With the Opening day of the next Rank War nearing, there was still one notable day that sparked commercial success that laid on the minds of numbers of inklings; the day of love known as Valentine's day. A day filled with the blossom of new relationships, and the destruction of somebody's feelings, this was an important day in the minds of many bachelors and bachelorettes. From those who sought for affection and companionship to those that were content without anybody special to share feelings of romance, it was important. Although for Azule, this was just another day…

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Sally said as she greeted Azule and Reice when they got to their seats; it was only her who was there among the team.

"Oh, thanks." Reice said casually as he took chocolates from her, and reaching from his pocket, he tossed her a pair of chocolate as well; Sally caught it without moving any other part of her body other than her right arm.

"Huh? Why do you guys give each other chocolate?" Azule asked, a little surprised that they were handling sweets so early in the morning. "Also, what's this Valentine's day?"

Sally and Reice's face turn blue with shock, "You don't know what Valentine's day is!?" Reice shouted suddenly, getting whacked in the back of the head by Sally afterwards; luckily the classroom hadn't gotten filled yet and most of the students didn't pay any mind to Reice's comment.

Sally crossed her arms and gave a condescending smile as she shook her head as though disappointed, explaining to Azule afterwards what Valentine's day meant and of the legend of Saint Valentine. After giving Azule the gist of what today meant, she handed him his candy and gave a wink, "Don't read too much into it, Captain. This is my way of showing thanks for being an awesome friend."

"Yeah, if you get the hots for my sister I will kill you-got that, Azule?" Reice posed with intimidation as though he was a gangster.

Azule flashed a scary smile resembling a demon, "Oh Reice, don't push your luck." he said nicely while masking a terrifying aura; just around that time, the others came in but seemed awfully quiet, especially Fuchsia and Kosami.

Homeroom went by normally as always despite a new season beginning just around the corner and it being Valentine's day. After homeroom finished, everyone went their separate ways as they headed to their second periods. Kosami clutches her bag as if she's in the mean streets of Beacon Hills at night, exuberating caution with each step she takes looking around as though on the lookout for somebody. Her glasses shine in the reflection of the sun as she enters the classroom, to her left on her desk laid a note. Though not physically, Kosami sweats bullets profusely as her heart rate sped with knowledge that this might happen. She heard rumors from the time she first came to the school that there were many boys who liked her and most confirmed those rumors by attempting to talk to her, but she rejected them politely each and every time, but there was this one persistent boy who wouldn't let her out of his sights though he never once made it officially clear if he was interested in her.

Noticing the whispers of some girls near her, she takes up the note and rests her bag in the seat and just as she thought, it was finally happening. Reading the letter, it told her to meet him behind the shed during lunch which meant he was probably going to confess to her there, though since it was rather far and out of the sight of witnesses, there was probably an ulterior motive. Taking a deep breath, Kosami calmed down and immediately turned her thoughts to only one person who could help her: Azule. At lunch, she'd have to ask him to accompany her, maybe even Reice could help too. Why? Because unlike the other boys she turned down, this boy named Mhiki had an imposing nature that intimidated her, and it seemed as though he noticed and wanted to use this day as his chance to get whatever he wants. If she was going to turn him down, she'd need to the confidence of a boy she could trust well enough to protect and defend her if things go awry.

Kosami wasn't the only one having a stressful Valentine's day. Pastelle was showered with chocolates from Parker before and after every class while having to get a smooch on the cheek from him each time she saw him; though she knew that he was proud to be with her, she found it overbearing at times when he tried too hard to show his love, especially when he did it in public and made it awkward. Aaron too had similar trouble, though it was more out of fear. Being one of the most handsome men in the school meant many girls and guys were going to give him chocolates, and while he accepted them without the romantic intention, he could feel the death stare Sky gave him each time she was in the area and noticed that he had chocolates in his possession. Jory had probably the best morning so far, finding that he had received chocolates from everyone and made friends by the minute and was even getting confessed to by some girls and boys in each class, though the boy he wanted to give his chocolate to wasn't there because he was out with a head cold.

The bell rings to dismiss for lunch, and Kosami made a dash out the classroom like a sprinter at the start of a race. She had to snag Azule or Reice before lunch was over and reject Mhiki. Racing through the halls and attracting many gazes from the people she passes by, Kosami's head bolted from left to right as she searched for the classrooms that Azule and Reice would have. After running into a friend on the stairway, she learned that Reice was on the second floor over by a window sill overlooking the school grounds for some reason and quickly raced to him without a drag in her step.

"R-Reice!" a frantic Kosami shouted as she saw her friend indeed at the location that he was spotted; though he hid it immediately, Kosami noticed that there was something in his hands, something he didn't want anyone to see. Kosami also noticed that he seemed to be in deep thought based on how empty his gaze was towards the view outside as if he'd lost something important, or maybe a hopeless feeling? Either way, Kosami didn't have time to worry about that.

"Kosami? Why are you running?" Reice asked as he saw the running turquoise inkling come to a screeching halt before him.

Kosami pants furiously as she places her hands on her knees and tries to catch her breath, "I... need your...help...Reice."

Reice's empty eyes soon had life in them against as he placed the mysterious item in his pocket, "Sure, I'll help. What do you need?"

After explaining to him the situation she was in, Reice gave a simple nod with fury in his eyes as he rolled up his sleeves. After learning of how Kosami felt about this Mhiki guy, Reice knew that he had to help her in any case because this guy seemed like a problem; since lunchtime was beginning and there wouldn't be enough to grab Azule as backup, Kosami had to rely on the less impressive Reice. Accompanying her to the location for this meeting, Reice took the lead up until they got near the shed where Kosami rushed ahead and whispered to Reice to wait until the right moment to show up. Following her orders, Reice leaned against the wall adjacent to the back of the shed and listened in on the conversation, but immediately his calmness faded as he heard something strange.

"Wa-wait...why are there other boys, Mhiki?" Kosami asked with a stutter filled with shock and concern.

Mhiki, a lighter toned inkling boy with auburn eyes and maroon hair cracked a toothy grin as he slicked his bangs back; sitting in a chair backwards with his arms on the top of the back, he was accompanied by twelve other guys all appearing to look like delinquents with piercings and multi-colored hair resembling cuttlefish. "Kept me waiting Sami…" he said with an expecting tone.

Kosami's arms began trembling, "Wh-why are there other people here? Why so many!?" she asked with a quiver and spook presence in her terrified tone.

Mhiki gave a little laugh, "I told you on the note, right? I had something to give you that'd be unforgettable, yeah?"

"B-but, I thought you meant a confession…"

Mhiki laughed and elbowed one of his friends, "She thought I was gonna confess to her, ha!"- he returned his sly gaze to her-"I know your track record too well to be dumb and get rejected."

"What?" she scoffed.

"You're a filthy...no, no need to call you that when I'll be doing it in a few moments." he said with a sigh.

"D-doing what?" Kosami asked with terror with one foot nearing the sunlight and ready for an escape. Seeing these shady boys clouded away from the light made it clear that something suspicious was going on here.

"Isn't obvious? I'm gonna make you famous!" Mhiki pointed with his thumb to one of his friends holding a camera.

Kosami's face turned purple as though she was going to be sick, "You sick…"

"I hear many guys have an interest in high school girls, and you got a nice enough body to make some cash-"

Reice had enough and appeared with fire in his eyes, his fists were ready for action and immediately he got in front of Kosami. "I suggest that you losers keep your fantasies to yourselves and scram. There will be none of that happening here."

The six boys were unamused but weren't fearful in the slightest of Reice's presence. Mhiki got up from his seat and kept his eyes locked on Kosami before looking to the steamy yellow Reice, "Reice Galloway, boy from Beacon Hills. You're a member of Squidcom n competin in the turf wars, yeah?"

"What's it to ya?" Reice responded coldly, showing his family ties in his tone.

"Well ya see, me, Roosey, Fzonli, and Delly are competin as well." he said as he pointed to the rest of the guys in the group except for one. Following his thumb to the boys behind Mhiki, Roosey had on a wool cap that hanged a little off his head and shades to cover his face though his complexion was a dark tan like Tangie. Fzonli had on a buzz cut with an earring on his left ear, and Delly had on a bell hat and glasses. Overall, they didn't stand out too much since they were in the shade so seeing their faces were difficult. "We're looking forward ta kickin ya asses. But for now, I think you should scram. This business between the two of us." he said as he redirected his attention to the petrified Kosami who'd already seen enough abuse in her life.

Reice held up his arm to block her away from their sights, "You're not laying a single hand on her. Walk away before it gets ugly between us."

Mhiki didn't say anything for a moment and snarled, "Kick his ass and get Kosami."

"Kosami step back…" Reice said quickly as two of the guys rush at him; Kosami knew not to get in his way and stepped back to keep watch, knowing she couldn't run away and abandon him.

A pair of fists get thrown at Reice, but he's not dealing with it. Delivering a 2-pc combo with a side of pain to the face, he sends one of the useless and nameless grunts down to the ground and stunned the second one with a jab to the gut and an uppercut to the neck. The other boys are about to make their move, and Mhiki is ready to get involved too after seeing two of his boys go down like logs. That was until a certain individual showed up from behind and grabbed the heads of two of the boys and forced them to bow to the ground.

"Fighting on school grounds is prohibited. If you don't want to be expelled from school and the Rank Wars that you seem so confident you'll do well in, I suggest you take the yellow haired boy's advice and scram." a familiar voice said as she crossed her arms and left-hand prints on the back of the heads of the boys.

"G-geh...Pastelle. Guys, we're outta here!"

Just like that, they were gone. Pastelle came over with a hop in her step, "Good work in defending Kosami, Reice. For a moment there, you actually looked cool."

"I was doing what anyone would do for their friend. I know Kosami's been through enough as is and I don't want any idiots trying to ruin her happiness after she finally gained."

"Reice…" Kosami said under her breath with appreciation.

"I didn't hear everything that went down, but I knew they must've been up to no good once I heard you and Kosami on the other side of the wall of dudes."

"Based on what Mhiki said, it seems they were planning to do something gross…"

"Those lowlifes…"

Reice scratched the back of his head, "A-anyways, I've got to go."-Reice reaches in his pocket and gives something to Kosami-"Happy Valentine's day. I know it isn't much, but I appreciate you as a friend, and also I think this should make up for what you had to deal with concerning those guys. As long as I'm around, they won't ever bother you again."

There was a sparkle in Kosami's eyes as she accepted Reice's small chocolate. Stunned by the change in Reice, she saw a maturation that he didn't have when she first met him. After watching him defend her with such conviction and resolve to always protect her, she couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat for a moment. Could it be? Did she allow herself to become vulnerable for that half-second and feel some type of way for Reice? She didn't have much time to think on it because Reice left shortly after and waved them goodbye, leaving Kosami to the trustworthy Pastelle, who was ready to share how her day went. As Reice walked away, there was melancholy present yet again as he puts his hands in his pockets and casts his gaze to the trail at his feet. Feeling the blues on Valentine's day, Reice had meant to give that chocolate to Violet, but ended up giving it to Kosami. Though he was happy he could help a friend, he was waiting to run into Violet so that he could straighten everything out between them for good, finding the change in himself to finally say what's on his chest. While Reice decided to take a walk around campus until lunch break was over, the girl on his mind was in a classroom delivering her chocolate to Azule.

"I figured to give you some since I already handed out some to the others already." Violet said plainly as she handed Azule the chocolate; Azule accepted them with a smile and took out something from his pocket.

"I don't have any chocolates, though." Azule said as he tried to return the chocolates; Violet was confused in many ways.

"Don't worry, they're friendship chocolates." Violet said with heavy emphasis to let him know that she was gone from those thoughts.

"O-oh, right! Thank you very much for the chocolates, can I eat them right now?"

Violet nodded, "They're meant to be eaten anyways."

"Cool…" Azule popped open the bag and threw a trio of chocolate into his mouth and immediately moaned with satisfaction at the deliciousness of the creamy cocoa goodness. "These are good! Did you make these yourself!?"

Violet nodded, "It took the whole night to make them, but I finished in time and I delivered all bags except a few. I didn't give you yours during homeroom since it was too early in my opinion."

"Instead, you chose lunchtime. I like that way of thinking."

"Do you really?"

Azule laughed, "Of course!"

Violet smiled at the smiling captain and remembered why she once fell for him, that radiant smile of his that could dispel the darkness of any heart. Even though they were only friends now, Violet still felt that lingering feeling that things weren't done between them; the air between them seemed too friendly and inviting for them to only look like a regular pair of friends having a conversation. Knowing that for the sake of the team she needed to avoid any type of romance with fellow members, Violet quickly excused herself and made her way to the next class.

The rest of the day went by in the blink of an eye as Jory had a mountain of chocolate in his bag by the end of the day. Sally had her fair share but for the most part but had to head to work, and Kosami went off somewhere because her head was all over the place. Violet went home early to spend her day with her roommates as well as take care of homework immediately. As for Azule, he was on his way to meet up with Fuchsia-who had notes for him. Making his way through the sunny hallways, Azule finds himself running into quite a surprise as a blonde inkling girl bumps into him at the end of a hallway. Dropping her stuff, she kneels to pick them up immediately but Azule apologized and also helped, once they looked up at the other and exchanged a glance at the other, they recognized the other and had a look of surprise.

"Bianca!?"

"Azule!"

"What a coincidence in running into you. I saw your sister a few moments ago."

"Wow! I never thought I'd see you…"

The two were in different years as well as Bianca always being busy with her after school work. Familiar with one another as mutual friends through Sky and Reice, they never really got the chance to better the relationship as friends. Surprised by this encounter, the two quickly struck up a quick conversation and caught up with the other; for Bianca, not much had been going on recently as she'd been focused on her club and her duties as an officer, though she was stoked for the upcoming season of the Rank Wars and even declared her allegiance to Squidcom, joking about being their first official fan since she knew she couldn't become a member of the group. From there, the talk shifted to Valentine's day and the reason why they both were in a hurry.

"Have you seen Reice? I've been looking for him everywhere."

"Oh...going to do that, huh?"

Bianca giggled with a shush as she put her finger to her lips, "Is it obvious?"

Azule nodded cheerfully, "Very."

Bianca balled her hand into a fist, "Good. Then maybe he'll get a clue and finally do something instead of leaving me in the dark. Geez, that guy."

Azule was struck with curiosity about Bianca's crush, "Why do like Reice? What about him caught your eye?"

"Potential." she said straightforwardly with a confident smirk.

"Potential?"

"Reice has amazing potential to become a wonderful person and do amazing things, both at the grand stage and at smaller stages. He's dedicated, but stubborn at the same time. He's smart, yet clueless. He's...someone who has had his share of struggles and burdens and hasn't figured out how to extend a hand. He's still trying to figure out what it is that he can do. His purpose, if you will. What attracted me to Reice was that potential, seeing him that first time I knew that he could become an incredible person, but he'd need guidance."

Azule's face was heavy with considering for his next words, "Pardon me, but it sounds like you're attracted to the idea of Reice, not his personality."

Bianca smiled knowingly, "Even if that is how it started, the feelings I harbor now aren't the same as when I first met him. In the beginning, I saw him as just a cute new recruit that was a friend of a respected friend. When I tagged along for his adventure and spent time with him and his family, I felt a different feeling from there. Seeing his growth and maturity since then, I've got to admit that he's swept me off my feet without doing so, at least not yet." she blushed.

Azule smiled, understanding where she was coming from and apologizing for making the wrong assumption. Hearing her opinion of Reice allowed him to have insight to exactly who was the Reice he knew. He only saw the negatives but never considered what positives might be there and remembering back to the first friend he made at this school, he remembered that it was Reice. The person who introduced him to Sally and help form Squidcom was him. Though he meddled in his relationship with Violet, Reice was only thinking like any other friend who had those feelings would. Using the silence as time to recollect on the past, Azule finally came to acceptance of Reice for his flaws and his perks. Though unsure if he was in the right to do so, Azule gave Bianca one last place that Reice could be and went on his way to meet Fuchsia.

Sitting out by the school gym on one the concrete near the plants was Fuchsia with a box of chocolates in her hands waiting patiently for Azule. She was nervous, but surprisingly fine about it. As though she'd strengthen her resolve, Fuchsia had hope in her eyes as she looked around anticipating in seeing Azule's silhouette.

"Azule!" she chirped with surprise at his sudden appearance after spacing out for a moment; her nervousness takes over as she catches a glimpse of his calm gaze, and blissful smile.

"Have you been waiting long? My bad, I ran into a friend just now, so it took a little longer to get here."

"O-oh no, it's fine!"

"Soooooo what's up? More notes?" he asked as he moved his head from side to side with a non-existent rhythm.

"N-no…"

"Oh? Something else, then? That reminds me, today is Valentine's day or something like that. A day where you show appreciation for someone you care about...Say Fuchsia, do you have a special person for Valentine's day? I wonder if you can have multiple..."

"W-well..."

Fuchsia tried to be confident, she tried to have some courage. If she was going to make the hints clear, now was the time. Azule smiled with encouragement that she should speak whatever's on her mind, and so…

"Azule, you're my Valentine..." she said bluntly as she looked away.

"Me?" he wondered with a clueless look. Azule's composure was unnerving for someone like Fuchsia, seeing him in such a calm state when the context of the situation was clear what was happening made it even more reassuring of why Fuchsia would be nervous to begin with. Taking a seat next to Fuchsia, Azule leaned in and whispered, "Why me?" he asked with interest.

Her heart's thumping like a giant marching on the ground in search of humans, her palms getting moist as her breathing thickens. "H-here...take this…" she said while handing him the chocolate, unable to answer his question.

"Oh, chocolates? Why didn't you just say so? Did you make these?" he questioned repeatedly while accepting her chocolates and opening

Fuchsia nodded, "I spent the night working on them and even this morning I had to wrap them up and stuff so that's why I was a little later than usual."

Azule popped one of the chocolates in his mouth and experienced immediate ecstasy of sweetness, bobbing his from left to right with satisfaction at Fuchsia's efforts. "Theshe ahre ghood!" he chewed; Fuchsia felt her heart get light as she watched Azule munch on her creations. Seeing him delighted by the work she'd put in, she couldn't help but give a bubbly smile and laugh a little-feeling at ease.

"This is what I love about you, Azule. You always know how to put someone at ease." She giggled as put her hand close to her mouth trying to contain herself.

Azule gave a sudden gaze as though studying her reaction while continuing to chew; Fuchsia's giggling soon faded as silence came between them and before she knew it, she started blushing furiously. "You're pretty good at making chocolates…Guess that's another thing I can say that I love about you." Azule said as he swallowed the chocolates in a huge gulp.

H-H-HUH!?

Fuchsia's head was swirling in a frenzy as she tried to comprehend what his words meant; Azule put the chocolates to the side and turned his body to face her. Fuchsia's blush deepened as her eyes quickly lowered before returning to meet his gaze, feeling a seeping weight of guilt in her mind as an improbable fantasy was about to come true. Azule smiled and tilted his head to the left with a little bit of a laugh.

"I'm thankful that we became friends. I feel like even though we've only known each other for about a little under half a year, it feels longer...like, three years?" he adds while popping another chocolate.

"Three years…?"-shaking her head, she understood where he came from- "I can see what you mean. I never imagined that I'd be close friends with an inkling boy…"

Silence came between them after their brief laughter with the feeling of being back in the same position as Wahoo World, neither of them could continue this conversation given that the idea of romance in the team was supposed to be off limits, especially when the Rank Wars were nearing. The overbearing weight that was the Rank Wars hovered over them like a grey cloud as they struggled to even look the other in the eye anymore. Though now wasn't the right time once again, they knew this conversation would have to come eventually, however. The bond between them needed to be addressed.

"Maybe we could talk about this when there isn't anything weighing on our mind like the Rank Wars, right?" Azule said with a laugh.

"Right, our focus should be on the Rank Wars…" Fuchsia smiled with relief, getting butterflies in her stomach as well.

Wrapping up their conversation, the duo decided to head home and get their rest; after all, the Rank Wars started in 2 days.