The vast majority of votes saying to go for it... Very well.

There is no turning back from now.

"...you were right yesterday." I whisper, barely audible to her ear. "I... I do like you more than a friend." A long moment of silence after that seems like an eternity. "I don't know when it all started and what started that feeling. Were those your looks? Your charm? I can't define. I... I guess that's what it is."

...She's silent.

My God, she's silent. I blew this up. I failed on so many levels it's not even funny.

"...do you mean it?" She asks me, making my heart skip a beat. I'm still hugging her and now I sort of awkwardly let go. Saki supports herself with her cane, standing just inches from me. Something glitters in her eyes and I think this might be... hope.

"I guess. I'll be honest, I thought for a second it's going to be just like with Misha... that you... no, that both of us just longed for physical contact, for intimacy. That all of it was just our primal instincts going wild... but now I think I know that wasn't the case."

"..." She's silent again. I know she's listening intently to what I'm saying and what I'm going to say. Cannot screw this one up.

"I... I feel like we're close to each other somehow. I think that's not just physical contact now. You are a great person despite your horrible fate. In spite of that, you keep your head high up and never let your spirit fall down. At first I thought it's stupid..."

"..."

"Now I know it's a deed worthy of a greatest hero." I look her straight into eyes. That little speech I just gave was bad and half-assed. I feel like it has little to do with my actual feelings towards Saki. I mean, "hero"? It seems as if it came out of nowhere.

Then again, when such a beauty looks at you, standing so closely to you, it's hard to form words coherently.

"...I'm sorry. I'm spouting nonsense." She's still silent. Don't know what to make of it.

"You do not." Saki finally responds, shaking her head. I just watch her, not sure how to respond. "Thanks. It's cute."

...Cute?

"Oh." I look away, somehow embarrassed by that remark.

"But I'm happy to hear that, y'know?" She smiles gently. That smile... that smile's probably the biggest reward to ever exist for me. "I feel you're being really genuine."

"I feel so too. I guess." Saying words just to keep the conversation going? Where did I end?

Awkward silence is in the air yet again. Whoop-de-do.

"So... uh, what now?" I finally ask. Sheesh. I need to now when not to say a word.

"Guess you should give me a kiss now." She responds, surprisingly shyly. Considering yesterday's events, I'm somewhat surprised.

"Uh... sure." I gently pull her closer to myself and meet her lips with mine in a brief kiss. Saki buries her head in my chest. She's smiling.

That's more than enough for me.

"Shall we go back? They might be worrying."

"Sure thing."

The day passes quickly.

Very quickly.

After Lilly and Hanako left, I checked the watch on my cellphone. Still two hours until curfew.

What to do?

There was a bit of a snuggle between us, but even such intimacy can get boring if it gets repetitive and too long. The glaring problem is: what else can we do now?

My train of thought is interrupted by a cute quiet snore that most likely is one of Saki herself. Indeed, it seems that she's fast asleep. Strange. I wonder what exhausted her today so much.

Well, no point thinking about this for now. Guess I won't be disturbing her now. With a small smile, I give her one last peck in the cheek before slowly getting out of her grasp and quietly excusing myself outside.

I can't help but wonder what will emerge from this mess I've gotten myself into. Me and Saki are now officially a couple.

This isn't something that can be kept secret. Either by my or Saki's admission or by observation, other people in here will take notice of it. The Power Trio knows already for once. What will their reactions be? Will they accept it? Will they persecute it? Perhaps they'll be indifferent?

Whatever will happen and whatever the opinion of the crowd is, it doesn't change the fact that has happened.

I suppose it is of no use, thinking about it now. I should be savoring the moment and all memories I have gathered while also making enough room for new ones that will ineviteably appear over time. The festival that is just tomorrow seems like a good source of memories. Guess that also means I've got a plan all scheduled up then.

Bah. My thoughts start to make no sense at all. I guess I might as well call it a day and catch some zzz's. Funny how this confession tired me out more than anything here before, including the incident from yesterday.

Trying to get my brain into working properly, I head towards men's dorms. Finding not a single soul on my way there, I lazily get into my room and almost instantly fall asleep the way I came inside, crashing on the bed with a thud.

Alarm clock.

Normally I'd grumble, mumble and then proceed to find it. Sometimes, however, there are days when my mind works the way it should, sharp and insightful. I think it happens to everyone really.

Today was such a day. Was it because of the festival? Or maybe because now I had a much stronger purpose than "learn something and enjoy the day"? Perhaps. One never knows.

Getting myself organized and checking the time, I find myself wondering what does this festival has in store for us. I've never been too knowledgeable about Japanese culture – especially that more traditional – so I can't really tell. I suppose others might know more and since it's only ten in the morning, perhaps there is still time before we start the whole event.

Getting myself something black to wear, I check the surroundings once more. Everything seems to be in place... and yet I can't help but think something isn't quite right.

Strange. Why would be out of place? Am I simply getting anxious because of an incoming event?

...to be honest, I'm a little weirded out. I won't say my thought proccess is something to be proud of, but it's never been this clouded. This chaotic. It's like my thoughts battle each other, losing the general idea of them behind a cloud of dust.

...is this what it feels to be in love? As in, genuine one? Not just lust? Not just being charmed...

Or maybe I'm talking myself into this, believing that I really love her and so does she? Well, I guess she did say that she reciprocates my feelings.

...no point thinking about this. It's only going to give me a headache which I don't really need right now or anywhere today.

Suddenly, my cellphone vibrates. Seems like I've got a message from someone. Closer inspection reveals that it's from Emi. Huh. Most likely she wants to ask whether I have any plans for today. Since now I'm officially Saki's boyfriend, I'll have to refuse her offer and-

"hi cant make it 2day sorry"

...huh. Well, that eases things up for sure. Out of people to politely refuse to, that leaves Lilly and Hanako. I take Hisao will team up with Shizune and Misha while The Power Trio grabs Mikhail. Can't say I mind. I also assume that Miss Satou might want to take Miss Ikezawa someplace quiet, like Shanghai. Wonder where Saki will want to go.

Finally exiting my room, I check the watch once again. Just before eleven. Saki hasn't phoned me yet and since we didn't set any specific date for our meeting, I assume she's going to sooner or later.

Well, I suppose that I can walk around Yamaku for now, see what's in store for today.

Today's beautiful. Not gonna lie, the weather's perfect. While clear skies have been for a while now – much to Misaki's pleasure, of course – the temperature was kinda jumping all over the place. Now, it's, dare I say, perfect. The small wind blows, diminishing the warmness just enough to make it feel cool rather than cold.

Most of green fields around the school seems to be occupied with various stands, booths and such. People are working hard everywhere around me, setting them up, fixing or making last preparations before the big show. Somewhere in that crowd I catch a glimpse of pink hair.

I suppose it won't hurt to talk. 'sides, if Hisao's with them, then I can check up on him to see if Shizune – who I assume to be alongside Misha – doesn't order him around too much.

Yup, my assumption is correct. The drill-haired girl is with our class rep and our local arrhytmic.

"Cas-chan!" She greets me with a wave and a big grin. Shizune resorts to a simple nod, though given the circumstances I can't be asking for more.

"Hey. Been a while, hasn't it?" Hisao greets me as well. Guess he's got a point here. Despite being in the same class and living pretty much next to each other we're still acquintances at best. Puzzling, in a way.

"Quite. Seems you're managing everything perfectly." I respond, giving a small glance around. One thing that caught my attention was a small notebook in Shizune's hands. Some info about the festival, technicalities and such, I wager.

"Well, duh. Shicchan is a true ace when it comes to organization." Misha's grin widens a little bit. Seems like the bespectacled girl next to her took a compliment well and now is just smiling, rubbing her chin. "But we probably wouldn't make it without Hicchan over here." She adds, giving Hisao a small pat on the shoulder. He smiles as well, though in his case it seems a little forced.

"Seems like lots of work you did here. Hopefully folks can have fun because of your work."

"Sure they will. It was kinda difficult to get people to occupy booths, but we've got this covered." Misha chimes.

"So when is the festival going to start?" I ask.

"In a few hours or so. Gonna be lots of folks on it, both from and from outside the school." Oh? I suppose it makes sense for people from the outside to be invited. I mean, festivals like that are somewhat a big deal in Japan, I do believe.

"Sounds great. Can't wait."

"Will you come with someone, Cas-chan?" Ah, the question that I thought I might be able to avoid. I clear my throat to cover my grimace, at least for a moment.

"...yeah, I will."

"Oooh. Who's the lucky girl?" Misha's grin widened even more. I didn't even think it was possible. Shizune's not grinning, but I can feel and see she's quite amused too, judging by the glint in her eye. Hisao, on the other hand, looks a little helpless and a little apologetic. It's like he wanted to say "sorry man, but I can't get you out of this one".

"I, uh... does it matter? I mean..."

"Come on, don't keep us waiting!" I let out a small sigh before looking around, desperately looking for a solution to come out of this situation mentally and pride-wise unscathed.

"...Saki."

There's a brief moment of silence between us four before Shizune chuckles soundlessly and gives a small nod before resuming signing. Misha seems briefly confused, but translates as usually. Hisao... I don't think he recalls Saki at all.

"Well, in that case, congratulations!" The pink-haired girl bursts into her trademark laughter. "Hope you two can make a fine couple!"

"...I didn't say we are a couple..." It's a bad lie, but I'd like to try.

"Yeah, sure you aren't." Misha winks at me before laughing again. Heh. I kind of missed that laughter, even if it's putting my ears in a meat grinder.

"Why do you even assume we are a couple?"

"Shicchan says that you wouldn't be so hesistant to tell us about her if you two weren't." Observant, aren't you, Shizune? Then again, I suppose it was obvious enough.

"...yeah, we kinda became an item yesterday." I finally say, rolling my eyes a little.

"Knew this would happen eventually." Of all people, it's Hisao who says that. "I mean, that you will get yourself a girlfriend."

"...really now?"

"Don't want to be offensive, rude or anything, but girls kinda... flock to you." Yeah, that much I've noticed. Sometimes I can't help but feel that this isn't really for the best though.

"That they do." Misha adds with a grin. I can't help but chuckle. Yeah. There is something in their words. I can't help it but somehow... I just end up with girls around me. Funny, considering that I shyed from the crowds back before the incident.

What happened that change it? I doubt my current disfigurement is a reason for this. Perhaps it's just that people are more approachable here than back in Tokyo and I simply find myself at ease around them?

"You're not paying attention." A voice in my head says. Before I can formulate a response, I'm already in the darkened room with Nega, playing this accursed chess set yet again. "Queen beats Knight." A figurine of Blitz rips apart my Knight, shaped after Saki, limb from limb. I take a longer while to comprehend this which does not go unnoticed by my opponent.

"Moved? Good, that's how it should be." He taunts me, sipping his wine. "Don't think fixing yourself a cripple chick will help you get rid of me. Oh no. If anything, you give me more ammo." Nega chuckles, staring at the chessboard.

"Perhaps "getting" her, as you called it, won't solve anything, but being with her sure can." I respond, furrowing a brow. It appears that I have missed a lot of our chess match: I'm at severe disadvantage right now, left only with a King, the other Knight and three Pawns. Meanwhile, Nega himself still had a good half of his army of figurines, all of them shaped after demons of all kinds and sizes.

"Still deceiving yourself? You still don't know whether you love that girl or not." I'm silent, hearing his accusation.

"It is worth a try, considering we had a good start."

"It surely muddles up your brain quite a bit. Check." What? Seems that I was too focused on Nega himself to notice that we're still playing and that I'm subconciously just moving those pieces in places where I think it might be safe. Right now, the Blitz looms over the figurine of myself, baring its teeth in a carnal, animalistic fashion.

"What do you mean?"

"You've lost your focus. Before this... oh so romantic confession of yours, you were up to the task and played evenly with me, even during your little incident earlier. Now however, either you're giving me this win or plainly don't pay attention. Queen beats Pawn. Check." The demon of electricity lunges at figurine of Suzu and rips it to pieces just as it did with Saki's.

"I do believe you said it was a warmup." I murmur, staring at Nega carefully. He's smiling a genuine smile, awaiting my defeat.

"I also said that I am loosening my restraints. You didn't force my hand completely now, not just yet, but perhaps thrashing you now will give you something to think about. Mate." I take a look at the chessboard. My King is indeed surrounded with no way of escaping by those infernal figurines, roaring, laughing and mocking.

"Very well. You won." I get up from my seat and without further ado leave. Nega... seems to be content with this as he just stays in his seat, sipping his wine.

I don't care what Nega says.

I've found a person I'm ready to care for. Ready to love her.

...and even if there will be some difficulties on our way, I think we can take them head-on.

…

I really hope so.

The brown-haired beauty before me smiles, happy to see me. I smile as well, as much as my disfigured face would allow before giving her my hand, a hand she gladly accepts.

Together, we set off to enjoy the festival... the first act of what I believe might be something that will put my mind at ease and give her happiness at the same time.

I'd like to apologize for such a long delay. I simply couldn't find any idea or motivation to continue writing this. Even now I think that this chapter is a little half-assed. Anyway, this concludes Act 1. I don't know whether I'm going to continue it and if I do, I don't know in what direction will it go. Apart from normal reviews, any kinds of suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :)