No matter what he does, Jaune Arc just couldn't stop falling for Weiss Schnee. And he hates that there's no logic behind it whatsoever. It's been months since the dance, it should've been over by now.

Hi, it's been a while. Don't expect any seriousness here, it's all about the ridiculousness of relationships.

Enjoy.

Any sensible individual who stands within five meters of Jaune Arc and is slightly aware of what has happened between him and Weiss Schnee would promptly advise the blonde to simply forget about his feelings and move on. To focus all of his energy and effort on something entirely different, and maybe even something productive. Getting some distance away from the object of his affection could give him some time to work on his Huntsman career or reignite a long-lost passion of his. Because if the defenders of humanity have the time for romance then they'd certainly have enough time to make a cake or two.

Granted if he'd be willing to listen to them especially when, already, six of his friends had told him the same thing.

And as it stands, he is following their advice, Beacon does offer a wide variety of extra-curricular activities for its students. So every Tuesday and Friday, Jaune would find himself spending time in Professor Peach's culinary class, Wednesdays are split between training sessions with Pyrrha and pottery class. Professor Oobleck did praise Jaune's diligence and interest in ceramics, but it's because Yang had seen him make his first pot, which ended up looking like a clay penis. She didn't let him forget it for a while. Then Saturdays and Mondays are for his training sessions with his team since neglecting the rest of JNPR is unbecoming of a leader.

Jaune's time management had improved immensely, as juggling a wide array of activities alongside his studies is no small feat. Something that Weiss had openly praised him about.

This is exactly why the blonde finds himself slacked on his chair, with hands flopped on either side. He had been pacing a while ago, now he's just one groaning mess.

Recently, the frosty exterior of the heiress had thawed, and her fondness for the once bumbling-romantic-next-door had steadily grown. Their friendship wasn't at the same level as his with Ruby, but the changes were noticeable.

It's not that his growing friendship with Weiss was a bad thing, it's just that it's come at such an inopportune time. The moment he realized he should distance himself from her, was the time that Weiss made her presence a little bit more pronounced. And, much as he hated to admit, she still affects him in ways he doesn't like.

He could remember the lemon cheesecake he made during one of his classes that he had brought for his friends to try and taste test. Weiss was his biggest and most helpful critic. Whilst his friends could only give out the subtle nod, sounds of delight, and almost vacuum-like ability to devour their slice of cake, Weiss had given a proper take on his cheesecake.

He hadn't realized it at first, but they just had their first proper conversation; no insults, no flirtation, no guitar, no door slams, no facepalms, or any other resemblances to their old interactions. Just two friends, having a conversation.

She was very concise with her comments too, it's as if she wanted him to improve on his baking skills. A level of support that, given enough time, could rival Pyrrha's towards his combat skills. Weiss had commented on his crust that easily crumbled, his underdone cheesecake, she even showed him a neat "jiggle" trick that tested its firmness. He did do well with how he implemented the lemon, she said. It was distinct, but not invasive. A pat on the back if he says so himself.

He smiled because he did well for his first time baking. Especially since he received affirmation from someone, who he guesses, has experience in the field. It was enough to get him pumped up to remake his cheesecake, to show Weiss that he did improve. He stood up, and with a skip on his step made his way outside of his dorm. Professor Peach allowed students to use the classroom they used for leisure, just as long as they didn't make a mess of the things there. The school regularly restocked the shelves, so running out of ingredients was of no concern. You'd be surprised with how many hunters have cravings for anything sweet.

He was going to impress Weiss, he was going to do well this time. His heart skipped a beat, but his footing halted on the carpeted floor. He shook his head, he wasn't doing this again. He trudged back to his dorm.

He plopped down on his chair once again, a grimace on his face. This was treading familiar, but still, dangerous territory. He had done many things for Weiss before, mainly to impress her. The blonde cringed as the memories crashed on him like a wave. He groaned, admittedly loud. Those were truly embarrassing.

"Stop, stop, stop, stop. We're cool. We're fine. It's just the mindset," he closed his eyes, fingers on his temple as he eased those memories out of his system, "think of it somewhere along the lines of a student living up to his teacher's expectations."

He did get the instructor-like energy from Weiss now that he thought about it.

"So did Weiss do that as a friend, or does she see that interaction as purely professional-" Jaune cut himself off again with a groan, this time with his forehead smacked straight into his desk. The furniture and books jumped, miraculously staying on their initial placements even with how high up they went.

His forehead ached but quickly dissipated as his aura began to mitigate any lasting pain.

There he was again, on the throes of his mind. Trying to understand the intentions of Weiss had never bode well for him, much less any woman he ever knew. His father had told him to never assume as to what's going on with the mind of a woman. To be oblivious is to play it safe. At the very least, his dad did teach him something.

Jaune groaned similarly to a sob, his teammates were out for the Sunday afternoon so there was no worry of them hearing his mess right now. They've collectively done maintenance on their weapons. Crocea Mors being a simple, yet trusted weapon meanth that sharpening and the occasional lubrication of the shield's mechanisms were the only things he'd have to worry about.

He looked at his weapon propped up beside the foot of his bed. Maybe the weapon was too simple, he mused. But he doesn't have the slightest clue as to what the weapon's missing. Some range would be nice, but tackling that concern wasn't the time right now. Refining what the sword and shield already have would be his priority, and the best way to figure out how would be to bring it out in the arena.

A chance to get some extra practice would be nice, he has so much time to kill anyways.

And maybe get Weiss off of his head.

The four Hunter academies follow a strict, universal format on dividing their students. A team can only consist of four members, with one being appointed as leader. The idea behind it is that the group is small enough for the members to create a closely-knit relationship with each other but large enough to handle the fiercest of Grimm. Watching each other's back was integral for a team's success but prioritizing relying on others is just as important as relying on yourself. Sometimes, out in the wild, hunters find themselves in situations wherein the only one that could watch their back is themselves. This is why a strong understanding of one's surroundings and being able to pick up disturbances in the air is a necessary skill that a hunter should learn.

And boy does Jaune wish he had mastered that skill just a while ago.

He had recently begun applying the techniques that Pyrrha had taught him, conducting multiple repetitions so that the actions would become muscle memory for him. He had been so engrossed in refining them that he was surprised to find Weiss Schnee in the arena. She sat on the top row, a blind spot for the lights that hung from the ceiling. She had been there for a while, and it unsettled him how he didn't even notice. The darkness, coupled with their distance masked her expression, and Jaune's mind immediately assumed an ominous tone around her.

Fortunately, she had just left the training room, giving him a small bow whereas Jaune could only muster a simple wave that stuck close to his body. Afraid that any more extension of his arm would expose him to cold awkwardness.

Jaune sighed, collapsing onto the floor with his rear. He found himself more exhausted than after he spent an hour doing drills. He hadn't expected Weiss to help him, or much less approach him. She could've taught him from afar and spare him any physical contact.

He hated how he took note of how her hand held up his sword arm. The feel of her skin brushing up against his. It felt warm, it felt nice.

She helped him with his stances, but if he were honest, he had difficulty listening. Their proximity was almost murderous.

Jaune groaned, his eyes staring at the ceiling. He made a fool of himself in front of Weiss once again. She had probably noticed the way he looked at her dumbly, or the soft dust of pink on his cheeks when he felt her warmth. She probably had more things to teach him, but he drove her off.

He hates how he'd act around her. He swears that all he needs is just some time away from her and he'd stop being obnoxious. But from here on out, he needs to always be on his guard.

The blonde glanced towards his right, eyes fixated on his sword and shield; the reasons as to why he had been in the training arena in the first place. He wanted to see what he could improve on his weapons and now he may have a vague idea as to what.

He went up on his feet, grabbing Crocea Mors and his scroll. He jogged his way outside of the arena, while his fingers fiddled with his portable tablet to look for Ruby's contact number. He sent her a quick message asking where she is.

She replied immediately, and Jaune looked at the message with a quizzical look, "Reading in the library?"

It wasn't normal for Ruby to be found in the library, it was even more bizarre that she was reading instead of playing a board game.

The reaper clarified that her partner insisted that she get some early readings, especially after flunking her recent tests.

Jaune winced, both to the mention of a failed test and the possibility of Weiss being there at the library. He then asked if her team is with her because if Weiss was around, then maybe his ideas could wait. Relief washed over him when he found out that she was only with Blake.

One could accuse him of being paranoid and could make a very solid case in proving so. But Jaune would say that he's only being wary, as he is aware of what he could do when he is around her. Suppressing what he feels about her is already difficult, it's like he's trying to cover an overflowing bowl of water.

He stepped out of the facilities and into the open air, looking to his left and right. He was crossing the street, with fast-moving Weiss-cars traveling down the road at maximum speeds. Getting caught in their way would spell his doom.

He jogged across the courtyard, passing by students and sticking to hide within large crowds. He'd accidentally bump into people, by which he immediately apologized for and went on with his way.

But he'd bump into one that had a much more verbal sign of indignation, he'd offer up an apology but he was suddenly grabbed by the collar and pulled towards them. He thought that Weiss had tugged him but realized that she wouldn't have the strength to pull him like this. His answer as to who it was came with an eyeful of golden locks of hair. He expected red eyes to come with them but was surprised to see them lilac.

"Slow down there, tiger," Yang had caught his attention, "you okay?"

"Yeah," Jaune muttered, eyes darting around his peripherals before closing his eyes and sighing. He does look like a nervous wreck

Yang wasn't convinced, placing her hands on her hips, "you look like you're running away from someone- is it Cardin? Just tell me and I'll knock him out."

"No, no, it's not him. But thank you," Jaune smiled, and Yang gave him one of his own, it's nice to have friends who have his back. "I'm just in a hurry, I got something to attend to."

He wouldn't dare tell Yang the truth. If he wants to move on from Weiss, he has to get his friends convinced he already has, even if it was ahead of schedule.

"Hm, well okay. Say, before you go could you make one of those cheesecakes again? They were pretty good."

Elated by the praise for his baking skills, Jaune nodded, "I can make one for you this Tuesday."

"Awesome, thanks Jaune," she tapped him on the shoulder, "now go, and be careful not to bump into any more people."

Jaune chuckled and continued on his way. Walking at a slower pace than what he had been, eyes were glued towards the massive library that stood in front of him. It'll take a while, but he'll get there.

It didn't take a while for Jaune to find where Ruby and Blake sat as both RWBY and JNPR have decided a specific area of the library to be their designated area. Unspoken rule, yes and not followed by the rest of the student body, but they'd always make sure to check if the round table by the comic book section were vacant.

True enough to her word, Ruby had her eyes diligently glued towards the textbook that she was reading, while Blake, surprisingly, was reading a comic book. One that he assumed was what Ruby had read the other week.

"Ruby, Blake," Jaune greeted the two as he sat down beside the reaper. Blake nodded towards the blonde, while the other greeted him with her eyes still on the thick textbook.

"I'm surprised you're reading a textbook, Ruby."

"I told her I'd give her comic book a chance if she were to finish studying Vacuo's history," Blake explained, "I quiz her along the way too, to make sure she's studying."

"Well, are you enjoying the comic, at least?" Ruby quipped, uncharacteristically mellow, still focused on Vacuan lore.

"I think I'll need more time,"

Now Ruby looked up, pouting, "Are you even reading it?"

"Yes, I'm at the part where they've just mentioned something called rebirth,"

Ruby gasped, shutting her book, "Operation: Rebirth!"

"Focus, Ruby."

The reaper meekly obliged, sitting down and opening her book to the page that she last left off.

"Anyways Jaune," she began, "what was it that you wanted to tell me?"

"Oh, well I was thinking of making upgrades to Crocea Mors,"

Almost comically, Ruby's eyes widened and her textbook found itself shut once again. Blake may have sighed in exasperation, but he couldn't hear it off of the person in front of him squealing.

"Oh my gods, you want to do upgrades?" Surprisingly, she was able to keep her voice low enough as to comply with where she is, but it didn't hide the excitement that she had, "You know, I've been thinking of a lot of things to do with your weapons, perhaps a ranged option, like a sniperrifleorashotgunyouknowsoyou'dhaveoptions-"

"Woah, Woah slow down, Ruby." He eased her, "I don't wanna add anything crazy yet, I just want to refine with what Crocea Mors already has. You know, make it better."

Ruby nodded but looked slightly disappointed, "Okay… what do you have in mind?"

"I want to make my shield bigger," Jaune gestured widely with his hands, emphasizing- or exaggerating the size that he wanted.

"That's it?"

"I mean- I don't mean to make it wider by adding more metal. I've read about how resilient hard light dust can be and I was wondering if you could help me add dust properties to it,"

Ruby winced and looked at him apologetically, "I don't know Jaune, I'm not that good with using dust yet. I'm scared that I'll just mess up your weapon."

"Ah, well do you know anyone who could help?"

"Uhm," Ruby broke her gaze, fiddling with her thumbs, "well…"

"Who?"

"Weiss…"

Jaune's heart sank, inwardly cursing himself for his luck. But, unfortunately, it made sense since the heiress of the multi-billion Lien dust corporation would be good at handling them

"I guess I'll ask her then," he lied. He would most definitely wouldn't

Ruby's eyes lit up, "Really?"

"Yeah, I mean she helped me with my baking a few days back- she even helped me earlier when I was training,"

Blake quirked an eyebrow.

"That's why you stink," Ruby commented, earning a glare from Jaune.

"Whatever. Anyways, I'll see you around, you guys!"

Jaune exited the library with a new plan: to figure out how to upgrade his weapon on his own.

He can do it, he hopes.