"-your Aunt Aiko, your-"

Aru sighed as she sat there, listening to her mother's rants about who to invite to her upcoming graduation party. Hyun rolled his eyes as he fixed his uniform, getting ready for his turn on the register. Deciding it was time to head back to her dorm, she pretended to be late to a study group. Laughing as she ran out the building, she made her way to the school. Smiling as she saw the flowers bloom beautifully all around her, she entered the dormitories. Greeting the receptionist with joy, she made her way up to her dorm.

She was nervous. Why wouldn't she be? Graduation was not that far away from now. The thought of it all was enough to make her feel queasy.

"Hey Aru, are you coming with us or not?"

Aru was startled out of her thoughts as he looked up from the doorway. Mari was looking back at her from the couch, her hand in Waxy's. Sua and Sehui looked at her expectantly. Clearly embarrassed, Aru cleared her throat.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear you guys. Kinda lost in my own world there, hehe."

Mari jokingly rolled her eyes as Sua laughed.

"There's a band made by underclassmen performing tonight. You know, the ones that Sua keeps gushing about."

Sua gasped, her eyes shining with joy as she blushed.

"I do not gush over them!"

"You're so very right, sorry dearest Sua...you gush over ONE of them."

"Hey!"

Aru stiffled her laughter as a very flustered Sua swatted at Mari.

"Yeah, I'll go. Let me get ready first."

"Alright, don't take too long!"

~ ~ ~

In her defense, her hair straightener wouldn't turn on. Aru really didn't mean to make them a minute late, but the others eventually got over it.

Mari and Waxy, Aru noted, were whispering and giggling to each other to her right. To her left was Sua, who was practically dazed away as she excitedly watch the band play. Sehui was on the other side of Sua, cheering along as well (not as enthusiastically though). Behind her was Gunn with another classmate, Stretch. Aru couldn't help but smile as she was surrounded by friends, but she still felt empty.

Don't miss understand her, she's grateful for all the support that her friends and family have given. From her roommates to Gang Ho, she's felt nothing but love. She couldn't help but miss him though. It's been three years and they still haven't spoken a word to each other. She isn't sure if he noticed the longingly gazes she'd pass to him, he wouldn't look at her, after all. What cleared up the situation (or made it worse, in her case) was that Dante had avoided talking or looking at her as well.

"GAH!!! Isn't he amazing??!!"

Aru snorted as Mari smirked at the fangirling artist beside her. Gunn laughed as Sehui nodded to her friend. Stretch enthusiastically agreed with Sua, joining in the cheers from beside Gunn. Refusing to listen to anymore depressing thoughts, Aru shook her head and diverted her attention to the band of boys in front of her.

~ ~ ~

The dorm was quiet. Gang Ho had left to go accompany Susu somewhere. This left Mook and Dante all alone. Mook was cooped up in his room, staring at the ceiling absentmindedly as he rubbed his thumb over the engravings of the only necklace he refused to remove from his person. Sighing, he sat up and peered over at a small, square box on his dresser. It was an early graduation gift for his brother.

Brother

Mook found him smiling to himself at the word. Yes, he had to admit (but never out loud), he finally saw Dante as his younger brother. Sure, they weren't of full blood, but that didn't stop him from loving Dante as if he were related fully by blood.

Speaking of Dante, Mook was really hoping his brother was okay. Even though Mook had been (and still is) wallowing in his own self pity for destroying his bond with Aru, he'd also been trying to make up for being a jerk of a brother beforehand. Sure, his attempts were small, but it's the thought that matters (right?).

Mook mentally pumped himself up. This was his last year here. He had to mend things with both Aru and Dante. He couldn't live with himself if he didn't. Sitting at his desk, he began to make a game plan for himself. He was going to change things around here.

That was a promise.