A/N: My apologies for the long wait for this chapter! I have been busy with real-life things and I haven't had the chance to focus truly on writing due to changing times which is ironic because... well you know lol

Recently we gained some new members to our discord and I'd like to give a special shout to Tatsumi, I know you are reading this mate lol I hope you enjoy this chapter! :)

Errrrrr yeah... If you want to join the fanfic community discord please add me or check my bio for link: Kano #3425


Original Story by Imherepresent.

Chapter 219: Blossiming

It is on early morning. It was around fifteen minutes later or so after awkward incident between Ichika and Charlotte, the incident where he almost caught his female friend undressed. Ichika currently sit at the dining room table where he eating the breakfast that Charlotte Aunt Claire has provided to him. Ichika doesn't speak much while the older woman remain in the kitchen which visible to the guests that sitting around the table.

However, Ichika is not the only person who sitting and enjoying the exotic breakfast at the table. Tatenashi Sarashiki, Kanzashi Sarashiki,Emelia Moretti, Houki Shinonono, Huang Lingyin and Marika Hanania also sitting around the table. Each one of them sits in slight distance with each other next to them

The girls and Ichika are wearing casual attire. The Clothes that has been picked by Claire and the maids that tended the Dunois household when the homeowners were absent.

The sunshine remains bright and just starts to grow as the temperature warming up.

Houki in particular has finished her breakfast and has moved on to drink the cup of tea that placed beside her. The steamy aroma spread through the dining room as she picks it up by the handle.

As she has not even a slightest intention to burn her hand

"So, when exactly do we go back? I must admit that I am starting to feel a little eager to go back." Tatenashi smile as she pushes her plate to the side.

"Aren't you the one that said that you don't want to go back yet as you will be buried by your "president" duties after we got back, Kaichou-San?" Marika huffed while raising her eyebrows as she saw tatenashi's change of heart

"Thanks for reminding me." Tatenashi sigh as she imagines the enormous amount of work she would have to do after they return to Academy.

"Perhaps going back to the academy is like a sense of normality for me?" Ichika ask as he feels the same.

"Yeah honestly I don't know what it is. In those four walls, it's feels like I have a purpose to do and when I was outside sometime I feel lost, like I don't know what should I do for myself. Im not bragging but there Is not many things that could hold me back." Tatenashi brag

Ichika notice that his blue-haired senpai for some reason has a different attitude today.

He becomes mildly interested on her.

"That sound unlike your normal self, usually you were always a step ahead of us." Houki point out the fact as she joins the conversation.

"I can't always be a step ahead. Sometimes you have to slightly fall behind to see the cards dealt by the game of life... Speaking of which!~" Tatenashistand up from her wooden chair with a Cheshire cat grin on her face as she walk around the table.

"You say that but your gracefulness and elegance put you one step ahead from some of us." Kanzashi compliment Houki with a warm smile.

"Thank you." Houki appreciate her compliment.

"Ichika-kun~"

Tatenashi stop behind Ichika's chair while He lightly sips his cup of coffee before slightly turn his head around. Tatenashi feel her friends gaze on her as they grow weary of her antics. She slowly put her arms around him as her face got closer to his.

"I...I... Yes?" Ichika lightly blush as he doesn't know what Tatenashi planned to do

"!"

"!"

"!"

The glares they got from the rest from the girls are enough to make Ichika shudder, while Tatenashi feel enjoyment as she know how to tug the girl's heartstrings. Because she and the others are in love with Ichika, and the last thing they want to see is the other girl fawn all over him.

"Ichika-kun~~ , Shall we go have 'fun' somewhere else? Perhaps….just the two of us….alone?~" Tatenashi stare at Ichika with a teasing smile.

"Absolutely not!" Rin bang her hand against the table.

'What have I got myself into already...? It's way too early for this... girl...'

Ichika has no idea from where the trouble was coming. He wonders whether or not that he was a magnet that attracted troublesome women around him? At very least it is a possibility

Given by the looks of the other girls including Rin, it seems like they are clearly bothered by tatenashi's teasing. At very least Ichika recognized that.

"Ehhhh? Why not? What I and Ichika-kun do is not up to you?" Ichika chose to remain silent while Tatenashi retaliate against Rin.

"Because you will try to do lecherous things to Ichika when I haven't even gotten to do yet!" Rinstanding up straight and face her enemy.

His second childhood friend flies right over him, while Ichika take another sip.

"And what makes you think you can do perverted things to Ichika without say from the rest of us? Or better yet why this is even a conversation?" Houki warily raises her eyebrows

She doesn't trust Tatenashi or Rin around Ichika in one bit. She know that they will try to make a move and get ahead the rest

'Too bad, that they don't know that I have gotten further ahead than all of them.'

Houki slightly smile as the image of her and Ichika having 'fun' in the past cross her mind. It has made her happy when they indulged on each other want and need back then, she wonder when will it happen again, when will they indulge against each other just like before.

"Oh my….what is this ruckus all about?"

A voice is coming from behind. The girls and Ichika are turning their head around to face the woman behind them.

"Cecilia? Weren't you training?" Ichika said with a small smile.

"'Was training' Ichika-san. The other girls are finishing their training and will be joining us shortly. I left early because I was the first one to start training before them." Cecilia Alcott speaks elegantly while she walks past Ichika and houki before picking her seat.

All eyes currently are on the blonde beauty.

"I hope you have a good account of yourself Cecilia. It would be irritating to hear that you go easy on the younger girls." Houki narrow her eyes at Marika and Emelia.

"She did give a very account of herself if I may add." Marika interrupt Houki and releases a small cough.

"And exactly how do you know that?" Houki raise her eyebrows as all eyes turned to the young princess. Including Cecilia who warmly smiles.

"Hmph! This princess does not to need to explain herself! However, consider you want to know that badly, I will show some wisdom and explain it to you Houki-san… and the reason is simple! Just like my noble self, Cecilia-san is a woman who holds herself in highest regard. If we hold ourselves back training, how could we show how truly elegance we are" Marika high esteem and cute side starting to seep out from her words and action

"How cute~" Cecilia gush out while she look at Marika warmly.

"Hmph! Do…..don't get the wrong idea!" Marika pout at her older friend.

Ichika watch with pleased expression as he and his friends has getting along well without any issues. Actually Ichika could not remember any time when their relationship has hit a rocky road. Could that something that will happen in the future? Ichika doesn't wish to think about it right now

Cecilia continues to cause some fuss over Marika cuteness. The tanned Arabian princess doesn't not like the attention given by Cecilia who treats her like a little girl, while the other girls chatting with each other without care

Ichika smile.

Unknown him there is a certain woman who has keep he eye on him as she tend the plates in the kitchen.

"Oh everyone~" a chirpy voice spring out as she walk to the dining room where they have gathered.

The familiar voice of the woman is the same woman that has introduced Ichika and the girls into Charlotte's home, the house that has passed on her after charlotte's mother death. Charlotte's Aunt Claire is standing in the doorway leading to the dining room from the kitchen where she cooks their breakfast.

""""Yes?""""

Ichika and the girls all said out loud.

"How was the breakfast I made for you? Do you like it?" Claire questioned as she hold a wooden spoon in her hand.

"It was great!"

"It was Amazing! You must have perfected the art of cooking."

"Indeed! The tea was lovely too."

"It tastes just like a mother's cooking."

Claire's cheeks went slightly red at the praise for the cooking that she has put lot of effort, she is glad that she has made the food that her niece friend's enjoyed, Proven by various empty plates and the empty cups on table. Claire is glad that they enjoy their breakfast.

She notices that Ichika has yet to say anything as he only admires the girls around him. Claire wonders what kind of relationship he has with the beautiful girls around him. Claire want the boy to get hitch with her niece however she haven't consider the feelings of Ichika and the girls and the other girls she hasn't meet yet at the academy.

'So that is how it is going to be? How interesting...'

Claire slightly smirks as she made a plan for Ichika and her niece to get closer.

"Say Ichika Orimura?" Claire speaks sweetly.

"Please, don't use my full name it feels a little too formal," Ichika answer with a small smile.

"If it wouldn't bother you, could you do a little favor for me? I am sure someone as big and strong as you could handle it." Claire walks forward and get closer to the table. The eyes of the girls gather around her as she gets closer.

"Me?... Yes?" Ichika wryly smile.

"I want your help with some of the wood for the fireplace and I want you to put some extra wood in the storage shed for later use."

The wood she mentioned has been cut by the Dunois family worker; however He has long gone for a break.

"Oh, of course." Ichika accept Claire's quest for his help as he stand up.

"Let me help!"

"Me too!"

"I can help if you want me to?"

Houki, Rin, and Emelia are all standing up and offering her help to Ichika, however Claire quickly denied their offers and smile at their kind gesture.

"It's alright girls. Ichika here will do it quickly and then you can have him back."

Ichika turn to the other girls swiftly and give them a reassuring look, before he walks past Claire. The older woman follows behind him while the girls remain silence and accepted the fact that their help are not needed. On the other hand, Claire has another idea popping on her mind as she eerily trailed Ichika with a wicked grin on her face

'Don't worry my dear niece! ~ I'll give you the little push you need!'

Claire let Ichika walk to the exit while she goes upstairs toward Charlotte's room with her mini plan going underway

(Scene Change)

"Hmmmmmm~"

The familiar figure of a woman with rabbit ears who humming continuously as she walk across the cold concrete floor. Several pieces of technology in various size were laid around, from the large sized tech like IS systems prototypes or smaller pieces like several gadgets she has built in the past. Some of then has collected dust while the others were no longer being used by the rabbit eared woman.

The lights several meters high are shining on her as if she is the only occupant inside the large fortified room. The rabbit eared woman Tabane Shinonono currently pressing the keypad full of numbers and letter to open the door.

What is behind that door?

In the past, Tabane has several unfinished projects and several project without use and purposes. The old project she was worked was during the time when she and Chifuyu worked together as partner, the time when Chifuyu still active as IS pilot. Tabane has plan in her mind and she want to use her of project for that.

'Ikkun's Reiki's... Chi-chan's Reiki's...'

Tabaneis one of the few people that know about orimura family and their [Reiki], She as known about it for some time, and since then her brilliant mind has think about how to counter the [Reiki].

[Access granted: Welcome Miss Tabane Shinonono]

The heavily fortified door automatically opened up and Tabane feel the cold air from the tightly locked room as she enters.

It takes around few seconds as the light being turn on, and as soon as they did as she expected Tabane starting to see several long shelves which still stocked with several gadgets and projects from the past.

Not long ago Tabane has considered scrapping the whole room full of gadget, as it's been a long time since she messed with them. Some part of her glad that she hasn't done so in the end. Perhaps she could use her old parts to make a new creation for her and her friends benefit. Or more importantly the benefit of the certain man in her mind

His face pop in her mind for few moments.

She warmly smiles.

Regardless…Tabane doesn't come inside the room full of her old project for one part which she need. It's like she could use multiple old projects to make new ones. The updated Tech she has yet to make.

"Hmmmmm….Hmmmmm!~"

Tabane run her hand across the cold metal surface of the shelves while being mindful to not mess with her previous works. Few bit of dust has gathered on her finger but she soon just rubs it off as she keeps humming.

Soon Tabane stop at the end of the shelves, she stands in front of the gadget she has been looking for. Or to be specific two Gadgets that were on her mind lately.

The rabbit eared woman carefully pick the tech by her side and lifted on top the second piece, and then she carefully pick them both as she make sure to not set any trigger off.

'I can imagine Ikkun praising me after I create this mega-awesome device~ What an amazing thought!~'

Tabaneturn around and walk toward the door. Her body moves on autopilot as she move to the main control room.

"Is that you, Tabane-sama?" Chloe said.

Suddenly Chloe Chronicle appears from the corners of the large and vast tech room. Although she was slightly surprised Tabane, grin at the younger girl.

"Of course it is me! ~ Who else do you expect to be?" Tabane looking at Chloe.

Chloe trail behind her.

"Sorry, I don't know what I was thinking. It should be obvious that it was you Tabane-sama." Chloe look over briefly and see what Tabane was carrying.

"It's fine Kuu-chan! I thought you would have keep yourself occupied than to talk to little old me? ~" Tabane walk across the platform that led to the central room.

"I have finished what I was doing. I had sent the private jet to France, to the location of Ichika-sama and the other girls with him."

"What is the ETA?"

"Approximately around early hours tomorrow. In the central European summertime standards."

"Goodie! ~ I'll see Ikkun myself after he returns!"

"For what exactly?" Chloe is curious on why Tabane want to see the IS student.

"A woman doesn't need a reason to visit the man she loves! You will understand one day after you find someone you love." Tabanegiggleas she leaves a confused Chloe alone.

'Love? Miss Tabane loves IchikaOrimura? That is not expected.'

Chloe is feeling quite surprised by the sudden confession of the woman who considered to be one of the smartest in the world.

"By the way Kuu-chan..."

"Yes?"

"I'm looking to build something from my previous works. After my encounter with Chi-chan's not-so-nice sisters, I decide that we need something to stand a chance against them!" Tabane as lively as ever as she spoke, Chloe understand what she was saying and agreed.

"Are you thinking about a device for us to use against the Orimura sisters?" Chloe raise her eyebrow.

"I'm not sure yet~" Tabane give a short reply.

"I see. It's better for us to inform Shiori-sama and Chifuyu-sama before we make any decision to see if they could help us. With their extensive knowledge, they could provide a tremendous help for us out if they are willing to help." Chloe look at Tabane who look down.

"When I visit Ikkun I plan on telling Chi-chan and I will tell Shi-chan after she gets here!~"

Tabane stop for a few seconds as the automatic door open. Once the doors open she and Chloe resume walking until they reach the holographic screen that was still on from Tabane's work a while ago.

"What about Ichika? Do you plan to say anything to him about this?"

"No, Ikkun does not need to know about something that still in theory right now! Ikkun has other priorities too! I wouldn't want to add to that to his plate." Tabane's expression change into realization before turning sad.

"You really care for Ichika Orimura that much?" Chloe doesn't understand Tabane's feelings but she feel glad to see that Tabane has someone she cares.

Chloe feel happy for Tabane. She has known Tabane for long time and in all the years of knowing her, Tabane only has one obsession which is the creations that she has built and the one she will build in the future.

Although this made Chloe think for few moment.

'What so special about IchikaOrimura that all of the girls, including Tabane-sama and Chifuyu-sama interested in?'

She has heard and seen the other girls around Ichika Orimura and every time she sees, she could see as clear as day that there is a passionate affection on every woman she has seen. That brought a question to her mind.

'What is Ichika Orimura and why is he so loved?'.

"Of course! ~ when you love someone you want to do anything for them."

"You want to do anything for Ichika Orimura?" Chloe raise her eyebrow. Tabane lift herself up to the seat where holographic screen rested.

Tabane pause for few moments to think. Chloe look at her and see the fruitful and thoughtful look on Tabane's face. Tabane for once look like she is thinking about her own words. Chloe smile to herself for giving Tabane something to think. She wonders what kind of feelings Tabane has for the young man? Is it a platonic love like sister and brother?

Or is it something more?

"Anyway, Kuu-chan~ I'll be taking all of this to my room for further building! Tell Shi-chan to come and see me when she comes back!" Tabane dodge Chloe's question before stepping down.

Chloe wonder if she hit Tabane nerve.

She desperately wants to ask but she refrains from upsetting Tabane if she really did hit her nerve.

"I understand Tabane-sama. I hope you have a good rest for your night, In case I don't see you tomorrow."

"See ya!~"

Chloe doesn't want to press more issues. Instead, she know she has some things to do for now. Chloe currently thinking about communicating with Shiori about Tabane issues while she and Tabane walk away from each other. The younger girl is walking toward a metal door.

'Perhaps Shiori-sama would like to hear this.'

Chloe know that Shiori is also another woman who was involved with Ichika and Tabane, she wonder if Shiori know about Tabane affection for Ichika?

It's definitely possible.

Chloe herself know that Shiori wonderful mind is never to be doubted.

If Chloe consider herself as clever, Tabane is a genius, then Shiori….?

She is on a whole new level, a something else entirely.

(Scene Change)

"What exactly are you cooking?" a curious voice sounded behind Rin who are busily cooking

"Food." The currently busy Chef Rin answer shortly

"I know that you are cooking food Rin-dono, but what is the food you are cooking? Especially when we just feasted a morning breakfast not too long ago from Claire-Oobaue Dono(Honorable aunt Claire)." Shinobu Kirigakure curiously tilts her head to the side as she look over Rin's shoulder

"This food is not for be eaten now you silly, I want to cook something for someone special, I want them to taste whether they like it or not." Rin imagine Ichika eating and enjoying her cooking. Though that image quickly followed with romantic scenes

After seeing Rin funny face Shinobu has a different thought

'That Special-dono must have an interesting shape, I never thought Rin-dono could making some strange face while cooking'

Lucky for this dimwitted Kunoichi that Rin has no mind reading power otherwise, Shinobu will get another bump in her silly head.

"Who would this for Rin-dono? May I join your quest too?" Shinobu stand beside Rin with determination as she picks another wooden spoon in reverse Grip.

"Not yet." Rin remain stern.

"Eh? Why not?! May I know the reason for your refusal?"

"Because I said so."

"But Rin-dono, I wanted to help!" Shinobu whine, while jumping around like rabbit. Making Rin twitch as she see Shinobu boobs bouncing

Rin release a loud groan, she wonder why did she put a fight with Shinobu. This younger girl is always the one to stick her nose to someone else business. In some ways she admires Shinobu, but in this current moment. She wants to focus on her cooking and she unable to do so when she has a kunoichi consistently on her ear.

The older girl could see the stars in Shinobu's eyes which disappear in brief moment. However the huge grin remains on Shinobu face, the same grin that distracted and disillusions her.

Rinknow how energetic Shinobu is so she has to think of something to distract her while she focuses on the main course. Perhaps the ninja girl could focus on the side dish for later in the day.

It certainly a good idea...

"How about you make something like a dessert for later and put it in the fridge?" Rin raise her spoon and close one of her eye as she lick a crumb from it.

"Ehhhh? Why would I want to make dessert?" Shinobu raise her eyebrows in confusion.

"Because most people, like you and me would want to have something light to eat later. Im not cooking dessert, because for now this dish would take a few hours." Rin'lightly' smack the wooden spoon on Shinobu's head while mentally note to wash it up. No need to infect the food with strange ninja germs from Shinobu's head

"I understand!" Stars starting to light up in Shinobu eyes, her eyes slightly teary from Rin are hit and her head has gotten another bump on a foreign soil

"You do?"

"Yes! I will make the dessert to be consumed later in the day and you will make a feast to be enjoyed by the whole household! If I make my dessert big enough, it can be split 50/50." Shinobu shrugging her shoulders.

'…it's against my better judgment but at least it will get her out of my hair.'

"...I... Yes! That's perfect! Go ask Claire-san if you can join me to prepare something for later." Rin lightly smile before breezing past the younger girl.

"OU!degozaru!"

*SWISHHH*

Shinobu quickly disappear like a wind without any footsteps to be heard.

Rin turn the cold tap and pull a cloth to wipe the disciplinary wooden spoon which she used on Shinobu earlier. The kitchen feels quiet just like before Shinobu appear, For once Rin feel the calm sound of quietness.

"Ah... this is pure bliss." Rin lightly smiled as she stares at her cooking

"What's pure bliss?"

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

...

Rin soul jumped out from her skin as she heard the sudden whisper from the voice which disturbed her peaceful State.

Who's the one that dare to frighten her when she is busy?

"Hahahahahahah!" A feminine giggle resounded as Rin recovers from her frightened state.

"Why would you do that!? And why are you even here in the first place!?" Rin irritatingly speak while she caught her breath, she feel like she has just run a mile or two.

"I was bored so I have some help getting here. Or more like I am someone who help... well, It doesn't matter~." The familiar figure of Lee Yu Na pauses.

"You help...? You know what? I don't even care." Rin face palmed.

"Awwwwww~ Come now. Don't be too mood with me Rin-san~ It was just a harmless prank that I was going to play on you, nothing more! I would love to prank Ichika-kun but I couldn't found him anywhere.

"Yeah, he is busy or whatever." Rin feel a tinge of jealousy but she decided to ignore it.

"Oh?"

"He's probably fooling around with Charlotte or something; Claire-san needs the other girls and me for something else while Ichika and Charlotte going somewhere else." Rin imagine that Charlotte's aunt planned for Ichika and Charlotte to be together.

Why would she do something like that?

She barely knows her and she want to believe that she wouldn't.

"I knew I should have looked for Ichika-kun first. Though it doesn't matter anymore considering that I already here. There is no need to fret over that and you shouldn't too either.~" Yu Na softly put her hand on Rin's shoulder to cheer her up.

"You make it sound like I'm jealous or thinking about Ichika, which I'm not." Rin clarify herself

"Oh please we all think about Ichika-kun~ I don't think you of all people can deny that, especially considering you have no room to either."Yu Na grinning likes a Cheshire cat something that Rin caught on.

"What's with that expression?" Rin turn around and face Yu Na.

"What expression?" Yu Na innocently asks.

"You're always grinning like this, it's your way to say that 'you're in my web'... Why are you - Please stop" Rin start to feel creepy.

"Stop what? ~"

"STOP GRINNING! It's weird!" Right now, Rin doesn't like Yu Na expression.

It was the expression Yu Na has to say that 'I have something in my mind' without saying anything. By her experience with Yu Na and from what she has been told by the other girls in the past. Yu Na is very much alike with Tatenashi and they are creepily and scarily good for making plans and using their wits to go through it.

Yu Na's expression remains the same, nothing changed as she stalks Rin around the kitchen. The Chinese girl opens the fridge and grabs a small bottle of water to hydrate her parched throat.

"Say Rin-san? I have this really cool idea, you wanna hear? ~" Yu Na deviously speaks as her eyes gleaming.

There it is...

Lee Yu Na and her ideas, its remind Rin of Tatenashi for some degree, perhaps it because they are cousin after all? That could be the big part of their similarities. Regardless, Rin has become slightly interested of why Yu Na is here. She aware that some girls including Yu Na were told to stay at academy rather than come to France.

And as if Rin problem wasn't big enough…

"Rin-dono! Claire-Oobaue Dono said I am allowed to provide help!" Shinobu seemingly appear in front of the kitchen door.

Both Rin and the newcomer Yu Na turn to the Shinobu's direction as she skids across the floor using her feet. Rin is slightly surprised that the Young girl doesn't try to do something Ninja like for once. Maybe Rin over thinking about it, regardless the Chinese girl briefly nod while Yu Na wryly smiles.

"Yu Na dono!?" Shinobu seems to be surprised to find Lee Yu Na here

"Hi there~" Yu Na flash a smile.

"For What reason are you here?" Shinobu wonder if she is seeing some sort of ghost.

…a ghost of an older friend of her who very much alive, how silly of her

Rin turn her back around and start to cut some her ingredients. She keeps her eyes on the pan while cooking; she wants to make sure that the food in the best condition when it served, so she want to avoid the risk of burnt.

"Well, you know me~ I don't want to miss all the fun you guys having with Ichika-kun, so I come here." Yu Na wink and grin like a Cheshire Cat.

...

'What would Ichika like to eat? Some dessert or does a growing boy like Ichika needs something more filling? How about I cook him some dish from my country?'

While Yu Na and Shinobu chat, Rin is zoning inside her own world as she imagine what food Ichika would like. Of course, Rin still plan to cook the food for other girls but she also want to score some extra affection point for Ichika even though currently he still out with charlotte.

Of course she feels a tinge of jealousy.

She imagined a scenario where Ichika praise and pat her head for all the hard work she has done in the kitchen, Rin almost drooling from her imagination where Ichika give some affection for her. The last time he done it was during their 'steamy session' as Rin has labeled it. She wonders when she could feel that again.

"Ah no Ichika..." Rin whispering while imagining Ichika taking her again.

"..."

"..."

Yu Na and Shinobu confusedly stare at each other and look back to Rin while she gushed.

"Shall we wake her up from the fantasy land?" Yu Na sighs.

Shinobu start to make plan to use her water bomb on Rin regardless how dangerous it will be for her life. As she has to deal with the 'Sleeping Dragon' wrath after that

"UUU!" Rin suddenly giggling which cause Shinobu to shiver.

"….Let justleaves her there and does our own thing. Is there something you want to do until she snap from it?" Yu Na raises her eyebrows and slightly smiles

"Um... YuNa-dono? How about we visit the other girls? I'm sure they would love to see you!" Shinobu grab Yu Na hand and rush towards the door while a surprised Yu Na calls out to her.

"Wait!"

(Scene Change)

"You know, when I was a little girl my mother used to bring me to this garden whenever I need to get some fresh air, Which I could say quite often back then. I was always an indoor girl but as for now I am much different than before."

"Just like most people, I'm sure you have your own reasons. Everyone has their own reasons." Ichika smiling as he led Charlotte through the garden. The two of them are linking their arm on each other as they view the beauty which Mother Nature offer to them.

Every corner feels like it turns into different part of nature, the bushes were neatly trimmed and the flowers were growing and blossom perfectly.

Everything is... perfect.

Charlotte lean her head on Ichika's shoulder as they walk together.

She hasn't entirely getting over her father's death and she believes she never would. However it feels good to do something else than just burdening her mind by keep on thinking about that tragedy.

All the time she has locked herself in her room mourning her father's death shortly after the ordeal of battle has made her realize one important thing.

To cherish what she has.

"Sometimes have you felt like you just want to get away? Just like what we are doing now. To stay away from the limelight that we have been thrown into" Charlotte lift her head up and look toward Ichika.

"Hmmm..."

Ichika keep on thinking about Charlotte's words…..it does seems appealing to him

Living a peaceful life out from the spotlight sounds like an ideal life but he know he couldn't do it now.

"It does sound nice however that is the life anyone would want? And besides, I don't think me of all people could ever live a true quiet life because of who I am and my worth of this little guy." Ichika look at his bracelet for brief moment.

"Does that make you happy? Say Ichika….what does make you truly happy? What do you have that make you happy other than that bracelet? And what it has given you ever since you become IS academy student?" Charlotte question Ichika.

Charlotte like this. She can know the man she lovewithout any distractions.

"It's hard to say, it's truly begins because I become an IS pilot. This started around one of two years ago, when we first met, when I reunited with Houki and Rin, when I first met Cecilia, when I met the teachers, Sakura and the other first years girls." A small smile appears on Ichika face which Charlotte notices and she nods her head.

"Right..."

"So much has happened in short amount of time and it is not going to stop. This won't stop, I'm very grateful to everyone, like my sister Chifuyu because she's the light which illuminate my path. And since then you and everyone have come, and together we tread the same path." Ichika use his hand to lovingly caress Charlotte's head.

"Ichika..." Charlotte enjoy his touch….,his warmth.

"Where will we go from here? To be honest I'm not sure, just like you and the others but that is why I could never live the quiet life, if I did then I wouldn't have met you and the others, we wouldn't have these things which bring us closer to one another." Ichika softly gaze Charlotte in front of him, feeling grateful.

"Though at least this is not a lonely path." Charlotte grab his hand and hold it tight she push forward.

"Yeah. I don't think it could ever get lonely, not with you and everyone here, at this rate we could never to be alone." Ichika chuckles and squeeze her hand.

"I'm feel the same, I'm sure the girls would too if they're here." Charlotte look forward.

"Speaking of the others, I'm surprised that they aren't joining us, I'm sure they would be impressed with this vibrant life too." Ichika fondly smiles as he vividly imaginethe girls telling him what they think about the atmosphere around them.

"We need to do something together as a group sometime." Charlotte closing her eyes and rest her head on his shoulder once more.

Ichika lightly smile and brushes few strands of hair from her face.

"Don't tell them that, they will get too many ideas."

"How about we think some plan for all of us, just you and me? It could be a nice surprise foreveryone." Charlotte's hand slowly gripping Ichika's own.

"It's almost like a present?"

Ichika smiling as they became closer than before. Currently for them, they are the only ones that exist. The loving atmosphere is rapidly growing on each seconds. Charlotte's eyes remain locked on him as her cheeks colored with a deep shade of red, Charlotte slightly bit her lip while she ogling him.

Ichika also did the same as the beautiful garden that surrounded him seems to quickly disappeared while his eyes remain on Charlotte.

"Hey Ichika..."

"What is it, Charl?"

"We may be getting presents for the other girls but there is a present that I want from you." Charlotte leans in slowly.

"Yeah..." Ichika push himself forward and prepare himself for the kiss.

Ichika and Charlotte lock lips and kiss each other softly. Their lips touching each otheras they embrace the special moment between them. Of course it was not a simple kiss. They continue to kiss asIchika begin to invade her mouth with his tongue while their arms wraparound each other. The atmosphere becoming hotter.

The two become more entangled in their passionate kisses as they want more from each other. In that moment, they are just a man and a woman sharing a deep kiss with a deeper meaning.

Ichika's touch and Charlotte's lips are the only things that etch in their minds when they remember their first true kiss.

"Aaah..."

"Hnnnnnnnn..."

Their eyes are opening once more as they partways after their passionate kiss. Charlotte's purple eyes remain glazed as she feels shocked and happy. A smile appears on Ichika face. Their eyes never leave each otherin few moments as they remain in a blissful state.

'Charl...!'

Ichika releases a heavy breath which tickling Charlotte's neck. Orimura clan heir felt his emotions become unfamiliar for him.

Charlotte slowly embrace Ichika as she wrap her arms around his chest before pulling him in, she leaning on his chest without slightest care in the world.

Slowly but surely Ichika returned her embrace without uttering a single word.

"Charl...?" Ichika trying to regain his breath...

"Eventually the other girls will have their own moments with you, but please let this time to be our moment together." Charlotte embrace him and listening to his heartbeat.

Charlotte marvel at how good Ichika's smells. She doesn't have the greatest sense of smell to pick how good someone smells could be, but she can pick up Ichika's smell. It was his smellAnd it is his smell alone. Charlotte wonder how long this moment with Ichika would last? Charlotte's always dreamed to be held in her lover arms and now she feel happiness to be able to feel it.

At peace.

Bliss.

All words she use to describe the emotion in her mind.

Be it the past or the future, no matter what bad things or good things will occur, at very least Charlotte feel grateful for the moment like this. As she doesn't want to cause any issue for Ichika, she slowly release her embrace and move away.

"!"

Before she realized, she id being pulled back by Ichika who wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Let me hold you a little longer." Ichika speaks out.

Charlotte happily smiles back as he hugged her. Charlotte feels good as Ichika is being the one to enforce a moment betweenthem. She wondered have the other girls experienced this before.

For once it isn't her who initiates the moment but Ichika, he is relying on her for once. She glad to see him leaning on her. Even if it just a simple hug between them.

"Sorry... I don't know what came over me. I just don't want to stop hugging you." Ichika wryly laugh as he releases their hug.

"I'm glad you are relying on me for comfort Ichika, it makes me glad that you can take comfort in hugging me and to show this side of you. If you don't want to show this side for the others, you can always show me." Charlotte smile beamonce more. This time it's different.

"Hmmm..." Ichika hum.

Ichika doesn't know what to say. He temporarily lost himselfin that huh and was overrun by his emotions.

'Strange...Why did it feel so good?'

Regardless, he shake it out from his mind and allow the warm feelings to fester.

"Should we go back or should we continue? I want to see what our friends up to and we could get to work on our little 'thing?" Charlotte wink before giggling and pulling a rose from the ground.

"Let's just continue. I'm sure we can see the other later and we could get them few gifts." Ichika begin to wonder what gift they should get.

The two continueon their walkto the beautiful garden that just behind the Charlotte home. Small batches of red roses are blossoming as they walk.

A sign of changing times

Just like the flower in Charlotte's hand.