Kazuo locked the house door and skipped down the stairs. The air felt fresh and the sky was clear. Kazuo deeply inhaled and exhaled as he looked around at the developing greenery. This, however had no effect on the very thick raincloud surrounding his head. He had not seen Haruka all morning which both relieved and depressed him.

*- How’d it come to this…? * Kazuo slumped as he made his way to school.

*- It's not even a big deal that she hugged me but she seems to get so embarrassed and now it's even worse… * Kazuo walked down the same old hill.

*- The fact she's getting so flustered might mean something though… Ahh, shouldn't get ahead of myself… * The school gates came closer. Kazuo could see Ryuji and the boys stand around outside it.

*- Wonder if Mabuchi is with them… * Kazuo squinted his eyes.

“- Good morning! “ Someone grabbed Kazuos shoulder from behind, it was obviously Mabuchi.

“- Ohh, morning… “ Kazuo didn't even bother to try hiding his bad mood from Mabuchi.

“- Did I surprise you? “ Mabuchi were as energetic as ever.

“- No. “ Kazuo started walking again.

“- Huh, you're not even trying to hide it anymore. “ Mabuchi seemed disappointed.

*- Like it would matter… *

“- Anyways, is the girl giving you trouble? “ Mabuchi seemed more “not- annoying” and serious, like he was thinking about something which made Kazuo a little uneasy.

“- Guess you could say that… “ They reached the entrance hall.

“- Hmm, interesting… “ Mabuchi looked suspicious and Kazuo started to get worried.

“- Please don't screw with me… Or Haruka… “ Kazuo felt bothered.

“- Don't worry, I'll leave you two alone, can't say the same for the other guys however. “ The two of them walked up the stairs.

“- Hmm, yeah… “ They entered the classroom and Kazuo went straight for his seat only glancing towards Haruka once. The teacher seemed to be a little late so Kazuo started thinking further about his situation and what Mabuchi said just now.

*- Even if the other guys tries to hit on Haruka, I should have the advantage if me and Haruka could get normal with each other again. * Kazuo rested his head on his arm.

*- And again, she’s being oddly embarrassed about that hug… * The teacher finally showed up and Kazuo figured he should pay attention.

After the morning lessons were over Kazuo made his way to the school cafeteria to buy lunch. He hadn’t seen Mabuchi since he left the classroom and couldn’t be bothered to sit around with Ryuji and the others. He dug up some money from his pocket and had a word with the nice cafeteria lady before making his way outside for some calm and peace. Kazuo found himself a nice bench and just relaxed as the warm breeze gently swooped past.

*- Ahh… This is nice, I feel much better now… * Kazuo closed his eyes.

“- Hello… Do you mind if I sit next to you? “ Someone with a female voice that Kazuo didn’t recognize immediately was standing right next to him.

*- Who the hell… * Kazuo opened his eyes but it took a moment for them to adjust to the bright sun light.

“- Umm, sure. “ Kazuo had still not managed to identify the person but as she sat next to him he noticed.

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*- Oh shit, it’s Kayano! * Kazuo was caught a bit off guard.

“- Did I startle you? “ Kayano held her skirt as she sat down.

*- Damn, gotta choose my words very carefully now… * Kazuo Hawked.

“- No no, I was just a little surprised. “ Kazuo managed to get himself into shape quickly.

*- Okey okey, keep it cool… * Kayano was sat beside him with her back straight and she seemed to control her every facial expression with laser precision.

“- Oh, yes, you are right. Coincidentally, it is the reason I thought I would sit next to you in the first place. “ Kayano unwrapped her lunchbox.

*- Huh? She’s talking polite again… * Kazuo was confused but also felt a little inferior somehow.

“- Ah, you wanted to talk? “ Kazuo didn’t really know how to change his way of talking however.

“- Yes, I also wanted to ask you this, have you ever talked with Haruka in our class? “ Kayanos face was blank.

*- Oh shit, time to shine! * Kazuo controlled his expressions.

“- Umm, Haruka you say, the only time would be the first school day when I met you and her both. “ Kazuo felt success.

“- Oh, is that it? “ Kayano seemed to smile for a second.

“- Yeah, why’d you ask me though, you’re good friends with her, right? “ Kazuo thought he might be able to find something out.

“- I shall see to your curiosity. I was talking to her recently and it seemed she was interested in a boy. Then, yesterday, I believe she went on a date with said boy after school so I just wanted to know if it were you she was interested in. “ Kayano was pleased, Kazuo couldn’t tell of course.

*- What…? Wasn’t she job hunting… Maybe that’s why she was late… * Kazuo felt confused and little upset.

“- Alright, I’m glad to be of help… “ Kazuo still wasn’t knocked out but he could definitely feel a knot tying in his chest.

“- I am very thankful, I have to be on my way now however but I will see you in class. “ Kayano neatly packed her stuff and walked off. Kazuo just sat still on the bench getting more and more confused.

*- So she has someone she likes but she’s living with me and she’s bothered by hugging me… * Kazuo felt heavy again.

*- Guess I should just try to be her friend for now then… Oh man, it feels bad though. * Kazuo took a last bite of his sandwich before throwing it and walked back to the classroom. On his way through the corridors he bumped into Mabuchi.

“- Mate, you look even worse than before! What the hell happened! “ Mabuchi were at least worried.

“- Yeah, I don’t wanna talk about it… “ Kazuo was dying on the inside.

“- Alright, let’s head for class. “ Mabuchi gave Kazuo a pat on the back, he could be supportive at times. They were a bit early when they reached the classroom but Kazuo opened the sliding door anyways. As he and Mabuchi entered, Kazuo noticed that Kayano were sitting on his desk.

“- Oh! Hi Kazuo! Sorry for leaving on you. “ Kayano jumped of the desk and stepped up to the two boys.

*- What the hell happened to her speech…? * Kazuo was surprised but it was nothing compared to Mabuchi.

“~ Leaving on you? Explain later please... “ Mabuchi whispered as Kayano were stood smiling and charming in front of them.

“~ Umm, sure “ Kazuo felt conflicted as he saw Haruka by her seat but decided to take one thing at a time.

“- Ah, no worries, is there something else? “ Kazuo tried to keep it down.

“- Yes, I’d like you to follow me somewhere after school~ You could call it a date~... “ Kayano touched on Kazuos arm.

*- Holy shit! What…?! * Kazuo was completely unsure on how to feel and became even more conflicted.

“- Oh, umm, where may I ask? “ Kazuos mind was completely clouded and he felt like he was going to collapse almost.

“- You’ll have to see~ “ Kayano got even closer.

“- U-umm, alright then, see you after school? “ Kazuo didn’t bother to think anymore.

*- Did I just accept a date from some other girl? Oh well, it’s not like Haruka is gonna mind it anyways… * Kazuo felt discombobulated.

“- Alright then, Kazuo~ “ Kayano smiled brightly and had a seductive look in her eyes. She was also stood in slight poses that made her thighs more pronounced, Kazuo could’ve sworn her skirt was shorter as well. Kazuo noticed Mabuchi just sort of standing behind him with a strange aura around him. Kazuo turned and looked at him when Kayano had left for her seat.

“~ Listen, I’m not sure what just happened either… “ Kazuo feared that he would make Mabuchi angry. Mabuchi looked up with a baffled expression.

“~ What’s this? Are you the centre of a harem now? “ Mabuchi chuckled, at least he wasn’t angry.

“~ Stop that, it’s not a damn harem. “ Kazuo walked to his seat and Mabuchi followed.

“- But didn’t you like Haruka though? Why’d you accept Kayano? “ Mabuchi leaned on Kazuos desk.

“- I do like Haruka but it seems like she’s with someone else… And you noticed the charm on that one, not easy to say no, is it? “ Kazuo realized how hectic of a day it’s already been and the knot in his chest felt even worse.

“- Ouch… Listen up though, the best way to keep your spirits up might be to not give up on her just yet, especially when you’re already this close to her. “ Mabuchi was surprisingly empowering.

“- Easier said than done… “ Kazuo still didn’t feel very keen on being positive however.

“- Ah, come on, you don’t have much of a choice if you’re gonna keep living with her anyways? “ The teacher entered the classroom and Mabuchi stretched.

“- Oh well, good luck. “ Mabuchi left for his seat. Kazuo looked over at Haruka as he searched for a way to clear his mind.

*- Yeah, let’s just keep being with her… * Kazuo leaned back on his chair.