♢

I feel like a criminal.

I'm sorry for what I'm doing, Zeon. But I can't live like this anymore.

The light to find Yza is shining brighter than before.

I'm going to grab hold of that light, with these two dirtied hands of mine.

I know I've been a terrible girlfriend. I know I've been a horrible woman. I know I've done unforgivable actions.

Yet, you still fought until the bitter end, for me.

That's why this time, I will be the one to fight for you.

This time, I will be the one to save you.

I'm going to go into Cray.

Nothing will stop me until I can embrace you.

I'm not going to let go of you...

I promise.

Please wait for me.

♢

(Opening here)

Yozora sat up in his bed, staring at his beeping alarm clock. With dark circles around his eyes, he rubbed them and walked over to the curtains.

"I didn't sleep at all last night..."

He pulled the curtains back, dazzled by the morning sun. He sat on the edge of his bed, contemplating what to do.

"You're Yza."

"You're just one of the personalities belonging to the man named Yza Blade."

"What the hell do you know... you snake of a friend and stupid bitch of a sister..." Yozora chucked his pillow to the floor, stamping on it while sighing. "Yza... I FUCKING HATE THAT NAME!"

Chiharu opened the door, waving at Yozora.

"Are you okay, Yozocchi?"

"...knock before you come in." Yozora picked up the pillow and threw it on his bed.

"You were shouting loudly. I couldn't help myself."

"I'm fine, Chiharu."

"You've been acting weird since yesterday. What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm sorry, could you just... leave me alone for a bit."

"Mm... Alright. Message me when you're finished, so we can go to school."

"Sure."

Chiharu left, closing the door. Yozora threw himself on the bed, sighing.

"Are you angry at me too?"

"Ubume... do you remember Kristy?"

"As clear as day. It seems she's done something as Crystal Edge Dragon to make everyone forget who she is."

"What a cruel bitch... letting me remember, and leaving the moment she tells me I'm Yza. What a fucking joke. I hope she dies."

"That's some strong words..."

"Even though I despise you... you're better than that excuse for a little sister."

"Ah? Am I?"

"Unlike that bitch, you've stuck by me and even helped me out. That stupid bitch only caused trouble for me."

"I love you, after all."

A pair of lips planted a kiss on Yozora's cheek.

"...whatever."

"You're terrible at expressing your emotions. You can be honest with me. Don't you love me too?"

"That was... that was before you started ruining everything..."

"So you did love me."

"It was because I was lost, lonely, and scared... I did all I could to protect Kristy, but I didn't know what would happen to me... but then, you came into my life. All those conversations we had eased my anxious heart that was terrified of tomorrow... I relied on you, I trusted you... I even... loved you..."

"We were both the same, struggling to live... I couldn't turn my back on you, Yozora. You helped me escape that demon's grasp."

"...we were both the same, struggling to live... so of course I'd love someone who didn't turn their back on me! I accepted you, yet..."

"Yet?"

"You stupid bitch... you know what happened."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You got power hungry! You started using me, manipulating me when I played Vanguard! It was for your own personal gain, so you could feel superior to all those people that we beat!"

"I didn't do that."

"Yes you did, you fucking liar. Unlike me, you wanted to win, no matter the cost, no matter who got hurt..."

"Darling, you know I was at rock bottom when I met you. I just wanted to feel like I was in control for once, instead of being used by someone else."

"And then you go ahead and use me for that means? That's not an excuse for using me... you're just a damn hypocrite."

"I also did it for your sake..."

"When did I ever need to win?"

"Deep in your heart... you too, wanted to win badly. Buried inside you were the same feelings I had."

"That's not true..."

"Don't deny those hidden feelings. You wanted to win as well."

"I was okay with losing..."

"Were you really?"

"...SHUT UP UBUME!"

"You can be honest with me, Yozora..."

"I'm not going to admit anything to a bitch like you..."

"Yet you told me your honest feelings of how I ruined our relationship."

"That's just the rip of the iceberg..."

"Is it?"

"You remember, don't you."

"...I remember very clearly the day you shunned me in favour for Myo-kurenai."

"Huh, so the good for nothing bitch remembers one of the most traumatic days of my life. How thoughtful."

"Look, Yozora, I-"

"I don't want your sorry excuse. I told you repeatedly that no means no. You knew full well how scared I was about using Fusillade, yet you still forced me to use him just so you could win... Of course I was going to switch to Myo-kurenai, because unlike you, he listens... he doesn't force me, he treats me as an equal. But you... you're nothing but a power hungry bastard. Go die."

"I'm... sorry, Yozora. I really am..."

"Just accept it. You're Yza."

"That voice..."

"It's your voice."

"You aren't me..."

"I'm you."

"I'm Yozora Shinsei, and no one else. Fuck off and get Ubume."

"You've broken her. Aren't you happy about that?"

"I don't care about her."

"Then if I make her mine, you'll be okay with that?"

"Take her then. I couldn't care less."

"Perfect."

"Good riddance..."

1

It was homeroom at Seigatsu Academy. In the classroom, Chiharu pulled up a seat next to Rukia and Kakusei.

Kakusei was busy talking to some girls that had come up to him, while Rukia was on her phone. Chiharu sighed to herself as Shika and Hiyoku walked over to them.

"Morning!" Shika said. Hiyoku waved at them.

"Hey guys..."

"Woah Chiharu, you look really depressed..."

"Yozocchi didn't want to come to school today..."

"What is he, Zeon?" Hiyoku said.

"I'm right here." Zeon said from his seat.

"Wow, that's a rare sight." Kakusei said, turning to the girls around him. "Thanks for the heads up."

"No problem, Kakusei~" The girls giggled as they left.

"What a show-off..." Shisue said from her seat at the front.

"What can I say?" Kakusei said, kicking his feet onto the table.

"Why didn't he come to school today?" Rukia said.

"Said he wasn't feeling well. But I can't help but feel like it's another reason."

"Another reason?"

"Last night... he was talking about someone's birthday."

"Whose birthday?"

"Someone named Kristy. He broke down when I didn't recognise that name, and this morning, he was shouting and talking to himself in his room..."

"I've never heard of a Kristy before. Sorry."

"It's fine, I didn't expect anyone here to know."

"Sounds like he has a few screws loose." Kakusei said.

"Kakusei." Rukia elbowed him in the ribs. "Be more sensitive. This is her boyfriend we're talking about."

"Well, Yozora has changed lately, hasn't he?" Hiyoku said.

"Yeah, he's been more... bold." Rukia said.

"He's become a prick." Zeon said.

"That's some... strong words."

"I say it how I see it."

"Well, I suppose I can see where your coming from..."

"I think he's just less shy now." Shika said.

"I don't think he's changed at all. In the end, he's still the same. Maybe talks a bit more, but that's growing up." Shisue said.

"Wow, something wise came out of your mouth for once..." Hiyoku said.

"I always talk wisely, umu."

"I feel like I'm inclined to agree with Zeon." Kakusei said. Zeon flinched. "I don't know how he was before I joined Seigatsu, but the guy's just been rude to me."

"Yozora isn't that type of person, Kakusei. He's gentle, but cares a lot about his friends. He just has a hard time expressing himself." Chiharu said.

"That might be the case for you, but I have a feeling he doesn't like me. Though, lots of people don't like me." Kakusei looked at Zeon and smirked.

"Stop looking at me..." Zeon muttered.

"What was that, Zeon?"

"Nothing, forgot it."

"If you have something to say about Yozora, say it now."

"I don't..."

"Kakusei." Rukia glared at him. "You're the one being rude now."

"...sorry. I'll yield, I'll yield."

"Thanks, Rukia." Zeon said. He turned away from the conversation.

Hiyoku sipped on his tea.

"By the way, Kakusei. What's the shiny pin on your uniform for?" Shisue said.

"Oh, this?" Kakusei pointed at the pin on his blazer. "Guess what it's for."

"Class Representative?" Rukia said.

"Close, but not quite."

"Oh, oh! I know!" Hiyoku said. "You're part of the Student Council!"

"Bingo. How'd you know?"

"My sister's the new Student Council President."

Silence fell upon the class.

"Did I say something unnecessary?"

"I think I just choked on air..." Kakusei said.

"When did Hiku become Student Council President?! That's great news!" Shika said.

"Congrats for your sister, Hiyoku!" Chiharu said.

"Hey, hey, tell that to my sister, not me. She's the lady of the occasion."

"That girl is your sister?" Kakusei said. Hiyoku nodded.

"Congratulations to you too, Kakusei. You got into the Student Council after all."

"Haha, thanks Rukia."

"You're not the only one." Zeon said, tossing his pin into the air and catching it.

"Huh, guess we'll be working together. How did a guy like you get in anyways?"

"Same way you did. Lack of members."

"Burn." Shisue said.

"They'll accept just about anybody, huh."

"They were desperate for members after all."

"Hiku will whip you all into shape. Promise." Hiyoku said.

"Is she really that bad?" Kakusei said.

"She's not that scary." Shika said.

"Yeah, she's a nice person." Rukia said.

"She'll lead Seigatsu to a brighter future. Probably." Zeon said.

"Have more faith in her." Shika said.

"I have faith. After all, she's a good-looking, mature, young woman. I'd love to have a date with a foxy lady like that." Kakusei said.

"My body rejects the idea of you two going out..." Hiyoku said.

"It's the brother instinct. Gotta protect your sister at all costs."

"Hey, you might be right..."

"Shika, what's wrong? You look down." Rukia said.

"Huh? I do?"

"The energy you had earlier suddenly disappeared."

"I'm fine."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna step out for some fresh air."

"Alright, then..."

Rukia watched Shika leave the classroom. Kakusei scratched the back of his head.

"What was that about?"

"I'm gonna talk to him." Shisue said.

"Shouldn't that be something one of us guys should do?" Zeon said.

"None of you are qualified for this."

"Huh...?"

Shisue left, following Shika.

"Could it be... Shisue has a crush on Shika?" Hiyoku said.

"Haha... hahahaha!"

"Stop laughing Kakusei! I'm being su~per serious!"

"You... you honestly think a straight-laced girl like Shisue has the hots for a muscle-head like Shika?"

"Well, a lot of the cheerleaders get wet for a piece of Shika. It's not a far-reach." Zeon said.

"Really, now?"

"Yeah. He's goofy and kind-hearted, while a monster at sports and has a nice body that any muscle lover would like. Unlike your ikemen appeal, he's got this other appeal going on for him."

"I see. Hey Rukia, which do you prefer? My appeal, or Shika's appeal?"

"Why are you asking me?"

"You're most qualified for this, aren't you?"

"Everyone has their own tastes. Asking Rukia won't get you the overall census of the female population..." Chiharu said. "As for me, I like Yozora's appeal!"

"I'm just curious, I don't mean harm."

"Well, if you must know. I don't like either "appeal"."

"Then, what do you like?"

"I'm not sure." Rukia smiled.

"Shame. Zeon, what kind of appeal do you have?"

"Me? How would I know? Ask a girl that question."

"You seem well-versed in "types" of guys. Could it be, you're a closet gay~?"

"Stop stimulating all the fujoshis in the room by speaking crap..."

"Shisue left the room already." Hiyoku said.

"He didn't deny it!"

"I'm not a closet gay. There, I denied it."

"Rukia, do you think Zeon is gay?"

"Um..."

"Do you? Do you?"

"Do I not get a say in this at all?!" Zeon said.

"You were the one saying to ask a girl." Kakusei said.

"He's 100% not gay." Chiharu said.

"Yeah, what Chiharu said." Rukia said.

"Thank you girls..."

"Ah well. How about Hiyoku? What's his appeal?"

"Hey man, I'm not looking for love right now. Girls are a poison to the boy's head, dizzying them with feelings they didn't even know they had..."

"Jeez, what kind of trauma have you been through..."

"Rejection does terrible things to a man."

"You know what, agreed. Rejection is seriously the worst."

"Except... aren't you the one doing most of the rejecting?" Zeon said.

"Unfortunately. One of the cons of being popular. Girls are always confessing to me, but I only have one true love."

"Oh? Oh? Who'd that be?" Hiyoku said.

"That's a... secret~" Kakusei grinned.

2

On the rooftop, Shika was sitting on the bench while looking beyond the horizon. Shisue opened the door to the rooftop, and took a seat next to him, placing a can of iced coffee next to him.

"You followed me?"

"If you don't want the coffee, I'll drink it."

"I'll take it." Shika opened the can and drank some. "To be honest, I expected Rukia to come chasing after me. Not you."

"Girls understand the nuances of social situations better than guys. She knew that if she left to chase you, Kakusei would as well. It's not like you can confess your feelings when another person is around."

"Well, yeah."

"Plus, that idiot Kakusei is the reason you left in the first place. He wouldn't understand a thing about what you feel."

"Really?"

"All boys are dumb when it comes to feelings. It's just a matter of fact."

"That's a strong opinion..."

"My half-brother was an emotionless man. Of course I'd learn how to read someone else's feelings."

"Seriously? You have a half-brother?"

"Let's not go deep into that. I'd prefer if no one knew my secrets."

"Fair enough. But still, why did you follow me up here then?"

"So we could talk."

"Since when did you care about me..."

"We're friends."

"We are?"

"You really are a meathead. I'll say it straight. You have a crush on Hiku, don't you?"

"...haha." Shika hunched forward, burying his face in his hand. His body relaxed, and a faint blush went across his cheeks.

"I hit the nail on the head."

"Ugh... You sure did..." Shika said, looking up at her. "This is embarrassing."

"I can already imagine it. The Student Council President is going out with Seigatsu's rugby ace. That'd be a power couple."

"N-not so loudly! Someone might hear us!"

"Ahh, sorry."

"I'm trying to keep it a secret..."

"We traded secrets, thus I shall not reveal yours."

"Thanks."

"So, how long have you been in love with her?"

"I've had a crush on her since 2nd year."

"That long? Wow. You should ask her out before Kakusei does."

"Nah, I couldn't do that. We don't know each other well enough, and I don't even have her phone number. It'd be a pretty fruitless endeavour."

"Be more confident in yourself. Girls love you, man. I'm sure Hiku would too."

"I'm scared... I've never had a relationship my whole life, nor have I ever confessed to a girl before."

"I'll be your wingman then. By the end of this day, you'll have stormed into the student council office, and confessed your feelings to her. Got that?"

"Ehh? Why so spur of the moment..."

"Think of it... like a rugby game. The ball just got passed to you. You only have this one chance to score a touchdown. Go for it."

"When you put it that way..." Shika drank the rest of his coffee, and crushed the can in his hands. "I can do it."

"That's the spirit!!"

"Oi, you two! What are you doing on the rooftop!? Get back to class right now!"

"Ahh! Sorry teach, we're going, we're going!" Shika said.

"Looks like our time is up..." Shisue said.

3

Lunch time. While Rukia, Kakusei, Zeon and Hiyoku gathered to eat lunch in the classroom, Shika and Shisue left the room straight away.

"I'm starting to believe Hiyoku's idea was right..." Zeon said.

"Shika and Shisue going out... who woulda thunk it." Hiyoku said.

"I'm sure it's for another reason." Rukia said.

"I can go check where they are." Kakusei said.

"Let's just leave them to their private business."

"Fair enough. I was offering since I can't stay in class for long."

"Why's that?"

"I've got a meeting I need to take care of."

"Alright then. Have fun."

"Thanks, will do."

Kakusei left the classroom.

"There's no meeting for the Student Council today, though." Zeon said.

"He's probably gonna get a love confession." Hiyoku said.

4

On the rooftop, Shika sat on the bench eating melon bread. Shisue entered the rooftop a few minutes later with a soda in her hand.

"Sorry I'm late."

"I was eating lunch, so it's cool." Shika tossed the wrapper into the bin.

"Well, time for the big moment. Let's go get you to confess to Hiku."

"Alright... so, where we going exactly?"

"To the student council office, duh. My sources tell me she's in there."

"And who's your source?"

"My eyes."

"Well, that's a relief!"

"Let's hurry. We have twenty minutes until the end of lunch. Going to the office will take us about five minutes. That means we have fifteen minutes to drive the conversation towards asking her out. Can you do that?"

"Fifteen minutes huh..."

"The ball just got passed to you." Shisue chucked her drink at him. "Now go score Seigatsu a touchdown. Jukem."

"...jukem!" Shika took a swig of the soda, and crushed the empty can.

"My drink..."

"I'll get you a new one later."

"You better."

5

Kakusei stood outside the student council office, and knocked on the door. The door got opened by Mizuho.

"G-Good afternoon, Kakusei."

"Hey Mizuho. Is Hiku here?"

"Yeah, um, she's eating her lunch. Um, w-would you like to come in?"

"Sure. I need to talk to her about something."

Kakusei went inside the office.

Shika and Shisue arrived at the student council office.

"It's all or nothing now." Shika said.

"Go get them." Shisue said.

As Shika was about to knock on the door, Shisue grabbed his wrist.

"Wait. I hear something."

"Huh?"

"Shh." Shisue grabbed the door handle and pushed down on it. "It's open..."

"Of course it's open. It's just common courtesy to knock first..."

"Quiet." Shisue opened the door slightly, and peeked through the gap.

"What are you doing?"

"Come join me in spying on them."

"Eh...?"

"Kakusei's there."

"What?!" Shika peered through the gap, watching alongside Shisue. "What's he doing there?!"

"Shut up you giant oaf, you'll get us exposed!"

Inside, Mizuho glanced at the door.

"Strange... I thought I heard something."

Meanwhile, Kakusei stared directly at the beautiful woman sitting behind the desk at the other end of the room.

Her face was round and smooth, framed by flowing white hair that reached her lower back. Her crystal blue eyes fluttered, illuminated by the cadence of light coming from the window.

"Student Council President, Hiku. Good afternoon." Kakusei said.

"Good afternoon, Kakusei. Would you like a drink?" Hiku said.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll decline. I'm here for another reason." Kakusei walked up to the desk.

"Oh? What is it? Did a fight break out between students?"

"No, it's something else."

"Hm? What's the matter, Kakusei?"

"Will you go out with me?"

Shika's eyes widened. Shisue raised a brow.

"No."

"Ah, worth a shot. Thanks for time, Student Council President Hiku."

"Your welcome. Enjoy the rest of your day."

Shisue punched Shika in the stomach, and ran away. Shika groaned and followed her.

Kakusei left the room.

"P-P-P-Prez, t-t-t-that was......!" Mizuho said with a dark red face.

"A love confession? So?"

"Prez, you're so confident and bold... f-f-f-forgive me..."

"Mizuho. Look at me."

"Yes... P-President?"

"There's a very simple reason I can reject his proposal, and anyone elses. That is... my heart's already been taken by another man."

"A-and... w-who's... that?"

Kakusei closed the door behind him, and looked side to side.

"I swear I heard someone here..." Kakusei said. "Fufu... she'll be mine."

6

Stopping at the stairwell, Shisue panted and leaned against the railing. Shika slumped onto the floor, breathing a deep sigh.

"That was close..." Shisue said.

"I'm so glad... that she rejected him!"

"I can't tell whether your lucky or not... after all, we got there too late, but at the same time she's still available."

"It just means I'm not gonna get good grades on the midterms."

"You never good grades on the midterms."

"True."

"Well, we should hold off confessing to her until later. Getting confessed twice in a day will just be jarring."

"No. I'm gonna do it at the end of the day."

"What?! That's romantic suicide!"

"Shisue. You told me yourself. The ball is in my hands now, and I gotta get a touchdown. After barely scraping a devastating loss, I need to pick myself back up and reassess the situation, and figure out the best line of play to win."

"And the best line of play is to wait until-"

"The best line of play is to jukem."

"Shika..."

"Just you watch, Shisue. I swear by the end of the day, Hiku will be my girlfriend!"

Shisue helped Shika up, and the two nodded at each other.

7

The bell rang, and Zeon got up from his seat to collect his belongings. Rukia walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Can I come swing by your place today?"

"...huh?"

Rukia glanced at Zeon's sleeve. Zeon sighed, and slung his bag over his shoulder.

"Whatever. You want Johan to drive you back?"

"Yes please."

Kakusei watched Zeon and Rukia left the classroom. Grabbing his bag, he trailed after them.

"Hey guys, you walking back home?" Kakusei called out to the two. Rukia stopped, turning her head towards him, while Zeon continued to walk.

"No." Zeon said.

"How about you, Rukia?" Kakusei caught up to them.

"Actually... I'm going with Zeon today. I'm gonna swing by his house."

"Lucky. Doesn't he live in a mansion?"

"I'm right here you know." Zeon said. "But yeah, I do."

"Can I join?"

"No."

"Ehh? Why?"

"Sorry dude. You just aren't coming."

"But we're friends, aren't we?"

Zeon stopped and glared at Kakusei over his shoulder. Rukia put a hand on both boys shoulders, smiling.

"Sorry Kakusei. But I don't want you to come with us either."

Kakusei smiled pleasantly.

"Alright, sure. You two have fun."

"Thanks." Rukia said. She lead Zeon away from Kakusei.

Kakusei laughed under his breath, curling his hand into a fist.

Leaving through the front gates, Zeon and Rukia got into the limousine parked a short walk away from the school.

"Ah, Rukia, nice to see you." Johan tipped his cap at her.

"Nice to see you too, Johan."

"Take us home." Zeon said, tossing his bag in the floor.

"Sure." Johan began driving.

Rukia placed one of her hands on Zeon's hand.

"You'll be alright."

Zeon kicked the bag and pulled his hand away from her. Slumping, he covered his face, closed his eyes, and let out a sigh.

8

Shika took a deep breath, knocking on the student council office's double doors. He gulped, scratching his head and fiddling with the keys in his pocket.

The doors opened, and Hiku stood there, waving at Shika.

"A face I didn't expect to see. What a pleasant surprise. Come in."

Shika nodded, stepping into the office. He shivered, letting his shoe sink into the carpet floor.

"Would you like a drink?"

"Uhh... I'll have a... water. With two sugars. I mean, no- uhh..."

"What's the matter? Relax, I'm not a demon." Hiku giggled, stepping into the kitchen and taking a cup.

"Uhh..." Shika stared at Hiku, scratching his cheek.

"I'll make you a coffee then. I'm guessing two sugars?"

"Yeah, that's fine..." Shika nodded.

Hiku finished brewing the coffee, and poured it out into the cup.

"Do you like yours strong of light?"

"Uhh... light...?"

"Alright then." Hiku poured some cream and sugar cubes into the coffee and mixed it in. She walked over to the lounging area, and sat down on one of the recliners.

Shika followed her, sitting on the opposite recliner. Hiku placed the coffee on the table between them.

"Enjoy. Careful it's-"

"Thanks, I will!" Shika grabbed his cup and started drinking it. He choked on it, and started tapping on his chest, swallowing it down.

"..hot. Are you alright?"

Shika gave a thumbs up, and coughed. "Besides the temperature... that is a nice coffee."

"Haha. Thank you. So, what brings you here to the Student Council? Are there troubles you're having? Any complaints? Problems?"

"It's... uhh, a problem, I guess."

"Can you describe it to me?"

"Well... uhh..."

"You may take your time."

"Uhh..." Shika picked up the coffee, and sipped it. "Well..."

Putting the cup down with trembling hands, he grinned with furrowed brows. Hiku tilted her head.

"I think... I'm in love!"

"That's a wonderful thing! Who's the lucky lady?"

Shika drank more coffee, choked on it, then forced it down by tapping his chest.

"Um... will you be okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Coffee burn? Haha, who cares, I get piled on by guys bigger than me on a daily basis, this is nothing!"

"Then, maybe let's shoot from another angle. Why do you like her?"

Shika took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

"She's... she's an amazing woman. Everyday, I find myself amazed at how she's both beautiful and smart. Her personality is sublime. She's mature and helps everyone out, no matter who they are, and they're not afraid to deal meaningful criticism to those that deserve it. Her strong sense of justice, and her conviction to push for a brighter tomorrow makes me feel energised. The way she speaks and acts leave a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. She's incredible, stunning, breath-taking... I want to become closer to her. I want to become her boyfriend!"

"You're so passionate... that's lovely, Shika."

Shika opened his eyes, and drank the rest of his coffee. Swallowing it down, he cleared his throat.

"Thank you..."

"How long have you liked her?"

"Since... uhh... well, 2nd year!" Shika went to drink more coffee, but realised the cup was empty. Placing it down, he averted his eyes from her.

"So, what would you like the Student Council to do then?"

"I... I want to confess to them."

"That should be easy enough. You're already this passionate about her, and you clearly love her. Do you have the self-confidence?"

"Yes... I think I do. After all, I decided that I was going to confess to her today, no matter what!"

"Perfect. Then, we just need to find her, right? I'll support you all the way!"

"Well... about that."

Shika raised his head, and looked at Hiku deep in the eyes.

"I... I love you, Hiku."

Hiku's eyes widened, moistening up. She smiled, and reached her hand out to him.

Shika closed his eyes and reached his hand out to her.

Their hands intertwined, and connected.

"There's a very simple reason I can reject his proposal, and anyone elses. That is... my heart's already been taken by another man."

"A-and... w-who's... that?"

"Shika Akia."

"I love you too, Shika!" Hiku said, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Shika opened his eyes and smiled widely. He embraced Hiku, and yelled from the bottom of his lungs.

"HIKU, I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

Then, the door opened. Falling inside the office were Shisue and Mizuho.

Shika and Hiku glanced at the two girls.

"U-um, P-Prez, I can... I can explain...!" Mizuho covered her beet red face.

"Nice work, big guy." Shisue have a thumbs up to Shika.

"EHHHHHHHHHH?!" Shika and Hiku exclaimed together.

9

In Zeon's room, he and Rukia sat on his bed while talking to each other.

"I'm sorry about Kakusei's behaviour today."

"It's fine. I don't really like him anyways."

"It seems a few people in our friend group don't. But honestly, he isn't that bad."

"I'm trying to see it from that angle, but I just can't... I'm sorry, Rukia."

"It's fine."

"I don't want to talk about Kakusei anyways."

"Me too. This time is just for you."

Zeon glanced up at Rukia. She took his arm, and brought it onto her lap.

She rolled up his school shirt's sleeve, and looked at his wrist. Zeon winced, and turned away.

"...Zeon, these..."

"I'm sorry, Rukia..."

"Please don't say sorry, Zeon. You didn't do anything wrong."

"I did... I cut more... I cut even worse than before... even though you keep helping me, I..."

Rukia took some bandages, and began to wrap them around his arm. She hummed a melody while doing so.

"Rukia...?"

"One day, I'll get you to stop. Until that day, I won't stop caring about you. Okay? Rely on me more. You can tell me all these things that are making you cut. Even if it's embarrassing, even if it's painful... I'll listen to each word. Because you deserve to stop suffering."

"H-haha..."

Zeon buried his face into his right hand, crying into it. Rukia glanced at his other wrist, peeking into the cuff. She grimaced.

Gently stroking his arm, Rukia slowed her breathing, and watched Zeon cry.

"Do you want ice cream?"

Zeon nodded.

"Alright. I'll be back."

Rukia stroked his arm one last time, and left the room. Zeon pulled down his right sleeve and looked at the array of cuts on it.

"Did she... notice?"

As she walked down the stairs, Rukia sighed.

"Haa... I'm a terrible woman."

She walked into the hallway, and into the back entrance. Opening it, she stepped into the patio, and walked down the path linked to the garage.

Rukia opened the gate and stepped inside. She gazed over the increased number of super computers inside.

Shuffling over to a computer, she opened up a table of options. She scrolled through them, and let the mouse hover through the final option. Clicking on it, she sighed.

Watching the portal light up before her eyes, Rukia opened the cylinder.

Standing on the edge of the rippling portal beneath her feet, she slowed her breathing.

"I'll be with you soon, Yza."

Rukia stepped inside, performing an Imaginary Dive.

(Ending here)

Next time on Z World:

#56: Saving the person who saved me

Zeon: No matter what, I'll bring you back... I'll kill anything that gets in my way...

================================

A/N

We're fast approaching the end of this drama filled volume.

Welcome back to A/N.

To be honest, when I made this chapter, I didn't know what "plot" was going to drive the chapter forward, except a few key points I wanted to cover, such as Rukia's Imaginary Dive and Yozora's conversation with Ubume.

The Shika x Hiku sub-plot was spur of the moment love letter to one of my favourite ships from even before this book's production. Though, it seems to be more of a reminder for how old I am on Wattpad...

Uwaa... I'm approaching five years on this website... *slumps*

Does that make me a veteran? Do I get veteran discounts?

Speaking of Hiku, she's one of Mesagi's characters. All credits to him.

The next arc will be taking a break from the high school drama, and focus about the fast approaching conclusion about Rukia's search for Yza. I hope you'll enjoy.

That's all, Fox out!