Within the next days, they were nothing short of absolute hell for Hina. Whatever she is doing, whether at school, home, park, or anywhere, she will always hear at least one click each day. Even something as simple as sitting at home doing nothing, she would hear that damn click from someone, from somewhere. Despite the earplugs, even in pure silence, she imagined somehow hearing a click from somewhere with no discernible cause. The pills and vitamins Sena gave her only brought nothing but restlessness and paranoia.

One day, she was on a leisurely walk in the evening to clear her head from the recent paperwork, to get herself some air, she thought. But having no choice but to wear earplugs during it, she accidentally bumped into someone by accident, and her right earplug fell out. Among the many sounds of the bustling city, her ears – either feeling scorn or joyful of her agony – catch the many variants of clicks around her, be it metal, plastic, or wood. She was almost overwhelmed with nausea as she ran and frantically wore her earplug to the perplexion of the pedestrians walking by.

She quickly finds shelter deep in the alley, catching her breath. No one is around. Once her ears hear nothing but complete silence, she punches the wall as hard as she can. Her scream is barely audible in her own ears. Soon, she slumps against the wall, still sobbing in anguish at her own suffering.

"Sensei, we need to talk."

"Then talk. You're already here, after all."

"Sensei, this is important. Set aside your paperwork for the time being."

With a sigh, Sensei puts away the document he had signed. "I'm more inclined to do so had you not given me a mountain worth of paperwork and requested that it should be finished by tonight. Just spill it out, Rin."

"…." Rin rubbed her arm. "It's about Hina."

Sensei casts a side glance as he grabs another document. "She's not improving, is she?"

Rin places a small stack of papers on his desk. "These are the compiled reports about Hina. Despite Sena's and other Gehenna officials' best efforts, her well-being has drastically worsened."

Sensei looks up from the document he's writing on, gesturing her to continue.

"Her academic capabilities have severely deteriorated; her current academic score is much worse than a delinquent's. But that would be the least of my worries."

Sensei grabs the compiled reports and reads each of them, respectively from Sena, Ako, and Makoto, of all people.

"Ever since she was diagnosed with Clickaphobia, she became more alarmed, more irritable, more… depressed," Rin set her eyes downcast. "Both the Prefect Team and Sena have recorded quite a number of nervous breakdowns during her Prefect duties, study, and even on her off days. It doesn't help much with the fact that her ears are selectively more sensitive to hearing clicks than other noises. Even she almost caused a diplomatic incident a few days back at Trinity because she played with Nagisa with a chess clock."

Sensei creases his eyes at her. Rin sighs with exasperation.

"Hina shot the chess clock because it clicked."

"Oh. Oh yeah, I think Seia mentioned that before," Sensei nodded off. "Shot it down with her pistol before everyone tackled her down."

"That's correct. My main concern, however, is her uncontrolled aggression. That diplomatic incident wasn't a one-off. You should read that report about the Hot Springs Department."

He reads the report she suggested. His face hardens as he reads every single detail regarding that event. "No wonder Megu was too busy when I called her. Why didn't she tell me Kasumi was hurt this badly?"

"It… was for your best interest," Rin looked away solemnly. "Megu begged not to tell you about it. I can understand why. If you're wondering, Kasumi finally recovered after a couple of weeks and was discharged, but still needs some time to fully heal."

"I see…. I should give her a call later."

Sensei then looks over at the other reports. More academic failings, recorded paranoia, and even excessive aggression at times.

"With the way Hina it is now," Rin elaborated. "The Prefect Team, while still competent under her leadership, suffers combat effectiveness. Specifically, losing coordination whenever Hina goes berserk over a few clicks."

"I want to intervene, I really do," Sensei sympathized. "But since I put off a lot of work here, and you requested the paperwork to be done by tonight, I don't think I can spare some time today. Hang on a second. Yuuka?"

"Yes, Sensei?" the purplette Seminar asked as she came over.

"What's my itinerary for tomorrow?"

"Well," Yuuka flipped a page. "You have a meeting with Head Office Aoi and Director Kanna in the morning and a trip to Highlander Railroad Academy, among other miscellaneous things throughout the evening. You should have some free time in the afternoon, assuming the students aren't looking for you."

"Thanks, Yuuka. You can get back to work now."

"Call me if you need anything, Sensei, President Rin."

"Ms. Seminar," Rin nodded back.

"Wha-? It's Yuuka-! Ugh, never mind."

Yuuka soon walks off. Rin returns to look at him. There's a certain expectation in her glint.

"Okay, Rinny," Sensei relented. "I see what I can do for tonight. But I can't promise that I'll be free tonight. I really miss my fill of Hiniature again."

"Hini..ature?" Rin wondered in confusion. "Whatever you say, Sensei. And do talk to her soon, if you can. Other officials within the GSC are also watching her progress, and…."

"And?"

Rin sighs in defeat. "They're considering putting her in an asylum."

Sensei stiffens his back. After a moment of silence, he leans forward, placing a chin on his clasped hands.

"I can see why they consider that, but… give her more time."

"Can we?" Rin doubted, a voice of concern laced within. "I doubt more counseling will do her much good by this point."

"True. But the human mind is a complex thing," he said, as if he taught her a bit of science. "Maybe what she needs is not counseling. She just needs the right person or the right moment to help her out. Or a bit of both."

"I understand the right person, but the right moment?" Rin furrowed her eyebrows. "I don't follow."

"It's hard for me to describe. It's like a revelation. An event where she finally sees it as a wake-up call."

"I see," Rin nodded. "But it will be a while until that happens."

"I'm afraid so."

"Alright, Sensei. Looks like I have to count on you on that."

Sensei nods. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Nothing else. I'll take my leave. Have a good day, Sensei."

"You too, Rin."

The Rin soon leaves the office, leaving Sensei to look over the numerous reports regarding Hina. He feels guilty about not visiting her sooner, but he can't do anything about it until he finishes this paperwork. Sensei sadly sighed, disappointed in himself for not talking to Hina right now about her troubles.

"Oi, Makoto. What are you up to now?"

"Why, of course, examining the blueprint the architect provided of my future pride of Gehenna: The Makoto Tower Mk. 2!"

"There's a second version now? Building that first tower wasn't enough for you?"

"Bah! That tower is a complete insult to my original vision! I shall not let it slide again until I hear the Trinitians finally recognize the reason why I am the President of the Pandemonium Society!"

"Uh-huh. How tall is it now? 800 inches?"

"Of cou-! Hey, don't do this to me. I'm not making that mistake again."

"Sure do hope so."

Makoto is in her office after a little ceremony practice with her Pandemonium minions. There is plenty of paperwork to do, as well as auditing school facilities that are yet to be checked. The cafeteria, for a start. Not necessarily because it lacked the furniture, newspaper, or items that propagandized Makoto's dictatorial worth, but because of the mess that Juri caused. Well, whatever Fuuka meant by Juri's mess. But now, Makoto has something important in mind.

Taking notes from previous failures to impress Sensei, Makoto has ensured to double-check her work and begrudgingly worries about the little things. Hmm, Sensei did say that most people judge someone's character by looking at the little things they do. Looking over the blueprint once more, she double-checks that what's written there is 400 feet, not inches. Iroha stands by her desk, looking at a few papers containing proposals from the other clubs (including GRS, to her bewilderment). Ibuki is away today to study in her class.

After some time, Satsuki and Chiaki return to the office, each carrying a stack of paper. One is about the NK-Ultra experiment, and the other is a bunch of posters propagating Makoto's organization. Things have pretty much calmed down at this point, so Chiaki and Satsuki no longer have to worry about Makoto being angry.

"I assume you have visited the GSC to compensate them?" Makoto asked.

"We have, Great Leader," Satsuki answered.

"How was their reaction?"

"Acting President Rin expressed her satisfaction," Chiaki answered, soon frowning. "Though warned us that should we cause similar problems within their jurisdiction, we will face heavier sanctions than the previous one."

"I'll keep that in mind," Makoto nodded. "Any new word from Valkyrie?"

"Actually, Director Kanna was wondering if we could spare her a couple of our tanks at her disposal," Satsuki answered. "There is a growing delinquent group in one of her districts that's been causing disruption to most traffic there. The Theatric-Masked Gangsters are pretty well-armed and stole a couple of APCs from Valkyrie's armory."

"Wait…, Theatric-Masked Gangsters?" Iroha asked, sharing confusion similar to Makoto's.

"They are dropouts from Pantheon Drama School," Chiaki elaborated.

Huh…. For some reason, Makoto has some sympathy for the delinquents. Before she joined the student council, she tried to apply to an Arts School but failed. Different fields, albeit relevant. …Why does it feel like Sensei is smirking from somewhere, thinking about a joke she never heard about?

"Yes, we can spare some tanks to her way. I was looking to build a rapport with Valkyrie anyway," Makoto turned lazily at her tanker commander. "What do you suggest, Iroha?"

"Did she say anything about the district the delinquents are in?" Iroha asked the others.

"Hmm, I think she mentioned it was an entertainment-centric district," Satsuki answered. "Cinemas, arcades, playground parks, and a theater, I think."

"Huh…," Iroha mulled over for a moment. "No heavy tanks then. I suggest sending them a couple of Panzer IVs, a few half-tracks, and some Schwerer Panzerspähwagen to help them out."

"Tanks aren't enough?" Chiaki raised a curious eyebrow.

"It's an entertainment district in an urban area. It's a wide place, even with buildings around," Iroha assessed. "So, that's a lot of running around a hypothetical maze. Sending tanks won't be enough if you need to be maneuverable in tight spaces as the officers."

"Hmm, this is more than acceptable," Makoto turned to one of her guards. "You!"

"Ja, Mein Präsident!"

"Tell our Motor Depot to prepare two Panzer IVs, a few half-tracks, and some Schwerer Panzerspähwagen to be deployed to Valkyrie as soon as possible."

"As you wish, Great Leader!" the minion immediately left the office.

"Chiaki," Makoto called. "Please tell Director Kanna that the vehicles will be on their way."

"As you wish, President Makoto!" Chiaki soon left also with a large smile.

"Now, Satsuki, if you do not have anything else to do," Makoto stated. "You must assist us to deal with this paperwork."

"But of course, President, however," Satsuki hesitated for a second. "There's something I need to tell you. It's about President Hina."

Makoto feels some distaste at the topic, but also shares the same concern as Iroha. "What of it?"

"I've been receiving complaints regarding her behavior. Not only by the school's faculty but also by members of the Prefect Team themselves."

Iroha widens her eyes. Makoto stiffens at the surprising news.

"I know that Hina has been facing plenty of problems right now," Iroha said. "But to that extent?"

"Prefect Team themselves said that Hina has acted unreasonably a few too many times," Satsuki explained. "Even going so far to yell at her own subordinate for clicking an empty gun near her."

Huh…, not so surprising. "Anything else besides that?" Makoto inquired.

"There have been some concerns about her… aggressiveness," Satsuki replied. "She's becoming more inelegant, so to speak. Frequent complaints of excessive force, even from our students with a good track record of academic achievements and behavior. Especially prevalent during combat duties."

"Similar to that incident with Hot Springs President?"

"Yes," Satsuki was becoming uncomfortable the longer Makoto stared at her. "Safe to say that almost everyone, even school faculties, and Prefect Team, is scared to be anywhere near her."

Both Makoto and Iroha could only share a frowning glance at the report.

"Then… there's the matter of her academic competence," Satsuki continued. "For the first time, her scores have been considered the lowest by all school faculties combined, even with the leniency we've provided her with. I heard there have been talks of her possible expulsion from Gehenna."

Makoto abruptly sighs, leaning against her chair. Iroha pockets her hands yet stares somberly at the floor.

"Mein Präsident, is it really worth it to keep helping her?"

"Excuse me?" the tone in which she asked sent shivers down Satsuki's spine.

"O-of course, I'm not implying anything about our hand during her arrest!" Satsuki quickly added. "It's just… is it really worth to lend her a hand even when she's like this? Not necessarily saying she's ungrateful, but you already see how she turns out. I mean, this could be a good opportunity to get the Prefect Team under our thumb while their president is this erratic. Isn't this exactly what you want?"

"I'm not really interested in this power drama, but that's still low, you know?" Iroha narrowed her eyes.

"We're not falsely calling her a murderer this time," Satsuki forced a smile. "I'm merely suggesting that we should do something about Hina while the students are restless. If we manage to calm things down and convince Hina to… 'acquiesce' to our authority, our organization and you, our Great Leader, will receive approvals even from the Prefect Team."

Iroha gives a defeated look at Makoto, who is contemplating her subordinate words. A tinge of seriousness and allure in Makoto's eyes, yet there is a sliver of disgust behind them.

"It is enticing, expanding my authority, that even the Prefect Team prefers me over their president. However," Makoto paused. "If I know her that well, which is not much, and going by Sena's assessment, I'd rather not take this risk."

"But-!"

"Listen," Makoto cut Satsuki off. "I appreciate you have your best interest for myself and our student council, but I don't think that will be worth it. I feel distasteful about it with how she is. If we do what you suggested, she will do something drastic, and I doubt it will be at us."

"W-what do you mean, Great Leader?"

The way Makoto thinks surprised Iroha, but she smiles just a little.

"Do you doubt your own president, Satsuki?"

"N-no! Of course not, President Makoto!"

"Good. Just trust me when I say this. Just keep tabs on Hina for the time being, understood?"

"J-ja, Mein Präsident!"

Makoto nods. "Is there anything else you like to report?"

"Mm, I don't think it's noteworthy, but," Satsuki held her chin. "I haven't seen her carrying her MG for a while now. Now that I think about it, she always keeps carrying that pistol with her. The kind you expect to see from Valkyrie. I'm not sure why she would pick that over any other weapon Gehenna has to offer as a backup-"

"Satsuki," The tanker called sharply.

"Y-yes, Iroha?"

"That ain't just a pistol. She has it for a reason."

"E-erm?"

"That's the Clicker's Pistol," Makoto answered. Softly.

"R-really?!" Satsuki immediately bowed. "Forgive my impudence, Great Leader."

"It's okay," Makoto waved off dismissively. "Now, take a grab stack of our paperwork and get working."

"Ja, Mein Präsident!"

Once Satsuki returns to her desk, Iroha asks. "You got a plan about what should we do with Hina?"

"…I'll try to talk to her, but not today," Makoto answered. "She's in counseling right now."

"Alright, let me know if you're planning to do so, Makoto."

"I'll keep that in mind."

They continue on with their work without any interruptions, and Makoto soon plays with her cat at the other club.

"Is there any problem you would like to talk about?"

"I'm sorry, is hearing a lot of clicks for these past days not a problem for you?"

"Huh…. You're capable of sarcasm. That's a new one to add to your record."

"…President Sena, is that really necessary?"

"Hush now, Chinatsu. This is also a part of understanding human psychology."

"I think you're studying with the Remedial Knights too much."

"I think you're being grumpy for no reason too much, Hina. The amount of complaints I've heard for these past few days is nothing to scoff at."

"…What the hell do you want from me?"

Being back at Sena's office feels more like a curse than a blessing. Sure, confessing what's bothering her mind and what she's doing to ease them off lifts some weights off her head, but it's not significantly helpful enough to get her through the day. To discuss things intimately as a friend is comforting but still not helpful. The prescription Sena provided only gave her more headaches than usual. She feels weak. More empty thoughts, voidness; it seems to be the only company Hina ever so desires.

"-na. Hina," Sena called. "You're not paying attention again."

"..What?" Hina sharply asked.

"Hina," Chinatsu squeezed her shoulder. "Please…."

Hina wearily glares at her but soon bows her head in defeat.

"Have you taken your medication?" Sena asked.

"…." Hina's eyes dotted left and right, gradually. "…Yes."

"…. I'll take that as a no," Sena wrote down. "What were you thinking, Hina? Skipping medications like that?"

Hina sighs irritably, squinting her eyes. "I took more pills than I should during one of those days, and I felt some sort of… craving for that medicine."

"Antidepressants?"

"Yes. I decided to stop drinking those for a while."

"And the vitamins and sleeping pills?"

"…. Vitamins ran out. Still using sleeping pills, but I keep waking up too early. Between 02:00 – 04:00 o'clock."

"Did you drink sleeping pills during that time range?"

"…Sometimes."

"What?! Hina!" Chinatsu glared at her leader. "You shouldn't be consuming those after you wake up!"

"You're not only worsening your sleep quality," Sena explained. "You will feel more nervous whenever you wake up, and you will be more drowsy than usual. Did you feel something whenever you drink sleeping pills?"

"…Now that you mention it," Hina paused. "I can't focus on anything every morning, and it wasn't because I heard clicks."

"You're too dependent on them, it seems," Sena shook her head. "I suggest you stop consuming them as well for the time- Hina, are you alright?"

Hina isn't listening again, and her body wobbles slightly, though she snaps back at her. "I-I'm fine. Just having a headache."

No one said a word, but it was noticeable to Chinatsu that Sena scrutinized Hina's being more intimately. Sena puts down her notebook and grabs a device from the back. It's a rectangular remote device with a tube sticking out at the back. Hina tilts her head at such an item.

Sena holds the device before Hina's mouth. "Blow into the tube."

"..Why?"

"Just blow some air into it."

Hina stares for a few seconds in distrust but finally relents, blowing some air into the device's tube.

Sena retracts the device and reads over the result. Sena barely squeezes her eyes; her frown becomes grim with how tightened her cheeks are. She puts it away, looking at Hina like she was disappointed with her own child.

"Hina…," she began. "Do you mind explaining why your BAC reads 0.06%?"

Chinatsu drops her jaw.

"BAC?" Hina narrowed her eyes wearily. "What-?"

"Blood Alcohol Content," Sena stared daggers at her. "Don't lie to me. Have you been drinking alcohol while we weren't looking?"

"…." Hina exhaled with defeat. "Red wine. Finished a bottle last night-"

Chinatsu immediately knocks her forehead.

"Ow!" Hina rubbed her forehead. "Was that-?"

"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!" Chinatsu's scream even rattled Sena. "You drank that along with the pills?!"

"Y-yes-"

"YOU COULD HAVE OVERDOSED!"

This will count as the first time Hina actually sobered up from her subordinate's outburst. And it looks like Hina feels nervous that she somehow brought up the wrath of the former Medical Emergency member upon her. The room is consumed with silence once more, and not even a click can be heard. Chinatsu grabs a nearby chair and sits methodically next to Hina. Chinatsu fixedly glares at her, and so does Sena.

"You said you wanted to get better, didn't you?"

Hina almost chokes on the air. "Y-yes…."

"Then why?" Chinatsu shook her head. "Why did you let yourself fall this far?"

Hina opens her mouth but realizes she doesn't have an answer.

"Listen, Hina, it's bad enough that the delinquents scored higher than you," Sena added. "But to have practically everyone in this school avoiding you at all isn't a good look. You can't even talk to Iori normally without swatting her rifle out the window because she opens the bolt."

Yeah…. In hindsight, that was stupid. She could've blamed it on her own instinct, but it happened so many times that the answer wasn't going to cut it.

"Look, Hina, I don't really want to say it," Chinatsu shook her head. "But, as one of your direct subordinates, I'm so disappointed in you."

Hina couldn't breathe for a moment. Felt like she was gutted the moment she heard that. Hina only can- dare to glance at her.

"But I- we still want to help you, alright? I'm not angry at you," Chinatsu blinked twice. "I just… REALLY want to know why you let yourself become like this."

Hina shakes her head with bated breath. As the two silently stare, the Head Prefect tips her hands together as she thinks of an answer, though hesitant.

"I…. I don't know…," Hina took a deep breath. "…. I still don't know why he did that."

"You mean the Clicker?" Sena asked.

"I… tried to make sense of why he died. I even had to ask Director Kanna why he did it," Hina shook her head. "But they don't know. We all don't know. I doubt Sensei knows either."

"But you haven't asked him yet."

"Do I have to?!" Hina snapped back. "He knows as much as Valkyrie is, and the only conclusion I got from them is that he is undergoing some sort of delusional disorder."

"You think there's more to that?" Chinatsu inquired.

"Yes! There's more than that! I could care less why he relied on clicking for his pastime to the extreme," Hina spat out. "I need to know exactly why he clicked in the first place! Why that damn clicker is the only thing that matters to him! Why did he find joy every time he heard it clicked? Why did he have to sacrifice his own life just for a stupid clicker!"

Sena never thought she would feel nervous seeing how animated Hina was. Chinatsu has to keep holding her shoulder to keep her calm. Hina pants from her lividity, resting her elbows on her knees and looking at the floor without so much a shine in her eyes.

"I don't understand what he was thinking," she almost sobbed. "I didn't even get the chance to ask what dream he truly wants to reach for."

Sena was taken aback. "A dream?"

"What he truly wanted in the first place. What let him to that point," Hina gritted her teeth. "He…. Why did he really have to ask me if I had a dream? I can't…. I can't see myself now…. A Head Prefect I am…."

"I see…." Sena nodded with sympathy, writing what she observed in her notebook.

"Still see him on most nights…," Hina interjected. "Never once did he spite me for it. Just begs me to kill him…. I still let it happen."

"…." Chinatsu took a deep breath, gazing back at her with uneasiness. "I'm sorry, Hina. I… didn't mean to push that far-"

Hina waves an open palm to her left. "It's okay. I just… I just don't understand…."

"…It's okay. Do you think you can tell us more about it?" Sena asked. "Your opinion about his clicker, what you think his dream all about, or-?"

"I'm sorry, Sena. Just… not now," Hina huffed out. "My mind's a mess as of right now."

"…Very well. We can continue this next week. Does that sound good to you?"

Hina clasps her hands together. "Yes, sounds good to me."

"All right, let's talk about your activity during this week, especially your attempts to assuage your Clickaphobia. Oh, and Chinatsu?"

"Yes, President Sena?"

"Are you busy for the whole day?"

"No, for the time being. Why?"

"Do inform the Prefect Team that Hina will be dispensed to leave school earlier than expected today. And I want you to keep her company to… improve her well-being. Only for today."

"Just today?"

"Until the late evening, that is. I'm sure she needs her own space for tonight. Can you do that for me?"

Chinatsu takes another glance at Hina, and it seems the Head Prefect lost any will to even argue. "Of course, President Sena. You can leave it to me."

Sometimes, Junko has to ask herself why she got dragged along with GRS. On one part, she is so happy and mesmerized back then to be a part of the group consisting of elite food connoisseurs who have extensive wisdom in the matter of Kivotos culinary and gastronomy. On the other part, she is very upset that this club has been recognized as a terroristic club by almost every school. Hell, Haruna and the other members are more at fault for blowing one restaurant too many, and for some reason, Junko almost always gets marked by the authorities when it's not exactly her fault. The last thing she needs is for her unlucky streak to bite her ass again.

"Why does such a food exist on this menu?!" the braided silver-haired Haruna is outraged at the waiter. "Your Caviar Carbonara is the most travesty I've ever met in this quest of gastronomy!"

"Hmm, hmph, A dunfo," the beige-haired foodie, Izumi, still munching on the carbonara. "I wo'ldn't cull it bed. Just tast' boring."

"I'm not sure if I want a second opinion," the blonde-haired demon, Akari, tapped thoughtfully on the table. "I can't comment much on the caviar, but the carbonara noodle is runny for my taste. Unsalty even. It could be just me, but the flour used for this noodle feels rather stale."

"I agree with your opinion, Akari. But the caviar…," Haruna glared at the nervous automaton waiter. "Never have I felt the need to puke the indescribable taste your caviar given to us."

"O-oh, please, you must be exaggerating!" the waiter anxiously responded. "It's the most recommended dish in this establishment. Surely you don't-"

"Your caviar tastes nothing but bland like your soul is! I will not let this insult slide in the name of Gastronomy!"

"Oh, for freaking sake, can you not do this now?!" the unfortunate redhead Gehennian, Junko, shouted in exasperation. "We blew, like, five different restaurants in a row, and I'm very hungry! Can we just eat normally and not worry about that now?"

The fact that Junko admitted this aloud caused more panic among both customers and staff within.

"Oh, Junko, that's a rather shortsighted view for someone who appreciates the arts for gastronomy," Haruna almost smiled back. "You do not exactly say that we allow such travesty to remain in Kivotos culinary, do you?"

"…. I AM HUNGRY!" Junko immediately stood up. "We haven't eaten for 14 hours now! Are we really going to starve to death like we did a few days ago?! I haven't had my breakfast yet this morning!"

"Shush now, Junko. For a luxurious restaurant, the taste, the way the food is prepared here leaves so much to be desired," Haruna turned to the waiter. "It's a shame. I do like the atmosphere here, but the service is not on par with what I expected."

"P-please reconsider this!" the waiter begged. "You can order another different meal, and we'll dispose of the current one. There's no need for-"

"Oops, I've already made up my mind," Haruna drew her detonator. "Maybe hire a better chef, or better yet, learn a thing or two about how one prepares proper food."

"OH NO, PLEASE!" the waiter screamed, and the crowd immediately evacuated themselves.

"Oh, damn it, Haruna!" Junko spat bitterly. "Let me just finish this one plat-!"

"Haruna?"

They all pause. Junko recognizes that voice.

They all turn to see the Head Prefect herself and the Prefect medic standing just a few meters away across Haruna. A snarling yet exhausted look is apparent on Hina's face, yet it feels like it is for an entirely different reason. What caught them off-guard was her lack of a weapon, or rather, the minimalism of her weapon; her usual MG is replaced with a pistol on her right hip. Junko knew she was screwed, but she couldn't help but wonder how uncanny it was to see Hina looks so pissed yet defeated at the same time. More odd is that Junko just now noticed Hina is now wearing off her earplugs, for whatever reason.

"Uwaah, she's here!" – Izumi

"Haha, oh dear. I guess we really have to bail again." – Akari

Despite that, Haruna returns an elegant, arrogant smile. "Why, Head Prefect. It is a surprise to see you here. I guess that administrator of yours has no choice but to call you in to apprehend us once again. Of course, our answer is still the same. We will not yield. It is Eat or Die."

"…." Hina double-looked at Chinatsu, squinting her eyes. "I'm not sure where you get that idea, but I certainly do not want to deal with your nonsense right now."

"…Eh?"

"Eh?" Junko tilted her head. "You're not here to apprehend us?"

"We'd rather NOT apprehend anyone right now," Chinatsu answered on her behalf. "But since you threaten to blow up the restaurant, looks like we don't have any choice."

"Haha, I would like to see you try, Prefects," Haruna turned around fully, showing the detonator in the air with a finger already touching the button. "You see this? Just a tiny, tiny click will set this fine establishment ablaze. I'm sure you understand the implication, Head Pre-"

*DUAOR*

A trailing mini-comet of violet immediately blasts the detonator off her hand and then hits the wall on the far end of the restaurant. Still in shock, Haruna holds onto her searing hand, keeping her palms open to alleviate the heat and let what's left of the device fall. They all turn to where the projectile ended, and there is a big, circle-perfect hole that gives a large glimpse of the kitchen and its petrified staff. They turn to Hina again and… oh dear.

Both her eyes and crown halo burn brighter as she holds her pistol in one hand. The wrath she emanates is somehow different than usual. For Junko, it feels like it is… wholly powered by madness and madness alone. They finally feel worried—anxious on Haruna's part—as Hina mindlessly aims straight for Haruna's head and-

"HINA! STOP!"

Chinatsu quickly grabs the barrel of her pistol and forces her to look straight into her own eyes.

"Wha-?"

"You want another Kasumi on the hospital bed?!"

A few seconds later, Hina's fury glow faded, replaced with an immediate pale on her face. It's enough to make the GRS wonder if they ate a strange mushroom somewhere before this. With a sigh, Chinatsu releases her pistol, keeping her hand close enough as Hina sluggishly holsters it. The petite student then stares off into the distance, an odd behavior for GRS, before acknowledging the anxious Haruna with a ragged exhale.

"What did you order?"

Haruna squints at her question. "I'm sorry?"

"What did you order?"

"…Carbonara Caviar."

Hina remains still and then points to her right. "Canjoni's Food Rest Stop. 500 meters. Just follow down this road. Order Potato Pancake Caviar."

"Oh? That's incredibly specific," Haruna remarked. "You're not arresting us. You're sending us away just like that?"

Hina grits her teeth and almost loses her mind. "You blow another restaurant. I'll make sure every restaurant within this district is torched to the ground, and you can only either eat Fuuka's or Juri's food."

For once, Haruna expresses her horror, which is unmatched by the shock of the bystanders. Even Chinatsu glares back with widened eyes at her declaration. Junko calmly and nervously fixes her collar after taking another spoonful of fried rice, never making a sound, not even a munch.

Haruna composes herself and clears her throat. She only returns an understanding frown.

"Very well," she answered. "We will take our leave. Come along, Gourmet Research Society."

Haruna moves briskly as her clubmates tow along. But soon, they, including the Prefects, realize one more person is absent. They see Junko still sitting at her table.

"Junko? Let's go," Haruna called over.

"Nah."

Akari cocks her head forward. "'Nah?' You're not coming?"

"Well, whose fault is it that we haven't eaten anything for the past 14 hours?!" Junko retorted. "I'm staying to eat my food. I'll catch you later."

"But the taste isn't that good…," Izumi trailed off.

"I could care less right now. Can you just go?"

"Okay, we'll see you later then. Momotalk us when you're done," Haruna said before they finally left the restaurant.

Hina looks around again; uneasiness soon settles within her. A waiter warily walks over to them both.

"So, uhm, you're going to dine-in or takeaway?"

"Dine-in, please," Chinatsu answered. "And we do apologize for the damage. I'll inform the Prefect Team to prepare compensation for your troubles."

"A-ah, thank you, miss. I shall show your table right…, Head Prefect?"

Hina blankly walks over to Junko's table, much to her dismay. Hina stares at the wasted good food, then at Junko, still keeping her cool and eating her meal.

"..Do you mind if we sit here?"

Junko swallows a lump. "S-sure, go ahead."

Chinatsu sighs. "Looks like we found our table."

"Of course!" the waiter replied. "I'll clean the table for you!"

After clearing the table, save for Junko's plate, Hina and Chinatsu place their order. The waiter soon leaves, using this time for Hina to finally wear one of the earplugs on her left ear. Despite the resolved conflict, many people seem to whisper and send glances at Hina. It's hard for them to ignore, yet Hina seems to be lost in her own world.

Chinatsu smiles at Junko. "It's nice to see you're not causing trouble like your other clubmates."

"H-hey, I'm not!" Junko flustered. "It's not my fault I always got dragged into their mess. Well, most of the time, anyway."

"Heeh…. How do you even put up with them anyway, aside from random demolition?"

"As long as there's delicious food for me, I guess I'll say screw it."

"That so?"

"Mm-hmm," Junko carefully glanced at Hina. "What's up with her, though? Earplugs?"

"It's…," Chinatsu glanced at her superior, who was still lost in the void. "Complicated. Now that you mentioned it. Hina."

"Yes..?" Hina barely glanced.

"Why did you shoot the detonator? You could've blown us up."

"She's going to click it. What am I supposed to do?"

Junko gives a strange look in the middle of munching her food. Chinatsu resigns herself in her seat.

"So…, why you wanted to sit with me?" Junko asked Hina. "I'm pretty sure you got a lot of beef with my club."

"Sure, your club has a bad track record," Hina answered. "But I don't go apprehending anyone if they don't cause any trouble. I guess..., I just wanted another company. You're the most sanest of all members of your club, at least that says something."

"Really?" Junko couldn't believe her own ears. "I'm glad you think that way, but… you know I'm weak when it comes to food, though."

"That's fine."

"So, uh…, I heard little about that incident. With the Clicker," Junko noticed Hina blinked, mentally pained. "Just wanna say sorry that you have to go through that."

"…. Thanks."

"You guys are out on a break?"

"Actually, we've been dispensed to leave school early," came Chinatsu's reply.

"Huh?" Junko leaned back. "What happened? Did you get screwed by Pandemonium?"

"No, rather…," Junko followed Chinatsu's gaze. Hina is no longer listening and is lost in her own world.

"She's..? I see," Junko nodded. "Actually, I've been wondering what's going on with you guys. Been hearing rumors that the Prefect Team has always been on edge for no reason. Like, some of you are actively avoiding your own Prefect building. Is something up?"

"It's rather complicated."

"Tell me already. I plan to stay here a little while longer for a break from my club. I don't have anything else to do anyway."

Chinatsu sighs. "You see…."

They spend the next half an hour discussing the situation within the Prefect Team, the Pandemonium Society, and the mental state Hina is currently suffering. Just telling her what she needed to know, not all of it. Their menu has been served by then: Chicken Risotto and Orange juice for Chinatsu, Mozzarella Beef Steak and Caramel Coffee for Hina. Junko delays eating her food as she quietly listens to what Chinatsu has to say.

"So that's why you're here?" Junko asked. "Trying to find something that can calm her mind down?"

"Pretty much. This is not how I imagined to help ease her mind, but it could be worse."

"Yeah. I didn't even know about that scared-of-click thing, either. Everyone thought that Hina's gone crazy after that mess," Junko just realized that Hina was staring at her. "N-no offense, Head Prefect."

"….. Hmm…," Hina cut a piece of steak for herself.

The next moment, they are eating in silence. Hina occasionally glances all around her whenever she hears a sharp sound, whether it be the tinkling plates, colliding cutlery, dropping items, pouring a drink-

The rare clicking of the cash register. She hardens her grip on the knife, which causes Junko to dread, and Chinatsu prepares to react for a moment. Hina sets her cutlery down, vanishing any fear welling within Junko. In this sea of society, Hina feels herself isolated, unsure of what else to say or do within this cage of sounds.

"How do you bear with it?"

Hina's sudden question catches them off-guard. Junko coughs a few times to prevent herself from choking.

"W-where'd that come from?" Junko asked back.

"Your clubmates have caused you much grief by participating in their foodie antics and terroristic acts against different restaurants you've come across. By that point, most people would've just left your club. How do you put up with it? I just don't understand that."

"Why do you want to know that?"

"I'm… just curious. I'm dealing with my own struggles, yet I couldn't come to terms with them. I need to know how you bear with it."

Junko contemplates for a moment, taking a spoonful from her meal. "Well…. I dunno what to say to you, Head Prefect. The only reason that I keep going with them is because of the promise of discovering more good food, no matter what crap they put us through. I could've just left at any time after doing stupid stuff like stealing that rare fish from Trinity's aquarium or letting Izumi cook her own food and poison an entire restaurant back in Hyakkiyako."

"Wait, you what-?"

"AAAANYWAY…!" Junko cut Chinatsu off. "Even with all that nonsense, there's something about it that's nice, you know? Like, it's fun to be with them. Yeah, things don't go like we always wanted. I often didn't get to eat the food I wanted because I was incredibly unlucky for some reason. There's something that is worth it for me to stay with them."

"Even when your club doesn't take responsibility for every mess you made?" Chinatsu countered.

"H-hey, don't lump me with them! It's not like I wanted it to happen just because the food isn't that good!" Junko sighed, rubbing her forehead. "If I wasn't around with them in the first place, God knows how many of my favorite restaurants they would ruin before I could convince them to leave it alone. Haah, I miss the times when we're just enjoying the food together and not blowing ourselves up."

"Yet, you still stayed despite all of that," Hina shook her head. "I don't understand."

"You're not the only one, Head Prefect," Junko grinned at the irony. "But at the end of the day, I'm a part of their club. It doesn't look that bad once you get used to their antics."

"Even if you end up doing the same thing as Haruna and her cronies do?" Chinatsu raised an eyebrow.

"H-hang on, now. I don't really think things through when they start talking about food, okay?" Junko elaborated. "Sure, I did volunteer to do some stupid, crazy stuff, but at least I know what they're doing. I know what to expect from these idiots. I just keep my head on the good stuff to not think much about the problems we caused."

"Even if you end up locked in a jail together?" Hina asked.

"Y-yeah! They're not bad; they're just… too selective when it comes to eating something."

"That's another way to say it," Chinatsu commented.

Hina leans forward, causing Junko to straighten her back. Hina then whispers. "And… you never felt like you had it enough with them? With how much stress they caused to you? Wished that you didn't join them in the first place?"

Junko contemplates her words. "I wanted to knock their heads sometimes—especially Haruna, who keeps bringing bombs around for some reason. But then I think about it again. Is it really worth it? The thing about them is that… if I didn't meet them, I couldn't be more motivated to seek more delicious food by myself. To eat with someone who understands food more than anyone else in Kivotos. It's the only thing that clicks with me."

Hina wrinkles her eyes at a particular word but lets her continue.

"Once I thought it over, it made it easier for me to deal with them. Not saying it's a perfect solution, but I just don't want to let it get into my head with how absurd they are."

"Is it…?" Hina leaned back. "Is it really that simple?"

"Hmm…. Sometimes, I guess," Junko shrugged. "I thought that would be easy for you since you're the Head Prefect."

"She usually slept three hours every day before that incident happened," Chinatsu added.

"Oh crap, really? Ah…," Junko forced a smile, scratching her cheek. "I didn't really think it'd be that bad."

Hina stares deeply. "…I envy you."

"Uh-what?"

"I envy you," a wry smile on Hina's face. "Even if you're causing us trouble, you're still resilient, having fun like a normal student should. And here I am, the Head Prefect who's supposed to uphold the order, yet… I became so pathetic."

"H-Head Prefect?" Junko is startled.

"No…. Never mind," Hina shivered upon a sound.

Chinatsu soon realized someone was using a phone beside them. Thankfully, Hina restrains herself.

"Do you think…?" Hina delicately clasped her hands together. "Do you think I could think myself over with the turmoil I have to deal with? Like how you said you deal with yours?"

"I… don't know about you, Head Prefect," Junko hesitated. "In your case, I would say try to look for a different view or try to let it go."

"…Let it go? Let it go…?" Hina laughed bitterly, unnerving Junko. "How could I? Those pieces of mine are torturing me. Gnawing, painful, I wanted to forget, but I couldn't. Why he…. Can I truly…?"

Hina takes a long, deep breath. Both Junko and Chinatsu are feeling tense within their own silence. Hina's smile soon fades.

"I'll give it some thought," Hina nodded. "Thank you, Junko."

"Y-yeah, no problem," Junko blinked. "If you need someone to talk with, just let me know."

"I'll give you her phone number later, Head Prefect," Chinatsu kindly interjected.

They finally continue to eat in silence in the busy restaurant. For once, Junko felt that she was finally feeling so lucky after a long time.

It's a q- calming day this evening at Angel 24. The blonde middle-schooler clerk is waiting by the cashier, fiddling with her phone since the customers aren't around. Sensei hasn't come around, too, now that she mentioned it, but a student did come by to say that he's been busy with work these past few days. With the responsibilities he has to carry, it's pretty much expected.

Sora decides to call it enough to play on her phone. She grabs a box from the back and starts filling out one of the shelves just ahead of the cash register. That particular shelf needs a restock on stationery items, ammunition, and weapon accessories. She then hears the door open, followed by a digital ringing.

"Welcome to Angel 24!" she immediately greeted.

The two customers are from Gehenna. Much to Sora's bad luck, they are the heads of the Hot Springs Department. Though they chat cheerfully to themselves, Sora notices something wrong with the petite demon wearing the oversized white coat. She has a lot of small bandages and band-aids all over her face. A few parts of her face still look swollen even.

Troublemakers they are, they're still customers. They now walk over to Sora, with the red-headed flamer greeting her first. "Ah, Sora! You're still working hard as always."

"Ahaha… yeah," Sora awkwardly smiled. "Is there anything I can help with?"

"Do you have some soda in stock?" Kasumi asked with a grin. "The butterscotch ones? We're in the mood for that."

"Ah, if you don't mind the Gregorjam brand, we have some in the fridge. The one in the corner."

"Yay!" Megu hopped away. "I'll go grab some, president!"

"You look like you could use a Hot Spring," Kasumi remarked with a smirk. "This retail work is really a thankless job."

"Aah, it's not that bad," Sora smiled. "Not many customers come here anyway, so I'm not exactly busy today."

"But you still take long hours, right? That's a lot of time wasted waiting for a customer to show up."

"Haha, that's right, I guess," Sora scratched her own head. "It's boring. But someone has to keep an eye on the store."

"Hmm, you know, I've been thinking," the demonic developer looked around. "This little store is nice and all, but you know what would be much better in conjunction with this?"

"W-what is that?"

"Of course, it would be a hot spring! Anyone who comes and goes through Schale will be able to enjoy it without so much to walk very far. In fact, I've been considering that Schale Tower for a while now."

Sora stares incredulously, not noticing Megu coming back with the drinks. "W-why would you want to blow up Schale?! Sensei works there!"

"Hahaha! I've been considering, like I said," Kasumi held onto her shoulder. "But if this place happens to have potential hot spring waters, then I wouldn't miss that opportunity."

As they chat a bit more, another digital ring comes from the door. They all turn, and, to the Gehennians' horror, the white-haired Prefect death machine walks in with a limp, her MG nowhere in sight. She looks pretty miserable, feeble, and unfocused, even at the people in front of her. It is after she walks much closer to them that she finally sobers up and acknowledges the clerk.

"Hey, Sora…," she greeted, almost whispering.

"Hello, Hina," the blonde responded. "W-what's wrong with you? You… don't look so good."

"I wonder the same. But it doesn't matter," Hina mumbled. "Doesn't… matter…. Fleeting…. Empty…."

Either out of pity or the disheveled state of the Head Prefect, Kasumi finally calms down. "H-Hina?"

The mentioned girl snapped at her.

"EEEEEKK!" Kasumi yelped as Megu was about to draw her flamethrower.

Hina's motionless figure soon animated, realizing a few seconds later.

"..Kasumi?"

"Uh, y-yeah?"

"You're… you're up. You're okay. You're okay!" Hina chuckled, followed by a gradual, pained smile. "You're okay. I thought… I thought you're still not awake. Are you still hurt?"

Her behavior is… eerie to them. Sora and Megu feel somewhat uncomfortable. But as for Kasumi, she had never seen Hina look so… distraught, somewhat unhinged enough if her speech was anything to go by.

"W-well, my face still swelled here and there..," Kasumi nervously answered. "But otherwise, I'm okay."

"That's good. That's very good. I'm glad…," came Hina's bitter laugh, sluggishly straightening her back. "I… I didn't want to hurt you that far. I- I don't know what came over me that day. Or maybe I know… I just- don't want to see it. To remember it."

"H-Hina?" Sora hesitated to touch her shoulder.

"Y-you okay?" Kasumi's fear turned to apprehension. "I-we will keep our club from causing you more trouble, I-"

"I'm sorry, Kasumi. I'm sorry," Hina's eyes were shadowed. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm sorry."

They all are thrown in a loop.

"Wha-no! I should be the one to say sorry to you," Kasumi finally had the courage to hold onto her. "What's happening to you?! You're not acting like yourself!"

"I wonder if I am myself…."

"What- you're not making any sense!"

"Sh-should we call Sensei, leader?" Megu asked, stowing her weapon away.

"I-I don't know, maybe-"

"Sorry, Kasumi. But I have to excuse myself…," Hina gently pushed Kasumi off of her. "Sora…."

"Y-yeah?"

"…Do you sell whiskey?"

"We-huh?!" Sora's shock is shared with the others. "But Head Prefect, that's-!"

"I need a whiskey, goddammit!" Hina growled but soon realized she scared everyone. "S-sorry, I didn't mean…. Haah…, why I even.. bother?"

Sora opens her mouth and hesitates. Looking at the delinquent Gehennians, also speechless on the matter, Sora finally clears her mouth.

"Okay, I'll grab a bottle for you."

It's wrong, but with Hina like this, she doubts she can handle a customer like her. After Hina pays for the bottle, she wobbles herself out, nodding slightly at the developer leaders on the way. Once she's gone, they look at each other, trying to piece together what they just witnessed. Sora simply sighs.

"She's been getting worse ever since she started receiving counseling. I don't know why, but I think it is hard for her to get over with what happened to the Clicker. I really want to help her, but I'm not sure how."

Kasumi had been brought up to speed by Megu with whatever was going on in Gehenna, especially on Hina. Now that she has seen it with her own eyes…. She did claim to have a sixth sense to detect a hot spring, but that doesn't mean she didn't have any other sense to feel something was about to go wrong.

"Sora, is Sensei still at Schale?" Kasumi asked.

"He still is. I heard from a student that Sensei has been busy with work even now."

"Okay then!" Kasumi smiled. "Megu, pay the drinks! We're heading off to his office now!"

"Got it, prez!"

The developers soon leave the store. Sora now sits back behind the cash register, wishing and praying for Hina to get better, both in health and mind.

It's already late at night. She didn't bother to turn on the lights in her apartment, and she didn't remember if she turned on the lights outside, but it won't matter. She sits at her study desk—a part of it is clear of her laptop—to drink a glass of whiskey, then pour herself one more, and one more. The moonlight shines through the window of her sitting nest, barely illuminating her other than her legs. Any dizziness that came from consuming this substance was multiplied, but Hina somehow withstood. Just a matter of time for a trip to the bathroom. Hopefully not.

In the midst of it all, she keeps hearing whispers of a man. Mumbling some sort of various poetry, questions, or confessions, but she didn't- couldn't register. Then, there was the faint sound of clicks, but they were dismissed as mere memories. Next to the bottle is the Clicker's gun, still loaded, pointing ahead. For some reason, she feels eyes on her. She glanced off to her left, and there he was. Can't see clearly where he is sitting, but those glowing eyes are unmistakable.

"Did you reach your dream?"

Hina hoped that sounded like an insult. Yet, his question was curious, comforting, and worried.

"To fight. To sacrifice. To keep your dream."

….

….

tuk-tuk-tuk*

She glances away, barely looking over her shoulder towards the front door. There was also a person's voice there, but she couldn't hear clearly with how drunk she was. After another knock, which she guessed was a call, they fell silent. Waiting a bit more, she felt assured that it was either another hallucination of hers or whoever was looking for her left, probably the former. She looks back to where he was sitting, but his eyes are no longer there.

A long pause, then she drinks half of the glass. Doesn't seem like she can drink more now. She feels like falling asleep, yet she can't. She was horrible, in all aspects, as the Head Prefect. The torment, the remembrance, the harm to others. She fears for tomorrow, fears at herself. She takes a long, deep breath and looks back at the gun, soon grabbing it up to her face. She looks at the engraving on its slide.

'Fight for your Dream'

Tears start pouring down her cheeks, yet she doesn't sob. She closes her eyes and lets out a shaky breath.

Hina had enough.