Smokey Trail of Stars
A Fanfiction by Literate Cricket: Part One
"Dude scooch over, you're crushing me!"
"What?! You're crushing me! There isn't room for a grain of rice at this darn table!"
Daigo's and Shoji's arguing wasn't pointless: Kyokusei dormitory really was pretty packed. Erina and Hisako, Ikumi, the lab coat trio, the Aldini brothers, and even Mimasaka had all stopped by Kyokusei for a little party that afternoon, along with several other friends. Of course, everyone was laughing and smiling and generally having a great time, even though Takumi was still a little sour from having lost to Soma in their last Shokugeki. The one downside to having so many friends over was that there was barely any room left at the dining table; getting a seat was like playing a game of musical chairs.
"Uhm, excuse me Shun… is this a free spot?"
"Yeah, go ahead", Shun replied coolly. After a few seconds, Shun heard the sound of the neighboring chair being pulled across the ground when he realized he hadn't paid attention to who he had invited, and out of curiosity glanced up to see who had asked the question. But when his gaze landed on a pair of lovely, shining red eyes, Shun felt a strange and unfamiliar feeling flutter through his gut. He hadn't realized that he had been staring until Ryoko Sakaki glanced over at him and nudged him after an awkward moment "Um… Shun, are you feeling alright?"
Shun blinked, snapping back to reality, and replied in a rushed tone "Uh, yeah, don't worry about it" before quickly turning away. What the heck was that?! Shun wondered to himself, completely bewildered by his own actions. Maybe I'm getting a little sick? Or was there something different about Ryoko today? Shun thought to himself, peeking over again at the girl sitting next to him. Ryoko happened to be mid conversation with Megumi and Yuki, who were seated nearby on the other side of the table. Nope, just good old Ryoko. Wonder what that was then… Thought Shun to himself, bringing a confused hand up to his neck.
Suddenly, the three girls burst into giggles, and as Shun calmly observed, Ryoko's smiling face became caught in a certain light. Ryoko took on a whole new aura: her eyes sparkled, her smile shined, and her little laugh was so endearing that Shun felt himself grinning a little in reaction… until he realized what he was doing. With a grumble of frustration, Shun whipped his head away from the giggly trio and brought an embarrassed hand up to his forehead as a blush threatened to paint his face crimson red. What the hell is wrong with me? Ryoko's just a friend, we've known each other since middle school! There's no reason for me to be acting this weird…
Shun Ibusaki was the cool cat of Kyokusei dormitory: when things went wrong and everyone began to panic, he was always the one to keep a level head and observe the situation in a logical manner. He gave off an aura of serenity, and always kept his emotions under control behind a consistent poker face; one of the reasons he wore his hair down in fluffy, concealing bangs. And yet tonight, even though nothing at all was happening, he was the one behaving erratically and losing his composure.
Shun was getting rather uncomfortable, so he tried to focus less on the pretty girl next to him and more on what was happening around him. Thankfully, between Soma's and Erina's loud bickering along with Daigo chasing Shoji around the table and Alice throwing confetti everywhere, there was little time to get swaddled up in one's own little problems. Shun let an amused little chuckle escape him, and stood up to join in on the fun. Any embarrassment was temporarily forgotten as Shun reminded himself of why there were so many students gathered here in the first place: now was a time to spend having fun with friends!
That night after all the guests had left, Kyokusei's residents settled down. Some went to bed early, others took an extra half hour to study or just hang out. Zenji and Shun were in one of the lounge rooms, reading over a few books that the former had brought back from the research club. Zenji was pretty passionate about his reading: "Shun, listen to this, it could work pretty well with your smoke style cuisine: When properly prepared, the Capsaicin found in hot peppers can cause a subtle reaction with the proteins available in certain-. Shun, are you listening?". Upon hearing his name, Shun sat up "Huh? Oh, sorry, just got a little distracted…", but he turned away again just a few seconds later.
Zenji marked his page and put down the book. "Shun, is everything alright? I know you're a quiet guy, but this is kind of excessive. Even for you". Beneath his shaggy hair, Shun kept his gaze downward "I'm fine, Zenji, you're worrying for no reason". Zenji kept a steady stare on Shun, building up pressure on the latter's obvious lies. Shun grumbled "Zenji, I already told you, I'm fine… I'll get over it". Zenji's round glasses flashed "But Shun, what is there to get over if nothing's wrong? Unless perhaps that isn't the case…?". Aw, crud… Shun thought to himself. He was supposed to be The Prince of Smoke, the Barbarian of Barbecues. So why was it that every time he spoke with Zenji he was the one getting roasted? Shun's face reddened slightly as he covered his face with his hand; he was beginning to break under the pressure: "It's really stupid… It doesn't matter, just leave me alone…". Zenji pushed him further "Anything that bothers you so much you can't even study properly most certainly matters, Shun ''. Ibusaki buried his face in his arms, which were resting on the desk.
Zenji spoke yet again "You know, Shun, as Kyokusei dorm-mates, we should all try our best to support each other in times of need, but I can't help you if you refuse to tell me what's wrong". Shun shuffled so that his entire face was hidden away behind his fluffy brown hair. "I don't know… she probably doesn't care anyway". Zenji's glasses flashed again: Don't tell me… he thought, squinting expectantly at Shun. The latter released a frustrated sigh, "You'd better not laugh at me for this…". Zenji brimmed with anticipation, but spoke calmly "I promise that I will not laugh at you, Shun. Now will you finally tell me what's making you so distracted?".
After a hesitant silence, Shun lifted his face ever so slightly, so that the only part of his face visible was his nose. He turned away and huffed "Ugh! Fine!". Then, he continued more meekly "I have- I dunno… It's Ryoko, she just… I've been getting all nervous and jittery around her these last couple weeks. I don't know what's wrong with me, it's almost like-". Shun took a long pause mid sentence, unable to hold back an embarrassed blush.
"Shun, are you trying to say…"
"I… I think I have a crush on Ryoko…"
Zenji's calm expression suddenly dissipated, leaving a stumped one in its place. Shun's cheeks suddenly turned as red and hot as chili peppers. "There, you happy now?". Shun became a little confused in the silence that followed his last comment. He raised his head so that he could see Zenji's face. "What?", he asked, immediately regretting it. Zenji's surprised face slowly transformed itself into an overly gleeful grin. As Shun grumbled angrily to himself and buried his face in his arms again, Zenji covered his mouth with his hand and released an 'Ooooooh!' that rose up a whole octave. "No way! I can't believe this! You? Really? Ah, I just can't believe this!". A dozen excited comments streamed from Zenji's smiling mouth as Shun angrily shushed him: "Shhh! Not so loud! Ugh, you had promised you wouldn't laugh!". Zenji silenced himself when he heard this, then cleared his throat to respond "I'm not laughing at you at all, Shun. I'm just really happy for you, man! I was a little worried about your reclusive nature, but it seems I was wrong to think that way". Shun said nothing, still too embarrassed from admitting his little secret out loud to someone.
Zenji glanced at Shun, and said truthfully "You should totally ask her out". At this comment, Shun stood up so fast that Zenji flinched. "What?! No way! I can't just walk up to her and say that, it's completely outrageous!", Shun exclaimed. He began to walk in stressed circles, muttering to himself as Zenji continued with a confident tone "Oh, you'd be surprised how often that works. Madoka totally fainted back when I first invited her to dinner…". Shun stilled his feet to face Zenji: "That's different, you knew from the beginning that she liked you". Zenji hesitated "Oh. I guess that's true. But still, you gotta give something to get something! Maybe don't try anything too extravagant in the beginning, but at least talk to her. You know, get to know her a little bit more". Shun walked back over to the table. "I don't know… I mean, we're friends and all, but I don't think we're that close; I wouldn't want to make things awkward between us…". Shun returned to his seat and sighed as he slumped down onto the table "I feel like I'd just freak her out". Zenji encouraged Ibusaki some more as he gave him a friendly pat on the back "Come on buddy, we're all friends here at Kyokusei, there's no reason to get all shy and whatnot. Just ask her how her day went or something next time you see her, and go on from there. It'll be fine, you'll see". Shun raised his head and mumbled pensively "I guess I could try…".
Zenji smiled at his friend "That's the spirit! Be brave, give it a shot! You'll never know until you've tried; it might just work out". Shun huffed quietly, then leaned his head on the desk. A brief silence took place, before Shun spoke up again "Zenji, d'you really think that…". Zenji turned to him: "Do I think what, Shun?". Shun continued meekly "Do you think I… you know… have a chance?". Zenji sat back thoughtfully and said "Look, Shun, I said it once and I'll say it again: You won't know anything until you've tested the waters a little bit. You know that I'll support you no matter what, but in the end, this is between you and her". Shun hesitated, then asked "So… you won't tell her anything, will you?". Zenji smiled "I'll stay as sealed as a clam". Shun said nothing for a moment, then relaxed a little bit "Thanks, Zenji". The boy with glasses smiled and replied "Anything for a friend. But now that you've de-stressed a bit, why not get back to studying? I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to go to bed too late, and there's still a few pages left to read". Shun sat up: "Oh. Yeah, okay".
While Shun and Zenji began to study again, a similar conversation was being held in Ryoko's room. Yuki had come to hang out with her a few minutes before heading to bed."You know, I kinda like the sound of that…", she said as she twirled a lock of her hair; she let it down at night. Ryoko cast a confused glance at her friend as she brushed her now neck-length magenta hair. "You like the sound of what?" she replied skeptically. Yuki giggled mischievously: "Why, Ryoko Ibusaki, naturally!". Embarrassed, Ryoko retorted as her hair brush tumbled out of her fingers "Wh-what are you talking about? That doesn't even make any sense!". Yuki laughed playfully: "Oh, you know I'm just teasing. But seriously, Ryoko, you should say something to him! You never know, he just might like you back~", finishing her sentence with a tickle to Ryoko's side. After brushing off Yuki's teasing fingers, Ryoko lowered her eyes and grumbled "That's crazy, I can't… what would I even say?". Yuki smirked and answered: "Why, that's quite simple, Ryoko dear. You would just walk right up to him and say: 'Shun Ibusaki, did you know that you're smoking hot'?". Ryoko jerked up, blushing madly "Th-that's completely and utterly ridiculous! No way! That's not even remotely funny...", while Yuki cackled at her own joke. Ryoko grumbled and buried her face in her arms. Noticing this, Yuki ceased her giggles and said comfortingly to her friend "Oh come on, Ryoko, don't be like that. You really should try talking to him a little bit. You'll never know till you've tried!". Ryoko sighed: "I don't know… I'll think about it. I wouldn't want to freak him out either…".
Suddenly, their conversation was interrupted as Mrs. Fumio's voice blasted on the dormitory's tube speakers: "Would all you little mongrels please make your way down to the kitchen? I have an announcement to make. And hurry it up; I will not repeat myself more than fifteen times!". In the hallways, the stairs creaked as the other kids stampeded downstairs, Daigo's and Shoji's loud voices echoing in the corridors accompanied by Isshiki's joyous laughter. Yuki stood up and lightly tugged on Ryoko's sleeve "Don't worry about that now, Ryoko, you'll have plenty of time! In the meantime, we better see what Mrs. Fumio wants to tell us!". Ryoko stood up and followed her friend. She's right, I'll have time to think about it…, she reassured herself.
Later that night, Ryoko twitched and mumbled in bed while lucidly dreaming. Though her body lay asleep under warm blankets, her mind was transported to another world where she was working in a restaurant as an adult. She hurried between countless countertops, ovens, and stoves. As she struggled with preparing several different meals at the same time, orders streamed in from all sides: "Miss Sakaki, another serving of fried fish for table two", "Madam, two Koji specials for table seven", "Sakaki-San, a customer would like some more teriyaki sauce". Ryoko tried not to stress out as she fought to keep up with the ever increasing demands. But suddenly, she felt herself relax as an alluring aroma wafted through the air. Ryoko turned around and saw someone working alongside her in the kitchen. The wonderful smell, which she now recognized as smoked beef, drifted in soft puffs from an indoor grill that the worker patiently prodded with a barbecue fork. And when Ryoko looked up at the chef behind the delectable aroma, it was none other than The Prince of Smoke himself. Ryoko stared with pure admiration at Shun, now a full grown man, standing beside her. And when Shun noticed her awestruck gaze trailed on his face, he turned to her with a smile as warm as the smoking meat.
Ryoko suddenly shot up and brought a hand to her forehead. What in the world was that dream?, she thought disbelievingly to herself. But already, the images of rushing waiters and needy customers along with all the other elements of her stressful dream were fading away. But even so, there was one thing that stayed fresh in her mind: Shun's beautiful, reassuring smile. Ryoko blushed as she recalled it, and pulled her covers over her head: No, I can't… There's just no way! He couldn't possibly… . Yet when she lay her head back down on her pillow, Ryoko could think of nothing but Shun's kind and handsome face as she drifted back into unconsciousness.
A few days later, yet another busy school day has ended. That particular afternoon, however, some mean-looking storm clouds were hovering overhead; most of the students were hastily moving to get home before any rain came down. Shun had just left the Totsuki building, unsure if he could make it all the way to Kyokusei before the skies gave in. As he walked, he took his surroundings into consideration: a strong wind buffeted the air, and many students were hastily heading for the bus station, while a few others walked under the small trees that lined a few of the paths away from Totsuki. Shoot, I don't have an umbrella… might want to follow their example, he thought to himself as he headed for the trail up to Kyokusei Dormitory. But as he was walking, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure standing out in the open near the school building. Ryoko?, he thought as he recognized the student's glossy magenta hair. Shun stopped walking, wondering why she would be standing around when there was obviously a hundred percent chance that they were about to get pelted by a heavy rainstorm. Only one way to find out…, he thought, remembering Zenji's advice. Shun turned around, and started towards where Ryoko was standing.
"Aren't you going to head back to the dorms? There's a pretty bad storm on the way". Ryoko turned around, and was surprised to find Shun standing behind her, looking a little nervous. She felt a flurry of butterflies rush through her gut, but she calmed her nerves and replied with a smile "Yeah, those clouds don't look too friendly…". She shuffled her feet as Shun spoke again "If you know that, then what are you doing out here in the open?". Ryoko answered "I'm waiting for Yuki, she left something in Mr. Chapelle's class. I told her I'd wait for her, and I'd feel bad leaving her behind". Ryoko added after a warm chuckle "I want to be a good friend! I just hope the clouds can hold back for just a few more minutes...". After a brief silence, Shun spoke once more "In that case… you don't mind if I wait with you, do you?". Wait, Shun wants to wait with me?, thought Ryoko, taken aback. It took a lot of concentration on her behalf not to blush as she responded "Uh, no! Of course. You can stay. If you want?". Okay, that sounded terrible… Ryoko thought to herself, embarrassed, but Shun didn't seem to notice any of it as he stood quietly beside her. She lifted her eyes to take a peek at his face, but he was looking in the opposite direction. Ryoko turned back, trying to quell her nervous excitement.
It was at that moment that the rain came down. It didn't even bother to warn with a light drizzle: Thick, heavy raindrops soaked absolutely everything in a matter of seconds, leaving Shun and Ryoko looking as if they had taken a swim with their clothes on. Just my luck… she thought as the downpour plastered her hair to her face. Shun muttered "Well, at least it's not that cold…". Ryoko replied "Y-y-yeah. I just h-hope that Yuki g-gets here s-s-soon". What the heck was that?! I must have sounded like a total klutz! Looks like I am pretty cold after all… . Ryoko, embarrassed, tried harder not to show her discomfort. She closed her eyes as the rain continued to pelt her face. Just a few more minutes... she thought. Ryoko winced as a crack of thunder boomed through the air, so loud it hurt her ears a little bit. She stood with her arms clutching her chest, trying to stay strong when all of a sudden, the rain stopped.
Ryoko opened her eyes; she could see that the rainstorm was still ongoing and that the ground was practically flooded by all the rainwater, but for some reason the raindrops had stopped hitting her. Curious, she looked up, and saw that there was some kind of dark membrane shielding her from the rainstorm. She didn't have to study it long to realize what it was. She slowly turned her head towards Shun, who was standing a little closer to her. His arm was draped protectively over her head, so that his jacket shielded her from the rain. Ryoko was filled with a warm and fuzzy feeling. She felt grateful and moved by Shun's gesture, but also a little guilty. She was sheltered thanks to him, but the storm itself had not calmed at all. The rain was still hitting Shun so hard that his hair, which normally shielded his eyes, nearly covered his nose.
Shun grumbled in his discomfort and shook his head ferociously, sending another shock of water through the air. When he finally stopped, his bangs had been lifted just enough to reveal his eyes for a brief moment. Ryoko, who had been watching him, stared in awe at his beautiful teal-blue eyes. The heavy rain was already pushing Shun's bangs back down, but at the last moment, Shun returned Ryoko's gaze. The two locked eyes for a few magical seconds, but to them, it felt like an eternity. When Shun's hair finally fell back into its usual position, Ryoko said in an awestruck voice "Shun… you have beautiful eyes". Shun was taken aback by the sudden compliment, but found it in him to respond calmly "Thank you…". Ryoko lowered her eyes, and after a rainy silence, spoke again "Why do you hide them, Shun?". In the even longer silence that ensued, Ryoko became scared that she had asked a little too personal of a question. But Shun responded coolly "I guess it's to attract less attention. You know how I am… ". After that, they both turned their heads away from each other and stood in silence again.
Shun stood without moving, his arm still hovering over Ryoko. The rain had pushed his bangs back down again, so that they tickled the tip of his nose. Frustrated, he twitched and blew at his hair uncomfortably, but was suddenly distracted by a light pressure from his side. Shun looked down and widened his eyes in surprise, completely forgetting his hair. Ryoko had done more than just step closer to him: her head rested gently on his shoulder as she snuggled up against his chest. Shun felt like he had just been blasted by a faceful of hot smoke, while a flurry of butterflies in his gut sent a sparkling sensation through his entire body. I can't believe it! Ryoko is actually… how... Shun was so overwhelmed with emotion that he couldn't even think properly, but he still strived to stand normally. Just embrace it… he thought, trying to calm himself. Tense with confusion, nervousness, and childish delight, Shun ever so slowly let his outstretched arm drop down so that he could hug her back.
Ryoko was equally anxious as she pressed up against his chest, which felt warm and cozy compared to the pittering rain. He smells like smoke… she thought. But it wasn't the brash, stinging smell of campfire smoke. It was much more soft and soothing, definitely the smell of a smaller cooking fire. Maybe applewood? Cherrywood? Or hickory?, she thought as she closed her eyes. Ryoko felt another bubbly burst of butterflies flutter through her gut when she felt the presence of Shun's arm draped over her shoulders. Both blushing, the two teens spent a few precious moments standing together like that in the heavy rain. But all too soon after, they were distracted from their blissful moment by a familiar noise.
"Holy moly! It's raining cats and dogs and wildebeest today! And to think that there wasn't a wisp of mist five minutes ago!" Yuki's loud voice could be heard clearly from afar, even through the heavy rain. Embarrassed, Shun and Ryoko sprang apart when Yoshino appeared in front of them. The cheerful girl stopped suddenly: "Ryoko? Shun?". Ryoko wondered with alarm if Yuki had seen anything, but she continued obliviously "Aw no, you two are completely sopping wet! Did you really wait for me out here without an umbrella? That really wasn't necessary, you know!". Ryoko chuckled "Well, it wouldn't have been nice to just leave you here in the rain, right Shun?". Shun, caught off guard by the sudden question, quickly replied "Huh? Oh, yeah. Certainly". Yuki made a little face, confused by her two friends' strange behaviour, but there were more important things to deal with. "Well, I'd say I appreciate the gesture, but now you're totally soaked because of me! Quick you two, come under my umbrella, we gotta get you two back to Kyokusei before you catch a cold! Let's go, let's go, let's go!". With that, the three teens crowded under Yuki's large umbrella, and began the tiresome trek back to their dormitory.
"Dear heavens! If I didn't know any better, I'd say you fell into a river! Tell me you're alright?". Mrs. Fumio was Fumi-ng, but even more worried for the two drenched kids who'd entered her dormitory after Yuki. "Don't worry, Mrs. Fumio, we're fine! Just a little chilled", Ryoko said for what must have been the third time since getting home. Shun nodded in silent agreement. The old dorm mother looked a little less worried, but not very much. "Well, what are you waiting for? Go and take a bath before you really do catch a cold! I'll make an anti-cough tea in the meantime". Ryoko spoke again " Mrs. Fumio, this really isn't necessary-". But the older woman did not let her finish "That is an order, young lady! You two will go take a nice hot bath, and you will have some tea when you finish!". Taken aback, Ryoko responded: "Okay, if you insist. But at least let Shun go first, he had it worse than I did ". Mrs. Fumio dug in the fridge for some fresh herbs as she retorted "I don't care! Just go and warm yourselves up a little bit!".
While the dorm mother blabbered out loud to herself about how irresponsible kids were these days, Shun turned to Ryoko "There's really no need, Ryoko, you can go first". She turned to face Shun and replied "Please Shun, just go, I'll be fine. I'm actually not that cold, thanks to you…". Ryoko cast a sidelong glance at Shun that only he could understand the true meaning of, and he scratched his wet hair shyly "Ah… okay. I guess I'll see you in a few, then". Ryoko followed him with her eyes as he walked away, a warm smile on her face. But her blissful moment was disturbed by Yuki's teasing whispers "Don't look so worried, Ryoko dear, your husband will be back in just a few minutes". Ryoko reddened and whipped around. "Stop it Yuki!", she shouted, while Yuki giggled gleefully. Mrs. Fumio's loud scolding was quick to silence them, however: "A little quieter, girls! Some of your dorm-mates are trying to study!" .
About half an hour later, both Shun and Ryoko were warm and dry. They sat across from each other at Kyokusei's dining table, each with a cup of Mrs. Fumio's medicinal tea. After a first bitter sip, Ryoko reluctantly swallowed and joked "Oof… I appreciate her concern, but I still think Hisako could have done a little bit better". Shun made a small smile, but still pushed himself to finish the bitter drink out of respect for their dorm mother, and Ryoko did the same despite her comment. Shun finished before Ryoko, but instead of leaving, he sat in silence and stared at his empty cup. Ryoko looked up at him mid-sip, and another incomprehensible feeling traversed her gut. She set her cup down: "You know… you don't have to stay if you don't want to".
Shun turned his head a little more towards Ryoko "Well, it wouldn't be very polite to just leave you here by yourself". Ryoko felt warmed -not by the tea, mind you-, and replied "Oh. Thank you, then". "M-hm", he said quickly, turning his head away. As she continued to sip her tea, Ryoko began to doubt: Did I say something that bothered him? Or maybe he's just being quiet as usual? Maybe he really is just being formal. But then what in the world happened during that rainstorm today?. It was hard for Ryoko not to blush as she recalled that awkward but pleasant moment when she had briefly cuddled with Shun earlier that day. She drank again to distract herself from her thoughts, but suddenly noticed that Shun's cup was no longer on the table. Mildly confused, she looked up at him.
Shun was turned off to the side, the missing cup pinched between his lips. He playfully bobbed it up and down over and over again; his old personal habit. Ryoko smiled subconsciously, thinking to herself: He's pretty cute when he does that…, but quickly reddened when she realized what she had just said in her mind. At that awkward moment, Shun noticed her and was puzzled by her questionably colorful expression. Shun tilted his head as if to ask 'Is something wrong?'. Ryoko quickly turned away. "I-It's nothing…", she stammered nervously. Shun also turned away again, while Ryoko finally gulped down the last of her bitter medicinal drink.
Shun removed the cup from his mouth, and commented "Looks like you're finished". Ryoko answered meekly "Uh, yeah, I guess". A long pause took place then, both of them wondering if they should say something. Ryoko broke the silence first: "Shun?". He turned to face her: "Yes, Ryoko?". She glanced at him, then continued shyly "Well, since it's not that late, I was wondering if you might like to study with me for a little bit?". Shun perked up at this suggestion. "Oh! Uh, yeah! Sure!". Smiling to herself, Ryoko let her gaze fall to the ground. Then, she stood up happily: "Okay! Shall we go, then?".
Yuki completely forgot whatever she had been doing when, while wandering past the lounge room, she heard some familiar voices. She tiptoed backwards a few steps to peek inside. It was deserted, save for one table in the middle of the room. She felt a happy little spark course through her when she saw Shun and Ryoko leaning over a book together, deep in conversation. She stood hidden beside the door and watched unnoticed as Shun and Ryoko happily talked, a giggle occasionally interrupting their chat. She stood there for a good moment, but was suddenly disturbed by a loud voice behind her "Yuki? What are you doing here?". "Eek!" squeaked Yuki. She quickly hid behind the wall, worried that Ryoko or Shun may have heard the voice and turned to look her way; she would have had a hard time explaining her presence. A moment later, Yuki realized it was Daigo who had spoken, Shoji right next to him as usual. She glanced at them, annoyed, and whisper-shouted "Keep it down, will you?". She then smiled and signaled with her eyes for them to watch quietly beside her. The two guys watched from one side of the door with Yuki on the other, and took a quick glance at Shun and Ryoko sitting peacefully next to each other -they did not seem to have noticed anything-. Yuki, Daigo, and Shoji smiled as a look of understanding passed between the three of them. Then, they left the two lovebirds alone to study in peace.