January 1st

"Ishigami, wake up," said Miko as she barged into Ishigami`s room. "Hey, what`s the big idea?" said Ishigami as he rubbed his eyes. "We`re supposed to meet the others at the shrine," said Miko as she opened the curtains in Ishigami`s room as today was New Year`s. "Oh that`s right, we had a small celebration last night," said Ishigami as he got out of bed. "I already made breakfast," said Miko as Ishigami sat at the table.

"You`re wearing a kimono there?" said Ishigami as Miko was putting her kimono on."Yeah, got a problem?" said Miko. "Not really, I`ll give you a hand," said Ishigami as he helped her tie up her red kimono. "Finish up your breakfast, we don`t wanna be late, try to drive a bit carefully today," said Miko. "Yeah, yeah," said Ishigami as he got started on his breakfast.

New Year, an annual tradition that marks the start of a new year. This means temple visits, praying for good fortunes, and lots of mochi.

Meiji Jingu Temple

"Hey, you guys," said Ishigami as the two walked up to the others waiting for them. "Miko-chan, I love your kimono," said Chika as she hugged Miko. "Thanks, Fujiwara-senpai, yours also looks nice," said Miko as Chika was wearing a pink kimono. "Hey Ishigami, it`s been a while," said Miyuki. "Yeah, how was vacation in America?" Ishigami asked. "It was good, we can tell you about it later," said Miyuki. "Shall we get going?" said Kaguya as people started to walk up to the temple around them. "Yeah, we should get up there before it gets too packed," said Ishigami as the group walked up to the top of the temple.

"So what did you pray for?" Chika asked Ishigami as they finished praying for good fortune. "To survive college, what about you?" Ishigami deadpanned. "I wished for all of us to have another successful year," said Chika. "I see you`re as optimistic as ever," said Kaguya.

"Why don`t we all get our fortunes?" said Miyuki as they walked to the Omikuji booth. "I got a success fortune," said Miyuki as he picked out his fortune. "What a coincidence, I got one similar too," said Kaguya as she and Miyuki looked at each other's fortune. "Here goes nothing," said Miko as she picked out a fortune and read it.

Your true love maybe someone close to you said the fortune

"Are they even allowed to put fortunes like this at a temple?" Miko thought as she turned red. "So what fortune did you get?" Ishigami asked Miko as everyone picked out their fortunes. "Oh, I got a success fortune," said Miko as she made up a lie. "Oh, I got a love fortune, what did you get Chika?" said Ishigami. "Same as you, a love fortune," said Chika as she and Ishigami looked at each other's fortune. "No way in hell I`m telling him my actual fortune," Miko thought as they walked around the shrine.

An hour later

"Well that was my first time going to the shrine without my family," said Ishigami as they were at the bottom level of the temple. "Anyone have plans after this?" Miyuki asked as he stretched himself. "Why don`t we all go over to my place?" said Kaguya. "That sounds great, I haven`t been back to your place in a while," said Chika. "I don`t have anything planned today, count me in," said Ishigami.

"Okay, I`ll tell my butlers to prepare a party and have someone pick us up," said Kaguya as she took out her phone to make some calls. "This`ll be like a Student Council reunion," said Chika. "Guess video games are gonna have to wait," Ishigami thought as he watched Chika tell Kaguya and Miyuki stories about everything they missed back in Japan.

Shinomiya Manor

"We got you guys some souvenirs from America," said Kaguya as Hayasaka handed the trio each a gift bag as they sat in the living room. "Awesome, thank you," said Ishigami as he pulled out some souvenirs. "It looks like you guys had a lot of fun in America, I wanna go there," said Chika. "Hmm, maybe we can arrange for that at some point," said Kaguya. "How`s your English?" Miko asked Ishigami. "So-so, I don`t have a speaking level yet" Ishigami replied. "Maybe you should stay awake during English class," said Miko to which everyone chuckled.

"Even as a college student, I`m still the same old introvert," Ishigami thought as he watched from a distance as he decided to have some time alone. "Hey, whatcha doing?" said Chika as she walked up to Ishigami. "Nothing much," said Ishigami as he took a sip of his drink."Come on, lighten up a bit, we`re hanging out as a group together for the first time in a while," said Chika as she put her hand on Ishigami`s face. "Smile," said a voice as a camera light flickered at them.

"My my, you two look so good together," said Kaguya as she put her camera down. "Oh Kaguya, you`re doing photography?" said Chika as she walked up to Kaguya. "Yes, it`s something that I`ve picked up for a while now," said Kaguya as she checked her camera. "Hey, this picture isn`t too bad," said Ishigami as he looked at the photo she had just taken. "Yeah, I still have a ways to go before I perfect photography," said Kaguya. "You mind if we see your pictures?" Miko asked. "Sure," said Kaguya as she showed the gang the photos she had taken on her camera.

Later

"Anyone wanna play Mario Kart?" said Ishigami as he pulled out his Switch. "Sounds fun, I haven`t played this in a while," said Miyuki as he cleared up the table. "Count me in," said Kaguya and Chika. "Couple vs couple huh?" Miko thought as she took a sip of her drink and she watched them play. "Miko, do you wanna play?" Chika asked as she handed her the controller. "Oh, I don`t know how to play," said Miko. "That`s fine, I`ll teach you," said Chika as she explained the controls to Miko.

"Are you gonna play?" Ishigami asked as they were about to start a new race. "Sure," said Miko as the race started. "Alright, you have the mushroom, use it now," said Chika as she was helping Miko. "That`s a nice speed boost," said Miko as she used the mushroom. "You still got a long way before you can beat me," said Ishigami as they were on the last lap of the race.

"Hey Ishigami," said Chika as she quickly kissed him on the cheek. "What are you" Ishigami started to say unaware that Miko had sped past him to the finish line. "Alright, I beat Ishigami," said Miko as she at least had the satisfaction of finishing before Ishigami. "That was devious even for you," said Miyuki.

"You just got beat by Miko," said Chika as she prodded Ishigami. "I lost because Chika distracted me, let`s go again," said Ishigami as he was unwilling to accept his defeat. "Challenge accepted," said Miko.

5:00 pm

"Thank you for having us," said Ishigami as everyone approached the front gate. "Of course, get home safe everyone," said Kaguya as the group parted ways. "I`m gonna drop Chika back at her place, I`ll see you back home in a bit," said Ishigami as he and Chika rode off. "Okay, drive carefully," said Miko as she walked away.

"So when are you going back to Kyushu?" Ishigami asked as they rode down the street. "Around February, how are things between you and Miko?" said Chika. "Yeah it seems that we`re at least tolerating each other," said Ishigami. "That`s good to hear, I didn`t think Miko would pick up on a video game that fast, she`s almost as good as you," said Chika. "Not quite, she`s got a long way before that`s a possibility," Ishigami deadpanned.

"Come on, you want Miko to like video games right? If you`re too tough on her, she`ll start hating video games again" Chika pointed out. "Fair point, I`d rather have her be average at video games rather than hating it," said Ishigami as they took another turn.

"Thanks for dropping me off," said Chika as she got off the bike. "No worries, I`ll see you around," said Ishigami as he took the helmet back. "Get back safely," said Chika as she kissed Ishigami on the cheek. "Alright, better get home, the video games aren`t gonna play themselves," Ishigami thought as he revved his bike before riding off.

January 3rd

"Hm, what to do today? I don`t have work today and Chika, Miyuki, and Kaguya are all too busy today" Ishigami thought as he lay on his bed as his phone rang. "Wonder who it is," Ishigami thought as he picked up the call.

"Hey Ishigami, how have you been?" said Makoto. "Oh hey. Nothing much," said Ishigami. "You down to have dinner with us at Roppongi?" Makoto asked. "Oh, what`s the occasion?" Ishigami asked. "Just a get-together, you down?" said Makoto. "Sure, I`m free," said Ishigami. "Is Miko going to be coming too?" Makoto asked. "Oh, I can ask her, I`ll call you back," said Ishigami. "Alright, talk to you soon," said Makoto as he ended the call.

"Hey Miko, Makoto was thinking about hosting a dinner, you wanna come?" said Ishigami as he walked into the living room. "I`m not feeling having dinner with strangers," said Miko. "Rei and Kobachi will be there," said Ishigami which caught Miko`s attention. "On second thought I`ll go then," said Miko as she got up from the couch. "Cool, we gotta meet them at the restaurant at 7:00 pm," said Ishigami as he went back to his room to call Makoto back.

Tony Roma`s, Roppongi 7:00 pm

"Hey, over here," said Rei as Miko and Ishigami saw her waiting outside the restaurant. "Hey, I haven`t seen you guys since the end of the semester, where are the others?" said Miko as she got off the bike. "They`re inside waiting for you," said Rei as Ishigami approached them after parking his motorcycle. "Let`s go inside then," said Ishigami as he put his keys in his pocket.

"Hey, you guys made it," said Makoto as the three walked over to their table. "Long time no see," said Akane as she hugged Miko. "Yeah, it`s good to see you guys again," said Miko. "I gotta say, I wasn`t expecting you to pick this restaurant," said Ishigami as he sat down. "Yeah, this restaurant serves more Western cuisine," said Makoto. "It`s good to try new things every so often," said Hiroshi. "Hey, if you picked it out, it`s gotta be good," said Ishigami as he picked up a menu

"What are you gonna get?" Makoto said to Ishigami as everyone was deciding what they wanted. "I`ll probably get the 1/4 Chicken and Rib combo," said Ishigami as he looked through their menu. "Me and Hiroshi are gonna get the burger combo, the girls will probably just order the pasta," said Makoto as their waiter walked over to take their order.

"So how was your Christmas?" Hiroshi asked as they were waiting for their food. "Good, I went to Hokkaido with my girlfriend" Ishigami replied. "That sounds like an adventure," said Makoto as Ishigami took a sip of his drink. "What about you guys?" Ishigami asked. "Nothing much. I went back to my family to celebrate," said Hiroshi. "This drink is good, what was it again?" said Ishigami. "Oh, it`s a Key West Cooler, a non-alcoholic drink," said Hiroshi. "Hmm, I guess drinking cola all the time seems boring," Ishigami thought as he was pleasantly surprised with his drink.

"Cheers," said Makoto as everyone tapped glasses. "You ordered quite a lot," Ishigami said to Miko as she ordered a pasta and a burger combo. "Hey I had a small lunch today," said Miko. "Just don`t overdo it," said Ishigami as he cut a piece of his rack of ribs. "This is good, you sure picked a good restaurant Makoto," said Suzu as she took a bite of pasta. "Yeah, I got a recommendation from a friend to try it out," said Makoto as he took a bite of his burger.

"Everyone, me and Makoto have an announcement to make," said Rei as everyone had finished dinner. "Oh, what is it?" said Miko as everyone turned their attention to the two. "Me and Rei are a couple now," said Makoto to which everyone`s jaw nearly hit the ground. "That`s awesome, congrats you two," said Ishigami as he and Hiroshi high-fived Makoto.

"Who made the first move?" Suzu asked. "Makoto did, he asked me on a date during Christmas time and the rest is history," said Rei. "Wow, I`m happy for you," said Hiroshi as he pat Makoto on the shoulder. "When are you gonna get a girlfriend?" said Makoto to which Hiroshi playfully hit Makoto in the arm.

"Rei has a boyfriend already? We`ve only gone through a year together" Miko thought as she sipped her drink. "Maybe you should take some notes from Rei" Kobachi whispered to Miko. "What are you talking about? When did this change into my love life?" said Miko as she tried to dodge the subject. "Say Miko, do you have a boyfriend?" said Akane to which Miko paused for a moment.

"Oh uh, no I don`t," said Miko. "Eh? I was sure a girl as adorable as you would have a boyfriend" said Akane. "This one has a long way to go before she gets a boyfriend," said Kobachi as she patted Miko`s head. "Koba-chan," said Miko as she pouted. "Now, now, don`t upset Miko too much," said Rei as she patted Miko`s head. "Keep teasing her and she`s gonna go with a shady guy," Ishigami thought as he took a sip of his drink.

Later

"Anyone have plans before the semester starts?" Makoto asked as everyone was having dessert. "Probably just work and resting, that Hokkaido vacation wasn`t cheap," said Ishigami as he took a bite of his mud pie. "Did everyone remember to register for their classes for next semester?" said Suzu. "Oh crap, I need to do that asap, I don`t wanna get stuck with a crappy professor," said Makoto. "Yeah, I gotta do that too," said Ishigami. "You would forget to do something important," said Miko as the waiter placed their bill on the table.

"All right, are we cool with splitting the cost for dinner?" said Makoto as he looked at the bill. "Yeah, that`s fine," said Ishigami as everyone pulled some bills out and put them on the table. "Anyone got plans?" said Makoto as the waiter took the bill. "Not really, I think all of us are just working, the rent isn`t going to pay itself," said Ishigami. "True, I kinda miss being a high schooler sometimes," said Makoto as the waiter came back with the change. "Don`t we all?" said Ishigami as deep down even he missed high school a bit.

10:30 pm

"It`s pretty late now, we should all split," said Makoto as they walked out of the restaurant. "See you guys around," said Ishigami as everyone parted ways. "Ready to go?" Ishigami asked as he tossed Miko a helmet. "Yeah, can we stop by the mart on the way?" said Miko as she put her helmet on. "Sure, what do you need to get?" Ishigami asked as they rode off. "Just need to pick some stuff up for dinner," said Miko as they pulled up to the mart.

"Alright, let`s not spend too long here," said Ishigami as they walked into the mart. "All right," said Miko as she grabbed a shopping basket. "You`re getting quite a lot," said Ishigami as he saw Miko putting a lot into the basket. "Better we get everything we need now so we don`t have to make a second trip," said Miko. "Do you have enough money?" Ishigami asked as he looked through his wallet. "Don`t worry, I`m covered" said Miko as they approached the register.

"Thankfully, the trunk can fit most of the stuff," said Ishigami as he loaded the trunk with bags. "Alright, let`s go home," said Miko as she got in the back. "Hey, there`s something I need to ask you," said Ishigami as they stopped at a red light. "What is it?" Miko asked. "Were you jealous of Rei getting a boyfriend? You didn`t seem too happy upon hearing the news" Ishigami asked to which Miko turned red. "What? No, I wasn`t, I just wasn`t expecting Rei to find someone so soon" said Miko.

"Just be happy for them, they`re our friends after all, I`m sure Makoto is a good guy," said Ishigami as the light turned green. "What are you, a love counselor?" said Miko. "Judging from my love life and the friends I hang around, yes I am" Ishigami replied.

"Man I`m tired," said Ishigami as he placed his keys down the table upon entering their apartment. "What are you doing? You`re not showering?" Ishigami asked as he saw Miko unpacking the groceries in the kitchen. "I`m doing prep for dinner first," said Miko as she pulled some of the produce out. "Do you need any help?" Ishigami asked. "I`ll be fine, you can shower first," said Miko. "Suit yourself," said Ishigami as he grabbed some clothes and walked to the bathroom.

"What do you want for dinner?" Miko asked as Ishigami went to the fridge. "Oh, some curry chicken and pork katsu," said Ishigami. "Okay, I`ll prepare for next week then," said Miko as she went to get some kitchen knives.

"What do you like then? It wouldn`t be fair if you did all the cooking" Ishigami asked. "Oh, I can eat anything as long as it`s edible," said Miko as she as she cut some chicken. "Hey, I`ll have you know that I can cook even if I don`t do it that often," said Ishigami. "Then cook more often then" Miko deadpanned as she put the chicken into a bowl.

"Hey, let`s play some Mario Kart," said Miko as she sat down on the couch. "Oh? How come?" said Ishigami as he looked up from his phone. "Are you scared that I`ll beat you again?" Miko said to which Ishigami put his phone down. "You`re on, don`t cry if I win too badly," said Ishigami as he tossed her a controller. "Maybe Akane is right, perhaps it`s time I become bolder," Miko thought as Ishigami started a race.

Results of Battle: Miko wins

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, it seems that Miko and Ishigami may be get closer. How will their relationship change and will it affect their lives?

As always feel free to leave a review, see you all in the next chapter.