Author Notes

This is surprising…I think. Once chapter 10 was uploaded, the feedback was mostly about how the other interactions are so lovely~ XD And then I wonder if I'm not adding enough KotoHono moments~ :P

It's my little dilemma really. OvO I love Honoka x Kotori. But I also love Honoka x Maki and Honoka x Umi, and really just anyone with Honoka. To the point that I might be subconsciously making everyone love Honoka~ Honoka is just so lovable, no? XP Anyways~

First up, let me start with apologizing. This chapter is later than usual, and I am sorry about that. I've got tons of reasons, well, excuses, for this, but I won't start here. Let's just get to replies and into the long-awaited chapter! OxO'

Replies to comments:

Resilient – Wahaha~! XD I'm so sorry? But…When I was writing I enjoyed the HonoKoto moment lots, though it's more like Honobat and Kotori moment, hahas~ XD I didn't even realize I included quite a bit of HonoMaki and HonoUmi at the end~ XP Then there's the fact that Maki loves Honoka, Umi also loves Honoka… OvO

Hehes~ I'm happy that you're loving it~ Even if your heart will break with Maki's! XD Hopefully you'll still love Kotori with Honoka~ :P

Guest – Ah~ Since it's a HonoKoto story…Choose HonokaxKotori! XD

KoyoriYume – XD Yay~ Yes! Honoka and Yukiho are kicking butt! It's up! But will the 3 vampires be able to take it down before Honoka-bat comes along? XP Mm~ I know right? *O* I absolutely adored their little interactions~! Honoka-bat is just so adorable~

P.S Um…I'm staying faithful to HonoKoto for this story, hahas. But I might not mind writing a separate route for HonoKotoUmiMaki? ;D Just maybe~

Guest – Mm~ I wonder too, hahas. :P You will know when they meet! XD

Hm…When it's not fun initiated by Honoka herself, she's actually very pure and innocent. XP Hugging someone and getting your face planted in a well-endowed chest in an alley is a whole different matter after all~ Hahas~ XD

sulkun – Hey~ There's no problem. Better late than never! ;D Studying can totally take up a lot of time and energy. I understand that. ^^ Everyone is a student once in their life after all. :P

Ah…I see. OvO Is English your second or third language for you? ^^ Anyways, just know that Kotori loves fashion and was looking at a lot of interesting clothing, hahas. :D

It's the best chapter for you? Cool! XD Ehehe~ ^V^ I absolutely~ totally~ loved Kotori and Honoka-bat's interaction this chapter too~ XD

Ah~ Yes, Hero Honoka! *O*

P.S. Don't worry~ I'm staying faithful to my KotoHono heart for this story! XD You're welcome and look forward to more!

bobzity1 – Nope! I don't know how much you love this, bobzity-san! XP Hehe~ Of course you can stay the night… Mm? OvO

FIRESTORM from Lunarian Empire – Hey~ It's no problem! School is important and time-consuming. I know. ^^ Hopefully your exams went superb~ You're probably acing them! XP And~ You're here now~ XD

OvO No, no. Not trying to kill anyone, hahas~ XD But I totally agree~ Honoka-bat is sooo~ adorable~ XD I wanna hug her too~ XD

Hehes~ XD Honoka-bat, Honoka-bat~

Guest – Ah…haha…Um, nope. I'm not leaving this story hanging…on purpose…OXO I love this story too, and want to write more, but…I've been stuck for a while as I consider what to show next, hahas. And you might have noticed the other stories I'm writing…That's no excuse, I know! I'm so sorry! –bows 90 degrees- Please forgive me with this chapter!

Great Nico-ni tries her hardest

May you enjoy~ :'3


Kotori was walking to school as per normal. The sun has only begun peeking out from the East, and the pathway had little people. So, the walk to school was a slow, peaceful one.

A head of orange bobbed a few metres in front of Kotori, and a smile naturally grew on Kotori's face.

"Honoka-chan!"

Kotori was met with a smile. "Oh~ Kotori-chan! Good morning!" Honoka stopped for Kotori to catch up to her before they continued walking together.

Honoka looked over to see Kotori still smiling even though five minutes has passed since they started walking together.

"Kotori-chan, you seem happy?"

"Mm?" Kotori looked over to see the ginger's cheerful face. "Mmph! Getting to walk to school with Honoka-chan…It's like a dream come true…" Kotori nodded with a giggle.

Honoka smiled broadly. "Then I'll make your dreams come true every morning from now on!"

"Eh?" Kotori's heart skipped a beat at Honoka's wink.

"Let's walk to school together starting today, Kotori-chan!"

"Mmph!" Kotori gave another happy nod as the two head off to school.

Kotori almost walked into a wall as she daydreamed about being able to walk to school with her most favourite person.

"Ah…" Kotori smiled sweetly at the thought of the sweet ginger taking the initiative to ask for her company every morning.

I don't think Honoka-chan will even think of that though…

Kotori started her walk to school again.

Ah, since we walk around the same path to get to school…There might be a chance that I may bump into Honoka-chan while walking to school?

Kotori smiled broadly at the idea of turning a corner to see her sunshine. She also deliberately slowed her pace in case the person she wanted to meet was behind her. Kotori kept a look out for a bubbly orange-brown haired girl that might walk, run or skip by, but alas, she reaches school with no such girl in sight.

I wonder if Honoka-chan is in class already…Or still at home? Maybe we just missed each other by a bit…

Kotori let out a soft sigh before shaking her head.

Mm, mm. Honoka-chan wouldn't be so negative! I'm going to get to see Honoka-chan later anyways! And…sit beside her… Hehe~

Kotori giggled softly with a hand covering her mouth, before looking around to make sure no one saw her, she did not want to be a topic for the school after all. Getting a title like "The girl who giggles to herself" would make her so uncool that she won't be allowed to date Honoka, was what ran through Kotori's mind before she walked normally to class.


In the classroom before Kotori arrives, the diligent Class President and Vice Class President were already there.

"Elichi, how was your weekend?" The purple haired Vice President made her way down the steps slowly to the blonde who could not help but gawk for a moment before collecting her thoughts to answer the question.

"Ah…It was productive and…interesting." Eli remembered her time with Kotori and Rin on Saturday and then with her sister, Honoka and Honoka's sister on Sunday; they were both interesting and different for the Class President who usually has things planned out. And those two meetings were certainly unplanned. "I met Kotori and Rin on Saturday, and Honoka the next day."

Oh? Elichi met with Honoka-chan this weekend~

Nozomi mentally noted a point about the gingerhead who might be a vampire.

"Hm~ Got all your homework done?" Nozomi smiled teasingly.

"Yes, I started on Friday and finished the rest on Saturday, since I'll be occupied on Sunday." Eli did not catch the tease.

"Oh~" Nozomi let the miss slide. "Did something special happen on Sunday?"

"Yes…My little sister came from Russia to live with me." Eli had a gentle smile and loving gaze into the distance which made Nozomi smile wider, feeling Eli's genuine love for her younger sister.

Looks like I just found out who is Elichi's love of her life~

"That's sweet~ How much younger is she from you?"

"Just one year, actually." Eli grinned wider before realizing that she might be getting carried away with her joyful emotions, so she cleared her throat. "How about you, Nozomi? How was your weekend?"

"Mm~ Finished my homework, then hung out with Nicocchi and Hanayo-chan~"

"Hm…I would say I feel slightly sad that I wasn't invited. But since I was busy myself, I won't." Eli had a playful smile, while Nozomi eye's widened for a second before smiling.

I think I like the flirty Elichi quite a lot~ Hehe~

"Then how about we hang out some time soon? Like a date~" Nozomi winked, Eli had red paint her cheeks the moment she heard Nozomi liken their hanging out to a date.

Aw~ Elichi is blushing~

Eli kept silent, averting her gaze away from the grinning purplenette. "Am I being rejected?" Nozomi feigned a sad tone.

"N-No. That's not it. I…I'd be glad to…hang out with you, Nozomi…" The red on Eli's face persisted as she danced around the 'date', trying her best to not focus too much on the word or idea.

Nozomi smiled wider. "I look forward to it then~"

A date with Elichi~ And maybe finding out about Honoka-chan from someone else's eyes~


Defenceless.

Honoka woke with a start as she felt something hit her stomach.

"Oof! Wha- Wha..?" Honoka sat up like the rising dead, rubbing her sleepy eyes that still wanted to remain closed.

Who even wakes like that? It's kind of cute though. A- Ahem!

"Good morning, Honoka." A calm voice greeted the gingerhead.

Honoka yawned aloud and stretched as if she was alone in the room, or at least she did not care that she had a spectator to watch her uncouth behaviour and also giving a peek of her bare stomach when she did such a huge stretch.

Honoka, you should cover your mouth when you- H-H-Honoka?! H-Honoka's…b-b-bare skin…It looks so…s-soft…

The spectator felt her cheeks heat up before quickly averting her gaze to the side, held back her hand to herself and choked on the inside.

"Mm…" Honoka lowered her arms to rest it on the object that hit her awake – a school bag. "Is it Friday already?" Honoka looked over to the person responsible for calling her over to the waking world at whatever the time was now; time isn't something Honoka like to keep track of; not unless it's time for food, play, sleep or the end of mathematics lessons.

Honoka is kind of calm when she has just awoken.

"No, it's Monday." The blush subsided as the spectator looked at Honoka sternly.

"Only Monday..?" Honoka flopped back down onto her bed. "Wake me when it's Friday- Wah!"

Don't even think about going back to sleep, Honoka!

The bag fell off the bed and the ginger's eyes shot open as she was forcefully pulled into a sitting position with her legs outside the warmth of her blanket.

"Uu…Umi-chan…"

Thankfully she's wearing pants… What am I even thinking? Of course Honoka would be wearing pants, Umi!

"School. Now." Umi pointed with her thumb towards the door.

Honoka pouted before sighing. "Do I have to..?" Honoka whined as she got off her bed lazily.

"Yes. Now get to it."

Hurry up and get ready for school… Honoka when she just wakes up is kind of adorable… Stop with those impure thoughts, Umi!

Honoka trudged to her closet to take some fresh clothes but stopped since she needs to change into her school uniform not casual ones. She then continued her walk to the bathroom.

After some time that Honoka has left her room, Umi suddenly stood up from the bed she had tidied.

"H-Honoka didn't take any change of clothing, which means…" Umi felt the heat from before returning as images of Honoka changing in this very room that she was in right now appeared in her mind. "Even if this is your room-"

"I'm back-" Honoka was attacked by her blanket as Umi wrapped the innocent ginger with it. "U-Umi-chan?! What are you doing?"

E-E-Even if you c-can dash back to and fro the toilet really q-quickly d-d-doesn't mean you can go running around n-n-n-nude..!

"I'm covering you so that you d-don't appear s-s-so sh-shameless…" Umi held the blanket up as she stared at the ground.

"I don't look shameless…" Honoka stared at Umi who refused to make eye contact with her. "I'm not naked, you know?" Umi turned to face Honoka slowly. "But I still need help with my sunscreen-" Umi grabbed Honoka to her bed and disappeared outside Honoka's room.

W-What was I even thinking? Sonoda Umi! Of course Honoka wouldn't do that! I-I can't face her now…

Umi buried her flushed face in her hands.

Applying No-Burn on Honoka's…bare back…

Umi leaned against the wall for a moment before mentally slapping herself.

I'll get Yukiho to help Honoka…


Honoka blinked twice and sat at her bed obediently for a time. "…Can I go back to sleep?"

Honoka stared at her pillow that seemed to be calling her, but before Honoka could lose to the allure of lying down to sleep again, her room door opened once more.

"Umi-chan-" Honoka looked up to see that the person who has entered was not a blue head. "Yukiho?"

"Umi-chan asked me to help you with your sunscreen." Yukiho smiled with a bottle of No-Burn in hand.

"Umi-chan chickened out, huh?" Honoka unwrapped herself out of the blankets.

Yukiho chuckled. "You probably did something to scare her, Onee-chan."

"No I didn't!" Honoka protested as she took her shirt off and Yukiho poured some sunscreen on her free palm.

"I heard Umi-chan calling you shameless." Yukiho smirked as she helped her sister with her back, and Honoka rubbed the sunscreen on the rest of her skin.

"Umi-chan is always overreacting… I sometimes don't get what she finds shameless…" Honoka frowned in thought, while her younger sister chuckled.


Done with applying No-Burn and changing into her school uniform, Honoka went downstairs to begin going to school with her blue haired childhood friend.

The childhood friend in wait glanced up to see Honoka approaching, a smile grew at her lips.

"Ready?"

"Ever ready!" Honoka bounced beside Umi whose smile grew wider.

"Honoka can't be 'ever ready'." Umi opened the door to exit.

"I totally can…" Honoka pouted as she followed behind.

"We're going off now, Honoka-mama." Umi called to Honoka-mama inside the shop.

"See you, mum~" Honoka turned to wave at her mum.

"Take care, Umi-chan, Honoka!" Honoka's mum stopped what she was doing to wave goodbye to both daughters with a broad smile of her own.

After walking for barely thirty steps, Honoka turned to Umi with a really broad smile that Umi could only expect trouble from the ginger's mouth.

"What is it?" Umi sighed.

"Wanna dash?" Honoka's eyes sparked with excitement, while Umi shook her head.

"No, how many times must I tell you that it will crease your uniform, plus." Umi added as she took in the indignant pout from the ginger beside her. "It's really early right now, dashing to school means being there really early. Do you really want that?"

Honoka's eyes widened considerably before she shook her head and visibly deflated as she was upset about being unable to dash, but she did not want to end up in school super early too. "No…"

Umi smiled as she won this round in making the overly energetic ginger not run off, and walk with her to school instead.

Honoka really should get a watch or check the time, because it actually wasn't very early. Umi chose to wake Honoka who loved to sleep in, at a timing that would be just nice for them to brisk walk at a quickened pace that humans won't question and Honoka won't notice for them to get to school and still have ten minutes of preparation time in class.


The moment they reached the lockers and switched their outdoor shoes for their indoor ones, Honoka skipped beside the archer.

"Race you to class, Umi-chan!"

"Race- Wait, Honoka!" Umi blinked and in that time Honoka sped off for their classroom. Umi sighed. "Why are you so energetic in that…way?"

Umi felt like with all that wasted energy Honoka has, she might as well join a club or do something productive, but instead, her ginger friend only use it for running around, causing trouble and then sleeping in.

Honoka's one track mind got her to the classroom soon enough as she did not even look back to see if her blue haired childhood friend even bothered to race with her. The door was opened for some reason so she ran in shouting, "Goal~!"

Ah, Honoka-chan is here. Her bright smile is so sweet today too… Just seeing it puts a smile on my face~

Kotori's day brightened the moment she laid eyes on her crush while their classmates were almost accustomed to the boisterous gingerhead's exclamations, so few were startled. Honoka's sight rested on the Class President who had her back towards the entrance as she was busy at the teacher's desk.

"Eli-chan~!" Honoka glomps the unexpecting Class President from behind.

"H-Honoka?" Eli managed to support the both of them so that they don't end up on the floor.

"Good morning~" Honoka greeted energetically and loudly which made Eli want to smile and frown at the same time; the cheerfulness was welcoming but the loudness was not.

"Good morning, Honoka…" Eli placed Honoka an arm's length away from her with a small smile which could not match Honoka's gigantic one.

Eh? What is this?

Kotori who was already seated could not bring herself to smile at the lovely ginger's energy when she is directing so much physical affection to someone that wasn't her.

When did Honoka-chan and Eli-chan get so close?

Kotori watched with a slight frown as Honoka tried to pull the reluctant blonde closer.

Is…Is Eli-chan a love rival for Honoka-chan too?

"Honoka…I've still got work to do, so…" Eli smiled gently at the bouncing ginger she held an arm's length away.

"Aw~ Alright. Let's play again soon, Eli-chan~" Honoka nodded with a bounce.

"Alright." Honoka smiled broader as she skipped to her seat.

Honoka-chan and Eli-chan played together..?

Kotori couldn't keep her eyes away from the smiling gingerhead who plopped beside her as they were seating partners.

Honoka didn't waste another minute as she dropped her bag at the side of her seat and turned to face the staring ash-grey. "Good morning, Kotori-chan~!" Honoka beamed.

"G-Good morning, Honoka-chan…" Kotori's jealous feelings went poof like smoke as Honoka's bright smile filled her with happiness and her lips naturally pulled up into a smile too.

Honoka-chan's good morning…

Honoka smiled at Kotori for a good minute while the ash-grey haired girl returned the smile and enjoyed the attention.

"Honoka-chan…"

"Hm?" Honoka tilted her head slightly to the side.

"Um…" Kotori lowered her head. "You seem really close with Eli-chan..?" Kotori couldn't help but give in to her curiosity as the thought of when did Honoka get much closer to Eli nagged at the back of her mind.

"Closer?"

Was I any different?

"Mm-hm…Y-You were hugging her?" Kotori shrunk into herself as she remembered the gingerhead's display of closeness to the Class President earlier.

Oh~ I think I was giving Eli-chan a good morning hug?

"Oh, we met and chat on Sunday before I-"

Ah, almost said when I met Kotori-chan! But that was during my bat form so…Ehehe…Lucky save~

Kotori looked at Honoka confused at the sudden cut off. "Honoka-chan?"

"Ah, um, that's just a good morning hug. Do you want a good morning hug too?" Honoka recovered with a grin, not noticing that Kotori's cheeks got slightly redder when she offered the fashion enthusiast a morning hug.

"C-C-Can I really..?" Kotori stuttered in a soft voice and her hands fidgeted in front of her.

"Sure, that-" Honoka stopped mid-sentence again as her gaze fell onto Kotori's front, namely her chest which reminded her of their rainy encounter.

H-Hug…With Kotori-chan means…

Honoka went bright red in the next second which worried Kotori.

"Honoka-chan? Are you okay-" Kotori was interrupted by two strong hands that placed itself firmly on Kotori's shoulder. "Honoka-chan?" Kotori squeaked.

I-I've got to teach Kotori-chan to be more careful on rainy days! And to look out for when her clothes get w-wet…

Honoka shook the image of Kotori's drenched dress away. "K-Kotori-chan." Honoka spoke in a serious voice that made Kotori give Honoka another 100% of her attention.

"Y-Yes?" Golden orbs met blue ones.

"Kotori-chan do you know the powers of rain and water?"

Rain and water is not one to be belittled, Kotori-chan! They already got you good yesterday!

Kotori blinked, stared back at the ginger's utterly serious expression, and blinked again. "Um…Rain and water give life to living things..?" Kotori tried.

"That's not it!" Honoka tightened her grip on Kotori's shoulder and pulled her closer in her frustration. "Rain and water has the power to make your clothes see-through!"

Your white and pink- I mean…Ahh!

Honoka screamed internally to erase the forming image.

"E-Eh?" Kotori's mind struggled to keep up with her crush's sudden seriousness to outburst, random question and then an unexpected answer to the random question. Kotori was also very conscious about the bodily contact and closeness she is currently under thanks to Honoka herself. "S-See-through..?"

That's right, Kotori-chan! Can you see where I'm coming from?

Honoka nodded solemnly, made the mistake of looking down which made her blush as the close up view of the ash-grey haired's well-endowed chest rushed her simple brain. "Ah- Um." Honoka squeezed her eyes shut.

Kotori moved a hand to her chin. "I-I think I understand what you're trying to say, Honoka-chan…"

"You do?" Honoka opened her eyes and smiled hopefully at Kotori's face.

Kotori nodded. "Mm-hm. You're trying to tell me to be careful not to spill any form of water on books and paper right? It'll be troublesome to wait for it to dry, and the other side of the page would be visible too…" Kotori had a small smile, thinking she got Honoka's intent.

Honoka stared at Kotori without saying a word.

Kotori-chan doesn't get it…If it comes to this, I have to show her!

Honoka took Kotori's hand and pulled Kotori out of her seat to lead her to a place with water for demonstration.

"H-Honoka-chan? Where are we going? Homeroom is going to begin-"

"It'll only be a short while." Honoka's one-track mind took control as she resolved to make the clueless ash-grey haired girl understand the importance of being careful around water.


Now in the bathroom, Honoka rushed up to the sink and collected two hands full of water and splashed it on herself.

"H-Honoka-chan?!" Kotori gasped and rushed over to Honoka, her handkerchief out of her pocket already.

Eh?! Why did Honoka-chan splashed water on herself?

"Kotori-chan!" Honoka grabbed both wrists of the surprised ash-grey haired to stop her from trying to dry her. "This is the power of water! It makes your clothes see-through. See?"

S-See?

Honoka puffed out her chest for Kotori to see the water that have seeped through her white uniform and plastered itself to her skin, also revealing hints of the silhouette of a bra for the blushing Kotori to see, and possibly burn into her mind.

H-H-Honoka-chan is..! H-Her bra…is…is white…It's so fitting for someone as innocent and cute as Honoka-chan, but… Honoka-chan's…

"H-H-Honoka-chan?" Kotori stammered while her eyes were glued to Honoka's somewhat exposed front.

"Do you understand the terrors of water now, Kotori-chan? You should be careful-"

Kotori spread her handkerchief across Honoka's chest and pulled her hands away before quickly turning away from the ginger that was oblivious of the effects the ginger's actions has.

As much as I want to stare at Honoka-chan all day…Or just a second more… I shouldn't let Honoka-chan keep herself wet and exposed…

"D-Dry yourself with that, H-Honoka-chan…I-I can see your…b-bra…"

Honoka blinked. "Okay..?" She dabbed Kotori's handkerchief to her wet uniform for a while. "So you understand, Kotori-chan?"

Mmph…It has the power to get us closer…

Kotori turned back slowly and nodded. "Mmph, I understand the powers of water now, Honoka-chan…"

Honoka smiled broadly, glad that her lesson got through to Kotori.

The ash-grey on the other hand was red to her ears as she took in the sight of Honoka's wet front again, the drying was not working out the way she wanted.

"Um." Kotori took off her blazer and made Honoka wear it. "W-Wear this to cover yourself until you dry, Honoka-chan…"

"Oh, it's still not dry, huh?" Honoka laughed sheepishly before donning the blazer. "Thank you, Kotori-chan."

"I-It's nothing…"

Honoka-chan is wearing my blazer…

"Shall we head back to class?" Honoka folded Kotori's handkerchief and returned it.

"M-Mmph…" Kotori kept her handkerchief and started for the exit.

I wonder why Honoka-chan wanted to tell me about the…powers of water…

Kotori smiled shyly.

I'm glad that it was with me though…I wouldn't want Honoka-chan showing herself to someone else…

Kotori looked over to the ginger who was back to being carefree as she admired Kotori's blazer on herself.

"Hehe~ It feels funny to wear someone else's blazer~ But I didn't bring mine today, so we can't exchange blazers~" Honoka giggled.

Just looking at you wear my blazer is enough, Honoka-chan! Though…If I can wear yours while you wear mine, would be kind of romantic too~


When Honoka and Kotori returned to the classroom, almond, violet and ruby eyes were focused on them.

Strong almond-yellow belonged to the blue haired archer, and striking violet belonged to the crimson haired doctor. The two of them was wondering where Honoka had taken their ash-grey haired classmate to, instead of them, and returning with the ash-grey's blazer on her too. "What happened?" ran through their minds as they remain seated.

Ruby eyes that appeared fierce at the moment was scrutinizing the gingerhead, wondering when she could shine some truth onto the ginger; is she vampire or not.

Hm. The homeroom teacher doesn't seem to be arriving any time soon.

Nico glanced to the door before resting her eyes on the ginger that was turning to speak to Kotori again.

I swear, the fact that Honoka's stalker can sit right beside her in class is just unfair to all those other stalkers that have to put in an effort to peek through windows or hide behind bushes!

Nico wasn't upset because the ash-grey haired classmate was making it hard for her to stalk and test the gingerhead, no. She also wasn't feeling injustice for Honoka's other stalkers, Nico does not know of their existence yet. Nico was simply upset because she realized that her tests have proved that she actually believes that Honoka is vampire.

This must be Nozomi's spiritual powers messing with my head.

Nico grimaced as she expertly crushes a ball of paper; her ammo is loaded.

Well, it's now or never. The Great Nico-ni shall now commence "Expose the Vampire Case 5: Honoka-idiot (human stalker still around)" She should be able to see the paper ball flying over since she's facing Minami and then she'll catch it, like Koizumi. And wa-la! She's vampire!

Nico stood up, because she got so into the role, she felt the need to stand in a throwing position and pull back her hand for greater effect.

The idol's actions were not going unnoticed as the redhead behind her raised both eyebrows at her ridiculously exaggerated pose. The redhead also figured that Nico seemed to be targeting the gingerhead for some reason she has yet to find out, so she decided to step in.

"Take this!" Nico swung her arm, but was unable to watch the results of her paper ball as she pulled a redhead to her side of the table.

Maki's "What are you doing?" was cut short at 'What' as she lost her balance thanks to the phenomenal strength the smaller twin tailed girl just exerted in a simple hand throw.

Nico sweatdropped as she turned her head, an incredibly forced smile on her face, as she watched the redhead she just reeled in change from wide eyed to displeased in a matter of seconds.

Why did she grab onto my hand?

"M-Maki-chan?" Nico started with her idol voice though it came off shaky.

Damn! Why did I stutter? Stuttering makes me sound guilty!

"Why did you throw the paper ball at Honoka?" Maki didn't like wasting time or beating around the bush, so she just asked the question on her mind.

"E-Eh? Nico wasn't trying to throw a paper ball at Honoka~" Nico averted her gaze.

The Great Nico-ni does not need to try. The Great Nico-ni gets things done!

"Huh…" Maki narrowed her eyes which made Nico gulped.

Why isn't Maki-chan letting go of my hand? It's seriously stressing me out here. Ever heard of personal space?

"Hey, could you return Nico's hand-"

Maki smiled a very eerie smile. "Your hand is very strong."

Damn, there was that too! Is Maki-chan light or am I just that strong? Pft, of course it's the Great Nico-ni who is strong. But that strength just brought me trouble. Ugh.

"N-Nico isn't very strong…" Nico internally slapped herself for a stuttering and barely passable acting.

"Really?" Maki strengthened her grip on the class idol's hand, and released the strength in her legs to test if Nico can keep her up with one wrist.

Nico managed to keep Maki up for a good second before her eyes bulged when she realized what Maki was doing, so she quickly put her other hand behind the redhead's back in pretence to hold her up.

What the hell are you doing, Maki-chan?! If I didn't had super strength you'd drop to the floor! If I was someone else, you'd be their next live target!

Nico forced another smile. "M-Maki-chan…Did Maki-chan not eat breakfast today..? To suddenly be unable to stand…on her two legs…That really surprised Nico…"

"It seems like you're plenty strong." Maki felt that she experimented on the class idol enough, so she let go of the black haired girl's wrist and took a step back.

The Great Nico-ni isn't going to get found out by a mere human! And a disinterested in the world human that somehow got granted the great looks too!

"N-Nico is an idol, so…Idols have rigorous training to train up our strength and stamina!" Nico felt like a good few years of her life was being shaved off thanks to the redhead's incessant suspicion on her. The smirk on the redhead's face somehow irked her too.

"Sure, I believe you." Maki rolled her eyes at Nico's idol front before returning to her seat.

Ugh…I'm not discovered right?

Nico slumped back into her seat, exhausted. She looked over to the gingerhead who was resting her head on the table.

I didn't take her down with a paper ball right? Well, if Honoka really got knocked unconscious in class, Minami or Sonoda would be making a fuss, not sit around like nothing happened.

Nico closed her eyes and dropped her head to meet the table too.

Expose the Vampire Case 5…failed… Got to… Get to the next plan!

Nico slammed both fists on the table in determination, but held her head with both hands after, as her head felt the table's vibration when she banged her fist on the table.

Ouch…


What really happened when Nico's paper ball flew out of her hands; Honoka did see the paper ball flying over, but she just turned to see the projectile hit her on the forehead and she clasped both hands to her head.

"Ah! I-It's a head shot…!"

Honoka-chan?! Where did the paper ball come from?

"H-Honoka-chan?" Kotori was surprised that a paper ball flew over suddenly. Plus it hit the ginger in the head. "Are you okay?"

"K-Kotori-chan…" Honoka held onto her head as she leaned closer to the concerned ash-grey. "I-I don't think I have much longer…" Honoka pretended to be severely injured.

Ah, Honoka-chan is so close…And is cute when she's pretending to die.

"Eh? H-Honoka-chan… S-Should we go to the nurse's office to check on your injury?" Kotori knew it could not be that serious, but could not help but play along with the ginger's antics.

"B-Before that…I just want to let you know that…"

"Let me know that?" Kotori looked over with her large golden eyes.

Will Honoka-chan pretend that we are lovers, and she's an injured soldier that just returned from a war that has yet to end, and then…say that she just wants to let me know that she loves me..!

Kotori's imagination was skyrocketing but before it became full-blown, the main actress spoke up again.

"I would love to have strawberry jam bread once more…before I go…" Honoka slumped to the back of the seat, pretending to have lost conscious.

Ah…Honoka-chan is thinking about food, huh?

The paper ball of course, did not even leave a scratch on Honoka's forehead, so there wasn't a need to go to the nurse's office.


Classes began, came and went. And now, it was time for lunch.

The one who strikes first, wins!

Nico cheated, or she was well-prepared; the Great Nico-ni, Class idol and part-time detective shot to her feet the moment the teacher uttered "Class end". And before anyone could react, she bounded her way to Honoka's table.

"Honoka." Nico had a hand on the table and another on the seat, garnering all of the gingerhead's attention when she turned to look at who called her.

"Oh, Nico-chan! What's up?" Honoka smiled a large, warm smile to the angry looking Nico.

Not '"What's up", but "Where to", Honoka.

Nico grinned. "Do you mind coming with me for a bit?"

Has long as she did not make any prior appointments, she's mine.

Honoka tilted her head to the side. "Mm, sure."

Winner!

Nico beamed. "Great! Let's-"

Before Nico could get Honoka out of the classroom, someone interrupted; she knew things can't just go her way.

"Hold on. What do you want with, Honoka?"

Nico turned around to see Sonoda Umi who has stood up, asking with a no-joke expression and tone. And to her left, a step above was a redhead who was radiating an unhappy aura with her arms crossed.

Am I in her way or does she want Honoka too? And Sonoda seriously might be Honoka's chaperone with the way she's almost always beside Honoka like this. Well, I better play safe here. Don't want to get Sonoda and Maki on my tail.

"Nico just wanted to get to know her classmates better~ So Nico would like to hang out with Honoka a bit more for lunch~" Nico did her signature pose with a near perfect smile.

"Honoka-"

Umi was cut off when Honoka spoke up. "Yay, Nico-chan wants to hang out with me!" Honoka laughed happily. "Does Umi-chan want to hang out with Nico-chan too?"

It's amazing how clueless to the animosity Honoka is. But good job, lighten the mood, Honoka!

Umi frowned at Honoka's carefree attitude. It's understandable that Honoka won't go around doubting her classmate, but Umi has reasons for her suspicions on Nico. "No, I don't."

"Then there's no need to inter- I mean stop us from hanging out, nico~"

How hard is it to have this dumb idiot here for a moment alone?!

Nico was getting annoyed.

"If Umi doesn't have a need, I do." Four pair of eyes looked over to Maki.

"Maki-chan wants to have lunch with Nico-chan?" Honoka guessed, again totally off the mark.

"No. I want to have lunch with you." Maki wondered how she was able to be so honest, but forgave herself since it's for the better in this situation.

Great. Now the classy redhead wants to have lunch with the idiot!

"Aw~ I'd love to, but I already promised Nico-chan. Want to eat with us instead?"

What? No. You don't go inviting other people to our alone time, Honoka!

Maki opened her mouth to answer but was interrupted.

"No. I'd like to have you alone, so." Nico didn't want to dance around a redhead who was glaring daggers at her, and a blue haired archer that looked ready to pull her bow out (not that she's afraid of some arrows), thus she did the next logical thing, get out of the situation literally. "We're going now."

Nico grabbed both of Honoka's hands in hers to pull the gingerhead out of class and the situation itself. She should have done it earlier to avoid Honoka asking others to eat together with them; they weren't even going to eat.

I should have done this earlier.

When Nico took Honoka's hands into hers, Maki, Umi and Kotori flinched and frowned as they wanted to be the one to hold Honoka's hand. Umi scolded herself for thinking that, Maki told herself it's not like she really wanted to hold Honoka's hand, while Kotori had half a mind to follow along regardless, but stopped herself to respect Honoka's and Nico's decisions.

Right, there was still Hoshizora to worry about.

Nico gave a quick glance back towards the purple haired girl who was observing them with a grin, she signalled to Nozomi with a glare to keep watch on Hanayo and Rin to see if they can find out more about the Asking-for-trouble banner, aptly named by Nico herself. Nozomi just grinned wider and turned her attention to the brunette and orange haired girl in front of her.

"Let's go get ramen, Kayochin!" The orange haired girl turned to her childhood friend excitedly.

"Um, Rin-chan." This time, Hanayo wasn't trying to avoid ramen, but instead want to gather information about Rin's banner creation.

"Hm?" Rin calmed down a little to listen.

"How…How goes your banner?" Hanayo was thinking of ways to ask in a roundabout manner, but finally decided she might as well just cut to the chase for this matter.

"Banner, nya?" Rin cocked her head to the side, not yet registering what does banners have to do with her. "Oh! The bat-banner?"

Hanayo nodded with a small smile at her friend's enthusiasm.

"Mm…" Rin crossed her arm while furrowing her brows.

"W-What's wrong?" Hanayo felt concern for her cheerful friend's frustrated expression.

"Rin can't decide which colour to use, nya…"

Hanayo could not help but smile slightly, relieved that Rin has yet to progress much on her banner. Nozomi who was listening into their conversation grinned, assuming the same thing as Hanayo.

"I- I see…Good luck, Rin-chan…"

"Thank you, Kayochin Rin will do her best!" Rin went back to being jolly thanks to Hanayo's support.

"Ah…Mmph…" Hanayo nodded.

Umi walked out of the classroom without saying anything, she had full intentions to follow the class idol whose actions she queried, and her childhood friend that is oblivious to her situation, whatever the situation is.

Maki considered returning to her seat to sulk, as she lost her appetite when Honoka got dragged off elsewhere, but she wasn't given that chance when her nurse in training disciple spoke to her.

"M-Maki-chan?"

Maki uncrossed her arms and rested her left hand on her hip. "What?"

"Um…Are you free to teach me more about medicine today..?" Kotori was intimidated by Maki's cool attitude, and disinterested eyes.

Maki shrugged. "How about your lunch?"

"I-I'll finish it quickly." Kotori answered quickly with a smile, relieved that she was not turned down.

"Alright then." Maki walked over to Kotori and sat beside her; initial reason was to wait for the ash-grey girl to finish her lunch, but when she remembered it was Honoka's seat, she rest her chin on her hand and looked away from Kotori as there was a slight blush appearing on her cheeks.

Kotori was slightly surprised that the redhead came over to sit, she also wanted to ask if Maki wanted to eat, but decided against it; the redhead seems to know what she's doing all the time, questioning her might come off as rude.


Outside the classroom, Nico was still holding onto Honoka's hand as she led the ginger to where she regarded as a private space for talking; the same corridor she officially made friends with Hanayo when she exposed the brunette's identity.

Following behind them, the talented blue haired archer was clenching and unclenching her fist to calm herself down.

When is Yazawa-san going to let go of Honoka's hand? It's getting kind of annoying. Maybe I should step in to separate those hands…

Umi clenched and unclenched her hands once more before letting out a long breath, all to calm herself and avoid making a move she might regret. Her father taught her to be more decisive, yes. But he also taught her to not be too hasty in making important decisions; especially when violence is involved.

"Alright." Nico turned around to face Honoka who was smiling.

Honoka's weirdly obedient… Who would just follow a stranger to wherever they want?

Nico stared at the smiling ginger, the smile being very contagious as Nico's lips edged upwards too. However, when she noticed that she was still holding hands with Honoka, a blush formed on her cheek for some reason as she let go.

What the heck! Why am I getting embarrassed?!

"You could have asked for your hand back if you didn't like it, you know?" Nico shot the ginger an accusatory glare.

Umi standing further away in the shadows was glaring back at Nico.

And you could let go of Honoka's hand the moment you left the classroom.

Honoka just cocked her head to the side, confused. "Hm? I didn't dislike it."

Dislike it, Honoka! I mean…Can you be silent for a moment, brain? I'm trying to find out if Yazawa-san is up to something. Not...get jealous… I'm not jealous!

Umi was having an internal conflict with herself.

"Dislike it." Nico commanded with deadpan eyes.

Seriously! Be more conscious about this sort of lovey-dovey actions!

"Eh~ But I really don't mind." Honoka smiled broadly. "Holding hands is a sign of how close we are!"

For couples, maybe.

"Cos' we're friends!" Honoka made a gut pose, and was smiling so eagerly that Nico couldn't retaliate with a snide comment.

Does she have a grade-schooler brain or something?

Nico sighs.

Vampire. Honoka. A vampire…

"Is everything okay, Nico-chan?" Honoka's concerned tone brought Nico's attention back to her.

"Yeah, I'm okay."

Let's begin "Expose the Vampire Case 6: Honoka-idiot (Alone, finally)".

"So…You mind answering whatever I ask you?" Nico put up a huge grin to be less intimidating.

"Sure! We're going to get to know each other more, right?" Honoka giggled happily.

"Y-Yeah…" Nico found herself smiling naturally again. "What's your favourite food?"

"Bread!" Honoka did not even have to think for this question; if she did, she might consider saying blood, so luckily for her, she did not think.

Well, Honoka did mention that she loves bread during introductions…

"With what topping?"

"Strawberry jam! It's just so sweet and delicious~ I can't really explain it…I think you should try some. I'll bring some for you next time!" Honoka's eyes was shining, Nico found it rather blinding to look at Honoka's pure form of excitement for the jam, so she put both hands out to say no.

Honoka was eating that and feeding it to Minami too. In fact, I already knew this. I should ask something else… Though I was hoping to hear her say blood instead… Why wouldn't a vampire who loves bread, not put blood all over her favourite food right? I mean, Hanayo does it…

"T-That's not necessary…" Nico couldn't take bread very well. "Why did you mention blood during your introduction on the first day of school?" Nico narrowed her eyes in anticipation.

"Because I was told that blood type O is quite rare, making it important! And I love it!" Maki taught Honoka about how blood type O has fewer donations than the others since O type is few among the population, and she also told the gingerhead to use this as a reason for whenever blood is mentioned to Honoka; it most probably can get Honoka out of accidentally exposing herself.

"How fast can you run?" Nico decided to step away from blood and try on other aspects of vampires.

Just tell me that you can lap the school in few seconds-

"Eh..? I'm not really good with math…" Honoka lifted her right hand to her lips as she tried to remember the mathematical formula for speed.

"Do you think you can-" Nico was going to ask if Honoka can purchase her favourite bread and return here in a minute, but the gingerhead had a question of her own.

"Is Nico-chan asking about my physical capability so that you know what kind of training we can begin with?" Honoka looked up excitedly.

Umi who has been keeping her brain in check, and listening in to the two's question and answer session, perked up when she heard 'training'.

What's this training about..?

"T-Training..?" Nico's pace was broken as she fell onto Honoka's track.

"Mm-hm! As basketball idols!" Honoka nodded.

Basketball idols?

Umi's eyebrows furrowed together. She already did not bother with idols with how flashy they dressed, hearing of basketball idols just sounded even more ridiculous to her.

"No. Not basketball idols!" Nico really did not want to be known as a basketball idol, so she had to clear the misunderstanding with Honoka before she spreads the wrong word.

"Um…As idols?" Honoka hoped she did not anger the class idol unintentionally.

"I- …Yeah, yeah. I'm asking you these questions to see if you're fit to be an idol worthy of the Great Nico-ni's training!" Nico placed both hands on her hips proudly.

Umi suddenly felt like she lost all interest in the conversation.

Since when was Honoka interested in being an idol..? I'm pretty sure she's more interested in battle mangas… Anyway, if this was all about playing idol together, I guess I didn't have to worry so much…

Umi made her judgement; Nico and Honoka ran on weird wavelengths. And it most probably isn't harmful to each other, so she can relax. Umi exited the shadows to spend the rest of lunch break doing something else.


Nico was now back in her seat and staring at the gingerhead again; Honoka rested her head on her arm lazily as she had no one to talk to since Kotori has yet to return from the nurse's office.

How did lunchbreak just went by like this?! Honoka side-tracked so much that I ended up explaining about idols to her and what training she could do! I did not manage to get concrete answers! Ugh… Honoka…

Nico slumped her entire body across her table, both mentally and physically exhausted from following Honoka's pace. The Great Nico-ni's detective work has yet to end. She absentmindedly crushed paper and rolled it to the side.

The classroom door opened and the ash-grey haired girl who still has yet to get her blazer back entered. She walked up to her seat from the resting ginger's side, but stopped as she wasn't sure of how to get in.

Honoka-chan is resting…Maybe I should go from the other side..?

Honoka sat up straight suddenly and turned to look at Kotori.

Ah, Honoka-chan woke up.

Kotori blinked in surprise before smiling sweetly. Honoka broke into a broad smile.

"Kotori-chan! Welcome back~" The ginger who regained her energy hopped out of her seat for Kotori to go in.

"Thank you, Honoka-chan…" Kotori felt her heart thumping faster from Honoka's broad, broad smile, plus her heart can't keep calm every time the gingerhead that she is head over heels for calls her name.

Honoka-chan…I just love it when you say my name…

Kotori took note of where she placed her pencil case which marked where she should sit so that she is closer to the gingerhead who sat back beside her.

"Kotori-chan, where did you go to eat today?" Honoka made small talk with a bright smile.

"I ate in class today, actually…" Kotori returned the smile, though slightly smaller.

I'd only go somewhere else if with you, Honoka-chan…

"Oh~" Honoka blinked once, wondering what the next question should be. "So you were in the bathroom?"

Kotori shook her head. "No, I was at the nurse's office with Maki-chan-"

"Eh?! Did something happen?" Honoka shuffled closer concernedly.

Honoka-chan moved closer to me..! And Honoka-chan's worried expression…It's a different kind of cute…

Kotori blushed slightly and shook her head. "No…I'm studying first aid with Maki-chan's help, so…" Kotori gave a small and shy smile, she did not really consider telling Honoka about her medicinal studies since she has yet to know enough to be confident in sharing about it.

Honoka visibly relaxed as her smile returned. "Hm~ Kotori-chan is learning healing powers, huh~ That's cool!"

"I've only just started though…" Kotori lowered her head shyly.

"It all begins with a start!" Honoka beamed proudly at Kotori. "Once you become even better at healing, I'll have two healers! Hehe~" Honoka chuckled joyfully. "Ah, that's if Kotori-chan wants to be mine healer too though…" Honoka changed from proud jolly to modest and shy.

H-Honoka-chan… Of course, I'd want to be your healer! I don't think I'm good enough though…

Ping! Ping! Ping!

Sounds of metal clashing reverberated in the air as sword blows were exchanged.

"This is the end for you, Swordswoman Kousaka!" A painful stab that grazed the swordswoman sides sounded as she staggered backwards.

"Ugh, no it isn't! I'm not going down without a fight!"

"Swordswoman Honoka-chan!" Golden orbs that tried to blink away the forming tears cried the name of her warrior.

"Don't worry, Healer Kotori-chan. Just concentrate on healing me. And I won't die." The Swordswoman Kousaka Honoka turned her head to give her healer an encouraging smile.

Healer Kotori rubbed the tears away from her eyes with the sleeves of her robe before giving a firm nod to her partner in battle. "Heal!" A green light appeared around her warrior, healing the injuries as best she can; it wasn't much, but it lifted some of the pain Swordswoman Honoka felt.

"Thank you, Healer Kotori-chan!" Swordswoman Honoka readied her next fighting stance. "Meet your end! Evil Swordsman!"

"Gaahh!" The Evil Swordsman suffered some hits as he was unable to parry all of Swordswoman Honoka's strikes, slashes and lunges.

"Swordswoman Honoka-chan…" Healer Kotori whispered the name of her warrior, worry-laden as she did her best to cast another heal.

"You can't defeat me! Swordswoman Kousaka!" The Evil Swordsman's dark aura doubled and before Swordswoman Honoka could react, she was slashed five times and when she parried the sixth strike, the force blew her backwards all the way to where Healer Kotori was.

"Ughh!" Swordswoman Honoka groaned in pain.

"Swordswoman Honoka!" The tears welled up in Healer Kotori's golden orbs once again as she knelt beside her warrior and hovered her staff over the injured spots, hoping that if she healed from a closer range it might be stronger.

"Healer…K-Kotori-chan…" Swordswoman Honoka cupped the crying Healer's face gently with her shaky hands. "Don't cry…" She caught a falling tear and wiped off the rest that threatened to follow. "I will protect you through it all…"

Healer Kotori shook her head vigorously. "It's my fault! Because I'm not strong enough-" A finger placed softly on her lips stopped the Healer from more self-blame. She looked into ocean blue eyes that still reflected strength, determination and love despite the injuries the owner has suffered. "Swordswoman Honoka-chan…"

"Believe in me, and I will be able to protect you, Healer Kotori-chan." Swordswoman Honoka mustered a wide smile for her healer.

"Mmph! I believe in you, Swordswoman Honoka-chan!" Healer Kotori exclaimed, as she held the hand of her warrior's and green light shined all around the two.

Swordswoman Honoka got to her feet, gave a final squeeze to Healer Kotori's gentle hand, before she directed her determined eyes at the enemy.

"Evil Swordsman! Here! I! Come! Raaarggh!" Swordswoman Honoka let out a battle cry before all the concentrated energy she channelled to her feet propelled her forward at lightning speed and she pierced the heart of the Evil Swordsman with her blade.

"Kotori-chan? Would you want to be my healer?" Honoka was trying to get the ash-grey hair's attention.

"Eh? Um, I- I'd love to, Swordswoman Honoka-chan!" Kotori affected by her daydream addressed Honoka as swordswoman, while sounding very determined too.

Honoka took an extra second to take in the change before she smiled broadly and chuckled. "I'm more of a fist person, but I think swords are cool too~ Hehe~"

Honoka-chan as a sword wielder or simply fighting with your bare fists is equally cool~

Nico above has crushed a whole bunch of papers and seeing the carefree ginger and ash-grey classmates chatting and laughing away got her slightly irritated.

I'm putting in so much effort to find out if you're vampire and all you do is flirt and make things hard for me!

Nico's train of thought was entirely irrational as the exhaustion crippled her capability to cool down. Nico sneaked a glance behind her to see that the redhead was not back yet.

No one to stop me now!

Nico grabbed the crushed paper balls and rained it down on Honoka.

With that speed, if you're a vampire, you can catch all of it! Or at least half.

Nico crossed her arms and watched, though the results was never what she expects it to be when it came to the gingerhead. The paper balls all hit or fell around Honoka.

"Woah!" Honoka picked up a few paper balls and stared at it in fascination.

Why do I even bother? That dumb-idiot is probably thinking around the lines of magic paper balls…

"Honoka-chan, are you alright?" Kotori picked up some of the paper balls that landed on the floor too.

"I'm okay!" Honoka chuckled. "Watch this, Kotori-chan!"

Kotori looked over to see the gingerhead juggling about ten paper balls. Kotori giggled as she watched Honoka increased the amount of paper balls she was juggling, not noticing that Honoka was adding each paper ball at a phenomenal speed. Nico too failed to notice as she got irritated that her paper ball test led to helping Honoka impress Kotori more than necessary.

Honoka-chan is so good at juggling~

Honoka laughed happily which made her miss throw a paper ball in her juggling, which then led to the other paper balls to stop being juggled properly and all landed on Honoka's head one after the other.

"Wah! Ah! Haha~" Honoka laughed even more as each paper ball hit her on the head.

Kotori could not help but laugh again, even more than before.

Honoka-chan…She's so funny and adorable…

Honoka felt a great sense of accomplishment that she can make Kotori smile and laugh so much just from her juggling skit, so she smiled much, much broader than usual.


The rest of the school day rolled by relatively normally, and now it was after school. Honoka dropped her head onto the table with a soft complain.

"Uu…It's after school…"

Finally it's afterschool…

Kotori smiled at the ginger before packing her bag. "Honoka-chan…"

"Mm?" Honoka shifted her head to look at her seat mate.

Oh, Kotori-chan is ready to head home already… hehe~ Kotori-chan sure packs fast. She's as efficient as Umi-chan and Maki-chan!

"Um…W-Would you like to go home together?" Kotori stuttered the question, the ginger usually invite her to walk home, but there are times when someone gets to her first, and Kotori would just feel like she'd be intruding if she walked with them; even if they are walking the same way.

Go home together, huh~ I'd love to, but today I'm not going home! Well, not yet anyways~

"Mm…" Honoka sat up while she thought of her reply, but while she was thinking, someone came to approach her.

"Honoka, there isn't archery club today, so I could walk you back." Umi with her school bag in hand, stood by Honoka's table.

Umi-chan too?

"Eh? Um, I-"

Honoka could not finish her reply as a third person approached Honoka.

"Honoka." The redhead glance to her blue haired childhood friend for a moment before returning her gaze to the gingerhead. "Want to walk home together?"

Maki-chan too? Today's walk home would have been so much fun! Ah, but I can't. I promised myself that I'll visit Rin-chan today!

"I'd really love to, but…" Honoka wore a nervous smile, she did not like to cause unhappiness to others, and she somehow felt that saying no to walking home with the three of them would make them kind of upset.

"Did you get detention?" Umi questioned.

"Wha-? No? I- I did not get detention, Umi-chan!" Honoka frantically denied the possibility; she does not remember getting a detention yet for high school. "I just have something on, so I can't walk home with you all…" Honoka turned in her seat to make eye contact with Maki, Umi and Kotori to show her sincerity.

I really, really, really would love to walk home with you three! But not today!

"Sorry, Kotori-chan." Honoka apologized, while Kotori waved both hands in front of her.

"I-It's nothing to apologize about, Honoka-chan…It's okay. T-There's always next time…" Kotori's heart was doing skips again as she met Honoka's filled with sincerity and apologetic blue eyes.

Kotori-chan is so nice~

"Mmph! There's always next time!" Honoka turned around. "Umi-chan, sorry I can't go home with you today even though you're finally free…" Honoka gave the same apologetic look to Umi.

Umi had a lopsided smile. "It's okay. As Mina- Kotori has mentioned, there's always another time."

"Umi-chan…" Honoka felt touched at Umi's understanding.

Umi-chan is so understanding, hehe~

"Maki-chan, I'm sorry I can't walk home with you today." Once again, Honoka changed to her apologetic look to the redhead.

Maki crossed her arms and averted her gaze. "I-It's not like I'm agreeing with Kotori on purpose…But as she said. There's always another time. So…D-Don't misunderstand, okay?" Maki looked at Honoka with a huff.

W-What's there to misunderstand..?

"O-Okay..?" Honoka agreed to whatever she's supposed to not misunderstand with a warm smile.

Umi, Maki and Kotori remained at their positions for another minute or so, not knowing when would be a good time to go.

"I-I guess I'll go now… See you, Honoka…" Maki began.

"See you, Maki-chan!" Honoka had just finished packing her bag.

The three of them continued standing around despite Maki already saying she'll go; the three of them were waiting for Honoka to go first for one reason or another.

Hm…I shall follow Rin-chan to her house today and have a chat with her~

After Rin has walked quite a distance down the corridor, Honoka stands up to follow.

The remaining three stood in silent for a moment after Honoka left, before each taking their leave.


Honoka was doing a fine job of following Rin and Hanayo as they walked home together, but the gingerhead didn't see a need to distant herself from her two friends. She might as well walk together with them, before pretending to go further down the path.

Rin-chan and Hanayo-chan sure are close~

"Rin-chan, Hanayo-chan~" Honoka waved at the two who looked behind them, she jogged over to Rin and Hanayo. "Do you mind if I walk with you?"

"There's no problem, nya~" Rin answered excitedly.

"I-I-I'd love to…walk with…H-Honoka-chan too…" Hanayo was so nervous she started stuttering as she squeaked.

I'd love to walk together too~ That's why I called out to you after all~

Rin laughed. "Kayo-chin! You don't have to be so formal or afraid!" Rin patted the brunette's back excitedly.

Hehe~ Rin-chan sure knows how to calm Hanayo-chan down~

"Kayo-chin does not have to be so nervous~ Let's walk together, nya!"

"Y-Yes…Rin-chan…" Hanayo was still relatively jittery.

"Hey, hey, Rin-chan." Honoka walked beside Rin.

"Nyat is it, Honoka-chan?" Rin turned her attention to the ginger.

"I heard you want to meet the bat you chatted with again?" Honoka grinned widely at the thought of visiting right after their walk home.

"Yes, nya! Rin wants to chat with the cute little bat again~" Rin did a happy bounce.

"I want to chat more with you too~" Honoka giggled.

"Nya?" Rin and Hanayo looked over to Honoka confused as to why Honoka would say that.

Honoka blinked and returned the stare.

Did I say something wrong?

"U-Um…" Hanayo spoke up quietly.

"There's no need to raise your hand to speak, Hanayo-chan." Honoka sent the timid brunette a huge and reassuring smile.

"M-Mmph…" Hanayo nodded then looked over to Rin. "R-Rin-chan. Don't you think meeting a bat is kind of…dangerous?"

"Dangerous?" Rin didn't see the dangers in chatting with an adorable bat that seems to understand human language. "Rin don't think so."

I love how Rin-chan is so trusting. Of course, I'm totally trustworthy too!

Honoka smiled wider at her self-praise.

"Well…bats could…bite?" Hanayo knew it as a fact that bats normal or abnormal can and will bite.

Don't worry, Hanayo-chan. I won't bite Rin-chan.

"If the bat is hungry Rin can share with it my ramen, nya!" Rin put her hands out like she was holding a bowl of ramen.

"Rin-chan…" Hanayo does not believe that she can persuade Rin to change her mind about meeting bats.

"I don't know if I'll like eating ramen…" Honoka spoke her mind as she thought about slurping down some noodles; she tried dry noodles before and it did not end up in her digestive system happily.

"Eh? But ramen is sooo delicious, nya!" Rin was inspired to spread the love for ramen to her energetic friend. "Honoka-chan has to try it!"

Honoka laughed. "Mm…I'll think about it."

"You must!" Rin looked over determinedly.

I should not have said that out loud… But Rin-chan really loves ramen. I think she eats ramen for every lunch break. Well, I'm not one to talk since all I can eat is bread and blood.

"Ah, our houses are this way…" Hanayo spoke up again when they neared their apartment.

"Oh~" Honoka looked up at the high rise building.

So this is how Hanayo-chan and Rin-chan's houses look like in the day time.

"Honoka-chan's house is further down..?" Hanayo asked.

"Eh? Ah…" Honoka looked from Hanayo to Rin who was waiting for an answer. "M-Mmph…I need to walk further down from here." Honoka pointed to the front.

My house certainly isn't here…

Honoka laughed nervously.

"See you tomorrow, Honoka-chan, Rin-chan." Hanayo gave each of her friend a small wave before heading home.

"See you tomorrow, Hanayo-chan!" Honoka returned a huge wave.

"See you, Kayo-chin!" Rin did the same as Honoka before spinning around. "See you, Honoka-chan~"

"See you soon, Rin-chan!" Honoka grinned, while Rin skipped off.

Very soon indeed~


While Honoka, Rin and Hanayo were walking home together for the first time, Nozomi finished with her duties went back to class to grab her bag.

"Waiting for me, Nicocchi?" Nozomi joked immediately upon entering.

Nico just returned the spiritual vampire a deadpan stare.

"No luck today?" Nozomi smiled understandingly, she can tell that Honoka is quite the enigma to crack; especially if you tackle it the roundabout way like Nico is doing.

Nico sighed heavily. "Honoka…"

Nozomi was understanding of Nico's situation, but she could not let the opportunity to tease that Nico herself opened slip by.

"Nicocchi misses Honoka-chan so badly already~? Well, this is one of the symptoms of young love, I suppose~"

Nico slammed her hands on the table and glared at Nozomi. "Why don't you try testing Honoka instead? It's tough to even get her alone!" Nico grimaced, she was upset enough that her plans weren't working out, getting teased was just adding to her anger.

Nozomi smiled. "Honoka-chan is a very popular girl after all."

Nozomi used her gentle tone which helped Nico calm down considerably, as she crossed her arms. "Talk about popular…Even Maki-chan…"

Nico trailed off while furrowing her eyebrows.

"Did something happen with Maki-chan?" Nozomi smirked as a chance for teasing called her. "Perhaps Nicocchi is jealous of Honoka-chan~"

"W-Why would I be jealous of the dumb idiot?" Nico frowned, not even sure why she stuttered, and during her shouting, she did not notice the classroom door opened.

"Well~ Honoka-chan gets most of the girls attention, right? Even Maki-chan's. So you're jealous that Maki-chan isn't looking your way~"

"And why would I, the Great Nico-ni, universe's cutest idol, want Maki-chan to be looking my way?!" Nico glowered.

"Yazawa-san is in love with Nishikino-san?" The person who just walked in quickly clasped a hand to her mouth for her insensitive commenting.

Nico jerked her head over to the source with wide eyes, internally sighing in relief that she did not add on the title of smartest vampire.

"A-Ayase?!"

"Oh, done with talking to the teacher, Elichi?" Nozomi grinned, she knew Eli entered the classroom, and decided that it would be more fun to tease Nico this way.

"I'm sorry for listening in. It wasn't on purpose." Eli bowed in apology. "I won't tell anyone about your feelings for Nishikino-san, Yazawa-san."

"Wha-?! I'm not in love with Maki-chan!" Nico could not believe her ears.

"Nicocchi is still confused as to whether she likes Maki-chan or Honoka-chan more~" Nozomi feigned an upset look as though she felt for Nico's plight.

"Nozomi!"

"Honoka too?" Eli believed whatever Nozomi said and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Wha-? N-No! Don't believe whatever this woman says!" Nico gestures exasperatedly at the purplenette who was trying to control her laughter.

"I…" Eli lowered her head to hide her blush. When Nico lay out the fact that she believes whatever Nozomi says, it makes her wonder why she believes everything too, though it does not make her feel foolish, in fact it makes her want to smile.

Nico groaned at the two's reaction. "I'm leaving."

Nozomi spoke in between giggles. "See you tomorrow, Nicocchi."

"Um, see you tomorrow, Yazawa-san." Eli bowed again.

Nico huffed and closed the doors.


After Rin and Hanayo walked into their high rise building respectively, Honoka rushed to a corner and transformed.

"Hehe~ Time to do some friend visiting~" Honoka-bat pumped a wing in the air before flying after Rin; losing sight of her cat-like friend now would defeat the purpose of walking with them in the first place.

Rin made it easier for Honoka as she was humming "nya" as she skipped home. The lift door opened, and Honoka-bat swiftly flew in and remained above Rin's head so as to only say hi when she has entered Rin's house.

Rin-chan lives on the 9th floor, huh…That's kind of high~

"Rin's back, nya!" Rin greeted as she entered her house.

Honoka-bat skilfully flew in and hid behind a cat ornament when Rin's mum came over to greet her daughter.

Once Rin's mum walked away and Rin started for her room, Honoka-bat hopped out from behind the cat, climbed it, and jumped off the shelf to begin her bat flight.

Rin-chan's house is filled with cats~ No wonder she goes nya~ hehe~

Honoka-bat saw Rin closing the door to her room and panicked.

"Wha! Wait, wait up, Rin-chan!" Honoka-bat called and quickened her flying and somehow managed to slip inside before the door closed.

"Nya?" Rin turned around to look at her door as she thought she heard something.

Honoka-bat used more speed than necessary to make it into the room, so she smacked right into the other end's wall and landed onto the floor.

"O-Ouch… It's not really pain, but…" Honoka-bat shook her head and pushed herself off the floor.

Rin placed her bag away and stretched. "Nyaa~" She has yet to notice the bat in her room, and she ran over to her table to grab her banner in the making.

"Is that the banner to invite me over, Rin-chan?" Honoka-bat giggled, but was drowned out by the sounds of the banner being spread across the floor.

"What colour should I use for this side of the banner, nya…" Rin held up an orange marker and a green marker.

"I think orange is nice~" Honoka-bat hopped over to the banner and stood where the drawing of a bat was.

Rin's mouth dropped agape as she stared at Honoka-bat.

"Hello, Rin-chan~ We meet again!" Honoka-bat had apparently forgotten all that Umi chided her about, as she waved to Rin.

"A-Are you the bat that…Rin met before..?" Rin bend closer to Honoka-bat.

"Yup!" Honoka-bat saluted as an affirmation.

Rin's eyes were sparkling. "R-Rin has yet to finish the banner for you…and…and you're already here..! Rin is happy!" Rin laughed and jumped onto her feet before doing a happy run around her room going "nya" and "yay".

Honoka-bat chuckled and flew along with Rin. "I'm as happy to meet you again in my bat form, Rin-chan~ It's kind of fun flying~"

"How did you know Rin wanted to see you again…Bat-chan?" Rin stopped running and was hopping on the spot.

"Kotori-chan let me know~ hehe~" Honoka-bat remained in air in front of the starry eyed cat-girl.

"Um…" Rin was so excited, she forgot all that she wanted to chat with Honoka-bat.

"Let's-" Honoka-bat was interrupted by a shout asking Rin to stop making such loud noises, and Honoka-bat fell onto the floor.

"R-Rin's sorry, mum!" Rin stopped jumping and bend over to the bat on the floor that was seemed to be laughing.

"Ahaha…I seem to fall a lot in this room." Honoka rested on the floor where she fell.

"Are you okay…Bat-chan?"

"I'm totally okay, Rin-chan. Hey, wanna finish your banner together?" Honoka-bat asked and realized Rin might not understand what she's saying, so she got to her feet and half hopped, half flew over to the banner on the floor.

"Bat-chan?" Rin followed the bat.

"Let's finish the banner together! That'll be super fun, right?" Honoka-bat pointed at the banner and then raised both wings in a hoorah pose.

Rin beamed and nodded vigorously. "Let's colour the banner, nya~" Rin rushed over and picked up some of her coloured markers and pens to spread it on the floor. "Which colour do you think Rin should use, nya?"

Honoka-bat pretended to scan the array of colouring materials with one wing to her mouth.

I kind of already know I want orange, so~

"This one!" Honoka-bat tried to pick up the marker with her wing, and frowned. "Whoops, can't grab it properly." Honoka-bat hopped onto the orange marker to lift it with her feet. "This one!"

Rin stared in awe as Honoka-bat lifted the orange marker up into the air. "Rin is…amazed, nya…"

Honoka-bat giggled and dropped the orange marker into Rin's waiting hands. "Let's colour!"

Honoka-bat flew back to the area which needed colouring to urge Rin to begin.

"Yes, nya!" Rin uncapped the marker and started filling the white with orange.

At various areas, Rin tried getting Honoka-bat to join in the colouring. Honoka-bat gladly complied as though she couldn't colour properly with her wing or feet. Rin then suggested that they hold the marker together; in which Rin did most of the colouring, while Honoka-bat hopped along with the marker, letting Rin know where she missed a spot.

Honoka-bat and Rin laughed heartily when they had completed the banner.

"Nya~ Rin had lots of fun today with Bat-chan~" Rin turned to look at Honoka-bat.

"So did I~" Honoka-bat gave her toothy smile to Rin. "I wish I could tell you I'm Honoka though~ But Umi-chan would get so angry…" Honoka laughed nervously and stopped.

Umi-chan will be so angry… Ah! I totally forgot that I'm not supposed to do all this humanly actions!

Honoka-bat stared at her own laidback posture on the ground, similar to Rin's.

Rin felt Honoka-bat's sudden unease. "Is everything okay, nya?"

"Ah…It's okay…" Honoka-bat gave a small smile. "Has long as Umi-chan doesn't find out!"

Rin smiled. "Want to eat ramen, Bat-chan?" Rin's eyes shined excitedly.

"Ah…I actually have to go already, Rin-chan…" Honoka-bat looked out the window to see that the sun is about to set.

Rin was still looking at Honoka-bat expectantly, so Honoka-bat flew over to the window and pointed.

"Oh…Do you have to go already, Bat-chan?" Rin felt a bit lonely already.

Honoka-bat smiled and waved. "I might visit again~"

"Let's play together soon!" Rin smiled, deciding that showing positivity is better than being sad; the bat went off last time, but returned too.

"Hehe~ Yup! See you, Rin-chan!" Honoka-bat waved once more and flew out.

"Bye bye, Bat-chan~!" Rin waved and shouted even though Honoka-bat was no longer in sight.


Author Notes

T.T I was writing in the morning, writing in the evening, then writing in the night when time with the laptop was possible, but..! I did not make it!

It's officially 2 weeks since the last chapter… OxO Forgive me!

Want to know my reasons..? –laughs nervously- Simply put, I have a whole lot of ideas for what's to come, and got busy swimming in those future events, that I did not start on writing this chapter. OXO (Also, I'm job hunting now, but that's not so important, right? hahas. OXO')

I know it's kinda late to ask, but…Anyone prefer my replies to your awesome reviews given directly instead of written at the start of each chapter? :P But there are some that can't get direct replies though… OvO Well, just let me know if you want a direct reply, instead of having to wait a week or so~ :P

So… *O* How was this chapter? XD I made sure it was longer too~ As apologies for sharing later than usual!

I got carried away with Kotori's fantasy of Swordswoman Honoka and Healer Kotori too~ XP Hehe~ It was kind of fun.

Anyways~ *O* Hopefully next chapter won't take this long!

Thank you for all the awesome reviews from before and leave a comment if you like~ ^^

P.S. I did a drawing of Yukiho sitting atop Honoka when waking her sister on Sunday, and it's on tumblr. Check it out if out if you like~ I'm not used to drawing sitting positions from that angle, so… OvO Hopefully it's not too weird. XP