While some quality spending time with Hina at Haneoka, Jiro learns about a student who is infamously known as Haneoka's Weirdo Girl.

Haneoka Academy - 11:00am
Free School Day
Jiro POV

Inside the shiny halls of Haneoka Academy, Hina and Jiro are seated inside the astrologer club, sharing some snacks while just enjoying each other's company.

Hina: These cheese biscuits are really boppin.

Jiro: Thanks for letting me us your kitchen.

Hina: You've gotta teach me how to cook.

Jiro: Ask Sayo.

Hina: Here's the thing, big sis can't really cook either...

Jiro: Maybe I should. You did help me carry out the deal made between our two schools. Thanks for that, by the way.

Hina: No worries! So, does Rinko know you're here?

Jiro: She does. Why?

Hina: We'll I have to keep you at arms length, don't want to make it look like you're cheating on her.

Jiro: I-I'm sure we can keep this as friends.

Hina: Glad you understand. Anyway, there's been some gossip around the first-years.

Jiro: I'm not huge on rumors, but go on.

Hina: She is infamously known. "Haneoka's Weirdo Girl"

Jiro: Okay...

Hina: She is known to collect all sorts of things like rocks, fallen leaves, and bandages.

Jiro: Rocks and leaves... don't tell me...

Hina: What was that?

Jiro: Nothing. Anyway, I've overstayed my welcome, so I'll be heading out.

Hina: Sure, can I take the rest of these biscuits home?

Jiro: Yeah, go for it. I'll see myself out.

Hina: See you, Jiro-kun!

Jiro: Right back atcha.

While walking through Haneoka, I tried to find the first-year classroom to confirm my suspensions. As I was looking, I was called by a familier student.

Anon: What brings you here, Jiro-senpai?

Jiro: I was hanging out with Hina-chan, nothing special.

Anon: If you're looking for the exit, I can show you the way.

Jiro: I'll just check one thing before I head out.

Anon: What might that be?

Jiro: I was looking to see if I can find this.'"Weirdo Girl.

Suddenly, Anon's expression changed from neutral to very serious.

Anon: Why do you care?

Jiro: You sound standoffish. Did something happen?

Anon: Answer my question first...

Jiro: I don't approve of baseless rumors, especially when it kinda sounds like bullying.

Anon: So what? You don't even attend this school.

Jiro: Did I hurt you or something? Like where is attitude coming from?

Anon: I'm saving your innocence. Trust me, you won't like who it is.

Jiro: That's for me to decide. Besides, I'm sure we both know who we are talking about.

Anon: Fine... follow me...

Anon led me to her classroom 1-A, where I saw only one student with a collection of rocks at her desk. My suspensions were correct... Haneoka's Weirdo Girl was Tomori...

Anon: Tomorin, Jiro-senpai is here to see you.

Tomori: Oh, hello, Senpai.

Anon: Well, I'll be heading out, see ya.

Tomori: Goodbye, Ano-chan.

Jiro: What ya up to?

Tomori: Just organizing my rock collection.

Jiro: I can see that. So, huh... how is your time in this school so far?

Tomori: It's fine, I like it.

Jiro: Come on, Tomori-chan. You didn't look at me. That means something is bothering you.

Tomori: Aside from Ano-chan, I don't have many friends...

Jiro: Are you aware of what they call you?

Tomori: Mmhmm, I try not to let it bother me...

Jiro: You're not alone. I know exactly how you feel.

Tomori: You do?

Jiro: My sister was always the popular one. I, on the other hand, was the shy sibling who struggled to fit in.

Tomori: You don't seem like it, though, the shy type, I mean.

Jiro: I decided to take up sports, singing, and dancing to help my self-esteem.

Tomori: Did you make any friends?

Jiro: I did... but I realized that some people will only give you the time of day if you are talented. Those who seem "different" well...

Tomori: Well, what?

Jiro: You get treated like an outcast simply because you're not like everyone else. It's sucks that people get treated that way.

Tomori: I see...

Jiro: Is something wrong?

Tomori: Senpai... am I weird?

Jiro: Of course not. You're special in your very own way. Remember when you said you didn't have many friends?

Tomori: Yeah?

Jiro: I'll always be your friend Tomori-chan, I promise I'll always be there for you, no matter what.

Tomori: T-thank you... *sobs quietly*

As Tomori quietly sobbed, I approached her and began to pat her head gently. Little did I know I was being watched by another first-year student and a familier adversary from another angle.

Sakiko: This is quit the surprise, my dear Spei...

Yukina: Cheating on Rinko, I see... *snaps a picture*

Later that day...
Live-house RiNG
Taki POV

I was on my part-time shift along with my co-workers working away at the take we had on our lists. I met Yomi-senpai earlier since she came over to help Marina with our cafe menu. While on break, I went over to talk to Yomi-senpai about her brother.

Taki: Hey, Senpai? Do you have a minute?

Yomi: Sure, that's up, girl?

Taki: U-uh so... what is your brother like?

Yomi: In what context?

Taki: You know, his personality.

Yomi: You've met him not too long ago, right? If you so, then you've the general picture.

Taki: I mean, you're close with him, so I bet you know more than that.

* A smug smile began to show on Yomi's face after hearing Taki's words*.

Yomi: Why yes, we're very close, in fact. I sometimes sleep in the same bed as him.

Taki: Oh really... *clearly sounding irritated*

Yomi: Yes, I like it when he holds me tight, like when we used to share a crib together.

Taki: Well, aren't you two peas in a pod.

Saaya: Y-You menace... *observing Yomi from a distance*

Yomi: I'd see what you'd get jealous of what I said.

Taki: What was that? *glares of Yomi*

Yomi: That look doesn't scare me. Relax, I'm only kidding.

Kasumi: Wait, does Taki-chan like Jiro-kun?!

Taki: Gah! Where did you come from?!

Kasumi: I was on break until I overheard your conversation.

Yomi: To answer your question, Taki-chan. My brother is good at cooking, as well as kind and caring.

Taki: The caring part I got, since he's been doting on Tomori recently.

Yomi: He sympathises with people like her. After all, not too long ago, he was like that.

Taki: I never knew... he usually comes off as a laid-back person.

Yomi: He doesn't really like bringing it up. Bad memories... so I suggest you don't talk to him about it...

Saaya: Looks like our break is over ladies, let's get back to work!

As everyone in the breakroom went back to the floor, Taki stayed back for a second, thinking about Yomi's words and actions. For once second, she was teasing, and then she got all serious.

Taki: Don't talk to him about it? Is it that serious?

To be continued...

Author's notes:

I forgot to mention in the last two chapters that I moved the two new bands up a year since I was planning to have some plot points with them and the main cast in the same schools.

This chapter is part of the three parts of Tomori and Jiro's side story. Actions in said story will soon boil over into the main plot... starting with a picture.

As always, thank you for reading, and for those who leave comments, I appreciate you. They really mean the world to me.