A/N: It's been soooooooooooooooooo long since I opened my fanfiction account and just realized that I received PMs from a few readers who supported me and asked me to update my old-old-old on-going stories. I deeply apologize because I've been in hiatus for some time but well, I don't know what actually came over me that I somehow felt like starting it again. Writing fanfictions. I have a few drafts of new stories but I won't release it yet. I haven't even decided which story for which pairs/ships. So that should be a good news, right?

Bad news is you guys need to bear the suffering of reading my shitty writing skill :") Please bear the pain for our dear OTP!

Oh, reminder, I only corrected this with Office Word. All in all, please enjoy!

COPYRIGHT: I do not own Kantai Collection or any of its character(s); but I do kind of own this story (I guess? lol)

"Spicing Up One's Life"

Chapter 2: Getting a Friend

"...Let's be friends from now on..." The sudden flashback drew a little smirk on Kaga's face. It was a memory from four days ago that won't leave her mind.

The Student Council President is a quite mysterious person in her point of view. For a moment, she can see that Akagi is the kind that brings a lot of cheerful side around everyone. Looking at her for a few days now, she looks like a perfect student with no flaws, unless that's the problem Kaga is dealing with. The thought of 'a perfect student' just don't match her mind that well, something was off if she takes Akagi as such person.

She remembers the way she smiles. She will admit it was really charming and Kaga was a little captivated by her smile the first time she saw it, but until she really talks to Akagi, she just knew something was hidden behind that sweet charming smile she always giving everyone.

Mm... Be friends, she said, but...

No matter how Kaga looks at it, Akagi's eyes and smile don't match her words at all.

Could she possibly see me as a treat...?

A treat might be it, but Kaga had no idea if there's anything that could make herself as a treat to Akagi.

"Stop being a nuisance-"

A burden... Having to come up with that thought, Kaga throw a quick glance at Akagi.

I guess it's okay as long as I don't mess up.

Kaga pulled her attention back to the books on her table.

Besides, there are things more important I should think of.

That's what she thought, but the thought of Akagi still won't leave her mind. She will secretly take a few glances at the president and she hates the fact that she grew fond of Akagi's smiles after a while. She really need to stop doing this or it will get even weirder. So she decided to throw her attention to the window on her left side, but it didn't take that long until a teacher came inside the room.

"Good morning, class!" Greeted a teacher while putting down her books on the table. "So let's start with the usual, you will be working on a quick project in a group and it requires two people in it. I know you are all great and smart students, just so I can entertain myself more, I'd like to be the one who choose your partner." She explained and goes back to sit on her seat.

Looking around the class, it seems that no one objects the idea. She smiles satisfyingly, "I will call out the names of two persons each and you can start pair up and working on it. I'll start now, pay your attention. Megumi and Hide-"

And so it went on until she came to Kaga's name, which came a little unfamiliar for her.

"Kaga-san, huh? You are that first year student? Oh, sorry, you are that transferred student?"

"Yes, that would be me." Kaga bows down respectively, "I'll be in your care from now on, sensei."

"Ara, how respectful manner you have. I'd like to know more about you, but you need to work on the task now, Kaga-san. So, let's see..." She looks around the class once more, trying to find a partner for Kaga. It didn't take long for her when she set her eyes on a girl with short hair. "Hiryuu-san, you'll be Kaga-san's partner this time. You can quickly start on the task."

Kaga take a good look at her partner, first partner. She looks like a nice girl, so Kaga don't really think about it that much.

"Um... Let's take this table, is that okay for you, Kaga-san?" The so-called 'Hiryuu' asked.

"Yes," Of course it's okay for her since it was Kaga's table to begin with. "Hiryuu-san-"

"Yeah?" The quick answer made Kaga flinched a little. It's hard to notice though.

"May I know how this so-called 'Project' works?"

"Eh? AH, don't worry too much about it. It's just how sensei calls it; it's basically just working on the task given."

"And what's the task?"

"Let's see..." Hiryuu opens her book and start flipping through the pages. She stopped after skipping quite many pages there. "This one. Page 49 until page 50."

"Mm, this is a task we need to work on together... So-"

"I'll do page 49, is that okay with you?"

Kaga nodded and mutters a low 'Sure' as a reply.

It was just like that, the two of them started working on the tasks. It was so relaxing and somehow Kaga noticed something odd for her; or maybe she wasn't really used to this kind of atmosphere before.

This is really different. Kaga thought, glancing a little around the class and all she could see is only students working on the task.

It's different comparing to her Junior High school, but this is something she expected from an A-rated class.

"Mm..." She turned a little to the person across the table.

She's a girl with short light brown-hair and this might be the first time for Kaga to be paired with someone else without having them leaving the task for Kaga to finish alone. She sighed in relief, it's a great feeling realizing that.

"Eh? Kaga-san, are you done yet? That's fast!"

"Hm? No, not yet."

"Ah, but you were sighing in relief, I thought you finished."

"No, I just thought about something."

It's a little embarrassing being caught like that. Kaga quickly turned her attention back to her task. She thought her partner would just leave it at that and continuing to work on the task, but she was wrong.

"You know, Kaga-san, at first I thought you're quite hard to approach and... I'm kinda scared to talk with you."

Usually, Kaga wouldn't want to put up with a conversation while working on a task, but hearing her partner's first impression on her like that makes Kaga feel a little more curious to know. Besides, it'll be rude to let her talk without Kaga giving any respond to it. Remember, she can't keep a rude attitude for long.

"I apologize if I give off such impression towards you, but... why are you scared?"

"You don't really have to apologize though, since you didn't do anything wrong." She smiled. "It's just... I think it's because of your sharp eyes and the way you look at people. It's not bad, besides I think it's pretty cool. But, you know, maybe it's a bit...intimidating."

Kaga raised an eyebrow a little at it. "Is that so..."

"Yeah, but now that I'm really talking with you... I've brushed away all those bad thoughts about you. You're a pretty nice person and very polite too."

"It's just the right thing to do. Even though I'm transferred from the first year to second year, that doesn't hide the fact that I'm still a year younger than everyone else in my class."

"True though..." This brings another silence as Kaga focusing back on her task, but a different story for her partner.

Hiryuu wants to focus back on the task too, but something distracting her somehow. She sighed, looking at her book once again, but it didn't take long until something distracting her again. Kaga's eyes were looking at her way for three times now. "Ka-"

Oh.

It was the only thing crossed Hiryuu's mind. She smirks as she looks at Kaga who seems to glance at something behind her, every now and then. Feeling curious, she turns her head around just to see what has been taking her partner's attention for some time now. There are three groups behind Hiryuu and since Kaga don't seem to talk with anyone else but the teachers and the student council president, she only came to a conclusion that it is the president whom Kaga has been glancing at.

She turns back to Kaga just to make sure she didn't have the wrong person to guess. She waited and Kaga once again stole a quick glance and it goes straight to Akagi. She chuckled lightly, then decided to concentrate back to her task. It was a little longer, but Kaga glanced at Akagi again. It doesn't feel like it's annoying or anything, but for Hiryuu to realize it this obivious makes her super curious. Kaga was right in front of her for whatever's sake.

Hiryuu can't help the urge to let it out, so she started out with a little teasing. "Isn't she pretty?"

The question quickly got Kaga's full attention. "Um... Pardon me?"

"The student council president, Akagi-san."

"Yes, what about her?"

"Don't you think she's pretty?"

"She's..." Kaga hesitates, it was true that Akagi is pretty but Kaga somehow lacks the ability to admit it. She closed her eyes and say, "...not ugly."

It didn't sound really that amazing for Hiryuu, she was a little disappointed but with the way Kaga saying it, Hiryuu feels something is a little off. She thought an impression like that is a little naive, saying that a person is 'not ugly' wasn't something Hiryuu expected with the way Kaga stole every little chance to glance at the president.

Feeling a little annoyed and more curious, she went for the kill. "Do you like her, Kaga-san?"

Kaga stopped writing and froze.

"Eh? K-Kaga-san...?" The sudden gesture and sent an instant fear for Hiryuu.

"That's..." Hiryuu take a better look at Kaga who seems a little hesitating, but then she sighed. "I don't think I've taken such interest towards her. I respect her."

"Really? So... why were you looking at her with such look?"

"What are you saying?"

"It's..." This time, Hiryuu hesitated and as much as she wants to keep on teasing her new friend, it wasn't right if she butts in something that Kaga clearly in denial. Plus, they just talk to each other today.

"Nevermind, I guess I was hallucinating there."

Hiryuu was having the idea that Kaga take a liking towards the president, even when she's not admitting it. They just talked to each other today, so she decided to drop the subject for some time later. "Let me finish this, I'm almost done. How about you, Kaga-san? We will have to re-check them to make sure."

Kaga only nodded in agreement. It never took long for Kaga to re-check, it's even unnecessary for her to do so in the first place. She was sure enough about her works and she has never failed, but acting like a smart-ass student will get her into trouble and she has gone this far to finally get someone like Hiryuu to talk to her (and hopefully stick with her). Kaga still isn't used to be so down-to-earth towards people.

She sighed, thinking about it is even pointless if she's only thinking and not actually take any action.

"I guess it's about time."

The day at school ended just like that.

It was a little better than the previous days where she always stays in class alone or going to the cafeteria all by herself. Today she knew a girl that could possibly be called as her friend now. Hiryuu is her name. She's nice, cute and to say the least, Kaga is surprised this girl can stay this long around her. Little did she know, Hiryuu is into Archery, which is also the reason why she bugs Kaga right after the last class ended.

"C'mon, Kaga-san! At least, come and see me practice. You'll love it." She begged.

Hiryuu have started asking Kaga to join the Archery Club ever since the student council president reminded Kaga about joining a club as soon as possible. Kaga refused. A club just don't fit her and there is nothing caught her attention. Going to school and study is enough for Kaga, she said. Sadly, the president doesn't even care about anything she said. School rules. Even though Kaga is a second year, the rules of joining a club like any other first year students still apply to her. So in the end, the president only told Kaga to join a club already.

Kaga spilled a word about it to Hiryuu and the said girl never think twice to offer Kaga to join the Archery Club.

Kaga only sighed as she finished putting her books back into her bag. She turned to Hiryuu and gave the girl a small nod.

The two went to the place where the Archery Club usually practice. The Dojo. It was exclusive, no wonder since this is a pretty known and famous school to begin with. The school sure provided every clubs with everything they need. As they arrived, Hiryuu told Kaga to wait as she approaches a beautiful woman who seems to be the instructor or the coach of the Archery Club.

The woman turned to Kaga, in which she instinctively gave the woman a polite bow. Next thing she knew, Hiryuu was running towards her way.

"No running, please." The woman warned with a smile.

Hearing that, Hiryuu slowed down. It turns out that the woman really is the instructor and she is also the person in charge in Archery Club. Hiryuu asked the instructor's permission to let Kaga watch today's practice and all. Since Kaga got the permission, she gets to watch most activities in the Archery Club. It is a little disturbing when some of the students passing by and they seem to recognize Kaga and they won't stop whispering—wondering—about Kaga's purpose of watching today's club activity.

Do I look that intimidating...?

She sighed, decides to ignore everyone and waits patiently for Hiryuu to finish and observes the club every now and then as well.

Archery isn't something so alien for Kaga. At least, she is a little familiar with a few things. She knows the technical of how to use a bow. Seeing it right before her eyes, Kaga thought it doesn't look as hard as knowing it theoretically. There are beginners and there are those people who already got used using a bow and hitting the target. It sure is enjoyable watching how the process going. She even watched Hiryuu.

She chuckled lightly when Hiryuu missed a target. It was way too far from the target.

After for about an hour or so, Hiryuu came up to Kaga and already back to her uniform. She said something about the instructor allowed her to go home earlier than everyone else because she don't want Kaga to wait too long. Kaga was a bit disappointed since she planned to thank the instructor personally.

"Well, maybe next time when you finally join in." Kaga only nodded. "So? What do you think of the Archery Club?"

"It's not bad at all."

"See? I knew you'd like it!"

"But I still can't decide yet."

Hiryuu didn't push Kaga any further there, even though she wanted the girl to join the Archery Club, the big decision is still in Kaga's hand. At least she already gave Kaga a quick look of how the club works.

Both of them go their separate ways after they got off the train. Hiryuu said something about having to meet up with some of her old friends and such, she offered Kaga to come along but Kaga thought it wouldn't be a good idea for her. For Kaga, hanging out with strangers never sounded good. She will end up being there but not quite there at the same time. Hiryuu gets it and waves Kaga a 'See you tomorrow' before taking her leave.

She also added a small note about addressing each other without honorifics.

"I guess it's fine. She seems like a really nice girl, too."

Before the day ended, a small realization came to Kaga's head as she sits on her couch—relaxing herself. She got a friend. She had to admit, it's not bad at all and it feels less boring than usual. Maybe it's just her or maybe it does really feel that way. Weird thing is the two haven't even exchange emails. It's not like it matters much, since Kaga only ever contacting her sister, Tosa.

Thinking that reminded Kaga about doing it, sending another email to her sister.

She flipped her cellphone open, ready to send an email simply just to tell Tosa about how she has been doing for the day. Two days ago, Kaga also sent an email, asking for at least an explanation if Tosa actually planned this ahead—getting Kaga to enter that school and even going as far as having Kaga to be transferred as a second year—because as far as Kaga knew, the school Kaga attended was actually the school Tosa have wanted to attend so badly back then.

Tosa haven't replied to her yet, Kaga understands that she is probably busy and all. So she decided to just spam her sister's inbox, knowing Tosa won't be replying soon, she put her cellphone on her table and grabbed her novel in which she didn't get any chance to read it at school today. A new record for her.

After reading about three paragraphs of the novel and finally enjoy her alone time, her phone vibrates, indicating that she received an email. Her mind could only process one person.

Tosa.

She grabbed her phone and flipped it open with no hesitation, but all she was greeted by was disappointment. She sighed. It wasn't her sister.

The email says, "Please, save this email."

She frowns, raises one of her eyebrow.

Is this some kind of a new way to prank people? Or maybe a crime…?

She ignored the instruction to save the email, but since she don't want to be rude, she replied to it.

"Who is this?" was the simplest thing came to Kaga's mind as a reply.

In almost not a single second wasted, a reply came. Kaga almost stop breathing as she reads the reply.

It says, "Ah, sorry. I'm Akagi, the Student Council President."

Kaga don't see a reason why she should ask further more about how could Akagi got her email address. She's the president, she probably has nearly all the students' email addresses. So she went and saved the email, not even intending to reply to the email again. More like, there really isn't anything to reply to, so she let it be.

Until came another email from Akagi.

"So you're joining Archery Club?"

That one definitely caught Kaga's attention and urge her to reply.

"I haven't joined any club yet."

"Oh, I thought you joined already. I saw you at the dojo after school today with Hiryuu."

"Are you stalking me?"

"I just happen to pass by the dojo."

"Is that so…"

Kaga secretly wished her reply will end there, but it seems like Akagi is having so much free time that she had to keep sending Kaga emails.

"Are you normally like this?"

Kaga frowns.

"Pardon me?"

"Nothing. Well, have a good night, Kaga-san. Sorry to disturb you."

The frown almost as if like it never left Kaga's face. Something about Akagi is still a big question mark for Kaga. That president sure knows how to mess with Kaga's head. The way Akagi asked "Are you normally like this?" is a little suspicious, it's as if she is a little disappointed with how Kaga reacted to her. Not to mention how she prevent any further conversation by ending it like that.

She sighed, being as polite as she is, she simply replied.

"It's not a problem at all. Good night to you as well, Akagi-san."

A/N: Short? I know. This has been sitting on my draft and I just feel like I only need to do certain changes here and there. It may take a while to update to the next chapter, but well, I'll try my best! I still have a few other stories to work on as well :")