A few days later, Kuma got into some financial troubles. He just paid the month's rent which slightly went up and he got sent home again from work. And was pulling his hair out practically.

The next day he was on his way to school quite early since he slept from late afternoon onwards. Mai, Aiko, Gen, and Haru were meeting up when they stopped him.

Mai had look at his pale face and was stunned. "Kuma are you okay?" She asked worried.

"Surviving. Why do you ask?" He puzzled.

"Honey. Look here." Haru gave him her makeup mirror.

"I don't get it. Am I missing something?" He replied confused.

"You are as white as a ghost boy." Gen pointed to the obvious.

"Whatever I guess." He brushed it off.

Mai forcefully grabbed his wrist. "And you have gotten thinner. Tell me the truth and spill it now Marik." She demanded.

"I'm not sick." He mumbled.

"Have you been eating?" She smirked.

"Define that." Being vague once again.

She lightly smacked him across the face and grabbed his wrist again. "I can tell. Talk!" She snapped.

"Okay. Fine. Rent went up and after being sent home twice in a week span, I've cut back on food a bit."

"A bit? Come. Here." She dragged him off. "See you at school girls." You yelled over.

"See you then." Called Gen.

"Date?" Asked Haru.

"No way. Doubtful. Otherwise she'd stop me from trying to find him someone. C'mon. We all know Mai is stubborn and sassy but she's a good person. She's doing the right thing. And I know he appreciates it. Let's see her at school."

The trio walked off looking back with a smile.

He followed her towards a few markets. Kuma was not going to think about budging fearing the consequences. Even though they only knew each other a short time in his head knew she would put him in check. The girls thought the same.

They stopped at a bakery. It was bright, colorful, and so hard to choose. Seemed like Mai was a regular.

"Hey Mai, good morning. I see you brought a guest. What will it be today?" Asked the man at the counter.

"Takeshi this is Kuma. He's a classmate. Fatten him up and put it on my card." She smiled.

"Mai?" Gasped Kuma.

"Shut up and pick out breakfast." Demanded Mai.

"Yes Miss. Tanaka." He smiled.

After a bit of decision making, they walked out with a bag full of goods. They decided to eat and walk to school trying to politely continue the conversation.

"How's the pastries?" She asked.

"I know I'm biased because I'm really hungry, but these are heavenly." He gazed and stuffed his face.

"I gave you my number. Why didn't you call me? Shoot me a text? Something for crying out loud." She asked annoyed.

"I hate doing so." He frowned.

"How so?"

"I can't say straight out that I'm not doing well. It's just not in me. What do I do? Send a text that says I'm hungry and make you feel like crap to feel obligated?"

"I see. I know it's hard. I can't imagine really. My dad's a doctor so I've never been there in those situations."

"I don't have a dad or money you know. Appreciate it."

"I do. And I feel that it's my job to help those who deserve it. I think you're first in line. With some luck and confidence, you can have it made." She smiled at him.

"How so?" He puzzled.

"Just shut up and eat. Figure it out later. Will you? These things take time." She winked.

"Where are you going with this?" He asked clueless.

"My oh my you are awfully dense. I can't just say these things out loud. That will spoil it. Wouldn't it?" She smirked at him. "Now let's get to class. We have to be early. Don't worry I won't hug you and make everyone jealous. You aren't my boyfriend after all."

"Right. Sure."

~~~~~

The two students walk into homeroom together with the room half full. Mr. Aono smiled.

"Keep at it. It will award itself." He laughed.

"He's right you know." Mai agreed.

"Yeah I get it. Thanks for the faith though." Thanked Kuma.

The girls were gossiping in the back corner. Mai or Kuma at first couldn't hear a thing.

"Mai and Marik went together for breakfast this morning." Said a girl.

"That's so cute. And he's so shy I can't believe it."

"Are they a thing?"

"I don't know. I doubt it. Mai shoots down guys and I don't think he would pull the trigger." She girl giggled.

"I won't what?" Questioned Kuma.

"You won't fail next test Marik." Laughed a girl.

He waved them off and continued the morning. But at least he didn't have to on an empty stomach. He knew he was in Mai's debt. Question was how to pay her back.

He thought about it as he was eating his small packed lunch and sat at his usual spot on the school roof. Yet again joined by a guest. This time it was Aiko.

"You do this every day?" She asked.

"Started it this year to get away. Only you and Mai know what's going on. I thank you enough for keeping it private."

"Sure thing. So, tell me something. What kind of girl would you be in to?"

Kuma almost choked. "Seriously? I doubt I can handle one."

Aiko smirked. "Come on Kuma, a date or two can't hurt."

"Perhaps not."

"See? Now tell me. What does a handsome, athletic, strong guy want in a woman?"

"Wow I'm flattered."

"Work with me honey. Spill it." She demanded.

"Umm someone with nice eyes. That's a start. I mean honestly, I'd love a cute and sweet girl. But I probably don't even deserve one."

"Oh stop you. How's a girl going to respond to that?" She smacked his leg.

"Wonder how this fate will go if you actually find someone."

"I got one in mind. Talk to you soon." She wondered off leaving Kuma back to his lunch puzzled on what was going through her head.

~~~~~

On his way home Kuma was walking home from school. When a gust of wind blew he dropped his water bottle that was in his hand and it rolled towards the grass. When he walked over and grabbed it, he saw shining paper next to it. He lifted the paper and unfolded it. It was a scratch game lottery ticket. It didn't reveal any numbers, so that meant it wasn't played yet. Using his apartment key, he scratched the ticket. Only to reveal the best luck he had in months. ¥20,000.

Kuma ran as quick as he could to a convenient store to cash in his pay day. After a quick exchange and money in hand he bolted for his house so he can see if he had to work. As soon as he locked the door to his apartment his phone rang.

< Hello? >He answered.

< How's things? > Asked Mai.

< Pretty great. I got lucky today. > He shouted.

< Found the ticket? > She asked.

Kuma gasped.

< Just shut up and enjoy. I will not give details. Anyways do yourself a favor can save a little for your date coming up. Aiko has someone in mind so don't blow it. Got that? >

< Sure thing. Thanks Mai. I appreciate it. >

< I know you do Honey. Now off to work you go. > Click and she hung up.

On the other side of the line Mai and Aiko are meeting with another girl.

"So Misaki what do you say?" Asked Aiko.

Misaki as the girls put it was "kind of like one of those anime chicks." She had bright green eyes, snow white legs, and blonde hair going down to almost her butt. A C-cup to top it all off. Girls were jealous of her and admired her. Some would want to be her. The only reason the guys didn't chase her was because of her shyness. Otherwise girls and boys would want to be her.

"I don't see why not. I mean is he awkward?" She asked.

"Weird but all guys are. Something you got to live with. But he's caring and down to Earth. He has it rough."

"Hehe. No problem he's in good hands. Are you sure it's okay meeting this guy?" Misaki checked.

Mai exhaled. "It's why we're talking to you first. It's fine. Have fun and go from there."

"That changes everything. Thank you Mai." She giggled.

Mai shook her head. Ugh why does this chick seem like I'm going to regret doing this? I don't have feelings for him, it's just I fell like somethings wrong here. I don't know. Better go with it.

~~~~~

For Kuma's sake he ran to work and got right into things.

"Marik." Called the Foreman.

"Yes sir." Kuma answered.

"We could use you to stay after dark a bit. I know you could use it. Do you mind.?"

"I'll stay. Thank you sir."

"Alright then Marik, I need you to sort all the scrap metal and make piles. Big rocks put them aside."

"On it."

-Meanwhile-

Misaki was trying on some clothes trying to make herself look good for when the date came. There were options laid out across the room at her house.

"Wow girl you have a little bit of everything." Gasped Aiko.

"Indeed Misaki. Every style and most of all every color. I think any of which you could pull off." Gazed Mai.

"Thanks girls. But not beige or brown I don't go out for pleasure like that."

"Not in this decade." Laughed Mai.

"Mai how do you like this for going out with Iwakuma." Misaki put on a lavender shirt that showed a little bit of cleavage and a black skirt.

"Perfect." Aiko gave the thumbs up.

"Thanks. I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the opportunity you two. I appreciate it." Misaki blushed.

-Back at Work-

It was starting to get cold as night fell and Kuma just finished up and wiped of the sweat from his face.

The Foreman came up to him. "Not bad kid. Find anything in there? Buried treasure perhaps?"

"I found about ¥500 in change. Want me to put it in a jar for you?" Kuma asked.

"Keep it as a bonus kid. Now it's time to wrap up. We have more of this tomorrow. Eat, hot shower, and come back tomorrow strong." He padded his shoulder.

"Thanks Boss."

On his way home he dialed Mai. She was still with Aiko and Misaki.

It's Kuma." Mai said to the girls. < Hello? > She answered.

< Hey Mai, what's up? >

< Here with your blind date. > She said bluntly.

< Say what now? >He gasped.

< Hi Kuma, I'm Misaki. > She said calmly.

< Have I met you? > He asked.

< Don't think so. I've seen you around you just seem rather you know, gentle. They told me you can be caring and sweet. >

< Really? Thanks. So, where do you want to go? >

< We can figure that out later. Sound good? >

< Well you got a date. > Smiled Misaki.

< You can thank me. > Said Aiko in the background.

< Me as well you dense minded idiot. > Huffed Mai.

< Thank you ladies. I'm going pack it in tonight. All of you take care. >

< Marik. > Said Misaki happily.

< Please, Kuma. >

< Sorry. Sweet dreams. >

< To you as well. > With that he had hung up. Wow. I can't believe this is really happening. How did I not just freak out? Okay, now I'm freaking out. I'm on a date. What am I wearing? What does she look like? Crap! I'm losing it. Now he was rushing home to prepare.

Misaki on her end smiled. "He seems awful nice. I like where this is going. But hey, if this doesn't work no hard feelings right?"

"First date first. Let's go one step at a time." Insisted Aiko.

"Please." Agreed Mai. I knew something was wrong. I don't like that last remark. That comment honest or just out of fear? I just don't want him to open up too much. It is hard enough to have him talk to me or Aiko as is. Even with the agreement and that's because I saved his sorry little ass. We just can't go back to the broken boy phase. Otherwise I have to start all over again. Square one is not an option.