Kotonoha's eyes fluttered open.

She was in the infirmary again.

Kotonoha pushed herself upright. A faint headache pulsed at the back of her head.

"Third time you'll have to treat me," Itou said. He handed her a glass of water.

"Sorry. I'm being a bother to you."

"Hey, you didn't faint on purpose, right?"

"No, but…" she looked away. "I shouldn't have gotten angry at you. You're just trying to help. And it's pretty obvious I need your help sometimes."

"That's okay. There's nothing wrong with depending on others when you're in trouble. You don't have to do everything alone."

"I know, but…"

There wasn't really any reciprocity, was there? Itou-kun was helping her all the time, but she was doing nothing in return. She tried cooking for him, but her cooking sucked, she went on a date with him, but she screwed it up and humiliated him in front of his best friend, he tried helping her and she got angry at him before needing his help again. She was nothing but a bother to Itou-kun.

Why were they even dating? If you could call this dating that is.

"The nurse said you have a pretty heavy case of anemia," Itou said. "Are you taking iron pills by any chance?"

"Yes, but… I haven't taken them in a while."

"Do you have them with you by any chance?"

"Yeah. There are some spares in my school bag I think."

She saw him crouch down and heard her school bag opening. Normally she would have been angry if someone else had gone through her stuff, but this was Itou-kun and he was trying to help her.

"In the front," she added.

"There are two kinds of pills here," he said.

She froze. "That… I… the red ones."

He came back in sight. "Here you go."

She avoided his eyes.

"So uhm," Itou said. "Those other pills."

"Don't ask please."

"Look, I understand. I really do. But I would have preferred if you'd just told me and saved me the embarrassment."

She looked at him. "Told you what?"

"Well, that you already have a boyfriend."

"I… I don't."

"You don't? But… those pills, those were…"

"There are other reasons to take those, Itou."
"Yeah, if you want a bigger chest I guess, but I don't think you really need that."

She pulled up the covers to her chin.

"Sorry," he said. "That came out a bit wrong."

"No," she quickly said. "It's fine. It was meant as a compliment, right?"

He frowned. "How else could you interpret that?"

"Sorry. I'm always thinking the worst."

"You're a weird girl, Katsura."

It was silent for a moment.

"But you are right," Itou said. "It's none of my business. I'm prying too much. I'll uhm… I guess I'll go back to class."

"No!" She grabbed his sleeve.

"Kotonoha?"

"Sorry. Please, stay a bit longer. I…"

"It's okay." He moved his hand to take hers. "I'm here for you, Kotonoha." He gave a soft squeeze.

"I'm on birth control because my periods are pretty heavy," she admitted. "And long."

"Oh," understanding appeared in his eyes. "I see. And those pills lower the blood loss and make you more regular?"

"Yes. I'm surprised you know that."

"Every boy should know that. This is sex ed 101."

A silence fell. He was still holding her hand.

"I'm sorry I'm so difficult," she said eventually.

"Difficult?"

"You know. Fainting, almost falling down on the train, freaking out because I thought you were gonna kiss me, making you stay here with me."

"It's okay. It's not your fault."

"That time I slapped you was definitely my fault. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that."

"Well there's nothing we can do about that now."

"Maybe."

"Katsura?"

"Ah nothing. We should get back to class."

"You sure you're gonna be okay?"

"I'm fine."

"You didn't even take your iron pills."

She quickly took one out and downed it with the last of the water.

"I'll walk you to your class," Itou offered.

"You really don't have to."

He chuckled. "That's funny, Katsura. You say it as if that was a question. I'm walking you to class whether you like it or not. I'd never forgive myself if you fainted again on the way and there was no one to help you."

"I-I'm not as helpless as you think."

"Last time you said that you fainted in front of me," he reminded her.

She sighed. He did have a good point there. "I'll be in your care then."

Kotonoha got out of the bed and put on her blazer.

Itou walked her all the way to her class. It didn't take long for them to reach it.

"Shall we have lunch together again?" he suggested.

"The two of us?"

"I could ask Sekai as well. Whatever you want."

"We should ask her too. I don't want to isolate you from your best friend."

"Okay, I'll ask her then."

Kotonoha stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on his cheek.

"Thanks for being here for me, Itou-kun."

He was stunned by her sudden kiss.

"See you at lunch," she added before entering the classroom.

The class fell silent and stared at her.

"You're late," the teacher said.

"I…" she could do this. "I had problems with my anemia."

The teacher frowned. "I didn't know you had anemia."

"Oh, I see. So you're not familiar with the files of your own students? I'll have to make sure I'll report that tonight at the meeting. I'm sure the principal would like to hear this."

Fear flashed in his eyes for a second. "Uhum, of course I knew that, I was just joking. Have a seat, Katsura-san."

She inwardly let out her breath. That was pretty much a gamble. But it had worked. The principal wasn't even at the meeting, but clearly, their teacher didn't know that.

At lunch, Otome came to her.

"Making a habit out of being late, Katsura?"

"Excuse me," Kotonoha said, she gathered her stuff. "There's someone waiting for me."

"You're not going anywhere."

"No?" She took out her phone. "Oh well, then I'll just call Makoto-kun to say I can't go. You know him, right? You went to the same middle school."

Otome tried to grab the phone but Kotonoha evaded.

However, someone else stood behind her and took her phone away.

She turned.

Minami. Of course. As if Otome could win by herself.

"You didn't think it would be that simple, would it?" Otome said.

"Oh well," Kotonoha said. "How long do you think it will be before he comes looking for me?"

"Katsura?"

Perfect timing.

She turned to the door. "Hey, Itou-kun."

"I-Itou-kun." Otome's confidence had suddenly leaked out.

"You're not bothering my girlfriend, are you, Katou?"

"O-Of course not. Come on, Minami, we'll be late."

"Late for what?"

"You know, lunch."

She grabbed her friend's arm and dragged her away. On the way out, Minami quickly put Kotonoha's phone on her desk.

"Girlfriend?" Kotonoha asked. She put her phone away.

He smiled apologetically. "Too presumptuous?"

"No, you're right. We're dating, so I am your girlfriend."

"Well aren't couples usually kissing and stuff?"

"I…" he was right. It was ridiculous that they hadn't even kissed yet. If she was his girlfriend, she should act like one.

"Hey, don't worry," he said. "We can go at the speed you're comfortable with."

"Thanks for understanding, Itou-kun."

"Shall we?" He turned towards the door.

"Itou-kun."

"Hm?" He looked back.

Kotonoha held out her hand.

"Katsura?"

"You said we'd go at the speed I'm comfortable with. But we are going forward, right? Not backwards."

He smiled. "Sounds good."

Itou took took her hand.

His hand guided her up the roof. She felt safe. There was nothing to be afraid of. Itou would lead her and if there was trouble, he'd take care of it, as he always did.

"I'm afraid our club president is not coming today," Itou said. "She's having lunch with Kiyoura."

Kotonoha couldn't really say she minded. She'd be all alone with Itou.

"I see."

"And I have to go get some bread first because I didn't bring anything."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Kotonoha said.

"Huh?"

"I've taken care off that."

"Hm, okay."

He changed directions and guided her up the roof.

They closed the door behind them. Itou sat down on the bench with Kotonoha next to him. They were close enough that their legs touched.

Kotonoha opened her bag.

"So uhm…"

"Here you go." She handed him one of the lunch boxes.

"You made me bento?"

"I'm your girlfriend, right?"

"Hm." With a suspicious look, he opened the box. "Strange."

"What is strange?" She took out her own box and opened it.

"Those are weird decisions for a bento."

"Maybe."

He shrugged. "Itadakimasu."

She repeated the phrase while clapping her hands together.

He took a bite. "Wow, this is good."

Why did he sound surprised?

Oh wait.

Her body froze for a second. She had totally forgotten. Itou had obviously assumed Kotonoha had made this bento and he knew she completely sucked at cooking. So he was willing to eat something he thought would taste horrible just because she had made it for him.

"I-Itou-kun."

"Your cooking has improved a lot, Katsura." He smiled, completely oblivious.

"It-It's not mine. These are leftovers from last night. My mom made it."

"Oh. Well that's okay."

"No, no. I didn't do anything. I should be making bento for you."

"But you're not a genius at cooking, are you? You're trying your best, but-"

"I'll try harder," she insisted. "People can learn how to cook."

"You really don't have to. I can cook quite well. My mom is bad at it, so I'm doing all the cooking at home."

"But I want to."

"Hm. Well it's up to you."

They continued eating.

"What are you thinking of?" he asked after a while. "You seem lost in thoughts."

"Ah, I was just thinking where we should go for our new date."

"I'm sure you'll come up with something fun."

"We can't go to the movie again. But I don't know what else you'd like."

"We can do something you like as well," he suggested.

"Well I don't have many hobbies. Unless you want to go shopping with me?"

"That would depend on the kind of clothes you need," he said with a faint smile.

She looked confused. "How so?"

"Well, you know. If you need help finding a bra that fits."

"Itou-kun!" She hid her chest with her arms.

"It was just a joke."

"Really?"

"Given your reaction, yes."

"Oh," she narrowed her eyes. "So if I had responded differently it wouldn't have been a joke?"

"Well I can't turn down a real offer like that from a gorgeous girl like you, can I?"

She blushed. "A-Anyway," she focused back on her food. "What hobbies do you have? Other than making inappropriate comments?"

"Uhm… ye, with that left out there's not much else I can think of. Now that I consider it, we're both kinda boring."

"Both?"

"Well you don't have any ideas either do you?" he bounced back.

"Uhm, not really."

They were silent for a moment.

"I didn't used to be like this," Kotonoha said, suddenly more serious. "I had all kinds of hobbies in middle school."

"Like what?"

"Calligraphy, horse riding, piano, iai,..."

"Iaido?" he sounded excited. "With swords?"

"Yeah."

"That sounds very cool. Why did you quit?"

"My mom made me give it all up so I could focus on my studies."

"Oh. Too bad."

"I still have my sword though," she tried to cheer him up. "Maybe I could show it to you someday."

"That sounds really fun. Ye, I'm gonna have to be careful with you."

"How so?"

"Dating someone who has a sword sounds dangerous."

Kotonoha chuckled. "They are blunted, don't worry. But I could still hit you in the head."

"So, you play piano too?" he quickly changed the subject.

"Not very well."

"I'm sure you're great at it."

"You're not gonna ask me to play for you, are you?"

"Well now that you mention it."
The bell interrupted them.

They put away their empty lunch boxes and stood up.

"Shall we go home together?" he suggested.

"I still have a meeting tonight."

"I can wait."

"You don't have to. We'll see each other tomorrow on the train."

"Alright then."

She gave him a kiss on his cheek. It still felt very bold even though it was no big deal.

Kotonoha went to her class.

Things went quite well for the rest of the day. Otome was keeping her distance, probably still scared from her meeting with Itou. She may have finally found a way to deal with her.

After school Katsura went to the incredibly boring meeting. They talked about the upcoming festival, but she really couldn't care less. Her class wouldn't do much anyway.

Although, maybe she could go around the festival with Itou? That would be fun. And there would be a dance at the bonfire. According to their school legend-

"Katsura? Are you paying attention?"

"Huh, oh, sorry Kiyoura-san. I was just thinking about what our class should do for the festival."

"As we just said, you need to discuss it during homeroom next week."

"Yes, of course, sorry."

She could already imagine how well that would go.

After the meeting, she went home.

Strangely, she felt scared going home by herself. It was already getting dark outside.

Maybe she should have taken up Itou-kun on his offer?

Kotonoha sped up her pace. She couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she was being followed. But every time she looked over her shoulder, her eyes confirmed that wasn't the case. Maybe she was getting a bit too paranoid?

Kotonoha reached the station and got on the next train.

There was only one other person on the train and it did not comfort her. It was a tall guy in his early twenties with ripped jeans and the smell of alcohol lingering around him. A real delinquent.

Maybe she should take the next train?

It was too late however, the doors had already closed behind her.

She avoided looking at the guy.

"Hey gorgeous."

She froze. He was suddenly very close to her. Too close.

"You all alone?" he asked.

"No," she lied.

Her heart was beating wildly in her chest.

The guy kept talking. She dried dodging his questions as well as she could.

She really had to get off this train. But what if he followed her out?

The train finally slowed down. She grabbed the bar to keep her balance.

"Be careful you don't fall, lady."

She noticed he had moved his feet wider apart as well. His balance wasn't ideal due to his drunken state, but it was still better than her own. Really, how bad was she that she could not take one drunk guy?

The doors opened behind her.

She could jump out and take the next train. But…

"Hey, stay here for a sec." He grabbed her hand. Despite his intoxicated state, his grip was strong.

"Katsura?" A new voice said.

She turned.

"Itou?"

What the hell was he doing here?

Itou wasn't alone. He was holding hands with a very small girl with black hair. When he saw Kotonoha and the delinquent, he let go of her hand and came closer.

"Stay out of this, shrimp," the guy said, suddenly angry. He tried to give Itou a shove, but Itou sidestepped. The guy lost balance and with a final push in his back from Itou he fell out on the platform. Before he could stand up, the doors had closed and the train started moving again.

"Well that was close," he said.

Katsura hugged him tight. The tears she had been suppressing so far finally reached her eyes.

"Shh, calm down, you're safe." He patted her back.

"Don't leave me please."

"Shh, I'm not going anywhere, Kotonoha."

Eventually, she calmed down a bit and released him.

"Onii-chan? Is that your girlfriend?" the little girl asked.

"Oh, uhm…"

"Yes," Kotonoha said. "I'm his girlfriend."

"You can't," Itaru said, she took her brother's hand. "I'm gonna marry Onii-chan."

Kotonoha chuckled. "Oh really?"

"Come on, Itaru-chan," Itou said. "We went over this, you can't marry your own brother."

"Hmph." Itaru pouted.

"What are you doing here?" she asked Itou.

"Well I didn't expect to run into you. Although in retrospect, that was probably for the best."

"Yeah. Thanks a lot. I don't know what I would have done without you."
"I'd thought a swordswoman like you could handle herself."

She blushed. "A-Anyway, what are you doing here?"

"I'm on my way to Haramihama. Itaru-chan ran away from dad's house and I'm bringing her back."

"At this hour?"
"Dad is pretty mad."

"I don't want to live with dad," Itaru complained. "I want to stay with Onii-chan."

"Tell that to the judge," Itou mumbled.

Kotonoha went with them to bring Itaru-chan back. It was only a few stations further and the apartment was close to the station. After that, Itou went with her all the way to her house.

"You sure have a big home," he said.

"Yeah." Her mom would probably be worried because she was so late. "Thanks for walking me home."

"Don't mention it. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"So uhm, I'll see you at school then."

They hugged.

Kotonoha felt really bad. Their relationship was basically him giving and she receiving at this point.

They said goodbye and Kotonoha went inside.

She took off her shoes.

"I'm home," she announced.

"Long meeting?" her mom asked.

"Yeah, the festival is coming up."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah," Kotonoha faked a smile.

Her eyes fell onto something on the kitchen table.

"What are those?"

"Oh, your dad got them from work."

Tickets for Aqua Square. Hm.

"Can I have them?" she asked.

"Sure. But there are two of them."

"So?"

"So, is there someone you want to go with?" Her mom smiled.

"Does Onee-chan have a boyfriend?" Kokoro interrupted them.

"That's none of your business, Kokoro-chan," Kotonoha said. "Shouldn't you be in bed by now?"

"Onee-chan has a boyfriend. When are we gonna see him? Have you kissed already?"

"Stop asking so many questions."

"You haven't?" she pouted. "Ye, how can you call him your boyfriend if you haven't kissed him yet?"

"Itou-kun is not my boyfriend!"

"Itou-kun?"

Kotonoha turned red. "I'm gonna take a bath."

"See," Kokoro said as her sister quickly left. "Onee-chan has a boyfriend."

"But she's right," their mother said. "It's bedtime for you, little girl."

Kokoro pouted. "No fair."