On Saturday morning, the day after midterms ended, Mioda burst into class and loudly proclaimed, "Guten morning, everyone! Ibuki has an announcement!"

"Oh, great," Kuzuryuu muttered from across the room. "Did you finally succeed in bursting your own eardrums with that godawful music?"

"Not yet! And Ibuki doesn't like your attitude. But anyway, the announcement is that, in celebration of midterms ending, Ibuki is going to give you all a concert tonight!" She hopped up and down, beaming at her classmates. No one said anything for a few moments.

"That is a wonderful idea!" Nidai roared. "We all must relax after testing; too much stress is bad for your health."

"Yes, exactly!" Mioda roared back. "See, Uncle Nidai likes it!"

"Big Sis Ibuki's music is the best!" Saionji added, sticking her tongue out at Kuzuryuu. He scoffed and looked down at his desk.

"I think... it would be fun," Tsumiki said, smiling slightly.

"Shut up, pig! No one asked for your opinion."

"B-but I was just agreeing with you!"

Souda cleared his throat. "I've never heard Mioda's music before. Is she any good?"

Saionji's enthusiastic "yes" clashed with Kuzuryuu's firm "no," and they both glared at each other.

Souda blinked. "Uh... well, whatever, I think it sounds fine! Could be fun."

"Yeah, I haven't been to a concert in a long time," Hinata said.

"Is anyone gonna bring food?" Owari asked around a mouthful of apple.

"I suppose I could whip up something," Hanamura said. "What does everyone want?"

"Oh, oh!" Owari spat chunks of fruit on Nidai with her exclamations. He calmly wiped them off his cheek. "Can you make pigs in a blanket?"

"Of course," Hanamura replied, grinning. "As payment, would you like to share a blanket with me tonight?"

Saionji slapped him again.

Mioda laughed. "Okay, okay, is that a 'yes' from everyone who's not a huge party pooper?" She looked at Kuzuryuu and smiled. "Or should Ibuki say a little party pooper?"

"Fuck off," he muttered.

"That was uncalled for, Mioda," Pekoyama chimed in. "Nonetheless, something to get everyone's minds off testing would be good."

"Ibuki is sorry," Mioda pouted. "But Ibuki takes it personally when people insult her music! Anyway, the concert will be at 8:00 in the auditorium, so donut miss it!" She flounced over to her seat and plopped into it, ending the announcement.

Souda grinned and turned to Hinata and Nanami. "A concert! This is gonna be awesome!"

"Do you think we should've paid attention to Kuzuryuu, though?" Hinata asked, suddenly looking doubtful. "He seemed really opposed to it."

"Nah, he's just a grumpy guy. He probably hates all music that isn't, like, Mozart or something."

...

The concert was horrific. Souda broke down crying within the first thirty seconds of Mioda's first song, and Kuzuryuu had exited the room before she could even start. Once the first song ended, everyone except Saionji was clutching their ears or otherwise in a state of shock.

Saionji herself, however, was cheering enthusiastically. "You're all wimps! You just can't appreciate Big Sis's unique style!"

"I don't know anyone who could appreciate that besides you, Saionji," Koizumi winced.

"What's the matter, guys? You all look like Ibuki just killed someone!" Mioda called from the stage.

"Yeah, you killed tolerable music everywhere," Kuzuryuu said, re-entering the room. "I told you idiots that this was a bad idea."

"Where have you even heard her music before, Kuzuryuu?" Koizumi asked, hands on hips. "Don't tell me you were spying on her singing in the shower or something!"

"What? No!" he sputtered, eyes widening. "Haven't any of you heard her singing in the hallways before? It's like a portal to hell opened in her throat."

Sonia shivered and cleared her throat. "Well, I think we can all agree that hearing another song would be... unpleasant. Is there anything else we can do?"

"I have a few ideas," Hanamura said, eyes sparkling. This time, Koizumi slapped him.

"Can we just stay here and eat?" Owari asked, cradling a mound of finger foods in her arms.

"I don't think I can eat for a while after that," Hinata muttered.

"Ibuki thinks there might be a karaoke machine somewhere," Mioda offered. "She's heard teachers using it in the staff room. It's very scary."

"Nothing could be as scary as... whatever you just sang," Souda said, still trying to regain his composure. "I say we bring it out!"

"A karaoke bar is the optimal setting for team bonding!" Nidai agreed.

"I've done karaoke a few times," Nanami said, smiling absently. "It's very fun."

Mioda looked around the room. Only Tanaka, Tsumiki, and Mister No Name seemed hesitant, so she skipped off stage to get things set up.

Souda nudged Hinata in the side. "Hey, do y'think that Lady Sonia would be impressed if I did a round?"

"I really can't imagine that your singing voice is that good," Hinata replied.

"Hey, I take pride in my voice! I bet it's nicer than yours, in fact! Wanna do a sing-off?"

"I'll pass."

"A duet?"

"No, thanks."

"Ugh, you're no fun!" Souda scowled. "I don't just wanna get up there by myself... that'd be embarrassing. Know anyone who's good at singin'?"

Hinata looked around the room. "Well, I think a lot of these guys would be pretty good, actually. Just go up to someone and ask."

"Hmm..." Souda glanced at each person in the auditorium. "Nanami has a really sweet voice. Y'think she'd be a good singer?"

"I... I guess, yeah," Hinata muttered, looking over to his left at nothing in particular.

"Hey, I was just sayin' what I thought, but I'll choose someone else if you're not cool with that."

"No, it's fine. Just don't make her sing anything stupid, alright?"

"Yeah, you got it! You can come and ask too if y'want." Souda went over to Nanami, who had started playing her game again while waiting for Mioda. Hinata followed a few moments later.

"Hey, Nanami," the latter said, and then waited for her predictably delayed response.

"..."

"..." Both boys shifted slightly.

"...Hello, Hinata and Souda."

"Yeah, hey, so once the karaoke's set up and all, do y'wanna do a few rounds with us?" Souda asked. "We could even sing as a threesome or somethin'! It'd be awesome."

"Please don't word it like that," Hinata grimaced.

"..." A triumphant jingle sounded from Nanami's console as she finished a level. "Yes, that sounds good."

"Sweet!" Souda cheered. Hinata's frown relaxed. "Got any songs in particular that we could sing?"

"Not really. Whatever you guys want is fine with me."

While Souda was contemplating which tune would be best, Komaeda sidled up to the trio. "Hello, everyone," he smiled. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"

"Nah, we're just talkin' about karaoke. Do you wanna sing with anyone here?" Souda asked.

"Hm, I'm not sure if my voice is exactly up to par with all of yours... and I get breathless quite easily. I'd be content to watch you all have fun, though."

"Alright, just tell us if you change your mind."

After a few more minutes of hanging around, Mioda finally arrived, dragging a bulky machine on wheels with her. "You guys don't wanna know what Ibuki had to go through to get this for you! She was like a noble hero on a quest for music, bravely going where no student had gone before, to get the treasure from the clutches of the mean, evil - "

"Okay, are you gonna hook it up or what?" Kuzuryuu interjected.

She huffed. "Fine! I didn't know you were so excited to sing, Mister I-Hate-Everything."

"I'm not even going to bother responding to that pathetic excuse for a dig at me."

"You just did!" Mioda stuck her tongue out and headed behind the machine to hook up the wires. Once everything was set up, she called out, "Okay, should Ibuki do the first round?"

Almost everyone boo'ed her off stage.

"You're all so mean," Saionji sniffled.

"Aren't they?" Mioda pouted back.

"Hey, anyway, me n' Nanami'll go first!" Souda volunteered, waving a hand in front of Nanami's face to get her attention. "C'mon, we're up!"

Souda did three rounds in a row, one with Nanami and two with her and Hinata. The latter really sounded like a woman when he sang; Souda tried making a few digs about it but was mostly ignored. After the third song, he tossed the microphone to Hinata, who fumbled slightly before catching it, and stepped offstage. "I'm gonna take a break, guys," he said over his shoulder, making his way over to the table someone had set up with food and drinks. He approached Sonia, who was talking with Tanaka, and waved rapidly to get her attention. "Hey, Lady Sonia! Did y'see me up there?"

"Of course," she said, smiling politely. "I'm quite impressed with all of your voices! They fit together very nicely."

"Heh, thanks. It's pretty bold that I was the first one up there, huh?"

"Yes, I suppose. I certainly would like to try karaoke at least once, but you three seemed to be having so much fun that I didn't want to interrupt!"

Souda scratched at his face, mentally bashing himself for hogging the stage. "Ah, geez, I'm sorry! Didn't mean to get carried away... I'm sure there'll be an opening soon. I'll kick 'em off if you want."

"No, that's quite alright! They're so adorable when they sing together," Sonia beamed, looking up at the stage where Hinata and Nanami were performing a duet. "Look, Mister Hinata is executing a maneuver known as the 'air guitar!'" She cheerfully imitated him, throwing in a headbang.

Holy shit, how can one person be so cute? Souda wondered. Judging by the bewildered but somewhat happy expression on Tanaka's face, he was thinking the same thing. Which was not okay in Souda's book.

"Yeah, so when they're done, do y'wanna sing with me?" he asked, glaring at Tanaka for a moment.

"That would be radical! Perhaps Mister Tanaka would like to join so we could all sing together like you three just were," Sonia said, patting her hair back in place.

Tanaka glared back at Souda and said, "I am loathe to disappoint you, Lady Sonia, but any melodious incantations coming from me would curse all weak-minded beings within a ten kilometer radius. I must decline."

"There is no need to be self-conscious about your singing voice! We must 'seize the daisy,' as they say!" She linked an arm around Tanaka's and walked toward the stage. Souda glowered at Tanaka's retreating form, feeling more and more like a third wheel, and stomped over to them. Onstage, Saionji was currently singing a song with Koizumi that sounded surprisingly intense. Souda forget his anger for a moment and blinked at the duo. I guess all that anger Koizumi has is good for somethin', he thought, noticing how into the music she seemed.

After Saionji hopped offstage, dragging her friend with her, Sonia turned to Tanaka and Souda and smiled. "Shall we go next?"

Tanaka cleared his throat. "I feel an ill omen. Perhaps I should - "

"Please, Mister Tanaka? It'll be fun, I promise!"

He looked at her practically jumping onstage with excitement and sighed. "Very well. If it means that much to you, Lady Sonia, then I suppose..."

"Hey, shut up and get on the damn stage," Souda said. He was met with one scathing glare from Tanaka and a disapproving look from Sonia.

"There is no need to be so rude!" the latter scolded. "Can you two get along for just one song or do I have to kick you out, Mister Souda?"

"N-no, I'll be good!" he stuttered, feeling like a scolded child.

"Wonderful! Let us go, then." Sonia skipped up the stairs, the two boys following behind her and still glaring at each other.

The song started off well at first, but then Souda bumped into Tanaka by accident and was bit by a hamster in response. Their bickering escalated until Souda, covered in small scratches, had pushed the breeder offstage, and Sonia gave both boys a lecture that no one would soon forget.

In the audience, Hinata almost left the room due to secondhand embarrassment. "That was a complete trainwreck. I can't believe they kept singing the entire time."

Nanami nodded slowly. "It was amazing how Souda hit that high note when Sonia kicked him there."

Hinata winced, legs buckling slightly. "Don't remind me."

...

After emerging from the bathroom in considerably less pain than he had entered, Souda looked around the auditorium to see that Koizumi had set up a booth of some sort and was taking photos.

He also noticed that Sonia had dragged Tanaka into the line for it.

Seething, he stomped over to the photographer and tapped her on the shoulder. "Hey, what's the point of th-"

"Don't you dare talk to me right now," Koizumi responded, sounding distracted but still deadly while she adjusted her camera lens.

Mioda shifted in her chair, singing to herself in a throaty whisper. Kuzuryuu had been right; it was terrifying. Souda noticed that she was sitting next to that guy who changed appearances every day and acted like he was better than everyone else. Whatever. To each his own... as long as it wasn't Princess Sonia.

Looking over to see that the young lady in question and Tanaka were next in line, Souda threw the latter another sneer and turned back to the booth before Sonia could notice and reprimand him again. He leaned in closer to Koizumi and muttered, "Listen, I'll pay you good money if you agree not to take the photo of the next two people in line."

"Get the hell away from me, you pig," she said, casually jabbing him in the stomach with an elbow before setting her finger upon the top button of the camera. "Okay, smile!"

Mioda threw her arm around the swindler, grinning cheekily and throwing up a peace sign. He offered a small smile himself that looked a bit less smug than normal, and the camera flashed. Souda gripped both hands over his bruising abdomen while he waited for the two to be done with their photo reel.

After a few minutes, Koizumi set the developing photos onto a table where several other black squares were resting. "I'll get them to you by the end of the night, guys."

"Thank you, merci, gracias!" Mioda trilled, grabbing her victim's hand and hoisting them both to their feet. "C'mon, Porkfeet, we've got more singing to do!" She dragged him off to where everyone else had gathered, though Souda noted that he didn't seem as reluctant as someone about to sing with Ibuki should be.

Okay, whatever. Not my main concern right now, the mechanic reminded himself. He glared at Tanaka, who was now sitting next to Sonia and flushing. The breeder glared back, though not as maliciously as he had earlier in the evening.

"Okay, Koizumi, I'll pay you everything I have, just don't - "

"How about you don't tell me what to do?" Koizumi retorted, setting her camera in her lap and turning her head to give a fiercer glare than Souda could ever muster. "All I'm doing is taking photos of people being happy, and if you have a problem with that, you're even more disgusting than I thought."

"Uh, well, no, that's not what I meant..." Souda lowered his voice to a whisper. "I want 'em to be happy, just not together, y'know?"

"I don't care," Koizumi hissed back. "It's happening whether you like it or not, so I suggest you stop being so gross about it."

The two were locked in a glaring match for a few moments before Souda relented and stood back up, muttering angrily to himself. He scowled at Tanaka while he took photos with Sonia, but neither really seemed to notice.

"Can you two scoot in a bit closer?" Koizumi asked, camera glued to her eye. Sonia complied cheerfully, and Souda threw his hands up in the air and sulked away. He could hear Koizumi muttering, "Good riddance," which only served to deepen the snarl on his lips.

I didn't want to have to do this, he thought grimly. But I have no choice. It's time to pull out all the stops. He marched over to where most of the students were gathered and called out, "Hey, anyone know that pop song Valentine Day Kiss?"

He noticed Pekoyama giving Kuzuryuu a quick look from the corner of her eyes. He ignored it, but Mioda smiled and said, "Oh, does our little gangster like bubbly pop songs after all?"

Kuzuryuu groaned. "God damn it, Peko."

Her stone mask cracked slightly into a frown. "My apologies, young master."

"It's nothing to be ashamed of!" Mioda cheered. "Ibuki doesn't judge. She thinks it's kind of endearing, actually!"

"Shut up. And Souda, if you're going to ask me to sing with you, then the answer is hell no," Kuzuryuu said, scowling.

"Come over here with me for a second," Souda said, moving to snatch Kuzuryuu's arm. He was met with Pekoyama's fist. "Ow! Hey, I wasn't gonna hurt him or nothin'."

"No one is permitted to touch a member of the Kuzuryuu family without advance permission," Pekoyama responded, her red eyes staring into Souda. He shifted backwards.

"Peko, don't make a big deal out of it," Kuzuryuu muttered, looking at the ground. "...I'll give you two minutes, Souda."

"Sweet! Over here," he said, pointing to a quiet corner. They walked away from the group, and once they were far away enough, Souda began trying to convince the gangster. "Okay, um... I actually didn't expect that you of all people would be the only one to know that song, but whatever."

"You're not off to a good start," Kuzuryuu said, glare firmly in place.

"I'm gettin' there! Look, I wanna impress Sonia and get her away from that creep Tanaka, right? And you wanna impress Pekoyama, right? So - "

"Hold the fuck up," he seethed. "My relationship with Peko is nothing like what you might think it is, you hormone-addled piece of shit. I don't want to come up with some dumbass plan to make her fall for me because she wouldn't do that, and I don't want her to."

"But you guys are together so often! It's obvious - "

"No. Stop talking. Believe it or not, there are ways that people can be in relationships and care about each other without them being romantic about it at all."

"Okay, okay, geez," Souda said, holding his hands up defensively. "Can you just do this as a favor to me, then?"

"A favor? Why the fuck would I want to..." Kuzuryuu trailed off, thought for a moment, and grinned. Souda suddenly felt apprehensive. "Okay, Souda. I'll sing your stupid song with you. But you owe me, and I'm allowed to redeem my favor anytime I want. Deal?"

Souda stared at the small hand that was thrust out in front of him. He knew that making deals with the mafia was a bad idea - actually, probably one of the worst ideas ever - but what was the worst a high school student could do, really? His favor would probably be getting an object from a tall shelf or giving out piggyback rides or something. Souda shrugged and shook the gangster's hand.

"Alright, let's get this over with." Kuzuryuu walked up to the stairs and waited for Nidai and Owari to stop with whatever song they were in the middle of - it sounded a bit like a hero's ballad or something - before climbing up to the stage. Souda followed close behind. Both boys chose the song and took a microphone.

Their voices blended so well together that soon every student from their class was listening with rapt attention. In the audience, Sonia jumped excitedly in place, not noticing how Souda's eyes flicked to her on every "I love you."

"Aren't they wonderful, Mister Tanaka?" she asked, looking up at the man in question and flashing a smile.

"Though they act like demons, they have the voices of cherubs," Tanaka responded, staring bemusedly at Kuzuryuu and Souda singing back-to-back onstage. He then noticed Sonia's beaming smile and retreated into his scarf.

"Yes, and I'm glad that Mister Souda finally found someone else to be 'bros' with! His behavior has been worrying me lately," Sonia said, putting a hand to her chin.

"He has never been the agreeable sort," Tanaka muttered. "But his actions as of late are especially disruptive."

"You two have always beaten the odds, have you not?"

"I believe the expression is that we have been at odds... and yes, I suppose. Ever since setting foot into my temporary abode, he refuses to act in a civil manner. He has completely disregarded the respect that I warned he should have for someone of my stature, lest he face the gods' wrath!" Tanaka's hamsters squeaked inside his muffler, sensing their owner's aggravation. "Hear how they roar! See how they quake with rage at the insolent one's actions! Ha, it shall not be long before he faces a just punishment..." Tanaka glanced at Sonia, remembering her lecture from earlier. "...Or perhaps he already has."

"Ah, nonsense, that was nothing! The two of you were bickering like children, and I had to do something, yes?"

"No, it was... a fearsome spectacle to behold." Tanaka broke eye contact, swallowing nervously. "You have my respect."

Sonia clasped her hands at her chest and smiled adoringly at Tanaka, who still wouldn't look at her. "I am incredibly honored to hear that!"

"Y-yes, well... as you should be!" The breeder tilted his head toward the heavens, breaking into a shaky bought of laughter. "Very few on this earthly plane have won my trust. It is quite reasonable that you would bask in the glory of this moment!"

On impulse, Sonia grabbed Tanaka's chin and softly tilted his head downwards. She looked into his eyes, which had widened considerably, and giggled to herself.

"What are you doing?" Tanaka asked, flinching away only slightly.

Sonia abruptly released her hold, back up a few steps. "Ah, I apologize! You simply looked so happy, and it is such a rare occurrence that I wished to see your face. I hope I have not overstepped our boundaries."

"N-no, it..." Tanaka folded his arms across his chest. "It is fine, princess."

"Hey, guys!" Looking very aware of what had just transpired, Souda warily walked over to where Sonia and Tanaka were standing. Ignoring the latter altogether, he asked, "So, Lady Sonia, y'saw me, right? Right? I was good, right?"

"Yes, yes," Sonia responded, fidgeting in place. "You and Mister Kuzuryuu sing quite well together."

"Yeah, he ain't half bad," Souda dismissed, waving his hand. "But I was the real star of the show! His singin' is a little... funky."

"I enjoyed both interpretations of the song." Sonia sighed, delicately running a hand over her eyes. "Nonetheless, it is getting quite late. Perhaps I should retire."

"Oh, already? Can't you stay for a lil' longer?" Souda pouted. "I'll sing some more for ya!"

"No, I must leave early tomorrow for Novoselic. It is best that I get some sleep now."

"What? You're leavin' for the whole winter break?"

"Yes, I believe most everyone is." Sonia looked at Tanaka again, brightening a bit. "Are you going anywhere for the week, Mister Tanaka?"

"Indeed. I must travel overseas to investigate the state of a previously endangered species; I pray the gods have not chosen to end its reign on this planet just yet."

"Fascinating! You'll have to tell me all about it when you return," Sonia replied, smiling.

"Yeah, well, g'night, Lady Sonia!" Souda stepped in, glaring at Tanaka and stooping to plant a kiss on Sonia's hand. "Have a good break, yeah? I'll miss ya."

"...Yes. I hope you enjoy the holiday respite, as well." The princess cradled her hand defensively to her chest while Souda walked away. She sighed. "Well, Mister Tanaka, have a lovely evening! I, too, hope that all endangered species are well. I will see you when we both return."

Tanaka nodded. "I will pray for your safety on your trip. Have a restful sleep."

Sonia nodded back, gaze lingering on Tanaka for a few moments, and then waved as she turned and walked away. "You have a safe trip as well, Mister Tanaka! Farewell."

"Farewell," Tanaka sighed as Sonia walked away, taking his chattering hamsters from his scarf. He listened to them, eyes widening. "N-no, Dark Gods, do not say such things... I will be too busy to miss her. A week is but the blink of an eye in the immortal life of Gundam Tanaka, and we will soon be back here." Cham-P whined. "Do not despair. You will all see her in time."

The Four Kings were tucked back in place, and Tanaka spent the rest of the night in the corner of the auditorium, watching everyone else perform and feeling unusually lonely.