Fate-Stay Night: Precognitive Realization

by SilverMan42

This is the story of a boy named Yuzuru Shindou, an ordinary young man who had gotten himself into the battling ritual known as the Holy Grail War. What will become of him now that he has become part of this war that may result in his death? Will he be able to survive with the help of his Servant? Or will he fall into despair? (Rated M, in case sexual) (Few Tsukihime) (OCxHarem)

10. Chapter 4

I do not own Fate/Stay Night or anything related to Type-Moon whatsoever, except only the OCs of the story. Also, spoiler warning: M is in case of sexual themes and stuff. Anyway, other than that, enjoy!

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Chapter 4

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Sakura's POV:

Mr. Ryuudou came up and knocked on the front door of the house of our former principal, and we stood and wait for him to answer the door. We kept on waiting for him to answer the door, but…there was none. Mr. Ryuudou knocked on the door again, hoping that he could hear it and answer the door. But…it was taking too long, and there still wasn't any answer.

"That's strange…" I said suspiciously, "I wonder what's going on…?"

"Yeah, this is getting weird…?" said Mitsuzuri-senpai, who was just as suspicious as I was. "Why the hell isn't he answering…?"

"I dunno." said Makidera-senpai with her hands behind her back, "Maybe he's not home."

"Well, it makes sense." said Himuro-senpai, "I don't see any lights inside the house, and it doesn't look like anyone's in there."

"If he's not home, then I wonder where he went off to instead of his home?" Saegusa-senpai wondered, "Did he maybe have to go see someone?"

I looked at the door for a bit longer as Mr. Ryuudou knocked on the door again and waited for an answer, only for it to take too long and making him knock on the door and wait again. Again, there was no answer from inside. I narrowed my eyes at the door, as this was getting really suspicious. Something is definitely wrong!

I then heard Mitsuzuri-senpai grumble before she growled harshly, as she was getting impatient from waiting too long, before she shouted, "Alright, that's it! SCREW waiting! This is taking TOO FUCKING long! I'm breaking us in!"

She then began angrily stomping her way to the door, pushing away Mr. Ryuudou and the other male teachers. Mr. Ryuudou tried telling her to stop this instant, but she didn't listen and kept on stomping until she was in front of the door, before she lifted her right foot up. Wait, is she…?

"Wait, are you-?!" said Mr. Ryuudou, shocked at what Mitsuzuri-senpai was about to do, before he shouted, trying to stop her, "H-Hey, WAIT!"

"OH, NO, I AIN'T GONNA WAIT ANOTHER FUCKING DAMN MINUTE OF THIS!" Mitsuzuri-senpai shouted angrily before she moved her foot forward, and with a strong powerful force, she kicked the door open really hard, resulting in breaking it down to pieces.

We had to cover our faces as the dust started to form and spread out from where Mitsuzuri-senpai had kicked and from what she did. As soon as the dust cleared, Mr. Ryuudou shouted, "HEY, YOU IDIOT! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DO THAT?! WE WERE SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR HIM TO ANSWER, NOT BREAK-IN!"

"HEY, AT LEAST I DID SOMETHING, INSTEAD OF JUST STANDING AROUND LIKE AN IDIOT!" Mitsuzuri-senpai shouted back, "BESIDES, IT WAS TAKING TOO LONG!"

"BUT YOU DID NOT HAVE TO BREAK IN BY BREAKING THE DOOR, YOU IDIOT!" Mr. Ryuudou shouted, "THIS IS THEIR PRIVATE PROPERTY! AT LEAST THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOU ACT!"

"OH, SHUT UP!" Mitsuzuri-senpai shouted, "HE PROBABLY WOULDN'T EVEN ANSWERED THE DOOR EVEN IF WE WAITED TOO LONG ANYWAY! BESIDES, IF THAT BASTARD OF A PRINCIPAL WASN'T HIDING ANYTHING, THEN WHY WOULDN'T HE AT LEAST ANSWER THE DOOR?! IF HE ISN'T ANSWERING, THEN HE'S OBVIOUSLY HIDING SOMETHING THAT WOULD MAKE THE GUY NOT COME OUT OF HIS HOME!"

"Uh…guys?" said Makidera-senpai, getting our attention.

"WHAT?!" both Mitsuzuri-senpai and Mr. Ryuudou shouted, turning to Makidera-senpai, who was looking at what's inside the building of the front door. And…she looked freaked out from the way her eyes were wide opened and she was shaking a little fearfully.

"Y-Y-Y-You…y-you might…w-w-wanna…l-l-look inside…t-t-the house…" said Makidera-senpai fearfully, while shakenly pointing her finger inside, making us turn to look, and when we looked, what we saw, to our shock, there was dry blood on the floor.

"What?" I thought, shocked, "No way…c-could someone have…died…?"

"Wait here." said Mr. Ryuudou, as he went inside first and checked on the bloodstain on the floor. He checked on it for a moment, before he said, "This looks to have been recent."

"Recent?" I said.

"Define "recent"." said Mitsuzuri-senpai.

"Likely about almost 2 months ago." Mr. Ryuudou answered, "Someone's been murdered here."

"What?!" said Himuro-senpai, shocked.

"A murder…?" said Saegusa-senpai, as she hid behind Himuro-senpai fearfully, "S-Someone…murdered someone here…?"

"Yes." said Mr. Ryuudou, as he got up before he turned to the two male teachers and said, "You two, quickly call the police. We need to find out what happened. Once you do, wait outside for them to come."

The two male teachers nodded before they took out their phones and started calling the police.

"Okay, we got the police, now what?" Mitsuzuri-senpai asked.

"We check inside and see what happened here." said Mr. Ryuudou, "We need to find out what's going on and what caused this to happen."

"W-W-W-Wait!" said Makidera-senpai, as she hid behind Himuro-senpai fearfully, "We're going in there?! Inside a murder house?!"

"I-I-I-I don't think I wanna go in there!" said Saegusa-senpai, just as scared as Makidera-senpai was.

"There's no choice." said Mitsuzuri-senpai, "We need to get in and see what the hell happened in this Godforsaken house. Besides, that damn old principal could still be in here hiding somewhere behind this house!"

"She's right." I said, "If we don't go inside and figure out what happened, we'll never find any answers in what he's hiding from us, from our school. We need to know now."

Makidera-senpai groaned and said reluctantly, "O-O-Okay, fine. But, I'm still gonna hide here!"

Himuro-senpai sighed and said nonchalantly, "Man up, Maki-no-ji."

We then began to proceed forward and walk inside the house, and we saw that inside the house was all old and dark, and everywhere around the house looked like a complete mess as if it hasn't been cleaned up for years, with only having little light from the lights outside through the windows. It also smelled horrible, with mixed stenches that were rotting the place, including the stench of someone who died here.

"Ugh…!" said Mitsuzuri-senpai, covering her nose, "Man, it reeks…! Who the hell lives in this dump?!"

"Try not to let it get to you." said Mr. Ryuudou, covering his mouth and nose, "We can't let something like this distract us."

"Yeah, right." said Mitsuzuri-senpai.

"I wonder what caused this stench?" said Himuro-senpai, "The smell of a dead body…"

"Uh…guys?" said Saegusa-senpai, getting our attention, as she shakenly pointed her finger at something and said fearfully, "I-I-I-I…I-I think…t-this might answer…our question…"

We turned and looked at where she was pointing at, and to our shock and horror, there in front of us was a dead body of an old woman, hair completely white and long and wrinkly, wearing white clothing and laying on the bed, and the body was already in a state of decomposing, as the skin of the body was already turned into broken dark grey and her muscles were already shrinking to the bones, and the clothes were already being torn apart and ragging. She almost completely looked like a skeleton.

"Oh, God…" said Mitsuzuri-senpai shakenly.

Makidera-senpai began to groan, as she covered her mouth as if she was about to throw up before Himuro-senpai conveniently took out a paper bag for her to throw up in. Makidera-senpai quickly took it before throwing up in it. Himuro-senpai and Saegusa-senpai both patted her on the back for comfort as she did so.

"What in the hell could've caused all this…?" said Mitsuzuri-senpai, as she clenched her fist in anger.

"Let's split up and look for clues." said Mr. Ryuudou, "We need to find out what caused all this."

We all nodded before everyone began to split up, some of us stayed in a group, while I stayed where I was looking at the dead body. Mitsuzuri-senpai turned to look at me and asked, "Hey, Sakura, aren't you coming?"

I stayed silent for a bit, looking at the body, before I said without looking away, "You go on ahead. I'll stay here and see what I can find from this dead body. Besides, there may be something here that could tell me what happened."

"Ah, okay." said Mitsuzuri-senpai, "Just be careful, Sakura." She then left, leaving me to observe the body.

Once she was gone with everyone else, I sighed and thought, "I haven't done magecraft in a very long time since I left the Matou home and the mage world, and I really don't want to use it again, since I swore that I would never use Magecraft again after I left. But…" I searched through my pocket before I took out flower petals of sakura trees and thought while looking at them, "If it'll help us get the answers that we need, then I'll have to do it."

I sighed and said quietly, "Okay, here goes." I then looked at the body of the dead old woman, before I brought my hand with sakura petals to me and silently chanted in German, "Suchen und Identifizieren (Search and Identify)." With that chant, I blew the petals with my mouth away towards the body of the old woman. Once they were blown away, the sakura petals began to glow and surrounded with pink energy, before they flew towards the body and began circling around the dead body, surrounding her and identifying her. As they did so, every information that they had gathered from the body came into my head, giving me identification of who this old woman is, or at least was.

"I see." I thought as I gathered information in my mind, "This old woman is named Yasu Kobayashi, her age is 70 years old, she retired from work five years ago, had been diagnosed with an unknown illness, and has been in care by her son, Taichi Kobayashi. Wait…Kobayashi. That's the last name of our old principal, and he's about in his early 40's. Then, that old woman is his mother? But why would she die if he's been caring for her? What's more, why would she be murdered? Unless…did he perhaps kill her? If so, then why would he?"

I looked at the body again before I thought, "Perhaps we should see how he killed her first." I then took a step back before I brought my left hand towards the dead body of Mrs. Kobayashi before I silently chanted in German, "Bühne und Reflektieren (Stage and Reflect)." Once I chanted that, the sakura petals returned to me in a form of a ball, before they went to where it leads to the kitchen and began to form a silhouette of a person, likely Mr. Kobayashi, who seems to be holding what appears to be a tray, with something that looked like a syringe, likely a medicine for his sick mother. I watched as the silhouette of Mr. Kobayashi began walking towards the bed where his mother rested, ready to give her medication. But…there was something wrong, with the way he was moving, he…he looked like he was…shaking. I can tell with the way his hands were shaking while holding onto the tray. But I could tell he wasn't shaking out of fear, it was…actually out of stress. But, stress from what? Taking care of his mother? Or something else? Or maybe…

I watched as the silhouette of Mr. Kobayashi came over to the silhouette of his mother resting in her bed. As soon as he did so, he stood where he was while he was looking at his mother, perhaps he was talking to her for a bit about something. The silhouette of his mother looked at him as if she was talking to him back, while his body was still shaking from stress, and it looked like she doesn't seem to see or know it, likely too tired or sick to even see it. Then, within an instant, as if he couldn't take it anymore, the silhouette of Mr. Kobayashi began lashing out as if yelling at her, before he took the syringe and threw the tray away and raised it above his head before he then stabbed his mother with it in the neck. The two then went into some sort of struggle, as the silhouette stayed where he was keeping the syringe stabbed in his mother's neck, while his mother tried to struggle against him before finally, they stopped their struggle, and his mother's body went limp and motionless, becoming just like what the corpse is now. The silhouette of Mr. Kobayashi then began shaking uncontrollably as he stepped away from the now dead body of the silhouette of once was his mother fearfully before he shakenly looked at the weapon that he had just used and began to look as if he was screaming. The silhouette of Mr. Kobayashi then began running away towards the kitchen and threw away the syringe that he used into the trash, before running away to somewhere. After that, the silhouette of Mr. Kobayashi stopped and then dispersed into sakura petals, ending the scene.

After the scene was over, I went over to the kitchen where he threw the syringe in the trash. I found the trash can before I looked in the trash to see if the syringe was still there, only to see that it wasn't there anymore, and the trash can was completely empty. Nothing. He must've thrown it away along with the trashes at some point. I then looked at the table to see that there were syringes and medicines on the table. They must've been for his mother since she was sick. I went over to look at them for a minute before I took a look at each of their prescriptions and the effects of these medical drugs. Most of them were pills, some syringes had medicines for seizures, others had green liquids, likely medicines for the unknown illness that his mother had. Although, judging by how old they looked, they must've expired. I looked at each and every one of these medications for a moment before I set them down and sighed.

I then went back to where the dead body was and began thinking, "Okay, based on what I've seen, Mr. Kobayashi was likely stressed out about something to even think about caring about his mother before killing her." I looked at the dead body of his mother and thought, "I don't entirely know their relationship, but caring for his mother couldn't have caused him stress, so it's possible that it only caused his stress to increase. Which means that something else entirely must've brought him to a state of stress. The question is, what could've caused him to build stress?" I then looked at the directions that the others went and thought, "Maybe the others might've found something." I then went off to see what the others had found on their end. I began starting with Makidera-senpai, Himuro-senpai, and Saegusa-senpai.

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I found Makidera-senpai, Himuro-senpai, and Saegusa-senpai in a room that's likely a guest room. Makidera-senpai and Saegusa-senpai were looking at papers on the table while Himuro-senpai was looking at the picture frame with a photo of something. They had…troubled and concerned looks on their faces.

I then went in and asked them, "Well, what did you find? Did you find anything good?" I knew from the way they looked wasn't exactly good news, but I had to ask just to confirm.

Makidera-senpai and Saegusa-senpai looked at me with their troubled and concerned looks, before Saegusa-senpai answered, "No, not entirely. It's actually a bit…more complicated than that."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

Himuro-senpai then approached me with the picture frame in her hand before she handed it to me and said, "Here, take a look at this picture."

I took the picture frame that Himuro-senpai gave me and then took a look at the photo, and in the photo was, to my surprise, a family; one of them was most likely Mr. Kobayashi, although he looks a lot younger than we know, his mother standing next to him, a woman with long black hair and green eyes, likely his wife, and four children, two preteen boys and one toddler little girl, while one of them was an infant wrapped in a blanket while being held in the hands of the child's mother. This family looked…so happy.

I then looked at the three and asked, "Is this…Mr. Kobayashi's family?"

Himuro-senpai sighed and said while shaking her head, "It was."

"Huh?" I said, confused, "Was? What do you mean? What happened to them?"

Makidera-senpai came over to me with a document paper before handing it to me to read it and said, "Well, apparently, they divorced like nine years ago. His wife divorced him and took the kids away with her and left him and his mother to move somewhere else, and god knows where they are anymore."

"I see." I said as I read the document paper.

"His ex-wife was named Yuuko Mori, before she became married to him and became a Kobayashi." said Himuro-senpai, "But after divorcing the guy and left him, she became a Mori again, so it's most likely that she left him to either go back to the family where she came from or remarried to someone else."

"I see." I said before I looked at Saegusa-senpai and asked, "Was there any reason why she would divorce and leave him, and why she would choose to leave his side and take their children with her? Was it because he had a bad relationship with her?"

Saegusa-senpai shook her head before she gave me another document paper and said, "No, it's the opposite, actually. They had a healthy and stable relationship before they divorced and his wife left. But…well, apparently, Mr. Kobayashi had caused something really bad that was going on for a long amount of time until eventually, it led him to cause a huge debt that he had to pay back. This debt was so huge and impossible to clear out, and it was something that he had to clear out with money, which was not so simple with the amount of money he was making. In fact, this debt that he caused was so huge and so impossible, that his wife Yuuko wanted nothing to do with it, and she left out of fear of it."

"I see." I said as I finished reading the document, "So, that must be it."

"Hmm?" said Makidera-senpai, confused, "What? What is it?"

"This." I said, tapping the documents regarding Mr. Kobayashi and his debt, "This must be what caused him to become weak-minded and stressed out about everything. Think about it, Mr. Kobayashi was always weak-minded and unwilling to do anything because he was already becoming weak and afraid, and he was being that way because of the stress of going through all the hard work of trying to clear out that impossible debt that he made. He never stood up nor tried to show any sense of strength, nor even tried to do anything about the situations of the other's lives, because he was weak and afraid while all this was going on about him. And caring for his sick mother on daily basis only worsened his weak-minded condition."

"Huh." said Himuro-senpai, thinking for a moment, "Come to think of it, before Mr. Ryuudou showed up, he always stayed in his office and never leaves, let alone answer the door whenever any of us knocked."

"Yeah, and when I tried to make a report about Shichirou and the bullying that he was doing, he just ignored it." said Saegusa-senpai, "I thought that he didn't care about what was going on at all, but when Issei-san showed up, we learned that he was actually being blackmailed by him, and he was allowing Shichirou to do whatever he wanted because he was afraid of him and what he'd tell to people."

"Now it makes sense." said Makidera-senpai, "Even I thought it was weird. When I came over to tell him about the parents of every student were giving out complaints about what was happening with their children, he just straight up brushed it off like it wasn't important. Hell, he was even ignoring every call that the parents were making to him and was even denying everything to the police that what was happening to the students wasn't true! Now, it all makes sense! He was being manipulated into doing these things!"

"By Shichirou, who no doubt knows what Mr. Kobayashi is hiding from us and the whole school." I concluded, "And it must have something to do with his debt."

"Yeah, but…that can't possibly be it." said Himuro-senpai, "We may know about his debt and all, but what does that have to do with our school? There has to be more to it than that."

"Yeah…" said Makidera-senpai, "And the only way to find out is to find damn old principal, and God knows he could be anywhere."

We were all silent for a moment, thinking about it, before I said, "I'll go look for Mitsuzuri-senpai and Mr. Ryuudou and see what they found. Let's meet up back at the living room afterward."

The three nodded at that before they each left the room one by one until it was just me, as I looked around the room, then at the picture of Mr. Kobayashi and his once-happy family, before I decided to leave the room to go and look for Mitsuzuri-senpai and Mr. Ryuudou, to see what they've found.

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I went upstairs and found Mitsuzuri-senpai and Mr. Ryuudou in another room that looked like an office room for Mr. Kobayashi, but it almost looked abandoned and hasn't been used for a long time. It was dark, messy, dusty, even the desk was filled with dirt and some unnecessary things on it, the computer and its equipment were old, unused, and outdated, and the shelves were completely empty, with the only things on them were boxes of letters, and the only source of light this room had was a lamp. Mitsuzuri-senpai was at the shelves looking at two of the letters, while Mr. Ryuudou was checking to see if the computer could still work despite being outdated.

I walked over to Mitsuzuri-senpai before I asked, "Mitsuzuri-senpai, did you find anything?"

Mitsuzuri-senpai turned to me, before handing me one of the letters to read, and said, "Yeah, I found these. These are letters from the debt collection company. Apparently, our old principal has been receiving these letters regarding the due dates of collecting the debt. He's been trying to find ways to pay them off, at least once a month, but this debt seemed to be too high for him to handle. Hell, not even his money in his bank account could help him out of it. The guy tried that, but it only seemed to have made it worse."

"I see." I said as I read the debt collecting letter, "So, he's been receiving these letters as a reminder that his payment for his debt is due, but gaining money seemed to have been going very bad for him lately, causing him a huge amount of stress."

"Yeah, it's likely why that old man's been weak-minded to do everything." said Mitsuzuri-senpai, "And what's worst, he hasn't been making any progress, and he's been trying to go out and borrow some money from people that he knows, but it just made things even worse, because he had to pay those people back, and it only ended up becoming part of the debts he made. His debt had been only increasing by the day, and it's been putting him on edge."

"That's bad." I said, as I finished reading the letter, "Could it be that this was something he was hiding from us, and what Hashimoto was using to blackmail him?"

"It's possible, yeah." said Mitsuzuri-senpai, "But we still don't know how it's related to our school yet. There's gotta be more to it than that."

I then turned to Mr. Ryuudou, who had apparently just given up on trying to fix the computer, and I asked, "Mr. Ryuudou, is there anything you can do to find anything?"

He sighed and said, "I wish I could, but this damned thing is just too old to even operate. I can't even turn it on. The cords and wires are connected, but there's still nothing and everything else is completely off. The screen won't even turn on no matter what I do."

"Well, that figures." said Mitsuzuri-senpai, "It must've been broken for a long time. Not surprising, since it's pretty outdated and all. Plus, even if we did try to fix it, I doubt we'll find anything on the old computer since we don't have anything that could bring out any information from it."

"I agree." I said, "If we can't find anything in it, we'll just have to get answers from Mr. Kobayashi himself."

"Yeah." said Mitsuzuri-senpai, "And wherever the hell he is, let's hope he's in better shape than this house. It may not look like it, but this place is gonna fall apart and be taken down to pieces anytime soon. If we don't leave now, this house will break down and we'll be crushed."

"Yeah, I think you're right." I said as I noticed the cracks on the wall, "We can't stay here any longer."

"Right." said Mr. Ryuudou, before asking, "And, what about the body of the old woman?"

Ah, that's right. Mr. Kobayashi's mother. I wonder what we should do…no, I don't think there's anything we can do about it.

I sighed before I answered, "If she's dead, then there's nothing we can do about it. Besides, she's already a corpse at this point, and we can't do anything about a corpse's body. And…if this place gets taken down and she gets buried in it, at least she'll have some rest in peace here, in her home."

Mitsuzuri-senpai sighed and said, "Yeah, I guess you have a point. I mean, it's not like we can give it a proper burial. And besides, the police will probably be here by now, so we'll have to explain to them sooner or later."

"Right." said Mr. Ryuudou, "We did call them, so we'll have to let them know what we've found. Let's go."

We all nodded before we decided to walk out and leave the room, walking on our way back to the way we came. As we did so, Mitsuzuri-senpai stopped me by placing a hand on my shoulder, making me turn to look at her as she was looking in another direction. Mr. Ryuudou was the only one who had left to go downstairs, leaving the two of us alone.

"Hey, Sakura?" said Mitsuzuri-senpai, "Did you turn on the lights and look into this room while on the way here?"

"Hmm?" I said, confused before I turned to look at where she was looking at. To my surprise, there was a door that led to another room, quite possibly the bedroom, and inside I saw the lights were being turned on. I then answered, "No, I'm pretty sure I didn't. I must've passed by it without noticing it was there." Wait a second…the lights are on inside…wait, no way, it can't be…!

The realization had quickly hit me before I looked at Mitsuzuri-senpai as she looked at me with the same realization look as I was having. We then gave each other serious looks before we nodded, and then went to prepare ourselves by going towards the door before we placed our backs on the wall on each side of the door. Mitsuzuri-senpai picked up a metal stick for her to use as a weapon to be ready for self-defense. I picked up a broomstick nearby, doing the same. We stood where we were and waited for a moment before we looked at the door and then at each other. Mitsuzuri-senpai nodded first, signaling to me, asking if I was ready. I nodded back in response, signaling I was ready. Mitsuzuri-senpai smirked, satisfied with my answer, before she quickly turned to the door and, with a strong yell and brute force, she kicked the door open, breaking it down in the process before we quickly got inside the room and readied ourselves to fight, only to see that…there was no one in here, just an empty bed.

We became confused by this, before Mitsuzuri-senpai noticed something, and quickly said while pointing at something, "Sakura, look!"

I quickly looked at where Mitsuzuri-senpai was pointing at and saw that there was a window that had already opened before we got in. Wait a second, an open window…? No way, could he have…?

I quickly went to the opened window and looked outside, trying to find him and where he went. He couldn't have jumped out of the window, so how did he get out? Suddenly I felt something that was wooden, and I quickly noticed that there was a wooden ladder that goes from this top floor all the way down out to the sidewalk.

"Oh, no!" I thought, shocked, "Dammit, he must've used this ladder to escape through the window! And if he escaped through this window, then he must've known we were coming for him! Dammit, he could be anywhere! But, he couldn't have gone far, could he?! Where could he be?!"

I quickly looked around to try and find him and to see where he could've gone to. Suddenly, when I looked to my right, I quickly noticed a person that was running far away from here. Wait, could that be…?

"There's one way to find out!" I silently said, before I quickly and silently chanted in German, "Suche und Ansicht! Verfolgen und Identifizieren! (Search and View! Track and Identify!)" With that chant, a gust of wind blew with sakura petals and they blew towards the figure, searching for him, tracking and identifying who it is. Then, several petals appeared before they swirled around in a circle, revealing to me a screen. Within the screen, there was a man with black hair wearing a dirty and messed up suit, running away while holding onto a briefcase that had papers and documents regarding our school inside. Yes, there was no doubt about it! It's Mr. Kobayashi, and he's trying to escape!

I got back in and turned to Mitsuzuri-senpai with a serious face, for I quickly pointed out and quickly said, "He's this way! He's trying to get away!"

"WHAT?!" Mitsuzuri-senpai shouted, "Oh, SHIT!"

Without needing to ask anymore, she quickly turned around before she began running, hurrying herself to the stairs. I began to run as well to follow suit. We quickly got downstairs before we began to run out towards the front door, where Mr. Ryuudou was standing outside waiting with the trio for the police to arrive.

He turned to us and noticed we were running, before he shouted, "H-Hey, what're you two doing?! Don't you know that-?!"

Mitsuzuri-senpai quickly stopped herself before she shouted, while quickly pointing at the direction Mr. Kobayashi was heading to, "Issei, there's no time for that! That damn old principal's running away! He's heading that way to escape!"

"W-Wait, WHAT?!" Mr. Ryuudou shouted, shocked, "B-But, how-?!"

"We don't have time!" Mitsuzuri-senpai shouted, "We need to hurry and get him quick! Hurry, and get the police here, NOW!" She then went off and began running to where Mr. Kobayashi was going.

I looked at Mr. Ryuudou and the trio before I nodded to them and then began to run and follow Mitsuzuri-senpai. We can't let him get away! I ran as fast as I could while I was behind Mitsuzuri-senpai, as she was running to catch Mr. Kobayashi. He was far, but we were catching up to him as he seemed to be slowing down as if he was getting tired from running. Yes! I think at this rate, we'll be able to catch him! But, before we could get to him, he suddenly quickly turned and ran to the right, entering the alleyway. Oh, no!

Mitsuzuri-senpai quickly stopped us and shouted, while pointing at the alleyway that was nearby us, "SAKURA, THIS WAY!"

"Right!" I said before we both began to run into the alleyway.

We ran as fast as we could into the alleyway, trying to catch up to him as he was in the alleyway before we stopped in a two-way direction, and then quickly ran to the left since he was ahead of us and that direction would lead us to him. While we kept on running, we suddenly spotted Mr. Kobayashi running towards us. He probably didn't know that going where he was going, was going to lead him to us, as he suddenly panicked and then quickly ran to his left, trying to get away from us.

"Sakura, quick, take this path!" Mitsuzuri-senpai quickly pointed at the corner of another path, "We'll have to corner him and make sure he doesn't get away!"

"Right!" I said, as I quickly turned to that path and began running, while Mitsuzuri-senpai kept on where she was going before she ran after him in the path he was heading.

I hurriedly ran in the direction that I was going as fast as I could before I found another corner that leads to another path of the alleyway, and I quickly turned and ran to that path. Hopefully, this path will help me cut him off course and have him cornered. Thankfully, while I kept running, I found Mr. Kobayashi running towards me while holding onto his suitcase tightly, before he saw me and panicked, and then I managed to stop him in his track by stopping and then raising both my arms up to block him. He quickly turned around and tried to go back to the way he came but was quickly stopped by Mitsuzuri-senpai as she managed to catch up to him and then blocked his way. I then heard foots steps behind me before hearing some heavy pants as if trying to catch their breath. I turned my head a little to see that it was Mr. Ryuudou as he had managed to catch up to us in time, before I looked back at Mr. Kobayashi, who was shaking and panicking in fear, holding tightly onto the suitcase. Whatever's inside, it must be related to our school.

He looked frantically, trying to look for a way to escape, before he quickly spotted a steel fence that was to our right, and then tried to run away by going to the fence to get over it and escape. We tried to move to get to him, but Mr. Kobayashi, out of panic, quickly kicked the trash cans with full force at us at both sides, attempting to hit us with them. Thankfully, before the trash cans could hit us, Mr. Ryuudou quickly stepped in front of me and kicked it back with a spin kick, knocking it away, while Mitsuzuri-senpai dodged it by stepping aside, letting the trash can pass by her, hitting the other trashes. We then quickly turned to see that Mr. Kobayashi was already at the steel fence, panicking while trying to climb his way to get over it.

Before he could get over the fence, we heard Mitsuzuri-senpai shout, "Hey, Issei!" We turned to see that she was holding onto an old ball before she threw it at us while she shouted, "Quick! Think fast!"

Mr. Ryuudou quickly saw what she was doing, before he quickly jumped and twirled around before he kicked the ball, aiming directly at Mr. Kobayashi before it hit him, causing him to suddenly stagger and then fall off the fence onto his back, dropping the briefcase that he was holding on the ground before it broke open and all the documents that were in there were dispersed out.

Mr. Ryuudou and I then quickly came over to Mr. Kobayashi, who tried to get up and fearfully tried to get away from us. As we got closer to him, he then suddenly drew out a pocket knife from his pocket and, out of panic, tried to aim and stab one of us with it. Thankfully, though, Mr. Ryuudou was able to see that and quickly caught his arm that was holding onto a knife before he twisted his arms, quickly went behind him, and then locked Mr. Kobayashi onto the wall, holding him, as Mr. Kobayashi struggled to try to get out.

"NOOO! NO! NOOO!" Mr. Kobayashi shouted, panicking, "NO, GOD! PLEASE, LET ME GO! LET ME GO, GOD! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!"

"Stay where you are, dammit!" Mr. Ryuudou shouted, holding onto Mr. Kobayashi onto the wall tighter, "We need to know what's going on with you! Tell us why you were running from us!"

I went over to them and said to Mr. Kobayashi, while I tried to calm him down, "Mr. Kobayashi, please calm down, we're not here to hurt you, we just came here for information! Please, we need to know, why were you running away from us?! What're you hiding?!"

"NOOO!" he kept screaming and panicking, struggling to break free, "LET GO! LET ME GO! I DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH ANYONE!"

"Mr. Kobayashi!" I shouted at him, "What is going on with you?! We just came for answers! What are you hiding from us?! What is it you're SO afraid of?!"

"Answer the question, Goddammit!" Mr. Ryuudou yelled, keeping him locked on the wall as much as possible.

"Hey, what this?" I heard Mitsuzuri-senpai say, making me turn to where she is. She was at where the suitcase that had broken opened was, before she picked up some documents on the ground to look at it.

"NOOO!" Mr. Kobayashi panicked, as he tried to break free, "NO! NO! NO! STAY AWAY! STAY AWAY FROM THAT! THAT'S-!"

Mr. Ryuudou quickly pushed him back against the wall and yelled, "DON'T MOVE! STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!"

"NOOO!" Mr. Kobayashi screamed, "LET GO! LET GO OF ME!"

I looked at Mr. Kobayashi being held by Mr. Ryuudou for a moment before I turned and went over to Mitsuzuri-senpai, who was looking and reading the documents. When I looked at her, she had her eyes completely wide open, and she had a look of shock as if what she was reading in the documents was something terrible, and just by looking at her, I just knew that it was not good news. Then, her expression turned from complete shock to complete rage, as she furiously turned around and then furiously walked over to Mr. Kobayashi as she yelled angrily, "YOU DAMN…FUCKING BASTARD!" She then forcibly pushed Mr. Ryuudou away to grab Mr. Kobayashi by his shirt, as she furiously lifted him and forcibly brought his face to hers as she angrily yelled, "ALL OF THE SCHOOL'S BUDGET HAVE ALL BEEN STOLEN AND GONE BY YOU?! YOU FUCKING USED UP ALL OUR SCHOOL'S MONEY…JUST SO YOU COULD CLEAR OUT YOUR FUCKING DEBT, AND NOW OUR SCHOOL'S AT THE RISK OF SHUTTING DOWN!"

Hearing what Mitsuzuri-senpai said about what Mr. Kobayashi had done shocked both me and Mr. Ryuudou, as we both shouted in complete shock and horror, "WHAT?!"

We looked at Mr. Kobayashi as he had a fearful expression on his face, before he screamed out loud, "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" He then pushed away Mitsuzuri-senpai with whatever strength that he had left, pushing her away towards us, knocking the three of us down. We tried to get ourselves back up before we looked at where Mr. Kobayashi was and saw an awful sight. Mr. Kobayashi…he…he stabbed himself…with that knife…in his neck…! After that…he pulled the knife out of his neck…and then blood began to spray out from his neck…everywhere…! We just stood where we were, looking horrified at what was happening in front of us. Then, once the blood from his neck had gone down, Mr. Kobayashi went limp, and he fell to his knees before falling limp onto the ground face front. He…he wasn't moving anymore…Mr. Kobayashi…was dead now. We got ourselves back up before we went over to look at the dead body of the once Mr. Kobayashi. His blood…was pooling everywhere.

"My God…!" said Mr. Ryuudou, shocked and horrified.

"Dammit…!" Mitsuzuri-senpai cursed, tightening her fists in anger, "I can't believe he did that…!"

I then heard footsteps coming over to us, and I turned around to look and saw that the trio had just arrived.

"Hey, guys!" said Makidera-senpai, as she came over to us, "We came as soon as we could! Did you guys-WHOA!" Makidera-senpai suddenly noticed the dead body that was in front of us and then began to freak out before she quickly went behind Saegusa-senpai, who was just as shocked and horrified as Makidera-senpai.

"Oh, my God…!" said Saegusa-senpai, shocked and horrified, while she covered her mouth with both her hands.

"What in the world happened here?!" Himuro-senpai shouted.

Mr. Ryuudou kept looking at the dead body of Mr. Kobayashi for a moment, before he sighed, calming himself down, before he said, "I'll explain later. Are the police and ambulance here?"

"Just outside, waiting for us." said Himuro-senpai.

"Good." said Mr. Ryuudou, "Lead me to them so that I can bring him here. I'll explain to them on the way, they need to know what happened now!"

The trio nodded before they began to lead Mr. Ryuudou outside so that he could meet with the police and ambulance. Mitsuzuri-senpai and I stayed where we were, looking at the dead body of Mr. Kobayashi for a moment before I turned to Mitsuzuri-senpai and asked, "Is it true…? He…he stole all of our school's money, to try to pay off his debt?"

Mitsuzuri-senpai remained quiet for a moment before she handed me the documents that regarded our school's budget and said with what little anger that she still had, "Yeah, and nobody, not even the board of directors knew about it. I don't know how the bastard did it, but he must've been desperate to plan out the whole thing of stealing money. Judging by that knife he was holding, I think I can only imagine what he did to get money from our school, and likely in secret. Now our school's at risk of shutting down for good!"

"Oh, no…!" I said, shocked, as I read what was on the documents, and everything about it was not good. And what's worse, she was right. Our whole school will shut down…within seven days! I looked at Mitsuzuri-senpai, as I gave her an expression asking, 'what should we do?" Mitsuzuri-senpai looked at me before shaking her head, saying that even she doesn't know what to do. I looked at her in complete shock, before looking back at the documents. Oh, no…! This is bad…! At this rate, Homurahara will…!

Mitsuzuri-senpai placed a hand on my shoulder, making me turn to look at her, as she said solemnly, "Sakura, c'mon, we gotta go now. We can't stay here any longer. We should let the police handle this."

I looked at Mitsuzuri-senpai for a moment, seeing that she was deeply serious in her eyes before I sighed and nodded slowly and said quietly, "Okay…"

Mitsuzuri-senpai nodded before she wrapped her arm around my shoulder as a sign of comfort before she began to lead me out to leave the alleyway. I looked back for a moment to look at the dead body of Mr. Kobayashi one last time, before I looked away and began to walk away with Mitsuzuri-senpai to leave the dark alleyway, knowing that the next morning…was not going to be good news for us, for our school.

---

Yuzuru's POV:

The morning had arrived as the morning sunlight began shining through our window, shining in front of my eyes and forcing me to wake up and open my eyes. Man, I really feel tired. I then felt something heavy on top of me and I looked down to see what was on me. Or rather, who was on me. I looked and saw that on top of me was Minna, who was sleeping soundly, and with that smile on her face. I was surprised for a bit before I remembered what happened last night. Yeah, that's right. Last night, we were sleeping together and then…

---

Last night:

Minna was hugging me tightly as she placed her face on my chest, before she slowly moved up and looked at me, and I saw that she had tears in her eyes that could come out at any time while she still held her smile on her face, as she slowly and tearfully said, "I-I…I…I-I'm sorry…I-I didn't…I didn't want you…to see me like this…I tried…h-holding it in, because…I was…so happy to see you…and I-I d-didn't want…to show you, but…b-but I'm scared…" Tears were starting to fall from her eyes as she said while crying, "I-I'm scared…o-of losing you…I'm scared that…w-we…we would be…be apart forever…and then, y-you…you would…forget about me…and, I…I just don't want…to lose you…I don't want us…to be separated again…"

"Minna…" I said.

"I-I-I'm sorry…" said Minna, tearfully, "B-But, I…I just…when I saw you…I was…I was so happy to see you again…a-after so long…a-a-and I…I was…so happy that…you still remember me…i-i-if y-you didn't…after so long…t-then I…I wouldn't know…what I would do…I would've been heartbroken…and…I can't lose you, Yuzu-kun…I've truly missed you…after so long…and I…I don't want…to separate with you again…"

I rubbed the back of her smooth silver hair for comfort, before I used my thumb to wipe away the tears in her eyes, as I smiled gently to her and said gently, "It's okay, Minna, you don't need to worry anymore." I then held onto her a little tighter as I said, "Because, I'm not gonna leave you again. I'm not going to leave your side, I'll stay with you, and I'll protect you like I promised I would. You're important to me, Minna, and I'm going to stay by your side and keep you safe."

"Yuzu-kun…" said Minna.

"For a long time, I've missed you, too." I said, "And there was nothing that could ever make me forget about you or the promise I made to you. To be honest, I was happy to see you too, after those long five years we were apart, and I couldn't stop thinking about you since. Well, uh…I-I don't know if I feel the same way about you, if I love you just as much as you love me, at least not yet, but…I will stay with you, no matter what. I'm not going to leave your side, and I'm not going to abandon you, I'll stay and protect you and keep you safe from any harm. And I promise…I'll make sure that we'll never be separated again."

"Will you do that?" Minna asked, "Do you promise?"

I smiled before I placed a kiss on her forehead, and said reassuringly, "Just leave everything to me. I promise, you'll be in good hands. I'll stay with you and protect you, so you'll never be sad or lonely again, and I'll make you happy, Minna."

Minna smiled at hearing my words, as a tear of joy fell from her eyes, as she said gently, with the same loving smile I know, "Thank you, Yuzu-kun. I know you will. I know you'll stay with me and you'll protect me. Because you're the kindest and loving person I know. I love you, Yuzu-kun." She placed her head onto my chest as she said before falling to sleep, "I love you…so very much…"

---

Now:

Minna slept soundly as I watched her sleep with that smile on her face. Yeah, that's the smile that I want to see all the time. Seeing her smile like that…really makes me smile, too. I want her to smile all the time. That's why…I have to protect her. Because she means everything to me.

"Hmm?" I thought, feeling something soft on my chest, "Wait…what feels so soft?"

I looked down to where it felt soft and, to my complete surprise and shock, I saw something on top of my chest that was…the biggest sight to see, and I literally mean the biggest.

"Ahhh!" I screamed in thoughts, "O-O-O-Oh my God! H-H-Her…h-h-her b-b-boobs…her boobs…t-t-they…t-t-t-t-they're…t-t-they're…t-t-they're…h-her boobs…HER BOOBS ARE ON TOP OF ME!"

Oh, my God! I can just literally see it! Her chest was literally in front of me, barely covered by her shirt, and showing off her cleavages! They literally look like they could pop out any second! And Minna, she really looks defenseless, looking like that! My god, though, now that I'm this close to her, I can really see that she does have bigger boobs than Matou-sensei. They really do look big and they feel so soft that I could even feel it through my shirt I'll bet they'll feel just as soft or even feel softer than mar-wait, WHAT THE HELL AM I EVEN THINKING?! I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE HAVING THESE THOUGHTS RIGHT NOW! I GOTTA GET OUTTA THIS SITUATION! Okay, okay, okay, okay! R-Relax, self! J-Just, calm down! Calm down. You can get outta this. Okay. Relax. Relax. Okay. Here we go.

I slowly tried to move myself to free my arms that were being wrapped around by Minna's. It was a bit hard, but slowly and surely, I was able to free my right arm from her hold. I then slowly freed my other arm, making me able to move my arms, before I then slowly tried to grab both of Minna's arms on both of my sides, as I tried to slowly, while gently, pick Minna up to get her off me while doing my best to ignore the softness of her breasts. As much as I…love breasts and I love how soft Minna's breasts were, so much that…I feel…l-l-like I wanna touch them…I can't do that, not when she's sleeping! Plus, I'll feel like I'm hurting her, so…yeah. A-Anyway, once I got her off of me, I slowly and gently moved her to my left, slowly and gently laying her down on the bed to her side, placing her head on a pillow, where she could be comfortable. After that was done, I sighed in relief, one from holding onto my hormones to do anything bad to her, and two from trying to move her off of me. I then placed my blanket onto her, before looking at her sleeping face. Just like before, she looked so…peaceful when she's sleeping, and her smile was still on her face. I smiled at that while looking at her for a moment before I decided to go to the bathroom to brush my teeth and get myself ready.

---

After I was done brushing my teeth and getting myself into my school uniform, I went back to my bedroom to wake up both Minna and Saber. As I got into my room, I saw that Saber was already awake, as she got up from the futon. She then noticed me and said, "Good morning, Yuzuru."

"Good morning, Saber." I said, "The bathroom's ready, so you go on ahead and get ready. I'll wake up Minna."

"Of course." Saber nodded, "Thank you, Master."

Once Saber had left to go to the bathroom, I turned to where Minna was still in my bed, sleeping peacefully. I then went over to her to wake her up. As soon as I got close, I placed my hand on her shoulder and gently shook her to wake her up as I said, "Hey, Minna, it's morning. C'mon, it's time to get up."

Minna only groaned a little, not waking up from me shaking her.

I sighed and said, "Minna, if you don't wake up soon, we're gonna be late for school." I then shook her again and said, "C'mon, wake up."

Minna groaned a little again, moving away from my hand a little, before she mumbled in her sleep, "Yuzu-kun…I love…you…Yuzu-kun…I love you so…much…please…kiss me…"

"Ah, she must be dreaming." I said. I sighed again before I smiled and said, "I think I'll let her sleep a little more. In the meantime, I'll go prepare breakfast."

I then began to leave the room to go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. But, before I could leave to the door, suddenly, I felt a hand grab hold of mine before I was suddenly pulled back, making me turn around and making me land back in the bed. I groaned as I tried to get myself back up from the bed. I then began to open my eyes, before suddenly, I looked down to see Minna's face was in front of me before I suddenly began to see the situation and the position that I was in. I was…oh, my God! Oh, my freakin' GOD! I'm freaking literally on top of Minna! Okay, this is bad! This is really, REALLY bad! Oh, man! I'm freakin' on top of Minna! And what's more, her face is so close to mine! Oh, man, this is really bad! This is not the best situation that I really wanna be in! I gotta get outta this!

But before I could even do anything, Minna was already beginning to wake up. Oh, great! Why now?! When Minna opened her eyes and woke up, she looked and saw that I was right in front of her, and on top of her in the bed. As we were facing each other, me looking down at her, and Minna looking at me on top of her, there was an awkward silence as we looked at the situation that we were in. Oh, no! This is bad! This is really awkward!

It became completely silent for a moment before Minna smiled and said sweetly, "Good morning, Yuzu-kun."

"H-Huh?" I thought, confused, "W-Wait…what? H-Huh?! Wait, she's…not freaking out, she's…not screaming or…affected by this at all?" I didn't know what to say about this as I was bewildered by what just happened, before I said awkwardly, "Uh…g-good morning, Minna." I then made an apologetic face and said sorta nervously, "Um…u-uh…s-s-sorry about this. Um…a-are you okay?"

"Mm-hmm, I'm okay." Minna nodded, "Ah, b-but, um…Y-Yuzu-kun, your…your right…hand…"

"Hmm?" I said, confused, "My…right…hand…what about my right ha-?" I looked down to see where my right hand was, only to realize that…that…oh…oh, my God! OH, MY GOD! M-M-M-M-My right hand! My hand's groping on one of Minna's breasts! I'M FREAKIN' GROPING ON HER BOOBS!

As soon as I saw where my hand was touching and what I was feeling, I began freaking out and screamed out loud, before I quickly pulled my hand away and quickly got off of Minna, making myself fall off the bed before I quickly got on my knees and bowed, and I shouted, panicking, "I'M SO SORRY, MINNA! I'M SO SORRY! I DID NOT MEAN TO DO THAT, I SWEAR! IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!"

"Oh, God, I can't believe I actually did that!" I thought, "I touched Minna's boobs! Oh, man, she probably hates me now! A-Although, t-they did feel really big, soft, and squishy, in through her clothes, I could tell that they were really soft. In fact, I think her boobs were a lot softer than mar-WAIT, THE FUCK AM I THINKING RIGHT NOW?! THIS ISN'T THE TIME TO BE THINKING ABOUT THAT! OH, GOD, I THINK MINNA'S GONNA KILL ME AND-!"

"It's okay." I heard her say, making me look up at her.

"H-Huh?" I said, confused.

Minna smiled and said, "I don't mind what had happened, Yuzu-kun. Because, if it's you, then I feel so much happy. And, your hand felt so warm when you touched my chest. I liked it."

"Uh…" I said as I got myself back up, before I said apologetically, "Sorry."

"Nein, it's okay." Minna smiled, "I know it was just an accident, and I know you didn't do it out of bad intention. And, I know how very caring you are. That's what I love so much about you."

"Minna…" I said.

"Also," said Minna, innocently, as she placed her hands on top of her breasts, "If you really want to, Yuzu-kun, then I don't mind you touching them again, so go ahead. Touch them as much-"

"AAAAAHHH!" I screamed before I said quickly, shaking my hands no, "NO! NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! I'M GOOD! I'M GOOD! I'M GOOD! I'M TOTALLY GOOD! I THINK I'VE DONE ENOUGH TOUCHING YOU FOR TODAY!" I then quickly turned around so that she doesn't see me blushing as I nervously said, "S-S-S-S-So, a-a-a-anyway! U-U-U-Uh…d-d-do you…w-w-w-wanna have some breakfast? I-I-I-I'll…g-g-get them…r-ready for you, i-i-i-if…y-you want."

I turned my head a little to see that Minna was looking at me for a moment, before she smiled and said, "Ja, I'd love some!"

I sighed and said, still nervously, "Ah, g-great! I-I'll uh…I-I'll go make breakfast and get them ready. So, you go on to the bathroom and get ready for school. I'll wait in the kitchen. S-S-So uh…I-I-I'll see you at the kitchen."

"Ja, Yuzu-kun." Minna smiled, "I'll see you later."

I then quickly began to leave the room, quickly moving myself to the kitchen, before I stopped and placed my back against the wall, trying to catch my breath while I tried to take in what just happened. Oh, God! I can't believe I touched her breasts, and Minna was okay with it! And what's more, Minna was willing to let me touch her breasts again?! Just how much does she love me?! I sighed to myself, letting air take in as silence took over before I looked at my right hand that had touched Minna's big and soft boobs before I began to make a motion of squeezing, as I began to remember the softness and squishiness of her boobs. I began to remember what I had just done to Minna minutes ago, as I remembered how they exactly felt, how big they were, and just how soft that her boobs were;her boobs…they were softer than marshmallows. As I began to think that, I…I remembered what Minna had just said to me about touching her breasts again…before suddenly, I…I started to fantasize…about Minna…

We were…in a love hotel room, where the room was red and pink, the carpet floors being the color of red, and the walls were the color of pink, and the only lights that were one were the red, pink, and white candles, lighting up in the darkroom, and the sound of erotic music was the only sound that was being played. And here I was, in nothing but my blue boxers; no shirt, no pants, just me almost completely naked. And there, right in front of me, was Minna, sitting on the side of the bed, wearing nothing but her bra and panties that were in complete white, representing her innocence, waiting for me to come over to her, with that innocent smile on her face. Her body had the most beautiful perfect hourglass figure, including her large supple breasts, her nice curvy hips, and her nice toned legs. I looked at her for a moment, taking in her figure, as we let the music play in silence, and Minna looked at me as she did the same with mine, both of us sharing the same blushing looks on our faces.

Minna then brought her arms out in opened arms, as she said sweetly in a half-whisper, "Yuzu-kun, here~ Come to me~"

Once I heard that I felt the urge to go to her and take her in bed, and to make her mine, and only mine alone. And so, I slowly came over to her, and once I got close to her, I then gently pushed her down to the bed, before I placed both my hands between her as I was on top of her. I looked down and saw that Minna looked very beautiful, but also looked very vulnerable, as she looked up at me with vulnerable eyes that showed she was a little scared, showing me that this was her first time doing this. Seeing as how scared she was feeling, I placed my right hand on her cheek as I slowly rubbed her face gently and tenderly, showing her love and reassurance, before I kissed her on the forehead, showing her that I'll be gentle with her. This made Minna gave out a loving smile, knowing how kind I was being to her. She then placed both her hands on top of her chest where she showed her large supple breasts and smiled sweetly as if she was welcoming me to touch them.

"Yuzu-kun~" she said, sweetly, in a half-whisper, "Go ahead~ Touch them if you want~"

"Minna…" I said.

"It's okay~" said Minna, sweetly, in a half-whisper, "Go on~ Touch me~"

With that, I gently took her hands away from her chest and placed them on both sides of her face, before I slowly moved my hands and went to her supple breasts, where it was rising and then going down from her breathing. Then, without any delay, I began to place both my hands onto both her boobs, and began to gently squeeze them, grope them, and massage them, making Minna moan cutely and sweetly. I continued to gently squeeze, grope, and massage both her large and supple breasts, earning lots of very sweet and cute moans from the girl that was beneath me. Minna was moaning so much from my gentle touch that I was giving her, as she looked at me with loving eyes that tells me to keep on going, and so I did. I was giving Minna the feeling of love and pleasure that she wanted from me. As I kept on squeezing, groping, and massaging her breasts, I looked at all the loving expressions that Minna was making, as she was moaning sweetly, feeling happy from my touch that she was feeling and having from me groping and massaging her, before I turned my attention her lips that looked very sweet, as if it could be kissed by another, making me slow down my hand motions of squeezing, groping, and massaging.

Minna looked at me and saw this, before she smiled sweetly and said in a half-whisper, "Go on, Yuzu-kun~ Please, kiss me~"

I looked at Minna, surprised for a minute before I smiled back and nodded. We looked at each other lovingly, letting this moment of love come to us before I began to slowly move my head closer towards hers, slowly closing our eyes as my face was slowly getting closer and closer to hers, and slowly opening our mouths for each other, as we were slowly getting ready for me to give her the most loving and blissful kiss, getting ready for me to soon give her…the most wonderful pleasure that she'll-

NO, WAIT, WHY THE FUCKING HELL AM I HAVING THESE EROTIC FANTASIES?! I SHOULDN'T BE FUCKING DOING THIS! AND NOT ABOUT MY CHILDHOOD FRIEND!

---

Outside of the apartment complex:

People were walking on the sidewalks, passing by each other and the apartment building that was next to them. Some were old people walking by from shopping stores, others were teens hanging out, while few were businessmen and women.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Suddenly, there was a very, very loud scream that was from the apartment complex, making people completely startled and yelped as they all turned their attention towards the apartment where the screaming was coming from, before there were very loud banging going on, making the people even more surprised and startled. The screaming that was happening in the apartment complex was either making people scared or completely confused as to what was going on inside.

---

Yuzuru's POV:

As soon as I realized what I was thinking and what I was fantasizing about, I soon shot up from that thought and fantasy and then began screaming my heart out loud, before I began to repeatedly bang my head against the wall really hard, trying to get the image of and the erotic thoughts about Minna out of my head, while continually screaming my heart out loud, and shouting to myself, "FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! FORGET IT! OH, DEAR GOD, FUCKING FORGET IT!"

As soon as I was done screaming, I was panting, gasping, and wheezing out, tired from all the screaming any more than I did while trying to catch my breath. As soon as I caught my breath, I turned around and saw Saber standing there with a blank expression on her face, and I was startled by it.

"W-Wait, Saber?!" I said, startled, "H-H-H-H-How long have you been here?!"

Saber sighed and said monotonically and with a deadpanned expression, "Long enough to see that my Master was screaming himself out so loud and banging his head so hard that I had to cover my ears from all that loudness and screaming you made."

"Oh." I said, realizing what I had just done, before I said apologetically while rubbing my temple, "God, I'm...s-sorry about that. I was…trying to forget something…and trying to get the image out of my Goddamn head."

"It's fine, Yuzuru." said Saber, "However, the next time you wish to scream out your head off, I suggest that you should do so elsewhere where no one can hear you nor what you are screaming about."

"Right." I said, "I'll be sure to do that."

"Also," said Saber, before she flicked me in the head with her finger and said sternly, "Please, do not be going around and having these erotic fantasies while I'm around! I could already feel what you were thinking from a mile away!"

"H-Huh?!" I said, confused before I suddenly remembered our pact, and I said, "O-Oh. Oh…crap. Right, I forgot." I then looked down ashamed, and said, "Ugh…sorry…"

---

Me, Minna, and Saber were in our seats, fully dressed in our school uniform, Minna was in hers, eating our breakfast that I had made on the table. We were all really quiet while we were eating, neither one of us was planning to speak whatsoever. Okay…this was getting…awkward. Although, at least Saber seems to be the only one who's eating her breakfast calmly like it either doesn't bother her or it's none of her business. Or, it could be both.

I then began to speak, though awkwardly saying, "U-U-Um…s-s-so, uh…anyway, M-M-Minna, um…h-h-how's the breakfast that I made? I-I-Is it, uh…a-any…a-a-any good?"

"Ah, ja!" Minna smiled, lightening the mood, "It's very delicious! I really love your cooking, Yuzu-kun!"

Ah, well, at least it's getting a little less awkward now. "Ah, that's great." I smiled back, "I'm…glad you like it. I've been practicing my cooking while we were apart. I figured that if I'm gonna be living independently, then I might as well at least need to learn how to care for myself. Plus, I thought I'd make some good impression for people."

"That's wonderful, Yuzu-kun!" Minna smiled, "You must've worked really hard to get to where you are now!"

"Yeah." I said, "And, admittedly, I thought that if I'd see you again, I'd cook for you, so that you'll love some great food that I'd make for you."

"Really?" said Minna, surprised, "You did it for me, Yuzu-kun?"

"Yeah." I said, "I guess I just thought that, if I'd see you again, then…well, maybe I'd show you my cooking skills."

"I see." said Minna.

"Uh…w-well, I-I-I mean, I-I-I still…have a lot to learn before I could be a better cook," I stuttered a little, "But, well…you know…"

Minna shook her head and said with a sweet smile, "Nein, I don't mind at all, Yuzu-kun. Because, if it's from you, then I'm fine with anything that you'd make for me. And also, I really love your cooking. It's the best to me!"

"Minna…" I said before I smiled back, "Thanks. I feel relieved to hear that."

"Mm-hmm." Minna nodded happily.

Saber stopped eating and said to me with a small smile, "Yes. I, too, find your meals to be quite satisfying, Yuzuru. In fact, I find that any meal that you make would bring me to satisfaction."

"I'm glad to hear that, Elaina." I said, and she nodded. I then got myself up from my seat and said, "Well, I think it's time we get ready. We'll need to get ready to head to school. So, let's finish up and clean the dishes."

"Ja!" Minna smiled.

"Indeed." Saber nodded.

---

After we were done eating and finished cleaning the dishes, I then said, "You two go and get your school bags ready, while I go and get Yukitsuki-san. Knowing her, she'd probably want me to go get her so that we can go to school early."

"Okay." Minna nodded.

"Of course." said Saber.

"Oh, and uh, before I forget," I added, "Our teachers and staff for our classes won't be around for today, so we'll be having substitute teachers to teach us for our lectures. I thought I'd let you know that."

"Ah, I see." said Minna, "Danke, Yuzu-kun."

I nodded and said, "Gern geschehen, Minna." I then took my school bag and went out the door to go and get Yukitsuki-san.

I walked my way around the apartment until I found Yukitsuki-san's room. I went up to the door and then knocked on it and waited until Yukitsuki-san would answer it. As soon as the door opened, Yukitsuki-san popped her head out and saw me outside, waiting for her. But…when I looked at her, she had a troubling expression on her face.

"Uh…hey, Yukitsuki-san." I said, "Good morning. What's wrong? You look kinda troubled. Is uh…everything alright?"

"Yeah, good morning, Shindou-kun." said Yukitsuki-san, almost like in a whisper, "And, no, everything's not alright. Did you…hear the news?"

"Huh?" I said, "Uh, no, sorry, I was too busy trying to wake Minna and Elaina up and making breakfast for them, and uh…thinking of some stuff (not that I can tell you what it was about), I didn't really have time to watch what's going on TV. Why, did something happen?"

Yukitsuki-san looked away from me as if she knew whatever answers she's going to make would affect me, before she sighed and then looked back at me and answered, "Our school is in a threat of shutting down."

Hearing what she had said suddenly shocked me, as I shouted out of shock, "WHAT?!" I then grabbed her shoulders and said quickly asked, "Wait, hold on! What do you mean our school is in a threat of shutting down?!"

Yukitsuki-san looked at me for a moment, before she said, "Get Minna and Elaina here. I'll show you what I mean."

---

We were all in Yukitsuki-san's room as we watched the news on TV. Me and Minna were sitting together on a couch, Yukitsuki-san sat on a chair next to us, while Saber stood standing behind us. On TV, the news was showing our academy with lots of police cars that were at the school gates blocking people, mostly parents of other students of our school, who were apparently rioting over what was going on, and the news reporter who was facing the camera to give out her news report with her mike in hand.

"In today's news," said the news reporter, "The Fuyuki City's once-great Homurahara Academy has been reported to have lost all of the school's funding and financial needs to support its academy and is now in an immediate threat of shutting down for good. With no longer any funding to help and support the school, all the students and teachers will no longer be able to go to school in our city. This has placed all parents of every student on riots and on strike, hoping and demanding that they should have the school running once again, with little to no results as the response for their call has yet to be made to deal with this current situation. No one knows exactly what had caused our once-great academy to immediately be on the verge of shutting down with little to no more school funding to support it, however, witnesses believe the one who has caused all of this and has been leading to this disastrous event was done by Mr. Taichi Kobayashi, the former principal of Homurahara Academy."

"What?!" we all said, completely shocked about this revelation.

"The members of the Board of Directors of Education are currently speaking to the teachers and staffs within Homurahara Academy about the current situation that the academy is currently in and are debating on what to do and to what their plan is." said the reporter, "And all students are to be told to stay in their residence with their parents, either to wait until either the situation will be resolved completely or not at all. As the Board of Directors of Education debate on what their next move should be, there is a question that now lingers in everyone's mind: Will Homurahara Academy continue running and become prestigious once again, or will the inevitable come to happen and the once-great academy becomes gone for good, no longer being an academy of Fuyuki City?"

Once the news was done, Yukitsuki-san turned off the TV, ending what was shown to us, before she got up to face us and said, "That's what's happening now. Apparently, if the school isn't able to run again, Homurahara Academy will be gone for good. And without any financial needs to help support it, the school's done for good. And…if the school's done for good…"

"…then everyone here will be forced to move away from Fuyuki to transfer to different schools." I finished for her, "Does that…include exchange students?"

"I'm afraid so." said Yukitsuki-san, "I don't really know about Elaina's case, but…if they intend to take exchange students back to their countries, then it's likely that they'll take Minna back to Germany."

Hearing about that made me completely shocked, as I got up from the couch and said incredulously, "WHAT?! Are they out of their minds?! They can't just take Minna back to Germany, she just got here to Japan! If they take her back, they'll…!"

"I know!" said Yukitsuki-san, "I know that she just got here, but this was something that they had already decided on for all the students of Homurahara Academy if this problem isn't resolved!"

"Are they kidding us?!" I said, incredulously, "So what?! Are we supposed to be just standing around doing nothing while we wait for the inevitability to happen?! And then we just move out of Fuyuki City to just go and transfer to different schools just like that, like nothing matters anymore?!"

"Look, I don't like the idea of moving away from here as much as you do, Shindou-kun!" said Yukitsuki-san, "In fact, none of us do! But everybody knew that if something like this were to go wrong and that if it isn't dealt with anytime soon, this was going to happen to all of us, not just our teachers and staff or the exchange students!"

"Yeah, well, that doesn't mean we should like this idea!" I said, "And that doesn't mean we have to just stand around and do nothing!"

"He's right." said Saber, "Just because this is the problem of those who work for Homurahara Academy, that does not mean it is not the problem of ours. Besides, if they shut down the school for good, where could every student of the academy possibly go from Fuyuki? Perhaps to another school in another city, yes, but even if they did that, it would not make things any better, because it would never feel the same for them in other schools than Fuyuki."

"Yeah, but-"

"Yukitsuki-san, we have to go to Homurahara Academy." I said.

"But the news said-"

"I don't care about that, not when something like this is happening!" I shouted, slamming my fist on a nearby wall, "I'm not just gonna stand around, sit in my own damn home, and do nothing about what's happening! Everyone here loves this school, and it's like a home to them, to everyone, both old and new! I love that school too, even after my time being here, no matter how short it was!" I then sighed and said, "And besides, Minna doesn't want to leave this city, this country, because she wants to learn so much about it. And most of all, she…she needs me, and…" I turned to look at Minna and saw that…she had a look of fear in her eyes, as she was looking at me with tears in her eyes that looked like they could fall any minute, and even though she was doing her best to hold it in, her body was shaking uncontrollably, as she was fearing of what might come for her. seeing her like that made me remember what she said to me last night, saying to me that…she doesn't want to be separated from me again. I gripped my fists tightly, as I held my anger in, before I looked back at Yukitsuki-san, as I gave a look of seriousness and determination, as I said to her, "We were separated once, a long time ago, and I don't want us to be separated again."

Yukitsuki-san looked at me with a surprised look on her face, seeing as how serious I was, and she looked at me for a moment of silence. She then sighed before she gave a small smile and said, "You really do care for Minna, don't you?"

I nodded and said, "More than you know."

"I see." said Yukitsuki-san before she sighed and murmured, "I guess I can see why she loves you so much…"

"Hmm?" I said, confused, "What do you mean?"

Yukitsuki-san giggled a little and said, "It's nothing, don't worry about it."

"Oh, uh…okay." I said.

"Anyway, if you're going to go to the academy, then I'm going, too." said Yukitsuki-san, "It's like you said, we can't just stand around and do nothing and wait for the inevitable, and just because it's their business, doesn't mean it isn't ours. And besides, it's like you said, everyone loves the school, and so do I. And I'm not gonna stand around and wait for the inevitable either. I don't want my school to shut down for good."

"Thanks, Yukitsuki-san." I said, "You're a really great friend I could ask for."

"I'm just doing what I can to help out." said Yukitsuki-san, "Besides, I still owe you from the time you helped me. I'll call the others, you, Minna, and Elaina can go on ahead and head to Homurahara Academy, I'll catch up then."

"Okay." I nodded, "You got it."

---

Me, Minna, and Saber arrived at the academy as soon as we could, but when we got there, the front gate was already crowded by lots of people, most likely the parents of every student of Homurahara academy that were on strike, demanding to have the school running again, while they were being pushed back by police officers. The situation was…really bad.

"Looks like we can't go by the front." I said, "If we did, we'll probably get caught by the crowd, and God knows what might happen."

Saber and Minna nodded in agreement before Minna asked worriedly, "But, Yuzu-kun, how are we supposed to get into the school?"

"There are the other gates on both sides that we can go to." I said, "We can use either of those to go through without being noticed by anyone."

"I see." said Minna.

"But, Yuzuru," said Saber, "Wouldn't there be more security guards there guarding those two gates as well?"

"If there are, we could try to talk them out of it to let us in." I said, "Besides, everyone seems more focused on the front gates to even bother to go to the side gates, so that gives us time to go without having anyone to notice us."

We looked back at the group of people rioting at the front gate, as they tried to get through the police while on strike. And, just as I had said, they were too distracted to even notice us while we were a little far away.

"Yes, you have a point." said Saber, "Still, we need to stay close to each other as possible should anything happen. We don't know if there will be another crowd of people just like the ones here at the front gates."

"Ja." said Minna, "It'll be bad if we get caught."

"Yeah." I said before I thought of an idea, and then I turned around and grabbed onto Minna's hand with mine, surprising her a little, before I said, "It'll be safer if we held hands. So, hold on tightly, okay, Minna?"

Minna looked at me with a surprised look for a moment, before she smiled and said, "Ja! Okay, Yuzu-kun!"

I then turned to Saber and asked, "Elaina, do you need to hold mine, too?"

"No, there's no need to." said Saber, "I'll be keeping my guard up while we're in the crowd, so I'll be fine."

"Okay." I said, "Then, c'mon, let's go before anyone notices us."

Minna and Saber nodded before we then began to proceed forward, slowly walking around the corner of the school gates while making sure nobody saw us. Thankfully, we were able to go around the corner of the gates quickly without being noticed by anybody. We kept on going until we found another gate at the side, and just like the front gate, it was being guarded by a policeman and policewoman on guard duty, but thankfully, it did not have any crowd to deal with.

As soon as we were getting closer, the two security guards saw us before the policeman brought his hands up and said, "You three, halt!"

We stopped the moment he said that as the policeman then began to approach us and said, "You kids, what do you think you're doing? You can't be here!"

"Uh…we're sorry, officer." I said, "But we just came here to see what's going on with our school and talk to the people here."

"Son, haven't you seen the news?" said the policeman, "The school's closed until further notice. Students aren't allowed to come to school due to the threat of it shutting down. I'm afraid you and your friends are gonna have to go home and come back again tomorrow."

"But, officer, I can't do that!" I said, "Sir, I need to come in and talk to the people here! I need to talk to them about what's happening right now and what they're going to do about this!"

"I'm sorry, sir." said the policewoman, as she approached us, "But, I'm afraid it's not possible. Students are not allowed to come into school, and we can't let anybody in the school, even if it's something important."

"But, I-"

"I'm sorry, kid, but we're gonna have to ask you and your friends to leave." said the policeman, "We can't let anybody in, especially students."

"But-"

"Sir, please leave." said the policewoman, "We're sorry, we understand what you and your friends are feeling, but we're just doing our job."

"C'mon, kids." said the policeman, "Go home."

"But-"

"Wait, hold on!" I heard someone call, and I looked at the front of the gates and saw Emilia-sensei approaching us before he stepped in front of us and told the police officers, "It's okay, officers, these kids are with me. Let them through."

"Huh?" said the policeman, "But, sir, we were told not to-"

"It's okay, officers." Emilia-sensei reassured, "These kids are my students. I'll keep an eye on them."

"Are you sure?" the policewoman asked.

"Of course." Emilia-sensei smiled, "Like I said, they're with me."

"I see." said the policewoman, "Very well, then."

Once that was done, the policemen went back to guarding the gate.

I turned to Emilia-sensei and said, "Thank you so much, Emilia-sensei."

"Not at all." said Emilia-sensei, "Sakura told me she had a feeling you'd come here, so I figured I'd come by to get you." He then looked as if he noticed something before he gave out a sly smile and said, "Say, when did you two become a couple already, Shindou-kun?"

"Huh?" I said, confused before I looked at where he was looking, and then I realized, I was still holding Minna's hand. Seeing this made me panic a little before I quickly let go of her hand and then I shouted at Emilia-sensei, "N-NO! It's nothing like that! I-I wasn't holding her hand on purpose, I was-!"

"I'm kidding, kid!" Emilia-sensei laughed, "I'm kidding! Jeez, kid, you sure do get worked up when it comes to you two, don't you?"

I sighed and said with a deadpanned expression, "Shut up, sensei. It's completely none of your business."

Minna giggled while Saber chuckled a little.

We then heard footsteps as we heard Yukitsuki-san call, "Shindou-kun! Emilia-sensei!"

We turned around and saw Yukitsuki-san and the others coming towards us as they had arrived just in time.

"We got here as soon as we could." said Kurosawa-san, "Didn't wanna miss this."

"YEAH!" Hiiragi cheered enthusiastically, "WE'RE GONNA GO GET OUR SCHOOL BACK!"

"We're doing this for our school." said Yukitsuki-san, "All of us."

"Right." I nodded.

But then, I suddenly noticed something, and it was our group. One of us was missing. I turned to the others and said, "Hey, one of us is missing. Where's Asada-san? Isn't she supposed to be with you guys?"

The others looked at me for a moment, before Yukitsuki-san sighed and said, "Yeah, she was supposed to, and I did call her, but she said that she can't show up with us today. Apparently, she said that she'll be busy, as she has something else to do, so she can't come to school to meet up with us."

"Huh?" I said, confused, "Busy? Wait, busy with what?"

"She didn't say." Yukitsuki-san shook her head, "I asked her, but she said that it's something she can't talk about and that it's something important she had to do alone. Honestly, I wish I knew what it was."

"Yeah, that's kinda weird, don't you think?" said Kurosawa-san, "Our class representative going out doing something else other than stuff related to school and all? She should've been here to help support our school if she's really our class rep. and all."

"Yes, it's strange." said Emilia-sensei, making us turn to him, "But we'll have to worry about that later. For now, kids, if you wanna know what's going on, come with me. And stay with me, alright?"

"Yes, sensei." we all said before we all began to follow him to where he was leading us.

I stopped for a moment as I noticed Saber was standing where she was, and she looked as if she was thinking about something. I went over to her and said, "Hey, what's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

Saber was quiet for a moment, before she asked, "Master, how long have you known Chikako Asada for, and how much do you know about her?"

"Asada-san?" I said, before I answered, "Well, about three and a half weeks since I moved here, and aside from being a class representative, and being a reliable helper to everyone else in school, as well as being good friends with Yukitsuki-san and Kurosawa-san in class, not entirely much since she always does lots of stuff as the class representative, even though she does make time to hang out with us and talk with us. Why?"

Saber thought for a moment, before she said, "There's something about her that doesn't seem to be right, something that even you may not know about."

"Huh?" I said, confused, "Wait, what do you mean?"

"It's her energy." said Saber, "And the color of her aura."

"Huh?" I said, even more confused.

"You may not know it nor feel it and tell since you're still not entirely a full-fledged mage," said Saber, "But as a Servant, I could feel it. I could sense that her aura was completely strange; her aura was dark, and it was…ominous. Something is off about her."

"Off?" I said, confused, "What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure entirely," said Saber, "But…I just know that your friend, Chikako Asada, may not be who you believe her to be."

I looked at Saber as I took in what she had just said to me before I began thinking for a moment. Could Asada-san…really be that bad…?

I then shook my head and said, "Nah, Saber, you probably must've been imagining things. I don't think Asada-san is a really bad person. And if she was, I would've already avoided her a long time ago. Besides, I can't actually imagine her being a bad person. She's too much of a good person."

"Hmm…I suppose so, and I do hope you're right." said Saber, "Still, we must be cautious the next time we see her again, for there is no telling what kind of person Chikako Asada turns out to be. And if she turns out to be an enemy, we must be prepared."

I took in what Saber said as I thought for a moment before I nodded and said, "Got it. I'll be sure to do that."

Saber nodded before she smiled and said, "Anyway, we should hurry. The others are probably waiting for us already."

"Right." I said as we began to walk to catch up to the others, "Let's do that."

---

We were in the school building walking through the hallway as we all followed Emilia-sensei, as he was leading us the way to where our teachers and the members of the Board of Directors of Education were at. Emilia-sensei was walking ahead of us as he was leading the way, Yukitsuki-san and the others were behind him, while me, Minna and Saber were behind the others, and while we were walking on our way to where the meeting was, I was holding onto Minna's hand again as I felt that I needed to hold onto her and not let go.

"Stay close to me, Minna." I whispered, for her to hear.

Minna looked at me for a moment before she nodded, and then held my hand tighter to show me that she'll stay close.

I…I don't know why, but…for some reason, I don't want to let go of her. I don't want to let go of Minna, not even for a second, or else…she'll be gone for good. I…I don't know why I just…I just don't want that to happen. I don't want to lose Minna. Just, what…what is this am I feeling? Is it…fear? Am I…afraid? I'm afraid of losing her…but why? Why am I afraid of losing her? Is it because she's my childhood friend, and I don't want to be separated from her again just like a long time ago? Or…? Just…what is it? I…I don't know what it is, but…I just know that I have to keep holding onto Minna, no matter what! I have to! And I…I have to protect her! I promised her to!

We then stopped at the door that Emilia-sensei stopped us at were no doubt, it led to the meeting that was happening. Emilia-sensei brought his finger to his lips, signaling us to be quiet, and we all nodded to that, before he moved the door slightly opened, just a bit enough for some of us to see while a few of us peeked through the window.

In the meeting room, we see our teachers, Matou-sensei, Mitsuzuri-sensei, Makidera-sensei, Himuro-sensei, Saegusa-sensei, and our school principal, Mr. Ryuudou, as well as some staff, standing in line and facing in front where the members of the Board of Directors of Education were sitting at a table. All of them were wearing black suits and white buttoned shirts while also wearing different colored ties.

One member was an old man who has white hair and beard and brown eyes and is wearing a black and yellow striped tie, and a name tag on his left side of his pocket breast named "Yoshiro Yamazaki". Another one was an attractive young woman who has long waist-length reddish-brown hair that is styled in twin-tails which is held up by two blue ribbons and brown eyes and is wearing a red tie, and a name tag on the same side of her pocket breast named "Erika Akizawa". The next one next to her was a handsome man who has short shoulder-length blonde hair and bright blue eyes, and is wearing a blue tie with black poke-dots, and wearing a name tag that is named "Haruno Takashi", and unlike the other members who had stoic looks on their faces, he was the only one with a smiling face. Another one was a man who has short light brown hair and black eyes, and is wearing glasses that are elliptical and a black tie, and wearing a name tag that is named "Ichirou Kimura". Another one was a man who has purple hair that is gelled to the back and purple eyes and is wearing a dark purple tie, and a name tag that is named "Noboru Satou". The last one was a woman who has short, curly brown hair that is tied in a half up half down hairstyle, tied back with a small ribbon, brown eyes, and like Ichirou Kimura, was wearing glasses, but are round instead of elliptical, while, unlike the rest, wears a brown ribbon instead of a tie, and wears a name tag that is named "Minoru Sakuragi", and she was the only one who had a sympathetic look on her face. They were all sitting at a table together while facing our teachers and staff.

Then, there was one more member who stood out from the rest of them and was the only one standing instead of sitting down. He was a man who has short black hair that is neatly combed and black eyes, and unlike the rest of the members, he was the only one wearing a white suit and white tie, white shoes, and he was wearing a name tag that was named "Rokurou Sakakibara". Next to him was a woman who has a tablet in her hand, likely his secretary. She had short white hair that is styled in twin pigtails which is held up by two black ribbons, tanned skin, and blue eyes, and wear red glasses. She was wearing a white suit with a black buttoned shirt with a white ribbon around her neck, a black short skirt, white stockings, and black high-heeled shoes, and a name tag that is named "Chiyoko Fukui".

As we watched and listened in, they were all watching the news that was being projected to them by a projector, where the news was regarding what was going on.

---

Sakura's POV:

Me and the other teachers and staff were all standing and facing ourselves to the members of the Board of Directors of Education, saying nothing and doing nothing for a moment, while the projection of today's news was being shown through the projector.

"Families and friends of every student of Homurahara Academy are still in a complete riot and are continuing on their strike, regarding and demanding to have the school running again." said the news reporter on TV, "All of them have been demanding that the school should resolve their matter regarding about the financial support and decide to continue to run the school as soon as possible. With the academy at stake, what will be the response of the Board of Directors of Education towards these rioting and demands? Official re-"

The secretary, Chiyoko Fukui, turned off the TV projector with a remote, before stepping back to allow her boss, Mr. Rokurou Sakakibara, to speak to us. Mr. Sakakibara looked at each and every one of us with a stern look on his face, before he said sternly, "You're lack of actions, as teachers and staff, have caused this academy to reach this point, and now all of those causes that were made by all of you are beginning to affect everyone else; both families and students! I knew there was something wrong with the school regarding Mr. Kobayashi and his "issues" with financial needs, but this?! I can't believe he actually lied to me, to all of us in the Board of Directors, about needing funds to help keep the school running, only for him to just steal it away for this ridiculous debt of his!"

Everyone in the Board of Directors of Education nodded as they each had looks of disappointment, few were sympathetic or concerned.

"Sir, it wasn't any of their faults." Mr. Ryuudou defended, "They were ordered by Mr. Kobayashi to not take action, to not do anything regarding-"

"Regarding what, Mr. Ryuudou?!" said Mr. Sakakibara sternly, "Dealing with the worst kind of delinquent of student who has led not one, but thousands of other students to be hurt, or even worse than that?! The worst kind of student that wasn't even supposed to be allowed to enter the academy, but Kobayashi allowed him to anyway, because of what he was hiding from everyone?!"

"None of us knew what he was hiding from us and from our school until now!" said Mr. Ryuudou, "And we didn't know that Mr. Kobayashi was being blackmailed by Shichirou Hashimoto regarding what he did to deal with his debt, including the murder of his sick mother! We all knew that he was weak-minded, even weak-minded enough to not do anything regarding bullying, but not that weak-minded regarding his debt! We didn't know why he forbade everyone to do anything regarding Shichirou and him bullying others, and even forbad us to call the police, but after learning the truth-!"

"THAT does not change the fact that Homurahara Academy is in THIS situation now, nor does it change the fact all of your lack of actions has led your school here!" said Mr. Sakakibara sternly, right in front of Mr. Ryuudou's face, before he turned to look at us as he said sternly, "As for the rest of you, do you have ANY idea how much Kobayashi owes us for lending him financial needs or ANY of your lack of actions have cost all of us?!"

"Uh…" I began, "W-Well, we-"

"And DON'T think I'm TALKING about yens here!" he shouted sternly, making all of us flinched, "I'm talking about this academy's reputation! YOUR reputation as teachers and staff! And OUR reputation as Board of Directors of Education! EVERYTHING! Everything happened because of your lack of actions of taking your responsibilities as teachers! Do you all realize that?! Do you realize what has happened because of it?! Do you even realize that your lack of performance has brought you here?! Have you forgotten COMPLETELY about your line of work?!"

"WE HAVEN'T FUCKING FORGOTTEN, AND IT WASN'T OUR FAULT!" Mitsuzuri-senpai shouted back, before being shot at by his glare, and then she begrudgingly toned down and reluctantly said, "…sir."

I then spoke up as I said, "Mr. Sakakibara, sir, if I may? We-"

"Save it!" he said sternly, silencing me, "All of your incompetence as teachers and staff has brought all of you and this academy to the brink of being finished completely! History! In fact, you are all a bunch of sorriest excuses of teachers and staff that I have EVER seen working in this academy! You are ALL here to teach the students here HOW to learn, not make excuses for yourselves! Even that fool Kobayashi was the sorriest excuse of a principal of this academy! You all came here believing you can help every student here in this academy, only to see that you've been making complete FOOLS of yourselves, and by the time you see what a complete disappointment that you've made to yourselves and everyone here, you just hang your heads like failures!" He then yelled at us, "You are ALL a disgrace to your positions as teachers! You are ALL a disgrace to those who had dedicated and worked for this school before you! You are ALL a disgrace to all your students! You are ALL a disgrace to all of us! You are ALL a disgrace to Homurahara Academy!"

Hearing what he was terribly saying about us, about our failures as teachers, each and every one of us began to hung our heads down in shame as we began to express our mixed emotions; I looked down on the ground as I cast a shadow over my eyes, letting myself sadly take in what he said about us and our failures, Mitsuzuri-senpai hung her head down while she had her eyes shut tight as she was gritting her teeth and tightening her fist in sheer anger, Makidera-senpai hung her head down as she was shedding comical tears in her eyes, Himuro-senpai hung her head down while her glasses were reflected by the light, showing her shame and sadness, Saegusa-senpai hung her head down and had shut her eyes tight as she winched fearfully from him yelling at us, Mr. Ryuudou hung his head down while his glassed were reflected by the light, as he stood and watched as teachers and staff were being yelled at, while the rest of the staff members just hung their heads in complete shame, seeing and believing that he was right.

"Therefore," said Mr. Sakakibara, making us all look up to look at him, "After all that has happened today, the Board of Directors of Education and I have reached a conclusion and have made our decision."

We all looked at him and the members of the Board of Directors, as we became tense from what he was going to say to us, as we waited for their answer for what they planned to do is.

Mr. Sakakibara then gave us his answer, as he said, "We have decided that, unless you figure out a way to clear out this issue by dealing with the financial problems regarding school funds, and a way for you to pay us back, I suggest you pack up and get ready to leave in seven days, because the Board of Directors will no longer be supporting this school, and we'll be shutting down Homurahara Academy for good."

Hearing what he had just said about their decision made us all shock with our eyes wide, as we all shouted in complete shock and disbelief, "WHAT?!"

"Hey, wait a second!" Mitsuzuri-senpai shouted, "Y-You can't be serious! You can't just decide on that!"

"Yeah, what she said!" said Makidera-senpai, "A-And you can't possibly just give up on supporting our school like that! We need you guys!"

"Y-Yeah, that's right!" said Saegusa-senpai, "You're the Board of Directors of Education! You should be helping us and our students, not going against us!"

"Ms. Saegusa-sensei," one member, Ms. Erika Akizawa, spoke up, "Are you and the other staffs even aware that your former principal, Kobayashi, had been secretly stealing money from the Board of Directors and had been lying to all of us about needing money for your school, only to use it as a means to clear off his debt that can never be done? What he did was a despicable and irresponsible act that has costed us greatly and have not only affected your academy, but also the Board of Directors as well, and has caused your academy to be framed by him."

"Yes." said another member, Mr. Yoshiro Yamazaki, "His choice of actions of taking away our money for his lies about financial needs and your lack of preventing it has cost the Board of Directors of Education millions of yens. If it weren't for either of your incompetence as teachers, regardless of whether you had known about it or not, all of this would have been avoided in the first place."

"But, sir!" Himuro-senpai tried to reason, "It wasn't-!"

"Regardless of who's fault it is, the problems that had been caused by your former principal have now been laid down to all of you." said Mr. Yamazaki, "The financial funds that were stolen from us by him have now been laid to all of you to deal with and must be resolved, and it must be done so by your own hands."

"Yes, yes." said Mr. Haruno Takashi, with a happy look on his face, "If you don't solve the problem and figure out how to pay us back for all the money, he owes the Board soon, we won't be able to help support your school anymore. And you may need some support from people who support the school. Ah, but, due to all the things that had happened with Mr. Kobayashi and the school bully, I highly doubt that the parents of every student here will ever support the school, because, well…it's been getting bad impressions from parents recently, the very bad impressions that the old principal greatly ignored, and even told the police to back away from."

"Why you…!" said Mitsuzuri-senpai angrily, "You guys are a bunch of assholes! I'm not taking any of this! I'm gonna kick your-!"

"Wait, Mitsuzuri-senpai!" I quickly stopped her, before calming her down, "Please, calm down! Calm down!"

Mitsuzuri-senpai angrily glared at them with gritted teeth and tightened fists, before she began calming down a little and stepped back. I then turned to them and tried to reason with them as I said, "Um…Mr. Sakakibara, everyone on the Board of Directors, if you would, please reconsider your decision. Right now, we have no means of paying back what Mr. Kobayashi owes all of you. We still need some time and your help to support our academy. And, yes, we have been given a bad impression about our academy due to what Hashimoto did to hurt others and what Mr. Kobayashi did by telling us teachers and staff and the students not to do anything about his bullying and ignoring every parents' complaints and the polices' calls about what was going on, but…and I'm sure you already know, but Mr. Kobayashi was weak-minded due to the stress of dealing with his debt that's been getting difficult for him, and he was being blackmailed by Hashimoto since Hashimoto somehow found out about it. But, even so, the parents and students still love and support Homurahara Academy, and even right now, they're trying to fight to get this academy back running outside. And, they want to stay in this academy, because this school is like home to all of them, even us. If you don't support the academy and help us, and if you shut the school down, everyone will have nowhere else to go to study. Perhaps to other schools when they transfer, yes, but it wouldn't be the same for any of the students. They all want to stay in this academy, and they're calling out to us to have the school running again. So-"

"Mrs. Sakura Matou, we have heard enough." said Mr. Noboru Satou sternly, "You're wasting your breath and your time. We care less of what those people outside say about all of this. What they're making out there are just meaningless noises. They have absolutely no idea about the position it is in nor do they understand the concept of our policies. What they're doing outside in the middle of this day is nothing but meaningless actions, and such meaningless actions won't bring back this now failure of this academy. If they think that being on strike will bring back this ridiculous school of theirs, well, they're wrong. Making wasteful acts and meaningless noises will bring them nothing and will only divide themselves."

"But-!"

"Besides, Matou," he added, "Even if they do support their academy, what good does it do? What they're doing is not enough to bring it back, and every family needs to keep their money to help themselves and their children, and things that must be done at their home. Speaking of, these so-called students of yours have no discipline nor respect for anything regarding this academy, and those ridiculous children of yours are nothing more than babies, and babies such as them need to learn that they're doing nothing more than wasting their precious time on not learning the obvious lessons made by you. Don't you think?"

"What…?" I said, shocked with my eyes wide.

"Are you mocking our students?!" said Mitsuzuri-senpai angrily.

"No." said Mr. Ichirou Kimura, as he adjusted his glasses, "It's simply the truth. None of these students of yours show any sign of respect or discipline, despite what you've done giving them lessons. Shichirou Hashimoto has already proven that."

"But-!"

"No, buts!" said Mr. Sakakibara sternly, making us silent, "In fact, no more from any of you! We've HEARD enough!"

He then went to look at each and every one of us, as he then said sternly, "If none of you can handle the position that all of you are in nor figure out how to deal with the situation that all of you are currently in, then I suggest you quit your positions as teachers and staff, leave the city, and take your incompetence for your lack of actions elsewhere!"

Then, the door suddenly opened abruptly, making turned to see who it was coming in, and to all of our shock, though I wasn't completely surprised as I had a feeling he'd come, Shindou-kun immediately walked in with everyone else behind him with an angered look on his face, as he shouted, "You wait just a damn minute there!"

"Shindou-kun…!" I said.

"WHAT?!" Mr. Satou shouted, "Who are you, and just what're you and the rest doing here, young man?! You can't be in here!"

"Young man, we're in the middle of a meeting!" Mr. Yamazaki shouted, "Students shouldn't be here! You should get out-!"

"No, wait." Mr. Sakakibara halted them, "Let them in and talk."

"You listen right here!" Shindou-kun shouted, "I don't give a damn who you people are or what you do here, but you can't just talk to our teachers like that! They did ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong to deserve to be yelled at like that! And you can't treat them like they're at fault for everything that's already happening right now!"

"Yeah, what he said!" Hamasaki-san shouted with him, "They do care about our school, and we care about our school!"

"That's right!" Hisakawa-san shouted, "It's YOU people who're the ones that don't care about our precious academy! You selfish assholes!"

"Yeah, screw you guys!" Kurosawa-san shouted, "You may not like "babies" like us being here in this academy, but our teachers sure as hell do! And so, do we!"

"Ja!" said Minna, "I like being here! And I don't wanna leave this school nor this country!"

"Indeed!" said Elaina-san sternly.

"Shindou-kun…" I thought, "Everyone…"

"Standing up for your teachers and school, I see." said Mr. Sakakibara.

"Yes, we are!" Shindou-kun shouted.

"We all are!" Hisakawa-san shouted.

"Well, I see you have lots of guts coming in here and standing up for your teachers with your friends, young man." said Mr. Sakakibara to Shindou-kun, before he turned to us and said, "And I see it's about time that you've made good students here at this academy, but that will NOT make us change our minds about our decision of shutting this academy down. And unfortunately for all of you, this discussion for this meeting is over! So, while these children are here, why don't you all take them elsewhere out of our sight?!"

We remained silent while we stood where we were, unsure of what to do next after hearing that, before he yelled, "OOOOOUUUTTT!"

Hearing him yell like that made us flinch before we looked down and reluctantly said, "Yes, sir…" Then, one by one, the teachers and staff began to leave the room to leave the Board of Directors alone. I went up to Shindou-kun and the others as they all looked at the Board of Directors with angry looks on their faces, before I placed my hand on his shoulder, making him look at me, and said to him calmly with a sad smile, "Shindou-kun, let's go."

He looked at me for a moment, before he sighed as he relented, and I turned him around and held both his shoulders as I guided him to leave. I looked at everyone else with Shindou-kun and nodded to them, making them relented to leave as well.

---

Erika's POV:

We watched the teachers and staff, and those kids leave the room until it was just us and Mr. Ryuudou was the last to leave.

Before he could leave though, Sakakibara stopped him and said, "And, Mr. Ryuudou, your time as principal is over. You can leave this academy and go back to being a Buddhist monk at Ryuudou Temple. You're done."

"W-What?!" said Mr. Ryuudou, shocked, "B-But-!"

"I said, you're done!" said Sakakibara sternly, "Not another word from you! Leave."

Mr. Ryuudou looked shocked for a moment before he sighed and said reluctantly, "Yes, sir…" With that, he bowed to Sakakibara before bowing to us, and then he left the room, leaving only us the Board of Directors.

As soon as they were all gone, Satou said, "Tsk. Annoying brats. This is why I hate dealing with children!"

Takashi laughed and said lightheartedly, "Well, you can't blame them for wanting to keep their school. They probably must've overheard us through the door while we weren't looking. Besides, it took a lot of guts for them to stand up to us like that."

"No matter." said Kimura, as he adjusted his glasses, "We've already made our decisions, and we will not change it."

"Indeed." said Yamazaki, "Unless they figure out how to deal with this problem of theirs, we will not support this academy any further. Besides, after what has happened to Kobayashi, I doubt we can trust anyone within their staff."

I didn't say any word as I just sat in my seat, arms folded, legs crossed, and my eyes closed as I listened to the conversation the Board was now making. I then felt a hand on my shoulder, and I looked to see it was Sakuragi, who had a shy yet gentle expression on her face, as she softly asked, "Ah, Akizawa, are you feeling okay? You've been quiet for a while now."

I smiled and said reassuringly, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking some stuff. Don't worry about it."

"Ah, okay." said Sakuragi, "I-If you say so."

"Sir," I heard Fukui say, and I gave a glance at her and Sakakibara as they were talking privately, "About that boy…"

"Yes?" said Sakakibara, privately, "What is it, Fukui?"

"That boy was Yuzuru Shindou." said Fukui, as she showed him the ID and profile of him, "Apparently, he's the son of the wealthy business family of the Shindou who runs a business of the Shining Artists of Shindou Corporation. Apparently, he moved from Misaki Town to Fuyuki City three and a half weeks ago. It seems for various reasons he wants to live independently."

"Is that so?" Sakakibara asked, "Does anyone in the school know about this?"

"No, sir, none of the people here knows about it." said Fukui, "For whatever the reason, he wishes to keep his family background a secret from everyone."

"I see." said Sakakibara.

"Should I make a report about this?" Fukui asked.

Sakakibara looked back at the door that Yuzuru came from as he thought for a moment, before he answered, "No, there's no need for that. Let's leave it be. Besides, I actually respect him for standing up to us that way. If he wants his background kept, then let's leave it that way for him."

"Understood, sir." Fukui bowed.

"Shindou…?" I heard Sakuragi say, before she whispered to me, asking, "Hey, Akizawa, that boy earlier…isn't he your…?"

Before I could answer, I looked at Yamazaki, Satou, and Takashi as they were talking to each other, not bothering to listen, before I looked at Sakuragi as I gave her a small smile, before I placed my finger close to my lips and said, "Shhh."

Sakuragi saw this and then nodded, keeping herself silent. I then got up from my seat as I said, "I'm going out for a minute." Once I announced that I began to walk out to the door to leave the room.

"Hey, wait for me!" Sakuragi called, as she began to follow me.

Once we were out of the room, we began walking down the hallway.

---

Yuzuru's POV:

We were all walking down the hallway until we were in the teachers' and staffs' room. As we walked in, we were all having mixed emotions about all of this, about what was going to happen to our school: anger, sadness, frustrations, and…well, I think anyone can get the idea of what we're feeling right now. Hell, I couldn't even believe it myself. It made me so angry about what they said and what's gonna happen!

"I can't believe this!" Mitsuzuri-sensei shouted, "They're doing this to our school?! Why in the world would they even do that to our school?! To all of us?! I mean, we worked our butts off for this academy all year, and now they're kicking us out because WE'RE FUCKING "incompetent"?! And what's worse, they're making us do all the work of figuring out how to get money to save our school without their help because of what that damn Kobayashi did?!"

"Look, I don't like it any better than you, Mitsuzuri!" said Mr. Ryuudou, "In fact, none of us do! But we all knew that if something like this were to go wrong, this was going to happen to the school and the students, not just us!"

"That doesn't mean we have to like it." said Himuro-sensei.

We all sighed at that, before Yukitsuki-san asked, "So, what do we do now?"

We were all silent as we waited for answers, before Mr. Ryuudou said, "I'm afraid we don't know what to do. Even if we did, I'm not sure it would work. And I'm sorry to say this, but I'm afraid I won't be able to help any of you with any of this. And before you ask why, it's because my time as principal is already over, so I won't be here anymore."

"Oh, I see." said Matou-sensei, "So, I guess that's it for you, then."

"Yes, I'm afraid so." said Mr. Ryuudou with a sad smile, "I apologize, but even if I want to, I can't stay here anymore."

We all looked at Mr. Ryuudou for a moment, before Mitsuzuri-sensei and Matou-sensei approached him before Mitsuzuri-sensei brought out her hand and said with a smile of gratitude, "It's okay. At least, for whatever short time you had, you did what you could for us, so thanks for all your help, Issei."

"Yes." Matou-sensei nodded, "Thank you for everything you could for us until now."

Mr. Ryuudou smiled at them and nodded, before he brought out his hand and shook Mitsuzuri-sensei's hand and said, "You're most welcome. It's been a pleasure working with all of you. And, whatever happens, I'll be sure to support all of you on the sidelines." Once he let go, he turned to all of us and said, "Well, farewell, everyone, and good luck." Each of us nodded to him one by one as a means to say goodbye to him, before he began walking away until his footsteps weren't heard anymore, meaning he was gone.

"Well, I guess this is it then…we're on our own." said Saegusa-sensei.

"Man, this sucks…" said Makidera-sensei.

We all sighed again at that before I felt a hand holding mine, and I turned around to see Minna as she had a troubled look on her face. Just by the look that she was giving, I knew that she wanted to talk to me alone. I nodded to her, before I said, "Uh…you guys go on and…keep talking for a while without us. We're gonna go somewhere a bit."

"Huh?" said Makidera-sensei, confused.

"H-Hey!" said Mitsuzuri-sensei, "Hold on, where are-? Huh?"

Mitsuzuri-sensei stopped and turned to see Matou-sensei stopping her, before she shook her head, telling her to leave us be. Matou-sensei then looked at us before she gave out a smile and nodded, telling us to go on ahead. I nodded in thanks before I held Minna's hand and then we went out to talk somewhere that was quiet, leaving everyone in the room.

Once we were out, we went to the corner of a quiet hallway, and once we checked that the coast was cleared, and we were all alone, we began talking, with Minna starting first. Before she could say anything, though, she brought me to an embrace as she held onto me tightly. While she was holding onto me tightly, I could feel that…her body was shaking, and I knew that…she was shaking in fear, fear of what may happen. I then felt wetness on my shirt, as I felt she was shedding tears. Minna, she's…sad and scared. I…didn't know what to do or what to say right now, so I just…hugged her back and rubbed the back of her head for comfort.

"Yuzu-kun…" I heard her say tearfully, "I…I…I'm…"

"Shhh…" I whispered, soothing her, "It's okay, Minna…it's okay. It's okay. I'm right here for you."

We stayed where we were, letting silence take over, as I continued to hold onto her while rubbing the back of her head to soothe Minna, as I let her cry onto me.

"Yuzu-kun…" said Minna tearfully, making me let go of her so that I could see her face; her eyes were already flowing down with tears, and her expression was really sad, as she said, crying, "I…I don't…I don't want…I don't wanna go back…I can't…go back to Germany…I…I…I want…to stay with you…"

"Minna…" I said.

"Yuzu-kun…" Minna cried softly and tearfully, as she held onto me tighter, "I…I…I'm scared. T-They're…they're gonna take me…take me back…back to Germany…won't they…? If…if they take me back…I…I won't…be able to…stay with you…anymore. If I…if I go back…I…Yuzu-kun…I can't…I don't…want to leave Japan…I…"

Seeing her looking sad like this, I just…I couldn't help but…feel the pain that she's going through. It made my heart feel…tight and strained. Minna…she doesn't want to leave here. She doesn't want to lose me.

"Y-Yuzu-kun…" Minna cried softly and tearfully, "I…I want…to stay here…I wanna stay with you…I…I love you, and…I want…to be with you…forever. That's why…that's why…"

I hugged Minna and held her as tight as I could, not letting go of my embrace, and letting her cry onto me again, as I whispered to her, "I won't let that happen. No one will let that happen. And I'm sure our teachers will think of something, they'll find a way…to save this academy. And I'll protect you, Minna, like I promise I would. And if our school…can't be saved, then…we'll run away together, away from here to…wherever we can go. And if…if they try to take you away, I'll stand by your side, and I'll keep you safe. I promise, I'll stay with you and I'll protect you. I won't let them take you back. I promise."

"Yuzu-kun…" Minna whispered.

I let go of her so that she can look at me giving her a warm and gentle smile, before I kissed her forehead, and then hugged her again as I said, "I won't let you go. I'll stay and protect you, Minna. We lost each other once, and I'm not gonna let us lose each other again."

As I held onto her as tight as I could, I felt Minna smile on me, as she said softly, "Ja…" And we stayed where we were in the quiet hallway, as we held onto each other, not letting go of one another.

---

Erika's POV:

Me and Sakuragi were at the corner of the hallway, watching the two hug each other. I had my back against the wall with my arms crossed, while Sakuragi watched next to me. Seeing them like that made it look like they're a couple in a middle of a drama. Honestly, if not for the situation the school was in, it would've actually been entertaining.

After we watched enough, I stopped watching them and said, "That boy sure has changed a lot since then."

"Hmm?" said Sakuragi, confused.

"That kid, Yuzuru Shindou." I said, "And yes, it's like you said, he's my younger cousin, on my uncle's side."

"I knew it." said Sakuragi, "Then, you knew he's a student here. And you know about the girl who's with him."

"That's right." I said, "He's my uncle's business friend's daughter, as well as Yuzuru's first and only childhood friend. Those two were together for a few years back in Germany."

"I see." said Sakuragi, "But, if he's your cousin, and you knew he was a student here, why didn't you say anything and oppose the idea of shutting down Homurahara Academy?"

I shook my head as I said, "Even if I did that, the Board of Directors still would've gone along with the plan; it would've been five votes vs one vote. Well, make that four vs two, if it includes you on my side." I then looked at her and said, "Besides, it's like they said about us; we're nothing but a bunch of straight-up assholes. Satou and Kimura have proven that already."

"Well, yeah…" said Sakuragi, "But, I mean…not all of us…"

"True." I said, before I added, "And also, Yuzuru's the one person in the Shindou family that all of our relatives, including my father, hates, because he was considered a disgrace due to his lack of talent as an artist."

"What do you mean?" Sakuragi asked.

"I'm sure you're already aware." I said, "But my uncle runs a strong art business and has been a talented artist for a long time. And his two daughters are both heirs to their family's company."

"Yes, of course." said Sakuragi, "Their arts that they had made are beyond extravagant in people's eyes. In fact, I heard that both Akira and Megumi Shindou started showing their talents as artists at the age of five."

I nodded, before I said, "Well, Yuzuru didn't have that kind of talent. He was just…normal, like everybody else in the world. The way he used art, was nothing like his two older sisters'; whatever work he did, it was like a work of a child making a mess of things. Because of that, he was looked down upon by other relatives, including my father. Because of that, he had always been living in his family's shadows and was always looked down upon by everyone because he was nothing like his talented artistic family. I was one of those people, too. But, at the same time, I was also the one who pitied him, because he was looked down upon for not having any real talents."

"Akizawa…" said Sakuragi.

"Still," I said, "Despite all of that, his family still loved him like he was their own because despite not having any good talents as they do, he was still a part of their family; Akira, Megumi, and auntie still loved him. Uncle did, too, even if he doesn't really show it to his own son."

"I see." said Sakuragi.

"And," I said, "Despite being part of a wealthy family, he didn't really want anything that money can buy for him. Because he wanted one thing that money can't offer him; a purpose in life. And as you can see, he's already found it."

"That girl?" Sakuragi asked.

"Yeah." I said, "Until he met her, Yuzuru had never made any real friends, because of his lack of talent as an artist. No one interacted with him, no one played with him, no one invited him to a group, no one outside his family cared for him, and no one helped him, not even for one minute. He was all alone. Not even our relatives bothered to be with him. Hell, he and I don't interact with each other very often, and even when we did, my father would just break us apart to just keep me away from him, or he'd just avoid talking to me; partly because of my father, and mainly because he didn't deserve talking to me or anyone in our relatives. But then he met that girl, became friends with her, and that's how he found his purpose in his life. And he sure pulled through since then."

"I see." said Sakuragi, "Then, you're happy for him that he's made it here?"

"Don't misunderstand; I still look down on him just as much as all of our relatives do because he's still a disgrace to the family." I said before I gave a small smile and said, "Still, I admit, I'm somewhat proud of him that he's come this far." I then changed my expression to being stern as I said, "But that still doesn't change what we've already decided on for this academy. Once we've made a decision, there's no changing it."

"I-I see." said Sakuragi. She then looked back at Yuzuru and the girl, before she asked me, "So, are you gonna go and see your cousin, Akizawa?"

I thought about it for a moment while I looked back at the two, who seem to still be having a moment to themselves. I then looked away and shook my head before saying with a smile, "No, I think it's best that we don't. I'd rather not go and bother the little romantic rendezvous that they're having to themselves anyway. Seeing those two together actually makes them cute together." I then made a serious expression as I said, "Besides, after what we'd announced today, I highly doubt that he'd want to see me, let alone talk to me."

"Ah, I see." said Sakuragi, "Yes, I suppose you're right."

After we were done talking, I got my back off the wall as I said, "Well, anyway, let's hurry on back. I'm sure Sakakibara and the other members are ready to leave this place soon."

"Ah, right." said Sakuragi, "We should go."

Once we were done, we began to leave to head back. While we began to walk back, I looked back at Yuzuru and the girl together one last time, before I turned away and leave, ready to head back and leave the academy.

---

Yuzuru's POV:

The afternoon had arrived, and everyone began to leave the academy to go home. Apparently, everyone has no idea what to do about the situation or figure out how to gain the Board of Directors of Education's trust again, although our teachers assured us that they'll figure out a way to resolve the problem. Once we said our goodbyes, everyone began to leave one by one to go home until it was just me, Minna, and Saber.

I was outside, waiting for Minna and Saber as they were still inside the school talking to each other for a moment. As I waited, I suddenly felt someone was standing next to me, and it made me feel surprised, although, I think I could tell who it is.

"Hey, Mirai-senpai…" I guessed.

"Why, hello, Yuzuru." I heard her voice, "I'm surprised you could tell I was standing here." She then chuckled and said, "Although, then again, I suppose you are learning now."

"Yeah…" I said, "I just…had a feeling you'd be here." I then thought about Mirai-senpai's Mystic Eyes and its ability to see the future, before I turned to her and asked, "Mirai-senpai, you…you knew this would happen, didn't you?"

Mirai-senpai looked at me and took in what I asked before she sighed and said, "It's not exactly the most…pleasant thing I wish to talk about, I'll admit. But, yes, I knew about this and what would occur for the academy in the future."

"I see." I said, "Then, if you knew that this would happened, why…why didn't you say anything to them? About what would happen to Homurahara Academy?"

Mirai-senpai turned her head to look in front of her, before she said, "Even if I did tell them about the future event of what would happen to the academy, and even if they did believe me and my words, they still would've been too late to prevent it from happening. And despite my skills as a mage, even I cannot stop it to prevent what would happen. The fate of what would happen to Homurahara Academy was already set in stone, even before either of our arrivals here in the school."

"…I see." I said, "So…is there really no way to change that? Can we really not…save our academy?"

"Why do you ask that?" Mirai-senpai asked.

"Well," I said, "It's just…Homurahara Academy doesn't deserve to be shut down like that. This school…our school is like a home to everyone. It's been a part of Fuyuki City for a long time. If…if there really is a way for it to be saved, then…we have to try that, and it has to work, right? And…if they could, then…"

"Ah, I see what this about." said Mirai-senpai, as she got off the wall to turn and face me, "You still wish for Minna to stay in this country, don't you, Yuzuru? Why, how romantic that is of you, wanting to keep your girlfriend here."

"She's not my girlfriend." I said with a deadpanned expression before I softened it and said, "But, yeah, I do. I mean, she just came to Japan, and taking her away back to her home country, back to Germany, it…it just wouldn't be fair for her. She wants to stay, to learn about our country, and to stay with me…"

Mirai-senpai nodded at that, before she said, "I would say that, on the contrary, it would've been very beneficial for the Holy Grail War, as taking her back to Germany would've been a much safer option for her, as it would keep her safe from getting involved in the mess regarding the battles that may come." I looked at her to say something, before she rose her hand to stop me as she continued, "But, I can see that it's not something that you would want. It's not just her that wants to stay, you too want her to stay here as well, don't you?"

"Uh…yeah." I said.

"Then, tell me," said Mirai-senpai, "What do you intend to do about it? Even if you did step up to stand against the Board of Directors, they wouldn't change their minds on their decision, regardless of what you do and regardless of your reasoning. No matter what you intend to do or say to them, the result would end the same."

"W-Well," I said, trying to think of what to do, "I-I…I would…" Then, after thinking about it a little, I said, "I'd take her with me, and…we could run away together! Away from Fuyuki! We could go anywhere, far away from here so that no one could find us! If we did that, then we could start a new life, and we could go to another school that can accept us! We'll live together, and-!"

"Stop!" said Mirai-senpai sternly, "Is that truly what you want to do?!"

"H-Huh?" I said, "W-Well, I…"

"As your senpai, I recommend that you should not do that!" she said sternly, "Even if you did take her with you, and try to run away from here, away from Fuyuki to go somewhere else, what good could that possibly do for you?! Even if you did find a place safe and remain in hiding, how long will it last and how long will it do good for you?! If you run away from here and take Minna with you, you'll only end up being track down by them, and they'll eventually take Minna away from you, regardless of what you do, and they'll take her back to her country by force, never to be seen again!"

I gasped at what Mirai-senpai said to me, and the thought of that, the thought of what would happen us if we ran away, until they found us came to me…and, it…it…I…I could see it happening, and…it terrifies me…and…

"And if that were to happen," said Mirai-senpai, "How do you think Minna would feel about what could come of you two?"

"I-I…" I tried to say, "I-I…I-I…I-I can't…I can't say…it's…too hard to."

"Precisely." said Mirai-senpai, "Once the fate of what happens next is set in stone, no matter what you try to do, you can't change what fate will come, let alone fight against fate. Whatever you do next, there will be no avoiding it, and the result will end the same."

I took in what Mirai-senpai said to me, all the words that she said about whether we can change fate or not, or how what we would do would lead to the inevitable. I sighed at that, not because I hate it, but because…she was right about that. Nothing that I could do or say…will change anything.

I sighed again and said, "Yeah…you're right, senpai. If I can't change it, if I can't change fate, then…what can?"

I felt her hand touched my shoulder, making me look up at her as she gave out a small smile, before she said, "Don't fret, Yuzuru. I'm sure that in time, the answer will come for you."

"Senpai…" I said.

"Besides," she said, "We still have enough time until our school shuts down for good. Seven days, at the very least. So, for now, spend those seven days with whatever time you have left with Minna, and do so until the answer comes clear for you."

"Mirai-senpai…" I said, taking in what she said, before I smiled back and said, "Yeah, I think I will. Thanks."

"I'm just doing my job of being a supportive senpai for you, Yuzuru." said Mirai-senpai, "Nothing more and nothing less." She then turned around and said, "In any case, we'll halt our magecraft training for you until this situation is resolved or not. For now, I'll take my leave. So long, Yuzuru."

I watched Mirai-senpai take her leave until she was gone. I smiled at where she once was for a moment, before I said, "Yeah. I'll see you, senpai."

---

Me, Minna, and Saber were walking around the city for the afternoon to give Minna a tour around Fuyuki. I figured it was the least that I could do for her, so in case the school doesn't make it, she'll at least remember the city. Plus, I should at least try to cheer her up. Saber was just with us to keep us company, so she told us that if we wanted, we could just pretend she wasn't here with us. I was showing her a lot of places in Fuyuki, starting with Miyama Town, from the two residential districts, both the traditional Japanese houses and the foreigners' houses, the shopping district Mount Miyama, the Riverside Park, Mount Enzou where Ryuudou Temple resides at, to the Fuyuki Bridge that leads all the way to another city called Shinto, the newer district of Fuyuki. Seeing the places that I was showing her around Fuyuki City, I could see that Minna was already smiling again. She was showing signs that she was happy. Seeing her smile again, made me smile for her. I showed Minna around Shinto from shopping districts to other buildings that I could show her, until we arrived at the center of Shinto, where it leads to the Fuyuki Central Park.

The park was empty and quiet, with nothing but dead trees and grasses, making it look and feel like a ghost town of sorts. The atmosphere here was…dark and eerie.

"Yuzu-kun," said Minna, as she turned to look at me, "What is this place?"

"This place is called the Fuyuki Central Park." I said, "Although, I guess it doesn't look very much like a park since it's kinda…well, empty."

Minna looked around the park for a moment, and her expression became a little sad, as she said, "Ja, it really doesn't. It looks…very sad and empty. It makes me feel bad about it."

I sighed and said, "Yeah, well, it's…really not that surprising. And yeah, just looking at this park really does make you feel bad, like there's a blank void around the place."

Minna turned to look at me and asked, "Hey, Yuzu-kun, did something bad happen here a long time ago?"

"Yeah." I said, "Minna, have you ever heard of the Great Fire of Fuyuki?"

Minna shook her head and said, "Nein, I've never heard of it. What is that?"

"Well," I said, as I began to explain, "This is what I've learned when I moved here to Fuyuki. Before this place was called a park, it used to be a part of the residential district and the location of the City Hall, until a tragedy happened. It all happened about 20 years ago, when a great and massive fire appeared and blazed out of nowhere, and burned down everything in its path, destroying every building in the city, and killing thousands of people that were caught in sight of that massive fire in its wake, leaving little to no survivors. It was a horrific tragedy that had affected everyone in Fuyuki City, not just because of the destruction that it had caused, but also the loss of those thousands of people who died in that blaze; friends, families, and lots of loved ones. There were those few people who did survive from the most horrific tragedy of that fire, most of them were orphaned kids, but even then, all of the people who had died by that fire were only left as memories, long gone from the lives of loved ones, or even forgotten, and that fire from that day still left everyone scarred with the pain that could never be healed from it, probably even now."

"Whoa…" said Minna, "That sounds terrible…"

"Yeah, it is." I said, "Even to this day."

"Yuzu-kun," said Minna, "What happened to the people who did survive?"

I sighed and said, "That, I honestly don't know. After the Great Fire of Fuyuki, the whereabouts about the orphaned survivors became unknown, although there were some who did get adopted into a new family that suffered the same loss as those orphaned kids. Honestly, I'd be surprised if some of them were still here now."

"I see." said Minna, "Hey, Yuzu-kun, is the horrific story of that fire the reason why very few people come here?"

"Yeah." I said, "Supposedly, this place should be popular with children even on weekdays due to its size and organization, but the story behind the area about that massive fire leaves it pretty empty and barren aside from a few people for the most part. I guess not many people want to come here and be reminded of that time when the fire came."

"I see." said Minna, as she looked around the park, "The atmosphere. It feels…really bad here."

"Yes." said Saber, who had been quiet the whole time spoke, "Even I can feel it here. The area around this park is full of grudges, strong negative feelings left over that can even be felt by spirits, and it is on a completely different level compared to any other such area in the city."

"You can feel it too, Elaina?" I asked.

"Yes." said Saber, before she came over to me and whispered, "Since I'm a Heroic Spirit, I can feel the negativity around this area of this park. And, this isn't the first time that I actually came to this place."

"Hmm?" I whispered, "Saber, do you maybe remember?"

"Just vaguely." said Saber, "This area does seem a bit familiar. I believe it was around the time of the Fifth Holy Grail War, though I'm unsure when."

"I see." I whispered, "Well, at least we're getting somewhere on that one." I then turned to Minna and said, "Anyway, we should leave this park now. Let's go somewhere to eat, I'm sure you must be hungry by now."

Minna looked at me a bit before she smiled and said happily, "Ja! Let's do that!"

"Agreed." said Saber, "I, too, wish to satisfy my hunger today."

"Alright, then, let's go." I said, "I know a place we can eat."

---

We stopped by at Ahnenerbe and entered the café shop before we took a seat at a nearby table. We then looked at the menu to see what to order. While we did so, Minna took a look at the café shop, and she was amazed at what she was seeing around the shop.

"This is a nice place." said Minna, "Ah, and it reminds me so much of Germany, and in a good way."

"It does, doesn't it?" I smiled, "You know, I happen to actually work here."

Minna gasped and said almost excitedly, "Really?! You really work here, Yuzu-kun?!"

"Yup." I said, "I work as one of the staff members here and I spent my time helping out the staff with some stuff to do here, like cooking, brewing coffees, cleaning, writing down orders, etc. It's a really nice place to work in once you get used to it."

"Wow!" said Minna, her eyes sparkling, "That's amazing, Yuzu-kun!"

"It's just simple work and waiter duties and all." I said, "It's not really that special or anything."

"Nein, it's not such a bad job." said Minna, "If you at least put your heart into working hard, then anything could be a great job for you to work."

"You think so?" I asked.

"Ja, I know so." Minna smiled.

Seeing her smile like that made me smile back as I said, "Thanks, Minna."

We looked at each other as we both gave each other our smiles before we suddenly heard a cough next to us, and we turned to see Katsuragi-senpai with her notebook out, waiting for us to give our order.

"O-Oh!" I said, "K-Katsuragi-senpai! S-Sorry, I didn't realize you were here."

"Don't mention it." said Katsuragi-senpai, before she smirked and said, "Anyway, who're these girls with you? Don't tell me you're being a playboy and picking up women today."

"Wha-Oh, no, no!" I said, waving my hands, "It's nothing like that! I-I was just showing these two around Fuyuki City is all!"

"Is that so?" Katsuragi-senpai asked.

"Yeah, that's all." I said, "Anyway, these two with me are exchange students from different countries as well as my friends and classmates. Elaina Scott Hemsworth, from England, and Minna Eckstein Everhart, from Germany."

"Hello, I'm Elaina." Saber bowed.

"Hallo, I'm Minna, nice to meet you." Minna smiled.

"Nice to meet you, too, Elaina, Minna." said Katsuragi-senpai.

"Elaina, Minna, this here is one of the staff members who work here, as well as one of my senior coworkers," I introduced, "Chikagi Katsuragi-senpai."

"Yup, I'm Chikagi Katsuragi." said Katsuragi-senpai.

Then, Hibino-senpai appeared and said excitedly, "Hey, Shin-chin~! I didn't know you were our customer today~!"

"Hibino-senpai." I said.

Hibino-senpai then looked at Minna and Saber and said as she smiled and waved, "Hello! I'm a fellow worker here with Chika-chan and Shin-chin, and I like to cook, so leave the cooking to me! I'm Hibiki Hibino! Nice to meet you!"

"Ja, nice to meet you, too!" Minna smiled, "My name is Minna!"

"Likewise." Saber bowed, "I'm Elaina."

"Hibino-senpai, shouldn't you be at the kitchen doing some cooking right now?" I asked, "This café shop isn't exactly gonna run itself, you know."

"Ah, don't worry, don't worry!" Hibino-senpai smiled, "The other staff members already have it under control! I'm just on a break right now."

"Oh, okay." I said.

"So, so, Shin-chin!" Hibino-senpai moved her face close to mine, making move back a little, "Are you on a date with either one of these two?! Well, are you?! Are you?! Who're you dating with these two girls with you?!"

"W-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on!" I said, backing away while calming her down, "C-Calm down, Hibino-senpai! I-It's not like that! I'm not on a date with either of these two with me! I'm just showing them around the city as all. There's really nothing going on with me and either of these two."

"Oh, is that so?" Hibino-senpai tilted her head, "I'd assumed you were on a date."

"Well, I'm not." I said, "And if I was, I'm sure I wouldn't pick this place as a romantic dating area, would I?"

"Hmmm, good point." said Hibino-senpai, before she smiled and said, "Ah, but, Shin-chin, you do like one of these girls, don't you?"

"H-Huh?!" I said, surprised and confused.

"C'mon, tell me, tell me, tell me!" said Hibino-senpai excitedly, "Out of all these girls, who do you like the most?! Well?! Well?! Who do you like?! Huh?! Huh?! Tell me, tell me, tell me! Tell me who you like!"

"U-U-Uh…u-umm…uhh..." I said nervously, as I was starting to get uncomfortable with what she's asking, "U-Uh…H-Hibino-senpai…"

"Hey, Hibiki!" said Katsuragi-senpai, as she grabbed the back of her shirt and pulled her back away from me, "Can't you see you're making our customer uncomfortable here?! Hurry back to the kitchen and get back to work!"

"Whaaah!" Hibino-senpai whined, "But, Chika-chan, I really wanna know who Shin-chin really likes!"

"That should be for him to decide on his own." said Katsuragi-senpai, "Besides, it's not our business to bother in their love life, even if it's not."

"Aww…" Hibino-senpai whined before she sighed and said, "Okay…" We then watched her as she walked sluggishly back to the kitchen to get back to her work.

I looked at Katsuragi-senpai and said, "Thanks, Katsuragi-senpai."

"Don't mention it." said Katsuragi-senpai, "We know she doesn't mean any harm, but Hibiki's really too friendly for her own good. Anyway, how about I take your orders today? What would you like?"

"Right." I said as I looked at the menu, "Well, in that case, then…I'll have the Ahnenerbe Special, please? Oh, and an omurice, please?"

"Got it." said Katsuragi-senpai, as she wrote down the order, "And what about you two?"

"I'll have what Yuzu-kun is having." Minna smiled.

"As do I." said Saber.

"Got it." said Katsuragi-senpai, as she wrote down the order, "And your drinks?"

"I'll have soda." I said.

"Hot coffee." Minna smiled.

"Tea." said Saber.

"Got it." said Katsuragi-senpai, as she wrote down the order, "Your orders will be with you in just a moment."

"Thank you very much." we all said gratefully.

Katsuragi-senpai nodded before she turned away and left, leaving us alone at the table to talk a bit while we waited.

"They were nice." said Minna.

"Yeah, they are." I said, "I've been working with them for some time and they're pretty easy to get along with once you get to know them better. Although, getting in Katsuragi-senpai's good side wasn't really easy at first."

"How so?" Minna asked.

"Katsuragi-senpai may not look like it now, but she can be pretty scary when she's really hostile towards people." I said, "Hell, when we first met, she was really hostile towards me and thought I was a bad guy or something, and believe me, her hostility really scares the shit out of me. Eventually, though, after taking some time, she got used to me and we manage to get along and work together really well. And Hibino-senpai was…well, you just saw what she's like."

"I see." said Minna, "They're very interesting people."

"Yeah." I said, "They sure are."

I then looked at the TV that showed the news, regarding our school, and…the situation was still as bad as it was before. Looking at the news made me think back on what would happen to Homurahara Academy if it isn't saved soon, and then to all of us students when we're forced to transfer to somewhere else, and the exchange students, including Minna, having to go back to their home country. Just…thinking about it made me…it made me feel helpless to do anything…I'm not sure what I can do to help, what I can do for Minna.

"Minna," I said, making her look at me, "Listen, I'm…I'm really sorry, about today, about what will happen if we don't save Homurahara Academy. I just…I really wish you could stay here, I wish you could stay in Japan. Really, I do. But, I don't think there's really anything we can do about it. And I did promise that I'd make sure they won't take you away, that I won't let anything like that happen to you, but even then, what good can I possibly even do?"

"Yuzu-kun…" said Minna.

"I…w-we could run away from Fuyuki together," I said, "But, even if we did that, they'd probably eventually find us, and they would've taken you back either way. And you'd probably never come back to find me again. I just…I don't know what I can do for you, and even if I did, I don't know if it could work. I…I just…I feel so useless. I don't know what I can do. I want to protect you, but…I…"

Before I could say anymore, I watched Minna get up from her seat before she went over to me, as she then said, "Yuzu-kun, can you scoot over for me, please?"

I became confused by this, but I did as she asked and moved over before she went and sat next to me. Then, to my surprise, she wrapped both her arms around my left arm, before placing her head onto my shoulder and then sighed with a smile on her face, as she said, "Please, let me stay with you like this. That's all you need to do for now. I feel much safer and comforting this way."

"Minna…" I said.

"It's okay, Yuzu-kun." said Minna, as she held my arms tighter, "I'm very much happy this way. Being with you always makes me feel happy and safe, and I'm glad that I get to spend my wonderful time with you, even if it was only for a short while. And, I'm really glad that I got to tell you my true feelings about you, even if you don't return my feelings. And, it's true that I'm sad…that they'll take me back to my country, even though I don't want to go back, and I may not ever see you again, no matter how much time passes by for us." She then looked at me lovingly and said softly, "But, I'm glad that…I got to see you again after so long, and as long as you still remember me, then that's enough for me." Minna laid her head on my shoulder as she said softly, "And, I'm glad that you kept your promise, that you would protect me no matter what. That's why, it's okay, because I'm glad you remember me, and you remember your promise. So, even if you don't feel the same way about me, and even if we're far apart, I'm happy that I can see you, and, no matter what…I'll always love you, my Yuzu-kun."

"Minna…" I said as I looked at her, as I gave out an awestruck look on my face, as I was, to be honest, a little surprised about what she said. In a way, it…makes me happy that, even if we would be far away from each other, she loves me. But, at the same time, it…it also pains me, because…I won't be able to see her again once she goes back. This pain, it's just like when I left Germany when I had to go back to Japan and leave Minna, that we had to be apart from each other for a long time. But, this feeling of pain, it feels…much stronger than that. I wonder why…why do I feel this way? Do I…maybe…just what am I feeling?

I thought about it for a moment, trying to think what it is, before I shook my head and rubbed it off. Aw well, whatever it is, at least it's not something that I feel when I have lewd fantasies. I mean-OOOOOWWW!

Suddenly, I felt something hit me real hard in the leg, and it felt so painful that I winched and then groaned real loudly in pain, and I had to rub my leg.

"Hmm?" Minna looked at me, confused, "Yuzu-kun, what's wrong?"

I groaned in pain for a moment, before I managed to make a smile and painfully said, "Urgh…ugh…i-i-it's nothing! Ugh…nothing at all…haha…haha…"

"Ahem!" I heard someone cough and clear their throat, making me look to see that it was Saber. When I looked at her, she…she had a look of annoyance, as if there was something stupid being mentioned. Saber looked at me with an annoyed look in her eyes, before she brought her finger out and then pointed her finger on her head, signaling to me something.

I was confused by this for a bit before…oh. Oh, crap! That's right, I forgot, our pact! Jeez, it's easy to forget sometimes! I looked back at Saber as I gave her an apologetic look, telling her I was sorry. Saber merely looked away from me in annoyance, before she whispered for me to hear, "Idiot Perverted Master…"

I became stunned by this before I hung my head and sighed, as I just gave up on trying, while Minna just looked at us in confusion.

---

Chikagi's POV:

Hibiki and I watched them from the counter as they were having a time of their own like they were in their own little world together. Well, that was until the blonde Elaina kicked Shindou in the leg for no reason, though I admit it was a bit funny in the end.

I sighed and said, "Ah, kids…"

"Hey, Chika-chan," said Hibiki, "I wonder what they're talking about? Do you know what they're talking about?"

"Eh, beats me." I shrugged, "They're teenagers, after all. That's how they communicate with each other."

"Hmmm." said Hibiki, before she smiled cheerfully, "Still, that girl with silver hair with Shin-chin is really cute~! Ah, they're like the cutest couple of all when they're together~! Do you think so, Chika-chan~?!"

"Hmm." I said while looking back at Shindou and the German girl, "Yeah, I guess so. Well, at least our Shindou isn't some harem lead idiot like our last customers. That would've been worse."

"Anyway, Chika-chan!" said Hibiki happily, "They're orders are ready!"

"Ah, thanks, Hibiki." I said as I took the tray of their order, "I'll be sure to give it to them."

---

Yuzuru's POV:

We had finished eating our meals on the table, leaving only empty plates, as we sat and enjoyed the drinks that were served to us.

I took a sip of my soda before I placed it on the table and asked Minna, "Well, Minna, how's the coffee? Is it good?"

Minna took a sip of her coffee before placing the cup on the table and said with a smile, "Ja! Very good! I love this coffee that they made!"

"Is that so?" I said, "Well, that's good. Although, it was a good thing that I warned you about it first before you took a sip of it, otherwise you would've had your tongue burned by it. Ahnenerbe serves its coffee here extra-hot, hotter than normal, so you have to let it cool down before you can have a good drink of the coffee."

"I see." said Minna, "That's why you told me not to drink it yet. Danke for telling me, Yuzu-kun."

"Gern geschehen, Minna." I said before I turned to Saber and asked, "How about you, Elaina? How's your tea?"

Saber took a sip of her tea for a moment before she set it down and said, "It's delicious. The drinks that they serve here are very fantastic. I can see why you chose to work in this café, Yuzuru."

"Yeah, I admit, that's one of the reasons." I said, "Though, really, I just thought I should find a place to work at, so, why not here, you know?"

"Indeed." said Saber.

"Well, enough about that." I said, "Let's finish our drinks and then leave for today. I'll go and pay for our meal."

I finished drinking my soda before getting up from my seat and going to the reception desk. I went up to the receptionist before I pulled out my credit card and said, "Excuse me, I'd like to pay for our meals at my table, please?"

"Ah, Shindou-san, good afternoon." said the receptionist (Neco-Arc), "Ah, there's no need for you to do that. Someone else had already taken care of the payment for your table for you."

"H-Huh?" I said, surprised and confused, "Wait, what? But, who would-?"

"The two women who just came in while you were eating with your friends." said the receptionist, "One with long straight black hair and the other with short curly brown hair. They seem like they were rich people from a wealthy family with the way they dress in nice and expensive clothing, and they both seemed like they knew you, Shindou-san."

"Two women, long hair and short curly hair, and are from a rich family, and they know me…" I said as I took it all in before I realized what she meant, and then I said, "Oh…yeah, I…I think I might know them, too…"

"Well, if you plan on looking for them and want to thank them," said the receptionist, before she pointed to my right and said, "They're sitting over at the booth at the corner. They seem to be expecting you. Have a good time."

"Uh, yeah." I said, "I think I'll do that."

The receptionist smiled and nodded before she went back to work, and I got out of the way so that the next customer would pay for their table. I then sighed before looking at where the receptionist pointed at where they were, and I sighed and said, "I never thought I'd see them again…"

I then went over to where the receptionist told me where they were at, and…sure enough, they were there, sitting at the booth waiting for me. At the booth table were two older women; one woman had long straight black hair and blue eyes and was wearing a long glittering black dress that matched her perfect womanly figure, a pair of long black gloves that reaches to her elbows with a diamond gold ring on her right ring finger, a gold necklace with various colored gemstones, and a pair of black high heeled shoes, while the other had short curly dark brown hair and the same color brown eyes like mine, and like the other woman, was wearing a long glittering dress that fits her figure, but hers was the color silver, a pair of short white gloves that go to her wrist with a silver wristwatch around her wrist, a silver necklace with the same various colored gemstones, and a pair of white high heeled shoes. The moment I saw them, I'd immediately recognized them, the one with long black hair was Akira-neesan who is five years older than me, while the other with short curly brown hair was Megumi-neesan who is three years older than me, my two older sisters who're both heirs of our family's company. As soon as they saw me approach them, they both gave out their own smiles to me.

"Yuzu-chan!" said Megumi-neesan happily, while she waved her hand up high, "It's good to see you again, little brother!"

"Yes." said Akira-neesan maturely, as she nodded her head to me with a gentle smile, "Long time no see, Yu-chan."

"Akira-neesan, Megumi-neesan," I said, "What're you two doing here?"

Megumi-neesan giggled and said with a smile on her face, "What? Can't two girls visit their own little brother every once in a while?"

"Yes." said Akira-neesan, "Megumi and I came all the way here from Misaki Town to see you, Yu-chan. We just wanted to see you and see how you're doing these days." She then brought out her hand and showed me an empty booth seat in front of them as she offered, "Go on, Yu-chan, take a seat."

"Uh, sure." I said as I took on that offer, and I sat down, before I asked, "So, when and how did you come here to Fuyuki? And why didn't you tell me you were gonna see me? I could've picked you both up."

"We just arrived here by airport yesterday." said Akira-neesan, "And we just wanted to surprise you as all."

"Yeah." Megumi-neesan smiled, "Plus, we didn't wanna bother you when you have school or whatever it was you were doing, so we just had the time to look around the city for ourselves."

"I see." I chuckled a little, "Well, you both sure did surprise me just now. Still, you should've called me, and I would've come to see you two."

"Ehehehehehe!" Megumi-neesan laughed, "No way! Where would the fun be in that? It's not a surprise if we did call you!"

"Still, you're right, we're sorry, Yu-chan." said Akira-neesan with an apologetic smile, "If we wanted to, we would have, but you know your sisters."

"Yeah." I said, "Always wanting to be dotting on your little brother, even though he's not a kid anymore."

We laughed at that for a little while, before we calmed down a bit and I said, "Oh, uh…by the way, Akira-neesan, Megumi-neesan, I wanna thank you two for paying our meal for us. It was really appreciating."

"Oh, not at all!" Megumi-neesan smiled, "What're family's for, right?"

"Yes, of course." Akira-neesan nodded, "Anything for our family member." Akira-neesan's expression then became serious as she said, "Listen, Yu-chan, we heard about what happened to your school this morning; Homurahara Academy, was it? It's in a threat of shutting down, isn't it?"

I looked at them surprised for a moment before I remembered that the news had spread all over Fuyuki, and then I looked down and said, "Y-Yeah…it is."

Both my older sisters looked at each other for a moment, before they looked back at me and Megumi-neesan asked, "Yuzu-chan, if it's alright, can you explain to us what happened that caused the school to go on a threat of shutting down like that?"

"Well," I said, "You see…" I explained to my sisters everything that had happened to our academy and our school's funding, about our teachers' meeting with the Board of Directors of Education, and what would happen to all the students, including exchange students like Minna, if the situation with our school isn't resolved soon. "…And, yeah, that's about the gist of it." I concluded, "I'm…honestly not sure what we can do at the moment, or how we can deal with getting the Board's trust again."

"I see." said Akira-neesan, "So, it's that bad then…"

"Yeah." I said, "And if we don't fix it soon, Minna will be…they'll…" I tightened my fists as I began to think about it, how I'll lose Minna and we'll be separated again. It…it makes me…it makes me mad and…scared… and I…!

Before I could say anything, I felt two hands on both of mine, and I looked up to see my two sisters holding onto my hands, Akira-neesan on my left, and Megumi-neesan on my right, as they both gave out their warm smiles to me, which made me felt calm a bit, and I sighed, before I said, "I'm sorry, I just…I don't know what I can do."

"Yu-chan, look at us." said Akira-neesan, and I did what she told me, before she said to me, "Listen, there might be a way for you to save your school. So, will you listen to us?"

I looked at both of them as they were offering me a way to save our academy, before I began thinking about it for a moment, until I said, "If it will save our academy, and if it will keep Minna here in Japan, then please, tell me."

Akira-neesan nodded, before she said, "I understand. Then, if you want us to, Yu-chan…let us take care of the problem for you."

When I heard what Akira-neesan had just said, my eyes were completely wide open, as I became somewhat shocked by what they were suggesting to me. I took in what Akira-neesan said to me, before I said, "Akira-neesan, I…no, you don't have to do that! Especially you, Megumi-neesan, not for my sake! I…I can't ask that of you two. I mean, I appreciate your help, but…I just don't wanna trouble you two with what I'm…what we're going through right now."

"Nonsense, we're family, Yu-chan." said Akira-neesan, "Of course we'd do anything to help you."

"That's right, Yuzu-chan!" Megumi-neesan smiled, "Any problems that you have are the problems of ours, too! And we'd help you take care of the problems as much as we can for you!"

"Well, yeah, but…" I said, "It's just…"

"Don't worry, Yu-chan." said Akira-neesan, "You are not a burden to us, or to anyone in our family. Remember that, you are who you are; even if you're not as talented as us in art, even if you're nothing like us in any way, you're still a part of this family, and we love you for who you are. And because you're a part of this family, we'd do anything to make you happy, and we'd do anything to help you. Mother feels that way, we both feel that way, and I'm sure father does, too, even if he doesn't show it."

"Akira-neesan…" I said, "Megumi-neesan…"

"We don't mind helping you out, little brother." Megumi-neesan smiled, "Besides, just because you're trying to live independently, doesn't mean that you shouldn't at least call us once in a while. And also, I'm sure you like being in this city very much as anyone else does, don't you?"

"Well, yeah, it's true." I said, "But…"

"Yu-chan," said Akira-neesan, "You don't have to worry. We're a family, and we'll do anything to help out a family member. Also, you're not our shadow, you're you, and you have your own sense of self. And you have your own future that you can make for yourself outside of this family. And that's what we're all proud of about you. Father feels the same way, too."

"Akira-neesan, Megumi-neesan…" I said.

"That's why, if you really need us, your family," said Akira-neesan, "Please, don't hesitate to call us, even if it's once in a while."

"Yeah!" Megumi-neesan smiled, "And if there are any problems you can't handle, we'll take care of it for you!"

I looked at my two older sisters as I took in all of what they said to me before I began thinking about it for a moment. Well, our family does have lots of money, and this problem that our school's having is something I can't handle on my own, nor anyone can handle in that matter. And, even if people or any of us try to reason with the Board of Directors, they won't listen to us. And besides, I...I want Minna to stay here, and if they could save our school, then Minna will be allowed to stay in Fuyuki. Alright, I guess I should let my family handle this. I looked back at my older sisters, before I said to them, "Okay, then, Akira-neesan, Megumi-neesan, if you both could, then…please help Homurahara Academy!"

Happy to hear my answer, both my older sisters smiled and said in unison, "Yes/Yeah! We will, Yu-chan/Yuzu-chan!"

---

Sakura's POV:

It was the middle of the night, and Mitsuzuri-senpai, Makidera-senpai, Himuro-senpai, Saegusa-senpai, and I were at the traditional Japanese bar in Miyama Town, where we were drinking beer to let all our stresses out; well, Mitsuzuri-senpai and Makidera-senpai were drinking beer, the only ones sober were Himuro-senpai, Saegusa-senpai, and me. I was sitting in the booth with Mitsuzuri-senpai while the three were at their own booth together next to us. Out of all of us, Makidera-senpai was drinking her beer out of sadness the most, as she was laying her head on the table, filled with lots of empty mugs, and she was crying out comical tears from her eyes that was forming a puddle and was wailing out loud the most, while Himuro-senpai and Saegusa-senpai tried to either comfort her or keep her voice down to not disturb anyone. As for Mitsuzuri-senpai, well…she was furious the most, as she was drinking beer in a manner of pure madness, while I just sat and watched her take it all.

"DAMMIT!" Mitsuzuri-senpai shouted as she slammed her mug on the table after her next shot, "I CANNOT BELIEVE THOSE GUYS! They just treated us like we're amateurs at our jobs! I mean, we worked our BUTTS off way harder than those dicks think we did, and now we're in charge of DEALING with shit like this?! I can't believe those guys!"

I looked at Mitsuzuri-senpai as she was still being angry with the Board of Directors, and I was just as disheartened about it as she was. I then said, "Well, it can't be helped, Mitsuzuri-senpai. They made their decision, after all that's happened today. Besides, we didn't know about Mr. Kobayashi and what he was hiding at the time. And unless we know how to gain their trust again, our school will be lost and we'll lose our jobs."

"Yeah, well, screw those guys!" said Mitsuzuri-senpai, angrily, "We care about our academy and our students more than anything! They're the ones who don't care about them at all! If they did, they would help us, and they wouldn't put us in this situation! If those assholes were the REAL Board of Directors, they'd see that!" Then, Mitsuzuri-senpai calmed down, before she sighed and said, this time toned down, "Sorry, Sakura, I'm just…I'm so frustrated, I can't even think! Honestly, I wish I knew what we could do, but…it's really hard for us. At this rate, our school might as well shut down for good!"

"Mitsuzuri-senpai…" I said.

Mitsuzuri-senpai chuckled a little before she gave out a sad smile and said, "Sorry, I must've had too much beer, I don't know what the hell I'm saying right now." She then looked at her empty mug before she filled it with another beer and said, "Still, what CAN we even do at this point? It's not like we can use our money to pay back to those guys. We don't even have enough money, and that damn old Kobayashi doesn't pay us much at all. That selfish old bastard, all for that damn debt that he had." She then took in her shot, and she finished it all in one go, before she sighed as she lightly placed her mug on the table, before she said, "Besides, even if we did save our school from shutting down, we still don't have a principal to help run it. And since Issei's gone, he won't be able to help us out anymore, and we're all stuck without him. What's worse, is that we don't even know where we can find and get a principal to help our academy, if he can that is." Mitsuzuri-senpai sighed before she sulked onto the table and said, depressed, "We're all…doomed…"

I placed my hand on Mitsuzuri-senpai's shoulder in a sign of comfort, as I said, "Don't worry, Mitsuzuri-senpai. I'm sure we'll figure out something soon." I turned to the three and saw that Makidera-senpai was still comically depressed and wailing herself out, while the two continued to try to comfort her or keep her quiet down. I then turned to the waitress who was passing by before I raised my hand and said, "Excuse me, I'd like to pay for both our tables today. We're done here for today."

"Oh, uh…actually, ma'am, your tables have already been paid." said the waitress, which surprised me, and I was about to ask before she answered as she pointed out the door, "Uh…two women just came by and had paid for your table, and said that they wished to speak with one of you."

I looked at where the waitress pointed and, just as she said, there were two women at the door; one with long black hair and blue eyes and was wearing a black dress, while the other had short black curly hair and brown eyes and was wearing a silver dress. Judging by the way they looked and the way they dressed, they could be rich. As soon as they saw me looking at them, they both gave out their smiles and waved at me.

I became curious of them before I turned to the others and said, "Guys, can you look after Mitsuzuri-senpai? I'll be right back."

I got up from my seat and left my booth to go and see those two women. When I got closer to them, I then bowed to them and said, "Uh…hello, and thank you for paying for our tables for us." I then looked at them and asked, "Um…can I ask, who might you two be?"

"Yes, of course." said the one with black hair, "Ah, but first, if I may ask, are you perhaps called Sakura Matou, one of the teachers of Homurahara Academy?"

"Hmm?" I asked, surprised and confused, before I answered, "Ah, yes, that's me. How do you know that?"

"Then, it's nice to meet you." the one with black hair bowed and then introduced herself, "My name is Akira Shindou, and the one with me is my sister, Megumi Shindou, we're the daughters of the President and CEO of our family's company, the Shining Artists of Shindou Corporation. I believe you've heard of it?"

"The…Shining Artists of Shindou Corporation…?" I said as I took in what she said before something hit me. Wait, Shindou…? Suddenly, the realization hit me, and I said completely shocked, "Wait, Shindou?!" I then had to ask to confirm, "U-Uh…could it perhaps be that…you two are Shindou-kun's two older sisters?"

"Yeah!" said the brown-haired woman, Megumi-san, with a big happy smile, "And if you know our little brother, you must be one of his teachers, right?"

"Ah, yes, of course!" I said, "I happen to know your younger brother. In fact, Shindou-kun's one of my students in my class."

"Is that so?" said Akira-san, before she bowed, "Then, Mrs. Sakura Matou, we'd like to thank you for looking after our little brother, Yu-chan. I hope he's not any bother to you."

"Oh no, not at all." I said, "Rather, he is a very helpful and wonderful student. In fact, I treat your brother as if he was my own."

"I see." said Akira-san, "Then, that's good to hear."

"Yeah!" Megumi-san smiled, "I'm glad that Yuzu-chan has a great teacher with him!"

"Yes." I smiled back, before I asked, "Um…can I ask, what brings you two here to Fuyuki?"

"Ah, yes, straight to the point." said Akira-san, "Megumi and I have come here to discuss something with you, regarding your academy. We heard what's going on, and we'd like to help you bring it back running again."

"Yeah!" said Megumi-san, "We wanna help bring your school back again!"

"Eh?!" I said, surprised, "Wait, you do?"

"Yes." said Akira-san, "And we have a plan to help you with that. Would you like to hear about it as we explain it?"

I looked at the two as I took in what they were offering for a moment, before I said, "Yes, please do!"

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