After hours of waiting, Mei's final class was over and she grabbed her bags before leaving. She left her classroom and stepped out on the hallway pushing people aside
"Sorry! Excuse me!" Mei said as she walked past them. Himeko jumped as she noticed Mei walking by and followed her
"Mei! Hey!" Himeko said as she went after Mei
"Sorry but I can't wait any longer..." Mei said as she rushed her way out
"C-can't you at least slow down!?" Himeko asked. Once she got to the entrance, Mei stopped catching a glimpse of the blonde girl
"Yuzu!" Mei called out to her. Yuzu's eyes widened and turned to look at Mei
"M-mei?" Yuzu asked and Mei reached out grabbing her hand
"Aren't we going?" Mei asked
"U-uhm well yes but...ahem! A-anyways I'm sorry but as you can see I'm quite busy" Yuzu said speaking with the other woman
"Oh I understand. Maybe we can go out next time?" The woman asked
"Sure. I'll text you when I'm free" Yuzu said
"Good. Bye now" The woman said walking away and Yuzu waved at her
"See you tomorrow" Yuzu said and Mei tugged her arm
"Come on. We need to-huh? What's wrong with you?" Mei asked as she noticed Yuzu's reddened face
"...i-it's just that you called for me and grabbed me all of a sudden. D-do you really want me that badly, Mei?" Yuzu asked and Mei let go of her hand
"N-no! Don't get the wrong idea! I-I'm only here to discuss that with you" Mei said
"Mmm you could've waited patiently for me but instead you wanted to take me away" Yuzu said
"Because I need an explanation about that..." Mei said
"Oh relax. We have all day right? Unless you have other plans" Yuzu said
"Just get to the point already" Mei said. Yuzu wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned in towards her ear
"Have you forgotten that we're both connected? I'm not sure why you're acting like this is strange. It's fate telling us we need to be together...just like we were in our past lives" Yuzu whispered
"Hey hey!" Himeko said as she squeezed in between the two girls
"Ah Himeko-chan! Nice to see you again. Will you be joining us?" Yuzu asked
"Of course. I'm here to accompany, Mei" Himeko said
"Ah! We should all hang out like those other times when we were in middle school. It brings back so many memories right?" Yuzu asked
"Aren't we going now?" Mei asked
"Oh yeah. Let's go. Oh! Would you mind if we go by car?" Yuzu asked
"Is it far?" Mei asked
"No but I'd prefer to avoid the public. After what happened yesterday" Yuzu said
"O-oh sure" Mei said
"Alright. Come on. Kang's waiting for us" Yuzu said as she took her friends with her
"Kang?" Mei asked
"He's a close friend of mine. He's really nice. Himeko's met her before" Yuzu said
"You have?" Mei asked glancing over at Himeko
"I've met him a few times" Himeko said. Mei and Himeko followed her from behind. There was a car parked close by the entrance and Yuzu opened the door for the two girls
"Hop in" Yuzu said. Mei hesitated for a moment feeling anxious until Himeko gently pushed her forward
"We can't stand here all day" Himeko said
"Sorry..." Mei said and got inside along with Himeko. Yuzu closed the door and hopped at the front seat next to the driver
"Hey Kang!" Yuzu said
"So where are we going again?" Kang asked
"Have you forgotten about Udagawa-san's cafe?" Yuzu asked
"Oh that guy? Oh! That glasses dude" Kang said
"Are you starting to forget everything?" Yuzu asked
"My mind's been busy lately. Besides you said you wanted us to handle those reporters" Kang said
"Any updates on them?" Yuzu asked
"We've actually found two of them and they're apparently working together" Kang said
"Oh that's great news. Maybe by tomorrow all those news will go down" Yuzu said
"What news?" Mei asked
"Ah the ones about us from yesterday. I'm making sure that it all goes down so that you won't have a hard time. Also to help your grandfather not worry about you" Yuzu said
"It wouldn't have occurred if you'd just let me go quietly. Instead you chased after me" Mei said
"Yep. Sorry about that. I'll make sure to be more careful" Yuzu said
...if you just spoke to me then I wouldn't have to chase after you...
"Hm? Oh I'm getting a call" Yuzu said as she felt her phone vibrate and answered it
"Onee-chan!" A girl's voice was heard from the other side
"Hey don't yell so loud" Yuzu said
"Are you coming by to the cafe?" The girl asked
"How the hell did you know?" Yuzu asked
"Shai told me" The girl said
"And why are you calling me? Shouldn't you be in school?" Yuzu asked
"Nah I'm sick" The girl said
"You don't sound sick to me" Yuzu said
"I just wanted a day off of school okay?" The girl said
"Are you at the cafe too?" Yuzu asked
"Mhm. I wanted to see you again. You've been busy with your model stuff and school stuff" The girl said
"We'll get to hang out again okay? I've actually had an idea about going to a vacation" Yuzu said
"Huh!? Really?!" The girl exclaimed
"Mhm. I'll tell you about it later okay?" Yuzu asked
"Okay" The girl said
"Bye" Yuzu said and hanged up
"Don't tell me that brat will be there?" Himeko asked
"She will be. Besides Mei can meet our new friends" Yuzu said
"Huh? What? Excuse me but I'm not going to be making new friends. You and I have something to discuss about remember?" Mei asked
"Yeah yeah. Calm down. We'll talk about it" Yuzu said
"...she's not alone is she?" Himeko asked
"Highly doubt it. I think her cousins are there too. I'll make sure they don't bother Mei" Yuzu said
"...you better" Himeko said
"Who are we talking about?" Mei asked
"The Mizusawas..." Himeko said
"They're really friendly and nice. You'll like them" Yuzu said
"...yeah right. Meimei please don't listen to them when you meet them. They just talk nonsense" Himeko said
"Uhm okay?" Mei said

Meanwhile the small group was waiting at the cafe for Yuzu.
"Eh? Is she bringing that girl she's madly in love with?" The pink haired girl asked
"Lower your voice, Matsuri. Someone might hear you..." Shai said
"Isn't she her sister now?" Matsuri asked
"Yes but that won't stop Yuzu..." Shai said
"Hmph...then that means I won't get to play with Onee-chan. She'll just be focusing on her then..." Matsuri said and rested her head on the table
"Pretty much but I think we should let her be. I think she means a lot to Yuzu" Shai said taking a seat
"Tch...and what about us? I bet she barely knows anything about her. We've known her since we were kids..." Matsuri said
"Ahhh little Mats! No need to be jealous now" The redhead said as she ruffled with Matsuri's hair
"Waaah! Nitski! Don't mess it up!" Matsuri said
"So we finally get to see this lovely woman that Yuzu loves?" Nitski asked
"Yes and I hope you behave yourself" Shai said
"Eh? I'm not a kid you know?" Nitski asked
"Although you act like one sometimes..." A blue haired guy said and Nitski smacked his head
"Don't talk like that to your big sis, Juhin" Nitski said
"Ow...uhm you should keep it down though. I know we're buddies with the manager but we can't be bothering his customers" Juhin said
"Why the hell am I related to you..." Matsuri mumbled and Nitski pinched her cheeks making her jump
"Hey!" Matsuri said
"Haha! You're so cute, Matsuri!" Nitski laughed
"U-uhm hey guys. Would you m-mind keeping your voices down please?" Udagawa asked as he approached the small group
"It was her" Matsuri said
"Yeah yeah. We'll keep it down" Nitski said. Udagawa glanced at Shai who gave him a nod
"I'll take care of them" Shai said giving him a smile
"Thanks" Udagawa said and walked away
"See? We'll be kicked out if we stay here" Juhin said
"Relax. It was a small warning. Besides I'd like to see Yuzu's girl in person" Nitski said
"Ah! Hey! Shai, that car is Kang's right?" Matsuri asked noticing a car coming nearby
"Wait! Really!? Let me see!" Nitski said as she got close to the glass
"Don't stain the windows" Juhin said as he tugged his sister's arm
"I need to see this" Nitski said. The group looked out the window waiting for the others to step out of the car. The car door opened and Mei stepped out of the car. She sensed some strange presence nearby and turned her head seeing the several eyes on her
"I-is it them?" Mei asked
"Please ignore them, Mei" Himeko said as she stepped out
"Don't worry they're just friends. I might've told them about you so that's why they're like that. Anyways let's go inside. Oh and thanks Kang for the ride" Yuzu said
"Yes. Thank you" Mei said
"Thanks Kang" Himeko said
"No problem, ladies" Kang said and drove off leaving the girls behind. Mei looked over at the small group who kept looking at her
"...is there something wrong with me?" Mei asked and flinched feeling Yuzu wrapping an arm around her waist
"I'm here for you" Yuzu said
"No! I'm here for her!" Himeko said, holding her arm. Yuzu smiled as she let go of Mei and walked to the door
"They won't bite, so calm down" Yuzu said and opened the door. Mei walked inside the cafe and backed up seeing someone approaching her
"Hi there, beautiful. Are sing-ah!" Nitski exclaimed as Juhin grabbed her shirt
"Mei, this is Nitski and Juhin Mizusawa. Siblings" Yuzu said
"Hi and please don't mind my sister. She likes to make friends and talks a lot" Juhin said
"So are you Yuzu's girlf-"
"Ahem! Anyways here we have-"
"Onee-chan!" Matsuri said as she ran towards her and hugged her
"A-ah hey Matsuri" Yuzu said. Matsuri glanced over at Mei giving her a glare but her expression changed immediately as she looked at Yuzu
"Mind getting me something for me please? I want a strawberry cake" Matsuri asked
"Which one of you ended up letting her stay home?" Yuzu asked looking over at the other two
"It was Nitski" Juhin said
"Hey, she's doing great in school. One day won't hurt" Nitski said
"Yeah okay. Oh right. Mei meet Matsuri. Matsuri, I'd like you to meet Mei" Yuzu said
"...so your new sister?" Matsuri asked
"Mhm" Yuzu said
"It's a pleasure to meet everyone. Unfortunately I don't have time to chit chat since we have something to do" Mei said, grabbing Yuzu's arm. She earned another glare from the small girl who tightened her grip on Yuzu
"H-hey Matsuri. I need you to let me go. I'll get you your strawberry cake okay? I have to talk with Mei" Yuzu said
"About?" Matsuri asked
"Something important. So please...let go already" Yuzu said giving her a cold stare and Matsuri pulled away
"Whatever..." Matsuri said looking to the side and Yuzu ruffled her hair
"I'll play with you some other time. Now mind giving us some space. You guys do whatever you want" Yuzu said
"Eh? Didn't you bring her here so we could get to know her better?" Nitski asked
"Some other time. Right now we need to talk and it doesn't involve any of you. So mind leaving or giving us space. That goes for you too, Himeko" Yuzu said
"I'm not going to be babysitting these guys" Himeko said
"Come on, Eyebrow-chan. It'll be fun" Matsuri said
"You're always a troublemaker when your cousin is around" Himeko said
"Now worries, Himeko. We can leave once I'm done talking. I really hope it won't take long..." Mei said looking at Yuzu
"Mm...I don't think it'll be quick. This might take a while but Shai is here to-wait. Where is she? She is here, right?" Yuzu asked
"Bathroom" Nitski said
"You'll have Shai to accompany you so you'll be fine" Yuzu said
"Haaa great..." Himeko sighed
"Have fun" Yuzu said and walked off to find to the counter
"Wait what ar-"
"Hey Udagawa-san" Yuzu said
"Oh hey Yuzu. You've brought a new friend hm? What would you like?" Udagawa asked
"Weren't we here to just talk? You haven't explained anyt-"
"Don't you want to order first? I'll pay" Yuzu said. Mei was about to reject the offer but sighed
"Fine" Mei said. Yuzu's face lit up and ordered their food. Once they ordered, the two girls sat down on an empty table
"Okay...now explain" Mei said
"You really want to know that badly? Come on. We should enjoy our date" Yuzu said
"This isn't a date..." Mei said
"But it feels like one. Remember our small dates after school?" Yuzu asked
"Yuzu, I'm here to talk about that strange dream. What did you do?" Mei asked in a stern voice
"...what the hell do you want me to say? You should know why it's happening. We were meant to be together...just like we were in our past lives. I don't know why either but it's obvious that the red string of fate is telling us we should be together" Yuzu said
"You're seriously believing that stuff?" Mei asked
"I don't care if you believe me or not. The dream stuff that we have are memories from our past lives. Why on earth would you feel familiar with that dream as if it happened before? You can ignore it or pretend it never happened but...you will never be able to escape from me" Yuzu said
"How are you so sure that all this is true?" Mei asked
"Because I've always had that dream everyday. Once you left, I felt like I wanted to die. I wasn't able to live without you. I didn't know what to do so I just decided to sleep all day. During my sleep I had these strange dreams. At first I didn't remember but I decided to do my own research so I did my best to recall what dream I had. I slept all day in my room and took notes once I woke up. After a while...I started to remember a little bit until one day...I was able to finally take over my own dream. I don't know how but I did. So I went ahead and tried to find more answers..." Yuzu said
"And how come it's affected me? How the hell did you get in my dreams?" Mei asked
"I wasn't able to control your dreams at first but somehow I managed to do it" Yuzu said
"So you began to manipulate my dreams?" Mei asked
"I had to. I wanted to see you again, Mei. I did it because I love you with all my heart. Besides....I'm not the only one who felt that way. You...also missed me, right?" Yuzu said and held her hand out across the table. Mei looked at her hand and sighed
"I don't-"
"Ahem excuse me. Here are your orders" Udagawa said as he held a tray
"Ah, thank you" Yuzu said. He nodded and handed them their orders before walking away. Mei looked down at the cup and she reached out grabbing it
"...please give it up. I don't get why you are trying-"
"Let's go out" Yuzu said
"Yuzu seriously-"
"I love you, Mei. I'm not going to give you up. You can push me away many times but I'll always love you. I'll be there for you whenever you need me and I can help you with the Academy" Yuzu said
"I-I don't want to talk about that" Mei said
"I've worked hard to be the perfect match for you, Mei. I can truly help you. I promise everything will be fine. We can date secretly again and this time we'll be more careful" Yuzu said
"It's not...that easy..." Mei said gripping the cup
"If this is about the Academy then I'm fine with it. I'll help and support along the way" Yuzu said. Mei remained quiet while looking down at her coffee. Yuzu leaned back on her seat and looked out the window
"You know…I want to understand why the Academy is so important to you. Are you inheriting the Academy because you want to or because you're forced to?" Yuzu asked. Mei tensed up for a moment and shook her head
"I don't have much of a choice now. My grandfather has done everything to get me ready to inherit his Academy. I can't...let him down. I have to make him proud. The Aihara family depends on me. I need to prove to him that I'm...I-I'm..." Mei paused as tears started  building up in her eyes. The noise surrounding her seemed to fade as an echo rang in her head.
"Maybe next time I'll go..."
"I don't have time for you"
"Oh? Another reward? Congrats"
"What? Spend time together?"
"Huh? Take you with me? What for?"
"You're worthless to me..."
Her vision blurred up and her hands started shaking. She began to breathe a bit hard and gripped the cup
"Mei?" Yuzu asked worriedly
"N-not...worthless..." Mei mumbled. Suddenly she felt a burning feeling from the cup as some of the coffee fell on her hand.
"Mei!" Yuzu said as she got up and grabbed her hands
"H-hnn...n-nnh..." Mei whimpered as tears began rolling down her cheeks
"Lets go to the bathroom" Yuzu said
"What happened?" Himeko asked as she approached them
"No worries. It's fine. Just stay here" Yuzu said, getting Mei up and taking her to the bathroom. Himeko watched her friend get taken away and fidgeted with her fingers
...that pained expression...again...
"U-uhm...I'm sure everything will be okay. Yuzu will know what to do" Shai said
"I guess I can trust her" Himeko said and looked at Shai making her tense up
"Y-yeah. B-besides Yuzu l-likes-"
"So you can finally talk to me?" Himeko asked. Shai blushed a bit and reached out to hold her hand
"Himeko...I have to tell you th-"
"Aww my little baby is here" Nitski said
"Ah great. The bitch is here" Matsuri said
"H-huh?" Shai asked
...oh great
The three women walked inside the cafe and their eyes immediately landed on the group. The one with brunette curls walked up to Shai with a smile
"Hey Shai and Himeko" She said
"Hi Phila" Shai said
"Nice to see you again. It's been a while" Himeko said
"It sure has. Is Yuzu around?" Phila asked looking around
"She's in the bathroom. She'll be out in a bit" Himeko said
"Okay. I'll be grabbing a bite then. Hey, are you two going to get something too?" Phila asked at her other friends
"I can invite Cyndi out to eat" Nitski said as she held the cute girl in her arms
"H-huh? Hey!" Cyndi said as she blushed
"Fine. Hinria, let's get something" Phila said walking to the counter. Hinria glanced over at Shai and Himeko seeing them holding hands
"Oh what a surprise to see you two together" Hinria said
"Hi Hinria. It's nice to see you too" Himeko said
"Looks like you two have finally made up, huh?" Hinria said
"Not at all" Himeko said
"E-eh? Wait, you're still upset?" Shai asked and Himeko pulled her hand away
"You think I'll forgive you that easily? Anyways I'll check on Mei" Himeko said and walked to the bathroom. Shai's expression softened and felt a throb in her chest. Shai gripped her shirt and looked down trembling a bit
"Oh nevermind. Looks like I was wrong" Hinria said and glanced at Shai before leaning in towards her
"I still don't get what's with you wanting that spoiled bitch. She doesn't deserve someone like you. There are other people better than her and better loo-" Hinria paused as her eyes met with a pair of cold blue crystal eyes
"And you should try to give up on someone who doesn't want you, okay? You're getting annoying..." Shai said and flinched feeling her head throb. Shai shook her head and gasped softly
"A-ah...sorry" Shai said walking away and sat down next to Matsuri. She sighed deeply covering her face and Matsuri patted her head
"Sooo how will Phila react seeing Yuzu with her new sister?" Matsuri asked
"Honestly...she should've given up a long time ago. Yuzu's heart already belongs to someone else...and...she won't let go" Shai said
"...you know...Yuzu is starting to scare me. I feel like she would do anything for her..." Matsuri said
"That's true" Shai said
I also...would do anything to have the one I love by my side...but I owe her an explanation.