So another day started, I got up, did all of my morning rituals, and headed out for school, together with Nanako, of course. It seemed like uncle Dojima was out early again today and Nanako was a bit sad about it. So I ate breakfast with her, and I got Dojima's share again as usual.

It somewhat surprised me that I didn't find Chie stand waiting at the front door today. Nanako wondered this also. But then again, I didn't wish for her to be there today. Not having her 'escorting' me to school was also a bit of relief, since the two of us walking together would just create another awkward scenario.

"Of course she was waiting for me at the school's gate," I found myself talking aloud.

When I reached the school, Chie was there, leaning against the gate, waiting for me like some heroine in an old, cheesy romantic movie from the 80's.

"Hey, Souji-kun~" she greeted me. It was out of character for her. Unlike her usual tomboy-ish self, she ran up at me with one could say the prettiest smile she could ever produced. "How are you feeling today?~"

"I'm… fine?" I felt like I was questioning her.

"Did you eat breakfast yet?~" God, her sweet sounding tone! I wasn't sure that I should be melted or be creeped out by it.

"Y-yeah…"

"Anyways, we should get inside, it's getting cold out here~" She linked her arm with mine and dragged me all the way across the yard and into the school. Hell, she even generous enough to put me in my seat and made sure my uniform was tidy.

What is this? I thought that bet was making me fall for her not me becoming her child!

I didn't say that out loud though, and the awkward stares from our classmates were getting heavy. Chie didn't seem to notice.

"Um… Chie?" I slowly said.

"Hm? Souji-kun?~"

"Yeah, that. Maybe you should drop the 'kun' thing. It's getting creepy."

"Aw, but saying that make me feel closer to you~"

Dammit, what's up with her? It was about the bet but this is just too far over the line. She wasn't playing her character. This is full-on overly attached girlfriend mode. She was in front of my desk, kneeling down, only enough to rest her head on it, eyes staring straight at me. I felt like antelope getting ready to be devoured by a lion.

I eyed around, looking for help from Yosuke, but the bastard wasn't there when I needed him the most.

I wished for the bell to ring, then again, even if it did ring now, I couldn't really escape from her. Her seat was right next to me after all. Oh lord why, why did you play me like this?

"Tch, tch, Souji-kun, you should always wear your uniform properly~"" Chie said as she reached her hands out to me collar. "Here, let me take care of that for you~"

She was playing me like a violin. The way her fingers worked around my collarbone was unimaginable. I felt my body went numb when she grabbed the button on my shirt that I left intentionally unbuttoned and the hole to link them together. It felt like an eternity, having her buttoned up my shirt. It felt ticklish, yet somehow pleasant. A feeling of overjoy came up and down on my throat, and I hated myself for wishing that it should last a little bit longer

"There you go, all nice and perfect~" she commented with a smile.

I didn't know how to respond to her, or rather, I was too dumbfounded to even say anything. Perhaps parts of me still want her to keep on going and I was not ready for it to end just yet. I just sat there, staring at Chie with a dumb expression.

The bell rang, I finally snapped back to my senses. Now I noticed that Chie had already returned to her seat, wearing the most satisfying feeling she had had for a long time.

"Be prepared for your punishment." she whispered under her wicked grinned, which only made me beat myself in silence for my inability to resist her.

The class kept their stare locked on us. Some girl squealed, others laughed. And the boys was just placing their palm on their forehead, while quietly feeling sorry for me.

"Dude's gonna lose," I could hear someone said.

School came to a stop for the day, and I found myself trying to packed up a lot earlier than usual. Heck, I figured that avoiding her was the wiser option than staying. Tactical retreat, one would say.

And as I was at the door way…

"Souji-kun!~" There was a person behind me, of course it was Chie. She crashed into my back, arms wrapping my midsection, and perhaps, was having a delight expression on her face.

"Let go of me!" I struggled, trying to break free. However, the more I try to do so, her grip only got stronger. My body was no match for her.

"Aw Souji-kun, you should always wait for your girlfriend~"

My ass you're my girlfriend! I proceeded to grab her arm and forced it to open, but to no avail. "Why you!" Angry, I spun around hard.

My leg lost its balance due to a quick change in center of gravity, and the additional weight of Chie behind me.

I fell.

And was on top of her.

Our eyes held each other for a moment. The pair of chestnut-colored eyes widened in surprise. They have a certain undefinable sparkle to them, alluring to the point of almost deceiving. Glistening under the light of the sun, her expression showed a unique type of innocence, defenseless, despite being a strong like she was.

For moment, it was eternity.

"Get off from me, you creep!" Well, I figured as much. Chie pushed me away and sprung upward.

"S-sorry..." It was the only thing I could mutter before walking away hastily the opposite direction.

What the hell was that?