A/N: Thanks to all of you who have read, liked, followed, etc...my fanfic so far. This story definitely won't be like my other fanfic "Bloody Crown" with all those character deaths. No, this time, I wanted to write a fanfic with all the pure yuri goodness. So, no dark and macabre stuff, just to let you guys know. Lol.

Current music while writing this chapter: "Still Into You" by Paramore


Chapter 2: Someone Like Me

Sounds of steel clashing against steel echoed in the Renpu Girls' School training centre, as two blades whistled through the air, their collision striking a few sparks. Assessing the ponytailed girl standing a few feet away, Kanami gave an amused smirk that matched her opponent's before propelling herself forward. Their okatanas locked together with their faces mere centimetres apart until they continued with their little game of chasing each other about the large room. Swinging attacks that would have been fatal in any scenario, the Tojis showed no sign of rest nor defeat, despite how hard both of them were panting. Their spar had been going on for more than fifteen minutes by now. Kanami couldn't remember the last time she had duelled with someone for so long.

'Ricchan's sword fighting style is similar to Hiyori-chan's—only more flawless and graceful, whereas Hiyori-chan attacks head-on aggressively,' Kanami observed. 'She almost appears as though she's dancing. So far, striking her straight on and even stealthy sneak attacks haven't worked. Then...I guess there's still one thing I haven't tried that might work. I'll have to dance with her in sync.'

At once, Kanami's strategy proved correct. Clearly taken aback by her childhood friend's change in tactic, Ritsuko tried to fathom what her opponent was trying to do. But it was too late for guessing. Like a fast cha-cha-chasse dance step, Kanami swivelled her body before slicing upwards, Chidori cutting straight through Ritsuko's utsushi.

"Ha ha! Nice one," the ponytailed Toji laughed, not at all bummed by her defeat. "Good game, Kanami. You certainly aren't one of the six heroines for nothing."

"You put up a good fight too though, Ricchan," Kanami replied, her eyes shining like stars. She hadn't enjoyed such a spar since her last one with Hiyori. "Thank you for agreeing to practice duelling with me. We should do it again another time!"

"For sure! We need to make up for all the time we've spent apart," was the equally eager reply.

Sitting down off to the side, the two Tojis took a few minutes to catch a breather and rehydrate themselves. Wiping the sweat off her forehead with her handkerchief, Ritsuko took another swig from her water bottle before saying, "Apart from the spar, it almost feels like old times, doesn't it? We spent almost every hour in each other's company as kids."

"Yeah...we stuck together like glue," Kanami giggled.

"I'm glad to see that you made new friends though," Ritsuko wistfully said. "All my friends were older than me and already graduated."

"Don't you have any friends in your own grade?" Kanami asked, now concerned.

"Not really. Being the daughter of Yukari-sama's secretary, my classmates find me rather unapproachable. You know, all that misconception of me being snooty and pampered. It doesn't help that some of their parents owe huge debts to the Origami Family—debts which my dad is in charge of handling."

"Ricchan...I'm sorry. I didn't know."

But Ritsuko only shook her head dismissively. "Eh, wasn't your fault. I should've put more effort into taking the initiative to make friends in the first place."

"So, your friends who graduated...how did you meet?"

"We were part of the same club—Math Club."

"Blech," Kanami said with a shudder, making her childhood friend giggle.

"You never were excited about numbers..."

Prompted by fond memories, both girls spent the next few minutes chatting about old times. Playing tag around the playground; going to the nearby convenience store after school; Ritsuko having to always help Kanami with her homework... These were moments that nobody could take away from either of them. However, after hearing what Ritsuko told her, Kanami couldn't help but still be worried for her. She herself had made more joyful memories even after Ritsuko left, but could the same be said for Ritsuko? How was she coping now that all of her friends had graduated, leaving her behind?

Suddenly, Kanami had an idea. "Ricchan, you liked my friends when you met them, right?"

"Of course! They were all so kind and interesting to talk to."

"We'll all be getting together next week to celebrate Ellen-chan and Kaoru-chan's upcoming graduation. Why don't you come and join us?"

"Really? Do you think it would be okay with them?"

"I'm sure they won't mind," Kanami answered. Taking Ritsuko's hands in her own, she cheerfully added, "It'll be fun!"

"Well, if you say so, I'd be happy to come then."

Without warning, a loud ringtone jolted both girls out of their separate worlds, blaring a song Kanami would know anywhere—especially considering how she and a certain Heijou Toji were the ones who wrote it.

Keep on! Move on! Carry on!

Round and round! We'll never stop!

Keep on! Move on! Carry on!

Shining star!

"I-Is that you singing, Kanami?" Ritsuko asked with a teasing grin that wouldn't stop widening.

"Gaaaaaaah! Don't listen to it!" Kanami cried, her ears burning as hot as a pepper as she rummaged for her cellphone.

Despite being unable to prevent the giggles from coming, Ritsuko's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. That other voice singing in harmony with Kanami sounded very much like Hiyori's.

With her cheeks still flushed bright red, Kanami answered her phone. "Hello? Hiyori-chan?"

"Hey Kanami, I just wanted to let you know that unfortunately, I can't spar with you tomorrow evening. Something came up. But we can reschedule for a different time if you want."

Swallowing her disappointment, the Minoseki Toji asked, "Eh? Is everything alright?" Hiyori's voice, on the other end, sounded very tight. And Kanami knew Hiyori well enough to know that she only talked like that when under increased pressure.

"Yeah, all good. Just something I have to do, that's all," Hiyori said.

"O-Okay then..." Kanami knew better than to push upon the matter; Hiyori would tell her in her own time. "But if there's anything you need, let me know, okay?"

"Thanks, Kanami. Bye."

And just like that, Hiyori hung up, leaving Kanami with a dull sensation in her chest.

"Was that Juujou-senpai?" Ritsuko asked.

"Yeah. She told me that she had to postpone the spar we were going to have tomorrow."

Her face as blank as a slate, Ritsuko regarded Kanami's expression meticulously before saying, in a matter-of-fact tone, "You seem very close to Juujou-senpai from what I heard."

"Eh? Well, y-yeah...I-I guess."

"Every Toji I know has talked about the two of you at some point. Not just because you both defeated Tagitsuhime, but also because they think you suit each other."

"I-Is that so?" Kanami chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Yeah, they talk about how, and I quote, 'you melted the ice queen's frozen heart' and how you always hold hands with each other. Oh, and I also remember when I was on a mission, a Toji from Osafune was gossiping about how Mashiko-senpai said she caught you and Juujou-senpai together on a bathhouse floor naked. And then, she also mentioned how Mashiko-senpai wouldn't stop teasing you both, even though Juujou-senpai tried explaining she only slipped and fell on top of you."

Blushing once again, Kanami did remember that particular incident a few months ago. Hiyori had indeed slipped on the wet floor and landed on top of her after they finished showering. She could remember the absolute horror both she and Hiyori felt when Kaoru walked in on them. And though the pink-haired loli was just as visually scarred, she wouldn't let them live it down, even with all the head punches Hiyori gave her.

"Kanami, your face is all red."

"How would it not be?! Ugh, I didn't need to be reminded about that. Kaoru-chan already makes one too many lewd jokes."

"But...aren't you Juujou-senpai's girlfriend?"

The question was totally out of the blue and made Kanami flinch ever so slightly. "N-No...I'm not. W-We're just friends."

"But you do admire her," Ritsuko stated bluntly. "I've seen the way you looked at her during the picnic earlier."

"Well, yeah. W-Who wouldn't admire her? Hiyori-chan is so strong and beautiful," Kanami said, her blush deepening. "And she's cool and smart too."

"Hm. But some of those traits can also apply to your other friends. So, what makes Juujou-senpai stick out?"

Not even wondering why her childhood friend should be so inquisitive, Kanami paused before answering, "I don't really know. I guess it was a fateful encounter that was meant to happen. Our okatanas, Chidori and Kogarasumaru, have a...sort-of spiritual link after all."

She knew she was only telling part of the truth, but what would Ritsuko think of her if she confessed her true feelings for Hiyori? It was a secret Kanami hadn't even revealed to her own group of friends. Even though liking the same sex in a romantic way wasn't uncommon, the Minoseki Toji knew that there was still a large group of people who looked down upon such behaviour. How would anyone respond if they knew about her hidden love for Hiyori?

Hiyori wasn't like anyone else. Kanami knew at once that she was doomed when she first laid eyes on the raven-haired beauty.

She wanted Hiyori.

'But, Hiyori-chan would never accept my feelings.'

No, the love Kanami had for her was...twisted and dark. A relationship between the two of them was impossible. Sure, she kept her hopes up with whimsical daydreams and imaginings. But those desires were shattered into oblivion over time once it became clear that Hiyori showed nothing more than friendship. Yet, it was hard to ignore the agonizing hunger she had for the Heijou Toji which she knew was anything but innocent. After all, when they first met, for Kanami...it was lust at first sight.

She successfully locked these haunting urges for two years, trying to satisfy them by lighting teasing Hiyori sometimes and holding hands with her. But it was never enough. Kanami knew she wanted more. The line between their friendship and her desires was becoming more blurred with each passing day. Kanami knew everyone saw her as a mere airhead with nothing in her brain but kenjutsu. What would they all think if they found out "the silly scatterbrain" was not only emotionally, but also physically attracted to Hiyori?

Come to think of it, Kanami didn't even know what type of people Hiyori was into. Hiyori never mooned over magazine covers of shredded guys or sexy female models. Nor did she seem to even give any thought to being in a future relationship at all. Once, they had been hanging out with their other four friends, and when the topic came up, Hiyori herself admitted to being asexual with absolutely zero interest in sex.

'And so, how could someone like Hiyori-chan ever like someone like me?' Kanami lamented.

All this had flown through the Minoseki Toji's mind in only a few seconds, but it was long enough for Ritsuko to sense how Kanami really felt. Ever since they were kids, Kanami's mind was no mystery to her. Too troubled by her own thoughts, Kanami failed to notice the negative aura starting to emanate from the Renpu Toji.

Putting on what she hoped was her most convincing concerned expression, Ritsuko said, "Um, Kanami? I think I may know why Juujou-senpai can't see you tomorrow."

"Huh? Why? Tell me!"

"My dad mentioned that the entire Origami Family is getting together for dinner during that time. Apparently, in the past, the Hiiragis were obligated to attend important meetings and occasions such as this. In other words, Juujou-senpai has to be there."

Kanami was stunned. Why would Hiyori not tell her about something as big as this? Part of the Minoseki Toji was worried that Hiyori was maybe feeling stressed about it. She recalled how tense the Heijou Toji sounded on the phone.

"I-I see. Well, I guess it can't be helped," Kanami slowly said. "Hiyori-chan has higher obligations. Being a Hiiragi must be a high honour..."

'It isn't really...' Ritsuko thought.


"Ellen, don't you have any other songs besides ones sung by BTS?" Kaoru groaned, tired of listening to K-Pop for the umpteenth time.

"Of course! There are ones by Backstreet Boys if you want to listen to them. Oh, I even have an NSYNC playlist too. Those were my favourite when I was still a little kid growing up in America."

"So, in other words, all boy band songs..." Kaoru said with a roll of her eyes.

"What's wrong with that?" Ellen asked. "Here, let's listen to a classic. Do you know 'I Want It That Way'? It's sung by the Backstreet Boys."

"Of course, I know it. Who doesn't?" Kaoru snorted.

Keeping one hand firmly on the steering wheel, Ellen changed the song playing on the speakers of her brand spanking new car—a graduation gift from her parents after she recently got her driver's license. Bopping her head to the catchy beat, the blonde-haired Toji hummed along before gradually belting out the lyrics.

"Come on, Kaoru! Sing along!"

"There's no arguing with you, is there?" Kaoru sighed before giving in, singing the very little English she knew by heart.

Though she appeared exasperated, deep down the pink-haired loli cherished moments like this. She loved listening to Ellen's singing voice. It had a high-pitched bubbly tone to it, far cuter than her own nasally timbre, in her opinion. Whether Ellen dragged her to karaoke or turned their car rides into sing-along sessions like right now, Kaoru didn't care about how much she disliked her voice because, with Ellen, they always harmonized in perfect sync.

Which didn't fail this time either as both girls concluded the pop ballad with a flourish, despite the key being rather low for their voices.

Dissolving into joyous laughter as the last guitar strum faded, Ellen turned off the speakers. "Woo! That was so much fun, but I think that's enough singing for now. There's something I wanted to talk to you about."

"Oh yeah? I'm listening," Kaoru said. Nene, who was perched on her head, lifted his ears, just as curious.

Biting her lip, Ellen began, "You know, hearing and singing to all these love songs makes me think about something. We'll be graduating in less than two weeks, but don't you find it strange how we still haven't found any boyfriends?"

"Huh?" said Kaoru, raising an eyebrow.

"I mean, quite a few of the students in our grade all have boyfriends, even though we go to an all-girls school. They've been able to go out and socialize more, and therefore make such connections as that. Don't you find it rather...I don't really know how to explain it."

"I don't want a boyfriend. Period," Kaoru snorted. "And as for going out and socializing, all that shit sounds tiring. Heck, sometimes I can't even handle holding a conversation with Kanami and Sayaka."

"Kaoru! That's so mean!"

"Why do you even want a boyfriend? You'd have to go through so much trouble of making time to see him, spend money on giving presents, and all that mushy nonsense. It's much better to stay single. You only have yourself to worry about."

Although Ellen's eyes were fixed on the road, Kaoru and Nene observed the light blush that graced her cheeks. "I guess...I just wish for someone like me. Someone who I can connect with and who enjoys the same things as me. Someone who I can be myself around and who loves what I love."

'Do you really need a boyfriend for that though? Aren't I as a friend enough?' Kaoru thought. To her, it seemed rather unfair of Ellen to put all her hopes and expectations on one sole person.

There was hardly any time to ponder about this because Nene gave a sharp "Ne!" in warning before a massive dragonfly-like aradama swooped down from the sky and onto the road. Ellen quickly slammed on the brakes, making the car screech to a stop, leaving black tire marks behind them.

"Kaoru, get out and ready!" Ellen said.

Nene, who had detected the aradama from the start, had already jumped out of the open window and transformed into his large hostile form. Letting out a huge roar, the Mashiko guardian beast swiftly engaged in combat, the two Tojis right behind him. Swinging her oversized okatana, Kaoru let out a battle cry as she managed to hack off the dragonfly aradama's long abdomen. Surprised by the sudden attack, the monster took to the air in retreat, the strong gust of wind from its beating wings throwing Ellen and Kaoru back.

"Hurry! We can't lose it!" Kaoru cried.

With a powerful leap, Nene just had time to catch the aradama in his teeth, sending them both crashing to the ground. But things still weren't close to looking done yet. Now seriously provoked, the dragonfly aradama got its sharp-pointed mandibles ready, biting down as hard as it could in self-defence, forcing Nene to jump back.

"Oh no, you don't!" Ellen said, fiercely swinging her okatana and chopping off one of its spindly legs.

As an Elite Guard, one of the many things Kaoru was forced to review in her studies was actually the biology of animals. And from that, the pink-haired loli knew that each aradama, depending on which animal form it took, had certain weak points. Taking five seconds to observe, Kaoru made her judgement.

"The wings! Get its wings! If it can't fly, we'll stand a better chance," she yelled.

Driven by this new goal, both girls simultaneously shot forward for the kill but were evaded by the aradama's sudden flight. Diving down, it snatched up Ellen before flinging her several feet away. If she hadn't her utsushi activated, without a doubt, she'd have suffered more than just the bruising she got.

"Ellen!"

She only got a moan in reply. "K-Kaoru..."

His roar loud enough to shudder the very ground, Nene stood over Ellen protectively. Her vision starting to blur, Ellen could just make out the fuzzy forms of soldier and Toji reinforcements, who were close by enough to hurry over as fast as they could.

Getting down on his knees beside her, one of the soldiers seemed to be checking her vital signs before commanding, "We need medical attention at once for her." Then, in a soothing tone, he said to Ellen, "Don't worry. You're safe now."

Weakly, Ellen's eyes met his. They were just as blue as hers and perfectly matched that sweet smile of his with just the right touch of shyness. His sandy-blonde hair glinted in the sun, which showed off his slightly bronzed skin.

The last thing Ellen thought before blacking out was how drop-dead hot he was.


The Renpu Girls' School cafeteria normally wasn't busy at two o'clock due to classes still being in session, so Mai and Sayaka had the entire place to themselves. The lunch set wasn't bad—a balanced meal of rice, grilled fish, vegetables, and milk. It wasn't any different from something Mai would make. But for some reason, Sayaka couldn't help feeling the fact the food wasn't actually prepared by Mai made it...not the same. Could such a thing be possible? For food to not taste as good solely because it wasn't prepared by a particular person?

Sayaka's serious mindset refuted the idea. Maybe there was simply just a special secret ingredient Mai would add that improved the flavours.

"It was nice to make friends with Ritsuko-chan this morning, wasn't it?" the Yanase heiress remarked. "She seems a sweet girl and Kanami-chan clearly has a special bond with her." There was almost a tinge of jealousy in Mai's voice. "What did you think of her, Sayaka-chan?"

"Huh? I-I don't really know... We only just met."

"But surely you must've interacted with her on campus."

"Not really. We knew each other...but we never really spoke besides simple 'hellos' and such."

Her response caused a twinge of pain in Mai, knowing how difficult it could be for Sayaka to communicate with others, especially in her school. Kofuki almost didn't really count as a friend, considering how her relationship with Sayaka was purely for professional training and out of convenience. Judgmental in their view of her being too stoic and oblivious to other people's feelings, almost the entire student body kept their distance from the albino-haired Toji. It didn't seem right to Mai for Sayaka to have only her and their other four friends to lean on. And what with Sayaka now being an Elite Guard, her schedule gave her even fewer prospects of forming connections.

"Well, it was a great chance for you two to get to know each other better, don't you think?" Mai asked.

"I guess."

'This isn't working. I need to help somehow,' Mai said, her older sister instincts kicking in.

It had always been in her nature to be that one friend anyone could always count upon. However, there was ultimately a danger in Mai's eagerness to always be of service. What could start off as wanting to help could slowly transform, without her knowledge, into either putting the happiness of others before her own or pure meddling nature. But it didn't register in Mai's head that Sayaka may not have wanted help from her at all and was happy as she was. All the Yanase heiress thought about was that it was essential for her to guide Sayaka towards integrating more into society. She took pride in seeing it as her duty to help everyone she cared for.

"Sayaka-chan, there is something I want to ask of you. My parents will be hosting a party tomorrow night. A lot of Tojis from Renpu Girls' School have been invited along with their families. Would you be willing to come?"

"I don't know," was the uncertain answer.

In truth, Sayaka only said this because parties or social gatherings of any kind weren't really her thing. But she wasn't dense enough to be ignorant of how blunt it would be to say that and possibly hurt Mai's feelings. Since she started hanging out with Mai and the other four, Sayaka started becoming more aware of reading between the lines and being careful with her words. What could be a simple fact to her could be falsely interpreted by someone else as the intention of being hurtful.

"My parents said that I can bring one friend if I wished and I want that person to be you," Mai added.

"R-Really? Why me?" Sayaka, in all honesty, thought Kanami would be the more likely choice.

"I think it'd be an opportunity for us both to become acquainted with other people, while also having fun. And also, I enjoy the time you and I have together, and I want to create new memories with you," Mai said with a smile. "Don't you think that'd be wonderful, Sayaka-chan?"

Sayaka wasn't really sure. It was always a struggle for an introvert like her to live in such an extroverted world that required communication and popularity for success. She'd rather have just the five good friends she already had than a large network of people with not as close a relationship. She just didn't understand. What was the purpose of putting on a friendly mask when you couldn't be yourself? Why did everyone focus on such trivial things as how they appeared and acted in public, or how many followers they had on social media? Did it really matter how well-liked you were? Such friendships were...fake. Kanami, Hiyori, Mai, Ellen, and Kaoru...they accepted her for who she was. That was enough for Sayaka.

'But Mai said she wants to create new memories with me. I can't just turn her down,' she thought. 'And I do like spending time with her.'

"Okay, I'll go," Sayaka said. "But I know nothing about parties."

"Don't worry, Sayaka-chan. I'm glad you are open to coming," Mai said. "We'll have lots of fun together, I promise."

Then with a giggle, she joked, "Perhaps you might even meet some cute boy for yourself."

Sayaka didn't really welcome the prospect, though she didn't know why.

"For example, is there anyone in particular you like?" Mai asked.

Sayaka was confused by the question. "I like you, Mai, along with Kanami, Hiyori, and—"

Sweat-dropping, Mai interrupted, "Eh, Sayaka-chan, that isn't the kind of 'like' that I mean. I should say...um, is there anyone you have a romantic interest in?"

"E-Eh?! U-Um...no," Sayaka stammered, turning red. "Well, I haven't really experienced it nor had time to even think about it. I'm too busy these days."

And quite frankly, she didn't even have a clue about what love actually entailed. What made romance different from any other kind of love?

'Just what is love really?'


What made Ellen come to was the sensation of feeling like she had been hit by a truck. The pain was all too real. Every part of her body was aching like crazy. In particular, her right arm felt like it had something heavy holding it down and she was certain her head was going to split open at any second.

'Is this what it feels like being hungover?'

Slowly opening her eyes, she was momentarily blinded by the light. Her vision slowly cleared to reveal that she was in a hospital, resting in bed with several IVs pumping fluids into her left arm. Nestled upon her breasts was Nene, back in his cute furry form, apparently guarding her. He let out an excited "Ne!" at seeing her awake.

And lying on her other arm, as if it were a pillow, was Kaoru, snoring away. Ellen's lips lifted into a small smile at the familiar sight of her lazy friend. As creepy as it sounded, she liked watching Kaoru sleep. The pink-haired loli always looked so dreamy, and another thing, she didn't scowl in her slumber. Although, she still had slight forehead wrinkles from creasing it into a permanent tired frown.

"You're awake."

Jumping at the unexpected voice, Ellen saw that in a corner of the room, a Special Ritual Riot Squad soldier was getting up from his chair. Though her memories were still coming back to her, she remembered that this was the same young man who knelt by her, calling for medical help. He looked not much older than her. Maybe a man of nineteen or twenty. He had to be a rookie since he was wearing a badge identifying himself as one.

Stirring from sleep, Kaoru cried, "Ellen! You're up. How are you? Are you hurting anywhere? Do you need anything?"

Initially taken aback by the onslaught of questions, Ellen's heart warmed at the sight of how concerned Kaoru was. It made her happy and even amused to see her usually apathetic friend, so frantic in regards to her condition.

"Kaoru, it's okay. I'm fine," the blonde-haired Toji reassured. "Just a bit achy."

It was the soldier who responded, "The doctor said it's just bruising and a mild concussion. But I'm glad to see you looking so well."

"I must thank you for calling for help in time and saving me," Ellen said. "I apologize that you had to go through such trouble."

"No, no, not at all. It was a pleasure to be of service," was the genial reply. "The name's John, by the way. Yoshida John."

"K-Kohagura Ellen. Nice to meet you. You must be half-Japanese too, I'm assuming."

"Yes, my mother came from the United States," John said.

"Oh, so did mine!" They had only just met, but already Ellen felt so relaxed and easy with this young man. He was almost...like her.

This interaction between them did not go unnoticed by Kaoru, nor did their blushes, as they completely ignored the pink-haired loli. Like she didn't exist, they only had eyes for each other. Looking at his mistress, Nene's mouth turned into a pout at seeing how dull her eyes appeared, even more so than usual. It was as though the last remaining light in them was sucked out, leaving only emptiness.

"I apologize for cutting our introductions short, but I must be going soon. I will soon be needed back by my squad, though I hope we shall meet again, Ellen."

'On first name basis already...' Kaoru thought.

Somehow, she had a gut feeling her entire life had been turned upside down.


A/N: That's the end of Chapter 2. Hope you enjoyed it. I put a lot of my own feelings in this chapter. These are thoughts I have myself when it comes to thinking about love and the world around us, especially Kaoru's and Sayaka's. But hey! Everyone has their own definition of love, so I guess it's pretty ambiguous.

Oh yeah, the song Kanami has as her ringtone is the Toji No Miko song "Double Shining Star" sung by her and Hiyori. I kind of imagined that after they got back from the netherworld, they decided to write a song together. Haha.

And yes, as you can tell, I am a big fan of BTS, Backstreet Boys, and NSYNC. Shoutout to any other fans? Lol.