6/19 Fri - Gekkoukan high - Class: 2-E - Afterschool - Kazuki

The last bell for the day rings, waking me from my afternoon nap. I didn't mean to go to sleep in class this time, but recently, I've been running myself ragged, so I can't help it. And there's something about sleeping during an Algebra lecture that feels just right.

"Yo, Kei-chan," Minako greets me, wearing her usual smile.

"Hey, Minako," I return the greeting as I rub my eyes.

"You look like death!"

"Ugh, don't I know it. M.G. doesn't pull her punches, that's for certain."

"What did you have to do in there?"

"Nothing too rough, if I'm being modest. She and I did a bunch of sparring matches with Shinai swords. We went twenty times."

"How many you win?"

"What's 20x0?"

"Zero?"

"Couldn't hit her a single time. I feel sore everywhere."

The worst part is she keeps critiquing me before, during, and after I get my ass kicked. Not only that, she makes me do push-ups, sit-ups, and a bunch of other stuff, before and after sparring.

"That must've been torture."

"Tell me about it, but I signed up for this, so I guess it's my fault for expecting less from this."

Minako shoots me a mischievous grin. "Wow, so responsible."

"I wouldn't say that, or maybe, I don't know."

Right, I wanna talk about something else besides my training and how sore my body feels. Something that I need help with.

"Hey…just…um. I need– Are you good with…romance?"

"Romance? I guess so, why?"

"Because–"

"Hold on, you're not hitting on me, are you?"

"Hell no! I'm already taken, and madly in love!"

"Just checking, and no, I'm not. But I think Yuka-chan is pretty knowledgeable in that stuff, I think." Hmm, "I think" is the best that I'll get.

"Then can you bring her to the roof, and Makoto too? Four heads are better than one."

"Four heads? And hold on, why do we need to go to the roof."

"Look, I need help with a certain…" I look around the class, making sure nobody is listening in. "...thing."

"Okay, definitely not weird, but fine."

"Awesome, thanks a million!"

I grab my bag and head for the exit.

Gekkoukan High - Rooftop - after school - Kazuki

Huddled up around a bench, we're waiting for Yuka-chan to come back from lookout.

Speaking of which, she's coming right back. "Alright, nobody seems to be coming."

"So, what do you want to talk about, Kazuki?" Makoto asks, eating a loaf of bread from the school store.

"Alright, everyone, this is a serious matter, whatever is said here is not to be discussed with anyone else, understand."

"Is it that serious?" Yuka-chan, just as confused as everyone else here, asks.

"He was acting a bit weird when he told me to ask me to get you guys," Minako tells her.

"So, what is it?" Makoto asks once again, taking the last bite out of his bread.

"You see, the thing is...umm..."

"God, just say it," Minako pressures me.

"...I need…dating advice!"

Everyone goes silent, no one moves a single muscle.

"...Who is it?" Yukari casually raises a question.

"Huh?"

"The girl, what is she like? Are the two of you in a serious relationship? You going steady?"

"Well, um..."

"Judging by his 'um's', it's safe to assume they are," Makoto says with his hand holding under his chin

"Yeah, they were about to get all kissy, kissy one time."

"You were the one who wanted us to do it, you airhead."

"I'm a what!?"

"Enough. Continue," Makoto allows me to speak.

"A-anyway, I said we would go on a date." Everyone nods with every word I say. It's sort of creepy. "...But the problem is...I sorta might have told her we would go everywhere in Port Island."

"Kei-kun did need to do that," Yukari asks, shaking her head in disappointment.

"I know, I know, but I was overcome with a lot of feelings, and I was in her room-"

"You been in this girl's room?" Yuka-chan, finally showing a little bit of shock says.

I think I just shot myself in the foot

"Did anything romantic happen in there? Like a smooch?" Minako pervertedly says.

"N-no!"

Minako forms a devilish smirk. "Was there a bit of making-out?"

"There was no smooching, and she was asleep, so there!"

Minako looks at me with pity. "Kei-chan, you suck," Minako says.

Starting to regret this, immensely.

"You need to tell us more, like who is this girl," Makoto asks, growing more interested.

"I'll tell you, but.-"

"...Actually, I think know who it might be."

"Y-you do?".

"Makoto knows all! Also, I know too."

"Can someone tell me then?" Yuka-chan, curious about the - not so mysterious - girl's identity.

"Of course, it's..."

"Wait, wait, wait! I'll say it." I sigh. I have no idea why I'm embarrassed, but I don't want to be in my body right now.

"It's F-F-Fuuka..."

Yuka-chan and Makoto are awe-struck, but Makoto's expression remains calm.

"Wha– Really!?"

"Hmm, I thought it was another girl I know from the student council."

"Okay, maybe Makoto doesn't know all..."

"Wait, when did you two start dating?" Yuka-chan asks, clearly much more invested.

"While we were in Tartarus."

"Oh…"

The air just got really heavy all of a sudden, and I can't say I don't understand why.

"...I promised we go on a date, but I don't know what to do. Do I take her somewhere nice, a fancy restaurant, or just wherever… I really don't want to mess this up, that's why I asked for your guys' help." I get up to bow for their help. "Please, tell me what I should do!"

It's a quiet moment, the warm summer air breezes past and my heart is shooting up several levels.

"...This is going to sound corny, but I think you should just be yourself," Yuka-chan says with a gentle smile. "Girls like it when a guy is being genuine, so just do that and you'll be fine."

"That's all?"

"Nah, you need to dress properly, wear something casual, maybe do something with your hair, and make sure you're on top of everything."

"Got it, anything else?"

"Just make sure the both of you are having a good time. There's no point to a date if neither of you are having fun."

Yeah, that makes sense! Yuka-chan's expert advice is giving me loads of confidence at this point.

Minako whistles. "That's some solid advice there, Yuka-chan."

"It's nothing, I only learned this stuff when I– Ah, well, from friends, that's it."

I bow to Yuka-chan once again. "Thank you, Yukari."

"You're welcome."

"So, is that it?" Minako asks.

"Yeah, just about. But wait, do you guys want to go somewhere to eat? I can't thank you enough for helping me today."

"Shouldn't you be saving money?" Makoto asks.

"It'll be fine, besides, it would be rude of me not to treat you guys after coming to help me."

"I'm in," Minako says, pumping her fist into the air. "Makoto, what about you? I bet you're hungry too…"

"A meal sounds nice right about now."

"Yuka-chan," I call.

"Sure, I'm game."

"Alright, let's go."

We leave as a group, deciding to hit up the strip mall to see what strikes our fancy.

Iwatodai dormitory - third floor - Evening - Fuuka

I find Yukari-chan sitting by herself on the third floor, reading a fashion magazine. Good, I can speak to her alone.

"Yukari-chan...can I speak to you?" I sheepishly ask of her.

"Sure, what is it Fuuka?"

"It's about Kazuki-kun."

"Oh...is that right?" Yukari-chan looks surprised at the mention of his. So, do you need something?"

"I…um…need some…advice."

I already feel embarrassed just at the thought of her reaction. Maybe I'm making a big deal out of nothing, but I can't help it."

"Okay, ask away."

"Nobody else knows this, but..."

"But?"

"...But Kazuki-kun and I are...dating."

"Oh...that's news to me."

"Recently, I've been conflicted about where to go with him on a date. But Kazuki-kun told me he doesn't mind going anywhere with me.."

"Is it okay with you?"

"Of course, but it's just that…I have never been on a date before, and, I don't know if I'm good enough. I'm not fashionable like you or Kirijo-senpai, and I easily get nervous, so I might mess something up, and–"

"Fuuka, slow down there. Just calm down for a moment."

Oh, I went on about all my insecurities and now I'm just bothering her. What was I thinking, I didn't want to annoy her.

"I'm sorry, I'll be going, so–"

"Hang on, didn't you want advice?"

"Yes, if I'm pestering you, then I'll take my leave."

"It's fine, you're not bothering me. I just need you to calm down for a second."

"O…okay."

"Fuuka, I think it's okay to be nervous about something you've never done before."

"But, what if I do something wrong?"

"If you keep thinking you'll do something wrong, then you just might."

"So, what should I do?"

"Just relax and act natural. You should be thinking about having fun, and how Kazuki treats you during your date, nothing more." Relax, having fun, and how he treats me… Okay, I can manage this If I separate these into three variables that need to be fulfilled, then I should be fine. "...And as for your looks, you're already cute enough, and I bet Kazuki-kun already thinks the same."

"Ri-right!" I give Yukari-chan a curt bow. "Thank you, for reassuring me."

"No problem. Also, about what you should wear during your date. If I'm gonna help you with that, I need to see your wardrobe."

"Um, okay."

Yukari-chan takes me by the hand and starts to lead me to my room. My face is flushed, I never thought I'd be able to do this with another girl my age. It's kind of exciting.

6/20 Wed - Gekkoukan high - Class: 2-E - Morning - Kazuki

I can't get in contact with M.G., which is odd. She usually responds quickly, but not last night. she's giving me a break, did something happen, or perhaps she left? All these what-ifs are no good for me, I'll just have to see if she replies tonight.

The class a buzz about a specific topic today; a new transfer student, and not only that, but they're being assigned to our classroom. I don't really care all that much, but from what I heard, it was a girl. Natsuki and Fuuka are talking to one another about the new student as well. I was a transfer student too, so why didn't anyone make a big deal out of me? Though, if I'm being honest, I'm glad no one did, but that is a little odd.

Ekoda-sensei enters the room with the new student; Her long, jet-black hair flows behind as she walks into the room. Her form is that of an elegant lady, rivaling Kirijo-senpai, wearing the summer uniform to absolute perfection with her legs covered by black leggings. The boys are in awe, and even some of the girls, too.

"Settle down everyone, settle down! I'd like to introduce a new student, please introduce yourself."

"It would be my pleasure." That voice is familiar. She writes her name on the blackboard. In the end, it spelled out Shizuka Rin. She turns around to reveal herself… What…is this– this has to be a joke! No…freaking…way!

"My name is Shizuka Rin. I hope that we can all have a fruitful school year together," she ends with a carefully constructed smile.

Why…is M.G. doing here?