Chapter 8

They head back to the cafeteria, noticing everyone was already standing around by the corridor instead. Well, aside from some people missing.

Noriko and Kou were gone.

“Are you alright, Haruko?” Takashi asks her worriedly, he checks on the skin he could see, looking for any injuries. “You weren't burned anywhere, right?”

“The food was still hot.” Minami added in. “You okay??” She held Haruko by the shoulders, checking her face.

“I'm fine. I'm fine.” Haruko reassures them, she uses her fingers to slick back her wet hair. “Thankfully there wasn't too much curry left so… hmm? What's up?” She asks, noticing some of them staring at her intensely.

“You… you look good like that.” Reika admitted, reaching out to caress Haruko's hair as well, pushing her bangs back in awe.

“You almost have your long class soon, right?” Minami frowned. “You didn't get to finish your food, Haru.”

“You too, Chisako.” Akira pointed out.

“Ah, that's true.” Haruko hummed, rubbing the back of her neck in thought. “Shall we go eat somewhere after classes? You and I?” She asks Chisako curiously. “It'd be a great opportunity to get to know each other better too…”

“W-What?” Chisako looked up at her in surprise, rubbing at her arm nervously.

“You don't want to?” Haruko asks with a charming grin. She reaches out to push stray strands of hair behind Chisako's ear

“I-I didn't disagree…” Chisako mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

“You guys are free to come as well.” Haruko told the others, her eyes pleading with them to come anyway.

“Of course.” Shizuka answered for them. “We must make sure you eat Haruko.” She pats her cheek softly.

"Obviously we'll come as well." Reika declares suddenly, gaining a look from Erina. "What?"

"Let them hang out." Erina shook her head, "Weren't you the one complaining about watching over Takashi and Yuki? Why do you want to go with them now?" she points out.

"N...No reason..." Reika huffed, she crosses her arms with a pout. She looks up noticing Takashi's smug look, "Wipe that grin off your face, brat."

"W-We can hang out on another day?" Haruko tells the older girls, "I'm sorry I didn't get to finish my food either... even though you bought it for me." she looks to Akemi directly.

"That's alright, Haruko." Akemi reassured with a gentle smile, "I'll buy you lunch again later, hopefully you'll finish it then?"

"We'll be heading towards our classes then, will you two be needing extra money?" Erina asks, she looks towards the twins curiously.

"No, it's fine." Yukiko shook her head as Erina pets both of them softly.

"Remember to call me when you're heading home. And don't stay out too late." Erina said, truly feeling like an older sister in Haruko's eyes. There was something comforting about her that drew Haruko in, she wanted to hug the older girl...

Hmm, maybe she was a pervert.

"Yes ma'am." They spoke in unison when they agreed to her. They turn to Reika now, expecting to hear something from her, but she was busy going up to Haruko to hug her instead.

"Be careful, okay?" Reika mumbled, she backs up a bit and pushes Haruko's bangs back again, humming in satisfaction when she stared at her face for a few seconds. "Okay, we'll see you later~"

The older girls walk off, separating from the group. "We'll see you afterwards then Haru." Minami says, the rest of them planning on leaving as well.

"I'll meet you at the front of the school gates." Chisako spoke out, she glances at her phone to check the time. "See you then."

“G-Great…see you guys after class…” Once they all separated and headed to their classes, Haruko was texting the group chat about what had happened. Not giving any explicit details but enough for them to have an idea that she was somewhat trying to attract Chisako.

Like they had planned.

*

Once they were all pretty much done with classes, they met up near Haruko's class because she was the last one to be finished. Architecture students exiting the large studio in small groups, Haruko was one of the last ones to leave.

"Haru, how was class?" Minami asks curiously, in awe by the interior of the classroom. She had glanced inside considering some of the walls were made up of glass, and saw all the projects laying out on the tables.

"It was... something." Haruko laughs tiredly. 'I was not expecting to actually be doing projects... I thought I was done with all that stuff, I am way past that age...' she thought, thinking back to her real life. 'This major is pretty fun though, I didn't think about doing this...'

"You architecture students, always creating something whenever I see you." Takashi chuckles.

"Leave her alone, it's hard work." Yukiko frowns, she offers Haruko a water bottle. "You did great, Haruko. I was watching you from out here." she admitted.

"Thanks." Haruko takes the bottle, she had realized just how thirsty she was in that moment. Had she not been drinking anything while doing her class work? She must've been focused on it. 'Huh, maybe I do like this major...?'

"You ready to meet with Chisako?" Shizuka asks curiously as she drank the water. "I have no doubt she brought it up to the other two. They're probably going to be joining us as well."

"I-I guess I'm ready."

Shizuka chuckles, reaching over to take a small piece of cardboard out of Haruko's hair, "You... you're actually great with women, huh?" she asks Haruko in amusement. They had told her what had happened the previous night and although she was bothered because it was a Hasegawa, there wasn't much she could do about it now.

"N-N-No..." Haruko shakes her head quickly, she doesn't know how many times she was going to say it but there was no way she was good with women. She's barely good with men…

“Anyways, let me fix your hair before we go to meet them.” Shizuka offers. “Give me your hair gel.” She demanded from Takashi.

“Ugh… You're just gonna assume I have that??” Takashi rolled his eyes, already digging through his bag.

“Hmm and yet here you are proving me right.” Shizuka scoffs, she takes the gel out of his hands. “Keep watch.” She motions to the two siblings.

“Shouldn't I fix it??”

“We need her to look nice, not like you.” Shizuka deadpanned. “Now walk away.”

Yukiko rolled her eyes, “Who died and made her queen…?” She hissed, Takashi pulling her away. They keep an eye out for anyone suspicious, Minami going to watch the other end.

“Haruko, can we still enter this studio?” Shizuka asks, motioning to the classroom. Haruko nodded.

“There's still some students working on projects though.”

“That’s fine, we're just fixing your hair.” Shizuka hummed, she waited for Haruko to open the door before following her inside.

It was very bright and clean, yet at the same time it was cluttered with projects and presentation boards pinned to the walls. Haruko takes her to her table, which was cleaner than the rest with only her project on it with some other supplies.

Haruko sits on her chair as Shizuka suggested, she faces the other woman hesitantly. Growing somewhat timid when she notices the other students glancing their way briefly, curious and judging. 

“Ready?” Shizuka asks, opening the jar up. She places it down on the table.

“Yea.” Haruko said, “But why are we fixing my hair? Is my current style not that good??”

“Nonsense, you look charming. Your wet hair earlier though captured a lot of their attention, Chisako and such.” Shizuka admitted. “You looked very attractive with your hair pushed back, I thought we could recreate it.”

Shizuka came close and started touching her hair with the gel. She combs her hair back, running her fingers through the strands. It gave her hair the wet look again. She moved back when she was satisfied with how everything looked. “There we go.”

“Thank you, for h-helping me.” Haruko said nervously, she stood up.

“It's the least I can do, you play a big role.” Shizuka hums, "Let's get going, they're probably waiting for us at the gates." she suggested, talking about Chisako and the Ishikawas.

They head out of the studio, calling Minami over and approaching the Hasegawa twins while they kept watch. "Lookin' good, Haruko. It'll really get their attention." Minami greets with a soft smile, she glances at the siblings in amazement. "I mean look, it's already working on these two." she continued in a teasing voice, motioning to Takashi and Yukiko, the two glancing at her with a frown.

"Mina..."Yukiko whined.

"Oop, let's go." Minami laughed nervously, she tugs on Haruko's arm. "Come on, Haru." she said, dragging her along as the others followed behind.

Once they made it out of the building and head towards the front of the school, they spot the Ishikawa and Chisako standing by the gate. "There they are..." Yukiko points out quietly, loud enough for the others to hear.

"It's time to show them what you're made of." Shizuka says, as they approach them from behind.

"Alright, I guess I'm going in." Haruko tells them, she analyzes the positioning they were in before heading over with confidence. She had a few ideas of what could happen, and she was kind of hoping it would go in her favor.

"What? Excuse me, what are you planning exactly?" Takashi asks in confusion, he watches as Haruko runs ahead of them with Minami by her side. She approaches the three quietly as they spoke amongst one another...

"BOO!" Haruko yells playfully, grabbing Chisako by the sides, in an attempt to scare her. Kou and Noriko spotting her a few feet away, so they were aware of her plans.

"HYAA!???" Chisako screamed loudly, she turns around and slaps Haruko across the face on instinct. The group wincing at how loud the slap sounded to them.

"Oooh..." Minami flinches.

"Oh no..." Yukiko frowns, hurrying over to her side to check on her.

"Ouch." Takashi follows after them, Shizuka on the other hand took her time, they wondered what her purpose was for doing that.

"O-Ow..." Haruko laughed nervously, rubbing her cheek in pain.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry...!" Chisako screamed, she looked at her worriedly. Chisako moved Haruko's hand out of the way to see that her cheek was starting to turn red. "W-Why would you do that???!"

"Sorry, I couldn't help it. I saw the opportunity to scare you and just had to take it." Haruko admitted with a slight playful grin, she rubs the back of her neck sheepishly. "Did I scare you?" she asks.

"Yes, and because of that I slapped you." Chisako mumbled, crossing her arms.

"That is true..." Haruko hums in amusement. "Hmmm.... kiss it better?" she suggested.

'I mean... that was pretty good...' Takashi couldn't help but admit, he rolled his eyes at her words not knowing what to expect after witnessing what Haruko was capable of these past few days.

"D-Don't be silly..." Chisako stares at her in disbelief, her cheeks flushed red.

"C'mon, it'll make me feel better." Haruko whines playfully, "You slapped me..." she pointed at her cheek, the flesh turning a bit red.

"I-I--" Chisako was lost for words, she didn't know how to respond to the other woman, "I-I only slapped you because you scared me first..."

"It hurts..." Haruko continues, smiling down at the other girl. She was just kidding of course, but she wanted to see how far she could take it. Either she takes it too far or Chisako gives in because she's at least a bit interested.

"I'll kiss it better, Kisaragi." Kou offered, almost getting close enough to give her a kiss. His lips puckered out.

"Back off." Chisako deadpanned, glaring at him harshly, "You didn't slap her, I did." she admitted, she looked to Haruko again becoming shy again. "F...Fine...." Chisako had finally agreed to her silly game. She stood on the tip of her toes, leaning in close to kiss the area that she had slapped. "T...There..." she mumbles shyly.

"Thank you, Chisako." Haruko chuckles in awe, "Let's go get something to eat now, I'm hungry." she sighs, glancing at the Ishikawa siblings. "Are you two coming as well?"

"Yes, that we are. It was Kou's food that dropped on you after all, it would make sense that we made sure you've gotten enough sustenance." Noriko nods in agreement, she glances at Kou briefly, speaking through looks only.

"I'm very sorry for what happened, Kisaragi." Kou says right away, looking at Haruko directly. "Please allow me to buy you some food, since I was the one that spilled on you in the first place." he offered, trying to take Haruko's hands into his own.

Haruko was quick to avoid his touch, moving her hand to rub the back of her neck awkwardly. "I'm not sure what I want to eat, if I'm going to be honest. Whatever you suggest, I guess. I don't even mind anything cheap, so you don't have to waste your money on me."

"O-O-Okay." Kou swooned. "Maybe a fast food joint?"

"Sure, whatever you want."

"That's not a good meal." Chisako warned him, glaring up at the boy. "You'd be a fool to feed her that crap, Kou. Kisaragi, maybe we could eat somewhere that serves you an actual meal?"

"Huh? Oh, sure. I'm okay with that too-"

"What's wrong with fast food, she suggested somewhere cheap to begin with." Kou retorted, "And that would be fast food. If that's what she wants, then we should give it to her."

"It's almost dinner time, and you want to take her to that? To feed her something cheap." Chisako pointed out with a harsh glare, "Are you trying to deprive her of two meals???"

'Are they fighting right now...?' Haruko ponders, looking between the two awkwardly. Chisako holds onto her arm as Kou rests his hand on her shoulder. The two glaring at each other. "Uhh... Calm down..." She tried with a slight smile, "H-How about a cafe? That might be good too..."

"We can try a cafe nearby?" Noriko suggests, "If everyone's alright with that?" There was a chorus of agreements, the group following Noriko considering the other two were having a hard time coming to an agreement.

*

They enter the cafe Noriko had suggested, which was basically the one they went to on the weekend. The group sitting at one of the larger tables, each ordering something to eat with a drink to accompany it.

Thankfully, Chizuru wasn't working. She didn't know how she was going to handle that sort of attention while trying to get Chisako's attention at the same time.

"Kisaragi, this look is starting to grow on me." Noriko commented suddenly, staring at Haruko's hair. "Will you be doing your hair like that from now on? I know Chisako's into it." she laughs, gaining a panicked glared from the said girl.

"Ehhh.." Haruko looks up from the menu when Noriko started to talk to her, "My hair?? Oh umm... maybe?" she laughs, "You like it?" she asks Chisako curiously, considering Noriko had brought her up in the first place.

"I-I- whatever..." Chisako mumbles, she turns away quickly to avoid eye contact. Her cheeks red in embarrassment.

"I think you look charming, Haru." Shizuka comments, causing the main group to look at her weirdly. Well, just the twins looked at her weirdly, Minami was nodding in approval. "You should continue with this look, no?" 

"T-Thank you..." Haruko says, scratching lightly at her cheek sheepishly. She glances at Takashi, "I would need to buy gel if that's the case..."

"It matches you, especially with those eyes." Noriko admitted, "Trying to impress someone?" It was suggestive, as if she knew what she had planned to begin with. But if she knew the depth of everything was still out of the blue.

"What? Uhh o-of course not..." Haruko shook her head, acting embarrassed.

"Uh-huh, sureee." Noriko chuckles. "Anyways, I know we've seen you at lunch but... who are you??" She asks blatantly, looking at Shizuka. "And what is your relationship with Takashi?" she eyes the two, who were unfortunately sitting next to each other.

Haruko hopes that this sparks some interest between the two. Or at least some curiosity. Then again they haven't hung out a lot yet.

"She's--" Yukiko started, about to come up with an excuse for them.

"I'm their cousin." Shizuka explained, motioning to the Hasegawa siblings just as their drinks came by.

"Oh! A cousin??"

"Yes. If you thought I was his girlfriend, politely think again. I would rather die than be paired with the likes of him." Shizuka says it with a kind smile, but her words were anything but.

Yea, spoke too soon.

"Where did you come from?" Kou asks, staring at her in awe.

"Does it really concern you?" Shizuka snaps back slightly, almost glaring at him. "How about you mind your own business--"

"She came from a private college, somewhere close by." Takashi cuts in, rolling his eyes. "Apparently she wanted to try something new and less strict, so here she is."

"Ah, she does have a refined feel to her, huh?" Noriko laughs. It wasn't like she was wrong, Shizuka definitely felt rich by feeling.

"Your family is full of beautiful girls." Kou sighs, referring to Takashi directly as he looks between Shizuka and Yukiko. The two shared a disgusted glance.

"Hey..." Noriko frowns, "I'm beautiful too, you know?" she claims.

"Not as beautiful as them." Kou shrugs, motioning for her to look at them closely. "Look at them, and did you see his older sisters too?? They're all beautiful." he hums. "You must feel lucky."

"Hmm... I agree, they are beautiful, huh?" Haruko nods in agreement, she glances at the two women. Who in turn looked at her in surprise. "Amazingly beautiful... do you like them more?" she asks, acting as if she had been jealous. She leans in to take a sip of her cola.

"N-No!! I like you more, Kisaragi!" Kou confessed.

"Really?" Haruko looks up in faux surprise, she twirls her straw around. "If you say so... you're right though, I don't think I could ever beat their beauty." She continued genuinely, she looks towards the two who were staring at her in embarrassment. She smiles at them, causing the two to look away.

"Blasphemy..." Chisako scoffed. "You're much more attractive than those two combined." she admitted seriously. "Don't be fooled, it's all the makeup."

Haruko was surprised she would even suggest that, considering who she was comparing her to. "W...Wow, thank you, Chisako."

"You're the prettiest girl in the world...!" Kou tried to add in, almost desperate to redeem himself.

"Shut up, fuckface. We heard enough of your opinion." Chisako shot him a glare.

Kou glares back with the same intensity. "Haruko isn't just pretty, she's really cute. Super cute!" he continued, "When she smiles, her fangs show slightly. And the two dimples on her left cheek are just--"

"It's too late to compliment her now. Why don't you go obsess over those two." Chisako motioned to Yukiko and Shizuka, "Then again, they're probably out of your league too."

"You little--"

"Stop fighting." Noriko threatened, immediately shutting the two up. And yet she was still just smiling politely at the others, "We are about to eat, don't be rude." she says just as the food came over to be served. "I apologize in their steed, they shouldn't be so rowdy at the table." she said, looking towards the others apologetically.

"N-No... it's fine." Minami shook her head, "It's always interesting to see some excitement at the table, no?"

"Perhaps."

'Interesting, they listen to her demands...' Haruko thought silently, 'Something to bring up later when there's a discussion...'

Without saying much, the group ate in silence. Occasionally,, Minami would talk to Haruko about classes or something else. But that as about it. Chisako and Kou had stopped talking right after Noriko's threat and the other three made no efforts to try and talk to one another.

Which made the atmosphere intense.

'This is awkward...' Haruko thought, she glances at Minami. Hoping she would understand her gaze, 'What do we do now...?'

"Oh! Right, Kisaragi! I saw something that pertained to school news recently. You were taken in to the police station?" Noriko brought up suddenly, "It was almost a week ago, but I remember it fairly well."

"Oh..."Haruko groaned, she had hoped she had gotten past that whole thing but of course, someone would bring it up.

"It said you beat up a bunch of delinquents? "

"You were taken into the police station?" Chisako asks, seemingly interested in the information. She glances up from her plate to stare at Haruko.

"Yea... It was kind of the wrong place, wrong time kind of thing.." Haruko explained, leaving out a lot of the details. They didn't really need to know most of that anyways. "The police caught me and took me in for questioning."

"Oh, uh... interesting." Chisako nods slightly. Haruko was disappointed with the reaction she had given them.

“We're you expecting more?” She asks, formulating something in her head.

“N-Not really…”

“Ehhh? Did you want there to be more?” Haruko asked playfully, there was a glimmer in her eyes, “I'm not really a bad girl… but if you want me to be, I could be~ I'll give you a reason to cuff me in bed…” she said in a lower voice.

Haruko gasped after a minute of letting that sit, she cups a hand over her mouth in shock, ‘What did I just say…???’

Her eyes darted around to analyze the group's reaction; Noriko was the first one she had looked at, she seemed amused and was chuckling at what she had said. Kou's expression showed more of an interest as he stared at her in awe. And Chisako… her whole face, and even neck was flushed red. Her mouth hung open as she tried to figure out what to say next.

Takashi practically choked on his water from what he heard, coughing to clear his throat. His face was red as well. Yukiko sporting the same look of disbelief and embarrassment.

Shizuka's expression was a bit harder to decipher. She stared at Haruko with amusement but there was a bit of shock lingering in her eyes, her cheeks slightly flushed.

“L-Let's calm down now… we're eating here.” Minami clears her throat, slightly flustered by her words but to Haruko's surprise… seemingly used to it?

‘Haruko is a pervert, huh…?’

“S…Sorry. I have a bad habit of saying that kind of stuff whenever an opportunity arises.” Haruko excused, the air becoming awkward and slightly tense as they continued to eat in silence.

*

They finished eating and waited outside of the restaurant as Kou paid for everyone's meal – on behalf of Noriko demanding that of him.

“Are you full now, Kisaragi? Satisfied?” Noriko asks her as Kou approaches them, shoving his wallet into his bag.

“Yes. Thank you very much, Ishikawa. For paying and stuf–” Haruko's breath caught in her throat when something ominous washes over her entire body. Her muscles tensed tightly on instinct, it almost hurt.

Kou was about her height, but it felt like he towered over her at that moment. The man leaned in close with his lips puckered, his hands resting on Haruko's shoulders.

He was expecting a kiss…

Thankfully, Chisako cut him off just in time. She uses her bag to block his face and pulls Haruko out of his hold. Bringing her to her side instead. “What do you think you're doing…?” Chisako glared harshly at him. “You thought that just because you bought her food, you could get a kiss from her?”

“What's wrong with that…?” Kou pouted. He glares back at her just as harsh.

“You'd better kiss him too if that's what you're expecting.” Chisako motions to Takashi, “How distasteful, you men and your expectations of gaining something for doing something so minimal…” she scoffs, even sending Takashi a glare, which sparked questions in Haruko's head. “If she wanted to give you a kiss, she would've done it herself. You were practically forcing yourself on her.”

“L-Let's try and calm down…” Haruko tried, standing in between the two nervously.

“She's right. We wouldn't want to cause a scene in public now-” Noriko spoke up, her gaze intense when she looked at Chisako and Kou. “-would we…?” she continued on with her smile.

“I'm not going to, but tell your brother to give her space.” Chisako frowned, she pointed accusingly at Kou. “He's being a creep.”

It was as if the word itself triggered him. Kou latched onto Haruko's wrist, surprising her. “Me??? A creep??” he glanced at his sister in disbelief.

Noriko was indifferent to her claims, she could only shrug and wave him off like nothing.

And then his attention turned to Haruko, his gaze piercing right through her very being. “Haruko! I'm not a creep, right??!” he squeezes her wrists tightly, “Right??”

Haruko winched slightly from the pressure around her wrist. She offered a nervous smile, “Y-You're…fine…?” she said.

She was relieved when Takashi somehow got him to let go of her. Forced him to let go actually.

“What are you–” Kou's glare intensely looked at him in confusion.

“Sorry, I just remembered I needed to talk to her about something important. My older sister needed me to tell her something.” Takashi excused, he pulled Haruko off to the side where Yukiko and Shizuka were. Putting them at a distance.

Kou was going to follow in pursuit with Chisako, but the two were being stopped by Minami who was quick to start a whole new conversation.

“Did he hurt you…?” Shizuka asks worriedly, she looks at her wrist to see the red marks.

“I'm fine.” She was not. “Don't worry…” Haruko shook her head.

“Are you sure??” Yukiko touches her wrist lightly. “That doesn't look okay…”

“He surprised me.” Haruko admitted, “Thank you for helping me, Takashi.” She glances at the other with genuine gratefulness.

“I– you're welcome… I won't let him hurt you.” Takashi states seriously.

“I know. He caught me off guard but trust me, I can protect myself too…” Haruko reassures them, “I appreciate all your concerns though.” She tells the siblings and Shizuka. She reaches out to pet Yukiko and Shizuka's heads, noticing they were the most concerned. “I'm fine…”

“Haruko–” Takashi holds her shoulder gently.

Their moment was cut off by an even louder voice calling them out from across the street. It was Takashi's loud friend, Shin approaching them with their other friends. “Takashi and Haruko, sitting on a tree–” Everything else Haruko had ignored willingly.

“You three…” Takashi frowned, glancing at them with a bit of panic.

“Hey! Out with your girlfriend?” Shin asks, he looks between Takashi and Haruko. “I knew there was something going on between you two, but you didn't want us to know, huh?” He pats Takashi's back roughly.

“We are NOT dating.” Takashi hissed in annoyance. “I've denied it before, I'll deny it again.”

“Come on man, don't say that in front of her. You're gonna hurt her feelings.” His other friend claimed, frowning.

“Are you idiots? Clearly she's too good for him.” Shizuka deadpanned, shoving Takashi off of Haruko.

Haruko notices Chisako, Noriko, and Kou looking their way. “We're really not dating…” she was desperate for them to shut up.

“That's not what we saw on Sunday–” Shin groans when Yukiko stomps on this foot and shoves her elbow into his side harshly. 

"Shut up..." Yukiko said, practically threatening him. 

"Sunday?" Noriko spoke up, listening in on the conversation. "She was out with Yukiko on Sunday."

"Yukiko?" Chisako frowns.

"Oh! Is she dating your sister?" Takashi's friend asks him, "I remember you mentioning she wasn't into gu--" Yukiko hit him now, at the rate she was going she was about to harm all of his friends. She glares at Takashi accusingly, who could only respond with a shrug.

"I-I'm not dating anyone." Haruko tries, was it so important to them that she was with someone? 

"Shame. No one's asked you out yet?" Shin coughs, holding the side Yukiko had hit. "C'mon, let's be real though. You're seeing someone, aren't you?" he asks, putting an arm around her shoulders. "You can tell me, I won't say anything to them..."

"Can you idiots just leave...??" Yukiko whispers, she looks to Ryouta, knowing that the boy was at least a bit understanding compared to the rest. "And bring him too..." she glares at Shin. Ryouta could only do so much, he shrugs with an apologetic gaze. 

"I don't--" Haruko was about to say something, cut off by the larger man. 

"I heard girls from the states are wild... if you know what I mean?" Shin grins widely. "You've probably messed around with a ton of guys, huh...?" he rubs her shoulder lightly, making her nauseous. "Some guys from my class have been saying you've met with a few already..."

Haruko looks up in shock, when has she ever met with anyone. She's pretty much been to herself this whole time, aside from hanging out with Minami. “E-Eh?? I've never– what??? Who told you that…??” She was speechless and trying to figure out who would spread such a thing in the first place.

There weren't many people to go off considering her roster was mostly women. Even Minami was equally as surprised, Haruko noted. She looks to the other woman for help, wondering what to do next.

Minami takes a moment to figure something out. An idea. Minami furrows her brows and mouths the words to her, “Cry…” she suggested.

Haruko took a deep breath, taking a few seconds to herself as the women started to gang up on Shin. She sniffles, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I-I've never– never done a-anything like that…” she cried, trembling as she hid her face into her hands.

“You!” Chisako was the first to move, angrily walking up to Shin. She shoves a finger into his chest harshly, “Who do you think you are, huh!? Who the hell do you think you are…!?” She hissed.

“Uh oh… this isn't good..” Takashi grumbled under his breath.

“W-What??” Shin held his hands up in defense. “Listen, I wasn't the one going around telling people that..!” he finally realizes Haruko's reaction to his words. “E-Eh??”

Haruko felt slim arms wrap around her protectively, a floral scent filling her senses. She glances up to see that Noriko had surprisingly come to her side. “How distasteful… who told you that rubbish…?” She glared at Shin. “Tell me now..” It was a threat, it was meant to seem harmless but there was something deadly about it.

“I-I heard it from some classmates, I swear.” Shin admitted. He backs up into his friends, noticing the hostility from the women around them.

“What major are you in… what class… who are they…?” Noriko continued to press on. Shin swallowed hard and gave into the pressure, telling her everything to avoid more trouble falling onto himself. “Do not worry, dearest Haruko… we will take care of this issue properly…” Noriko whispered to her, stroking her head softly. “Whoever spread those rumors will be taken care of… I will not tolerate such humiliation towards my friend.”

Haruko listens closely but continues her act, she hugs Noriko tightly. Her eyes widen when she sees something pop out from above Noriko's head, it was... a black question mark? She shakes her head and goes back to her act, hiding her face into her shoulder.

“You know what, I-I think we came at the wrong time.” Shin coughed. Finally something they all could agree on. “Let's go guys… s-see you later, Takashi.” He waves, scurrying away with the others.

“Are you okay??” Yukiko asks her worriedly.

“Don't believe anything that came out of that idiot's mouth.” Chisako said, going up to pet Haruko's head softly.

“I-I'm… okay…” Haruko mumbled. “I-I think I'm going to go home…” she frowns.

“S…Should I– I mean, d-do you want me to walk you home??” Chisako offers timidly. “I know these two have to leave already.” She motions to Kou and Noriko.

“No way! You have somewhere you need to be too!” Kou claimed suddenly, making Haruko curious as to why he knew that much. She wonders what they were going to do after this. 

“You're not the boss of me..” Chisako snapped back.

“He isn't, but he's right.” Noriko moves back a bit and pats Haruko's back softly. “Please excuse us, Haruko. We must take our leave for now… but please forget what that imbecile said. We will see you later.” She bows her head softly towards everyone, smoothing out her clothes before motioning the other two to move by just a flick of her head.

Chisako looked as if she had wanted to say something but bit back her words. “Right… I hope you rest well.” She tells Haruko worriedly.

“I-I will… I'll make sure to wash these before I return them to you.” Haruko motions to her outfit. “Thank you again for letting me borrow these.”

“It's no problem, r-really.” Chisako mumbles. “G-Good night.”

The group watches the three leave, heading in the same direction. That is until Kou came running back without the two noticing, they watched hesitantly as he walked up to Haruko and pressed his lips against her own. It lasted for a second before Minami got between them quickly.

"Kou...!" Minami scolded.

Haruko backs up quickly, her whole body shaking in disgust. She hated it even more when she noticed the pink hearts that popped up above his head. She knew what that meant… and she didn't like it.

“Goodnight, Haruko.” Kou grinned happily to himself before he ran off to catch up with the other two. They waited for him to turn the corner before doing anything else.

“I-I…” Haruko trembled, she wiped at her lips desperately. “Disgusting… disgusting…” she grumbled.

“Haru…” Minami put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Trying to calm her down.

“I'll kill him.” Takashi huffed in anger. His fists clenched tightly.

“Takashi, calm down.” Minami tried, and she noticed the other two were just as angry. “Let's try to cool down now…” she suggested.

“Calm down??? He forced a kiss on her…!” Yukiko recalled in frustration. “How could we just calm down?? He deserves to die…” she deadpanned.

Shizuka sighed heavily, she took a moment to herself. “Minami is right... We need to cool our heads.” It took a bit for her to regain her composure. “To be fair, both our groups do not work that way in the first place… so we shouldn't stoop to that level. Besides, who knows what would happen if we did get rid of him.. the havoc the other two may cause if the rumors about them are true…”

“Ugh… whatever…” Yukiko rolled her eyes. “It was your stupid friend that caused all of this in the first place, he distracted us.”

“I can't control them.” Takashi shrugs.

“How fitting, you can't even control your turf.” Shizuka scoffed, the tension between the three was still evident as they glared at one another.

“Come on, let's go get her something for her hair and just head home.” Minami suggests, “We all need to cool down… Takashi, if you could just show us what you get and where you get it?” she tried, being the middle man for the group. She just wanted what was best for Haruko at that moment, and if that meant she had to step up and tell the others what to do, then so be it. 

“Sure.” Takashi sighed heavily, he led the group to a different store. Showing them the products he usually gets to style his hair.

Haruko was quiet as she looked through them, her mind felt empty. She didn't want to think about anything at that moment if she were going to be honest. She just wanted to go home and shower in really hot water.

“...Noriko is definitely in charge of that group.” Minami says suddenly, getting their attention. 

Most of them.

“That, I've noticed.” Shizuka nods. “They listen to her demands fairly well.”

Takashi hands something to Haruko, a product he mostly uses. “So it's safe to assume she's like the leader or something.” He looks around a bit more, “Is there anything else she needs to get…?”

“She doesn't need much to look attractive.” Shizuka huffed, “She's not you.”

“Ugh…!” Takashi shook his head at her words, he noticed Haruko grasping tightly at the jar. Her hands were shaking. “Haruko… I'm so sorry about Shin… and–”

“It's… it's fine..” Was all she had said.

“No, it's not. He's an idiot and he crossed a line, they both did. ” Yukiko spoke out, referring to Shin and Kou. “Who the hell is spreading rumors about you in the first place…??”

“Well, if it's any consolidation… what he said helped move something along…” Haruko sighs.

“What do you mean, Haru?” Minami asks.

“Noriko had stated that they were going to find whoever was spreading the rumors and take care of them properly.” Haruko admits to the group.

“Is that what she said to you?” Shizuka asks. “We couldn't quite hear anything she was saying at some points.”

“Pretty much. Is that important?”

“That's good. That's a hint to something, right?” Takashi nods in agreement, looking around for confirmation.

“Are you familiar with Shin's class, Takashi?” Minami asks.

“Unfortunately. I have him in most of my classes.”

“You're probably going to have to keep an eye out on his classmates then.” Minami suggests as Haruko goes to pay for whatever she had picked up.

“I figured as much.”

“Oh shoot… I have to head home, it's getting late…” Minami frowned, glancing at the time. “Will you be okay, Haru??”

“Y…Yea…” Haruko mumbled. “I'll be fine… I'll see you tomorrow.” She says, gaining a brief hug from the shorter woman.

“Would you like a ride home?” Shizuka offered. “I have some paperwork I need to finish up, so I will be heading home as well.”

“If you'd please.” Minami agreed.

“We will see you all later then.” Shizuka tells the three, she glanced at Haruko briefly. “...Text me when you get home.” She said to her.

“Bye guys.” Minami waves, following Shizuka to her pick up spot.

“I guess we should be heading home as well.” Takashi says, noticing Erina calling him.

“You… You head home. I'll stay with Haruko tonight.” Yukiko says. “I-If that's okay with you…?” She looks at Haruko shyly.

“Yea. Sure…” Haruko said quietly.

“Um… alright, I'll see you tomorrow then.” Takashi said. “Be careful on the way home, okay?” He warns them before going off on his own, heading in the Hasegawa household.

Haruko watches him leave blankly, looking towards Yukiko when she realizes she has grabbed her hand. “I…Is this okay?” Yukiko questions.

“Yea.”

*

It was dark by the time they made it to Haruko's home, she opens the door and allows Yukiko in before following. She shut the door behind them and made sure it was locked.

"So um, do you want to shower? I can wash your clothes for tomorrow… if anything? I can lend you some of my clothes for sleeping."

"Ah, s-sure."

Haruko peels her shoes off and puts them on the rack. She looks in a cabinet and pulls an extra pair of house slippers out for Yukiko, placing them down before leading her to her room.

Yukiko follows, putting her bag down at the side of the bedroom. She looks around and observes the room, it was minimal but still revealed what Haruko was into. "I see you like anime." she smiled in amusement, motioning to the selves with manga lined up, figurines decorating a few rows.

"A-A little..." Haruko said in embarrassment. "I'm still cleaning up, I'm sorry."

"It's fine, Haruko. Don't worry so much about it." Yukiko shook her head, watching as the other girl looked through her drawers. Pulling a graphic tee out as well as some shorts.

"I-I don't think I have any u-underwear for you..." Haruko admits shyly.

"A-Ah..." Yukiko flushed red as well. "I-It's okay.." she nods, taking the clothes from Haruko.

"You can use my shower." Haruko motioned to the bathroom door. "The extra towels are in the cabinets by the door. You can just toss your dirty clothes out here and I'll go wash them while you shower."

"T-Thank you." Yukiko said, walking into the bathroom. She shut the door behind her and after a few seconds she hands her clothes to Haruko, hiding behind the door.

After a while Yukiko walked back out, her face becoming red when Haruko turned her attention towards her. The other girl dressed in joggers and her bra. "Ah, welcome back. Was the water okay?"

"Y-Yea..." Yukiko averted her gaze.

"You can lay in my bed, I'm going to shower too." Haruko suggests, patting at her large bed.

"Are you sure? I can lay out the futon while you're in there."

"Uh, that's the thing... I actually don't have a futon in this house…?"

"I-I see... t-this is okay too.."

"S-See you soon then..."

*

Yukiko looked up from her phone when she heard the bathroom door open, she sat up on the bed. Haruko came out in an outfit similar as before, but wearing shorts this time. She was currently drying her hair with a towel as she walked out.

"Welcome back." Yukiko said shyly, as Haruko sat at the edge of the bed. "Do you have an extra charger?" She asked.

"Yea. Here." Haruko held her hand out, Yukiko giving her the phone. She goes and places it on a wireless charger nearby. "I hope the bed is comfy?"

"Really comfortable. I'd prefer it over my own if I'm going to be honest."

Haruko chuckled. "That's good. Shall we do our homework and eat some snacks?"

They sit around on the short legged table Haruko had in her room, snacks and homework laid out on it.

About an hour would pass until Yukiko let out a frustrated groan. "I can't believe I finished my homework." She commented in awe. "Thank you for helping me, Haruko."

"Thanks for helping me too, even though our classes are totally different, your opinions mean a lot to me." Haruko beamed. She stretched her arms back, leaning against the side of her bed. "Its always satisfying to finish homework on time."

"Takashi and I rarely finish homework on time." Yukiko admitted, her eyes glued to Haruko's muscles. "Usually Erina has to push us into completing them."

"Older sisters do that." Haruko chuckles, nodding in agreement. "Should we head to bed now?"

"A-Actually… I-I was hoping we could continue… from before…?" Yukiko mumbled, her cheeks flushed red as she played with a strand of hair. Wrapping it around her finger shyly.

"Before…?" Haruko looked at her in confusion, realizing her expression and growing red herself. "I-I umm… I-if you want to…?" She nods slightly. "I-I wouldn't mind…"

She wondered what brought this on though. If it was purely out of interest or because Yukiko wanted to help her forget about what happened before.

If it was the second option, she really appreciated the girl's consideration.  "T-Then…" Yukiko stood up and took a seat on the bed, she shifted around restlessly. Expectant.

Haruko sat beside her, seemingly calmer between the two.

"If you'd excuse me…" Haruko mumbles, she reaches out carefully and she caresses Yukiko's cheek before pulling her close.

Their lips pressing against one another, similar to before. It didn’t take long for Haruko to find herself in a dazed state again, but this time she was allowing it to happen. She didn't try to fight it this time, she just wanted to forget about what happened earlier.

Their kiss deepened as the seconds passed by, Haruko pressed more into the other woman guiding her down onto the bed gently.

Yukiko let out a soft squeak when she found herself on her back. She stares up at Haruko on top of her, the other kneeling between her legs. Haruko stared back with glazed eyes, she leaned down to capture her lips again.

Yukiko wrapped her arms around Haruko's neck when she came in for another kiss. Her legs instinctively wrap around her waist.

Seconds passed, even minutes until Yukiko couldn't take it anymore. They broke off the kiss when Yukiko pushed her back slightly, trying to catch her breath. "Y-You're really good at that..." she commented in surprise, her face flushed red as sweat dripped down her brow.

"Sorry..." Haruko said sheepishly. “Should I stop…?” She asked in a low tone, giving Yukiko's thigh a light, teasing squeeze.

“N…Not yet…” Yukiko got out breathlessly, she pulled her in, the two going at it again. She practically moans into the kiss when she feels the other woman bite lightly onto her lower lip. A needy whimper escapes her throat as Haruko pulls back a bit, leaving a trail of kisses down her jaw to her neck and then her shoulder.

Haruko bit into her shoulder ever so slightly, chills erupting up Yukiko's body right away.

“H…Haru…mmn…” Yukiko tilts her head back, giving her more access as she kisses and suckles at smooth skin. Making sure to leave her mark. Her back arches into Haruko's body, hips instinctively buckling down into her lap.

The movement did not go unnoticed by Haruko, instead it woke her up even. Haruko moves back a bit in surprise, Yukiko looking up at her with desire in her eyes. “H…Haru…?” She said in an almost whispered voice, caressing the back of her neck.

Haruko notices the heart above Yukiko's head was a bit larger and even pounding a bit. She swallows.

"I-I think now is the time to head to bed actually...?" Haruko suggested, looking at the time. "Or else we'll wake up late..." She coughs out as an excuse and slips out of Yukiko's grasp easily.

They both sat up, sharing the same timid expression and trying to avoid looking each other in the face.

"O-Okay..." Yukiko said, hugging a pillow close to her body. It took a moment for them to prepare for bed, Haruko shutting the lights for them and laying at the edge of the bed to keep the other woman from falling off. "G-Good night, Haru..." 

"N...Night..." Haruko swallowed, keeping her back facing Yukiko.

She did her best to try and sleep but her heart pounded so loudly in her chest, it was keeping her awake practically the whole night. She ponders if what Yukiko suggested helped her, or made things more difficult...