A.N: Here's the penultimate chapter to this side story! It takes place right after Kyoko leaves her father's office in Chapter Six of AOH. Enjoy!
Chapter Nine: Trust
"I was wondering if you would like to hang out a bit when I'm finished here?" Makoto asked, and Kyoko noticed he seemed to be hoping not to get punched again. "Y-You know… to get to know each other better. I think you're the only person with who I haven't really got to spend much time apart from Byakuya and Toko, and I'd like to change that."
Kyoko was pretty angry, but not at her classmate. Still, the offer lightened her mood a little, though her frustration towards her father and his scout friend was still very much there.
Spending time with Makoto would be really enjoyable, but I have already lost much time on my investigation because of these two morons. I'm sure I would really enjoy Makoto's presence, but the victim of the case has to take priority…
Taking the most apologetic tone she could muster in her state, Kyoko replied, "It sure is nice of you to ask, but I have too many important things to work on to lose any more time. Don't take it personally: perhaps I would have had the time if the Headmaster and his drunken friend had been more useful," she added, to make sure Makoto understood who the real culprits behind her refusal were. "So no, sorry. Goodbye, Makoto."
The Ultimate Detective walked away quickly - both to make sure she could get to work but also not to see the disappointment on the Ultimate Lucky Student's face.
Her hands curled into fists as she went down the stairs in a hurry on the way towards her destination. Kyoko hated refusing the poor boy anything, after the number of times he had shown her such kindness. The Luckster had even forgiven her after the incident on the central plaza of the campus, and she didn't have the right words to say just how grateful she was.
I feel indebted to Makoto for this… The girl thought, pushing open the doors. And while I can leave my own enjoyment to the side for the sake of my work, it pains me that Makoto has to suffer from it. Well, I have to hope he'll find someone to spend time with once he's done with the Principal.
Grr… This man! Does he have to ruin everything for me?! Kyoko wondered, cursing her father. She had managed to keep the potty mouth away while in his office, but that didn't mean she wasn't furious. First, you abandon me; and then you take away my chances to spend time with my best friend… I'll never forgive you!
The cool breeze outside allowed Kyoko to relax a bit and to refocus on the case at hand. She certainly didn't want to add insult to injury by being unable to work correctly on her own fault.
Right. Anger will only get me so far. With some luck, perhaps I can make enough headway into this case to find some free time tomorrow! The detective realized and found new motivation. Alright! Let's do this!
*knock* *knock*
Kyoko knocked and stood in front of the door. The doorplate read "Hope's Peak Academy's Therapist," and even if she had never needed to interact with them, the lavender-haired girl knew they were known for their quality work.
She waited for a bit until the door opened, revealing inside the office a young woman sitting in a highly-developed wheelchair. Other than that, and the modern PC screen in front of her, the girl didn't seem to be anyone out of the ordinary: blue-hair that reached her shoulders, blue eyes, red scarf, brown jacket. Kyoko did note, however, that she didn't seem really expressive.
Hm, yes, I seem to recall reading she was handicapped and wheelchair-bound… The detective thought quickly. And even if I have no right to judge her on that point, she seems rather inexpressive. This is odd for a therapist… Well, she is known as the Ultimate Therapist, so I don't suppose I can teach her the job…
"Good afternoon, Ms. Gekkogahara," Kyoko said and gave a polite bow. "My name is Kyoko Kirigiri, from Class 78th. I was appointed by the Police Department to work on the case of your stolen files. Could I please come in so we can discuss this further?"
The detective peeked inside and noticed a well-organized office that seemed to double as a consultation room for the students in need. And, indeed, one of the bookshelves on the wall was completely empty.
The student waited for a few seconds before the screen on Miaya's wheelchair turned on and revealed a white and pink rabbit which, Kyoko had to admit, was rather ridiculous.
"Bibbity, bobbity, hello!" the rabbit suddenly exclaimed cheerily. "My name is Usami; glad to meet you!"
Kyoko's eyes narrowed on the screen and her mouth opened to respond… but she didn't find the right words. She gave the therapist her most suspicious look - not of doubt, but of misunderstanding.
What is… that thing which just talked to me? The lavender-haired detective wondered, eying the rabbit. Whatever it is, it seems cheerful… Unlike its owner.
"Oh, don't be scared of me, Miss!" the rabbit said, smiling at Kyoko. "I may not look like it, but I am Hope's Peak Academy's squeezably soft therapist assistant to Miaya!" seeing the detective was still confused, it added, "I know why you are confused. But I promise I am a very sweet girl! Still… I need your help right now…"
So it seems that… Ms. Gekkogahara overcomes her apparent shyness through this rabbit… Kyoko mused, adopting her thinking pose before stepping inside once Miaya had entered. Ironically, the therapist is too shy to talk to people. Well, that doesn't matter for my investigation. I just need to find some clues regarding the disappearance of the files, and I'll be gone.
"Please sit down, Miss!" Usami said before Kyoko obliged and took a seat on the other side of the therapist's desk. "I am so glad someone came to help with the files! Losing private files about students is a big no-no!"
"I understand why it would be, yes." the Ultimate Detective agreed with a nod. "And it is my job to help you find your files." The rabbit seems talkative enough, and I seem to be getting used to it. "Hope's Peak Academy warned the Police Department of the theft yesterday, and I was appointed on the spot to help you. I might be a student here, Ms. Gekkogahara, but I will make sure my life as a student doesn't slow down my investigation."
"Yes, I trust you!" the digital rabbit said happily, from what Kyoko could tell. "The Headmaster said a lot of great things about you, and it seems you are a very sweet girl, too! I'll do my best to help you out with your investigation!"
The Headmaster? Hmph. The detective decided not to give it any thought. "Thank you; that would be most useful. Well, first off, can you tell me which files were stolen?"
"Well… I cannot really say…" the rabbit told Kyoko, becoming a little shier. "I promise the students who come here that their files will remain confidential…"
Not that the thief cared about that… The Kirigiri detective rolled her eyes. "Of course. But you do not have to worry. I am a police detective, and I am only asking this to gather clues about your files' whereabouts. I will not access them without your permission." she gave a quick bow of the head. "You have my word as a detective. But I do need some information to work with." Besides, you just said you'd help me to the best of your abilities…
"Yes, I believe you, Miss! We need to trust each other if we want to catch the bad guy!" Usami declared, earning a smile from Kyoko. "So, about the files that were stolen… They are the files regarding the students of Classes 70th to 78th! This is really bad! Really, really bad!"
"The Ultimate Classes, you say?" the violet-eyed girl asked, genuinely surprised. Did the thief target the Ultimates for a particular reason? "And when did that happen? The Police Department was made aware of the theft yesterday, but did it happen on the same day?"
"I… I am sorry, Miss, but I don't know!" Miaya, through her avatar, said, the little rabbit showing sadness. "I usually leave the campus on Fridays and come back on Sundays, but I wasn't there at all last week because I was working on a project!" Usami began to sob. "It could have been at any time during that week! I am so sorry, Miss Detective!"
"This is fine," Kyoko told the alumni with a sigh. "I can do without that detail, I suppose." Or, more precisely, I'll have to. What worries me is that the thief could already be far if they stole the files at the beginning of last week… Or they could have already disposed of it, which wouldn't be any better…
Still, the visible annoyance on the detective's face didn't go unnoticed by the therapist. "P-Please don't be mad at me, Miss…" Usami pleaded weakly. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you when it happened…"
Cursing herself for her rudeness when addressing the victim of the case, Kyoko tried to make the situation better by saying, "No worries, I am not mad." she gave a small but comforting smile. "I can't say this will facilitate my investigation, but there are other leads to pursue. Talking about this… do you have any idea who could have stolen the file? And who could have entered this place, for that matter? I didn't notice any signs of a break-in, so I believe they must have used the door."
"I keep the key to this room in my locker in the staff room," Usami explained, apparently doing better. "Maybe they stole it from there to come here? As for the mean person who could have done it… I don't want to accuse anyone… I want to trust that no one would be mean enough to steal…"
Kyoko hmphed and rolled her eyes. "My apologies, Ms. Gekkogahara, but I need facts to work with, and the facts are that your files were stolen. I understand why you don't want to doubt anyone, but these files didn't simply disappear. You have my sympathy, but I will need you to have enough faith in me that I can find the thief and bring you your files back."
Though I'll admit… her words of wanting to trust people… remind me of Makoto, for some reason. The girl thought while the therapist seemed to be conflicted. He convinced me it worked… No, Kyoko. Makoto showed you time and time again that he could make people feel better by trusting them. Right now, you need to focus on these stolen files. You'll think about that later!
"R-Right… Sorry, Miss, it's just… It's the first time something like this happened to me, and I've been taught not to doubt people, so…" the older girl said through her AI, and while Usami appeared to be doing better, Miaya herself had still not changed expression once. "But I really don't know who could have done it… I am so sorry, Miss Detective!"
"T-That's okay…" the current student assured her and sighed. "As I said, I'm not upset. You are missing some information, but that's not your fault."
"Okay. I really hope I will be able to help you more later, Miss Detective!" the Ultimate Therapist said, and her artificial rabbit was cheery once more. "And I believe in you! I'm sure you'll find the files that have been stolen!"
With the lack of information, that remains to be seen… Kyoko thought, and while she appreciated the vote of confidence the victim of the case was giving her, she couldn't help but be pessimistic. My bet for the culprit would be someone familiar with Hope's Peak, so either a student or a staff member… but that's a long list of people! Well, no time like the present to investigate.
"Thank you, Ms. Gekkogahara." the Ultimate Detective told her and stood up. "I will get going to continue my investigation. I will do my best to find the stolen item, but I ask you to be patient. Goodbye, Ms. Gekkoga-"
"M-Miss Detective, w-wait!"
Just as the Kirigiri detective had turned around to leave the room, she was called out by Usami. Turning back to face the digital rabbit and its owner, Kyoko was surprised to see the latter rolling her wheelchair to her.
"What is it?" Kyoko asked, crossing her arms over her breasts and sighing as she realized she was wasting time.
"You seem troubled, Miss Detective…" the AI said, looking unsure. "Are you alright?"
"Hm?" Troubled? The younger girl echoed in her mind, surprised. "I am not troubled… I am simply focused on finding your files and the thief who stole them. Might I know why you tell me that?"
"Well…" Miaya rolled even closer to Kyoko and looked at her in the eyes. The detective found her emotionless eyes a little disturbing - but dared not tell her. "You have a grim expression, and it's been the case ever since you've entered my office… I have seen many students who overworked themselves and had similar expressions, Miss Detective… Are you sure you're alright? Don't be afraid of telling me the truth; it is my job to handle that sort of information, after all!"
Usami smiled brightly and proudly, and Kyoko noticed even the therapist herself was smiling a little. It made the scene a little less nerve-wracking.
I was beginning to wonder if she was even human, so good to know she is. She mused, rolling her eyes and letting out a sigh. But whatever: I am seriously wasting time on my investigation. Besides, I doubt I am more troubled than before… Why would I-
A realization hit Kyoko.
Oh. C-Could that… It can't be *just* that, can it?
"I don't feel troubled, but you're the therapist, so I guess my opinion doesn't really matter, does it?" the Ultimate Detective asked rhetorically and sighed again. Usami nodded, though it seemed clear to the girl that the rabbit didn't want to offend her. "And what do you make of that? Perhaps I appear to be troubled because this investigation isn't off to the best of starts, and I will have to work even harder to make it succeed?"
"Well, maybe I could ask you some questions to determine that?" the therapist offered.
As much as I don't want to… she is the victim of this case, and it is my job to do what she wants, as long as it doesn't compromise my investigation. And if she says I am 'troubled' then it could make my work less efficient, which wouldn't be good either…
"Fine. But please make it quick, Ms. Gekkogahara." Kyoko gave in and said. "The longer you take, the more unlikely it becomes that I find your files."
"It's fine, don't worry, Miss Detective!" Usami said before Miaya turned around and rolled to the sofa on the other side of the room. "But I can't leave you in a troubled state, especially if you plan on helping me! It is my duty to make sure every student here can always be happy, and I'll help you gladly!"
Well, I guess it can't hurt. And who knows? She might be able to tell me if what I think is wrong *really* is what is wrong… "Thank you, I suppose… Go ahead, then, ask me your questions, Ms. Gekkogahara."
"Would you please come and lay on the sofa, Miss?" the white and pink rabbit demanded as the Ultimate Therapist took out a paper from her desk and began to write on it. Seeing Kyoko's incredulous look, she explained, "It allows the patient to relax. And it's a really soft sofa, too!"
"Fine, then." the detective said and walked to the said sofa before laying down, with her legs crossed. Hm, this sofa is soft, no doubt… I feel like a nap here would rest me more than a night in my bed. "Whenever you want, Ms. Gekkogahara."
"Thank you, Miss Detective!" Usami cheered, and Kyoko sighed in amusement. "Well, normally, I have to ask many questions about my patients, but since you don't have much time, we'll speed up a bit, okay?"
The lavender-haired girl simply nodded and understanding. Yeah, maybe this won't be such a waste of time, after all…
"So, first off… Since you're a detective, that means you have a lot of work, right?" the AI asked, as its owner rolled closer to the sofa.
"Indeed. I won't get into details, but my schedule is based on my detective work, and I often have to miss classes because of it." Kyoko answered and explained. "I am trying to take on fewer cases to liberate myself some free time and go to class more often, but I am still highly busy." Mainly because of that promise I made to Makoto…
"I see… And do you think you get enough rest, Miss Detective? It is important to get eight hours of sleep every night, you know?"
I… am far from eight hours a night… That made Kyoko smile, though it made her worry a bit too. "Well, I may finish working late from time to time, but I feel well-rested if that is what you want to know."
Usami brought her paw to her face in thought, a bit like the detective would do with her hand when she was thinking deeply about something. Miaya was still mostly passive, however.
"Did one of your cases recently involve trauma, Miss Detective?" asked the therapist, visibly trying her best to find the source of Kyoko's apparent troubles. "Did you see something that scared you?"
"Hmph. Ms. Gekkogahara, I have seen tens, if not hundreds of bodies in my life, some of them being completely mutilated." the lavender-haired girl said and made it clear she wasn't the fearful type. "I don't believe anything could really scare me anymore. At least, that's what I'll believe until I'm proven wrong."
The former student seemed to quickly understand the problem she was looking for wasn't there. Kyoko saw her write some things on the new file she had prepared before she asked a new question.
"Hm… Do you think your troubled state could be related to one of your friends or family members, Miss Detective?" Usami wondered as Miaya rolled to face the Kirigiri detective once again. "It is often the cause of such issues. I… have heard that you aren't on great terms with the Headmaster… Do you think it could be related?"
"Apart from the fact that he's an idiot who only gets in my way, you mean?" Kyoko asked bitterly, her small smile disappearing in favor of a stoic expression. "He has caused me many issues, but I can tell you they're behind me now. Well, most of them are, at least." Not that I am telling you about *this* anytime soon…
"O-Oh, um… I won't pry if you don't want me to, Miss Detective…" the rabbit said weakly, and the detective understood she had scared the therapist with her sharp tone. "But there is a lot of venom in your voice for someone whose troubles are behind them. Has he done something to you recently that made you angry?"
"Yes. Yes, he has." the Ultimate Detective replied immediately, unable to control just how cold she had sounded. "It seems that whatever he does, he always manages to do the wrong thing to get in my way. In my happiness' way."
The therapist's interest was visibly piqued if the fact that she reacted was any indication. Kyoko sighed and prepared herself for the question she knew was coming.
"Aren't you happy, Miss Detective?" the rabbit asked her through the screen. "Your expression is cold, and your voice carries anger. Some hatred, too… Hatred isn't good, Miss Detective!"
"I… I know, Ms. Gekkogahara. My apologies if I came off as impolite or rude." the girl told her eldest, taking a deep breath to keep her composure. "It's just… There is someone… Someone who makes me extremely happy and who I like very much…" she paused, pondering going further or not. A nod of encouragement from Usami convinced her to continue, "He is the first person I befriended in years, Ms. Gekkogahara. Whenever I have free time, I like to spend it with him, because I know it'll be time well-spent.
"But… Then the Headmaster's uselessness kicks in…" Kyoko subconsciously curled her hand into a fist as she mentioned her father. "And he takes away my chance at spending time with him! I do not have many friends, Ms. Gekkogahara. Counting quickly, four, maybe five. I don't ask for more than that, but I'm sick and tired of this pathetic joke of a man ruining the few moments of happiness I have!"
Kyoko's voice suddenly got up a few notches, and she got up from the sofa in a second. Tears threatened to escape her eyes as she glared at the ever-unresponsive therapist with a mix of hate and sadness in her purple orbs. Of course, these emotions weren't directed at the alumni. No, they were directed at the man whom she considered the cause of all her issues.
"Other than my Grandfather and my detective work, my few friends are all I have! I've relearned how to befriend people, and I won't let him of all people get in the way!" the detective proclaimed as she tried her best to keep the tears away. "If it weren't for his incompetence, Ms. Gekkogahara, I would be spending time with my best friend right now, and you would already have your files back!"
"Miss Detective…" Usami appeared to be saddened by Kyoko's sudden change of behavior. "Please don't be angry. I promise you'll feel much better if you take a deep breath and try to calm down. I understand how the Headmaster is not someone you hold in high regard, so we'll talk a bit more about your friend, alright? There, sit back down and take deep breaths."
She's right, Kyoko… This is unlike you to lose your composure like this… Kyoko herself thought and tried to shake off the unpleasant feeling that the stoic mask she had spent years to create was being taken apart piece by piece. The Principal has proven useless, but that's no reason to get mad. I need to stay positive. That's what *he'd* do.
"Yes, you're right…," the detective girl did as she was told. She already appeared to be doing much better only a few seconds after sitting back down. "I am sorry you had to see that. My attitude was most unbecoming of a detective."
"It's okay, Miss Detective. You don't need to be afraid of letting it all out sometimes." the digital therapist said for its owner, giving the girl a warm smile. "But let's talk about your friend, shall we? You haven't told me his name yet."
"Right; his name is Makoto," she answered. "He is one of my classmates… and my best friend. He is my class' Ultimate Lucky Student, and while he believes that makes him untalented, I think otherwise. There is something in him I can't quite pinpoint yet… and it makes him such a valuable friend to me. He made me realize that friendship could be a chance again. He's always so kind, so considerate… even sometimes at his own expense…"
"Your friend truly seems like a great person!" Usami said, smiling happily. "I understand why you want to spend time with him!"
"Indeed." Kyoko nodded in agreement with the therapist. "I think he has his flaws, but he has so many qualities to make up for it. For example… I think he's too trusting of others, but on the other hand, every person he trusted so far has become better. And if it weren't for his trust… I would never have known the happiness of having a friend like him again.
"His constant optimism seems to be contagious, and every time I'm around him, I feel a little better. He's the only person in years who has seen me as more than the Ultimate Detective. He cares for me as a friend, and not as the detective he can turn to if he ever gets in trouble or something…" the girl closed her eyes and let a smile grace her lips. "And while I might not show it extremely well… I care for him. The notion would have been absurd to me for years, but right now? Makoto is my best friend, and there are only a few things I treasure more than my friendship with him."
"I see… that was very sweet, Miss Detective!" the rabbit praised, visibly very pleased. "Do you love him, Miss Detective?"
The experienced detective's eyes popped wide open instantaneously, and she stared at Miaya in awe, her expression betraying all the surprise she was feeling.
"W-What the…?! What do you mean, 'love him?!'" she questioned, the notion absurd to her.
"Well… Is he just your friend, or something more?" Miaya explained through her AI, looking directly at Kyoko. "I have seen many students who described their best friend the way you just did and ended up forming some really sweet couples, Miss Detective!"
"Hm, sorry to burst your bubble, Ms. Gekkogahara," Kyoko began, rolling her eyes before continuing, "but Makoto is a friend. His presence is always good to me, but I am not romantically attracted to him. To be fair, I don't even know what romantic attraction is since I've never felt it."
"Really? I don't want to doubt you, Miss Detective, but that seems unlikely." the Ultimate Therapist contradicted as Usami pointed a paw at the lavender-haired girl. "The way you talk about him with such passion, I have trouble thinking you don't at least have some romantic feelings for him."
"N-No, I really don't!" Kyoko insisted though she felt pushed into a corner for some reason. "Okay, he is very kind and compassionate, but that doesn't mean I'm attracted to him!" R-Right…? Y-Yeah, yeah, that's right. And besides, even if I was attracted to him, it's not like I stood a chance against Sayaka anyway. No need to dwell on that, then…
Miaya looked at her with a genuine and knowing smile, which made the detective blush. Usami was pretty much the same, though it didn't make Kyoko as embarrassed.
"I won't force you to tell me anything if you don't want to, Miss Detective." the rabbit told her reassuringly. "But one thing I can tell you is that, no matter how you feel for your friend Makoto, if he can make you feel better, then you should spend more time with him. It makes me very happy to see you smile, Miss Detective, and it seems like it's all thanks to your friend. I'm always glad whenever a student comes here and smiles."
Kyoko got up into a seated position before speaking again. "I suppose you do. Well, I guess this wasn't a waste of time." It helped me feel better, and I no longer feel mad… thanks to Ms. Gekkogahara… and Makoto. The Ultimate Detective stood up and bowed in front of the former Hope's Peak student. "Thank you for your guidance, Ms. Gekkogahara. This will certainly make my work a lot more thoughtful and rational."
"You're welcome, Miss Detective! It's always a pleasure to help the students who need it, especially when they are as sweet as you are!"
Me, sweet? That's not a compliment I ever got… The detective realized with a content smile. "Well, whatever. I'll ensure you get your files back as soon as possible. That is the least I can do, I believe. Have a nice day, Ms. Gekkogahara."
"Yes, good day to you too, Miss!" the therapist said and rolled to her desk as Kyoko made her way to the door to leave.
Perhaps I didn't get to spend time with Makoto today, but at least he helped me with my bad mood, even without being there. Just how great of a friend are you for me that just thinking of you makes me feel so much better…?
Turning the knob and exiting the Ultimate Therapist's office, Kyoko found herself in the hallway. She headed for the exit to go work on her investigation, though something quickly caught her attention.
On a chair next to the door, there was a blue folder.
Hm? Who left their file here? She wondered and approached it. She noticed a note glued on the folder and read it.
"To Ms. Gekkogahara,
I'm sorry I had to steal them, but here are your files! I needed them for something, hope you don't mind! They definitely told me lots of things I needed to know, so I'm really, really glad! Well, do whatever you want with them; I've made copies anyway. This is only part of the files, as I'm sure you realize. I couldn't really carry them all here, y'know? I dropped the rest of the files near the statue of the founder of Hope's Peak.
Oh, and one last thing: I wish luck to the cop who'll have to try to find me (this is meant for you, detective bitch!). You ain't fucking going to get to me any time soon!
With all due disrespect,
- Your worst nightmare."
Kyoko stared at the note, dumbfounded. That… makes no sense. Well, I'll keep this note and ask for the handwriting to be analyzed, even if I doubt the thief was careless enough to use their real handwriting… And whoever this was, they knew me, and they were aware I had been put on the case… Though it seems they don't hold me in high esteem. Not that I care, quite frankly.
And whoever had these files clearly put them here while I was inside with Ms. Gekkogahara since they weren't there when I entered earlier. Well, I'll give this some more thought later.
She turned back towards the office and knocked again. The police detective had to explain to the therapist where she had found the folder, though she kept the details of the note to herself. Usami seemed relieved, especially when she realized the document was genuine. Kyoko told her she'd ask the staff to bring her the rest of the documents from where they had apparently been hidden, much to Miaya's thankfulness.
After leaving again, Kyoko made sure to hurry back to her room, if only to reorganize her stuff and think some more about the situation. Luckily for her, the only loose end left in this case was the mysterious thief, whom she'd need to identify at some point - though it could wait.
At least… a day that started off poorly will end nicely. I could do with this kind of luck more often, honestly. She thought with a sigh. I guess Makoto's Ultimate luck is rubbing on anyone who interacts with him… I couldn't ask for more than that!
Makoto… My real luck is to have you as my classmate and friend. I never thought I could get as close to someone after losing Yui, but I did… You… earned my trust, and there was a time I thought I would never trust anyone again. You make me change and discover a new side to myself each and every day…
Ms. Gekkogahara was right: I should spend more time with you. You were kind enough to want to spend time with me, and I'd feel bad if I didn't return the favor. I'll never be as companionable as you are, but I'll try to be. I think you deserve it.
Kyoko sat on her desk chair and placed the note she had found on her desk. With a smile, she took out a paper and pen and got to work.
Well, I guess the more I work today, the more time I can spend with Makoto tomorrow! From this day on, I need to prove to Makoto just how much I trust him and how much he means to me!
To be continued…
A.N: I hope you liked Miaya's introduction into this timeline! She is so underrated, I honestly think it's criminal. For those who remember, there was a moment in Chapter Thirteen of AOH in which Makoto mentions that he heard about Miaya through Kyoko who had already met her once. Now you know what it corresponded to! I hope you'll like the tenth and last chapter, and until then, please leave a review! Have a nice day, everyone! ^^