Reminder: Story slowing down due to essays I have to work on (Update wise, not plot-wise. That's already slow xD)

This is NOT a new chapter if you have read the date scene already, this is a LESS typo version (Cause I'm too lazy to reread my crap.)

Random fact: I originally did not intend Ryoko to be part of the harem, but as I kept writing and writing, the more text messages and the call between them, I felt that it would be wrong for her to not be the first.

ENJOY!

.o0O0o.

Friday afternoon, we had just finished the last of our assessment tests, I waited in the room while the rest of my classmates left to do whatever it is they wanted to.

"Did you need something, Naegi-san?" Seiko asked after the last of them left.

I nodded to the pharmacist/teacher. "Yes, actually, you see a friend of mine is coming into town, and I promised to spend the day with her tomorrow. Do you know if she's allowed to come onto campus?"

Seiko thought for a moment, "As far as I am aware, she is not," I deflated a bit. "However, I am not certain, how about we go up to the Headmaster and see what he has to say?"

"Sure!" I inwardly fist pumped, there's a chance! Luck don't fail me now.

The two of us walked up the various flights of stairs, walking down the numerous hallways. "Hey, Kimura-san?"

"Yes?" She asked turning her head towards me.

"Why are the stairs so far away from each other?!" I asked in exasperation. Seriously, was there a need for the stairs to not just be right next to each other?

"That, my dear kohai, is one of the school's greatest mysteries," said the pharmacist.

I stared blankly at her, and she shrugged, this school is going to drive me insane one day.

Finally, after several stairs and hallways, and numerous classrooms passed later, we arrived at the Headmaster's room.

Seiko knocked on the door, and just briefly afterward, the sound of shuffling papers, a familiar voice called from the other side, "Come in."

We stepped in and saw that Headmaster Kirigiri was swamped with work, I couldn't stop myself from asking, "Is... now a bad time?"

"What? Oh, no, no." He moved the papers over, "I'm rather thankful you guys have come in, I was going to drive myself crazy with all the work that needs to be done. Now, what did you need?"

Seiko nodded to me, I stepped forward and explained the situation. "Okay, so my friend was coming into town to visit me, and I wanted to know if it was okay for her to come onto campus. I wasn't sure if it was allowed because it doesn't seem to be the case."

The headmaster nodded, "I see," he reached down into his desk and rummaged in one of the cabinets before pulling out a packet.

"You see, Naegi-san, the school is run by the government, and we cannot just have people watching the classes. For one, it's a distraction for the students, another is it would crowd the hallways, and I'm sure you've noticed the rather... poor structure regarding hallways."

I couldn't help but give him a deadpanned stare, "Ya think?"

He chuckled, "The school originally started out with only two stories, throughout the years the school has expanded. This usually happens every couple of decades, actually, we are currently trying to expand once again, though this time I recommended we expand differently.

"If you've taken the time to explore campus grounds, you would have seen how the campus grounds is actually quite large. The previous headmaster suggested we claim the surrounding area, as at the time it was empty, now that the school has made a name for itself, the city began to grow around it. Rapidly at that. The largest construction sites will include the new academy, one that has much more square feet per floor than this, and another will be a recreation center styled area. I was thinking of making it almost a small community.

"So like a university town?" I asked I had thought of the idea when I had seen the grounds.

He nodded, "Precisely. Now, a majority of this has been confirmed, as well as the idea to create research labs, which Seiko," He nodded to the girl, "Had mentioned to me that some of you had heard of them. The research labs will generally be served somewhat like a research area, but... I believe a term you may be familiar with is a 'gaming house,' the ones that young adults join if they are competitive video gamers?" I nodded, I was familiar with the terms.

"Now, we do plan on adding in a dorm area, though it will be less like the dorms you currently have, it will also have more form to them. I would go on, but I think I should get back on topic," The headmaster said, "Due to all the construction, having news crews and visitors all the time would slow down construction greatly, and as they say, time is money, and we do not have that kind of money.

"As such, people like news crews, family, or any other visitors must either schedule ahead of time, with explicit instructions as to what to do, or they must sign a contract." He waved the papers. "When your friend comes, bring her up here and we can fill it out."

I nodded, sweet, so Ryoko was good to go, "Is there anything I should know or be aware of?"

He thought for a moment, "Well, you aren't allowed to record anything, don't disturb classes, don't disturb the students, However, if they come up to you, then it's fine. Other than that do keep in mind that you are only allowed to have one visitor at any given time, and this is shared up to four students per class. This means a max of sixteen visitors can be here at once, though most do not have such occasions to bring friends or family over."

I nodded, a bit strict but fair. "Thank you, sir."

"Ah, before you go, I have a favor to ask of you, Seiko-san, you're excused." The headmaster called, reaching into his desk once more.

My temporary?-instructor nodded, "if you need anything else Naegi, I'll be in the chem lab for the next few hours."

"Okay, thanks for the assistance, Kimura-senpai."

As she left the headmaster finally pulled out a gift wrapped in purple... wrapping. He scratched his cheek, "I know this is a bit odd, but last month, October 8th, it was my daughter's birthday. I have missed a lot of those since, well I won't bother you with family details, but I wished to make up for them.

"If you come across her over the weekend, could you give this to her? I'm not asking as your headmaster and you are welcome to refuse, but I'm asking as a father of a classmate or friend.

"I would do it myself, but our relationship, history, and positions make it difficult. If not, just bring it back and if you could ask my daughter to see me, I know its a bit much to ask after just the first week, but I'd be grateful." The headmaster- no, Jin Kirigiri, father of the Ultimate Detective, asked me.

I nodded, "Sure thing."

"Thank you, you're excused," he dismissed me.

Makoto: I got the green light, you can come over, just need a few papers to sign and go over once you arrive.

A moment later, I got her response.

Ryoko: Alright! I should arrive sometime around breakfast, or around 7 if you are one of those people who eat earlier or later.

Makoto: I'll have you know it is perfectly normal to eat earlier or later than 7 in the morning! And I do eat breakfast at 7.

.o0o.

Come the next morning, I was bright up and early. I decided not to go about my usual routine and instead opted to just change into a fresh set of clothes.

Thank goodness I showered last night. I thought to myself.

It was 6:53, Ryoko should arrive at any moment now, so I grabbed Kirigiri-san's package and made my way to the main gate and leaned on the brick entry.

"Makoto!" A very familiar voice chimed.

Turning to the source, there, exiting a taxi cab, was the red-haired girl herself. She immediately rushed to me and gave a quick, one-armed hug. "Hiya!"

I laughed, "hey there, Ryoko, I'd ask how your dreadfully average day is, but that would be a lie, wouldn't it?"

The girl shoved me aside, "Oh quit being a spoilsport! Come on, let's had to this headmaster of yours!"

At this moment she noticed the package I had, "What's that for?"

I placed it under my arm, "A package the headmaster asked me to deliver to his daughter if I come across her."

"You mean Kyoko Kirigiri, correct?" She asked.

I was a bit startled she was aware of who my classmates were, "You know her?"

"You're not the only one who does research, I find looking things up quite entertaining, so yes, I know her. As well as your other classmates and anything worth reading up on," she admitted.

Letting or a low whistle, I remarked, "Didn't know you were into that kind of stuff."

"Well, why else do you think I get bored so easily?" She added as we made our way into the main hall. "I know quite a bit about the world. My observations have also helped build a foundation for explaining things. Why people do the things they do or think the way they have.

"Nothing in the world is random, there is always a reasonable explanation. You just need to take some time to figure out why."

I nodded in agreement, "Makes sense, so," I began as we made out way up the first of many stairs, "What would you like to do first, after getting the papers, I mean?"

"Breakfast, I'm absolutely famished."

We laughed at that.

The two of us continued to walk up the second story stairs. I thought I heard a chime but blew it off as the wind.

"Geez what is with these stairs?" Ryoko addled as we walked down the third-floor hall, the hall where the stairs are unreasonably appeared by practically the entire hall.

"I've mentioned," I sighed. "Just... ignore it, for now, I could give you a tour if you wish?"

"Are you kidding? More walking? Going up and down these stairs and through the halls is a workout by itself!" I agreed with her.

Another flight of stairs and hallway, we finally arrived at the Headmaster's office. I quick knock later and we were greeted by the young adult. "Ah, Naegi-san, and... hmm, I do not recognize you, oh wait, you must be Naegi-sans friend! Allow me to welcome you to this academy."

Ryoko gave a short curtsey, "Thank you for letting me visit." She smiled and leaned onto me, Kirigiri-san raised a brow but said nothing.

"Well, I have the papers here, just sign on these lines," he pointed, "and I'll sign after, give you a pass and you will be free afterward."

Ryoko filed her head, "That all? Why don't more come visit?"

"Well, we limit those who can come to friends and family of students, hence why I had Naegi-san bring you here, then the limit of who can come over, lucky you, there were only two others who requested to visit from your class."

So two others were visiting? I wonder who they could be, but I didn't want to pry information from my classmates, they might be embarrassed or in for a surprise.

"Huh, lucky indeed," She said in a knowing tone, I gave her a quick shove causing them to laugh. "Kidding! Anything else I should know?"

"Follow the laws, follow school rules, and although this isn't needed to be said, don't disturb any classes. Oh, and you'll have to stick to each other during your stay."

"Works for us!" We cheered and high-fived.

"Haha, well, just sign and I'll give you the pass." He slid over the parchment.

Ryoko took it in hand and quickly scanned through the page, "Alright seems acceptable," she took out a pen and signed her name across the various lines whenever addressed before passing it back.

The headmaster scavenged through his desk and pulled out a lanyard with a guest pass on it, similar to those from conventions.

"You're free to go, and Naegi-san, remember-"

I held the wrapped box, "Will do."

We left him after that.

"So... Breakfast?" Ryoko grabbed my hand, and with her other hand stretched out she pointed towards the ceiling.

"To breakfast!"

.o0o.

The two of us arrived at the cafeteria, almost devoid of students. Then again, for my class, it was our first weekend and thus, first actual free day here. The other students are probably equally as lazy, not that that was a bad thing, just not my thing.

"Morning Makoto and, oh, hello, who are you?" It was Sayaka, I hadn't spoken her since Thursday when she and I decided to go for a bit of a walk.

Ryoko looked at the girl and the offered hand, "..." She shuffled a bit behind me. Odd, I didn't take her to being shy, then again...

"Why aren't you more like me?!"

Perhaps... shy... isn't the right wording.

"Ahem," She coughed before accepting the handshake. "Ryoko, Ryoko Otonashi, I'm Makoto-kun's best friend and wanted to visit since I was coming around."

"O-oh... well, that's nice," Sayaka said a bit hesitantly, pulling her hand back. "I'm Sayaka Maizono, I've known Makoto since middle school it's a pleasure to meet you?"

"That remains to be seen."

It was an awkward standoff, so I pulled Ryoko aside, "Alright, come on now analyzer, diva, let's get some food first?"

"I am not an analyzer! / diva!" They cried out indignantly.

I rolled my eyes, "Uh huh, sure, but anyways, breakfast you two?"

Ryoko grinned at my side, but Sayaka shook her head.

"I've just finished. Oh, and Hanamura-senpai was up this morning and decided to cook for us, something about his classmates celebrating something. Also, Ibuki invited me to speak with her since it has been quite some time since we had a gig together. Something about a school performance or other." The pop sensation mentioned, "Trust me, whatever hair-brained scheme she has, is always the better alternative than her insane plan-Bs."

"I sense a story." I teased.

"Really? Do tell, because I seem to be numb." Sayaka rebutted, "I'll be on my way, see you around Naegi-san... Otonashi-san."

"Well... That was something. Come on now, I'm starved. You'll love Hanamura-senpai's coming, its divine." I said as we strolled into the kitchen.

Then we saw the Ultimate Cook at work, on the counter were countless amazing dishes. The chef himself was whistling a giddy little tune. When he turned to reach for some spices, he noticed us.

"Why, hello there, Naegi-san correct?" I nodded, his eyes wandered over to Ryoko, "And who might this beautiful breasted guest be?"

"Not into you, that's for sure." Ryoko deadpanned.

The chef shrugged before returning his attention to his cooking, "I'd be hurt if it wasn't expected. A friend of yours, Naegi-san?"

I nodded before realizing he couldn't see, "My best friend, we met over summer."

"Fast friends, what can I make for you two? Oh and help yourselves to the food on the counter, there's plenty where that came from."

We gave him our preferences, but before leaving Ryoko asked, "What's the occasion anyway?"

"Oh, that? Our instructor, Yukizome-sensei, graduate of the 74th class here at Hope's, has us always decide some group activity. Most of the time we leave it up to Chiaki-chan, I am sure you've met her, to decide for us. However, we were fairly interested in getting to know you guys more. Well, almost all of us, Fuyuhiko-kun and Peko-chan by proxy were indifferent.

"I myself just felt it meant more time to feel at home, in a kitchen. So we decided around 7:30 to about 8:30 so I'm making a 'Round-the-world' breakfast for everyone. Though if any of our senpais wanted anything I'd be glad to make some for them too." Hanamura answered, "Why don't you two take a seat outside, I'll finish up this dish then work on your guys' and bring it out for yall."

The two of us she'd and we took a two-person table.

"So," Ryoko started, "How have you been?"

"Ryoko, we talked about this last night, other than meeting you nothing has changed, and it certainly hasn't got worse with you around."

"What? Is it wrong for your best friend to ask how you are? " Ryoko answered.

I shook my head, "Its fine since food is on the way what would you like to do really?"

"Any place you had in mind," She asked back, before suddenly adding, "Except the garden."

I nodded solemnly, "Except the garden," opening an eye I peered at Ryoko, who was trying to hold in her giggles.

"Sorry to interrupt, but here's your meal, enjoy you two, and if you want seconds to give me a holler," Hanamura said waving off.

Ryoko and I decided to go simple, I went with an omelet Kirmi once a maid, and Ryoko I could only assume was a special breakfast, if only by how foreign the dish sounded.

We ate in general silence, taking a few moments now and again to bring up a topic of discussion.

Halfway through our meal, the class of 77, as well as about two-thirds of my own, had entered.

As per usual, Aoi and Sakura due to their training habits, followed by Mondo who, if his frazzled hair meant anything, either just got out of bed or off his bike from a morning ride. Celestia, Kyoko, Taka, and Chihiro soon entered.

Once they had, Chihiro walked over to us, as we usually had some meal together, "Hey there, Chihiro," Ryoko turned to the girl in question, probably to see who I was speaking with.

"Hey Makoto," the programmer smiled, "Oh, is this the Ryoko Otonashi?"

Oh god no.

"Depends... who is asking?" Ryoko said apprehensively.

The programmer gave a half-hearted curtsey, "Well, I am Makoto's imouto's best friend of... I think four years or so. Makoto has mentioned you quite a bit."

Ryoko gave a small grin, oh god no.

"All good things I would hope," Ryoko answered.

"Only good things? He practically praises your text messages, as though the world must stop to allow him to read them."

I banged my head on the table. "Somebody end me." The two laughed.

Ryoko scanned her, up and down, "Well, it seems the feelings were not mutual, I haven't heard of you before, not from Makoto-kun at least. The internet, however, says many, many things about the class of 78."

Chihiro gasped, hand against her heart, "Makoto, I thought I knew you better than this!"

"Dear god there are two of them."

Ryoko let out a joyous laughter, "Okay, I think we are done..."

"Thank g-"

"for now."

I groaned and the table got familiar with my face again. "Ugh... what have I done?"

"Bringing together a beautiful friendship?" Chihiro suggested.

I raised my head to give a blank stare.

"Oh cheer up Koto-kun! We're just teasing you," Ryoko smiled, "Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Fujisaki-san."

Chihiro blinked, "I... don't believe I mentioned my last name..."

"Internet," Ryoko sang, "I would have thought the Ultimate Programmer would be aware that you could find anything on the Internet."

The ultimate shrugged, "fair enough, I'll see you around, and Ryoko," a devious little grin appeared, as she put a hand up to block me from seeing her mouth, but without queuing down she said, "If you care to swap stories about the resident lucky student, I'll be in the A/V room."

"I heard that," I said giving the girl a flat look.

She smiled and without a word, held Ryoko's hand for a moment and walked into the kitchen.

I looked at Ryoko, "What was that about?"

She smiled and twirled her hair, "Oh... girl stuff."

.o0o.

"Well... that about sums up the school," I said as we stopped outside the garden room, neither of us wanting to actually enter. "What do you think?"

"Hmm... well its pretty fascinating, not exactly something you'd expect in a High school, or in one place for that matter," Ryoko admitted, "but... there is one place you haven't shown me."

I tilted my head and jabbed a thumb, "Do you really want to see that thing? That thing may as well be a man-eating plant if they use it to eat up leftover eggs."

"Heck no!" The analyst paled, "Who in their right mind would walk in there?! I meant your room, you do live on campus, don't you?"

"Ryoko, you are my best friend... but we also meet only a while ago, isn't showing you my room a bit too... I don't know, sudden?" I asked wide-eyed.

She lightly punched my shoulder, "Kidding, I know. I wouldn't let you see my room either, just teasing you." She said as we made our way down the stairs. "How about a tour of the grounds then?"

I thought for a moment. Seems alright, "Sure, we can grab some lunch and eat out too."

She linked arms with me, "My dear, dear Makoto, is the ultimate lucky student hoping to ask me, on a date."

As we rounded a corner, I trooped her on her feet and caught her, "And if I was?" I asked, deeply looking into her eyes.

Her mouth flopped open and grew three new shades of red, "I-I-I."

I picked her back up. "Well?"

"W-Well?! H-Hold on this isn't in the script! Y-you're supposed to smile and joke that you were getting payback or something for me teasing you earlier!" she stuttered.

I shrugged, "And if I wanted to treat it as a date?"

"B-but, I-I..." I was almost worried she would pass out with all the blood rushing to her head, but she let her head down and mumbled something inaudibly.

"What was that?" I asked, wanting to know if she was okay.

"I said... okay..." Ryoko admitted, pouting adorably.

I smiled, "Didn't expect that now did ya, miss supreme Analyst?"

"Shock gauge filled for the day and tomorrow and- you know what? I think I'd be fine with the rest of this week being perfectly predictable."

I smiled as I offered my hand to her, "We both know that's a lie, now come on, I don't know what you'd like for a picnic."

A still blushing Ryoko took my hand as we continued our way down.

.o0o.

After making ourselves a basket, we walked outside to show her the grounds.

"Well, the grounds are under construction," I motioned to the restricted areas and mounds of dirt, "The school plans on becoming something akin to a university town, one where the students get a 'real life' experience while developing their talents.

"Some of these research labs will overlap, like mine and Ludenberg-san's might, due to our talents relying on luck. For her, somewhat indirectly, and for me, almost entirely. I don't know particularly what it could be, but who knows?" I shrugged, "Hey, there's a spot over there, want to take a break?"

Ryoko wasn't paying attention, she was just looking ahead, I waved a hand in front of her, "Oh! Sorry, yeah, yeah okay, there sounds good."

I smiled and guided her over to the tree that I often took a break under.

The two of us spread the blanket we had gotten from the storage room before actually getting ready for lunch. We really only made light sandwiches and brought a box of juice pouches. What? There weren't any pitchers that were spill proof, and neither of us wanted to carry a pitcher since she had no clue where to go, and neither of us knew how far we would go.

"So Ryoko, what about you?" I asked as I passed her a sandwich. "You know how my daily life has been, what's the Otonashi-lifestyle like?"

Finally snapping out of her stupor, she pulled out a notepad from her back pocket, "Well let's see... at school, its somewhat the same as you, testing and assessments since we are moving on to a new section. I... don't really have any other friends, so my days out of class are really dull, you know when you aren't available for me to talk to."

"My phone is always available for a call, Ryoko, well, outside of class." I cut in, she smiled in thanks.

"I know, trust me," She grinned softly before continuing, "There's also one of my classmates that keeps trying to talk to me, but she's so... so... so-"

"Predictable?" I asked, Ryoko and I hardly have any complaints, but the obvious and predictable are our triggers. For her, its a habit to notice, for me it's so normal not to. I have a feeling, being in this school is going to make normal things even more painstakingly obvious. I shuddered, wondering if that was a good or bad thing.

Good that normal wasn't common... bad because what the heck would I consider normal after four years here?

"Exactly." Ryoko sighed, "She's... okay... and all, asking if she can help, or if I want to hang out, but... it feels so cliche, I'm the loner, so someone has to make me not-loner. To do so, they bug the living heck out of me, try to be my friend and try to worm their way into my life. People like them? They'd never understand my hatred for the plain and usual. So I try to avoid or ignore her as much as I can."

"Is she that bad?" I had to ask, "why not give her the benefit of the doubt, I mean she could be something unexpected, daughter, of the mayor, or celebrity in disguise?"

"..." She gave me a certain look, a certain, eyebrow raised, 'Do you even hear yourself' look.

"...Well?" I asked looking away, fighting the rising blush for suggesting an unrealistic possibility. "It'd be unexpected!"

"If that were ever the case that wasn't movies, sure." Ryoko said, "The problem isn't her, Koto, it's me... you, us."

"Us?" I echoed.

"Us. When we meet... I guess you didn't break down my walls, you didn't melt my frozen heart, you climbed the barriers that reached the sky, you pierced through something I considered impenetrable. You eluded all my insecurities and placed yourself beside my heart. I was broken when we meet, I had fallen to pieces and decided it was better broken to shards than broken to dust. Then... you came in and started picking the pieces up. And now?

"Now the pieces are coming together."

I held her hand, my sandwich resting on its plate. "Ryoko..." I said softly, with my other hand I guided her to look at me, "I'm... I don't know what to say, just that... I'll always be the for you. We're partners in crime," I smiled, "Agents of entropy and messengers of chaos, the harbingers of insanity."

At this, Ryoko was smiling, "hmm... I quite like being an agent of entropy."

I stood and bowed, "then we shall set the world spiraling into insanity."

Ryoko giggled and took my hand, pulling me back down. "Alright, be honest, was this to get me out of my stupor?"

"I shall neither confirm nor sent that statement." I gave a grin that gave everything away, and Ryoko gave me a slap on the shoulder.

"Prick," she laughed.

With a smirk, "I-"

"Oh hey, Naegi- And... person?" It was Aoi and Sakura.

Blinking owlishly, "Eh? erm, guys? Kinda having a picnic at the moment with my best friend, Ryoko."

"Aww how romantic! You two totes look like the perfect couple," to which Ryoko and I were competing who could imitate a redder tomato. "What do you think, Sakura?"

Shaking off my embarrassment, "I wasn't aware you two were on a first name basis."

"Hina and I are actually quite close friends, we met at a girls-athlete training camp a few years ago, though we never spoke much afterward, it was written a surprise to see each other. Since then the two of us work out each morning, usually laps around campus or training in the weight room." Sakura explained. "Though, I have to admit you two remind me of myself and my boyfriend back home."

Ryoko looked stunned, though her blush was dying down, "H-hold on! W-we aren't a couple!"

"Coulda fooled me," Aoi shrugged, "You two seem way too close to each other to just be best friends. Plus there was that totes cute speech you gave her Makoto, it's like you were being diabolical, and adorable at the same time, you were like Adora-bolical!"

I shrugged and smiled, "Well, I did ask her out on a date."

"I knew it!" Aoi grinned pointing an accusing finger at us, "Well, nice talking."

Sakura nodded in agreement, "Seems that one of you is accepting," Sakura laid a gentle, but firm hand on Ryoko's shoulder. She had a soft, yet tired, almost longing look in her eyes, "Don't hold your feelings back forever, you might never get the chance to say them if you wait too long."

I doubt I was supposed to hear her, but something in both mine and Ryoko's hearts felt something from that.

The two of them left us alone at that, and we continued to eat in an awkward silence.

Eventually, I couldn't take the silence anymore. I subtly fished out my phone and wrote a quick message.

Makoto: I meant every word. About being with you and all.

I hit send.

Ryoko felt a slight buzz in her pocket, reaching down she saw the app signifying a new incoming message.

At her quizzical glance at me, I could tell she at the very least new I sent a message, just not what it was. Not yet, at least.

My best friend's eyes widened as they scanned the screen. I smiled, "every word."

"Mou... this wasn't how I planned today to go."

"Would you have it any other way?" I questioned.

A grin, "Well..." I gave her a light push, "Okay! Okay, no. But can I get a slice of normality today?"

"After lunch, my dear, after."

.o0o.

After we had finished our meals, I offered her a walk through the town. "So... is this your first time in the city?"

"Well, I've not been around, but I have been in town before, only for specific areas though." Ryoko waved her hand towards the buildings.

I nodded, "Well, I haven't been around much either. I told you, do you remember?"

The red-haired girl nodded. "You live somewhere to like half an hour's walk from Hope's Elementary, right?"

"Yep, Monaca, my youngest imouto, goes there." I clarified, "I planned on seeing her tomorrow."

"Planned?" Ryoko asked, suddenly she looked very worried, "Um... I didn't cut into your time with her did I? Cause I know you really love her, and I didn't want to get in the w-"

"Ryoko! Calm down, I planned on meeting her tomorrow regardless of you coming. Besides, why wouldn't I want to see you? You're my mistress of melancholy."

"And you, Makoto, are my own little bundle of misery... a bit of a despair teddy bear." She teased back with a light nudge.

I rolled my eyes, "Can't I at least be a regular bear? Despair Bear sounds so much better." I whined playfully.

"Nope! Despair teddy bear it is!" She joked.

"You know, we haven't exactly been that depressed, at least not that I've noticed, you definitely seem much happier since we first meet." I brought up.

"Well, what can we say? We bring out the crazy in each other. Now come on, I heard they had this cute little tailor shop open up recently, mostly for small handcrafted accessories like ties and bows." She pulled on my arm as we walked through the city.

"I thought I was the one giving the tour?" I laughed as we walked through the somewhat crowded sidewalks.

Ryoko giggled back, "You said it yourself, you didn't really know this particular area either, so we are exploring!"

"You're such a kid!"

"I try!"

The two of us walked, arm in hand, seeing that Ryoko practically refused to relieve me my arm. Eventually, we came across the tailor that Ryoko spoke about.

The exterior was fairly normal, the sign was a giant spool of ribbon with the words, 'Rockin' Threads' on it, at the other end of the ribbon was a pair of scissors in the shape of what looked like a guitar.

The building was painted in a mix of blue and white with some pink.

"Come on Makoto, I wanted to see if they hade anything nice for sale." She gave a light push and entered the building, with me following not long afterward.

A voice from the counter caught me off guard, "Oh! Oh! It's! Na-eg-i!"

"Ibuki-senpai? You work as a tailor here?!"

"Yes! Well, no!" She exclaimed before correcting herself, "Ibuki owns as a tailor here! And as a musician, couldn't you tell from the sign?"

In hindsight, I really should have. "How do you manage?"

The musician laughed, "Ultimate talent means ultimate desire! As the Ultimate Musician, many aspiring musicians tend to look for what is the best, and what better than me? Sides, I believe that every musician must have a costume, it's their identity, otherwise your some plain-Jane. Nobody remembers just any face without either constant exposure, or something memorable.

"That's why I have my iconic hairstyle and appearance. People may not know me yet, but if they care to, how do you forget someone that looks like me?"

I thought back to Sayaka for a moment. Her reaction said it all, you can try to rid your brain of the insanity that was Ibuki's plans, but you would never forget the girl herself. She definitely wouldn't allow it.

Though I had to hand it to her, she definitely knows how to not only get known but stay known. I doubt I'd want that, though.

"That doesn't really answer how you can manage to work as a second-year student." I clarified as Ryoko poked around the building.

Ibuki blinked, "Oh... Well, I don't really bother with all my school work, Ibuki tend to just make music and costumes as a side job. I go here on the weekends to make costumes for local talent, it's where Ibuki met Sayaka-chan."

And there's the part of the plan that falls apart.

"And your grades don't take a hit?" I questioned with a raised brow.

"Fear not my wonderful little kouhai! For Ibuki has mastered the art of procrastination! ... and five cups of coffee!"

"Seriously?"

"What? It's the elixir of life," The musician shot back.

I shrugged, "Got me there."

"So what can I do for my first customers this time around?" She asked.

"OHMYGOSH!" We turned to Ryoko, in her hands was a bunny shaped hair pin and a red and white ribbon. "These are so cute!"

The musician looked puzzled, "Those old things? Take 'em, I've had those for a long time since there isn't any artist going for some rabbit theme."

"Wow, thanks!"

Ibuki nodded, "Yeah, Ibuki-chan is only good at costumes and band outfits, you know the 'Look at me, Remember me,' kind of outfits. The whole fashionista thing? Ibuki will leave that to your classmate, Ibuki doesn't do latest trends."

Ryoko smiled as she pinned her bangs with the bunny clip, but looked at the ribbon, "Hmm... not sure what to do about this... Oh well, it's still cute, what do you think Makoto?"

I placed my head on my hand, "Dunno, though I'm sure whatever you'll do it'll be nice."

She blushed, before coughing into her fist, "Right, we, of course! Anyway, lets... find you something." She turned away from us and continued to search through the various outfits and accessories, though a bit more... closely.

It was clear to me, from the way she was acting suddenly, that she was embarrassed.

In the end, she bought me a little white bear pin. "Ha... really?"

She smiled innocently.

.o0o.

"So, what now?" I asked as she swung our intertwined hands. "The day is almost over, and you wanted to make it memorable."

"I still do," the analyst admitted, "But all honesty... I'm just... really, really happy we are friends."

I smiled at her, "What can I say, we bring the crazy in each other." She giggled at my use of her words.

.o0O0o.

I AM CALLING IT THERE FOR NOW!

Next chapter we wrap up the date and then we have the family's (Okay, Komaru, Monaca, and Kirumi) as well as introducing more characters/reasons for character personalities.

As many of you have realized by now, I try to have an explanation for everything, so we do have a long road before we get to the romance of harems (As in the long subtle catfight for attention until they decide to share :P) so stay tuned.