∪･ω･∪

Once again, I apologize for the filler. I'll make it up for it with some more fluff in the future chapters.

"Why's that? Is she one of those women who think it's the end of the world when a guy has misled her?" Akashi asked blandly.

She ruffled the back of her head, "I thought it was like that at the beginning, but I heard from (Y/N) that Harumiya's father cheated on her mother countless of times and used to abuse her when she was a child because of how controlling he was...Still that doesn't give her an excuse to take it out on other people."

"..I can see where you're coming from." His thoughts drifted to his own father years ago after his mother died. "By the way, you speak as if (Y/N) worships her. What happened between them?"

Hime sat on a huge rock nearby, "Before everything, when (Y/N) and I were still kids, she had tons of friends. From kindergarten, she was the class sweetheart, the kind of brat who would let everyone borrow her pencils even if she didn't have one left to use for herself. It was like that until grade school, and then you already know what happened with her family so when we entered middle school, all of the people who knew her before, including her friends, avoided her. I'm guessing their parents told them to stay away from her after they found out what her stepfather did because they didn't want their children to hang out with someone whose father was a jailed criminal. (Y/N) was absolutely devastated when she finally came back to school after rehabilitation, but she didn't show it. She just kept her head high and tried her best to get used to things..."

Despite the angsty situation, Akashi inwardly smiled in awe, 'That's just like her.'

"And that's when she met Harumiya who transferred into our class because of a fight that happened with one of the girls in her previous one..."

(Flashback)

"Treat her well. I expect all of you to behave so Harumiya here will have no choice but to do the same." The teacher worded strictly then turned to her, "You may sit beside (L/N). (L/N), raise your hand." He commanded. The girl did as told, bringing up her hand motionlessly.

Shouko hummed as she nodded, "Got it, sensei." She walked over to her assigned seat.

"Wow, she's tall."

"She looks like a model, right?"

"Whatever, she's a slut anyways."

"Yeah, I heard she got into a fight with someone in her former class because she stole their boyfriends."

"Now, all of you, please take out your textbooks. We shall review once again regarding yesterday's topic."

"I don't have mine with me, sensei."

"(L/N), can you share with her?"

"Yes." (Y/N) stood up and carried her desk to merge with the girl's.

"Thanks, (L/N)-san~" Shouko smiled.

"Don't mention it." Came her monotone reply. Moments passed as they both sat in silence, listening to their teacher's discussion. Out the corner of her eyes, Shouko stared at the girl next to her and unconsciously observed her. (L/N) seemed to be the quiet type, a person of aptitude and predisposition. The dark haired girl's gaze lingered on (L/N)'s facial expression. It was void of any emotion; empty, and lacked life. She wondered if her seatmate was just rigorous?

She shook off the protrusive thoughts, grabbing her mechanical pencil all of the sudden, causing her eraser to fall off and bounce down on the ground below the table, beside one of (Y/N)'s feet.

"Err..excuse me, (L/N)-san, my eraser fell down near the other side of your foot. Can you please get it?" Shouko rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.

(Y/N) turned to her, nodding before reaching down to retrieve it. She handed it back to its owner with a blank face.

"Thanks and sorry for causing you trouble again. You must be pretty annoyed right now, huh?"

(Y/N) shook her head, "No, I'm happy to help."

Shouko blinked in wonder, "Oh? That's not what your face says though."

"Ah..I apologize. I really am happy." The girl replied incoherently.

"What's with that?" Shouko laughed a bit silently, "If that's so, then at least look like it."

(L/N) tilted her head in puzzlement, "..."

"I'm saying you should laugh and smile more. It's such a waste if you don't since you're pretty cute. A girl's smile is one of her prominent charms, after all."

"Really?" (L/N) asked, intrigued. "Like this?" Then attempted to give her one but it ended up too crooked and forced, especially when she used her fingers to raise the edges of her mouth.

Shouko clamped a hand over her own mouth to stifle her a burst of laughter that might disrupt the class,

"No, silly. A smile should come naturally when you really mean it or when you're enjoying yourself." She stated.

"Are you listening, Harumiya?" The teacher stopped to give the girl a warning look.

"Ah yes of course, sensei!" She sputtered, sitting up straight.

(Y/N) unknowingly let out a small and barely noticeable smile as she found herself entranced by her new seatmate. It was the first time someone spoke so leisurely to her.

Hime inwardly frowned at their exchange and decided to keep an eye on the Harumiya girl.

Because no one approaches her bestfriend without a hidden motive. Sue her for being wary.

.

.

"Um, (L/N)..are you done with your work? I need to collect it." Her classmate said in front of the said girl's desk.

(Y/N) just nodded and handed out her worksheet to her.

"Hey, (Girl Classmate's Name)! Hurry up! You don't want to be near someone whose disgusting father is in jail, do you?" Another girl hissed outside the classroom door.

(Y/N) flinched, trying not to tremble and cry. That's what she's good at doing at least.

Hime glared at the (Girl Classmate's Name), daring her to say anything.

"Of course, I don't..I don't even want to breathe in the same air as her. It's just because I was asked by sensei that's why I don't have a choice." (Girl Classmate's Name) replied, not looking at (Y/N) anymore and heading out to exit the classroom when a tall dark haired girl suddenly appeared on the doorway, her arm flung around the other girl's shoulder as the latter paled, slightly intimidated by the act due to Shouko's height.

"What were you girls talking about just now?" Shouko let out a closed eye smile.

"N-Nothing. Please get off of me." The other girl stuttered, trying to remove the arm that was around her but Shouko just tightened it.

"Oh, I'm pretty sure it wasn't nothing. It's not nice to pick on people, you know? Especially your own classmates."

"I wasn't picking on her! I was just telling the truth! Her father really is in jail! He's a criminal! She's dangerous!" The other girl fired, pointing at (Y/N).

"Shut your mouth! Don't you dare point at her!" Hime screeched furiously.

"So?" Shouko started, "The one who's in jail is her father, not her, right? Just because he's done unforgivable things doesn't mean that she has too. It's not hereditary so you shouldn't generalize her family. You don't even know what her father did." She dragged the girl whom she had her arm around towards (Y/N).

The two girls kept their silence, knowing Shouko had a point.

"Besides," Shouko continued, "Don't you think (L/N) has feelings too? How would you imagine she must've felt when you treat her like she's some kind of a virus?"

"It's not our fault, I just happened to hear from our other classmates. What did you expect me to think?"

"Just get out!" Hime clenched her fists and was about to walk over to them when a hand stopped her. (Y/N) had an iron grip on her forearm.

"Now, now." Shouko turned to the two girls as soon as she let go, "I think you lovely girls owe someone an apology."

They looked at each other before bowing, "...We're sorry."

"Why don't you go tell that to (L/N) here instead of me?" Shouko smiled kindly. The two turned slowly to the said person.

"We're sorry for our words, (L/N)-san."

"..It's alright. You have nothing to apologize for." (Y/N) responded with her face now buried against her hands.

Hime crinkled and twitched, "Leave already!" She yelled at the two as they bowed and scurried out the classroom hastily, "Nobody needs that kind of stupid half-baked apology."

"Hmm, Nijika-san. Instead of fighting fire with fire, why don't you fight it with water?" Shouko stated afterwards as Hime just glared at her. She ruffled (Y/N)'s hair tenderly.

"Hey, don't cry. Don't listen to people who aren't worth your time."

"I'm not crying."

Shouko smirked, "That's not what your face says though."

"

.

"Why the hell are you here?" Hime inquired snobbishly at the dark violet haired as soon as she entered (Y/N)'s room.

Shouko hid her growing displeasure at the blonde. The moment she met her, she knew that it was unlikely for the both of them to get along. Hime was one of the people that she disliked. In Shouko's eyes, just seeing how the blonde acts condescendingly, she knew she was one of those spoiled and pampered rich princesses (In honor of her name lol) who grew up and relied on their parents' affluence of renowned success and fortune.

"Why, you ask? (Y/N) invited me over herself." Shouko answered.

"We were supposed to go ice skating today! And don't call her by her first name so casually!"

"Well, that's too bad. We're close friends, believe it or not. Why don't you just let it be?"

"Let it be? What do you want from her? She isn't someone who you can mess around with!"

"Can you not assume such things? Is it bad that I just want to be her friend? Besides, we are already close to the point that we know of each other's past." Shouko lowered her face, obnoxiously looking down at the blonde, "I must say, although you have your convenient sides, (Y/N) doesn't need someone like you, who is the reason of her restricted social capabilities because of your anger issues and overprotectiveness, in her life."

Hime seethed, "Quit spouting crap like you know everything! Who do you think you are, interfering with our lives?! Don't let stupid things get into your head! (Y/N) just likes you because you're the first idiot to pretend that they care but actually don't!"

"Is that so? Then, (Y/N) is just hanging out with you because she must think she owes her life to you. Isn't that more pathetic? One-sided friendship established upon forced kindness and sympathy?"

Hime lost it and impulsively lunged at her, almost choking the taller girl.

The door opened as (Y/N) came in, wondering why her best friend was shouting. As soon as she saw the scene, she could only look at Hime in shock and disappointment.

"Let Shouko go, Hime. I won't forgive you if you hurt her."

Hime huffed and exhaled, "Yeah. Of course you're on her side. I'm the bitch who tried to strangle her after all."

"I'm not taking sides. I'm just saying there's no need for violence...What happened?"

"That's right, Nijika-san. You should listen to (Y/N) here. Just a little disagreement is all." Shouko forced a laugh.

"I'm sorry about her, Shouko. She has a short fuse."

"Oh, no worries."

Hime stared coldly at her, giving (Y/N) one last look before leaving.

.

.

"(Y/N)!" Shouko called out to her.

"What's the matter?" (Y/N) asked. She was on her way to the cafeteria to buy some food. Ever since the little dispute that happened in her home a week ago, Hime had kept her distance from them.

"Actually, there's someone who wants to talk to you."

"Huh.."

"(Boy From Another Class), come here! Stop hiding behind the wall, for goodness' sake!"

A male with average height slowly walked over to them like he was a robot. His steps awkward and monotone.

"I-I..Umm..h-hi! Nice to m-meet you, (L/N)-san! I-It's an honor!" Came his jumbled words as he bowed at a perfect 90° angle.

"...OK. What is it that you want?" (Y/N) narrowed her eyes at him, wondering what an unknown boy would need from her. She knew about her friend's activities with men, but she didn't mind. Shouko was still Shouko. The guy flinched, still bowing.

"I j-just wanted to tell you how p-pretty you are! That's all, bye!" He turned his heels and was just about sprint away in embarrassment when Shouko grabbed the back of his shirt.

"Not so fast, hun. You didn't tell her everything you wanted to say."

"H-Harumiya-san, please! S-She looks annoyed already! I'm pretty sure I'm b-bothering her!"

"Oh, that's just her face. Come on now. Grow some balls." Shouko slapped his back before turning around and waved at them, "Maybe you should accept him, (Y/N)!" Then she dashed out of their sights.

(Y/N) tilted her head, '..What am I supposed to do with him?'

"...Well?" She blinked at him.

"I..."

"..."

"I think you're really cute when you food- I mean eat! The way you walk, the way you keep pressing your lips when you listen to someone talk, I can't help but notice! Not to mention, y-you're very intelligent! Also, you have a beautiful name and I l-like that you're so short!"

(Y/N) masked her surprise, secretly flattered and thrilled at his daring confession.

"T-There! I said it! Thank you for l-listening to me, (Y/N)." He stuttered before taking his leave again. This time, with a light heart.

'Take advantage of their feelings.'

'Enjoy the fact that it's you who's in control. Not them, but you.'

'Touch them and let them know that you aren't just some toy they can play around and break so easily.'

'Vent it out. Vent it all out. Must show them.'

Shouko's words came flying back to her mind and before she could stop herself, (Y/N) harshly pulled back the boy as he stumbled back.

"(L-L/N)-san?..." He felt her breath kissing his ears.

"...Meet me in the science lab after class."

.

.

Hime scowled when she heard a series of moans inside the infirmary.

"Don't be so loud. Someone will hear you." A voice she knew so well suddenly spoke. Her eyes dilated, hesitantly reaching out for the doorknob and opened it..just in time to see her bestfriend littering some random guy's neck with hickeys, sitting on his lap.

"W-What's...going on here?! (Y/N)?! Who's that?!" Hime exclaimed in disdain, "What do you think you're doing?!"

(Y/N) twisted her head, "Hime..what does it look like?"

"Don't be a smartass now, get off of him! What are you thinking?! Harumiya put you into this, didn't she?!"

"You can go now." (Y/N) mumbled to the guy who blushed and nodded his head, picking up his school shirt then quickly left. Hime breathed audibly,

"I'll give her a peace of my mind."

"Don't. She didn't do anything. Rather, I'm enjoying this."

"What are you..this isn't like you!"

"Didn't you see that guy's face? He enjoyed it too." Hime cringed.

"(Y/N)..stop this."

"Hime. If you have a problem with it, then you can leave. I'm tired of you all judging me. What else do I have to lose?" Hime widened her eyes in fear.

"N-No! I get it, (Y/N)!" She sobbed, "I'm sorry! I'll try to be nicer to Harumiya! I won't get in your way anymore! Please don't tell me to leave! I just don't like how you easily get along with her! You can do whatever you want!"

"Hime." (Y/N) sighed and held up her arms wide open. The said blonde ran over to hug her, letting out loud sobs. "Shouko's parents just got divorced. Her dad commited infidelity and had been hurting her all her childhood. Now her mother finally had enough of him and is taking Shouko back with her to their hometown."

"...They're moving?"

"Yes."

"...And you're fine with that?"

"Why wouldn't I be? It's for the best. It's not like I'll never see her again."

"Oh...r-right." The blonde snifled, secretly relieved.

"I still have you here with me, don't I?"

Hime smiled in tears, "You got that right."

(End of flashback)

"In other words, it's all about your grudge against her, isn't it?" Akashi crossed his arms.

"The hell! No! Well, whatever!" Hime showed him her fist, "I'm just saying you shouldn't let your guard down around her. She might rape you and stuff. She's taller than you, you know. Damn it, don't you drink any milk or something?"

"My stature has nothing to do with this. Don't underestimate me. Seems like (Y/N) adores making friends who are giants compared to her. Aside from that, why would she make any advancements towards me?"

"You just gave off this aura of a manipulative asshole who likes regulating their partners. Pretty much the kind of guy Harumiya doesn't ever want (Y/N) to end up with. She'll probably try to jeopardize your relationship with (Y/N)...OK, let's see. Don't put in what you're not supposed to put in her."

"That last comment wasn't appropriate nor necessary. Don't worry. If I could handle you, there's no reason why I can't handle her." Akashi replied with a smile.

"Yea—What's that supposed to mean, huh?!"

"This is a nice place." (Y/N) said, looking around the area. They were on the outskirts of the town, at a beautiful and breezy meadow near a lake.

"Right? Wait till the sun sets." Shouko grinned, sitting on the grass. (Y/N) followed suit, hugging her legs.

"...So you live in Tokyo now?"

"Yup! It's a pretty neat place. I go to Shūtoku High with Midorima-kun."

"I see. How's your family?" (Y/N) asked.

"Good. Mom married this clumsy and nice guy a year ago. I gained two cute step siblings." Shouko giggled, pulling out her phone and showing a picture of two kids. Fraternal twins, a boy and a girl. (Y/N) stared in appreciation and wonder.

"They're so small..and squishy."

"I know, right? Hahah. Mou, you haven't contacted me in over a year. Visit me sometimes. I'll introduce you to them~"

(Y/N) smiled apologetically, "Sorry about that. I was a little busy in school so I haven't had the thought."

Shouko reached over and ruffled (Y/N)'s soft hair, "Heh, that's my (Y/N). So how are things with guys? Still not tied down to one, eh?"

"Umm..I'm with Seijūrō. We've been steady for months now."

Shouko blinked as if she didn't understand what has been said, "Steady? You? That can't be. He's just someone you're fooling around, right? You don't stick to one. Did you see the way he treated you? Like you were his possession? He even made you wear that jacket. You said you'd never date those kind of men. Men who control women are plain egoists."

"Shouko, things change. You don't even know him." (Y/N) frowned. She loved her friend and respected her, but if there was one thing she disapproved of her, it was the fact that Shouko has the habit of pushing her fixed opinions on other people.

"And so did you."

"You need to accept it. Besides, I never took it that far like you did."

Shouko emitted a reprobative expression, "Is that so?"

(Y/N) nodded, "I'm not intrested in other guys anymore. He's special."

"...You know what, (Y/N)?

The (h/c) haired girl tilted her in confusion.

"You're right. Enjoy the time you have with him..while you can." Shouko stood up, dusting the invisible particles on her and then smiled at her companion.

She was happy to hear Shouko's words but why does she feel bothered?