Fresh off the cultural excursion in Kyoto, the third-year students of Hanasakigawa Academy start to think about university applications. Jiro fixes a long overdue confict.

Hanasakigawa Academy
Class 3-A
Jiro POV

While many students spoke amongst themselves during a free period, I stared at a university application form. It asked for the program and choice of academic establishment. As I was deciding what to write, Sayo, Rinko, Aya, Chisato, and Kanon approached my desk.

Sayo: Have you decided on what course of study you will be taking, Jiro-kun?

Jiro: I kinda do.

Rinko: What will you be taking?

Jiro: Since I'm inheriting Circle and no doubt other investments... I'll be taking business studies. Why not prepare myself, right?

Aya: That's uh... a very wise and understandable choice, good for you, Jiro-kun!

Jiro: Thanks, I guess? What about you girls?

Sayo: Law, of course.

Rinko: Piano Composition.

Aya: Humanities alongside Chisato-chan.

Jiro: Isn't it called anthropology?

Chisato: Same but also different.

Kanon: I'll be taking Letters Studies.

Jiro: For some reason, they all fit your personalities.

Rinko: How so?

Jiro: I don't know how to explain it...

Sayo: Did you choose a university at least?

Jiro: I was thinking of Haiwato University.

Rinko: That is a good choice, Jiro-kun.

Aya: I've heard great things about that school.

Chisato: I was originally an army officer academy.

Jiro: Who knows? Maybe I'll get my bachelor's and apply to be a fighter pilot.

Sayo: Join the JASDF?

Jiro: Who knows where life might take you?

Aya: "I don't like you cause you're dangerous."

Jiro: "That's right... Iceman, I am dangerous."

Everyone: Hah!

Jiro: But, yeah, I'm still deciding.

Kanon: You're really good with military history or history in general. I thought you would take something similar.

Chisato: Well, I thought you would pursue a career in acting or music?

Jiro: You sound bummed out.

Chisato: You were dashing as Shiroyuki Kagami... I thought I could get to Co-Star with you one day...

Jiro: That detective movie was just a one-off, and I'm not talented enough to play music like you girls...

Sayo: Okay! Not another word!

Jiro: What's wrong?

Sayo: I don't ever want to hear you talk down to yourself, got it?

Jiro: Okay, I understand...

Sayo: You're a talented person. Don't you ever forget that.

Rinko: Hikawa-san?

Aya: She's right, your special Jiro-kun, even if you don't know it yet.

Jiro: U-uh, thank you. *blushes in embarrassment*

Rinko: Do you get any other acting roles recently, Jiro-kun?

Jiro: I got a role in the anime they planned to make a live-action movie.

Aya: Which anime?

Jiro: Oh, Guilty Tiara. I play as the protagonist, Shiyu Souma, but...

Kanon: Hmm? But what?

Jiro: I've got this application to think about. Plus, my work with our sponsored bands...

Sayo: Don't let university applications be an excuse not to do what you love.

Jiro: I never expected that advice from you, Sa-chan.

Sayo: Huh? What do you mean?

Rinko: You always seemed strict, and by the book.

Kanon: As a hall monitor...

Aya: A Student Council member...

Chisato: And as an older sister...

Jiro: Comforting isn't normally your style.

Sayo: Oh...

Jiro: That isn't a bad thing! I like nice and considerate Sayo.

After the bell rings indicating it was time for lunch, I reached into my wallet to grab my cafeteria pass only to remember in was in Taki's possession. Therefore, I made my way to Class 1-B. Entering the class, I see Taki talking with Umiri and Uika.

Jiro: Hey... Taki-chan, wonderful weather having, eh?

Taki: Yeah... it's nice.

Jiro: I know, right? That cloud is shaped like a rabbit.

Tae: Really? I've got to see it!

Uika: Where did she come from?!

Taki: What do you want, Senpai?

Jiro: You see, it's lunchtime. So can I have the "thing".

Taki: I remember it's mine for a week. Why should I give it back?

Jiro: Your boy will starve if you don't.

Umiri: What's this "thing" you two are talking about?

Taki: Oh, Jiro-senpai's cafeteria pass.

Uika: Wait, you have the luxury of free food at school?!

Umiri: No fair!

Taki: How about I treat you girls to lunch!

As the girls left the classroom, I saw that Taki gave me a smug smile as she was exiting the class. Defeated and staving, I went to the Academy Store and bought a cutlet sandwich and a drink instead of my usual Curry Set meal. I sat underneath the tree in the front courtyard, placing earbuds to listen to music. As I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep, I felt someone snuggling beside me. Opening my right eye revealed Yomi resting her head on my shoulder.

Jiro: What are you doing, sis?

Yomi: Aww, how'd you know it's me?

Jiro: You use a particular and expensive shampoo. Wasn't hard.

Yomi: Like what you smell?

Jiro: Yeah... I do, because I know it's you with me.

Yomi: I love you, Onii-chan...

Jiro: Me too, sis.

???: Eww... that's gross!

Jiro: Huh?

I looked up to see Arisa giving me a disgusted expression. Alongside her was the rest of the band girls who attended Hanasakigawa.

Uika: Do you have like a sister complex, Senpai?

Jiro: Of course not!

Umiri: Sure you don't...

Yomi: Yeah! I have a brother complex! *clings onto my arm*

Jiro: Ugh...

Misaki: Why do you sound proud?!

Arisa/Tae: Sweet home Alab-

Jiro: Don't finish that! Let go of me.

Yomi: Fine...

Taki: I gonna tell Tomori you're cheating on her...

Kanon: Why would you do such a thing, Shiina-san?

Jiro: I can't seem to catch a break. Ever since I've met you all...

Kasumi: Since I when did you have a problem having fun with us?

Jiro: You're right about that... it's just that I always wanted a group I can call "The Boys."

Aya: I guess it's hard when you mostly spend time with girls...

Saya: I guess he wanted to scream, "bro before hoes!"

Kokoro: I can hire people to be your "boys!"

Jiro: It wouldn't be the same...

Sayo: You do know you live in a neighborhood where boys are rare, and you attend a technically all-girls school?

Jiro: You know what I mean.

Yomi: You don't need dudes if you have me!

Jiro: Shush, you.

Rinko: Jiro-kun, can Hikawa-san and I ask a favor of you?

Jiro: What do you need?

Sayo: Minato-san hasn't been the same since I yelled at her...

Rinko: Lisa-san claims Yukina is not the same at school. She struggles to express her emotions.

Jiro: Except inflicting wraith upon me. She ruined our relationship, Rinko...

Rinko: To be fair, it was your fault as well... including someone else...

Sayo and Rinko stare at Umiri, who doesn't look embarrassed.

Umiri: I knew what I wanted, so I went for it.

Taki: You sure did...

Chisato: Hmm...

Jiro: I still stand by what I said about Roselia, I'm not gonna apologize.

Sayo: We understand and agree with you about Roselia, but even you know things as stay like this. I tried to reason with her, but I believe I should be you to fix things.

Jiro: I know, Yukina... she's resistant to change. That being said, I'll do what I can.

Kasumi: You really are a nice guy.

Jiro: Oh, I'm the worst... I couldn't even make Rinko happy.

Sayo: What did we say?!

Jiro: No self-loathing.

Sayo: That's what I thought.

Rinko: School is over after lunch, but could you take these papers to Haneoka?

Jiro: No problem. See you girls later, you too, sis.

Yomi: See you at home, my Onii-chan!

Arisa: I really don't know how to understand you...

Yomi: Then it's working.

As I made my way to Haneoka Academy, I began to remember times I've spent with Lisa and Yukina... it was only two years, but I have to admit it was fun.

Flashback - 10 years ago...
A park near Lisa's house

On a sunny day at the park, Lisa and I were helping Yukina practice her singing ability.

Lisa: Come on, Yukina! You can do it!

Jiro: Let's hear your singing voice!

Yukina: O-okay...

Yeah... those were brighter days. Unfortunately, Yukina's innocence faded away when her father quit music. To this day, I never understood why Yukina felt the way she did when her father quit, personality. I'd just try to understand her father's point of view. Arriving at Haneoka, I see many students are still at school despite a short day. After dropping off the papers to an empty student council room, I saw a familiar girl down in the courtyard.

Tomori: This color is perfect... I'm glad I found it...

Jiro: Hi Tomo-chan.

Tomori: Senpai! Look what I found!

Jiro: Where'd you find this?

Tomori: Behide this tree.

Jiro: Ah, I see. To be honest, I'm surprised you're still here. It's a short day today.

Tomori: I don't wanna go home yet, I usually spend time in the Astrology Club Room.

Jiro: You're a member, I assume.

Tomori: The only one actually...

Jiro: Well, at least you've got a room all to yourself.

Tomori: Yeah... d-did Taki-chan, give you the notebook?

Jiro: She did, and don't worry, we're friends again.

Tomori: Did you see the page I highlighted?

Jiro: I'll be practicing the guitar part of the song... but why did you want me to see it?

Tomori: Raana-chan never told me.

Jiro: Taki told me the same thing.

Tomori: O-oh...

Jiro: What's wrong?

Tomori: I-i'm really sorry...

Jiro: What for?

Tomori: O-oh, it's just that I have a tendency to think that every issue is my fault.

Jiro: Aww, come here. You can never be blamed for anything that happens to me... okay? You're special to me, so don't be sad.

I embraced Tomori in a gentle hug while also planting a kiss on her forehead.

Tomori: Jiro-senpai...

Jiro: Are you still looking for things? Let me help you, I've got time.

Tomori: I'm currently looking for rocks. Could you look over there?

Jiro: Leave it to me.

I spent the next few hours helping Tomori look for interesting rock to ass to her collection. Many students stared at us, but I didn't mind. While looking behind a tree, I cut myself on a sharp piece of bark.

Jiro: Argh, got me there!

Tomori: W-what happened.

Jiro: I cut myself on some bark, I didn't get a splinter, so that's good.

Tomori: Here... Let me give you a bandage.

Jiro: I can't take that one. It's has a rare penguin on it.

Tomori: I want to give it to the person I care about the most.

Jiro: That's really sweet of you.

Tomori: Senpai? W-would it be alright if I stay over at your house?

Jiro: I don't mind, but about your parents?

Tomori: I-i'm sure it's okay with them.

Jiro: I have some things to do before I head home, so... take this key. Do you remember where I live?

Tomori: I do.

Jiro: Okay, Yomi should be home. I'll see you later.

Tomori: See you at home, Senpai.

Jiro then left Haneoka Academy to go settle things with Yukina. While spending time with Tomori, someone was quietly oberserving them from the third floor window.

Sakiko: They look perfect together... why won't he look at me?

Arriving at Harajuku Station, Jiro spotted Yukina waiting on the empty platform. Calling her name and standing beside her, she and I avoided eye contact.

Jiro: Yukina...

Yukina: Oh... hello, Jiro.

Jiro: I was looking for you.

Yukina: It looks like you found me. Did you need something?

Jiro: Nothing major, how's Roselia?

Yukina: Fine...

Jiro: That's good to hear...

Yukina: Do you remember all the things you said about Roselia?

Jiro: What about them?

Yukina: I-I... You w-were...

I looked beside me to see that tears were falling from Yukina's eyes. She trembled as she looked at me.

Yukina: I am so so sorry, Jiro!

Jiro: Yukina...

Yukina: I-I could never take back what I've done to you.... you w-were just helping Roselia... and I ruined your relationship. I-I was so selfish!

Jiro: I'm mad at...

Yukina: You should be! You should hate my very being! I'm a horrible person who doesn't derseve your forgiveness!

Her emotions and tears rushed through like a waterfall. For some reason, a part of me was still angry at her... but I know it's not right to be a bitter person. At that moment, I did what I thought was the right thing to do...

Jiro: Yuki-chan... please look at me.

Yukina: H-huh?

Jiro: You're a passionate girl who sacrificed everything to make Roselia a successful... and I know you would do it all again.

Yukina: Ji-kun...

Jiro: Apology accepted.

Yukina rushed over, gave me a tight hug, and cried her heart out into my chest. As we separated, I dried her tears, and she gave me a broken smile.

Yukina: You're really one of a kind Jiro-kun, one who is kind of heart.

Jiro: That's me, alright.

Yukina: You were right, I should keep an open mind and treat my members better.

Jiro: I wasn't entirely in the right, I my choice of words were a little rough.

Yukina: You've opened my eyes to what's important.

Jiro: I'm really happy we managed to be friends again, I missed this version of Yukina.

Yukina: About Rinko...

Jiro: Oh, water under the bridge.

The members of Roselia looked on as they saw their leader with the brightest smile on her face.

Sayo: Good job, Jiro-kun...

Lisa: I really want to rush in there and hug them both.

Ako: Roselia is back!

Rinko: I think Yukina-san has changed for the better.

Yukina and I went our separate ways after I got off at my station. While walking through the shopping street, I noticed the shop began putting up Halloween decorations, I guess it's about that time of year. Passing by the old movie theater, a poster caught my eye.

Releasing Fear on October 20th, the movie rises from the dead!

Day of the Undead!!!

It seems like a remake of a famous old-time zombie movie. If I remember correctly that the malm neat Circle had a theater... maybe Rimi might like it... not me, though. Arriving home, I was met by Yomi and Tomori doing karaoke. After changing into my house clothes, I joined them and order take out for our dinner. After dinner, I was asked by Yomi about my situation with Yukina.

Yomi: So, did you two make up?

Jiro: Yeah... things will be a lot better moving forward.

Yomi: I knew you could do!

Jiro: I think she'll be a lot for friendlier nowadays.

I spent the rest of the night playing video games while Yomi taught Tomori-chan how to play the bass guitar... speaking of which, I should start playing my guitar more often. Now that all is fair... my life will go on... Oh, right. I forgot about Soyo and her vendetta against Mutsumi.

To be continued...

Author's Notes:

The next chapters will be based on past BG events. Maybe I'll even combine some event stories together. As well as a planned cross-over with one of my other books. I always enjoy reading comments about parts of my book, so keep them coming.

As always, thank you for reading.