Hello hello hellooo again! ^^ Welcome back my dears to Apeiro's Light: the Beginning! LOOOONG time no post!

... I am sorry ToT

Was in Chicago for a while, then dived into prepping my return to college, got pushed into driving school, have been working/learning how to drive almost everyday, and now I am sick. Not only that, all this business has been decreasing my inspiration to do anything creative, including this story. By no means do I want to just do something for the sake of getting it done and end up giving you poopy narratives. I had to wait for my mojo to return, which is now (sort of he he~).

Please forgive me for taking much longer than I hoped!

I know some of you have been waiting for me to come back and have been questioning my absence, but I am back! Yay~

Thank you so much for your amazing support, my friends. I will continue to work hard and do my best to give you a refreshing twist on the original series of UTAPRI! I may have gotten rusty, but I hope you enjoy this episode~ ^^ Please bare with me, I will try to get better~

*Some dialogue is taken from the subtitles of the episodes with some modifications to incorporate the actual story. I don't know who the translators are since it is not noted, but credits to them! I own nothing except for my story and OC's! Credits to those translators and the Utapri Franchise!

Italics=Thoughts/Language/Songs/Memories/

*_*=Actions/Sound Effects

Episode 5: New Friends

"Hmm... So all I have to do is follow the 'sound of a saxophone, the squeals of girls, or both'?"

Walking towards the courtyard, I did just that.

Thanks to those students, I was given clues for Jinguji-senpai's whereabouts. Apparently, he usually plays his saxophone with many girls surrounding him. That sounds... fun, I suppose? I can hear him playing clearly. The music sounds pleasant, but it's not a good look since he has been doing that during school time.

"Jinguji-senpai does seem to be naturally popular with the female students here. Even those young ladies who gave me his usual whereabouts were blushing and gushing from talking about him..." I suppose he is a charmer...?

Getting closer towards the sound leading to my target, I thought back to the aftermath of what happened earlier. The memory made me quietly sigh, and a contemplating pout appeared on my face as I looked up to the sky. "...Ah... The looks on their faces... I forget that I do that to people." Sharing my thoughts with the class over their actions, I remembered the stunned looks on the faces of the students. They were speechless, in shock.

*sweat drop* "Well, I guess that was quite the surprise for them. I wouldn't have expected that either if I were in their position I suppose~ I just hope that they will reflect on what they have done, that's all."

Sighing again, I thought about my friend who was the target of all the mean actions. Oh Haruka-chan...

I didn't know where she had gone to, and I wanted to look for her, but my priorities were finding Jinguji-senpai first. I didn't see her anywhere while I was on my way to look for him, so I assumed she was further away. Still, I had good faith that she'd be fine without me. She's stronger than her appearance may portray, no doubt about that!

"And besides... I think a certain cat will be there by her side, and someone else more fit than I will meet her (1). I can feel it! No need for me to be everywhere~"

Fate is working as we speak. I just have to remain the same and ride its current flow.

Looking into my open hands, I raised them towards the sun.

"Things will resolve in due time."

*Ding, ding ding~*

The chimes of the school bell signaled that classes had ended for the day, and I had still not reached Jinguji-senpai. Ah... This is not good timing.

Having finally reached the greenery of the main courtyard, I heard the sound of a saxophone's slow singing and the backdrop of squeals with clarity.

So this is where my missing classmate has been~

The only life there asides from myself was said missing person near the benches that were flocked by girls. As I reached him, he eventually finished, and the uproar of his listeners increased.

Girls: "Kyaaaaa~!"

"That's beautiful!"

"I love it!"

"You're so wonderful!"

"Ne, ne, Ren! Take me again next Sunday!"

As he heard the voices of his listeners, Jinguji-senpai smirked with a reply. "If a beautiful lady makes my heart beat fast, then... gladly..."

Hm~? I wonder where he takes them?

Upon hearing that, the girls were even more excited, some telling him to take them to wherever that place was as well. Jinguji-senpai was obviously used to this kind of response, as he was calm, and seemed to relish in it. But, something, well someone caught his eye as his "ladies" soon left to go elsewhere. Soon standing behind him, I followed his eye direction to spot a familiar face.

Oh, him... The Crying Mole. Hirijikawa Masato, if I remember correctly.

Looking at the scion with the dark blue hair who was walking by, Jinguji-senpai's smirk slowly turned into a frown as he became serious in thought.

Those two have a deep-rooted history together. Are they really rivals? I feel like there is more behind this, but...

Observing his face, my eyes traced Jinguji-senpai's long, strawberry blonde hair, his sharp nose, his bold eyes, tan skin-

Jinguji Ren, Jinguji Ren... That name rings a bell from long ago, but where...?

As I gazed at him, it took a while to process that my classmate was now facing me with his visible chest in view.

My head tilted a bit upon looking at it, finding it interesting in how lax he was in school attire, and how none of the staff seemed to mind it.

This isn't a regular school, so that must be why baring a bit more skin isn't out of the question. After all, many of the students here seem to have custom options for uniforms as well, including myself. Hm... His skin looks nice though. It has a healthy glow.

Ren: "... Heh, you like what you see, little lady?"

Ah-I stared too long again. *Sweatdrop*

Ren

Hm... I don't remember seeing her with the other ladies.

Feeling eyes on my back, I turned around to find a petite lady looking back at me. Well, my chest initially. *chuckles*

"... Heh, you like what you see, little lady?"

"Oh! I'm sorry. That wasn't intentional."

This lady...

Answering me so nonchalantly, something about her intrigued me. Most ladies usually get embarrassed or swoon, but she doesn't show any signs of that at all... That's new.

The lady seemed to be observant, having wavy, caramel hair that fell on her shoulders withs soft bangs that framed her face, and she wore some rather interesting glasses that had a violet and turquoise-like tint to them that I couldn't see her eyes. They were different, almost unconventional; an item that I've never seen any other lady and person in general wear on a daily basis. She was almost fascinating to look at really, with her slightly uncommon looks. Well this isn't someone you meet everyday. Heh, this is new. *smirks* She's quite the unique lady.

She was slender and fair, having a cute, rosy mouth with a beauty mark on the left side of her lips, and she looked well-mannered by how she stood with her hands clasped together as she smiled at me now that I noticed her. Probably from a traditional or rich family from how she holds herself, huh. Artsy too, maybe? Her uniform was different too, opting out of the jacket and her dress being longer than the other ladies'.

But that smile... What a mysterious lady.

She wore this smile that felt as though she knew something I didn't. Small, friendly, quaint, yet withholding much more than what she gave. It caught me off guard a little.

And her beauty mark... There is only one other person I know who has the same kind (2).

*smirk* I wonder how She's doing...

The Mysterious Lady soon stepped closer to me, giving a small bow as she began to speak.

"Well, good afternoon Jinguji-senpai. I have been looking for you."

So she wasn't with the other ladies after all. Hm, and 'Jinguji-senpai' eh? So she is younger.

"Oh~?" I said, bending down so that we were at eye-level with each other. Face to face. "And to what do I owe on this lovely day to be graced with your beautiful presence, my mysterious lady?"

Hearing me call her that, the mysterious lady raised her brows and tilted her head to the side as if she was processing what I said. Looking at her reaction, I chuckled in amusement. Never had that kind of reaction before, how cute. But... Now that I had a closer look at her, I felt that behind those big lenses, she had quite the elegant and baby-like face. And there was something different in her features and presence too. The lady had an ethereal feeling and look, her face was more dainty than what I had anticipated, and her skin was flawless. She definitely wasn't Japanese from what I could tell.

Eh~ As expected, she's cuter when you look carefully. Like a...

"Little Fairy."

Mysterious Lady: *blinks* "...Eh?"

"A fairy... Yea, that's it!"

Mysterious Lady: *scrunches eyebrows in confusion* "Jinguji-senpai, what do you mean?"

The Mysterious Lady's head tilted even more to my comments, making me realize that I was a lot closer to her face than I expected, and that I thought aloud.

Laughing, I stood back up and combed through my hair. "Sorry about that! I was just thinking that you're like a Fairy. That nickname suits you, don't you think, My Little Fairy (3)?"

Giving me an amusingly confused smile, My Little Fairy nodded slowly. "Well... Alright then Jinguji-senpai. You can address me as such if you wish. I don't mind."

This Mysterious Lady... She's interesting.

"So, Little Fairy, what did you come to look for me for?"

Remembering her initial purpose, My Little Fairy straightened herself, brightening up with an exclaimed "Oh, right!"

My Little Fairy: "You see, Hyuuga-sensei sent me to come find you since you skipped class."

Ah... That's why...

Pouting at her response, I sighed and let my shoulders drop.

"So he sent you to come get me huh? That's new."

My Fairy: "I understand that it is past class time now, so your activities are no longer the school's responsibilities. However, you are still on school grounds Jinguji-senpai, so your activities still have an effect."

*Sigh* So she's going to lecture me in his place, heh.

Closing my eyes, I mentally groaned in irritation against the teacher.

My Little Fairy: "I don't want to lecture you, and I can tell you're not happy with this,"

*reopens eyes* Did she just-

My Little Fairy: "But Jinguji-senpai, you really shouldn't have skipped in the first place. Can you not do that again, please? I'm sure you'll have more fun in class as we will progress together into real practices and tests as potential idols and composers. That is why you're here, isn't it? You love music and want to sing and share your love of song. I can see it,"

You can "see it"? What do you-

My Little Fairy: "You are much greater and passionate than what you portray yourself to be Senpai, so please, can you give attending class another shot? That way, you don't have to hear me talk to you like this too. And that way Hyuuga-sensei won't be upset with you. I don't like being a bother, so I'm sorry that your first impression of me is going to be like this... Hopefully we can have a proper meeting under better circumstances next time~"

She gave a reassuring smile this time, and when I looked at her, I knew that she meant what she said. Her heart had good intentions, and it wasn't her fault that she was sent here to get me, but...

This is a lot for a first meeting... *smirks*

Closing my eyes, I sighed quietly before laughing to myself. This girl... She's so funny. It's been a long time since someone made me laugh like this!

Bringing my hand to her head, I brought myself back down to her eye level and petted her.

This lady, she really isn't like any other I know.

"I get it," I mused. "It's okay. I was the one who caused all this trouble anyway. Now, do you know if I have to go meet Hyuuga-sensei and get punished for skipping?"

Hyuuga-sensei: "Don't bother, I'm already here."

Miran

"Oh, hello there Hyuuga-sensei!"

Oh boy...

Coming over towards us, Hyuuga-sensei gave me a curt nod, while he directed a stern face towards Jinguji-senpai.

Knowing that he couldn't leave now, Jinguji-senpai saluted to our Sensei with a casual "Yo~"

Hyuuga-sensei: "Don't 'Yo~' me. You skipped today. Again. We are going to have to talk about this you know."

Easily giving up, Jinguji-senpau shrugged his shoulders. "Alright, Sensei. Whatever you say~"

Hyuuga-sensei: "Then come with me right now, Jinguji."

Looking at me, he continued. "Thanks for looking for him, Miran. But what took you so long? Class is over now."

"Ah ha ha, well~ Something happened earlier that called my attention, so I was delayed for a bit. I'm sorry, Sensei."

Hyuuga-sensei gave me a pondering look before shrugging it off. "... I see. Well, next time be quicker since you're my student too. Can't have 2 missing people from my class now, can I?"

"Yes, Hyuuga-sensei, I understand!"

Nodding, Hyuuga-sensei left us at a brisk pace, turning his head and gesturing with his chin to Jinguji-senpai to follow. "Are you coming or not, Jinguji?"

Jinguji-senpai: "Hai, hai~ I'm coming..."

Turning to me, Jinguji-senpai gave me a playful wink. "Sorry for making you have to find me, Little Fairy. You're a classmate right? How come I haven't seen you? Sorry for not noticing sooner."

"Ah~ Well I'm relatively quiet, I'm a bit small, I sit on your left, but you're usually crowded with other peers during breaks, and well, you aren't in class often, so that's why you haven't seen me." *laughs* "But it's alright! I don't mind you not noticing, so don't say sorry!"

As if amused by my answer, Jinguji-senpai chuckled, saying "You're a funny girl, My Little Fairy. Say, what's your name?"

"Oh, I am Miran Vaishnava! Pleasure to properly meet you Senpai!"

Jinguji-senpai: *raises eyebrows* "Heh~ I remember you! You're the lady who sat next to me and introduced yourself during our entrance exams!"

Well... I wasn't actually talking to you, or anyone really... But-

"Yes, that was me..." *sweatdrop"

Smiling at remembering who I was, Jinguji-senpai suddenly took my hand and kissed it.

Looking back at my face with a smile, Jinguji-senpai booped my nose to my surprise. "Oh! Ah...?"

Jinguji: *laughs* "The pleasure is all mine. I'm honored to meet a beautiful and cute lady like you, My Little Fairy."

As he made his way towards an agitatedly waiting Sensei, Jinguji-senpai waved back. "Oh, and you don't have to call me 'Jinguji-senpai'! Just call me Ren, kay?"

"Ah, hai Jinguji-senpai! Err, Ren..."

Waving back, Senpai-ahhhh, Ren looked back pleased at my changed honorifics. Giving me a final salute as he was soon no longer in view, the last thing I heard form him was: "Good girl!"

"Eh he he... Good luck," I whispered, waving before I looked at my kissed hand.

Ah... It's glistening. "... Wet."

"He has moist lips..."

Awkwardly and gently patting Ren's wet-lip remnants onto my uniform, I made my way towards Shining Gakuen's local combini (4): Saotomate. Getting hungry, I thought about the things I planned to eat once I returned to my family for the evening. But first-

"Eating clementines sound wonderful right now."

Evening: The Kitchen

"You're about to see what hell looks like."

Me: "Ah... What?"

Earlier today, Ittoki-senpai had invited me over to the school's co-ed kitchen, as he was planning to bake a cake to cheer Haruka-chan up with my new friends: Shinomiya Ntasuki-senpai and a not so enthusiastic Kurusu Syo-senpai. I already knew Kurusu-senpai since he was a peer in Class S, but, how fateful is it that I would come to meet all those who caught my eye at the entrance exams? Surely, we have been brought together for a reason... Destiny is working here I know it.

There was some time left before I had to leave, so I wanted to help them as much as I could and support Haruka-chan with them. It was also a wonderful opportunity to get to know who my Senpai was friends with, and possibly, I would be able to create friendships with them too. Watching Shinomiya-senpai happily beginning his process of baking cupcakes, I smiled and admired him.

I didn't know that Shinomiya-senpai could bake (5), how talented! But, Kurusu-senpai compared his skills to hell, so is that a good thing? Shouldn't the more suitable word be heaven? Or maybe he used hell to illustrate his fierce talents. Yes. *nods* that must be it!

Shinomiya-senpai: "First, eggs!"

Oh~ He can crack them beautifully with only one hand! Amazing!

Kurusu-senpai: *Frowning* "Eggs are the only thing he's good with."

"Eh?"

Shinomiya-senpai: *continuing to add more* "Wheat flour, butter, sugar, chocolate!"

Ooh that sounds delicious! Ah... but he didn't unwrap the chocolate! Is that a method he knows well?

Kurusu-senpai: "Hey! Stop!"

Shinomiya-senpai: *Still adding more into the blender* "And then the secret ingredients: Tabasco sauce, chili sauce, natto, fermented squid..." *blends*

Ittoki-senpai: *dead face* "A-a-a-ahhhhhh..."

Kurusu-senpai: "I told you to stop!"

Me: Ohhhh~ *slowly claps hands* Those are interesting ingredients. The results will certainly taste... unique? Shinomiya-senpai sure knows his stuff, or maybe he doesn't...*sweatdrop*

Kurusu-senpai's words went into one of Shinomiya-senpai's ears, and out the other. Happily continuing his baking, he poured the eclectic mixture into cupcake liners, singing, "Normally, I'd cook them in an oven, but here, I'll just use a strong fire all at once!"

*FWAHHHHHHH!*

No, no he doesn't know his stuff...

IttokiKurusu-senpai: "AHHHHH!"

Out of nowhere, Shinomiya-senpai pulled out a blow torch and blasted away at the cupcakes.

... I did not see that coming.

The fire and smoke swarming around the room soon came to an end, and Shinomiya-senpai eventually took off his goggles with a satisfied face. "Okay, they're ready!"

Looking at the fruits of Shinomiya-senpai's labor, the other Senpais and I stayed silent. "Ah... Shinomiya-senpai?"

Shinomiya-senpai: "Look! They have that perfect chocolate color! Now, we need to taste test this! Who wants to try?"

"Uhhh-oomf!" *squish~* Holding onto me tightly, I was sandwiched tightly in between a shivering and pale Ittoki and Kurusu-senpai. They were holding on for dear life, and I was that life.

"Um, are you both ok? I, I can't move Senpais. You're squishing me."

Ittoki-senpai: "Help me Mirannnnn!"

Kurusu-senpai: "You've helped him before right Miran?! Help me too!"

"W-well, what would you like for me to do? I can't do anything when you're both like this..." All this body heat and tight hold on me... I'm getting worn out *sweat drop*

Coming towards us with a sinister laugh, Shinomiya-senpai had a plate with a cupcake and a forkful of his creation gestured towards us. "Syo-chan, you be the first to try it~!"

In a panic, Ittoki and Kurusu-senpai both let go of me and went flailing.

"Why me?! Get away from me! Shoo! Shoo!"

Scrambling towards the window, Kurusu-senpai used Ittoki-senpai as a shield, pushing him forward while I skipped to the side.

Kurusu-senpai: "I'll leave the rest to you!"

"Wait what-Where are you going Kurusu-senpai?!"

Volunteering him as our martyr, Kurusu-senpai ran away and sacrificed Ittoki-senpai for the doom that was to come. With his mouth in Shinomiya-senpai's direction, Ittoki-senpai unknowingly took the bite of mystery instead.

Oh dear...

Swallowing the cake, Ittoki-senpai quickly turned into a sickly shade of blue.

"I-Ittoki-senpai? Oh no, hang in there please!" Breaking out in a sweat, Ittoki-senpai fainted onto me, with his last words being: "I'm sorry Nanami... I can't give you any cake..."

Holding his hand as support, I panicked as Ittoki-senpai laid propped onto my lap, nearing unconsciousness.

"You did your best Senpai! Haruka-chan will feel your kindness through what you have done, I know it! You can always bake another cake next time. I'll help!" *looks up* "Eh? Shinomiya-senpai, what are you-woah..."

Shinomiya-senpai had sparks in his eyes, running to the window towards the direction Kurusu-senpai had gone, flying out with a random parachute. "Syo-channnnnn! Open wiiiiiiiide!"

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

The last thing I heard was a pitiful shriek after his flight, then silence... Was that Kurusu-senpai?

Walking towards the window, I called out to them, but there was no answer. Looking out, there was no one. "Eh...? They're gone."

Turning around, I looked at the mess that was left before me. The kitchen was covered in soot, the cupcakes were beyond crispy and burnt, the air smelled of smoke, and there was a dead Ittoki-senpai on the floor. "Ah~ I did not see this coming at all. Ah-" *vibrate vibrate* Looking at my phone, I saw Pira's message of his arrival.

Miraraaaa~ I'm here~ Where are you? Come out, come out! I have a special surprise for chuuuu~!

*sweatdrop* "This isn't good timing either... Now, what should I do? I can't leave the kitchen in this condition... And I can't leave Ittoki-senpai sprawled on the floor like that." Problem-solving quickly in my head, I came up with a quick solution. Looking around to make sure no one was around to see, I knew that it was safe to use it (6).

"Well, it's an emergency, so..."

Evening: Academy Entrance

"Ne, ne~ Miraraaa~ What took you so long, hm~? And," *sniffs my hair* "Why do you smell burnt?"

Walking towards a pouty Pira, I smiled with relief as I gazed up to him with the stars now in clear sight. The school is far away in the back now. I can only see the trees and wide road leading to it. Hm... what is everyone doing, I wonder? The students must be prepping for the next day I suppose. Maybe studying or spending time with friends too. The professors must be resting, looking into student work, or are off on their own activities. As for Uncle Shining... He's probably doing something unpredictable as usual. *laughs*

Looking back to my dear friend, I smiled and shrugged my shoulders in apology. "I'm sorry Pira! I had to... clean up some things, he he."

Pira: "Ah~? Like what?"

"I had to clean a kitchen and send a friend to bed... It's a long story..."

Pira: *tilts head* "Hm~? In that case, you were extremely quick about it-ohhh! I know what you did!"

Leaning towards my ear while hugging me, Pira whispered in his usual cheeky tone. "You used that (6), didn't you Mirara~?"

"Well~ It was an emergency, so I figured it was alright."

Smiling in pride, Pira ruffled my hair. "No need to explain yourself Mirara~ You're a responsible girl, so it's ok! It's not like we're banned from using it. It's just our personal choices after all! Still, I do find it fun and convenient for the little competitions between us guys and changing my hair color though (7). But... enough of that!" *waves topic away* "I'm just glad that it's my turn to pick up my favorite girl! Especially since I have THIS surprise!"

My ears perking to that word, I looked at my dear friend in curiosity. "Oh~? And just what is the surprise?"

"The surprise is... THIS~! Tadaaaaa~!"

"Uwaaaah! I love it Pira! You always know what I need, thank you."

Out of nowhere, Pira pulled out an edible food bouquet (8)! Shaped into his trademark flowers, Pira had me all set for a full course Thai dinner (9).

Gently placing the food bouquet into my hands and escorting me into the limousine, Pira raised his head with a wide, glittering smile in smugness.

Pira: "Of course, I always know what my favorite girl needs~ Figured you'd be hungry by now, and you haven't had my amazing bouquets in a while, so I wanted to make you one today! Eat up, ok? Now, say ah~!"

Making our way back, Pira plucked out a chicken satay rose and proceeded to feed me. "Ah~" Opening my mouth to receive the food, I excitedly tasted Pira's excellent cooking that bloomed within my mouth like roses on the first day of spring. "Mm~ This is absolute happiness!"

Pira: *smiles gently and affectionately combs through my hair* "And your happiness is mine, sweet Miran~"

Side Info/Teasers:

1) Do you remember who Haruka-chan meets in Episode 3 of UTAPRI Season 1? Hopefully you do he he ^^"

2) It appears that Miran's beauty mark resembles someone that Ren knows. Now who could that be, do you know? Ho ho ho hooo~

3) At the time I was creating Miran, I figured than Ren would automatically have nicknames for her like how he does for Haruka-chan. As I am her base for character concepts, I used my own nicknames in here. Currently, Ren calls Miran "(My) Little Fairy" as how Haruka-chan is "Little Lamb" and "My Lady."

4) Combini is the typical term of convenience store in Japan. The most common ones that I saw when in Japan were 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, and Sunkus (Thanks).

5) We know very well how great of a baker Natsuki is, right~? He he! He... =m=

6) What is THAT? Do you have a clue? It's similar to what someone in Shining Agency has, I can tell you that, ho ho~ ^^

7) You will see it in some of my doodles later on, but Pira has part of his hair in a different color, and it changes every now and then. Apparently, Pira's hair color changes using the same method Miran used to clean the kitchen and put Ittoki to bed. However, Pira isn't the one who changes his own hair color using that method. He doesn't have the ability to. It's actually Alak, fellow Knight and bestie to our heroine, who changes his hair color for him! It's one of his natural abilities, as everyone in Miran's family has something they can do with this method, from random little things to bigger things~ As Pira says, this something is what they use out of personal choice, so they have different standards of when and how to use it. Just what is it? NOTE: These abilities are mainly to add character to the family and Miran. They won't be emphasized much unless needed (which I doubt), but when that time comes, most of the details will be divulged in the character profiles than in the actual story ^^

8) Miran's family member, Pira has the talent of shaping edibles into other things, such as flowers, famous sculptures, and animals! It's one of his favorite passionate hobbies. One can find a lot of his work around back at where Miran goes to. Pira has the most fun making edible bouquets for his favorite girl though, because he enjoys watching her eat and appreciate his work ha ha ^^" He does make some for his "brothers" too, but he doesn't find them as "cute, satisfying and fun" to watch eating.

9) Pira specializes in Thai cuisine, as he is part Thai and hails from Thailand!

Ah~ I did get rusty ToT But, this is the best that I can do and I find it suitable as is. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed this episode! As for meeting the rest of the cast, I hope you enjoyed that as well~ Now, I shall start on the next one right after I publish this! Again, thank you for your ever strong patience and support. I hope you will continue on this journey with me till the very end my friends.

Till next time! Bye bye~