I, Ran Kaguro waited outside a cafe in the heart of Beika City. Just yesterday, I had called up Haruhi Fujioka from the International Studies Academy. It seemed like there was trouble occurring across the city due to the Eden of the East online network. Haruhi mentioned that a good deal of students were comatose. Ran wished for something pleasant which would take her mind off of things. Ever since Ran met Haruhi, she felt that they were quite similar due to her tomboyish nature.

"Hi, Ran," came a light male sounding voice. Ran turned to look and saw Haruhi in asexual clothing. She really played the part well.

"Hey, I'm glad we could meet. Let's take a seat, I'm looking forward to this brunch and I haven't eaten any breakfast," I told Haruhi.

"Yeah, same here," Haruhi responded with a laugh. "Things were really busy around the student council, but we were allowed to take a break after an allnighter."

"You haven't slept?" I asked worriedly

"Well, no, but I'm okay, I tend to study all night frequently. I was scolded by Tamaki, but he's an idiot bothering about that kind of stuff."

"Yeah, I get the same way around the guy I like," I responded.

"W..What nonsense are you saying. He is so oblivious to what my living situation is. He has a towel closet larger than my house."

I laughed slightly to brush off the awkwardness, "Oh, hahhahha."

"Well," and Haruhi came in with a wry grin, "now that we're on the subject, Ran."

"Oh dear," I brushed off the insinuation. "What was I saying... Wait I see someone I know."

"Hey, don't run away." I made my way across to the entrance.

My school counselor was waiting for someone it seemed. He saw me and spoke, "Ms. Kaguro, good afternoon."

"Good morning, Mr. Hikigaya."

A pause, then he responded, "I see you're with a guy friend. I'll wait in the shade there for my... academic acquaintance. Don't mind me. Carry on."

"You mean Haruhi..." I began, but Haruhi cut me off.

"Shhh.." She wanted to keep her gender hidden.

A voice approached us, "What are you saying to my student? I'll get your license and citizenship voided."

Mr. Hikigaya told us, "Ah... There's the academic acquaintance." He spoke to the woman, "Don't say such scary things. You know well enough the Japanese civil code."

"Tch," the woman clicked her tongue. "That you would remember such a handy thing."

"Hey, it's common knowledge even for junior high students," Mr. Hikigaya responded.

"So, you would elevate yourself to such a standing. An outlandish claim..." the woman seemed to have a sharp tongue.

"Counselors," Haruhi interjected. "You're making a scene."

Mr. Hikigaya apologized to the small group of onlookers that were stalled from entering.

"It seems that seeing such a rotten eyed middle aged man isn't something ordinary."

"Okay, Okay, calm down. I'll order a snack." Mr. Hikigaya suggested.

"I'm okay, I read the menu before hand," Came the woman's answer

"I'm guessing you'd suggest calamari and veggie fries for starters," Mr Hikigaya seemed to guess right when the woman nodded.

"Hmm... Something along those lines sounds good," The woman ended her verbal barrage.

Haruhi spoke up, "Ms. Yukinoshita and Mr. Hikigaya, you two seem to know each other well."

"We've known each other since college. I was drafted into her campus 'probsolvers' club, since I haded found a relevant professional oriented club. I entered and we did peer counseling... doing random things to help students around campus. That's probably whiy I went to the same teaching program when we had to decide our major. After matriculation with her being salutatorian, we've kept tabs on one another."

Ms. Yukinoshita added, "He and I had very different approaches even if we had the same philosophy."

There was a moment of silence.

Mr. Hikigaya spoke up, "So, you're a student of the International Studies Academy."

"Yes..." But just as Haruhi was about to continue a shout from the bar interrupted.

"AHHHHH!"

"Eren, you can't do that during work," We heard another worker hush the waiter.

"I can't help it anytime we're up against the Titans."

I started the conversation again, "You you two meet up to discuss your approaches and get advice."

"Yes, for the most part," Mr. Hikigaya answered. Then he paused and looked at Ms. Yukinoshita. "You know, there is something that we could ask them regarding today's topic."

"It might help," came her serious response. Then she looked at us, "You see, we're investigating a delinquency. The girl seems to have joined some kind of cult called Friend. Her parents have reached out to get assistance. Do you two have any idea on what this group does?"

Haruhi had taken her phone out and replied, "Actually, Friend is having a parade in the city today."

"This is the girl," Ms. Yukinoshita produced a photo. "Her name is Mamimi Sameji."

I was about to suggest that we go look into it, but somehow Conan had appeared standing next to me.

"Big sister Ran, good morning," Conan said with a yawn.

"Hi, Conan," Haruhi welcomed him.

"You look tired. I hope you didn't spend all night watching television at the Professor's house," I said chastising him.

Conan scratched his head, "Haha, I'm sorry, but it was really interesting."

"Ran, the time for the parade began an hour ago and they're supposed to finish by 3PM."

"Okay, let's go! And, Conan, take care on your way home."

Conan spoke to Mr. Hikigaya as I left, "Where are they going?"