"Hey, Sango!"

I felt an elbow nudging my ribs and I slowly sat up, cracking my neck and stretching in the process. Studying for Research Methods was horrendous. I'd rather be at work. At least there, I get paid to be miserable.

"Jou's calling for you!" said Kagome.

"Oh, right, Jou…" I mumbled. The handsome boy stopped next to our table, smiling and offering me his hand.

"Hey," I greeted. I let him help me to my feet. "We're gonna go grab some coffee; see you guys later."

I tried. I was really trying.

This week, I swore off Kagura. Miroku was appalled at my decision; he was rooting for me the whole time. I refused to be a side piece or a homewrecker, though. I would not stoop to his levels! Kagome and Inuyasha swooped in to save the day, though, in the form of convincing me to download a dating app, claiming that's how Sesshomaru met his current girlfriend, Rin.

But Sesshomaru is antisocial.

But so am I, according to them.

They're not wrong.

But dating apps are where Miroku finds all of his booty calls, daddy issues, gold diggers, and other assorted hoes and harlots. Like Mei…

I met Jou on a dating app. Turns out he went to school with us and was a year ahead of Inuyasha, Kagome, and me in the Counseling program; but he was there to become a school counselor. We were in Clinical Mental Health. Inuyasha loved to joke that we were the elite half of the program and that school counselors were the generic, diet version. The asshole in me liked to agree with him. The school counselors met up before class at the sports bar a few blocks from campus. The mental health counselors met up at the dive bar on the edge of campus after class. It was an unspoken custom.

"What—is that some Romeo and Juliet, star-crossed, 'West Side Story' bullshit?!"

Miroku's joke when I first told him about Jou both entertained and infuriated me. He was supportive nonetheless but didn't fully like Jou on the grounds that he was a school counselor and I found him on a dating app. Hypocrite…

"Sango, it's nice to be able to hang out in person," said Jou as we took a seat in a booth near the window. I looked longingly outside, watching all the people traverse the campus grounds.

"Yes, I agree…" I managed a smile at him. Jou was both handsome and gorgeous, for a boy. He was actually a year younger than me but graduated both high school and college a few years early, earning him early entrance into the Master's program. I had seen him around before and I think I even had a class with him my very first semester.

Jou had dark reddish-brown hair and amber eyes and wore thick framed black glasses. He was about my height but built like a gladiator. He was clean cut and brushed his hair. He dressed in a button shirt, tie, and dress pants for school. I was lucky if I even brushed my hair most days in recent times, typically choosing a hat or a messy ponytail. I tried to look 'nice' for school but 'nice' to me translated to anything that wasn't basketball shorts and a band t-shirt. Grad school and working warehouse made me lazy.

Inuyasha called us 'beauty and the beast'. Kagome shoved him back in the elevator and he had to catch up to us in the cafeteria. Inuyasha's not wrong…

Jou insisted I was pretty and that he was actually quite drawn to alternative girls. He said he wanted to get to know me earlier but he was afraid to say anything because he found Inuyasha intimidating and he knew I was almost always with him and Kagome. Jou also confessed that he found my confidence daunting, as well as my beauty.

This confidence booster was no less welcome to me.

I just still couldn't help but to wish it was Kagura…

She texted me often and we still hung out at work. Although, I no longer went out of my way to invite her to hang out and I actually blew her off a few times. It broke my own heart.

Jou was fun to talk to. He was a very nice guy. He could even be the type I wouldn't be afraid to bring home to my father. Mother would have approved as well, although she would have likely picked on him. I didn't think Miroku would like him very much, though… Jou had his shit together.

He was twenty-two and he had his shit together.

I was twenty-three and I still spent many of my evenings embarking on hoodrat adventures with my friends… Jou was about to start a paid internship at an inner-city school and he already had a job as a teacher's aide at another institution. I wasn't ready for all that for myself.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and excused myself from Jou in the polite fashion that indicated I would like to go relieve myself. In reality, I just wanted to get away from him for a moment. Nothing personal against him, though…

It was Kagura.

My heart soared.

'Hey what's up? Haven't heard from you yet today. Was just wondering what you were doing after work tomorrow? I was going to go hang with Suikotsu, maybe have a jam session. He really wants to meet you, since I told him you were in a band. I figured maybe the three of us could chill and listen to music and it would be a good time.'

I leaned against the stall door and dramatically hit the back of my head against it. I really want to, Kagura…

I missed her. She took the pre-shift voluntary time off today at work. I hadn't seen her since Friday and it was now Tuesday…

Fuck it.

'That sounds rad, Kagura. I'm in. :)'

I felt a little guilty. But what was the harm? Kagura and I were still friends. And I had just begun talking to Jou a few days ago…

I sat in the finished basement of the gorgeous home of Suikotsu Hirata. Well, his mother's home, at least.

Suikotsu was an interesting fellow. Like me, he was halfway through graduate school, but working on a medical degree. He fucking hated it. He was torn between dropping out to become a production manager at the ShipHole (he too worked there, but like Miroku, he was in a different building) and pursuing music. Suikotsu just didn't want to ignite the flames that dropping out of school would likely create, burning the bridge between him and his mother.

Rightfully so. He was on a scholarship but she paid for his books and didn't charge him rent.

Suikotsu also matched the appearance of Kagura and myself. He was tall and muscular but had the punk aesthetic. He had long, jet black hair that was shaved on the sides and currently pulled back in a top knot; the beginnings of a dark beard dusted his jawline. He had a septum piercing and dual snake bites on his lower lip. The man had a gorgeously detailed sleeve tattoo of a battle scene on his left arm, depicting a battle between seven mercenaries and an army of samurai.

We just finished playing a cover of "Dammit" by Blink-182. I brought my acoustic bass.

Suikotsu lit his cigarette. "I already like her more than Bankotsu…"

I blushed.

Kagura laughed. "Sango's pretty awesome." She looked at me out of the corner of her eye and smiled.

"How is ol' Banny, anyway?" I could tell he was feigning interest in the other boy just for the sake of pleasantries, despite openly verbally shitting on him only moments before.

"I don't know, haven't really seen him," said Kagura.

Suikotsu blew his smoke out in her direction, an annoyed look on his face. "Don't you two live together?"

"Kind of…" I could tell Kagura was growing uncomfortable. I was too, to be honest.

"Well…" Suikotsu stood up. He was tall. "You two wanna grab some food? I'm buying."

We sped down the main road, past all the vintage-looking buildings and shops of the small town. Kagura was driving, I was riding shotgun, and Suikotsu sat in the backseat, but was currently leaning forward so he could hear us and speak without having to yell over the music. We made a trip to Shibuya for Taco Bell. Apparently that was Suikotsu's favorite. The day had been quite the adventure so far.

"So, what did you say your band's name is again?" asked Suikotsu.

"Second Heartbeat," I looked toward him as he nodded in thoughtful appreciation.

"Avenged Sevenfold reference?"

"Yes."

Suikotsu looked to Kagura. "I approve, I wholeheartedly approve."

Kagura smiled at me and reached for my hand. I let her take it, no holds barred. I didn't even care if Suikotsu saw. I knew at the beginning of our adventure that he wouldn't be a problem, although, I was admittedly scared to meet him. He seemed very critical of Kagura's past relationships, especially Bankotsu. Suikotsu himself was one of them. They apparently dated in high school, she was a freshman, he was a senior. They just didn't work and were better off as friends. Like me and Miroku…

"Kagura…" sighed Suikotsu.

"What?"

We got a red light and Kagura turned to face Suikotsu. The man had a dead serious look in his eyes.

"Dump Bankotsu. Fuck him."

Kagura laughed. "Bankotsu…"

Suikotsu nodded to me, not taking his intense gaze off of Kagura. "No, no… dude's a jackass. I swear to fuck, if he breaks your heart one more time…" He made a slicing motion with his finger across his neck. "Date Sango instead. I like her. She's good people."

Kagura and I both blushed. She removed her hand from mine and nervously chuckled. I didn't know what to say or do next so I just skipped a few songs ahead on Kagura's Spotify.

When we parked in Suikotsu's driveway, he was still on our last conversation.

"I'm serious, Kagura," he said. "She's smart, she can actually play an instrument, she's obviously got her shit together, and she's cute…" My blush deepened and I looked away, unable to hide the nervous smile on my face.

Kagura was silent for a moment, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. "Well…" She looked at Suikotsu. "If I were to date anyone after Bankotsu… I think they would probably be a girl… she would be in a band… she would be smart…" Kagura lazily looked out the window, "she would have her shit together…" She turned her head and her lovely ruby eyes met my copper hues. "And she would be pretty cute." Kagura smiled at me. I looked away, feeling my heart racing. "…and admittedly a little awkward."

Kagura dropped me off at the bar on the edge of campus. The Skyline Tavern. One of my favorite places. Ironically, just up the hill from the Psychology building and on the edge of a supposedly dry campus. Kagura had apparently made a new playlist, just for me. The song "Clavicle" by Alkaline Trio ended just as she put the car in park. The lyrics on that one resonated with me too well.

"You sure you don't want to come in for a drink? Meet my buds?" I asked as I got out of the car.

"I want to," said Kagura, "but I gotta get home and check on the dog."

"Fair enough," I said, a little disappointed but still happy nonetheless. I got to see her today.

I sat awkwardly in the passenger seat, as did she on the driver's side. Kagura looked me up and down a few times, that cute, nervous yet sly smile never leaving her features. The awkward tension between us barely even registered with me.

"Sango," said Kagura.

"Hmm?"

"You have really pretty eyes…" She leaned toward me. I mirrored her actions, heart pounding, all logic and morals evaporating from my brain.

My phone buzzed, effectively ruining the moment.

I groaned and pulled it out of my pocket. Whoever the hell it was really wanted to get a hold of me.

"Everything okay?" asked Kagura, sitting back once more.

Motherfucker… she almost kissed me.

I looked down at my phone, then up at Kagura. "Sorry…"

"It's okay, Sango."

'SAAAAAAAnnnnNNnnggggggggo!1!'

'hey'

'Sangooooooooooooooooooo?'

'where are u?'

'bitch'

'were at SKyuline alredy. Band talk;inuyaa n Kagz need u heer'

Drunk ass Miroku.

And one text from Jou just checking in.

"Everything okay?" Kagura asked again, no doubt noticing the grimace on my face.

"Yeah…" I sighed. "They're waiting for me. I'm sorry, I don't mean to rush you…"

Buzz. Check. 'did u fuck her yet'

I shoved my phone back into my pocket praying to every god, ancestor, and holy being I could think of off the top of my head that Kagura didn't see that last text from Miroku.

Band talk…

"I won't keep you, then, Sango. All good," said Kagura. "No worries."

I got out of the car and shut the door.

Band… the show is coming up… this weekend…

"Woo her, god dammit!" Miroku's support echoed in my mind.

"Bitches love guys in bands!" I waved to Kagura and began a slow walk to the front porch of the frat-house-turned-bar.

"Bitches love girls in bands!"

"I'm bitches!"

"She's bitches!"

I turned around and sprinted back toward Kagura's car just as she was backing up to leave the parking lot.

"Kagura! Wait!"

She put the car in park and stuck her head out the window. "What's up?"

"Kagura! Will you—shit!" I tripped over a rock, clearly not paying any attention. I dropped my books in the process, falling forward and earning a few chuckles from a small group of undergrad girls at a table nearby. My fall apparently also earned me Kagura's pity.

The older girl got out of the car and rushed over to me. I was already back to my feet, brushing myself off, my face red as ever. Kagura crouched down and collected my belongings. She stood up and handed them to me, concern in her eyes.

"Are you okay?" she brought her hand to the side of my face. My soul left my body.

"Yeah, I'm good, I'm just…" I stammered. I'm a fool… "I haven't even touched a beer yet," I half-heartedly laughed at my stupid remark.

Kagura smiled at me and brushed my hair out of my eyes, tucking a few strands behind my ear. "You're cute, Sango."

"Heh…" Her face was too close to mine again and the temperature outside suddenly jumped from 26 degrees Celsius to a smoldering 500.

My phone began to buzz again. Goddamn Miroku…

"I'll let you go, Sango," noticed Kagura. She turned to leave, then stopped. "Wait, didn't you want to ask me something?"

"Yes!" Calm down… "So… my band is playing a basement show this Saturday at our guitarist's house. It's a small charity show benefitting homeless kids. You want to come? I can get you in for free—"

"I'd love to, Sango!" exclaimed Kagura. "Say no more! And I'll buy the tickets. It's for a good cause, after all."

"Okay…" I tried to hide the excited tremor in my voice. "I actually have some tickets on me, in my bag… I just have to get them…"

Kagura noticed my struggle with holding my books and trying to get my bag off my shoulder without causing any more embarrassing mayhem. She came to my rescue, holding the books for me yet again so I could locate the tickets.

"How much are they?" asked Kagura.

"Five hundred yen a piece," I hoisted my bag back to my shoulder and took my books back.

"Sold." Kagura handed me the money.

We stood before one another yet again, awkward as ever…

"What are you doing tomorrow?" I asked. I was slowly becoming addicted to her presence already.

"Actually, I'm going to go see my father with Renkotsu. He wants to talk about going on a family vacation for once." That sounds lovely, my dear… "Are you free Thursday?"

I wish… "No, unfortunately… I'm helping my father with some reorganizing and yard work that day."

"Friday?" I asked her.

"Cleaning the apartment and doing laundry then going out with Renkotsu and Suikotsu."

Damn.

Kagura looked around the area. She nervously wrung her hands together, her gaze settling on her shoes. She wore a pair of old off-brand skate shoes almost as worn out as mine.

"Well… in that case," started Kagura. She leaned forward and left the briefest peck on my cheek. I froze, almost dropping my books. I surely dropped my brain instead.

Kagura walked back to her car and turned once she got to the driver's side door. "See you at the show?" The lightest blush dusted her cheeks, accompanied by the cutest smile I'd ever seen.

I elected not to tell my friends about the kiss. Albeit, it was only a simple kiss on the cheek. But… Miroku was hammered. I didn't want to deal with that. I just wanted to enjoy the rare rush of serotonin for once, without anyone else poisoning the feeling.

Inuyasha was growing nervous. I could tell by the two short glasses filled with melting ice cubes and the faintest scent of whiskey. He was such a talented vocalist and decent guitar player; no need for him to be so anxious… and about a basement show, at that. We would be lucky if ten people would show up, outside of our immediate social circles.

Miroku returned from the bathroom, a stagger in his step and a smile on his face.

"Suh, dudes?" he greeted.

"Your fly is unzipped." Was my simple response.

"Oh, fuck!" Miroku blushed and fixed his small wardrobe malfunction before scurrying over to our table.

"Okay, so, we agreed on the set list…" Inuyasha paid no mind to Miroku's drunken antics. The silver-haired boy was all business at the moment.

"The show is in four days, Inuyasha, calm down," I reassured my friend. Bullshit, though; I'll be a nervous wreck in two days' time, I am positive…

"Yeah, Inuyasha," agreed Kagome. "I'm sure you guys will be great! Your practices have been going well. You're all so in sync and you know the songs in and out."

"True…" Inuyasha seemed to be thinking about something. His energy calmed a little. "How many people are coming? Have any of you sold any tickets?"

"I told everyone at my work!" proudly proclaimed Miroku.

Inuyasha sighed and closed his eyes. He clenched his fist a little. "That's cute, Miroku, but did you actually sell any tickets?"

"Sheeeeeeeeiiiiiitttt…" Miroku sat back in his chair and looked at the ceiling. "I have failed you, my brother."

"Kagome?" asked Inuyasha, dejectedly shaking his head at Miroku.

"I sold two tickets to that one girl from our Research class; you know, the one who was the HBIC in that sorority—"

"Her?" Inuyasha was shocked. So was I. "I can't see her coming to a metal show, but sure… a ticket is a ticket."

"Yeah," said Kagome, stirring her drink, "she's bringing her fiancé. He loves rock music, apparently."

I tuned in and out of the discussion, my brain stuck back out in the parking lot, focused on my interaction with Kagura. Suikotsu's bold suggestions and her own confession kept repeating in my mind. And I could still feel the softness of her lips against my cheek…

"Sango!" Inuyasha snapped his fingers in front of my face.

"Huh?"

"You good?" he asked. "You're spacing again."

"Yeah…" I sipped on my water. No booze today. Not feeling it.

"You sell any tickets?"

"Well, actually—"

Miroku came back to life with an interruption. "Hey, you should—" His face paled and he clapped a hand over his mouth. "Hold up…" Without another word, he ran to the men's room like a bat out of hell.

"Sucks to suck…" I noted aloud, knowing my best friend was likely throwing up everything but his memories and currently hugging a toilet.

Kagome giggled. "I know, Sango—why don't you invite Jou to the show?"

"Jou?" Oh yeah, Jou… I never did text him back…

"Yeah!" exclaimed Kagome.

Inuyasha laughed. "He doesn't really seem like the type…"

"Well, neither does Hide," Kagome argued.

"True," Inuyasha propped his elbow on the table and rested his face in his hand. He scanned the walls of the place and I followed suit out of anxiety. Sports and alcohol memorabilia decorated the whole complex in a surprisingly tasteful way. "Alright, go ahead and invite him."

Motherfucker…

I pulled my phone out of my pocket. A text from Kagura greeted me first, which I happily responded to. She was letting me know she made it home safely.

Then I finally replied to Jou.

'Hey, my band is playing a basement show this Saturday. All proceeds go to the psychiatric center of the children's hospital to benefit homeless kids. You interested?'

He replied by the time Miroku came back, a small trail of toilet paper stuck to his shoe.

'That would be cool! I've actually never been to a concert before! I'll be there for sure. :)'

I was almost annoyed that he gave me an affirmative answer. Kagome was overjoyed, Inuyasha was indifferent, and Miroku berated the boy for never having been to a concert and called him a bitch.

Shit…

I just realized:

Jou AND Kagura will be there.

Fuck.