The sun was hanging low, white clouds roamed the blue sky, and the Academic City went on as usual. The attack on the diner had been in the news broadcasts, but the lack of clues pointing to the culprits had ground the investigation to a halt until such evidence was found. Life went on as usual.

However, in a private room in the city hospital, three girls were planning the daring rescue of a friend in captivity.

.

Ruiko paid careful attention as Kuroko stated the problems they needed to overcome.

"Number one. They chose the battlefield. It's their home territory, so we can assume that they'll have a Capacity Down in operation. Probably one a lot stronger than the one they used on us yesterday."

Mikoto nodded in agreement. "Yesterday's one fit inside a instrument case, that's why it wasn't very strong."

"Okay, so let's say they have a larger one of those. How are you two going to fight against it?" Ruiko asked. She was a level 0 so it wouldn't have any effect on her, but she couldn't see how her level 4 and level 5 friends could retain their fighting power against the Capacity Down.

To which Kuroko smirked. "I had the frog-like doctor make us these before, but I never thought I'd have the chance to use them. But now I'm glad I did."

Kuroko produced a set of headphones from her bag. They looked rather large and cumbersome, complete with a small mp3 player like accessory on the side.

"Kuroko, what is this?"

Ruiko had a flash of intuition. "By any chance, does this negate the Capacity Down?"

"Ever the bright one, Saten-san." Kuroko smiled.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?!" Mikoto yelled. "I'm not stupid, you know!"

"Hai, hai."

"Kuroko!"

"If only you were more lady-like."

"That has nothing to do with this!"

Ruiko watched the two sister-like girls bicker with a smile. Misaka-san was blushing, her fists clenched and glaring at her roommate.

She's so cute.

Ruiko stared dreamy-eyed at her crush, imagining what it would be like to have a romantic relationship with her.

Maybe Misaka-san wouldn't want to hold hands in public, but that's okay. I wouldn't want her to do anything she's uncomfortable with. I wonder how soft her lips are…

"Saten-san!"

"Eh?" Ruiko snapped out of her daydream. Both Mikoto and Kuroko were staring at her, the former still blushing.
"What were you thinking about?" Kuroko asked.

"Uh, nothing…" Ruiko reddened. "Anyway, what were we talking about?"

Kuroko sighed. "Okay, we can counter Capacity Down with these headsets. They run a inversed frequency of the Capacity Down, which has the effect of nullifying the sound."

"That means you two can take them easily, right?" Ruiko asked hopefully.

"Unfortunately, no. This is becau-"

"It's because the headsets are too small to make a large enough inversion sound, right?" Mikoto butted in. "See, I'm smart too."

Ruiko's heart almost melted at her friend's cuteness.

Aww.

"Yes, Onee-sama, you're right for a change."

"W-What?!"

"Therefore, we still need to take out the Capacity Down machine." Kuroko talked right over Mikoto's sputtering. "The headsets aren't strong enough. According to the doctor's estimates, I should be able to teleport things and other people but not myself, and also not very accurately. Of course, it does depend on the strength of their Capacity Down system. Onee-sama should be able to use basic electric abilities, such as deflecting bullets and brute force lightning strikes, but it will be harder to use the more finer magnetic abilities, such as walking on walls and manipulating sand iron."

Mikoto and Ruiko nodded.

"However… we have a problem."

"What is it?" Ruiko asked.

"Since we don't know our enemies numbers or assets, I should accompany Onee-sama to their front door."

Ruiko saw the sense in that. Since both espers would have their abilities diminished, it would be a lot safer if they were together to cover their weaknesses.

Kuroko continued. "Saten-san, I'm not saying this to offend or belittle you, but having you try to take out the Capacity Down alone would be unwise. It will be guarded heavily for sure."

Ruiko felt a twinge of regret at her weakness, but knew it was true so she nodded in assent.

No use focusing on something I can't help right now.

Ruiko smiled to show that she wasn't offended, and asked how she could help instead.

.

While Kuroko and Ruiko talked, Mikoto stared at Ruiko in admiration and respect, knowing that if Kuroko had said something like that to her, her temper would flare up and a fight would ensue.

Saten-san is really mature, Mikoto thought, making a wry grin. She knows what she can and can't do, which is a lot more than what can be said for me.

Yet, even though there was little Ruiko could do alone, the determination shining in her dark eyes gave Mikoto strength and courage.

"Saten-san, we'll make it work. All of us together."

Ruiko seemed momentarily surprised at the sudden line of encouragement from Mikoto, but beamed back immediately.

"I trust you, Misaka-san."

Why is it that every time Saten-san looks at me like that, my heart feels like it's made of butterflies?

Kuroko went on, sparing Mikoto from her embarrassment. "It would be nice to have one more ally in this fight, preferably a level 0 since we don't have any extra headsets."

Then, in an incredible stroke of good luck, Mikoto heard a familiar voice outside her door.

"Such misfortune…"

Mikoto immediately channeled her ability and gave that person a small electric shock.

"Wah!" A bewildered cry echoed from the corridor.

Mikoto smiled at Kuroko and Ruiko. "I think I've found the perfect candidate for the job."

.

That was how Kamijou Touma and his companion Index found themselves sitting in Misaka Mikoto's hospital room, listening to the events of the day before.

"I still don't get why I have to join you…" Touma muttered, focusing his dopey eyes on Mikoto. "It's your problem, you should fix it. I have to go home and make dinner."

Index nodded sagely. "Dinner is important."

Mikoto's eyelid twitched. Touma had been the one to convince her that relying on others was not a sign of weakness, but now he was giving her this pathetic excuse? She clenched her fists, and lightning arced off her hair.

"O-On another thought, I think dinner can wait for a bit." Touma hastily corrected, giving an apologetic shrug to the white-clad sister.

"I would be so grateful!" Mikoto beamed, instantly changing from angry to good-natured.

Touma sighed. "Such misfortune… ow!"

"Shut it!"

.

Ruiko watched Touma and Mikoto with despair. They were like an old married couple, bickering and mocking each other.

Maybe Misaka-san likes Touma. I mean, she's never shown interest in anyone before, but I guess this settles it…

Although Ruiko had tried not to hope for a relationship with Mikoto, the revelation that this spiky-haired boy might be a better match for Mikoto saddened her. Her heart was heavy.

I shouldn't have expected such a happy ending.

However, despite Ruiko's devastated feelings, she put on a brave face and kept smiling as introductions were made.

"Saten-san, this is… uh, Kamijou… Touma? I think."

"What the hell are you saying that like you don't remember?!"

Mikoto smirked, and turned away to talk to the sister.

"Well… um, nice to meet you, Saten-san." Touma offered his hand.

"Nice to meet you too, Kamijou-san." They shook hands awkwardly.

He seemed like a nice enough person, although judging from his sloppy dress code and hair, Ruiko thought he might be a bit of a goofball. Or maybe that was her emotions causing bias in her perception. She tried to shove her feelings for the electromaster away, and focus on the problem at hand.

Mikoto spoke out. "I think it's for the better if we left Index out for this mission, seeing as science and magic don't really mix. Is that okay?"

"Sure." Index replied nonchalantly. "I'm going to take a bath." And with that, she left.

Ruiko's mind kept drifting to Mikoto and Touma acting flirty with each other, and every time this happened her heart shattered a little bit more. She scolded herself, saying that it was her own fault for hoping against hope, but she couldn't help feel dejected and miserable.

.

As they conversed about tactics and strategies, Mikoto couldn't help but notice that Ruiko seemed slightly depressed, considering how well she had looked earlier on in the day. It was distracting and strange how Mikoto just couldn't stop looking at or thinking about Ruiko. She also had a sudden urge to explain that Touma was just a friend, or an acquaintance at best, but obviously couldn't in front of Touma himself and Kuroko. So she held her tongue and tried to immerse herself in planning their rescue.

Uiharu-san could be hurt even as we speak.

Despite the dire situation, Mikoto couldn't keep her mind off Ruiko.

How strange. Why now, of all times?

She started wondering about her sexuality. She'd never really looked for a romantic relationship before, partly because her label as a level 5 esper prevented people from easily reaching out to her anyway. Mikoto had never met a person she liked romantically.

I guess I could be gay.

And with that thought, Mikoto glanced at Ruiko again. She was biting her lip, eyes cast downwards, as she listened to Kuroko spout possible plans of attack.

A sudden desire to wipe that frown off Ruiko's face swept through Mikoto. She couldn't really understand why, but seeing her friend distressed made Mikoto sad herself.

It was a novel emotion, one Mikoto didn't understand, but it was a warm, fluttery sensation that felt good inside.