I'M BACK :D AND PRETTY LATE TOO QAQ 4,500+ words not including A/N :3

SO SORRY

I'll stop talking so we can get on with the chapter.

ENJOY~!

Taeko yawned, making her little brother frown.

"You didn't have to come with me, you know." Hanako frowned. "You don't usually get up this early, what if you fall asleep in class?"

"It's fine! After all, who knows what sort of trouble you can get into." She frowned as she rubbed her eyes. "I'm not going to let you out of my sight any time soon, especially after what happened yesterday."

Hanako blushed. "Th-that was just bad luck! It's not like it's gonna happen again…"

"Yeah, yeah. Well, just to be sure." She said. "Why did you want to get to school so early anyway?"

"A-ah, w-well I…" he blushed harder. "I made some rice balls for Aishi-senpai as thanks and I thought she seemed like the type to be early for school so…"

"Oh? That's good then!" Taeko beamed. "It's important to show your gratitude; you've actually become quite mature, Hanako."

"Wh-what's that supposed to mean?" he pouted.

"Nothing~" she giggled.

"Oh? You're early, Ko-chan."

They turned around to see the Gardening Club president and Taeko's best friend, Uekiya Engeika, smiling at her club member with a pot containing a sunflower on her hands.

"Ah, good morning Ki-chan." She beamed. "My brother wanted to come to school early today."

"I see." She nodded before smiling at Hanako. "Good morning, Hanako-kun."

"Good morning, Engeika-senpai." He muttered with a rather forced smile.

"Oh, you don't have to be so formal." She giggled. "Just call me Uekiya, or just Kiya for short."

"No… That would be rude of me." He said, his posture shifting.

"Nonsense. You're Ko-chan's little brother, after all." She said. "Ah, by the way, Ko-chan. Are you busy right now?"

"Hm? Why?"

"I'm moving some plants up to the rooftop. It's a little project for our club since it could use a little more personality, you know? I could really use the hand."

"Oh? I haven't heard about that." She raised an eyebrow.

"It was the President's idea."

"Saikou-san?" Taeko's eyes widened.

"Yes, I was surprised too. He messaged me last night and presented the idea, he said it might help brighten up the school even if just a little bit. I thought it was a marvelous idea and couldn't wait, so I got here early to get started on it right away." She grinned.

"Mou! You could've messaged me about it!" Taeko pouted.

"Sorry, I guess I got excited with the idea." Uekiya giggled. "I spent the rest of the night planning what kind of flowers I'd put."

"Obviously bright ones, daisies are out of the question since the rooftop is already so bland. Oh! We should put some goldenrods and edelweiss!"

"I don't think anyone but our club members would be able to appreciate that little reference."

The two girls continued to chat and giggle happily, almost completely forgetting about the younger boy who was frowning as he watched their interactions. He eventually got fed up with it.

"You go ahead, Nee-chan. I'll be fine on my own."

Taeko was a bit startled when he suddenly spoke up, reaffirming the fact that she completely forgot he was there.

"Ah, that's right. Ki-chan, can you wait for a bit? I just want to accompany Hanako for something."

"Sure." She smiled. "I don't mind tagging along."

"Really? That looks a bit heavy though." Taeko frowned.

"No, don't worry about it."

"No, you don't have to." Hanako cut them off. "Nee-chan, you go on ahead. I'll be fine, really."

"But Hanako, it's too dangerous." His sister's frown deepened.

"I'll be fine." He said. "After I'm done, I'll head straight back to my room. Some of my classmates should already be there. No detours, I promise."

Taeko seemed skeptical so Hanako continued. "You don't have that much time left until class starts anyway, so you better get started on getting those flowers."

"Well, I guess you're right. But remember to stay out of trouble okay?" she ruffled his hair.

"I will." He said, exasperated.

"Bye, Hanako-kun." Uekiya waved.

"Let's eat lunch together, okay? Just wait for me at your classroom."

"Okay…" he said and watched them go before sighing.

The reason he came to Akademi High was to be able to spend more time with his sister. In the past, Taeko would play with him, help him with his homework and just overall spend time with him. It's what made her the best sister in the world.

But ever since she started going to high school, she started to spend less time with him. At first he didn't mind, since he's always heard how hard high school can be. But he realized that schoolwork wasn't the only thing that's been occupying her time. She would spend hours texting or on the phone with her friends after school and during weekends, she sometimes went out with them. In the past, it bugged him how Osano would drag his sister out of the house but Hanako quickly realized that he had had it easy with his sister's childhood friend. Osano at least didn't make him feel left out whenever he decided to accompany the two.

Their mother told him that it was normal, his sister was a teenager so it was natural for her to go out and experience things with her friends and just have some girl time. But Hanako wasn't happy with it. Call him selfish, but he wanted his sister all to himself. After all, no one would ever care for him, love him as much as Nee-chan does.

So he begged his parents to transfer him to Akademi High despite how dangerous it has rumored to have become. He had thought that maybe, if he could manage to be in the same environment as his sister, then maybe things can go back to how it was before.

Hanako's frown deepened. It looks like he had been wrong.

"Oh? Are you lost?"

Hanako snapped out of his thoughts when someone spoke up to him. Looking up, he found himself facing a girl with purple hair styled in twin-drills and one with short red hair.

"I haven't seen you around here before, are you new?" the girl with purple hair asked.

"A-ah. Yes! I'm a first year student and I just transferred here yesterday." He said, bowing deeply. He could feel his ears begin to tint red.

"Hah? What's a first year doing here?" the red-haired girl scoffed.

"Don't be so harsh on him, Yui-chan." The purple haired girl sighed before turning back to Hanako. "My name's Kokona Haruka, and technically your senpai. This is Yui Mio, you have to forgive her for being a bit…"

She trailed off but Hanako could tell that she had no intention of finishing her sentence. "My name is Hanako Yamada, it's nice to meet you."

"If you want we can show you around, it's not like we have anything better to do anyway." She offered.

"Ah, it's alright! I'm actually looking for someone." He said, and only at that moment realized that he had no idea where Ayano's classroom was. "Um, could you please tell me where Class 2-1 is?"

"2-1?" Kokona asked, putting a finger to her lips as she pondered.

"It's down the hall to the left." Yui answered for her.

"Ah, thank you!" he bowed again. "Well then, if you'd excuse me."

He walked off, practically speed-walking.

"I think you might have scared him a bit, Yui." Kokona said when he was out of earshot.

Yui only scoffed.

When Ayano climbed the stairs to the second floor, the first thing she saw was Taeko Yamada's younger brother standing in front of her classroom. He looked like he was about to go in when he spotted her.

"Aishi-senpai!" he called out before running to her.

"Hanako-kun? Is something wrong?" she asked, inwardly hoping to be able to get away from him as soon as possible. Her homeroom teacher was waiting, after all.

"U-um… I wanted to thank you for yesterday so…" Hanako couldn't help but blush when he handed her a Tupperware. Ayano took it and only then realized that she only had one loaf of bread for breakfast.

"Thank you."

"I-I'm not sure if you'll l-like it… I-I made it myself! Last night- I didn't really know how to repay you and I thought that food was the best way to go. But I didn't really know what you like, and Nee-chan didn't know either. To be honest, I don't really know why I decided to make rice balls but…" Hanako realized that he was starting to ramble. "I-I hope you like them!"

To his surprise, Ayano opened the Tupperware and took a bite out of it.

"It's good." she immediately said.

"R-really?!" it had been his first time making rice balls and it took him three tries to get it right.

To be honest, the rice balls weren't that great. The rice was a bit overcooked and he accidentally used sugar instead of salt. But Ayano thought it best not to mention that fact. The food was edible, and it's not like she was a picky eater. Although the rice ball only made her crave Amao's cooking even more.

"Yes." Only because she didn't really hate sweet things though.

"Th… that's great. I'm really glad you liked it!" He sighed and practically glowed with happiness. Ayano only shrugged and continued eating the rice ball.

"Where's your sister by the way?" she asked, looking around. "Are you alone?"

She had figured that after yesterday's incident, the girl would know better than to leave her brother unattended. Apparently not though.

Strange enough, his mood shifted although her kouhai still managed to force out a smile.

"Ah, she's helping her friend out with some club project or whatever…" he said.

"… I see."

It didn't take a genius to realize that something must've happened between the Yamada siblings that made the younger boy a bit depressed. Now normally, Ayano couldn't give two shits in a pan about whatever was going on in some person that she's only known for a day's life. But this was her kouhai and supposedly, as his senpai, she had the responsibility to look after him to the best of her ability.

The problem, though, is quite obvious. Ayano, for the lack of a better term, is emotionally retarded. She didn't understand the concept of empathy, so providing comfort is a completely foreign concept to her.

'Shit, what do I do?' she thought. Hanako was frowning and seemed to be lost in his thoughts which gave her time to think. 'Alright, you can do this, Ayano. Just calm down and think this through. Now… what's the best action to take in this situation?'

…

Ayano stretched an arm out to ruffle his hair. She remembered whenever Amao or Aso did this to her and it felt good… probably even comforting. Maybe it was just generally a thing that senpais are supposed to do? In any case, she did this to him yesterday and he didn't seem to hate it so...

Hanako seemed a bit startled at the gesture but didn't back away from her touch, which she took as a good sign.

"Thank you…" she said, awkwardly. "For the food. I…"

She wasn't really sure what to say.

"I hope I can taste some of your cooking again someday." is what she decided to say.

"E-eh?" he blushed. "Was it really that good?"

"… Yes." She said. It wasn't that good, but hey, whatever made him feel better.

"O-oh." He couldn't help but smile, his gaze falling to the ground in a bashful manner.

"Also…" he looked up to see her smiling face. "If you ever need anything… I'm here, alright?

…. Or something? Was that good enough? Ayano wasn't sure but hopefully he got what she was trying to say and if she's fortunate enough, she won't ever have to go through something like this again. God, being nice was hard. No wonder the world was filled with assholes.

He blushed harder. "Y… yes. Thank you, Aishi-senpai!"

"Call me Ayano."

"Eh?"

"It's fine, isn't it?" she shrugged. Both Amao and Aso had told her to call them by their given names on the first day that they met. "Just Ayano is fine."

"… Ayano… senpai." He muttered hesitantly.

"There you go." She gave him another smile and couldn't help but be reminded of Osano. He often got red too, maybe there was a bug spreading around in their neighborhood? She would have to ask Mujo about it later.

"You should head back to your class." She said. And she should meet up with her teacher. "… Do you want me to walk you to your room?"

Pleasesaynopleasesaynopleasesaynopleasesaynopleasesayno-

"Oh, no need! I don't want to trouble you more than I already have!" he said.

'YES!'"Are you sure?" she asked, frowning a bit.

"Yes! Please don't worry about me." He beamed. "Well then, have a good day, A-Ayano-senpai!"

She nodded. "Have a good day."

"Hm? Yui-chan? What are you doing over there?"

"Nothing."

Oko was stalking the Basu sisters again once he arrived at school; he had made a record of his knowledge of their daily routine which allowed him to be more inconspicuous. Knowing where they'll go allowed him to find hiding spots beforehand, although his record was still incomplete. He couldn't help but think of the possibilities if he had their full schedule.

He decided to spend more time on completing his record so he left the two alone and headed to the library.

The two sisters spent a lot of time together, but they obviously didn't go to the same class and they also tended to part ways when going home. Inkyu was the type to go straight home while on the other hand, Sakyu liked to spend time with her friends. During lunch, they often go to the roof. It's where they always hang out and chat, and it's always at the same place. But Inkyu likes to stop by at different club rooms before meeting up with her sister. This only started recently, so maybe she became interested in joining a club?

Oko poured all his knowledge into the notebook that he bought specifically for the purpose of storing this type of information. But somewhere along the lines, his mind started to wander.

This was much more effective than stalking the two endlessly. He really should've done this a long time ago. He's thankful that Ayano gave him this advice.

Ayano…

She texted him last night, saying that she couldn't find the book so she wouldn't be able to give it to him that day, but that she would keep on looking. Oko was touched that she would exert effort for someone like him. It surprised him that she would. Actually, a lot of things about her surprised him; how she didn't find him that strange, how she didn't seem to be bothered by him or even tried to avoid him, how she was willing to help him out without asking for anything in return, how thoughtful she was, how she said she enjoyed his company because no one has ever made him feel wanted before. That's why he made the Occult Club, he wanted to let others, people like him, feel like they at least belong somewhere. Through that, he's gained the respect of his club members.

But Ayano was different. She wasn't a member of his club, so there was no reason for her to talk to him. No one outside his club members talked to him unless it was absolutely necessary.

Why did someone like her approach someone like him? Sure, she was a bit of a loner, kinda like him. But she was smart and also very cute. She could be one of the popular students if she wanted to, so then why? It didn't make sense at all to him. Ayano Aishi was a complete mystery, even more so then any paranormal entity he's been investigating since entering high school.

Oko didn't realize when he stopped writing about the Basu sisters and just started staring blankly at the the half-filled page of his notebook. For some reason, he wasn't in the mood to study about the Basu sisters today. A certain girl is too busy occupying his thoughts and he couldn't help the urge to go see her, but worried that suddenly showing up in her classroom with no real reason would scare her off.

So instead, he turned his notebook and flipped open the very back page and started writing.

Ayano Aishi

Class 2-1

Member of the Gaming Club

"Hm?" Sakyu scanned their surroundings, stepping away from her and her sister's spot to seemingly look for something- or rather, someone.

"Is something wrong, Aneki?" her little sister, Inkyu asked.

"Oko-san isn't here." She said.

"Hm?" she frowned. "You mean, that weird occult guy who's always following us around?"

Inkyu looked around, thinking that the guy has probably just found a better hiding place or something.

"Eh? You're right." She said, looking just as surprised as her sister. "Maybe he got sick?"

"No, he looked fine earlier." Sakyu frowned.

The sisters were well aware that they were being stalked at school by a strange boy. He was kind of hard to miss, after all. Inkyu was creeped out about this and had wanted to tell the guidance councilor about it. But Sakyu stopped her, saying that they should just ignore him since no harm was being done. She honestly found it cute, how dedicated he was on following them around. What girl doesn't want to be showered with attention, after all?

Sakyu knows that Oko was the president of the Occult Club, and she's also aware that there's a rumor going around the school that she and her sister were vampires. She found it really funny and took pleasure on the dedication Oko showed in stalking them.

But now, he wasn't here.

"I wonder what happened to him…" she muttered.

Kizano woke up in a good mood that day. His morning was filled with smiles to the point that it slightly disturbed his father, while his mother was just happy to see him so cheerful. After going through his morning routine, he was off on his way to school a full hour before class starts which was normal. He was a Club President after all, he had responsibilities that other students didn't have. It was tiring sometimes, but he wouldn't give it up for the world.

Even on his way to school, he was still overly cheerful although he wasn't entirely sure why.

Yesterday was quite strange, he came across a kouhai who he had perceived to be one of those tasteless, plain critics who would never be able to appreciate art. Granted, that opinion was based on a first impression and he really should've known better than to judge someone based on appearances.

The girl, Ayano Aishi, was actually really nice. She, surprisingly, had very good taste and he was surprised that he actually found himself enjoying her company. She was a woman of a few words, but when she spoke, her words were meaningful which was a change from the kind of girls he was accustomed to being surrounded with. Those girls who were often too loud and talked for the sake of talking made being with Ayano like a breath of fresh air.

"As someone who's actually managed to spend time with you, I'd say your attractiveness would just be, as they say, the icing on the cake."

" If we were to go on first impressions, you seemed like a spoiled brat. And, well, you kind of are but there's more to it than that."

Kizano snorted at the memory, amused with a hint of a blush dusting his cheeks which he would've brushed off as the heat if anyone had asked. Who knew that she could actually be so interesting? What's more...

"Can you tell me more about that? Love?"

That was a strange question no matter how you looked at it, and it's probably not something you asked to someone you just started talking to that day. Did the girl not have any other friends? Probably not, judging from the way the other Drama Club members were talking about her the other day. It's hard to understand why though, she easily agreed to have a bite with him so she's most likely not the type who prefers to be alone or shy. And despite her blunt personality, she's actually quite likeable.

'Some people just don't know how to appreciate it, I guess.' he inwardly sighed. He had long ago found out that many people tend to be blind of the truly nice things in the world and take them for granted.

'Well, lucky for me, I suppose.' he mused.

This wasn't like the prank that they did the other day, which they only did because they were bored and wanted to amuse themselves. Other people might think so, but this was not the case this time. This time, it's different.

Ayano was different.

"Ah, President!" one of the girls in their club's acting department, a blond girl with foreign blood, immediately greeted him when he arrived at their club room and latched onto him. "Early as always, as expected from our President~!"

He put on his usual fake smile and let out a laugh, not giving any sign of disgust or even discomfort at how the girl was practically groping him.

"Of course! There's no way that I, as your Club President, will disappoint any of my precious members by neglecting my duties. Such a thing is simply unforgivable!"

"Uwah~! You're so cool, President!" she said, blushing.

"Ne~! Why don't you join me for lunch later on? I'm sure you must be so stressed with all these responsibilities." she said with a leer. "Why don't I help you relax~?"

This girl, Sora Tiho, has been flirting with Kizano ever since he's gained popularity. He's also heard from rumors that she goes around telling her friends that they would start dating after graduation, and the reason why they can't right now is because being a Club President takes up too much of his time and he doesn't want to neglect her. Many people believe this and say that they would be a great couple.

Kizano only rolls his eyes at that and chose to ignore them since there's no point in stirring up drama. He has no time for romance, and even if he did, there's no way he would ever waste his time on some cheap woman who would open her legs for anyone with an acceptable social standing.

She was a great actress, and that's the only reason why he decided to keep her around. She's a valuable asset to the Drama Club, nothing more and nothing less.

"Ah, please forgive me, my dear. But I'm afraid I have plans." he said, looking a bit distressed.

"Eh~? You always refuse my invitation! I'm starting to get lonely, President." she pouted. Kizano could hear the other club members, who also like to arrive early, whisper among themselves.

"There they go again."

"They're really cute aren't they?"

"A shame that the Club President is a busy man?"

"Right? They would be such a great couple!"

"I'm so jealous."

"As expected of the President, Sora's a real catch."

Kizano inwardly scowled. Are they stupid? The girl was absolutely annoying and he had to constantly remind himself that he can't snap at a girl, for both his reputation and his morals. All she has are good looks and acting skills.

Just like him if you think about it.

"I truly apologize, but maybe next time?" he gave her his most charming smile which left her blushing.

"W-well, of course I can understand how busy the President is..."

"Thank you." he said before setting off to do some work.

He was really looking forward to lunch with Ayano...

"Young Master! Please allow me to escort you to school!"

"Tch, how many times have I told you that it's not necessary?" Osoro scoffed. "I can go by myself."

"... If you wish."

"In any case, what were you talking about with Dad last night?" he asked, features turning serious. "Yaku-san?"

"Ah, it's nothing you need to concern yourself over, Young Master." he said. "There are just some issues that need to be addressed..."

Osoro stared him down for a few moments, knowing that there's more to it than that. But when Yaku-san refused to speak any more than that, he sighed.

"I'm off."

"Ah, by the way, Young Master. We'll send someone to pick you up after school."

"Absolutely not." he said through gritted teeth. "I'm not a child, I can walk home on my own."

"But..."

"What is really going on here, Yaku-san? Don't try to hide things from me, you're terrible at it." he scowled.

"..." Yaku-san sighed after a moment of silence. "I understand, then if you do not wish to be picked up, then at the very least please be careful on your way home."

Osoro hated being out of the loop, he hated it when people hided things from him or lied to him. He had enough liars in his life.

But at the same time, there was really nothing much he could do. If Yaku-san was keeping secrets from him, then it was most likely because he was ordered to by his father. The old man just couldn't comprehend that Osoro was no longer a child.

"... I will." he grumbled, taking his leave.

Yaku-san watched him go until he disappeared behind the gates before the man went off to perform his duties.

I was actually supposed to add Mido here but he's actually the reason why this took so long. MIDO IS SO HARD TO WRITE JFC, and probably because I'm not experienced enough in writing his sort of character :x So I decided, NAH. Imma update this week, THEY'VE WAITED FOR TOO LONG. But I still can't write Mido so he's gonna have to wait and Tada! He's been moved to the next chapter~! :3 I'll do my best for next week T^T

Don't worry~! Because I had Writer's Block for Mido, I had thought- You know what? I'm just gonna get started on the next scene and hopefully that'll get me more inspired and help get rid of WB. It didn't, but that just means that the next chapter is already halfway done :D Look forward to it!

This is the 10th chapter of Mission: Capture Ayano's Heart and I did not expect for so many people to like it so much. Thank you for your continued support despite my constant Hiatuses! . I'll keep doing my best! Also, thank you all for giving your suggestions! I listen to them all and they actually help me piece together the future of this fic.

I had also planned to do something special for the 10th chapter, since it's kinda like a milestone or an anniversary. But I didn't have the time... So expect an Omake next week :3 Or maybe a double upload? I dunno, we'll see ;) but there WILL be an update next week plus something special, as thanks for all your support! Look forward to it ^_^

Thetigerlovecats asked a question in the reviews. And to be honest, the simple question is it makes the writer happy. Like, if you made those octo-dogs and you went around school giving them away. When they say "Oh, thank you! This is really good!" it gives you a sense of fulfillment and it makes you happy. But on the other hand, if people took your octo-dogs, ate them then went about their day without saying anything, giving a comment or even showing any emotion indicating how they thought of your octo-dogs, then you just get anxious, you know? Same thing with fics.

Did that make sense? XD

Thank you for the wonderful reviews ~ !

This chapter was supposed to end with the Basu sisters but I thought it was too short so I added Osoro and Kizano. Ya'll said you liked Yaku-san so here's a little scene with him XD By the way, I read in a blog that each chapter and scene should contribute to the plot. And that's what I'm doing here. Every single scene in this entire fic, since the very beginning, has some contribution to the plot. Whether it's to strengthen the relationships between characters, foreshadow events or whatnot, it contributes some way to the story. Although a majority is to give the rivals exposure and to give them more time to fall for Ayano, there may be some things you've looked over. Just throwing that out there.

Anyway, Please review ~ !

~ RnR ~ !

~ RnR ~ !