That next day, Tridon finished up Monika's breakfast just before 7:30. He wrapped it up and put a note on it. He yawned and stretched before leaving the house.

"I wonder what she has planned for us to make." Tridon wondered while driving to Natsuki's house, "I just hope we don't make a mess again. I had dough in all sorts of places after last time. I think I still have some dough in me." Tridon slapped his head as a plump of dough fell out of his head, "Hm. I wonder why that hasn't hardened yet."

Tridon eventually arrived at Natsuki's house and walked up to her door after getting out of his car. He knocked and waited.

The door flew open to a very happy and excited Natsuki.

"Hey Natsuki." Tridon greeted, "Quite a lot of energy for it being this early in the morning."

"I've been up all night with coffee and energy drinks in order to plan out the day!" Natsuki spoke fast and sporadically. Her eyes were wide and she couldn't stay still, "So come on! Let's get to work!"

"And your dad?" Tridon asked.

In the backyard, Natsuki's dad sat outside and was drinking some tea. He sighed and said, "Once again, my daughter is able to have a good relationship with someone else of the opposite sex. Sometimes, I need some time away from an environment that is just so demeaning and downright awful." He sighed once more to add, "Talking to myself. Again..."

"Okay." Tridon started, "What do you have planned?" Tridon turned around to Natsuki to see her face first on the ground, "Great..."


A few moments later, Tridon handed Natsuki a glass of water with some painkillers. He patted her back as she took the painkillers.

"Maybe don't make yourself crash by drinking a lot of caffeine."

"Sorry," Natsuki started, "I just wanted to be prepared today."

"I think it's more fun if we both plan this out. Remember last time?"

"How could I forget." Natsuki laughed as she flicked some flour off his head, "How is that still there?"

"I swear. Flour is showing up in different places everyday." Tridon rubbed Natsuki's back and asked, "Getting better?"

"Yeah." She responded, "Your touch is very soft. It's soothing..."

"Sayori and my sister would vouch for that. Sayori used to get stomach aches all the time. I think it's quite obvious why, but my sister one time had an upset stomach after eating some bad food and I was there for when she needed me."

"You're like a housewife."

"So a househusband, right?"

"Pretty much."

Tridon smiled and pat her once more before standing up, "So your plans here," Tridon looked at the work Natsuki had done and nodded, "we're going to be trying this thing." Tridon held up a deflated pile of dough and asked, "Is this one of the experiments?"

"Yeah, but it was the first one. The others are either in the trash or I'm saving to give to Sayori on our Tuesday meeting."

"Nice. But maybe have her control how much she eats. She called me late last night saying her stomach was hurting."

"She did eat a lot yesterday."

"Yeah."

"Well, no use wasting time. We have a lot of experimenting, flour, and dough to go through today. Once your head is better, we'll need to get to work. I'm sure we have a long day ahead of us."

"Right."


A few moments later, Natsuki walked over to the kitchen while holding a tablet, "I've contemplated on whether or not we should focus on taste or design. There's gonna be quite a few people with delicious pastries and others with elaborate designs."

"Hm. Why not do both?"

"We don't have time to do both. We're on a limited time frame for today only."

"Right."

Natsuki walked over to her fridge and took out a baking sheet, "I was thinking we do something similar to our cupcakes since those were a big hit at the bake sale. However, I want them to have a little 'hmph' to it."

"Hmph?"

"You know. Something special to make it better."

"Shouldn't we focus more on taste?" Tridon suggested, "I feel that if we focus more on the taste then we would be able to win just through a delicious good as is."

"You could be right, but it's times like this where people care more about how something looks rather than what's on the inside."

"Am I sensing something else here?"

"Don't look too much into it." Natsuki growled, "I just..."

"Natsuki, are you feeling something wrong with your looks? Namely your size." Tridon felt Natsuki grab his shirt fiercely, but instantly let go, "Uh..."

"N-No. I don't care about that kinda stuff..."

"Natsuki," Tridon smirked at Natsuki who turned away from him, "is it because you like manga?"

"Huh?"

"I know some people think they can't get a boyfriend or girlfriend just because they like anime and manga. But that's stupid. In fact, I think it's awesome that people like manga and anime. Even the ones that have a limited taste."

"So even someone like me?"

"What do you mean? I like your tastes. There's nothing wrong with your tastes at all."

"But I've seen your manga collection. It's a lot more vivid than mine. You seem to have more genres rather than mine of magical girls or fantasy titles."

"Oh come on. I love fantasy anime. Magical girls is a genre I don't dabble too much in, but I think they're good if executed well."

"But I..."

"Look, people who don't like anime is pretty common. Don't worry about it. If they don't like you because of that, then it's their loss."

Natsuki smiled and turned away from Tridon, "That's not what I was even referencing." Natsuki's expression changed as she looked at her body, "It's something way more embarrassing."

"Anyway, let's get to work!"

"Yeah!"


After nearly 8 hours of endless baking and fails, the two had finally concocted the perfect cookies. The both of them slumped down onto her couch and sighed in relief.

"We probably should've went with cookies." Tridon commented.

"Yeah." Natsuki agreed, "The cookies were good, but these cupcakes are awesome!"

"Alright you two, it's getting late." Natsuki's father interrupted, "It's best you two get cleaned and you know, get ready to rest."

"I'll drive on home and get cleaned there."

"Dude," Natsuki stopped Tridon and added, "go ahead and get cleaned here. Did you not bring any extra clothes."

"Well, not this time. I didn't bring my gym bag. That's back at home."

"Oh..."

"But hey, if you need a ride to the event tomorrow, I'm your guy."

"Really? My dad was going to take me, but it'll be awesome if you take me."

"What do you think Mr. Natsuki's Dad?" Tridon asked, "I took her to the bake sale earlier this month. How's about I take her to the competition?"

"Well, if it's alright with her, it'll be alright with me. Just be safe out there you two."

"I promise," Tridon started, "if anyone even tries to mess with my little gumdrop here," Tridon put his arm around Natsuki and said, "I'll send them to the hospital with a cupcake down their throat."

"Let's try and keep that to a minimum, okay?" Natsuki's Dad pleaded.

"Alright." Tridon looked down at Natsuki who shied away from him, "Anyway, I should probably get going now. I'm suppose to make dinner for Monika since she still can't all too well..."


That night while Tridon and Sayori were still out, Tridon arrived to see smoke looming from his house. He looked at Sayori who stared at the smoke from his house. She sprinted over just as Tridon kicked his door down.

He ran inside to see Monika surrounded in smoke with a fire extinguisher in hand.

"I didn't know I had a fire extinguisher." Tridon commented before yelling, "But Monika!"

"I'm sorry!"


Tridon shook his head and said, "I'm glad I could fix it."

"Well you should probably go." Natsuki chuckled, "The last thing we want is for the both of you to be homeless."

"Right. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alright, just meet me after school and we'll head back here to pick up our cookies."

"Sweet. C'ya Natsuki." Tridon waved her off and made his way into his car.

"So Natsuki, when are you thinking about asking him out?"

"D-Dad!" Natsuki shouted, "I..." Natsuki held her head low and said, "He'll make his choice at the Winter Dance." Natsuki walked towards her room and said, "I'm gonna need some time to myself dad."

"Okay?"


That next day, Tridon waited at the school entrance and yawned. He stretched and looked around.

He checked his watch and said, "Where is she?" Tridon closed his eyes and wondered, "Wait. Bullies..." Tridon quickly turned around and walked quickly back into the school.

He eventually confronted Natsuki being surrounded by the same girls who tried to bully her at the bake sale.

Tridon sighed and walked forward, but stopped when he saw the guy he fought before behind the group. The two stared at each other and Tridon shook his head.

"You can't be serious." Tridon walked forward and said, "Are your lives that boring that you have to pick on her?"

"Oh shut up." The boyfriend retorted, "This is payback for what happened last time!"

"Did you really take weeks to plan this 'payback' on me or Natsuki?" Tridon sighed and walked a little bit forward, "So please, what is your super elaborate plan?"

"We uh..."

"Are you gonna use the cameras as leverage because looks like there aren't any." Tridon looked around and there weren't any security cameras, "Which means I can beat you senseless." Tridon cracked his knuckles before looming over the man.


A few moments later, Tridon wiped his hands as he walked away from the guy who was headfirst in a garbage can. He turned to the girls who were all several feet away and cowering behind one another. Tridon walked over to Natsuki who held her bag tightly.

"Hey there Natsuki." He held his hand out and said, "Let's get going."

"Y-Yeah..." Natsuki took his hand and the two walked out of the school and made their way to the baking competition.

The two remained silent during the drive until Natsuki quickly said, "Tridon wait." Tridon slowly brought the car to a halt and he didn't look at her, "I uh..."

"You brought the cupcakes we baked to school and they probably squished them, right?"

"Yeah..." Tridon sighed and looked down, "I'm sorry..."

"It's no problem." He took her bag and looked at it, "They might not be perfect for the bake sale, but they're perfect for us right now." He reached into her bag and pulled out the crushed cookies, "It's not my cheat day, but that doesn't mean I can't have a treat every once and a while."

Before Tridon could put the cupcake in his mouth, Natsuki stopped him.

"No. Don't ruin your diet dude."

"Aw man. I thought I could cheat it for once."

"Sorry, but I feel like I need to thank you again for standing up for me."

"It's honestly no problem." Tridon started, "I've said that if you ever need me, I'll always be there for you and the others. I care about all of you."

"Geez man." Natsuki blushed as she hugged her knees, "You make it hard to keep my tough girl persona."

"Uh, okay? You should probably put your feet back on the floor." Tridon sighed and said, "I don't know what we're gonna do then. We aren't going to the baking competition. What do we do?"

"Can we head to your hangout spot?"

"Sure."


After a short drive, the two relaxed under the tree and looked at the pond. The two didn't say a word. They just took in the nature around them.

"Tridon," Natsuki started, "have you ever thought about swimming in this pond?"

"I have a few times with Sayori, but that was maybe 5 or 6 years ago. It's been a minute."

"Do you think everyone could come here to have a swim day?"

"In the middle of October?"

"It's still pretty warm and I don't see storm clouds in the forecast. I think a swim day would be fine with everyone."

"Maybe. Sayori and I were talking about taking a dip in Monika's pool, but I think a more open place like this pond here would be better. So let's discuss it with them tomorrow."

"Hey can I," Natsuki slowly laid down on Tridon's lap and said, "take a nap? I was having a hard time thinking about the bake sale and... other things that it was hard for me to sleep. I need a rest."

"Sure thing. I'll wake you up when we're ready to go." Tridon stared at the pond and his eyes fell heavy, "Well, I guess I can take a nap too." Tridon's eyes fell shut and he went to sleep too.

An hour or two later, Natsuki's eyes fluttered open and she sat up, but hit her head on Tridon's chin. She moved aside and saw that Tridon was still asleep.

"He's asleep." Natsuki softly mumbled, "Hehe..." Natsuki snickered.

She slowly sat on her knees and caressed Tridon's hair, "You're adorable." She looked around and nodded, "It's now or never." Natsuki slowly inched forward and started to pucker her lips.

Tridon's eyes slowly fluttered open just as Natsuki was mere inches away from his lips. However, her eyes were closed and was inching closer.

Tridon held in his chuckle as he closed his eyes again to act as if he was sleeping.

Natsuki eventually performed the weirdest kiss ever by placing her puckered lips on his lips. However, her cheeks were puffed out the entire time as she kissed him.

It was at this point that Tridon couldn't hold in his laughter. He burst out laughing, startling Natsuki.

"Y-You were awake?!"

"Yup. Well not for most of it. I only woke up when you were just barely inches from my face." Tridon wiped a tear from his eyes and said, "You haven't really kissed anyone have you?"

"No. Of course not."

"Haha..."

"It's not funny dude." Natsuki socked Tridon in his chest and said, "I've never had a boyfriend. It's kinda obvious that I wouldn't have one."

"Uh..." Tridon paused and leaned towards Natsuki, "No mouth to mouth kisses." Tridon quickly said before giving Natsuki a light peck on her cheek, "So is that enough?"

"Y-Yeah..."

"Now come on." Tridon stood up and stretched, "It's best we get home now." He held his hand out like before and asked, "Why don't you sleepover at my house? You're house is pretty far and I don't want to waste gas. So how goes it?"

"Y-Yeah!"

And with that, the two make their way back to Tridon's house.


-Epilogue-

Monika sat at the counter with her arms cross, cheeks puffed out, and puffs of smoke shooting out of her head. Tridon ate his food periodically while Natsuki stared at Monika.

Tridon sighed and grabbed a nearby magazine. He rolled it up and lightly tapped Monika's head with it.

"Stop that Monika."

"But Tridon!"

"No Monika..."

"Mmm..."

"Uh," Natsuki started, "mind if I help wash the dishes."

"No. You just head off to bed. I'll have Ms. Pouty here help me with dishes."

"Okay..." Natsuki slowly made her way back upstairs while Tridon looked at Monika.

"Monika..." Tridon groaned, "She's our friend..."

"I know, but I'm just..." Monika sighed and stood up, "A little worried about Natsuki now."

"Yeah?"

"She's been getting bullied by these girls for quite a while. Today was bad now that they know you're there to protect her."

"Yeah. That leader's boyfriend isn't too much of a threat though."

"Still. He might have more people to help him while those girls mess with Natsuki."

"Nothing my power won't be able to handle."

"Tridon, please don't use your power to do anything bad, okay?"

"I'll only do what's necessary. Now," Tridon tossed Monika a sponge and said, "I'll rinse, you scrub."

"Alright."

On the stairs, Natsuki was listening in before trudging her way back upstairs...


A/N: Alright, before anyone starts, I know I haven't written a Yuri chapter in a while. The last one was quite a bit ago. Don't worry though. As discussed with Natsuki in this chapter, the club will be going on a Swim Day that will turn into something people might think of as a beach day or week! Yes, this means I'm currently planning a short beach arc after this next chapter. So be prepared as the beach arc will have Tridon spend a day with each of the main Dokis. I say this as Erica and Jen aren't main characters of the cast. Yes, they are part of the club, but they're not part of the love pool of the other 4. They're just supporting characters.

Also, I plan to kinda end this once Tridon "officially" makes his choice and continue it until their graduation in a separate story. So be prepared as I plan to buckle down and try and get more chapters out as soon as possible. Anyway, I hope all of you enjoyed the chapter and I'll see all of you in the next one! C'ya!