Again, the vacation they're referring to is April 29 to May 5, known as "Golden Week" in Japan. Thanks for reading!

"You really are too nice," Misa sighed.

"I don't think it's such a bad thing," Hiyori protested. "I just want to know if she had a reason for hating me so much."

"She's just a horrible person," Natsuki said, "Simple as that. And she wanted Yuushin's attention."

"Yeah but maybe she had a reason to dislike me, not just because I was close to Hirose-kun. Like Reina-chan did when we first met."

"Well excuse me," Reina said indignantly.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to say that." Hiyori was quick to apologize.

"It's fine, it's fine. It's true after all." Reina laughed. "But, we get along now, right? So I actually don't think it's a bad idea to try to get to know Kobayashi."

"How about no," Yuushin said, holding Hiyori closer. He had become more protective ever since he found out about the bullying.

"Yuushin, don't say that," Hiyori complained.

"Oh? When did you switch to calling him that?" Reina teased.

"Um, just...um...so about Kobayashi-san!"

"Well, she hasn't talked to you for more than a month," Ritsuka continued. "Is it really worth it to try? I don't think she cares. And at your request, we didn't even tell the teachers so you could fix it yourself. But if you are, you'd better hurry before anything else happens."

"That's true," Misa continued. Vacation has been over for weeks! It's been a month already right?"

"Ah it felt like such a short time ago." Ritsuka sighed.

"Career conferences are starting soon." Misa continued.

"AGH I don't even want to think about that!" Reina stomped her feet.

"I'm just going to attend a local university," Junpei stretched casually.

"I've been studying baking," Misa grinned.

"Ehh? A patisserie? If I think about it, that does suit you Misa...Hiyo what about you?" Ritsuka asked.

"Eh?" she looked away and shuffled her feet, "Um, I haven't decided yet."

Yuushin looked at Hiyori strangely. "Hey Yuushin, what about you?" Hiyori asked.

"Me?" he laughed, "Do I look like a guy with a plan?"

"That's a good point," Kou muttered.

"That was mean," Yuushin pouted.

"Well you just admitted it yourself right?"

"Then, what are you planning to do, Kou-kun?" Yuushin asked.

"I'm planning to attend Kyoto University to study law," he stated matter-of-factly. Hiyori's eyes widened. She then looked away, avoiding everyone's gazes.

"WHAT?!" Everyone was shocked.

"You're going to be quite a distance from here then!" Yuushin exclaimed. "Well," Not too bad. We went to Kyoto for our field trip after all."

"We'll miss you!" Reina and Misa piped up.

"That's too bad," Yuushin said. He nudged Hiyori, "Hey say something!"

"Uh, yeah, I'll miss you," Hiyori said nervously. The school bell rang. "Ah, let's get to class!"

A hand reached out and grabbed Hiyori's wrist. She opened her mouth to scream. "WAHH-"

"Shhh relax Hiyo. It's not Ami and her gang, just me," Ritsuka said.

"Ricchan?" Hiyori let out a sigh of relief. "RIcchan don't do that. You scared me! I almost dropped my lunchbox."

"Ah don't worry I'll let you go eat with Yuushin later."

"No that's not it," she blushed.

"Hiyo."

"Y-Yeah?"

"Why didn't you tell everyone this morning? What you're planning to do?

Hiyori stopped in her tracks. Her entire body seemed to freeze. "Ri-Ricchan," her voice shook as she turned to face her. "How do you know that?"

"Your mom told me," Ritsuka said softly, feeling a little bad. "Why didn't you tell the rest of us? I know you've had this planned out for a while now. Don't try to hide it."

Hiyori clenched her fists and walked out of the bathroom. Without turning her head, she whispered, "I'll see you later," and shut the door. It clicked quietly, leaving Ritsuka there alone.

"Yo, Hiyorin."

"Huh?!" She jumped. "Oh, it's Hirose-kun."

"So you still do call me that sometimes, huh." Yuushin smiled.

"Ah, sorry. Force of habit."

"It's fine, it's fine. Like I said, call me whatever you want to. What are you doing?"

"I want to go find Kobayashi-san," Hiyori replied.

"Now?" Yuushin blinked.

"Yeah."

"Hm? Isn't it kind of dangerous? She might try to hurt you again."

"But maybe I can help her. She must have had some sort of reason to hate me right?"

"Oh Hiyorin," he hugged her from behind and rested his head on hers. "Not everyone is as innocent and pure as you are. Do you want me to come?"

"I'm going to try to do this myself," she pumped up her fists.

"Good luck, Hiyorin," he smiled as she ran off with her newfound confidence. "I'm happy for you," he whispered, though she was too far away to hear.

Hiyori looked around for Ami. I hope I have enough time to talk to her before class, she thought.

"Sugoi, Ami-chan. You're good at everything!"

"No no, you're flattering me!"

Hiyori perked up at the sound of her voice. "Kobayashi-san! She panted.

"Who's that?" a first-year asked in disgust.

"Ah, that's Yuushin's girlfriend!" One of the second-years exclaimed. "I know you! Do you need anything Hiyorin?"

"Hiyorin?"

"Um, yes, that's me! Can I talk to..." she trailed off. "Kobayashi-san!" she ran after her.

"What do you want," she sneered. "I won't bother you anymore, so leave me alone already. I don't need your pity. Or have you come to make fun of me?

"Huh? No that's not it at all! I just wanted to hel-"

"Leave me alone," Ami cut her off and walked away.

"You've already filled everything out? As expected of you, Nishiyama-san."

"Yes, here you go."

"These seems like reasonable choices. Are you happy with them? No one's pressuring you to do this?"

"Um, I'm not completely sure yet."

"Are you comfortable with leaving home? You'll have to sacrifice a lot to do this."

Hiyori paused a bit, pondering. "I have to be. If I want to accomplish my goal," she answered.

Mittan frowned. "Be sure to be absolutely certain before you make any final choices. You know?" She smiled. "You've come a long way, Nishiyama-san. A bit of advice: even with grades like yours, it won't be easy. Study hard. You'll have to give up many things, but I know it will work out." She hit her head a little, laughing. "I actually sounded like a teacher there. Right? Right? That was really cheesy."

"Thank you very much," Hiyori tried to smile at the talkative Mittan.

"Do your friends know about this?"

Hiyori froze for the second time that day. "Let me guess," Mittan continued, "You don't want to wreck your relationship with Hirose-san right? So you've decided not to say anything." Hiyori was silent. "As I expected," Mittan sighed as Hiyori gave a slight nod. "I know it's hard. But you'll have to move on at this point. Become independent. I'm sure it will work out fine."

"I don't know how to tell them."

"The sooner you tell them, the more time you have to work everything out."

"Yes," Hiyori choked out. "But," she thought for a moment. "I don't think I'll be completely alone. But in a way, it might turn out to be a bad thing, since someone close to me is going there too. But I hope Yuushin, I mean, Hirose-kun won't be upset. That's the problem."

"Oooh, some drama huh?" Mittan was interested.

"Um, it might make things a little...awkward."

"Well," Mittan said, "With your shy personality, I never expected this. But Kyoto University is a fine university."

I've been writing a fanfic for a book, so updates are probably going to be a lot slower. Sorry! But I hope you liked the chapter. As you can tell, it's a totally new storyline. Thanks for reading and please review!