Time had passed and night had finally fallen. Dinner was the standard affair for sleepovers – there was tons of pizza and conversations about anything that didn't have to do with schoolwork.

Shujinkou did not really participate in the conversations this time, however. Partially, it was because his mind was still processing the knowledge he spent hours cramming into his head.

But also, he just wanted to listen.

Seeing his friends together with only the most minuscule of worries — After recent events, he felt he should take some time to appreciate it more.

Not really small for me but… I'm working on it.

They broke after their meal and Shujinkou returned to his room to grab some soap, shampoo, a towel and a fresh set of clothes. Once he had everything he needed, he stepped back into the hallway and made his way to the bathroom.

The bathroom on the 2nd floor was occupied when he arrived, so he decided to seek out the 1st floor bathroom.

Once inside, he stripped himself down and entered the shower where he began washing himself.

Huh… It kind of felt weird bathing at home knowing Natsuki was there and now I'm showering at someone else's house with even more of my friends here like it's no problem. Shujinkou chuckled. "I am weird sometimes. Then again…"

Shujinkou recalled their session of Twister held earlier that day, causing him to blush.

Showering like this is nothing compared to that… I mean, I was so close to their… And if I fell I would have…!

Steadily, Shujinkou's face grew even redder.

If I actually fell, that would have been a lot worse than the stomach thing. Not to mention, Yuri wouldn't be able to look me in the eye like before for who knows how long…

Shujinkou's face was as red as a tomato.

Also, there was also what Mali asked me. Aaah… I was nearly about to drop 'cause of how out of nowhere it was…

…

…Do I really look cute when I'm nervous?

Shujinkou stopped the water and rinsed all traces of soap from his body before sinking into the bathtub. The warm water washing over him eased his tense body.

Kiyoko really has an awesome place to live, but I wonder if she ever gets lonely staying here by herself. I can't imagine growing up with no supervision in a place like this. Or anywhere really. It's not like I…

Shujinkou sinked further into the bath.

Why'd I almost freeze up when I was about to mention Hiroko? I already mentioned her to Yuri and Monika. …Still really regret how I mentioned it to Monika, but still… Can I still not bring her up naturally?

One day I wake up and, all of a sudden, I feel better about what happened back then than I ever did before, so it should be easy right?

Everyone has to know about her after everything that's happened now, right?

Shujinkou scratched his right cheek as he pondered.

It… It wasn't my fault. So… I should be able to…

…

…I wonder what Dad's doing right now. I still don't get what happened the last time I saw him.

…

…I wonder if he still blames me for what happened to Hiroko…

…

…If he knew what happened that night, I wonder if he would even care…

Thoughts like these remained with Shujinkou long after he exited the bath. Eventually, he would realize that he was already dry.

"Okay then."

He whistled a short tune as he retrieved his clothes.

"Huh?"

He whistled a short tune as he retrieved his clothes — only to discover they were not where he had left them.

"Where's my stuff?"

He scoured the entire bathroom, but they weren't there — His dirty clothes, his new clothes, or his towel.

"Oh no…"

His heartbeat quickened it's pace. Did someone steal his clothes? Was this a prank that people pulled at sleepovers.

He didn't know the answer, but he did know one thing - There was a significant amount of distance between where he stood and his room and there was nothing in the room that he could use to cover himself.

If he accepted this venture and left the bathroom now, he would be naked – both figuratively and literally naked. But what was he to do? He couldn't very well stay holed up in the bathroom all evening.

"I went through Arsenal Gear too much to let this stop me!"

His false bravado failed him as he peeked into the hallway. No one was around and all Shujinkou had to do was take the first step.

"….."

Even if I make it, I'm never going to live this down…

He clapped his hands together, covering what was most precious to a man, and dashed into the hallway. His back was instantly against the wall and, as he slowly proceeded forward, a thought had occurred to him. Are walls usually this cold?

The closest set of stairs were nearby, all he had to do was pass by some open doorways and hope beyond hope that no one-

"This is really good, Kiyoko!"

Shujinkou could hear Monika's voice from one of the rooms. He instinctively held his breath as he peeked into the kitchen.

"Glad you like it," Kiyoko replied.

"Where did you learn to make milkshakes like this?" Monika asked.

"It's something I picked up from Ken. Used to make them for me when I was younger whenever I was feeling upset," Kiyoko explained.

"You upset? I can't really imagine that."

Shujinkou felt the same. Picturing Kiyoko, of all people, upset required more imagination than humans were granted.

"Hey, Kiyoko… Can I ask you a question?" Monika, whose face was flushed, fidgeted with the straw of her drink.

Kiyoko shrugged. "Go for it."

"This is a random question, but… Have you ever… thought about… asking someone out?"

"Me?" Kiyoko was quiet, the only noise coming from her was the slurping sounds from her own milkshake. "…Are you asking me about my love life or is this about you?

Monika chuckled nervously. "You got me. You see… Claudette's always been inquiring about my own love life, and it made me start thinking more seriously about how I would even ask someone I like out on a date."

"So you want advice on asking people out?"

"Kind of…"

Kiyoko was silent once again.

"…I don't know what I can tell you, Monika. Me personally, if I wanted to ask someone I like out on a date, I'd probably just ask them point blank," Kiyoko replied.

"Right… It would be easy for you, wouldn't it?"

Kiyoko shook her head. "Not really. It's just that I think it beats the constant back and forth. I'd rather just get it over with no matter the result. Of course I never asked anyone out, so I'm just guessing what I'd do."

"Hmm… I really don't know if I can do that. I'd probably freeze up at the point of asking…" Monika sighed before indulging in her milkshake some more.

"…Is there someone you want to ask out?"

"N-No! I wasn't implying that! I was just asking since it's something I need to deal with in the future."

"Future, huh?"

Kiyoko took another long sip from her milkshake, her blank gaze filling Monika with some anxiety.

This is probably a conversation I shouldn't listen to… It was also clear by the trajectory of the conversation that he may not make it past the kitchen unnoticed.

He'll probably have too-

"I've found them!"

Shujinkou's heart violently pounded against his chest, much more compared to earlier. He heard loud footsteps heading his way as if he were at ground zero for a stampede. Sayori!?

He quickly dived behind a potted plant, hoping beyond hope it would be enough to escape notice.

"I found the perfect-! Whoa!" She lost her step and tumbled into the kitchen.

It took every inch of willpower he possessed for Shujinkou to avoid rushing to her side and was beyond grateful that the jagged edges of the sticks she held were pointed away from her neck.

"I found some good ones…" Sayori chuckled anxiously, also relieved by her luck.

I definitely can't go this way now. The trajectory of the previous conversation already made it hard to pass by, but with Sayori's untimely arrival, it became impossible. "I'll just have to head for the stairs on the other side."

Shujinkou stood up, ready to enact his plan, only to dive back behind the potted plant upon hearing more footsteps. Peering from behind the giant leaves, he could see that this time they belonged to Mali.

Surprisingly, she was just whistling a tune while passing by. Once she was gone, it should be safe to proceed.

"Hm?"

Mali stopped near where Shujinkou was hiding.

Wait, what's she doing?

She just stood there, as still as a statue until her head turned his way.

Shujinkou ducked, pressing himself against the wall as hard as he could. Did she see me?!

He could hear her feet moving towards him.

She saw me! This isn't good! This isn't good! If Mali catches me like this then-! Then-!

Never living it down would be the least of his worries in that bad end scenario.

"Is that…?"

It was over. If this was how it was going to end, then perhaps a full sprint to his room wasn't a bad idea anymore. He could just jump out and run. Maybe she wouldn't see anything beyond a speedy blur.

"Ah. My mistake. I thought it was a different kind of plant." That was not the comment Shujinkou had expected to hear from Mali.

She did a little twirl and soon left the direction she came from. Shujinkou still held his breath until he could no longer hear her.

"That was too close…" Shujinkou let out a long sigh of relief. Still, it's probably better I don't go that way..

Shujinkou nervously scratched his right cheek. There was still nothing around that he could use to cover himself up and both pathways were now inaccessible. No choice then. I'll have to go around the outside…! …On a winter's night… …Gramps told me there would be moments like this…

Shujinkou crept towards the front entrance and slipped outside.

If I just avoid the windows I should be able to cleanly get to the side entrance.

"It's going great."

Why!? Shujinkou swiftly dove into the bushes below. He clapped his hands over his mouth, the sheer pain his move caused was both indescribable and embarrassing.

"Yes, we're eating well." Fuyu was nearby, talking to someone on her cell phone. "Yes, she's interacting with the others well."

Shujinkou hoped he was not about to listen to another conversation he shouldn't hear.

"Yeah, Shujinkou's here. …No, he's not in 'swinging bachelor' mode."

"Swinging bachelor mode"? Do I really give off that vibe just because all my friends are girls? …And family members. And homeroom teacher. And most of the people I meet in general like Nakité and her friends… In fact, I think Principal Taiki and Kenzou are the only non-hostile guys I know at the moment and that's just knowing them, not knowing them.

Shujinkou scratched his right cheek, contemplating the ratio in his head.

I know I said it doesn't matter but it really does seem to be leaning towards one direction… It isn't the exact same thing, but I wonder if it's something I got from Dad.

The thought alone depressed Shujinkou.

Please don't let it be like that… I don't want it to be like that!

"…you're not even in the country right now, remember? …You really should though, he is the same boy that brought a stranger back into your arms. …Well, I mean, he is her closest friend right now. It's pretty unavoidable. …I didn't mean it like that. Sheesh, you're so… you know."

She sounds annoyed. I wonder who's she talking to. If he could, Shujinkou would try to crawl away to keep the conversation private. However, he's well aware that the rustling branches would give him away.

He could try plugging his ears, but his hands were the only thing keeping him from letting out a yelp. I'm going to be more grateful to clothes from now on.

"I'll do my best. You just remember your promise and bring those shots with you when you get back. …Okay, I'll let her know. …Love you too, Dad." Her annoyed tone suddenly with her parting words. With the call over, Fuyu returned inside with an exhausted sigh.

So that was her dad on the other side. Shujinkou slowly shifted his body, weaving his way free of the branches that were jabbing against his bare skin.

"I wonder…" Shujinkou closed his eyes to better rely on his imagination. I wonder if Dad and Hiroko would have been like that. Then again, they seemed to have a good relationship so… maybe her teenage years wouldn't have changed it? …I'd be lucky to talk to my dad the way Fuyu did with hers…

It was tough to think about, but he had no more time to waste on the subject. He had to take the initiative now while the coast was clear.

Shujinkou carefully made his way to the side entrance and slinked his way inside and up the steps.

Times like this a man could really use a cardboard box. …Then again, I doubt it would be useful here – it'd stand out a lot. But it would still be something to cover me. I'd look weird, but it'd be better than the alternative. I mean, it wouldn't be too hard to move around with either if I could just pull one out of hammer space. …Life really would be easier if hammer space was a real thing.

At the top of the steps, Shujinkou took a moment to look around. It was just a straight shot to his room. With no one around, he could simply make a mad dash to his goal.

No… I got this far by being careful. No need to take risks when I'm so close.

Shujinkou's quietly made his way down the hall. He couldn't be too fast, but he could not be too slow. Each step had to be to be light, touching the floor for no longer than a second.

Almost there. I'm almost there…!

No sooner than after that thought crossed his mind that Shujinkou heard a door slide open.

"Still can't believe I crammed that much info in my head." Natsuki stepped out the door right behind him. "Better get a good score after all th- Hm?"

She started to turn his way, however Shujinkou, moving at a speed faster than he thought he could ever achieve, grabbed her shoulders, and directed field of view away from him.

"What the-!?"

"Natsuki, please don't turn around!"

"Eh? Shujinkou? What're you doing?"

"I know this is sudden and weird to ask this out of nowhere, but I'm begging you – please don't turn around until I'm in my room! Please!"

"Uh…" Though Natsuki had no idea what was happening, whatever it was, it was bad enough to make her friend tremble. "…O-Okay. I won't turn around."

Shujinkou breathed another sigh of relief. "Thanks, Natsuki."

It was a close call, but he made it through.

Ok, just a few more steps and I'm good.

But before he could take a single step, another door slid open.

"AH!"

He knew that shriek all too well. "YURI!?"

"Shujinkou! You're…! You're-!"

"It's not what it looks like." "I had no choice." "Please don't look!" Words Shujinkou wish he could say but vanished before ever reaching his tongue. His body was frozen as if it were trapped in a block of ice, a circumstance that would be vastly preferable to his current predicament.

"Why are you guys scr-?" Natsuki couldn't help but turn around, discovering the answer with her own eyes. "Shujinkou, what the heck!?"

His mind could no longer register anything. Shujinkou ran to his room and slid the door shut behind him.

"Wh-?"

His bedroom door slid open. Now wearing a towel, Shujinkou tightly grasped Natsuki and Yuri's hands and wordlessly brought them inside before sliding the door back shut.

"Please don't tell the others what you saw! Please, PLEASE!" he pleaded desperately.

"You dummy! Why the heck would tell anyone we saw you-! Saw you-! …Why would we tell anyone what we saw!" Natsuki waved her arms as she yelled at him. "What the heck were you doing walking around like that!?"

"I was cleaning myself and my clothes vanished!"

"…You mean those clothes right there?" Yuri pointed to a pair of clothes neatly laid across his bed. They were indeed the clothes he had with him.

When he stopped to think about it, he was wearing the exact same towel he brought with him too.

"They're here… Wait, but I actually had them with me! I didn't leave them behind on accident!"

"Clearly. Otherwise that meant you went to the bathroom na- Like that in the first place…" Natsuki pointed out.

"It seems like you were the victim of a cruel prank…" Yuri sympathized.

"I guess… But who would-?"

The answer was obvious to the three of them.

"Why….?" Shujinkou moaned.

"I think the better question is why'd you decide to run around like that in the first place?" Natsuki questioned.

"Well… I didn't have my stuff and-"

"Dummy! You could have just called for someone!"

"…I didn't have my phone?"

"USE YOUR VOICE, DUMMY!"

She was right. He had let his confusion and embarrassment run rampant to the point he missed the obvious solution. "…I'm sorry."

"…Just use your head next time, 'kay. Now just get dressed already."

His friends soon depart, leaving Shujinkou alone with his shame.

"Really earning the dummy moniker…" he said as he started to unwrap his towel.

"I'd have to agree with Natsuki-chan on this one, Senpai."

Shujinkou wrapped himself back up, stunned by the sudden comment.

"Mali, what're you doing here?!" he exclaimed.

"Eh? I think the better question is why'd you decide to run around in your birthday suit, Senpai."

Mali's giggle brought even more shame to Shujinkou. She knew I was hiding the whole time too…

"Mali, why'd you-?"

"Straight to the point this time, aren't you Senpai? Well, would you believe that it wasn't supposed to be a cruel prank?"

It was hard to believe. Stealing clothes and forcing the victim to wander around without them was, at the very least, a cruel prank.

"Don't look at me like that, Senpai. My intentions were good, it's just that… It was a possibility, but I never thought Senpai would actually try and sneak past everyone while bare to the world. Natsuki-chan's suggestion was what I thought you would really do."

I even did something unexpected from whatever Mali was planning… I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about that.

"I must say, Senpai is even bolder than I thought. Look how he took charge of the situation at the end. Even leading two beautiful girls to his room by force with nothing but a towel on."

His heart sunk deeper than it ever had before. Without context, everything he'd done sounded so much worse than it already was.

"Aw, Senpai… Your sad face is so heart wrenching but also…" Mali stepped closer to Shujinkou peering into his eyes. A mischievous smile formed on her lips. "-so adorable."

"M-Mali?"

Her right index finger pressed against his chest, her heat transmitting from the tip.

"So bold, yet so innocent. Such a physique, yet so timid." Mali wistfully traced a M across his chest, her movements ticking his bare skin. "So willing to let yourself be walked over while also being willing to lay down your life for those you care for. And Senpai wonders why he attracts all the girls."

"Mali… Now's not the time-"

"Hm…" Mali spread her hand against the center of Shujinkou's chest. "At least the plan wasn't a total waste."

"Mali, I really don't think you sho-"

"Really now, it seems like the only thing you and your father share in common is the ability to get all the girls."

She slid her hand, allowing her to feel Shujinkou's heartbeat against it. It was much harder than she had expected. "How'd you know-?"

"Besides a certain someone liberally spewing out your dad's history, you know I do my research Senpai. It's what made seeing him person so much more interesting."

"Y-You met my dad?" Shujinkou gasped.

"Not personally but… I was there when he met with your mother whilst you were asleep."

"What? Mom met him?"

"I wasn't the only one there. Kiyo-san, Quiet-san and Student President-san were there too."

"Them too?"

"Not to mention, each and every member of your club had their own encounter with your father. Well, except for your best friend. But she knows about the other meetings."

Shujinkou couldn't believe what he was hearing. Why didn't anyone tell him this before now?

"Ah, I see no one really didn't tell you about any of this. Well, I'm sure it's no big deal. After all, friends hide things for a friend's sake, right?"

"…"

Shujinkou gently grasped Mali's hand and pushed it away from him.

"…Why are you telling me this, Mali?"

"Because you need to know this, Senpai. You need to know now of all times that your father was around. He was so close and yet… He never came to see you."

"…!"

"Your mother practically had to drag him out in the open to just have a civil chat. Isn't that interesting behavior from someone whose at least partially to blame for the recent suffering his own son went through? That his own son almost had to sacrifice his own life just for the small chance to save his friends."

The memory was still fresh in his head. Him pleading for his friends life on that hospital roof - It was one of the moments he still remembered vividly.

He also remembered the pain that followed. The physical pain was bad enough, but just the thought that he couldn't stop another loss caused an indescribable ache in his heart.

All for something none of them would be involved in if not for the blood he shared with his father.

"…Mali. I'm sorry, but… I need to be alone right now."

"Of course, Senpai." Before Mali left, she glanced back at Shujinkou. He was so close and yet seemed so far away. "Do what you feel is best, Senpai."

Her parting words echoed in his head even after she was gone.

…Dad.