Becky beamed at her mentally exhausted friend. "Good work today, Anya!"

"Ugh. Math is tough."

"But you can do it, see?" Becky pointed to the worksheet with number handwriting. "Just practice some more when you get home, okay?" Anya nodded at her friend. Their attention was drawn to the huge clock on the library wall.

"It's time for my chauffeur to arrive," Becky collected her things in one fell sweep. "See you on Monday, Anya!" They hugged tightly before she ran away with her things. Anya watched her pass the librarian with a wink.

'I should also get going. Mama is on her way.'

Anya began to stuff her pencils and worksheets into her bag, sighing as she clutched the Math book she needs to study more at home. She cleared herself for book check-out, then walked the pavements leading to the gate for the bench where she will wait for Yor.

However, one of the guards stationed at the front gate approached her before she even took a seat. "We received a call from your mother, Yor Forger. She wants to let you know that she will be leaving office a bit later than expected. She wants you to stay put until she arrives at around 6 o'clock."

Oh, Mama's working overtime. "Okay, thank you for letting Anya know sir," she replied to the guard who earnestly nodded before going back to his post.

Anya took a seat and placed the Math book beside her. I must take care of this. Papa will scold me if I would ever need to replace this. She quietly watched her surroundings as she pondered about what she'll be doing when she gets home.

A little daydream rolled into her head.

"Anya, you have to study," Loid told her as he swung a newspaper rolled in his hand like a baton of a music conductor.

"Oh no, Papa, Anya already studied with Becky in the library this afternoon," Anya proudly stated, showing him the corrected worksheets that she finished with Becky's help.

"Hmm. Good. Then you can eat two packs of peanuts while watching all the spy cartoons you want!"

"Heh..." A smirk appeared across her face when something got her attention. It was a man with a black dog on a leash and a duffle bag who scratched his face as he examined the directional signages in the divergent path. Anya looked at the dog who seemed glad to follow the man around and found it adorable.

Hmmm… Are they lost?

Now, where could the Wall Hall Dormitory be? Anya heard the man's thoughts.

Wald Hall Dormitory? I see... He must be visiting someone from another class. Maybe Anya can help.

Anya left the bench and approached the man. "Hi! Are you lost?" she inquired.

The man looked at her with an apologetic expression. "I am sorry for bothering you, milady. I am, in fact, unaware of how to get to my destination. I was supposed to be at the Wald Hall Dormitory. The guards told me it's just beside the Cecile Hall Dormitory. But I'm afraid the signages here do not tell where the dormitories are," he explained.

"Hmmm... Okay! Anya will help you get to Cecile Hall Dormitory. You can check the buildings near it when we get there." Anya cheerfully offered.

"A-are you sure, milady?" He looked at the bench from where Anya came. "I believe you are waiting for your ride. Please, do not let this man trouble you."

"It's okay," Anya replied with a smile. "Let's go, Anya will be your aide, sir." The little girl marched forth.

"Very well, milady. My deepest gratitude for your kind assistance," the man said with a slight bow.

They walked past the garden and a building or two until they arrived at Cecile Dormitory. "This is Cecile Dormitory," Anya pointed to the building to her left. She turned at the other buildings around them. "Maybe one of these is Wald Hall Dormitory."

"I see. I am truly grateful for your help, milady. Now I can bring Master Bill's dog to him." The man said as they continued their footsteps. Anya, knowing a certain Bill in her school, was surprised to hear the name.

"Bill? As in Bill Watkins?" she asked.

The man nodded. "Yes, the very man. I suppose you know him, milady? This is his dog, Howitzer," he introduced the black dog beside him. The dog barked.

"Yes, we know each other." She turned to the dog. "Oh, so this is How…ser? Can I call him How-ser?" Anya said as she stumbled to remember and pronounce the dog's name correctly.

"I believe you may call him that, it sounds close enough," the man said. The dog wagged his tail.

"Okay! Hi Howser!" Anya waved to the dog. I didn't know Bill had one!

Right after the loud bark, a boy with glasses approached with a shocked expression. The man Anya accompanied immediately noticed him and made a slight bow. "Ah, Master Bill, a pleasant afternoon. I apologize for arriving late," the man said. "Here is Howitzer and a few of his things as requested."

"Thank you!" Bill replied. "Please bring the bag upstairs." He told him how to get to his room. "Very well, I shall prepare his food and medications since it's about time for him to take it," the butler replied. He then left Bill with Howitzer and Anya.

With an ear-to-ear smile, Bill excitedly started a conversation with the girl. "Anya! What could have brought you here?" His heart was in flutters.

"Nothing! Anya just helped the man find Wald Hall Dormitory. I didn't know he was your butler, and this, your dog," Anya said.

Bill nodded. "Yes, his name is Howitzer. I call him How when I'm feeling lazy." Ugh, I am feeling great! Bill proudly showed his dog which loudly barked this time.

"Yes! Anya was introduced to him earlier... Although I call him Howser. And he barked at me." Anya scratched her head.

"How does that kind of bark when he's happy so don't worry."

"Really? So, he's not mad at Anya?" Anya looked at the dog with excitement. "May I pet him?"

"Sure!" Bill started petting his dog first to calm him. Anya then went closer and gently stroked the dog. The dog wagged its tail.

"Wow, he's kinda nice! I thought he was going to bite me earlier."

"No, not at all! In fact, I think he likes you! Look," he said beaming as he pointed to Howitzer who has begun sniffing Anya's hand.

"Haha! I see." Anya continued to pat the dog as he gleefully watched. Actually, Bill has had a secret crush on Anya ever since the dodgeball activity. How come? Well, Bill was baffled by her amazing ability to dodge his attacks. He has never encountered anyone in school who could do that. So, he concluded that Anya is just superbly intelligent for their age, which then complements his unmatched physical abilities among their peers. He thinks they're a perfect match.

Bill continued to watch the amused Anya who kept stroking Howitzer (who seemed to be enjoying himself as well). "Do you have a pet, Anya?" Bill asked.

"Not yet. But Anya wants to have a pet dog too!"

"That's a great choice. After all, dogs are man's best friend," he said as he fixed his glasses. "What kind of dog would you like?"

This is good. If she gets her own dog, I can invite her to the park and walk our dogs together. Bill patted himself in his mind for a brilliant idea.

Anya took a finger to her chin. "Hmm... Anya wants to have a really cute dog that could win a cute dog contest!"

"That's interesting! How about walking our dogs together in the park when you finally have one—"

"Excuse me, Master Bill, I have already arranged everything upstairs. Howitzer's food and medicines are ready. We must feed him on schedule."

Bill's jaw almost fell to the ground when the man interrupted. He was about to get Anya to agree to come with him to the park!

"Oh, is Howser sick?" Anya asked.

"Howitzer needs to eat on time to maintain a healthy rhythm, milady. That is how the Watkins household treats their precious dog." Anya nodded at him, not noticing how Bill's shoulders slumped at a certain missed opportunity. She, however, heard Howitzer make a soft whimper.

Oh no, maybe Howser is hungry? Anya thought. She then approached Bill with closed fists.

"Howser needs to take his food and medications on schedule! You should hurry and bring him upstairs, Bill," Anya told Bill with a serious face.

"Y-yes, you're right," said a surprised Bill who was caught in the prettiest pair of green eyes he almost forgot to breathe. Anya's even cuter when being bossy! His heartbeat picked up.

"Okay, Bill. You need to go."

"U-Uh-huh." Bill picked up the dog's leash on the ground. "We'll go ahead, Anya! It was so nice to have this chat with you. Thank you for helping my butler bring me Howitzer."

"Anya is happy to help. Goodbye!" Anya replied as she energetically waved back at them.

They parted ways and Anya started to march to the gate. I'm excited to get my own dog! What should I name him? What should he look like? I should tell Papa to buy me one soon so we can walk around! Right, I want a ribbon around his neck. Anya happily imagined as she walked when she noticed her free hands.

Wait, am I supposed to be clutching on something?

She gasped.

"The Math Book!"

Anya dashed to the gate as soon as she realized her missing book, carelessly tripping on the uneven pavement in her hurry and falling on her knee.

"Ouch!" she blurted out in pain as she tried to sit on bent knees. She saw a fresh wound on her left knee. Oh no. She gazed at her wound. The nurse is most likely gone by now. What should I do? I need a first aid kit. She sighed. Wait, maybe I should just go to one of the dorm matrons.

Anya then tried to stand and realized how even more painful it is when she straightens her knee. "Ouch," she said as she stood. Her wound then started to bleed.

Oh no, what am I gonna do?

"Hey, are you alright? Come with me."

Anya raised her chin, her eyes widened upon seeing the boy.

What is he doing here at this moment? Yet, she eagerly held his hand.

~~~~~

"Great! I finally got it—"

"Woof!!!"

Damian was studying Math when a loud bark suddenly caught his attention. 'A dog?' he thought. He stretched his neck to the window to check what was happening outside. Oh, just Bill and his dog, I guess?

W-Wait—

He blinked repeatedly as if making sure he was not just seeing things. Nope... he's not.

Shrimp???

"W-What is she doing there with him?" Damian blurted out. He moved to his other window to see them closer.

Damian saw Anya excitedly petting the dog. His eyes widened, wanting to pull her away that very moment. They're just having a conversation about the dog, Damian, he rationalized. But why here in front of the boys' dorm?! Damian then opened his window very slightly to eavesdrop.

"Wow, he's kinda nice! I thought he was going to bite me earlier."

"No, not at all! In fact, I think he likes you! Look." Bill was grinning widely as he pointed to the dog who was beginning to sniff Anya's hand!

"Haha! I see." Damian watched Anya pat the dog as the musclehead gleefully watched her.

Tsk.

Damian dropped the curtain. His jaws were clenched as he watched them, his taste turning sour. He was getting pissed. He sighed at his reaction.

This is a waste of time. I should go back to studying. Damian went to his chair and tried hard to concentrate on his Math worksheet. Yet his mind won't stop straying.

Does Anya like dogs too? If only I could show her mine. That dog is nothing compared to Max! His fur is much softer, he's cuddlier, and he's much cuter. Huh! Damian pouted and then tapped his cheeks lightly.

Ugh I'm getting distracted. I need to focus. He went on to finish his worksheet. Alas, this time, he became successfully engrossed in his studying. Calculate this... Calculate that... He's getting pretty good at it!

"Ouch!"

Ouch? Did someone get hurt? Isn't that Forger's voice? Damian peeked outside and saw Anya sitting on the ground, tending to her knee.

What?! That dumb girl. Is she hurt? His face was laced with worry. Damian left his worksheet and hurriedly went outside. How much of a klutz is she?!

Damian ran from his room to the spot outside their dormitory where he saw Anya sitting on the ground. He found himself behind her as she looked around for help.

"Hey, are you alright? Come with me." He extended his hand for her to hold.

Anya looked at him with bewildered eyes. She was so surprised to see him. Yet, she took his hand without hesitation.

"Okay, Sy-on boy."

Damian held her firmly and pulled her up. "Your wound is bleeding. You can still walk to my place, right, Shrimp?"

"Hmm-mmm. Sorry for the hassle. Do you have a first aid kit there?" she asked.

"Yes, don't worry. Just hold onto me and walk slowly," Damian told her as he offered his arm. He walked slowly, matching Anya's careful strides.

~~~~~

After sitting her on the couch, Damian took his first aid kit. Anya looked at the box he held.

"Sy-on boy, Anya can do it already. Please just hand me your first aid kit."

Anya reached for the kit Damian held, but he pulled it out of her reach. "Don't be wiggly at me, Shrimp. Sit still."

"B-but—"

Damian knelt and started inspecting her wound. Anya watched him with squinting eyes due to stinging. Damian took a ball of cotton and dropped some antiseptic in it. Then he gently cleaned the wound, making sure to remove any foreign particles.

"Ouch!"

"Hang in there, I'm almost done cleaning it."

"Okay," she sighed.

"What happened? Was your head in the clouds while walking? Although, I wouldn't wonder if it is," Damian asked as he carefully tended to her.

"Uhm, Anya realized that I left the book from the library on the bench near the gate. I quickly ran back to see if it was still there, but this happened." Anya sighed. "Ugh, Papa would scold me if I lost that book! It would probably cost a bunch."

Damian sighed. "How come you forgot something so important? That tells me I shouldn't let you borrow my things," Damian said as he dressed the wound as well as he could.

"Anya helped someone find Wald Hall, that's why," she said. She looked at her neatly dressed wound. "Wow, Sy-on boy is amazing!" Anya said out loud.

"W-we studied that so we should be able to do it properly!" he stammered.

"Sy-on boy, are you blushing? You really did it so well, so I said so. But your reaction is funny," Anya said with a chuckle.

"O-Oi. Don't make fun of me now." He looked at his finished work. Well, now she can walk around without a bleeding knee. Damian looked at Anya's brightened face. He ended up also having a smile on his face, but only in his head. He began to clean up the used cotton and put back the things inside his first aid box.

"How are you going home?"

"Mama is fetching me anytime now. Maybe I should go back to the gate."

"No, wait. I just finished dressing your wound," Damian reminded.

"But—"

"No buts. I'm calling the guard at the front gate," Damian interrupted.

Anya watched Damian put away the kit and get to the telephone. Sy-on boy is helping me a lot.

"Hello? This is Damian Desmond. Yes, good afternoon. Did you happen to notice a book on the bench near the gate? Yes, a Math book from the library. Please keep it with you for now. And, has Mrs. Yor Forger arrived? Not yet? Alright, please call me when she's there. Thank you." Damian put the phone back.

So the guard found the book, and they're calling when Mama's there. Anya felt pleased.

Damian caught Anya beaming at him. He quickly turned his back before his cheeks turned pink. The poor boy's heart is weak at Anya's smile. He coughed lightly before facing her.

"The guard has the book. So just stay here while waiting for Mrs. Forger. As usual, do not break anything."

"Okay, Sy-on Boy!" Anya replied, pretending she doesn't know things already. Damian then observed Anya turn her head as if looking for something in his room.

"Sy-on boy," Anya called as she tugged his shirt. He was pulled a bit closer, making him panic.

"Hey, don't! What?" Damian said. Dammit Anya, personal space...

.

"Sy-on boy, don't you have a dog? Can I see him? Can I see Max?" Anya excitedly asked.

She remembered Max? It was only during the Elegant Race a long time ago that he mentioned his beloved pet. "I-I have a few pictures of him on my desk. I can show him to you."

"Really? Okay!" Anya walked to his study desk.

"Oi!" Damian called her out. I can just bring her the pictures, why did she walk… Damian just helped Anya take his swivel chair while he sat on his bed. He then pulled out his bedside drawer which revealed pictures of him and Max. "Well, this is my dog, Max. I like playing with him a lot."

Damian looked at her and saw Anya's sparkling green eyes. "So this is Max! Is he friendly? Does he bite?" Anya asked as she looked at the pictures.

"If you're harmless, he definitely won't. He's also relatively clean and easy to take care of. He's a really good dog," Damian said proudly.

"He jumps at me as soon as he sees me. He likes being petted and cuddled," Damian fondly expressed.

"Oh and he likes playing with his bone dog toy and catching tennis balls!" Damian exclaimed.

Anya watched the cheerful expression on Damian's face as he spoke highly about his dog. "Wow! Max seems like a really fun dog!" Anya commented.

"Yes. I always look forward to seeing him again in our mansion," he said. Anya noticed a soft, tender gleam in Damian's eyes afterward.

"Sy-on boy," Anya said.

"Hm?" Damian looked at her.

"Anya likes how cheerful and excited Sy-on boy is when talking about Max." Anya said, smiling.

A-Anya likes Sy-on boy... Damian replayed a segment of her words in his mind. His face started to feel tingly.

"I-I-I am not excited!" he said with a scrunched face and a thumping chest. Anya laughed again, Damian crossed his arms at her. Ugh, this feeling again...

"Sy-on boy," Anya said again.

"What now Shrimp?" Damian replied in a slightly embarrassed tone.

"Your friends are also your family, okay? Ewen and Emile care for you so much."

"I-I know that—"

"And Anya also cares for you too, so make me your friend someday, okay?" Anya said with a sincere smile on her face. Damian gazed at Anya's face and found a sincere expression that made his chest pound harder.

"M-Maybe we can be friends, if you don't laugh at me and if you call me Bossman," Damian said with crossed arms.

"Anya will never call you that. I like Sy-on boy!" Anya exclaimed.

Damian's face fired up. "Stop saying you like me!" His face contorted as if eating something sour. Anya laughed at him again.

How could she just casually say that? He took his hand to his chest.

RIIIING!!!! RIIIING!!! It was the telephone.

"I'll pick it up," Damian took the phone. "Hello? Yes, speaking. Okay, thank you, we're coming."

Damian turned to Anya. "Your mother is there. Let's go."

~~~~~

Anya followed Damian to the gate. He went over to the guard's window and took the Math book that Anya left. "Here, Shrimp," Damian said as he gave Anya the book.

"Thank you so much, Sy-on boy! You helped Anya so much today. Sorry for all the trouble I caused you," Anya said.

You're no trouble, Damian thought. "You're clumsy and you trouble other people. You need to change that," he blurted out. Anya caught his thoughts and of course heard his actual words and was puzzled. Sy-on boy's so confusing. She gazed at the boy with a pondering look. Damian felt a bit uneasy.

"Y-You should get going," Damian turned around and waved as he walked back to his dormitory.

"Wait, Sy-on boy!"

Damian looked back with a quizzical expression.

"Let's walk our dogs together when I finally have one, okay?" She winked at him. "Bye and thank you again!" Anya said as she passed the gate.

Damian watched the gate close behind Anya. He took his hands to his pockets.

Walk our dogs together? Not a bad idea, I guess, he thought.

And us being friends someday? We'll see about that.

~~~~~