As the class went by Shin surprisingly was able to keep and stay focused even though he was taking two sets of notes, even going beyond with Anya's by adding extra tidbits of advice and helpful hints to help her better understand. Yeah, his fingers were going to kill him for this later, but those brief glances he'd take of the sleeping tigress made it worth it. She looked beautiful no matter what she did, he was truly and deeply smitten with her.

A little finger ache is nothing.' he thought as another genuine yet small smile crossed his lips, 'You're making me happy, and that's something I would return for you no matter what that meant. I want to see you smile more, be happier, and I will protect that with every fiber of my body. All that's left, is to choose the right time to tell you how I feel...but it's so hard to tell when that is...' he thought as he continued to keep a relative pace with the lesson while taking notes. As class finally came to a close he moved to nudge Anya, since there was nothing that she truly needed to hear that he didn't write down.

"Hey...class is over." Shinoku said softly.

Anya groaned lightly, soon stretching a bit before opening her eyes and standing up. She'd stretching her arms upwards again before letting out a yawn, "So did i...miss anything?" She would ask, mixed with a yawn. She soon looked at him with her eyes partially trying to open and stay awake "Ah, sorry I slept that long" she would say before scratching the back of her head a bit.

Shinoku only shook his head as he smiled slightly. "It's fine, you looked like you could use the sleep. As for missing anything… you didn't, at least nothing you have to worry about with these." He said as he handed her the detailed notes he took for her. "I know you said to wake you for important thing but you looked so peaceful and...cute...I wanted to let you get all the sleep you could get so I...took it upon myself to write down everything you needed to know on top of my own notes…"

"Aw, you didn't have to do that pup…" Anya said as her ears pinned back a bit, soon blushing a shade of red from his "cute" compliment. She smiled softly as she took the notes, soon a warmer and gentle smile crept onto her face as she soon hugged the bigger canine, pressing her cheek against his chest as she hugged him. "Thank you! I genuinely really appreciate this!" she admitted, soon reaching up as she got ip on her tip toes a bit to kiss his cheek. "Oh! I hope you don't mind my show of gratitude" she said, getting somewhat embarrassed a bit by her actions.

The instant she had kissed him his eyes went wide, jaw hanging slightly agape and face turning a deep scarlet as he processed what just happened. 'Sh-she kissed me! SHE KISSED ME! Granted it was on the cheek, BUT SHE KISSED ME! Calm down….calm down…..no need to panic…..yet…..I…..I might actually have a chance. Then again, she did say gratitude….not the right time yet.' he thought.

"i-I-I...uh...y-you're..w-welcome...it was nothing...really...I...I...I d-don't mind...you...you can do whatever you feel is the best way of showing thanks." Shinoku stammered in his flustered state before calming himself a bit. "I...wouldn't mind doing it for you more regularly if you need to rest..." he offered. "And not just because you're beautiful or popular...but because I'd just love to help you out…"

Anya giggled lightly. "You're cute when you get all flustered." She said before gently reaching up again and cupping his face, rubbing his cheeks gently with her thumb soothingly. "Oh and be careful with what you offer pup." she'd smirk.

Shinoku just looked at her, still beat red as she rubbed his cheek with her thumb. "I-I-I...really don't….mind...it's no problem at all..." He said as his voice almost cracked near the end.

Anya only smirked more as she once again got on her tip toes, giving both of his cheeks gentle kisses. "And thank you for calling me beautiful, I think you're handsome too" she said with a gentle smile.

Shin's brain practically went out of his head like a rocket as his tail stood straight up, completely and utterly flustered into a petrified state from the affection. That simple compliment, her saying she thought she was handsome, sent his heart soaring, 'She thinks I'm handsome….SHE THINKS I'M HANDSOME! SHE ACTUALLY THINKS I'M HANDSOME! AND SHE'S KISSING MY CHEEKS SO MUCH!...I might actually have a shot! Not yet though...still too soon….not the right time….not the right setting….' he thought.

"Th-th-thank you…" Was all Shinoku could muster.

Anya merely chuckled as she turned to get her bag and put the notes in it. Holstering her book bag over her shoulder she walked to the door before looking to Shinoku "Come on you big goof."

Shinoku blinked as he looked at Anya, blushing a bit more before joining her. The Siberian tigress smiled as she once more wrapped an arm around his and pulled him close as they started to walk to their next class, it was going to be a long day. Although there was no way in hell Shinoku was going to complain about the situation in the least. If anything, this was like a dream come true. And if this was somehow a dream, ge didn't want to wake up.

Just like the last class the following classes went about just like the last, not that it surprised Shinoku given the fact he knew how Anya typically was in their classes. And much like the last time, he went about taking two sets of notes for her. Yeah, his fingers were definitely going to hate him for this the next day and possibly the days after that. But, given how Anya was being around him and the...kiss...it was so worth it.

And much like the first time it happened, Anya kissed his cheek as a thanks after each of their remaining classes, not to mention keeping him close to her as they walked. It got to the point that even if Shinoku continued to pay attention to the leers and the odd looks aimed at him and Anya, and the hushed whispers, the fact that Anya seemed to either not really notice or pay no mind helped with the mixed feelings of genuine happiness and dreadful sadness. Surely she must knew of his reputation, heard the rumors, and yet Anya seemed to never view him or act any different around him than if she were around any other animal...or someone she had interest in. Of course, it also didn't help that she every so often would move his arm between her breasts out of an amused teasing of him, something he knew was the case based off the playfully mischievous grin she'd have.

When their last class had ended Anya stretched as she picked up her stuff, thanking Shinoku yet again and pecking him on the cheek as a thanks before walking to the door, only to look back as she saw Shinoku blushing. "Oh come on you big lug, stop being silly." She said with a smirk.

"I'm not silly…" Shinoku muttered under his breath as he walked over to her.

"It's usually a good idea to have a snack for extra energy before the club, you want to grab something together or do you usually eat alone as well?" Anya asked as they walked away from the class, once more grabbing hold of his arm.

"I don't mind grabbing a quick snack with you, and no, I often eat with my friends." Shinoku said as he looked at her wuth a blush. "Besides, seems like you prefer clinging to my arm for some reason." he teased playfully, getting a fair bit more comfortable and a little more bold around her.

"Of course, i feel comfortable around you" She would say with a soft smile before hugging his arm between her breasts again, clinging to him and beginning to walk with him. She began chuffing again as they walked, at one point resting her head against his shoulder for a moment.

Shinoku seemed calm for the most part, but inwardly he was still completely hiding his completely flustered freak out that only his blush would hint to from having his arm between her breasts once more. She was being so affectionate, even playful here and there, it caused his tail to wag happily. Any more confident male would have told her how they truly felt, asked her at the first sign. But Shin, Shin wasn't most males. He was a total mess around beautiful girls, even if he was getting more comfortable around her he still was an utter mess and clueless about how to tell her how he felt or when to. All he could do was hope the right moment would just slap him right in the face. As they got to a vending machine Anya let go of his arm and proceeded to get herself a drink, Shin himself got himself a soda.

"So, I take it this will become a regular thing then? You on my arm and us just sitting together in class as well as walking together? Not that I'm complaining in the least…" Shinoku inquired as he looked over at Anya.

Anya looked back at him after opening her drink."If that's okay with you." She said before taking a sip as she leaned back against the wall, her ears flattening as she glanced down at her shoe. She'd mess with it a little as her tail curled up slightly while it swayed back and forth. It also depends on how close you want me next to you pup." The Siberian tigress added before looking up at him with a certain look, it was soft but yet there was clearly something more to it.

"I...would like that..." Shinoku admitted as he took another sip, moving somewhat closer to her. He then blushed at those simple words of how close he wanted her. 'How close do I want you? I want you as close as you can be...I want to hold you….never let go of you…I want to keep you from away from ever being in a situation like I saw earlier...away from Otis.' he thought as he nearly crushed his drink from his tightening grip as he thought of the doberman and his actions. "I'd...like you to be as close to me as you'd want to be. I won't force anything on you….I'll never be that kind of guy."

Anya's ears perked as she noticed the tightened grip he had on the can, could he be worried for her because of Otis...it definitely seems so. Otis has tried to convince her to be with him on multiple occasions after all, maybe Shin had picked up on that. But then her thoughts turned to tthe instances in the past where those who got too close to her, male or female, one day vanished. Still, she didn't want to assume. After all, she still had plenty of friends, and it hadn't been enough to be suspicious. She also wasn't going to let fear make any decisions for her, he was a nice wolf and she was quickly growing all the more fond of and closer to him.

"Then I'll stay as close to you as you're comfortable with. Besides, I like clinging to your arm and seeing you blush like mad." Anya teased with a devilish smirk, soon smiling a bit before opening her arms and hugging him for reassurance. She then rested her chin against his chest as she looked up at him "if it's about Otis...I'm sure you have nothing to worry about..." She added before her tail curled up again.

Shinoku blushed as he looked down at her, she was...hugging him, embracing him. Her body was pressed against his and her arms wrapped around him. Any anger that might have been brewing up towards the doberman faded rapidly as he looked at her, felt her against him. Without even thinking he slowly moved his arms around her, returning the embrace. The first show of intimate affection he had shown her the entire time, or anyone for the most part in his time at Cherryton.

"Maybe….but I still worry." Shinoku admitted as he became a bit more open with her. "I have rather keen instincts, gut feelings along with great observation. From what I saw...I don't trust him being the type to just not get what he wants slide...to say the least." He said, still holding her in the hug.

His hug was warm, protective, and just firm enough to be comforting. His tail swayed as he held her, enjoying every second of it and even growing a bit bolder by it. He was a wolf, a canine, it was only natural that he would subtly take in her scent. It was sweet, just like her. And now, if anything were to happen, if Otis dared try anything, he would hopefully be able to find her.

"Well I'm close to you now, so there's nothing to worry about" Anya said in a sweet tone.

"True…" Shinoku agreed.

Anya then booped his nose with a giggle; she felt at ease around him, so of course she was going to be more affectionate. "Tell me when I'm starting to make you uncomfortable, I don't want you being uncomfortable around me okay?" She said with a worried smile.

Shin blinked as she booped his nose before chuckling. "You couldn't make me uncomfortable Anya, you're far too nice and sweet. And really, I think you deserve being able to do what you want for a bit." he smiled a bit more before returning the boop. "So, you can be as affectionate as you want to be."

"I was just making sure is all" Anya said with a faint giggle. "So, you think I'm nice and sweet? Thank you Shin~." she said in a rather endearing and affectionate way.

Shinoku just kept turning redder as she thanked him. "N-no problem..."

Anya smirked, her tail flicking left to right quite rather quickly before departing from their hug. "Well let's go, can't be late to the club" she commented before gently taking his hand and proceeding to drag Shin along before he could react. She seemed to even be blushing a bit as she held his hand rather than holding him by the arm, though she hid it until it went away.

Blinked as he was suddenly dragged, his face remained red as he looked at his hand. She was holding his hand...holding it. His heart beat quickly as thoughts ran through his head at how things had progressed so quickly. Not too long ago he was restraining a doberman and being dragged by the arm by Anya after she tried to get him not to interfere. Now, she was dragging him again but this time, this time by the hand. Things were going fast, so very fast, he even wasn't quite as nervous to talk to or be close to her. It definitely was a surprise, and not an unwelcome one.

"I...uh...yeah." Shinoku said as he managed to catch his stride and walk with her. It was like a dream, a wonderful dream that he didn't want to wake from; he wasn't even thinking when he had given her hand a gentle squeeze.

"Do you like it more when I hold your hand?" Anya asked with a slight smirk, watching him as she brought his hand up along with her arm. She'd then suddenly bring his hand closer to her and placed a kiss on it, beginning to chuff.

Shinoku thought he had gotten over her being able to fluster him, that he was passed it because he had just hugged her and took her scent. Apparently that assessment was wrong, because as soon as those lips touched his hand his tail shot straight up as he turned a new shade of red. "W-well...I...uh...I mean...y-yes? I-I-I also...didn't mind...h-how..y-you...h-held it...earlier...not that I'm going to tell you how to hold it…."

Anya just grinned at how she made him fluster, it was so much fun to do. "Oh, right! When we get there i think i believe i was the first to rehearse and what not so i guess consider this front row seats? Or more if you'll dance with me." She offered.

Shinoku gathered himself a bit as he heard the offer, "I-if you want me to...And if they'll allow it..."

"I'd love to have you as my dancing partner Shin, and truth be told..." Anya started to admit. "I've enjoyed our time together Shin." Anya felt her cheeks get hot as they turned a bright red, her tail swayed lightly as her ears flicked. An embarrassed smile crossed her lips, though the delighted chuff that came from her conflicted with how she looked.

The red on Shinoku's face persisted as he looked at her, she...was enjoying her time with him. "I...have as well."he managed to say, "I like being around you, it's...fun...exciting."

Anya looked at him with her smile becoming more warm than embarrassed, "Awe, you're so sweet." She said before noticing that the drama club room was close, "Well, time for your moment of truth, just try not to be too awkward or blow it if I convince them to give you a shot." she smirked.

"Please, I'm not one to crack under pressure, I AM an athlete after all." Shinoku shot back in mock offense.

Anya just grinned widely as she giggled. "We'll see."

As they entered the drama club the other members turned to great Anya only to be slightly surprised to see her apparently escorting a friend. It wasn't just any friend though, it was Shinoku, an athlete that they had heard some rumors about, most of which were not all that flattering.

"Hey there Anya." Sheila greeted her as she walked up to the two, the rest of the group looking on. "I Didn't know you were friends with Shinoku...did he want to watch you rehearse?" She asked, Shin for his part just looked rather well, not quite meek, but more really trying to look friendly and not his well known self.

"Hi Sheila, it's more of a recent development." Anya replied. "Shin here has expressed interest in joining the club. I know that our members are usually scouted but I think he could be a great fit...If Louis and the president would be willing to give him a chance. Is there time before rehearsal to talk to him?"

Sheila just blinked as she looked to Shin then to Anya. "There should be, though I didn't know that one of Cherryton's top athletes had such an interest in our club."

"I've...always admired how the club was a place where carnivore and herbivore can be together. Plus I've always had a liking for theatrical performance." Shin said, his voice just as disarmingly friendly as possible.

The cheetah looked to Shin. "I see.." She said before smiling. "In that case it's a shame you weren't scouted sooner." she then looked to Anya. "Well, this will be an unusual case and might be a bit of a hard sell...but I think we can convince Louis and the president to let him try, come with me to the leaders room." Sheila then looked to Shin, "Shouldn't take too long, try to make some friends while you're here."

"Right." Shin nodded.

"Be back soon." Sheila smiled as she'd take Anya to the leader's room, knocking on the door.

"Enter." came the voice of the lead actor. Louis was sitting in his chair, finishing a talk with Sanu as he glanced up to see Sheila and Anya enter. "Sheila, Anya, is there a problem or something you need?" he asked, his eyes seemingly friendly and caring.

"Not quite." the cheetah replied. "Anya here has brought a friend who has expressed interest in being in the drama club."

Louis narrowed his eyes slightly. "Is that so...She is aware that all our members are picked through scouting yes? We can't just let anyone who might have an interest try out or join."

"I'm well aware of it Louis sir..." Anya chimed in. "But I'm sure if you gave Shinoku a-"

"Shinoku?" Louis interrupted, looking at the Siberian tigress. "The same Shinoku who is in the boxing club, one of the schools' top athletes and has a reputation that makes most of the other students save for those that he's been seen with avoid him?" he inquired, his tone none to pleased.

"Well...yes...but he's really not that bad a guy. In fact, I think most of the rumors are started just because he's a wolf..."

"And what makes you say that?" Louis questioned as he kept his narrowed gaze on Anya, "How long have you known him exactly?"

Anya blinked. "Well...we have the same schedule pretty much, though we only started talking today."

"And yet from this brief interaction, you think he's a fit for our club?" Louis asked as he leaned the side of his head against a propped up fist.

Anya slightly huffed. "Yes...I do, he helped me out with something earlier today and has been incredibly nice and helpful to me since. All I'm asking is that you please give him one shot." she argued, much to Louis' annoyance.

"Look, I know this is a place for those with unique circumstances are chosen, but I don't see why I should..."

"Now hold on Louis..." Sanu interjected. "While it is true that we only recruit our members through their circumstances and scouting, we shouldn't necessarily turn away those that have a strong enough interest. Plus you said it yourself, he's one of the school's top athletes and clearly whatever he has helped Anya with has left quite the impression. If you ask me you can't exactly get a more unique circumstance than someone like Shinoku wanting to join and apparently leaving enough of an impression on one of our better dancers to vouch for him. I say we give him a shot, see where he might fit in."

"The president's right Louis, what harm could there be in just letting him try?" Sheila echoed.

Louis only stared at the president, seemingly unhappy with the whole thing before eventually letting out a sigh. "Alright fine." he said as he waved his hand. "I'll agree to let him have ONE chance to join us seeing as how I'm being outvoted."

Anya just smiled as she bowed to Louis. "Thank you so much Louis, I promise you won't regret giving him a chance."

Louis just looked at Anya, clearly not amused by the whole thing. "I hope you're right, the last thing we need is him ruining the club's reputation."

"He won't be any trouble, I'm sure of it." Anya said confidently.

"I'll be the judge of that myself." Louis said as he rose from his chair. "I'll be watching him closely."

Anya and the other just looked at Louis, the rising star and likely to be Cherryton's first Beastar. It seemed he really did care about how the drama club was perceived, and who could blame him when it was his idea in the first place. A club where herbivore and carnivore could participate in something together and work together, anyone would want to protect such a place's reputation fiercely, Anya could only be grateful that he agreed to let Shinoku try out. As they turned to leave the leader's room she could only hope that Shin, the arctic wolf that she has rapidly grown closer and more fond of than she ever expected, would be accepted. She really couldn't even hide her ever growing hope that she would be able to spend even more time with him, to practice with him. he was...special.