18. Love is...(The Final Chapter)

Authors note: It has been a long couple of months. During this short time I have grown close to the community here on Honeyfeed as well as the world of this story! I would hate to end it all here but every good thing comes to an end! I do want to let you all know that this will not be the official end to the whole story! With all your help we could push and continue this fun narrative in the near future! Of course anyone who had a good time with this story I would highly recommend you all to send your likes and vote for this story!  I will also update in the future hopefully with a final authors note! Thanks so much and enjoy this final piece of the Electric Heart Club!

Day : 7 

Final Day

???

Kenzo was not sure where he was or what was going.

He found himself sitting in a space of complete darkness, a complete vacuum of anything recognisable.

Woah, some time where time and space seems non existent?

Either this is a dream or death.

Whatever it is, it gives him a good opportunity to take a breather and refresh himself, go over the crazy whirlwind of the past week.

Kenzo chuckled as his mind flooded through the memories.

It was hectic, to put it lightly.

And yet, if he had a word to describe the last few days.

Fun.

It might have been filled with dark thoughts, doubts and drama that bothered the shit out of him.

But if it were not for all that, he could not come across a crazy group of people all of with their own issues, and had brought a whole new perspective to what struggles people were going through.

He could not reflect on his current relationships and make the necessary improvements needed.

He might have felt lonely having being one of the only person without a name on his watch, but after hearing other people's personal struggles', it brought a sense a maturity he felt he did not have before the week.

"What do you think love means?"

With the booming of an anonymous voice, Kenzo felt that his current state shifted into a whole new environment.

He was perched on top of what seems to be a cloud, the white wisps stretching the floor he was on in all directions as far as the eye can see.

Well damn if this is not a dream, I must be in heaven. Cool of god to have let me die pretty peacefully in my sleep...did not even notice.

"what do you think love means?"

The omnipresent voice boomed again across the barren environment, Kenzo frantically searching for the source but to no avail.

"Is this like a test where if I answer wrong I reincarnate wrong or get sent to hell? I mean I would like to know the stakes if I am going to answer a question like this with a very ominous voice booming around me."

The voice sighed.

"I will give you today to figure this out..."

That was the last thing Kenzo heard before his eyes snapped open, his body immediately erect, panting as he adjusted to the feel of his bed and being back in his room.

It was just a dream.

The dream did feel damn real...wonder who that voice belonged to?

Ah well if anything, dramatic mysteries that would be hopefully solved later is always fun.

Kenzo took a breath and slowly got himself ready for the start of the new week of school.

He glanced at a poster that was placed nicely on his desk, in contrast to the rest of his desk's contents.

Something he worked hard on the evening after coming back from the tournament.

He smirked, made a silent prayer in his head that he could put the poster up and decided to nicely place it in his school bag before he made his way out of his room.

It was the final day for him to submit members for the club.

He had gotten a confirmed yes from Daiki, Hiro and Naoko.

Including him there was four.

The needed starting member count was six.

He sighed.

He had tried and kept himself super active in the seven days he was given to grab as many people as possible.

Four was a really good total, considering he only really had Daiki to count on.

He was hoping they could give him an extension given that he had gotten almost to the goal, but unless he somehow got two more today, he was not sure if the club will even take off.

Ah well considering this is the final day, it is time to give in to the promises that have been kept hanging, starting with introducing his family properly.

Kenzo made his way to the breakfast table, to see his dad cooking a storm, and his mom in business attire, her eyes intensively drawn to the news she was watching on her watch.

"Well son, it was about time you gave us a time of your day!" His dad cheerily called out.

Mom smiled seeing her son walk in, and motioned for him to sit next to her, her watch dictating it for him in a robotic voice.

Looks like her watch was working perfectly fine. It was acting up during the holidays when her robotic voice was not working. She had to go have it updated to touch it up. 

Kenzo's mom had always a speech impediment. It gotten worse as she grew up and she eventually became mute when she was in middle school. The best doctors could not understand what her issues were (which is insane considering they could pretty much cure anything) and they had to give up. Her school life was not something she was proud of, and it was thanks to her individual strength and support from Kenzo's dad that she was able to come out of that turbulent time of her life whole.

Not that Kenzo knows the details, but he imagined the cliché bullied child with a perceived different viewpoint of life to their classmates eventually becoming successful type of storyline would best describe his mom's past.

Not that he minded making that comparison, he saw her as a beacon of love and hope, and a testament to the strength she had.

"Hey Kenzo!!" Jack yelled, sitting at the dining table and waving frantically at Kenzo.

Kenzo's mom looked like she was going to snap the chopsticks she was using to eat her morning breakfast into half.

Well if there was one thing that could push her to the edge, it was uncle Jack.

Kenzo's dad was all smiles as he joined the other three at the table, the four of them there at the same time.

As Jack was chugging his food down and Kenzo's mom stared disgustingly in his direction, Kenzo's dad turned to talk to his son.

"How is the club plans going son?"

Kenzo chuckled seeing Jack's antics before answering his dad.

"Today will be the final day to find out, either I go out in a bang or hit the brakes and it all ends..."

Kenzo tried to say the last few words with his cheerful attitude but his voice cracked, the internal emotions he is feeling seeing he was so close to the end of the line, but not yet there.

His mom picked up on that and then had her watch try and cheer her son up.

"If you are trying to put up a tough act, do not and be open with us. Bottling your feelings up and hiding it from us just makes communication harder. I know you were sneaking and floating around the topic of your love life, but know that it is never everything. What matters is the friends and the experiences you gain everyday, a random name on your watch will not change that."

Kenzo smile quivered, as his mom's bluntness hit him harder than he expected.

"No matter what happens by the end of today, you are my son. I will not let you give up on love. I did not and look at us, removing this American bastard from the picture..."

"...Hey!"

"...We are happy together, in the present. Now...would you want a family hug?"

Kenzo could not refuse that offer, and got up to hug his mom, who returned the favour smiling.

"Lemme squeeze in!" Kenzo's dad ran over across the table and piled on, wrapping them both in his arms.

Jack was smiling seeing the scene, before he heard a robotic voice pop off from the bundle of people.

"You can also join idiot..."

"Lets goo!!" Jack yelled as he heaped across the table and crashed into the three of them, sending them all four sprawling on the floor.

Kenzo and his dad were laughing their ass off as they laid on the floor, as Jack was sheepishly staring at Kenzo's mom, her gaze angry enough to end his bloodline right then and there.

Day: 7

Morning

Hiro POV

"Thanks for yesterday Rin."

"You still don't need to go to school today, you stopped Epsilon and his wacky gang already. You deserve a day off."

Rin was inside Hiro's room, both of them sitting across from each other on the floor, all ready to go for school, just counting the minutes before departing.

"I am all good Rin don't worry, just wanted to thank you for convincing to bring Sakura and everyone. I thought you were going to skip my fights for some reason seeing that you did not initially show up..."

Rin chuckled as she shook her head.

"Gave you a good scare huh? Would've been funny to see your distraught face, but I am a woman of my word, and I will not skip out on something as important as that was for you."

Hiro nodded and then smiled, remembering how they all came to cheer him up.

How the nickname Elephant and its bad connotations were fading, at least for the people he directly helped.

"I guess I have to thank Sakura and Kenzo when I have the chance..." Hiro got up and started making his way out.

"Hey bro!"

He whipped around to face his sister who called out to him, only to be enveloped in a hug from her.

"I am proud to be your sis...I know we have not seen eye to eye on things but I feel like I am starting to worry less for you. This new you I am seeing is really good, and I wish you the be!"

Hiro smiled warmly as he returned the hug. 

This felt nice.

Hiro then remembered how these things were happening since he agreed to join that club.

As much as he did not want to admit it, his 'rival' Kenzo has done him more good than bad.

I mean, what good is a protagonist if he does not have a great supporting cast of friends.

Friends...

Well he should pay Kenzo a visit at school when he gets the chance. 

He bid farewell to his sister as he made his way outside the door, a large grin on his face, only to come face to face with Epsilon.

"what?? What are you doing here?"

Epsilon smirked and waved at Hiro.

"I have come to tell you what you want to know as promised since you won the deal. I am a man of my word."

Hiro nodded, remembering the promise.

"Spill it."

Epsilon nodded before moving off to lead him along the path to school, Hiro followed, keeping his distance in case something bad happens.

Day: 7

Morning

Naoko POV

Naoko's head was slightly hurting.

Not that it mattered, her grinding and research had her learn way more than she expected to learn about her family's connections with the government.

Honestly, the crazy ramblings of Daiki actually proved fruitful to her.

She now came back like she did a YouTube iceberg lore deep dive and had come across just how deeply entrenched the government is with her parent's company.

Especially concerning the Maurk company being responsible for the cameras and surveillance all over the city, even making gadgets like the tiny camera for Daiki's eye.

She knew that her company was therefore straight up responsible for the eyes in the sky ability the government has over the people.

That terrible revelation had sunk into her and it left her burnt out and tired.

She sent a well meaning note to Hiro congratulating him on his win and to explain how she felt sick for and can't come school Monday, yet she did still feel guilty for not being able to meet up with him.

She had hoped she could make it to his house after the tournament, but he was resting from a huge fight and she was feeling slightly ill after pushing herself to research like crazy.

She currently had her eyes closed as she rested in her bed, her thoughts phasing through the memories of the week.

She had to hand it to Kenzo and Daiki, not only for giving her a chance to find someone she could potentially be in a relationship but giving her a way to actually articulate how controlling her parents and life felt.

She smiled, her thoughts drifting to Daiki.

What a dork, but he is sure is something.

Knowing her class and her looks, most guys were really creepy to her at school. Even if they tried to be nice to her, she felt she could read through their intentions.

With Daiki though, what felt like after a long time, she is able to discuss a part of her that she kept wrapped and not be forced to feel vulnerable or weird.

He had a good head on his shoulders, and he was definitely someone who could directly relate to her being in the same class as she was.

I mean if he is in the club of Kenzo's, I will see him again...and Hiro too...

this club is starting to sound like a better idea the more time passes.

She let out a sigh as she slowed her breathing, trying to get some rest and hoping that the next time she gets to meet the guys again, she would be able to explore more of herself.

Day: 7

Morning

Airi POV

Airi was not sure how to feel about the fight yesterday.

Granted it allowed her to be able to form a sort of personal connection with Hiro's team and also gave her a better excuse to reconnect with them in a form of an apology.

Beyond just the investigation though, it proved to be helpful, like it felt like there was suddenly a good use for this particular skill.

In a weird way, it felt cathartic for her to put her martial arts practise to good use. Something she had strived to practise and perfect in the name of bringing justice if the time calls for it. To be able to use it on a big stage for her investigation gave her a sense of relief, that all her training was not useless after all. 

She recalls one of the things she noticed while captured by the four guys few days back was that the life and events revolving around herself and others felt like a narrative of sorts, as if someone was pulling all the strings.

This tournament being another example.

Food for thought for another time, she thought as she now stood out on Aoi's street, ready to apologise to her.

As much catharsis she earned, she also wanted to make sure Aoi was ok, and that they were chill after it all.

It didn't take her long to come across Aoi who was making her way to school.

She looked well rested, but the tiredness from yesterday was still evident on her face, she offered a cautious smile, not expecting to come across Airi.

"Hey there...did not expect to see you here..."

Airi tipped her deerstalker hat at Aoi, to acknowledge her.

"Hey want to apologise for yesterday, the fight was really crazy and I felt like an asshole beating your ass after your boyfriend was in the sickbay, so...I am sorry."

Aoi gave a small smile at Airi's attempt at an apology.

"Harsh wording but...it was the rules, I am just glad you played by it." 

Airi nodded, they stood facing each other for a split second, unsure where to take this next.

"Actually I wanted to also expand on that...you see normally I would not play along with whatever crazy plans delinquents like Epsilon would cook up. I played along because I want to find out something further beneath everything, and knowing you I felt that I could maybe...I don't know...trust you?"

Aoi was not sure what Airi was on about.

Further beneath the delinquent system? Whatever that is sounds important...I don't know if I want to even find out...

"Well I wish you luck with that...I also do empathise with your past. It seemed like you studied your arts because you might have some underlying trauma from police hurting you in the past? I want to clarify my dad was and is never corrupt and I hate to have hurt your feelings if I did..."

"Woah ok Aoi, you don't need to go that far, I am not some idiot who generalises group of people with a label, granted I have my biases but I study people first before making judgements." Airi said that proudly, puffing out her chest.

"What about delinquents?"

"That is a separate matter...maybe there is good in them but I have to find that out myself." Airi interjected, stopping the train of thought.

Aoi and Airi chuckled, both catching on the hypocrisy.

"C'mon it is like calling yourself a criminal, labelling yourself as a rebel already is sus..."

Aoi put her hands up smirking "No no I agree, just if you want to make it up for me, give people like Hiro a chance, there might be more that meets the eye, especially considering he is on your watch..."

Airi nodded along with what Aoi suggested.

"I will consider that, thanks Aoi for your time, hope we can catch each other again where we are not beating each other's ass."

A chuckle from Aoi as she then continued on her path to school, letting Airi simmer with the thoughts of being judgmental towards Hiro.

"Aoi?"

Aoi whipped back, having heard her name called out.

Airi sighed before finally making her decision.

"It would be nice if you could introduce me to Hiro."

Aoi eyebrows went up, before she broke into a smile.

"Sure!"

Day: 7

Morning

Epsilon POV

"I don't bite dumbass." Epsilon jested, noticing the space Hiro was keeping from him.

"Sorry if I am not acting like a shounen protagonist and forgiving you for your bullshit immediately asshole." snapped back Hiro sarcastically. "Have we not walked far enough for my home, what is it that you want to say?"

Epsilon finally stopped and then turned around, facing Hiro and grinning.

"Firstly want to congratulate you on your well deserved win, felt like you were on the ropes yesterday." Epsilon started. The frown on Hiro's face remained but he kept quiet, letting the guy speak.

"I know I might act insane, and I just want to reassure you I genuinely am." Epsilon continued, having seemingly a lot of joy dragging this on.

"Ok I get it Epsilon...you are crazy but you also are honourable and want to hold out on your bargain and you want to explain your stuff? Did I get it?"

Epsilon nodded excitedly, seeing Hiro was quick on the pick up.

"To clarify, Aoi's ex being a member of our group was not our idea. He was basically a kid of a government official who wanted to play delinquent and thus because we had to keep his parents happy, we were basically doing their bidding. The threats I levelled at you? It was last resort stuff to have the tournament happen and to show that we had his back all the way."

Giant lore drop alert had Hiro shocked.

Epsilon continued, seeing that Hiro was digesting what he was saying.

"They had us on a chokehold and unless we did our best and lost fair and square, he would make a fuss to his parents and we did not want powerful people on our asses. So after our loss, as shitty as it felt, we had a good enough excuse to tell them that things got too dangerous and we lost. The fact we lost will probably have the dude feel bored of hanging with us, not seeing us being cool anymore, and abandon us with zero tantrums. That was exactly what happened after our tournament defeat."

Hiro nodded along, before asking his questions to clarify things.

"So you did not really want to squash us and beat our ass?"

Epsilon cracked a teasing smile.

"Of course we wanted to, that was part of the fun. Don't worry, I scolded Shadow when we made sure after the tournament for what he did to your second in command, but I will say that this is not a peace treaty. Just a clarification on our grounds and we can go back to being mutually disinterested of each other."

To that Hiro seemed to agree.

"Did you plan on losing then? Your plan on getting the kid bored relied on you losing right?"

Epsilon shot for the first time, what seemed to be a genuine smile.

"I had a gut feeling that we would not win the fights, I was surprised we made it as far as we did. It was why partially I gave Airi a spotlight, partially so she could feel some form of satisfaction but also because I knew she was not up for the big leagues. Point being, even if we did win, it is a win win situation for us regardless. Either we win, get a better reputation and become a stronger gang and be able to push that kid out eventually, or we lose, drive up a motivation for my members to be better and get rid of the kid."

Having heard all this, the whole plan, despite the extremities of it (much like any anime school drama) made some sense to Hiro.

"Well, I cannot say I agree with what you guys did, but I am glad to go back to being mutually disinterested..."

Epsilon nodded.

"One last thing Hiro, the hacking of the watches with names. I heard you were curious about it and I will admit, I being heavily associated with a government kid meant that I had insight into that whole scandal."

A dramatic pause, to which Hiro held is breath, taking his time waiting for an answer.

"The government members themselves are fiddling with the watches, trying to put the people they want together. I don't know the details, but me and a couple other gangs are basically the middle man to allow members of the government official kids go on school grounds and find the victims they want to manipulate and then do so like Aoi's ex. This is all usually for the benefit of themselves."

Hiro's face was stoic, processing all the information being thrown at him.

"How do you know all this?"

Epsilon made a face, acting smug before answering.

"It helps having that ex and Shadow but most importantly, the person who could answer the intricate details and someone you would wanna look out for, is Airi. She is the GOAT in investigations and shit, she will have more answers."

Hiro made a face, his watch hand twitched hearing that name.

Hiro did a nod to acknowledge Epsilon holding his end of the bargain before making his way past him to go to school, muttering.

Of which Epsilon was able to catch some.

"I guess it is finally time I meet her..."

Day: 7

Morning

Airi POV

Airi and Aoi went over the fight yesterday as they walked together to school, or rather, what they could have improved.

 Airi was really keen on improving on her arts after hearing all the moves Aoi was telling her as they walked and the things she would have done differently.

"If I personally was more mentally prepared for the fact you learned anti police martial arts, I would have needed to readjust my arts for a couple days...my other arts are very rusty." Aoi was divulging, explaining her position and how specifically Airi won that fight.

While Airi's specific art is really effective for those who underwent Police martial arts training like Aoi, what Airi was lacking was any other battle knowledge that could allow her to counter a wider variety of move sets.

Airi got lucky with Aoi but if Aoi was, as she says, more aware and prepped of my specific arts, Airi would have been defeated easily.

"Thanks for the tips Aoi...I really did get lucky..."

The conversation then drifted to Kenji.

"How is Kenji?"

"Much better having been treated yesterday, he won't make it to school today but he is going to rest it off for a few days before making his way to school."

Airi nodded, glad to hear that he was at least taken care of.

Just as they reached the school gate, there leaning on the entrance wall, was the one person she was looking for.

"Looks like Hiro got the memo...he seems to be waiting for us for some reason..." Aoi commented out loud and she brought Airi with her and approached him.

His gaze, which was downcast, found Airi's when they came close to his proximity.

"Hey Hiro! I hope you are good! Kenji told me he is recovering smoothly...oh and I wanted to introduce you to someone who has been looking to talk you!"

Hiro nodded, acknowledging all that she said.

"Thank you Aoi, I will take care of Airi here from now on. Please have a good day and thank you for updating me on Kenji."

Aoi raised her eyebrows at him interjecting, but then realised that her work was cut for her so she decided to take his offer and dip into the school gratefully.

Airi and Aoi passed farewells and Aoi went inside, leaving Hiro and Airi with each other.

"So...I assuming you knew my name from the watch?"

Hiro nodded.

"Well the watch and the fact Epsilon told me to come seek you out to ask further questions."

Airi chuckled, before deciding to lean on the wall next to Hiro and addressing his obvious question hanging unasked.

"Epsilon and me have a transactional relationship. I am not committed to his Metal Fangs. I only use it to spur my investigation, but I assume you knew this."

Hiro nodded before saying his piece.

"I had an inkling you were not working completely under Epsilon, though the smartass did do his research and recruited you for that specific match up he had in mind yesterday. He may be an asshole but I cannot deny his planning."

A pause before they decided to talk about the elephant in the room.

"So... you are not going to ask about you being on my watch?" Hiro ventured the question.

Airi shook her head, before responding.

"I know you did not come all this way here to talk about that. You would want to know about the glitching watches and how the government plays into it, since it directly concerns you and your friends right?"

Hiro nodded, happy to see she was being open to information.

"Well here is the deal, I realise that I could use more of your skills for my advantage, so I will set out a proposal."

Hiro seemed ready to discuss options, his body language open and laid back, showing his cooperation.

"I have heard of a club you and your friends are a part of. Seems like it is not open yet but I wish to join it, so that I may have a direct insight into your delinquent dealings and the system itself, grant me that and you will get the information you seek."

Hiro paused for a second.

"...You mean Kenzo's club?" Hiro asked sceptically.

Airi waved her hand, not concerned about the details.

"I voided my membership with the Metal Fangs after yesterday since I was able to get a direct through line to talking to you. I am now open to joining a third party club that has nothing to do with your delinquent group directly. I am not joining a group like that again but it helps that you are a member in a school club where I can directly talk to you and not worry about doing delinquent tasks. Makes sense now?"

Hiro mulled over it before accepting that answer.

"And what would I get from you in return?"

Airi smirked.

"More on the school adults. There are those teachers and parents who are also trying to get to the bottom of the government like me. Some of them have decided to ask me to be their student rep in the school and do the on the ground research for them. I can give you insight into who wants to do what and maybe give you some of the answers you want from the glitching watches."

Hiro listened to hear, nodding along as he could see this work out between the two of them.

"I guess I should give the good news to Kenzo then...I will happily take your help, if it means we can both keep an eye on each other."

Airi smirked and struck her hand out. "It is a deal then Hiro."

He took her hand with a firm shake.

"Welcome to the club Airi."

Day: 7

Morning

Kenzo POV

Kenzo had approached the school gates, and he was surprised to see a much springier Daiki was waiting for him at the gate.

"Daiki?! You are here holy shit! Are you recovered enough from the fight?? Wait...how did you pull that fight off??"

Daiki beamed and playfully flexed his muscles.

"I had a good dude who trained me and all, told me the way to take it on and all, it worked out didn't it?"

Kenzo was flabbergasted yesterday after he heard the news of Daiki winning the second round for the 3v3. He was dying to know how and Daiki promised him the day they open the club, he will let him know.

"Well whatever black magic you pulled all props to you bro..."

A moment of silence as the two boys mulled over their last proper face to face meeting.

Kenzo broke the silence.

"You know, I wanted to apologise for being terribly harsh to you the last time we talked face to face. We have been friends for so long, but it took me way too long to realise that you were basically trying to make it up to me for what I did for you all those years ago. I wanted to be a villain and piss you off to sever that connection we had, but it ended up with you doing a fight tournament and..."

Daiki raised his hand to stop Kenzo, to which Kenzo respected.

"Do not apologise. I think you were correct in your assumption that despite everything, I was too lenient on what others did or said to me. I was losing my perspective and my voice. I was just working relentlessly for you that I forgot to look after myself, and my own personal goals. I thank you Kenzo because if it were not for that wake up call, I would have not found out or explored the way I did the past couple days and would have been a doormat my whole life..."

Kenzo's mind flashed back to what his uncle Jack said about the whole situation.

History repeats itself huh.

Kenzo gave a large smile and approached Daiki, wrapping him up in a hug.

"Whatever path you choose Daiki, I got your back. What is important though, it is the path that you want to go on, that is what matters..."

Daiki hugged Kenzo back, returning the gesture.

"And whatever you need help with, I will support you to, without compromising myself."

A moment passed, both boys embracing the fact that they have developed a further depth in their relationship.

"Oh my god!! Guys hugging?? This is a dream!"

The fujoshis in the school crowd entering school were loudly exclaiming at the sight.

This time Kenzo and Daiki did not break the embrace, happy to be in good terms again.

*****

Day: 7

Afternoon

The day was rolling by, and Kenzo was sat in his usual seat beside the classroom door.

He was contemplating the dream he had in the morning.

After this entire week, did he have an answer to the question of what is love?

He was still shuffling around school hours, trying to see if he can somehow score the last couple needed to join his club.

Although fruitless, he had noticed he did not even need to reach for the overcomplicated plots that he had gone for the week prior, despite still being rejected he was now way more confident in just approaching people in general.

It felt good.

However, he still was going nowhere with his recruitment.

I did not exactly have a plan for today, just was tired from everything yesterday...

He usually had a more selfish mindset of serving his direct purpose, but what he did for Hiro yesterday and all...it felt like something he would do for a true friend.

With no strings attached.

That also felt good.

Kenzo was not sure if there was ever going to be a karmic return for his good deeds, but instead of doing his roundabout asshole approach to helping people, he felt that he really connected with the audience and Hiro at that moment.

I guess this feeling is what Hiro was striving for.

His watch pinged and he stared at the notification, wondering who would be messaging him now.

He stared in disbelief for a few seconds, before leaping out of his seat in joy, yelling happily.

"Sit down Kenzo! Are you out of your mind you are in the middle of class! Actually please stand in the hall I will talk to you after class!"

Despite the rough reprimand from his teacher, Kenzo happily skipped outside and patiently waited for the class to end, his eyes still locked on his watch with a wide smile.

Hiro had just confirmed he had secured another member for his club.

Kenzo was buzzing with excitement and sent a message back.

Thanks a lot for that Hiro, I hope we can all meet up soon, congrats on the win again yesterday and I really hope Kenji is feeling better.

A pause and then he saw another message pop up from Hiro

So I guess you can call Kenji by his name instead of That Kid huh?

Kenzo chuckled before replying.

I typed it so didn't break my rules, but I will honour your promise of dropping that when I meet him again.

A laughing emoji followed through and then Kenzo let the conversation end there, breathing a sigh of relief.

Well I guess whatever good stuff we do does come around...all we need is one more.

*****

Day: 6

Afternoon

Sakura POV

Having to convince the community guys was pretty easy.

After hearing the plea from Rin (still not sure how she knows Sakura) and Kenzo, she decided to call in a community meeting with all the members who were present at the centre to meet.

Once they did, she spent some time explaining the scenario to everyone, how the tournament was a thing and how Hiro was protecting them.

They absolutely wanted to support the guy and so they went merrily along with Kenzo and Rin to show their support.

Seeing how she had some time to herself, Sakura wanted to do some research into the one thing that had bothered her about Kenzo...especially the outcast label.

 If  he was going to pretend he did not recognise it she felt like she needed to get to the bottom of it.

Whatever that fragment of memory that was, it felt like it was giving her a second chance of researching something. While her government and company research was on break after the awkward moment with Daiki, she felt like this was giving her a spark to research again.

If anything, this could lead to something she could bond over with Daiki again... 

She has not been able to reach him since last time, and she hopes to bridge that gap, and this gives her an opportunity to bring him something new.

She decided to sneak to the school's principal office. She was not a sucker for rules, and they probably had records of al things related to the students, especially concerning Kenzo.

Maybe an altercation or something recorded there could point her in the right direction.

Just as she reached the street leading to the school, wondering how to make her way in, she notices a blonde haired adult making their way through the school's entrance, his walk brisk informing Sakura that this individual had something important to discuss there at the building.

What is an adult doing on school grounds on the weekend?

*****

Day: 7

After school

Kenzo POV:

With the good news of the new member (ignoring the raw chewing out by his teacher) Kenzo came with more energy to convince more people, to see if he could find anyone without any club attachments who could make it to the club itself.

However, as the day drew closer to the end, Kenzo was seeing that finding that one final student was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Most if not all were either in a club or not interested, and as the final bell of the school day rang out, Kenzo knew that he had to report to the principal Ami regardless of his outcome.

As he was making his way to the office, trying to think of any excuse he could to cover his club from not having all the members, he suddenly came crashing into someone.

He was too focused in his own bubble that he did not notice the person.

He winced at the impact but it was not enough to knock him out.

He went to apologise but he came face to face with a very irritated Sakura.

"Woah...Sakura! Sorry about that but how are you so ass at guiding yourself?"

Sakura eyebrows shot up at the accusation.

"Me?! You are the blind one, acting all drunk and swaying around without looking where you were going!"

Kenzo took a breath.

"I am going to be the bigger man and end..."

flashbacks of Daiki echoed through his head.

"Holy crap! I wanted to talk to you earlier but with all the tournament bullshit I could not! How dare you break up with my boy Daiki huh?! Was he not wholesome enough for you?!"

"That is none of your business! Me and Daiki just paused our relationship and we are still figuring it out! Now get out of my way I have to go to the principal's office!"

Sakura side stepped Kenzo and made sure to keep a fast pace to get away from Kenzo as fast as possible.

Ah well...she is right it is not my issue, though I swear if I did not bump into her like this we probably could have had a calmer conversation about it...wait principal office?? That is where I am headed!

It took Sakura a few moments to see that Kenzo was silently matching her pace right behind her.

"The hell? Why are you following me??"

"I promise you it has nothing to do with you, I just need to report to the principal about my club and then I'll be gone..."

The pair was enveloped with an awkward silence as they both made their way to the office and barged their way through the door.

Ami the school principal was sitting on her desk, and noticing Kenzo, she sighed.

"Getting heavy deja vu here." she muttered.

Sakura went first, without letting Kenzo chip in yet.

"I want in, with your whole secret operation."

A moment passed.

"I am sorry what are you talking about miss? And who are you?" Ami posed the question.

Sakura did not bother answering the principals quires but instead chose to elaborate.

"I have noticed the blonde American making his way to your office yesterday, I had some business to take care of on school grounds but I listened in to what I would assume is a very private conversation..."

Ami's eyes went wide, feeling stupid that she was careless enough to have gotten their confidential meetups leaked to a student at school.

"Well if you want to talk about it why don't we usher Kenzo out of here..." Ami started, hoping to solve this issue before it escalated.

Sakura grabbed his wrist, the sudden contact made him yelp and triggered his mind into dreaming of his ideal girl, aggressive and dominant.

"He stays here, I was planning on recording this conversation to use as blackmail but he will be my witness to this conversation."

Ami sighed, seeing as she had no choice.

"I was careless...yes if you heard what we were talking about then it would make sense that you would use this against me, but what is it that you want?"

Sakura kept her eye contact with Ami, not breaking it to appear intimidating.

"I want in. I know you all discussed about having a student do the ground research for you guys, looking into the delinquent system...but I want in too. I have a grudge with the government like you all and I want to help."

Ami turned to see if Kenzo was in on this, but she could see it was all phasing through his head, his eyes apparently in dreamland.

Ami sighed before leaning back on her chair. She seemingly had no other choice and thus agreed.

"If you want further information on this you could contact the student we have under us...she would do great to help you out."

"Great what is her name?"

"Airi."

"Airi!"

Both Ami and Sakura turned to face Kenzo who basically yelled out loud, immediately noticing the name, snapped out of his hallucination.

"You know her Kenzo?" asked Sakura.

"Know her? Well not exactly but she is the new member who is going to join my club! Now I don't really care that much about all this conspiracy stuff you all are spinning..."

"Wait hold on." Sakura interrupted Kenzo, still gripping onto him to make sure she doesn't lose this opportunity, the gears in her head turning.

"How many members do you have in your club Kenzo?" Sakura asked.

Kenzo was a bit taken aback by her sudden question, but his mind was telling that this was something he needed to answer, if he wanted a good ending.

"Uhm we got space for one more since we are sitting at 5 members..."

"Right that's it then! I will work for you Ami and I will join their club, having a direct connection with Airi and having two of us be in close proximity of each other would make the work nice and fine for you won't it?"

Kenzo's jaw dropped, his ears only picking up 'joining'.

"I...suppose it would..." Ami was nodding along, seeing that having two willing students to help her out would work out much nicer than any other outcome of a student blackmailing her.

She really needed to double check that security integrity of their meetups from next time onwards.

Ami turned to Kenzo, who could not believe still what was happening.

"Congratulations Kenzo, it seems having you privy to this sensitive information would make communication between us and the members of your club easier, just make sure to pick an empty room and your club is open." 

Woah is this real?

"Pinch me Sakura because this cannot...Ouch!"

She was way ahead of him and did as he asked.

"Well then Miss, it was a nice negotiation and I hope to be able to do more for the future."

With that Sakura let go of Kenzo's hand and rushed out, with a Kenzo giddily following her, shouting exclamatory remarks in the hall.

Ami sighed to herself. She really blamed herself for being placed in such a stupid position, but she realised that with an extra pair of hands ready to help her out, maybe this deal with Jack could pan out well for her.

Only time can tell.

*****

"Yo thank you so much Sakura! I am sorry to have ever insulted you!"

"Don't mention it Kenzo...I have my reasons and..."

Sakura paused, her mood shifting to a more solemn one had Kenzo ease on the celebrations.

"I did it for Daiki's sake as well. Of course I want to do my investigation and all, but I do not want to leave things the way they were between me and Daiki...and I need to learn more about you too."

She then now intensely glared at Kenzo, who had a small inkling on what she was referring to.

"Yesterday I tried to find some information about your past and the word 'outcast', expecting no one to be on campus, but I stumbled upon the meeting the principal was having. I took this opportunity to negotiate and it went well for me, this club of yours will bridge the Airi and Daiki gap while also letting me find out more about you...I know for a fact you know what I mean and I plan to figure this out. I hate unanswered questions..."

Kenzo stood silent, maintaining a poker face.

Now was not the right time anyways for this.

Sakura sighed before turning around and departing from Kenzo, waving her hand as she strode off.

"See you soon club leader."

With that final farewell, he was all alone in the hallways again.

There will come I time when I open up about that, but not now...

Kenzo actually had one more thing to do.

He was looking for that particular wall he tripped on last week, where he saw the bulletin board of all the club posters.

He took a breath and reflected on the dream he had last night, asking him the question.

What is love?

He now was able to pinpoint that voice, it has been so long he had heard that it was difficult at first for him to grasp it, but with the answer to the question becoming more clearer, so did the voice.

It was his late grandad.

His grandad used to mean the world to him, he used to be his confidant and his best friend.

Now grandad, that is not fair...making me emotional about that time...that time I was given that name...

Kenzo brushed a tear from his eye, not sure if it was from happiness or from the sadness swelling from inside of him from that memory.

Thank you grandad, you are still looking out for me even now.

After going through how the past week went, he now had a good grasp on what love is.

Love is not just something that can be experienced in a whimsical fashion, nothing as superficial as dating. 

It was about the deep trust you have and the sacrifices you do for others. Love was not blind, it was very aware of the actions you took, yet you take them anyways because you know it will help the other person. Love is not something that can be just a name on the watch. It is the meaning you give to the name and what you do for this person. Love is not just romantic, it can be friendly as well.

The deep care that we all have the ability to share, and choosing to do, that is real love.

The Electric Heart Club.

Kenzo sighed as he took a step back, admiring the poster.

It was real.

It has started.

The original goal of his felt like a hazy memory at this point, but the idea of selfishly hiding the fact his watch was busted was long gone with so much revelations of the people in his club and their conditions.

Kenzo was sure there were others like him out there who needed the guidance and the actual friendship his club members (well most of them) provided.

And he will help them, no asshole roundabout way but with a genuine care.

He nodded as he looked at the poster one last time.

"See you all there at the club..." He muttered to himself, his smile permeating through.

Whatever huge deal comes from his club, he will have his members back and will do his best to help everyone who walks into those club doors, asking for any advice.

Be it for their search for the government stuff, for real love, or for company and friendship the club will be there to solve it all.

He heard a crash nearby and he turned to face the hallway, just to see a girl who looked like she was in the same class as him, lying face down on the ground.

She seemed to have tripped over a mop and a bucket.

Well if anyone should need to get a slice of life spinoff, it should be this janitor cause what in the world is he doing not doing his job?

Kenzo approached the girl and stretched his hand out to her, she looked like she was on the verge of tears over something and accidentally collided with the janitor's tools, not looking where she was going.

"Hey there! My name is Kenzo and I am the club leader here to heal your problems and worries! Are you alright?"

THE END