"Um, may I please have your order?"

Wrong. All wrong. Everything was all wrong.

"Ex—Excuse me, but if you aren't going to order anything…"

Kai was so zoned out that he had just noticed the waiter now.

Oh, I should probably order something before we get kicked out.

Kai: I'll have some juice.

Kai briefly looked at Taiga and waited for her to respond but it seemed like her soul had left her body so he answered for her.

Kai: Make that two.

The waiter then pointed towards the middle of the restaurant.

Waiter: That's all you want for now? Well, you can help yourself to drinks and salad at the self-serve bar over there. If there's anything else you'd like to order later on just let me know.

The waiter turned and left. However, neither Kai nor Taiga got up to get any juice. It was around ten o'clock at night. They had shuffled into Jonny's, a family restaurant down the street from their homes. Taiga looked miserable and wretched. Kai was stunned and speechless. They just sat there silently, letting time slowly pass them by. Yet Taiga was in such a worse state than Kai.

Kai: Aisaka, pull yourself together.

He stretched his arms over the table and gently shook her tiny shoulders but she remained in her lifeless state. He finally gave up and returned to his seat.

I'm getting really tired of people making stupid assumptions about me but I guess Aisaka suffered a worse blow than I did. Now her crush thinks that she's dating another guy. How could they develop their relationship into something more after that?

Taiga had a blank gaze, looking upwards despondently while sitting low in her seat. Any further and she'd end up sliding to the ground.

Is this really the Palmtop Tiger? The Tiger of Class 2-C that can kick a guy miles away with only her glare?

Kai felt genuinely sorry for her just from witnessing the state she was in.

Kai (muttering): How did it turn out like this?

He put his elbows on the table and set his head in the palm of his hands.

How did this happen? Why did Kushieda get that preposterous idea in her head?

Kai had seen a side of Minori that he'd never known about. She was a very individualistic girl who wouldn't listen to others when she thought she was right…Egocentric even. Considering how she was Taiga's best friend though, it did make sense that the two would have some things in common.

Even Kitamura was spouting that nonsense. Well, that doesn't really surprise me though. He's smart but when it comes to common sense, that guy just doesn't have any. But of all people to misunderstand me …while smiling even- Ah, that's it. That's what really feels strange about all of this. It's not only that I was misunderstood but rather, even though Kushieda and Kitamura misunderstood me, they were still smiling cheerfully and giving me serious words of encouragement. That flustered me more than anything else in my life… and it was such a frustrating feeling being misunderstood for an entirely different reason than what I'm used to…

These thoughts mulled in his mind for a few minutes. He didn't know how long he had been out of it but when he raised his head, Taiga was setting two glasses on the table.

When did she come back to life?

She had gotten up from her seat so silently that he never noticed.

Taiga: I didn't know what you wanted so I just picked this at random: West Indies Peach. It's supposed to have a lot of Vitamin C. And you're always going on about nutrition and what not so…

She slid back onto her seat and released a deep sigh.

Taiga: I'm sorry.

She lifted her head and sat upright.

Taiga: It's all my fault that Minorin got the wrong idea because I just had to do things my way. I kept inviting myself over to your place. I kept getting you involved with me and Kitamura-kun. I'm a hopeless master that has no right to call you a stupid dog.

She looked exhausted as she said this. Even though her expression held its usual strength and intensity, it did lack some of its usual luster.

Taiga: I've decided something.

Taiga stopped spinning the ice in her drink with her straw and lifted her head to look straight at Kai with determined eyes.

Taiga: Tomorrow, I'm going to confess to Kitamura-kun. That way there'll be no room for anymore stupid mistakes. Just a straightforward, normal confession…Like you told me to do from the start.

Her eyes betrayed the insecurity in this decision.

Kai: Why so sudden? You've hardly progressed in getting to know him.

Taiga: That's right, there's been no progress at all. That's why I have to try something different. Plus he misunderstands us now, so I want to put an end to this too.

Kai: To this?

Taiga: An end to us being together all the time.

When she said this, Taiga's eyes looked as determined as ever but her face looked icy cold.

Taiga: You're free from today onwards. Do whatever you want—No matter how my confession ends up tomorrow, you no longer have to listen to me.

Kai raised his eyebrow.

Kai: I never listened to you to begin with… but what exactly are you going on about?

Taiga: I'm saying that your work as a dog ends today. Starting tomorrow, we'll go back to our old selves…Back to before you found that love letter… when we just ignored each other.

An emancipation was just declared. Kai no longer had to put up with Taiga; he could finally go back to his peaceful life. He should have been jumping up and down in excitement but he remained in his seat.

I should at least say something like 'Finally! Time to celebrate' or something to indicate my relief.

But nothing came out of his mouth. All he could do was hold the glass of West Indies Peach juice. Yet, for some reason Taiga smiled. She turned her eyes away abashedly, covered her mouth with her hands, lowered her head, and continued.

Taiga: It's really funny. I mean, just look at the way we met…and now we're always eating together, goofing off or getting into arguments everyday.

She laughed from behind her little hands while her eyes squinted into crescent moons. Taiga was really laughing from her heart, which was something he was seeing for the first time. Then she calmed down and looked out the window with a serious expression on her face.

Taiga: There's never anyone else at my apartment…so I guess that's the reason I always barge into your place and eat. I liked it there. It's really…cozy… I was a little puzzled by it at first because you and Michi-chan aren't even blood-related, yet somehow you two still seem like a family. It was nice being part of that, I-…When I was at your house… I felt at home. I'm going to mi-

Taiga stopped trying to speak and simply shrugged. Kai wanted to know what she was going to say but he didn't push for it. Shifting her gaze casually, she closed her eyes as if she was carefully sealing away everything that she had said.

Taiga: It's… Heh…I don't know how to say it but…it's a good thing you were around. I probably would've starved to death, especially with how clumsy I am. You know how I live alone, right? I'm sure you've been wondering about that…

She continued on with her monologue so quickly that she probably didn't even see Kai nodding affirmatively to her statement.

Taiga: I used to live with my parents but I never got along with them, we always argued. One day I simply said 'I want to get away from this house!' They said 'Go ahead!' and then gave me that apartment. Before I realized it, I had moved out and I was too proud to take back what I said. When I moved into the apartment, it eventually dawned on me that I didn't know how to do any housework. It's such a pain really. But there hasn't been one, not a single person, who's come to see me. What's really stupid was that I knew my parents were capable of doing such things but I still said that stuff anyway. Pretty dumb, huh? Go ahead and laugh, I won't get angry.

Taiga finally opened her eyes. After saying all of that in one go, Kai knew that it had to be really painful for her.

What the hell is this depressing story that Aisaka just told me? It's like a tragic fairy tale of abandonment. A doll left in a castle by the royal family that doesn't care.

But Taiga laughed. She probably realized everything that she just said and decided that laughing was the only thing she could do to cover it up. She laughed so hard, Kai couldn't help but think she was hoping he would laugh along with her…So he laughed.

Kai: Heh heh. Yeah… that's pretty dumb.

Taiga: I told you so!

He continued to laugh even though hearing that story created an aura of sadness around him. He tried his best to laugh so that Taiga wouldn't be alone in laughing at herself.

I suppose I could at least give her this. Besides, it'll all end today. Things will revert back to how they were before we met. She won't even bother to acknowledge me. She'll be the Palmtop Tiger that snarls at everyone and I'll just be another one of her classmates.

If that was the case, then he might as well laugh as much as he could now and look at her last smile in this blandly decorated family restaurant.

Taiga: You wanna know something else that's dumb?

Kai: What?

She covered her mouth in an attempt to stop herself from laughing again; her cheeks were crimson red and her eyes glittered like a prankster. She gestured at Kai to lean in closer so she could whisper it to him; he did so and she finally busted out with her answer-

Taiga: YOU!

Taiga burst out laughing while Kai rolled his eyes, he was obviously unamused.

Kai (sarcastically): What?! You think I'm dumb?! Wow, I had no clue! No one would've ever guessed you'd say that.

Taiga: But I'm sure even you'll agree with me this time.

She then whispered with a smile:

Taiga: Those cookies I made were salty, weren't they?

He raised his eyebrows in shock.

Kai: What?! You knew the whole time?!

Taiga: Heh. I got super mad when I saw them all broken like that and then I tried one out of frustration. God, they tasted horrible! I can't believe you finished them all. In fact, you didn't even let me stop you. You ate them all in one go and you didn't even say anything mean. It's really something to see an outspoken guy like you bite his tongue… -(smugly)- Even as a mongrel, your fur will still shed if you keep being so nice to everyone.

Kai (spitefully): Why don't you mind your own business.

Taiga slightly chuckled then held her breath for a moment before the smile disappeared from her face and was replaced by a sad, tired look. Sighing, she lowered her head and covered her face.

Taiga: Okami… as a dog, you're stupid. But as a human being... you're okay…

Considering how emotionally volatile she was, it was a nice thing to say, but she still struggled so hard as she spoke right now. She had enough of words. They were just too frustrating. She lifted her head up again and she had her usual cold expression on her face.

Taiga: I'm hungry.

She grabbed a menu and Kai did the same. They both ordered a hamburger steak dinner. They had their usual meal-time chit-chat. Taiga told Kai the ones he makes taste better. They argued over who should go get more drinks—naturally it was Kai. The limited time they had left together ticked away by the minute.

After paying the bill the two of them began walking through the dark towards their apartments. Taiga was sadly sauntering a few steps behind Kai when she suddenly blurted out-

Taiga: Hey Okami!

Kai: Hm?

Taiga: Do you ever get frustrated about being labeled as a delinquent all the time?

Kai raised his eyebrow at the question in confusion. It had come from out of nowhere and caught him by surprise. Yet he answered it without giving the question much thought.

Kai: I don't care about that stuff.

Taiga: Even if you say that, it's obvious that it bothers you a little.

Her voice was softer than the fluttering wings of a butterfly. He could just barely hear her but it seemed as if the cloudy night sky had swallowed her lonely voice and amplified her words. However, Kai shook his head stubbornly in disagreement.

Kai: You don't know what you're talking about.

Taiga: But I do! I know a lot about being misunderstood. If nothing else, we at least have that in common. I bet if anyone knew what kind of person you really are, they'd definitely be surprised.

Kai (sarcastically): And just what is so surprising?

Taiga: Well, like the fact you're really good at cooking. Then there are some people that think you're intimidating, but you're really not the type to hurt anybody, physically or emotionally. Then there's other people who wouldn't dare approach you because they think you're cold, but you're a very considerate person. And even though you try to act like it, you don't know how to stay angry at anyone.

Kai (unenthusiastic): Is that me?

Taiga (certain): Yeah.

Kai (sarcastically): I never knew I was so hopeless.

Taiga: I wouldn't call that hopeless.

A cool breeze picked up and Taiga's hair fluttered in the wind softly. She held onto her hair, catching strands of it between her fingers. Behind the cascade of fluttering hair, her lips moved.

Taiga: You're actually a very gentle person.

Those words were so soft and quiet, Kai wasn't sure if he imagined or actually heard them.

Taiga: I—I'm the exact opposite. I'm not good at being gentle. It's like I don't know how to be kind to others. Any person I encounter, I just find a way to make them scram and anything in my way, I just ruin. People probably think I don't care about that sort of stuff but it's really troubling for me.

She said quietly.

Taiga: Sometimes I wish I could be a kinder person, I think about things like that. Like an idiot, I think about so many things but no one will ever know… No one will ever understand …

Beneath the glow of a street light at a corner, Taiga came to a halt and said in a sad voice.

Taiga: Why doesn't anyone seem to understand us? Why can't they realize how frustrating their misconceptions are for us?! The truth is everybody …all of them… they're just really … …

Suddenly Taiga kicked the light pole with all her might and yelled out in frustration.

Taiga: Everyone's pissing me off!

The street light had become Taiga's target of venting her frustration. She attacked it mercilessly, her feet striking it in quick succession with clearly evident strength. It almost looked as if she was an enraged drunk. As she struck the pole relentlessly she continued to shout in anger-

Taiga: Argh! This pisses me off so much! I'm so friggin' pissed!

Her tormented screams echoed down the alleyways and bounced off the houses lining the streets. Kai didn't try to stop her but merely stood still and watched. His chin dipped slightly in agreement as Taiga screamed her accusation at the world. Most people don't seem to realize that those who seem intimidating like Taiga and Kai can be affected by misconceptions.

Seeing her vent her anger on that pole, I can't help but feel that she's fighting against something… Like a monster that is haunting her… Maybe becoming a tiger is the only way she can protect herself from her monster.

Taiga's feet moved so fast, Kai couldn't count how many times she kicked the pole. He had been a witness to her mood swings in the past, but not to this sort of aggression. As she screamed in frustration and acted out on it violently, there was nothing he could do but stand and watch.

Taiga: Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! "The Palmtop Tiger"?! Do people seriously think I don't care about being called a name like that?!

Above them the clouds parted to reveal the moon, seemingly summoned by Taiga's screams.

Taiga: Everybody pisses me off! That idiot Minorin who wouldn't listen to me! Kitamura-kun who'll listen to her but not me! They don't listen to me or understand me! My parents are the same and I'll never forgive them! They don't get me! No one does!

Taiga's legs must have become tired because she kicked the pole one last time and held her head down. Kai just silently watched as tears began to form in her eyes.

I wonder how many times she's been tormented to the point of tears welling up inside her. Well, there's no time to think about that now, the tears are already here and there's no food around that I can give her to make them go away. Even comforting words seem so empty right now... She was right though, I have been frustrated sometimes from being misunderstood as a delinquent but I never let it show. Hmm, it looks like I have something in common with Aisaka Taiga, what a surprise. In light of that, I should help her fight this monster. Here it goes!

Kai forcefully kicked the pole and once Taiga saw his foot, she looked at him in shock. Such a reckless action was unusual for him.

Kai: Let's team up!

Taiga's tears instantly went away and she smirked. Such a display of support had re-energized her and she dealt another swift kick to the pole and screamed-

Taiga: Who cares if I'm small!

Afterwards Kai did the same.

Kai: I'm not a delinquent!

Then Taiga again.

Taiga: So what if I got a weird name!

Then Kai again.

Kai: So what if I'm not super friendly to everyone all time!

The two went on like that for a few more seconds. They must have been a despicable sight; two rebels attacking a streetlight pole. But in their own little world, they weren't attacking, they were fighting for something. Then Taiga suddenly stopped, she lifted her face and revealed a sinister grin.

Taiga: Hey Okami, look!

Kai: What?

Taiga pointed to the pole. Kai looked at it confusingly then back at Taiga who had a triumphant smile on her face.

Taiga (proudly): Isn't this pole tilted now?

Kai: Huh? That's not possible.

Kai turned his head to look at the pole again.

Kai: There's no way us kicking it would cause it to—Oh. — (surprised)- It really is tilted!

Taiga (excited): See! I told you!

Taiga started jumping up and down in triumph.

Taiga: We won, we won!

Despite Taiga's vigor, Kai still had a puzzled look on his face.

It's possible the pole was already tilted to begin with. That makes more sense than Aisaka kicking the pole hard enough for it to bend. But I'll believe it was her anyway.

After all, Taiga was smiling so proudly.

Yeah, the pole has indeed been bent by Aisaka the Tiger. She defeated her monster this time.

And with that the two continued their walk home. Since Taiga had overcome her depression, she retook her usual place by strolling a few steps ahead of Kai.

On their way home, they passed a few late commuters returning home from a long day of work, as well as some old ladies walking their dogs. Everyone was busy in their own way. Whether it was commuters, blue collar workers, or old ladies, everyone had their own monsters to fight and Kai wondered if any of the people they passed ever gave into the urge to kick the crap out of a streetlight pole.

I wonder what it would look like if everyone took their frustration out on street lights lining the road.

The image of a bunch of bent and tilted poles surrounded by a horde of angry people popped into his mind and he couldn't help but laugh a little.

Taiga (curiously): What're you laughing at?

Taiga twisted her head around and tried to get a look at Kai's face.

Kai: Nothing.

Kai answered with a smile.

Kai: Just something silly.

Taiga (confused): Huh?! -(prying)- Come on! What is it? Tell me!

She still tried to get it out of him.

Kai (smirking): I told you it's nothing.

Taiga looked at him in an irritated manner and waved her fist in the air.

Taiga (fiercely): If you won't tell me, then I'll make sure you won't be able to tell anything to anyone ever again!

Kai sighed and just shook his head. Then he ignored her and kept on walking because he had now become irritated. They had just teamed up to fight a few minutes ago and now here she was threatening him again.

Seriously, how can a person like her even exist? She's a tyrannical tiger: forceful, violent, selfish, and obnoxious. I've lost track of all the times I've suffered from spending time with her... But when I think about it, it seems I've gotten used to all the crap she puts me through. I wonder if she's changed? It certainly doesn't seem as if there are any changes in her right now. Even when I drop her off at home, I don't think I'll expect anything different.

The two finally made it to their respective homes.

Taiga: This is it, Okami. And we're just in time, look!

She lifted her wrist to show Kai her watch. The two hands were close but not yet perfectly aligned on the twelve. It was still 11:59.

Taiga: Ah, I'm so tired. At least we made it home peacefully.

Kai: You're the only person who could look back on what just happened a few minutes ago and still consider it a peaceful evening.

She lowered her wrist and shrugged nonchalantly.

Taiga: Starting tomorrow, we're just classmates who happen to live next to each other. Nothing more, nothing less… In about thirty seconds.

She fell silent for a moment but broke it before it got long enough to be awkward.

Taiga: Hey, do you have anything to say before then?

Kai: Anything to say? What do you mean?

Taiga: You do have some last words to say as my stupid dog, don't you, Okami?

Kai (exasperated): I'm getting sick and tired of telling you that I am not your damn dog, you ridiculous girl!

Taiga, standing two feet away, looked as if she was smiling. Her head was tilted, as if expecting Kai to say something more.

But what can I say?

She glanced at her watch.

Taiga: Ten seconds… Five…

A breeze blew between them.

Kai: Good luck tomorrow.

That was all Kai could say as a last ditch effort to show his support. It wasn't much but Taiga still seemed to be pleased with it as she smirked right before she turned away from him.

Taiga: Goodbye, Arito-kun.

Then she walked off to her apartment without waiting for a response. Kai watched her leave feeling slightly stunned by what she just called him.

I've been telling her this whole time to call me Arito and when she finally does, it feels so strange...It just doesn't feel right, I wonder why?

Kai sighed and eventually walked into his house.