A/N: I AM STOKED FOR SUNSHINE IN THE MIRROR! As well as S2 of SS.

Happy belated birthdays to Emma, Kanan (3rd best sunshine girl imo), Lanzhu, and Chisato (best superstar girl imo)! Also, enjoy the longest chapter yet! 8.3k~.

Chapter 16: Hanging Out amongst Friends

Day 23 (Wednesday - April 8th)

School sucked.

Even worse than this morning and he was just happy it was over. Between literally dragging You away from the others who decided to be extra talkative, tending to the tightrope that was Ruby upon reaching the library finding said redhead with Hanamaru, and classes being... well classes, Relon was utterly exhausted. Hence why he was still in his seat after the bell signaling the end of school had rung nearly half an hour ago.

"Relon?" Slowly lifting up to the voice of none other than his childhood friend, he accepts his time has come as he drags himself out of his seat. "Tired too?" She asks with a smile as they depart through the uncrowded hall.

"More mentally than physically." He sighs massaging his temple.

"Ehehe, sorry about that."

"Not your fault... entirely." He musters a smirk to get a gentle bump of her side against his. "How about you?"

"I'm fine. A little tired but nowhere near your level. How are your wrists? I noticed you messing with them this morning."

"Meh, a little sore again. Considering I caught a human body falling and all. It should be fine by later tonight or tomorrow morning." He says allowing the girl to examine them momentarily.

"We can stop by the nurse's office and get some more alcohol or ointment."

"Nah, I'll be fine. Just need some rest is all."

"Rel-oniichan, You-senpai!" Cut off, both take notice of themselves being in front of the library. Turning, they take sight of Hanamaru coming their way.

"Hanamaru-chan, hey, what's up?"

Watching the two go back and forth, the memory of You practically whining about Hanamaru addressing her by her last name unlike Relon during their group reading comes to mind. The headache with being so cautious around Ruby, the numerous notes his teachers decided to dump on him, etcetera.

"I have my duties in the library to finish up but I'll be done afterwards."

Wait, huh?

"Perfect! We'll wait for you then." You smiles.

"Okay! See you in a little bit, zura!" She bids returning into the library.

"Sorry, what did I just miss? My mind went places." He blinks dumbly, earning a giggle from her.

"Nothing really. Just us planning a little outing with Hanamaru-chan later." She says as they enter the library heading for the back where he pauses as he looks to You taking a seat on a small couch. "But first, someone needs some rest." She pats her lap for his eyes to widen shifting from them to her slightly flushed face. "Most of the students are gone so no one will likely see so we're safe from any commotion over it. Besides, you mentioned wanting rest so-" Cut off by the near blur that is Relon, she can only blink to him tossing his bag next to her before practically dropping his head onto her thighs.

"God, Buddah, thank you for lap pillows." He sighs with a smile.

Taken aback, a chuckle exudes from her lips as she begins to caress his scruffy hair.

"Someone was looking forward to this."

"Tired Relon equals blunt Relon." He quips to peer a single eye at her red face lightening. "Besides, you needed the rest too so we can both consider this a win-win for what it's worth."

Widening at his words, her eyes simmer as a nervous swelling conjures itself within her chest. Her curiosity poking out from that feeling.

"What... is this worth to you?" She murmurs, her voice barely audible.

For a moment, he doesn't respond. After what feels like agonizingly long seconds, he turns his body to face her. Red eyes locking onto blue.

"From you, it's priceless." He matches her voice before closing them once more easing himself into the comfort of her touch.

Allowing his words to sink in, a smile adorns You's features. Leaning more comfortably into the cushion, one hand returns to Relon's hair as the other holds his own. Her own eyes begin to shut as she's lulled to sleep.

One Hour Later

Feeling the low buzz of You's phone resound from her skirt pocket, Relon's eyes stir open. The sight of his hand held by her own causes the urge to kiss it arise though he quickly suppresses it.

We're not dating. Cool it, Relon.

Tracing her arm, he momentarily stops at the sight of her sailor top revealing the slightest amount of stomach. Blinking, his mind ingrains the image as his eyes travel up her arm to her sleeping face.

Carefully lifting up while releasing his hand from her grasp, he notes of her still resting as the phone gently chimes. Retrieving it and silencing it, he places it back in her pocket.

She must have been more tired than she let on if she didn't wake up from the phone or myself.

Carefully sitting up, he gives one last glance at the girl before walking down an aisle. Within seconds, his eyes take notice of Hanamaru placing books away on a shelf. Hearing his footsteps, she turns to greet him with that innocent smile.

"Rel-oniichan, how was your nap zura?"

"I... surprisingly needed that more than I originally thought. You's still out though." He chuckles as does the library helper.

"I'm not surprised. You both had a busy day, you especially zura. You and You-senpai seemed so peaceful. Wow, that sentence felt weird."

"I second that." He mutters, earning another chuckle from the girl as she turns to him fully.

Though to anyone else, it would seem as though we were a couple.

"I'm just about done so it shouldn't be much longer."

"Roger that. Take your time, Sis." He bids with a wave returning to the corner.

Stopping, he once again takes in You. Smiling, he takes a seat with a noticeable thud, her body subtly responding before her eyes flutter open for a mere moment.

"Mmm..." She hums, outstretching her arms to lean her head on Relon.

"Seems like you were in need of more rest than myself." He notes leaning his head on hers.

"Mm, I guess so." She mumbles sporting a tired smile, her eyes going to his hand resting atop his leg..

"Hanamaru's wrapping up now." His words regaining her attention.

With a content sigh, exuded from her nostrils, he allows a breath of his own to escape. Reaching for her hand, to her mild surprise, he takes it intertwining their fingers.

"Sorry."

Understanding his words immediately, she gives the smallest of shakes accompanied by a gentle squeeze.

"Don't be. Moments like these are enough." She murmurs massaging his knuckles.

"For now?"

"... For now." She giggles, earning a roll of his eyes.

Before long, both depart converging with Hanamaru at the entrance.

"Alright, we got a full day ahead of us so let's get started!" You pumps a fist into the air.

"You are way too excited all of a sudden."

"Hey! What's wrong with being excited?"

"Oh, nothing~."

"Okay, Auntie."

"Darn right." He smirks for a fit of giggling to sound from the 1st year.

"You two are acting like a married couple."

Blinking, both exchange a look of bewilderment to laugh bashfully.

"I guess you're right on that one, Hanamaru-chan. Alright, Zensoku Zenshin... Yousoro!" She takes off.

"Hey, You, wait up!"

"Ah, wait up zura!"

Numazu City

"Zensoku Zenshin Yousoro is You's catchphrase she uses whenever she goes somewhere. You get used to it once she starts dragging you everywhere." Relon chuckles as the three can now be seen walking along the sidewalk inside of the city.

"I do not drag anyone anywhere." Said girl responds with droopy eyes.

"Pet stores, clothing outlets, hot spots related to scenery..." He counts off, each mention making You's head drop slightly. "Shall I go on?" He grins, the blue-eyed girl twitching an eye to avert her gaze.

"No please." She mutters, earning chuckles from the two. "That reminds me, Hanamaru-chan."

"Zura?"

"Anywhere you want to go to first?"

Numazu City. The origin of the first idols. A place where the literal joy of Japan itself was snuffed out by the infamous Idol Law. Of the four sectors within Numazu City, each served a specific role. To get the main one out the way; Sector D used to be where all of the idol-related activities occurred. Shops, concerts, parades. Anything and everything idol-related, that's where it occurred.

Since the ruination of said sector, many shops have either ridden themselves of or closed down entirely their idol merchandise. Such establishments went towards the remaining three sectors or Central Mall.

Sector A holds much of the common necessities. Fast food joints, shops, pharmacies; simple over-the-counter goods. Sector B holds much of Numazu's infrastructure. Corporations, other large businesses, courts, City Hall, emergency transportation, museums, restaurants and so on. It is also where Numazu's Hospital is located. Sector C held that middle ground between A and B. It held some important landmarks and other not-so-important ones. The main cause became due to the size and distribution of such things being simply too much to compact into one sector. Parks, the local zoo, the power plant, water supply, the city's library, the airport are but a few to name. Despite all of this, Central Mall remained practically untouched as it served as the main route of transportation for people, trains, and other vehicles alike as well as the main source of attraction alongside the once idol stadium.

Due to the Idol Law, many were upset (and still are) with the relocation of goods. Of the few infrastructures that were not affected by the law, banks and schools remained spaced out due to convenience of homeowners living in and around the city and accessibility issues.

Bookstore

Which returns us to the three now in Sector A. More specifically the book store.

"It feels like forever since I've been here. Note to self, come here more often." Relon comments, the three can be seen examining the numerous isles.

Giving a momentary glance away from a manga that piqued his interest, his eyes go first to You kneeling over a few feet away. Moving her way, she seems to take notice as she rises to meet him.

"Find something you like?"

"Maybe. Found a book on swimming so I'm curious what it has to offer."

"Hm. Now that I think about it, we've yet to practice our respective sports since getting back." He voices his thoughts absentmindedly. "We should get on that..."

"R-Relon..."

"Huh?" Lifting to the flush-faced girl, his head instinctively tilts in confusion. In doing so, he notices and mentally envies the book being pulled closer to her chest.

"So you want to see me in a swimsuit?" She mumbles just about a whisper.

Blinking a few times as his head mind processes the implied meaning, his eyes eventually widen as a blush soon joins his face as well.

"O-O-Oh, that's not..." He stumbles, his mind laying out the apology though his mouth fails at translating. Giving in with a sigh, he can only sigh. "Sorry. Not my intent." He says with a curt bow of his head.

Noting the girl step closer, he gets a light bonk on his head.

"It's fine. It's partially my fault for thinking like that." She eases the atmosphere with a careful smile before looking around, spotting Hanamaru through the bookshelf's space a good distance away and no onlookers in the vicinity.

"You?" Tilting his head at the girl looking around, her focus soon comes back on him to lean forward on her tiptoes.

Heart suddenly races, he mentally steels himself as her mouth hovers centimeters from his ear.

"Still, I meant what I said. I don't mind you looking." Gobsmacked, he can only muster sounds found on an onomatopoeia guide as she giggles brushing past him. "Just... don't stare for too long." With that last note, she brushes past him, vanishing around the corner.

Mental clogs eventually fixing themselves, he ceases his useless sounds to cover the red across his face. Peeking through a small space aisles away, You finally take a long breath. The tension from within settling back down as she looks at the book.

[Tips for having a Youthful Romance with a side of Comedy]

He did things to her and she did things to him. Their bond was growing more and more by the day. This was something they both knew. That didn't mean that until the day comes where their affections for the other is once again a major topic, she could at least have some fun with these feelings of hers.

"Hehe. Relon..."

"Jeez, I swear that You..."

From beyond with a clear line of sight, Hanamaru can only giggle having seen the whole thing. A happy smile on her face. After all, real life romance was but one of the few things that could rival fictional romance.

Outside

Reuniting outside, Relon immediately noted the small bags both girls had. Despite being curious on what You had gotten, the girl could only giggle refusing to tell him. Hanamaru had gotten the next installation in the HP series while Relon had gone ahead and ordered the first three. The owner told him he'd get an email when his packages would arrive so he'd just have to wait until then. With their business taken care of, the group departed once more.

"Where to now?" You hums for the sound of rumbling to emit amongst the three.

Looking between both Relon and Hanamaru, she forces back a snicker.

"Hey, don't laugh! I didn't eat much today!" He denies. "And it wasn't just my stomach!" He points at the equally flustered first year.

"Z-Zura?! Rel-oniichan, I-I...!"

"Don't worry about it Hanamaru, You's just messing with us." He deadpans at the grinning girl.

"Sorry, I saw an opportunity and couldn't help myself. My bad, Hanamaru-chan."

"I don't get an apology?" He arches a braise incredulously.

"Oh, you know I'm only getting a rise." She leans into his side for the boy's eye to twitch. "Mom's rubbing off on you in more ways than one. Not a good thing at all I remind you."

"Hehe, come on. Let's grab a bite to eat!"

"Where at though?"

"Hmm. Well, we're in Sector A so there's a lot of choices around us." She muses surveying their options.

As she does so, her eyes catch sight of a drooling Hanamaru. Following her gaze, she takes notice of a crepe shop across the street.

"How about there?" Following her gaze, his eyes take notice of the restaurant up a flight of stairs in question.

"Delectable Crepes? Sure." He shrugs to notice Hanamaru nodding with vigor. "Never had crepes so this'll be a new experience." Gawking at the boy, he meets her with the same deadpan demeanor. "Did you forget this is me? I've never been one to do new things after we moved."

"Huh... Honestly, it slipped my mind. Good thing we're together because you have some catching up to do." She grins, grabbing him with Hanamaru leading the group. "I'm gonna take a wild guess you've only experienced the wonders of crepes through anime and those romance novels of yours."

"Yup." He answers not at all bothered for a giggle to sound from his best friend. "Time for you to experience it first hand, Relon! Zensoku zenshin yousoro!"

Now, Relon would confidently say he didn't have a sweet tooth. Sweets weren't his thing aside from sweet tea. Candy, cake, anything of the sort he'd often skip or pass off to someone else. Hell, he wasn't even one for cookies unless someone baked a batch specifically for him. Mainly his mom. Though every now and then he'd indulge in the savory taste of sugar. And today would be one of those days.

Entering the establishment, the first thing he noted was the common small space similar to the rest of the eateries in Sector A. As the name of the shop suggests, its main themes are crepes with other fancy desserts.

"Welcome to Delectable Crepes." The hostess greets turning from whatever she was doing to the three. In doing so, her eyes immediately do a quick once over upon catching Relon for her smile to widen slightly. "Is this your first time dining in with us?" She asks, her focus solely on him having already forgotten the other two.

"Yes, it is." Relon nods. "It'll just be us three."

"Right this way, please." The hostess beckons, grabbing three menus from her podium.

Feeling a bad sensation out of nowhere, Relon shivers ready to comment for her eyes to stop at You. Said girl sporting a familiar ominous expression and aura.

Not again. He mentally sighs for something to catch his attention out the corner of his eye. In doing so, he can only twitch in disbelief upon seeing Hanamaru match You's energy. Oh joy, two yanderes now.

"Here you all go." The hostess gestures for Hanamaru and You to take one side of the table with Relon on the other. "I'll give you all some time to look over the menu. If any of you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me." As she turns to leave, Relon notices her eyes linger on him, a smile still worn, before she vanishes around the corner.

Waiting a few moments ensuring she's nowhere in hearing or seeing distance, he leans back into the booth.

Is every female I become acquainted with gonna turn into a yandere? What if this happens again with Takami and Sakurauchi-san? At the thought, another shiver runs down his back. I have a bad feeling that my youthful days with girls will be the furthest thing from normal...

"That was interesting." He muses to peer at the girls locked in the direction of where the hostess went. "Oi, Yanderes." He deadpans, giving a light chop to snap both from her thoughts.

"Huh/Zura?" Both blink innocently for a sigh to depart from his lips once more.

Jealousy is truly a terrifying beast.

"It was pretty obvious the hostess was flirting but it would do her well to not forget that others are also around." Piquing at his words, both blink.

"You're not interested in her, zura?"

"Why would I be? Going off of looks alone, she's attractive but there's no meaning behind it." Crossing his arms, he gets more comfortable in his seat before continuing. "Don't get me wrong, I'm all for love at first sight but... that alone isn't enough. It's what comes afterwards that makes a world of difference."

"Huh..." Hanamaru allows an audible hum to escape noting of the slight blush on You's face. "Does that mean you've experienced love at first sight, zura?"

About to answer without a second thought, he catches himself. In doing so, he can feel heat rush to his cheeks as he closes his agape mouth.

"No comment." He averts his gaze to rest his chin atop his palm ignoring his visible blush. "Right now, I don't need to be focused on dating."

"Why's that?" She pursues, curiosity evident in her voice as well as her demeanor alongside You's.

Blinking, he ponders his next answer.