Thursday, March 5th, 2015 – 12:50
Bishopmill Academy

It was snowing outside.

The pure white flakes drifted harmlessly from heaven before melting on the damp pavements and roads below. The younger pupils were in the playground. They seemed mesmerized by the sudden return of winter. Yuuki watched them as they stuck out their tongues to gather the cool snow in their mouths. The sight made her smile.

She was standing at the window in the warmth of classroom W26. Mr Anderson's English lesson was over, but she wanted to stay for a little longer.

In truth Yuuki had another reason for being happy. She had made another bento for Iain and the pair would be sharing it in the private room at the back of the library. It would be just the two of them, talking about anything, spending time together, wasting away their break until fifth period when they would each say 'see you tomorrow'.

It sounded like the type of pointless filler she would see in a shoujo manga, but ever since their little argument a few weeks ago, Yuuki felt much closer to Iain, and looked forward to such moments.

"Something wrong Yuuki?" asked Senga.

"Kazahana."

"What?"

'Kazahana: the leftovers of the previous season that have been carried by the wind."

"It's not uncommon for snow in March or April," stated Senga in a matter of fact tone.

"It's still nice to look at."

Yuuki moved away from the window and looked at the confused expression on her friend's face.

"You're not very romantic, are you Senga?"

"Romance is fine, but the snow will turn to slush."

Yuuki sighed. Senga was right, but it seemed so empty to think that way.

"Are you coming?" asked Senga, "apparently the leftovers taste worse than the regular slop they sell, although I'm not sure that there's much difference."

"Sorry, but I'm meeting someone instead."

"So that's why you're in a good mood, I thought you smelled different."

"Ooohhhh, so you've been sniffing Yuuki, you're so bold Senga."

The two girls turned towards the door and saw Becky standing there with a wide smirk on her face. Her eyes had narrowed to feign disapproval, but her grin proved she was simply teasing them. Senga however reacted angrily.

"IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!"

"Come on, you don't need to lie, tell her how you really feel."

"THAT'S NOT THE POINT!"

"Well that wasn't very convincing," replied Rebecca mischievously, "and you Yuuki, are you having a secret rendezvous with Iain, or is it with a mystery man!"

"I'm not cheating on Iain!" snapped Yuuki.

"But you're really popular with the guys, it must be tempting."

"I'm not popular. And even if I was Iain is…"

"Iain is…?" probed Becky.

"I-I need to go now!"

Yuuki rushed past her two friends. She knew her face was red, but hoped that it would clear by the time she reached the library. As she made her way towards the central building she wondered what it was she was about to say, and why she had suggested saying anything at all.

aaa

"Iain, are you in here?"

The door to the soundproof study room in the library was unlocked. Yuuki stepped inside, but no-one was there. It surprised her, since Iain had promised to eat with her, but she presumed he was performing some form of errand. Yuuki sat down and unravelled the two lunches she had prepared.

There was a brown messenger bag lying open on the table that caught her eye. It was in the way, so Yuuki pushed it to the side, causing a photograph to fall onto the floor. She picked it up. It was her, dressed in her school uniform with her tartan scarf fluttering in the breeze, completely unaware that her picture was being taken.

Yuuki didn't know that Iain carried her image with him, but considered it a pleasant surprise. He had never come across as romantic or sentimental before, however seeing this proved he had that aspect of him too. Yuuki silently wondered how long it would take before he would reveal this side to her openly. She shoved the photograph back into the bag from which it had fallen and pretended to have seen nothing. He would approach her when he was ready, she quietly decided.

A few seconds later the door burst open. Yuuki stood up and said 'hello', however it wasn't Iain standing there.

"What are you doing here?"

"H-Hi, erm, Richard. How are you?"

"Only myself and Shadi have permission to be here," growled Richard, "you do not."

"I-I know, I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Richard shot her another dirty glance before reaching for the messenger bag. Yuuki moved to stop him, but hesitated. He glared at her.

"D-Doesn't that, erm,"

"What about my bag?"

"Your bag?" exclaimed Yuuki.

"If you can't say anything intelligible, then don't say anything at all."

With those words he left. Yuuki stared at the doorway Richard Lucas had departed through. Why was he carrying her picture around? She sat down. 'Does…he like me?' She shook her head violently, 'of course he doesn't he hates me, right?' But there were no other possibilities. Why else would someone hold onto another's picture?

"Richard likes me?"

"Who's Richard?"

The voice startled Yuuki. She looked across and saw Iain was sitting next to her.

"Ah, erm, no-one, why are you here?"

"You…invited me?"

"Oh, that's right, ah-ha-ha, let's eat! Itadakimasu."

Iain had a confused expression written on his face, but it quickly faded. The couple spent the next thirty minutes together in blissful peace, until the school bell sounded and they were forced back to class. During their time together Yuuki did her best to ignore what had happened with Richard, and the phrase 'you're really popular with the guys' that Becky had used. Thinking about it could only cause problems.

As Yuuki and Iain parted ways she made sure to say 'see you tomorrow'. He did likewise.

aaa

Friday, March 6th, 2015 – 15:30
Bishopmill Academy

Ms Clapton's maths lesson came to an end, and all the students rejoiced. It wasn't because her classes were something akin to torture (although the differences would be difficult to spot) but rather it was the end of the school week, and no-one was more vocal in their appreciation of that fact than Becky.

"Hooray," she cheered, to the amusement of her classmates, "thank crunchy its Friday!"

Their teacher simply muttered under her breath before marching out of the room. It was clear she didn't want to spend any more time here either. Yuuki stretched her arms above her head. Her plan was to go to the gym for a few hours and have another workout session to prepare for the central shadow. Without warning however the PA system activated.

"Yuuki Hashimoto, please report to the Head Teacher's office immediately, I repeat, Yuuki Hashimoto, please report to the Head Teacher's office immediately."

Yuuki wondered what she could have done. Was she in trouble or did something happen? Senga and Rebecca both approached her however she wasn't able to answer their questions. Once she had gathered her belongings Yuuki made her way out of the classroom and completed the short journey to Mrs Simpson's office, where she chapped loudly on the door and was angrily invited in.

There were two people inside; the exasperated figure of her principle, whose hands were tightly squeezed into fists that banged against her desk, and an unperturbed slouching boy. It was Lennon.

"See this Ned out," snapped Mrs Simpson, "I'm going home."

The head teacher then shepherded them out of her office and locked the door before marching quickly towards the exit. Yuuki had expected a very different meeting, especially considering this had been the first time she had ever spoken to her principle, but then she knew first hand the hassle Lennon Agnew could cause.

Yuuki looked at her second year companion, who wore a content expression until he noticed her attention.

"What are you doing here Yuppie?"

"My name is Yuuki."

"Yeah, yeah, Yuppie, can I go now?"

"Wait, why was Mrs Simpson so angry with you?"

Lennon scratched the back of his clean shaven head. "She's pissed 'cause I skipped a few lessons."

"How many?"

"The last three days. She's also mad because I punched some wuss in the shoulder. If I was trying to hurt him he'd be in the hospital so I don't know what she wants. What's it to you anyway?"

"My history teacher asked me to help you," answered Yuuki.

"And you do it because he told you," growled Lennon. "You're stupider than I thought. I don't need anyone's help, least of all from some stuck up girl."

"That's not very nice."

"Why don't you stop pretending that you care Yuppie and just yell at me already?"

Sensing that the conversation was stagnating Yuuki waved Lennon on his way. He did so with the same angry snarl on his face that rarely cleared. She wondered why he was acting the way he was. She could understand rebelling against authority figures but Lennon was doing more than that, he was abandoning everyone around him.

Yuuki mentally told herself off. She didn't know how he reacted at home or around friends and it was wrong to assume too much.

"Thou hast enhanced a bond. From hence forth the Justice Arcana shall bless thee."

There was one thing she was sure about; for some strange reason, despite the fact he was showing her so much disrespect and hostility, she did care, in some way, about him.

aaa

Saturday, March 7th, 2015 – 11:04
Hashimoto Residence

Yuuki didn't care much for drama. It was her least favourite, and least successful, subject at school.

Despite that, or perhaps for that reason, she was at her computer desk studying the notes her teacher, Miss Richardson had given her. The one she was reading included guidelines on how to design a set. It gave the example of a proscenium theatre, where the audience faces the stage straight-on, and how to manage the wing stage right/left.

In truth it didn't interest Yuuki at all, and when her cell phone started ringing it came as a welcome distraction.

"Hello."

"Hiya Yuuki," said a chirpy sounding Becky, "are you doing anything tonight?"

"Nothing yet, why."

"Then you are cordially invited to my super amazing girls' night in slash sleepover! My parents are going to be away so I'm gathering you and Senga and Bonnie and Prissy round to my house for some fun. We'll rent a movie and gossip all night, it'll be like Edinburgh."

"Please don't say I need to wear anything strange again."

"Wear something strange?"

"Oh, erm, never mind, just kidding," mumbled Yuuki, "when does it start?"

"I was thinking around 7. We'll order in some Chinese food once everyone's there. Now remember its girls only! See ya!"

The call ended and Yuuki shuffled back to her desk. A night in with her friends sounded like a good idea. It would give her a chance to let her hair down and forget about shadows and school for a while. With something to look forward to Yuuki found studying much easier than before.

aaa

"Hiya Yuuki," cheered Becky, "come in."

Yuuki stepped inside the Walsh residence. She had forgotten how colourful this house was. The bright orange and brown tones of the hallway, and the equally dazzling sky blue living room seemed excessive to her, but then Yuuki imagined Rebecca's parents were eccentric people. Waiting on the couch for everyone else to arrive was Senga, a television remote grasped tightly in her hands.

"Lorraine is on her way but Prissy told me she would come by later," stated Becky as she sat down, "she said we should eat without her. To tell you the truth I've never seen her eat before."

"I'm sure it's fascinating," commented Senga sarcastically.

Yuuki moved to a single chair, straightened her sandy pencil skirt and frilly yellow top, and sat down. She noticed her friends were dressed very differently from her. Rebecca was wearing a revealing green camisole, flowery clips in her blonde hair and denim short shorts while Senga bore a long sleeved shirt and plain black trousers.

The three girls talked for a while before Lorraine finally arrived. She had a collection of elaborate make up kits in her stylish carrier bag, along with curlers, straighteners, a bottle of body glitter and her ever present mascot 'Mr Rabbit'. Yuuki shivered when she imaged what her friend could be planning for later. The four girls ordered a home delivery from a local restaurant before snuggling close together in front of the TV.

The first movie they watched was a particularly frightening horror. Strictly speaking only herself, Senga and Becky were watching as Lorraine was cowering behind a cushion most of the time. They paused the film when their food arrived, giving Bonnie a chance to recover.

"C-Can't we watch something else," she bemoaned, "I can't stand these types of shows unless I've got Terry with me."

"I suppose he would block out the screen," sneered Senga.

"What is he doing anyway?" asked Rebecca, as she placed a portion of fried rice onto a plate.

"The boys are having their own night in," answered Lorraine gleefully. "My Terr-bear talked James into hosting it. It's going to be a night of pool and gambling; he said Iain and Daigo would be there too."

"Daigo didn't tell me about that," interrupted Yuuki.

"I'm sure it will be fine. Terry's there."

Yuuki couldn't help but be filled with worry.

aaa

At ten thirty Priscilla arrived. She brought with her a box of chocolates and apologised for being late. She was wearing her TESDA uniform which Yuuki assumed meant she had just finished work. Priss sat down on the floor quietly, which encouraged everyone else to do the same. Soon they were all gathered in a circle.

"Let's give each other facials."

"How old are you Becky?" asked Senga wearily.

"I can give you a hand if that's what you're worried about."

"That's not the point. (Sigh) don't you think we're too old for that."

"A little makeup wouldn't hurt Senga," stated Rebecca, "you don't want to end up as 'that crazy spinster with two dozen cats who has a weird twitch'. Even Daigo would lose interest, and that's a pretty low threshold."

"…Logic has never got in the way of reasoning for you."

After an evening of pampering and makeup, which Becky and Lorraine enjoyed the most, the group began talking about various, and often very personal, topics.

"Are you dating Jim Priss?" asked Rebecca.

"Cilla and James?" shrieked Bonnie, "it wouldn't be my first choice, but I can see where you're going, sort of 'beauty and the beast', or 'chic and the geek'."

"I'm not seeing anyone," interrupted Priscilla in a quiet, downtrodden tone.

"We can help you change that!" cheered Becky. "Does anyone know any older single guys?"

"That's alright, I don't need anything like that."

"You mean you like girls?"

"It's not that, I just don't need someone right now."

Yuuki could understand what Priss was saying, indeed she felt the same way before meeting Iain, but the tinge of sadness in her voice made her words sound hollow, as if she was trying to convince herself that it was true. 'I'm over analysing', admitted Yuuki to herself.

There was no way to tell how Priscilla felt, and the quiet young woman was unlikely to reveal too much. As if sensing this fact Rebecca decided the change the subject.

"Let's play a game. There's someone each of us likes, even if it's just a little, so let's think of questions and whoever can answer the most about their special someone wins!"

"That sounds like a stupid idea," Senga sneered.

"I think it's great!" cheered Bonnie. "Let's start with their birthday, their favourite food, their favourite movie, their hobbies and their favourite place in the world."

"Gold, gold," praised Becky as she wrote down everything on a piece of paper. "How about their biggest phobia, then their favourite song and colour and TV show and animal."

"Great! This is genius!"

Like Senga and Priss, Yuuki was looking at her two companions with dazed eyes. Before she realised what was happening there was a white sheet with a dozen questions on it lying next to each of them, accompanied by a pen. Lorraine explained the rules.

"Think about the one person you care about more than anyone else, like my terr-bear is to me, and try to answer as many of these questions as you can. Mark down 1 if you're certain, a half point if you not sure, and 0 if you're clueless. Ready, set, go!"

Rebecca and Lorraine began scribbling words furiously, while Yuuki, Senga and Priscilla watched them. Soon Yuuki felt the eyes of her two passive colleagues fall on her. Unsure as to what to do she looked at the sheet and started answering the questions. Senga and Priss duly copied.

Your special someone questionnaire.

Favourite movie (I'm not sure what Iain likes)
Favourite food (Japanese? But he's only ever eaten it when I make it)
Favourite hobby (Reading? Yes, Reading '1')
Favourite place in the world (Erm…)
Favourite animal (I don't know)
Favourite subject at school (I don't know!)
Favourite colour (Grey…he wears it a lot, and he seems to like it, erm, ½ point)
Biggest phobia (Does he have any phobias?)
Biggest pet peeve (Erm…)
Their birthday (For crying out loud how am I supposed to know that?)
Most listened to song (He's not interested in music!)
Most watched TV show (He doesn't own a TV…I'll give myself a 1)

Yuuki counted up her score; 2.5 out of 12. If Iain was here he would say it was 'marginally over 20%', although that thought didn't comfort her.

"Is everyone finished?" shouted Rebecca. "I think we should go in alphabetical order, so Senga, you're first."

"How am I…never mind. I got 6.5."

"That's pretty lame. How did you get on Prissy?"

"10. He's never mentioned his favourite television programme to me."

"Wow, you've got it bad. I only got 7.5. I don't know Al's favourite colour so it was kinda daft of me to include it as a question. What about you Bonnie, how did you do?"

"12! I know everything about my Terry-werry."

"That's impressive. So Yuuki, what did you score?"

She looked at her score sheet and its myriad of zeros. Her hand was shaking slightly and her face involuntarily screwed. This was going to be embarrassing.

"T-two and a half."

Her stuttering voice was little more than a whisper. Yuuki stared forlornly at the ground, until she heard a chorus of laughter.

"Ah-ha-ha, two and a half," squealed Lorraine, "you're kidding. What did you really score?"

Yuuki repeated her answer only to receive more waves of hysterical laughter. Bonnie looked at her sheet.

"You must know his favourite food." Yuuki shook her head, "place, animal, movie, phobia, what ticks him off? You know his birthday don't you?"

"N-No."

"How could you not know that?" demanded Lorraine, "call him right now and ask."

"W-Wouldn't that sound strange?"

"Stranger than not knowing anything about your own boyfriend? I could have probably scored more than that about him."

Realising she wasn't in a position to argue, Yuuki searched for Iain's name on her phone's directory. She felt nervous as her friends were gathered round her, listening in to her conversation.

"Ah, hello Yuuki."

"H-Hi Iain, erm, when, erm, is it your birthday?"

"The 28th of February."

"Oh…wait that was last week why didn't you tell me?"

"My date of birth isn't important," answered Iain dismissively.

"Of course it's important! I can't believe you didn't say anything."

Yuuki ended the call. She was angry, partly at Iain for keeping silent, but mostly at herself for not asking sooner. 'He's such an idiot'. Yuuki thought back to the 28th. She had been in Iain's apartment to talk about the individual shadow he had spotted. A parcel had arrived at his door which he had left to one side. It was almost certainly a birthday present.

"Why don't we play something else?"

Becky's suggestion earned a dark glare from Yuuki. She wasn't having fun.

aaa

Sunday, March 8th, 2015 – 05:40
Moray Street
Walsh Residence

The girls had stayed up all night enjoying a series of romantic movies, leaving most of them feeling dead by morning.

Indeed the only reason Yuuki was awake at this time was because she heard someone moving around. She cautiously rolled off the airbed she had been sharing with Senga so as not to disturb her sleeping companion. It was dark, and at first Yuuki had a difficult time making out the objects around her, but experience of the other world meant her eyes quickly adjusted. Yuuki carefully tiptoed past the resting pair of Lorraine and Becky, the latter of whom was snoring soundly, and stepped out of the living room clad in her silk yellow pyjamas.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you?"

It took a moment, but Yuuki soon recognised Priscilla's voice coming to her through the darkness. She was fully dressed and had running shoes on her feet. Yuuki, despite possessing a tired mind, could guess what she was intending to do.

"(Yawn) why do you still run?" mumbled Yuuki as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. "You quit athletics, so you don't have to."

"I can forget things when I run, that's all."

Priss stepped outside and closed the door behind her. Yuuki could hear the raindrops rapping incessantly against the windows and walls of the house. A quick glanced revealed a desperately cold and miserable morning. She wondered what her friend wanted to forget so badly that she would run in these conditions. The thought made Yuuki pause. What was Priss trying to ignore?

Another yawn escaped her mouth. She knew she was too tired to think straight and returned to bed. The moment her head made contact with her pillow she fell into a deep and tranquil sleep.

aaa

When Yuuki woke it was already bright outside. Senga, Rebecca and Lorraine were all awake, dressed in their pyjamas and eating breakfast. The food looked delicious. Sitting on the kitchen table it seemed like it had been prepared by a professional. Glasses of orange juice rested beside healthy portions of scrambled eggs on golden toast accompanied by perfectly grilled tomatoes and mushrooms. Yuuki noticed seasonings of ground pepper on each egg, adding to their favour.

"That looks really nice," stated Yuuki.

"When I'm able to get a maid I'm hiring Senga," declared Lorraine, "god this is better than sex!"

"I saved some for you," said Senga, "I wasn't sure if you liked tomatoes so I prepared red and yellow peppers too. Just tell me what you like and I'll make it."

"Oooohhh, special treatment for our leader," crowed Becky, "I wonder why."

"Stop saying that! It really pisses me off."

Yuuki sat down at the table next to Bonnie and waited for Senga to bring her meal. The smell from the food made her mouth water. It pleasured every one of her senses except her taste buds, which would have to wait a little longer. She tried to think about something else.

"Where's Priscilla?"

"Cilla went home," answered Lorraine, "she's got work today. She's so cool isn't she?"

Soon the plate with Yuuki's breakfast on it was placed before her. It looked as beautiful as all the others. She gently penetrated the puffy yellow scrambled eggs with her fork and took a taste. It was perfect; neither burnt nor dry and the toppings simply added to its deliciousness. Yuuki looked up towards the dark haired girl.

"I think I love you Senga."

"S-Shut up."

aaa

Later that morning, Yuuki left Becky's home with Lorraine. The girl's night in meant they were in good spirits, which was assisted by the warm pleasant sun beating down on them. It was a beautiful Sunday that was perfect for a walk.

"I can't believe you didn't know anything about Iain."

Yuuki growled. She had forgotten about that.

"I know this might seem rude but…what do you see in him? He's a nice guy, and Terry says he's some sort of super genius."

"He can be really sweet sometimes," answered Yuuki.

"(Giggle), you looked so happy when you said that."

Lorraine continued chuckling as they travelled. The question 'why do you like him' made her think though. For Yuuki there was an innocent charm about Iain. She could see past his sometimes obvious and numerous faults because at heart he was a good man. He cared about her, he believed in her and he would never let her down. Yuuki started blushing. She suspected the sunlight was making her delusional.

"Terry said you're really popular with the guys."

"Terrance exaggerates," retorted Yuuki, "no-one's interested in me."

"I think you're exaggerating."

Yuuki paused. There was one boy interested in her. The fact that she had suddenly become silent must have told Bonnie that she was hiding something, as the girl focused her gaze on her.

"What's wrong Yuuki?" asked Lorraine.

"N-nothing."

"Come on, you can tell me."

Yuuki hesitated for a moment. The sight of her picture being inside Richard Lucas's bag had come as a surprise as he hadn't shown any other signs of affection. She was worried about telling anyone as he was teased enough at school but relented under the pressure. Lorraine didn't know who he was, meaning the secret should be safe with her.

"You need to promise me that you'll not repeat this to anyone," insisted Yuuki as forcefully as she could, "I mean it, not a soul."

"Cross my heart, ya-da-ya-da, come on tell me!"

She glanced around to make sure no-one was listening to them.

"I think someone likes me."

"I like you," replied Lorraine.

"No, like-like me, he had pictures of me in his bag."

"Nude?"

"NO!" screamed Yuuki, horrified by the very thought, "Just a picture."

"Sounds creepy, who was it?"

"You promise not to say to anyone? His name is Richard Lucas."

Suddenly Yuuki heard laughter coming from behind a nearby wall. She turned and saw Terrance standing there, rising from his hiding position, his hands covering his mouth. He was crackling freely, clearly revelling in her story. Yuuki however wasn't amused.

"Terrance, what did you hear?"

"Yuuki, Yuuki, sweet naïve Yuuki, you have a lot to learn about men."

"What do you mean?"

Terry strolled towards the pair and put his hand on Lorraine's shoulder. Part of his substantial girth became visible under his bright orange t-shirt.

"You see, when a guy likes a girl he either tells her right off the bat, or goes into denial. Take Bonbon here, the first time I saw her I knew she was the one for me, so I walked over to her, told her she was the most beautiful angel I had ever seen, and we fell deeply in love. However, most guys aren't as confident, handsome or charming as me, and this makes them nervous. They get butterflies in their stomach when a certain girl walks by and tell themselves 'I'm not in love' or 'I don't really care', when really they dig that girl bad. When a guy starts doing that it's almost impossible for him to stop. He starts idolising that girl, he looks for ways to interact with her without creating the opportunity to do something stupid. And that is where you have driven poor, pathetic Dickard."

"Oh," responded Yuuki, "I guess that makes sense."

"Uh-huh," insisted Terry, "take it from me what you are doing is cruel."

"How did the boys' night go?" asked Lorraine.

"It's was good until we started playing poker. Man that Daigo can hustle. I've never seen someone pull the hands he was doing. At least I won my share back but James was in tears. You'd think with all the money his family has got that £50 wouldn't bother him, but then he is a miserable old sod."

Yuuki waved farewell to her two friends and continued home. She was certain that she didn't want to hear the rest of that story.