Gosh I had too much fun with this one… Enjoy!

Chapter 16: (Friend)ships

"This way," Haru took Akari's hand and the girls linked their elbows, heading to the meeting spot.

"So, you can't tell me who it is at all?" Akari grumbled, biting her lip in anticipation. Haru shook her head, but smiled. Nana had told her that she technically, she couldn't tell her friends who she was texting. However, if they met up and Haru happened to have a friend with her, it wasn't breaking the rules of the contract. So, Akari and Haru were heading to pick Nana up, before going to the mall all together to find the perfect dress for the benefit.

"Taniyama Nana!" Akari stood still, her hands going up to her mouth to cover it in absolute shock. Nana was waiting for them in a casual outfit and sunglasses which attempted to hide her identity from the people passing by.

"Haru!" the model greeted with a happy smile and walked over. "And you must be Akari-chan? Haru has told me a lot about you."

"No! Yes!" Akari seemed to be out of functioning order.

"Which is it?" Haru chuckled, looking at her friend. But, Akari only had a wide-eyed look, staring at the beauty in front of them.

"Erm, shall we go to the mall?" Nana suggested, pulling a tad ahead of them.

"I forgive you for neglecting me to text to Taniyama Nana!" Akari finally managed to whisper as they headed for the mall, pleasantly chatting with each other. In the end, the girl managed to get over her starstruck shock. She ended up chatting with Nana and exchanging numbers, the two dragging Haru from store to store like a wild force of nature. When it came to clothing, they were both serious, while Haru was a tad laid back.

She preferred simple shirts with maybe puns or funny designs printed on the front and shorts, over the fancy skirts, dresses and tight blouses that her two friends looked at. It seemed like the majority of the outfits they liked were quite daring, if one asked Haru.

"So, how formal is this event?" Nana finally asked, looking at one of the pretty lacy white dresses on the rack.

"Hmmm," Haru titled her head to the side. "It's a suit and tie event, but there was no note about the color of the dresses that women should wear. I suppose as long as it isn't too short or revealing, I'm safe."

"Perfect!" Akari and Nana looked at each other, high fiving gently and giggling to one another. Haru could already feel the dread in her soul from their looks being directed at her.

"It's gotta be something bright-colored," Akari mused, circling her friend.

"White or red would stand out amazingly against her skin," Nana nodded. "We should forego the tackier neon colors because it's formal and go with the classics."

"Or a little black dress!" Akari's finger went up and Nana nodded. Haru sighed as they circled her, making her put her arms up and look at her from all sides like some form of a laser female inspection.

"Short, to show off her legs," Nana commented. "There's quite a bit attractiveness there."

"And we gotta show the best asset, too," Akari made a motion of squeezing much larger breasts than her own, making Nana giggle and Haru blush.

"No cleavage, please!" Haru requested, making the other two girls exchange knowing looks.

"What's our budget, Harucchi?" Akari asked, moving the topic along.

"Harucchi I like that!" Nana piped up. "Can I call you Akacchi then?" She grinned at Akari from her place at the rack where she was souring for a nice dress.

"Of course, Nanacchi!" Akari and Nana seemed to be hitting it off nicely, which could only mean trouble for Haru. The girl went to the rack with long dresses, sifting through them. She pulled out a deep purple one and placed it against her body turning to the mirror.

"Oh, no sweetie, not that one," Nana shook her head. "While purple isn't a bad idea, the floor length is. You need something to accent those legs."

"And heels!" Akari joined them, a satin white piece in her arms. "Here, try this one. And what about the budget?"

"Papa gave me his card," Haru smiled. "We can charge the beauty parlor on it, too."

"Nails!" Nana squealed in happiness.

"Mani-pedi!" Akari joined her on cloud nine.

In the end, they had scoured almost the whole mall, the two fashionistas not happy with anything they saw. They had decided, though, that the dress would be red and satin, to the knees or so. They had found a perfect set of heels for it, red, as well and a tad high for Haru's liking. They were pumps with a rounded toe part, which the girl liked, and the heel was rather thick, which made them easier for her to walk in.

Then, the three fast friends had gone for some food, unfortunately attracting the attention of other shoppers at the mall. Nana had proven rather professional in handling them. After signing some autographs and taking a few selfies, she'd asked them politely to have a personal day with her friends, and they'd obliged. Then, she'd proceeded to put a picture on her social media of all three girls, with a note that she was helping out her friend to pick a dress and asking that she be left alone to do so. Surprisingly, nobody had bothered them aside from some fingers pointing and muted squealing from the sides.

"So, when is this benefit?" Nana asked, sipping on her shake and leaning back in her chair, legs crossed.

"Day after tomorrow." Haru told her and Akari hummed.

"We can meet up that morning then, and go for the mani-pedis," Nana planned out. "I have a great salon we can make a reservation at, and it's not that expensive. But, we should find the dress today."

"Agreed!" Akari chimed in. "There is a nice little store where I got my black evening gown at just a few blocks away, if you guys are up for the trip?"

"Let's go!" Nana quickly stood, setting the pace. As Akari had said, they only walked for a few minutes before they found themselves in front of the boutique. It had numerous dresses in the windows, showing the glittering gowns on mannequins. "How do I now know about this place?" Nana whined, opening the door and letting them all in.

"It's a family owned shop, so it's a bit small," Akari told her as she entered, going towards the back immediately. "But, they have great things!" Haru let the girls do their magic, waiting with the shopping bags on a bench as they picked out red dress after a red dress, making her try them on.

"Oh, this one!" Akari said as soon as Haru left the changing booth, clapping excitedly.

"It's perfect!" Nana marveled, doing a circle around the younger girl. "Look." She led her to the mirror and Haru had to agree. It was a perfect dress.

"As for jewelry, you should wear that necklace your father got you for your birthday," Akari said, walking over behind Haru. "The one with the pendant that goes low."

"Okay." Haru agreed. It was one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry she owned and it was truly breathtaking. However, she was always afraid to wear it because it didn't suit her usual style.

"And no hanging earrings," Nana added, watching the reflection of the girl in the mirror. "They will end up taking the attention off your face." Finally, after a few more tips and plans, they paid for the dress and Haru was back in her own clothes, ready to drop the new clothing at the cleaners on her way home. The three girls made plans to meet on the day of the benefit and do their hair and nails, as well as finish Haru's makeup, debating for a minute about the lipstick color. In the end, it would be red, like the dress. Haru was exhausted when they finally said their goodbyes, each going home with her own shopping bags.

"We can't go to my place again," Yaku told them, shaking his head. "My parents are home and we made a mess last time. We need to wait a bit before we go back there." Kuroo groaned, sitting on the ground in a campfire with the boys.

"Then, Kenma?" the setter quickly shook his head. "Kai?"

"Sorry, Kuroo," Kai told him with an uneasy smile. "I can't take any guests home today."

"What are you guys discussing?" Haru joined them on the floor, sitting in between Yamamoto and Yaku, which made the former go into a weird happy dance.

"We need to sit down and discuss our strategies for the Inter-High, and we can't do that here," Kuroo told her, then sighed. "But everyone who usually hosts can't today."

"You can just use my place, then?" Haru suggested, making Yamamoto fall over, murmuring something about a girl's room. Kuroo hummed, looking at her and thinking.

"We'll probably make a mess."

"It's alright."

"And we'll stay late."

"Fine with me."

"Won't your parents object?"

"They're never home."

"Can we bring snacks?" Lev asked from his spot, leaning a bit forward to block Kuroo and smiling at the girl.

"Sure," Haru grinned back. "I have coffee and juice, but I usually don't buy snacks. If you want to eat, it's best to bring your own things."

"Yes, she eats super spicy stuff." Kuroo groaned, making the boys even more interested.

"You've been to her place before, Kuroo?" Yamamoto seemed to have revived. "I'm jealous!"

"Don't be, you'll be coming over today, won't you?" Haru smiled, giving him a soft pat on the head which made him melt yet again.

"She sure is good at handling the idiot, isn't she?" Kuroo whispered to Kai who nodded with a laugh.

Haru's home had been invaded, and she didn't mind it one bit. The boys had come over in small groups, all of them bringing snacks, food and drinks. They had been amazed at the size of the home, looking around in wonder, asking the girl about the pictures on the walls and then finally settling in the living room in front of the TV while Haru brought bowls and glasses for their snacks.

"Need a hand?" Kuroo was with her in the kitchen, watching her struggle with multiple items in her hands.

"Please." Haru let him take some of the bowls and glasses, the two carrying them into the loud living room. It was already messy, making Haru grin.

"You don't mind a bit of cleaning up after, do you?" Kuroo asked awkwardly. "I can stay and help out?"

"No, it's alright." Haru smiled up at him. "It's nice to finally have some more people in this house."

"If you say so," the captain smirked and then joined the team on the floor, Yaku already bringing out the small whiteboard, magnets with their names on them and a marker. "Let's get to it, people." Kuroo called for attention and the room quieted, everyone coming closer to pour over plays.

Haru stood on the side for a while, watching them make plans and discuss the best ways to deal with specific situations they hadn't been able to handle in the past. She leaned in the doorway, taking her time to glance at each of the players.

Kuroo and Yaku were leading the meeting, giving scenarios, while Yamamoto and Kenma seemed to be the two sources of ideas. It was surprising to see the setter so involved, always making a comment as to what would be impossible or what could be done better. Lev kept asking questions and Inuoka always asked if he would be able to do anything extra to help in such a scenario. Even Shibayama and Teshiro got involved, without having to be prompted. Finally, Haru wandered away, leaving the boys to their meeting.

It was a few hours later that she was joined by Kenma in her kitchen, where she was doing the dishes and cutting up vegetables for dinner, if anyone was brave enough to try it. Haru looked over where he hopped up onto a barstool and placed his cellphone down on the counter, watching her carefully. She decided to let him talk when he was ready, working on the veggies instead in silence.

"Haru," the setter finally spoke, making her look up briefly before resuming the cutting. "Do you like Kuroo?" The cutting stopped.

"Sure, I like the whole team." She replied, aiming to be on the safe side. What Bokuto had said to her the previous day was still on her mind, but her own self-doubt was holding her back, as always. Kenma's eyes seemed to see right through her words, though.

"Is he special to you?" It surprised her when Kenma didn't take the obvious hint, even thought she was certain that he had noticed her careful wording. The setter didn't miss those small things. Haru sighed, letting go of the knife and leaning on the counter.

"I guess he is," she told him as honestly as possible. "He's very attractive and I always experience something new with him. He's always challenging me and keeps bringing me out of my shell."

"Do you like him?" Kenma asked again.

"Yes," Haru replied, cheeks flushing. "Maybe even more than like."

"Why won't you ask him out then?" Haru sighed. Kenma seemed to be in a very probing mood that day.

"I... have had a bad experience with dating before," she admitted. Kenma nodded to her. "I'm not opposed to the idea, but I don't think I'll be the one to bring it up."

"If he annoys you, I'll deal with him." Kenma gave her a small smile and Haru laughed, sensing that their discussion was done. She resumed cutting the vegetables.

The boys stayed for dinner after their meeting, some of them brave enough to try the spicy food. Kuroo was the one who asked for it first, cheekily opening his mouth so that Haru would feed him with her chopsticks. And, she didn't disappoint, but took up the challenge. There were comments about how they should just get married already and whines from Yamamoto to feed him, too.

It ended up as a challenge for the volleyball team to try some of Haru's food and not run for the milk like crazy. Yamamoto had failed almost immediately, rushing to the fridge and sweating. Kenma had refused to participate and Yaku had gone a funny shade of red after tasting the spices. Kai seemed to be the winner, as he didn't even react and commented that the food was delicious. Kuroo and him ended up duking it out, taking the spiciest pieces and seeing who would give in first. Finally, Haru had to stop them lest they end up in the hospital.

With a smile, she saw the boys off and reminded them to get suits for the benefit. When they were gone, the girl turned to the pile of dishes in her sink and got to work. She almost didn't hear the front door open because of the water.

"Chihiro-nee-san?" Haru called out. "Is that you?"

"Nope," Haru swiveled around, dropping the mug from her soapy hands. Kuroo's arm shot out, catching it midair. "Careful there."

"Thanks." Haru replied, breathless.

"You really should lock your front door," he scolded her, making her murmur how she was going to, but forgot and how the neighborhood was safe. "Let me help out." Kuroo tossed his bag on the kitchen table and took off his blazer, rolling up the sleeves of his white uniform button-up. Haru thought how it was odd that a boy instantly went from cute to hot as soon as he rolled up his sleeves to his elbows.

"What are you doing here, Kuroo-sempai?" she asked, but still moved to the side, letting him dry the dishes that she'd washed and place them in their spots. "I told you I didn't need help."

"Kenma said he was fine going home alone and I thought we'd left quite a mess for our first visit," Kuroo shrugged. "Didn't seem right to leave you alone to clean up." Haru nodded, handing him the mug once it was rinsed.

"Thanks." The third-year grinned down at her.

"No problem." Haru's heart wouldn't stop beating so loudly that she was certain Kuroo could hear it. But, she forced herself to focus on the task at hand and wash the dishes. They mostly worked in silence, from time to time talking about the club or school, the neutral topics.

"Living room next?" Kuroo asked, drying his hands and following Haru when she nodded to the other room. They both stood at the entrance, looking in.

"H-how?" the girl asked, eyes wide. "I gave them bowls?"

"Don't say I didn't warn you." Kuroo laughed, going into the newly transformed living room. Wrappers, pieces of paper, candy, snacks and everything in between was strewn about the area where the boys had made their campfire meeting. "Say, about that benefit," Kuroo called out, making Haru look at him as they worked to pick up all the larger pieces before bringing out the vacuum.

"What about it?" the girl asked, pulling out a sock from under her couch. It wasn't her sock or Chihiro's either. "How did someone forget this?" She pointed it out to Kuroo who shrugged, opening his trash bag.

"Toss it."

"No way!" Haru threw the sock into the hallway, through the living room door, making a mental note to wash it and then find its owner. "What did you want to ask about the benefit again?" Haru kept picking up the small pieces of wrapping paper all around, before taking a short break, looking at Kuroo.

"Oh, could you tell me more about it? Like, who will be there, what should we do, and so on? I'm going to give the team members who are coming a small breakdown before we go." He was bending over to pick up trash, the white uniform shirt going completely tight over his body. She could see the muscles of his back rolling with each motion, reminding her of all the times she'd seen him changing next to the coaches' bench. That lanky body was awfully deceptive, making one think that there was almost no muscle on the third-year. However, that was quite wrong. Haru had seen that toned torso enough times to be able to imagine it, even under the shirt. She blushed, quickly turning away and focusing on her own side of the room.

"Well, I don't know exactly who will be there," she told him, doing her best to keep her voice steady. "Papa told me to watch for the coach of the National Team for boys' volleyball, as well as the Mikasa representatives. There should also be a number of scouts for big teams in the country and perhaps some foreign ones, so they would be a good spot to start gathering contacts." Then, the girl turned around, seeing Kuroo's frozen, almost nervous form. "Also, I'm going to be on the lookout for all the coaches of the international teams which are in Japan at the moment for volleyball and try to set up a few matches at our level."

"Haru…" Kuroo gulped, making her tilt her head in confusion. "You're intense." He shook his head, dropping his trash bag and walking over, giving her a tight hug. "I'm so glad we got you as our manager!"

"T-thanks." Haru resumed picking up the bits from the floor when Kuroo let her go, returning to silence. It seemed that he had a lot on his mind, so she let him be quiet. It took them a little over two hours to completely clean up and start the washer with her stuff in and the odd socks that had been misplaced, and the two were left standing together at the living room door when they were done.

"Whew," Kuroo wiped his forehead, grinning. "That was quite the workout."

"Right." Haru smiled, putting the vacuum away. "Would you like something to drink before you go?" The boy shook his head.

"If I take you up on that offer, we'll just end up talking for too long and it would go on forever." He laughed as she followed him into the kitchen where he gathered his things and got ready to leave.

"True," Haru smiled. "Thanks for all the help." The girl opened the door and both of them stood still, looking at the street with blank eyes. It was pouring outside. "Umbrella?"

"Don't have one."

"Let me look." Haru closed the door and headed back into the hallway, opening the drawers on the side of the shoe locker, searching. "Ah, darn, Akari took mine last time!" She looked up at Kuroo who started laughing.

"I'll just make a run for it." He shrugged.

"No way!" Haru's hand caught the back of his uniform cardigan, stopping him. "You'll get sick! Right before the benefit and Inter-High, too." She looked down, blushing. "Just stay over."

"Eh?" Kuroo found himself blushing, as well. "I can't impose on you like that, besides, I don't have anything to sleep in."

"It's alright and my brother's stuff is still here, so you can borrow from him." Haru had already made her decision, leading the boy back into her house after locking the door. Somehow, that action had both of them on edge. They were in an empty house, with a locked door, together for the night.

"Thanks." Kuroo followed her up the stairs for the first time, waiting in front of the door as she went into a room and fetched a pajama set from the wardrobe.

"Would you be more comfortable in my room or the guestroom?" Haru asked, handing him the clothes which smelled like coconuts. Must be the laundry detergent, he mused.

"Oya, are you inviting me into your room?" Kuroo teased, delighting in the way the girl's cheeks reddened.

"Guestroom it is." Haru replied icily, walking away. Kuroo's hand grabbed the back of her uniform, stopping her.

"No, no, please, your room." Haru looked up at him, judging his intentions. Kuroo pulled her back, enveloping her in a hug. "C'mon, can you imagine Tora's breakdown when he hears I slept in your room? Let's do it for the giggles."

"Guestroom." Haru replied adamantly, pulling away from the invitingly warm lanky body. But, Kuroo caught her wrist then, making her turn around once more.

"Alright, I'll be honest," he murmured. "You can't tell the team, though."

"I won't." the girl promised and Kuroo replied in a low voice which had her looking at him oddly.

"I don't like sleeping in unknown places alone." Her eyes widened and she fully turned around, grasping his hands.

"Kuroo?" Haru's fingers gently rubbed the warm skin, coaxing him to look up at her. "What's wrong?" He looked to the side, one hand going up to hide his blushing cheeks.

"When I was younger, I was terrified of unknown things," he told her in a low tone. "Like people and places. I got mostly over it, but I still don't like being alone in an unfamiliar place," when she didn't say anything, he laughed, but she could tell that it was a nervous laugh in an attempt to dissolve the tension. "Talk about lame, right?"

"Not at all," Haru shook her head, smiling at him. "Talk about human." She stepped closer, her arms going around his middle to give him a gentle hug. "I'm always wondering if you're actually human, with all your scheming and provoking." Haru raised her face from his chest to look up at him with a small smile. "Definitely human." Kuroo wrapped his arms around her while still holding the pajamas, head falling to her shoulder.

"Don't tell anyone."

"I won't." They separated after a few moments and in absolute silence, Haru took his hand, fingers intertwining and led him to her room. She couldn't help but think how their palms fit perfectly together, his warm fingers longer and larger than hers. It truly was puzzling, how one single conversation with Kuroo could make her like him even more, if that was even possible. She was smitten, she knew, and Kuroo was an idiot who wouldn't make the first move, according to Bokuto. She would have to do something about it herself, then.

Urgh I'm getting the feels xD I'm so high on this pairing xD

Reviews:

Rosto'sGirl:
Oh, you're like me then! I seem to be always late to the party when it comes to the more famous anime and franchises xD I like to let the hype pass, and all the fics to be written, before I dive in xD I was really against watching HQ at first, since I liked only Prince of Tennis from the sports series, but I found their humor insanely funny. It got me going so bad xD How are you liking HQ? What are your favorite chars? Teams? Do you ship any of the popular yaoi pairings? Hehehhee xD
I'm sorry! I can't yet xD They're idiots xD They're both idiots. Completely frustrating dumb little shits xD They're so cute together though xD I promise more development soon :D
Enjoy the teasing potential for now! hahahaha

Moonlightshadowxiii:
I'm gonna reply to the review from the last chapter here and send the others in PM, alright? :D I feel bad typing a small novel on a chapter hahahahaha You made me so happy leaving a comment for each of the new ones T_T
Hahahaha I'm glad that it felt like you were watching an anime! That's the best thing an author for anime fanfiction can hearrrr xD I try my best to keep it as HQ feel as possible, but I think I wander over to shoujo or slice of life a lot, too hahahaha
Satoshi is a good guy, I promise! I know he might seem like the crafty type, but he's a good guy deep down hahahaha Oh, Satoshi can't resist teasing Kuroo a bit xD Definitely coming up at some point :P
Haru went like down, then up in anger, then down again then up in the end xD So much fun to write! I love giving the typically 'good' characters an unexpected jealous side xD Glad you enjoyed the ride!
Megumi is hmmm Megumi I guess xD I can kind of understand how she's feeling, though… She went for it, realized that she would fail and then lashed out in anger and jealousy… Not really redemption, but, she has her reasons… I love my OCs, even when they're completely evil hahahhaha I wouldn't be friends with her, though :P
I think Haru's gonna stay away from Megumi for a while after this incident, though xD Not sure when you'll get revenge slap satisfaction xD I think it's best that Haru doesn't go close to the girl for now, as she does get a bit too intense in her anger :P
Kenma is awesome in supporting, right? I just love his character so much.. The little introvert doing his best to be a good person! Aaaah, he makes me so happy xD Glad I could make you feel for Haru during that scene, though :P
Haru is the bigger person in the end, I loved writing that part and I like that you enjoyed it :D I've witnessed many of my girl friends go nuts because of boys and I think that it's a super hard choice to choose the high road. I felt like Kuroo would be the annoying person to give her the choice, though :D
Kubro and Bokubro are totally my friendship ship xD I can't help it, I love their relationship xD I feel like Bokuto makes the usually calm and collected Kuroo go a bit crazy xD It's super nice and refreshing! Top wingman marks!
I feel the cliché but like, I also feel Akari just wanting to smack their heads together and yell 'just kiss!' xD She's sailing with the ship as hard as we are hahhahaha They're totally progressing, btw xD Would be funny if they got together before Kuroo and Haru, eh? :P Wouldn't it? xD
Thanks for getting me obsessing over KnB again T_T I'm promising myself not to go too into it and write this thing instead… I actually have a little Aomine thing I've been writing (he's totally my guilty pleasure, gosh, have you seen the man!?) maybe I'll get to it at some point after my harder exams are done :D
Cheers!

Myherogal22:
Hello and welcome to the reviews (and the story)! We're so happy to have you :)
I'm glad that you think the story has potential :D I'll do my best to update regularly, but the exams are killing me… I have them this weekend and then the next two, which is making me lowkey depressed xD And then, our official exam season is in January where we have the core subjects… So, I'll do my best, but no promises with update schedules xD
Cheers!

AmIValid2:
Hiiii! Thanks for the review and the follow on the tumblr :D I'll hopefully have some more stuff uploaded there soon :D
Megumi and her rumor attack xD It's annoying, but unfortunately girls use that kind of stuff all the time, which is why I made Megumi kind of the representative of those qualities in this fic :P
I was a bit worried about the rushed feel of the chapter, but I think it worked out in the end xD We're gonna plow right through that hiccup and go on to fluff xD
Bokuto is urghhhh I love him xD He's super honest and super stupid and also super cool! How do you put all those things together in one person? xD Some amazing character building right there xD And, Akaashi is a perfect foil for him! They make me so happy xD
Haru honestly needed to be told upfront that Kuroo likes her and Bokuto was the perfect person for it :)
Oh my gosh you totally saw through me with KenAri! I saw some fanart recently with Kenma's hair in a ponytail, like a tiny arse one, and I died. It's coming. That scene is coming. I'm riding like crazy on that ship hahahaha
I'm glad that you're enjoying the story T_T I'm so happy! I'll do my best to have new stuff on tumblr soon :D
Best!

Madama Crimson:
Hi! Glad to see you're still enjoying the ride :D
Bokuto is 100% the best wing man in the series hahahhaha He's the turning point for Haru, to be honest. Like, she's always doubting herself and Kuroo's intentions, so she needs someone to tell her flat out that he's interested in her. I guess that makes Bokuto the final nail? xD
thanks for the review!

Omake:

It's on.

Akari opened the message, head tilting to the side. She placed her nail polish down and blew on her fingers to dry it a bit before she replied.

What is?

Kenma replied really quickly, which she adored.

I told Kuroo to help Haru with cleaning up at her place after our meeting. There's rain in the forecast later and I have his spare umbrella. They'll be stuck together.

Akari laughed, head falling back. "Oh, Kenma, you're amazing!" She said to herself, typing back.

And I took Haru's last time. Strike!

"Imouto-chan, who're you texting?" Her youngest brother sat down next to her, trying to see the phone, which she quickly hid. "Oh, must be someone important if you're stopping your nail routine for him." Akari blushed, grabbing the bottle of polish again.

"How do you know it's not just a friend from school I'm texting?! Doesn't have to be a boy!" She defended.

"But, you always have that grin on your face when you're texting a boy." Her brother smirked.

"I don't!"

"You do!"

"Don't!"

"Do!"

In the end, she didn't reply to Kenma's last message until late that evening, causing them to stay up chatting until the odd hours of the morning. He'd even influenced her to download this new cellphone RPG that he was checking out. She was in his guild now.

Hope you all enjoyed this one!