This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Rascal Does Not Dream light novel series, which was written by Hajime Kamoshida. I do not claim ownership of these characters or the plot of the original series.

I thank Kamoshida for the story and the characters he has created that allows me to do something like this for my own entertainment and, hopefully, the entertainment of the readers.

Shoko stayed late at Sakuta's apartment where they spent the night pouring over old photos of Mai. Sakuta didn't have a lot of them. He explained that he didn't own a mobile phone, that he'd thrown it away to help Kaede recover from her bullying. But even though there weren't many photos each one came with a story. And Shoko could sit there listening to them for hours.

It felt like they'd broken new ground that evening. It felt like they were that much closer. Shoko stopped around at Sakuta's for dinner more frequently, and sometimes they would cook together, or they would watch one of Mai's old films and Sakuta would tell stories of times in Mai's life that were reflected in her performance. They started walking to school together, which meant Shoko had to get up early to fit in with Sakuta's schedule, but she didn't mind, and they regularly ate lunch together in the same third-year classroom with the view of Shichirigahama beach.

It was everything Shoko could ask for.

"Hey, Shoko, are you working today?" Miki Sugita had an oddly strained expression on her face.

It was the end of the day and all around them their fellow students were streaming out of the classroom, either heading home or to their club activities. Some might even have been heading to the school library. Midterm exams were approaching, though there was still time before Shoko felt she needed to hit the books.

"Yeah," said Shoko. She had some filming for a commercial. Sunglasses, Shoko remembered, that's what it was for. "Why do you ask, Miki?"

At some point Sugita had started to call Shoko by her given name, something unique to her out of all the Minegahara students, and Shoko had found herself doing the same in return, more out of natural reflex than anything.

"Just wondering," said Miki, giving an unconvincing smile. "Don't worry about it."

Shoko was sure there was something more to it, but she saved her questions for another time. After all, it wasn't any of her business. Even though Miki was undoubtedly her closest friend at school, it didn't mean they were actually close. Considering all that was going on with Sakuta, that Shoko was keeping quiet from everyone, it was impossible for Miki to know Shoko well enough to be considered a true friend.

Shoko pondered that her high school career was following a very similar pattern to her middle school career. She really didn't know anyone at school, Miki being the exception. However, this time it was her own fault. Instead of being away for work so often she couldn't maintain connections to her classmates, now Shoko was spending all her time with Sakuta.

Shoko headed to the bathroom, her head stuck back in the classroom with Miki. She wasn't here to make friends. She was here for Sakuta. Yet she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. Maybe she should try harder. Maybe Miki could be an actual friend if she just gave her the chance.

As she was heading back to her classroom to gather her things, her phone buzzed. A message from her grandmother.

Filming cancelled. Director collapsed. Suspected stroke.

Damn. That didn't sound good. Shoko quickly texted back, asking that her grandmother pass on her good wishes. Not that she needed to. Her grandmother was a pro. She probably had some flowers already set to be sent to his hospital bed. Her efficiency in this matter felt rather unkind.

Rather than worry about the ethical issues with professionalising emotion, Shoko turned her attention to what she should do now, given that she was suddenly free. She could see if her dad was able to walk home with her. It wouldn't be good to interrupt him while he was working, so it might be best to kill some time working on her assignments and then head down to the school gates to wait for him when it was about time for him to finish.

Satisfied with her new plan, Shoko headed back to her classroom. But as she reached the door to class 1 - 1 she heard the sound of voices inside.

"I don't want to cause any trouble." It was Miki's voice, quivering as though she was about to speak something terrible. "I thought I could come to you… and you might be able to help."

"What's the matter?" That was Minami-sensei speaking. "Are you alright, Sugita?"

Shoko thought it would be best to leave. It wouldn't be fair on Miki for her to listen in on her problems. She could take a walk and return later to collect her bag.

However, Miki's next words froze her in place.

"It's about Shoko… I mean, Sakurajima."

Shoko blinked. What?

"What's wrong?" Minami-sensei's voice sounded concerned.

"I think someone might be taking advantage of her," said Miki's tremulous voice. "One of the teachers."

Oh.

Oh no.

Shoko needed to step in.

She pulled the door open.

Miki and Minami-sensei were standing by the teacher's lectern. When Shoko made her entrance Minami-sensei looked rather relieved, perhaps worried that someone else might have overheard instead of Shoko herself, whereas Miki jumped in fright.

"Shoko," she gasped. "What are you…?"

"I left my bag," Shoko explained, pointing to her desk. "And I overheard you talking."

Miki went very pale.

"I think this might be a misunderstanding," said Minami-sensei, trying to smooth things over. "You were talking about Azusagawa-sensei, weren't you Sugita."

Miki looked bewildered, but nodded.

"I've seen him meeting Shoko in private," Miki whispered, looking between Shoko and Minami-sensei in confusion and fear. "I was worried he was abusing his authority, or tricking her into a relationship, or…"

Shoko needed to clear this up quickly. The things Miki was thinking were incredibly problematic.

"It's all a misunderstanding," Shoko assured her. "I promise, Azusagawa-sensei isn't taking advantage of me in any way. There's a completely innocent explanation as to why we've been meeting so much."

There was a long silence.

"Shoko?" Miki finally spoke as Shoko failed to elaborate. Her voice was tremulous. "What's going on?"

Shoko tried to think, but there wasn't a single lie she could come up with that would explain why she was spending so much time with Azusagawa-sensei. And she needed to say something. She couldn't let the misunderstanding stand.

She supposed she had no choice. She had to tell the truth.

"Azusagawa-sensei is my father."

Miki's eyes went wide. She clapped a hand to her mouth.

"Oh god, oh god, I'm so sorry," she burst out, bowing beseechingly for forgiveness. "I shouldn't have been so presumptuous. The things I said… please, let me take them all back."

"It's alright," Shoko promised, wincing as she remembered the allegations. She really didn't want to think of her father like that. "I promise, I'm not mad. I'm happy, actually."

"Really?" Miki asked, doubtful.

Shoko nodded.

"You were looking out for me," she said, putting on her best confident voice and a dazzling smile. "I'm lucky to have a friend who will go through so much effort to make sure I'm alright. Thank you."

Miki stared at her, amazed.

"I'll leave you two to it," said Minami-sensei, gathering her papers and leaving the classroom. She slid the door shut behind her.

Alone, the two girls sat at their desks.

"So, Azusagawa-sensei…" Miki hesitated. "He really is your dad?"

"Yes," said Shoko, confidently.

"But you seemed so worried about him at the start of the year," said Miki. "I even told you that my sister had him as her homeroom teacher. I'm so embarrassed." She clutched at her hair.

"No, it's alright," Shoko assured her quickly. "Really."

She hesitated.

"The truth is…" a large part of her didn't want to say it. But Miki had gone out of her way to look out for her. She'd earned a little trust. "I didn't know Azusagawa-sensei before school started. That class was the first time I'd met him."

Miki looked at her, confused.

"I told you I was raised by my grandmother, didn't I," said Shoko. Miki nodded. "Well, she didn't allow my dad to see me. I didn't even know about him until my last year of middle school." Shoko blushed. "The truth is I only came to Minegahara so I could meet him."

"That's…" Miki gaped at her, mouth hanging open. "That's so sad."

"Yeah," said Shoko awkwardly. "But it's alright. It's been great getting to know my dad, and we're really making up for lost time. And your sister was right, he is cool. Even cooler than your sister knows, I bet."

"I don't know," said Miki, starting to smile. "Azusagawa-sensei was Fuyuko's favourite teacher."

"I guarantee she has no idea how cool he is," said Shoko, grinning. It felt good to be able to brag about him. Up until now she hadn't been able to confide in anyone except Nodoka. It was a relief to finally get all this off her chest to someone who didn't already know.

"Why don't I introduce you," Shoko suggested. "I'm planning on walking home with him. We can talk outside of school, and we won't have to worry about all that teacher stuff."

Miki was initially very reluctant.

"He's a teacher, it will feel so weird," she complained.

But eventually she caved. Probably because she saw how exited Shoko was. This was the first chance she'd ever had to show off her dad to someone, and she hadn't realised how much she wanted to do it until now.

"Are you sure it's okay?" Miki asked.

They were out by the front gates, having headed down in preparation for Sakuta leaving the school.

"It's fine," Shoko assured her. "I'll show you, he's great."

Maybe if Shoko wasn't quite so giddy at being able to show him off, she would better understand why Miki was so nervously about being introduced to her math teacher, who just so happened to be her best friend's father, outside of school. But as it was Shoko was oblivious to Miki's concerns.

"Hey," Sakuta's voice cut through her thoughts and she looked to find him walking down the path. "Sho…" He came to a sudden stop. "Sakurajima," he switched. "Sugita. What are you doing hanging around?"

"It's alright," Shoko assured him cheerfully. "She knows. You can call me Shoko."

Sakuta raised an eyebrow but seemed to accept it. He turned to Miki.

"Is this true?" He wondered. Miki nodded quickly.

"Sakurajima told me," she said.

"Why are you calling me Sakurajima now?" Shoko wondered, poking her friend in the ribs. "Come on, Miki, don't be shy."

"It's alright," Sakuta assured her. He glanced around. "Let's not hang around here. You're heading home, Sugita?"

"Yes, sir," said Miki. "But I take the Enoden the other way from Saku… I mean, Shoko."

"Then I'll walk you to the station," he said, and he stepped forward, the two girls following alongside him.

After a moment he turned to Shoko.

"Didn't you have a commercial to film?" He asked.

"It got cancelled," said Shoko sweetly. "The director collapsed with a stroke."

Sakuta raised an eyebrow. It took a moment for Shoko to realise what the problem was.

"I didn't mean I was happy about it," she insisted, suddenly losing her good humour. "I swear, I am not the kind of person who delights in the pain of others."

Sakuta's lips quirked.

"So, Sugita," he said, leaving Shoko hanging. "You don't have an older sister, do you?"

"Yes, sir," said Miki.

"Fuyuko, right?" Said Sakuta. "She was in my homeroom class."

"She'll be happy you remembered her," said Miki. "She always said you were her favourite teacher."

Sakuta smiled.

"Well, it would be hard to forget," he said. "She changed her hairstyle four or five times in her third year alone. Then there was the incident with the glitter. The girls' bathroom on the third floor was out of order for days until that was cleared up."

They'd reached Shichirigahama station, a train quickly coming to a stop before them. Miki stepped on.

"It was nice meeting you," said Sakuta.

"You too, Azusagawa-sensei," said Miki. She seemed a lot more relaxed now. "I'll tell Fuyuko you said hi."

The doors closed and the train slowly headed off down the tracks.

Sakuta turned to Shoko.

"So, you told her about me?" His voice wasn't judgemental, but it was curious.

"She found out all on her own," Shoko denied. "She noticed we were meeting up all the time, and I had to tell her the truth before she thought something worse."

"Ah," said Sakuta.

Shoko looked at him.

"You don't seem very surprised."

"Minami-sensei warned me."

Oh, of course.

"And you're not mad?" Shoko had felt telling the truth was the only thing she could do at that moment, but it was also the case that she hadn't asked Sakuta if it would be alright.

"Just cautious," said Sakuta. "I am enjoying every second I spend with you, but I'm aware that at the moment your grandmother holds all the power. I'm worried she might find out, now that more people know the truth."

Shoko felt a shiver go down her spine.

"I'll tell Miki she must keep this a secret," she promised, immediately taking out her phone to message her friend. She showed Sakuta the message screen as proof.

"I'm sure she can be trusted," said Sakuta, giving Shoko a comforting smile. "She clearly cares about you. Minami-sensei was very impressed by her courage in coming forward when she thought you were in trouble."

"Well," said Shoko. "That's what I thought." She hesitated. "I also thought it would be nice to have a real friend. Miki seems like a good one to have."

"In that case, hold on tight and don't let go," said Sakuta. The train pulled in and he stepped on, Shoko following behind him. "A good friend is hard to come by. Be thankful every time you find one."

A/N: And that's all for this chapter. Please join me again for Chapter 8: Daiki Kuroda.