Chapter 4 - The (Un)official Alliance

Haruko stood there, breathless and stunned for what feels like the hundredth time today. The panic was starting to settle in her chest, she had just watched two of the main characters get kidnapped by large men in suits.

She stood rigid, fists clenching so tight her nails dug painfully into the palm of her hand. ‘Who were they…?’ The wheels were turning, she was going through the game thoroughly in her head trying to figure the situation out.

Her stomach knotted into a tight ball, she felt nauseous.

That's when it hit her, Shizuka Uehara. This must be her doing.

‘In the game, Takashi finds himself having a conversation with Shizuka about some sort of alliance…’ Haruko ponders. ‘That leads to them working together more and getting closer… this might be good in the end…?’

But what if it wasn't her… there was the slightest chance it could be the work of another gang that was threatening both their turfs.

Because why was Yukiko involved this time??

“W-What should we do???” Minami asks, much more evident with her anxiety. Her hands flailed, grasping at Haruko's arm to anchor herself from falling backwards, her knees quaked - threatening to give out at any moment. “Should we c-call the police??”

“No!” Haruko cuts in. “Uhh, n-no police. I'd rather not have them involved right now.” If it was her doing, she couldn't risk getting the girl in trouble. “Some of those men look familiar, they must be with that girl from last night…”She lied.

“Shizuka Uehara?” Minami frowns.

“Yea. We need to follow them.” It was a demand rather than a suggestion. “Let's go, Minami.” Haruko motions for the girl to follow.

Minami grabs her arm before she could run off, “H-Haru, wait. We could seriously get hurt…” She warned. “You heard what they said at lunch, it's dangerous..”

Silence. “It is dangerous…” Haruko spoke, they were both in agreement to that. “But think about it, those two were caught off guard when they were taken… that puts them at a disadvantage.”

“B-But–”

“T-They're our friends…” She continues. “I can't let them get hurt, knowing I could help out in some way…” Haruko uttered, her fists clenched tightly.

Minami was horrified. That much was obvious. But it was a valid reaction to the situation, Haruko couldn't hate her for that.

But the thought of what would happen afterwards… if the main characters were injured by other forces outside of the game's script; the unknown, scared her even more. She had the chance to control the situation because of experience as a player. She might as well use it.

“It's okay Minami, you don't have to come. I…I can go by myself–” Minami wraps her hands around Haruko's fist, surprising the taller woman. She rubs light on tense skin, waiting until Haruko calmed down at least.

Once her fist loosened, Minami held her hand gently. “Let's go help them.” Minami spoke.

“M-Minami…”

“But if it gets too dangerous we're both leaving and going to the police, okay??” Minami exclaimed. “You're such a good girl, Haru. That's what I like about you... Let's go save our friends.”

“Follow me.”

*

It was getting dark. Takashi could tell by glancing out one of the broken windows. He sighed heavily, trying to keep calm, all while Yukiko was struggling behind him. The two were bound to chairs by thick rope, sitting back to back.

“Calm down, Yuki.” Takashi spoke, unlike Yukiko who was going for brute force, he was trying to analyze the situation more by looking around.

They were definitely in some abandoned building. And by the looks of it, it seemed like an old school building that was left behind in ruins; most likely due to loss of funding.

“Don't tell me to calm down…!” Yukiko hissed, “Did we not just experience the same thing just now??”

There was no denying that they were kidnapped and confined by force. But by who?

There wasn't much time to ponder when they heard a door slide open. Yukiko, being held behind him, was the first to see who it was. And she was fuming.

“It would be you– what the fuck do you want with us, you bitch..!??” Yukiko exclaimed, getting even more worked up than before, causing both their chairs to creak and wobble.

“Yuki…! Stop it!” Takashi frowns, he tries to get a glimpse of who it was, turning his head slightly. “Uehara…” He grimaced.

“You should listen to your good-for-nothing brother and calm down.” Shizuka snickers. “Might break the chairs.” She says, watching in amusement as Yukiko struggled to free herself from the binds.

Takashi watches closely as Shizuka walks around before taking a seat across from them. His vision was shaken when Yukiko moved around, moving him around with her. “You don't get to tell me what to do, Uehara!” Yukiko snapped back angrily. “You'd better tell us what you want this instant, so help me i'll–”

“You'll what? Throw your shoe at me? Whip your hair around? I'm so scared.” Shizuka mocked before resting her chin on folded hands. Leaning her elbows against the table between them.

“What do you want…?” Takashi sneered.

A pause. “I require your assistance.” Shizuka admits.

Yukiko and Takashi froze just from her words. Wondering if they heard her correctly.

“You what??”

“Require your assistance.” She repeated for them, raising a curious brow. “Was that not easy enough for you to understand, or….?”

“Just–” Takashi grunts, rolling his eyes. “What makes you think that we would help you?”

“Because, this involves both of our family's groups.” Shizuka states. “Or are you two unaware of the external threat that has formed on your own territory?”

“What external threat?” He frowns, meeting her gaze, stern and attentive. “What are you going on about…?”

“...” Shizuka leans back into her seat, massaging the sides of her temple lightly. “Have you heard of Ishikawa-kai?”

“Ishikawa-kai…?” Yukiko repeated slowly, trying to wrap her head around the whole conversation.

“I'm surprised they're unheard of, considering this syndicate formed under your territory.” Shizuka exclaimed lamely. “It's not proven information just yet but the group supposedly consists of Noriko Ishikawa and her brother, Kou Ishikawa.”

“Those two??” Takashi grumbles, seemingly unimpressed. “What's so threatening about those two?”

“Rumor has it, they don't fight fairly–”

“Hitting my brother with a metal pipe when he wanted to just talk, that's fighting fairly to you?” Yukiko scoffs.

Shizuka rolls her eyes, she chooses to ignore her statement and press on. “Their methods of operating are unconventional and honestly, downright unethical.”

“And that pertains to us, why?” Takashi asks. It was a genuine curiosity, smaller syndicates form on their turf, it happens, but they're usually good at controlling the community.

“They are killing people.” Shizuka deadpans. “Not just those of other syndicates, but innocent bystanders as well.”

“What?? How? We notice when people are getting hurt, we would definitely notice if they're being killed.”

“They are killing them on the inside.” Shizuka states, tossing down a small packet full of what seemed to be a gray powdery substance. “Lunar dust, that's what people are calling it. Causes heightened alertness and energy. And gives people a high unlike any other drug, causes a sense of euphoria that sends people ‘to the moon’ as some claimed. Hence the name Lunar Dust.”

“How is it– what does it do to people?? The side effects…”

“The side effects are quite devastating, from what I've examined. If too much is inhaled it could most definitely damage your lungs, considering some parts of the particles are sharp and abrasive… people are decaying from the inside and the public eye is unaware of that.”

Yukiko and Takashi stare at the gray substance, both just as baffled as the other. Shizuka continues.

“This was a problem that stemmed from your territory, but now it is invading mines. So unfortunately, it has become my problem as well. That group is a danger on its own, even without the drugs, their way of handling inconveniences is just as bad and inhumane. As the children of two respectable syndicates, we must put an end to this nonsense. We cannot allow them to tarnish the reputation of other groups and spread this decay they deem a drug.” Shizuka says sternly.

“I-It's– they're actually killing people??” Takashi asks, he was in disbelief. Drugs weren't unheard of, sure. But they were actually offing people that got in their way? “What about your father?? Can't he put an end to the circulation of drugs in your turf?”

“You can only do so much with pests that invade your community, it's best to deal with it from the source. And besides, my father has other pressing matters to attend to, I will not pester him with some pesky little college group that thinks they're hot shit just because of some drug.” Shizuka huffs, crossing her arms. “And I'm sure you two can agree with that… so now then, will you work with me to take them down?”

“...” Takashi bit down on his lip lightly, looking between Shizuka and the drug that lay between them. He glances back at Yukiko to see she was pondering as well. “...Fine.” he answers. “We will help you, but firstly we need to prioritize our friends safety by warning them about that drug and the syndica–”

CRASH

Takashi was cut off by a loud bang, the door behind them having fallen forward and dropped to the ground.

The three turn abruptly towards the sound, directing their gaze to the two women that came tumbling in with the door. Haruko and Minami sprawled out on the ground, both grumbling in pain.

“Oww…” Haruko rubbed her shoulder in pain.

“I knew that door was suspicious.” Minami whimpers, she rubs her hip to ease the pain. Both women scrambled to get up when they noticed attentive eyes on them.

“What the– what are you two doing here..!??” Takashi questioned in shock.

“H-Haruko…!” Yukiko was more relieved to see her, she couldn't help the small smile on her face. This gained a curious glance from her brother. “Uhhh– why are you here??”

“Oh thank God. You're both okay.” Haruko heaves in relief when she notices it was Shizuka that was with them.

...

Oh. It was Shizuka with them.

“How did you find this place…?” Shizuka asks, her tone dangerously low and threatening. She glares intensely at the two ahead of them.

“We… uhh… we…” Haruko tries, beginning to fall apart under Shizuka's gaze. There, in front of them; a goddess. Mature, with a sleek-curvacious build. Full red lips on a pale sharp yet soft face. And black long hair that fell elegantly past her shoulders. Haruko was entranced, she knew Shizuka was beautiful but seeing her up close again and out of a crowd.. She was simply gorgeous.

And that made her nervous. Unbelievably nervous.

“That doesn't matter at the moment…!” Minami cuts in, trying to continue. “You kidnapped our friends…! Why'd you–” she flinched. Shizuka stood up abruptly, her chair making a loud screeching sound as she approached them.

Minami hid behind Haruko now, her knees quaking in fear. “W-Why'd you do it..?” she asks, her tone soft and shaken.

“That's none of your concern…” Shizuka stated, walking up to the two, getting dangerously close for their liking.

“It… It is our concern.” Haruko clears her throat, standing her ground. She tries to meet Shizuka's eyes, dark orbs staring into light blue. Haruko averts her gaze nervously. “What did you want with them…?”

“Haruko, do not get involved…” Yukiko calls out wearily. “Just turn around and go home, we're fine. We'll see you tomorrow–”

“N-No…” Haruko swallows the tight knot in her throat. “We were so worried about you two. I almost had you, Yukiko, but you slipped out of my fingers. I can't just back down and risk losing you again.” She had said it with friendly intentions. It was a relief that it was Shizuka that was behind the whole thing but still, Yukiko wasn't involved until afterwards.

A warm feeling flushes over Yukiko's face, her cheeks tinted red. 

"Hmm... You're that girl from yesterday." Shizuka says, looking closely at Haruko's face. "I've never seen you around them before, maybe her-" she motions to Minami, "- but not you."

"I-I'm new." Technically the truth. "And apparently, trouble, considering I was sent to the police station on my  (technically ) first day of school." She frowns, thinking about the many hours she spent at the station, for no good reason aside from being in the wrong place at the wrong time. "All because of your silly little fight... I think I'm allowed to be a concerned friend."

"Stop. Don't press her-- just - W-We just don't want you to get hurt..." Takashi admits, avoiding eye contact. He knew very well that if he saw their faces, he would crack under pressure and tell them everything right then and there, "We'll tell you later, just please..."

“You could seriously get hurt…” Yukiko tried.

“I mean… w-what's the worst that could happen?” Minami shrugs, trying to be a bit playful but still nervous. She offered a slight smile.

“You could die.” Shizuka deadpanned. “And that's not even the worst thing that could happen to you.” She began to casually twirl around a few strands of her hair, growing bored of the conversation. She came to make a deal with the Hasegawa's, simple as that, not the nitty gritty stuff.

“...” The two women share a look, hesitant to respond.

Well, Minami was.

“... I'll die then.” Haruko said boldly, she wasn't too worried about it, considering she's not important to the story.

It did make her wonder though… what if she did die in the game??

The Hasegawa's look up at her in awe, yet both baffled by the response.

“Oh? Really now…?” Shizuka looked up as well, but she was more amused than anything. “These syndicates…You could be abducted, tortured, etcetera.” It was an attempt to scare them off, she shouted nonsense that wasn't totally true. “They could sell your body, harvest your organs all while keeping you alive.”

Haruko stood her ground, swallowing hard but standing tall. Minami on the other hand, cowered in terror. Her knees quake as sweat beads down her forehead.

“Still willing to be involved…?”

“N–”

“Yes.” Haruko spoke, cutting Minami off. She already knew that this was a fear tactic, she's seen her use it on Takashi in the game. Haruko hissed in pain when Minami slapped the back of her arm. “O-Ouch..!”

“One moment…” Minami tells the three, she grabs Haruko's wrist and drags her to the far corner of the room where they could talk. “H-Haruko… are you crazy??” She exclaimed, shaking the other woman haphazardly. “D-Did you not just hear what she said just now? It's crazy enough that you just somehow found this place, but for you to just agree with being invovled…? I don't know…”

“Minami…” Haruko was surprised, Minami really did care about her safety. The other woman could've easily left already, but she stayed this far.

“You just moved back to Japan… what good would this experience be if you'll just end up dead…?” Minami added. “For people you barely know too??”

“I… I'm scared too.” Haruko admits quietly, this was the first time she's ever told anyone how she was feeling at that moment. “I'm very scared as well… yet I-I can't just let them handle this on their own…”

“Haru…”

“You know me, Minami. My heart means well, I can't let this down if that's what they're up against.” Haruko continues. “We can't just stand off to the side and wait for something to happen to them.”

Minami stares up at her, concerned in her eyes, yet she still continues to listen. Taking in all her words.

“I know you're scared, I am too.” She confirmed once more. “ They're probably just as scared too, don't you think…? And I'd like to believe that as long as we're together, we'll keep each other safe and out of trouble.”

Haruko notices a green plus sign pop up above Minami's head, watching it briefly. The symbol dispersed just as fast as it appeared. ‘That must be for friendships…?’

“I trust you, Haru… If you're sure we can keep each other alive, then I believe we can.” Minami spoke, she squeezed Haruko's hands slightly for reassurance.

“Thank you…” Haruko couldn't help but smile down at the woman. Even when the tensions are high, she's still able to feel warm due to Minami's friendship.

They stood back in front of Shizuka after coming to an agreement. “We're sure we want to help…” Haruko spoke sternly, feeling a little more brave with Minami by her side.

“Interesting…” Shizuka hums, “We'll then… if you'd please have a seat beside your friends.” She motions lazily to the chairs beside the two. “And I will fill you in on the situation.”

“Uhhh… right.” Minami nods. They take their seats beside the siblings.

“Before I begin. My name is Shizuka Uehara.” Shizuka says, polite and prim.

“A pleasure to meet you. My name is Minami Okamura.”

“Y– Haruko Kisaragi.” Haruko mumbles, she rubs the back of her neck nervously. “We kind of heard a few things when we were by the door. But if you could just run it back to us?”

“Of course.”

“Wait, can't you untie us now?? We can be civilized here… There's really no need for us to be tied u–” Takashi was cut off.

Ignored. Shizuka begins to debrief the details to Minami and Haruko again. Explaining the whole situation with the new syndicate that had appeared.

“Ishikawa-kai…?” Haruko repeated in confusion. “What is the -kai part…?”

“Basically an organization, or society.” Shizuka answers. “What we're both in.” She motions to herself and the siblings. “The group consists of Noriko and Kou Ishikawa…” she adds in.

‘Noriko and Kou Ishikawa…??’Haruko wondered. ‘The other group…?’ They were putting names to faces that never had any before.

“Oh. What a coincidence.” Minami gasps. “We have them in our math and history class.” She motions to herself and Haruko. “Wouldn't that mean… would Chisako Adachihara be a part of things? Considering they always hang out…?”

“I wouldn't cross her off the list of their members, yes.” Shizuka nods. “It's possible, we'll just have to see, won't we?”

“Well shouldn't that be easy? Isn't Chisako your girlfriend, Takashi?”

“Ex-Girlfriend. She dumped him.” Yukiko states, wincing when Takashi kicks at her leg out of embarrassment.

“I can see why.” Shizuka scoffed. Takashi clicked his tongue and glared at her harshly. She pats the table to gain their attention again. “Back to why I brought you two here in the first place.”

“Fine.” “Whatever…” The siblings muttered in unison.

“I propose we make an alliance.” Shizuka ordered. “Before they become an actual threat to both our syndicates. All while tackling the drug situation as well.” She motions to the little packet on the table.

Haruko was in awe of the whole thing, the situation has never been laid out in depth before. She just knew an Alliance was formed, hearts were combined and rivals became lovers. It was pretty much glazed over, so this was interesting.

“And how do you suppose we do that…?” Yukiko stares at her blankly.

“Perhaps with their own unethical method? Kill them?”

“We can't just blatantly kill them out of the blue…” Takashi rolled his eyes. “We don't know what they're capable of, nor how dedicated their followers are… we don't even know if that's the actual main source.” he shakes his head in disagreement with that plan. “You already know both our groups, you should know we don't work that way either… our values are different but we prefer peace over violence.”

“How would you suggest we handle the situation then…?” Shizuka asks, she crosses her legs and leans forward. Resting her chin against intertwined fingers again as she listens closely to suggestions.

Haruko thought about the options in the game, well, if there were any. And after hearing the names involved, she's reminded of an excerpt from Swan Lake. “We could… trick them…?” She says hesitantly. It was definitely a stretch, but it was an idea since there was Chisako, Takashi's ex, and Noriko.

He'd probably be able to make them swoon. Hopefully.

“And how would we do that…?” Shizuka asks, staring directly at Haruko.

Haruko pauses. Her lips pressing into a thin line as she ponders hard. “Umm… Black Swan?” She says, kind of hoping someone would get the reference.

“What?” Takashi was confused.

Same with Yukiko.

“Oh lord, not this again.” Minami chuckles lightly.

‘What does she mean by that?? What kind of girl is Haruko Kisaragi…’ Haruko wonders. “Well… since you don't want to actually kill them, the harmless direction would be to harm their relationship with one another. It's like Swan Lake in a way… one of us seduces two of them and if it all plays out well they–”

“They'll ruin their own relationship.” Shizuka finished when she realized where Haruko was going with the suggestion. “I see… that's definitely an interesting way of dealing with that syndicate.”

“What about the drug issue…?” Minami asks, motioning to the packet hesitantly. “I wouldn't want to accidentally breathe that in… and considering it's spreading around quickly, we'll never know when to expect that.”

“That bit we're going to have to wait on.” Shizuka shakes her head. “The most we can do is warn our own members and tell them to spread the word discreetly. But that in itself could lead to the Ishikawa-kai finding out about our awareness of them.” She rubs the temple of her head, thinking. “And unfortunately, there may even be rats in our own syndicates…”

“No way.” Takashi frowns. “Maybe in yours. But not in ours…”

“You’re saying you trust all your members, 100%.” Shizuka raised a curious brow in his direction. “No one has ever defied you, or argued against your word before?”

“Well…”

“Enough said.” Shizuka hums. “The hesitance was all I needed to hear. This stays between us.” She demanded. “Now pray-tell, who out of the five of us, would be able to seduce two of them?” She looks at Haruko now, amusement expressed on her face.

“Oh! We'll, u-uh I was thinking Takashi??” Haruko admitted. “S…Since he's dated Chisako.”

“Woah, no.” Takashi coughs. “Uhh Chisako would not date me again…” he says sheepishly.

“Whaaat? Weren't you two a hot couple…?” Minami questions.

Haruko was in agreement with her, wasn't Chisako still interested in him? Because she was still an option in the game. It was a complicated route, but it was still available. What could've happened?

“Look at him.” Shizuka motions. “There's not much to begin with, if anything we should be questioning why she agreed in the first place… good on her, she saw that she was making a big mistake and wanted out quickly.”

“Shut up.” Takashi snapped back in annoyance, he glared in her direction before shaking his head. “We… had a disagreement, it built up into a big one that had some… colorful name calling and ended there. No longer on good terms.”

‘Interesting… how bad was this disagreement…’ Haruko thought, tracking her memories of the game again to figure out the supposed disagreement. Her mind wandered on its own.

“To simplify it, she hates him.” Yukiko stated plainly. “And because I'm his sister, she hates me too. Probably as much as she hates him. The downside of being siblings.” She rolls her eyes.

“Wow! My own sister.” Takashi huffs. “Can't even trust your own blood!”

“So you're both useless then.” Shizuka snickers. “As per usual.”

“What? What did you say??” Yukiko hissed, struggling with the binds again. Her tone rose in frustration.

“Everyone knows I'm straight…” Minami cut in before they could argue more. “And I'm 100% not Kou's type so…”

“They don't know me, and I don't know them. And would like to continue not knowing them, personally. ” Shizuka hums. “So… that would leave you, wouldn't it?” She tells Haruko.

“Oh…” Haruko mentally cussed at herself, she didn't think the plan would backfire onto her. “E-Eh?? Me??”

“Shouldn't we consider sexualities…” Takashi says suddenly.

“What is your sexuality then, Kisaragi?” Shizuka questions.

Haruko thought back on it, on her, well Yuu's past interests. She's dated a few boys before but… “I… I like girls.” she admitted quietly. “I've dated boys, but I'm only interested in girls.”

“Oh…” Takashi's expressions drop a little, seemingly disappointed. “I see…that's great...”

Haruko was tensed by that, was he not accepting of her because of that…? The knots were forming in her belly again. A breath caught in her throat when she felt a hand caress her own. She looks at Minami hesitantly.

“It is!” Minami smiles. “You'll always have my support, Haruko.”

“Mina… thank you.” Haruko gasps, she could just cry. It was something she's always craved, the feeling of being accepted. Even if it was just one person to outright claim their support, it had the same impact as if a thousand did it.

“Perfect, so you have experience with both genders.” Shizuka smiles, “All we need to work on is the seducing part, then she'll be perfect for this.”

“Woah, wait. Shouldn't s-someone else see this through?” Haruko tried nervously, she couldn't be the main person for this job. It has to be Takashi or something. “Can't Takashi flirt with Kou and Noriko?”

“I'm sorry, I don't swing that way…” Takashi shook his head.

“We've all given valid points as to why we can't take on the role of this supposed ‘Black Swan.’” Shizuka tries as a persuasion tactic. “And it helps that you already have them in some classes.”

“I-I guess…”

“Then again… what if we kill them? Discreetly. ” Yukiko suggests, visibly bothered by the idea of Haruko trying to seduce others.

“Your brother said it earlier, we have no clue how crazy or dedicated their followers are. We don't need them going rampant on innocent bystanders to find the source of the murder.” Shizuka states as a reminder.

“I don't want her getting hurt..” Yukiko frowns, glancing at Haruko.

“I–... it'll be okay.” Haruko reassures her.

“It's decided then.” Shizuka nods. "She'll be our black swan."

*

After talking more on the situation, it was already getting pretty late. They discussed more on the new syndicate and maybe some other plans they could consider (on behalf of Haruko discreetly trying to get out of being involved,) the meeting was basically coming to it's end. And everyone was prepared to leave, mostly.

 “Show us what you got when it comes to flirting.” Shizuka spoke suddenly, staring at Haruko.

“R-Right now???”

“We have both genders here right now.” Shizuka hums in response. “Show us what you got.” She motions to the Hasegawa siblings.

On them?? “I-I don't know where to begin…” Haruko was becoming nervous under their judging eyes.

“Well, let's start with boys since you've dated them. He's not much but I suppose he'll have to do.” Shizuka spoke, referring to Takashi.

“What? No.” Takashi shook his head in disapproval. Rejecting the idea right away.

“Why not? Shouldn't we see if she's effective?” 

"W-We don't need to do that..." Takashi shook his head again in disagreement. 

Haruko couldn't agree more, she'd rather not flirt with the protagonist. He wasn't exactly her type either, "There's no need to do that." she says. "I uhh... I'm sure I got it." A lie. She has never flirted in her life. There was no way she was doing it now.

"Thank God..." Takashi heaves in relief. 

Haruko ponders. Did he have an issue with her...?

"I'm sorry, Takashi. Do you hate me or something? You keep refusing..." Haruko looks at him in confusion. Was there always this weird tension against Haruko's character or was this added because of her. 

"I-It's not like that, Haruko...!" Takashi cried out in desperation, he didn't want his refusal to come off as a hatred towards the girl. "I just-- you uhh--..."

"What?" Haruko rose a brow at him, she places a comforting hand on his shoulder. Unconsciously gliding her fingers up his neck with a light touch before resting them on his jaw, she directs his gaze towards her own so that they could make eye contact. "If I've wronged you in some way, you should tell me so I can fix it somehow." she mumbled, unaware of what she was doing to him. 

Takashi's mouth opened, as if he was going to say something but he couldn't find the words. His mouth shuts, pressing into a thin line, his face heating up out of embarrassment. 

'Is he sick...??' Haruko was taken aback at how red he had gotten. "Are you okay? Your face is red...?" She points out. 

Takashi's breath hitched when she came closer, dangerously close. Their faces barely inches away as Haruko rests her forehead on his own. "I-I-I-- y-y-ou--" he could barely form any words at the moment. He could barely even breathe. 

He was only able to exhale when Haruko moved back with a confused expression. "You seem fine?? What just happened?" She was oblivious, of course she was. 

"W...Were you not just flirting with him??" Yukiko asks, glancing at her in shock.

"What? No." Haruko shakes her head, "It was a genuine question... I hope I haven't wronged you in any way." she adds again. 

Takashi could only shake his head frantically in disagreement, not wanting her to get the wrong idea but still unable to process his words. 

"I see, so it comes out naturally like that." Shizuka hummed in amusement, watching as Takashi sighed heavily in relief. She snickers at his reaction, "Simpleton."

"What're you laughing at...?" Takashi spoke, shooting a death glare in her direction. 

"What about girls then?" Shizuka asks, ignoring his hostility towards her. "Are you good with them?"

"Uhh... N-No, I'm not very good with girls." Haruko admits, rubbing her arm nervously. She had little to no experience with women, considering she was still in the closet and hadn't planned on ever coming out of it. 

She probably would've died alone...

...

She did die alone, but not even God could allow her that.

"Oh?" Haruko focuses on Shizuka now, watching as the woman stood up from her chair. Her shoulders begin to tense when she notices Shizuka making her way behind Haruko. She rested her hands on her shoulder, leaning down until her lips were close to Haruko's ear. "I can help you with that..." she whispered in a low tone before wrapping her arms around Haruko's shoulders. 

Hugging her from behind. 

It was as if Haruko's brain short circuited, this has never happened to her before and honestly it shouldn't be happening to her to begin with. When has this scene ever existed? 

And why was she kind of into it...??

"Oh my..." Minami was awestruck, watching as Haruko slips out of Shizuka's grasp somehow to lay her head down against the table. Her ears give her away as they flush red. "There she goes." Minami chuckles, "You're supposed to flirt back, Haru." she tries to get her to sit back up again. "You flirt with me all the time, what's the problem now??"

"We're best friends... best friends do that." Haruko shrugs. Even though she knew that much, she's had a best friend before too.

A pause. 

She has a best friend. 

Before the jump, before everything that has happened. She has a best friend, Yuu has a best friend, but... 'Why can't I remember her name... or her face...?'  she was conflicted, it showed on her face, but she shook her head to focus on the task at hand. 

Not wanting to risk another unprovoked headache. 

"Can you flirt with that one?" Shizuka asks, motioning to Yukiko. "Should be easier considering she's not that attractive." 

"Excuse me!?" Yukiko glared up at her. "The only reason people think you're pretty is because of the shit-ton of makeup you use to cover your ugly mug!" she deadpanned.

"Stop that, you're both really pretty." Haruko exclaimed, frowning as she looks between them. "Gorgeous even." she says boldly now. "You both could be an artists' inspiration. They would grovel at your beauty and try to capture it in a painting, but would never come close to the real thing..." 

"Oh goodness..." Minami was having a field day with this one, seemingly enjoying the whole interaction. Sure, she had been terrified prior, but after discussing more as a group, she was somehow able to get a bit comfortable. 

Haruko saw it then, another green plus sign that appeared above Shizuka's head. 

"Oh?" Shizuka looks at her, astonished.  Yukiko on the other hand was trying to process her words, her face and neck as red as a tomato. "You think so...?" Shizuka spoke, she slid a finger under Haruko's chin to guide her facd in her direction. Meeting her intense gaze.

Even Haruko was processing her own words, how the hell did she come up with that? Was it the body taking charge unconsciously? It was definitely something she needed to examine more.

There were a lot of things she needed to clear up...

"Uhh yes..." Haruko clears her throat awkwardly, and she stands up from her seat. "Y-You know what, I think we've pretty much settled things. It's probably time to go home now...? I still have to wash my homework and read my laundry-- wash my londer-- laundry, and h-homework do." she exclaimed, her nerves getting to her when Shizuka had blocked her path of escape. She makes the taller girl back up, her butt hitting the table behind them. 

Haruko was basically leaning on the table now as Shizuka placed her hands against the edges. Pinning her against it. 

“Hey.” Yukiko hissed. “You'd better back off…” she demanded, only to be ignored. 

Her muscles tensed , sweat beading on her brow as she gripped the edges of the table. "U-Uehara..." 

“Let's start off easy.” Shizuka spoke with a teasing grin. “You can greet me, can't you?” 

“R…Right, greeting people… that's easy.” Haruko grumbled. Shizuka moves back a bit, giving her some space to work. “H…Hi…” she got out, her voice crackling due to nerves. Still unable to meet her eyes with confidence.

“You actually said hello to me.” Shizuka giggles. 

Her giggle caused chills to travel down the back of her neck, a warm heat washing over Haruko's face. “I-I say hello to everyone… you're not special.” She blurted out. “S…Sorry…” 

Yukiko snickered in the background, at least someone was amused by her nervous tactics. 

“Should we try again?” Shizuka asks, reaching out to caress her jaw. Her fingers light at the touch. 

“N-Nu…” Haruko was pleading for peace. This was too much for a former loner. "P...Please..."  

“I think that's enough teasing for today.” Minami spoke up, “It's getting late, I need to get home or my parents will flip.” 

“A-Agreed!” Haruko adds, “I'm kind of exhausted… too much happened today.”

“Fine, fine. We can continue this later. Let's separate for now.” Shizuka says, gathering her things first before leading Minami and Haruko towards the exit. “Shall we exchange numbers?” 

They left behind the siblings that were still bound to the chairs. 

“Untie us!!” Takashi called out, watching as Shizuka stopped just at the doorway to look back at them.

 “Hmm? Nah.” Shizuka smiles. “See you later. Don't get too caught up kissing each other.” She laughed, turning the corner. Out of their sight. 

“HEY!” Yukiko shouted, kicking her legs in frustration. Unfortunately for them, the chair wasn't strong enough for the violent movement.

CRACK

One of the legs split in half under their weight, causing the two to fall over. 

“Ughhh!!!” Yukiko continued to flail around. “Uehara, you fucking bitch…!! I'm going to punch your face in, swear to God– untie us!!” She whined. 

Haruko and Minami rush back into the room, to get the ropes off of them quickly.  

“You came back!” Yukiko cried out in relief, once the ropes were off she pulled Haruko in for a large embrace. 

"Of course we did." Haruko nods, she hugs her back awkwardly. She held her for a few more seconds, her arms wrapped around Yukiko's waist loosely; in comparison to the other woman's tighter grasp around her neck. 

“Ahem…” Minami clears her throat to get their attention as she helps Takashi up. A knowing smile on her face. “Shall we go home?”

“O-Oh!! Sorry!” Yukiko scrambled to her feet, “H-Home, right… let's go!” she exclaimed, storming out of the door on her own. 

Haruko watched her leave, puzzled by the sudden urgency to leave. She huffed as she stood. “Let's go?” She tells the other two.

The four heading home, unaware of what's to come next.