It was getting cold across the land. All the people were lighting fires and turning up the heat. As Kuma was in his apartment with a blanket over him aside from cooking and bathroom trips. He was buying extra thick blankets and coats from a local thrift shop.

One night he was shivering in bed when he felt something touch his back. It was a spirit. Who else but the one helping him out the most?

"Mai?"

"Good evening Kuma." She smiled.

Kuma could visibly see Mai in a spiritual form again.

"Is this really you?"

"No Honey, it's me sending something to you."

"What?"

"It won't always be me either. But don't worry they aren't bad."

"Okay. Thanks?"

"Are you cold?"

"Not really." He turned away.

"Don't lie Marik."

"Fine. Yes, it's cold." He sighed.

"I see. We can cuddle for a while."

"Really?"

"Shut up and lay back down."

"Yes ma'am. Hey wait. What are you doing?"

"Warming you before I go. Problem here?"

"No. Continue."

"Thought so."

And with that in moments he fell asleep. Peacefully his eyes closed, and the few positive thoughts were surrounded in his mind. One of which a lady. A green grass field with her in a dress. But he couldn't she anywhere above her chest. No face and barely any hair.

He awoke that morning five hours later. Disappointed that it ended. Oh man what happened? That dream again. I wonder who she is.

Ignoring his thinking it would never happen he started to get dressed. The extra coat made the wind no problem on the walk to school.

Arriving was Mai and she was alone. She came dressed almost like a nun in the winter clothing but still made it look all so sexy.

"Morning Kuma."

"You as well Mai."

"Any shivering?"

"Wait you mean?"

"I remember things. Last night genius. Sleep okay?"

"Great. Got my five hours in."

"It needs to be eight or nine."

"I negotiate and do half."

She rolled her eyes. "Smart-ass."

"Like wise."

"And?"

"Thank you for keeping me warm."

"Thought so. Jerk."

"You warm in that?" Referring to her thick mountain of clothes.

"Two pairs of yoga pants under the skirt. Take one off."

"You look like a nun."

"And you look like a bear in that huge brown coat."

"It's warm when it's in single digits."

"I'll give you that."

"Has work gotten slow Kuma?"

"It has but I've been budgeting better."

"How so?"

"Side work."

"What kind?"

"Classified."

"Ummm okay. Whatever." I'll find out. If you think I'm letting that go you're mistaken.

"What? Rent is being paid and the boss is sending me home. I don't have heat. And I gotta eat."

"I know. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You don't have to be. If it wasn't for you, I'd be back with my dad with a broken body."

"I'm very much aware of this. Why do you think I healed you? Worth everything even though you saw me in my underwear. "She blushed and gave him a glare.

"I'm not a perv. You act as if it's a goal of mine."

"Thankfully you mean well."

"What? I'm not. Although should be honored I'm able to have Mai Tanaka as a best friend."

"I'm not a celebrity or anything."

"But your presence means something. Has incredible meaning. And you keep me in check."

"Speaking of check, it's the first actual cold day. You're meeting me in the cafeteria with the girls, right?"

"Huh?"

"Show up or get smacked. You're not eating up there."

"Okay." He flinched.

"Good boy."

~~~~~

After few hours later the bell rang. It was lunch time. The thermostat temperature said 67 degrees inside and 22 degrees outside. It was clear that he couldn't get out of this one. He grabbed his bag and headed down to the cafeteria. Mai is waiting at the door.

"You're smart." She smirked.

"I'd think."

She grabs his hand. Kuma blushes as she drags him to her table with the girls. Some of the guys are jealous and it's clear they want to be him.

"How does the peaked sophomore have those three chicks?" Complained one guy.

"He said got to be paying her or something." Said another voice.

"Hey Kuma." Greeted Aiko.

"Hi Aiko. Ladies."

"Funny seeing you here handsome. Should be routine." Said Haru.

"Got to stop meeting like this boy. People will talk." Giggled Gen.

"Like they haven't already? Honestly. You women are killing me." Blushed Kuma.

"Well we saved you from Eri." Mai winked.

"Thank goodness you did. Thankfully it was only chicken scratch."

"Like I said before if a girl isn't worth the time then I'm your wife." Mai raised a brow.

"I'm surprised I'm worth that. If anything, you should be dating our age or probably older going to be a doctor, lawyer, or something in that category."

"What are you my parents? Sounds like the politician type. Gimme a break." She huffed.

"You ever had a boyfriend?" He asked.

"Middle school. Waste of time at that."

"What? Two?"

"Yes. Boys or men or just not in the question."

"Girls what about you?"

"I'd love one. My mom is waiting for one. And children. That's why she came onto you that one time." Said Aiko.

"I want to cook for my boyfriend and cuddle when I think he's right." Gen gazed.

"Well I want someone to be a little clingy. To be emotional and we can help each other out." Haru was in awe with her thoughts.

"I doubt it's out there but a man that has brains and ethic. Pride and hard working." Put in Mai.

All the girls looked at each other. They all they the same.

Oh my God he's got it.

He has all three.

I can understand what Mom sees.

He potentially as it.

"Ummm, girls you alright?"

"Fine!" They squeaked.

"The four of you are acting weird."

Then a boy walked over who looked suspicious.

"Yo Iwakuma. Tonight?"

"Tonight." He nodded.

"Okay. Later." Then walked out the cafeteria. What was that all about?

"What's with him tonight?" Asked Aiko.

"Business." He replied.

"Better not be what I think it is." Mai glared.

"Just work. One-time work. So sorry." He said sarcastically.

"Okay fine." Mai turned away.

I know you are hiding something. I will find out. And when I do, oh when I do you will get smacked.

~~~~~

After lunch Kuma was rather quiet after the day. Aiko, Gen, and Haru were cheerful as always but Mai was in a mood and had her guard up. The girls noticed.

"What's up?" They asked.

"Kuma."

"Work?" Thought Gen.

"Side work. I know he's full of it. Now to catch the act."

"How are you? -"

"You know." She fake-coughed.

"Riiiiight."

"Girls we got a while. I'm sure he's working giving the way he's dressed and after homework at my house we catch him in the act."

"You think he's in trouble?" Concerned Haru.

"With law potentially. With me uncertainty."

The girls were shocked, and they were starting to catch her drift. But the plan was being developed. As they had time to kill.

~~~~~

Mai opened the door for her friends as her father was by the door. "Hey Mai. Girls." He smiled with a nod.

"You're home Dad?"

"Well not quite. I had clients early and got to spend the afternoon at home. And tomorrow off for a cold game of golf possibly."

"Sounds nice. We're going to do our homework and see our friend Kuma."

"Kuma? That a last name?"

"Short for Iwakuma. He's a jock." Assured Aiko.

"Ex-jock more or less." Put in Haru.

"Ex?" Puzzled Mr. Tanaka. "Injury?"

"A death, bills, and lost confidence." Sighed Gen.

"Wait. A boy you go to school with that pays rent?" He was stunned.

"Lives on his own." Mai cleared.

"How does he afford it?"

"Eats light." Said Mai.

"No heat." Put in Aiko.

"Workaholic." Sighed Gen.

"Determination." Nodded Haru.

"And I haven't met this boy? What's his name?"

"Marik Iwakuma. We call him Kuma. It's what he likes to go by."

"Well I am off tomorrow. Bring him here. Your mother will be making a good stir fry."

"What?" Mai was dumbfounded.

"You heard me missy. Invite him over. Can't wait." He quickly walked away.

Mai is standing there with her mouth open wide as a hippo. Got swung right into this one. No way out.

"Girl you okay?" Aiko waved in her face.

"I don't like where this is going. But I could never lie to him."

"Boyfriend?" Gasped Gen.

"Never going to happen." Mai huffed.

"Does that mean he's up for grabs down the line?" Wondered Haru.

"Huh?" They gasped.

"I'm not the only one who thought the quality of him becoming a dream man at lunch right?" Haru blushed.

"Well my Mom likes him. And I can see why." Blushed Aiko.

"He just needs confidence and some dressing up." Said Gen.

"It's a bad taste in my mouth but you're right. He's got qualities." Admitted Mai.

"How bad tasting?" They asked.

"Bitter. Like a thousand lemons in a sense."

"Awwww."

"Shut it. Let's get our work done before we meet him tonight. Honestly. Along with my father you three are killing me."

~~~~~

With homework done they walk by Kuma's apartment and wait it out. They were all cold, but thoughts made them forget about the weather. It was fifteen minutes until he came out. He was in his outdoor work clothes which seemed fine at first.

"Mai he looks like he's going to work." Questioned Gen.

"How's he going to see? It's about dark. He doesn't work nights."

They follow him from a good distance. They pass by a market. What was the motive?

"Getting food?" Asked Haru.

"He would shop straight after work to save a trip. No way."

The girls didn't dare question and the followed Mai as Kuma walked deeper into the town.

Work is a no. Market is a no. Now where in hell's fire are you going?

Before she could process her thoughts, he walked down an alley and put his hood down from his coat. It was dirty and rather dark.

"Oh no." They gasped.

The group sneaks and sees Kuma talking get to the same boy from school. Over to the conversation it was time for "business."

"Hey Marik, was it delivered?"

"Ya man. One-time deal. I don't believe in that."

"Just money and money. All good." He hands him over his cut.

"¥2,000 I like it."

"Later."

"See ya." Kuma starts walking back towards them and the girls are panicking on what to do if they are found out.

"Quick attempt to buy a fruit." Suggested Mai.

"What kind?" Asked Gen.

"Apple. Banana. I don't care pick something." She swiveled around.

Kuma walks out of the alley and saw the girls buying different colored apples.

"Ummm... What are you doing here?" He asked appearing nervous.

"Hungry." They replied at the same time.

"I smell fish. Spill it."

"I know the market is by the apartment. I needed to ask you something, but we saw you leave. I saw you go this way and thought we'd grab a snack until you came back." Mai was lying but she kept composure.

"And if you waited too long?" He smirked.

"Go home. I'm on time frame Baby." She snapped her fingers.

"Okay. Want to chat at my place for a bit? I got a little time. Let's get out of this weather.

"Thanks. We shall."

"Wonder what your room looks like." Pondered Haru.

It's a five-minute walk before he unlocks the door and holds it for the girls. Very open concept and small but homey in a sense.

"It's clean. You do this yourself?" Asked Gen.

"Yeah. It's just me and I don't sleep much."

"You know I wondered. How do you do it?" Asked Haru.

"Landlord is a nice guy. He knows my situation. He cuts me a break. It's hard by all means, but only he and everyone in this room know about my living circumstances."

"Any aid?" Asked Aiko.

"If they find out I'm like this, God forbid I go to a foster care. I'm not of age yet."

"Need a hug?" Haru squeezed him.

"Never deny one." He smiled.

"Come here." Gen joined in. And soon so did Aiko and Mai.

They held each other for a moment then Kuma had enough.

"Can't, breath." He squirmed.

They let go and giggle. "You are just so cuddly." Said Haru.

"Thanks, I guess."

"You are a bad flirt." Said Aiko.

"Much aware of that."

"Sad." Haru frowned.

"I couldn't against any of you. I can't lose what little I have."

"Speaking of which I can't hold it in any longer." Mai sighed and rubbed her hands together. A massive slap across his face. This one was meant to hurt. It hurt her too.

The girls gasped and covered their mouths.

Kuma favors his cheek. "What the hell?"

"Next time you do 'business' and it involves drugs I might have you lose what little you have depending my mood."

"You mean-"

"Yes! I know more than you think. If you knew half, you would pee your pants."

"Mai."

"Miss Tanaka!"

"Miss Tanaka I'm sorry."

"Not good enough. The girls and I are very disappointed in you."

"I know. But-"

"But what?" She screamed.

"I was using it to buy food."

"Ironic you say that. Well guess what Marik. My father has invited you to dinner at my house tomorrow. And guess what we're going to do?"

"I'm afraid to ask."

"Well will approve the dressing and tomorrow after work I will escort you."

"Okay."

"And we won't mention this or be a downer. Now will we?"

"No Miss Tanaka."

"Glad. Good boy."

Kuma has goosebumps and is shaking. The girls are speechless watching.

I'm just here and he's scared straight. She just has that power naturally. Thought Aiko.

"You okay?" Asked Gen.

"Okay. Just... fine."

"Will you make this mistake again?" Mai asked softly.

"No... I promise to be good. I'll do anything for your help."