Jiro leaned against a wall next to the carnivore dorms. It was dark out, classes were over, and the silence was somewhat peaceful. His ears twitched when the silence was interrupted by approaching footsteps.

A cheery looking jackal walked up to Jiro with a big smile on his face. "So I'veheard a certain someone wants to join our little group."

The fox nodded. "I'm sick of that arrogant little freak. The world would be better off without him."

The jackal chuckled. "You'll meet plenty of other people that can't stand that thing's smug attitude. Welcome aboard."

"So now what?"

"Now you hand me your phone so you can contact us."

Jiro handed over his phone. "Just out of curiosity, why're you called the 'Coffee Club?' And who started this whole thing?"

The jackal started typing something into the phone. "Our boss really likes coffee. As for who our boss is, I can't tell you his name. He's just someone smart enough to see how dangerous that thing is." He handed the phone back to Jiro, which now showed an instant messenger app. "Don't use your real name. And if you try to double-cross us, Boss'll make sure there's nothing left of you but a red stain on the wall."

Jiro nodded. "Don't worry about that. The sooner the Drama Club is free of that abomination, the better."

The jackal smiled. "Yeah, I know whatcha mean." He sighed. "If only that cougar chick wasn't such a dumbass. We pulled a bunch of strings to make sure Adler was the first play and studied the choreography so we knew when to drop it on 'em. All that effort for nothing."

The fox tilted his head. "You planned it? I figured it was improvised since you used that broken theater light."

The jackal snorted. "We already planned on using a theater light. But apparently, some butterfingered goat broke the only extra light that club had. Donna-chan tried to get it out of the garbage, but that dumpster diving bear took it before she could and sold the damn thing. She had to go into town and buy it back. Too bad she got caught on camera."

"But why Adler?"

"'Cause we knew that old pelican couldn't resist making Louis, the red deer's son Adler. We just needed to get him on stage somehow. And in a way where we know from the choreography exactly where he's going to be."

Jiro nodded. "Makes sense. Too bad that didn't work out. I'd love to see that little bastard get his head caved in."

The jackal laughed. "Well, we'll get another chance soon. We might even need youto do it since you're in Drama Club. We'll get in contact and let you know. See ya later, Jiro-kun!" He walked off.

As soon as the jackal was gone, Jiro opened a different instant messenger app.

Jiro: "I'm in! =D"

Theo: "Nice work."

Lee: "Just be careful, okay? These guys are dangerous."

Jiro: "He wouldn't give up his boss's name though. =/"

Olivia: "Makes sense. You ARE just a newbie. Maybe if you can get them to trust you more you can find out."

Jiro: "Oh, by the way. Literally, the ONLY reason they call themselves the 'Coffee Club' is that their boss likes coffee. It's the dumbest crap I've ever heard. XD"

Esther: "That's just lame. Kinda lazy too. That'd be like if I called our group the 'Beer Club'."

Olivia: "You better not be drinking that at school. I'll be very upset if you get caught."

Esther: "Hey, c'mon. I'm not THAT dumb."

Olivia: "Just making sure you don't get in trouble. I'd be so lonely if my sweet kitty got expelled."

Esther: "Don't you worry about that, hun. I wouldn't leave you all alone."

Ibuki: "I'm going to gag."

Jiro: "I think it's cute! =)"

Theo: "Whatever. Just don't let them find out. Be super careful."

Jiro: "Thanks for the concern, Theo-kun. I promise I'll be safe. =D"

The next day they didn't bother meeting in the Gardening Club. There wasn't a point when Theo could contact them whenever and the Coffee Club was apparently inert.

The Drama Club set up for their next play. Of course, Ibuki was not allowed to act in it and had to work backstage. The deer-wolf didn't seem terribly upset about it. Perhaps he was just used to it.

Lee was reading his lines when he heard a loud sigh. He turned his head to see Ben the elephant staring wistfully at Ibuki. "It's not fair that such a talented actor is forced to be backstage. I think he would have been magnificent in this play as well."

Lee looked sad as well. "Yeah. He doesn't deserve the attacks he's been gettin'. Some people are just psychotically bigotted."

Ben snorted. "Should we really be living in fear of those types though? I feel that we're being overly cautious. We shouldn't be allowing bigots to control us like this. What is even the chance that they'll attack during a play again? We already know how to protect him from an attack from above. I just feel like his talent shouldn't be going to waste like this."

The wolf-rabbit pondered this. What really was the likelihood of Ibuki being attacked on stage again? Where could an assassin attack from if not above? Perhaps a silenced pistol in the audience? But would that person be able to escape unseen and dispose of their weapon? Or maybe the Coffee Club is so devoted that they don't care if one of their members goes to prison.

Ben did have a point. They shouldn't have to live in fear of bigots like this. But what can even be done about it?

After Drama Club ended, Ibuki was escorted back to the dorms by Lee.

The wolf-rabbit cleared his throat. "Ibuki-kun, do you like working backstage?"

The deer-wolf pondered this then shrugged. "It's not terrible."

Lee sighed. "I was talking to Ben. Should we really be living in fear of these people and letting them control us? What's the chance they'll attack during a play again?"

Ibuki pondered this. "I guess. Still, it's a somewhat frightening idea. Who knows what absurd scheme they can come up with?"

The wolf-rabbit looked conflicted. "But they can't drop anything on you again. They'd have to do some sort of attack from the audience."

"Perhaps. Or maybe they could put a venomous insect in my costume. Or put an explosive in one of my props. Who knows what these madmen might try? I can't even trust the food here anymore."

The deer-wolf wasn't wrong about that. Louis was concerned about his son being poisoned. So he had workers from the company deliver food to him. Ibuki always looked somewhat embarrassed when he was given a paper bag by a large man in the cafeteria. It made him feel as if the other students would assume he's just so picky and privileged that he thinks he's too good for lunch here.

Lee placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "We'll get rid of these guys eventually. Hopefully, Jiro-kun can figure out how to expose them."

Ibuki nodded sadly and Lee looked at him with concern. Then, to the deer-wolf's surprise, the wolf-rabbit suddenly pulled him into a hug. They stood there for a bit before continuing on their way.

Later that day, Lee was back at the dorms, in bed, texting his parents.

Lee: "It's not fair that Ibuki-kun is treated like this. He's a talented actor but he has to work backstage because of these guys."

Legosi: "I understand your frustration, but it's how it has to be. Ibuki's safety is more important than some play."

Lee: "True. But it feels wrong, living in fear of these people. Allowing them to control what he does."

Haru: "You sound genuinely concerned. Are you two getting along now?"

Lee: "I actually kinda forgot we ever hated each other. He doesn't even feel like the same Ibuki. He's actually been pretty nice to me."

Legosi: "I'm glad to hear that. You were so close back before middle school. Did he ever tell you why he was so angry with you?"

Lee decided against divulging Ibuki's sexuality without his permission.

Lee: "No. Honestly, I don't even care anymore. I'm just glad we're over that petty crap."

Haru: "You ARE teenagers. I'm sure it had to be something ridiculous. Teens always massively blow drama out of proportion."

Legosi: "I don't think that was ever really the case when I was in high school. The only drama I was involved in was saving you from the mob and solving a murder."

Lee: "Lol. Yeah, I guess. Maybe this is a 'like father like son' thing. Most teens don't need to protect their friends from assassins."

Haru: "I don't find that remotely funny. You both deserve a normal high school life. I hate that you and Ibuki are getting dragged into this."

Lee: "We were never going to have a normal high school life. Carnivore-herbivore hybrids can't have a normal life at all. You guys knew that when you had me, right?"

Legosi: "I suppose we did. But it's still not fair. It's not like you or Ibuki are hurting anyone by just existing."

Lee: "People are psychos sometimes. Hell, you were discriminated against just for being a carnivore, weren't you, Dad?"

Legosi: "I suppose I was. But that's still just the way I was born. I don't know why some can't just live and let live."

Haru: "People are scared of things they don't understand. Maybe if there were more carnivore-herbivore hybrids they'd be forced to get used to it."

Lee: "Well, that's not happening. You two getting together is really unusual on its own. Most carnivores don't have the same control as Dad or Juno-san."

Haru: "Guess we just live in a really crappy society. Maybe we just have to get used to it."

Legosi: "I suppose."

Lee: "I should go shower. Goodnight."

Haru: "Sweet dreams, Lee. I love you!"

Legosi: "I love you too. Take care, Lee."

In Esther's dorm, they were watching a romance movie. The white tiger was incredibly bored. She hated really sappy crap. She didn't say anything though. The other girls were crying over it and she didn't want to offend them and get into some argument.

The white tiger couldn't help but answer every text she got. The only time she could handle sappy dialogue was when it came from Olivia. She reflected on the irony of Ibuki's message. "I'm going to gag." She would have said the same thing months ago. Yet things felt different now that she had someone to love.

She closed her eyes and held her phone close to her chest. More than anything else, she wanted this relationship to work. She desperately didn't want to mess it up. Breaking up with Olivia might kill her.

She heard a notification and looked at her phone, expecting another text from Olivia. But it was her father. Now that she thought about it, he needs to learn of this relationship eventually, doesn't he? If she never breaks up with Olivia, he'll have to find out about it eventually. But when is the right time to tell him?

Esther clenched her teeth as she contemplated this. Should she tell him right now over text about it? Maybe that was a tad impersonal. Perhaps if she just kept it to "I have a girlfriend" that would work out better. But then again, Bill was obsessed with his daughter and would definitely probe her about her girlfriend. What will he say when he finds out that not only is she dating a canine, but the daughter of Legosi's best friend?

She took a deep breath and decided it was time to face this problem. So she sent a message to Olivia.

Esther: "When should we tell our folks about us? They're going to want to know eventually."

Olivia: "We could tell them right now over the phone if that's what you want."

Esther: "It's kind of a huge deal, isn't it?"

Olivia: "Not really. We're just dating. It's not like we're getting married soon. If we break up they wouldn't be that upset about it."

Esther winced. She didn't even want to think about breaking up with her. Olivia had made her life a million times better. She can't give that up. But does this mean they have to tie the knot eventually?

She rubbed her temples in frustration. Should she tell her father? Will he be upset if she keeps it a secret for too long? He always wants to know everything about what's going on in his daughter's life. What if word of their relationship spreads and he learns about it secondhand? What to do?

Olivia: "I have an idea. Let's wait until my birthday. I'll invite you and your parents. Then, if we're still together by then, we make it official."

That is a sensible idea. Olivia was born in July, so it'll be Summer vacation, and planning a party would be easy. Should she wait that long though? Will her father get upset? Why are relationships so complicated?

Esther: "Alright. That sounds good."

Olivia: "Don't stress over it too much, hun. Our parents will be fine with it."

Esther: "Okay. I love you! Goodnight!"

Olivia: "I love you too, Esther. Goodnight."

Ceci looked at Esther. "Texting your girlfriend?"

The white tiger looked up to see the credits of the movie were rolling. Now it seemed the room's attention was on her.

Esther blushed. "I was just asking her when we should tell our parents about… us."

Lin crawled into her bunk and laid down on her belly, still facing Esther. "Are your folks homophobic?"

The white tiger vigorously shook her head. "No, not at all. It's actually the opposite with my dad. I think he's happy we have something in common. Y'know, similar taste in girls."

Hikari looked over at Mila. "Do your parents know?"

Mila shook her head with a concerned look. "I'm really scared of what they'll think. I don't know their opinions on that kind of thing at all. We've never talked about it before."

Hikari smiled. "Your parents are very kind people. I guarantee they'll take it well."

Esther looked at Mila. "What can you tell me about your dad?"

Mila looked contemplative. "Well, he's nice and really positive. But he doesn't always think things through. Y'know, he kinda jumps the gun."

Hikari chuckled. "My own father could tell you many stories about when he worked with Mila's."

Ceci looked curious. "Where did they work?"

Both lions froze and Hikari gulped. "They uhh… they used to umm…"

Mila scratched her head awkwardly. "They- Well- You see… and such."

Esther was curious. Why did these two get so sheepish all the sudden?

Ceci shrugged. "You don't need to answer the question if it makes you uncomfortable. I was just a little curious."

The white tiger was feeling disappointed that her curiosity wasn't being sated. Although, they do have the right to keep secrets.

Everything was peaceful in room seven-hundred and one. In fact, it was somewhat unsettling for Ibuki. Jiro was just calmly drawing like he usually did. It felt strange to the deer-wolf in away. The fox was putting his life at risk for him and yet he acted like everything was normal.

Ibuki's feelings on Jiro had been a rollercoaster as of late. At first, he admired him as a quirky artist, then he feared him as some sort of deranged mind, now he feels a bit of pity for him and what must go on in his brain. As far as the deer-wolf was concerned, Jiro was a good person. But he had to wonder what it was like being him, being haunted by dark thoughts that need to be drawn, and being unable to express himself through facial expressions.

The chimera found himself staring. He felt like he had a good understanding of Jiro, yet it felt as if the fox would always be an enigma in a way. With an unreadable face, nobody could even begin to imagine how he's feeling. Ibuki wondered if he felt lonely.

Jiro looked up from his sketchpad at Ibuki. The deer-wolf felt nervous. Given what they've been through, staring at him was probably a bad course of action. Is he going to freak out and assume Ibuki was assuming him to be a maniac again?

The fox grabbed his notepad and simply showed Ibuki the smile drawing before waving. Ibuki waved back before looking at his phone to distract himself.

Jiro was going to be infiltrating that club soon. The deer-wolf just really hoped Jiro wouldn't come to harm. He couldn't handle causing him more pain.

One Week Later

Life for Ibuki was mostly normal. Today, Jiro was to visit the supposed HQ of the Coffee Club. All Ibuki and friends had to do was wait for him to return and hopefully tell them the address. Then maybe they can just send the police there and put an end to this.

It was dark out. Jiro hadn't returned from his meeting and Ibuki started to fear the worst. He sat on his bunk, just hoping that the fox would show up soon. Finally, his phone got a notification. It was from Jiro! He opened it and was immediately struck with confusion.

Jiro: "You're an idiot."

Ibuki: "What? Why?"

Jiro: "You think we couldn't figure out that stone-faced weirdo was your roommate?"

Ibuki's heart sank. His mind swam with a million thoughts as to how much danger Jiro must be in right now. He trembled and felt chills all over his body while his heart hammered in his chest.

Jiro: "You have one hour to meet me in the auditorium. Alone. If you don't show or I see someone else come in, I'm slitting his throat. Leave your cellphone behind too. I'm not letting you call the cops on me at the last second."

A message appeared with a picture attached. In it was Jiro on the auditorium stage, unconscious, his legs and hands tied up, and his mouth gagged with a bandana. His body was covered with bruises and blood.

Ibuki shivered as he tried to figure out what to do. This was all his fault.