Returning back home after an exhausting afternoon, Kaito and the others decided to stay at Senji's place for some time. Upon entering the house, their confused and concerned minds were sparked with joy when Hinaka greeted them. She jumped up from the couch and approached the boys, shaking each of their hands with a radiant smile. This positive energy and the smell of delicious food from the kitchen did lift their spirits

"Hello hello! It's so nice to finally meet all of you! I'm Hinaka, Senji's mother! And you all are?" She said with an upbeat tone, assuming they were just tired from the bike riding by their somewhat pained expressions. They managed to all crack a smile.

"Kaito."

"I'm Daiki."

"Aoi. Pleasure ma'am."

The three of them all introduced themselves. Hinaka was beaming with happiness.

"My boy really has made new friends! Oh I'm so happy! I was afraid he would be so lonely and isolated after the move-"

"Mom! Please..." Senji butted in. Hinaka snickered, waving a hand.

"Sorry dear. Forgive me. Since you all are here, I can add to the meal I'm making if you all plan to stay! It would be a joy to have you all for dinner!"

The three boys looked at each other feeling their mouths water. They all had gone most of the day without any food.

"That would be wonderful. Thanks." Kaito spoke for the others.

Hinaka made her way into the kitchen while the three boys all settled down on the couch, Senji taking the single lounging chair. He turned on some cartoons to ease the mood after what the boys had experienced earlier. A palate cleansing was just what they needed. The mood lightened as laughter filled the living room watching the antics of the animated characters bring them amusement. Hinaka poked her head out of the kitchen to see the boys having a good time. It warmed her heart seeing Senji enjoying himself as he's generally been emotionally drained since moving to this town.

Everyone's bellies were filled after the appetizing meal Hinaka cooked up. Kaito especially felt satisfied as he never got to enjoy good food at home. It almost brought a tear to his eye. Hinaka began to clean up while the boys remained seated.

"Man that food was incredible..." Kaito declared.

"I'm about to burst. I can't have another bite." Daiki murmured licking his lips.

"That was absolutely delicious. Thank you so much miss Kamura." Aoi said, bowing.

Hinaka had gathered all the plates and silverware, turning to Aoi and flashing a smile.

"You're all quite welcome! Feel free to stay as long as you like!" She said heading into the kitchen to begin washing the dishes.

Daiki, Aoi and Kaito all looked to Senji. He was curious as to why. Then he remembered mentioning the party to them on the way back to the house.

"So... You really going to that party tonight then?" Daiki asked. "Can't believe I wasn't invited! Those jerks. Am I not cool enough to them??"

"You're not cool enough to any of us numbskull. But we keep you around anyway." Kaito remarked.

"Hey shut it!"

Aoi sighed shaking his head.

"I for one care not about big social gatherings. Even our family reunions I dread every year. I wouldn't go anyway even if I was invited." He stated.

"Well I-I mean... How could I say no? She pressed me into going. Besides, maybe broadening my horizons some will feel good..." Senji shrugged rubbing his shoulder.

"I don't blame you dude. Fuck it." Kaito commented.

"Funny enough Kaito... Yunaka said you'd be okay to go. I guess she thinks you're a hunk or something?"

"Oh? The prissy queen bitch actually finds me attractive? That's a riot. Although unlike Emiko at least she isn't a constant thorn in my side. No wonder I catch her glimpsing at me from the corner of my eye. Subtlety. I'll give her that."

"For real? You gonna' go??" Daiki asked.

"Psh. Hell no. I'd just snag the cigarettes out of an idiot jocks pocket and go smoke in the corner the whole damn time. I'm good. Listen man you go have fun. Could be good for ya' too maybe. You are still adjusting to this place and after the shit we went through earlier... Hell I'd take any opportunity to blow off steam. Actually... Fuck I really don't want to go home right now. Alright screw it I'm coming along. If there's drinking involved I'd love to humiliate those meatheads on the volleyball team during beer pong. Sorry boys but think I might go have a little fun at this stupid party."

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Surprising to all of them, the decision was finalized. Nobody argued with Kaito's reasoning. Aoi decided to go stay the night at Daiki's place since neither of them were doing anything else. The two of them would head out shortly saying their goodbyes and wishing them well at the party, leaving Senji and Kaito by themselves.

The skies above began to darken as the evening settled in over the town. Senji threw together the nicest casual outfit he could muster from his wardrobe; A long-sleeved red and black plaid buttoned dress shirt and slim fit black jeans with black dress shoes in hand. He went to the bathroom to comb his hair and apply deodorant alongside a few sprays of expensive cologne gifted to him by his father when he first started attending high school as a way to prep him for any prom or date. Feeling more confident then usual despite recent events, he had to remain optimistic for the party Yunaka had invited him to. Stepping out of his room and heading into the living room to put his shoes on, Hinaka poked her head out from the kitchen. She smiled and went to approach him.

"Oh my! Look at you all spiffed up! Did you get a date to that party you were talking about??" Hinaka asked. He knelt down to face her while putting his shoes on.

"W-well... Kind of? I invited my friend from school, Ayame. But I-I guess Kaito is tagging along too." Senji stammered.

"Ooh really? I haven't met that one! What's she like? Is she pretty? Is she a nice girl?"

"Please! I-I'll introduce you to her later I'm sure but we really need to get going."

"Sorry. Of course. Have fun and be safe! Love you!"

"Love you too mom."

Senji stepped outside where Kaito was leaning against the house smoking a cigarette. He flicked the ashes off the tip, nodding to Senji.

"Ready to head out?" He asked.

"Y..yeah. Just got to stop by Ayame's house on the way." Senji replied.

The two of them strolled down the streets illuminated by street lights with Senji leading the way. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket with the address of Yunaka's house written on it. They were getting closer to Ayame's home.

"Ayame... That quiet girl eh? You know I didn't think she cared to socialize with anybody. Surprised she took an interest in you." Kaito spoke with a hint of interest.

"Yeah? Well I-I guess us meeting and beginning to talk kind of just... Happened? She's actually quite nice. Just very anti-social. But that's okay in my eyes."

"Look at you. Such a gentleman. And hey... If you're wanting to spend time alone with her at the party then say no more. I'm just glad to be away from the house."

"Oh. Uh, thanks man. I appreciate that."

Senji recognized the front yard upon reaching the house he had walked to before. Without a doubt he knew this was the right place. He motioned for Katio to remain put while he approached the door to gently knock four times. Some shuffling could be heard from inside then the door cracked open just slightly. A single violet eye peered out from the darkness inside. With a gentle smile, Senji waved at them. The door opened up more as a shy Ayame stepped around the door and slid outside next to him then closing it quietly. He stepped back to give her some space. This was the first time he had seen her outside of uniform. His cheeks began to burn up, admiring her outfit for but a moment. Black buttoned-up cropped tank top, deep red short jean shorts matched with deep purple socks and black leather boots. What especially grabbed Senji's attention was the small metallic black belly ring she had. Ayame snapped her fingers, drawing his attention back to her face.

"Senji? Um... Hey." She spoke softly.

"H-hey there Ayame. Uh, s-so my friend over there is tagging along to the party. He... Well, he didn't want to go home and kind of wants to blow off some steam. Is that okay?" Senji asked.

"Eh I don't care. As long as you stick with me while we're there."

Ayame latched a hand onto the side of Senji's shirt. He nodded trying to ignore the strange things he's feeling at the moment. The two went to join Kaito, who turned and his eyes widened. He eyed Ayame from head to toe raising an eyebrow.

"Well shit. You certainly have an eye for style there girl. Name's Kaito. Don't pay me much mind. I'll be off doing my own thing once we get to this party." Kaito stated.

"Oh? Thanks? I'm Ayame."

With introductions out of the way Senji continued onward towards the address he was given by Yunaka. Kaito was silent while Ayame walked close to Senji, grabbing his hand and clutching it softly. Holding her hand was starting to feel rather comforting now but still had him on edge as someone who's never experienced this kind of attention from a girl before.

The muffled sounds of bass heavy music could be heard from within the house labeled on the piece of paper. The trio had arrived at Yunaka's home address. The house itself was big in scale with a two car garage attached to the side on a large property with a front yard and spacious backyard behind the wooden fencing. It was obvious that the family Yunaka comes from had modest wealth. Several bikes and a couple cars were parked in the driveway.

Taking a deep breath Senji lead the others up to the front door where a couple tall boys talking away were standing. Their attention was drawn to the group, halting them from proceeding.

"Hold up now. Just who are you-?" The brunette started before shutting up at the sight of Kaito.

"I'm Senji. I was personally invited by Yunaka herself. Ayame here is my uh, m-my partner and Kaito here was given approval to show up from Yunaka if he was interested." Senji explained. Kaito crossed his arms, shrugging his shoulders.

"O-oh well then head on in! Just chill out, have fun and no fighting or drama got it??"

"Of course."

Senji, Ayame and Kaito entered the house. The main lights were dim but several strings of multi-colored lights were strung about the walls. A set of stairs led up to the second floor where a group of people were chatting. The downstairs was spacious and wide open from the living room towards the dining room and brightly-lit kitchen towards the back of the house. A single long table with several red cups was set up. Various drinks both soft and alcoholic littered the dining room table. Most of the many guests were already drinking too. Kaito noticed three boys in jackets sporting the volleyball team logo were crowing the long table. He smirked and bumped Senji's arm with his elbow.

"I found my targets to humiliate. You two go have fun. I'll be around." Kaito said before taking off.

Senji and Ayame especially felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people and loud music echoing throughout the halls and rooms. Before they could even begin to figure out where to go, Senji's anxiety rose when approaching the two of them was a girl sporting a low-cut pink t-shirt adorned with black stars, black waist-high jeans and pink tennis shoes. Her expression went from ecstatic to disgust. It was none other then the host herself, Yunaka.