Heeeelllooo again! Thank you for reading the previous chapter after a year and a half haha :')) Here is Chapter 25! Filled with the first day of school shenanigans :) On to the story!

((Updated: 2/11/19))

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"Mikoto! You'll never guess what happened tonight."

Mikoto looked at Kumiko, urging her to continue talking. The two were alone in Kumiko's room while Ash and Tatara were off playing a board game in the living room. Mikoto was laying on her bed while she was tidying up little bits of her room. "I sang in front of an audience! There were only about a handful of people, but I did it. And the barista said she wants me to perform again!"

"Ah? Is that so?"

Kumiko was bouncing from excitement and nodded furiously, despite how tired she was. "You, Tatara, and Ash should come and watch! It would be a lot easier to perform if you guys came. But you know, Mikoto…"

"Ah?"

"I've never felt anything like that before. Before I got up there, I thought I was going to faint, but once I was singing, it didn't really feel like I was performing in front of an audience. It felt so natural."

Mikoto turned his head to the side to see Kumiko looking down at her piano and pressing the keys. Her keyboard was turned off so no sound was coming out. He got an idea in his head and a mischievous smirk appeared on his face. Mikoto stood up and made his way toward Kumiko, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and whispered in her ear. "You've never felt anything like that, huh?"

Kumiko's breath caught in her throat. "M-Mikoto. What do you think you're doing?"

"Hn," he smirked and pulled away. "Nothin'."

Kumiko puffed her cheeks in annoyance and crawled under her comforter. "Baka Mikoto!"

He chuckled and laid on the bed next to her, one arm propping his head up. Mikoto stared down at the lump and a few moments later, Kumiko peeped her eyes out from under the covers and flinched when she saw him staring at her. She narrowed her eyes and asked, "what are you looking at?"

Mikoto pulled the cover down so he could see her whole face and stared at her, almost as if he was studying her. He didn't reply and picked up a loose strand of her hair in his hand and slowly twirled it in his hand, mesmerized by how soft her locks felt around his rough fingers. Kumiko gave a gentle and tired smile and grabbed Mikoto's hand, kneading some areas while playing with his fingers. She placed a gentle kiss to one digit and immediately after released a big yawn. "Goodnight…Mikoto."

She closed her eyes and Mikoto continued to observe her face. Not too long after, he placed his hand on her cheek, causing her to open her eyes and give him a small, tired smile. Her smile, he thought, no matter how big or small could clear clouds and put the sun to shame. He kept his hand on her cheek and slowly leaned in, waiting to see if she would make any small movement towards him as well. When she placed her hand on his that rest on her cheek and inched her parted lips closer, Mikoto took that opportunity to make the lightest contact of his lips to hers. When her lips moved against his, he could tell how tired she must have been but still eager for this sort of contact with him. He did everything in his power to make sure he didn't put much force into the kiss and opted for following Kumiko's lead. He thought it was cute the way she gave him tiny pecks while on the brink of sleep. He pulled away after a while and stroked his thumb across her cheek, finally putting the brunette into a peaceful slumber.

With one final kiss to her forehead, Mikoto moved his hand to drape over Kumiko's waist and slowly let his eyes drift shut for the night.

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"Onee-chan! King! Wake up!" Tatara swung the door to Kumiko's room open in excitement.

"Tataraaaa," Kumiko mumbled and placed her pillow over her head. "Why are you up so early? There's still an hour before we need to wake up…" Mikoto furrowed his brows and let a deep grumble escape him, annoyed at the commotion happening so early in the morning.

"How can you not be excited to start the first day of school? Especially since I'm now going to be going to the same school as you guys!"

Kumiko, unable to go back to sleep, sat up and stared daggers into her younger brother. "Of course I'm excited. But I was hoping to get that hour more of sleep before I actually needed to get up."

Tatara released a nervous chuckle and scratched the back of his head. "Ehehe…"

Kumiko got up off of her bed and pat Tatara on the head. "Let's go make breakfast," she said and made her way down the stairs.

His goofy grin returned and he looked back at Mikoto and was about to ask him if he wanted to join. However, Mikoto seemed to have fallen back into a deep slumber. Ah, never mind, Tatara thought and walked off to follow Kumiko.

Upon arriving in the kitchen, Tatara found Kumiko preparing some fluffy waffles. Tatara decided to help and cover the finished waffles in a sticky, sweet syrup. To top it off, he pulled out some of their mixed berries and placed them on top of the waffles. He pulled out some orange juice and poured some glasses for Kumiko, Mikoto, Ash, and himself. A few moments later, they heard the pitter patter of excited feet coming down the stairs followed by heavy thuds not too far behind.

"Ah! Good morning, Ash!" Tatara exclaimed. "Oh! And King! Make some breakfast!"

"Ahhh," Mikoto rubbed the back of his head and mumbled, "…so damn loud."

"Mikoto!" Ash excitedly said, "Can you help me get waffles," Ash asked and pointed to the waffles sitting on the counter.

Mikoto clicked his tongue and lifted Ash up by the back of his shirt collar. "Woah! Aha! Thank you, Mikoto." Ash started to pile up the waffles and Mikoto let him go. It was Mikoto's turn to grab his breakfast which consisted of the rest of the waffles on the large plate.

He plopped down next to Kumiko with a loud sigh and started digging in as well. Kumiko chuckled and brushed a stray hair out of his eyes. "Good morning, Mikoto," she smiled softly at him. Mikoto looked up at her and nodded in response. He was too engrossed in his waffles to give a proper reply. Not to mention there was barely any light outside and physically, Mikoto was there, but mentally he's still long gone in his dreams.

"Well, I'm gonna get ready!" Tatara said. "I'm excited to walk to the same school as you guys!"

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The scenery on the way to school was beautiful: cherry blossom trees were lined up on each side of the sidewalks and the petals gracefully fell from the trees. Ash, who had transformed into his cat form before they left, was meowing excitedly and looked up at the flowers with sparkling eyes. Tatara held his hand out and caught a few petals, eventually letting them fall to the ground. Kumiko spotted a petal that fell in her hair and let a chuckle out as she took it out, only to have even more fall into her hair. She took one out and placed it in Mikoto's red locks. The red head looked at her then directed his gaze up at his hair covered in cherry blossom petals. He made no effort to brush any of them out of his hair and kept on walking.

All along the side walks, small elementary schoolers dragged their parents, excited to start the new school year. Some of them, however, looked down and looked incredibly shy, completely nervous to start their schooling career. Other much older students filled the streets with their lively chatter and bright smiles, excited to see their friends.

As the three teens reached the school gate, Kumiko bent down to Ash and pet his soft, grey fur. "Okay, Ash. You can't follow us to class. But see you at lunch?"

He rubbed his head into Kumiko's hand and gave a tiny "mrowr" before he trotted away.

Kumiko looked up at the large building of the school. It looked so heavenly, the way the cherry blossom petals fell in front of the school and the way the students happily walked in through the entrance. Kumiko wouldn't have thought that this was the same place that raised hell for her the past school year. Mikoto and Tatara noticed her hesitating and looked at each other before making their way to grab her arms.

"Wha—?"

"Let's go, Onee-chan!" Tatara said and began dragging her towards the gym for the opening ceremonies.

"Hey! Let me go, Tatara! You too Mikoto!"

The three eventually made their way into the crowded gym and sat in their respective grades. Kumiko noticed Noemi looking her way, causing the latter to whip her head back around and talk with her friends. Kumiko continued to scan the gym and her eyes landed upon Iris talking with Munakata a couple of rows ahead. They both noticed Kumiko looking in their direction and they gave a wave, Iris appearing more excited than the calm Munakata. Kumiko chuckled and waved right back. She then directed her gaze towards Tatara to see if he was alright. Kumiko really didn't know why she worried about Tatara making friends on his first day of school. He was really charismatic and was already talking with everyone around him. All the first years talking to him didn't look as nervous as when they first walked in the gym.

The principal came up and everyone quieted down. "It's good to see you again students. And for some, it's nice to meet you," he motioned toward the first year students. "Please, second and third years, make the first years welcome. You all were once in their seats. First years, we are all glad you are here and congratulations on making it into the school. For this year, I hope you all give your best in everything you do. For some of us, that means cram school, club activities, classes…the list goes on. If you see someone struggling, help them. We are all a family and when you think you're fine and free of struggle, you're not because there will always be someone in need of help. As a family, we help one another instead of beating down on each other. So this year, do your best and help each other out. Now, I would like to call up the new home room teacher joining us this year, Honami Kushina.

The gym filled with applause as the new teacher made her way up to the stage. She had pale white skin, short black hair, and very gentle brown eyes. Honami Kushina was fairly tall, standing only slightly above the podium. She was dressed in a black blazer over a white button up shirt with a long, black pencil skirt. "Hello," she spoke into the mic. Her voice sounds as gentle as she looks, Kumiko thought. "I am Honami Kushina and I will be one of your home room teachers from here on out. I am happy to be teaching here amongst such bright students. It is very nice to meet all of you and I hope we can all have a great year," she finished off and bowed.

Once again, the audience applauded and the principal welcomed up Munakata to make a speech as well. Once he got up to the podium, he spotted Kumiko in the crowd and nodded in her direction, making Kumiko nod and smile back. "Welcome back fellow students," he began. "As a third year, I have had great experience with the faculty, staff, and my peers and continue to wish that that great experience continues. Despite having difficult obstacles from time to time, we were all able to overcome them and get to where we are today, alive and healthy. Whatever obstacle you happen to run into in the upcoming year, know that you have a great support system here in this school to help you whenever you need it. Thank you," he bowed and made his way back to his seat.

The opening ceremony continued on with a speech from one of the first years, a closing remark by the principal, and the school song. Once the ceremony was over, the students made their way to their home rooms and prepared themselves for the day to come.

With Mikoto by her side, Kumiko walked into the new class room to find Munakata and Iris chatting at their desks. Kumiko's eyes brightened up, as did Iris', when the two saw each other. Kumiko ran over to them and said, "Iris! Munakata-kun! We're in the same class this year?"

Munakata pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and chuckled. "So it appears. Looks like I have to deal with your shenanigans throughout the entire day this year."

"Don't pretend like you're not happy to be in the same class as me!" Kumiko gave him a big grin, causing him to smirk in response.

Mikoto, still standing at his spot in the doorway, looked at Munakata and made an unamused grunt before walking to his desk next to Munakata. Mikoto glared at Munakata and Munakata returned a disdainful look back. Kumiko and Iris observed the two and felt a chill go down their spines.

"Ah…this is gonna be interesting…" Kumiko whispered to Iris. The latter nodded quickly and directed her attention to Kumiko, away from the two boys.

"Kumiko-chan, how was your spring break?"

"It was filled with lots of working! I got a job as a cook and I've also started playing music at a tea shop! It's not for that much money, but I could care less about the money with that job. I'm just happy to be playing music!"

"Oh that's so cool! I should visit to hear you. I've never heard you play music."

"She's quite talented," Munakata interrupted. "I apologize, I heard you were talking about Totsuka-chan's musical abilities and I had to say something." Mikoto scoffed at Munakata's input. "Did you know she sings and plays piano?"

"Oh? I don't think you've ever told me that, Kumiko-chan!"

"Mhm, I learned when I was really young. But enough about me, Iris! How was your break?"

"It was really fun. My family and I went to visit other family back home in Australia. I'm still a little jet lagged," she chuckled. "What about you, Suoh-kun? What did you do?"

Mikoto directed his attention to Iris. "Ah…nothin' really. Slept."

Iris chuckled. "Must have been nice to catch up on sleep."

"Okay class," Honami spoke up. "Please take your seats and we shall begin." Everyone did as she instructed and she began to take attendance. Once she noted that everyone was present, she started her lesson for the day.

Although Kumiko really liked Mr. Sato, she also really liked the new teacher as well. While going through her lessons, she always made sure that everyone understood and would try to go over whatever anyone was struggling with. She really encouraged everyone to ask questions and would gladly help whenever someone did ask. Kumiko could tell that she really cared for the students. Right now they were doing chemistry and were assigned to complete the problems up on the board in pairs.

"Totsuka-san and Kunogi-san, you two shall be partners," Honami said. "And finally…Munakata-kun and Suoh-kun. Ok guys, we'll regroup in about 10 minutes or so to go over the answers."

Mikoto and Munakata made eye contact upon hearing that they'd be partners. Munakata let out an amused "hm" while Mikoto furrowed his brows and made an annoyed scoff. Kumiko and Iris got together and looked at the two boys.

"Th-there's a weird aura coming from them that I don't really want to be near…" Iris whispered to Kumiko.

"It looks like you're not the only one…" Kumiko replied and looked at the rest of the class. Everyone stared at the two and mumbled things Kumiko couldn't quite make out. She heard some mutters of "oh crap" or "the air got cold all of a sudden." Oh crap was right; Kumiko definitely trusted both of them to not create a scene of any kind, but that didn't stop a chill from running down her spine when she heard that they would be paired together.

"Hm, looks like we're partners, Suoh," Munakata said.

"Hm, looks like it," Mikoto replied and crossed his arms.

"So, it looks like the first problem is asking us to rank the given molecules in order of increasing boiling point."

"Ah."

"To do that…you would need to consider the types of groups found in the molecules and the size of the molecules."

"According to the new teacher," Mikoto looked down at Munakata's work. "Oi, that's wrong."

Munakata furrowed his brows. "I can assure you that this is right, Suoh."

"If you're not going to listen to me then what's the point of being in a group?"

Honami came around to check how everyone was doing and she stopped by Mikoto and Munakata. "Oh? Suoh-kun, Munakata-kun, try looking more closely at the two you have written here," she smiled, pointed to the exact same spot Mikoto talked about, and continued on walking around the class.

Mikoto smirked. "Hn."

Munakata furrowed his brows in annoyance and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Tch."

"Ya gonna listen to me now?"

"Don't push it, Suoh."

"Just wonderin'."

"I think I'm capable of doing the problems without your help."

Mikoto scoffed. "Yeah you clearly showed me."

"I just made one careless error. It does not determine my ability to complete the rest of the problems. I know I am perfectly capable."

"Tch. Whatever," Mikoto scoffed and leaned back in his chair.

"Oh? Is something the matter?" Munakata asked and directed his gaze toward Mikoto.

"You," Mikoto started. "Are you always so annoying?"

"You clearly don't know me at all. I am a good and caring person. I am not as terrible as you might think."

"No good person brags about how good they are."

"I wouldn't call it bragging. Rather…confidence."

"Whatever."

"So," Munakata started, changing the subject. "How are you and Totsuka-chan?"

Mikoto sighed at the question. "What do you care, Munakata?"

"Well she is a friend and I am curious as to how everything is going."

"…Fine."

"And everything is okay with Ash?"

"Yeah."

"Totsuka-chan is very generous is she not? She saw a child suffering and in need of help and she decided to help him. I find that very honorable. It must be difficult trying to take care of herself, her brother, and now a young child. Not to mention she now works—"

"Just shut up will you? I already know."

"There is no need to be so harsh. I was just praising Totsuka-chan for her hard work. I was also going to mention, before you interrupted me, that it must also be hard work to be in a relationship."

"…What're you trying to say?"

Munakata pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "Good grief."

"Ah?"

"I assume that it is work to have a relationship. I know others who have told me about problems in their relationships and how they thought it wasn't going to be so much heartache. Once they passed the so called 'honeymoon phase,' they said their relationships went downhill."

"What's that got to do with me and Kumiko?"

"Nothing at all. I know you will treat Totsuka-chan well. However, who knows what will happen to your relationship if you ever decide to leave again…" Munakata mumbled the last part.

"You wanna say that again," Mikoto spoke in a low growl.

"Hm?"

"That last part."

"I'm pretty sure you heard me perfectly clear, Suoh."

"Munakata…it's like you're askin' to be punched."

The said dark haired boy sighed in response. "Always such a brute…let's put this behind us and continue on with our work."

"Tch…whatever."

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"Alright class! Once you have completed your clean up duties, you may leave. Thank you again for a great first day!" Honami nodded and gave the class a warm smile. She saw Mikoto stand and tried to gain his attention. "Ah! Suoh-kun!"

The red head looked in her direction. "Ah?"

"May I speak to you?"

Mikoto walked over to her and she asked, "is everything okay between you and Munakata-kun?"

He raised a brow at her question. "Ah? What do you mean?"

"I just noticed that when you two were working together, there was a very…hm…negative aura."

"…Doesn't matter." Mikoto walked away to start his cleaning, leaving a confused and concerned Honami.

As Mikoto was walking out in the hallway, he couldn't stop thinking about how the start of the school year was already starting out to be pretty terrible. Of course he just had to be paired with Munakata. That bastard really doesn't know when to stop running his mouth, Mikoto thought. It irritated him to no end that he talks about Kumiko the way he did earlier in the day. It wasn't bad, but somehow Munakata praising Kumiko made him feel just as annoyed. What the hell does he know?

Just as Mikoto was about to take out the full trash bag, he felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned around to see Kumiko's bright, goofy smile beaming up at him. "Hey, Mikoto!"

Despite being annoyed for a good chunk of the day, he released some of the built up tension upon seeing Kumiko. "Yo."

"How was the first day for you?"

He didn't respond.

"Hello? Mikoto?"

"It was fine."

"How was working with Munakata-kun?" No response again. Kumiko sighed and stepped in front of Mikoto, taking the boy by surprise.

"Oi, what're you doing?"

She stared at him and narrowed her eyes, as if she was trying to read him. "Did he say something to make you upset?"

He sighed. "That bastard acts like he knows everything. It's annoying."

Kumiko, despite how annoyed and upset Mikoto looked, let a small chuckle escape her lips, much to his chagrin. "Huh?"

"Sorry," she apologized. "He kind of does, doesn't he?"

He looked down at her and cracked a small smile. "You think so, huh?"

"Well, I don't find it annoying, but I definitely agree with the first part," she smiled up at him. She poked his chest and said, "don't forget I like you…Baka Mikoto…"

He chuckled and put a hand on her head, ruffling her hair. She swatted his hand away and gave him a pout. Just as she was about to say something, she heard a, "Totsuka-chan," from behind her. She turned around and smiled when she saw Munakata walking toward her, broom in hand.

"How was your first day back?" He asked her.

"It was great! Although it wore me out and I still have to work tonight…"

"Are you going to be singing as well?"

She nodded and couldn't keep a smile from popping up. "Yes! I'm excited! And a little nervous…" She chuckled.

"Oh? Why are you nervous? It's not as if you haven't performed."

"I know that. It's just, what if the audience is less friendly tonight?"

"Then you don't let it get to you. Plus, I shall be there to be a friendly face in the crowd and for moral support."

Hearing this made Mikoto role his eyes. Kumiko, on the other hand, looked up at him with a smile and replied, "really?"

"Me too."

Kumiko directed her gaze to Mikoto and her smile brightened even more. "I'm so excited! Meet me at the front gate in 20 minutes?" Mikoto nodded. She turned her attention back to Munakata. "I'll see you later, Munakata-kun! I need to finish cleaning!"

Kumiko ran off towards her classroom, leaving the two boys to stare at her retreating form. After she was fully out of sight, they glared straight at each other. The looks they gave each other could probably kill anyone who was unlucky enough to fall under their gaze. People walking by instantly felt a chill run down their spine and tried to avoid walking near the two. They both walked past each other to finish their tasks, making sure to spare each other one last glare.

"Hmph."

"Hn."

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And done! What do you think? I love writing the scenes between Mikoto and Munakata :D Just two dudes tryin' to flex. Gotta love it LOL. Hopefully the next chap can be up sometime soon. With this upcoming 3 day weekend who knows :O Although I do have to write a phat paper so stay tuned to see how D1N0 works to update and keep up with school lol. Anyways as always, thank you for taking the time to drop by and visit! Have a good one! :D