Begin part two, Revision of Entropic Occurrence.

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012; Tokyo Denki University, Adachi-ku, Tokyo; 1:43p.m. [0.215934]

Sitting back in a chair, hands resting upon a open binder laden with notebooks and dozens of stapled sheets of paperwork, a silent breath of abject boredom seeped from Rintarou Okabe's innards. Eying the other students seated ahead of him one by one, his eyes then centered on the front of the room, drifting along several computer logic diagrams drawn on the large whiteboard ahead.

Unnecessary tomfoolery, honestly. Our professor thinks all of us need another recapitulation of last week's study... Apparently some of those among us can't readily absorb the overarching concept of computational recursion theories.

Tapping the end of his pen onto the open notebook below, leg jostling beneath the desk, he slowly shook his head.

Heathens. Solving problems with logic functions is not for those who are weak of mind. All of you would be reduced to shambles if Makise were present here...

Picturing his distant red-haired compatriot, somewhere far away in the wind-swept plains of Arkansas, er, California, wherever, with a marker tapping against her chin, he discreetly smiled.

Kurisu. Its been over a week since you and Mayuri have communicated through the webcam chat. Whatever you have going on at your university must have all of your attention...

Picturing the pixelated video feeds on the second lab computer, and how the lab members would crowd around the desk to talk to her, the pen in his fingers settled flat onto his notes, remembering their most recent telephone conversation.

'How is your dear lady of the shrine? I hear you two are approaching two years together... Mayuri has yet to report any atrocities since I visited last year, but I'll be keeping tabs on you anyway. That way the fear I strike in your heart will keep you in line... Kyouma.'

A quiet chuckle hummed in his throat.

Almost two years since that August, and she hasn't lost any of her feisty nature. As for miss Urushibara, shrine maiden and senior in high school...

Eyes closing, his cheeks grew warm, imagining the slender, dark haired young woman, always close by his side.

'She's well on her way towards college... Consistently excelling in classes for the past two years. I wouldn't be surprised if she received a scholarship right out of graduation.'

'That's excellent... But I was asking about both of you. You know, Boyfriend, girlfriend, relationship stuff.'

'Right, well... From what I can interpret, we're doing quite well.'

'Yeah? Do you still go to the arcade?'

'Not as much as we used to. Academics have sapped a fair amount of our free time, but we still make do.'

'Make do... How vague. You see her during the week, right?'

'Quite often. After classes, we tend to meet for a late lunch or early supper... Knock out any homework or studies, and then we have the rest of the evening at our whim.'

'For reckless tinkering, experimentation and adventures. Right?'

'What we do best at the future gadget lab.'

'That's for sure. I assume Eisuke knows she's with you when she's not at the shrine.'

'Of course.'

'...Do you two get alone time?'

'We do.'

'I'm sure she enjoys every moment of it.'

'As do I. You seem interested in this subject, assistant.'

'I... It's just a womanly thing. Ladies are always curious about people's private lives.'

Grinning from her stammering, his vision rose higher, looking on with amusement.

"Then I'll satiate your curiosity. We've watched dozens of movies, played numerous games... Shared music... Obviously other activities as well, but those readily come to mind.'

'You still go on dates, right?'

'If the mood is right, yes. We'll go out into downtown Akihabara in the evening and wander.'

'Sounds fun. Have you considered replacing the couch with a bed?'

'For what reason? That couch has been a staple of the lab for generations.'

'Oh, you know... I'm sure with as much as you two snuggle, you'll want one sooner or later.'

'Perhaps we'll take it into consideration. That one never seems to mind when she sleeps over... Even if I'm on the air mattress upon the floor.'

'So you let her have the couch, huh?'

'Of course. Her comfort always takes priority.'

'Practicing your required chivalry, I see.'

'I have to. She's always so wondrously mindful of my day-to-day existence, so reciprocating her care and nurturing is my ongoing task.'

'Glad to hear you take that part seriously... Ruka doesn't mind the sleeping arrangement?'

'She always rests easy as long as I am near. But lately she tends to find her way onto the air mattress during the night.'

Hearing the quiet sigh of delight drift from Makise's lungs over the phone, his head turned with a growing smile from her reaction.

How many mornings now... Have I woken up to curly, dark hair and bright, beautiful eyes, just above a blush-laden smile. And after a few minutes of coalescing into a warm embrace, lost in admiration... Sharing kisses that only get sweeter as time goes on.

'...Knowing her, she simply wants to be by my side as much as possible. I'm sure she's wanted to fall asleep in my arms for quite some time now.'

'Its funny, you know... Hearing you talk about Ruka like this. She and Mayuri are the only two that bring out this softer side of you.'

'Yes, those two comprise my only existential weaknesses. Shiina is my oldest friend, and Rukako... I do love her, so very much, and I know she feels the same. After everything that led up to that September two years ago, and us being together to this day... There's so much inside me that is so intently focused on protecting her, and ensuring that she's as happy as she ever could be.'

'You care about her a lot.'

'I can't help it. I never expected her to become so important to me.'

'You goof. That's what its like to be in love with somebody.'

'I mean, I'm not particularly inclined to associate with non-scientific phenomenon... But the only apt description seems to be that this whole relationship, being so essential to another person's daily consciousness and having such profound impact on their emotions and mental well-being...'

'In short, meaning the world to somebody.'

'...Its magical, I suppose.'

'Magic, huh? I never expected that word to roll off your tongue.'

'Well it did. And I have no substitute for the term at the moment.'

He paused from the her light laughter on the other end of the line.

'She really has affected you, hasn't she.'

'In more ways that I could list or describe. And unlike the days with the phone-wave, these changes have all been for the better.'

Walking among a cluster of students between class periods, Okabe scrutinized his surroundings in the hallway with apprehension, brow quirking in alternating rises with discreet paranoia.

With so many people in such a large structure... The place must be crawling with organization spies. I can feel it in my bones. If only I had Alpaca Man's extraordinary sensory perception... I could detect the scoundrels with a single inward pull of nasal respiration.

Feigning a generic inhale, only to be met with wayward wafts of the nearby cafeteria, contrasted by stronger hints of deodorant and reams of paper and plastic, his facial features hardened.

I must alert the Secret Warrior. I'm sure by now they've already infiltrated the premises of her educational facilities... If we act quickly we can take preliminary and coordinated measures to foil them.

Retrieving his cell phone from his pants pocket, he opened the messaging menu and began typing rapidly on the keypad beneath.

'Dearest love and comrade, be advised, ORG AGENTS among us. Act with vigilance. ~ Kyouma'

Thumb pressing the center button, his hand slowly lowered the phone into his pocket again, keeping hold of it as he walked.

I'm sure they've already intercepted the message. I can only hope that they don't make their moves quicker than I anticipated...

Taking several steps around a hall corner, and watching one individual in particular in the corner of his eye, he straightened upright, gripping the strap of his shoulder bag.

Mustn't outwardly show distress. But damn it all, I can feel them watching me. Crosshairs hungrily drifting along my backside... They think they've got me trapped this time, but come the four o'clock hour... I'll slip away like a whisper in the wind.

Feeling the phone buzz in his pocket, his heart raced as he gathered it into his palm, lifting it upwards and stepping aside with a concise motion.

'Confirmed, taking action. Mayushii and I stopped 3 but others still out there. Stay safe ~ S-W-R'

Smiling right away from her response, he pressed the phone against his chest.

As expected, Rukako alerted Mayuri right away and they've already struck successful blows against the enemy... Enlisting Agent Mayushii to the cause was long overdue.

'Very good, stay sharp, enemy likely to alter plans. Adapt and outwit. El Psy Kongroo'

Watching the screen patiently after sending his response, it vibrated again moments later.

Understood. El Psy Kongroo. Love you ~ S-W-R

Heart stirring, a light, happy chuckle left his lungs as he stepped forwards, rejoining the flow of students through the hallway.

Secret Warrior Rukako. Also known as Agent Urushibara. Valiant, loyal, cunning, and wise beyond her years. When not foiling the organization, however...

A bashful grin spread across his features, and his fingers curled around the flap of his bag.

She's compassionate, faithful, endlessly fun... And all it takes is one look to steal my breath away.

Kasensou Private Preparatory Academy, Ochanomizu, Tokyo; 3:17p.m.

Scribbling several additional notes from an ongoing lecture on small business economics, Ruka's eyes rose from the notebook on the desk, back up to the information projected upon the whiteboard.

Accessible information of several types is essential for consumer feedback and measurable metrics of... Daily operations.

Twisting the pen in her fingers, her head turned slightly, peeking through a lock of hair towards the clock on the wall.

Fifteen minutes. Then I'll be on a train, on my way home. And after that...

Eyelids lowering, her neck grew warm, picturing Okabe in a dress shirt and slacks.

Supper with boyfriend. And studying... And whatever else happens.

Setting the pen down onto the notebook, her hand rose to her mouth, attempting to cover a bashful smile forcing through. Beside her, one of her classmates turned towards her, noticing her movements, and then raising an eyebrow from the hint of a blush on the slender girl's cheeks.

Oh Junko, you'd be blushing too if you saw Kyouma the way I have. He's handsome wearing anything!

A gentle murmur left her throat, and she peeked towards the clock again, brimming with anticipation.

Hurry up, you. I've got places to be and a mad scientist to cuddle.

Akihabara Station, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo; 4:09p.m.

Pressing through a crowd of people, arm linked with Mayuri's just beside her, both girls looked up at the urban afternoon sky for a shared moment, witness to a flock of pigeons noisily departing from the open courtyard in front of the train station.

"So where are you lovebirds going today?"

"Probably May Queen's. Rumiho loves to tease Okabe and she likes to treat us both to meals on the house."

Mayuri giggled, imagining him stammering and blushing from Faris' clever remarks.

"She definitely pushes his buttons. But I think he enjoys it to tell the truth."

"I think so too. He probably won't admit it though."

Both teens traded shrugs of agreement.

"He's always quiet about his deeper feelings. I think that's why he used to always act so random, and say all that goofy stuff."

Ruka's head tilted slightly.

"He used to be quiet, but now he'll tell me anything on his mind."

"That's cause you gained private access to his warm and fuzzy insides."

Looking away, another blush crept onto her cheeks, and Mayuri leaned closer.

"You found the key to his heart, Ruka-chan."

Blushing much more from her whisper, Ruka playfully pushed her away, and both of them burst into giggles.

"I know I did, Mayushii. He's always had mine. Ever since I first met him."

"He was a cutie back then, wasn't he."

Sighing happily, she nodded.

"Definitely. But now that he's older..."

Eying Mayuri, who was listening with an increasing grin, Ruka continued.

"He's hot. Hotter than the summer sun."

"Oooh. Okarin makes you melt, huh?"

Exhaling, partially from the warm air, her finger curled around a lock of her short, dark hair, imagining him without a shirt.

"Oh yes he does."