A/N: Sorry, it took awhile! Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!:)

To like Lelouch. It feels as if my shoulders became lighter. As if a heavy load has been lifted. What replaced it was this fluttering in my stomach and the curiosity to know more about him. The want to be closer. And an even more selfish wish. This selfishness surprised me, but even then, I want to keep these to myself. At least for now. But when did it even all start? Does it even matter? I wonder..

"So..." Sophie started to say as she watched me from the doorway of the bathroom. I ignored her as I washed my face. "You left with Suzaku but returned with Lelouch."

"Hm," I managed to reply as I continued to tend to myself.

"Shirley," her voice was filled with excitement now. "Tell me everything! From the beginning and don't leave out a single detail." I sighed, knowing she wouldn't leave me alone unless I tell her something mildly juicy. I walked past her and sat on top of my bed as she followed suit, her eyes shining. I sighed again.

"I had fun," I replied, as the day replayed in fast forward in my head. "It...was different."

"Details, girl, details!"

"Suzaku treated me to ice cream," I offered.

"What else?"

"He also bought me cute hair ties and clips as a present."

"...what else?" She repeated impatiently. I thought about telling Sophie about Lelouch, but decided not to. Not right now, anyways. I still wanted to sort out some things myself.

"We met up with Prez, Rivalz and Lelou, that's it." I averted my eyes. Expecting the mass questions that was soon to follow.

"Lelou..? You're back to that again? Something did happen!" Ooops...

"Um, well.."

"Hmph," Sophie grunted. She knew I was hiding something. "Okay." And that was that. She smiled at my surprised reaction. "I'll be expecting a full report someday." I promised her I would do just that.

The next morning, as Sophie and I entered the cafeteria, we immediately spotted Milly and Nina together.

"Morning," I greeted as we approached them.

"Good morning," Nina replied as she looked up from her breakfast.

"Ah, Shirley," Milly studied me for a second. "Had a good sleep?"

"Yes," I replied with a little hesitance. I still didn't have time to think over what she's done for me yesterday. I remained quiet as the girls had idle chatter. Milly was acting normal with me. Why did she give me the opportunity last night when she has feelings for Lelouch? A twinge of guilt stabbed me.

"You look like a mess, Lelouch," I heard Milly suddenly say teasingly. I didn't dare look up as my heart started to beat faster. Just by his presence is making me react like this.

"Good morning to you as well," Lelouch replied tiredly as he sat next to her.

"You have bed-head," Milly told him as she softly touched his hair. He grinned at her in reply as I felt my heart slightly hurt. They were always naturally close, but seeing them after learning of my feelings is making me react. I'm nowhere near her league.

"Hey, Shirley," Lelouch suddenly turned to me. I met his eyes, and I felt my stomach do a somersault. As easily as that, I melted.

"Morning," I managed to return to him.

"You two were mighty cozy last night on the ride home, eh?" Milly was definitely in her teasing mode. I could feel my face burn as the memory of it returned. I fell asleep on the bus ride and was leaning on Lelouch the whole time. Sophie and Nina giggled as Lelouch just gave me a 'let them' smile. The cafeteria suddenly erupted with gasps and rushed voices. The huge plasma TV was showing there was a breaking news. It was the aftermath of a terrorist attack last night. There were clips of Knightmares fighting.

"The Japanese are..." Nina managed in a small voice. I flinched.

"Nina.." Milly started to say, hestitating. There was a silence that couldn't be filled at that time.

"Wow, the internet is going nuts over that!" Rivalz suddenly appeared with Suzaku, his voice full of energy. He was scrolling through his phone. My focus was on Suzaku. He looked tired, as if he's been up all night.

"Are you feeling alright?" I asked Suzaku quietly as he sat next to me. Lelouch looked on intently at him.

"Huh? Oh yeah," He replied absently. "I've just been packing."

"Packing?"

"I have to return to Tokyo after breakfast."

"Duty calls?" I asked, trying to mask my worry as I studied his face.

"Duty calls," he replied, his trademark smile appearing, easing my worries away.

"I bet you're going to work out aren't you?" Lelouch spoke up.

"That's what you should be doing," Suzaku shot back.

"I don't need to, because I have this," Lelouch tapped his forehead, grinning wickedly. Listening to their friendly banter as everyone else discussed the terrorist attack in the background, I found it unsettling. Lelouch and Suzaku didn't even react nor partake in the conversation.

"You don't need to come say goodbye to me, you know," Suzaku chided me gently as I stood outside with him after breakfast. There was a van waiting for him.

"I know, it's just that.." I trailed off, feeling the emptiness return. Just yesterday, I was so happy spending time with him. And in just a single moment, all of that went away. Suzaku sighed.

"I'll see you soon," he finalized as he tugged a lock of my hair. Without hesitation, I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around his waist, basking in his warmth. Just as naturally, his arms went around my shoulders. In what seemed like forever in just seconds, he pulled away first, his warmth still lingering around me. His face, gentle and kind. Without another word, he stepped inside the van and he left.

As I stepped inside the grand lobby, I noticed a tall figure leaning against the wall.

"You should have gone outside to say goodbye." I told him as I walked closer.

"No need," Lelouch replied with his arms crossed.

"So what brings you here?" I casually asked as I leaned against the wall next to him.

"Wanted to see if you were okay," he replied indifferently. I turned to look at his face but he slightly turned away.

"Were you worried about me?" I teased him.

"Of course not," he denied. "Just wanted to see the effect Suzaku has on you, myself."

"Ah," I nodded slowly, feeling the need to tease him even more. "You're jealous then, right?" He faced me, denial full force on his face. "Just kidding!" I lightly shoved his arm as I giggled. Lelouch frowned at me for a second but a smile reappeared just as quickly.

"So," the tone in his voice suddenly became serious. "We go home in a couple hours."

"That's right..." Just thinking about it, is making me feel a little sad. In just a few days, so many things has happened.

"It was the right decision to go," Lelouch murmured.

"Hm?"

"Nothing," he shook his head. Being like this with Lelouch now..it's almost as if our relationship is different, and yet the same in a different sense. It was definitely hard to grasp. Unlike with Suzaku, I still don't know where I stand with Lelouch. "Ah, Milly."

"Shirley! There you are!" Milly was approaching us. "Hey, can you give us a minute, dear Lelouch?"

"Hm?"

"I need a girl talk with Shirley, so off you go!" Lelouch stared at her for a second then at me but then shrugged and left quickly, not sparing us a glance.

"Prez?" I knew what she wanted to talk about.

"Let's talk somewhere else, okay?" She grinned at me as she walked outside with me following suit.

We found a nice shade under a tree by the lake, where we sat next to each other in silence. I was desperate to fill it.

"Prez, I-"

"I confessed." With that single sentence, any preparations my mentality tried to prepare was quickly demoralized.

"To...Lelouch?"

"Of course!" She laughed. "Who else can it be?"

"Oh." I didn't know what to say. I wanted to ask so many things.

"It was this morning," She continued. "I banged on his door and told him at 6am in the morning, while I still had the courage. You should have seen the look on his face." She grinned at me. I folded my hands together tightly. That's why they seemed closer..."All I wanted was for him to be happy. But it's not something I'm capable of doing. In the end, nothing's changed."

"What do you mean, Prez?" Her expression suddenly turned gentle.

"After witnessing how he's been lately, I thought I had to act now. I acted on impulse," She told me, her voice going quiet. "In the end it was my own doing." I've never seen her like this. I reached over and laid my hand on top of hers. She looked at me, with a sad smile. It broke my heart, as the guilt within me grew stronger.

"I'm.." I started to say, still loss for words.

"Don't," She interrupted me swiftly. "If you say you're sorry now, it'll seem like I really lost." I nodded mutely as my fingers squeezed her hand. "Anyhow, seems like Lelouch doesn't have interest in love."

"That's right," I sighed in agreement. Milly placed her hands on my shoulders.

"That means, you have to work extra hard," She winked at me.

"Of course," There was no point in denying something she already knew about me.

"Otherwise, I'll make a comeback and take him right in front of you." I felt my eyes moisten. My strong, dependable Prez encouraged me. She was confiding in me.

"Thank you..."

Milly's feelings for Lelouch were strong and pure. She just wanted Lelouch to be happy. What about me? What can I do for Lelouch? I too, also wish for his happiness. I want to return the real smile on his face. All I can do for him now, is to watch over him. What comes after, is something I'll cross when it comes to.

We returned to Tokyo, and came the next festivities of the summer. With only a couple weeks left til summer break, preparations for the summer festival was out in full force. It was felt as classes resumed the very next day. With the terrorist attack in the back of everyone's mind, the school topic was about the what clubs would be doing what.

"We have a new student joining us today," My teacher announced in homeroom. That caught everyones attention. It's been months since school started, who could be joining us late in the school year? "Please come in and introduce yourself." A girl with short, fiery red hair and piercing blue eyes entered.

"My name is Kallen Stadtfeld, pleased to make your acquaintance," the girl said meekly as she bowed her head. She was definitely gorgeous, I could already hear a couple guys say that about her. I instinctively turned my attention to Lelouch who had his head bent and focused on a book in front of him. Suzaku didn't come to class today.

"Since Lelouch's seatmate isn't here, please occupy the seat next to him for today. Lelouch, raise your hand." Lelouch casually raised his hand as Kallen took a seat next to him quietly without another word.

After class, a group of girls surrounded Kallen asking questions about her. It turns out she's very sickly and mostly spent the first few months of school at the hospital so she was very well excused.

"I hear she's very smart," Rivalz said to me as he sat on top of my desk.

"I hope she'll be okay," I told him truthfully as I looked over her. She seemed very fragile.

We had a Student Council meeting after school, but due to my swim practice I was late. When I had arrived, the meeting had just ended. To my surprise, Kallen was present. She was already a part of the Student Council...Due to her being sick and out of school alot, she can't join any sports clubs and the other clubs had a strict attendance. Milly knew about this so she knew the best way for her to be in a club was be part of the Student Council. I thought it was a great idea.

"Shirley, let me get you caught up with what we discussed," Nina called me over. As she gave me a summary of what was discussed, I couldn't help but watch and listen in as Lelouch and Kallen bickered in the backround.

"And why can't you take notes for me tomorrow?" She asked him as her eyes narrowed. Kallen had a doctor's appointment and will be missing class.

"I won't be in class either," He replied coolly. "I have prior engagements."

"You mean gambling?" She replied her voice, sharp. "Rivalz told me all about it."

"Rivalz told you?" Lelouch asked, clearly surprised.

"Yes, unlike you, he's actually very helpful." She definitely gave off a different vibe from class.

"It's out of my control, like I said-"

"Umm," I interrupted, my voice coming out on its own. "I can lend you my notes, Kallen." She turned to me as I offered.

"Ah, thank you...Shirley right?" She asked as she gave me a small smile.

"Yes," I returned her smile. "I have better handwriting than Lelou anyways."

"I have decent handwriting, Shirley," Lelouch informed me. "You know that."

"I never said you didn't," I countered, my hands on my hips as I leaned towards him. "I just said mine was better, you know that." Lelouch grinned at me as I mocked him. I could feel Kallen watching us.

"You two seem close," She stated quietly, surprising me.

"..Rather," I changed the focus from me. "You two seem like you get along so quickly. Do you two know each other?" Kallen's eyes widened but quickly shook her head. Weird.

"No, there's no way i could ever know such a unmotivated guy," Kallen jerked her finger towards him. As Lelouch and her continued to bicker, the fact that they clearly got along so quickly, gave me a small knot in the pit of my stomach.

"Fine," Lelouch finally conceded in defeat. I watched him as his expression turned softer as he looked her. What's going on...? "I'll take notes for you next time." The smile she gave him in return, illuminated her beautiful face.

"You better," She responded, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. I stood there my feet numb, and for the first time in my life, I acknowledged the selfish part of truly liking someone. I accepted that I was jealous.

A/N: So Kallen has made her appearance. There's many more to reveal! Please stay tuned for the next chapter :)!