Mayura was up unusually early today, even before her roommate, contemplating how to ask Izumiko that question. She was never one to hesitate but for some reason, she now had reservations on how to bring up the topic. Multiple scenarios were played on her head but none seemed good enough. Unfortunately, while she was lost in her thoughts, she totally missed the opportunity due to her classes though she had all the afternoon because they are free after lunch.

"Izumiko, let's eat!" She went to class C to fetch her friend who was surrounded by her classmates. She has already come a long way from the shy girl she was. Her popularity skyrocketed without her knowing, maybe just like mine. But she's definitely more popular with foreign boys. I don't think she understands their intentions though.

She had noticed the multitude of men glancing at Izumiko recently, but she knew her friend was oblivious of it. Could it be that Izumiko is more dense than I thought?

"Bye, Izu. See you at the cafeteria."

"Sorry for the wait, Mayura. Where's Manatsu?"

"Where else? Of course at the stables. He'll eat when he's hungry. By the way, what was with that crowd?"

"Oh, you know those shows we were watching at the dorm? They were talking to me about it."

"Which one?"

"The romance movie about that boy who was unaware of his friend's feelings until she was taken away. But then, it was too late. We wonder if anyone could ever be as clueless as that."

"Mmm, I wonder." Well, I certainly know that someone, except she's a girl.

They continued talking about that movie until they reached the cafeteria. It was really crowded since students can freely eat without worrying about their next class. Miyuki, not surrounded with upperclassmen, surprisingly reserved them a seat.

"This is new. What's with you Sagara?"

"Just eat your food."

"Hi, Izumiko."

The three of them turned to the voice's direction. It was Angelica, a second year exchange student she got very much acquainted with last year. She was with another foreign student. Mayura recognizes him, not because of his relatively good looks or that he was a foreigner, but because he was one of the more obvious 'admirers' of Izumiko.

"This is Gilbert. He really wanted to talk to you but was afraid it would be rude without introductions. So, here I am. Again, Izumiko, this is Gilbert Lewis from Britain. Gilbert, this is Izumiko Suzuhara."

Izumiko looked nervous but smiled shyly nonetheless.

"Sorry, if it was sudden. I might appear rude but it's in my nature to be straightforward. Izumiko-chan, I'm really interested in you. If you're not with anybody yet, would you get to know me as your potential boyfriend?"

Everybody's attention was towards the boy with a bouquet of red roses, to Izumiko who was beet red, Mayura whose mouth agape, and Miyuki with a dark expression.

Izumiko was pulled behind someone, but instead of Mayura's, she found herself at Miyuki's back. So now, it was Gilbert and Miyuki who were face to face.

"Excuse me, I need to talk to Izumiko."

"Isn't it obvious that she didn't want to?"

"No, you pulled her behind you before she could respond."

"No means, no. You may choose to leave or we will."

"Wait, why do you act so high and mighty?! Who are you?"

"I'm Miyuki Sagara."

"No- tsk, this is troublesome, Izumiko, talk to me." He forcefully snatched Izumiko's arm before Miyuki or Mayura could do anything. He grabbed her shoulders and took her high enough so their faces were not far from each other. "Why is he butting in?! Is he your boyfriend?!"

"- no"

"- Yes!"

Izumiko and Miyuki looked at each other. Surprise was evident on her face while anger on his. Miyuki, just barely stopping himself from punching Gilbert, immediately took Izumiko and left the cafeteria with her. All students stopped for a moment before they realized what happened.

"Gilbert Lewis, a temporary exchange student from Britain. For the past weeks, you have displayed displeasing behavior, stalking Suzuhara and soliciting information about her. Now you assaulted the student in question. I will issue further investigation into her possible injuries. Regardless, your actions are inexcusable. As the president of the student council, I will submit an appeal to the board to revoke your stay in our school."

Everyone was surprised with the turn of events, however, there was one thing they were definitely curious about:

'What would happen between those two?' Mayura wondered aloud.