Madoka walked towards school, a small yawn appearing on her face while she walked along the flowing water of the small canal. She had woken up an hour earlier than usual, after all she needed to make something for her plan of getting close to Homura to work. Even if it meant losing some sleep time.

Her dad was surprised to see Madoka up so early in the morning, but after a brief explanation (though she left out some details) he was more than happy to help her. Which was a huge relief for Madoka, knowing that with his dad's help her plan would surely work... At least as long as she was able to do the hardest part.

She let out a long sigh, approaching Homura today was going to be harder than yesterday now that she had lost the advantage of being early.

"Madoka!" shouted Sayaka, following behind her was Kyoko with her bag over her head she made a small nod of acknowledgement.

"Good morning, Sayaka-chan, Kyoko-chan!"

"You had quite the frown back there" said Kyoko, raising one eyebrow and putting on a smirk "Thinking about Akemi again?"

"Yeah..." Madoka let out a small sigh "I was wondering how to approach her today. But every situation I think of is one where she can run away"

"You should just leave her be" said Sayaka, Madoka noticed she was wearing a necklace she had never worn before. "She isn't worth your time"

Sayaka walked a bit faster, getting in front of Madoka and facing her.

"She clearly doesn't want anything to do with you" a serious look appeared on her face "You don't have to help someone that's refusing your help"

Was Homura really refusing Madoka's help? She knew it was true that the girl didn't really try to talk with her. And she had been alone before Madoka transferred in. So maybe it was Madoka the one that was overstepping her boundaries. Maybe Homura just wanted to be alone.

But then again...

Madoka remembered the look she had yesterday when talking about the girl that used to help her when she started to live alone. The same look she showed when she gave Madoka her ribbons. It was so full of loneliness and pain that Madoka thought there was no way she didn't want help.

She felt like an abandoned cat that's been betrayed too many times by humans and now won't get close to them. And just like with a cat she would start to get close to her step by step. And the first step always was food.

Hitomi appeared a bit further along the road together with Kamijou, Sayaka run over to them to greet them while Kyoko and Madoka stayed behind.

"Thank you for yesterday" said Kyoko in a quiet voice. Madoka shook her head.

"It was nothing, I'm glad I could help" she looked at the redhead with a smile "How did it go?"

"I was able to give her what I wanted" Kyoko looked at Sayaka, an uncommon gentle look appearing in her eyes. "I had some doubts, but I'm glad I did it in the end"

Madoka couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. Kyoko and Sayaka were quite close when she transferred in, but with time she had realized how deep their relationship really went. At least from Kyoko's side it was clear there was more than just friendship.

"Tell you what" Kyoko started "I'll help you today with Akemi, I owe you one after all. What's the plan?"

Madoka nodded, she knew her doing it alone wouldn't be enough to get a hold of the evasive Homura. But maybe with Kyoko it could be possible.

"You see" Madoka began to say, looking at her bag "I made two lunches today, and I plan on giving one to Homura-chan"

Excitement started to creep into her voice.

"Homura usually eats alone, and only an energy bar of some kind. So, I thought that even if she didn't want to eat it together giving her a balanced meal would at least be helping her" Madoka looked at Kyoko a bit of a embarrassed smile appeared on Madoka's face "sometimes she also brings some chocolate snacks to school, so I baked a brownie yesterday."

Kyoko looked at Madoka, a surprised face beginning to appear.

"I've seen her go to the cafeteria to get food with meat before, so I know she isn't vegetarian." Madoka sighed "Though she only did that whenever a teacher told her she couldn't just eat an energy bar for lunch. And she usually doesn't finish them"

"You..." started saying a surprised Kyoko, who got caught off by Madoka once more.

"She may have a small appetite, so I made sure to make something light." Madoka let out a small chuckle "Though I think I went a bit overboard with the decoration hahaha..."

"You really look at her throughout the day huh" Kyoko interjected, new to this obsessive side of her friend.

"Huh? Not really, just a normal amount"

"Yeah, right" she put a smile on her face "Well, count me in. I'll help making sure she doesn't run away the moment the bell rings"

The confident smile Kyoko was giving her was more than enough for Madoka to find a renewed hope. She had another opportunity, and this time she wasn't going to miss it.

Classes went by slowly. The ticking of the clock seemed to linger for longer than usual, almost as if as a big joke the universe had decided to make things slower to prolong her nerves. As they approached lunch break Madoka was getting more and more nervous.

Doubts started to appear.

Even if Kyoko was able to hold Homura for long enough. What would happen if she just refused the lunch? They were basically strangers after all. Maybe out of pure coincidence she had brought a proper lunch today after being told off by the teachers so many times. Even worse, what if she ended up accepting the lunch but didn't like the food? What if she saw the decoration Madoka had worked so hard on and found it excessive?

Her mind continued to think about different things that could go wrong until the sound of the school bell echoed throughout the classroom.

With a quick look at Madoka for confirmation, Kyoko stood up and rushed towards Homura without even picking up her things.

Homura who was about to get up, stood there and looked at the redhead expectantly. Her cold eyes looking at the girl as if she could see right through her, now that she was in the process of getting up her hair had moved freely and started to fall to the side of the girl giving her and even more captivating look... What was she thinking? She had to get lunchboxes out of her bag.

"What do you want, Sakura Kyoko?" asked Homura, her voice as firm as ever.

"Just wondering." started saying Kyoko while looking at the girl's hair. "How do you keep it so silky? Mine is a bitch to take care of"

Homura looked at her with curiosity. That was a good one Kyoko! thought Madoka. Homura's hair was out of this world, her hair caring routine had to be long enough for Madoka to get ready. Even if her hands were somehow having trouble to open the bag.

"I'll write it down and give it to you later" said Homura while getting up "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have to go to the cafeteria"

Of course, Homura would say the most efficient answer. Madoka was finally able to get through the stuck zipper of her bag and was getting out the boxes while being careful not to tilt them.

"Wait" pressed Kyoko, before giving a glance towards the ball of nerves that was Madoka.

Homura seemed to caught on and looked towards Madoka for a second before sitting down once more. Kyoko could have sworn she saw the tiniest bit of a smile appear on the girl.

"What else do you need?" said Homura.

Kyoko hadn't thought of any other question, she had expected the hair routine one to be a long enough one for Madoka to get ready. In a moment she thought of the first question that came to mind and said it.

"What's your favorite color?" she asked, her voice unsure of the child like question she had asked.

Homura seemed to look towards Madoka for less than a second, the girl was already heading their way, before giving an answer.

"Pink" she said before looking at Madoka as she finally reached her seat.

"Ho-Homura-chan" Madoka was holding out a lunchbox in front of her. "I-I noticed you usually don't come with any food. So, since I had a bit of extra time this morning"

Madoka took a small breath, and did a small bow.

"I made you some lunch, would you like t- to eat it together?"

There was a moment of silence. Kyoko, having taken a few steps backwards when Madoka reached them, was looking from the sides involuntarily holding her breath.

After a few seconds Homura spoke up.

"Sure" the smallest of smiles appeared on her expression Madoka looked up to meet her face "I'll eat with you. Thank you, Madoka"

Kyoko finally breathed again, and Madoka put on a smile as big as she could.

"I- I wasn't sure what to make" said Madoka while sitting next to Homura. "So, I went with something simple"

Madoka seemed to almost glow, her unsure smile was one that the devil hadn't seen in a long time. Not since the first timelines when they would fight together. Before she made that promise under the rain.

Homura had decided to get a bit closer to Madoka, it being a better way to keep control of the Law of Cycles were it to appear. And besides, she wanted to see Madoka more. Even if it went against her self-inflicted penitence.

Just a few days, enough to make sure she isn't in danger.

Why not weeks? Try and get close to her like we did at the start.

No, no. She just needed to be more like a classmate. Help her study, maybe eat together from time to time. There was no need for friendship... or something else.

Even if we have the right to? It wouldn't be forcing her, but we know what she likes. It could be easy.

No, what she was doing was more than enough. Homura knew that when she inevitably disappeared to properly take control of the world as a concept Madoka would be hurt. Getting closer to her would only make it worse.

Then don't become one. Our love is far greater than this world stability.

Madoka loved this world, she had sacrificed herself once for it. Homura had already disrespected her enough.

Keep it well until she lives her proper life then, afterwards we can become a concept. I deserve to be with her.

"Does it taste alright Homura-chan?" the worried voice of Madoka snapped the devil back into reality, who had been eating without paying attention.

"It tastes amazing, Madoka" Homura gave her a smile, her tired eyes closing a bit.

"I'm glad!" said Madoka before fidgeting with her chopsticks "It- It's a shame that Sayaka-chan and Kyoko-chan had things to do. I would have liked to eat with everyone"

Miki Sayaka probably didn't want to be anywhere near the devil, and Sakura Kyoko had just followed her like a dog following its owner. Miki's memories had been a problem, the girl didn't remember anything. But her soul did, and a deep hatred had taken root within its heart.

Not really a problem. If the girl were to cause problems her memories were easy to modify. The only problem was that she had a connection with the Law of Cycles.

"It- It's not like I don't like eating with you alone Homura!" Madoka added after noticing Homura's expression going more cold than usual.

Homura couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, leaving the pink girl surprised.

"Don't worry about it Madoka" The devil looked at her with gentle eyes and the biggest smile Madoka had ever seen on her face "I know you would never think something like that"

Madoka stood completely frozen, her gaze fixed on Homura's smile. Her chopsticks had stopped midway, still holding a small octopus sausage.

"Are you okay, Madoka?" asked a worried devil.

Almost as if her soul returned to her body, she did a little jump.

"Ye- yeah..."

And with that they kept on eating. The food was good, though Homura already knew Madoka could cook so it wasn't much of a surprise.

She noticed the lunch itself had been decorated to the point that it almost felt like a waste to eat it. With a Sakura motif there were flower like decorations that fell into what seemed to be Homura's face done with seaweed in a simple but cute style.

Uncomfortable by the silence Madoka decided to speak up.

"So... you said you had problems with the lessons?" she gave a curious side look towards Homura "Which one is it? History? Chemistry? Literature?"

"Actually, it's math" said Homura after swallowing. She didn't really need to eat, but if it was something that Madoka had made she would force herself if needed. "These last math problems are starting to become... well, an actual problem"

Madoka let out a small chuckle.

"You know..." started to say Madoka, a bit of red appearing on her cheeks "You can still come study with us this weekend if you want"

Still worrying about someone like her, Madoka's kindness really didn't know bounds. But Homura knew that would be getting too friendly with her, something she didn't deserve.

"I don't think Miki Sayaka would appreciate my presence" Yes, something small that explains why. She won't force Miki Sayaka not to go either, so this would let her off the hook without having to reject her again.

"W-we can make our own study session then! Just us!"

What?

"What?"

The devil found herself doing a surprised expression. Her mask completely falling off for a second before composing herself once more.

"I- I may not know as much as Hitomi-chan" stated Madoka, who went from looking down at her food to suddenly meeting eye to eye with Homura. "But I'm sure we can figure it out together!"

Had Madoka always been this bold? No wait, this was the girl that sacrificed herself for all magical girls. She wouldn't flinch to take a decision that would make her go away from her friends if she knew she could help someone that way.

Being alone with Madoka while studying? Say yes, we might be able to get closer to her than what I expected...

No, no. She didn't know what would happen if they were left alone for too long. What she would do. But the girl had already proposed two solutions, if she didn't accept one Madoka would beat herself over it.

Better to go with the lesser of the two evils.

You really are useless...

"If that's the case it would be better if we went all together then" said Homura, putting away the now finished lunchbox.

"Ri-right." Madoka let out a nervous laughter "It really will be better if Hitomi is there to help us with what we don't know."

Homura nodded and got up from the bench she had been sitting on. "Class is about to start, we should get going"

"Yeah" Madoka replied before putting away her own empty lunchbox and getting ready to go back to class with a smile on her face.

The store had been quite calm for the last few minutes, only one client came by and only to get some water. It being Thursday probably helped; most tourists were going to the other end of town to see the open door day of Mitakihara's museum.

Kyoko pulled a box filled with different products and started to restock the place now that no one was inside. The job didn't usually take much talking other than some set phrases, and the physical work helped to pass the time. The owner was a good boss too, weird was the day he didn't come to help.

The doors opened and Kyoko heard the store's chime. One that was stuck in her head. She stopped restocking and went towards the door.

"Welcome!" she said with her high energy retail voice, just like the boss wanted.

The ones that had opened the door were two girls. A blonde probably a year older than her that was wearing Mitakihara's Middle School uniform and the other looked around 9 with white hair. The older girl spoke up with a smile.

"Good afternoon" the little girl besides her darted off towards the food section, the older one trying, and failing, to catch her before putting a displeased frown. "Nagisa! Don't run in the store!"

The blonde girl did a polite bow before going off after the little one.

It seemed they were doing more than picking up one thing or two so Kyoko went back to restocking while keeping an ear out for them.

"Mami! I can't find the cheese!"

So, the blonde's name was Mami huh. Were they sisters?

"It should be around here..." a short pause "See here is some"

"No! That won't do! We can't use cheddar for the pizza!" she made a pause; Kyoko could see the girl grab her head a few aisles down. "That's sacrilege!"

"I'm sure it won't be that bad..."

"No! It would be like... like heating up your tea in the microwave!"

What kind of comparison was that? It wasn't like pizza with cheddar was that bad. Sure, it wasn't the most common, but it probably wouldn't taste bad.

Kyoko rummaged through the box she was restocking from. Finding nothing she went to the back of the store.

"Oh dear..." said Mami, her hand placed next to her cheek "If it's like that I guess it is an important matter after all"

"Yes! We gotta find Mozzarella!" The girl had a determined look on her face "Even if we have to look through the whole city!"

"I don't know about that; we still have classes tomorrow" replied Mami "Maybe we should leave the pizza for another day instead"

"Wha-?!"

Nagisa's face became crestfallen. Her smile turned into pure despair and fell to ground on her knees.

"Curse you food suppliers! Curse you!"

"Nagisa!" said Mam, embarrassed by the display the little girl was doing.

A stick of Mozzarella appeared in front of Nagisa, catching the girl's attention.

"Here, I found it in the back" said Kyoko while waving the cheese in front of the girl.

Nagisa looked at Kyoko, her eyes slowly recovering her glow before putting on a big smile and taking the cheese.

"My savior!" The little girl looked at the cheese with pure happiness in her eyes before turning towards Mami "We can make the pizza now, right?!"

Mami let out a small sigh.

"Yes, we can" she faced Kyoko and bowed "Thank you for your help"

"Nah, don't worry." She pointed to her uniform, a smirk forming on her face "It is literally my job"

The pair went to pay and gave their thanks one last time before exiting the store while happily talking about the ingredients they were going to put in their homemade pizza.

Kyoko looked at them with a smile in her face. She focused on the blonde girl, Mami, who was smiling while looking at the little girl. Clearly happy with the white-haired girl's company.

Some tears started flowing from Kyoko's eyes, catching her off guard.

"What the hell?" she asked, cleaning the tears away from her face.

Sayaka looked at her phone, almost 9 pm. Kyoko should be about to come back. She went to the kitchen, and looked around for some vegetables. Onions, carrots, green peppers, potatoes. She placed the vegetables in a cutting board, and taking care of not putting her thumb in the way of the knife, as Kyoko had insisted a lot, started chopping them into small size bites.

Kyoko was the one that actually knew how to cook, but ever since she started working Sayaka did most of the prep work to lighten her roommate's workload.

Besides, cutting stuff up was easy enough to do. It was the most time-consuming part of cooking, but also the easiest.

Today's dinner was going to be curry. It wasn't like they had an actual daily menu but Kyoko had texted Sayaka during her break to tell her what to prepare for. Though sometimes the dish was a bit more complicated and Kyoko would tell her to just wait for her.

Someone would have considered that an insult to her ability. But Kyoko had a talent with cooking. Always finding a way to find what to make with whatever was left in the kitchen, since she had started to live with her not a single gram of food was thrown out.

The sound of keys and a door opening came from the entrance of the apartment. Sayaka looked into the living room to find Kyoko dropping her bag on the sofa.

"Welcome home" said Sayaka while getting back into the kitchen, being promptly followed by Kyoko.

"Yeah, I'm back"

"How was it today?" asked Sayaka, still chopping onions. Kyoko looked around before pulling out the meat and started to prepare it.

"Pretty calm. Most people came for one thing or two."

She started to tenderize the meat, and cut it into chunks of the same size. Then kept on talking.

"Though there were these two girls. I think they were sisters." She did a small gesture towards Sayaka "Pass me the black pepper"

Sayaka complied, finished chopping the onions and placed them in a side dish before starting to peel the carrots. Kyoko continued with her story.

"The Lil one seems to be obsessed with cheese." She let out a small chuckle "She cursed all food providers because we didn't have Mozzarella, can you believe it?"

"Hah" Sayaka gave a knowing look "Reminds me of a certain someone that wanted to go to a restaurant only to get there and see they had gone on vacation"

"Tsk, it's not the same!" She started to heat up the pan while Sayaka threw the cut potatoes into a pot to boil them.

"You were whining the whole afternoon!"

"We took a two-hour bus ride just to get there, of course I would!" she started to brown the meat "Not with the place, just angry at the universe. I really liked that place in Kazamino"

"Yeah, yeah." Sayaka had finished cutting everything, her work now was just passing things to Kyoko. "We can go there again after finishing our tests, okay?"

"Sure" said Kyoko, completely focusing back on her cooking. Sayaka looked at the redhead, a look of pure determination that only appeared when she cooked taking hold on her face.

Sayaka had to admit, it was in moments like these that Kyoko looked the coolest. Sure, she also looked cool during PE class, but this was a different mood. She was completely serious about her cooking, and it was almost hypnotic.

Sayaka knew that when Kyoko got this serious there was no point in trying to talk with her. So, she started to prepare the table in the meantime before sitting on the couch and looking at her phone.

She had some new text messages from Madoka.

"Sayaka-chan, I already told Hitomi but we both thought you should know."

That sounded serious. Though Madoka did have the bad habit of making a big deal out of small problems.

"What is it?"

It didn't take long for Madoka to start typing back.

"Remember this weekend study session?"

"Yeah, is it canceled?"

"No, it isn't that."

A few seconds of nothing before Madoka started typing again.

"Homura-chan is coming too"

Wait what? Since when did Madoka get close enough to Akemi for her to go from just saying good morning to inviting her to a study session?

"Ehhhh... That's unexpected. When did you ask her?"

"Today while we were eating lunch on the rooftop"

Wait, Kyoko had told her Madoka was busy with work as the nurse's aide.

"So, you two ate together?"

"Yes! I made her a boxed lunch with help from my dad"

"I see. I'll tell Kyoko about it, see you tomorrow"

"Okay. Goodnight Sayaka-chan"

Weren't things going way too fast? Akemi went from not talking with Madoka to suddenly eating a boxed lunch Madoka prepared for her. That girl was planning something, Sayaka was sure of it.

A few minutes passed before Kyoko came out of the kitchen carrying both plates of curry. They both sat at the table and started eating.

"Kyoko"

"Hmm?" said Kyoko, her mouth full.

"Apparently that girl Akemi is coming to the study session this Saturday."

Kyoko drank from her water glass before talking.

"So, pinkie was able to ask her in the end huh"

"Yeah... Apparently Madoka made lunch for the girl."

"I know, I helped her give it to Akemi"

"What?" did she hear correctly?

"Yeah, Madoka needed help to keep the girl busy long enough for her to ask her"

"You helped? Kyoko, I thought you were on my side!"

"What are you even talking about?"

"That Akemi girl is clearly bad news! She must be planning to do something to Madoka."

"You know... Madoka isn't a little kid anymore." She took another spoonful of rice from the rice cooker. "She isn't that innocent girl you remember"

"Hah? are you blind? Madoka is still that naive innocent girl that would get picked on." Sayaka looked down at her plate "If it wasn't because our class is pretty nice, she would be picked on all the time. And even then, she would still say it's her fault! "

"Listen, it's been what? three years since you last knew her? She seems to know what she is doing, at least that's the vibe she gives off"

"I'm still worried about that Akemi. Something inside me tells me she is bad news. And I'm usually right about these kinda things!"

Kyoko sighed and with a quick motion finished eating.

"I'll keep an eye on her. I can even ask around a few people I know to see if she is in any shady business" said Kyoko "Would that make you feel better?"

Sayaka stopped eating for a second and went into deep thought. Kyoko knew more people than her from her time on the streets, and if Akemi was in some kind of shady business Kyoko would probably be able to find out. But then again, the feeling Sayaka seemed to have felt deeper than that. Maybe she would investigate herself.

"Yeah, thanks Kyoko"

The redhead simply gave her a smile before starting to pick up her plate.

Classes were going like they always had, though at least they were a bit more interesting for the devil now that the month she had lived through over and over had now ended.

There was one downside though, now that she had to pay more attention to class it meant less time looking at Madoka. The devil hadn't noticed at first, but her seat was perfectly placed to give her full view of her beloved. This had led to many situations where she got called to the whiteboard without knowing what was going on. If it wasn't because she knew that past month by heart, she would have had problems.

You could just look up the answers with our powers you know. There is no need for all this wasteful effort

No, she knew that studying was one of the only things that let her keep some kind of normal life. And if she wanted to keep sane, she needed a routine, that was something Homura had learnt during her loops.

She looked at the clock right above the whiteboard, just 10 more minutes before lunchbreak started.

Now, the devil wasn't excited to eat, but her Clara dolls told her that Madoka once more had prepared an extra lunch this morning. And she was looking forward to it, to be able to eat Madoka's cooking once more was a blessing she didn't deserve.

It wasn't like Madoka was a 5-star chef, her food felt very homemade and some of the dishes were pretty mild. Madoka usually started with a low skill when it came to cooking, but Homura had seen the girl become pretty close to her father's ability in the timeline where she always cooked for her. It wasn't like it really mattered anyways; Homura knew that anything that Madoka made was perfect in Homura's eyes.

Madoka also did some small mistakes from time to time. Like how today, even though only the devil had noticed, her right sock was the other way around. Another cute side Homura had become an expert in after so many time loops.

The school bell ringed, marking the start of the lunchbreak and quickly Madoka stood up while going towards Homura who was waiting for the pink girl to reach her.

"Homura-chan" Her smile was almost blinding for the devil. "Do you want to eat lunch together? I made you another lunchbox"

Homura couldn't help but put on a small smile, Madoka's kindness always made her heart melt.

"Yes, I would love to"

And with that Madoka's smile became even bigger, happy that her efforts hadn't been for nothing. Homura got up and her smile suddenly disappeared when she saw who was behind Madoka.

"Sayaka-chan and Kyoko-chan are also coming" She made a pause and looked at Homura, a worried frown starting to appear. "Is that alright with you?"

No, I want to be with you and only you Madoka.

"Yes, of course it is" A fake smile that had been perfected placed in Homura's face, hiding her disappointment.

And with that the group of four headed to the school rooftop, Madoka leading the way with Homura by her side while the other two followed behind.

"See?" whispered Sayaka, unaware the devil could easily hear her. "She never smiled this much before, gotta be planning something"

"Jeez, I don't know." Kyoko whispered back, clear sarcasm in her voice "Maybe she is happy? Pinkie has that kinda effect on people."

Happy? Homura couldn't describe herself with that word. No, what she was doing was to ensure that The Law of Cycles didn't interact with Madoka.

Her being with Madoka and eating the lunches she made for her were just byproducts. Yes, nothing more. She wasn't enjoying herself, that was part of her punishment.

Keep lying to yourself like that. I'm going to enjoy this as much as possible.

"Homura-chan?" The pink haired girl had a worried look.

Oh right, she was walking with Madoka.

"Sorry, I was lost in thought" Homura looked at Madoka, who was now doing a small pout. She really was the cutest thing on the universe, wasn't she.

"I was saying" Her smile quickly came back, was this girl even capable of anger? "If it's okay with you I could make you lunch every day."

She did a small pause, the softest of blushes appearing on her cheeks.

"Bu- but I would need to know if there is anything you don't like or can't eat"

The devil contemplated at the blushing girl. Madoka's kind heart was something out of this world, such kindness was even dangerous. Madoka was getting more embarrassed, clearly over thinking what she had said. The devil thought to wait a few more seconds, see how far her blush would go. But Homura answered before that happened.

"Everything you make is something I will enjoy" she said looking at Madoka in the eyes. "So don't worry about it"

Madoka's blush became even deeper before letting out a small chuckle "uehihihi, I'm not sure about that"

Homura could feel Sayaka's piercing gaze on her back.

With that they opened the door to the rooftop, a nice breeze passed by them as they crossed the door and sat on a nearby bench. Homura and Sayaka in each side of Madoka, while Kyoko sat next to Sayaka.

Madoka gave the lunch she had prepared to Homura, who accepted it with a smile.

"Today I made Karaage, and we also have some cherry tomatoes from my dad's garden!" She said with joy in her voice.

Kyoko let out a longing sigh "Man, I wish I could get some of those tomatoes. Madoka's dad seems to do magic in there."

"I can ask him for some" said Madoka "We have a lot and always end up giving some to our neighbors"

"Really? Thanks, Madoka!" replied Kyoko with glee.

Homura started eating, the food didn't have much flavor. Though she knew that happened with everything she ate since becoming a devil. This didn't stop the devil from enjoying the food Madoka had made for her, it could taste like water and it would still be a blessing.

She noticed Sayaka looking at her with a side look, almost as if trying to read her soul. Had it not been because that was her usual behavior and that her Clara dolls had told her about what the bluenette and Kyoko talked about yesterday, she would have thought the girl had recovered her memories.

"Is there a problem, Miki Sayaka?"

The girl looked surprised, as if she didn't expect Homura to notice her gaze.

"I was thinking" The intensity of her gaze increased "Isn't it weird to accept lunch from someone you barely know"

"Sayaka-chan!" Madoka exclaimed.

"I mean, going from ignoring her to accepting her food" Sayaka said, an accusing smile starting to form "It's almost as if you were taking advantage of her"

"It's not like that Sayaka-chan!" hastily replied Madoka "I was the one who wanted to make her lunch. She just accepted it!"

"That's still weird!" Sayaka shouted back "Who would just say OK to someone they don't even talk with that's telling them they will cook for them every day!"

"No, she is right" said Homura, her calm mask on "I understand your concern Miki Sayaka"

"Y-you do?" confusedly asked Sayaka, the girl clearly expected some kind of insult from Homura, not understanding.

"Yes." The devil looked down at the half-eaten food Madoka had prepared for her, an almost invisible smile appearing on her face as she closed her eyes "But you don't have to worry. I wouldn't let any harm come to Madoka"

"Homura-chan?" Madoka asked an expression she saw most during the last timelines was on her face. Ahhh… how much did the devil remember this expression. The one she would do after Homura broke down in front of her. Worry and confusion, but even worse than that: It made her remember the pain of Madoka running away just to find a Miki Sayaka that had already become a witch. How many times had Madoka contracted after that?

"I just decided to accept her kindness." The devil opened her eyes and looked at Madoka "After all, I didn't want to see all her efforts go to waste."

"That's still…" Miki Sayaka was still clearly not convinced with the devil's words. Really, how troublesome could memories once forgotten be this problematic.

"In that case." Homura looked at Sayaka, her eyes meeting "What can I do to gain your trust?"

There was a moment of silence, both Sayaka and Madoka were looking at Homura with surprised eyes. Not really understanding what was happening.

"This is really dumb" Kyoko jumped in, having already finished her lunch. "There is no reason for you to do anything"

The redhead walked to where they had left their school bags before taking out a stick of some kind of potato candy.

"Sure, the whole lunchboxes thing is kinda weird" She took a bite, a moment of silence before she swallowed "But who Madoka hangs out with is none of Sayaka's business"

"Kyoko!" Sayaka was clearly annoyed by her roommate's words, the devil just went back to observing. "You said you were going to help!"

"This and that have nothing in common. You are just assuming things based on a gut feeling you have right now." Kyoko finished eating her snack, before looking at Sayaka with a calm look "You are just making pinky worry about more stuff. At least save your concerns for when she isn't around, will ya?"

Sayaka stood up, the girl's brain could be heard thinking before she grasped the blue necklace she wore and held it tight. The tension in the air was quite clear, the devil had never expected Sakura Kyoko to be on her side. Or at least, to not agree with everything Miki Sayaka said about her.

Madoka looked with a worried look at Sayaka before speaking in with a quiet voice.

"Sayaka-chan…"

Almost as if awoken by those words, the bluenette opened her eyes and ran towards the exist of the rooftop. Madoka got up hurriedly and tried to get a hold of her, sadly she failed and turned back for a second.

"I-I'm sorry Homura-chan" she said "I- I don't want to leave her alone like this."

Homura nodded as Madoka left running towards Sayaka, disappearing beyond the door's frame. A moment of silence before Homura spoke up, looking at a Kyoko that had a troubled look on her face.

"Why did you help me?" a cutting tone could be heard on Homura's voice.

"Don't get me wrong" the troubled look on Kyoko's face changing to a determined one "I didn't do it for you."

Homura's gaze focused on Kyoko, almost as if trying to pierce through her and observe the girl's soul. Kyoko noticed it, before putting on a smirk.

"See, those kinda stares are why I kind of believe her gut feeling" said Kyoko, throwing her and Sayaka's bag over her shoulder. "But I've also noticed you only do them when Madoka isn't around"

Kyoko walked towards the exit, leaving Homura alone. One last line from the girl could be heard coming from the darkly lit exit.

"That's why I know you don't want to hurt her"

Current date: Friday 9th, May.