Day 23 (Wednesday - April 8th)

"Ahhh..." A yawn escapes Relon, both protagonists can be seen walking to school.

"You've been yawning all morning. When did you go to bed?"

"Late." Relon answers, not wanting to worry her. "But I'm fine. I've always been a night owl anyway."

"But still, this is different from usual. Yesterday, after school, you... you know."

"Yeah. Sorry about that. Some stuff came up." His eyes linger on the ground for You to bump his side with her own.

"Cheer up. That gloomy look never suited you." She smiles.

Taking a moment to let her words sink in, so too does the memories from yesterday.j

"Yeah. Hopefully after today, I won't be so gloomy." He mutters, his eyes going to the uphill incline as they turn.

"... I hope so..."

"HEEEEEEEEEEYYY!"

Stopping on a dime, both swerve their heads to take sight of Chika jogging with a wave towards them.

"Chika-chan!" You waves. "Good morning!"

"Goooooood mooooooorning!"

"Already on a first name basis?" Relon notes.

"Girl talk can do that."

"Uh-huh."

"Wanna hear about it?" She grins though in truth she has no intentions of speaking of the embarrassment that came from said girl talk.

"Hell no." He responds in a flat tone which earns a giggle from the sailor lover.

"Whatcha giggling about?" Chika greets with a curious demeanor.

"Oh nothing. Just laughing at Relon being Relon." You dismisses.

"Oh...?"

"Don't listen to her, Takami-san, I'm being bullied." He deadpans.

"Haha, you two are so close, I'm jealous!" She laughs taking his left side.

"There is nothing to be jealous about." He bats a twitching eye, both girls giggling as they depart once more.

"Lucinance-san!"

"That voice..." Relon pauses as do the girls.

Turning once more, they take sight of Riko walking their way. If Relon didn't know any better, he'd suggest she had a sense of elegance in how she walked compared to the carefree spirits of You and Chika.

"Sakurauchi-san?"

"Good morning." She greets, Relon's eyes instinctively trailing up and down as she nears, his mind snapping back to reality as he averts his gaze covering his mouth. "Takami and Watanabe-san, correct? Good morning to you both as well." She gives a curt bow followed by a tilt of her head. "Lucinance-san, is everything okay?"

Acknowledging her words, You followed by Chika, turn to see Relon lower his hand. His face completely normal as he gives a meek smile.

"Yeah, good morning. Sorry, I didn't get much sleep last night." He rubs the back of his head, his vermilion eyes daring to not lock onto You's own seeming to widen ever so slightly.

"Oh my, will you be alright? You could request to rest in the infirmary." She suggests though Relon waves it off with a chuckle.

"Thanks for worrying but I'll be fine. I'm somewhat of a night owl, as difficult as it may be to believe. I'll wake up before class starts most likely."

"Well, if you say so. Try not to push yourself." She cautions for Relon to pause in his half turn to look over his shoulder.

"Awe, I didn't know you cared for me so much Sakurauchi-san." He teases for her eyes to widen slightly as her cheeks go flushed.

"S-S-So what?" She averts her head away from the boy. "Is it wrong to worry over a friend?" She returns wearing a deadpan expression walking to take his right side not noticing You's demeanor dangerously locks onto her.

"Nope. Not at all. I appreciate it. Though, if it's all the same with you girls, I'd appreciate not being late for class." His words making the non-protagonist widen.

"Oh, crap, we gotta hurry!" Chika exclaims bolting for Relon to grab the back of her collar, nearly making her gag.

"Calm down, Takami-san, I only said I would appreciate. Not that we were going to be." He chides. "We can get there at our leisurely pace." He releases her placing a hand on his hip.

"O-Oh, ahaha, my bad."

With that, the group departs. Relon gulping at the ominous gaze You has though as soon as Riko takes notice, it vanishes to be replaced with a simple cheery smile. Relon and Chika can only sweatdrop at the obvious implication.

Note to self; You gets jealous easily. Also, she's watched too many animes to the point she looks like a genuine yandere.

Unable to hold a shiver, the girls take notice.

"Are you cold, Lucinance-san?" Riko asks.

"Huh? Oh no, just had a thought run through my head is all, haha."

"A thought?" Chika wonders.

"Yeah, you know. Whenever you have a thought of something bad or scary, you get that tingle down your spine. For example, say reading a graphic text from a book or walking down a dark alley at night and feeling like you're being watched."

"Those are... odd descriptions." Riko shudders aloud at the thought.

"See? My point exactly. Though alleyways at night isn't so bad if you know the area you're in."

"Are you speaking from experience?"

"Yup yup. A ton of it actually. Right, You?" He motions, all looking to You give a salute.

"True that." She smiles, her gaze immediately going back on Riko who shudders once more to turn seeing You tilt her head innocently.

"I think I understand your references now, Lucinance-san." She says nervously.

"Haha, I'm sure we'll all be fine."

"Um, Lucinance-san, You-chan isn't going to do anything to Sakurauchi-san is she?" Chika whispers.

"Hmm, doubt it." He whispers back. "If anything, she's either just new to the whole jealous concept or she's being overprotective which I can't exactly blame her for. If not both of course. Then again..."

"Then again what?"

"Maybe she is a little irritated. Hmm..."

"Over...?"

"She likes being next to me on my right side." He explains.

"But she wouldn't act like that over something so silly." Chika laughs, both looking to see Riko raise an eyebrow at them in curiosity as You's dull eyes remain focused on their fellow transfer. "Oh crap, you're right!" Chika yelps hiding behind Relon, the moment her hands make contact with his shoulders, You's shaded blue eyes snap to Chika.

"EEEEEEEP!" Chika yelps jumping away from Relon.

"What's wrong?!" Riko jumps from the sudden noise.

"Welp, there goes my ears." Relon blinks as the ringing slowly begins to subside.

"S-Sorry, a scary thought just occurred is all..."

"Are you okay, Takami-san?"

"I... I should be..." She whimpers, her strength in her legs giving out.

"Are you sure about that?" Relon arches an eyebrow.

"Chika-chan, do you need help getting up?" You asks in worry, kneeling over her friend.

"T-Thanks, You-chan..." She whimpers, taking her hand.

"So Watanabe-san." Riko begins earning the three's attention. "How did you and Lucinance-san become so close?"

"Where'd that come from?" Relon wonders now the one to tilt his head.

"I've noticed you address each other without honorifics so I'm just curious you could say."

"Heh." He rests an elbow on You's shoulder. "Two words; childhood friends."

"That about sums it up." You giggles, both smiling at the golden-eyed girl.

"And just like that she's back to normal." Chika mutters.

"Hm?" You tilts her head for the orangette to dismiss it quickly.

"I see." The group departing once more with Chika on the left, Relon next to her and You next to him with Riko on the far right.

"Hey, how are you liking Hatred's Peace?"

"What's that?" Chika wonders.

"It's a part of the HP series Relon has recently taken a liking to. I didn't know you're an avid reader too, Sakurauchi-san."

"Yes, I was taken aback sharing such a trait with Relon."

"And that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship." Relon jokes making the group laugh.

"You make it seem as though we've been friends for a years compared to a single day."

"That's definitely something Relon does with people." You adds. "He always acts so relaxed around people he just meets."

"Old habits die hard, what can I say?" He shrugs. "Besides, I act professionally when I have to towards adults and our seniors so what's I see no problem."

"That's the problem right there!" You eyerolls.

"Details, details~." He waves.

"They're like a married couple." Riko sweatdrops.

"WE ARE NOT!"

"Hahaha, you two even talk in unison!" Chika points out, the two glaring at the girl who holds no fear as opposed to moments earlier.

"WE DO NOT!"

"You two aren't exactly helping your case." Riko notes for Relon to groan as You goes quiet sporting a slight blush.

"We know..." Both respond in defeat.

"Maybe some things are just meant to be." Chika chuckles, both noting of the two's embarrassment.

"I wouldn't consider it a bad thing though." Both looking to Riko. "If anything, it shows that you two are on the same wavelength. At least, that's some of the knowledge I've accumulated from the novels I've read."

"Yeah! I wish I had a childhood friend but the closest thing I have is my older sister!"

"I'm not taking the blessing that I've been given either." Relon speaks, the four stopping as he places a hand at his hip, his mind beginning to speak aloud. "You was my first ever friend I made when I was little. Before her, I'd often go about my day around the neighborhood and city by myself while mom and dad worked. Many people knew my family, and through them; me. So my parents were pretty lax about my wandering but meeting You changed a lot. I wasn't lonely as I once was. Being able to share the fun and joy I found, the sights I saw, with someone else was like a dream come true. My mom and I always wanted another sibling but I was 'too much' for my parents growing up so they settled on just me. But that fateful encounter with You was the start of something in which I would come to cherish with all my heart. And that's companionship. Yeah she's not my sister but she's someone whom I care for on an equal level if not more. And the same goes for those whom I have the privilege of calling a friend. Each of them I care for and respect. Just like how I've shared experiences with You, I also want to share those experiences and much more with the friends I make. That way we all can share such wonderful memories. I haven't been able to do much with those in America so I'm hoping I can do that here with all of you." He ends with a smile.

Opening his eyes, they meet the three all wearing stunned expressions as well as flushed cheeks.

"R-Relon, t-that..."

"L-Lucinance-san, I-I...

"H-Huh, h-how do I..."

"What's got you three all baffled?" He arches an eyebrow for the three to jump as if spurred out of a trance.

In doing so, they exchange looks stumbling over their words.

"Whatever, come on or we really will need to rush for homeroom." Relon dismisses with a shrug gaining their attention.

"H-Hey, Relon, wait up!" You exclaims being the first to react.

"Ah, wait up!"

"Hey, don't leave me behind!"

Homeroom

Popping a squat in his seat, Relon breathes out a small huff resting his chin on his hand.

"Chika-chan!" Opening his eyes, they linger on the group of three girls as they approach the group.

"Hmm, did something happen?" Yoshimi asks making the girl jump in her seat ahead of Relon.

"H-Huh?! Something happen? Wha? No, no, no! Nope! Nothing, ahaha..." She averts her gaze whistling.

"Uh...huh." Yoshimi responds dryly.

"Watanabe-chan, your face is beat red too." Mutsu notes for You to widen averting her gaze.

"Oh! Um, I did a jog to class. Yeah, worked up a quick sweat is all." She twirls her hair with a finger laughing it off.

"O...kay...?"

"Even Sakurauchi-san seems flushed." Itsuki adds for the book lover to flinch.

"What's your excuse?" Yoshimi smirks.

"E-Excuse? I- Ahem, I simply happen to read a very, erm, interesting part in a book I was reading! It was quite intense is all." She lies pressing her fingers against one another.

"Hmm... Whatever." They shrug to look to Relon gazing out the window.

"Lucinance-san, good morning." They all greet.

"Good morning." He turns giving a smile.

"Any idea what's wrong with these three?"

Looking at the three who flash him a glance, he can only shake his head.

Now I'm not a liar but if I said they're acting this way over what I said, how would these three react? Not to mention the other classmates looking our way? It's better to just drop it and not let another awkward moment happen again. But I don't like lying...

"Hmm, can't say I do exactly. Though You did take off towards the school so she checks out." He chuckles for the three to purse their lips and cross their arms.

Hearing the bell ring in tune with the trio's hum, the four sigh in relief as the three girls groan, returning to their seats. As the three canon girls turn to give their thanks, they meet the sides of his head. Relon looking out the window once more.

"My bad." He mutters loud enough for the three to hear.

Exchanging worried looks, they turn forward.

I didn't realize it but I completely went on a speech about friendship. Not to mention the way I made it sound in regards to my relationship with You. Not to mention Takami and Sakurauchi-san. No wonder they were embarrassed, I made it sound hella sappy and endearing out of nowhere. I keep telling myself to watch what I say yet I go right around and do it once again! Ugh, I suck.

Before long the bell rings, signaling the end of homeroom and the beginning of study hall. Grabbing his bag, he departs without a word. Only a wave of his hand at the girls gather around not seeing You extend a hand for him.

I'll leave them to their devices. In the meantime, I should find Kunikida-san. She should be in the library.

With that thought in mind, he departs.

Library

"Bingo." He says having traversed aisle after aisle to find said girl in a hidden corner of the place at a small table reading.

Hearing the familiar voice, her golden eyes lift up to meet his own vermilion. A smile gracing her features.

"Lucinance-senpai, good morning zura!"

"Morning, how goes it?" He greets taking a seat across from her.

"Really well, actually!" She beams, Relon met with the full force of her passionate overview of the HP series.

Taking in her words, his eyes cut to the corners noting of the girls a good ways away disappearing before refocusing on the first year. Before long, their time for the next class neared, to which Relon offered to walk Hanamaru back. A kind gesture she greatly appreciated and accepted without hesitation.

"So what are your plans today, Senpai?"

"Hmm, nothing really. Take care of some assignments and go for my daily run. That's pretty much it." He answers.

"Oh? Are you trying to join a sports team, zura?"

"Yeah. The soccer team actually."

"So you like running."

"Like is way too weak of a word." He chuckles. "Once I'm off, I never want to stop. It's a feeling I can't get enough of."

"Well, any sports like track and-"

"Ew." He interrupts for the brunette to tilt her head. "I hate track. I want to run until I can't no more. Not until I reach some finish line. I only want there to be a line when I'm racing, hmpf." Blinking at his mini rant, a smile creeps onto the girl before she bursts into a fit of giggles.

"Senpai, you're funny!"

"I'm honest if nothing else!" He exclaims with a laugh attempting to not think back to his homeroom ordeal for his eyes to fall on the soccer field out the window.

Being honest, before I can focus on succeeding at soccer, I have to focus on helping You succeed at her performance...

"Hmm?" Hanamaru hums, taking notice of Relon's movement having ceased. "Lucinance-san?" She calls to take in his expression somewhat sorrowful.

"Oh, sorry. Got lost in thought for a moment. Come on, don't want to be late." He says walking past her. "So what's your plan for today?"

"Aside from classes, I plan to go by the bookstore in the city. There's a book I ordered that should have arrived this morning."

"The bookstore huh? Last time I checked, there was only one major bookstore and that was the one on the outskirts of the residential district between Sectors A and B."

"That's the one." She nods.

"I see. Hmm..."

"Senpai...?" She calls for him to stop noticing worry in her tone.

"Yeah?" He gives a half turn to her.

"Are you okay?"

"Am I?" He smiles. "Yeah, but I should be asking you that." He turns fully while resting a hand at his hip.

Flinching at the words bounced back, she forces a smile along with a nod.

"Yup!"

Lingering on her for a moment, he turns back ahead.

"Alright then, if you say so." He dismisses, the two departing once more.

"How is Watanabe-senpai by the way? I haven't seen her with you, zura."

"She's been making friends with the girls in our homeroom. Nothing but chatter between them all. Something in which I have no reason, nor have any wanting, to be a part of. Though I'll drag her next time so she can see you. He grins for the girl to smile at his antics.

Reaching the stairs, both descend to continue on eventually reaching her class.

"Thanks again, Lucinance-senpai, zura."

"Anytime. I'm always happy to walk with a friend." He waves.

"Oh, senpai!" She calls for him to halt mid-turn.

"Yeah?" Turning, he arches an eyebrow as she shuffles in place.

"Kunikida-san, you good?"

"Um, if it's not too much trouble, could I... possibly have your number... zura?" She asks, having slowly pulled out her phone.

Blinking, he stifles a chuckle.

"Yeah, I see no reason as to why not. Though you don't have to act so formal around me, you know."

"O-Oh, o-okay!"

"Kunikida-san~." He hums knowingly as he withdraws his phone.

"I-I'm sorry!" She closes her eyes in embarrassment.

Feeling a hand pat her head, she opens her eyes to meet his smiling demeanor.

"Seriously, relax. It's just me." He smiles, the sound of a notification gaining her attention as her eyes shift to their phones facing one another. "And done just like that." He pulls back, the girl's eyes gleaming in delight.

"Thank you, zura!"

"Anytime."

Considering her phone was on the home screen, I'm going to go out on a limb and guess she isn't technologically skilled. Considering she spoke of living at the shrine, it would seem that thought is supported. Oh well, thoughts for another time.

"Class will be starting soon so see you later." He bids once again.

"Yes, thank you again senpai!" She waves. "Oh and senpai?"

"What's up?"

"Thank you again, really. Walking with you, it's... relieving in a sense." She gives a tiny smile.

"That smile suits you a lot more, Kunikida-san."

Looking up at his words, she finds the teen already walking off with a wave. Smiling slightly wider, she heads into her class.

Huh? He furrows seeing the skirt of a student disappear past the staircase.

Turning the corner to head up, he stops, his mood drops as his eye narrow. Before him, the group of troublemakers.

"You all suck at hiding." He says flatly.

"That's not very nice." One girl gives a fake pout.

"Is that any way to treat your dear kohais?"