AN: Thank you for patiently waiting for the next upload. Sad to say, just looking at the first full week of going back to work, I really hardly have the time to work on anything outside of work, plus am in so much pain rn, trying to recover…

For those who may be confused so far, 'This formatting is a thought said in the depths of one's mind' while "this is them talking out loud with the use of actual speech and "this is them quoting someone else within their speech or to put emphasis" on their speech."

Disclaimer: This is purely fanfic. Kuddos for Spy X Family by Tatsuya Endo. Warning, some content may show a bit of spoilers from the main story!

Chapter 4: What Will I Find Out?

Anya's POV

'I am really getting nervous now. Becky and Sy-on Boy is taking so much time. What could they be talking about?'

I can't help but think and glance at the door time to time and every time anyone enters. I had been sitting in the front row as usual. I am not used to the silence. Usually, Becky would still be telling me something about her night or maybe the new drama she is tuning in to these days or the event that she is participating in before Sy-on Boy took her away for a talk. I sighed and waited a bit more. I took my notebook and reviewed the itinerary Becky and I had for the rest of the week. The plans listed is to do a study session tomorrow to help her with math and history for the coming exam this Friday and then by the weekend, it was still unsure if we would be practicing our baking or musical arts piece or probably… she was just hinting when she arrived that she is looking for something to wear for the concert she will be participating a month from now.

'So… to go shopping instead of school related activities?' I thought to myself once more. 'The exam for our minor subjects are still in two weeks' time.' I took a moment to look at my notes before deciding, 'I think the shopping will push through… She probably wants to take it easy since there are exams on Friday.' I can't help but smile as Becky would definitely be happy that I completely support her shopping spree agenda instead of school related activities. I looked at the time on top of the doorway, feeling worried since it was about to bell when suddenly, it opened up and I see both Becky and Sy-on Boy just entering the room. I suddenly feel relieved as Becky rushed to me with an apologetic expression and took the seat next to me.

Sy-on Boy seemed to be in a good mood as he approached us saying, "Sorry if I got you worried. Thanks again for the time, Blackbell."

I looked at him stunned. I was not sure if that "sorry" was for me or for Becky. He seemed to show it was for me since he was looking at me when he said it before turning to Becky for his thanks before climbing up to the back most of the seat where his two friends are already seated as well.

"Becky, what took you both so long? That was cutting really close. Did the bell ring? I think the bell rang." I was so worried, I barely heard it if the bell rang or not. Our homeroom teacher has not arrived yet as well which was super unusual.

"Oh, the bell definitely rang. But no worries-" Becky responded but was cut off with the sudden opening of the door.

"Good morning, Class 3," Housemaster Mr. Henderson greeted as he enters the room with his usual smile and imposing cane.

Everyone in class took a moment to understand why he was facilitating our homeroom before everyone greeted in unison. "Good morning, Housemaster."

"Let's talk about it later." Becky winked and we focused back on homeroom as we assume that our usual homeroom teacher is calling in sick, this had always been the arrangement we notice when the housemaster himself had to fill in a certain class.

The first half of the morning passed by as we were given another set of math exercises for the exam this Friday and the Secondary Foreign Language class zoomed by without any turn of events. Just right after the bell rang, Becky suddenly grabbed my wrist and was looking at me excited.

"Finally, break!" Becky started to share when I barely had enough time to keep my things into my bag. "Okay, so this morning, Damian was trying to ask me some help if maybe we can help tutor his friends. It's probably for their… Secondary Foreign Subject and… uhmm, you know what, I honestly forgot what subject it was but am pretty sure it's a subject that you are good at. And I was thinking, like, I am having trouble with my history subject, so I thought it was a good idea to ask Damian as well to help on my, or our, history subject and you can still teach me and the others math or even physics, if that is something that they are also struggling at." She was basically shaking my hand like it's some toy, in attempts to convince me to be okay with the idea.

"Oh, that sounds like a good idea, but doesn't Sy-on Boy's friends hate me? They have been calling me a lot of rude names ever since. Why are they asking my help?"

Becky froze for a moment with a smile on her face, while finally letting my hand go so I can start packing up my things for the next class after break. "I'm pretty sure they have repented of their sins…? And, I have not heard them call you names recently! Plus technically, they are not asking you to help them, Damian is. Well, basically, the main point is, he also wants them a chance to be an Imperial Scholar. Wouldn't you want to help them since basically, we are also Imperial Scholars now? Just imagine, wouldn't our hall look very impressive to have housed five Imperial Scholars at middle school level?"

I looked at her confused. "I think that… I don't really care about those kind of things. For our class hall's legacy? Becky, what's really up with you?"

"Awww, come on Anya. Whatever the reason may be, this is a good chance for you and Damian to really get to know each other. Don't you want to be real friends? Like, how will you figure out on what you feel about him if you don't try to be around him to find out?"

I had already opened a small pack of peanuts and nibbling on them as I tried to think about considering whatever she is plotting. "Is that really the only way for me to find out if I really like him or not?"

"Y-yes! Remember the old series for Berlint in Love? It's just like how Sonia continues to pursue Vincent because of their continuous time together made her realize her love for him. They were childhood sweethearts too, remember? And look, despite Vincent already has a fiancée, he also cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. How do you think they both realize those kinds of feelings if not for the time and memories they have forged by being together? Are you just going to be stuck with the question and confusion you have for the next following years without getting an answer? Will it always be, "oh, I am not sure about what are my feelings for him, Becky"? Well, how will you know, Anya if you yourself do not pursue to find that answer yourself? Or would you be satisfied to just let someone else declare your feelings for you? If that's the case, then I say you do like him and you are just a chicken about it!"

"O-okay, Becky, stop p-pressuring me about this topic. I will decide for myself!" I nearly shouted in panic due to all the passionate and heart-felt words Becky has been pouring out. She is always so sharp with her words too. I sighed after we both took a moment to breathe. "Alright, I know I have been avoiding to find out on how I feel because I do feel scared to really find out and have things change. You know that liking Sy-on Boy was never part of the plan. I just want peace and to be with my family and enjoy school being with you."

Becky beamed a bright smile and suddenly hugged me. "Oh, Anya. I know. You struggled really hard before just to be in the same class as me. Now that you are doing well academically, you have the right to choose the same classes that I am enrolled in, right?"

I am ashamed to admit it, but it is true. "You know me so well, Becky."

"Well, of course, though you really should not have enrolled in literally every class I am in, I am not sure on what to do with you since you have enrolled in the Musical Arts. You know nothing about piano or even reading the notes for singing the piece we are learning. Don't blame me if you ended up getting a Tonitrus Bolt for it."

I let out a dry laugh as it was true that I am struggling so much for that subject. I cannot understand a thing and the teacher is not helping at all since the basic parts were already taught last year and I did not participate in the class last year and just jumped into this one without knowing.

"Well, good thing we will also have a study session this weekend for it, to help you out a bit on it."

"Oh, actually, about that. I feel bad since we do have a test on Friday, so why not let's relax a little bit and go shopping instead? Let's look for the perfect dress you can wear for your performance."

Becky's eyes were basically sparkling at this point. "Oh Anya, I really love you so much! I promise I will bring in my full focus for our study session tomorrow!"

The door for the class we were still in opened as some of the students for the next class are about to settle in. "Oh, shoot. There goes our whole break. Do you want some?" I offered an unopened pack of peanuts to her as we picked up our bags and we both started to head to the next class as well. Inaudible whispers echoed around us as the students using this class were a year below us. I can feel my face a bit flustered as Becky kept her cool and opened the pack of peanuts with such a confident air to her aura. "I think this whispering is more intense than Sy-on Boy's presence."

Becky smiled and waved her hand through her hair, flipping it behind her saying, "You should just get used to it Anya, we are Imperial Scholars. We should always keep a good example to those behind us. And, this is one of the reasons I was talking about. For those new students joining in the Cecile Hall, wouldn't they feel like they are proud to be in the same hall where most of the Imperial Scholars are from? It's like their morale goes higher or something." She started humming while eating the peanuts I gave her. "Oh, and if you want, we can demand them to apologize to you before we start our study session. And if it helps, Damian also promised to lessen your direct interaction together. This study session is all for his two best friends, anyways."

I tried to think about it but honestly, I do not think they need to apologize. "It's fine. They can just meet us when we hold our study session tomorrow. Anyways, Sy-on Boy will teach us history, right? I might as well take advantage on it and get a better grade. So, I think we are even on that regard."

With that, the class continued on and during lunch, Becky went to Sy-on Boy again to let him know to meet us after school tomorrow. The school day passed by and it felt more hectic than usual. I arrive home feeling completely tired.

"I'm home…" I announced as I arrive home. Bond was already wagging his tail as he foresaw me arriving at the door. I gave him a hug and he went back to his food bowl to eat.

Papa was in the kitchen area where he took a quick step out of it to take a quick look at me, "Hey, Anya, welcome home. There's snacks on the table."

I looked at the dining table and sat at my usual seat at the table. I basically bore holes at the crackers displayed on the table as I looked at them. I do not feel very enthusiastic with eating anything at this time. I can feel a very heavy weight on my shoulders.

Mama notices this and offered be a hug. "Aww, Anya, dear, is something up?"

The chopping sound in the kitchen stopped and soon Papa was also walking towards me. "What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing really. School was just a bit tiring today. Even our homeroom teacher called in sick." I tried to laugh but it seemed out of place. "By the way, Becky and I will be spending our Saturday morning on a shopping trip at the her usual clothes store."

Papa returned back to preparing dinner while asking, "Oh, will you be needing some pocket money?"

Mama also got up to get a cup of cocoa in hopes of encouraging me to eat some snacks. I give in and take a bite, lifting my spirits up a bit. "Oh, yes please, just in case I need it. And also, I will be a bit late on coming home tomorrow. Becky needed help in reviewing for an upcoming exam on Friday."

Mama was happy to see me lightening up and got curious, "Oh, will someone else be part of your study group?"

I slightly choked on the crackers as the question literally came out of nowhere. "Ummm…"

"Yes, if you two girls will be leaving school late, I can come pick you up if you give me a set time. We really should not impose on Becky's chauffer to keep dropping you off at our house." Papa said as he set one of the dishes on the table before returning back to the kitchen for the rest.

"Well, ummm… S-Sy-on Boy and his friends will be joining in the study group, but they live in the school dorms, so I guess it is better if you still do pick me up?"

At the mention of Sy-on Boy, Papa's thoughts came rushing in. 'Sy-on Boy? Is that Desmond's second son? If I remember correctly, they have lesser classes together but he seems to be spending time with Anya. Is there something that the boy wants from Anya?'

Despite that I was tuning in to Papa's thoughts, I tried to continue saying, "Becky invited him to the study group since he is the consistent top scorer for History Subjects and I believe I can benefit a bit from him to bring my scores higher for the exam. Also, Becky is relying on me for her math exam, in exchange, she will help me on my minors at another date."

Papa's thoughts seems to change to a lighter tone but continued to run off with his thoughts while multitasking with preparing the next dish. 'Ahh, so this is all due to Becky. Good, friendships like this must be cherished. And this is good that Becky is also helping Anya with her other subjects in return. They had just become Imperial Scholars this term. This takes so much load of WISE and there is benefit in keeping the Imperial Scholars Honor Program. As for Damian, keeping up with a good relationship will also continue to receive well with Melinda Desmond fo-'

Mama on the other hand just responded with an excited smile on her face with her hands clasped together. "It's good to know you have many friends to rely on, Anya! Don't worry then, Loid or I am definitely able to pick you up tomorrow if nothing conflicts, right dear?"

With her last statement, it completely cut off Papa's train of thoughts and immediately responded. "Yes! We can even both go together to pick her up and why not, let's spend dinner out for tomorrow?" Papa places two more dishes on the table, which signals mom to set the table and we can all start dinner.

"Wow, dinner out on a weekday? Is there any specific occasion?"

Papa settled down and joined me at the table. He chucked and patted me on the head. "Nothing really, I just realize we have not eaten out lately. Don't worry, I will make sure to prepare you some extra clothes to change out of the uniform." He says but his thoughts say, 'It's around this time that we should be seen by the neighbors that we eat out on a school day to showcase our happy family. And, I have an assignment on the restaurant we are eating. This is a good opportunity to just go out as a family than having to ask Yor to prepare the food tomorrow all by herself.'

By some reflex that coincided with Papa's thoughts, he, held Mama's hand with a smile making her a bit flustered as she just finished setting up the plates. It was then I decided to shut down my mind reading abilities because it will probably steer to some mushy lovey-dovey thoughts soon. But like a lightbulb turning on in my head, I decided I will ask Mama for some advice about my personal dilemma. I know Becky has given me some answers, but I just want to be sure it applied even to Mama.

So, after dinner and helping with washing some of the dishes I asked Mama to go to my room really quick, leaving Papa curious at what we are doing. I jumped right on my bed and grabbed my pillow while she sat at the side of the bed, patting my head lovingly.

Mama cannot contain her happiness every time I confide only with her. She was all smiles as she asked, "What's up Anya? Why are we now being secretive about this with Loid?"

"Well, it's because I wanted to ask you on how you realize that you started to really like Papa."

Clearly, Mama did not see this question coming but she thought about it sincerely and finally said, "I guess, this is all because of the time we all spend together in this house. And you know how Loid would do whatever it takes to keep our family happy and safe. The efforts he puts in making me happy as well, even if it was just for the sake of making us look like a normal happy family."

"So, even if you were put together to live in the same house but Papa does not interact with you daily, can that still lead you to like him?" I asked, trying to cover all the scenarios that I would have to consider.

"If you put it that way, I believe, yes. Won't you just feel conscious that he is always there and even if there is no full interaction, it's like, subconsciously, his presence exists just like how you can identify that this house is your home? And like, think of all your stuff toys, they may not interact with you daily, but I believe you still love each one of them and that is why they are always here in your room, correct?" With that, Mama took Kimera and raised his arms playfully, gesturing me to hug him.

I decided to shake his one arm instead and asked one last question. "So, if you never became my Mama, there is no chance you may like Papa?"

"Actually, that is true. If not for Loid looking at me when we first met, I may have never noticed him at all. I had different priorities at the time, and this set up was convenient, which was why I jumped on it when it came. After years of being together with both of you, I really feel like we have become a real family."

I hug mama saying my thanks. After she steps out of the room, I head to my table and started working on some of the exercises for the math practice we were going to work on the study session. When I finished the last question, I could not help but think about this more seriously. I guess there really was no way out of this. I had been saying I want to be friends with Sy-on Boy for quite some time but I was not putting any effort to become friends at all. And, I know how he does think of me as cute and all, his childish thoughts and pride just gets in the way sometimes… but lately, he doesn't actually do that anymore.

"Get a grip, self!" I tell myself to stop my overthinking. "Whatever happens, happens." With that, I closed my notebook and kept them in the bag and I tuck myself into the bed and slept.

AN: I am personally at a loss with Becky's passion for Anya's relationship with Damian, but who isn't at this point, right? So invested just like we are.