Trying to run two parallel stories at the same time is nothing short of reckless with my schedule….

But I am going to do it anyway and see where it will go.

After all, the year of 2016 has brought many great things (like Love Live Sunshine) and challenges.

Speaking of which, how about we give a Happy Birthday to Kurosawa Dia, which is on the same day as New Year's Day.

Now, Let us welcome the New Year and what it brings with the next chapter. Enjoy!

I do not own Love Live.

Uchiura. A small seaside town with a population less than 1000, located in the country of Mizu.

The town is known for its exports of oranges, (lots of) fish, and matcha tea. Some of its main attractions include the perfect view of the vast, clear ocean and mountains, including the renowned site known as Mt. Fujiyama.

The quiet and tranquil environment of the town is coupled with the warm and friendly attitude of the locals living in the area.

Anyone who visits the town may compare the place to a coastal paradise.

But, not everyone feels that way.

So boring…

One particular person by the name of Takami Chika is looking at the ocean with a tired look. The girl with light orange short hair had small, pointed ears and a long brush-like tail that was swerving side to side, brushing on the sand as the girl was walking around the beach, trying to pass the time.

It was the afternoon and her classes just finished for the day at Uranohoshi Girl's Academy, the only high school in Uchiura.

While the town is peaceful, there was nothing for a girl her age to do for fun.

She was not part of any of the clubs at the school where she attends as nothing really interests her. Moreover, there weren't many things to do at school. Chika has considered doing some school work and studying, but her boredom was not that extreme.

Her best friend, Watanabe You, was practicing at school as a member of the diving club. Chika has seen You practice many times, but even she doesn't want to interrupt her friend's training even though You doesn't mind.

I wish there was something exciting to do, Chika said while looking at the ground and wandering without direction.

As she feels the ocean breeze passing through her….

Chika suddenly finds herself unable to see when something hits and covers her face.

Buaaaa?!

S-Sorry!

A female voice calls out.

As Chika removes what felt like a piece of paper from her face…

Are you ok?

She sees a person standing close to her, looking concerned.

It was an unfamiliar, young girl with dark, red hair and amber eyes. She was wearing a light orange-color dress that cover her legs and a wide hat that protects her head from the sunlight. The girl seems to be carrying a medium-sized weaved basket.

I'm fine. Just a bit surprised, Chika said while handing the girl the paper. Is this yours?

Yes it is. Thank you, the girl said with a smile as she takes the paper from Chika and puts it in the basket.

I have never seen you before. Are you new here? Chika said after taking a good look at the girl. As someone living in a small town for a long time, Chika literally knew everyone living there. By the way, my name is Takami Chika, a native here.

Sakurauchi Riko. And Yes. I just moved to this town today, the new girl said. I am guessing that you must be an Inu.

Inu? What's that? Chika said, tilting her head slightly.

I-It's nothing, Riko said as she looks nervously at the dog-like features on the girl.I guess I was mistaken.

The two of them went to sit on a nearby bench as they start a conversation.

I see, you moved here because of your parents' work, Chika said. That must be hard.

To be honest, I don't know if I'm going to be able to fit in, the Hyou said who looks saddened.

Don't worry. Everyone here is very kind, so there won't be a problem. If you like, I can also show you around, Chika said with a gentle smile.

Thank you, Takami-san, Riko said, who smiles back.

Please call me Chika. No need to be serious, Chika said. So, what's it like where you lived? From the way you talk, you must be from the city in the mainland. Ah. I'm so jealous.

City? Mainland? Riko said with confusion.

Oh, sorry. I thought you came from one of those big cities in Numazu, Chika said sheepishly. That's the feeling I get from you.

N-No. Actually, I came from a different country called Mori…, Riko said anxiously.

Wow. That sounds interesting to come from another country, Chika said bluntly before realizing something. Wait. That… means.. you're a foreign?!

Chika scream while her eyes widens.

W-Well that's.. Riko said, who was caught off guard by the unexpected change in mood.

That's so cool! Chika shouted with a huge smile.

Eh? Riko said, who was dumbstruck.

Ne, Ne. Tell me more about your country, Pleaseeeeee! Chika said eagerly with sparkling eyes as she draws her face closer to the Hyou.

… I-If you insist, Riko said.

Riko begins talking about things she knows about Mori, with Chika listening intently, before realizing how late it was.

After saying goodbye to the girl, Riko makes her way through several blocks before reaching her destination. Before encountering Chika, the reason the Hyou was walking around the town was to look for Chiba. It took a good few minutes until she was able to find where the Ookami was staying.

When Chiba meets Riko at the door, he looks astounded to see her before greeting the Hyou.

Riko, What are you doing here? Chiba said.

I wanted to thank you for today. Here's some food that mom and I made for you, Riko said as she hands over a basket to the Ookami. Please accept this.

You shouldn't have, Chiba said, scratching his chin. More importantly, I was surprised that you were able to find where I was living.

Oh, it wasn't really that hard. I just asked around if there was anyone new moving near this place, Riko said.

Chiba graciously receives the gift and invites the Hyou into his place.

Still, I can't believe you actually brought something like that with you, Chiba said as he remembers what happened today.

[Earlier this Early Afternoon]

The ship that Riko and Chiba was sailing on just reached the port of the town they were going. As they disembark and retrieve their luggage, the Hyou ran into an unexpected problem.

Before moving, Riko was somehow able to convince her parents to bring her piano with her for their move. While the piano is not extravagant or big, it was still heavy and not something she could carry by herself.

Unlike back home, there were few services that can transport something as big as a piano in the town where her family is settling at short notice.

What seems to be the problem? Chiba said, who was walking to her with his bags on hand and the dogs not far from him. Interestingly enough, the dogs were maintaining their distance from the Hyou.

Chiba, well that's… Riko said as she explain her situation to the Ookami.

I see, Chiba said, nodding with understanding. Then, maybe I can be of service.

But what can you do? Riko said.

Without answering, Chiba went to where the piano was, before stopping. He bends down, secures the base with his hands despite being wrapped in packaging, and lifts the piano up, not showing any hint of effort.

C-Chiba?! Riko said worriedly.

Something like this, can hardly be called a workout, let alone a problem, Chiba said nonchalantly. Riko. Tell me where to put this.

H-Hai! Riko said as she directs the Ookami.

You guys! Go get the luggage, Chiba shouted while hauling the piano to the moving truck.

The dogs, who were standing by, barks in response as they ran to retrieve their baggage that came with Chiba.

For the people who came from Mori, this display of strength was not uncommon, but some of the onlookers, who were locals, could only stared in shock at the sight.

Eventually, Riko, her family, and Chiba's group arrive at the new home, a small two-floored wooden house.

After Chiba places the piano into the living room, he left briefly after.

Have you settled at your new place? Chiba said, who offered some tea to the Hyou.

Hai. We just finished unpacking, Riko said. So, what are your plans?

For now, I'm going to find work around here, Chiba said. I'm not the type to lay around after all. What about you?

My parents made arrangements beforehand to enroll me in a local school, Riko said who was taking slight glances around the room. The place Chiba was staying in was located on the second floor of a building, and capable of housing the Ookami and his companions despite its seemingly small size.

If you're looking for my companions, they went out for a walk, Chiba said with a smirk.

I-I don't mind them, as long as they keep their distance, Riko said defensively.

Hai. Hai. I understand, Chiba said.

After making small talk with the Ookami, Riko decides to return home.

The sun was starting to set after Riko left and it was almost pitch dark by the time she came back home. Because there were few light sources illuminating the town, the Hyou can see the starry sky so clearly.

As Riko turns in for her first night in her new home, a feeling of uncertainty sets in for Riko as her mind drifts to sleep.

[The Next Morning]

Haaaaaa, Chika lets out an exhausted sigh, covering her face while resting on her desk.

Chika-chan, What's the matter? a voice said.

Chika lifts her head to see her childhood friend looking at her with curiosity.

Watanabe You. A girl with light gray hair and clear, light blue eyes. She had short floppy ears and a curved-up tail. Both girls were second year students in high school and part of the same class.

Nothing much. I was just thinking about something, Chika said.

Are you thinking about her? You said with a grin. Chika-chan seem very interested in a foreigner.

I am not! …Well, maybe a little, Chika said with a pout, making You giggle.

Even since their encounter, Chika couldn't stop thinking about her. She felt something unique about Riko.

I wonder if I am going to meet her again, Chika thought as she laid her head back down on the desk.

All right. everyone quiet down.

After the teacher enters the classroom and closes the door while saying Good Morning to the class,

Today, I have some exciting news.

As many thoughts occupy Chika's mind….

We have a new transfer student.

As there was excitement coming from the students in the class, Chika still didn't move.

A transfer student, hah? Chika said.

She has come all the way from a distance place called Mori and will be taking classes as a student at our school.

The teacher looks at the door. Please come in.

Mori, hah? …?... Wait.

As the door opens, Chika lifts her head just as a familiar figure walks into the room wearing the same uniform as her.

Her eyes slowly widens and her mouth drops slightly as the Hyou stops in front of the blackboard and faces the class.

It's nice to meet you all. My name is …..

AAAhhhhhh! IT'S YOU! Chika screamed as she suddenly stands up and points at the Hyou, startling her nearby classmates.

Riko blinks her eyes a few times as she stared at the shouting person when she realizes who was talking to her.

C-CHIKA-CHAN! What are you doing here? Riko's body reels back in surprise.

With the short exchange of words, the class looks at them in silence.

Now that they finally meet, what destiny will take place for the girls?

Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Thank you and Please provide comments and reviews.