In the elevator, Junko was happily texting with someone, while Kuroko stood still. Not moving a muscle, eyes forward. All her focus aimed inwards. On a single question.

Why had she gotten involved so much?

She was supposed to give the ape useless advices, dissuade him with high prices. And it worked! More so, he was too indecisive to pick anything that could impress Mikoto. Even if she had given him the chocolate on Valentine's, which Kuroko still doubted, he would have had to reply with something plain.

Just like she wanted.

But then why, why had she stayed? Why had she helped him?

She should've been dancing with joy back then, but there had been this heavy feeling in her chest. And it hadn't been regret for wasting half a day on the damn ape. No, it was something else.

Something he had said.

Perhaps, she didn't understand the relationship those two had.

But…

"Just this once I want to make Misaka happy, smiling ear to ear."

That she could understand.

All too well.

"Shirai-san… Shirai-san…" Junko called and even shook her shoulder.

Kuroko snapped out of it. "Yes, what is it, Hokaze-senpai?"

"I was asking if Misaka-san is returning tomorrow."

It took Kuroko a bit to process the question, still troubled by her thoughts. "Yes, early in the morning," she finally said, brightening just from remembering that.

Junko beamed too, for a different reason. "So, they will be able to meet… Oh dear, I hope it will go well."

"Me too," Kuroko admitted with some reluctance.

"I am really rooting for Kamijou-san!"

"That is a bit too far…"

"After all, he was worried so much about finding something special and now he got it. I was happy I could help, though you contributed the most, Shirai-san."

And on that one had Kuroko torn. Her whole being rebelled against the mere thought of helping that damn ape. So, why had she done just that?

Why?

The doors opened with a ding and Junko left the elevator, with Kuroko following, her steps somewhat mechanical. Right outside the dormitory, a car was waiting and Junko asked gesturing towards it, "Would you like a lift?"

Kuroko almost agreed, but then she realized whose car it was and shook her head. "No, thank you. I can get to the dorm much faster with my teleportation. And without any traffic issues."

"In that case, this is where we part. Goodnight," Junko said with a bow, then she hurried to the car.

As the door opened, Kuroko saw a girl with honey-blond hair in the backseat. Junko chirped a greeting but her Queen didn't even acknowledge it, face thoughtful and grim. Kuroko noted that in passing, and then the door closed and the car drove off.

She too should be going, or else the punishment from the dorm manager would be inevitable. But the question just wouldn't let her move. More so, it kept pulling her back. As if there was still something she could do for the boy.

But I don't want to help him! At all! Kuroko groaned in her head. She had started the day with clear intention to thwart every idea that damn ape would have – and somehow changed course midway.

Why? It would've been best if he failed… right? That guy was nothing but trouble… roping Mikoto in all sorts of dangerous situations that ended with her getting hurt… badly… They shouldn't get any closer… they couldn't!

And yet it kept happening…

A quiet growl escaped her mouth as she clenched her fists. Her ear caught a strange sound and she looked down to find herself squeezing a notebook. The one she borrowed from the boy to write down the recipe. All throughout the cooking she had been keeping it in her hands to give him instructions.

And now she almost took it all the way to her own dorm…

"I am really not at my best today…" Kuroko muttered with a sigh. "But that's the ape's fault. Confusing me with his stupid speeches about making Onee-sama happy… Wasn't this thing important, anyway? He should keep a closer eye on it…"

She rolled the notebook out and fiddled with the cover, opening it for a centimeter, then letting it fall down again. He had been very reluctant to pass it over. Was this a diary? With some embarrassing thoughts? Not that she really cared about an adolescent boy's secrets…

Unless he had written about Mikoto. Then it was her duty to read it, to see his real intentions. Because she still had big doubts concerning that chocolate. If that guy wasn't delusional, then there must be some coercion involved. Surely!

Why else would Onee-sama do it?

With her mind set, Kuroko opened the notebook.

The first page… had only lesson notes. Physics. Frowning, she flipped over. More rules and equations. Was that it? She kept on turning pages, but in her mind she was already relaxing. And feeling a little guilty.

His handwriting sucks though, she noted. Seriously, who takes notes like this? So much useless information. If he is preparing for the exams with this, it will be a disaster…

Then her eyes caught something strange. Here and there, in between lines, on the sides, there would be a word or two completely unrelated to the subject. "Stepping stone", "lifeline", "scrapyard", "picture", "windowless building"… Confused, she started paying more attention, until getting to empty pages. But her disappointment didn't even have time to settle as she soon came across a table.

The columns were titled "Courtesy" and "Friendship", with the third one blank.

"He did say Onee-sama hasn't told him what kind of chocolate it was… Was he trying to figure it out?" Kuroko wondered.

At least, that was the impression she got from studying the two filled columns. Naturally, they were all about Mikoto and her almost magical ability to appear when the boy had needed her most. The tenacity with which she had fought alongside him. Her words that had given him strength many times.

Like he had mentioned in his little speech back at the mall.

Only this time Kuroko could actually see what Mikoto had said and done. Delusions, wishful thinking, she wanted to protest – but her usual fervor was all gone. Everybody had a limit on denial.

Not to mention, she knew Mikoto – and knew her well. She also knew some of these events and had seen Mikoto before and after them. So, all the pieces fit together.

Which made Kuroko only sadder.

But in the end she had to admit that everything in the notebook was more than plausible. As well as the chocolate itself. Homemade… but not at the dorm or else she would've known about that. Mikoto'd have had to use someone else's kitchen.

And she knew who that might be.

After a few moments of hesitation, she mad a call.

Ruiko picked up almost immediately.

"Do you know anything about Onee-sama making chocolate on Valentine's?" Kuroko asked in a rather calm voice.

There was dead silence on the line, then Ruiko mumbled, "Maybe."

Now it was Kuroko's turn to stay quiet, in hopes that would work like her best glare.

"Ok, ok, yes, I helped her with it," Ruiko confessed. "And even escorted that scaredy cat to the boy's school or else she would've chick… Oh, no, no, wait, forget that! I don't know who Misaka-san gave it to!"

"I do! I've spent the whole day helping the ap… Kamijou-san pick the gift for White Day."

On the other end of the line something fell – many things, by the sound of it.

"Wait, what?! You are joking, right?" Ruiko asked.

"I wish I was… I wish all of this was an early April's Fool. Or a dream. But no, it happened. Just like Onee-sama giving that damn ape homemade chocolate on Valentine's Day."

"You sound pretty angry."

"Angry? I am fuming! And I really need to tell a certain someone off."

"Misaka-san might be a bit busy right now…"

"Oh no, I'll have a chat with Onee-sama later, in person, when I am much calmer. I meant someone else."

"Oh… emm… so, if anyone comes asking… this conversation never happened?"

Kuroko rolled her eyes. "I'm still a member of Judgment, sworn to uphold the law, in case you forgot."

"We are all human," Ruiko said simply.

Kuroko sighed and said, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Hold on! What gift did Kamijou-san get? I need to know."

"That's between him and Onee-sama."

She ended the call, then chuckled. Really, she could've asked Ruiko yesterday and saved herself from all the stress. But no, it had been so much easier to stay in denial. Perhaps, some part of her brain believed that the ignorance gave her control over the situation. That she could change what had already been decided.

When in reality…

Kuroko looked at the notebook.

It was true that Kamijou Touma had a talent for getting involved into troubles – because he was the kind of person that wouldn't stay out of it knowing perfectly well he could make a difference. And with those troubles came many dangers, many pains. More often than not, he, as well as the people with him, would get hurt.

Among them would be Misaka Mikoto. Sometimes aware of the danger, sometimes simply by chance, she would end up by the boy's side. Without him asking or even seeking her out – because it was her decision.

Each and every time.

Kuroko could hate it, could curse and blame Touma all she wanted, but that wouldn't change this simple fact. Mikoto had put herself into grave danger for him out of her own free will. And she always would. In a heartbeat.

No matter how this White Day would go.

Would she do the same for Kuroko? Absolutely, Kuroko knew it for a fact.

For Ruiko or Uiharu? Yes, of course, without a shadow of a doubt.

Mikoto cared about all of them deeply.

Including Touma.

Which was maddening.

Honestly, sharing Onee-sama affection with that ape would be at least bearable if he was at the bottom of the list. But he wasn't. Not at the bottom or even in the middle.

Kuroko allowed herself a bitter smirk for a few moments, then took a deep breath and exhaled. It didn't help much but that was alright. She needed the fire for what she was about to do.

Her mind made, she looked up and teleported.

Touma broke out of his dorm room still wearing slippers, only one arm in the jacket sleeve while the other just kept missing it. He really hoped the girls hadn't gone far.

"Please, please, Shirai, just walk. It's healthy, you will get fat if you only teleport," he mumbled rushing towards the stairs.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," came an icy voice behind him.

He stopped and grabbed onto the railing or else he would've gone head over heels down the stairs.

Kuroko stood by his door, squeezing and twisting his notebook like she wanted to tear it apart. Her face expression promised nothing good.

"Oh hey… Hi again," Touma said with a nervous laugh, still somewhat hanging on the railing.

She scoffed and held out the notebook. "Here, I took this by mistake."

"Oh, thank god. I thought I lost it."

After pulling himself up straight, he took the notebook, then glanced at Kuroko – and quickly looked away as she kept looking daggers. "Err… did I do something?"

"I looked inside," she said simply.

Now it was Touma's turn to glare. "That's personal stuff!"

"Well, anything that involves Onee-sama is personal for me!"

The two crossed glares as animosity filled the air. Though most of it came from Kuroko, with Touma simply confused.

"You know you are really pissing me off," she finally said.

"How?! What did I do?!"

"I keep asking myself that exact question – what did this damn ape do that Onee-sama gets all weird whenever he is involved?"

"Wait, weird? What do you mean?"

"Last summer she kept coming back late, so tired she would fall right into bed. Like a kid, honestly. When I asked she would nag about some idiot, but I saw her grin. And I was happy she was having fun. Though I did feel a little envious. Somehow, in less than a month, this "idiot" became Onee-sama's support system. Someone who could elevate her spirits just by being there."

All ire disappeared, Touma now listened closely. Those words rang familiar.

Catching his frown, Kuroko smiled slightly. "I told you that once but you don't seem to remember. You certainly didn't write that in your notebook."

"Well… the Sisters incident overshadowed all of the early stuff," he said hastily.

"I suppose," she muttered, eyes narrowed, suspicious. But then she shrugged. "From what Onee-sama has told us and what has been on the news, it was rather gruesome. You were involved too, weren't you? I saw some mentions in the notebook. But no one talks about you for some reason."

At that, he only smiled awkwardly, as if saying "it is how it is".

Luckily, she didn't dwell on it. "Anyhow, that's when your relationship truly started. And from there it was only picking up. Making Onee-sama behave even weirder. The dance at end of the sports festival, your little date when you got those matching straps…"

"That wasn't a date!"

"Maybe it wasn't for you. But Onee-sama seemed to be pretty happy that morning. Sleep-talking all giddy."

"Look, I dunno what you heard or think you heard. I just lost a bet and Misaka dragged me there…"

"Exactly. She dragged you there. And to the dance. On her own," Kuroko said in a quitter voice, with the same small sad smile. "Hokaze-senpai was right. Actions speak louder than words. You just need to look closer."

Touma ruffled his hair in frustration. New information, new variables. How would they fit into the equation? What column should he even put them in?

"Shirai, you just confusing me more…" he grumbled.

"Good! Because the last thing I want is to make it easier for you," Kuroko said and smirked for the first time with some semblance of joy. "But if this helps Onee-sama… she did make it a little too complicated for your ape brain, so I guessed I could give you a few hints, more pieces for the puzzle."

"You say this like you already figured it all out…"

"Of course I did. I may have far less pieces than you but mine are much more important. Being Onee-sama's closest friend, I know and notice many things. Not to mention, I started putting this puzzle together a long time ago. But I stopped because I didn't like the picture it was turning into… I wanted to stay ignorant hoping it would just go away. And it kind of did. But then the whole picture just smacked me right in the face."

She let out a sad laugh.

"Err… Shirai…" he called shifting in place, unsure what to do.

Kuroko looked like she needed a hug – but Touma suspected she would kill him if he even got close.

"If you expect me to tell you the answer, think again," she said looking him in the eyes, her own crystal and clear, no sign of tears. "Mine is still a guess, though I am 99% sure I am right. Only Onee-sama can tell for certain. And you just need to have the courage to ask. Or the will."

"What do you…"

"It's alright if you lack in both. Onee-sama will be sad but she will move on eventually. Maybe then she would give someone who has been with her all this time a chance…"

"Hey, I see that grin! Do you actually want me to fail?"

"Obviously, I thought I made it clear. I don't like you. Period. Our friendship gauge will never move into the positive. Why would it? You are the damn ape that somehow wormed his way into Onee-sama's heart. Without even putting any effort or really wanting it. And now she would go to the other end of the world to help you – and get hurt."

Touma bit his lip. Mikoto getting injured because of him had always weighted down on him. Perhaps, it would've been best if their paths never crossed…

"But then… so many things would've turned out differently," Kuroko said with a sigh. "And probably not in a good way. The Sisters experiment, the heatwave, that whole mess with the dark side on Christmas… As much as I hate to admit it, you have helped Onee-sama and me a lot. And even though I cannot for the life of me understand how, you do brighten her day."

"She brightens mine too," he blurted out – and immediately bit his tongue.

But it was too late.

Eyes wide with surprise, Kuroko studied his face as he felt it get warm. Then she smiled a crooked smile which was far happier than any before.

"My chances are looking to be slimmer and slimmer," she said shaking her head, strangely content.

"Don't misunderstand! I just like spending time with her. Even though she often confuses the hell out of me… but when we bump into each other and just chat and hang out… it's nice… and that's it! I don't mean anything else!"

"Hm, where have I heard this before? Oh, right… Well, at least, you are a little more honest than Onee-sama. Maybe this plan of hers really does have a chance. Sadly."

"Plan? Do you mean the bet? It's just another of her stupid challenges. A big pain, honestly. She could've just given me the chocolate and say "here, a courtesy for the times you helped me out". I'd have had a much calmer month then!"

"And what if it wasn't a courtesy?" Kuroko asked in an eerie plain voice.

Touma rolled his eyes. "Ok, ok… we might've become friends sometime between all those near-death situations. Kinda. Though that's pushing it, I'd say…"

"And what if it wasn't friendship?"

He gave her a weird look. "Did Aogami infect you with that tsundere crap? Do you think Misaka actually likes me but throws lightning at me and won't even say my name because she is too shy?"

"Ugh, don't say it out loud, makes me feel sick." Kuroko shuddered. "I loathe the very idea of Onee-sama… and… you… blegh…"

Perhaps, Touma should've felt offended, but that reaction was actually a little relieving. He had had enough of that joke…

"But," she continued, face even sourer, "I can't deny that you were the only one she gave chocolate to on Valentine's."

He blinked. "Come again?"

"You heard it. She went through all the trouble of making the chocolate to give it to you. Not her friends or family. Not me. Only you."

His mouth opened, then closed as no words would come, tripping over each other in his head.

Kuroko appeared amused watching him, though there was sadness slipping through her voice. "Yeah, she singled you out. And if you think you are confused, then I am simply shocked! No, I can't understand it… but that was her choice… I have to accept…"

He uttered one simply "uh-huh".

"Giving you this puzzle piece might've been cheating. But it's up to you how to fit it in. Perhaps, Onee-sama really only wanted to thank you for all the times you helped her out. Make a decision and ask her. If you are brave enough."

"Uh-huh," he mumbled again.

She frowned and stepped up to clap loudly at his face. Startled, he almost fell over.

"I'm listening, I'm listening!"

"You better – because this last part is the most important one. Now, you might think that with your ability I can't do anything to you. But nothing stops me from dropping something heavy on your stupid head, right?"

The matter-of-fact tone carried no threat, only facts. Touma gulped, unable to look away from her sharp serious eyes.

"Luckily for you, I am a law-abiding person. Injuring you if you break Onee-sama's heart would be too much. Although it depends on how you do that. Hurt her – and I just might cross the line. Got it?"

He nodded.

"And if you lead her on, if you toy with her gentle heart… I'll catch you somewhere with many people – and cameras too – and do something like this!"

Kuroko brushed a finger against his jacket and it's disappeared – only to fall on his head. As it got dark all of a sudden, Touma yelped and flailed around, then mumbled curses pulling the jacket off. The twin-tailed girl smirked.

"Mind you, it wouldn't be just your jacket," she said. "So, behave yourself."

"I always do!" he protested genuinely offended. "It's Misaka who is throwing lightning all the time for the tiniest tease! Or even for an innocent "hello"…"

Kuroko scoffed and stepped back, eyes on the street below, already aiming to teleport. "Well… worst of luck tomorrow, Kamijou-san," she wished with a tad bit of sadness in her voice.

Touma let out a joyless chuckle. "Oh, you don't have to worry about that. My misfortune will surely screw me over somehow."

She chuckled in return, then glanced back, looking him up and down. "No, I really don't get you, Onee-sama," she muttered shaking her head.

And with that she disappeared.

Touma caught her teleporting through the streets. Not a moment of hesitation, not one look back. Was she running away from unpleasant thoughts? Or simply hurrying home before she could get scolded? Did she regret helping him? Or was she happy to get things off her chest?

He couldn't tell.

Just like he couldn't tell if he was happy after hearing all that.

It certainly complicated things…

With a long tired sigh he got back inside. The jacket slipped off his shoulder and fell on the floor; he kicked off the slippers and walked into the bedroom area.

Index looked up at him from the table, eyes a little worried. "Touma?"

"I see you got more than you hoped to," Othinus noted.

"Yeah, something like that," he muttered.

Neither asked for specifics, and Touma was thankful for that, though the hopeful look they had made him a little uneasy. Like something was expected of him. However, right now he needed a distraction. Which preferably didn't require him to think.

Luckily, there was still a whole sink of utensils and he got to work with a smile.

Yes, this is good. No White Day, no confusing girls, no bets… that's all tomorrow… Also got exams coming… but that's a whole week away! And right now it's just me and the dirty dishes, yay!

Only cleaning those proved to be much easier than clearing his mind. Touma kept wiping, scrubbing and rinsing, yet occasionally his eyes would trail off and wander around. Until falling on the plate with Mikoto's gift. And that one glance would render all his effort useless, sending his thoughts down the same spiral.

From the hope that Mikoto would like the gift to the annoying bet, then to their turbulent relationship and all the way down to Misaka Mikoto herself. There was just no running from it.

His head was like a big pot filled with memories of Mikoto. Bits and pieces, the briefest moments.

Of her anger and distress. Of her sadness and tears.

Of insults that never hurt. Of fights that felt like playground squabbles.

Of her voice reaching him at the times of despair. Of her back against his in the midst of battle.

Of how she trembled in the face of monsters, gods and demons, yet always stood beside him.

Of her brush words.

Of her daring smile.

Of her beet red blush.

For the past month he had been adding more stuff and stirring this pot – almost in some kind of frenzy at this point. Desperately trying to figure out what exactly this brew was supposed to be. However, it was boiling now, about to spill out and make a mess.

And the things Kuroko had said… they could blow it all up.

The pot.

His head.

She singled you out… Not her friends or family… Not me… Only you…

The words echoed in his mind, along with a question.

Why?

But only Mikoto could answer that – if he had the courage to ask. As for his own guess… could he even dare? Just thinking about it sent his heart into a wild beat.

At last, the dishes were all clean. Touma wiped his hands dry, then looked at the table. Index was back to the TV and Othinus disappeared somewhere, maybe hiding from Sphynx that wanted to play cat-and-mouse again. Only the notebook was waiting for him there. Reluctantly, with a bit of unease, he sat down and opened it.

The pages snickered as he got to the three columns. One had only a few words, the other almost reached the bottom of the page, while the third glared at him empty. He pressed the pen against that white space – and stopped. What exactly should he write? "Might be tsundere"? "Might like me"? He chuckled bitterly. Not with his rotten luck.

But he kept tapping the pen on the page. Considering the possibility. Fighting his own stupid imagination. He really shouldn't… but what harm would it be? To shoot the shot? To just ask? He could always play it off as a joke if she denies it.

The pen stopped as Touma realized something. Then it started moving. A few short words appeared in the untitled column. And after a pause he added some more. And another few under that. He went on writing until he ran out of space, then continued on the next page, a blank one, without making columns anymore.

Once it was finished, he read it over and sighed. Stupid, delusional… but a boy can dream, no? He chuckled, feeling a bit lighter on the inside.