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Your name is Ryoji Shida, and damn it feels good to be home.

After missing out on your entire Summer, being trapped by a piece of crap lying demon, you've managed to find your way back to the academy, back into your not-all-that-comfortable bed, and back into the arms of Saki Kobashi, the girl of your dreams. A happy occasion, right?

Well... it seems that the universe can't let you go five minutes without worrying about some horrible, gory future. And the news that was dropped on you last night might be the worst yet.

“Ryoji...” A sleepy Saki rubs her eyes, rolling over in bed to see you standing and pacing about the room. “Huh? Why aren't you cuddling?”

“Stupid entitled little brat, not listening to his elder...” you mumble, pacing back and forth with a clenched fist. You're sure Saki can probably see the steam rising from your head.

“Ryoji, calm down,” Saki yawns. “Just... tell me what's wrong.”

You sigh, shaking your head as you sit on the edge of the bed. “We've got a problem, Sak.”

Saki gasps. “Oh no, my cuddles didn't properly satisfy you, did they?” she asks. “I swear, I'm usually much better, I just got caught up in the moment! Don't take this as a sign of the future quality of-”

“What?” you mutter. “No, there's no problem between you and me.”

“Oh... that's a relief,” Saki sighs. “Because to be honest, my cuddles don't get any better than that.”

“This a a problem for all of us.”

“All of Dark Gate?” Saki asks.

“All of humanity,” you explain. “We've got a big problem.”

“Already?” Saki protests. “But you just got back!”

“I know...” you shake your head. “Damn, this sucks.”

“The universe must really hate you,” Saki replies.

“I've been saying that since I got here!” you smile, happy to see someone finally agree.

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“So, what's wrong?”

“Well, kind of a long story...” you reply.

“Huh, maybe you should have spent the night explaining it instead of hugging your girlfriend for hours on end?” The Stranger says, speaking from inside your mind.

“Quiet you,” you mutter, pointing at your own head.

“Huh?” a confused Saki asks. Oh, you should probably remember to not talk to the stranger out loud. He can read your thoughts, after all.

“Okay, first off...” you explain. “The Stranger's still alive. And now he can talk to me from within my head.”

“He can?”

“Yeah,” you reply. “What's worse is he doesn't shut up. He had some very colourful suggestion on things to do with you last night.”

It takes Saki a second to realise what you mean, before turning bright red. “Oh god... you didn't do anything while I was asleep, did you?”

“Of course not,” you reply. “Can't say the same for you, though...”

“What?!”

“Well,” you smirk. “You move around a lot in your sleep. It was like there were two magnets in that bed. The first was attached to my abs, and the second was attached to your ass.”

“What?!”

“You just couldn't stop grinding again-”

“Agh, stop!” Saki yells, covering her ears, her face beet red. “Just get to the terrible issue!”

“Ok...” you scratch the back of your head. “You see... right before Stranger gave me my body back, he performed this weird ritual with a gem.”

“I'm guessing that's what caused the huge flash of light in the Darkworld,” Saki mutters.

“Yeah, according to The Stranger, the ritual he performed supercharged this power gem, and if I use it, I can summon him without having to give up any memories.”

“That doesn't sound so bad,” Saki replies. “I mean... if it's true.”

“I haven't got to the problem yet,” you explain. “You see Sak, the Stranger's an idiot. A huge one. His damn ritual freed twelve really powerful Archdemons... ones that can open more portals between our world and theirs.”

“W-what?!” Saki exclaims. “That's terrible! Then... the academy has failed! We... we couldn't contain the Darkworld!”

“Not our fault Sak,” you reply. “No way we could have known about or stopped this.”

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“So... the Darkworld is going to invade the rest of world?” Saki sighs. “How much time do we have?”

“I imagine they have some scores to settle in the Darkworld itself,” Stranger explains. “It'll probably be about a week in your time before they turn their attention to here.”

“Stranger gives it a week,” you relay the message to Saki.

“Well... I'll inform Maro and Principal Wei, they can stay on the look-out and prepare in case the incident happens any sooner,” Saki states. “So... where is this power gem? If all this is true, you'll probably need it... even if I hate the idea of you using The Stranger again.”

“And here comes the part that pisses me off,” you reply.

“The potential end of the world doesn't piss you off?” Saki raises an eyebrow.

“The power gem belongs to some kid in Class 1. This twerp called Kazuma Asai. I came to him this morning, explained the situation... and he wouldn't give me the stupid stone.”

“Why not?” Saki asks. “I've met Kazuma before. He seems like a reasonable guy.”

“He says that the ghost of his dad was talking to him and told him that he shouldn't let me take the gem off his hands. Insane, right?”

Saki pauses. “Well... is it any more insane sounding than what you just said?”

“He's basing his decisions on the words of a ghost!” you protest.

“And you're basing yours on the words of a demon that's lied to you plenty times before,” Saki pouts. “I hate to say it, Ryoji... but it's your word against his. I mean... I believe your side, but I'm biased. I'm sure we can find a peaceful way to solve this.”

“Or... we could punch him in the nose and swipe the stone,” you suggest.

“No, Ryoji. Peaceful solution... peaceful,” Saki mutters. “There's gotta be a decent compromise we can reach. For now, I don't want you getting worked up and worried about this. There's something much more important on your plate.”

“And that is?” you ask.

“Ryoji... you're back. Everyone wants to see you,” Saki smiles. “And I promised a certain couple of delinquents that I'd bring you to them first.”

You smile. It's true, you shouldn't worry about some stubborn runt of a first year right now. You need to be re-united with you makeshift little family first.

You wait for Saki to grab a quick shower and get changed before the two of you step out into the dormitory corridor. The two of you approach the door to Kosuke's room, as you step up to the door, about to knock.

“Ryoji, wait!” Saki exclaims. “I... kinda had a big introduction for you prepared. I wanna pull it off.”

You examine the door, noticing that it's already open a crack. You know what that means, it's the sign of a classic prank. Whoever steps through that door first is going to see a bucket of water poured on their head.

>Sure, go ahead Saki.
>Actually, I think I should go in first.

>>547265
>Sure, go ahead Saki.
Let's finally see a prank from Kosuke and Rini.

>>547265
>Sure, go ahead Saki.
I'm sure its not actually a bucket of water. They wouldn't prank their own room that badly right? Besides, Saki had a big intro. Might as well see what she had planned.

Good to be back.

>>547265
>>Sure, go ahead Saki.
Let's try to act as a delinquent for once. The only delinquent thing Ryoji does is skip classes, he doesn't even smoke. What kind of delinquent is that?

Also did Saki practiced her cuddling skills with a dakimakura or with Hoshi

>>547265
>Sure, go ahead Saki

>>547265
>Kick the door in
Makes us look more badass than we already are

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>Sure, go ahead Saki.

This should be fun. You bet Kosuke and Rini have preparing this for a good while now. Saki smiles confidently as she readies herself outside the door. She clears her throat to prepare, before making a trumpet noise with her hands.

"Duh duh duh dunnn! Hear ye, hear ye, one and all!" Saki exclaims with a smile on her face. "All those from far and wide, from east to west, prepare yourselves for the return of the one, the only, master delinq-"

As Saki opens the door, she finds her speech cut short, as a bucket of water lands on her head, drenching her.

"Gah! Oh... I just changed into these clothes..." Saki whines, pulling the bucket from her head. She pouts as she looks at you. "You knew this would happen, didn't you?"

"Yeah," you reply. "Sorry Sak, but I didn't want to spoil the prank."

"Haha!" Rini chuckles, as you see her sitting on Kosuke's lap on the edge of the bed. "I knew you'd try a cheesy intro!"

"This is your room, Kosuke!" Saki protests, wringing out her wet hair. "You just made a mess in your own room! This is self-destructive behaviour!"

"Worth it," Kosuke shrugs.

"By the way, your shirt's see-through now," Rini smirks, causing Saki to cover her chest and turn her back to the pair in embarrassment.

"So..." you smirk. "Are you guys ready to welcome the master delinquent?"

Rini bursts from Kosuke's lap and rushes towards you before... punching you hard in the chest. Hard enough that you go flying back towards the door. As you clutch you chest in pain, she wraps her arms around you and holds you tight in a bear hug. "Welcome back, you bug lug!" she exclaims. "Missed the hell outta you!"

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Kosuke casually sits up from his side of the bed, and approaches you offering a handshake. You slap his hand out of the way and hug him tightly.

"Missed you buddy," Kosuke says in his usual deadpan manner. "It really sucked not having my best pal around."

"It was so crappy!" Rini exclaims. "We actually started talking to other members of the class! We were that desperate!"

"And...?"

Rini shrugs. "They aren't as bad as I thought. I hate to say it, but pirate-girl's really cool."

Nanami, you should definitely catch up with her later. Yesterday, she mentioned that she and Ken finished building her ship over summer.

"Sorry I didn't get a chance to say hey last night," you mutter.

"It's not problem, we were... you know... busy," Rini says with a sly wink, before looking over at a cowering wet Saki. "And we hear you two were getting busy yourselves!"

"W-wha?!" Saki protests. "N-no we weren't! We were just cuddling!"

"Cuddling?" Rini laughs. "Is that what the kids are calling it these days?"

"No, we were actually cuddling!" Saki stamps her foot.

"Really?" Rini folds her arms. "That's... lame. Not even some hand and mouth stuff?"

"Gah!" Saki blushes and moves to cover her ears, before remembering her wet shirt, and going back to covering her chest. "No! I'm not leeeeeeewd!"

"I think she's protesting too much," Rini smirks. "Come on Ryo, you guys had a little more action than that, right?"

>Nope. Just cuddling. Completely innocent.
>Well... there was a little grinding...
>I don't kiss and tell, Rini.

>>547307
>>Well... there was a little grinding...
It is not a lie.

>>547307
>I don't kiss and tell, Rini.
>Deploy painfully obvious shit eating grin.

>>547307
>Nope. Just cuddling. Completely innocent.
>Well... there was a little grinding...

Times Saki needed a shower today: 2

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>>547307
>I don't kiss and tell, Rini.
Leave it up to speculation, might give Saki some ideas

>>547307
>I don't kiss and tell, Rini
>Besides if I did All of Saki's blood would rush to her face and she'd faint. Then I'd be too worried to enjoy the view of her see through shirt.

Episode 5 again?

>>547307
>>I don't kiss and tell, Rini.

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>I don't kiss and tell, Rini

Rini develops the largest, most devilish grin on her face as her eyes dart over to a mortified Saki. "Don't kiss and tell, eh? I know what that's code for..."

"Yes, it's code for nothing happened!" Saki fires back. "I swear! I'm not lewd! I'm not! Ryojiiiiii!"

Saki bounces up and down in frustration as she protests. You feel inclined to point out that she bouncing around in a wet shirt, and what that does to crumble her argument.

You smirk as you place your hand atop her wet hair. "It's okay, Sak. I know you're not lewd."

"Thank you!" Saki exclaims, as she pouts at Rini. "But now I have to shower and change... again. I guess I'll have to meet up with you again later..."

"See you soon Sak," you reply. "I've got some big plans for the two of us tonight..."

Alarm bells go off inside Saki's head, as her wide-eyes dart back to a chuckling Rini.

"A date," you clarify, before her mind goes to even dirtier places.

"Oh..." Saki breathes a sigh of relief. "Okay, Ryoji. Have fun catching up with your friends, and I'll be back soon, okay? I love you."

Saki reaches up on her tip-toes and kisses you, you place your hands on her hips out of instinct, kissing back. "Love you too, Sak."

The two of you pull away as Saki exits the room, hurrying to her own dormroom before anyone catches her in her soaking wet state.

You watch her leave, then turn back to see a smirking Rini. "What?" you ask.

"You two..." Rini mutters. "You're so gross."

"Gross?"

"So Lovey-Dovey," Rini laughs. "Makes me sick... happy for you."

"You are?" you smirk. "I always thought you hated Sak."

"Well... I don't hate her," Rini explains. "Sure, I hate everything she does, everything she is, and everything she stands for... but all things considered, she's not that bad. Besides, I can see how happy she makes you. I'm willing to put up with my friend's stupid girlfriend if he's happy."

You shrug. "I can respect that. So... what's new around here? What did I miss?"

"Well, me and Kosuke are closer than ever," Rini remarks. "We recently had our first time."

"Your first time what?" you ask.

Rini stares at you, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh," you realise. "Congrats. How was it?"

"It was great," Kosuke replies, as he reaches his hand out to hold Rini's. "Second time was even better though."

"Twice, huh?"

"Thrice," Kosuke corrects.

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"It's pretty awesome, you should try it with your girl," Rini says. "When do you think you'll break all her rules?"

"Considering it's Saki," you reply. "I'm thinking she won't be ready for something like that until... marriage."

"And you can wait that long?" Rini asks.

"Yeah, probably," you shrug. "For Saki's sake, definitely."

"That's lame!" Rini protests. "You gotta wear her down! Romance her a little better, she'll be like putty in your hands! During you next make-out session, just take the leap! Slip your hands under her-"

"You've missed a lot, by the way," Kosuke says, interrupting Rini's talk of Saki's undergarments. "A lot changes over summer. This place has been kinda falling apart without you."

"Damn, really?" you ask. "Everyone seemed pretty happy when I came back."

"Yeah, because you came back," Kosuke explains. "Big happy moment. A lot of the others are dealing with some serious crap these days. I haven't been paying much attention, but even I know some of the class are in bad places."

Damn... you suppose you should get to talking to the rest of the class, get a run-down on everything you've missed, try to help out a little. You're the classes resident janitor, after all. Constantly cleaning everyone else's messes.

"So, where you want us to hang out first?" Rini asks. "Any spot in school you particularly miss?"

>Let's just chill out in the common room.
>Let's hang out on the roof like proper delinquents.
>Let's hang out in the courtyard.
>Let's check out the library.
>Let's go down to the running tracks.
>Let's go into town.

>>547327
>Let's hang out on the roof like proper delinquents.
As if there were other options.

>>547327
Let's check out the completed S.S Saki.
Or if we can't:
>Let's go down to the running tracks.

>>547327
>Let's just chill out in the common room.

>>547327
>Let's hang out on the roof like proper delinquents.
And if an illiterate idiot is claiming our turf lets kick his ass. In a children's card game

>>547327
>>Let's hang out on the roof like proper delinquents.

>>547327
>Let's hang out on the roof like proper delinquents.

>>547327
>>Let's hang out on the roof like proper delinquents.

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>Let's hang out on the roof like proper delinquents.

"Haha!" Rini pumps her fist. "Good answer! We hang out up there, and if any snot nosed kid shows up and tries to take our spot, we can beat them up and kick them off our turf! Classic delinquent stuff!"

That's one plan, but the truth is you expect to find a certain kid up on the roof already. A certain girl who you first met on the roof, one who enjoys hanging out up there herself.

You, Kosuke and Rini exits the dorms and make your way to the main school building, climbing up the stairwell and making your way out onto the roof. You open the door and are met with the exact face you expected to see, sitting down, starring at the door with a smile on her face. "Ahoy!" Nanami exclaims as you walk out into the open air. "I knew you would come here!"

You pick up your pace, speeding towards the little pirate and embracing her with a hug. You've always had a soft-spot for Nanami. In fact, you see her as a little sister to yourself. "How long were you waiting up here?" you ask.

"Not long," Nanami laughs. "Just under an hour!"

"You didn't have to wait for me up here, you know. What if I didn't come up?"

"That would have been fine!" Nanami laughs. "I like hanging out up here anyway! And I wasn't going to give up on the chance of this dramatic reunion! Oh, hey Rini!"

"Hey, Pirate-girl..." Rini gives a small wave.

"Rini and I are friends now!" Nanami smiles. "We hang out all the time!"

"That's exaggerating," Rini remarks.

"Okay, not all the time, but-"

"No I meant the part where you said we were friends," Rini explains.

"Hah, classic Rini!" Nanami laughs.

"So, how was your summer?" you ask Nanami, pulling away from the hug. "You mentioned you and Ken finished that ship?"

"Yep, the S.S. Saki is ready for it's maiden voyage any day now!" Nanami exclaims.

"Wow, still calling it that, huh?" you mutter. "So, how are you and Ken?"

"We're doing great!" Nanami exclaims. "We're the best of friends!"

"Yeah, but are the two of you da-"

"Best of friends!" Nanami exclaims, clearly trying to change the subject. Okay then. "But some of the crew aren't doing so good these days. The summer's been a harsh one."

"So I've heard," you reply. "Haven't got any details yet."

"Well, have no fear!" Nanami exclaims. "The captain has come up with an amazing scheme to help raise morale!"

"And that is?"

"A party!" Nanami exclaims. "A big epic party to welcome back my first mate! And everyone's invited!"

"Nanami, remember what happened the last time you threw a party?"

"Yeah, you and Saki got together!"

"And we got thrown into hell."

"That's just a coincidence!" Nanami laughs. "Come on! Let me throw a party for you! It'll be great!"

>Okay... but it'll have to wait until later. I'm taking Saki out on a date.
>I don't want a party thrown for me, Nanami. I think I'll just talk to everyone one-on-one.

>>547348
>>I don't want a party thrown for me, Nanami. I think I'll just talk to everyone one-on-one.
Not everyone is that social. Besides, no Akio. Not a party without him.

>>547348
>Okay... but it'll have to wait until later. I'm taking Saki out on a date.
Everyone reunited in the same room, what could possibly go wrong

>>547348
>Okay... but it'll have to wait until later. I'm taking Saki out on a date.
Therapy Ryoji is dead, all hail Group Therapy Ryoji.

>>547348
>Okay... but it'll have to wait until later. I'm taking Saki out on a date.
>I want to talk to everyone one-on-one too.
A party sounds great. But we should still try to talk to people one on one first.

>>547348
>>Okay... but it'll have to wait until later. I'm taking Saki out on a date.

>>547355
That's a good idea, make sure to patch up any wounds we can before throwing any sort of party. I imagine some might not take it very well if we just threw a party while they had their problems to deal with.

>>547348
>>547355
Supporting this.

>>547355
Changing vote for this.

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>Okay... but it'll have to wait until later. I'm taking Saki out on a date.
>I want to talk to everyone one-on-one too.

Nanami nods. "Of course! You can talk to them while passing out the invites!"

"Did... did you just give me a job to do?" you sigh.

"Well, isn't it your duty as a first mate?" Nanami smirks. Dammit, you missed this girl.

"Okay... so who needs a dose of my now famous advice the most?" you ask.

"My ear's been to the ground," Nanami explains. "And I think the person most in need of a little help is-"

"Rei," Rini interrupts.

"Yeah, it's Rei," Kosuke adds.

"Definitely Rei," Nanami completes.

"What's wrong with Rei?" you ask. "She seemed fine when I saw her yesterday."

"She's not," Nanami replies. "She and Akira had a huge falling out over the summer over... something. That, and learning about her powers and the whole death thing that comes with... she's been in a real bad place."

"You aren't kidding," Rini folds her arms. "She even started drinking. A lot."

"Damn..." You mutter. "And Akira's not taking care of her anymore?"

"Nope," Nanami sighs. "But Isamu's taken it on himself to... and I quote, 'Save the beautiful princess Arisato from herself'."

"Isamu, huh?" you remark. Isamu's a total goof who's obsessed with playing the hero and perving on girls, but you can't deny that he has a good heart. Still, Rei could probably use some help from someone a little more serious. Besides, you know about Rei's pride, having her accept the help of someone as weak as Isamu would be a real challenge.

"So... how's Akira doing in all of this?" you ask.

"No idea," Nanami answers. "She pretty much keeps to herself now. Doesn't talk to anyone. She's more reserved than Raiden these days."

"Raiden?" you ask. "Is he back in the dorms?"

"Yeah..." Nanami mutters. "Not a lot of people are happy having him around after everything he did, but... he hasn't done anything awful lately. He's mostly just been moping around. Akemi's been trying to pull him out of his shell a little."

You're not surprised. If Akemi gets even a whiff of sadness, she'll do anything to bring happiness. Raiden must be like an all-you-can-eat buffet to her when it comes to cheering him up.

"Anyone else I should worry about?" you ask.

"Well, Sayeka had a real rough summer... and I can't say that wasn't our fault..." Nanami mutters. "A lot of us made her feel like an outcast for lying to us about her visions... others blamed her for you being trapped in the first place. We've mostly forgiven her and have been trying to make it up to her since... but no matter how nice we are to her, she's still depressed."

"The problem's keep piling on, huh?"

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"Yeah... Satomi's holed up in her room, too. Hikaru's on edge, as well. She misses Akio so much..."

"Wait, what?" you ask. "What happened to Akio?"

"He went training with his uncle in the mountains shortly after the Endless Night," Kosuke explains. "He hasn't gotten back yet. She's real worried. Seishiro is pretty torn up about it too."

"Oh, and Hoshi's learning magic!" Nanami exclaims. "Reiji's been teaching her, and she's actually a whizz with it! Apparently she's picking it up much faster than anyone ever!"

"That doesn't sound bad," you reply.

"Yeah... but there's something else that's got her torn up," Nanami mutters. "I don't know the details, but it's apparently really important."

"Okay..." you shake your head. This is all a lot to take in at once. "And what about you, Nanami? How are you holding up?"

"I'm doing pretty well!" Nanami smiles. "I mean, I've had my problems with Ken... I mean, they aren't problems. We've actually been having a lot of fun, but..."

"But what?" you ask.

Rini sighs. "Ryoji, you better punch your roommate in the nose the next time you see him. Stupid idiot still hasn't made a real move on pirate girl."

"I mean, we're just friends..." Nanami mutters.

"Just friends... who go to the movies, go to restaurants, hang out all the time, are super close? Hey Ryoji, you wonder where Ken spent the night to let you and Saki get it on? He stayed in Nanami's room."

"Congrats," you shrug.

"No, that's the problem!" Rini protests. "He spent the night, but I bet he didn't screw her!"

"I'd hope not, Nariko was in the room," Kosuke remarks.

"I'm just kinda... waiting," Nanami shrugs. "We're so close, and I think he might be starting to see me as more than a friend, but..."

>Just give it time, Nanami. He'll come to his senses.
>You need to make the first move, Nanami. I love Ken, but he can be pretty dumb.
>I'll talk to him. Don't worry.
>Forget about Ken, Nanami. It's never going to happen, move on.

>You need to make the first move, Nanami. I love Ken, but he can be pretty dumb.
>At the very least clear the air.

>>547397
>>I'll talk to him. Don't worry.
Let's get his side first

>>547397
>Forget about Ken, Nanami. It's never going to happen, move on.
Not gonna fall for it again. Gonna need some tough love on this one.

>>547397
>>You need to make the first move, Nanami. I love Ken, but he can be pretty dumb.
I want them to sort this out themselves but giving Nanami a little push might help speed things up. I definitely don't want to talk to Ken about it or get more involved since shit hit the fan last time we tried that. This way if she gets shot down, then they can start from there instead of being stringed along for even longer.

>>547397
>You need to make the first move, Nanami. I love Ken, but he can be pretty dumb.
Switching over to this.

What could possibly go wrong?

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>>547425
>Talk to Ken
>Call him a faggot and tell him to make a move
>He half asses it
>Nanami bursts into treats
>PirateRider sinks faster than the Titanic
>SS Saki is set on fire before her maiden voyage
And everything was fire.

>>547397
>You need to make the first move, Nanami. I love Ken, but he can be pretty dumb.
How has Ken's relationship with Alice been going?

>>547425
Ken says he's not interested and there's a bit of awkward silence before one of them, more than likely Nanami, leaves, avoiding each other for a while before going back and having the relationship change slightly.

>>547433
Alice has been faffing about in the Darkworld these past couple months. She only came back shortly before Kaz and co. got Ryoji back.

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>You need to make the first move, Nanami. I love Ken, but he can be pretty dumb.

"Pretty dumb?" Rini remarks. "He's a complete idiot! How can he not go for this girl? I mean, look at that face! Look at that hair! Look at her boobs! They're huge!"

"Thank you, Rini..." a slightly embarrassed Nanami smiles.

"Almost as big as mine!"

"You're really invested in this, aren't you?" you ask.

"Of course I am!" Rini exclaims. "Pirate-girl deserves to get a guy!"

"Why do you think that?" Nanami teases. "Because we're frieeeeends?"

"Shut it, Pirate."

"My point is, you can't wait around for Ken to make the first move," you reply. "Even if he is interested, he's not gonna do it. You have to come onto him first."

"But confessing my feelings didn't do so great last time..." Nanami mutters. "Unless... I start flirting with him!"

"Nanami, I don't know if that's-"

"I can seduce him with my womanly charms!" Nanami exclaims. "Just like in my romance novels!"

"You mean the ones you write?" you ask. "Those aren't reflective of real li-"

"Thank you so much, Ryoji!" Nanami yells. "You really showed me the light!"

Damn it. Once Nanami catches onto an idea, she's like a runaway train. There's no stopping her.

"Just... don't get to carried away," you advise. "You can flirt with Ken, just remember to be yourself when you do it. Don't invent some new character who's an expert seductress or something."

"I shouldn't?" Nanami pouts. "Dang... rest in peace The Scarlet Captain, gone before she could get off the ground..."

You shake your head. "Good luck, Nanami. I'm pulling for you two."

"Thanks, Ryoji. I'm so happy you're back," Nanami smiles, before hugging you again.

"Anyway..." you sigh. "It sounds like there's a lot of people I might need to have words with. I should probably move quickly if I want to help people before my date with Saki."

"No rest for you, is there?" Kosuke smirks. "Oh well, we'll catch you again later. I think Rini's fine hanging out with her bestie."

"We're not friends!" Rini protests. "I just think pirate-girl's... kinda awesome. Plus, she has a great rack!"

"See you guys soon," you wave as you leave the rooftop. Damn it... that's a lot of people with a lot of problems. Guess you've got a few months of catching up to do... but you don't even know where to start. Who in the hell are you going to talk to first?

>Rei
>Akira
>Raiden
>Sayeka
>Satomi
>Hikaru
>Seishiro
>Hoshi
>Ken

>Rei
Take life by the crippling alcoholic.

>>547457
>>Rei
Pretty clear that she was in the worst shape, according to these three at least.

>>547457
>Rei
Should start with the most pressing.

>>547457
>>Rei

>Rei

>>547457
>>Rei
Well this was easy. Even though I kind of want to go to Sayeka first.

>>547457
>Rei
Like there was any other option.

>>547457
I'm gonna have to go with Rei

Dont you all realise this is all a fetch quest based on suffering.
You have to get the alcohol to get into Rei's room, but the only person who has alcohol is Satomi, who won't give it to you unless you get her top marks in her exam, but to do that you need to get the cheat codes from inside senshiro's locker, but only Akio would know the combination so you need to search his stuff, but it's being guarded by Hikaru.

File: Isamu_and_Rei37.png (198 KB, 980x560)

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>Rei

You heard it yourself. Rei's in a bad place. Nanami, Rini and Kosuke all agreed. Rei already had her issues before you disappeared, having her illness and having spent time in a coma... but to hear that she no longer has Akira around is shocking. While Akira was often quite over-protective of Rei, the two were the best of friends, and Akira was her one most important line of support. You can't believe those two are no longer together.

You don't head back to the dorms. If you know Rei, even if she's going through a tough time, there's only one place she'd be at this time of day. You stretch out, ready to have an impromptu training session forced on you as you make your way down to the running tracks. You're not surprised to see Rei there, training away, but you are surprised to see the man she's training with. You heard it from the other's, but your brain still can't fully process it. Rei Arisato, the best fighter in the class, the one who takes her training as seriously as anything else... is training with Isamu Iori, the biggest goofball you know.

Well... to be more accurate, Rei is kicking his ass.

"Dammit Isamu, you have to work harder than this!" Rei exclaims. "You really need to stop being so pathetic. I need a challenge if I'm going to get better."

"Understood, Miss Arisato!" Isamu groans, clutching his ribs, before glancing at you. "You wish for a challenge? You face Isamu Iori, the greatest hero of all!"

"What did I tell you about talking like that?" Rei sighs. "Come on, it's just the two of us, you don't have to act like... oh. It's not just the two of us."

Rei catches you in the corner of her eye and smirks. "I knew you loved training! Couldn't stay away for five seconds, could you?"

"Hey Rei," you mutter, approaching the two. "And hey Isamu."

"Greetings, Ryoji Shida!" Isamu booms. "I was simply sparring with my good friend Miss Arisato! Of course, I had to hold back my full power in order to give her a chance!"

"Uh-huh, sure..." you mutter, rolling your eyes. Some things never change, and Isamu is one of them.

"Don't call us friends!" Rei protests. "I'm training you, so your lousy ass could be more useful."

Odd... she seems fine right now, but you suppose she is in her element. You have to imagine, she's been pushing herself harder and harder all summer, putting more of herself into training. And knowing what effect that has on her body... it can't end well. But damn, how do you approach her issues, especially when you don't know what half of them are? How are you going to leap into conversation with Rei?

>How you holding up, Rei? I've heard some things about you and Akira...
>Well, it's been a while since I had a training session. Let's get to work.
>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?

>>547495
>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?
I'LL BITE THE BAIT

>>547495
>>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?
This is exactly what I wanted.

>>547495
>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?
How could we choose anything but this?

>>547495
>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?
Brace ourself for a punch.

>>547495
>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?

>>547495
>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?

>Booker is making my crack ship real
Today is a good day

Still hoping for Satomi x Shinji

>>547516
That or Seishiro are her only options right?

>>547495
>it's just the two of us
Also make sure we make a note of this if we get the chance before we get punched.

>>547495
>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?

>>547516
>>547520
Isn't there a SCIENCE boy for Satomi?

>>547495
>>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?

>>547527
it's gotta be Shinji because if she can't beat Hoshi anywhere else at least she can be her older sister

>>547527
We could go full crack ship and send her off with Anri maybe? No other sciency types unless I'm forgetting someone.

>>547536
>Hoshi

>>547537
clearly that says Hikaru anon you just misread it

>>547520
>Seishiro
>implying he wants anything other than Akio dick

>>547516
>If I can't have your boyfriend I'll have your brother.

File: Isamu.jpg (129 KB, 850x505)

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>Sorry, am I interrupting your date?

"What?!" Rei exclaims.

"Well, you are a little..." Isamu begins. "But it's fine! With my good friend Ryoji Shida having returned to the land of the living, I can place my private time with the princess on hold for a moment!"

Isamu receives a swift punch in the arm from a pissed-off Rei. "Shut up, Isamu! It's not a date! We're just training!"

"Are you sure?" you tease. "Seemed like you two were having a private moments. You said it was just the two of you, and I thought you were about to go in for a kiss."

"Yeah, you seemed to think that a lot when we would train..." Rei mutters, folding her arms. "But that doesn't change the fact that it wasn't a date. I mean, could you imagine... me and Isamu, dating?"

Rei scoffs, but you smirk. "Sounds like you're imagining it."

"Shut up..." Rei mutters. "Look Isamu, can you do some laps of the track or something? I want to catch up with Ryoji."

"Of course! I shall conquer the track, or my name isn't Isamu Iori!"

Isamu runs off, doing laps of the track, as Rei lets out a sigh. "Such a pain in the ass..." she mutters, as she sits on the grass, inviting you to join her. You sit with her and she hangs her head low.

"I'm sure you've heard a lot already..." Rei mumbles.

"Yeah, I have."

"This whole summer's been a trainwreck," Rei explains.

"What happened?" you ask.

Rei pauses. "I'm dying, Ryoji. I mean... you already knew that, but that hasn't changed. In fact, it's only getting closer. The more I run, the more I fight... the closer I come to death. But... I can't stop. I have to keep going. I have to be the best. I have to be the strongest."

File: Rei06.png (533 KB, 600x918)

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"But why?" you ask. "Why do you have to do that?"

"Because I don't have anything else," Rei replies. "I've been drinking a lot... I was in a bad place, and that scumbag of a gym teacher..."

"Kinji?" you ask. "What did that creep do?"

"I... I don't want to talk about it," Rei mutters. "Not right now. In fact, I don't want to talk about any of it. I just want to tell you that... you shouldn't stress yourself out worrying about me. I knew you'd come here the second you heard about me. But you shouldn't try to fix my problems... they're unfixable. I've dug a hole for myself that there's no getting out of. And what's the use in trying? I'll be dead soon anyway."

You have no idea what to say to that. You can see the hurt in her voice and in her eyes. She looks over at Isamu, who is running out of breath and about to collapse on the track. "Look at him... he's such a determined idiot. I hate him."

"Do you?"

"No..." Rei sighs. "Him and his stupid hero act... it's such a pain in the ass, but it's nice. Having someone who is so determined to help me, to be there for me... no matter how annoying he is... I appreciate it."

You see a strange glimmer in her eyes as she stares at Isamu, who is running himself ragged. No... you were just joking earlier, but... could she actually be falling for the clown? Nah... that's impossible. Even if she is, though, you doubt she realises it herself yet.

>Maybe you should tell him that.
>I'm here for you too, Rei. We all are.
>I think he's got a crush on you.

>>547559
>Maybe you should tell him that.
>I'm here for you too, Rei. We all are.

>>547559
>Maybe you should tell him that.
>I think he's got a crush on you.

>>547559
>I'm here for you too, Rei. We all are.
Therapy now, wingmanning later.

>>547559
>Maybe you should tell him that.
>I'm here for you too, Rei. We all are.
You think we could get away with killing Kinji if we blamed it on The Stranger?

>>547559
>>Maybe you should tell him that.
>>I'm here for you too, Rei. We all are.
She's gotta learn that it's not weakness to get help

>I'm here for you too, Rei. We all are.
Everyone ready to kill Kinji say Aye

>>547559
>I'm here for you too, Rei. We all are.
Getting Rei laid later, dealing with her problems now.

>>547571
>>Maybe you should tell him that.
Actually yeah, changing over to wingman.

>>547571
You are right. Changing to:
>Maybe you should tell him that.

>>547559
>>Maybe you should tell him that.
>>I'm here for you too, Rei. We all are.

File: Rei34.jpg (255 KB, 723x838)

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>Maybe you should tell him that.
>I'm here for you too, Rei. We all are.

Rei pushes her knees up to her face. "You don't get it, do you? I don't want you to be here for me. I said I appreciate it from Isamu, but he's still wasting his time with me. I've been trying as hard as I can to chase him off, have him move his attention elsewhere... but damn if he's not persistent. It's why I can't tell him that. If I do, he'll never leave."

"Rei... that's really self-destructive of you."

"I know," she sighs. "But it's who I am. I'm selfish, I'm self-destructive, I push myself too hard... there's no changing that, and even if there was... it's too late to start trying."

"Still... I'm your friend," you reply. "If you ever need me, I'm here."

"Thanks Ryoji..." Rei replies. "But I'm probably not going to take you up on that."

Isamu finishes his laps, rushing over to Rei while panting. "Miss Arisato, is something wrong? Has the dark beast of depression attacked once more?"

Rei shakes her head as she picks herself off the ground. "Nah Isamu... it's nothing. Just sit down and catch your breath, I'm going to do some laps of my own."

"Hey..." you mutter. "Nanami's throwing a party tonight. Can I expect you there?"

Rei pauses. "I don't know... maybe? Catch you around, Ryoji."

Rei runs off onto the track, as Isamu watches her go. "A goddess among goddesses, that one!" he exclaims, placing his hands on his hips. "You have to respect her tenacious spirit!"

Rei's clearly not okay. It's almost as if she's given up on life entirely. You watch the stride she cuts as she sprints along the track at her amazing speed. She's given her all into being the best. Nothing else matter to her, does it?

"Take care of her, Isamu," you mutter. "Okay?"

"Of course!" Isamu exclaims. "It is my duty as a knight to protect a princess like her!"

You chuckle. You know Rei's a lot more tougher and stronger than Isamu. If anything, she would be the one to protect him... but his heart is something to be admired. Hopefully he can get through to Rei.

You stretch out and make your way away from the running tracks. As bad as Rei is, she's not going to open up if you keep badgering her, and Isamu's got more of a chance at making her do that than you do anyway. Best move your attention onto someone else while you still have the time.

>Akira
>Raiden
>Sayeka
>Satomi
>Hikaru
>Seishiro
>Hoshi
>Ken

>>547589
>Sayeka
Let's see how our seer is doing.

>>547589
>>Akira
Time for the next big mess.

>>547589
>>Akira

>>547589
>Akira
It's not going to be easy but if we can talk to Akira then we might do some progress with Rei.

>>547589
>Akira
Let's see how badly she's doing.

>>547589
>>Akira

>Sayeka
Fuck Akira

>>547611
Taka's already beat us to it.

>>547589
>>Sayeka

>>547589
>Akira
Sayeka is next on the list after Akira.

Rei is going to be a damn tough nut to crack.

>>547589
>Sayeka

File: Akira10.jpg (196 KB, 750x1100)

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>Akira

Rei's stubborn, and likely avoiding going into detail on her falling out with Akira. It's time for you to see the other end of this. According to Nanami she's been hiding away from everyone and keeping to herself, so she might not be the easiest to talk to.

You make your way to the dormitory and knock on the door to Rei and Akira's room. You wonder where Rei has been sleeping since the two fell out. There's no answer when you knock the first time... or the second... or the third for that matter.

"Akira? You in there?" you ask. No answer.

Luckily, the door seems to be unlocked. "I'm coming in, Akira. So if you're undressed... you know, stop it."

You creak the door open, and you hear the clinking of cans and wrapping paper trail along the ground as you do. You step into the room to see it's a complete mess. Soda cans and candy wrappers cover every inch of the floor, strewn across the cupboards and even covering the bed. You don't know how long it took for this mess to accumulate, but it gives off a foul smell.

Doesn't look like Akira's here either. What a shame, you wanted to... wait, what was that stirring beneath her covers. Is she still in bed? Akira was always an early riser, but has she just become a lazy shut-in since her falling out with Rei.

"Akira...?" you mutter.

The blankets stir back, as Akira sits up in the bed with a yawn. She's still dressed in her day clothes, likely from the day before... or even the week before.

"Ryoji...?" she mutters, wiping her eyes. "You're back? You're... alive?"

"Yeah," you mutter. "You didn't know?"

"No..." Akira replies. "I haven't left this room in... a while. How long have you been back?"

"Not long," you reply. "But long enough to hear about you... and Rei."

Akira sighs. "I knew that it would be about Rei... it's never about Akira, is it? But everyone loves Rei, no matter how badly she treats them."

"It's strange hearing you talk about Rei like this," you reply. "Aren't you the same Akira who stayed by her side every day she was in a coma?"

Akira refuses to answer, instead just grabbing a sports bag and putting on a hat. "Anyway, I'm going for a run into town to buy candy. Don't follow me, Ryoji."

>I'm worried about you, Akira.
>Do you mind telling me what happened with you and Rei first?
>You can't keep living like this, Akira.

>Maybe it's because Rei has an actual reason to be rude or insensitive, while you're just being a huge bitch for no reason.

>>547646
>That's good because I need to pick up some stuff for Saki.
Then
>I'm worried about you, Akira.

>>547646
>I'm worried about you, Akira.
Ouch even the players kind of ignored Akira but she is almost as bad as Rei.

>>547646
>I'm worried about you, Akira.

>>547646
>>I'm worried about you, Akira.
Last option is a bit much and mentioning Rei is a bad idea. If she tries to run away anyway, then >>547651

>>547646
>I'm worried about you, Akira.

>>547646
>>I'm worried about you, Akira.
and adding this in
>You can't keep living like this, Akira.

File: Akira13.jpg (431 KB, 930x1169)

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>I'm worried about you, Akira.

"You are?" Akira mutters, walking out into the corridor as you follow her.

"Yeah, of course," you reply. "Look at the mess you're living in. You've been avoiding people... it's worrying."

Akira looks back at you, before shaking her head. "Thank you for your concern, Ryoji. I'm happy to see you return."

Akira turns back around and starts making her way down the corridor.

"What, that's it?" you ask. "You're just going to leave it at that?"

"Well... yes," Akira replies. "What else do you want me to say?"

"I... I don't know," you reply. "But I was hoping you would talk to me about your problems."

"I don't have any problems," Akira replies. "The only problem I had is out of my life now."

"Akira, I know you don't mean that..." you sigh. "Look... Nanami's throwing a party tonight. Can you promise me you'll at least show up?"

Akira sighs. "Will... will Rei be there?" Her tone is one of affection. There's clearly still some love for the blonde in there.

"I'm hoping she will," you reply. "At the very least, Isamu will drag her along."

"Isamu?" Akira asks, raising an eyebrow. "What does he have to do with it?"

"Well, he's been taking care of her this last while," you explain.

Akira pauses. "Isamu? The same Isamu who makes a habit of spying on women when they change? The pervert? He's the one looking after Rei?"

And there it is, that tone of the old Akira. You remember how ridiculously protective she was with Rei, especially when boys were involved. "Yeah, he's doing a pretty good job."

Akira pauses. "I'll try to show up... I can't promise anything."

"Thanks," you reply. "Good to see you, Akira."

"Good to see you too, Ryoji..."

With that, Akira wanders off, making her way to town. You should have expected her to be just as tough a nut to crack as Rei. Still, it's about time you brought your attention to someone else, and just hope that Akira follows through.

>Raiden
>Sayeka
>Satomi
>Hikaru
>Seishiro
>Hoshi
>Ken

>>547691
>Sayeka
That went better than expected. On to Sayeka!

>Sayeka

>>547691
>>Sayeka
Last of the big three, then it's time for ties to happen.

>>547691
>Sayeka
Let's get the last major problem out of the way.

>>547691
>Sayeka
You know this is going surprisingly well.

>>547691
>Sayeka
Oh boy. Can't wait for this blows up whenever.

>>547700
It is, but to be fair, its only because we're digging up the kernals for each character. These two, and Sayeka and Raiden are going to be long plays to get them into healthier places.

But yeah, its going to be very rough going and realistically will be Ryoji spending some time alone with the various wounded parties.

>>547691
>>Sayeka

File: Sayeka14.jpg (387 KB, 800x1000)

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>Sayeka

Sayeka's been going through a tough time lately according to the others. No surprise, being blind is bound to have taken it's toll on her. You make your way to the door of Sayeka's room and knock on the door. It only takes two knocks before the door swings open with Chihiro on the other end. "Oh, Ryoji! To what do I owe the pleasure!"

"Good to see you Chihiro, but I'm actually here for Sayeka," you reply.

Chihiro pouts. "Oh dear... well, I hope you can spare some time for little old me later. For now, I'm taking my aunt into town!"

Chihiro rushes out of the room, as you step inside. Sayeka is sitting in a chair with her eyes shut, her hands on her lap. "Ryoji."

"Hey, Sayeka..." you smile. "You're... looking good."

"I am?" Sayeka replies. "I wouldn't know. But I suppose you can owe that to Chihiro doing my hair and make-up."

"You really trusted her to do that?"

"Of course," Sayeka smiles. "Though I did ask her not to get carried away."

"So..." you mutter. "How have you been holding up, Sayeka?"

"I'm certain you know the answer to that question already, Ryoji."

She's right. You do.

"I'm sorry, Sayeka..." you mutter. "You know, we're all worried about you."

"I am aware," Sayeka nods. "And I want you to know that... I wish I could care."

"You don't care?" you ask. "Harsh."

Sayeka shakes her head. "I can't care, Ryoji. When I do... I can't make decisions properly."

"What do you mean?"

"Ryoji... when my choices lead to you being trapped in the darkworld... I cried myself to sleep for the next month. I felt sick to my stomach. And I know that with my powers... I will have to make similar decisions again in the future. For my sake... I have to stay detached. Keep no strong feelings for others."

"You really think you can do that?" you ask.

"I have to. I can't let my relationships with other tempt me into interfering with the future. Terrible things happen when I interfere. And so... I have made my decision. I will not accept the friendship of others... nor do I deserve it."

"How could you not deserve it?" you ask. "You're the most popular girl in class. Everyone loves you."

"I killed Maya," Sayeka mutters. "I killed Maya and broke Raiden's heart. And I trapped you within the darkworld. That was my fault... and I've lied and held information from you all countless times. I don't deserve kindness."

>So you're just going to distance yourself from everyone? From your friends? Your family?
>Of course you deserve kindness. You're our friend.
>If that's what you believe, I can't stop you.

>Of course you deserve kindness. You're our friend.
>Hugs again

>>547746
>>So you're just going to distance yourself from everyone? From your friends? Your family?
>>Of course you deserve kindness. You're our friend.

>>547746
>Of course you deserve kindness. You're our friend.

>>547746
>>So you're just going to distance yourself from everyone? From your friends? Your family?
I want to pick the last choice and add on something neat, but I can't come up with anything.

>>547746
>So you're just going to distance yourself from everyone? From your friends? Your family?
>Of course you deserve kindness. You're our friend

If only the others could step up and tell her this too. Though I wouldn't be surprised if some of them already had.

>>547746
>So you're just going to distance yourself from everyone? From your friends? Your family?
>Of course you deserve kindness. You're our friend.

>>547746
>Of course you deserve kindness. You're our friend.
Chihiro seems to think so at least. And I'm sure she's not the only one.

>>547746
>Of course you deserve kindness. You're our friend.

>Did your tits grow like a lot?

>>547746
>So you're just going to distance yourself from everyone? From your friends? Your family?
You cant let your responsibility keep you from the reason your fighting to begin with.
We're a family, you made a mistake and learned from it and sure even if i ended up in the dark world i'm back now stronger than ever.
You cant put all the responsibility on your self, the world is too big and has to many problems too hold it all on your shoulders.
Let us help you ease the burden. Were a family, we missed you Sayeka and im sure you miss us too.

File: Sayeka13.jpg (174 KB, 550x947)

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>So you're just going to distance yourself from everyone? From your friends? Your family?
>Of course you deserve kindness. You're our friend.

"My family..." Sayeka mutters, a solemn tone in her voice. "I haven't spoken to them since... since I was..."

A tear escapes from her eye as she thinks back. "I... I'm sorry, Ryoji. I... love you all, and I appreciate your friendship... but I cannot accept it. My vision require me to be objective, impartial... I hate it, Ryoji. I truly do. I just wish I could live a normal life, and be your friend, but... I can't. I am going to miss our conversations, Ryoji."

"Well, don't." You fold your arms. "I'm still going to talk to you all the time, Sayeka. You're my friend, you can't help that."

Sayeka pauses, then chuckles. "Oh Ryoji... I've missed your stubbornness."

"And I've missed you."

Sayeka smiles, remaining in her chair. "Ryoji... I'm sure you know of it already. The coming darkness."

"You've seen it, huh?" you ask.

"Indeed I have," Sayeka nods. "Times are bleak, aren't they?"

"Anything you can tell me?" you ask.

"Only that we must stop it," Sayeka replies. "Or the entire world will be consumed."

"Yeah, I figured..." you sigh. "I can count on you to help out, right?"

"I'll do my best," Sayeka replies. "I'm sure it won't surprise you to know I can't fight anymore. But... I will do what I can. I will help out in any way."

"Thanks," you reply, before hunkering down. "I'm gonna hug you now, Sayeka."

"Thank you for the warning," Sayeka nods, as you wrap your arms around her and hug tight. She refuses to return the affection... at first. Within a few seconds, she's holding you tightly. "I feel you don't understand my dilemma, Ryoji..." Sayeka mutters. "If you did, you wouldn't be making me love you like this. You're a good friend... and that's what hurts me."

The hug continues for a good while longer before eventually breaking away. You invite Sayeka to the party before stepping out into the corridor. The list of people you need to talk to still feels nearly endless.

>Raiden
>Satomi
>Hikaru
>Seishiro
>Hoshi
>Ken

>Satomi

>>547797
>Ken
Time to perform some Necromancy.

>>547797
>Hoshi
Time to go see everyone's favourite magical prodigy

>>547797
>Hoshi
Let's check out our "Star".

>>547797
>Raiden

>>547797
>>Hoshi
>not the only vote for Hoshi
I'm pleasantly surprised. Good taste Anons.

>>547797
>Raiden
Awwww

>>547797
>Hoshi
I trust that Akemi can hold up Raiden for now, but I wouldn't trust Reiji to be able to help in whatever Hoshi has right now.

>>547797
>Hoshi
Lets see if meme magic can fix this mess.

File: Hoshi08.png (318 KB, 800x960)

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>Hoshi

Time to check in on the class' resident nervous wreck. You heard that Hoshi had become a real whizz with magic. You can't help but feel good hearing that. Hoshi always worried about being useless and not providing enough to the class, but it seems she's found something that likely turns her into one of the class' heavy hitters.

You make your way to Hoshi's room and knock on the door. It creaks open, and a very special face pokes out from behind. "Ryoji!" Saki exclaims. "What are you doing here? I'm not ready for our date just yet! I'm still in my underwear!"

You smirk, causing Saki to blush. "Shoo, Ryoji. You can't sneak a peek just yet, you delinquent!"

"I was actually just checking to see if Hoshi was around," you explain. "I was hoping to catch up with her."

"Oh, she's studying with Reiji in the common room. You can check in on them there."

"Thanks Sak, and I'll see you for our date," you wink.

"Are you going to dress nice for it?" Saki asks. "I mean... you don't have to, but I'm dressing nice, and I don't want to show you up."

"Well, seeing as all the clothes I own are variants on this jacket and these pants..." you mutter. "Chances are slim. Can't wait to see what you're wearing, though."

Saki smiles and blows a kiss as she shuts the door. You make your way into the common room.

You step in and... huh. You see Reiji as soon as you walk in, looking very frustrated and Reiji-ish, but you can't see... oh wait, there she is. Under the table. Of course.

"Hoshi, stop being childish and come out of there," Reiji mutters. "This is very foolish."

"No, I'm j-just going to make another mistake..." Hoshi mumbles, her face covered by her knees. "And then you're going to get mad again..."

"I wasn't mad, I was just..." Reiji sighs. "I'm sorry, but I expect a lot out of you, Hoshi. You can do better, I know you can."

Hoshi doesn't budge from her position under the table. Reiji shakes his head, then notices your entry. "Ah, Ryoji... it's good to see you return. Perhaps you can talk to Hoshi."

You make your way over to the table and hunker down. "Hey Hoshi..."

"R-Ryoji?" Hoshi sniffles as she looks up at you.

"Yep, it's me," you smile. "You want to come out from under-whoa!"

Hoshi immediately leaps from under the table as she attacks you with a hug. She sniffles into your shoulder as she hugs you close. "M-missed you..." she whispers as she shivers.

"Missed you too, Hoshi. Hey... you cut your hair."

"Y-yeah..." Hoshi mumbles, pulling away. "I had to c-cut it short because I kept singing my hair during practice... does... does it look nice?"

"Yeah, you look cute, Hoshi."

Hoshi turns bright red and smiles. Reiji clears his throat. "Are you done? Are you ready to return to your studies?"

"Y-yeah, of course..." Hoshi mumbles as she picks herself up off the ground. "S-sorry, Reiji."

"So... you're a wizard now, huh?" you ask.

"Y-yeah..." Hoshi mumbles.

>That must be nerve-wracking.
>Sounds awesome. Good for you.

>That must be nerve-wracking.
We have to be understanding.

>>547873
>>Sounds awesome. Good for you.

>>547873
>Sounds awesome. Good for you.
>Glad you finally found your thing Hoshi.

>>547873
>That must be nerve-wracking.
But I know you've got it in you to do well. There must be a reason you got this power and not someone else.

>>547873
>Under the table. Of course.
Hoshi a cute!

>>547873
>>That must be nerve-wracking. Sounds awesome though.
>singing her hair
That sounds horrible, definitely not worth the magic powers if you can't keep your sweet hair.

>>547873
>Sounds awesome. Good for you.
See I told you, we need to give Reiji a crash course on how to deal with the Hoshi.

>>547873
>That must be nerve-wracking.

>>547873
>>Sounds awesome. Good for you.

>>547873
>Sounds awesome. Good for you.

>>547873
>>That must be nerve-wracking.

>>547873
>Sounds awesome. Good for you.
>That must be nerve-wracking.
We should be happy for her, but also understanding.

Also Saki doing her best to remain wonderful. The back and forth between them is pretty swell.

>>547907
>Also Saki doing her best to remain wonderful
I will say, as someone who was all for Rei for the longest time, I'm very happy with Saki and Ryoji's relationship. They really do seem to work well together.

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>Sounds awesome. Good for you.

Hoshi smiles as she brushes the hair behind her ear. "T-thanks Ryoji... it is pretty great, except..."

Hoshi's smile fades as she buries her nose into one of the tomes on the table.

"Except for what?" you ask.

"E-except for..." Hoshi mumbles, before trailing off.

Reiji sighs. "Hoshi... I told you not to worry about that. Please keep it out of your mind."

"Keep what out of her mind?" you ask. "I feel a little out of the loop here."

"T-the p-p-prophecy..." Hoshi mumbles.

"The... what now?" you ask. "I... did you... just say prophecy?"

"Yes, she did." Reiji adjusts his glasses. "You see... it appears that Hoshi penchant for magic may have a much more important meaning than first believed. Hoshi is incredibly adept with magic. She's learning incredibly difficult spells, the kind that take years to master, within days. This level of expertise has only been heard of once... The Star."

"The Star?" you ask. "What the hell is the Star?"

"The Star was a mage who lived around the time of the first appearance of the Darkworld in Dakugeto. In fact, it was the Star who sealed the Darkworld away for the first time, giving their life in the process. Of course, the Darkworld returned several hundred years later, leading to the opening of the academy... but the history teacher, Yuji, has some old records that seem to imply that the Star was fated to be reincarnated."

"And what, you think Hoshi's the reincarnation of some ancient wizard?" you laugh. "Oh... you actually do think that, don't you?"

Reiji nods.

Your eyes widen. "That's insane."

"B-but what if it's not?" Hoshi asks. "I'm adept with magic, there's prophecies that match up... m-my name even means star! W-w-what if I have to give my life to... to..."

This seems to set Hoshi off once more, tears flowing once more. "Hoshi..." Reiji sighs, placing a hand on her shoulder. Hoshi breaks away to rush towards you with a hug, burying her head into your chest.

Reiji looks on, adjusting his glasses and awkwardly clearing his throat. "Umm... Hoshi, we should return to studies."

"Y-yeah..." Hoshi sniffles. "I-I don't want to make any more mistakes..."

Hoshi pulls away from you and picks up a book. Reiji raises his hand, hovering it over her back, before shaking his head and dropping it once more with a sigh. "Ryoji... I would like to speak to you later, after we're finished."

You nod as you step out of the common room. Hearing all that about Hoshi... it's a lot to take in. It's madness. You need time to even process what you just heard before you can say anything useful to her. Whatever, you've still got a long list of people to talk to, and you'll likely only be able to speak with another two of them at most before it's time for your date.

>Raiden
>Satomi
>Hikaru
>Seishiro
>Ken

>>547959
>Raiden
Time for edge.

>>547959
>Raiden
And now we see why Hoshi is feeling a bit stressed. Adding another stresspot is just an exercise in hypertension.

>>547959
>Ken
Let get him ready for the onslaught he about to face

>>547959
>Hikaru
She probably won't win, but I'll give it a shot anyway.

>>547959
>m-my name even means star!
Oh god, it hurts. She's too cute.

>>547959
>Raiden
It's time to let 'er rip!

>>547975
Don't worry. I will be joining you next vote.

>>547959
>Satomi

>>547959
>Raiden

>Satomi

And that is not how it works Reiji
You need to pet the Hoshi, you need to hug the Hoshi, just remember do not lewd the Hoshi, she will lewd herself just give her time.

>>547959
>Raiden

>>548004
[Urge to lewd Hoshi rising]

>>548004
No, give her the dick now.

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>>548022
>>548018
Hoshi is for cuddles.

>>548018
>>548022
Reiji you're supposed to be studying magic, not Descartes.

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>Raiden

You really don't want to do this, but you can't avoid the guy forever. He's the biggest liability in the entire class. He's unstable, he's violent, and he's incredibly vengeful. There's no telling what kind of state he'll be in. With a heady sigh, you make your way to Raiden's room. You knock on the door, as you hear Raiden's voice calling out from the other end. "Enter."

You creak the door open, to see Raiden sitting on the edge of his bed, staring at a silver locket hanging around his neck. "Ryoji..." Raiden mutters, without looking in his direction. "Is that thing within you dead?"

"It's not any of his business!" Stranger yells from inside your head.

"Unfortunately no," you reply.

"Shame. There may still come a day when I have to kill you."

"So, did you spend your entire summer holed up in your room?" you ask. "Because that's becoming a pretty popular theme among the class."

"I spent my time exactly as you'd expect," Raiden mutters. "Improving my marksmanship, mourning the loss of my love, and preparing to destroy every last one of those Darkworld monsters."

"And buying ice-cream!" a familiar voice from under the bed calls out. Is that...?

Akemi's head pokes out from under the bed. "Hey Ryoji!"

"Akemi... why are you under there?" you ask.

"Raiden told me to hide when he heard you knocking!" Akemi laughs. "Pretty funny, right?"

You smirk. "And why'd you do that, Raiden?"

Raiden doesn't answer, keeping his attention on the locket.

Akemi crawls out from under the bed and rushes over to you, monkey crawling onto your back and holding tight. "You're not going to let go the entire time I'm here, are you?" you ask.

"Nope!" Akemi smiles. "You've got a lot of hug coming your way!"

"So... what's this about buying ice-cream?" you smirk. "Kinda hurts your serious image, doesn't it Raiden?"

"The little one's been bothering me all summer," Raiden mutters. "She's obsessed with trying to... improve me. It's not going to work."

"I think it's working!" Akemi smiles, still firmly attached to your back. "You were happy to get ice-cream yesterday!"

"You dragged me along, I wasn't happ-"

"-His favourite flavour is mint!"

"It is not," Raiden pouts. "I hate ice-cream."

You begin to chuckle.

"Something funny, Ryoji?" Raiden asks.

"Hilarious," you remark. "The two of you must get along like a house on fire."

Akemi answers "Yes" and Raiden answers "No" in perfect unison, causing you to chuckle more.

"It appears I'm becoming more of a laughing-stock around here, thanks to Akemi..." Raiden sighs. "Whatever. I don't care what you all think of me."

You smirk. Something tells you he cares a lot about what people think of him.

>Stop trying to look cool, Raiden. It's not working.
>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.
>I don't think he's worth your time, Akemi.

>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.
EDGE
DGEE
GEED
EEDG

>>548036
>>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.
Truly a miracle worker.

>>548036
>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.
>>548030
>>548031
Give it to her now.

>>548036
>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.

>>548036
>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.

>>548036
>Stop trying to look cool, Raiden. It's not working.
>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.

>His favourite flavour is mint!
So there's no way he's all bad.

>>548036
>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.
It was even better than expected

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>>548047
>now.
You mean in a few years after they have a nice and slow relationship and after they get married right?

>>548055
No. Now. On the floor, over the table, and in her bum.

>>548031
I feel both can be done simultaneously

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>>548057
>>548059
Does that mean Reiji will unlock the most powerful form of magic?

>>548036
>Stop trying to look cool, Raiden. It's not working.
>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man
Truly the most hardcore go for mint.

Just wait until Ryoji discovers Raiden eating a dainty little cake with all the fixings

>>548004
While joking somewhat, it needs to be said that Reiji must revise his approach. It's a little too...doom and gloom for Hoshi to handle. And the last thing we need is more than one character fretting about prophecies.

>>548036
>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.

>>548063
Possibly. You guys are pushing me dangerously close to writing this out.

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>>548057
I'm sure I have more suitable images to post somewhere but I'll post smug anime girls while I go find them.

>>548067
Do it Anon. Channel your inner Nanami.

>>548067
Do it.
>>548070
Needs more smug. And Hoshi dicking.

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>>548076

>>548036
>Stop trying to look cool, Raiden. It's not working.
>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.

>>548075
>>548076
I very well might. I haven't written anything because I've been too enthralled in the threads and learning about the new characters as well as what the old ones have all been up to.

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>I think Akemi's doing a great job with you, man.

"I don't need someone to come along and improve me," Raiden grunts.

"But you do need some cheering up!" Akemi exclaims. "And I'm going to give you all the cheering up in the world! I'll cheer you up all day and all night!"

Raiden sighs. "No, you won't. I've lost the one true light of my life... there's no returning from that."

"With enough hugs, anything is possible!" Akemi adds. "And you're a great hugger, Raiden!"

"He is?" you smirk. "So you've hugged before?"

"No."

"Yep!"

"No," Raiden mutters. "She has forced her affection on me many times, but I will not return it."

"Sure you will!" Akemi laughs. "Hey Ryoji, do you want to see me hug Raiden?"

The thought of Raiden squirming and getting nervous in Akemi's grips is way too much for you to handle. "You know, Akemi? I kinda do."

Raiden shakes his head. "So this is just a concentrated effort to make fun of me, isn't it?"

"I like fun!" Akemi smiles. "Oh, the three of us should get ice-cream soon!"

"Maybe... but I've got a date with Saki soon," you explain.

"Oh, cool!" Akemi smiles. "Are you going to take her somewhere nice?"

"Well... this town doesn't have anywhere close to nice," you mutter, "But I'll make the best of it. Nanami's also throwing a party later."

"Yay!" Akemi smiles. "I guess it's just you and me for ice-cream today, Raiden!"

Raiden shakes his head. "No, I'm not going."

"He always says this," Akemi whispers... in the loudest voice possible, "And he always comes!"

"Yeah, you sure know how to wear someone down," you remark.

Raiden sighs. "Whatever. I'm going for some firing practice."

"So... what's with the locket?" you ask.

Raiden shuts the locket case closed as he sits up from the bed. "It's a picture of Maya. The locket... it was a gift."

"Who from?"

"Who do you think?" Raiden ask, glancing at Akemi, who smiles proudly. "I'm sure I'll see you again soon, Ryoji. I sense you and I have many battles ahead."

As Raiden passes by you, Akemi leaps from your back and lands firmly onto his. She really is a little monkey, isn't she?

"Target practice, hoooooooooooo!" Akemi yells, while pointing forward, directing Raiden like a jockey directing a racehorse. Raiden sighs and shakes his head, as he gives her a piggy-back ride out the door of the dorms.

You smile. Akemi's got her work cut out for her, but you know she won't give up until Raiden learns to take himself less seriously. The little airhead might just do it, too.

Still... you've got time to check in with one more person before your date with Saki. So many people... you really wish you had more time for them all. Still, it's a lot for one day, you can get back to the other's at Nanami's party.

>Satomi
>Hikaru
>Seishiro
>Ken

>Satomi

>>548091
>Ken
Let's get this out the way so maybe this party doesn't end with Ken making out with an 80 year old demon schoolgirl.

>>548091
>Hikaru
I'm more pleased than I thought I'd be that Raiden got picked, probably because Akemi was there to smooth things over and make things nice.

>>548091
>Ken

>>548091
>Satomi
All the others seem functional at least, but Satomi is locked in her room, and with burnt eyebrows or something.

>>548091
>>Satomi

>>548091
>Ken

>>548091
>Ken
We'd better give him a warning in advance. We don't want this party to go awry of he takes what's coming the wrong way.

>>548091
>Satomi

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>548093
>>548098
>>548099
>>548121
Satomi

>>548094
>>548097
>>548100
>>548103
Ken

Rolling to break the tie.
1. Satomi
2. Ken

>>548127
I'll switch to Ken if it isn't too late.

>>548129
Okay, calling for Ken then.
Writing now.

Missed the vote on this one but I just realized why Satomi may be holed up in her room. We definitely will have to go and check up on her next if we can.

Think back to last episode and what Tekina said.

I hope we can visit everyone else though.

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>Ken

It's about time you checked in on Ken. The guy's your roommate, your best friend... he's like a brother to you. Plus, he gave you the room to yourself and Saki for the night, and you still have to thank him for that. And besides, your room is a good last pit-stop before your date with Saki.

You step into your room to see Ken looking through the drawers.

"Hey man," you mutter, causing him to turn around.

"Hey pal," Ken says. "How was last night?"

"It was great," you reply. "Thanks for giving us the room, pal."

"No problem," Ken smiles. "I figured both you and Saki deserved it after all you've been through, and I had a fun time rooming with Nariko and Nanami. Just say the word, and I'll be out of your hair tonight too."

"So... what are you looking for?" you ask.

"A letter," Ken explains. "From... my dad."

"Your dad?" you ask. "You know, I don't think you've ever told me about your family."

Ken sighs. "Yeah... I'm not a fan of talking about it. Hey, you want to go fishing?"

"I'd love to, but I can't right now," you reply. "I'm going out with Saki soon, and then Nanami's throwing a party in the dorms."

"Some other time, then..." Ken smiles. "I can tell you about my family then. So... Nanami's throwing that party after all? She told me she was thinking about it yesterday, but she wasn't sure."

"You and Nanami are pretty close these days, aren't you?" you ask.

"Yeah, we've been doing a lot together," Ken smiles. "We finished her boat together. She's adamant that we take it out onto the lake in town to give it a maiden voyage. She's also adamant that it be called the S.S. Saki... she knows it's not a steam ship, right?"

"It's Nanami, that stuff doesn't matter to her," you reply.

"Yeah... Nanami's pretty great."

Interesting choice of words from Ken. Maybe you should talk to him about his relationship with Nanami? Then again, your meddling could end up making things worse...

>Tell him about Nanami's intentions.
>Don't tell him. You shouldn't try to interfere.

>Don't tell him. You shouldn't try to interfere.

>Don't tell him. You shouldn't try to interfere.
D O N O T F U C K U P

>>548160
>>Don't tell him. You shouldn't try to interfere.
I want to trust in Nanami, that she can win him over with a little push. That and I really don't want to get involved again.

>>548160
>Tell him about Nanami's intentions.
Yeah, because letting Ken do his thing by himself last time worked out great.

>>548160
>Don't tell him. You shouldn't try to interfere.
We have to let these two sort it out themselves. Learn from our own mistakes.

>>548160
>Tell him about Nanami's intentions.

That other choice.
Why don't you add:
"So how are things with Alice? You should try to make a move now that she is back"

>>548160
>Don't tell him. You shouldn't try to interfere.
Is the ship gonna sink faster if we meddle.

>>548160
>>Tell him about Nanami's intentions.

>>548154
What, her eyebrows? Unless she mentioned something else without naming Satomi, that's all that comes to mind. That's such a tiny problem compared to a sort of missing boyfriend and a best friend plus whatever else Seishiro has going on.

>>548187
Gay feelings, thats what Senshiro is dealing with.

>>548187
I think its possible. There are a whole host of problems inside that girl. But I could easily see that being the reason she has at least cooped herself up.

A little digging would likely pull them out. I just think it'd be a funny and in character reason.

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>Don't tell him. You shouldn't try to interfere.

"Well, it's good to see you guys getting along so well," you reply. "I remember when Nanami ate her lunches alone on the roof. Now she's got plenty of friends."

"She used to..." Ken mutters. "I... I didn't know that. If I knew, I would have..."

You can tell he feels guilty. "Don't worry about it. That's in the past, you're one of her closest friends now."

Ken sighs. "Yeah... man, I just realised that when you disappeared, it was at the height of that whole mess with Alice."

"How did that work out?" you ask.

"Well... Alice disappeared into the Darkworld just like you did, so that put a damper on that relationship," Ken sighs. "Even now that she's back, I haven't had a proper talk with her. I don't know if I want to talk about that stuff with her."

"So... are you over Alice?" you ask.

"I guess..." Ken shrugs. "I mean, Alice is very attractive and I'm not disinterested, but... it's Alice. She's not the kind to want or understand romantic relationships. I don't know what I was going for with Alice back then... I guess I just liked feeling needed."

"Needed?"

"Yeah, I wanted to feel like there was someone who needed my help," Ken explains. "I was helping Alice become more integrated into normal human life and that... made me feel needed, and I guess that's what I've always wanted out of a girlfriend. Someone who makes me feel needed. Makes me feel like I'm of use to them."

"That's... dumb," you shrug.

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"What?"

"No offence, Ken... but that's dumb," you reply. "Being in a relationship isn't a job. It's a luxury. You shouldn't be looking for something that makes you useful. Just someone who makes you happy."

"Like you and Saki," Ken smiles.

"Well... Saki keeps me busy with work too," you laugh. "But that's just how Saki is... plus, I do all that crap because she makes me happy... and she's the head of class and it's usually a good idea to do what she says... but yeah. She makes me happy. That's what you need."

"Well... you don't mince words," Ken chuckles. "I'll try to take that to heart, Ryoji."

"No problem," you reply. "Anything for my pal."

Ken pauses. "Hey Ryoji..."

"Yeah?"

Ken walks up to you and pulls you in close for a tight hug. His voice cracks a little as he speaks, getting a little emotional. "I missed you so much, man..."

"I missed you too, pal." You return the hug, squeezing your buddy tight, before you hear a knock on the door.

You check the time. You know exactly who it is behind that door.

You open the door to be greeted with... wow. Saki looking amazing in a... somewhat revealing sweater. She almost immediately blushes and gets flustered as she catches you staring.

"Is it too much?" Saki asks. "It's too much, isn't it?"

"No," you smirk. "I'm pretty shocked though. I didn't expect you to own something like this in your wardrobe."

"Well... I bought it especially for tonight," Saki admits. "Do I... look good?"

"Absolutely beautiful, Sak. Come on, let's finally have that date."

Last update of the night. We'll be continuing from tomorrow afternoon GMT.

>>548244
>not cat lingerie
I'm disappointed booker...
i mean not that disappointed this is still great, but you know what i mean.

>>548254
The cat lingerie is for later.

>>548254
>wearing literal underwear to a date
That's just plain exhibitionism!

Thanks for running

>>548256
I wait with baited breath.

>>548244
Saki continues to be wonderful. I can't wait for the date! I don't suppose we won't also get a chance to make sure the others are doing okay? I want to speak with them too.

Also, I think this was the perfect way to tell Ken to smarten up about Nanami, but in an indirect way that lets Nanami try to do things herself. I think, all things considered, we did fantastic so far.

So...how many goofy things do you think we're in for? And how many classmates do you think we'll run into?

I am still waiting on Ryoji, Booker.

You think we did good, guys?

>>548266
It looks like we did well enough. The toughest folks are gonna be Rei and Akira.

Kind of upset that AkemiXIsamu is dead, but I love both of them either way. Great run Booker, keep it up!

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Don't look. Don't look, Ryoji. Don't loo-You're looking. Stop looking. You're still looking. Now you're officially staring. Dammit.

You don't want to gawk like some low-down pervert, but you did not expect Saki to be decked out in something that highlighted her cleavage as much as that sweater does. She really went all out for this, didn't she? As you throw your arm over her shoulder and begin walking with her out of the dorm, you can't help but think to yourself how lucky you are to land a beauty like her.

"What a chest," Stranger remarks from inside your head. "You are going to bed that tonight, right?"

"I hope you aren't going to ruin my date night by providing a running commentary," you think.

"Don't worry, I'll keep quiet during your big night. I know this crap means a lot to you."

Saki catches you looking at her chest, and she blushes, causing you to break away from them and look your girlfriend in the eye.

"You look great Ryoji..." Saki mutters, still a little embarrassed by her choice of clothing. She's so ridiculously modest. It's pretty damn cute.

You raise an eyebrow as you examine your green jacket. "This is what I wear every day, Sak."

"Well... you look good every day," Saki smiles.

You're sure she's just being polite. She's the one who looks amazing. You wonder if she's annoyed that you didn't dress special for the occasion. Probably not. Saki'll never admit it, but she loves it when you're acting like yourself.

"You sure?" you remark. "Aren't you the same Saki who's always lecturing me about slovenliness?"

Saki giggles. "As I should? You can't go through life looking messy and disorganised! No employer will ever take you seriously!"

"Yeah, but my girlfriend loves the messy look, doesn't she?" you tease.

Saki smiles. "No comment."

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The two of you walk along the school courtyard, as Saki begins to laugh.

"What's got you in stitches?" you ask.

"Oh, it's nothing," Saki laughs. "It's just... I can't believe this is finally happening. The two of us, going on a date."

"Yeah, I'm having a hard time believing it myself," you reply.

It's true, you never thought this day would come way back when you first started at the school. You and Saki didn't exactly start on the best of terms, and it was certainly hurt by how fundamentally different the two of you seemed... but as you became friendlier and realised that you both had more in common than you thought, you started to feel affection for her. And she fell for you. But even when you started to take the leap into a romantic relationship, it seemed like the universe was throwing everything in your path to stop it. You were kidnapped at the school dance, Saki was being pressured by her parents, you were trapped in the Endless Night shortly after becoming an official couple, and then you missed the whole summer while trapped in the Darkworld. Hell, you almost feel as if there's something waiting right around the corner now, ready to strike and stop your date.

"I have to admit Ryoji... I'm starting to get pretty nervous," Saki laughs. "My hands are all sweaty and everything."

"The great Saki Kobashi, nervous?" you laugh. "Unthinkable."

"Aren't you a little nervous?" Saki asks.

"I don't get nervous Sak," you boast. "Never have and never will."

"Oh really?" Saki teases. "Because I seem to recall a very nervous Ryoji on the day of the school dance!"

"Damn, you remember that?" you sigh.

Saki smiles. "Yep! I didn't know why you were acting weird at the time, but in hindsight... it was about me, wasn't it?"

"Yeah," you reply. "I was getting all worked up with all these new feelings I had for you... I turned into an awkward mess."

"It was cute!" Saki assures you, placing her hand on your chest and snuggling into you. "So... I suppose I should finally ask, what's your plan for tonight? Where are you taking me?"

>I'm taking you to the movies, to watch one of those sappy romantic flicks.
>I'm taking you out for a nice dinner, where we can sit and talk.
>I'm taking you to a nice spot by the lake. We can have a picnic and watch the sunset together.
>I left our options open. I know you like organising these types of things, so I left the decision to you.

>>549271
>>I'm taking you to the movies, to watch one of those sappy romantic flicks.
Sappy romance sounds so good right now.

>>549271
>I left our options open. I know you like organising these types of things, so I left the decision to you.
She has a list and a schedule doesn't she?

>>549271
>I'm taking you to a nice spot by the lake. We can have a picnic and watch the sunset together.
WE MUST BE ROMANTIC AS FUCK

>>549271
>>I'm taking you to the movies, to watch one of those sappy romantic flicks.
>"Though I'm certain you have a list already planned out, don't you?"
Gotta have a backup plan.

>I'm taking you to a nice spot by the lake. We can have a picnic and watch the sunset together.

>>549271
>I'm taking you to a nice spot by the lake. We can have a picnic and watch the sunset together.

>>549271
>I'm taking you to a nice spot by the lake. We can have a picnic and watch the sunset together.
Bring a swimsuit

>>549271
>>I'm taking you to a nice spot by the lake. We can have a picnic and watch the sunset together.

>>549271
>I'm taking you to a nice spot by the lake. We can have a picnic and watch the sunset together.

>>549271
>I'm taking you to a nice spot by the lake. We can have a picnic and watch the sunset together.

File: Ryo10.png (689 KB, 987x618)

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>I'm taking you to a nice spot by the lake. We can have a picnic and watch the sunset together.

Saki smiles. "I knew it."

"You knew it?" You mutter. "How?"

"I reached the section of your journal titled 'Date plans' and you underscored picnic three times, the rest were only underscored once or twice," Saki explains. "It's nice to see you use the same system as me?"

"Wait... you read through my journal while I was gone?" you ask.

"Sorry Ryoji," Saki pouts. "But I needed to search through it for any clues to where you could have disappeared to."

"So... I'm guessing you found the section on yourself?" you ask.

"Yep."

"Sak... I'm sorry it was so short," you explain. "I'm sure you were disa-"

"I love you," Saki interrupts, hugging into you more. "You wrote all that needed to be said."

You place your hand on her head and ruffle through her hair. "Love you too, Sak."

"So... I can't help but notice you don't have a picnic basket," Saki remarks. "Ryoji, you do know what a picnic is, right? A basket is pretty essential."

You chuckle. "Sak, do you really want me to be in charge of preparing a picnic basket? Akemi offered to prepare one before we left, and she'll have it ready for when we get to the lake."

"That's good," Saki breathes a sigh of relief. "Akemi knows about my peanut allergy."

"You have a peanut allergy?"

"Yep."

"Huh... so do I," you remark.

Saki laughs. "And I still remember a time when we were polar opposites."

File: Nariko06.jpg (301 KB, 883x1000)

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You and Saki make you way down to the school dates, where you see a very familiar face, and two very furry faces accompanying her. "Hey Saki! Hey Ryoji!" Nariko waves, as Daisuke rests on her shoulder and some new, white cat is purring against her leg... actually it looks like the cat is checking up her skirt. Odd.

"Hey Nariko, who's the new runt?" you ask.

"Oh, I was just waiting for this!" Nariko laughs, as she picks up the cat, holding it up to your face. "Ryoji, meet... Ryoji!"

She named the cat... Ryoji? You stare intently at the kitten, unamused. It stares back at you with a similar expression. The two of you continue to stare... it's odd, you're starting to feel a strange connection with the pest. You usually hate cats, but... maybe it's sharing a name, maybe it's the white hair, but you see a lot of yourself in this one. You wonder if the cat is feeling the same connection as he stares intensely at you. You feel as if you're coming to an understanding.

"Ryoji... what is happening?" a confused Saki asks.

You remain focused on your feline counterpart before nodding. "Pleased to meet you... Ryoji."

"Aw, I love I nice introduction!" Nariko laughs. "You're gonna love him, Ryoji! He's just like you!"

"Yeah, he sure is a cutie," Saki smiles, wagging her finger in front of the cat, tickling it's nose. The cat wriggles free from Nariko's grip and leaps... right into the hole of Saki's sweater, nestling within her cleavage.

"Gah! Get him out!" Saki exclaims, as she struggles to remove the cat, who has found a comfortable spot atop her breasts.

Nariko pulls Cat Ryoji out and places him on the ground. "Bad kitty!" she scolds. "Sorry about that, Saki."

"It's okay," Saki sighs. "Come on, let's get on with our date, Ryo-WHOA!"

As Saki takes a step forward and trips to the floor face first. Or rather... Cat Ryoji tripped her. Stuck out his paw and everything. Completely intentional. As Saki lies on the ground, slowly picking herself up, the cat casually motions behind her and stand on it's hind legs, resting it's paws on her butt as it hangs in the air.

"Oh..." An embarrassed Saki groans. "Nariko, your new cat's a pervert..."

Maybe Nariko's right. This cat does seem to be just like you.

>I love this cat.
>I hate this cat.

>>549346
>I love this cat.
And thus a friendship was born!

>>549346
>I love this cat.
We need a whole chapter of us controlling catRyoji.

>I love this cat.
This cat has already done so much for us in so little time

>>549346
>I love this cat.
>FISTBUMP THE CAT