Entry 42: 3rd Year Rendezvous

April 5th: Morning

The weather has been quite nice lately. Too nice if you ask me. I've never been one to enjoy the heat, I've always preferred winter and fall. Combine that with allergies and... "Ugh, I hate spring." I'll never understand anyone who enjoys this time of year. It just sucks in my opinion. The only thing that I like about it is the Cherry Blossom season but that only lasts one to two weeks. Spring brings heat and puffy, itchy red eyes. I hate it.

So, now add new year class assignments and now I despise it. It's blatantly obvious that someone had manipulated the class assignments. Most likely Marou or my brother, given the fact that all seven of us, the sisters myself and Taro, are all in the same class. But, it seems like the asshole who did made a stupid mistake. I looked to my right and was greeted by a admittedly beautiful girl with long black hair and a disgustingly fake smile. "I for one happen to love spring, Ogata. It's the season of new beginnings after all. I wonder what it will bring for us this year?" Yuu Senjougahara , of fucking course, is not only in my class yet again, but is also my seat mate.

The only saving grace was that the student who sat on the other side of me was Hiiragi. I glanced at where she was at the moment, catching up with Miku at her desk which was on the other side of the room from mine. Same goes for Nino's seat. The only one of my friends whose seat was even close to mind was Taro's and that's just because he's in the same row as mine. Sitting on the other side of Yuu. Though she seemed to deem me as a better distraction. "Why are you even talking to me? Don't you have your friends to talk to?"

"I think it's always better to get to know you're seatmates. Don't you think so?" Her smile only widened as she answered. I'd almost forgotten how grating speaking this woman was, but somehow, someway she had found a way to remind me within ten seconds flat. "In all seriousness Oga-ga. I hope that we get along better this year." The snake in human's clothing extended her hand to me and smiled. "Let's be friends."

The very thought of it made me want to vomit, but it would be rude to say that out loud. "Sure..." was all I bothered saying to the girl. She didn't seem all too bothered by my lack of response, going by her smile. I turned away from her and took another glance at the room. The first homeroom of the year was going to start in a few minutes and it looked like almost everyone was present. At least nothing else strange will ha-

"This is class 3-1 right? Jeez, this place is packed!" A strangely familiar voice reached my ears along with the back door of the classroom opening. No way. Even though I was afraid to do so... I slowly turned my head to look at the back of the room. Standing in the doorway, in a neat Asahiyama high uniform stood Subaru. His black hair was messy strewn about, seemingly the last thing on his mind as he came here. The young man began looking around the room, until he made eye contact with me. "Oh! Brogata!"

"Brogata?" The snake whispered with a giggle. "What a cute nickname." It seemed like most of the room whoever heard the idiot's yell thought the same thing, as they all turned to me. Dammit!

Quickly, I bloated out of the room, dragging my strategist behind me. I brought the mouth of us to the end of the hall, where we would have some privacy. "Subaru... what the hell are you doing here?"

His face gained a slight redness while he scratched the back of his head. "W-Well, you were the one that said if I don't spend any time with Itsuki-tan then our romance won't bloom. So, seeing as I have nothing else to do for a year other than playing gacha, I might as well enjoy my youth and become a high school student! Of course with the added bonus of getting closer to the cutest girl in the whole world." I hate past Kuro a lot, but now however my hatred has increased tenfold! That was supposed to make you give up. Not joining my already annoying school year!

"I-I... I don't even have the words nor energy to even deal with this. Welcome to the club I suppose. Just don't get clo-"

"I know. Don't get close to Senjo and don't mess with Master Miku. I understand." Giving me seven exaggerated nods in a row, the strategist seemed satisfied with this result. "By the way, we should get going, class starts soon, right?"

"Yeah..." Seems like Ashaiyama now has two sentinels in its halls. Why do I feel like this 3rd year is going to be really annoying?

Same Day: Lunch

"Does that woman hate me?!" Taro yelled at the top of his lungs into the sky. "Why would she go and recommend me to be class rep?! I don't need that sort of burden!" Earlier today, Yotsu volunteered to be the female class rep and volunteered Taro. Seeing how no one else wanted the job, those two automatically got the positions. His frustrated ramblings made me feel a bit guilty, seeing as how I knew exactly why she did that. She most likely wants to spend more time with you, idiot. But, I had to keep my mouth shut. It wasn't my place to even hint at that.

"Maybe she just felt like you were the best for the job. She does trust you a lot and respects you." Taking a bite out of my store bought sandwich, I was pleasantly surprised. I forget how good convenience store food is. I could eat these all day! Could use some more mayo though. "It's not that big a deal is it? The only times I can think you'd be busy is during the culture festival and maybe the school trip."

"That's more time I'm wasting when I could be studying!" Is that all you think about? I'm starting to think studying is this man's kink. The studious deviant let out a sigh as he sat down next to me. "Whatever. No use overthinking the past, I suppose. I'll just have to study as I fulfill my class rep duties."

"I don't think you'll retain any information that way."

"You underestimate me, my friend." Taking a bite out of his own sandwich, he pulled out a packet of flashcards and started going through them. "Thanks to a certain group of idiots, my grades have fallen off a bit. The national mock is right around the corner, so I've got to get them up soon."

The national mock exam...while it really doesn't affect your school grade, the exam is one of the most important exams for any Japanese high school student. Every university worth their salt looks at the results of that exam when looking at their applicants so it's imperative to get a good grade if you want to get into one of the best schools in all of japan. So it makes sense why Taro would be taking the exam seriously. He has his future to plan for. But being faced with someone who's actually planned out their life, I can't help but feel inferior. "I see. Guess I shouldn't intrude to much then. I'll just quietly eat my sandwich."

"That would be preferable. Thank you." Of course that's what you say. Looking at the sky as I nibbled on my sandwich, my mood seemed to have decided to take a nosedive. What am I going to do with my future? Given my skill set, the most I could do is become a legit bodyguard. I'm sure my brother could help me get into a training school so I could get a legit licenses. But is that what I want to do? Hell no! Do I know what I want to do? Hell no!

I had half a mind to ask Taro about my dilemma but he just asked me to be quiet... I'm an idiot. Lunch went on silently and peacefully. So much so that my eyes began to slowly close after I finished my sandwich. The only sound that could be heard on the empty rooftop was the rhythmic sound of papers being flipped and the wind softly blowing. As my mind was about to fall into the deep recess of sleep, the door to the roof opened and broke the comfortable silence.

"So this is where you two have been. Didn't think you two lovers would be hiding." The insult was given by none other than the future professional cook of the Naknao family. "So what are you two doing? Flirting?" Nino said as she walked up to the two of us, stopping in front of me and giving me a wink. Too cute.

"The only thing I flirt with is success." That was just lame. "Which I was doing unabated until you showed up. What is it about torturing me that you seem to enjoy so much?"

"It's always fun when someone gets what's coming to them. I happen to be a believer in karma. You're just getting you're just desserts, disgusting little Ugi."

"Ugh, you too?" Ug- Taro stood up from his seat, sighed and brushed off some dust from his pants. "I don't know what I did in a past life but it must have been something horrible to have met you." He sent one last glare at the quintuplet and promptly tried to leave the rooftop. Not before Nino stuck out her foot in an attempt to trip the tutor. Which almost worked. "I despise you."

"Hate you too Ugi-Mugi disgusting poogi" That doesn't even make sense. "Toddles little bitch boy." Waving her hand with a big smile, she and I watched as Taro left the rooftop with a vein popping out of his head. She really just enjoys hurting that man on an emotional level. Hm, maybe if circumstances were different she'd be head over heels for him. Ah, there I go again. Thinking of unnecessary things like a fool.

With a smile, Nino turned to me. "Do you always have to antagonize him? You've known him for over half a year by now. You should at least try to get along with him."

"How long have I known you till I started calling you by your name?"

"Well you were apparently in love with me the entire time so I would hope it's not the same for Taro."

In retaliation for my crime of pointing that out, I expected to get a light punch for even a kick in the stomach seeing as I was sitting down and she was standing above me. Instead, Nino turned her head to the side and pouted. "Don't point that out asshole..." Okay, that is very different than usual. "Sheesh. I went out of my way to come have lunch with you and that's how you thank me? How ungrateful. Well, I am a benev- '' She was interrupted by the lunch bell ringing, signaling the end of lunch and time to get back to classes. "Next time I see him, I'll kill that useless sack of shit in human clothing."

Same Day: Afterschool

As soon as the end of day bell chimed throughout the school, most of the students got up and basically ran out of the classroom. Can't say I don't understand the feeling now. Why is it that now that I care and understand school, it becomes unbearable. Man, I can't wait for the school trip. As I stood up, I realized just how exhausted my body was. I wanted nothing more than to go home and take a nap. But unfortunately I had to go ahead and get a stupid job. I already regret that decision. Maybe it's not too late to quit.

"Ah, Ogata. Are you free?" The she-devil asked as she too raised from her desk, practiced a smile plastered on. I had to say, it was almost admirable how much she had put into her character that she was playing. The smile alone must have taken hundreds of hours to get down right. As someone who can barely show a natural smile. "I'd like to ask a favor from you."

"Unfortunately, my part time job starts today, so I can't." I gave her a short bow. "Apologies."

"That's sad." The black haired girl walked closer to me, wrapping her fingers around my right hand. "I was hoping that we could get to know each other better." What exactly is she do-

"Hey, Ku~ We better get going or we'll be late." A sickeningly sweet voice rang out through the classroom. A voice that, for some reason, brought a smile onto Yuu's face. A real one. I turned to look at the back of the classroom to see Nino along with Miku wearing painfully scary smiles. Smiles that said 'come here before we break your legs'.

"Ah, sorry to keep you up." putting both her hands up, Yuu took a few steps away from me before turning to the sisters waiting for me. She flashed them a strange smile and said "he's all yours girls. Guess we'll have to call a rain check ."

"I doubt it." I whispered as I left the mysterious woman behind. I didn't feel her eyes leave my back till I left the classroom. "That girl..."

"Who the hell does she think she is?! Putting her hands all over you... I'll crush that bitch." Nino finally dropped her smile as we left the school premises and cracked her knuckles. "Putting her hands all over someone else's man... " Honestly, I doubt that's the worst thing that she's ever done or will do.

"hm , I didn't expect you to get so defensive for your sister." Taro said from the side. Of course, he had decided to walk with us, given that we were all going to the same street. He was walking next to me as Miku was on my other side and Nino next to her. "My, my, my, what a nice sister you are." Oh yeah, he still doesn't know. It wasn't like I was afraid to tell him. Since I was sure his relation would just be "Just don't get in the way of our studying" given that was his first reaction when Miku and I started going out. It just hasn't come up.

"Well act-"

"What does it matter to you, a shitty excuse for a human being? Honestly, I feel sorry for Miku. Not only does she have to deal with you when we study, but now she has to see you at work. I'm sorry that I failed to save you from this homunculus little sis." All I could hear from Taro as a response was a suck of his teeth. So harsh.

"It's okay Onee-chan. Maybe next time you can come close to my beautiful baking."

"Huuuh? It's not my fault that Shitty-Ugi's workplace doesn't bother labeling their salt!"

Miku flashed her sister an uncharacteristic smug smile. "Well it obviously was. But even then it sounds like you're making excuses." She brought her hand to her mouth and giggled into it. "Maybe I should teach you next time."

Oh no. Nino's sickly sweet smile came back and her left eye began twitching at a million miles per hour. She's really got her number, huh? "Oh Darling sister..." She took a deep breath and plastered on a smile that was ever so slightly less threatening. Only slightly though. "You know what. It's fine. I lost fair and square. Now you have the treat of working with Uesugi Fuutarou three times a week. Lucky you!" Slowly, Miku's smile began to dissipate. Slowly turning into a slightly horrified expression, something I don't think I've seen on her.

"Oh god... what have I done?!" She cupped her face with both of her hands in abject horror. "This is the worst mistake I've ever made in my entire life!"

"And here I thought we were friends by now." Sorry about this Taro.

Same Day: Afternoon

My neck felt stiff in this uniform. Do the collars have to be so tight? I was standing in front of a mirror that sat in Komugi-ya's staff room. I look ridiculous. Unlike Taro's normal waiter uniform I've seen him in a couple times, what I was wearing just pissed me off. It looked more like cosplay than an actual uniform. First off, it's straight up just an English butler uniform. The white button up, black tie, even the long morning coat was thrown in too. "Ugh, taking off the tie won't even help make this more comfortable." I kept trying my best to pull on the neck to try and make it a bit more spacious but to no avail. "This looks like shit on me too... is it too late to quit?" First off, I don't like how much this uniform fits with my previous occupation and that pissed me off to no end. Secondly... just looking at myself in the mirror, I thought it didn't fit me well. Especially with my weird eyes. "Maybe I should buy contacts..."

My thoughts were pessimistic thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Hey are you done yet?" Nino's muffled voice came from the other side of the door.

"Y-Yeah... I'm done." Not much I can do about it. If this is what the Manager said the uniform is, then that's what it is. Wonder what Nino's wearing? The pink haired girl opened the door and walked in. To my surprise (and slight disappointment) she was wearing a normal white chef's coat along with black pants that were under a red apron that only covered her legs. "Why's your uniform normal compared to mine?!" Though to be fair, I never thought anyone could look so good in a chef's coat. The change to her hair, which she was wearing in a ponytail, made it weirdly... sexy. What am I thinking?! Get serious here, Kuro! It's your first day of work.

"N-N-No idea. It sure is w-weird, huh?" It was only after taking in Nino's new clothes that I realized her eyes were wide and she was slightly blushing. "You sure look l-lame by the way... I definitely don't super love this look or anything. Yeah... not at all."

"You're really not convincing, you know that right?" Her face becomes even more flush as she turns her head to the side. "Huh, didn't think that this would be the look you were into..." A sudden thought came into mind that I thought would be a bit funny. Coughing into my hand, I steeled myself for this strange prank. Brining one hand behind my back and one to my chest, I gave Nino a slight bow. Making sure I could still make eye contact with her, I closed one eye and allowed my amused smile to show on my face. "Your wish is my command, My Lady." This is what all those butlers do on those drama's Maki watches, right? Hope I got it right and don't just look like a total idiot right now.

Seems like I nailed it though, going by her speechlessness and even redder face. "W-W-W-W-"

"Just so you know, I do mean that by the way." Standing back up, I walked past her, patting her head as I walked by. "Let's go, we've got work to do."

"Screw you..." With that, we went our separate ways. Nino went into the kitchen with the Manager to learn the ins and outs of her new work as a baker here. I, on the other hand, was stuck sitting in an empty dining room. Staring out across the street, looking into the busy Revival café.

"I'll hazard a guess and say this place is the one that's losing the rivalry." I brought up my phone and decided to do something I should have done a while ago. Research. "Hmm, so some blogger named MAY gave this place a middling review and that led to this? Wait... May?" It's Itsuki isn't it? The world decided to answer my unspoken question as across the street Itsuki, in a super obvious disguise, walked into Revival. The same store that MAY is supposed to review today. Guess that's her job. "Whatever. Might as well look for something to actually do while waiting for customers.

Around the cafe were a couple few boxes of supplies. Food, plates, cups. You name it. I decided to leave the food where it was and organize the plates, seeing as that was the only one where I knew where to place them. "Every night, I lie awake. Feeling like I'm jut a mistake" I began quietly singing to myself as I went about my plates were easy enough to store, but the glasses and utensils were a bit more complicated, seeing as some were decorated and matched others. "Oh, take a look at me. I know I'm not the perfect boy you want me to be" Finishing the rest was easy enough, so I began mopping. "All I really need. is room to breath because this pressure's killing me"

"Wow! Thanks for cleaning around a bit!" The sudden sound of an unfamiliar voice scared the crap out of me. Luckily I was able to keep my physical reaction to just a flinch. Turning around I was face to face with my new boss. The manager of Komugi-ya is a young woman, mid twenties if I had to guess. She had long black hair under her chef's hat. She seemed pretty normal from my small number of interactions with her, though I guess I would classify her as a nervous person. She was currently giving me a nervous smile as she looked around the store. "Clean enough that you could eat off the floor. Thank you, Ogata. Oh and that was a nice little song you were singing there, too!"

She heard. I guess I have to die now. Taking a deep breath, I was able to not show any of my nerves... I hope. "T-That so. Sorry about that. I know I'm not the best singer in the world. Didn't think anyone could hear me..." My voice was surprisingly quiet. Jeez, I've never been THIS embarrassed. Slowly, I went back to mopping the floor. "Sorry Ma'am, it won't happen again."

"No need to be embarrassed. It's perfectly natural to sing when you're bored! I do it all the time!" I could hear the manager's hands move around in a flurry behind me. "But... are you interested in music?"

"Absolutely not. I'm a bit embarrassed to say this, but I'm practically tone deaf when it comes to playing music. I only just recently started to enjoy listening to it all."

"S-Sorry to hear that then." She stood there watching me finish mopping in silence. It wasn't until I put the mop away that she spoke to me again, with a smile. "Sorry for interrupting you, again."

"It's fine, Ma'am. It was my fault for letting my guard down."

The Manager took a step back when I said that. "G-Guard down? I don't think it's that serious..." She laughed nervously and turned her head to the kitchen. "W-Well, I just wanted to make sure everything was okay then. Sorry about the lack of customers... Hopefully we'll get more tomorrow."

I doubt that seeing as now would be rush hour for cafe's like this. This place should be packed with highschoolers and workers on break. But, I don't care. As long as I get paid. "I'm sure Ma'am. I'll see if there's anything else I can help with before my shift ends." The Manager gave me a thankful nod and went back into the kitchen. Wonder how Nino's doing there. I let out a sigh before grabbing some window spray and a rag.

As I began to clean the front windows, I noticed that I was able to see into Revival. The workers seemed to be quite busy, moving around a lot and they had a healthy amount of customers. When you compare it to Komugi which only had myself, the manager and Nino today. How depressing. Mindlessly, I watched the employees work as I went about cleaning the windows. After a while, a familiar face passed by Revival's window. Miku seemed to be in a hurry and looked worried and nervous. Good luck.

As if she could hear my thoughts, Miku turned to look through the window and made eye contact with me. In a flash, her troubled expression turned to a wide smile and she waved to me. "Ah!" My heart skipped a beat, delaying my own wave but seemed to earn me what looked like a giggle from her. After our very short intersection, she went back to work, seemingly more confident. "I'm way too weak when it comes to that girl..." Bringing a hand to my chest, I could feel my heart pounding and had to take a few deep breaths to calm down.

Same Day: Night

Waiting outside Komugi, I found myself staring into the sky. So that was how it's like to actually have a normal job. I don't really know what to think about it. It was boring, sure, but isn't that what people usually say about work? "Evening, Kuro." I looked back down and was met with Miku. "You look tired, tough first day?"

"Not at all. It was just boring as hell. It's all Itsuki's fault too..."

"Huh?"

"Nothing. Anyway it was a boring day, we only got one customer and all he ordered was a coffee. Honestly, I've gained a new respect for service workers." I don't think I'm cut out for this type of work. But it's a part time job for a reason. Hopefully I can find something I enjoy before graduation. Another sigh escaped me before I noticed something. "Where's Taro? He left early?"

"Yup, he said he had to rush home to his sister." Miku joined me in leaning against the café. "What a siscon... but I've got to admit, he's not as bad as I thought he was."

"Oh? Did working with him finally warm you up to him?"

"Don't get me wrong. He's still a weirdo and way too pushy when it comes to studying. But he did encourage me when I made a few mistakes and helped me. I approve of him being your friend now." You know he's your friend, too, right? But one step at a time. It's good to see that the two of them make a good team. Make a good team, huh. Maybe- "And before you think too much, the world would have to explode before I think of him romantically. He's insane and I wouldn't betray you and Nino like that."

"I-I wasn't worried." Clearly, I didn't convince her judging by her smile. "Am I that obvious?"

"Not really, I've just been around you for so long I can tell." Her smile widened and she took my hand into hers. Epp! "But to be fair, you do seem to have lost your touch a bit. You never used to blush this hard."

Quickly, I placed my free hand over my face. "Who's fault do you think t-that is?" The only response I got to my question was Miku moving slower to me and leaning her body into my arm.

"You're blushing even harder."

"S-Shut up." She's so soft...

"Well, well, well. Look who's flirting in front of my place of work. These highschool students these days." A familiar smug voice called out to us along with the sound of a door opening. "How cute."

"How was your first day?" Miku casually asked her sister, ignoring her jab.

"It was fun. The manager's got some interesting recipes. Never knew how to make Taiyaki before today." With a smile, Nino went and mirrored her sister. Yanking my arm away from my face, wrapping her arms around it and leaning into me. "But man, some stuff sure is hard. Do you have any idea how much kneading it takes to make a croissant?! And butter? The French sure have some interesting tastes... but they are delicious."

And so, we began walking home. "I've still got to work on them... last time I made one it came out slimy."

"How'd you manage that?!" Are these two casually having a conversation while holding onto me like this?! I really am lucky. "Maybe I should teach you again."

"Mouuu. I'll be fine."

"Oh yeah? How'd you do on your first day?" All we got was silence. "I'll teach you when we get home."

"Thank you." I'm rooting for you, Miku.

An: Hello once again. I hope you all had a wonderful week. First off, thank you all for reading once again and thank you to the reviewers for your kind words. I was very nervous about the reception to the last update but it seems like I was thinking to hard about that. This is officially the beginning of the New World Arc as I've decided to call it. I hope the meaning behind the name is more obvious by the name of the arc. It'll last a while but I hope you all enjoy it.

TheMist33: I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. I was just as nervous as when the Miku chapter came out. As for the lemons, I don't really see myself writing any for this story. Not to spoil anything but... I'm just not so confident in my writing skills to be able to execute it as well as it should be. Sorry if that's a disappointment. But thank you for reviewing once again.

cdobcdob: I'm glad that you enjoyed the conclusion to the arc and it's definitely reassuring to know that there's another person who's looking forward to my weekly updates. Thank you so much! I hope you like the direction I take this story. Thanks for reviewing.

Guest: I guess it was a little obvious, but I'm happy you liked it! Thank you for reading and reviewing!