I do not own any of the songs. They belong to their respective artist(s).

Boys sing in BOLD
Girls sing in ITALICS
Both genders sing in BOTH

Hikari turned the volume up a bit on her music as she walked along the courtyard, feeling and seeing people's eyes on her. Apparently, word had gotten out about how she had six guys wanting her as their partner. A soft sigh left her and she tugged the white sash around her neck in annoyance. Being related to famous people, she expected strangers to look after her but this whole thing was completely different. People's eyes were on her because Hikari was the one being vied for. Rolling her shoulders, Hikari subtly sped her steps up, feeling like ants were crawling on her and she hated the feeling.

Rubbing her fingers against the sash, she wondered how Cecil got it to her without anyone seeing him sneak it into her room or how he did it while being a cat. 'Maybe the curse broke?' Either way, it just added to the sense of home she needed to keep steady.

She reached the hall in record time and her steps slowed to a halt and she slumped against the glass panels. Pausing her music, she jerked her headphones off and stuffed them in her satchel. Hikari bunched up the white fabric and held it to her face, smelling the scent of Lunaria flower on it and tried calming herself.

The audition partner deadline was the next day and Hikari still hadn't decided. How could she when she didn't want just one? Despite her heredity, she doubted Saotome would let her have a group unless she could prove it and she couldn't figure a way to do that, either!

A touch to her shoulder startled her and she blinked her eyes open at Ringo, straightening up and off the wall. "Hikari-chan, what's wrong? You looked like you were in a trance."

Smiling wryly as she dropped the fabric, letting it hang around her neck again, Hikari shrugged. Her fingers wound in the fabric. "Just thinking. Sensei…" Hikari bit her lip, wondering how to ask. She didn't have to.

Ringo tilted his head, considering her. "I'm not going to let you quit. You need to face this head on. Those boys are eagerly waiting for your choice and it's your duty to give them an answer as soon as possible."

A slight laugh left the girl. "You sure are blunt, sensei." Dipping her head, she turned and began walking away, internally despondent.

The teacher continued speaking. "Understand if you don't submit your form, not only you, but all six of those boys will be disqualified, too."

'No pressure then,' Hikari thought to herself mockingly.

^V^

Staring up at the ceiling, Hikari shifted her knees up and rolled her head to the right, looking at the glowing red numbers on her nightstand.

3:37

She sat up and slid out of bed, knowing she wouldn't get anymore sleep as she dressed in casual clothing instead of her uniform (if she looked at it, she might toss it out the window). Words, specifically Ringo's and Cecil's, ran through her mind as she glanced at the framed flower the teen had given her, resting on her desk. Hikari paused in sliding her shoes, rerunning the words in her mind again. Blinking, her eyes narrowed and then widened, a grin slowly forming.

"Muse," she whispered as she began gathering a couple things, including her writing kit, console, and laptop. "You just got yourself a new convert."

Sliding her newly bought leather gloves (Tomochika had gotten exasperated with her tree climbing and needing bandages), Hikari slid through the balcony doors and locked them with the key before making her way down the perennial vines. She had music to write.

Otoya rubbed an eye as he looked over the letter he'd gotten from Hikari. He made his way slowly through the hall to the practice room. He wondered if she'd come to a choice. He hoped she did, not just because he wanted her as his partner, but she seemed more stressed than she had the first few weeks here. The signs weren't obvious and he could only tell because she reacted to things different from normal. Not to mention what the other guys had mentioned. His shoulders slumped as he reached the doorknob, mumbling, "Need to stop watching soccer games so late."

Entering the room, he automatically shut the door and headed to a nearby chair, fully intent on sitting down.

"Yo, Ikki."

He screamed, head jerking up to see Ren and Masato at the opposite side of the room. They were just as startled as he was, if only because of his reaction. The paper slid from his hand and he crumpled, a wheeze escaping him.

"Otoya," Masato called and he could feel and hear them stepping closer.

A hand pressed against his shoulder and he blinked watery eyes up at them. "Are you alright?" Ren asked, a frown on his normally playful face.

"No, I'm not alright! Why weren't you two making any noise?!" Otoya let them pull him into a sitting position, looking around. He wailed and shook Masato's wrist. "You don't even have the light on!"

Masato's lips twitched and Ren chuckled, tugging him onto his feet. "That would be my doing," Masato admitted. "The sunrise was beautiful this morning and the windows have a perfect view of it."

"The sun can go back to sleep," Otoya returned petulantly, bending to pick up the letter. "I guess Hikari asked you guys here, too?"

Sharing looks, the two pulled out letters from their person. They shared looks, Masato's face blank and Ren looking sure he'd be chosen. Otoya simply hummed and moved to take a seat, murmuring, "Maybe she'll stop stressing, now."

"Stressing?" Masato's voice made him jump again (he felt wider awake more than even having too much syrup on his pancakes). "What do you mean?"

Otoya goggled him and Ren, both looking confused now. He could feel the sweat forming. "Uh…" 'Tomo-chan's going to kill me!'

"Ikki," Ren began with a warning tone, both clearly not wanting to let the inquiries go.

Otoya noticed it, but he was too busy panicking over how Tomochika was going to react when she found out (and she always did, she could get information better than the headmaster, Ringo, and Ryuya). 'She's going to give me a verbal flaying,' he thought in silent horror, face paling at the thought.

The door opened and Otoya barely stopped himself from tackle hugging Syo and Natsuki. He cried happily on the inside. 'My heros!'

Syo walked further into the room with a look of confusion. "What's this about?"

Natsuki shut the door and held up his own envelope. "Kari-chan has called us here, apparently."

Moving to lean against the piano, he held up his own when the short blond looked at him. Ren had gone back near the window and Masato near the chairs. All five looked back at the door when it opened again. Otoya blinked at Tokiya. 'Ah, that's what Tomo-chan meant they had to leave early Friday. Being Hayato's twin, and one of her options, would make Hikari panic further.'

"You got the summons, too, Icchi?" Ren asked, obviously rhetorical.

Running a hand through his hair, Otoya glanced at the door and wondered when Hikari would come. She was running late. He very carefully ignored how Masato and Ren were trying to bore their eyes into him.

"Why did she call us here?" Syo wondered as he straddled a chair.

"We evidently have a commonality," Natsuki noted as he glanced down at his roommate.

"We all chose Hikari as our partner," Otoya said, glancing at the letter. Frowning, he lifted his head. "Doki-Doki, how come you didn't mention you put Hikari down?"

Tokiya frowned at him. "Don't call me that. And there was no need to tell you."

Wilting dramatically, Otoya slumped against the piano. "So cold…"

He frowned into the piano as Ren and Syo discussed deciding who was to be her partner between themselves, Masato jumping in when Ren mentioned fate. Otoya held back a groan at how childish they could be (ignoring how hypocritical that was). Straightening as Masato stood, they all looked at the door when it opened a third time. Pursing his lips slightly, Otoya noticed how Hikari was dressed in sweats and a hoodie, her hair in a messy bun. Her bag was bulging slightly against her waist and papers were in her arms. The white sash from the day before was looped around her neck and left arm.

"Sorry I'm late!" She rushed, stopping a few feet away. "The printer was down so I had to do it by hand!"

Otoya blinked as Masato asked, "By hand?"

Hikari grinned and the redheaded male noticed how the majority of the stress disappeared with the action. She held the papers out. "This! Please look it over!"

The guys came closer and Otoya took the papers from her, spotting names at the top and passing them to their respective person. His eyes widened as he looked the sheet over, jaw dropping a little. He could see where she had erased when she messed up, places where she doodled small notes to the music, and he glanced at her again, seeing how despite the tired look, she was happy.

Ren made a noise. "This song…"

"It's made for six people," she finished and grinned a little wryly. "Humor me, it's going to get a little flowery in here."

Eyes widening slightly, Otoya focused on her. He could be more attentive with the music scores later.

Taking a deep breath, Hikari linked her hands together and looked them fully on. "I want to create a group song. All of you chose me to be your partner and I can't say how happy that makes me." She was telling the truth, Otoya wondered in surprise. Despite all the stress they put on her. "And then I had to choose only one of you, even though you all thought of me sincerely and I'm sorry for that… But I had a thought." Her eyes shined with silent cheer. "What if all of you got together?"

"You wrote this because you couldn't choose one of us?" Masato asked and Otoya winced at the bluntness.

"What? No!" Hikari looked stunned, like the thought hadn't come to her. "That's not it at all!" She looked around at them, locking eyes. Another breath in. "This may sound odd, but I feel like meeting you guys is a once in a lifetime chance. This vision mustn't end… and I believe , if you sing together, this song will warm your hearts and lift your spirits. An enchanting melody will be born from it!"

Staring at first at the sheet and then her, Otoya could tell she fully believed in the song. And, he realized with some surprise, he wanted to believe in it full-heartedly, too. "I'll do it."

Hikari looked at him in slight surprise. "Otoya?"

He gave her a beaming grin that forced his eyes closed, which he quickly opened to look at her straight in the eye. "I want to sing your song no matter what, after all!"

"I…" Syo began after a moment, a little hesitant sounding. "When I saw your letter, I felt like king of the world 'cause I thought you chose me… but it wasn't just me… and it's okay. If I can sing your song, I'll go along with it."

She began smiling at him, her eyes lighting up. Otoya bumped his shoulder lightly against Syo's, sharing grins.

From the left, Natsuki spoke up. "To be honest, I was surprised. I never expected a group number…" The tall blond trailed off and the two who already agreed looked at him, Syo leaning forward.

"Out with it! You gonna join us or not?"

"Please let me think about it," Natsuki said at last.

"I agree," Masato added. "I can't give an answer right away."

Otoya followed him as the bluenet sat down in a chair. "What are you talking about? Hikari wrote a song for us to sing together!"

"I decline."

Surprised, both looked over at Tokiya. The others were just as startled.

Tokiya was frowning. "I've never heard of a graduation audition like this."

"Ichinose," Hikari started, turning to look at him fully.

He cut her off, looking unimpressed and the girl recoiled. "Tell me, how is it that you could come up with a plan like this? Everyone here wanted to be the lone person chosen and that's because we believe we can sing your songs best."

Otoya's eyes widened as he saw the expression on her face, recognising it as one that meant Hikari was trying not to explode at them. Her cheeks were flushing slowly. "Ichinose," she said softly, blinking to try and calm down. "I'm sure that if you all try and sing it together, it'll-"

"Should I lie to my own feelings?" Tokiya was slowly shaking his head. "I can't lie to myself, again."

Hikari faltered and the male redhead could see her hope falling. Ren added to it, saying, "I agree with Icchi. I hate turning down a request from you, Lady, but when it comes to choosing, I want to be chosen alone." Otoya felt his stomach clench as Hikari's face fell further.

Bang!

They all jumped and stared at the door, Saotome appearing and cackling as he stood in the doorway, Ringo peeking from behind him. The crossdresser smiled as he waved a bit. "I'm sorry, but I was so worried about Hikari-chan I went to the headmaster!"

Otoya looked at the pinket in disbelief and looked worriedly at Hikari, who had frozen with shock and confusion on her face. Betrayal was there in her frowning lips. "Sensei…"

Saotome cut in, pulling off a few dance moves before stopping in front of Hikari, who merely blinked up at him. "I heard everything. You want to audition as a group. It's a verrry interesting idea! But… I cannot allow it!"

"Why not?" Otoya blurted out, trying to get the attention off of Hikari.

"Don't you know the meaning of pair?" Saotome drawled, peering at him. Absently, he wondered if this is what the girls meant by wanting to toss something at someone. "It's one and one!"

"Headmaster," Hikari tried speaking once more. Her fists clenched as she tried to rally herself again.

"Choosing six people is too greedy, Miss Nanami!" Saotome leaned closer, practically shoving his face near hers.

"It's not about that!" She exclaimed, leaning away as much as she could. "Please, just listen to me!"

Saotome tsked and straightened up as he held a finger up. "Please, follow the rules. You can only choose one from many. It may be cruel, but you know that's how it is in business, nay in life! Therefore, right here and now, break up this group and choose a partner, puhlease! If you don't, you'll all fail!" The man tossed his head back and began laughing again.

Hikari was looking out the window and Otoya was a few steps behind her. He'd waited for everyone else leave after Ringo and Saotome, ignoring the probing looks from Masato and Ren. All of the music sheets were in his hands and he moved to put them on the chair Syo had previously been sitting on as it was the nearest table-like surface.

"Kari," he called and she hummed faintly. "I think I understand what you wanted to do. So…"

"It's alright, Otoya," She spoke softly and turned to him. He stilled at how shiny her eyes were. "I've been really off my game lately… thank you."

Their eyes locked and he could tell she wasn't thanking him for accepting her proposal. It was for seeing how out of it and stressed she was and doing little things to make it better since she got back. Otoya was stunned, but still moved.

Stepping towards her, he wrapped her arms around her shoulders, pressing her face into his shoulder. "If you ever need to talk…"

She stiffened but took the opportunity to accept the hug and buried her face into his shoulder, her voice muffled. "Thank you."

^V^

Making her way down the hall back to the recording room she'd used earlier for her discs, Hikari felt dull as she ran the whole affair through her mind. Smiling self-mockingly, she shook her head slowly. "Since when is it ever that easy for me…"

She reached the room and entered it, seeing the note Shin, the man he usually used the studio for the students, had left behind. Looking it over, it said he had a meeting and would leave the room for her to shut down. A hum left her and Hikari moved to gather the discs she'd used to mash together to get used to the boys' voices.

From the recordings the boys had done or passed on to her, she'd used them to make a simple tune containing the voices and make a nice and easy melody to get a grip on them to make an actual song they could make.

It had worked, but apparently it was all for naught.

Staring at the player holding the disc with the melody, her finger slowly moved to press play.

"Hey!" Otoya.

"Flowers." Masato.

"Peace." Ren.

"Heroes!" Syo.

"Shadow." Natsuki. Or Satsuki, as it were.

"Truth." Tokiya.

Burying her face in her hands, she crouched and let it play.

V^V

Otoya stared silently at the sheets of music Hikari had left behind in the training room. He was back in his dorm room, avoiding Ren and Masato who he had spotted lingering in the school hall for him. The redhead didn't know where Tokiya was, but silently relieved he wasn't in their dorm.

The music scores ran through his mind, the piano notes being replaced with his guitar notes. His finger tapped the arm of the chair before he stood and moved to his desk chair. Lyrics were adding to the notes as they played and he quirked a lip up as he sat down, hand reaching for a pen.

"We may not be allowed to sing, but damn if we can't finish it."

^V^

Somehow she'd ended up back in the training room. Her bag had been taken by Tomochika when the girl had come to check on her.

Scuffing noises came from her shoes as she wandered closer to the piano, pausing behind the bench. She gazed at the keys before slowly drawing her hand down them, listening as they went from high to low. Right to left. Her fingers stilled on the last key.

At the sound of the door opening, she straightened and blinked at her fellow redhead. "Otoya?"

He smiled lightly at her, closing the door. "I don't care if it's with a group or not, it has to be you, Hikari." Otoya stepped closer and she moved swiftly to stand in front of him.

"Otoya, I…" She began, unsure where to begin.

Otoya bopped her on the nose and grinned at her, her chest lightening at the understanding smile. "I was really worried, you know. I could tell something was off… Here. You didn't have any lyrics, right? I thought of some."

Blinking as she took the sheet, a small smile forming. "Otoya, you goof…" Hikari moved to hug him. He hugged back before pulling away, resting his hands on her shoulders. Otoya opened his mouth to speak.

"Hold it, Otoya!" Syo barked and made the red duo blink at each other, looking towards the door. Otoya dropped his hands as he bounced slightly. "A guy can't be too careful around you!"

Stilling, Otoya looked at Syo in confusion. "Eh?"

"Syo, Natsuki," Hikari ignored the weird sentence from the blond chibi and looked at them hopefully.

"Your tune is great," Natsuki began as the two blonds stopped in front of them. Green-yellow eyes peered up at the tallest blond. "Even though I only saw it for a moment, I can't get it out of my mind."

"So we decided," Syo continued, placing his fists on his waist.

Natsuki finished. "We want to work together with you, as vocalists."

She threw herself at them, latching around their middles and squeezing them. "Thank you," she breathed out and pulled away, both too surprised to hug back.

Blinking rapidly, Syo blushed and smiled at her. "We want everyone to hear your song, Hikari." He abruptly scowled at nothing. "And I don't want a certain somebody to be the only one that looks cool!"

Once again ignoring the weird sentence, Hikari bounced on the balls of her feet.

"You can't choose… that's what you said, right?" Masato said, voice coming from the door. Blue eyes gazed at her. "I want to bet on that vision you mentioned, too, Hikari."

Wordless, she slid the music sheet into syo's hands and rushed to hug the blue haired teen. He grunted, but hugged back as they steadied each other. "Thank you," she said again, face pressing against his shoulder before pulling away. Their hands caught and he squeezed lightly then released them.

"What the hell?" Syo squawked from behind and she turned to look at him. He looked baffled. "These lyrics aren't finished!"

Otoya wilted as he motioned to himself. "I tried my best…"

Natsuki chuckled and patted his shoulders. "Let's finish them together," he suggested.

Looping her arm in the man's traditional position, she escorted Masato closer to their friends. Grinning, she tugged a chair with her towards the grand piano, asking, "What are we waiting for?"

Hikari yelped as she smacked into Ringo, looping her arms around the startled crossdresser and spinning them to a steady halt. She swiftly released him and Syo grabbed her shoulder to make she didn't fall over her own feet.

"Hikari-chan?" Ringo looked at her in startled confusion. "Why are you running? What's going on?"

Not answering, Hikari asked, "Where's the headmaster?"

"At the heliport," the man answered. " He was invited to a festival meeting. Why…"

"That's just down the stairs," Syo exclaimed and moved past Hikari and Ringo, leading the way.

The teacher called after them in bewilderment. "Everyone, what's going on?"

The teens didn't answer, fully intent on making it before the man left. Hikari was the one last down the stairs and Natsuki caught her hand, Masato catching Otoya before he could fall with the portable electone. Syo moved to open the door. Lightly pushing her back, Natsuki followed after the rest as Hikari moved quickly towards the heliport, calling out to Saotome just as he stepped up onto the mini staircase.

"Saotome, please wait!"

He turned to look at them, a frown forming on his face in the bright spotlights.

"Please, listen to this song!" She insisted, raising her voice to a yell above the wind.

"Miss Nanami, you haven't given up on that yet?"

"Please!" Was all she said, doing a full 90 degree bow.

"We finished it!" Natsuki called from behind her, Syo adding, "Just listen t our song!"

"Headmaster!" Masato and Otoya chorused. All were full of determination.

A frown of disapproval deepened on the man's face. "You've already heard from me that if you break the rules, you'll fail!"

"Fail us or not, do it after the song!" Hikari straightened and looked to the side, spotting Ren and Tokiya.

She stepped a bit closer. "Ren, Ichinose."

Ren smiled at her as he released the flower in his hand. "Don't get the wrong idea, Lady, even now I want you to choose me."

"Headmaster!" Tokiya called, gazing at the man. "You already know of her talent, right?"

"If you don't hear it now, you'll regret it for the rest of your life!" Ren added. "It's your only chance!"

Saotome stared before nodding his consent. Her blood sang as she moved to help Masato set up the piano, moving behind it afterwards and let her fingers dance.

"Come on, Let's song!
Let's sing of our dreams! (Let's shout!)
Let's sing to the sky! (Let's go!)
Let's make our story burst forth!
The map of the future! (Yes yes!)
Let's draw it together!
This revolution
Let's go!
Change the star of love!
Check it out!

The last minute beating of a heart
Love's impulse becoming assertive
Which do you choose, Princess?
It makes my head reel round! 1000% Love!

Why? Because I'm overflowing with you!
My heart is agitated, a marvelous rave!
Just you and me, let's make up a constellation nobody's ever seen!
Better than a kiss, let's create a great world of song!

Come on, let's dance! (Let's shout!)
Let's dance to our dreams! (Let's Shout!)
Let's dance in the sky! (Let's go!)
Too much is just enough!
You ready? (Yes, yes!)
Your one time special life!
This isn't in textbooks!
Change the star of love! Check it out!
Tonight, just you and me, it's 1000% love!"

Incomplete as it was, Hikari knew it would be better completed and she looked up from the keys, eyes widening as she noticed Saotome kneeling. "Headmaster?" She called.

His hand stopping them, Saotome asked, "What's the name of this song?"

Blinking, she and Otoya shared looks. 'We forgot the title?' She mouthed.

He shrugged and they turned back to the redheaded adult. He stood and began walking back to the helicopter, which started up again. "Headmaster…?"

Saotome glanced back at them. "I love the song so much, I want to hear it again and again. I love it not 100%, but 1000%! The title is "Maji Love 100%." If you think of any other title, too bad! That's what it is."

""Maji Love 1000%,"" she murmured as she smoothed her bangs away from her eyes.

"Alright!" Otoya abruptly crowed, fistpumping. "Hikari, we did it!"

"With this, we can perform the graduation audition!" Syo added, grinning.

Hikari bounced on her heels as she turned to her friends. "Hai!"

Otoya latched onto her and Tokiya, squishing their faces together and ignoring the other boy's disgruntlement. "Let's seriously aim for 1000%!"

"Yes, yes," Ringo cut off their celebrations. They looked over at him. "However, it's late and you still have classes tomorrow. Not to mention, I think the piano belongs to the school, not any of you."

Still glowing in triumph, the students gathered up what they used and made their way back inside, Otoya once again carrying the case. The boys were buzzing with excitement still, but she felt sleepy, not having gotten a lot of sleep with the whole thing going on. At least she didn't have to worry anymore about choosing. 'Ah… I really am greedy.' A soft smile pulled at her lips.

V^V

Tokiya watched as Otoya and Masato put away the piano and glanced at the others in their small group. Ringo had left a while ago, citing the need to go bed soon.

Natsuki and Syo were speaking quietly and watching Otoya and Masato. Ren was needling Masato with a mischievous look on his face. They were all rather pleased with the outcome despite not being the sole person chosen, but they admitted it sounded better together.

He glanced over at the girl who brought them and frowned slightly at her slightly glassy eyes. "Nanami?"

His voice caught all of their attention and the guys looked at her. Her head tilted his way and she hummed. "Hmm?"

"Are you alright?" Tokiya asked, turning to look at her fully.

Blinking, her eyes flicked to him and she considered the question. "Nope."

"Hikari?" Otoya called, but she didn't look at him, instead focusing on Tokiya. He was a bit unnerved, but didn't show it.

"You and Ren were late." Nanami tilted her head, eyes clearing fully. A rather feral grin came across her face and he shared a slightly wary look with the other teen. "You two didn't receive a hug."

Tokiya nearly fell over, expecting something worse. "A hug? Oof!" He stepped back to brace himself, Nanami hugging him tightly around the middle. His hand barely touched her shoulder before she was releasing him and aiming for the strawberry blond.

They all winced as the two landed on the floor, Nanami twisting them so she hit the ground of Ren. She ignored it with ease, experience from her cousins, and rubbed their cheeks together with a mischievously gleeful look on her face. A giggle escaped her before she pressed an obnoxious kiss against Ren's forehead. "Mine!" She crowed, ignoring Ren's attempts to remove his face from her shoulder. "All of you suckers are mine!"

The five teens not being clung to shared looks, Masato holding a hand to his mouth and trying not to laugh at his rival's predicament. Syo turned away, shoulders shaking. Natsuki was simply smiling and Otoya shook his head, finishing putting the equipment away. He passed the music sheet to Masato before walking to the floor duo, leaning over the lone girl. "Ne, Hikari, I think you're smothering Ren."

The girl stilled before swiftly releasing Ren and pulled them both up to their in a few smooth moves. She nearly toppled over, though, and Otoya was quick to pick her up, tossing her over his shoulder. The redheaded male turned and grinned at them. "Hey, I'm going to take Hikari to the girls' dorms. Let's meet up tomorrow to finish the lyrics fully, same room?"

Natsuki was the only one to nod in reply.

"Great!" Otoya chirped and turned just as Nanami snapped out of her shock.

"Oi, Otoya! What're you doing, put me down!" Placing her hands on his back she pushed herself up and wiggled, trying to make him release her. "Lemme down!"

Gripping her legs so she didn't kick him, the redhead ignored her, walking, and spoke curiously, "Did you know you get weird when you're sleepy? And affectionate, it's kinda weird, Hikari."

"Who the hell cares?!" She snapped, wriggling harder, even trying to throw herself off him. "Ow! Did you just pinch me?! Otoya!"

"Hikari, I'm sorry, but Tomo-chan is more frightening than you are." They could see him pinch her leg again, earning a squeal.

Staring after them as the two moved around a corner in surprise, they jumped when Ren facepalmed. Turning to look at him, the strawberry blond gave his roommate an exasperated look. "We forgot to ask him again."

Masato, eyes widening with realization before he pinched the bridge of his nose. "He kept distracting me when we were still in the training room, too."

"What do you mean?" Natsuki asked, all of them moving in closer.

Tokiya kept his face blank as Ren and Masato shared looks. "This morning, before you guys came in the room," Ren began. "Ikki said something about Lady and for her to stop stressing."

Syo crossed his arm, resting his chin on a palm as he sighed. "I thought something was wrong," he admitted, eyes closing in ruefulness. "After Natsuki and I told her that we wanted to be her partner. I've never seen her so… blank."

"Her and Tomo-chan did leave quickly after school on Friday," Natsuki reminded them.

Pursing his lips, Tokiya said slowly, "When I went after Otoya on Friday, I noticed he didn't seem to hear me come in. It was only after I told him you got his dinner that he reacted." He paused, brows furrowing. "He also seemed to be writing something down, but I didn't look over his shoulder in case it was a song."

Silence fell. Despite his exterior, Tokiya was feeling guilty. He hadn't noticed that at all and he couldn't fully blame it on going back to S-Class. They usually saw each other in the cafeteria and halls, after all.

"Do you think we should do something for her?" Masato suddenly asked, blinking at them. "It's clear Otoya has been helping her in his own way."

Glancing at each other, Natuki wondered, "But what should we do?"

The teens exchanged blank looks.

(Waves pompoms) And STARISH has been created! And the author has made it almost to the end of the first season! (waves pompoms again)

You guys should know the song in this chapter. ;D