And now for a bit of author appeal, with the ending containing the couple that I very obviously have a thing for. What can I say? I can't help it. I'm a sucker for the whole "the gloomy and the cheerful" character dynamic.

"Ugh, only Monday has passed, and I'm already beat!"

A few days passed since Akko's decision. It was a fairly ordinary, quiet Monday, with everything seeming to have settled down. The two students that caused the most of a stir during the first half of the second year were finally quiet and no longer bickered at every opportunity. And despite all that happened over the last few months, it now felt like little more than a distant nightmare.

Besides, it appeared that the conflict really was resolved once and for all…

"Hey, cheer up now, Akko. If you want to, I'd make it up to you with a date over at our favorite spot after you're done with your homework for the day." – Sucy remarked, giving the brunette a light side hug.

Diana was just a few seats away, and the most response she had to the duo's shenanigans was an exasperated: "At the very least, try to refrain from any public displays of affection. I know that you two are now an official couple, but you don't have to-"

"Rub it in the unlucky one's face?" – Sucy remarked, giving out her usual shroom-eating grin, but was quickly silenced by an elbow jab from Akko.

"No. What I meant to say is, you don't have to go so deep into the "new couple syndrome". A bit of extra subtlety never hurt a romantic relationship." – The blonde calmly explained.

Lotte decided that the conversation was beginning to go a little off the rails and figured she'd change the subject: "So, Akko, where do you think you'll go for the winter holidays?"

"Well, I was planning to spend it over at your place, but I felt like I should introduce Sucy to my folks, so I guess it's a trip all the way back to Japan, and Sucy's going with me!" – This time, it was Akko's turn to press Sucy closer to herself.

"I do hope your parents are open-minded enough." – Sucy remarked, a slight note of doubt in her voice.

"Nah, they should be fine with that, I'm totally sure of it! After all, they know all too well about some of my crushes way back in middle school." – With that last sentence, Akko scratched the back of her head with her free hand and smiled shyly.

"TMI, Akko. Nobody wants to hear about your past endeavors. Besides, don't you and Lotte have a study session to go through?" – Diana's attempts to ditch Akko for the time being seemed to have worked, as Akko immediately yelped something along the lines of "OhsweetKamiItotallyforgotLottehurryup" and dragged the ginger girl along with her. As everyone but Diana and Sucy left the classroom by then, the violette looked over at the brit and stated in a matter-of-fact tone: "You ditched her for a reason, didn't you."

"Yes, well… I know you've probably heard a dozen apologies from me already, but… I guess I'd add another one on top of all that. I really let my feelings for Akko get the better of me back then, to the point where we almost ended up losing her forever. And while I'm at it… I'm sorry about the insensitive things I've said about your family situation. Once again, when one's momentary impulses take over them, it ends up in-" – Diana didn't get to finish her speech, as Sucy just groaned and replied: "Apology accepted, Cavendish. I might be one spiteful witch, but I know how to forgive at the very least."

"So… Does this mean we're back on… Relatively friendly terms?" – Diana asked, sounding a tiny bit hopeful, but subdued.

"We never were on friendly terms, but I suppose we might start to be from now on." – The violette shrugged as she said that. When Diana went on to leave the classroom, however, she added: "Although, there is one thing I need to make clear."

As the blonde turned around, slightly confused, she was met face-to-face with Sucy, who currently gave her what could be the mother of all death glares, with her sole visible eye's iris shrunken down to the size of a dot.

"You know all too well how possessive I can get. And that means that if you try anything funny with Akko… You'd better start checking everything you eat or drink, Cavendish. I won't kill you, but I'll make you wish I did." – And as she finished the last sentence, she shouted out: "Am I making myself clear, blondie?!"

Looking scared out of her wits, Diana could only utter a feeble "Yes" in response.

"Good for you. Now, I think you yourself have some studying to get back to, don't you?"

Nodding quietly, the blonde turned around and left the classroom. After a few moments, making sure the blonde was far enough, Sucy decided she might as well head back to the Red Team dorm as well, although on the way there, her mind was certainly not focused on studying…

After all, one of her inner selves made absolute sure of it.

Okay, guilty. I have to admit - I wanted to put a small Dianstanze bit into this particular ending, buuuuuut decided against it. Okay, admittedly, I rushed this particular ending just as much as the Diakko ending.

But it ain't over yet - I'm certainly going to go for a third, special ending. And I'm certainly not going to rush that one!

Darky Out!

...For now.