Heya! It's been such a long time for my update here! Sorry again about that even though I mentioned about the slower pace of update. Anyway, I can confirm now that I will end this by chapter 9. In advance, thank you everyone for the support on this fic! And as always, hope you enjoy this chapter!

A few weeks had already passed when the article about Nishikino Maki has been published. Since then, everyone in school started to see her in a better light. The bad rumors about her are starting to die down and her popularity is now leaning to a more positive outlook.

Other than the effect of the article being published, being seen often with the second year trio, especially with the well-respected blue haired archer, may also be the reason why Maki gained a better reputation that fast. Kotori started inviting Maki to join them for lunch every day after they revealed they knew each other for a long time. The redhead was hesitant at first.

"Maki-chan, I understand that you avoid to be friends with anyone because of your situation. But I don't see any reason why you have to avoid us as well when we knew about it already." Kotori reasoned to her.

Unable to resist her senior's plea, or even come up with a counter argument, Maki agreed and soon after, it became a natural thing for her to eat lunch or hang out with them.

Meanwhile, though there were still attempts of kidnap for ransom on Maki, the supernatural beings after her life hadn't done anything after the incident with Umi, much to everyone's relief. But at the same time, it makes them worry that the enemy are planning something bigger, and that they might attack when they least expect it.

One week before the two-week ban of club activities due to midterm exams, but Eli already instructed the members to take a break from their activities and start studying for the upcoming exams. And besides, the school publication doesn't release school papers during months of major exams, so there was no rush on coming up with article ideas for the next release. Eli also instructed that they can use the clubroom if they're looking for a place to study.

Umi is currently on her way to the school publication's club room to study there as she wait for Kotori and Honoka who are both on cleaning duty for the day. There she found Nozomi and to her surprise, there's also the idol and her senior, Yazawa Nico.

"Oh Umi-chan! Are you here to study too? Where's Kotori-chan and Honoka-chan?" greeted Nozomi.

"If it isn't the popular Sonoda Umi! Of course, second most popular after me."

"Nicocchi…"

"Good afternoon Nozomi-senpai. Yes, I am here to study while waiting for Honoka and Kotori. They're on cleaning duty today. And Nico-senpai, hello! I haven't seen you in a while."

"Well.. As you would expect from the number one idol, due to my increasingly hectic schedule, I can barely come to school."

"Thanks to that you missed a lot of lessons that I have to tutor you right now."

"I didn't even ask you to do this for me Nozomi!"

"Yes you didn't but as your friend I know you need it. At the same time, I'll be able to review too so it's two birds in one stone."

"Uhh… Be sure to cover for me if ever Eli says that I am taking your attention away from her."

"Oh, don't worry about Elicchi. She was worried about you too so she won't say that. And after all, she knows about this."

"And where is Eli-senpai by the way?" Umi butted in making her way to the seat next to Nico.

"Elicchi is still at the student council. There were just a few papers left to take care of so she let me go ahead and help Nicocchi. I must tell you now Nicocchi that Eli will help you study too." Nozomi said winking to the raven haired.

"I'd rather have her now actually..."

"Hmm.. How mean Nicocchi. Looks like I need to punish youagain?" the purple haired raised her hands readying to grope the other.

Nico quickly put her arms over her chest out of reflex. "I-It's because you do that 'thing' that I want Eli here now instead!"

"You're still complaining; should I really do it again?"

"Oh no I was just kidding! Please teach me Tojou-sensei!"

"Good!"

"Ha ha ha…" Umi just sighed and gave nico a sympathetic smile.

Umi settled her things on the table and started studying. After twenty minutes and she noticed that Kotori and Honoka seems to be running late, Umi decided to take a break from studying for a while. She took out her phone from her pocket and did some browsing. When the raven haired senior beside her noticed that she stopped studying, she got curious and looked over at what the blue haired could be doing with her phone.

"What your cat's tail tells you-" Nico read aloud.

When Umi realized that her senior saw what she was researching, she quickly hid her phone. "W-why did you looked at what I'm doing with my phone? And why did you have to read it out loud too Nico-senpai?!"

"Ahh.. Sorry Umi. I just got curious. Why are you searching for something like that? Are you planning to adopt a cat?"

"Ah… I-It isn't like that Nico-senpai…" Uuuhh.. There's no way I can explain to them.

"Hmmm.. Could it be that Umi-chan is researching for her next article?"

Yes that's it! "Y-Yes Nozomi-senpai! I-I was thinking of featuring cats for one of my next articles in our school paper."

"Umi-chan, Elicchi already told us to take a break right? Don't think about our next paper for a while and just focus on the exams."

"But-"

"And, if you are going to reason that you only do it when you take a break from studying still that is not right. I know Umi-chan is a hard-worker, but please try to relax every once in a while, okay?"

"Okay I get it Nozomi-senpai. I will try to relax. Thank you." Phew... Finally managed to get away with it.

The blue haired archer sighed inwardly. Realizing that it isn't a good idea to do her research at the moment, Umi decided to go back to studying. The reason she is looking up about something like that was not because of her next article for the school paper…

Sonoda Umi is curious. Actually even before this, Umi had already tried looking for any helpful books at the school library that would help her understand cats, especially the panthers. It isn't just because she got involved with a werepanther's affair. With her recent growing friendship with the redhead panther, Maki's unconscious transformation when they are alone together, is becoming frequent. Umi doesn't know the trigger to this. It doesn't only happen when the redhead is teasing her too much. It also happens even if they are sitting next to each other for a long period of time, as long as there's no one else but them. Yes, it is quite a weird experience for her but at the same time, she finds it cute. The blue haired archer couldn't help but smile upon remembering those moments when it happened.

A knock on the door interrupted Umi's thoughts bringing her back to reality.

"Sorry for the intrusion!" came the voice of the one who knocked before the door was opened. "Umi-senpai.. Wha- N-Nico-chan?!"

"Maki/Maki-chan?" Umi and Nico responded in unison.

"What are you doing here?!" Now it is Nico and Maki's time to speak in unison.

"You two knew each other?" Nozomi asked.

"Um… yeah.. Sort of." Nico answered flatly. "Maki-chan was the composer of my debut single, and some of my other songs."

Umi and Nozomi both widened their eyes in surprised and looked at the redhead. "You can compose songs?"

"Y-Yeah.."

"What did you came here for Maki-chan?"

"I came here for Umi-senpai. What about you Nico-chan? This is my first time meeting you at school since I transferred."

E-ehh? Did we made plans on meeting after school? And why do they sound too casual with each other? Umi thought to herself.

"I am friends with the president and vice president of this club. I came here to study with Nozomi, and later with Eli once she finishes her council work. I rarely come to school because of my packed schedule. I didn't think you'd already have friends here though; given the way you are."

"S-Shut up Nico-chan!"

"Nicocchi, if you must know, Maki-chan and Umi-chan became friends after we we assigned Umi-chan to feature Maki-chan on her article for our school paper. You must have been absent when our last paper was distributed. If you want a copy, we can give you."

"Heh~ They featured you on the school paper too~" the raven haired senior gave Maki a smirk. "I would love to have a copy of it Nozomi."

"Just remind me later okay? And Maki-chan why don't you take a sit?"

"Ah- Yeah. Thanks."

"Umm.. Maki, you said you came here for me. Is there something I can help you with?" Umi asked as soon as the redhead settled beside Nozomi, which is the seat in front of her.

"Kotori told me to come here and wait with you. She also told me to inform you that we will be having a sleepover study session tonight at their place."

"Ehhhh? Isn't it too sudden?"

"But it will be fun Umi-chan!" said the ginger haired coming from club room door.

No one noticed since when it was opened by them. Honoka and Kotori made way towards their fellow second year as they greeted their seniors. "Hello Nozomi-senpai, and Nico-senpai too! It's been a while!"

"I know it is too sudden Umi-chan, but I thought since it's the weekend before the midterm examinations, why not have a sleepover study session." Kotori explained.

Although she was still reluctant because of the sudden turn of events, Umi finally agreed. They bid goodbye to both their seniors before living. Honoka, and Umi went home first to gather their things before going to Kotori's house, while Maki just asked Hideo and Taki to bring her stuffs to her.

"Kotori, aren't your parents a little late? They should be home around this time already right?" Umi asked as she took another onion to slice.

When Umi and Honoka arrived, Kotori and Maki were already studying. Kotori then asked Umi to prepare dinner with her while leaving Honoka in Maki's care to make sure that the ginger haired will study for real.

"Oh right we haven't told you Umi-chan. The reason why our study session suddenly became a sleepover too is because my parents are going out of town for the weekend. They said they have a business to take care of."

"Ahh… Then doesn't that mean you will be alone for the rest of the weekend after we leave tomorrow?"

"No worries because Honoka-chan volunteered to stay over for the rest of the weekend. Umi-chan can join too if you want! And also Maki-chan!"

"Mm~ That is a good idea. I'll get my parents' permission first though. But I don't think Maki would join us."

"Why not? Maki-chan joined us tonight on short notice."

"That is what I've been wondering about since earlier. How did you get Maki to join us that easily?"

Umi watch Kotori put the saucepan over the stove while waiting for her answer. They're making curry rice for dinner and they just finished preparing the ingredients.

"I did nothing special. I just pleaded Maki-chan a little~"

The blue haired archer would have completely believed on her childhood friend's words if only she had not caught on the smirk she did before turning away from Umi.

"Kotori… I hope you really meant little pleading by that."

"I really mean it Umi-chan. I won't force her to come if she didn't want to. Maybe it is because Maki-chan has a soft spot for me?"

"Everyone has a soft spot for you Kotori." Umi whispered to herself.

"Did you say something, Umi-chan?"

"Nothing~"

Dropping the topic, the two just proceeded on cooking. When the curry was almost done, Umi volunteered to wash the things they used for the preparation letting Kotori to handle the rest for cooking. The silent atmosphere brought the archer's mind to her deep thoughts once again. Umi can't brush off her curiosity over the redhead's behavior around her.

What if I try asking Kotori? Other than Maki, she's the only supernatural being I know. And besides she knew Maki ever since.

As she thinks to herself, Umi didn't what she was holding until it caused a cut on her hand. The pain it caused finally brought her back to reality and Umi could only gasp from the slight pain, realizing the knife she's washing.

"Umi-chan what are you doing?!"

Before Umi could react, Kotori put away the knife from her hand and brought the one with the cut close to her face to examine it.

"Kotori I'm fine it's just a cut."

"How is this fine? You're bleeding!"

Loud sounds of footsteps were suddenly heard coming from the stairs as if the person who's about to come down is in a hurry.

"Kotori, Umi-senpai! Are you alright?!" yelled Maki as her rushing figure appeared by the kitchen door.

"Wait for me Maki-chan!" Honoka appeared next behind the redhead.

Shocked by the sudden appearance of their junior, Kotori and Umi were only able to stare at them until the archer decided to break the silence.

"M-Maki? Honoka? What's wrong?"

"We were taking a break from studying when Maki-chan suddenly ran off the room. So I chased after her wondering what's going on."

"M-More importantly, what happened here?!"

"Umi-chan accidentally got herself cut by a knife. Ah- Could it be that Maki-chan panicked because of the sudden smell of blood?" Kotori's realization formed a smirk on her lips that got even wider when Maki's face reddened in response. "Ohh.. I see that your vampire instincts kicked in just now~"

"I-I was just worried that we're under attack! Mou! Honoka-senpai, this is your fault!"

The redhead snapped at Honoka. It seems that they started talking about random things when they were taking a break from studying. Somewhere along the way, their topic had come to horror movies. Honoka was talking about this certain movie where bunch of blood thirst killers broken into a fully secured house. It just so happened that it was that moment when Maki smelled blood and without thinking, she rushed out of the room.

"S-Sorry Maki-chan… Hehehe"

"Uuhhhhh!" Maki groaned in frustration earning short giggles from Kotori and Umi.

"Maki, let her off now. I'm fine, we're fine. Thanks for worrying." The archer walked close to the redhead and tapped her shoulder for reassurance. There was a little 'ow' when her hand with a cut slightly hit Maki's skin. It did not go unheard by Maki. She took her senior's hand and examined the cut.

"Let me take care of this. Kotori, I'm taking Umi-senpai away for a bit. Is that okay?"

"Of course. We're almost done preparing here after all, so worry not."

"D-Don't I get a say on this?"

"Umi-chan, I will help Kotori-chan in your place. Now stop struggling and just let Maki-chan treat you okay? That doesn't look like a simple cut Umi-chan."

Finding it hard to win an argument against three people, Umi only nodded in response. The redhead dragged her back to the sink and washed the wounded hand with a soap. Afterwards, Maki took her out of the kitchen. Honoka and Kotori just watched and enjoyed the scene that unfolded before their eyes. They prepared the table and waited for the two. Umi has been properly bandaged when they returned.

It was already ten o'clock in the evening when they get to start their study session. They are all at Kotori's room and had some futons ready just in case they want to go to sleep already. After a good hour of studying, they heard soft snorts from the ginger haired and realized that Honoka has fallen asleep. Kotori and Maki carried her to the bed. Just a little later, Kotori got all sleepy too and said that she'll just continue the next day. She bid Maki and Umi good night reminding them not to stay up too late because they can still have tomorrow.

"How's your hand? Does it still hurt?" Maki asked in a low voice not looking up from her notebook.

"Not anymore. Thank you again Maki. It wasn't that deep of a cut. I don't think you had to put bandage on it in the first place." Umi replied not looking up from her notebook too which made her unable to dodge the redhead's hand chop on her head. "Ow- W-what was that for Maki?!"

"Because senpai is stupid. I am a doctor's daughter. I know better that it isn't a small cut. I don't even have to be a future doctor to know because of how much you were bleeding."

"S-sorry. It was my fault for not focusing on the task at hand."

"You don't need to apologize. And besides, I'm sure you've learned your lesson already."

Looking up from her notebook this time, Maki noticed the sleepy look on her senior's face. "Senpai, you should go to sleep already."

"Just let me solve this problem first."

"Don't be stubborn and just solve that tomorrow."

"Yeah… Coming from you..."

"Ugghhhhhh…"

Quite annoyed that she can't think of anything to counter argue, Maki thought of just letting her off and go back to studying. But then, an idea came to her mind.

"How about I help you stay awake Umi-senpai?"

"Help me? How will you help me stay awake? A little while ago you were telling to me go to sleep…"

"I know a charm for washing away the sleepiness. I will cast it on you if you want to senpai. It is very effective by the way."

Umi thought she caught the redhead smirk for a second. "U-uumm.. Maki, You're not just going to do something to tease me are you?"

"Not really~ Now close your eyes senpai."

"Ehh? Why do I need to close my eyes? Wouldn't that get me sleepier?"

"Just do it. It's part of the charm~"

In spite of being unsure if she should follow as her junior says, Umi obeyed anyway. She is already curious as to what the redhead is up to and hopes that she won't regret it.

When her senior's eyes are completely close, Maki moved towards her slowly. "Keep it close senpai okay. No matter what, don't open your eyes until you don't think it is the right time to open them yet."

"Okay. But how long will this take Maki?"

Ignoring her senior's question, Maki inched closer to the archer's face. Her gaze fell upon the pinkish lips in front of her and her mind started to wonder how sweet it might taste like.

No no no…. You're not thinking of doing that Maki. No!

Shaking off her thoughts, Maki proceeded on leaning forward and in split seconds, she gave her senior a peck on the cheek.

"There. That should be enough to keep you awake for a few more hours right?"

Umi widened her eyes in surprise as the heat started rushing on her face. "W-W-What do you t-think you're doing Nishikino Maki?"

"A kiss on the cheek wouldn't hurt right? Friends do it right?" Maki gave her a wink before returning to her study materials.

On the other hand, Umi is stil finding it hard to comprehend what just happened. Her heart is pounding against her chest.

T-this panther is unbelievable!

When her mind can think straight again, she noticed that the redhead had transformed again unknowingly. Her ears are twitching from time to time, and her tails are moving from left to right in a slow pace.

"Senpai, if you keep staring at me like that, you won't get any studying done."

"I-It is your fault you know! For doing something shameless!"

"You're still on that? Okay, okay, I'm sorry if you didn't like it." Maki looked up again to her senior and gave her an apologetic smile to which Umi felt some guilt inside her.

"I didn't say I dislike it..." the archer tried to say on her softest voice but remembered Maki might be able to hear it so she left the rest on her thoughts.

"W-What did you say Umi-senpai?"

"I-I said it's o-okay! There's no need to apologize for anything! A-And… They're out again Maki… Your ears and tail."

The redhead immediately covered her ears with her hands and yelled, "J-Just ignore them!" She covered her mouth afterwards and looked over the sleeping figures if she bothered them. Sighing in relief after seeing that they're still sleeping peacefully, Maki turned her gaze back to her senior and found her giggling.

"W-What's funny?"

Umi cleared her throat to stop her giggles and smiled fondly at Maki before answering, "Nothing. Just that, I think you looked so cute when you embarrassedly covered your ears."

"Wha-" Now tomato faced, Maki looked away averting her senior's gaze. "Why am I the one getting teased now?" she murmured to herself transforming back to her human form.

"I don't think we'll get any studying done at this rate. We should go to sleep already. Unless you are still in the mood to study."

"No, I don't have the mood the study anymore too. Let's just go to sleep and continue this tomorrow." She answered still not looking at Umi.

Umi gave Maki a light pat in the head before getting up. They went to their respective futons after putting away their study materials and tried to sleep. But both their hearts haven't calmed down because of the incidents that happened moments ago.

Uhhh.. I can't fall asleep. Both of them thought to themselves.

The next morning, Maki and Umi were the last ones to get up. Honoka and Kotori kept on asking them what happened but both of them just answered, "It's her fault." The two gave up on asking soon after and just took that as something good must have happened.

Exam week came and things remained calm for everyone without any signs of danger. This got Maki thinking that her still unknown enemies were just preparing for an attack. Just to make it worse, she has been feeling that someone is stalking them whenever she's with Umi. A week later when the exams were over, Maki was about to go home with the second years like the usual. When Umi opened her locker to get her outdoor shoes, there she found a letter that is more than she expects it to be.

That one scene over there is inspired from one of the drama part in Music S.T.A.R.T. single... Hahaha.. I guess you can tell which is it? XD

Probably the next update will take some time again. So, until next update! See yaaa ;)