If anyone has chapter ideas please let me know

Ukyo released her long brown hair from her hairband wearily, allowing her ponytail to be freed so her hair fell down to her waist. She had been staring at the clock for hours, counting down the minutes until she could finally be free and leave. She had no idea how Ranma coped with studying for hours on end without becoming bored, neither of them were raised with the average school life. They had both lived nomadically for years by unorthodox parents. She removed her school jacket, tying it around her waist and stretching, easing her aching joints and muscles from sitting still so much. She couldn't wait to be home and back in the kitchen, preparing for work and more paying customers, the hustle and bustle she loved so much. Serving beer and okonomiyaki for hungry people all finishing work or students after school. She learned so much about cooking through customer service, she had no need for school.

But first a hot shower and dinner, having some time to herself before the rush happened, she could have some headspace before she put her work mentality on. She could just have a breather before she got ready to work, most of her classmates would be spending time with their friends, getting food or gossiping. Some would want to go shopping, some would want to go to the arcade and other places, stuff to forget about school. But she had no interest in that sort of thing, she found it all so tediously boring, she wasn't a girly girl and she hated dressing up and make-up. She didn't really care much for gossip or other people's drama. She had much better ways to spend her time. The only friend she had was Ranma, ever since they were kids, he was the only person who never treated her any different. While she had become close to the Tendou's as a result, she never went out of her way to spend time with them. She was used to her own company and she liked it that way, she had plenty of stuff to keep her busy and she never got bored. Teachers couldn't teach her stuff she already knew and she was so bored at listening to them ramble on. She had time to kill so why not have a little fun before she opened? She could grab some snacks on the way home, maybe stop by the market, take a slow amble home. She could even drop by to see Ranma, have a long needed catch up, hang out like old times. There was no rush after all, she was a fast worker and by the time she opened the streets would be full.

Akane was off to spend time with her friends, she had no training and she was a teenager too. She would obviously vent about her own issues and relationship drama with Ranma. Maybe let her hair down and get up to mischief, there was more to Akane than people ever realised. Sometimes Akane acted like such a tomboy she forgot Akane was capable of having girly hobbies. Being the heir to her family dojo, studying towards her future and being Ranma's main fiance, Akane had a lot on her plate.

Ranma sensed she wanted some space so he had gone off by himself, to think and maybe goof around. Ranma would find himself some food, hopefully not get attacked by a new enemy or get himself into trouble. Take a slow amble home and find ways to amuse himself. She could use that time to bond with Ranma without interruption, have him to herself for once. He was the only girl he wasn't scared of or didn't see as a romantic interest, meaning they could always just hang out and she never had to worry about Ranma pushing her away.

Ukyo could even ask Kasumi for cooking tips and recipes, she had always respected Kasumi for being the matriarch of her family. Becoming a skilled cook, the family head and keeping the family together. Kasumi had the skill to open her own business but she never did, she was surprised more men weren't breaking down the Tendou front door to propose to her.

Compared to the life she had in the country with her father and the family business, Ukyo had become such a loner since she moved to Nerima. Things were so different here and she had been forced to adapt to many changes. Not that she minded, it was more peaceful that way, keeping things entertaining while adapting to her new way of life. She didn't have anyone special in her life and she didn't have time for romance, so she never thought about being lonely. None of the guys in her class fit her type, she only had eyes for Ranma, most of them were all gross and annoying. Nobody else in her class liked cooking but the girls, but they lacked the same passion she did. So there was never anyone to truly bond with. Suddenly, her thoughts were deviated away from her internal monologue.

"Aw, he's so cute"

"I could just eat him up"

"Does he have an owner?"

"Is he lost?"

"I wanna take him home"

Ukyo sighed, imagining that a stray puppy or cat had wandered onto the grounds and caught their attention. Many local pets passed by the school causing many of the students to become distracted. Teachers often having to chase them off so they would return home. She approached curiously, prepared to return the poor creature to its worried owner on the way home. Wondering what could be so damn interesting about it, however, as she got closer her eyes widened in surprise. A familiar black piglet sat near the gates, backing away from the girls nervously with wide eyes, prepared to run away if they got too close. She had assumed he would wait at home for her, curled up safe and sound in his basket and eager for dinner when she got home. But he had instead travelled the long way to Furinkan to see her, facing danger and harm to make the journey alone. She felt a soft flutter in her chest, had he perhaps missed her? She wasn't used to being needed by someone else so it was a nice feeling. She stared at him in surprise, feeling almost bashful "P-chan?" she asked.

She knew she had to leave him at home where he would be safe while she studied her education, she would know where he was and he wouldn't be at risk of harm. He would have food laid out for him, and she would clean him off etc. But she never thought he'd brave the elements just to come see her, risking being attacked by cats or dogs, being bullied by local children and more. She wondered if he got lonely, whether he missed her companionship, he was used to wandering around by himself after all. He would seek human contact and comfort every now and again.

P-chan's gaze deviated to her direction, his eyes filled with happiness, he had hoped Ukyo would come out soon. Worried she might have cleaning duties so he would have to wander the school for her. But he waited outside the gates patiently in case of danger and soon she appeared. He oinked loudly, happily running towards her, happy to see a familiar face. Jumping into her arms to which she opened them, allowing him to leap into her embrace to which she cuddled him. To be needed by someone, to become Ukyo's main priority, a person who had no distractions. He never thought he would be so happy being her companion. The small piglet nuzzling against her chest making her laugh in amusement, she petted his small black head fondly. She'd never had pets of her own, so she had to admit she was enjoying being his caregiver. "I'm so happy to see you little guy" she soothed, she had to admit she had missed him, his sweet little face and happy sounds. No matter how low she felt, she could count on him to make her feel less miserable.

The group of girls stared at Ukyo in confusion, P-chan seemed awfully familiar and affectionate with Ukyo. The moment he caught sight of her he came bounding towards her eagerly. To their knowledge the small piglet was in the care of Akane Tendou, she had adopted him some time ago. He liked to wander off sometimes and would come home when he felt like it, but since when was he adopted by Ukyo? Did Akane know anything about this? Surely Ukyo wasn't the type of person to steal someone's pet.

"He... he's yours Kuonji-san?" one asked, I mean he approached her of his own volition and seemed happy to see her.

"I thought he belonged to Akane?" another mentioned, had she given him up to be adopted by someone else?

Ukyo blinked, she was just so used to his company it had become natural for her to act like this. She could see the suspicion in her classmates eyes and panicked, crap she never considered how someone else might perceive this, she was no thief. She had found him hiding for shelter one stormy night and took pity on him, since then he had started to come and visit. "I... I found him, he'd kinda become attached to me, he seems to respect Akane has Ranma now... so I took him in" she explained. Ever since Ranma and Akane started to grow closer, he stopped visiting her as often. He stopped approaching Akane and sneaking into her room, instead he made his way to Ukyo and made himself at home. She wondered if P-chan was jealous or felt rejected.

"A pig matchmaker" one whispered

Ukyo smiled, she didn't feel like talking about this anymore and she wanted to avoid being harrassed. She could feel their silent judgement and it made her skin crawl "Well, I gotta get going, he's not a people person and I gotta open up shop" she apologised. She had a lot of food prep to do and she wasn't in a talking mood anymore, she held P-chan close to her chest while she started to leave the school grounds. She sighed a breath of relief the further away she got, hoping she didn't come the hot topic of discussion. As she made her way home, she petted P-chan in amusement, she was still impressed he found her in a crowd of people. Imagining him running around Nerima trying to find her, it seemed he had become rather fond of her "Ya miss me that much huh?" she teased.

P-chan blushed at her statement, he'd remembered what time school finished and what time Ukyo would get out of class. So he left early in time to make it so he could see her. Though he hadn't predicted being bombarded by other students, worried one may try and grab him. Yes, the flat had been rather quiet and lonely without her, passing away the hours by himself. Thinking of Ukyo having to walk home by herself, of any of the dangers she might face and who might follow her home. She was a tough cookie but she wasn't immortal, she could still get hurt. He wanted to make sure she was safe, returning the favour for all of her kindness. Silently nuzzing against her affectionately, glad to be in her embrace.