MPK: I was going to split this chapter into two, but I decided against it. So here's the longest chapter so far. Hope your Halloween was fun if you celebrate it.

"Hey Tsunashi Takuto, Takashiro Niika. I have a favor to ask."

"Um..."

"W-Watanabe-san? What is it all of a sudden?"

"I don't mean to interrupt your conversation but this can't wait~"

"Even so...Do you have to sit on my desk to tell us?" Kanako looks down. Without realizing it, the green-haired girl has made herself comfortable between the two on top of Takuto's desk.

"Oh, sorry. I suppose that's too much, even for me." She stands again, smoothing out her uniform skirt. Niika and Takuto sweatdrop in their chairs.

There's a knock on the glass window beside them, "Hey. Do you mind the glass?"

"Hold on." Kanako gestures to them. She smiles at the random boy on the other side. "Not at all." Without hesitation, Kanako pushes her lips to the glass at the same time as the boy. Thus a kiss through the glass is initiated.

"She's shameless, isn't she?" Takuto blushes, looking away uncomfortably. Niika slips her fingers away from her eyes, hoping that Kanako is finished. "Class Prez, you aren't saying anything. Are you easing up on her?"

Behind the seat Niika is in, Nichi Keito sighs while flipping a page in her book. "There's no point filling a bucket with a hole in it."

Takuto chuckles, "It's a cool~"

With a look of satisfaction, the boy waves and runs off in a daze. "Including him, that makes 73 boys I've kissed through the glass since I came to this school." Also satisfied, Kanako returns her attention to them. "You've never asked me for one though. Why is that?"

"W-Who? M-Me?!" The brunette panics.

Kanako closes one of her eyes with a weird look, "Would you want one?"

"No!" Kanako lets out a "pfft" noise.

"I was referring to Takuto." She bats her dark brown eyes, "We haven't done it yet, have we? Playing hard to get, are you?"

The redhead tries to hide his face from her, "I prefer to not play at all..."

"Oh come now Takuto-kun~" Kanako slides her pale hand under his chin, "You're very slim, but you have nice broad shoulders. I realized this while staring at you when I'm bored during class day after day."

"C-Could you please not?" Takuto looks further away from her, beads of sweat dripping down his cheeks. Kanako blinks. Her large endowed chest bounces as she drops the redhead's chin.

"You know," Kanako starts, "I was at a church thing last year, and the priest told me that humans hold only greed and envy in their hearts, which is a sin. Do you think I'm a sinner for staring at you and having all these fantasies?"

"WHAT FANTASIES!?" Takuto exclaims, gathering the attention of the whole room. Takuto faces the window. "Ugh!"

"Your very existence is public indecency." Keito states matter-of-factly, while still reading.

Finally feeling that Takuto is uncomfortable, Niika cuts in with a sweatdrop. "Wasn't there something you wanted to ask us both? Mrs Watanabe?"

"Oh, that's right. Where was I?" Kanako plops on top of the desk adjacent to Takuto's. "I need to stop getting so distracted. I blame Takuto." She feigns to fan herself, "Which is why, I wanted to ask if I can go out on a date with him?"

"A d-date? W-With Takuto?" Niika can't help but stutter, "But why are you asking me?"

"And not me?!" Takuto adds in.

"Because this is really a conversation between girls. However, since you're involved, I'm allowing you to listen." She winks and Takuto groans. "I'm being serious though. I understand that you and Takuto have some...chemistry. You two were dates to my party after all."

"Well, yes. But that wasn't~"

"Let me finish." Kanako stops the girl and continues. "As you know, I'm still hoping you find a boyfriend before the end of the school year, Niika-chan. I don't mind rooting for the two of you to become a couple. Although I have experience being with boys, I have a confession to make." She leans in closer, "I've never been on a proper date. It's shameful, I know!" Niika and Takuto both instinctively sweatdrop at her dramaticness. "I want to take some time off and go on a real date. And Takuto is the best candidate to show me a good time."

Takuto leans on his hand, "Why me?"

"Because! You're this class's most eligible bachelor!" Kanako rationalizes, "Shindou Sugata has Miss Agemaki. Niika's brother Arata has been gone with the wind, recently. And well, Kazuma-kun is...well, Kazuma." Her mouth wrinkles into a frown for a second. "No one else matches their level but you."

"Jee, thanks."

"It is a compliment!" She insists, "More importantly, you are single as well!"

Takuto's eyebrows twitch, "And you're married."

"Just for a day, I'd like not to be. Just one day!" She slams her fists on the desk, making the two jump. With a cough, Kanako composes herself again. "That's why I wanted to ask you if it's okay. If there is nothing going on romantically between you both, then one harmless date shouldn't be a problem, right? I'll even compensate you financially if need be."

"Yare yare." Takuto shakes his head, "You shouldn't have to bribe someone with money to go on a date with you, Mrs Watanabe. They should go because they want to-"

"I'm desperate!" She exclaims accidentally, "I mean...I just...I have my heart set on it. I'll do whatever it takes!" Niika and Takuto look at each other. "Please!" The sincerity in Kanako's voice was too apparent to ignore.

"Mrs Watanabe..." Niika says softly, "You don't need my permission. You should do what would make you happy." She lays a hand on her forearm.

"You really mean it, Niika-chan?"

"If Takuto wants to go that is." Niika looks back to Takuto.

"Ah, I see what you're doing." Kanako smirks, "You're leaving the decision to him. What a trap, Niika-chan!" She readjusts herself to sit more comfortably. "Better choose wisely, Tsunashi Takuto."

"I don't mean to pressure you!" Niika blurts out, waving her hands. "It really is up to the two of you..."

Takuto looks to the brunette, who bows her head nervously. "Is it...really okay?" Niika's emerald eyes flick to meet his ruby ones. She nods profusely. At her response, Takuto lets out a sigh. "I suppose one date wouldn't hurt..."

Kanako's head peeks up from below Takuto's desk playfully. "Wow. Such an open and respectful relationship! You two are too cute!"

"Says the girl with an open marriage." Having heard the whole thing, Keito flips to another page nonchalantly. "Truly shameful."

"Hush!" Kanako hisses her way, "Then it's a date? I've always wanted to say that." She smiles, "This Sunday afternoon! I'll contact you with the details!"

"This Sunday?" Niika suddenly repeats.

"Well, I figured the weekend would be better. Am I wrong?"

Niika's lips purse before she shakes her head. "No no! It's not up to me after all."

"Then I'll see you then, Watanabe-san." With a grin, Kanako claps her hands and scurries off. "Okay. Going on a date with a married woman was not on my weekend bingo card." Takuto runs a hand through his red bangs. "I thought you wanted to hang out this weekend though, Midori no me. Changed your mind?"

"You saw the look on her face. Mrs Watanabe really wanted to hang out with you." Niika fiddles with the pencil on Takuto's desk. "Besides, we've been hanging out a lot recently. Like you said once before, it's starting to give people the wrong idea."

The hand that was against Takuto's cheek slides underneath his chin so he can rest on it. "But I don't care what other people think. I like spending time with you." Niika's cheeks flush.

"But if that is true, you should go spend time with someone else for a change." Takuto drops his hand, confused. "If you spend too much time with me, you'll get too attached to being with me. I'm not even sure how much longer we will even have to know each other..." Niika's emerald green eyes seem to sadden with a darkness the redhead hadn't seen before. Takuto wants to inquire further but feels that the timing is wrong. Instead, he stands up from his seat, choosing to leave it alone.

"...I'm going to buy the melon bread now."

"Okay."

He stops a few inches away from his desk, "Midori no me?"

Niika blinks, "Yes?"

"No matter how long it is, I'll still treasure the time we do spend together." The redhead smiles at her, before exiting the classroom. Niika's eyes widen. She can't help but mess with the ends of her locks, flustered.

"Tsk tsk." Simone clicks her tongue a couple of desks away. "I told you. If you give that woman an inch, she'll take a mile. She's going to steal that boy away from you, Takashiro Niika."

"Maybe you should leave it alone, Simone." Takashi insists from the connected desk beside her. "The mistress just seems to be having a little fun...I think."

Simone takes one more side glance at Niika before continuing to eat, "Is that really so?"

Sunday morning...

"The yacht is much quieter without all of the partygoers I bet." Arata analyzes the big ship in the island's port. "I should have brought my swim trunks. Maybe if I asked politely, Mrs Watanabe would let me swim a few laps. Haha." Taking his time climbing up the steps, the brunette male reaches the top deck and watches the surrounding open water. "Sugata was right, the lookout near the lighthouse is a way better view. But this is still awesome." He feels at ease.

"Especially with the morning sunlight. So peaceful."

"I think this is the first time we've ever agreed on something. Anaki."

"Boo! We've agreed on other things~!"

"I can't seem to recall."

"Ugh!"

Arata laughs to himself. With one last glance, he walks further reaching the back of the boat. "Hey, don't I know you?"

A spiky blue-haired male looks up from his cell phone, "Oh, what the...Takashiro Arata? She invited you here too?"

"Too? There are others here?"

"Just my friend and I. I rode him here on my bike." He brushes his hand on his pants and holds it out respectfully. "I'm Honda George's roommate, Goda Tetsuya."

"Oh yeah, my senpai. You drop by the boxing club a lot." Arata accepts the handshake. "Nice to finally be introduced."

"It's not his fault, I dip in and out a lot. I'm always headed somewhere different." Tetsuya says, "But he talks about you a lot, Mr Vice Prez. You keep him on his toes." He admits and Arata brushes his neck nervously. "From my understanding, we are the same age though. Shouldn't you be in our year?"

"Let's just say some paperwork didn't go through." Arata tells him, "I don't mind the refresher."

"Well, we would've loved to have you. I'm sure you'd make it more lively."

"Haha." Arata softly chortles when Tetsuya holds the yacht door open for him. The two finally walk inside. "I'm guessing that's your motorbike out there? It's totally sick."

"Thank you for noticing. She's my pride and joy." Tetsuya smirks with satisfaction.

"So, what are you and your friend doing here, by the way?"

"My friend?" Tetsuya blinks, "Oh. The friend is George. Lady Watanabe invited him over. To fight him I guess." He walks through the door at his left. "He's through here."

"Oh, I don't want to walk around here without Mrs Watanabe's...permission?" He said it like a question. "Oh my god! Honda-senpai!?" The brunette rushes to George's side. "What happened to him?"

"I know right? I told him not to come." Completely unphased, Tetsuya sits on the floor beside the couch George is sprawled out on.

"He's completely out cold...Mrs Watanabe did this?"

"Yup." He scrolls on his phone, "Even worse, all it took was two punches."

Arata's eyes widened, "Are you serious?" Tetsuya nods.

"Under normal circumstances, I'd warn you not to go see her. But you accepted her invitation, she'll expect you to face her." The bluenette sighs, "You muscleheads will end up doing what you want anyway."

"I don't want to die." Tetsuya can't help but look up from his phone hearing Arata's serious tone. The brunette's eyebrows furrow, "When Simone came to invite me to help Mrs Watanabe spar, I had no idea what to expect!"

"Begging for mercy won't help you now."

"HA!?" Arata jerks his body, instinctively hiding behind Tetsuya on the floor. "You scared me!"

With a deadpanning face, Takashi shrugs. "It's only going to be worse from here."

"Stop saying things like that! I know you're just trying to deter me!" Arata unclings himself from Tetsuya's Balmer jacket. "At the very least, I'll go see her! I came all this way."

"See? Musclehead mentality." Tetsuya sighs again.

"She's ready for you now."

"STOP IT!" Arata points in his direction. "STOP!" At this reaction, Takashi can't help but snicker into his hand. "I knew it! Stop intimidating me!"

Takashi wipes a single tear from his eye. "Aren't you Galaxy Lying Eyes?" At the very mention of that name, everyone in the room stiffens. Though not George of course, he's still unconscious. "You should have more confidence in your ability, you know?"

"...I don't need you to tell me that." There is no trace of the previous worry in Arata's voice. "In fact, we don't even need to fight at all to decide a victor."

"That's more like it." Takashi turns back to the door, "It be boring to watch you get knocked out in two hits after all." Arata gulps. "This way please."

About five minutes later, both Arata and Kanako are wearing proper boxing gear. With Kanako in the red corner and Arata in the blue corner, they are ready to start the fight. "Once again, is this all really necessary? Mrs Watanabe." Arata sweatdrops.

"You're the one that agreed to fight me, Sexy Blue Eyes." Kanako giggles, "For the beautiful occasion, I had to go all out for you." She winks.

"Haha..."

"You are so f-ed." Arata mentally groans.

The bluenette puts his hands in his pockets, "I was going to leave when George woke up, but I figured you could use the support."

"Tetsuya-senpai!" Arata cries.

"A single cheerleader isn't going save you from death."

"Shut up, Takashi!" The black-haired boy laughs next to Simone who is obediently waiting to ring the bell.

"I'll make sure to drag you back when you pass out! Okay, Takashiro-kun?!" Arata genuinely cries at his senpai's loss of confidence.

"Takashi has a point..." He mutters to himself, "If anyone's going to have faith in me, it needs to be myself!" Arata bangs his boxing gloves together. It feels like an electric spark travels through the room.

"That's right! Beat her up! My driver!"

"Whenever you're ready!" Kanako smirks before signaling to Simone. When Simone rings the bell, Kanako's fist flies at Arata. Instinctively, Arata blocks holding his gloves near his face.

'She's so fast!' Arata thinks, 'And she hits hard!'

"That's one." Hearing Kanako count makes Arata's blood run cold. For a second, he feels genuine fear. The greenette throws another jab in his direction, but before impact, Arata dodges this time. She immediately throws another and it hits him in the shoulder, hard. "That's two!" Arata tries to back away from her, but Kanako quickly closes the gap. "You're already doing better~" Kanako punches a straight this time. "~than all my other opponents! Arata!"

'This woman is crazy!' Arata screams in his head, 'If I let any of these punches hit my body, they would shatter my every bone!'

"Crazy how such a little woman can pack such a big punch! Get it? Get it, Arata?"

Arata physically growls at his cybody, when dodging Kanako's next barrage of punches. He wants to attack her back but is too afraid to drop his guard. In her every swing he doesn't see an opening. "What's wrong? Don't bore me!" She grabs Arata's waist in a hold before he pushes her off. Within the next second, she's punching again. Then time seems to slow down. Kanako's next punch gets slower as it hits Arata's left arm. The punch after that is even slower, traveling towards Arata's gut. It is at that moment that Arata's nerves tingle all at once.

'Right here!' Arata's body slowly loosens, 'If I don't counter this, I'll suffer a huge blow.'

In a single motion, Arata dodges Kanako's gut punch and focuses a punch to that glove. The spectators gasp. In another second, Arata lets loose a powerful swing with his other arm to the greenette's chest. Kanako gasps not thinking to parry it. In the same second, he stops himself coming up short to her chin.

Kanako jumps back, "Stop!" Arata jumps back into his corner as well. "Why did you stop?" He doesn't immediately answer. "I asked you why didn't you hit me?! You saw an opening, didn't you?!"

"...Mid-punch, I realized something."

"And that is?"

"...I really don't want to fight you." Everyone else in the room anime falls. Seeing Kanako about to explode with a loud insult, Arata explains himself. "And it's not because you're a girl! You're actually really strong! I admire that about you!" He lowers his arms, "But I guess, even when I notice how serious you're being, when I look at you, I can't help but see a nice person. And I can't stand the thought of hurting someone I want to call a friend."

"...Does that usually work on other girls?" Kanako speaks with a serious tone she hardly ever uses. Arata gulps.

"I know it's a bad excuse. But it's true. That's how I feel." Arata looks down and flinches. He just knows he's going to be punched in the face.

"...You're lucky I like you, Sexy Blue Eyes." Arata raises his head. Kanako takes off her gloves and drops them on the ground beneath her. Simone, Takashi, and Tetsuya's eyes widen all at once when Kanako suddenly steps out of the ring. "Make sure he gets home safely, Goda-kun." Effortlessly sliding on her robe, Kanako flips out her hair and leaves the room without another word.

"Wow."

"Amazing."

"It would seem that this day, you have evaded death."

Arata drops his gloves in the ring as well and ruffles Takashi's hair before he can protest. "Was there ever any doubt?" He says with a goofy smile. The brunette male then keels over, curling into a ball on the ground, clenching his arms in utter pain.

During the time of Sunday afternoon, Niika finds herself wandering the Southern Cross Isle's town plaza alone. After being cooped up in her bedroom all morning, she left the house for a change in scenery. Normally a walk along the beach's shore would have done the trick, however today, her thoughts alone weren't enough to keep her company. Instead, Niika decides to head to the town's surf shop with the hope of running into a certain white-haired individual.

The brunette peeks through the store window before cracking open the glass door, "Hello? Kazu-kun?"

"Niiiiiiii-ka-chan!"

"Mizuno-chan!" Niika exclaims when she is startled by the short pinkette. She can barely breathe within the girl's bear hug. "W-What are you doing here?"

"To see my Kazuma, silly!" Mizuno drags her all the way inside. "I'm helping him around the shop since he's been so busy!"

"He's busy?" Niika repeats, "I didn't mean to interrupt him if-!"

"Not at all! He'd love to know you're here!" Mizuno's smile is as bright as the sun outside. "Kaaaa-zu-ma! Niika-chan came to visit! Teehee!" She sits Niika at the empty store table. "Hey! Kazuma bought some fancy pastries from Wako's grandma's shop! Here have one!" Before she can protest, Mizuno pushes a fresh pastry in Niika's face. Since the smell does entice her, she politely takes hold of it.

"Hey Niika-chan! Fancy seeing you on the weekend!" Kazuma greets, poking out his head from the backroom. "This is rare. What are you doing out and about?"

"I-I just thought to stop by, if that's okay!" Niika quickly rationalizes. "I know I haven't been here since, well, that day...but today, I just thought that..."

Seeing the brunette struggle, Kazuma gives her a reassuring smile. "You're always welcome around here, Niika-chan." He insists, "I bet it isn't fun being stuck indoors on a free day. I'm glad you came by." Niika sighs in relief. "I'd hang out with you if I could really. But technically I'm still on the clock, even if business is slow."

"What are you doing exactly?"

"Taking inventory. And stocking some stuff." The whitenette holds a big box of miscellaneous beach-themed store items. "Don't worry, it's been a breeze. But it was nice of "this one" to come and help keep me company. Hopefully, she can keep you entertained for a while."

"Roger!" Mizuno salutes in earnest.

"I'll try to pop back out in another 30 mins or so on my break." With that, Kazuma disappears into the storage room.

"Yay! Sweet treats with Niika-chan! It's nice seeing you outside of school!" Mizuno takes a bite and squeals, "May every bite be as delicious as this~Mmmhm!"

Not knowing what else to talk about, Niika goes along with Mizuno's ramblings. "Cheers."

"Did you know Kazuma has a sweet tooth? It might be a little unhealthy of an obsession, but I think it's cute!" Mizuno blushes, "Do know what kind of food Takuto-kun likes?" Niika puts a finger to her chin in thought.

"I think when it comes to Takuto, I think he'd like food of any kind..." She then blinks, "Wait, why are you bringing him up all of a sudden?"

"Because you two are always together when I see you! I'm surprised he's not here with you now!" At the mention of this, Niika is saddened. Her eyelids lower, their usual shine dulling by the second. "He must be super busy if he's not hanging out with you!" The fingers of Niika's right hand slowly clench into a fist under the table.

"I don't care what other people think...I like spending time with you."

"...I guess."

"Even though I knew Kazuma had to work today, I came allllll the way here to see him! I was worried that he thought I'd be a bother but he didn't shoo me away!" Mizuno gloats to herself, "He let me stay! Especially when I admitted that I missed him! The time I see him at school isn't nearly enough, and on his days off he's working!" She pouts with pursed lips. "Even if it's only for a little, having him nearby feels so normal now. I'm so comfortable, that when we're together, I'm able to be myself. Just having Kazuma next to me is the best feeling in the world, teehee!" A frown slowly creeps onto the brunette's lips.

"If it ever gets to be too much, I don't mind if you lean on me. Okay?"

"No matter how long it is, I'll still treasure the time we do spend together."

"Wow, Niika-chan! This feels so weird being able to talk to someone else about boys!" Mizuno says giggling to herself, "The only person I normally have is Marino, but it's hard because she is instantly suspicious of anyone I'm around. It's uh, hard for her to accept new people sometimes...But she's getting better!" She claims, "But I think it'll be easier to spill my guts to someone like you from now on. After all, since you have Takuto, I think you'd better understand how I feel, you know?!"

"...I think you're right...Mizuno-chan." Niika says quietly. "I understand, exactly how you feel. Becoming comfortable enough with someone, that you'd want to spend lots of time with them..."

"That's right! Isn't it amazing!?" Mizuno squeals, but when Niika starts to tear up, her wide-open mouth closes shut.

"The truth is..." Niika whimpers, "I really wanted to...hang out with Takuto today..."

Mizuno blinks, "Well, why didn't you?"

"...He's...on a date."

Mizuno's purple eyes widened, "What the heck?! With who!?"

"...Mrs Watanabe. This married girl from my class." She tells her in a soft but sullen voice. "She's never been on a date before, and asked if Takuto would take her on one."

"She's married?! And he just said yes!?"

"I told him he should go."

"WHAT?! WHY!?"

"Because I thought he should!" Niika cries. Hearing the loud shout, Kazuma stands in the doorway of the storage room, accidentally listening. "Even though he became my friend, I didn't want Takuto to spend all of his time with me. That's selfish, isn't it?" Her pale hands shake when they are laid on the tabletop in front of her. "He's been so nice recently. He even offered to stay with me when I needed him. But it feels wrong...for him not to be around other people besides me." The brunette wipes the tears from her left cheek. "Today has never been that special of a day for me. But after talking with you, I've realized that even if it is just for a little...I still want to see him. Because I like spending time with him too." Niika buries her face in her hands. "I feel so bad, Mizuno-chan...but I don't want him to be on that date...I wish he was spending time with me instead!" Her sobs echo throughout the surf shop. "Even if he doesn't know everything about me. Even if I barely know anything about him...I miss him!"

"Niika-chan..." Mizuno mutters with a pitying look. She hesitates, but reaches out and pats the crying girl on her back. Niika leans on her, this time surrendering to Mizuno's softer embrace.

"Unbelievable." The pink-haired girl turns and looks to her boyfriend. "He's such an idiot!" He says, not hiding his contempt.

"But Kazuma, it's not like Takuto knows how Niika is feeling!" Mizuno rationalizes.

Pulling out his phone, Kazuma dials the redhead's number. "Oh, he's about to know."

"Ha ha ha!"

"Are you serious? So you're so good at boxing that they're adding Women's Boxing to this year's London Olympics solely because of you?"

"Believe it or not, that's exactly what I was told by the IOC president."

"Wow. You really must be a strong lady!"

"And you best remember it!"

Over tea and coffee, Kanako and Takuto are genuinely having a nice time chatting away to get to know one another. They only briefly quiet down when the owner of Cafe Eater brings over a small strawberry sundae for Kanako that he makes for her "on the house".

"I guess there are benefits to being pretty." The redhead sweatdrops, "So," Takuto nervously taps his hand on the table. "What's the plan from here, Watanabe-san?"

Kanako takes a light sip from her teacup, "Well, as you know, I'm married and you have little Miss Niika. It's been a beautiful weekend, but neither of us can really spend time being romantic with our partners. Considering how today went, I figure if we end up lonely on another given day like today, we could get together for an afternoon now and then."

"M-me and Midori no me aren't..." Before Takuto can finish his sentence, he feels the cell phone in his pocket ring. Takuto quickly checks the caller ID. "Huh? Kazuma-kun?"

"You know it's rude to look at your phone in someone else's company."

"Sorry." Takuto apologizes, "It's just that Kazuma never calls. It might be an emergency."

Kanako waves her hand, "I suppose I'll let you off this once."

Takuto bows his head respectfully before answering the incoming call. "Hello, Kazuma-kun-?"

"-What were you thinking?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You chose Watanabe Kanako over Niika-chan?!"

Takuto's eyebrows furrow, "That's not what happened! The other day she-"

"-I don't care what happened." Kazuma cuts him off again. "In the end, it's still the decision you made. Isn't it? Have you lost your mind?"

Takuto frowns, starting to feel a little frustrated. "How did you even find out?"

"How do you think? Niika's here, right now. Balling her eyes out to Mizuno and me. Over you of all things."

"Midori no me is!?" Instinctively, the redhead stands up from the booth in one panicked motion. "Why? What happened?"

"...Didn't you know what today is?" Kazuma asks.

Takuto pinches the bridge of his nose, completely stumped. "It's a Sunday..."

"You complete idiot!" Kazuma screams in frustration over the phone. "It's her birthday!"

"Her what!?" Takuto exclaims, "How do you know that!? Why didn't she say anything?!"

"Figure out the rest on your own, you fool. Fix this." The whitenette cuts off the call before Takuto can say anything else.

"...Is something wrong?" Kanako finally decides to ask.

Clearly distraught, Takuto pockets his cell back and rubs his forehead. "I think I messed up, somehow."

Kanako puts her hand to her cheek, seemingly fascinated. "How so?"

"Midori no me...today's her birthday?" Takuto says it like a question. "But she never said anything about it coming up. I was completely blindsided. And now she's upset..." He swallows. "Watanabe-san, I'm sorry. I think I should go now-" When Takuto starts to move away from the booth, Kanako grabs his arm. "Um, excuse me? What's wrong?"

"You've already made your choice."

"What?"

"I guess this is what it means to say "Boys will be boys"." The green-haired girl folds her arms. "You've already made your choice today, Takuto. You chose me over Niika. There's no point in going back on that now."

"What are you saying?" Takuto turns her way, "You were the one who convinced me to hang out with you today. And you chose today as the day of our date." He pauses, "Wait. Did you know? That Midori no me's birthday was today?" Kanako doesn't respond. "What?! How!?"

"If you're nosy enough, you can find out anything." Kanako nonchalantly takes a bite of her sundae. "Niika was acting a little more spacey than usual after the last time we spoke. So, I asked Simone to take a look into the school's event calendar for this weekend. When nothing significant was found, she looked into her school records. Sure enough, the date was there." Takuto frowns. "Also, I had the chance to confirm it when I spoke with Arata earlier. He was...dealing with his own issues at the time, but he admitted that because he's been so busy, he wouldn't be able to spend time with her on her birthday."

"Then," Takuto concludes, "You knew when you met me here today, that Niika was choosing to spend her birthday alone."

"If you were just a little more perceptive, you might've known as well." She takes another sip of tea. "Though I understand how you must feel, you can't take back the time you've spent here with me. If Niika didn't explicitly tell you, there's a chance she might not have wanted you to know at all. Regardless, you're here, not there." Kanako sets down the teacup and holds out her hand to him. "If you go, you might be bothering her, so you might as well stay." She says, rubbing salt on the wound. "Sit down won't you?"

"...I'm sure it's easy to see it that way. From the outside looking in..." Takuto's bangs droop over his face. "But even if Niika didn't want me to know about her birthday, I can't just let it go. She's my friend. I want to be there for her, even if she doesn't feel it's important enough."

Kanako's hand slowly drops, "...And if she doesn't want you there?"

"Then I'll at least have tried!" He bows to Kanako respectfully and excuses himself.

Kanako clings the spoon against the glass of the sundae. "Such a fool."

"Are you sure you want to go home?" Mizuno asks from the surf shop's front door worriedly, "You can always stay at my place. Then we could go to school together!"

"It's okay." Niika sullenly looks at her feet. "I appreciate it, but I don't want to be a downer for you. Going home is what I want to do."

"Then I'm glad I stopped you, Miss Takashiro." Niika gets goosebumps when she hears Sugata's voice before she can see him. "I didn't mean to startle you. I saw you two in the window, and wanted to approach you before you disappeared." Just then, there is a rumbling in the air. A noise, better known as incoming thunder. "And it seems it's about to rain too."

"I'll get you two umbrellas!" Mizuno scurries back inside before Niika can ask her to not leave her alone. Nervous, Niika looks up at Sugata's face, which is smiling at her.

"W-What are you doing here?"

"Nothing important. I was only out for a stroll in the park nearby..." He looks away, trailing off as if he didn't want to say anything else about it. "I've noticed you haven't been coming to the training sessions. If you're already tired of training under me, you could've just said so."

"I'm not!" Niika protests, "It's just-!" She bites her lip, not knowing what to say. She couldn't think of any good excuse, and her actual reason...was way too forward.

"I can see the gears turning in your head. You don't have to try so hard to come up with a lie, Miss Takashiro." Sugata snickers, right on the money. "You can come to me, any time that you like. All you have to do is let me know."

"R-Right..." Niika deflates, feeling bad for how she's been acting toward him.

"...Your brother is at my residence. It was he who told me to come and get you." Sugata tells the girl. "I'm not sure why. He seemed way too warn out for me to ask him. Probably just wants you in a place where he knows you'll be safe during the night, instead of being by yourself."

"That does sound like my brother." Niika still hesitates, "Okay. I'll go to your house then. If that's okay."

"You are more than welcome." Sugata holds out his hand for her. Niika steps back, "Is there something wrong?"

"...Why?"

"Why?"

"Why are you..." Niika wants to know why Sugata's been acting "differently" than usual. But because of his current smile, as his friend, she decides against asking him about it, not wanting to offend him. "-Never mind." Niika takes his hand as droplets of water start to trickle down from the grey sky.

A few minutes later, the redhead flies into the surf shop. "Kazu-"

"-You just missed her." Kazuma doesn't even turn around from wiping the store's display case. "And she's out there in the rain, Dingus."

"Ah!" Takuto exclaims and bolts out the door into the rain.

"Kazuma!" Mizuno scolds from behind the counter, "That wasn't very nice!"

The whitenette fiddles with the display case lock, "He deserves to run around the place in the rain. I hope he catches a cold while he's out there."

Mizuno puffs her cheeks, "Honestly!" In a flash, Mizuno grabs something off the countertop and runs out of the store.

"M-Mizuno!?"

"Takuto-kun! Wait a sec!" Takuto pivots on his heels as Mizuno almost runs into him. He luckily catches her, able to hold them both upright and steady. "She went to Sugata-kun's." Takuto blinks when the pinkette hands him a cheap umbrella. "Good luck!"

"...Mizuno-chan, thank you!" Opening the umbrella, he makes a mad dash down the street. Right on time, Kazuma steps out of the store to shield Mizuno from the weather with an umbrella of his own.

"You just had to help him."

"Would you have known it was Niika-chan's birthday if she hadn't said anything?" Kazuma stares down at the girl just shorter than him. "Imagine if you were you, you know? If I were Takuto, I'd want to go see her too. And I'm sure, Niika will appreciate him trying."

KNOCK KNOCK

"Sugata!" Takuto bangs on the front door of Sugata's manor. "Is Niika-chan in there?! Sugata!?"

From the foyer, the bluenette sighs already having been near the door. "Somehow I knew he'd come."

"Is that Takuto-kun?" Niika asks from the hallway.

"I'm sure." Sugata states confidently, "Want me to let him inside?" Niika instinctively clutches the side of the foyer doorframe. Hiding behind it, he has his answer. "Don't worry. I'll shoo him away. Hyou-chan, can you show Miss Takashiro to the free spare bedroom please?" The teal-haired girl appears from beside Niika and guides her further back into the house. With a sigh, Sugata opens the door.

"Sugata!"

"She doesn't want to see you." The bluenette tells him, "She's made it clear she wants to be alone today."

"So I've heard..." Takuto mutters, "But if you would just let me-!"

"Due to the current circumstances, my opinion is..." Sugata cuts him off, "That right now, Miss Takashiro definitely needs her space. I believe she will benefit from not being near you." The statement makes Takuto feel dejected. "I'll tell her you stopped by."

"But-!"

"-I promise." Hurt, Takuto swallows whatever other excuses he is going to make.

"I understand. But I'll try again tomorrow!"

"You'll see her at school tomorrow." Sugata points out. "Wait, take this." He quickly picks up a random coat from the rack next to the door. "Wear this, or there's a chance you won't see her tomorrow."

"Thanks." Takuto saunters down the steps with Sugata's coat and the umbrella Mizuno gave him. While he still can see in front of him, the redhead leaves before the downpour can get any worse.

"Now that you're settled, here take this." Sugata sits on the guest bed beside Niika. He hands her a white porcelain plate. "My maids caught word that it was your birthday. The least you can do is have some cake. Although, it's nothing fancy, only vanilla."

Niika shyly accepts the slice, "Thank you."

Sugata crosses his legs, "Forgive me. Perhaps by your next birthday, I'll much better know your tastes."

"It's okay. I like vanilla." She takes a bite and unconsciously squeals. "Mmm! Ish gud!" The bluenette chuckles at her reaction to the dessert. After a couple more bites, Niika peers over at Sugata. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

"Because I'm in awe of you."

Niika puts down her fork, "...Why?"

"You are just...someone I'd never thought that I'd meet." Sugata says. He leans back on the mattress with his arms. "I hope you don't mind if I ramble a bit." Niika shakes her head, hoping he'll continue. "All my little life, every detail has been planned out for me. From my social status to my clothes, to being betrothed. It has always been predictable...and quite boring." He admits looking to the ceiling. "And as you know, I found out about the cybodies at a younger age on my birthday. Needless to say, I felt like I had nothing to celebrate from then on. Being trapped on this island, was enough to make me wallow in regret."

"Sugata-kun..."

"But then, you showed up." Sugata turns his head to her. "And your brother, and Takuto of course. Abnormalities I never expected to appear before me. Since you all have appeared, things have been...more eventful." He smiles to himself. "Thinking about the new and upcoming possibilities is nevertheless thrilling."

"I-I guess I can understand that feeling." Niika tells him putting the plate down at her side. "When Arata and I came here, we had no idea what to expect either. We came here for one reason, one that wasn't really our own. What's happened since then...has been nothing that we could have imagined."

"What is the reason? If you don't mind me asking." Niika closes her mouth and looks away. "It's okay. I won't force you to tell me." Sugata chooses not to push the issue. "But it sounds like, in a way, we've both been experiencing new occurrences for the first time. Invigorating isn't it?"

"In...vigor?"

"Ah. Rather exciting."

"Oh. Yes, I suppose." Niika gives him a small smile. There's a short silence between them, where both mull over their separate thoughts. Finally, Sugata speaks again.

"Takashiro Niika."

"Y-Yes?" Niika asks startled by the use of her full name.

"...Have you ever heard of the Central Maiden?"

Niika turns his way to notice Sugata's piercing amber-eyed gaze. "...N-No? S-Should I?"

Sugata quietly keeps his gaze on her before letting out a sigh. He lets himself fall back on the bed. "She's been on my mind a lot recently. I've even spoken about her to Arata in the last few days. I wondered if he had asked you about her."

"No, he didn't." She turns her body all the way to him. "Is she a new maiden? I thought there were only four."

"For now, she's supposed to be a myth. There hasn't been any evidence otherwise. But since there have been other drivers that have been resurfacing as of late, like you, I've found myself wondering if she could be real too." Sugata explains. "It's said that she's a maiden with a very powerful cybody, with a connection to all cybodies."

"A connection...to all cybodies..."

"Sounds interesting doesn't it?" Sugata smiles again, "The only known Queen cybody, said to be on a level that could surpass Samekh, a King cybody. Someone with a cybody like that would be a very powerful individual."

"If a cybody like that exists...wouldn't The Crux know about it?" Niika questions, "What if they know where it could be? Is there any way to know where that maiden is?" Niika bites her thumb nervously. "And if she was on their side already, would it even be possible to stop her?"

"...The Central Maiden has never been known to have been heavily involved in cybodies affairs before." Sugata's eyelids lower for a moment. "But I suppose, in the wrong hands...it could spell a major disaster. Such strength...I'm not sure anyone could stop it. " A dark look spreads to Niika's face. Fear was culminating in her emerald eyes. Seeing Niika's genuine reaction, Sugata reaches out and touches her shaking hands. "But nothing is set in stone. Things can always change. Besides, this is all my speculation. We don't even know if that cybody or its driver is real. Or alive for that matter." He pats her pale skin for reassurance. "For now, all we can do is do what we have been. All will be revealed as it should, in time."

"...I know you're just trying to calm me down." Niika says, "But I can't help but feel scared. Out of everyone, I feel like I'm the most unprepared if someone that great truly did show themselves."

Sugata blinks at Niika's serious demeanor. "I thought we'd been working on your self-confidence, Miss Takashiro." Dropping his own ominous aura, Sugata gives her some encouragement. "You've already proven that you are much stronger than you realize. The sooner you believe it the better you will feel."

"I want to. For me, it's just not that easy." Niika admits. "But hearing you tell me that, makes me feel good. Thank you, Sugata-kun." A red tint crosses Sugata's cheek.

The bluenette coughs, pulling away from the girl. "Excuse me. I don't mean to keep you away from your rest. I think I'll retire for the evening." He stands up, heading for the door. "You know...If the Central Maiden did exist..." Sugata says in a quieter voice than usual, "Most likely...I'd be betrothed to her instead." A hand brushes his neck, nervous he admitted something so intimate. "Such a life-changing thought...is exhilarating." Refusing to look back, Sugata leaves the bedroom.

"Wait Sugata!" The bluenette halts on his heels at Niika's sudden shout. "Wouldn't it be better if you weren't forced to marry at all?"

Sugata's eyes widened. He then breaks into a wholehearted laugh. "Maybe." He walks away down the hallway filled with a lingering amusement.

Niika lays down in bed that night unable to sleep a wink. Between her talk with Mizuno at the surf shop and her most recent conversation with Sugata, her mind is far too awake to catch any shut-eye. "A central maiden...I wonder what kind of a person they are." The brunette grips the covers over her body. "Would I...be able to face someone like that?" She pulls them up close to her face filled with worry. "Happy birthday to me...I guess." She closes her eyes, hoping the racing thoughts in her mind will silently fade away. But the thunder and lightning from the storm outside trump the silence of the big and empty room. Her eyes open again, weary with fatigue. "Kazuma was right. It's not fun being by myself. Not at all..."

"Takashiro Niika." Suddenly, Niika feels a presence close to her. She follows the bed sheets with her eyes before immediately sighting a masked figure in the window of the spare bedroom.

"Aah!" She frantically curls into a bawl at the head of the bed, "W-Who are you?!"

With a hand on their hip, the figure lightly poses. "I am President, leader of The Glittering Crux Brigade's fourth section, The Adult Bank."

"Y-You're from The Crux?" The brunette stutters, "H-How did you get up there? H-How did you find me?"

"That's unimportant." She steps down into the room, her heels clacking against the hardwood floor. The mysterious green-haired girl stays near the window, the sheer curtains blowing around her form. "I've come to offer you an alternative to the current situation."

"Alter...native?"

The masked girl sweatdrops, rubbing her forehead. "I want to make a deal with you."

Niika unfolds her legs from her chest, "...What kind of deal?"

"In recent days, I've come to realize I don't want to fight. Not you, or Galaxy Lying Eyes, and so on. I don't wish to fight any of you. I'd like to avoid fighting you if I can." She dares to step closer to the bed, "I've seen you in action before. Fighting doesn't suit you anyhow."

"Then you shouldn't." Niika sits up straight, a little annoyed. "What are you trying to do?"

"It's been decades since the Ancient Galactic Civilization's legacy was discovered here. It won't get any more sealed than this. But it needs to be managed properly and securely. What is happening between our factions right now, will only make things worse from here on out. Ownership of the Cybodies should be held by someone who understands such great responsibility over humanity." President puts her gloved hand to her chest. "As the owner of Adult Bank, the overall control of all the Crux's cybodies should fall to me. If I can become the head, I'll be the one with the say of what becomes of them. If you can cooperate with me...convince the others to retire their cybodies, we can make all of this conflict come to an end."

"So what you're saying is..." Niika's lips quiver, "If we give up, and work with you, the fighting will stop?"

"Yes."

The brunette closes her eyes, "...I want to believe you."

"So do it." President's leather gloves squeak as she grips her fist, "All of us are star drivers. We should all be working together, instead of being divided like this!"

"There's just one thing." President steps back. "Even if I could come to trust you...that would mean I'd also have to put trust in the people around you." There's a shine in Niika's emerald eyes when they are open again. "I've met some of those people before. And I'm sure that they don't feel the same way that you do. They tried to kidnap Wako. Trusting kidnappers is something I can't do!" They narrow with a firmness the girl hadn't shown before. "If we give up, the maidens won't be safe! Fighting in Zero Time is the only way we can protect them from all of you!"

President backs up further in surprise. She clicks her tongue in frustration. "You foolish girl. What a shame." She saunters back to the window, only stopping to look back at the girl from over her shoulder. "Prepare yourself, Galaxy Star Girl."

FAR AWAY...

"It's ready for you."

"Are you sure you want to do this, Mistress?"

"I'm here to do what needs to be done. Open the cybercasket! APPRIVOISE!"

sukitooru kisetsu ga suki

kaze ga mata netsu wo tsurete kuru

nansenkai mo megutte, nanmankai mo kagayaku

sou yatte hikari ga umareru

Close to midnight, hearing the singing in her head, Niika opens her tired eyes. They, along with her cybody chest mark glow a bright green. "The door to another dimension...has been opened."

Time stops and the space around her changes. With a little pain in her chest, Niika arrives in Zero Time. She, Kazuma, Arata, and Takuto stand on the ground in front of the newest menacing-looking enemy cybody.

"Seriously? Midnight?!" Arata groans loudly wiping his blue eyes. "Is challenging us at the crack of dawn really necessary?!"

"HA! You're wearing pajamas!" Kazuma makes fun of the male brunette ruffling his bedhead. "You must have been knocked out!"

"I had a long day okay!" Arata rips the whitenette's hand from his hair. "Besides isn't normal to be wearing pjs around this hour? Why are you still fully dressed!?"

"I had to walk my lovely fairy home, not that it's any of your business!" Kazuma tells him, "You should know how it is, being busy from sun up to sun down! Right, Arata!?"

The boys' foreheads clash, "What's that supposed to mean!?"

While the two boys tussle behind them for no reason, Takuto steps over to Niika's side. "Midori no me? How are you doing?" He cautiously approaches. "I know that I didn't get to see you today, but I-"

"Don't worry about that. Takuto-kun." Niika says with her back turned. "Now's not the time for this anyway, you know?"

"You're right...but I just-!"

BOOM!

All four of them look up. The enemy cybody stomps on the ground. "If you're going to fight us, be prepared to fight at all times." The voice inside resonates throughout the voided space. "It's my turn. I expect a decent fight."

"And just who do you think you are!?" Arata exclaims, putting his hands on his hips, "It's late as hell! Maybe we don't want to fight you!"

"..." The lion-faced cybody goes rigid for a second. "Then I'll be taking the South maiden, with no contest." All four of them snarl, glaring at the enemy cybody.

"Kazuma-kun, any idea what we're dealing with?" Takuto asks him.

"T-That's Betreida." Kazuma unexpectedly gulps, "Driven by...the leader of the Adult Bank, President."

"Did you say President?" Arata repeats in surprise. "Then does that mean...the driver of that cybody is...Watanabe-san?!" He tenses up, "You guys stand back. I'll-"

"Stop, Arata!" Kazuma shouts in his weirdly deeper Zero Time voice. "Betreida isn't just any cybody..." The whitenette glares standing further in front of him. "...It's a King cybody."

"A King cybody!?" They all shout in unison.

"No way!"

"Like Sugata's!?"

"No wonder she's so damn strong!"

"I'm not sure how you know that, but it's the driver that makes the cybody." Kazuma explains, "In order for someone like her to take on, and eventually drive a King cybody, she has to be unusually strong." Gritting his teeth, Kazuma's cybody mark starts to glow. "I'll do it this time."

"I don't want you." Not expecting to the cybody move, Kazuma instinctively jumps back interrupting his transformation. The enemy cybody swats the others away with an arm, all flying upwards into bubbles. Betreida reaches out, snatching one of them. "I've been expecting you. You're the one I will face today."

"Midori no me!"

"Niika-chan!"

"This is still a conversation between girls. Or did you want the boys involved?" Niika's eyebrows furrow angrily. Her box-like W-shaped chest mark glows a brilliant green in the next instance.

"APPRIVOISE!" Niika disappears from Betreida's grasp before anyone can intervene. A large circle opens up in Zero time. Sliding slowly from left to right, another cybody appears in colorful space. Similar to the others, its slender, white frame with light pink accents and green trim unravels like a butterfly from its chrysalis. Sparkly, sheer, light pink wings appear on its back and pink energy circles appear on the balls of its feet. In its green chest orb, Niika appears at its center. "An Elegant Arrival!" A sparkly light green romper formulates on her as she arches her back. A long, sheer white jacket covers her outfit, and white knee-high boots cover her feet. Pink leaf-like plates form on the edges of her shoulders and knees. "Galaxy Star Girl!" As she spins, Niika's long brunette locks pinup into a high ponytail, a pink tint flowing through it. Light green laced, one-finger gloves wrap around her hands as she stretches her arms up and out. The cybody's wings snap unfolded as it copies her pose. "Take flight, WATARU!"

"Niika-chan!" The boys scream having floated upward to safety.

"Little sister! What are you thinking!?" Arata questions, "You shouldn't fight her! Kanako knows what she's doing!"

"How the heck do you know?" Kazuma asks him.

"B-Because she's fought me in the ring. I've sparred against her!" Arata admits with weary eyes, "Kanako has good form, and her punches are hard. I could barely keep up with her!"

"Shite." Kazuma only mutters in response.

Takuto frowns, "Midori no me..."

"As per usual, boys think they know what's best." President scoffs from the cybercasket. Seeing Niika in Wataru's chest orb standing at the ready, she smiles. "I knew you'd ignore such ignorance. This fight is between you and me." From the ground, pink metal pillars rise around them. Dark pink lasers shoot out from each one, boxing the two cybodies inside. A make-shift boxing ring had formed in Zero Time. "Let's see what've you got! Galaxy Star Girl!"

"If you want a fight, you've got one." Niika's emerald eyes narrow. Her cybody Wataru straightens out its left arm, "Prism Rod, Aoi!" Bending backward, Wataru pulls an indigo energy staff from its chest orb. It holds it on its left side. "Prism Rod, Murasaki!" It then pulls out a violet energy staff, holding it at its right side. Once both are in hand, Wataru tilts the staffs outwards.

"Thank you for obliging me." Betreida throws up its forearms in a guarding position. "Let's see...how many of my punches you can survive!" In a flash, Betreida slides forward in Wataru's direction.

"Sis, look out!"

"Niika-chan! Be careful!"

Quieter than usual, Niika doesn't say anything as Betreida charges Wataru. When Betreida is inches away, Wataru starts spinning Prism Rod Aoi. "Take this!" The enemy cybody goes to punch Wataru's face with its left arm. When its fist is about to make contact, Wataru shifts the spinning prism rod in front of its face, blocking the attack. Betreida slides back from the clash of forces. "I see. A makeshift shield. I'm impressed." It raises its forearms again. "Most people go down to one of my straights. Maybe you are as smart as your brother." Wataru only returns to a fighting stance in response. "I tried to avoid it, fighting. But it seems I have to become the demon king so the world can go on..."

Next to the boys, Wako takes her toothbrush out of her mouth. "What is she talking about?"

Sugata shrugs, "With the way this is going, it would be in bad taste to butt into this one."

"I don't know if I can win without killing you. So I'll make sure that this fight will be especially entertaining!" Betreida charges Wataru again. Wataru takes a step back to watch the other cybody's movement. It spins Prism Rod Aoi again at a faster speed and shields itself from another left jab. Just as fast, it charges Prism Rod Murasaki to the same speed but in an opposing direction. It shields its right side from Betreida's right jab. Betreida sends a series of alternating jabs at Wataru, Wataru blocking each one. "Let me hear you scream! Star Girl!" Betreida breaks its cycle of left and right jabs to throw an uppercut.

"Tch!" This catches Niika off guard and Wataru flies back, bouncing off the arena's lasers. Betreida throws another uppercut and Wataru is sent bouncing again. The spectators above cringe. Before Betreida can strike again, Wataru ducks, going low and smacking Prism Rod Aoi against Betreida's leg. The cybody stumbles a bit and Wataru slides away, giving it a second to recover.

"Below the belt, huh?" Betreida charges again, Wataru instead attempting to dodge the cybody's force. Left Punch, right punch, left punch. Wataru finds an opening and slaps Betreida's chest orb away from close range. "Cheap shot! I won't make that mistake again!" Wataru takes the shear force of its next uppercut head-on. It's a mistake, however, causing the cybody to spiral back into the air. It tries to recover mid-air with its wings. "You aren't getting away!" Betreida grabs Wataru's right foot and swings it around in a circle. It is released into the lasers again and Wataru bounces on it with an electric shock this time. "And there!" A left punch smashes into Wataru's chest and launches it across the ring. The cybody falls with a loud thud into the ground in another corner. "It's over." Wataru tries to move, but something is clearly wrong. When it doesn't immediately get up, the boys fly over.

"Hey, are you okay? Say something!"

"Niika-chan! What's wrong?!"

"I...can't move." Wataru's body goes limp, and the glow disappears from its eyes.

"That's what happens when an amateur goes up against my killing punch." President crosses her arms in the cybercasket. "I'm considering this battle over, for your sake."

"What the heck did she do to you!?" Arata exclaims.

Wako and Sugata float down as well. "I can sense it. That last punch shattered Wataru's core. Her obsessive force must have caused severe damage."

"Is she going to be okay!?"

"It's hard to say." Wako frowns, "For now she just needs to power down. Niika, unapprivoise if you can!"

Kazuma has a grave expression, "I knew you shouldn't have gone up against a King cybody! You barely know what you're doing!"

"Hey, don't yell at my sister!" Arata growls his way, "You didn't try to stop her!"

"All of you are hardheaded! You never listen to me!"

Over the two's bickering, Takuto floats next to Wataru's chest orb. "Midori no me! Hang in there!"

"Can you hear us, Miss Takashiro?" Sugata floats to her other side after peering down at her. "Stay with us! You're stronger than this!"

"Hear me, Galaxy Star Girl!" Betreida points at the stationary cybody. "If you stand up again, I'll have to put you down for good! Understand?!"

Niika's eyes are dull as does her best to stay conscious. As everyone is yelling and arguing, a static fills the brunette's ears. She has a premonition, but her mind can't seem to focus on it. "I'm...scared." She mutters to herself.

With rage, Arata floats in front of Betreida's chest orb. "Why did you even challenge her in the first place?! I thought Niika was your friend! Kanako!"

President stays calm inside the cybercasket. "The person in front of you is not Watanabe Kanako. It is President, leader of the Adult Bank. I did what needed to be done." She tells the angered boy. "I have no problem with facing someone else. I'll take you all down if I have to." She looks to Wataru, trying to ignore her guilt. "I shouldn't have had to go against someone as weak as her! This is your own fault! If you don't want any more conflict, then don't fight me on this! Hand over the South maiden without contest!"

"As if we'll listen to you now!"

'Someone as weak...as me.' Niika repeats in the quiet of her head. 'Something makes me... want to...tell her off...' She admits. 'Why can't I...stand up for myself? What makes facing me any different from facing them? I'm...a star driver too...'

"You've already proven that you are much stronger than you realize. The sooner you believe it the better you will feel."

"I'm strong..." Niika mutters quietly, her eyelids lowering. "I'm strong...aren't I?" They softly grow closed.

"...Not...yet."

With an odd feeling, Sugata suddenly looks around him. He stares at Wataru closely, but there is no change in its state. "This feeling...I know it." With a squint, he notices a faint glow in Niika's chest orb. "Niika...chan?"

"That's it! I'll take you on!" Kazuma shouts.

"No." Takuto floats in front of him. "I won't let Midori no me's efforts go to waste."

"That should be my line! Besides I'm the boxer here!" Arata grips his fists, "You're going to pay for hurting my sister!"

President sighs, "Boys..."

"All of you...get back." Suddenly the three boys' heads snap to the voice behind them. Wataru's once limp body is barely standing, leaning to one side in a crooked manner. It's chest orb and eyes were glowing again.

"Midori no me!"

"Niika-chan! That's enough! We won't let you fight anymore!"

"You've done enough, Niika! Please!"

"I said MOVE." Niika's normal shaky voice is firm, startling the group. "I'm not done with her yet."

In the cybercasket, President smirks. "You have heart, Takashiro Niika." Without warning, she swats the bystanders away. "Girls only!" Takuto, Kazuma, and Arata cry out as their bubbles fly out of the ring. Sugata and Wako float away before President can attack them too.

"Wait! What about the damage to Wataru's core?!"

Wako strains her eyes, "It's strange. I don't...I don't sense the problem anymore."

Sugata's mouth goes dry, "I-Is that so?"

"I told you what would happen if you stood again." President glares at Wataru, "Fine! If this is how it's going to be! Fight to the bitter end! Galaxy Star-!"

"You talk too much."

"What?"

Wataru slowly folds out its limbs in order to stand up properly. "It's getting on my nerves." Niika's eyes narrow into an angry glare. The prism rods reform in Wataru's hands. They spin at a growing pace.

"Tch! Getting angry with me won't give you an edge!" Betreida gets ready to strike. "I guess it has to end this way!" Betreida slides forward into a charge. "Take-AAH!" Wataru chucks Prism Rod Murasaki straight into Betreida's left shoulder. "What the-! A long-range attack?!" The enemy tries to pry the rod off of it.

"It doesn't feel nice to be underestimated."

"Huh!?"

Wataru's free hand glows the purple color of Prism Rod Murasaki. "I won't let you say what you want anymore!" Slowly lifting it upward, Betreida slowly rises upward at the same time.

"She can control the Prism Rod? From that distance?!"

"Arrogant woman..." Like a magnet, an indigo aura draws in Betreida from the air. It is slowly pulled in towards Wataru's position on the ground.

"She's pulling it toward her?! How!?"

Wataru's right-hand pulls back into a fist, a purple electricity generating around it. "Galactic...SHINING FORCE!" Due to the opposing forces of the prism rods, Betreida flies fast in a straight line toward Wataru. Unable to move, the enemy cybody is helpless in the energy stream. At close range, Wataru slams a punch directly into Betreida's center. The hole left behind is so massive, that the chest orb widdles out of its slot. The cybody explodes into pieces with the loss of its driver. The spectators are all in awe.

"Did..." Kazuma mumbles, "DID NIIKA JUST USE THE FORCE!?"

"Whoa. Incredible!" Takuto admires.

Arata drops to his knees in his bubble, "Ugh, I can't take any more of this..."

Zero Time fades away, and time starts again.

"Miss Takashiro!" From down the hall, Sugata races to his manor's spare bedroom. "Miss Takashiro!" He slams open the door and runs to her side on the bed. "Are you okay!? Nii-" In his panic, he notices the brunette face down. He stops himself before gently tilting her head toward him. The bluenette's anxiety dissipates when he hears soft breathing from Niika's sleeping form. With a swallow, Sugata runs a hand over his face in frustration. His frown turns into a sadistic smile, "Ha ha..." He starts laughing to himself. His maids only watch him from the doorway with unease. "Amazing! Ahahaha!" In the darkest of the night, his maniacal laughs echo through the large empty spare bedroom.

Monday morning, as everyone takes their seats in classroom 1-1, Simone and Takashi enter the room last. Behind them stood Watanabe Kanako, with an arm in a medical sling. No one says anything about it. That is, until Kazuma notices her.

"Aw no. You? Got hurt?" Kazuma mocks from his seat. With twitching eyebrows, Kanako doesn't acknowledge him. "It's almost like...you messed with the wrong one." He says triumphantly. Kanako refuses to respond, taking her seat at the back of the class.

Math class begins and the teacher starts to write the newest problems on the board. Everyone quietly copies them in their notes, except for Kanako. With her free arm, she holds her wedding ring up to the window. "Hey. Takuto-kun." The whole class cringes.

"And it begins again." Kazuma groans.

Takuto's ruby eyes creep to the side, "What is it?"

Kanako takes her time with her reply. "...Takashiro Niika. She's a strong girl." Niika gasps a few desks away, not expecting to be called out like this.

With a smile, Takuto looks her way. "I could have told you that." Niika tries to hide her face from him with her hand. He frowns.

"Her determination...perseverance...she's got spunk. It's well hidden." Kanako says carefully forming her sentences, "I can see why she's grabbed your attention."

Takuto puts his hand to his cheek, "Well. Now you get it."

"Mmhm." Kanako is quiet for several seconds. The class wonders if she's finished so that the teacher can move on with her lesson. But the greenette's mouth opens again. "73 boys. All disappointments. I wonder if I've been doing it all wrong." She nestles her wedding ring on the correct finger on her left hand. "Maybe I should be trying kisses through the glass, with girls instead." The entire room chokes on their own spit.

"Sensei! Can we get her wild azz out of here!?" Kazuma complains loudly, "Dress code her Do something! PLEASE!"

Takuto shivers in his seat, "It's a wonder."

After class...

Niika walks along the sidewalk away from the school. With the way the day went, and what she had to deal with last night, Niika was exhausted. "I could really use a pillow..."

"MIDORI NO ME!" Right as she finishes the thought, Takuto runs up to her side. "I'm glad I caught you." He tries to catch his breath. "It's just...I wanted to say~"

"-I'm sorry, Takuto-kun." Niika stops him, "My head sort of hurts, so I want to go home and rest..."

"I'll only take a second! I swear!" Niika frowns, dropping her hand from her forehead. She stands there quietly. Takuto takes his chance to continue. "Why didn't you tell me your birthday was yesterday?" The redhead finds the courage to ask, "If I had known, I wouldn't have gone out with Watanabe-san and-"

"That's why I didn't tell you." Niika tells him.

"What? Why?"

Niika pauses for a moment. She messes with her ahoges, as she gathers her words. "Mrs. Watanabe really wanted to spend time with you. Since you are always with me, I figured you'd be better off being at someone else's side for a change." She admits, "My birthday...has never been that special of a day for me. I guess in that way, I'm like Sugata-kun." The brunette rationalizes with a nervous laugh. "I thought it be fine, spending it by myself. After all, when my brother isn't around, it's what I've always done. But when the day came, and I was alone, I realized...It was the loneliest I've felt in a while." She grips her schoolbag straps in her hands, hanging her head low. "It's because I'm so used to being with you."

Takuto's ruby eyes widen, "Midori no me..."

"I'm used to, always letting others have their way. For the first time, I wanted something for myself. And after yesterday, I've figured out that I need to change." Her emerald eyes glisten in the sunlight when she stares at the boy directly in his eyes. "I'm not going to let anyone do as they please if it bothers me! I'm going to say something from now on!" She shouts, "Because I'm strong! And I deserve better!"

Taken aback, Takuto blinks profusely. "Yeah. You do."

"Mmhm!" Niika reaffirms to herself. "I do!" She raises a gripped fist to her chest. This amuses the redhead, and he can't help but let out a laugh. "What's so funny?!" Niika stomps on his foot.

"Ow!" Takuto clutches it, hopping on one leg. "I wasn't laughing at you. Just at the way, you said that so confidently! You looked so determined!"

"I am!"

"Right, right! I got it!" He wipes a couple of loose tears from his eyes. "In any case, I have one last thing to say. Could you close your eyes?" Niika raises an eyebrow suspiciously. "Just for a sec? Please?" With a sigh, she complies. Takuto takes a breath, "Okay. Now hold out your hand." When she does, Takuto takes it, rolling up her jacket sleeve to her wrist. A little nervous Niika tries to pull back. "Don't worry. Just trust me." She obediently holds her arm in place, before feeling a small pinch. "There. All done. You can open them again." Niika opens her eyes and they quickly land on her wrist that Takuto is holding. "You may not think your birthday is special, but I do. It was the day you were born after all. If it didn't happen, I would've never been able to meet you."

"Takuto-kun. How did you-? When-?"

"I had a little bit saved from the pool cleaning at Watanabe-san's. I felt it was important enough to spend the money on a gift for you, so don't even think of asking me to take it back! Because I won't!" The redhead exclaims. "It's not much. But unlike the flower I gave you, at least it won't wilt away, and you can keep it for as long as you like." Takuto tells her. "Happy Belated Birthday, Niika-chan."

"...It's beautiful." Tears threaten to form in Niika's eyes. "Takuto. Thank you." He nods.

"Well. I won't bother you anymore so," The redhead turns around slinging his school bag over his left shoulder. "Get home safe. And sleep well."

"...Wait." Takuto pivots on his heels to face her. "I still feel a little lightheaded, so..." Niika sways slightly. She wiggles her right ankle, acting timid. "Would you...walk with me? Please?"

Takuto closes his agape mouth and gives her another nod. "Absolutely."

BEEP BEEP!

From the public street, a long black limousine suddenly pulls up beside the two. Takuto and Niika stare at each other, confused. But when the back window rolls down, it's revealed to be Kanako, with Simone and Takashi sitting on the other side of her. They instantly sweatdrop. "Takuto-kun. Niika-chan. Good afternoon." Kanako leans into the crack of the window. "I have something to tell you, Takuto. Could you come here really quick?"

Takuto sweatdrops, feeling that something was up. "Uh..."

"-He's with me right now." Niika stands in front of the redhead, shielding him from the greenette's view. "Anything you want to say to him, you can say to me instead."

"Midori no me..." Takuto blushes at the brunette's straightforwardness.

Kanako's dark brown eyes blink profusely before she smiles at her. "Sure. I'll tell you, and you can relay the message. Come a little closer won't you?" Hesitant but determined, Niika follows through with getting closer to Kanako's vehicle. The girl fully rolls down the window, gesturing for Niika to bend down to reach her. "You'll make sure to actually share it with him, won't you?"

"I-I understand!" Niika says with puffy cheeks. She bends over slightly, "What is-?" Kanako cuts her off, reaching up to plant her lips on Niika's.

Takuto jumps back in surprise, "Wah!? Midori no me!?"

Just as quickly she pulls away, her fingertips covering her mouth. "Wow, Miss Niika. You can't do that. I'm married." Niika is speechless. "This, "singing out your youth"...It's pretty fun." Kanako rolls the limousine window back up and the car speeds away. The two are left bewildered at the sudden occurrence.

"S-She's bold. Isn't she? That Watanabe-san..." Takuto trails off not knowing what he can say to remedy the situation.

"...It doesn't count."

The redhead blinks, "Heh?"

With flushed cheeks, Niika repeats herself. "It doesn't count! That kiss! It doesn't count as my first!"

A smile crosses the boy's face. "Of course not. Unless you fell for her just now."

"I didn't!" Niika exclaims with gripped fists.

Takuto chuckles, "Hehe. Then I believe you." The redhead decides to make a bold move of his own. He puts his right arm around Niika's shoulders, pulling her next to him. "Let's go, shall we?"

Instead of flinching or trying to squirm out of his hold, Niika's shoulders relax leaning into him. "Okay."

And so the adventure of life goes on.