Entry 64: Find Your Own Way

July 17th: Afternoon

"Fue! Fue!" I unconsciously let out that sound as my fists flew through the air. "Fue! Fue! Haaaaaa." With a few more punches, I let out a breath, feeling the heat in my body dissipate a bit as I did so. "One more...Fue! Fue!"

"Could you stop? You're getting sweat all over my index cards." Fuutarou let out a groan as she looked down at his study materials. Sure enough, there were drops of sweat visible on them. "Also, shouldn't you, I don't know, rest? Not do whatever anime ass training this is?"

"What's wrong with my training?"

"Dude, you're shirtless, in your room, punching the air, with heat practically wafting off of you." Did it really look like that? At the moment, I was standing in the center of my apartment, feet wide apart and doing a few shadow boxing exercises. The only real weird thing I'd say about it, was the fact that I couldn't move my leg a lot because of the discomfort and pain I felt in it. While it and my stomach were mostly healed, they still felt... strange. Walking felt like a chore, and every time I moved my leg it felt like something was missing. Turing my upper body brought a similar feeling, but to a far lesser extent. "I mean, come on. I came here because I thought you'd just relax and play a video game or something. Not this."

Letting out a chuckle, I grabbed a close by towel and whipped my forehead. "Well, I'd love to. But I just accidentally signed myself up for a death match, and if I don't start training again, then I'm dead." Honestly, I looked down at my body with a little bit of shame. Sure, I was still fit for a teenager, I was nowhere near what I was just a few months ago. Gone were my washboard abs that I'm sure I had and am not pretending used to exist. And my chiseled, amazing pecs that surely was not just a hallucination. Okay, I never had those, but come on! Let me dream. I was way muscular before however. Now... the only things that stayed relatively the same were my arms. But I'd chock that up more to my constant chores and grocery carrying. But... I have to get serious. Maki's no joke, after all. "I want to get back in shape. Not just because Maki will beat my ass, but... this whole situation kind of reminded me of something." Limping back to my bed, I took a seat and caught my breath. "Even if I do escape the underground. That doesn't' mean shitty people won't fuck with me or the people I care about. I may not be a bodyguard anymore, but I still want to protect you guys."

"That's... a fair point." The tutor relented but glared at me anyway. "That's still no excuse to train when your injured. Especially not in such a strange fashion. Just sign up for a gym after you recover." A gym... Ugh. I don't want to pay a membership fee. But he did have a point. It won't stop me, but is right. "Now. Why don't we go over some math problems. You failed that part in the last exams, right? If you're going to get into a good college, you need to brush up on it."

"Ugh, how about we don't? I'm just an injured little boy."

"Fine. You're loss." He went back to studying, making a few disgusted faces as he touched wet parts of his index cards.

"By the way... why are you here? I mean, I'm glad to see you and all, but you didn't sign up to take care of me."

My question seemed to bring an annoying memory to mind for my best bud, because he cringed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ichika asked me to fill in till she's done with work. Honestly, I need to stop getting caught up in her momentum." Yeah, that's kinda how she is. She'll get her way. One way or another. "And... I did miss you a bit."

Seeing the usually stern and serious tutor blush made me a bit embarrassed. "Hey, you know your welcome anytime. Plus, there's nothing wrong with some male bonding."

"Hmmm, it has been a while since we took a bath together." Not what I meant. "Say, Subaru mentioned that this place has a pretty big bath. Why don't we take a soak? You need to wash off that sweat anyway."

"You have a point... fine. Get me my crutches while I look for a change of clothes." After the two of us got our clothes ready, Taro borrowing some of mine since he didn't bring anything, we got into Lunalight's large bath.

I'd never used this part of the facility, I prefer showers after all, so I was quite surprised by its size. It wasn't as large as a public bath, but it was certainly pretty gid. I'd say the room was... about the size of the Nakano living room. With the bath being half the size of the room. "Alright. No time like the present! Let's get cleaned and get in the bath!" The tutor was practically beaming as he ran into the room and began taking a quick shower. Honestly, I'll never understand his love for baths. Both his and Subaru's affinity for a group bath was definitely... unforeseen. I understood Subaru. At his annoying core, he's still an extrovert. Taro? This guy would rather sit in a white room for fifty years before spending time with strangers. Yet he still likes it this much? Well, his excitement is contagious.

I quickly cleaned myself and took a dip in the bath. The hot water stung my wounds for a second, but after getting used to it, it started to feel strangely rejuvenating. "Man it's been a while since I took a real bath."

"Last time was during the trip, right?" Absentmindedly, I nodded my head as I relaxed. Yeah, about four months. Wait... that means Miku, Nino and my six month anniversary is coming up. Gotta get to planning. "Ahhh. Nothing beats a relaxing bath. It's like I sweat away all of my problems."

"I get what you mean." In the bath, my muscles relaxed and it almost felt like I was melting. Honestly, I really needed this. Laying in a bed for the better part of three weeks can really get to you. I'm all for lazing around, but I got to get my body moving sometimes. "Anyway, do you want to talk about something, or should we just hold hands and relax?"

"I'm not adverse to holding hands, but I don't want to just sit here in silence." Sitting up, my friend shot me a smile. "So, anything on your mind, Kuro?"

"Miku and Nino."

"I wish I didn't ask..."

"Oh come on, man. I haven't seen them in a week. A WEEK! Can you blame me for going into a bit of withdrawal?" Instead of the validation I was after, Taro just gave me a bored look. "Hey, would you rather talk about this, or your newfound attraction to Yotsuba?"

"...so Miku and Nino?"

Good choice, Asshole. "I just miss em so much! I miss Nino's little 's gentle, kind words. I miss how Miku would-"

"If you're going to list off literally everything you miss, I would rather we switch the subject to me."

His dismissive comments started to hurt. I know I'm sorta acting like a baby and all but... it's the first time that I'm really missing someone. The only other time I've ever felt something similar was when Shiro left the orphanage. But almost immediately when he did, the whole W thing happened and... I couldn't exactly focus on that feeling. Maybe Ichika had a point. If this is how I'm going to feel every time we can't see each other for a few days, it'd be better to get used to it, no? But... do they also feel the same? This sense of longing and feeling that something isn't complete?

"You know what, Taro? Fuck you! Alright, now we will talk about your love life!"

"Look, I didn't mea-"

"No! If you don't want to hear me whine, fine. I get it. I'm just annoying you with my problems anyway..." I turned away from the tutor and tried to calm myself down. "So, we're going to talk about you, now. Tell me what you find cute about Yotsu, or I'll break your fingers."

I could feel him flinch from my threat, through the vibrations in the water. "F-Fine, but there's no need to go too far, alright? As for Y-Yotsuba... I don't know. I guess it's kind of been brewing for a while now. I don't really have to... really try to have fun around her, I suppose. It's sort of like the two of us click, I guess. Or that just might be the impression I have. She might hate me for all I know."

Finally calming down, I turned back to Taro to see him blushing like a maiden. Cute. "Well I'll tell you one thing for sure. She definitely doesn't hate you. I mean, come on Taro. She was the first one to accept you as a tutor after all. And is always defending you. You really can't think that she hates you." But... that does bring up a confusing thought. Recalling back to the first quintuplet game the girls made Taro and I play, he asked them all if he ever met them. Yotsu didn't answer. And yet... she was the first to accept him as a tutor. The first to vouch for him and never complained about any of the nonsense or the work he gave her. Yotsu... She remembers Taro. She remembered meeting him. But... she doesn't want to tell him? Why? Ugh, don't tell me... "That self sacrificing idiot."

"What?"

"Nothing. Just something that I'll have to take care of tomorrow." If she really is sabotaging herself... She's gonna need a lesson. "Anyway, don't get too self conscious or anything. Yotsu at the very least doesn't hate you. So calm down." I know she likes you, but saying that isn't my place.

"Alright. But that brings up a whole other issue. Ichika."

"Hm, what about- oh. Right." I almost forgot about Ichika's stunt from a while back. When she pretended to be Miku and basically told Taro she loved him. I still don't know what came over her to mer her do that. But the past is in the past. Can't change it now. "Well, what's the problem?"

"I... don't think I'll ever have feelings for her. Please don't kill me."

"I won't. For now." I chuckled at my attempt at a joke, but clearly my friend didn't think it was funny. Or he took me seriously. "Do you think you have feelings for Yotsuba?"

"...don't know."

"But you know you don't like Ichika." He gave me a hesitant nod. "Just... don't lead her on. You don't have to have to tell her now. But you'll have to tell her eventually. And don't make her cry. I will punch you in the face as hard as I can if you do. Sorry, not sorry."

"I... I can't even argue with you there. I knew that's how you would be."

"That goes double if you make Yotsu Sad."

"Fuck. I'll have to tread carefully then." We seemed to come to an understanding. So we got up and started to get out of the bath. "...Huh."

"Don't say something weird about my body again."

"I wasn't! Look, we're bros right?" Not liking where this is going. But I nodded nonetheless. "So... be honest. Do you think I need to work out too?" Looking at my friend, skinny was all that I could think. He didn't look malnourished or anything, in fact he was pretty healthy looking. But...

"If you're going to pursue a relationship with one of my sisters, I expect you to be able to protect them completely. First off, you need to grow about two feet."

"Not only is that impossible, but we're the same height! Don't hold me to higher expectations that you!"

"Fine, fine. But seriously, you could work out a bit. It'd give you more stamina so you could study more. Ehh? Want to come to the gym with me when I'm fully recovered?"

"If what Subaru said about your regime is even half right, I'll have to say no."

"Your loss."

July 18th Afternoon

"TA DA! See! I told you I could fix it!" Yotsuba Nakano is very important to me. To me, she's like a ray of sunshine who's smile needs to be protected at all costs. But... she can be quite clumsy. Now, is another one of those times. As I was sitting at the table in the center of my room, I stared at the fixed(?) JAlter plushie that was sitting on the table. Apparently, when I went to the bathroom, she had accidentally dropped it and ripped the side of it's face open. I didn't blame her or anything, shit happens. But she took it upon herself to fix it.

"Well... it looks fixed." I'd never taken Yotsu as someone who knits, but it looked pretty decently done. In fact, it was hard to even notice that anything had happened to the little plush toy. Looking between the toy and the smiling girl in front of me, I was having a hard time not feeling a little proud for her. "Impressive. I didn't know you had this talent. You sure are amazing, aren't you, Yotsu?"

"Hehehe." Rubbing the back of her orange head, the young woman smiled as she took in my complement. "Thanks Kurorororo!"

"Too many Ros."

She just smiled at me as she picked back up the toy and inspected it. "Oh yeah. You said you wanted to talk about something? What's up? If you want me to sneak you into home, no deal! Ichika would be very mad at me."

"Damn. I';ll do whatever you want." She answered with an exaggerated shake of her head. "I'll make you lunch everyday when we get back to school." A hesitant shake of the head this time. "I'll buy you a cheesecake."

"W-Well...N-No! I need to stay strong! She said it was for your own good! Even if you give me puppy eyes, I won't say yes! I've been able to say no to my own sisters, I can do it to you too!"

"Tch. Since when did you get so hard to convince."

"Since forever!" Her insistence was cute, but the memories of her being easily convinced to help out clubs just a few weeks ago was inconsistent with her testimony. "If that's it, it's gonna be a no, Kuroro. I'm sorry though...isn't hanging out with me enough?"

"Will you cuddle with me?"

"Sure!"

"I was joking!" I almost forgot just how close and loving this girl could be. "Anyway, I wanted to talk to you about something else." Coughing into my hand, I did my best to regain any seriousness in our conversation. "Yotsuba... you met Taro in Kyoto, five years ago, right?"

Her usual happy go lucky attitude went out the window and her face went completely pale. "D-Did he..."

"No. He doesn't know that it's you. I did a bit of a... investigating of my own after he showed me that photo he always carries with him." That seemed to calm her down a bit, but the color in her face still didn't return to her face. "I'll take your hesitance as a yes, so now I want a different answer. Why are you pretending like you didn't meet him?"

"..." Looking down at her hands, I couldn't really understand what she was feeling or thinking.

"Yot-"

"Kuro... I don't want to talk about it."

"But, Yotsuba, I don't want you to-"

"Kuro. Please."

"..." Letting out a sigh, I stood up and walked over to the bathroom. Once the door was closed, I looked at myself in the mirror. The piercing red eyes still disturbed me but I looked past them. What am I doing? Just leave it alone. It'll work out. But this... feeling of dread just kept digging into me. I was worried about her. I didn't want her to put herself through too much again like in Black Rose. But I still did nothing back then. What can I even do? Sighing again, I sat down on the toilet and tried to go through my thoughts.

Again and again and again. I just keep sticking my nose into things that I shouldn't. Love's complicated enough. I don't need to make it even worse with my intervention. But... dammit. What's wrong with me? As I was thinking, the bathroom door opened, the ribbon wearing girl didn't even have the decency to knock! "I-I didn't mean it like- Oh! Sorry! I didn't know you were poopin!" In an instant, she covered her eyes and turned her back to me, yet she still stood in the tiny bathroom.

"Yotsu, I have my pants on." With a small 'Oh' she turned back around and...looked at the wall. She seemed to be doing everything she could be doing to not look me in the eye. "Sorry for pushing you too hard. I didn't mean to... I'll let it go. I didn't mean to make you angry or uncomfortable. I'm sorry."

"N-No! I'm not mad or anything! It's just..." trailing off, she stared at me for a moment before taking a look at the room we were in. "S-Sorry, can we talk somewhere else? This is kinda weird."

"Yeah, sorry." Using the sink to help myself stand, I walked behind her as we went back into my apartment. She and I both sat down on the bed, next to each other. "...I won't pry or anything. I just don't want you to make sure you don't sabotage yourself. If you love Taro, you should pursue that. I want you to be happy."

For a few minutes, she didn't say anything. She simply sat and blankly stared at her hands. I was beginning to think I truly had angered her. Just as I was about to apologize again, she spoke. "It was right before mom died that she told me something really weird. She said, 'It's alright if you aren't special alone. What's important is that the five of you stay together.' I didn't really get it for a long time. Remember how I acted when you first came?"

Nodding my head, I thought back five years ago. "Yes, you were surprisingly diligent with your studies. But then... you stopped caring about that all of a sudden. But what does-"

"I rejected what mom said." What?! That didn't really make sense to me. I knew how important she was to all of them, so to refuse one of the last things she told you...why? "Stupid, right? I... was such an idiot." Pulling herself deeper into the bed, Yotsu pulled her legs to her chin and sighed. "It was because of the promise I made to Fu- Uesugi, back then. I promised him that I'd be special. That I'd be someone who everyone could count on. But... I couldn't." When she buried her face into her arms, a small piece of my heart felt like it broke. "I'm stupid! I can't do anything right! No matter how hard I tried to study, I just kept getting dumber and dumber! And then, like a big dummy, I ignored it! I just did clubs and-"

"Ended up failing out Black Rose." Thinking back on it. It seemed obvious. Sure, Yotsuba always had this bubbly persona, but whenever it came to clubs in black rose, nothing could get in her way. There were even times when she yelled at me for trying to get her to quit some. But... "that's not your fault."

"Then whose is it?!" Lifting up her head, tears were falling down from her face. Yotsuba! "I kept-!" Before she could go on to talk badly about himself anymore, I rushed to her and wrapped her in a hug.

"You were just trying to be yourself. There's nothing wrong with that! No one blames you for failing, in fact, it was a good thing if you look at it in a weird way! We would have never met Taro, I might have never woken up and we wouldn't be as close as we are! Don't blame yourself, you're just a kid."

"Kuro, that's not the point. I'm still a fuck up... I'm not special."

"Yotsuba. I already know how you feel. I'm an idiot too. I keep thinking stupid shit and getting in my own way and others. If I was a smarter guy, none of this Ono shit would have ever happened. If I was a normal fucking person, I could have helped you and seen what you were going through. But I didn't and I'm a shit bodyguard and friend."

"No, y-"

"Just wait. Okay?" Pushing myself away from her, I took a deep breath and tried to rearrange my thoughts. I didn't want to say anything that would make things worse. "Yotsuba... you're sabotaging yourself because you don't think you're worth it, right? I know because I felt the same way. But you can still be close to your sisters as well as pursue your own happiness! There's nothing wrong with that. Everyone else is doing it. So should you."

While I tried my best, all she did was shake her head. "Because everyone else is special. Nino's an amazing cook. Nothing can get in the way of Miku's determination. Ichika's going to be a superstar and Itsuki's following Mom's dream. But, what can I do? All I'm good at is running fast. I'm not even fast enough to be a real athlete. I'm not special. But that's fine. I'll support them all the way, that's my reason for being."

"..." Yotsuba. You idiot! "You know, you saying that reminded me of something. Whenever I said that my only reason for living was protecting you all, you used to get mad at me. Right?"

My small jab seemed to have done its trick. Looking up at me, she immediately tried to justify her past actions. "T-That's different! You're special too, Kuro! Yo-"

"No. I'm not. I'm even less than average. My only real talent is my ability to punch someone out. Is that really special? I despise that talent, because all it represents is how much that world hurt me, and how much I hurt people." Biting her lip, my sister looked away from me. "The first person I ever knocked out was a seventeen year old kid. He was some brat who was working for some Yakuza family that I don't even remember. I was ten at the time."

"W-What?" I relaxed back down on my bed, and looked out the window that sat next to the headpost.

"I can't even remember the guy's face. But I'm sure he'll never forget me. I mean, I know I wouldn't get over getting beat up by someone seven years my junior." Honestly, it's kind of funny. It's almost supernatural how strong of a kid I was. I'd think there was something wrong with me if I never heard the stories of Kiryu. Not that I'm anything close to him. "But what I do remember, was as I looked down at the unconscious kid, I kept thinking something. I thought, 'Is this all my life going to be?' All I could do was just be a tool for some asshole Yakuza and... for a long time I believed that. Even when my brother saved me, I just thought that I'll always simply be a tool for him. Then, I would be a tool for you all."

A small silence fell between us after I finished. I was still looking out at the city. When I first arrived in Asahiyama, it was just that. Another damn city that I would fulfill my duty in. Now... it's the place where I spent the best years of my life. It's where I met Taro and finally found someone crazier than me. It was where Ichika and I had a huge fight, and then grew even closer because of it. Where Itsuki and I bonded over food. Where Miku, Nino and I finally realized our feelings for one another. It's where Yotsuba and I spent every day, hanging out, joking with one another and encouraging each other. "It was you all who made me realize that I was wrong. That I don't have to just be another cog in the Yakuza machine. Sure, I might not know what I want to become yet, but I know that I want to be with you all forever. I love you 's why I want you to be happy. Because you helped me learn to be happy."

"...but, I don't know. I'm not... I'm not who I told Fuutarou I would be. I'm not who mom wants me to be either."

"Well, if there's one thing that I learned about life. It's that it never goes the way you think it would. But... we'll figure it out. I mean, it's us. Figure it out together."

"... I guess." I let out an exasperated sigh and looked back at Yotsuba. She didn't seem as depressed as a few minutes ago. But I knew I didn't really get through to her as much as I wish I had. "I... I'll think about it. I just..."

"I know. But, think about it, okay. At least try flirting with Taro more. Who knows, maybe he'll like it"

"Maybe..." Without much of a reaction, she just sat there. The two of us, sitting in my bed in silence, staring at nothing. "Kuro...thank you for trying."

"I... yeah." I'm probably not the person to help her. Taro... you better make my sister happy. "I promise, I'll always be here for you."

Instead of giving me a verbal response, Yotsuba just nodded her head, scooted closer to me and rested her head on my shoulder. I... I just want her to be happy. Is that too much to ask?

July 21st: Morning

I sighed for about the fifteenth time already as I stared at the two pieces of bread being toasted in the oven. Maki's pretty late today. Well, it is ten, so I guess she's still asleep. My mind has been mostly occupied by Yotsuba the past few days. After our talk, she tried her best to act like nothing happened. But no matter how many times she smiled, it was obvious she was faking. The day after, she left while I was still sleeping. I know she's at least physically okay from texts and talking to Itsuki about her. But...I hope she's doing alright. The ding of the oven took me out of my head. I quickly grabbed the pieces of toast, quietly crushed at the head, before dumping them on a plate. I quickly buttered them, and was about to take a bite when I was interrupted by a knock on the door. There she is. "Come in."

"Helllooooo, little brotherrrrrrr! How are ya feelin?" My brother, wearing abhorrently pink suit and tie, waltzed into my room. A huge smile on his face.

"Oh great, it's this asshole."

"Oh my, how rude! Is that how you speak to your elders?" His smile turned into an obviously fake frown as he walked by me and took the piece of toast from my hand. "Mmm! Is this butter organic? It tastes organic."

"It tastes like mine, asshole." I shook my head at his antics before I noticed that he left the front door open. "Hey, at least close the doo- oh." Just as I was about to walk over to close it, two mysterious figures walked in They were both wearing black trench coats with hoodies and were covering their heads. Their faces were hidden in the shadows of their hoods, but it was pretty obvious who they were. "Pretty hot for trench coats, don't you think?" Although I responded to their visit with a sarcastic comment. I was absolutely elated! Nino and Miku~

"O-Oh, uhhh. It's chilly." The first 'Stranger' said in an obviously fake low voice.

"Is there a reason why the two of you are pretending to be organization 13? I mean, come on, Miku, Nino. We haven't seen each other in so long, no need for the games."

"Ah! We got busted!" My brother slapped his face dramatically before the second 'Stranger' rushed to me and practically tackled me in a hug. "Nice, hit!"

"Would you shut up, for five seconds, Shiro?" I didn't bother glancing at my brother as I chastised him. I kept my eyes on the stranger who's hood fell off in their attack. "Hey Miku. Been a while. Hasn't it?"

"Yea-"

"No fair!" Our reunion was interpreted by Nino tackling me, finally throwing me and Miku onto the ground. "We were supposed to be normal about this, Miku!"

"You knew it was impossible. My Kuro meter has been running low forever!"

"AHHH! My Miku and Nino bar's been so low too! I LOVE YOUUUUU!"

It took an admittedly long time for the three of us to finally get up from our triple hug. After that, Miku and Nino took off their coats to show their usual stylish outfits. Miku had on a beige tank top with jeans and a blue sweater. Of course, her trademarked blue headphones were still around her neck. While Nino had on a simple white blouse and a red skirt. There's so cute~ I love them so so so so so so so much! "Um, Ku, I can feel your stare. Calm it down there, horny boy." She said as she and her sister sat on my bed.

"I'm not staring at you because of that. What, I can't admire my girlfriends' beauty?" A light blush forced its way onto Nino's face and she turned away from me with a huff.

"Idiot."

"Oh, that's not saying you aren't absolutely adorable too, Miku! Honestly, I just want to wrap you up in a hug right now~"

"Okay!"

"Woah, woah, woah!" As Miku stood up to meet me for another hug, my brother yelled out to stop us. "Look, I love seeing you all happy. But can you not flirt right in front of me? It's actually strangely creepy to see my brother be so lovey dovey."

"Fuck you." My brother flinched at the seemingly in sync chewing out from the three of us.

"Aww, come on guys! No need to be so mean." Actual real tears threatened to fall from his eyes, so I relented. "Also, lil bro-bro. I kinda need to talk to ya privately for a bit. Come with me to the hallway?"

Hm? That's weird. But, I just shrugged and looked back to my partners. They seemed to not know what was going on either because they both just shrugged as well. "Alright, coming." Walking out into the hallway, Shiro closed the door behind him and looked around. As if checking to make sure no one was close. "What's up? You're acting weird."

"Well... first off, how are ya doing? Sorry that I haven't visited often. You know just how popular I am! Hehehe." At this point, it was obvious to me that his joking nature was being strained right now. He's nervous. I really don't like this.

But I didn't really have a reason not to answer him. "Been getting better. Don't really need the crutches anymore, though my leg does still feel a bit weird every time I move it. My stomach's fine, mostly. I think I'm back to normal for now."

"That's great to hear! I'll say, youth sure is amazing isn't it? Just a little over a month and you recovered from two shots! Wanna switch bodies real quick?"

"No."

"Damn! Ah well, at least you've got a few weeks of summer vacation left. So whatcha gonna-"

I was getting tired of his beating around the bush. "Just spit it out already. What's wrong?"

"Ahhh, I can never get anything by you, huh?" Scratching the back of his head, my brother moved closer to me. Whispering, he said, "We've narrowed down the shooter who was helping Ono. And... it is highly likely that they are someone from Library"

Absolutely impossib-... no. It makes sense. It would make sense for Shiki Ono to have a connection within our Organization. That would explain not only her immense knowledge of us and our movements, but also how she would know so much about me. Not just my past, but also my personal life. I would go weeks without seeing her, yet she would know if I took a shit that morning. Dammit. Of all the things to happen, we have a traitor. "...Who do you think it is?"

"Ha! It'd be better to say who I know it isn't. Using the morning that you were hurt, we know for a fact that it isn't Maki, Suba, Cecilia, Take and Red." Well, obviously it isn't Red. She's having a grand ol time in America. "I know Suba and Take were playing games here that morning, Cici was at work and Maki was asleep."

"She needs to-" My statement was cut off by my brother putting a hand on my mouth.

"She can hear youuuuu." Pushing his hand off of me, he nodded and waited for him to continue. "As for suspects. You've got just as good a guess as me. Half of Library's staff is stationed here in Asahiyama. Not just you kids. It could just as easily be someone from our info team or a senior, as it could be the other Sentis. And unfortunately, that traitor is the only lead we have on Ono's location." Scratching the back of his head, my older brother let out a sigh. "Man, why can't shit just be simple."

"...a traitor." I've grown up with Library. And yet, someone from the organization that I've trusted with my life for the past seven years not only shot me, but tried to kill one of the people we've been protecting. "Why the hell would anyone even join her?!"

Shrugging, the black haired man leaned against my door. "Who knows. Maybe she seduced them? Maybe she offered them a high place in the Yakuza world she wants to make. Or even, maybe she just allowed them the chance to fulfill one of their desires?"

Desires...! My mind went back to the day I was shot. The things that Senjo- Ono said about the person with her. "You can be reeeeeeal trigger happy (...) If only you stayed away, you wouldn't have made my friend so angry~"

"It was someone who had a grudge against the Nakano sisters. That's the only thing that makes sense." Shiro tilted his head to the side, clearly confused. "I remember, after I was shot, she said that if Itsuki didn't show up her accomplice wouldn't have been angry. It makes sense that way, because Itsuki was already part of the whole situation. It doesn't make sense for them to act that way if they didn't have a grudge." Honestly, that makes me even angrier. Someone had been holding a grudge against my sister... someone from my own side! If they had the chance, they could have hurt her at any time. I'll... "I'll kill em. Not only did this bastard betray our trust, they betrayed Itsuki's trust! I'll rip em limb from-!"

"Calm down there brother. Relax, she's safe okay?"

"Wait... they could be going after them right now! What if-"

"I've already got people who I know I can trust keeping an eye on em from far away. Don't worry." Okay... okay. I can trust Shiro. It'll be fine. "I'll keep digging, but I wanted to tell you so you can keep an eye out. I know it's hard but... Seth, and Saga for now. I doubt those kids would have done something but..."

"...okay." Seth or Saga. If they- no. It's just speculation at this point. It could have just as easily been some accountant who felt like Maruo was paying us to little or something. Just calm down. "I'll keep an eye out. Thanks... brother."

"BROTHER!" His usual energy came back and he tried to wrap me in a hug. Thankfully, my legs were able to keep up with my instincts, allowing me to dodge him. "Awww, come on! Why can they hug you but I can't?"

"You're you."

"COME ON!" I ignored my brother's cry for affection and walked back into my apartment. As I did, I caught sight of Nino and Miku... searching my room for something.

"What are you doing?"

My question stopped the two and they slowly turned to me. I felt like I could see them beginning to sweat under my gaze. "U-Um, nothing! Just...cleaning your room! Hehehe."

"Miku, you and I both know my room is always ten times cleaner than yours and Nino's combined."

"Oi! My room is fine!" I didn't have the heart to disagree with Nino, but I knew. And I knew that she knew that I knew. "Okay. We were seeing if you had any 'Material'. SO where are you hiding it, pervert?"

"No where. Are you two hungry? All I had was some toast." I turned away from them and walked over to the fridge. Grabbing a couple of eggs, I thought about what I'd make. It was when I shut the door that I noticed that both sisters were right behind me. "Woah! Don't scare me like that."

Turning around to them, my hands were quickly emptied. Miku grabbing the egg carton, and Nino grabbing the veggies I had pulled out. "Why don't we help? We can do it together."

I couldn't hide my smile at Miku's suggestion. "Sure, but try not to burn anything down."

"Mouuuu, that was one time!"

"We almost died. Sorry lil sis, but that was a bit of a mistake. How many times have I told you not to put water on a grease fire?"

"I-I got it! Kuro! Nino's being mean to me!"

"Huuuuh? What, trying to get me grounded again? Not my fault you don't know basic facts!"

"Well, at least I wasn't the one who drop their phone in a toilet!"

"I told you not to bring that up again!" Ah, just like the good ol days. I love these girls.


AN: And so, ends this Mini-Arc. Honestly, I've got some mixed feelings about these few chapters. While I feel like they're needed, not just to develop some relationships and the story a bit, but also to have a bit of a small rest in the story before the next few developments. I mean, the festival arc is right around the corner along with the end of the Senjogahara/Ono storyline. On the other hand, however, I can't feel like not much happened in and it could have easily been a time skip. But I also feel like a lot did happen and I don't know. I keep going in circles in my head. Either way, it's over and the summer chapters are coming soon! Thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed.

TheMist33: Thanks. I'm glad that you enjoyed the character interactions. I hope you liked these few chapters as well. Thank you for your review.

Guest: Thank you for your complement. I'll try to keep up with your expectations. thanks for your review.