I do not own anything. This chapter is for my friend Hana-chan once again. I've been referring to her a lot, aren't I? Anyway, onto the story…

"Amu, listen to reason. You should be at home relaxing, not at school listening to these droning lectures." The blond midget attempted to persuade her with a relaxed voice, considering that Amu would seize this chance. She and Amu were walking down the corridors of their school, heading to their study hall.

"Rima, are you encouraging me to ditch the only class we share?" To the blonde's dismay, the rosette shot back a question in a perplexed manner. Since Amu was never one to observe and analyze, Rima would never have imagined that she would see past her plan.

"This is because I care-" Rima paused, catching someone's eye. "You go on ahead. I need to take care of… private manners."

"Sure…" Amu responded, complying with her request. Before she reached the door of her class, she threw a glance to Rima's direction; but the former patient's mind was thrown in a chaotic disarray. The sight of Rima and Ikuto together was indeed… enigmatic. What private matters does Rima have with Ikuto? What would be the harm in listening in their conversation if they have nothing to hide?

{SIT}

"What did you want to talk about, Tsukiyomi-san?" Rima questioned with a dark expression. Just a few minutes prior, Ikuto led her quietly to the vending machines at the end of the hall around the corner, which was out of sight.

"'Tsukiyomi-san'… You do know what I'm talking to you about, don't you?" Ikuto let out a grieved sigh, yearning for any sign of innocence.

"How did you find out?" Guilt-ridden, she asked, taking a seat on the bench. Ikuto remained in his position, leaning on the wall.

"I narrowed down the list of girls down to nine of my obsessive fan girls and you. To be honest, I did seek out all the other alternatives; but you're the one who best fits the profile. I just came to confirm it. I know pushing your friends down the stairs isn't your thing… Tell me your reason." Ikuto pleaded covered by an unusual coating of consoling care.

"Since you found me, I'll tell you. One of your obsessive fan girls blackmailed me and told me if I don't listen to their one command they'll expose it. They only told me to be at bottom of the stairs of the second floor and call out to Amu. I thought I could catch her… but I couldn't." She told him.

"How important was this blackmail to your friendship with Amu?" He gritted his teeth, not knowing onto whom to take his rage.

"It would've broken Nagi's and my relationship. I don't think you would understand-"

"No, I would probably do the same as you did if I were put in your relationship… However, it's great that you told me the truth. The girl who threatened you already told me everything. I've already taken care of my end of the problem, but how are you going to take care of yours?" He said.

"Ikuto, I thought that you said you wouldn't protect Amu." Rima raised a brow in amusement.

"I'll only protect Amu in this sort of thing. I don't want to see Amu in the hospital again. I'll let it slide now, but I'll ruin your relationship with Nagi if you ever hurt Amu. That time, I won't be taking any excuses from you." Ikuto's expression and voice grew darker and darker.

"You spoil Amu a lot." Rima laughed at his expression.

"That's because I love Amu." Ikuto gave a sincere, loving smile.

*SLAM*

"What was that?" Ikuto asked, looking around for any sign of movement.

"What are you so worried about?" Rima inquired.

"I thought I heard Amu." He said.

Meanwhile in a nearby empty classroom

"Rima was behind that incidents, and Ikuto loves me. What's going on?" A deranged Amu yelled to herself, hugging her knees close to her body.

I should really start getting longer chapters. I blame Finals and family drama and procrastination.