Author's Notes: So we're a week into October... I'm not a big fan of Halloween. I mean, it's fun to celebrate and all, but this also marks the season of crazy weirdos... and idiots... What kind of person do you have to be to think it's a a great idea to dress up like clowns and threaten high schools? But anyways, filler chapter this week. Next week will be the final Operation.

~24 OCTOBER 2009~

With Minato feeling better, the twins were able to finish another Social Link they shared. Maiko, the little girl from the shrine, happily spent a complete afternoon with the twins for the last time. Although she enjoyed their games together, the time came for her to say goodbye to the older teens.

"We played enough for you to remember me, right? Don't forget," she looked up at them both. "I'm leaving today… an' Dad said, I'll always be his daughter… Even though we're far away, we're still family… So, I don't have to be sad." Her smile slightly faltered. "We're gonna be far apart too… But you and me are family. I mean, not really, but you're my onee-chan and onii-chan, okay? Forever and ever." She held up her pinky finger.

Hamuko linked her pinky to the girl's and nodded. "We won't forget."

"No matter what," Minato added, kneeling down to hug the elementary school student.

Maiko did her best to hold back her tears as she pulled out something from her pocket. "Keep this, okay? I… made it just for you." The twins each accepted a bead ring. "It's just like mine," she continued, showing them the ring she was wearing. "Whenever I want to see you, I'll look at this… Please don't throw it away…"

Hamuko slipped hers on. "There's no way we could ever do that, Maiko-chan."

"Even if we're far away, we'll always be with you here," Minato said, placing a hand over his heart. "The rings will be proof of that, okay?"

Maiko nodded as she hugged the twins at once. "When I get big, I'll come see you… I'll save my money and buy an airplane ticket… Until then…" She reluctantly let go of them and turned towards the shrine entrance. "Bye-bye!" The young girl ran very quickly to hide her sad tears.

The twins lowered their gaze to do the same but Minato put on a small smile. "Goodbyes hurt, don't they, Hamuko?"

The brunette nodded her head as they felt Attis emerge within their souls. "But for every goodbye, there's another meeting to look forward to."

For Hamuko, Maiko wasn't the only friend she had to say goodbye to. Much to Hamuko's dismay, Saori from the Library Committee was to transfer away too, but the red-eyed junior put on a brave front as she walked her friend to the school gate for the last time. While equally sad over their parting, Saori only smiled at the younger girl as she didn't want to dishearten her dear friend over the transfer.

"I'm going to be sad," she told Hamuko, but her smile never wavered, "but I think this is a turning point for me. I'm going to try to start over and try to stand up on my own."

"You can do it, Saori," Hamuko nodded in encouragement.

"Thanks," Saori gratefully nodded. "I'll never forget about you." She sighed. "I've always been told… to not have any opinions for myself. That is was an easier way to live. I can make anything someone else's fault… Deep down, I always believed that everything that happened to me was the result of somebody else's doing. But this is my life, and what I do happens to me. No one can take my place, and I have no one to blame but myself for what I let happen to me. That's why I need to stand on my own. I need to have my own voice…" Saori cheerfully laughed. "I knew that I'd never get anywhere if I let other people tell me what to do. I've known it for a long time. But, I had no one to give me the final push that I needed." She hesitated a bit and lowered her gaze as Hamuko continued to stare at her. "And I was too scared to accept it, even if I did have someone to help me. But you pushed me forward, along with all the fears I had. That's why…" she looked up towards the red-eyed girl. "I was able to do this." She took out her cell phone and played a recording.

Hamuko's eyes widened as she recognized what it was. "Saori, you…?"

The older girl nodded. "I made a recording of the announcement as I was making it." She smiled as she recalled their hijacking of the school's broadcast room. "Whenever I feel scared or discouraged, I'm going to listen to it. I was brave and spoke my own mind, and you helped me find that courage… I'm sure that this will give me strength if I ever need it. I want you to remember this, too." Saori fiddled with her phone and Hamuko checked her cell and noticed the attached file in the text. "Please remember that it's because of you that I was able to do my best. You saved me."

"Saori…" Hamuko wiped up the tears in her eyes. "I didn't do much…"

"You were my friend and that's more than enough," Saori told her. She held out her hand. "Lastly… before I go… Let's shake hands."

Hamuko nodded and tightly clasped the older girl's trembling hand. The brunette was surprised by how warm it was. The heat reached her heart and Hamuko smiled as she sensed Arahabaki emerge from her soul, complementing Minato's already complete Hermit Link. "Take care of yourself, Saori," Hamuko told her friend as she watched Saori get picked up from school for the last time.

Without Saori, the Library Committee wasn't quite the same, but Hamuko attended every once in a while to help out whenever things got busy. Otherwise, it was off to Volleyball practice to tease Rio about her crush on Kenji. The team managed to come together again and Rio eased up on the team whenever they would ramble on about group dates. When the team was called to the school's office after practice, Rio and Hamuko volunteered to stay behind in the gym to clean up. It wasn't as if the two were left behind, but Rio laughed as it reminded her of how she used to be before she realized she liked Kenji.

"I thought it was right to sacrifice everything and devote myself to the club…" she frowned at herself. "No matter how tough things got, knowing I was getting better and showing results would relieve my suffering… But I had forgotten something very important. To have fun. I forgot the joy of volleyball…" When they were finished cleaning, she walked over to her sports duffel and took out a worn book. "Take a look at this." She handed it to Hamuko with a wistful smile on her face. "It's a beginner's guide. When I first started playing volleyball, I was so excited that I couldn't even sleep. I'd read this in bed, while I ate, even during class. I want to give this to you. I want you to have the thing that gave me so much inspiration back then… I think… It'll help me remember that I'm not alone. So… please."

"I'll cherish this," Hamuko nodded.

"Yeah… I'm glad to hear that," Rio smiled. "It's all because of you that I came to realize all these things. You've been with me every step of the way, giving me the extra push that I needed. You always kept an eye out for those around you…" Rio bowed to her in a slightly embarrassed manner. "Thank you."

"Rio, you don't have to be so formal with me," Hamuko frowned. "We're teammates, right?"

"That's right," Rio blinked. "Volleyball's a team sport," she wryly smiled at herself, "but I was trying to play it by myself. As long as I kept thinking that way, things would never turn out right. Maybe… the same thing can be said about life, too." She laughed at that thought. "I'm only 17, anyway!"

"Yup, we still have a long life ahead of us," Hamuko laughed. "It wouldn't be fun to go at it alone."

That night in Tartarus, Minato was surprised when Hamuko was able to use Thor in Tartarus. He crossed his arms and frowned to himself. "It looks like you're catching up to me," he sighed. After a while though, he only laughed. "Well, it's just proof we're getting stronger. After all, we're not alone anymore."

Hamuko was glad to see her brother acting like himself again, but there were a few noticeable differences to him she found. For one thing he was much more laidback in his interference with her life. Minato was still his overprotective self, but he was much more considerate of her feelings and thoughts.

The brunette was a bit curious as to what brought about this change in her older twin's attitude so as they walked to school together she worked up the nerve to ask him. "Nii-san? You're not as high-strung lately. Is everything alright?"

"Huh? I'm fine." Minato looked at her in mild surprise. "Why? Am I acting strange again?"

"No," Hamuko shook her head. "It's just that you seem different ever since you and Fuuka-chan made up." She smiled at her older brother. "You seem more at peace."

The blue-haired boy wore a small smile as he let out a wistful sigh. "Do I?" he asked with a light chuckle. "That doesn't quite match how I feel…" He straightened up and expectantly stared at Hamuko. "Hey, I need your opinion on something. Um…" He turned his head away from the brunette and nervously coughed into his hand. "How would you feel if I told Fuuka about the past ten years?"

The brunette blinked at him. "But you hate bringing that up with anyone… including me."

"Well…" Minato focused his sight on anything but his sister. "It's just that I want her to know everything about me." He smiled to himself. "Fuuka is really important to me and she's the first person I've come to trust as much as you."

Hamuko noticed the seriousness on her brother's face. "You really do love Fuuka-chan," she giggled. "I have yet to hear you say it aloud though."

Minato rolled his eyes as she was trying to tease him again. He wouldn't let it faze him though as he accepted her challenge. "I love Fuuka," he stated with a nod. Hamuko blinked at him when she realized he wasn't evenly remotely embarrassed in saying that. The blue-haired boy frowned as she remained silent. He raised an eyebrow at her. "What's wrong? Am I not being earnest enough?" He crossed his arms and sighed. "Then again… it's not like me to make a declaration like that without proof to back it up…"

"Proof?" the brunette asked. "What do you mean by that?"

Minato stared off into the distance. "You still have the locket Mom and Dad gave me, right? I want that to be my proof…"

"Really?" The girl's red eyes widened in surprise. "You haven't worn it since the accident. And you never put in another picture… You want to give that to Fuuka?"

"Hm…" The blue-haired boy absently played with his headphones as he reconsidered his plans. "Would it not suit her?" he asked in worry.

"I'm not trying to talk you out of it," Hamuko told him. "I'm just surprised you came up with the idea yourself." She smiled at her brother. "I'm happy for you, nii-san."

"Well, I love her so I want to give her something meaningful. It's the same as the watch Shinji-nii gave you," Minato looked at the pink wrist watch Hamuko adamantly wore.

"You two really are alike," Hamuko laughed. "The two of you are way too sentimental sometimes… It's sweet."

Minato's face slightly went red. "Just don't ruin my surprise, okay? I don't know when I plan to tell Fuuka I love her, but know that I definitely will!" he cried.

The brunette laughed as they neared the school gate. "Shout any louder and Fuuka-chan will hear you," she said, pointing at the teal-haired waving at them.

"Oh, shit!" her brother nervously tensed up. "She didn't catch that, did she?"

"Fuuka-chan! Good morning!" Hamuko covered his blunder with a cheerful laugh.

Fuuka smiled brightly at them as she greeted the twins. "Good morning!"

When he finally recovered from his shock, Minato quickly cleared his throat. "Morning, Fuuka."

"Minato-kun, is something wrong? You look a bit nervous," Fuuka glanced at him in concern.

"No, I'm fine," Minato looked away from her.

"Nii-san's just being his usual awkward self," Hamuko giggled. "You don't have to worry about it. Is something up?"

"Well, we're almost done," the teal-haired girl said, looking up at the sky. "It feels like it went so fast."

"It sure did," Hamuko smiled. "It's been so long since nii-san and I first encountered the Dark Hour… I can't believe we're nearing the end."

The older twin shrugged. "Don't let your guard down just yet," he sternly told the girls. He frowned to himself and lowered his gaze. "It's no good to get complacent just because we're almost at our goal. Besides, the end isn't really the end but a new beginning."

Fuuka nodded in agreement. "So many things happened, but…" she smiled at the twins. "I'm glad I was able to become friends with everyone. What about you?"

"Same here," Hamuko nodded with a bright smile. "Everyone is important to me so we have to try our hardest. Right, nii-san?" Her brother responded with a curt nod.

"I'm glad to hear that," Fuuka said in relief. "I will do my best until the very end."

Minato turned his head towards the brown-eyed junior. "I'm glad I met you, Fuuka," he stated with a serious expression on his face.

"Huh?" Fuuka blushed. "Oh, um, thank you very much…" She lowered her gaze but she smiled. "I didn't mean it like that, but… Thank you."

The boy chuckled as he shook his head. Hamuko rolled her eyes at him. "Nii-san, you shouldn't be flirting at school," she jokingly scolded him. "I thought you don't like people teasing Fuuka-chan."

"He's not teasing me," Fuuka defended him with a smile.

"Fuuka-chan," Hamuko pouted, "you shouldn't spoil him like that."

"How am I being spoiled?" the blue-haired boy asked, tilting his head to the side.

"Never mind," the red-eyed girl sighed as she realized she would never be able to win against the two of them together. Still, just that thought alone was rather reassuring so she chuckled to herself, happy her brother found someone he could truly be comfortable around.

As the three continued walking, Fuuka turned towards Minato curiously. "Oh, Minato-kun, do you have time after school today?"

"Sorry, Fuuka," the SEES leader sighed. "I have a few things to go over with Mitsuru-senpai. It's for SEES and not Student Council, so you know..."

"That's fine," Fuuka nodded her head in understanding before looking over towards Hamuko. "How about you, Hamuko-chan? Are you free today?"

Hamuko thought about her day. "Yeah, I'm free. Do you need help with something?"

"Not really. I just wanted to talk," Fuuka said as her cheeks slightly turned pink. Her voice became quiet as she spoke only to the co-leader. "It's not very important but it's something I want to say to you personally, Hamuko-chan."

"Huh?" The red-eyed girl tilted her head to the side as the navigator was acting a bit strange. "Fuuka-chan?"

Minato didn't seem to hear or notice though as he changed his shoes. "Well, if I'm not needed, I'll leave it to Hamuko then," he shrugged.

Fuuka nodded to him. "By the way, Minato-kun, what are you investigating for Mitsuru-senpai?"

The blue-haired boy lifted up his head and paused. "I've actually been asked to look further into the Kirijo Group. I found a few encrypted files on Kouetsu Kirijo's original experiments. I managed to dig up a lot of stuff so I thought now was a good time to report my findings." He crossed his arms as he wore a serious expression. "After ten years, our parents' final case is finally coming to a close." He smiled at his sister. "Perhaps I'll unlock those memories we've lost too."

"The truth is right in front of you," Hamuko smirked.

"The only challenge is to not turn away from it," her brother finished with a nod.

Fuuka smiled as his blue eyes shone in determination. "I'm sure you'll succeed, Minato-kun."

"Just don't go too far ahead again, nii-san," Hamuko warned him.

"Don't worry," Minato reassured them. "I won't lose myself again. I don't want to lose everyone again. Especially you two." He put his shoes into his locker and smirked. "You both are extremely important to me after all."

"Thank you for everything, Senpai," Minato bowed his head in gratitude as he walked down the hall. "I know it must be difficult for you, but with this, the case on your grandfather should finally be resolved. The details of the Shadow experiments are all here," he said, handing the senior a file. "It seems your grandfather had been obsessed with bringing about the end of the world, but the plan never came into fruition. The 'catalyst' Shadow necessary for his experiment was destroyed ten years ago and with the final battle coming up, things should finally settle itself."

"I should be the one thanking you, Yuki," Mitsuru sternly said with a frown. "I'm sorry you had to be dragged into this mess because of that man… Aren't you a bit resentful towards me that you've lost your parents because of my family?"

Minato paused as he honestly considered his feelings. "I do miss them sometimes, but it's not something I can take out on you, Senpai. You shouldn't take the blame for something your grandfather was responsible for. To be honest, Hamuko and I still lack memories of the incident. Lately, I've been remembering more, but even so… what's done is done. I can only look ahead towards the end."

The red-haired senior smiled at her adjutant. "You really have changed from how you were in the beginning of the year. I'm glad I made you field leader."

"Senpai…" Minato looked away as he blushed in embarrassment. "I'm just doing what I can…"

"Of course." Mitsuru lightly chuckled to herself as she stared at the thick folder she had been given. "Well, if there is nothing else, you're free to go." The pair stopped outside the Student Council Room. "Good work as usual, Yuki. I'll get these to my father as soon as I can."

"Thank you, Senpai," Minato bowed before continuing down the hall.

Mitsuru nodded as she entered the supposedly empty meeting room. She was surprised to see Yukari sitting at the table working on a report. "Takeba?"

The brunette looked up in surprise. "Oh, sorry. No one was here, so I figured it'd be okay."

"It's rare for you to be here," Mitsuru noted as she closed the door behind her. "Is it for Archery Club?"

"Yes," the junior nodded. "The teacher asked for a report…"

"I see…" Mitsuru frowned. "Then, you must be busy."

"Um, not really," Yukari shook her head. "At least not compared to you…" She looked down at the table as she nervously tapped her pencil. "Um… I wanted to ask you something," she finally said, looking up at the Student Council President.

"Yes…?"

"Senpai…" Yukari chewed on her lower lip before working up the nerve to ask. "Why did you decide to fight?"

"Well, I…" Mitsuru frowned to herself as she stared at the folder in her hands. She thought of her father and tried to come up with something to say. "I guess you could say it's my way of atoning for the past," she partially lied.

"I see," the archer responded. "Well, in my case, I don't really have a reason anymore, if I'm being honest. I know the whole story about my father now. But, I was thinking maybe I could erase the mistakes he left behind…" Mitsuru remained silent at that so Yukari wryly laughed at herself. "I guess I should have thought about this earlier, huh… Why didn't I question myself sooner?"

Mitsuru recalled the words Minato had used before. "What's done is done," she merely said.

"But," Yukari frowned, "it seems like everyone has their own reason for fighting… In the end, defeating the Shadows is all that really matters, isn't it?"

"What are you trying to say?" Mitsuru knit her eyebrows together.

"I'm not exactly sure," the younger girl shook her head. "It'll all be over after the next full moon… but I'll probably still be trying to figure it all out."

"Maybe so," the redhead nodded. "But, at least then we'll be able to return to a normal school life." She glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. "The Student Council members will be here soon. If you want to talk later, let me know."

"No, that's okay," Yukari smiled as she finished her report. "Thanks for listening." She bowed before walking out.

Mitsuru remained the empty room alone as she stared at the file in her hand. My reason for fighting… As a team, we made it our goal to end the Dark Hour but when it comes down to each individual member… We each have our own philosophies to follow. Her grip around the folder tightened. Isn't that right, Father?

Fuuka carefully cut the cake she and Hamuko baked together that day. She happily smiled as she handed her friend a slice of the dessert. "Well then, let's eat." Fuuka took a bite of her own slice and giggled. "This is delicious," she smiled. "I bet it tastes just as good as the ones they sell in stores." The teal-haired girl laughed a bit more as she knew the cake was a little too hard and the whipped cream was a bit watery, but she enjoyed it nevertheless.

Hamuko didn't seem to mind either as she nodded in agreement. "To a successful day in Cooking Club!" She raised her cup of juice. The two made a toast and after taking a sip of her drink, Hamuko tilted her head to the side. "So, wasn't there something personal you wanted to tell me, Fuuka-chan?"

"That's right…" Fuuka's smile slightly fell as she averted her gaze. "Um, there's another reason why I had you come to my room…" She quickly got up and went over to her desk. "I want you to have this." The navigator handed a pair of headphones to Hamuko.

The red-eyed girl blinked at it. "Fuuka-chan?"

"Since you're always listening to music, I thought you might like these," the girl blushed. "Remember how I told you that I was pretty good with mechanical devices?"

"Of course," Hamuko nodded. "You're always helping nii-san adjusting his camera."

Fuuka wore a small smile. "I wanted to thank you with something I'm good at!" She paused a bit before shaking her head. "No, it's not because I want to repay you for your kindness. I just wanted to give that to you. I felt that I just really wanted you to enjoy them. You're a precious friend of mine, after all…"

Hamuko replaced her old headphones and tested the new pair. "Kikoeru yo Soul phrase~ (I'm walking on my way)~ Now write me an endless song~ (When you let go)~ As I'll feel so alive~ Hashiridasu yami no saki e~"

Her red eyes went wide at the high sound quality. She paused her music player and brightly smiled at Fuuka. "These are amazing!"

Fuuka seemed happy at that. "I made a pair for Minato-kun too but…" She became quiet as her face burned up.

Hamuko sensed something was up and gently coaxed her friend to explain it to her. "Fuuka-chan, what is it? It's alright to tell me. I told you before that I'm always willing to lend an ear."

"When I give Minato-kun the headphones I made for him… I want to tell him that I love him."

The brunette remained silent at that. Did I hear her right? Fuuka-chan loves nii-san?

Fuuka looked up at her in worry. "Um… I'm sorry… Maybe I was being too forward? If you don't want me seeing Minato-kun…"

Hamuko laughed at that. "Fuuka-chan, it's alright… I'm happy for you," she smiled. "You and nii-san… I just didn't expect for you to tell me so openly."

"O-oh…" the brown-eyed girl blushed. "To be honest, I was afraid that you wouldn't approve if Minato-kun and I were going out. I was a bit jealous of you when we first met. I didn't know you two had been twins and the rumors around school didn't really help…"

"That's why you were always so nervous around me," Hamuko realized. "Fuuka-chan… You liked nii-san from the very beginning, didn't you?"

The girl nodded as a small smile grew on her face. "Minato-kun has always been very kind to me and I'm happy whenever I'm around him. I never really understood why until I realized it was because he always let me be myself around him. I could ramble on about random facts with him and he'd happily return the favor, always eager to keep our conversations going for as long as possible." Fuuka looked at her friend in determination. "I don't want to take your spot in Minato-kun's life, but I want to be someone he can also rely on for support whenever he needs it."

Hamuko sternly frowned at her friend. "Fuuka-chan, just because you love my brother doesn't mean you're competing with me for his attention. You're important to him too and I'm glad you love him." The brunette smiled at her. "You don't need to ask for my permission since you've always had it from the very beginning. Ever since you joined, I've always entrusted him to you because you make him happy."

"I do?" Fuuka's eyes grew wide.

The co-leader giggled. "He's my brother, Fuuka-chan. I'll always be at his side, but there are things I can't do for him that only you can. I'll always love him and I know he loves me too." She fondly played with her watch as she tried to remember where her brother's locket was. "Just because he also loves someone else won't change that."

"Hamuko-chan…" Fuuka gratefully smiled. "Thank you…"

The brunette lightly laughed as she hugged her friend. "I'm glad that you want to tell him about your feelings. Nii-san is very kind but hopelessly awkward. He doesn't trust himself with things like this, but if it's you, I know he'll always be happy so please take care of my troublesome brother, Fuuka-chan."

"I'll do my best," the teal-haired girl responded with a blush.

Hamuko couldn't help but squeal. "I can't believe Fuuka-chan will be my sister-in-law!"

Fuuka nervously laughed. "Um… aren't you thinking too far ahead into the future, Hamuko-chan? I haven't even confessed to Minato-kun yet…"

"Nii-san had better accept your feelings," the younger twin sternly crossed her arms. "If he breaks your heart, I'll break his legs."

"W-wait, I don't want that!" the brown-eyed girl exclaimed. Hamuko only laughed at her flustered expression. Fuuka smiled at her friend's infectious energy and giggled. "I guess if I'm going to be a part of your family, your teasing is only going to get worse from now on…" Somehow the thought only made her smile grow as the two girls happily enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together.

~27 OCTOBER 2009~

Minato sighed as collapsed onto his bed. His eyes landed on the calendar he hung above the headboard and he stared at the full moon that was coming up. "One more operation…" he noted to himself. "And I still haven't figured out what to do about Ikutsuki…"

Sitting up, he went over his notes again. There was nothing new in them except for some old research papers on Shadows. Minato had discovered something interesting about the 'Fall' being brought about by Shadows eating each other to become Death but that had no bearing on them.

"Maybe he's just an eccentric bastard after all," Minato mused. "But… that doesn't explain Strega or that Reaper…" The blue-haired investigator leaned back and closed his eyes. "He's so goddamn difficult to read... I can't get anything out of that smirk of his." The lights died as the Dark Hour came into effect. He slowly straightened up as he felt a familiar presence sitting beside him.

"Good evening," Pharos smiled as he appeared. "It'll be a full moon again in just another week. At last, the 12th one. Are you ready?"

The older boy solemnly nodded. "I'm ready. I won't let the situation get out of hand like last time," he said with a frown.

Pharos tilted his head to the side. "Regardless of how long it's been, a lot has happened, hasn't it? But," he frowned, "it's a bit soon to be reminiscing. How about I come see you once it's over?" He smiled up at Minato.

The older boy shrugged. "Sure…"

Satisfied by his answer, Pharos nodded. "Be careful now," he warned his friend as he disappeared.

~B*O*N*U*S~S*C*E*N*E~

Junpei stared into the fridge and smirked as he took out a cake. "Sweet! Did someone make this?"

Fuuka looked up from her laptop and smiled. "Hamuko-chan and I baked that today! You're welcome to a slice if you want, Junpei-kun."

"Y-you made it, Fuuka?" Junpei nervously asked.

"Yup," the teal-haired girl cheerfully smiled. "It was delicious."

Yukari looked up from her homework at that. "Wait, really?"

"W-well…" Junpei returned the dessert into the fridge. "You made it with Hamuko, right? I shouldn't take a piece without her permission too." He lightly chuckled as he really wanted to avoid food poisoning.

"I'm sure she wouldn't mind," Fuuka said with a slight frown.

"What's going on?" Minato asked as he came down the stairs with his laptop. He spotted the cake in the fridge. "Oh, cool… Cake…" He took it out and grabbed a fork. "Anyone want any before I finish it myself?"

"Um… No… it's all yours, dude," Junpei frowned.

"Yukari?" Minato looked over to the archer.

"No, I'm trying to cut back on sweets," the brunette shook her head.

"Fuuka?" The blue-haired boy glanced towards the lounge.

"Hamuko-chan and I had some already," she reassured him with a smile.

"So you don't mind if I take the rest?" he asked.

"No, it's fine," Fuuka smiled at him. "Please help yourself."

"Okay then," Minato shrugged as he took a large bite. He frowned at Yukari and Junpei as his classmates stared at him expectantly. "What?"

"How does it taste?" Yukari quietly asked him.

"It's sweet," the leader bluntly answered.

"You're not feeling sick?" Junpei asked.

"No," Minato eyed them suspiciously as he continued eating the cake. "Why would I?"

The two juniors looked to each other before deciding their leader was okay. "No reason," Junpei sighed in relief.

"Y-yeah," Yukari nodded before lightly laughing. "Nothing to worry about here…"

Minato cleared the entire tray and tossed the fork into the sink. "Of course not," he rolled his eyes. "It's just a cake. Now if you excuse me, I need to check with Fuuka on something." He picked up his laptop and headed over to the lounge.

Junpei slid into a seat next to Yukari. "So it was edible," he muttered.

"I'm surprised too," Yukari nodded in agreement.

"That means I missed out on cake!" the capped boy whined.

"Well, you didn't want to risk it," the brunette sighed.

"Minato-kun?" Fuuka's voice asked in worry. "You seem pale…"

The two juniors at the dining table looked towards their leader and watched as the blue-haired boy started for the bathroom. They heard him retching and sighed to themselves. Maybe they should have done more to warn the poor boy about the cake.

Final Notes: That's what happens when you clear an entire cake by yourself... Especially one questionably baked... I feel like baking is a lot harder than cooking because the measurements are more stringent. Okay, but more maxed Social Links. I'm neutral towards Maiko, but I feel like Hamuko and Minato have a soft spot for her since they don't get to be with Naoto as much as they like. I don't like Maiko's dad though... What kind of weirdo is he? Like Minato would really marry her... and like Hamuko would marry him! Saori, I really liked. Even if I delayed her Social Link, it's too bad she doesn't attend the Kyoto trip... I liked Rio too. I'm more of a Tennis person myself, but the whole team-theme fits Volleyball more, so I had Hamuko go that route. The only complaint I have about Rio is that she has a crush on Kenji. I really think she deserves a lot better than him... but to each their own. I know this chapter was short, but it'll be made up next week since I'm pretty sure that'll my longest chapter.