A few days later after school, Kai was at home watching TV... Well, he was trying to watch TV but-

Kai: Hey, move your head! You're blocking the TV!

The head obscuring his view of the TV didn't move an inch.

"Shut up."

Taiga replied nonchalantly which irked him even more.

Taiga: If you just move over a bit, you'll be able to see the TV.

Kai: This is MY house and that's my TV so you should be the one to move! If you don't like it then you can always go home!

He gestured wildly with his arm at the nearby window that looked straight across into Taiga's apartment. When his arm got tired, he looked back to Taiga who was still focused on the TV.

Kai (sternly): Don't ignore me!

This time Kai's yelling finally got Taiga's attention and she turned her head around to look at him. Her eyes glittered beneath her long lashes, reflecting a cold stare.

Taiga: I'm watching TV, can you keep it down?

She sighed and turned back to the TV.

Taiga: A stupid dog never learns, does it?

Kai (mutters angrily): Why you…

He suddenly stood up and leaned over the table in the middle of the living room. He reached out his hand and was about to push Taiga in the back of her shoulder to move her when the fusuma door slid open.

"Okami!"

Michiko said in a scolding tone which made Kai freeze instantly.

Kai (innocently): Hm?

Michiko: What the hell are you making so much noise for?! Just the other day, the landlady came to talk to me. She said that we've been getting a little rowdy lately and that surprised her because she's never had any problems with us before.

Kai: That's mainly because of this girl!

He pointed to Taiga in an accusing manner.

Taiga: I don't know what he's talking about Michi-chan.

Kai (appalled): "Michi-chan"?! Don't call her that!

Despite the interruption, Taiga calmly continued.

Taiga: I'm just sitting here trying to watch TV and he's been causing a ruckus for no reason at all. He's so ill-mannered; I don't understand how you've been living with this guy for so long. You must have a really big heart.

Michiko (grins): Yeah, people tell me that all the time.

Kai immediately scrunched his nose.

Yeah right, that's a joke if I ever heard one.

Michiko: Okami, is there something wrong with your face?

Kai just shook his head 'no' and looked away.

Michiko: Then keep the noise down and stop trying to get us thrown out.

Michiko walked into the living room and gathered her belongings.

Michiko: Alright guys, I'm off to work now. Try not to kill each other.

Taiga: Take care, Michi-chan.

Kai pathetically looked at Michiko .

Kai (whining): Aren't you going to tell her to stop calling you that?

Michiko didn't respond at all. Instead she just turned around and headed to the door with a devious smile on her face. As the antique door creaked to a close behind Michiko, Kai sighed as he walked to the kitchen to grab himself some tea but before he even made it to the refrigerator-

Taiga: Okami, get me some tea too.

Kai was displeased that Taiga knew his daily habits, he was also disgruntled about something else she just did.

Kai: I don't know why Michiko's allowing you to be so informal with her, but you're NOT part of my clan so I'm not going to tolerate you calling me 'Okami'!

As usual, Taiga didn't pay him any attention.

Taiga: And some dessert as well.

Kai (outraged): Dessert?! We don't have anything in the fridge like that! Geez, if you're gonna come over everyday and try to eat us out of house and home then you could at least have the decency to bring something useful once in a while!

Kai waited for a response but he didn't receive one. He then looked back at Taiga from the kitchen and scowled.

Kai (irritated): Stop ignoring me, you evil girl!

Taiga: Keep yelling like that and I'll call Michi-chan.

Kai (frustrated): Why do you even have her number?!

In case you hadn't noticed, Taiga and Kai have gotten used to each other's presence. In a way, the two of them were pretty much living together. To make sure Taiga didn't oversleep, Kai would go over to her house and fetch her in the morning, bringing along the lunchboxes he made for the both of them. As Taiga got herself ready, he cooked them a simple breakfast. He did all of this at the behest of Michiko.

On their way to school, they'd keep a bit of a distance between them so things wouldn't be awkward when Taiga met up with Minori. When they got to school, Taiga and Kai continued to discuss various strategies so she could win Kitamura's heart. A few times they would come up with some good ones but they've all ended in failure so far.

After school, when Kai didn't have training, they would go to the supermarket to pick up groceries for dinner. Taiga never missed an opportunity to eat with Michiko and Kai, she always arrived promptly to their house after she went home to change her uniform. On the days Kai went to training, Taiga would still come over anyway to chitchat with Michiko and when Michiko left for work, the both of them would wave her off goodbye. For some reason, Michiko was very accepting of Taiga; the two got along very well to Kai's surprise/dismay. He dealt with Taiga's presence in their home like a former "only child" dealt with the new arrival of a sibling. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy whenever Michiko was nice to Taiga.

At first Taiga would go home when Michiko went to work. But then she started to stay late to watch TV, read comics, play video games, take naps, and just spend time talking about Minori or wondering about Kitamura. The amount of time she spent at Kai's house just kept on getting longer and longer.

First Testimony

"Um, this is Noto Hisamitsu from Class 2-C and I really saw them! I was grabbing a bite on my way home after club activities ended and I definitely saw Arito and the Palmtop Tiger at the supermarket near the station! Arito was carrying a shopping basket and looking over some fish when the Palmtop Tiger stuffed some pork into the basket. Arito quickly yelled, 'We're having steamed fish tonight, put that back NOW!' and after muttering some curses under her breath, Aisaka actually put the pork back. Then they bought some onions and radishes. When they finally went to the check-out, Arito ordered her to:'Take a thousand yen from our common wallet' and the Palmtop Tiger did just that, it was unbelievable. Common wallet! They're like a married couple."

Second Testimony

"Kihara Maya here, also from Class 2-C reporting. I saw the two on my way to school one morning. You know that brand new posh apartment building? I always wondered what it would be like to live in a great place like that. Anyway, I saw Arito-kun coming out of that building. I was like 'No way! He lives there?!' But the real shock came when I saw Aisaka running out after him saying 'I'm getting tired of rushing around every morning! Why don't you wake me up earlier?!'… I couldn't believe my eyes. Then Arito-kun turned around and shouted 'I always call you a bunch of times but you never get up. Why can't you be rational and just get an alarm clock?!' They also had naughty looks on their faces, could this mean that they're doing... naughty things together in that building?"

Third Testimony

"Haruta Koji of Class 2-C reporting! I was classmates with Arito back in our first year and we still hang out sometimes. Yesterday my favorite band released a new album and I invited Arito to come to the music store with me after school. He agreed to go with me then he turned around and told the Palmtop Tiger, 'I'll meet you later tonight around eight.' And right then my mind exploded! I couldn't stop wondering WHERE would Arito meet her later! And what would he do with her? I asked him about it at the music store and he said 'Don't worry about it', but there's definitely something going on between them!"

Fourth Testimony

"This is Kushieda Minori of Class 2-C! I guess you could say I'm Taiga's best friend, but she's been acting strange lately. Every morning I meet her at the same street intersection on the way to school but I've noticed that Arito-kun has started to come with her. He walks a bit behind her though, as if there's nothing going on between the two of them. Taiga always says that it's just a coincidence that they happen to meet each other on the way and that she doesn't even notice him behind her. Though, ever since Arito and her have been walking together, Taiga isn't late for school anymore. But I'm really bothered by the feeling that she might be hiding something from me. The two of them also act a little sneaky around school. God knows what they could be scheming. Huh! Am I being jealous? Then what will become of the Soeur System? And the Rosa Chinensis and Rosa Gigantea? Why am I talking about some TV show all of a sudden? Aah! I don't even know what I'm saying anymore!"

Kai was still Kai. Many people had labeled him as a delinquent because of his cold personality and his interest in martial arts but he never paid any attention to those people. In fact, he spent most of his time keeping to himself and trying not to get involved with others.

Taiga was still Taiga. Many people thought she was the daughter of a criminal mastermind but she never cared about rumors either. Excluding herself, she only showed an interest in talking to her best friend Minori. Or rather, that's what she used to do; but now she sometimes talks with Kai too.

These two were sort of like celebrities in the school. And since they were already into the habit of ignoring gossip, they definitely didn't notice that the stories about them were increasing.

"They both came out of the same building."

"They're whispering to each other again."

"You notice how the Palmtop Tiger calls Arito by his clan name?"

"Well I'm surprised Arito has the guts to call Aisaka an 'idiot' so casually."

"And he manages not to get pulverized for it too!"

"I think I saw them having the exact same items in their lunchboxes."

"Could Arito Kai and Aisaka Taiga be dati-

"Oh, DAMN IT!"

The sudden outburst jarred everyone's train of thought during the break in between classes. It was Taiga who had gasped out loudly and everyone around the classroom looked at her. However, she didn't seem to notice them looking in her direction as she walked directly to Kai's desk by the window. A bunch of people nearby leaned in to eavesdrop but the two didn't seem to be aware of it.

Taiga: Hey Okami! I forgot to tell you something.

Kai: What now?

Taiga: Well…

Taiga spoke in a quieter voice now that she was near Kai. None of the other students could hear her clearly anymore. They watched as Kai grunted and lifted his face, listening intently to Taiga's voice. Only he could hear everything she said. Everybody else around them was straining to listen in and every so often they caught a couple of words:

Taiga:…hjhjkhkjjk... Not coming home tonight…jkhjkhjkhjk...

The guys sitting nearby Kai were shocked by what they heard; they suddenly stiffened and sat up in their seats.

"Did she say what I think she did?!"

The guys quickly wrote a note and began passing it around the classroom.

"She just said she's not coming home tonight!"

Ignoring the glances around them, Kai replied to Taiga.

Kai:...lmlmllm …Staying the night...llmlmlmmllm...

Taiga: Yeah…hjhjkhjhkhjkhjk...

Kai: ...lmlmlmlml...Already prepared…lmlmlmlm...

Taiga: Yeah…jhjhkhjhkhkhk...

"No way! Is this for real?!"

The students who caught the whispered words, all thought the same thing.

"Could they be?!"

"She's staying the night and he has something prepared!"

The long-haired Haruta, sitting nearby, swallowed as he wrote: The Palmtop Tiger is staying over at Arito's place?

Behind Haruta, the glasses wearing Noto replied to the message: Arito just said 'to be prepared'… Are they talking about… going to bed? Oh boy!

Some students were gasping and whispering about how this was the first sexual experience for anyone in the class! Kihara Maya blushed and proclaimed-

Maya: I don't think this is even their first time!

Some of the guys muttered enviously.

"I always thought the Palmtop Tiger was cute. I was hoping nobody had asked her out yet."

"Me too. When I confessed to her last year, she said somebody like me could just go to hell."

Even some of the girls were getting jealous.

"This had to happen just when I was building up the courage to finally talk to Arito-kun. I have the worst luck!"

"This doesn't mean that I have to stop secretly admiring him, do I? But then again I don't want to cross Aisaka. Guess I'll have to find some new eye candy."

The whole class was furtively looking at Kai and Taiga, watching their lives in the making. Taiga was looking out the window so no one was able to read her expression but they all saw Kai fretting his brows.

"Arito-kun looks as if he is worried about getting into a fight."

"Or a duel."

"With Aisaka's parents maybe?!"

Just then, a female student approached Kushieda Minori who was also watching the two from her desk.

"Kushieda, it sounds like something big is going to happen to your best friend tonight!"

Minori was too shocked to reply.

"Kushieda?"

No matter how many times the girl beside her patted her shoulder or poked her elbow, Minori couldn't help but stare at Kai and Taiga in awe.

Even though everyone in the class concluded that Kai and Taiga had "big plans" for the night, here's how their conversation really went:

"Oh, DAMN IT!"

Taiga said out loud as she began walking towards Kai's desk.

Taiga: Hey Okami! I forgot to tell you something.

Kai: What now?

Taiga: Well, Michi-chan wanted me to tell you she's not coming home tonight. The monks at the eastern temple are having a special ceremony that'll last till morning.

Kai fretted his eyebrows at the news.

I wish Michiko would have told me directly. I really should know about these sort of things, and it could've become very troublesome if Aisaka forgot to tell me; she's so absentminded. Guess I got lucky this time.

Kai: So Michiko's going to be staying the night there?

Taiga: Yeah, that's what she said.

Kai: Then she must be already prepared to put up with old man Inage whining away the night. I heard he got divorced last month.

Taiga: Yeah, she mentioned that too.

Taiga's face suddenly twisted in annoyance.

Taiga: Damn it! Stop using me as your clan's personal messenger!

Kai: Then stop coming over to our place to eat all the time.

He got her there. But as always she wouldn't admit it.

Kai (irritated): How many times do I have to tell you to stop ignoring me?!

It was another normal recess period in Class 2-C. Kai was reading the "Art of War" at his desk while Taiga was sitting at the desk beside his, sipping a box of milk; she would often find herself here whenever Minori had club activities. She had a bored expression on her face that read "Leave me alone".

"Hey."

Someone very courageous ignored the vibes Taiga was giving off and rested a hand on her shoulder. Kai thought that Taiga was going to make a scene but he relaxed when he realized that it was just Minori, the only person Taiga adored besides Kitamura.

Minori: Are you free now?

Taiga (concerned): Why do you look so seriou—

Taiga was interrupted when Minori pulled her up from her seat and started dragging her towards the door by her collar.

Taiga (shocked): Hey! Minorin?! I—I can move on my own without you pulling me! I'm gonna trip!

Minori: Just follow me!

Minori was the only one in the world capable of handling the Palmtop Tiger like that. If it was anybody else, they would be dead within three seconds. As everyone in the class held their breath, Minori pulled Taiga along as if she was a piece of rolling luggage. She then paused a moment to turn around and look at Kai.

Minori: You come along as well.

You? Do I really not have a name anymore? Just who does she think she is talking to me like that?

Kai took a second to analyze Minori, she had a stern and serious expression on her face.

It almost seems like Aisaka's soul just transferred into Kushieda's body. I've never seen her look like this before, I wonder what she could possibly want with me?

Kai was confused as to why Minori would call out to him in such a way so his curiosity made him comply with her request.

The atmosphere was tense atop the school roof despite the idyllic clouds floating above in the nice, calm sky.

Minori: The sun is dry….

Taiga (confused): M—Minorin?

After dragging Kai and Taiga up here, Minori stood with her back towards them. The breeze picked up for a moment and the jacket Minori wore over her shoulders fluttered in the wind. Meanwhile, Kai whispered to Taiga.

Kai: What is your eccentric friend up to now?

Taiga: I have no idea. This is the first time I've seen Minorin act like this. Maybe she's angry about something?

The closeness of the two girls became clear to Kai as Taiga's expression became melancholic as she said this. She took a step forward.

Taiga: U—Um, Minorin?

Taiga stopped mid-step. It seemed as if the whole world stopped actually. Without any warning, Minori turned and launched herself towards them. Her eyes glittered and she had a frantic look on her face adding to the dramatic feeling of the scene.

Taiga: Wah?!

Taiga was so startled that she tumbled back and held her arms up… However, Minori swiftly glided past her and yelled out-

Minori: Arito-kun!

Kai (startled): What?!

At first, he thought she was mad at him and was about to attack him, but before he could even react, Minori had fallen before him, kneeling. She raised her head, looked at Kai, and cried out in a voice that pierced the skies.

Minori: I now entrust my Taiga to you! Please, take good care of her!

Kai (baffled): Huh?!

Minori bowed so deeply that her forehead touched her fingers. Kai was completely awestruck by all of this and Taiga was having trouble keeping her jaw shut.

Minori: Arito-kun! Taiga is my dearest best friend. She may have a really bad temper at times but she's a very kind and gentle girl! Please m—make her happy!

Taiga (bewildered): Make me happy?

Kai looked at Taiga for an explanation but she was just as confused as he was. Ten seconds passed with nobody saying anything. Thirty seconds passed with all of them remaining still. Then Kai finally came to his senses.

Kai: Kushieda, hang on a minute. What are you talking about?

Minori: Please stop saying that!

Minori lifted her head and looked at Kai with a serious expression.

Minori: Stop pretending you don't know anything! Do you think I never noticed that you two walk to school together everyday? I've been waiting so long for you to tell me that you are a couple. But no matter how long I waited, you wouldn't! But that's ok, I've gotten over it. I just want whatever is best for Taiga.

There was a look of clear determination on her face; she wasn't kidding. She really wanted Taiga to be happy. Kai was so mesmerized by her decency that he almost forgot how wrong this entire situation was. Then suddenly-

Kai (defiantly): NO!

His mind finally kicked in.

Kai: Kushieda, you've got it all wrong!

Minori: No, I know everything now, you two are seeing each other and I'll support you all the way! So stop sneaking around already! And I will tell you this—

Minori, still kneeling, bowed deeply then pointed a finger at Kai and smiled cheerfully.

Minori: Arito-kun, you're Taiga's one and only! I can't be wrong! I definitely won't let anyone else get in your way! So please rest assured and continue dating, okay?

I wouldn't no matter how much you begged me!

Kai was completely stunned by what was happening. Minori's words had left him speechless.

But I have to deny all of this!

Kai: It's not what you think, Kushieda! We don't have that sort of relationship! Listen to us first! And stop kneeling like that!

Kai managed to get that out, then he looked at Taiga to back him up.

If Aisaka says the same thing and denies this misunderstanding, Kushieda will have to realize she's wrong.

However, Taiga had her face scrunched up and she was shaking her head in disapproval. This whole situation was so absurd to her that she wasn't even going to waste her breath by responding to it. But then Kai nudged her shoulder and she smacked her lips in annoyance.

Taiga (through gritted teeth): No, Minorin. You're misunderstanding things.

You tell her, Aisaka!

Minori: Ho ho ho! There's no need to be shy! Congratulations you two!

She's still not stopping with this?! She can't leave this roof thinking what she does about Aisaka and me! But I just can't think of anything to say that I didn't already.

As Kai stood there flabbergasted and motionless, he suddenly heard someone clapping behind him.

"So that's how it is."

Kai twisted around to look at where the voice came from and saw Kitamura Yusaku.

How long has that weirdo been standing there?!

Kitamura: I noticed that you two were spending more time together and I was wondering whether you were going out. Arito, I was thinking about asking you but I guess Kushieda beat me to it. I'm really happy for both of you! Though I'm a little hurt you didn't tell me about this sooner.

The combination of the sight of Kitamura and hearing those words come out of his mouth, made Taiga's face twist in horror. It seemed Kitamura was just as mistaken as Minori. Whatever he heard of the conversation, it was only Minori's words that reached his ears.

Kitamura: Aisaka! I leave Arito in your care. I'm sure you'll cherish each other. Come to think of it, you two make a cute couple!

Kitamura started happily laughing but that was a deathblow for someone else. As if she was struck by a blade, Taiga stiffened and her tiny body tilted back, falling to the ground like a lifeless corpse. Kai could just imagine a pool of blood growing beneath her still form but he caught her before she hit the ground, and he shook her vigorously.

Kai (sternly): Aisaka! Keep it together!

While holding Taiga, Kai turned his head to Kitamura.

Kai (sternly): And you! Stop laughing!

Minori elegantly smoothed out her skirt and looked past Taiga straight at Kai. Her face suddenly became solemn and serious.

Minori: Arito-kun, if you abandon Taiga or make her cry, I'll never forgive you!

Kai immediately froze from seeing the stern expression on Minori's face. He had been threatened a lot recently and had ignored all of it but hearing such a thing from a girl like Minori made him tremble inside.