As Ikki had just returned from school, to his surprise, Mana was sitting on the sofa watching TV.

Ikki: Hey. You're home early.

Mana: I took a paid leave. I needed to get away from all the stress. Now how about we have a little talk?

Ikki: Okay.

They sat on the table facing each other.

...

...

...

Mana: Now that I think about it, we've barely spoken to each other ever since you moved here.

Ikki: Yeah.

Mana was tongue-tied thinking of a topic to discuss.

Mana: So how's school? Are you having fun at your new school.

Ikki: I guess.

Mana: How are your grades?

Ikki: They're fine.

Mana: Are you behaving?

Ikki: Yes.

Mana: I see. Don't forget, we may be family, but I'm still a cop. I can't protect you If you do anything that gets the police involve, if you know what I mean.

Ikki: Is this an interrogation?

Mana: Not gonna lie, it did sounded like an interrogation just now.

Ikki: Don't worry, I'll behave.

Mana: Good. Remember, your school days will be over before you know it, so try to have a little fun while you can. Don't let video-games be your sole focus in life.

Ikki: Sure.

Mana: So... how about your friends?

Ikki: What are you talking about?

Mana: You have friends, right? I mean you've been here long enough.

Ikki: Not really.

Poppy Ω: What about Kunai, Rogue and Tempest?

Mana: Who?

Ikki: They're just people I met online.

Mana: Online? That explains the weird names. Well, I guess it's better than not having friends at all.

Ikki: Let me go change and I'll make us dinner.

Mana: Please do.

As Ikki heads to his room, Mana then speaks up.

Poppy: Ikki-san is so straight-forward.

Mana: I know. It's like he's got nothing to hide. It's nice to be honest, but it can be a little scary sometimes. You know, whenever I talk to him face to face, it's like he sees right through me.

Poppy Ω: Hm?

Mana: Ikki's mind can be complicated to understand at times, but looking back at everything that's happened, I don't think it should come as a surprise that he doesn't understand the concept of friendship very well.

Poppy Ω: I don't understand what you mean.

Mana: What am I doing talking to a girl he slept with?

Poppy: Ikki-san is someone very important to me. And I feel like I should protect him at all costs.

Mana: Wait, so are you two...

Then Mana receives a phone call.

Mana: Hello? This is the Kudou Residence.

Mana had a shocked looked after what she heard.

Mana: What? Seriously? ...I'm on my way!

Poppy Ω: What's wrong?

Mana: Something came up, I got to go.

Poppy Ω: What's wrong?

She then grabs her coat as she was ready to leave

Mana: Don't worry about it. Tell Ikki I may not be home for dinner.

Poppy Ω: What?

Ikki returns to the living room the moment Mana left.

Ikki: Where did she go?

Poppy Ω: I don't know, she said something came up and left. She seemed to be in a hurry.

Ikki: Was it work-related? What could've happened?

Poppy Ω: I don't know.

Ikki: ....

After making dinner, Ikki decides to wait for Mana at the living room.

Mana returns home, where she finds Ikki sleeping on the sofa. Then walks up to him and taps him in the shoulder.

Mana: Ikki. Ikki!

Ikki: Huh? Oh. Welcome home Mana.

Mana: You were waiting for me?

Ikki: I heard from Rory that you left in a rush. Is everything okay?

Mana: Yes. I was just in the hospital.

Ikki: The hospital? Are you sick?

Mana: I'm fine. Please do not concern yourself. You should go to bed, it's not good to sleep in a sofa..

Ikki: Sure. Goodnight.

Mana: 'Night.

I feel my bond with Mana growing deeper.

Ikki and Mana were sitting on the table facing each other. Ikki had the usual empty look on his face.

Mana: So, um... What have you been doing after school?

Ikki: I work part-time and play games online. You know that already.

Mana: Right. Well...

Ikki: Aren't you turning this into an interrogation again?

Mana: Sorry about that. I guess we don't really have much in common. I just want to know more about you.

Ikki: There isn't much to tell. I'm just your everyday hardcore gamer/shut-in.

Mana: I know.

Ikki: Why don't you tell me about yourself?

Mana: There isn't much to tell either. I'm just your everyday chief of police living by herself. Nothing of any interest to a Genius Gamer.

Ikki: It looks like neither of us have much to tell about themselves.

Mana: I guess we do have something in common, after all.

...

...

...

Ikki: Mana, be honest with me... Am I a burden to you?

Mana: Huh? What are you talking about?

Ikki: When I first came to Yokohama, you said you were against the idea of me moving in with you. Is my presence bothering you? If so, just tell me. I can just pack my things and move to the school dorms.

Mana: No. Ikki, I have a lot of stuff going on. You know that.

Ikki: I see.

Mana: Ikki... You're not a burden, let's be clear on that.

Ikki: If you say so. Thanks again for taking me in.

Mana: Don't worry about it. All I ask in return is that you try to enjoy a normal life as much as you can. Life can take many unexpected turns. One day you're a normal kid living a normal life and then the next thing you know you're put through things no human being should ever have to go through.

Ikki: I understand.

I was able to speak frankly with Mana. I feel my relationship with her growing deeper.

Mana: Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to finish some paperwork.

Ikki picks up his MatriX glasses

Ikki: Okay. I'm gonna go out for a walk.

Mana: Sure. Don't don't stay up too late, you got school.

After grinding in The MatriX for a bit, Ikki decides to call it a day.

Magician -

Priestess -

Emperor -

Hierophant -

Lovers -

Chariot -

Hermit -

Fortune -

Hanged Man -

Death -

Devil -

Tower -

Star -

Moon -

World -

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Anyways, I'm Lunolion, and I'll see you all next time! Chao!