling, I will be loving you 'til we're 70
And, baby, my heart could still fall as hard at 23
And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways
Maybe just the touch of a hand
Well, me—I fall in love with you every single day
And I just wanna tell you I am

So honey now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are

When my hair's all gone and my memory fades
And the crowds don't remember my name
When my hands don't play the strings the same way
I know you will still love me the same

'Cause honey your soul could never grow old, it's evergreen
And, baby, your smile's forever in my mind and memory
I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways
Maybe it's all part of a plan
Well, I'll just keep on making the same mistakes
Hoping that you'll understand

But, baby, now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
Thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are

So, baby, now
Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Oh, darling, place your head on my beating heart
I'm thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are
Oh, baby, we found love right where we are
And we found love right where we are

Kei breathed out a sigh as he finished and then looked at Maki. "So, how was it?"

"As good as you were before." Maki replied with a smile. "Nice English love song. Where did you learn it?"

"Internet." Kei replied fairly quickly as they walked down the street.

"But I thought you don't play anymore." Maki pointed out.

"Doesn't mean I don't read notes anymore." Kei replied.

As the two were headed back to Maki's home, Kei was deep in thought, thinking on how he was supposed to help. Maki, on the other hand, was worrying on how her father would react. She still remembered how hard it was to convince her father to allow her to continue being a school idol and in that argument, her mother was by her side. Now, she wasn't even sure if her mother would support her. She was snapped back to reality when Kei snapped his fingers in front of her face. "H-Huh?" She looked around to see that they were already in front of her house.

"Deep in thought I see." Kei said. "Worried?"

"What do you think?" Maki shot back, earning a nervous chuckle from the other red head.

"I'm here to support you remember?" Kei said.

Maki sighed as she unlocked the door. "Somehow, I don't feel reassured."

Kei just sighed as they both entered.

The two walked to the living room to see Mrs. Nishikino there, sipping on a cup of tea.

"Hi mama." Maki said.

Mrs. Nishikino looked at their direction, smiling at both her and the one she was with. "Welcome home dear…" She looked at Kei. "And you too Kei."

Kei bowed. "Nice to be back Mrs. Nishikino." He stood up straight and flashed a smile.

Before the two could say anything that would lead to a lengthy conversation, Maki spoke up. "I want to discuss something with you and papa."

Mrs. Nishikino felt the seriousness of it and then stood up to call her husband. The two young red heads sat down, Maki on her usual seat and Kei right beside her. Maki was back into thinking, and worrying, about what her father would say. This became very obvious once Kei started calling out to her and she wouldn't reply.

"Oi… Nishikino... You awake in there?" He asked. Maki still gave no reply, here eyes didn't even blink. "Gods…" He then took a pillow and swung it in front of her face making her jolt back only for the pillow to stop, inches from her face, and then placed right back on the couch. "Now are you awake?"

"Y-Yeah." Maki replied, head looking down until it snapped up once she heard footsteps.

"What is it Maki? You know I am very busy." Mr. Nishikino asked. It was very obvious that he was busy because of his constant quick glances towards his watch and his phone which he held.

"Well you all know about the prom… Now I want to tell you about my partner. Two girls already asked me out and I want your approval to go out with one of them…" Maki explained, her eyes not straying away from her parents' gazes.

Mr. Nishikino sighed. "What has gotten in to you!?" He asked, his voice raising. "You shall not tarnish our family name by going out with someone of the same gender!"

"If I may interrupt sir…" Kei spoke up. "Why are you stopping your daughter from attaining her happiness? Family name should not be an interest if-"

"And why are you on her side, hm? Mr. Takamitsu?" Mr. Nishikino asked sternly.

"She's my friend sir. I should be by her side." Kei replied. "This is only for the entrance anyway…"

"If anything, she should go with you!" Mr. Nishikino retorted. "You were supposed to be her fiancé!"

Everything became dead silent after that. Maki looked at Kei, confused. Kei, on the other hand, was looking distressed.

"Kei… what does my father mean?" Maki asked.

"I tired to tell you earlier on… that our families have agreed on an arranged marriage." Kei replied. "But it was cancelled because I gave a condition. If I do not see you for a max of five years, then everything would be cancelled."

"So that's why you didn't contact me…" Maki said before looking at her parents. "Can you please allow me? It would hurt them if I don't answer one of them."

"I could care less on what they will feel." Mr. Nishikino said. "This discussion is over." He left, anger evident in his walk.

"Mama?" Maki looked at her mother who had stayed silent throughout the 'discussion'.

Mrs. Nishikino sighed and put a hand on Maki's shoulder. "I'm sorry dear but I can't accept it." She excised herself and went back to her room leaving the two teenagers.

"I'm sorry I wasn't of any help." Kei said. "How can I make it up to you?"

"By telling me about this whole arrangement…"


"Wow…" Silver gasped. They got off in a place where there are next to no people living there. They walked on a dirt path and onto a cliff overlooking the city itself. Silver commented on the nature he saw and not at the sight, not being able to look at it and all.

"You should see the view." Eri said, pulling him closer to the edge.

"W-What are you doing?" Silver asked, stopping Eri from pulling him. "I'm afraid of h-heights remember?" He said, slightly trembling.

"I got through the haunted house you know?" Eri said, pulling him again.

"This and that are different!" Silver exclaimed.

Eri frowned. "Not that much. I managed to face my fears so it's your turn to do it."

"B-But…" Silver finally gave up, allowing Eri to pull him.

"Open your eyes." Eri said. "You can't enjoy the view like that."

Silver braved it and opened his eyes. He saw the view in a split-second before everything swirled and a vision, no memory came back. The car fell off a cliff, his child form screaming on the backseat. He jerked back, falling on his behind and shocking Eri.

"S-Silver?" Eri said, going to his side. "You're that scared… why are you scared?"

"My parents died on an accident where the car fell from a cliff." Silver replied, eyes blurring as he did so. "I survived but they didn't. I lived in an orphanage with my older sister. When my sister reached the age of 18, they released us. She studied in a Military Academy while I started Junior High. Both of us worked part-time in a maid/butler café. We had to be scholars just to live."

Eri stayed quiet. She felt sorry for Silver. "I'm sorry for making you…"

"It's alright." Silver replied, wiping the tears that formed in his eyes with his arm. "Y-You didn't know."

Eri hugged him in an attempt to comfort him. "Hey Silver, I have something to tell you." She said as she broke the hug.

"Actually I have something to tell you too." Silver replied, feeling fine now.

"You go first."

"Uhhh… Will you…" He took a deep breath and continued. "Will you go to the prom with me? I… like you." Silver shook his head. "Scratch that… I think I'm in love with you."

There was an awkward silence that enveloped the two. Silver was waiting for an answer nervously. After a long time (about 5 minutes), Eri finally spoke up. "Sure, I'll go with you." She replied first, her blush deepening as she said the next words. "And you know what? I like you too."

Silver's face brightened as those words processed in his mind. He opened his mouth only to close it again as his mind stumbled for words. Eri, too, doesn't know what to say next.

"W-Well… uhhhh… what now?" Silver asked, his blush dying down.

"I originally intended to show you the view. I was even hesitant to bring you here after you told me that you fear heights but…" Eri mumbled the rest of the sentence.

"But… what?" Silver asked.

"I wanted a place with a beautiful view because I wanted to… to ask you to go to the prom with me." Eri admitted in a weak voice.

Silver smiled but then disappeared. "A guy, or the guy in a relationship in a same sex relationship, should be the one to ask the girl to the date." He scolded. "But I'm glad that you put effort in it."

"Thanks." Eri said. She looked at her watch. "It's 5:35 already? I need to get back home." She quickly headed for the dirt path with Silver behind her.

"Mission Accomplished." Nozomi smirked and emerged from the bush where she and Marcos hid.

"Agreed." Marcos said as he got out as well. "It went well didn't it?"

Nozomi smiled. "Yup! Just as the cards predicted."

Marcos frowned. "No, it was just what my calculations said."

"No, it was the cards."

"Calculations."

"Cards!" She huffed and walked away, back turned at the blue haired boy.

"Well, I bet your cards didn't expect this…" Marcos said as he hugged her from behind, making the violet haired girl blush. "Will you go to the prom with me?"

Nozomi smiled, holding one of the arms wrapped around her. "I guess the cards didn't mean only one pair would be happy."

Marcos wanted to contradict her again but decided not to break the mood. "Yeah…"


Honoka and Nico sat beside each other and Maki was standing before them, Kei standing at the doorway as if guarding it.

"Why are we here?" Honoka asked.

"It's about your questions." Makireplied.

"You mean… Honoka asked you too?" Nico asked in surprise. The petite black haired 3rd year did not know that someone else like Maki.

Maki nodded. "She did."

"So… who are you going to say yes to?" Honoka asked.

"Neither." Maki replied, a bit reluctant though. "I am sorry."

"W-Why?" Both of them asked. Honoka burst into tears and suddenly decided she didn't need to hear the reason and ran out… only to be stopped by Kei. "Let me out!" She demanded.

"Let her explain first." Kei said, struggling to keep Honoka from getting out. "It's no use Kosaka!"

Hoonoka continued to struggle until she heard her angel's voice. "Please Honoka, at least hear me out."

She nodded at Maki and then sat back down. Maki explained the whole thing and the last thing she said was, "So that's why I'm going with Takamitsu."

"Even if she will go with me, it's all for the entrance so you can seize her in the dance floor." Kei explained. "I don't really care either because me and Nishikino are just friends."

The two looked at each other. "Nico-nii will be her first dance then!"

"No fair Nico-chan!" Honoka said. "I'll be the first one!"

"No, Nico-nii will!"

"No, I will!"

"Me!"

"Me!"

"If I can say something, I should be her first dance." Kei said. "A mandatory rule, the two partners must dance."

The two girls looked at each other and just sighed… "Okay…"


"Well, well, now someone here looks dashing…"
"Well you look beautiful too."

"I don't need the cards to foretell that I'll have fun tonight."

"Nor do I need to analyze it."

"Well you ready?"

"Who do you think I am?"

"You're too cuter nya~"

"You're cuter!"

"Shall we go now m'lady?"

"Yes we shall."

"This is not what I wanted."

"What makes you think I like this?"


A/N: Sorry again for the extremely late Valentine's day chapter. I'm stupid sometimes. It takes me a long time to get romantic juices in my head… much more time is needed to write Yaoi or Yuri. Oh well, I hope I don't do it again. The pairings included in this chapter may or may not be included in the main story.

P.S. I forgot. Guess the pairings in order when they all talked. If you guess right, then you get to give me one OC or even a pairing!