Chapter Eight: Research
Under the light of the moon in his bedroom Ruka held Kazuya with her head on his chest as she smiled. Kazuya laughed softly here and there until Ruka playfully smacked him on the hand, saying to stop acting like he's a boy who just got his first kiss.
"I can't help it. It was great fun. I feel like a kid again, Ruka, I really do. I feel like I just got to enjoy my favorite candy after a long time without it, watch my favorite movie, or just shake with joy like getting off a great roller coaster for the first time. I dunno, I hope I don't sound silly," Kazuya said while almost giggling. Kazuya continued laughing and attempted to just stop and try to be mature. Even though he stopped laughing his chest continued to jitter and heave a little.
"I think I finally have a nickname for you, Kazuya," Ruka said rolling her eyes and smiling.
"What?" Kazuya asked.
"You are my 'Jitterbug' since you make my pulse rise. My heartbeat has never been the same since meeting you," Ruka said warmly.
Kazuya asked what she meant and Ruka explained it was from a song and the lyrics were fitting.
Kazuya smiled and said, "I haven't heard it before, but it sounds great. I would love to-"
"Hold on! Stay there!" Ruka said as she scrambled for her phone and brought it up from her playlist.
A/N: As I have done in two other stories I wrote I am adding music to the story. It is an interactive part of this story and I have included a link to the lyrics and what to look for on Youtube for the great official music video. I put everything in Chapter 9.I encourage you to listen to it as the song came to me early on when I decided to write this story.
Ruka started the song and snapped along while she moved a little in bed to the rhythm. Kazuya started to snap, feeling the beat too, and listened intently. When the song ended he said he loves it and while smiling asked if she wanted it to be their song. Ruka smiled and held him tight and listened to the song a second time pulling him up to dance a little to it.
After taking a shower together & cleaning up Kazuya brewed some peppermint tea. Quickly dressing they sat down at the table. Ruka brought up Hirano and checked over the last hour's tracking and told Kazuya her pulse and while surely higher than normal, it was not exceeding her safe limits. Kazuya then looked up to his cupboard, went over, and looked inside seeing Mizuhara had in fact left two packs of Twinkies. Bringing the Twinkies them over to the table he set them down before getting some glasses and cold soy milk. Ruka smiled as they enjoyed their treats and tea and remembered her task to record the results for her new "journal" as it were noting this was the benchmark.
"What exactly are you going to write?" Kazuya asked half nervously and half laughingly.
Ruka smiled and said, "Dear 'Sexual Diary Records and Evaluations'...today I got intimate with my boyfriend for the first time and I have to say-"
Kazuya burst out laughing. Ruka laughed too and began to honestly record her feelings on a physical level while spoking to Kazuya saying she feels extremely close to him and closer to anyone in her life. Smiling softly she thanked him for taking their journey seriously from both and emotional and a heath-level too.
"I'm nothing special. I'm just doing what you and Dr. Humana said after all," Kazuya said while smiling in a half-goofy way.
"Keep that humility Kazuya, it suits you well. However, I should make two thing things clear: One is not all guys would be able to handle something like this...and the second is sadly I know that personally," Ruka looked down.
Kazuya said not to give her ex or any other guy a second thought. He gave, while perhaps a clichéd line, a genuine thought that was comforting saying he strongly believes they missed out. He admitted he was bias because he experience being in a serious relationship with her, but went onto say they were foolish to give up without seeing it through and in the end he was the lucky one since he was given the chance. Ruka again smiled at him and thanked him.
Towards the end of the evening they watched some of whatever streaming show was popular that month and Ruka nudged Kazuya on the couch when the show ended. Kazuya said he wasn't asleep or anything and asked what she wanted.
Ruka smiled at him and said trying to keep a straight face, "Wanna do some more 'research'?" Kazuya turned beet-red and let himself be led back into his bedroom.
Early the following morning Kazuya called Ruka keeping the promise all men should keep. Ruka met him at his apartment mid-morning for brunch and they decided to walk to Yuuici's deli. Passing through the large field where the 'rat bike' incident Ruka winced and cringed a little. Kazuya held her close saying they'd walk around it.
"I feel it is important to walk past it. I won't let this haunt me," Ruka said.
"It must be upsetting thinking of yourself trapped," Kazuya said expressing his understanding.
"No, it's not that. I was scared, but I mean for you. I keep thinking of the powerless moment I had when I wasn't able to get to you before you fell on your knees and right onto the tailpipes. I was so scared for you and screamed a moment after you passed out. Students across the quad heard me and also called for EMS," Ruka said while shaking a little.
Kazuya held her close saying he was okay and it was thanks to her. He gently took her hand and placed on each of the bandages and said his burns were healing quite well. He told her that his tissue regeneration was noted to be progressing at a good pace by the doctors and he made sure the doctors knew she has assisted in their care. Smiling Kazuya said the scars will go away, the memories remain, and his thanks will be the strongest that she prevented him getting hit and his freeing her. Ruka clung to him strongly while smiling.
Looking forward they suddenly heard the voice of a coed shout, "It's him! It's him! It's 'Humble Hero'! Oh my god! Can I get your photo?"
Both turning around they saw a couple walking over excitedly. The boyfriend vigorously started to shake Kazuya's right hand causing him to immediately feel pain. Ruka pushed him off Kazuya telling him to be careful with some amount of anger.
"I'm sorry for my boyfriend's strength. He's on our baseball team and our star hitter...and he's a huge fan of Kazuya here. Can we get a picture?!" the coed asked.
"Sure. Ruka would you take our photo?" Kazuya asked feeling like a hero.
Ruka smiled and took a photo on her phone and before Ruka could hand it back to her another couple came over to ask the same. This time the boyfriend's congratulations were verbal only and Ruka took another picture smiling. The girlfriend of the second couple said she was lucky to have such a guy and that if she didn't have him she'd surely want a guy like Kazuya. Ruka laughed honestly at that and handed the camera back to the second couple.
Clinging to Kazuya tightly the two walked away and at the edge of the campus three girls all screamed excited to see Kazuya. The ladies were all eager for selfies and Ruka took it in stride as best she could and shook it off as celebrity status for Kazuya's "15 minutes of fame."
Arriving at the deli Yuuci was thrilled to see Kazuya again and immediately ushered the two of them to a table while personally taking their order. Before he left the table he demanded a photo with them to put on his wall of autographs from celebrities who had visited. Before either could say a word he said from both heroes and both need be on the wall. Both smiled and blushed, but allowed photos individually, as a couple, and one with all three taken by the couple seated next to them. The couple at the next table also recognized them and congratulated both of them as a couple having read the article. Ruka felt encouraged she was recognized as part of the story by all present.
Leaving for his apartment Kazuya was stopped at the edge of campus by another group of girls. Ruka held Kazuya's arm tightly and felt herself getting cross on the inside. While she didn't want it to happen that innate part of us with both jealously and feeling threatened grew inside her. Suddenly Ruka felt like a "handler" of a celebrity and quickly ushered him away after a few photos. Kazuya was oblivious to her resentment and happily walked back with her. Once back inside his apartment Ruka calmed as they discussed her study's operation and the surgery which was to take place at the end of the week. A few hours later Kazuya ordered out for some A&W and while he acknowledged he knew he was getting a lot of attention he was sure it would be old news soon enough and looked her straight in the eye as he was saying it. Ruka wasn't sure if he knew she was getting jealous or not, but welcomed it either way. After lunch they eagerly conducted some further "research" and this time heard Hirano give a one-vibrate warning. Ruka smiled and said she was fine and to continue. When their 'research' was over she recorded the her results and said she wants to see him for tea that evening once her shift at Sing Anything Karaoke Village at was over.
On the morning of Ruka's operation Kazuya accompanied her along with her parents. Dr. Humana asked a final time if she wished to undergo this procedure and Ruka agreed, skimmed the paperwork, and signed the three pages including initialing the last. Taking Ruka by his hand Kazuya walked with her to the OR and said he'd be there when she awakens. Dr. Humana bowed to Kazuya and led her Ruka inside the OR, greeted the surgeons with a bow, and told Ruka they'd speak afterwards.
Taken to another room by nurse Yamada for a moment Ruka returned to the OR dressed in a hospital gown, bowed to each of the surgical staff, and got on the table shaking just a little.
"Relax Ruka. It's a simple procedure. I want you breath normally and count down from 10 to 1," the surgeon said as the anesthesiologist put a mask on her face.
Ruka started to as she took a breath, started to count, and all went dark.
A gentle nudging woke Ruka to see the surgeon take off his mask as he said, "Welcome back. The procedure was a success and went exactly as planned. You can get up, but be careful. The stitching is fresh and the bandage with take a few moments to be fully adjusted."
Ruka got up slowly and could feel all he had mentioned. An OR nurse helped her to a room. Once an IV was hooked up she was allowed to see visitors. Kazuya came in first and took right hand by both hands holding softly and welcomed her back.
"The doctors want to observe me for a few hours and then I'll be let go later today," Ruka said weakly as the anesthesia was starting to wear off.
Ruka's parents smiled and said they'd be back in a few hours when she was discharged. Kazuya sat down near the bed as Ruka went back to sleep and never left her side until the nurse and doctors came to do their final check and discharge.
During the first week of classes things progressed at a normal range of activities. The first weekend everyone in Kazuya's gang met up at their local tavern for dinner where the girls took Ruka aside in the ladies' room and pressed for details sure they'd have been intimate by now having heard of the trial. Ruka smiled and got uncharacteristically shy as, unbeknownst to them, Ruka's friends had already given her the same line of questions. Ruka did her best to speak as a lady of their "getting closer" and taking every precaution. The guys, strangely enough, asked minimal questions and were just happy to see their friend happy. During the meal a few more people, both couples and groups of singles of both genders, came up for selfies or expressing their excitement. Ruka was getting more at home with it, but still felt a twinge of jealously and it angered her whenever a girl was excited to get a photo. At the end of the meal Ruka went off to the ladies' room and the group said they'd wait outside. As they walked outside a group of fellow students all saw Kazuya standing with the group.
One of the girls came running up and put her arm around him exclaiming to her friend to take a photo.
"Oh my God! It's 'Humble Hero'! Your photo doesn't do you justice. You're cuter in person!" the first girl said.
Before Kazuya could react the the first girl had her photo taken. A moment later the second girl said something to the same effect and got under Kazuya's arm for a photo. The guys in Kazuya's group were starting to get uneasy knowing Ruka could come out any moment. Kazuya's female friends knowing the same were also quite scared. Fortunately both girls thanked Kazuya, eagerly started texting and Tweeting, and left before anything else happened.
While waiting for their taxis a two slightly buzzed coed grad students came from the down the street spotting Kazuya on the corner.
"Hey! It's the guy. The guy who saved his girlfriend from under the bike. It's the 'Humble Hero.' Come on! Let's get a picture," the first girl said.
Putting her arms around Kazuya she pulled him in for a hug while her friend used her phone snapping a photo. Kazuya was getting scared knowing Ruka would likely be out any minute. All of Kazuya's friends got more uneasy as Kuri and Kobi quickly told the first girl it was time to move on and the girls helped pull her off.
The moment the first girl was off the second girl stood behind Kazuya and hugged him from behind putting her head around his neck saying, "Do your shoulders still hurt? I could massage them for you right now."
All the guys were mortified.
Ruka exited the tavern and saw the group. She was, as anyone would expect, furious at the fan-girl. Running up to the girl she told her to let go and gave her a "little help." Seeing Kazuya's mortified look she knew he didn't do anything to invite the girl's behavior. Ruka quickly saw the girls were obviously "buzzed" to say the least, but in reality were on that level of drunkenness that they wouldn't remember anything which had happened the day or vehemently deny it could possibly have occured.
The first girl slurred a greetings as she came very close to Ruka, enough so she could smell the beer on her breath and said, "Oh wow, look! It's the 'push princess' ...we heard you pushed Kazuya out of the way saving him. You're a hero too. Wanna join our sorority? You should pledge."
Ruka pushed her away with just a little aggression and said to move along once again feeling like a celebrity's handler.
The second girl once again hugged Kazuya from behind and even looked a little possessive and said to Ruka, "You ever have trouble 'thanking him' you give me a call. We can do it together."
Ruka felt Hirano suddenly give a two-vibrate twice out of no where. Ruka felt her jaw drop and swiftly smacked the girl telling her to scram.
The girl giggled and said, "Honey do that again and we'll go back to my place right now."
Hirano gave a three-vibrate warning and again the audible warning came over it. Kazuya's female friends restrained Ruka while Kuri and Kobi quickly yanked-escorted-the girl away. Ruka growled and stood in front of Kazuya like a lioness. Kazuya felt any moment he'd be attacked, but Ruka knew this wasn't his doing. Feeling aggravated and very on edge she gently put Kazuya's arms around her from behind in a hug and smiled as she felt herself calming. A moment later she felt Hirano give a single-vibrate warning confirming her pulse had slowed.
The group said this would blow over soon especially with the semester getting into swing. After walking down the street for ice cream Ruka had calmed to just happily holding hands with Kazuya. The moment Ruka let go to check Hirano's data for the last twenty minutes one of the group's females grabbed Kazuya and ushered him over to a local sidewalk vendor and told him to get Ruka a flower. Kazuya took the advice and brought back to Ruka an Iris who smiled warmly. Ruka blushed a little, thanked him, and gave him a kiss on the cheek to the group's appreciation as she happily took his arm. Once at the ice cream truck Ruka pulled the girls aside and said this better die down fast because she didn't know if her body could literally keep going. The girls nodded sadly appreciating what she meant.
Once back at Kazuya's place that night he made fresh ginseng tea and sat down with Ruka thanking her for being understanding. Ruka said she knew this wasn't his doing and expressed her hopes this dies down fast worried, as she told the girls, she doesn't know how much her body can take. Ruka smiled, but hid from him her growing concerns. It wasn't even concerns Kazuya would be temped, but more her own knowing her heart may not be able to take it knowing, once again, a sub-conscious response to protect her interests—like an animal fighting off other animals wishing to take it's food—could put her in a bad position. She quickly pulled out Hirano's records over the last hour. She noted she was able to stay awake during the entire encounter with the girls and never felt faint for a moment. While very angry she realized her vision never started to darken or her body shake. She wondered if it was the doing of the PRE's abilities. She smiled to Kazuya and relayed her thoughts. Immediately thereafter she reached across the table and took Kazuya's face in her both of her hands and kissed him saying they have "research" which needs to be continued. Kazuya smiled and seeing "Rocket Ruka" turning into "Research Ruka" and said he hopes this is about love too.
"Come on 'Jitterbug'...I wouldn't have anyone over you for my 'research'...come on 'lab partner'...there is 'evaluating' which needs to be conducted," Ruka said while smiling.
"I want to change my name for you. You're not my 'Blueberry Muffin", too tame a name. You're my "Tusami"—you flow with great energy and waves of blue like the ribbon in your hair. Come on 'Tsuami' - time to 'make some waves'," Kazuya said with a goofy smile.
Ruka smiled at him and grabbed his hand and ran to the bedroom.
Twenty minutes later Mizuhara angrily tried covering her ears with the pillow cursing the paper-thin walls in his building. The walls may have allowed Kazuya to hear the soft noise of a shower, but did nothing to prevent the sound of "research" being conducted.
The following morning at the breakfast table Mami's father looked at her with angry eyes.
"Your little 'revelation' with your boyfriend didn't go so well did it? You get him angry at your showing you know nothing about him all while attempting to embarrass some ex at the movie theatre? Why would you do that?! Your little offer is void now! I don't know why you had some impulse to possibly embarrass your ex. What purpose would it serve? In doing so you sealed your own fate. Was it worth it?! If you wanted this to fail, and I am sure you did, you could have gone about it another way. The fact he cheated on you is reprehensible, but I feel you spurred this on. It was your fault due to your little spiteful quest. I'd rethink your process in the future for your own dealings. If you have goals make sure you go about them with precision next time. Make a plan, don't act impulsively. Mami, perhaps, you could make this a learning moment," Mami's father said.
"Dad! I feel-" Mami plead before her father put his hand up stopping her.
"I have no obligation to keep your offer. You messed up...pretty badly. You're staying here and following my rules until you show me you have the ability to move out and be on your own or with the ex who's family owns the liquor store. At least that is a business. Did you decide to be with him to scare off that boyfriend you found 'boring'? That doesn't matter as that business cut off all contact with me!" Mami's father shouted.
"Dad! He's lying! He cheated on me and I was merely talking to my friends at the movie theatre. He's lying! He couldn't keep it in his pants!" Mami shouted.
"Okay. Fine. Tell me when he started to play the flute. I know he's proud of it," Mami's father asked.
"He was in primary school dad," Mami said.
"That was a trick question Mami! Come clean next time. He doesn't play the flute," Mami's father said shaking his head.
Mami rolled her eyes and said, "Fine. I lied. Dad I still don't want-"
"You have three options as I see it: Find a boyfriend who has business interests, show me you can survive on your own, or wait until I find you 'good man.' Mami, you do know not all men of powerful families are jerks right? There are those who live well and yet live lives of culture and philanthropy right? They are benefactors to numerous groups and do great things with their wealth. Rockefeller took his money from Exon Mobile and donated lots of his land and they are parks to this day in the United States. I don't want your brother trying to sponge off you for life, I just want you to be well with an opportunity so few truly will receive," Mami's father said with somewhat of a softer tone.
Mami accepted her new challenge and agreed to not attempt at sabotage seeing as her own attempts to do so were a "miscalculation" at best. Her father finished by saying if she accomplishes either finding a good man on her own or showing him she had financial freedom he can see about setting up a stipend for her brother with a strict understanding he is never to approach her and assured her it would be minimal so he'd have to work hard and it wouldn't last more than a few years. Knowing he could be proud of his daughter he further said he would make her executor of his estate after donating the mammoth share to the charity of her choice and adjust his will. Mami proudly accepted her new challenge or "opportunity" as her father insisted she call it.
Three weeks later Kazuya exited his apartment one morning to find Mizuhara waiting dressed in her college persona. The moment he exited the door she ran up to him and hugged him giggling saying that she and Kage had been happily been dating and she felt like she's getting to experience so much of her middle school and high school life dating she never had the chance to experience. She asked him to pass onto Ruka her thanks. Kazuya said she was quite welcome and would do so and told her to make sure they attend the next support group meeting as Ruka and her troupe were performing.
On Saturday Sumi joined Ruka and Kazuya at the door to the aquarium just a little nervous. Sumi had never been set up on a blind date before, but was happy it would be a "group thing." Kazuya assured Sumi they'd be right there and that he'd met the guy who would be joining them before at one of Ruka's support group meetings. Ruka knew she likely couldn't pull the "the person you were to meet couldn't make it tonight" trick with Sumi knowing it wouldn't be any different that a standard intro. At exactly the agreed time a boy walked up to the group and greeted Ruka and Kazuya before turning to Sumi and saying the description of her beauty didn't do her justice and she's far prettier than he imagined. That was all it took for Sumi to turn the color of the setting sun.
"Sumi I'd like to introduce you to Gogin," Ruka said with a smile.
Sumi quickly summoned every bit of courage in her mind and said,"H-hi. I'm...I'm pleased to meet you."
As the four took off Sumi was tempted to take his hand at that moment, but just smiled and bowed as he held the door for her.
Inside the aquarium Sumi stood with her "date" Gogin listening to lessons about the various fish, but wasn't really listening despite looking at the glass. Sumi and Gogin kept catching each other smiling at one another as they stood behind Kazuya and Ruka. Although she didn't see it she could almost feel the warmth from Sumi having a good time due to her own body's reaction at a sub-conscious level. During the rest of the time they wondered together until they came to the largest enclosure, newly built outside, where dolphins swam. At that moment Sumi started talking about her love of them to her Gogin to Kazuya's shock and delight. Ruka couldn't help but smile. After talking about aquatic life the boy began to speak of his dog. The four of them got a snack from the cafeteria and sat outside. Sumi had gotten a little quieter and so did the Gogin, but both contributed to the conversation.
At the end of their time the group walked with Sumi to the subway station stairs.
"Sumi! Wait...I uh...I have a little something for you. I hope...I hope you like it! I really do," Gogin said sweating bullets the size of marbles.
"What is it?" Sumi asked with gentle inquisitive eyes.
Gogin handed her a small silver chain for her wrist with little dolphins the size of large grains of rice that he had gotten at the gift shop.
Despite being 19, Gogin turned red as he looked down and said, "I... I... hope you like it. I would have gotten your earrings. But I know you don't have pierced ears and-"
Sumi turned red again and said, "I love it. Thank you. Maybe I will get my ears pierced another time. Maybe you'd come with me. I mean, if you want to come, I uh-"
"I'd love to come. Maybe get tea too," Gogin said.
Ruka and Kazuya smiled at each other and Ruka gave him a look of wonder that she may actually have some skill. Taking Kazuya's arm she led him towards the subway newsstand downstairs saying they were grabbing an Ocari and asked if either wanted one, but neither reacted. After parting ways with Gogin Sumi ran down the steps of the station and hugged both Ruka and Kazuya especially hard and said that Gogin and she, without any shock to the two of them, exchanged numbers and would be seeing each other for tea tomorrow. Sumi thanked Kazuya again for help getting a little less shy and Ruka for introductions.
On Sunday afternoon Ruka and Kazuya entered the carnival where Kuri was with Mizuhara on their date.
"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Kazuya asked.
"There's only one way to find out. I know that sounds clichéd, but what's in my mind will only become my own reality. I can't let myself feel scared. I don't feel scared. I feel curious, adventurous. I want to try it. I have you at my side, I am not scared," Ruka said with endearing eyes.
Kazuya nodded and they walked to the the little train which runs around the park to get a look at the rides. Ruka held onto Kazuya's arm the entire time feeling great. Following that they decided to try the "flying voyage" over the park Kuri went with Mizuhara as he told her of his concerns about being too boyish. Ruka gasped happily at the height and held onto Kazuya feeling her heart beating fast, but felt no warning. When they came to a small roller-coaster which never flipped Ruka went boldly with him and felt Hirano give a single-vibrate warning, but she didn't flinch. Kazuya smiled seeing her enjoy herself with a large smile.
After a break with some ice cream Ruka told Kazuya she wants to try the haunted house. Kazuya had his reservations, but Ruka plead with him saying he was right there and it wasn't like they were going on a twisting, strap-yourself-in, roller-coaster. After getting a gentle smile and nod when he asked if she was sure the two walked boldly to the haunted house.
Early in the haunted house a realistic bat flew by causing Ruka to laugh. Further down the path a pyrotechnic fire shot up and all around a tomb causing Ruka to gasp and felt Hirano give a single-vibrate warning. Kayuya heard it and held her hand. Suddenly the tomb opened and a realistic animatronic vampire body started to get out. Ruka screamed while laughing, grabbed Kazuya pulling him close, and Kazuya felt a two-vibrate warning from Hirano making him start to worry. He asked Ruka if she wanted to continue or walk back the way they came. Ruka laughed and plead with him to see more. Kazuya shook his head and said the moment she wants to go back they can.
Venturing further down the path a severed head swung by causing Ruka to really scream even though she did it happily. Suddenly Kazuya felt Hirano's three-vibrate warning and heard the audio warning. Kazuya cursed himself for allowing her to proceed and prepared to catch Ruka getting ready to tell people she was okay when he saw her face showing a clear strain.
"Come on...c...COME ON!" Ruka said as she grit her teeth and stayed on her feet. Staying that way she took a deep breath and shook her head a little while laughing. Kazuya was amazed but happy and was quite happy when Ruka said she'd seen enough. With his arm around Ruka they went back the way they came, not wanting to push it any further.
Once outside Ruka jumped for joy to the strange looks of people seeing someone cheer outside a haunted house. Kazuya quickly said to some onlookers she'd conquered her fears which made people smile and a few applaud. Ruka blushed and bowed before grabbing Kazuya and leading him to a food vendor and getting a hotdog while she shook happily from excitement.
"You sure you don't want a crepe for 'sweet success' Iris?" Kazuya asked with a smile.
"No, my Jitterbug, not now. I feel powerful. I want to tear into meat and feel stronger. Laugh all you want, but you have no idea how powerful and great I feel. I am shaking with excitement. Thanks for going with me. I feel I've truly done some 'leveling up' today," Ruka said as she bit into the hotdog and said they should get a burger to share later.
Kazuya laughed and shook his head as he took Ruka's hand.
"What happened back there!? I was very scared for a few moments," Kazuya asked with concern.
"I could feel it. I could feel it. It wanted to me to crash, it was attempting to shut me down. My PPS was about to overload me, but I grit my teeth determined not to allow it. I could feel the PRE keeping me from passing out. I am not going to push it again today Kazuya, I promise. However, I could feel it inside me. It was like we were together as one each working towards a common goal. I am shivering at the thought. Look!" Ruka held up her hand and Kazuya took it feeling it shaking. Finishing their time at the park with some much less exciting activities they left hand in hand and headed back to Kazuya's apartment.
The following week Ruka and Kazuya continued their research as well as classes. During some "sessions" they got Hirano to go to a two-vibrate warning and Kazuya said they should slow down. Ruka wasn't going to heed to any such advice and pushed Kazuya saying next time to try for a three-vibrate warning.
On Thursday evening they attended Ruka's support group and were happy to see Kage, Chizuru, Sumi, and Gogin. After the session's normal proceedings everyone sat down to watch Ruka's comedy troupe performance.
Ruka sat down one a chair set up on their makeshift stage with a table and looked at a member of her all-girl troupe walking up pretending to be at a local restaurant at lunch time.
"What can I get for you?" the first girl asked Ruka.
"I am really thirsty, I could use a drink. Do you have any soda today?" Ruka asked.
The children all giggled figuring they knew what would happen next.
"I'm sorry, we're fresh out of soda, is there anything else I can get you?" the first member asked again.
Ruka started to think and opened an imaginary menu when the first girl smashed a bottle over her head sending shards of break-away glass everywhere. Everyone laughed and Ruka looked angry.
"You said you were out of soda! What gives?!" Ruka exclaimed.
"I said we were out of soda, but I have soda bottles. I am out of patience too. You're the third person who wanted one today!" the first member of the troupe said.
"What happened with the other two customers?" Ruka asked.
Another girl suddenly walked out on stage and broke a break-away glass plate over the first girl and exclaimed, "I made sure to keep my plate so I could serve up my anger at her rudeness! Revenge is a dish best served cold!"
Everyone laughed and the little girls who brought in newspaper articles cheered.
The first girl said, "The two of you are terrible. Thank goodness the other customer left. She was angry when I said we have only empty bottles and pointed to the trash. She said something about how angry she was at me. I can't remember why though."
Suddenly a third member of the troupe ran on stage and smashed another prop-bottle against the first girl and yelled, "I said you should recycle them! Oh no...I am going to need to sweep up these shards off the ground. I need a broom."
A forth member pretending to be another waitress said, "Here's a broom, but you're going to need to clean up two bottles."
The third girl asked what did she mean when the forth member said, "You'll need to clean this bottle up too!"
The forth member slammed a prop-bottle against the third member's head to laugher and cheers. Ruka's group all held hands and bowed. Ruka asked to the girls in the front row if they hope they'll change the style of their routines. The girls all shook their heads laughing. Ruka and her troupe knew they'd find other skits they could perform, but always needed to bring at least one bottle since it always get a laugh.
Kazuya and Kage couldn't stop laughing. Chizuru giggled and laughed aloud when she saw the final blow from the second "waitress," Gogin was a little scared to laugh in front of Sumi, but quickly stopped when he saw her laughingly hard enough to need a drink of water. He laughed hard while she took his hand unseen by anyone.
Arriving back at his apartment Ruka and Kazuya bid Mizuhara goodnight.
"Ruka hold up a moment please," Mizuhara said as she gave Kazuya that look when one wants privacy.
Kazuya nodded and went inside his apartment.
"What is it Mizuhara?" Ruka asked.
"You may call me 'Chizuru' from now on. Kage calls me that now. I really like him, thanks again for the intro. I have a little something I wanted to give you," Mizuhara said.
Ruka smiled and said,"Oh you don't need to give me-"
Mizuhara stopped her and said in an awkward manor, "No, please. I want to give you this and want you to listen to the next time you and Kazuya are...um...uh..."
Ruka looked at Mizuhara strangely and told her to slow down. Mizuhara didn't know what to do when she finally just decided to show her something on her phone. Ruka rolled her eyes and turned red agreeing that she'd be sure to use it whenever they see her light on or boots, shoes, or such outside her door. Sending it to Ruka's phone Mizuhara bowed and headed back into her unit. She then handed her a small box with two brand new Bluetooth speakers about the size of large cans of soup. Ruka blushed and thanked her.
Sitting down for tea Ruka said Mizuhara had a gift for her which was actually was actually for the two of them.
"She gave me something. She gave me a music playlist she made specifically for us. It's some of the loudest rock'n'roll groups and heavy metal bands I've ever seen," Ruka said blushing.
Kazuya took a minute wondering why she thought he'd like that kind of music.
Kazuya wondered aloud, "If she wanted to make us music why didn't she chose something she knows we'd both like?"
Ruka looked at him with smile and looked towards the wall shared with Mizuhara's unit causing Kazuya's mouth to drop.
Ruka rolled her eyes and said, "Yes, it's music for the next time we 'research' together. Speaking of which I am ready to do 'additional testing' of the PRE. Are you?"
Kazuya heard a lion's roar in his mind and gave an almost evil smile and took Ruka's hand with a strong nod. Ruka was taken aback for a moment, but saw the vision of a panther pouncing on prey in her head. Ruka brought up the new playlist on her phone, turned on the Bluetooth speakers, and smiled when Kazuya looked her over with almost ravenous eyes.