Sun Time!

Bon Bon, Hello, and Good Day! I love to talk random shit, but my favorite thing of all is rereading texts that I’ve reviewed hundreds of times in the past. That’s the way I am!

My only rule is to ask before you share my art.

BYF:

I think Proshipping is kind of weird the way some people do it.

I’m 19.

I only speak English.

I am, in fact, a Monkey. I’m very small.

DNI:

I don’t think you need me to say the usual so I’ll skip that.

Cutesifying “toxic” ships. (I won’t get on your case if you portray it tastefully.)

Think Monkeys/Apes are “weird” (That is very rude.)

Hating Man or Woman as a gender. (Obviously Misogyny is bad but I’m not too into people victim blaming little boys. You can totally call out adult men or adult women though idc)

People who use the word “Loli” / “Shota” to describe a character (Lolishos are already off the table. If you really must call a character such, I’d like it to be from the text itself. I won’t fault you for that)

More Fandom Specific:

MadoHomu shippers who see it as fine and dandy in its current state. (I really don’t like the pairing in its cutesy little form.)

People who want Puyo Puyo or Pokémon to be “Dark” and “Mature” (If you unironically push for Compile style / Pokespe style writing I might blow a fuse. We’re fine.)

People who ship Cube with any of the daughters (The exception is Olive, the daughter from Princess Maker 2. The others I’m averse to)

People who call Sig “Shigu” (not a fan.)

Addendum: If you’re going to get upset that I don’t ship something you do / that I ship something you don’t, I’d really rather you just bug off and not tell me.

Currently Reading Something

Currently Watching I don’t knowwww dawg

Currently playing Mega Man 5.

On this post, please leave your pronouns. I would like having a reference.

When is it that feelings begin to change? Are emotions as fickle as the bright summer sky? Are they as wild as the stormy wind? Are they as gentle as the ocean breeze? When did you start to realize this?

It felt a bit surprising. Something that didn’t seem right. The word… oh, what was that word… Perverse? Yes, these… ‘perverse’ feelings. No, that can’t be right. There has to be a better way to phrase it. But that doesn’t matter now. A faithful day was approaching. She was going to leave. Strike out on her own. Leave the nest. There are a number of euphemisms to be used here.

Yes, the adopted daughter of the Hero of the Kingdom…! That was the beautiful Olive, who had the kind of smile that could write up poetry on its own. The creative Olive, who had the sort of voice that could make a mermaid blush. The gentle Olive, who could touch the heart of the depths of Hell. That one. That shining young woman…

…was recently harshly scolded for attempting to use money she didn’t have.

“You don’t have to be so angry about it…” Olive whined, as she was being escorted back to her father’s dwelling. “We have plenty of gold, after Father SOLD me to that lousy dragon and his gross grandfather!” She folded her arms and tilted her head away from her butler, the one escorting her, and also currently the one being subjected to her girlish whines. Maybe not so girlish— it’s not exactly everyday that you get sold off to a marriage you don’t want.

Truth be told, Cube wasn’t too sure why her father— or rather, his Master— did such a thing. From what he remembered, the encounter was meaningless. Little more than a battle that Olive faced, little more than a gross old dragon that got too confident. Cube remembered the way she whined over how he didn’t intervene then. “He was gross! What if he touched me? It would’ve hurt..!” She would complain.

And he responded back with a polite “It really isn’t my place to intervene with your outings. If you were truly hurt, I would have saved you.” And that was true. In the times where Olive was wounded, he’d go after her and bring her home safely. Nowhere was too dangerous for him to venture. He’s touched the Stairway to Heaven just to rescue that young lady. That’s his job, as her humble servant. He wasn’t to fight her battles.

Though, thinking back on it… there was a nasty incident. He remembered it. She didn’t. The first moment in a long time where Cube’s hand was forced. Where he scarred the face of a terrible man. Where he saw something he shouldn’t have. Where he should’ve come sooner. Cube recalled lamenting about it to the Master. And all that his Master could do was sigh and press his fingers against his own forehead. “You did what you could” was reassuring, but…

That moment, back then, was the moment he believed he failed Olive. Perhaps, then, letting her be married off to a Dragon was her father’s failing.

_____________

“I have direct orders from the Master to not allow you out of this house until the month ends. After all, you nearly committed a crime. I’m sorry, my lady, but please entertain yourself with the toys we have at home.” Cube explained, closing the large front door. “And— you don’t have to bother yourself with the housework.”

Olive, however, was a polite girl. Even if she had her streaks of rebellion, she knew what was nice. So, when she noticed Cube arranging the dishes, she took to a bucket and got to the floor. She was unaware of the inner turmoil that Cube went through, at least that’s what he assumed. It’d be rather needlessly cruel of her to smile at him, to make eye contact. “Are you going to miss me? You know… when I leave?” She asked all of a sudden.

“Of course I’ll miss you, my lady.” Cube replied, a script he’s followed to a T up to this point. “There’s no need to ask such questions, the Master and I will both miss you terribly. But just because you’re moving out does not mean that you have to never see your family again.”

Those words ring hollow coming from him. Olive wouldn’t know that. His Master wouldn’t know that. But he found it rather ironic to speak of returns, when he’s bound to the Human who bested the Demon Lord all those years ago. Until that human dies, anyways. Well. Truthfully, he… no, he shouldn’t.

“You’re staring blankly, are you tired?” Olive stopped her voluntary chores to take a look at Cube’s eyes, empty but longing— perhaps not for something, but for someone. “I-I can handle the rest myself, and you’ve worked hard over the last few years, right?”

It’s nothing she should be concerned over. After all, she has her own life. And he has his. “There’s no need to worry, my lady. I’m thankful for your help, however! It makes me wonder why you’ve tried that stunt earlier. You’re not the type to put up a facade… are you?” He asked, slightly sweating. Surely, of all people, Cube would know her.

But Olive just grinned a mischievous grin, which didn’t help Cube’s worries at all. “I wanted to get in trouble one last time.” She simply said, her voice playful. “When I go off, you won’t be able to follow. You used to pull my cheek too, remember?” And she demonstrated, taking Cube’s free hand and forcing his fingers to pinch her cheek. “Like this!”

Her acting so childish only made Cube even more confused. It didn’t help his conflict any. “You’re an adult, you know!” He reminded her, his voice rising (quite a rarity) alongside himself. “You don’t want to worry your father over if you’ll be a respectable young woman, right? You should act your age…” And back down it goes, sounding more akin to a whine. That’s the way Cube spoke; Like a disappointed dog.

“I’m just playing with you. ♪” Olive chirped, now spinning around the dining area. “When I have children, I’ll get to play again, anyways. Hey, Cube, do you think my hips are wide enough to bear children?” She asked, trying to crane her head over her shoulder to get a look at her own behind. “I can’t really tell… it’s no use.”

Cube turned away, held a plate to his face, and shut his eyes tightly, all within seconds. Trying to imagine that made him feel as if he were disgusting, and the blood rushing to his face betrayed the sudden “That’s a hardly appropriate matter to discuss with me, young lady!!”

Olive didn’t say anything after that. She merely backed away, perhaps a little shocked. She wondered, for a moment, if she should tell her father that Cube has been weird lately. It isn’t as if Olive didn’t know Social Etiquette— she wasn’t going to ask a stranger the same thing. But she surely thought that the household butler would be able to answer that! Unless he was maybe a pervert.

Olive didn’t think he was.

It was a night of confusion and disorientation for the both of them. Olive couldn’t sleep, and Cube couldn’t help but worry about Olive.

Well, when doesn’t he?

_____________

“This isn’t right.”

In the dark of night, Cube sat by a window, illuminated by a barely lit moon. He had already accepted the foregone conclusion— he already knew that he had fallen for his Master’s daughter, no, Olive, no, the Young Mistress. He’s known that for years. She had gone in 1218. He’s been here ever since. But that was not the issue.

No, Cube could accept it if Olive had gone and married someone else. Above all else, he treasures her happiness, and more importantly, her safety. She would not be happy if her partner was not an ordinary human. He knows this! The Dragon Youth that her hand was promised to was proof of that very thing! Is she really going to be safe with Cube either?

The problem lies with him wanting Olive for himself. That is unacceptable. It is selfish. She is a hero’s sole daughter, the finest lady in the village, with elegance, beauty, and even fantastical magical strength. Someone like her… someone like her should TRULY marry the Prince! Perhaps he’s just mad that it’s being squandered on a bratty Dragon. That was even worse, Cube sighed, as the Dragon Youth did nothing but lose to Olive. He has no reason to envy him, or to find him undeserving of the young lady.

And what would the Master think?! If Cube went up and professed his affection for his daughter! He could already imagine it, clear as day; Hands reaching for his own throat to throttle himself, biting down on his own lip to still his nerves. All that, just to knock himself off the chair he sat upon, and he crashed against the floor.

He overreacts, Cube thought to himself. He shouldn’t keep dreading this. There are more pressing matters to attend to. His feelings would have to wait. After all, now Olive had gone and moved out. She lives on her own. He’s expectantly waiting for the letter inviting him to her wedding. Thinking about that… Cube felt happy envisioning her bright, smiling face, in a gorgeous gown. A dopey grin found itself on his face, still laying on the floor, and he fell asleep right there.

By now, his Master had woken up, rubbing his eye sleepily. The noise startled him, but he realized rather quickly that it was just Cube. He didn’t utter a word, but he sat Cube upright, albeit on the ground. He wasn’t too sure what the little devil had been up to, but it might just be better to not ask.

He couldn’t help but notice how sad Cube was lately. How his eyes would feel devoid of life, how he still maintains Olive’s room, how he’d read over the letters she would send three times over. He’s asked before, about that. And all Cube would say was "Isn’t it my job to handle external matters?” with his usual business smile. If he didn’t know better, he’d… well. He figured that’s what Cube wanted.

Conflicted, he thought about what to do. Cube, as his butler, should probably not marry Olive. That’d be… difficult to get used to. And he’s already promised the Dragon Youth, such a good kid. More importantly… he was aware that his daughter loved Cube. Those days when she was young, how she’d bring up his eyes, or how hard he worked. Once, she asked for his birthday, and he fibbed and said “February 29th”. A date they’ve celebrated just once, in 1216.

It was on Olive’s request.

… Perhaps, he reasoned, there’s a way to solve this. Taking to writing a letter, he decided to think of what might be best to say. Finally, he began to write.

When he finished his work, he wiped the sweat off his brow, tucked the letter neatly behind Cube’s large ear, and went back to bed. Perhaps, he thinks to himself, he may take up the mantle again. The mantle of traveling, going place to place, helping those who may need it. He was a hero, after all. And he’s not old just yet.

He’ll leave before Cube wakes up, certainly. He would not want to make it harder on him to choose. But that’s a task for tomorrow. After all, tomorrow, he reasons, he may no longer have a butler. Tomorrow, he reasons, he may no longer hear of his daughter again.

Tomorrow, he reasons, is a fateful day.

_____________

“To my most faithful servant, hellborne one, Cube;

There ought be no reason for you to stay. You have served your sentence, and are a Free Man, are you not? Akin to an undead man, however, you have unfinished business.

Whether it be me or something else, you still walk amongst Man. I humbly thank you for your service. But now, I must walk amongst others. I will return to proving to God that Humans are worth saving.

I will not stop you, Cube, from joining me. Your company was delightful, and I am thankful. But I offer you my olive branch. I ask you my question: What is your Happiness?

You may return home. You may fight by my side. You may find her.

That is what I wish for you to choose for yourself.

When we cross paths again, let it be with smiles, old friend.”

Cube read out the letter, and traced his finger over his… former Master’s signature. His own happiness. It feels so human. Isn’t it human?

He gathered what little he owned, and faced the front door. Perhaps out of habit, he swallowed hard, opened the door, and with a determined face, announced “I’ll be off.” Then, he went out to find where the young mistress lived. It couldn’t have been hard— he knew the way she was. All he had to do was find her while out running errands, and trailed her home.

After some time, he knocked on the door. On the other end was, beautiful as ever, Olive. Perhaps it was the weight of servitude lifting off his shoulders, but Cube felt as if years of repressed emotions flooded at once. “I’m home, my lady.” He recited, still married to his role. “I’ve come seeking employment once more. Please, take me.”

Olive couldn’t help but giggle at Cube’s awkward bow. That was the kind of man he was. It was the kind of guy he was before. It would be the kind of person he will be in the future. “Of course I’ll let you in— it’d be rude of me not to! It’d be nice to have someone to talk to everyday.” She smiles, practically dragging Cube into her home, a lot smaller than her childhood one.

He glanced around the place, took note of tableware, and counted furniture. It’s a bit small for a woman who’s getting married, isn’t it? “…My lady, where is that blue haired youth? Your husband, I mean. I was wondering when the two of you were getting married.” Cube asked, getting a bit concerned.

“Uhm… well…” Olive pressed her fingers together. “It’s…”

She’s not insinuating they broke up, is she? “There’s no need to be shy. I won’t tell your father.” Cube assured, placing a hand on Olive’s shoulder. “It’s my job to help you. It always will be.”

“W-well… the truth is, I sent him away!” Olive blurted out.

…

…

What?

“What?!” Cube gasped, quickly covering his mouth. “B-but, wasn’t he polite? He had a cute face, too, what made you shoo him away? Were you still upset about the dowry money?” His questions were at a rapid pace, an oddity for Cube.

But Olive just shook her head, her eyes starting to swell with tears. “No, he was a good kid…! But I didn’t want to marry him! There was someone else I was in love with.” She explained, bashfully averting her gaze. “And you know who it is.”

He did? Surely he would’ve noticed, right?! Was there a boy that Olive stared at during her classes? Was she into girls? Was it that man who took her out— Good Heavens, he really hoped it wasn't him!! “And, if you don’t mind me asking, who might this young person be?” He finally asked, his face perplexed.

“I thought you knew, because I told my father. And I thought he’d tell you… but…” Olive mumbled, fiddling with a loose strand of hair. “I know it’s weird of me to love someone of another species, but…”

Quickly, Cube pressed a gloved finger to the panicked young maiden’s lips. “Whoever it is, I won’t be mad. I’ll support it wholeheartedly, even if you have to move to another world.” He assured, before retracting his hand. “Just tell me their name. It’ll be easier if you do.”

Seeing how dense Cube was made Olive smile cheerfully. A beautiful, lovely smile that would put marble to shame. “Cube, I’m talking to him right now. The man I’m in love with… the man who stole my heart, who stood by my bedside when I was sick, who pulled my cheek when I was being bad… It’s you, Cube! It really is!” She confessed, happy tears streaming down her face.

If Cube were a train, he would be full steam ahead. You could practically hear the whistle from his ears. “Y-y-you can’t be serious!! Me?! M-my lady, you could have anyone in the world!! …P-Please reconsider!” He begged, the last bit of his self respect clinging to his words desperately.

“…Is this Wrong?” Olive asked, cocking her head. “…No, it can’t be! Nobody in the kingdom would understand me like you did, Cube! I want to marry you! I want to spend the rest of my life with you!”

Her brattiness was a charm in it of itself. A side of Olive that no one else saw but him and her father. A Renaissance woman who wanted to be doted over… Unfortunately, Cube wanted nothing more than to be the one to dote over her. It was his job. It’ll always be his job. “…I’m sorry for not telling you sooner, my lady, but… I’ve felt the same way…! I swear to it that I’ll love and cherish you, in sickness, and in health. Until the day you part from this World!!”

Olive giggled at his sudden childish vow recital. “You’re no different from the little dragon, aren’t you? Do you have a grandfather? Is he a pervert too? Or are you the pervert in your clan?” She teased, smugly smiling at her sudden husband-to-be, face inching closer.

“I’d really prefer it if you didn’t ask those kinds of questions!!” Cube yelped, before noticing that Olive was now laughing so hard she was holding her sides. Geez, she was frustrating… “We were just having a moment..! You really shouldn’t be so immature…” He grumbled.

Mister Uchino.

Someone with an aura of mystery surrounding them, but someone who still smiled anyways. Someone who happily makes small talk, but never seems to have any friends. From cheerful chatter to friendless loner in an instant, it was as if Uchino had two forms, and nobody was sure which was the genuine article.

After all, nobody quite knew them. No one ever met any parents, nor siblings, and they didn’t even know where they lived. Their first name was a complete mystery, and even their sex was a secret— it wasn’t necessarily Male, nor was it Female. Whenever pressed for details, Uchino would just smile and go “I’ll tell you one day.” And that would be that.

But the reason they’ve never told anyone was not out of rudeness, or even bashfulness. The truth was, Uchino came from another world. A world where they’ve fought with the blade, dueled with demons, fought the fae, and struggled against spirits. That was the life that Uchino had.

No. Not Uchino. Their name wasn’t Uchino then, but something else. That name… only Kuki really knew what it once was. Only Kuki really knew the life that Uchino once lived. For Uchino, Kuki was their closest confidant. The only one that they could go to. The closest thing they had to a friend.

But even then, Uchino hadn’t seen him in some time.

They remembered the last time the two had met up well. It was quite some time ago, and it was only a while after Uchino had retreated from their original world. The roaring waves of the beach. Cold beers. A bright sky. Sunday. It was beautiful that day, but the only thing that Uchino could focus on was what they talked about. The first words that Kuki said. “Don’t you miss it?”

They knew well what Kuki implied. That other world. The one that had been ravaged by discord, the one with the ground trampled by the horses of suffering, the one that was raising the guillotine to execute peace. Would Uchino ever have a reason to throw away their life in Japan to return there?

“I don’t really think I’d ever go back. I’ve got everything I could ever want here.” Uchino answered then. “No one is telling me to ride out to battle. No one is urging me to slay any creatures. No one is pointing their weapon at my face and shrieking that I die. Isn’t this a better life?” Their question was genuine, and they expected Kuki to answer with a confirmation…

But… that wasn’t what happened at all. “Boss, was it really worth it to abandon everyone? If we were there, if YOU were there… things would be different, don’t ya think?” He asked, taking off his straw hat, letting the sun beam down his head, scorching his face. “We’re not getting any younger, and sooner or later, we won’t have a choice in whether or not we fight.”

That was true— Uchino touched their own face, to feel how it began to sag.

“You know, there’s that delusional fortune teller. The one in the alley. He’s got one of those grimoires from that realm, y’know. Tell ya what, if he’s the real deal, the three of us can break through and get back to that World, and we’ll mop the floor with those nuisances.” Kuki offered, his tone rather serious. “Don’t you think that’s a good idea?”

Well, this was the last time that Uchino had shown their face to Kuki. They haven't spoken for a while. And Uchino didn’t want to speak with him, anyway. Of course, Kuki would try to call, but eventually, those dried up. Uchino wondered, for a while, if this was a good thing. The only one who could understand them was someone they were too afraid to reach out to.

They never did go through with that plan, anyways. No human — or any living thing for that matter — could pierce through. It wasn’t possible, even if they had that grimoire.

One night, though, Uchino thought about Kuki’s Proposal. Under the light of a full moon, they reached their hand out towards it. “Returning to that other world…” Uchino mumbled underneath their breath. “How would I possibly do that… would I…?” Perhaps Uchino was waiting for someone on the other side of the moon, the side coated in darkness, to reach back, to reach for their hand, to pull them back in, at least to confirm that someone is still there.

But they knew well that the moon in the other world would be exactly the same as the one in this one; Bright and Full. After all, that world was not necessarily the underside of this world… but rather, a world parallel to this one.

For a moment, though, Uchino thought they saw an angel, beginning her descent, with her hand reaching out to Uchino’s. Uchino flinched, pulling their hand back…

And the Angel was gone.

_____________

“She seems to have gone with a friend, huh.” Uchino mumbled halfheartedly. “And Cube’s with her… alright! Looks like that’s handled.”

It wasn’t often that Uchino could check on their children, since their job was quite busy. It was a miracle that they’d get home early enough to still see their children. But lately, they’ve had a twinkle in their eye at work, and it wasn’t too long before a coworker noticed.

“You alright there, Uchino-san? You usually aren’t this bubbly, are you seeing someone?” Someone asked, as Uchino returned from the restroom. “You’ve been smiling so much, who’s the lucky fellow who caught your eye?”

Sheepishly, Uchino hid their ring finger with their other hand, covering up their relaxed expression with nervous laughter. “Oh, aha, I’m not seeing anyone! Not anymore, anyways. I’ll uh, tell you next time we go out, Koizumi-kun.” They lied, as they so often did.

“Actually, I’m free tonight, so how about we go out to Heaven’s Door, the two of us. We’ll have a beautiful woman entertain us while you tell us about the one that got away, how about it?” Koizumi offered, with an easygoing look. “You haven’t gone out in a while so it’ll be fun!”

It’d be weird of Uchino to refuse, right? “Uhm, yeah, I suppose so! J-just don’t let me have too many drinks, ok?” They stammered, trying to be polite. But, as is usually the case, their kindness and inability to say “no” to their coworkers has led them to the Cabaret, late at night, with a drink in their hands.

It wasn’t their first outing, but it wasn’t as if it were common. Uchino knew the danger of getting too drunk, but it wasn’t like they couldn’t hold their liquor. It was a delicate balance they’ve practiced, and it was required anyways.

Now, Koizumi was not a practitioner of this balance, and was already snickering incessantly after the hostess had gotten up to entertain another guest. “She’ll be back, I’m sure.” He laughed, pushing the glass against Uchino’s face. “Go on, tell me about this ‘not anymore’ business, pal. You promised.”

They did, didn’t they? Uchino groaned, with their head hung low in shame. Were they going to recite the same practiced backstory? Should they? Could they avoid it? “It’s not a recent development.” They muttered halfheartedly, almost inaudibly. “We broke up some time ago, I’m not too hung up over it.”

But that was enough to get Koizumi’s mind running, because nobody at work even knew Uchino dated anyone. “Since when did the awkward Uchino-san have any partners?! Sheesh, you can’t just hide these things from us! Heh, are they a bombshell? Are they coming back?” He asked, with a free hand now resting on Uchino’s shoulder. “You can tell me, I won’t share with the others, hehe. ♪”

“They’re not coming back at all! It’s over!!” Uchino yelped, a bit startled by Koizumi’s hand, which they tried to swat off. But by drawing attention to their hand, they drew attention to the ring on their finger, which caught Koizumi’s eye. And more worryingly, the ring showed Musume and Cube, now asleep at home. Uchino noticed this, and quickly covered it up.

Koizumi pulled Uchino’s hand into view, and fiddled with the ring on their finger. Confirming what he saw, he held back a hearty laugh. “And what’re these? You’ve got a family? Look at the girl! MAN your ex must’ve been a beauty!” Koizumi grinned. “Do you still have your ex’s number? I’ll gladly take their hand if you won’t!”

“I didn’t have a— Wait, you’d seriously date someone who dated me before?” Uchino’s voice was briefly startled, but more importantly, why did it sound like Koizumi was insinuating something concerning Musume? “A-and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t make inappropriate comments about Musume!”

“Can’t you take a joke, Uchino-san?” Koizumi grumbled, finishing their current drink. “Geez, it’s like you’re some kinda weirdo, you really should loosen up! Come on, I’ll ring up that pretty girl with the red hair to pour you something!” He offered, now trying to undo the outer layers of Uchino’s work clothes. “You’ll get all sweaty if you’re still wearing this stuff, let loose!”

Uchino’s head was spinning. Koizumi was usually better than this. They knew him well, usually a decent guy, great at Karaoke, would awkwardly fumble with his glasses. Sure, maybe a bit of a pervert, but weren’t most people? Even Uchino was guilty of ogling people. But here Uchino was sweating bullets, frustrated, a little nervous. Well, they figured that Koizumi wouldn’t try any advances, even if drunk. That wasn’t very comforting.

Maybe it was their own wavering state of sobriety waning that didn’t make them stand up and leave. They did, at least a little, want to let loose. And they were looking forward to that red headed hostess, she was quite cute after all, and a good conversationalist. If Koizumi tried anything funny, they’d leave, maybe file a complaint.

As their mind focused back, some of their buttons were undone, and their tie was resting on their thigh. The redhead was scowling at Koizumi, who seemed to be trying to reach for Uchino’s drink. It seemed like he was cut off. Wrist shaking slightly, Uchino downed it immediately, in mere seconds. “T-thank you Miss.” They squeaked. Uchino won’t have too much. They won’t stay out too late. They won’t divulge any personal information regarding their children. They won’t do anything.

It’ll be fun.

_____________

Head throbbing, Uchino opened the front door to their house. Whatever time it was, it was late. “I’m home…” They weakly announced, throat dry. But nobody answered. Usually, at least Cube is awake, diligently sweeping the floors, having a (non-alcoholic) drink of his own, maybe even in his nightclothes getting a snack like normal children would. But tonight? He wasn’t there.

So Uchino stumbled to Musume’s room to check in, and lo and behold— Musume was asleep, but Cube was with her, out like a light. He wasn’t a dog, but his usual human-like self. Uchino figured that they were sleeping together because of how late Uchino arrived home. Upon closer inspection, Cube’s face looked tense, even though Musume’s was calm and at rest. Though curious, Uchino decided against seeing if Cube was truly asleep.

It was the absolute worst decision Uchino could make, staying out late with Koizumi. But they stumbled to their restroom and stared at their exhausted, miserable face. Their eyes were heavy and it seemed as if their slightly disheveled hair was even less orderly than usual. These new aspects distracted them from the original problem— the large scar on their face.

When Uchino first went to the bar, they believed them to be some sort of criminal. When Uchino first started their job, they believed that they were in trouble with powerful people. This scar that adorned their face was the biggest problem they faced in Japan, though it was far from their only scar. Finally taking off their shirt, even more battle wounds would be exposed.

It wasn’t as if anyone would see those, anyways. Koizumi didn’t unbutton enough to expose anything, and Uchino couldn’t imagine anyone getting intimate with them. Not at their age, not with their face, not the way they live. There isn’t anyone that they could share their life with, anyways. To do that, their partner would have to know the truth about their life, to learn about the other world.

Washing their face, Uchino thought about it some more. Kuki. They knew Kuki. After Cube brought Musume to their house, Kuki seemed to re-enter their life too. They talked the other day, like old friends. It was refreshing to walk along the beachside again, to laugh together at Sankaido. Kuki didn’t even bring up that old plan to return. Probably because their old lives were coming back to them in this world.

That’s the thing, then, isn’t it?

Their peaceful ordinary life was being attacked by the sins of the past. The exact thing that they didn’t want Cube to do. It’s happening. It’s coming. Uchino can’t stop it. But their head hurt so much that Uchino figured they might forget this by the morning. If nothing else, going out with Koizumi had spared Uchino from thinking about this any further.

They didn’t really want to throw the kids out. Now that Koizumi knows they exist, if they vanished, it’d be suspicious. But more importantly, it felt… Good. It felt good to have them as a family. Musume’s winning smile, Cube’s little eyes. Those kids seem to trust Uchino enough. The way that they call Uchino their parent… easily and with a happy face. Maybe it was the headache, by Uchino figured this was the next best thing if nobody would love them.

Today was June 3rd, and we begin today’s chapter with a venturing Emily Imagawa, donning clothes that make her resemble a stylish paperboy. Yes, the paper was her very own “Emirin News”, and she had updated it accordingly, complete with a special feature.

Now, Emily had been meaning to get an article out on those mysterious twins at some point anyways, but that daring display of strength, that instinct..! She just had to write about it, and it’s probably the proudest thing she’s written yet. “There it is! The June Edition of the Emirin News! Make sure to check it thoroughly.” She told one student, a lass named Keiko, practically pushing it into her hands.

As Emily wandered to find more individuals, Keiko studied the article more. “… Telepathy…” She murmured, her hands trembling. “This boy…that girl…something bad is befalling Himemiya…”

Oh! We can’t focus too much on her, so let’s pivot back to Emily, who was strolling along the shopping district, having stopped by the Nanboku bookstore, and coincidentally, so did the Uchino family. “Oh, it’s you two! Aren’t you excited to see it, it’s the latest volume of the Emirin News~ I implore you both to take a peak!” She urged, practically pushing papers into everyone’s hands. “It’s got someone you know on it, too♪”

Musume was already eying over the articles, the titles seeming silly, completely missing the front page. “It looks really good, Emirin!” She told her, in her best effort to be polite. “A test of courage… that sounds interesting!”

“Ooh, don’t spoil everything!” Emily quickly tried to divert Musume’s eyes by gently pushing the paper away from her face. “You have to save some of it for the next few months! Well, I’ve got to get going now, I’ll be seeing you, Musumin!” She waved, and skipped off to do some more deliveries.

“Well, that girl seems very nice.” Uchino said, watching the blonde go. “She’s your friend, right?”

But already, Musume had read the special article. And, upon seeing his name, handed it over to Cube. Of course, a quick glance over caused the boy to freeze, as it confirmed his worries. “She— ah, well… hm…” He nervously laughed. Of course, he couldn’t worry about it publically. That would definitely frighten Musume. “She’s quite a talented girl, that Imagawa-san…”

When they got home, however, it was a different story. While Musume seemed starstruck at the idea of being featured in an article, Cube was absolutely livid. “While I’m all for this girl’s penchant for journalism, I can’t in good conscience let her get away Scot-free with featuring me, of all people…” He grumbled. “That settles it. I’m going to pay Imagawa-San a visit… on Monday.”

“Why don’t you go see her now?” Uchino asked, who was working on cleaning plates. “What difference does it make? We can go out and take you there.”

“Well, I’m not going to confront her in the privacy of her home, don’t be absurd. That’d be rather rude of me.” Cube insists, starting to pace back and forth. This whole situation had left him uneasy. The strange phrasing of the ordeal, the photo of him that adorned the page, the random mention of some sort of scandal… What was this girl doing?! Was she trying to embarrass Musume?! “It’d be good if you don’t interact with her again, Musume.”

What was he so upset about, Musume wondered. The article seemed pretty neat, what with its praising and mystique. “Do you think that you’ll become really popular?” She asked him, pure and clueless.

Cube didn’t have an answer to that, he just sighed and said “Just go to your room.”

Musume, of course, listened. She always listened, didn’t she? Laying back on her bed, she thought about that article. Telepathy, Fortune Teller… Something about those words was giving her a bit of a headache. She couldn’t pinpoint what, however. Going to sleep didn’t help either, because she had the most peculiar dream.

A dream where she stood squarely, in the middle of a field. Somewhere she didn’t really recognize. No, she did, but… it wasn’t anywhere she knew in Himemiya. Really, it shouldn’t be anything she knows at all… but it was familiar to her all the same. Grass beneath her bare feet, the chittering of tiny voices going “Hi! Hello!”, and the Wind blowing in her hair. She saw a white cat and a black dog chase each other, before dashing into the distance.

“Wait up!” Musume called out, giving chase. The two animals were fast, and eventually led Musume through a dense forest. Nothing scary, but eventually, Musume came across a large pond. And there were not dogs, nor cats, but two girls. Two beautiful girls. One whose eyes sparkled with the water’s reflection, dressed in white, with a puzzled look. And the other’s eyes were practically the definition of curtains to the soul, dressed in black, with a frightened look. These two maidens… did the animals want Musume to meet them?

Neither of them spoke, but they stared at Musume for a while. Suddenly, though, they ran away in opposite directions. Wanting to at least catch one, Musume chased after the one in black, managing to grab her by the arm. But… It was just then that Musume woke up, in the middle of the night.

“It was all… a dream…” She mumbled. “Those girls…”

_____________

It’s another school day, and both the twins are walking together as usual. “Uhm, Cube, have you ever seen… have you ever seen a girl with long hair?” Musume asked, still thinking about her dream. “You know… dark, long hair.”

“Long… dark… Musume, what are you talking about?” Cube was rather clueless, which was unusual. He didn’t remember anyone with such a description, certainly not one of the Princess Candidates of the Past. “Why do you ask?”

Musume was disheartened, but not surprised. She stared up at the sky, as if asking the clouds if they’ve seen this girl. “Well… I just thought… I saw someone like that, a girl I’ve never seen before, in my dreams.” She explained. “She was with a dog… and I thought… uhm, nevermind.” Musume sounded pretty silly, even to herself. Besides, it isn’t as if dreams meant anything, right?

Or, well, she’d say that… but right by the school gates was that very girl, and she was staring directly at the two of them. Her gaze was piercing, and Musume could’ve sworn the air got cold, and chills ran up and down. Even the girl’s eyes, which were still full of soul, were hidden away by the clouded lenses of her glasses. And unlike in the dream, this one spoke.

“Cube… and Uchino Musume…” She points at both, in turn. “So, this is a chance encounter…” The air around her is mysterious, and her voice is low. “I’ve been waiting for you two.”

Musume was trembling. That’s her! That’s the girl from her dream! But she couldn’t muster up the courage to speak, only tightly holding on to Cube’s arm. “How does she know…” She mumbled, barely audible. “We’ve never even… I’ve never…”

With her other hand, she pulled out the photo from the Emirin news, only it had been removed from the rest of the paper. “That’s correct. We had never crossed paths before. I simply had to see you two with my own eyes. Our encounter today will be the first of many.” She murmured cryptically. “…Uchino Musume. Do not forget this encounter, I’ll see you again… One. Day.”

“W-wait! Aren’t you going to tell me your name?” Musume cried out. “Or how old are you? Or— Oh… she’s gone…” That encounter was strange, concerning, odd… But the bell would go off soon, and she shouldn’t be distracted by that girl. Right…? “…Cube, you don’t think she’s here because I dreamt her up, right?”

That can’t be right. Cube didn’t recall Musume’s dreams having the capability to do any sort of magic. “No, she just attends our school. You must have seen her face in passing. After all, she attends our school.” He explained, though he was also mildly confused by the ordeal. After all.. why did that girl not mention his surname? It’s only appropriate, right?

Well, he had no reason to worry too much. It’s not that terribly big a deal, since the girl seemed relatively harmless. “I may be late to the gate, I have to meet with Imagawa-san about her… interesting publication. I suggest waiting with a friend of yours. Any friend will do.” Cube politely urged, after clearing his throat of worry regarding the mysterious peer.

For a moment, Musume wondered why he was so certain to meet alone with Emily, and she was a bit hurt. But it’d be rude to press further, so she nodded. “Ok then… I’ll wait with my friends and then we can all walk home together!” She assured.

But, even as her face smiled, her thoughts still swirled. She doesn’t think any girl in town would look like that other one, how perfectly pretty she was…

But, if Cube says it’s fine, that her dreams are of people she met, then it’s fine! She just can’t wait to meet those girls for real, and maybe be their friends! That’s what she told herself, and that's what she was going to stick with.

But it was hard to do that.

Because that, too, was a lie.

_____________

Even though he was the one who planned it out, Cube was a bit nervous regarding confronting Emily. She seemed to be the type to act without a care in the world, open and free-spirited. He did leave her a note, and he did specify the right place— behind the school. He just has to wait.

And right on cue, Emily Imagawa strolled by, not surprised to see that the one who invited her was the boy she reported about. “It’s Musumin’s brother! You must’ve read the latest edition of the Emirin news, haven’t you? You probably don’t know because you’re new, but I do my business inquiries by telephone.” She said, dancing around the issue that Cube wanted to talk about.

“This isn’t a conversation we have over the phone, Imagawa-san.” Cube grumbled. “I’m speaking to you as a person, a classmate, not as the reporter.”

Emily was pretty smart, despite her playful attitude. She tapped her chin with her index finger, pretending to ponder. “As a classmate? Alright, what’s the scoop? What’re ya telling me about, Uchino-kun?” She asked, stopping her prodding to give a half-hearted point.

“W-well, it IS about the newspaper…”

“Then it’s a business inquiry!” Emily interrupts. “Actually, pause a sec, let me get a read on you; You’re unhappy with that latest scoop, the one from our field trip. I must have gotten a fact wrong, or maybe you didn’t like that theory. Did I get that right?” She guessed, with her hand holding her chin and a knowing grin. “I did, didn’t I?”

It wasn’t that she was entirely wrong. Well, she was incorrect, because Cube was more concerned with how she used the news to drive attention to him, but she wasn’t entirely incorrect with her assessment. “No, Imagawa-san. My problem is that you chose to spotlight me, of all peers. Let me make this absolutely clear: I do not wish to feature in any future publications.” Cube said, his usual calm smile holding back emotions of exhaustion and ticked-off-ness.

Emily didn’t seem to notice, or if she did, she didn’t really care to point it out nor draw attention. It was hard to tell with that girl. She simply wrote down Cube’s request, and then put her materials back where she pulled them from. “Crystal clear, Uchino-kun! I’ll be waiting for when you change your mind— that taste of popularity after this publication might warp you as a person.” She jokes, with a mildly horrifying expression that melted into laughter. “Well, bye bye~”

And she left, all carefree. There wasn’t much Cube could do now, but go meet with La— no, just Musume at the gate. Leaving her alone for so long made him worry, but he imagined that, at this moment, she would be laughing with a friend. After all, the ring on his finger said as such. All he’d have to do is pick her up and they can walk home together.

But when he got there, Musume was nowhere to be found. Geez, did she go home by herself? The way the ring worked, she was still with her friend, even if he couldn’t exactly see who it was. “She’s taken to this school so well… I’m rather proud.” Cube mumbled, with a smile, as he couldn’t quite help being happy for her. As he prepared to get going himself, however, he noticed a familiar girl was still at the gate. “Hiroko-chan? You’re still here?”

Hiroko Sakakibara. A girl that he’s spoken with multiple times at this point, though, Cube wasn’t too sure how close they were. But, she turned her head at his voice, and her eyes lit right up. “Oh, you’re still here, Cube-kun?” She asked, a little confused but overall happy. “I got a little distracted by the Music Room’s piano, I hope my mom isn’t too worried about me.”

Cube vaguely knew where she lived— it wasn’t terribly far from their own house. He might as well be polite, since the young lady must be at their house by now. “Well, would you like to walk home together? My sister had gone home earlier herself, so it’d be nice to have company.” He offered Hiroko.

It’s so embarrassing…! Hiroko shyly took him up on that offer, and waddled awkwardly to his side, with her hands firmly held together as they walked. She figured they were friends, but she never expected to be able to walk with just Cube and not his twin. “Uhm, I hope Uchino-san is OK, Cube-kun. Why did you stay later than usual?” She asked, leaning forward just a bit.

“I spoke with Imagawa-san, regarding the news. She’s agreed to not feature me anymore, and for that, I’m rather grateful.” Cube explained, with a finger idly twirling a loc of his own hair as he spoke. He quickly noticed this, and stopped as soon as he did. “Forgive me, that’s a habit of mine.”

Ohh, right, he was in the news! Hiroko already kind of knew that though. She was interviewed for it, after all. “Oh, if you’re not going to be featured anymore, could you tell me if you really are related to the fortune teller?” She asked.

“I’m afraid I don’t know who that is.” Cube interrupted, now frowning. If he knew Hiroko was going to ask questions, he didn’t really want to walk with her. “But, I am my father’s son. Wholeheartedly. That I know for a fact. And Musume is my sister, we were born at precisely the same time.” If he said it aloud enough, maybe he would start to believe it.

But everyone would be able to see through such a bold faced lie. Twins? They look nothing alike. Even if he included Uchino, he couldn’t imagine them producing offspring that looked like him and Musume. It was always a foolish plan, that idea of theirs. If it weren’t so late, Cube would’ve never considered it.

And if he put his foot down and insisted upon his role? He wouldn’t have met Hiroko. He wouldn’t have met Emily. He wouldn’t be going to school, or treated like a human, treated like Musume. If he kept thinking about what-ifs, he might get too lost in his own head.

“I believe your house is right at this turn, right Hiroko-chan?” Cube asked, as he focused back into reality. “You don’t have to tell your Mother about me walking you home, in fact, I’d rather you not.”

Before Hiroko could respond, Cube made the rest of the journey to his— no— Uchino’s House, and was greeted by the wonderful sight of Musume, who was twirling around the living room. “I’m back, Musume.” He recited, his hands reaching to unbutton a blazer that wasn’t there. He needed to get used to that. “I assume you walked home with a friend?”

“Oh, right!” Musume realized. “I didn’t tell you, but Asakura-kun was there, and we walked together. I think you two would be good friends!” She smiled brightly, thinking about the idea. “I wonder if I’ll be friends with him. Him and Kobayakawa-san from the Track and Field Club… and maybe Emirin… and maybe Kuroda-kun from the other day… maybe even Sakakibara-san…”

Three Days. For the next Three Days, it was just Musume, her friends, and the vast expanse of a forest. Being away from her father was the most stressful part— but it was also so exciting! Today, of course, was the second day, but the first day was pretty good too!

Indeed, the first day was filled with hushed wonder, as Musume’s friends all took to the woods, each with a set plan. Musume would've, too, but on that first day she held some worries. After all, she can’t just call her dad to come in and save her! They’re all the way back at home! But Cube reassured her, with a “It’s just a few days, and I’m sure they’ll be delighted to hear of how much fun we had. This is a brand new experience.”

Yes, for here she was soaking in air that can only be gotten a ways away from the bustle of Hamasaki. Here, she had absolute freedom. So today, she set out doing all sorts of things, and her first stop was to look for cool bugs. Of which there were a good handful. And she was absolutely mesmerized, picking up one particular beetle to show to Cube, who was crouched by a running stream. “Look, look! You don’t see these back home. It’s cute, right?” She chirped, practically shoving it in his face.

Well, Cube was more focused on the running stream’s own ecosystem. There were creatures that could glide along the water’s surface, as if unaware of the water’s surface tension. No, there wasn’t anything suspicious with this stream, but there was no reason to worry here, a brief moment of reprieve. He turned his head to Musume’s beetle, which was a bit less interesting, but Musume seemed rather happy with it. “Yes, I suppose it’s nice.” He told her.

This satisfied Musume, who ran off elsewhere. She wasn’t really learning much, more so giggling and playing around. But that’s to be expected for someone her age. The best part of Forest School was how quiet it was, really, despite Musume’s giggles and her peers’ chattering. For as long as she’s lived in Himemiya, and for as much as she’s never been to this place, it felt as if it was somewhere she was at before, as if April was but a mere dream…

Hm… it’s a familiar feeling Musume’s had.. the day before she went to school for the first time… What is this feeling, she wondered, could it really be just childlike wonder? Complicated thoughts were never her strong suit, and it isn’t like she could ask Cube about it. She just wished that she could have an answer to reassure herself with.

As she gathered branches (upon the request of one of her classmates), Musume continued to think about how nostalgic this forest was. Things she’s seeing for the first time, but feel as if she’s touching along childhood play places. Bugs that she’s never seen in her life, but feel as if she’s caught them thrice before. Trees that she marvels at their incredible height, but feel as if she’s scaled them many times over.

Now, her classmates were busy themselves with other sorts of things. And Ace Reporter Emirin has to capitalize on this! Pencil and paper in hand, she randomly selected one of her classmates with the point of her finger. “Alright, It’s an ‘Emirin News’ interview… Now! We’re interviewing Kuroda Hitoshi— what part of this forest excursion has been the most exciting bit?” Emily’s choice to start with Hitoshi was an odd one, since everyone thought he was kind of a bully— well, it isn’t like Emily cares who her subject is.

So, Hitoshi was mostly wandering alone for the whole time, and his sort of passive response to everything he saw made Emily doubt if he would answer, but luckily, he ended up pulling through for her. “The stream’s pretty good.” Hitoshi answered, not looking at Emily directly. “It’s like the Mizunashi River, only….. it could be about the same.” The answer was somewhat predictable, sure, but with everyone’s answers together, this could totally impact future trips!

“Gotcha.. please look out for it in June’s Edition!” Emily signed off, with a spin and a waltz. Her determination showed no sign of waning, because that’s how Emily is, really. The title already glimmered in her mind: “Class—“ Emily grins “—favorite parts of Forest School! How to improve?” That’s GENIUS!

Oh, yes, our heroine. Musume was wandering, and in the corner of her eye was but a small, white cat, with sharp eyes that met hers. In Musume’s experience, cats don’t really wander so far that they wind up in forests- not like she has a frame of reference, but that’s what seems right to her. And this particular cat had gotten itself all lodged in a tree!

“That kitten… oh, no, it must’ve gotten totally lost!” Musume cried out, hearing the cat’s gentle meow for help. “Ooh… if I fall.. no, I have to help it!” She decides, stilling her resolve and climbing up the tree, unaware of how it’d ruin her uniform. “Please- hold on! I’m coming…! Ouch!” Musume slid down slightly, the bark scratching against her palm. But… she won’t stop then! She’ll try again! And again…!

A few attempts, and she got herself to the top. And a handful of splinters… “Huff.. puff.. OK, all you have to do is get over here, and I’ll go down, and we’ll get an adult…that should be good, right?” She told the cat, forcing herself to smile, in an attempt to calm the cat and convince it to come with her. Well, it was also an attempt to calm herself down, as she’s gotten herself fairly high.

Even though it felt as if these trees were familiar, the height was absurd. Musume felt herself more so shrinking upward and higher. Was it really possible to get back down safely? After she’s already hurt herself so much? The girl trembled, only comforted by the cat approaching her, as if it knew she was stressed. “OK, ok… let’s meet halfway then, Ok? That might be fine…” Musume suggested, timidly inching toward the cat.

But the cat jumped off the tree, as if it had no fear, and left Musume totally abandoned up there. No, that’s a lie, Musume wasn’t abandoned up there— mostly because she had fallen out of the tree herself, and was now screaming for help. Was this a betrayal? Musume didn’t want to think about it.

Just before she hit the ground, Musume was caught, as if by chance, and the two of them ended up in a bush, as her savior had made a most interesting leap. Safe or otherwise, Musume was still in pain- climbing trees tends to do that. “Ouch— ow.. thank you— oh, Cube! You caught me! Thank you.” She smiled, despite her anguish.

Now, that was close, Cube thought to himself, his eyes looking for that cat that Musume went and nearly killed herself for. When they finally fell upon it, the thing gave a hiss and bore its teeth, before returning to its usual refined expression. Odd, Cube notes, but likely because of his other body. “Where are you hurt, my lady, is there anything you need?”

“Why’re you calling me that, that’s so weird of you…” Musume grumbled, putting her hands behind her as if to hide them. “I wanna go to the nurse…”

It slipped out again. This time he didn’t even catch it…and he was doing so good, too! “Yes, yes, Musume, that’d be the best course of action. Alright, up you go!” He said, standing her upright. “We can have you rest there for the rest and then, tomorrow, we can talk about this trip to Father.”

Now, while they were a good bit far from the cabin and such, it wasn’t as if they were the only people in that neck of the woods. At least two others were playing over there, a round of Hide and Seek between Michiru and Kenichi, the latter of which caught a glimpse of that save, and immediately went to find Michiru’s hiding spot to tell her.

“With that kind of jump, I should’ve asked that kid to join the club!” She said, her eyes darting between Kenichi and the now-walking-away Uchino Twins (who seemed to be quite a bit far). “Was it like a running tackle? Or was it maybe he leapt backwards like in an action movie?”

“Of course the first thing you’d think when you’d see someone nearly get seriously hurt is how cool the thing was, Michiru…” Michiru’s friend replied, somewhat pensive. “We should tell the others, otherwise they might come over and get hurt too. Let’s go.”

Now, the funny thing about telling people about something cool is that it has a habit of morphing. And somehow, Kenichi telling one classmate led to that classmate telling Hitoshi, and Hitoshi telling yet another classmate, and that classmate telling Hiroko, and Emily overhead THAT and asked Hiroko for the story, which had somehow morphed into “Uchino-Kun managed to get from the Cabin to the Deepest Parts of the Woods in 10 seconds to save his sister because he must have telepathy!”

“Telepathy you say… perfect, perfect..” Emily rubbed her hands together maliciously. “I think we found our front page scoop!”

For the rest of the field trip, it passed roughly without incident, and before the twins knew it, they were at the door back to their house, where Uchino was waiting for the two of them with open arms. “You two are home! Good, good, tell me about your trip, did anything fun happen?” They asked, getting the both of them into a big hug.

“I fell off a tree, but I had a lot of fun otherwise!” Musume said, with a gentle smile. “There were bugs I wouldn’t have seen otherwise, I would’ve taken one home with me!”

“Now, now, we should probably have dinner, and then we can talk more about the trip.” Cube interrupted, already having gotten himself out of Uchino’s grip. “We’ve brought souvenirs, too.”

As the three of them had their dinner, the memories of Forest School embedded into Musume’s head. She gazed at a nearby window, as if beyond the panes was that running stream, as if she was able to find that Cabin just outside again. Something about those woods felt like she belonged there, more so than Himemiya… that’s absurd, isn’t it?

Almost as absurd as her seeing the cat that was in the tree in that window, with its still-fixed gaze.

—————

Returning to school was something that was inevitable, but the classroom air felt a bit different. While Musume was completely unaware, Cube could feel all the wide and curious eyes of his classmates on him, as if there was something abnormal with him. And there was, because he wasn’t human, but it was strange that the children were that perceptive. His frame of reference, Musume, was not nearly as sharp, though he supposes that comparison is unfitting.

Sure, he was not too invested in the children’s gossip, so long as Musume was not the subject of it, but it was driving him a good bit up the wall with how blatant their stares were, how clearly their whispers were about him. Of course, Saka — er, Hiroko-Chan — was usually speaking to him normally, but even she was acting somewhat suspicious with her letting slip that she heard of his “Great Heroic Act”.

Just what in the world happened that caused his reputation to shift? A part of Cube wondered if he should ask Musume, but she would’ve likely been the first to consult him, what with them being close and all. At the very least, it wasn’t negative, and even more importantly, they haven’t found out the truth. Though, Cube thinks, the truth would sound positively outlandish even if he explained it as clearly as he could. It wasn’t the fault of his peers, though. He wouldn’t believe it himself had he not been responsible.

But, for Musume, nothing at all has changed. If anything, the Track and Field club seemed to be extra-lively! It felt as if every meet they had a new conversation, and Musume was able to even take the lead on a few of them. Michiru even talked to her about how she’s won an amateurish baseball game with a team she’s a part of.

“You’re kidding!” Musume said, taken aback. “Three to None? That’s incredible, Kobayakawa-san! I wish you would’ve invited me to watch!”

The two of them conversed on the usual, during a breather and with laughter. “You really should! OK, Ok, I’ll just have to call your house and summon you! And then you’ll come running over with a speed that puts professionals to shame!” Michiru joked. “As is expected of my clubmate!”

“Of course I will!” Musume promised. “Oh, I think it’s almost 5:00. Uhm, I’ll see you tomorrow, OK?” With those words, Musume packed herself up and prepared to head home.

Well, that was how it went on Friday. But today was Sunday, and Musume didn’t find herself watching any baseball game but waking up and going to the living room just to see an old man laughing alongside her father, who seemed to know this man. Well, Cube was there too, but he seemed to be folding his arms and was maybe even a bit annoyed, a rare emotion Musume never gets to see.

“Oh, right! You two haven’t met yet.” Uchino suddenly said, motioning for Musume to come closer. “You met the other one, so this one is Musume. Musume, this is my friend, Guki Kuki. You can just call him Mr. Kuki.”

Kuki seemed to inspect the girl carefully, his eyes falling upon the hairpin. “So that’s what you needed it for…” He mumbled under his breath, just loud enough for Uchino to catch his words. “So you’re the little lady, huh?”

“…” Musume shyly hid behind her father, who seemed mildly amused by her antics.

“She’s a little shy with strangers.” Uchino assured, further pushing Musume behind their back as per her wishes. “But she’s eleven, just turned so earlier this month with Cube. Just at that age where she’s learning about the world.”

Kuki went behind Uchino’s back and ruffled Musume’s already a bit out of control hair, though he tried to hold back his laughter at the result. “I don’t mean you any harm, me and your father are good friends, and they aren’t friends with just anyone! Think of me as like your uncle!”

“Yeah, he runs this nice shop, over in Hamasaki, ‘Sankaido’!” Uchino explained to Musume, trying to not cause her to burst into tears over the weird and creepy man. “He’s—“

“Yes, yes, all well and good, but Mr. Kuki should be running that shop, no?” Cube interrupted, tapping his foot impatiently. “Thank you for coming over to visit, sir, but I believe you miss out on any sales.” He was practically trying to drag Kuki out the door, but, well, Cube wasn’t terribly strong, as to be expected.

The effort made Kuki burst into laughter, made more prominent from having held back from earlier with Musume. “Nobody goes out there unless they know what kinda guy I am, kid!” He told him. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to borrow your father for today, and you two can hold the fort down! How about it, Boss, if you don’t mind that?”

Uchino hesitated to accept, but one look at their own ring, the ring that would allow them to see Musume at all times, and it stilled their woes. “Sure thing. I could go for some catching up. Cube, you’re responsible, don’t let Musume out the house, I’ll be back before dinner!” They told the kids, before allowing themselves to be led out the door by Kuki, who was now the subject of two sets of glares from the twins.

Once the door was firmly shut, and their gazes softened, Cube sat himself in a chair with a heavy sigh. “Of all things, I didn’t expect them to be whisked away by the whims of a friend. This… Mr. Kuki fellow really irritates me.”

“I don’t like him either, but it’s rude to say that!” Musume said, getting herself a glass of water. “If Dad wants to hang out with their friends, it’s not nice to then speak about them behind their backs!”

Usually that’s Cube’s line.

“I wanna go to the Park.” Musume mentions, jumping from the former topic. “There’s a swing set and I wanna play on it. Can we go? Please?”

This was a complicated question to answer. It was, of course, the Master’s orders to keep her inside, and frankly, that’s the safer option. But Cube could tell that saying “no” would sow the seeds of discord within the household. And, after all, he preferred Musume’s whims. Which was enough to propel him into a quiet “I suppose..”

And so, the two of them set forth for the children’s playground. The playground, of course, was full of children, but nobody had taken the swings, a lucky break for the pair. As Musume took a seat on the swing, she felt that feeling again, the feeling she felt back during the field trip. That feeling… she still can’t describe it.

“Musume, have you heard anything from the school about what happened at that forest?” Cube asked suddenly, while pushing her on the swing.

Does he mean the time she fell? Emirin might’ve made a comment or two, but that wouldn’t really be “the school”. Well, Michiru also asked her about it, but that’s normal, right? She could’ve been hurt! “I guess, but only from Emirin, I think… I didn’t think you’d care so much about what everyone says, Cube.”

She’s right on that one, this was a development he didn’t suspect himself, either. “That girl always seems to know everything, doesn’t she? It’s a trait to be envied, but I don’t like how nosy she is.” He mused, somewhat distracted by the moving clouds in the sky. “It’s good you’re making friends, last month you seemed to be nothing but quiet.”

Musume did change, yes, but she still vastly preferred the quieter places. Something like… hm… there it is again. This itching feeling. “Hey, Cube, I have a question, but I don’t want you to tell Dad. It’s not about school or anything, but…” Her voice trailed off, already hesitating.

“Yes? You can ask me.” Cube responded. A question that only he could hear… well, he’d likely report it to them, anyways, given how important it sounded, but what sort of question would she have that can’t be solved by a parent?

It wasn’t like he’d get an answer, though, since Musume pushed herself on the swing. “Nevermind, it’s fine!” She chirped, trying to swing herself to avoid the conversation. “This is really fun, isn’t it? You should try too, on the swing next to me!”

Truthfully, it wasn’t fine at all. Truthfully, she wasn’t too sure if Cube could help her, even if he was smarter than her. She can hardly describe the feeling herself, but it’s trying to make itself known. Even as she swings with a facade of carefree joy, she still holds her worries over something she can’t even begin to think about.

If it’s so scary that she can’t even tell her brother… Why can’t she do that? What is it that she’s feeling? As her swing slowed to a crawl, she sighed with her whole heart. Today wouldn't be the first day that she would hold secrets.

“Excuse me!! Have you met my brother?”

The adorable Amy Kelley might sound familiar— she’s Hunter’s little sister! She might be young, but she’s bright for her age, as she’s just in the year below your daughter! Affectionately, your daughter also calls her “Sis”. Of course, she doesn’t want your daughter to take up ALL of her brother’s time… but she’s more than happy to be friends!

“Omigosh!! It’s like all my secrets are coming out!!”

Sally Higgins is a bit tiny, but she’s a superfan of all things comic! Superheroes, Drama, the world! She’s mailed to all sorts of publishers, and her dream is to publish her own comic herself! She likes to call herself “Candy”, though nobody else does.

“Are you blessed by…?!”

Kayla Thompson’s a devout girl who holds her beliefs in what’s in the scripture. She’ll only notice your daughter after she acquires the Holy Book herself, and she’s certain that your daughter could be saved by that who’s higher up. She attends a Bible Study, which your daughter can also attend to strengthen her faith.

“Do I have something on my face…?”

A wonderful young lady, Millie Harris is one of your daughter’s later peers. She comes from a long line of people who stack books on their heads to maintain balance. How funny! In Spring, they like to hold a special brunch, and they dress rather fancy, but Millie herself is nice enough. While all the boys want her, she only holds eyes for her friend Richie.

“I just couldn’t help but notice you.”

The son of a wealthy businessman, Richard “Richie” Osborne is the Student Council president. In the winter, his family holds a celebration, which is actually a test to seek out potential partnerships. It’ll take a lot of fame to get on his radar, and it’ll take a lot more to win his heart!! By the way, most people call him “Richie” because he’s so rich, but Millie calls him by his full name, Richard.

“Anyone can Act, if they just try.”

Lena McCormick is a talented actress, with a ton of adoring fans. But she’s got a bit of a secret: Her Mother was an actress, too! She’s a bit lonely due to how everyone treats her as an untouchable superstar, even calling her “Lady McCormick”, and all she really wants is a genuine friend— something your daughter can certainly provide!

“She doesn’t even know who I am?!”

Sean Addams is part of the famous boy band Frontstreet Guys, which a lot of girls are big fans of, including Hillary. He’s a bit too eager to be famous, and it’s rumored that he’s tried to take a few of his fans on dates. But, he’s just playful and really friendly! Though… it’s said that his carefree smile occasionally wavers.

“Woah, hey! Wait just a minute!!”

The production company’s Mr. Sanderson (first name Michael) is your daughter’s biggest fan when she signs up! He’s more akin to an enthusiastic family member than a manager, wanting to push her further and further into superstardom! Unlike most other boys, he wouldn’t want to date your daughter— after all, he’s far too old and already happily married!

“Hey, brat, look at me when I’m talking to you.”

“Hey, are you the new kid?”

You’ll be quick to meet Emily Ingram! A young reporter. She’ll be your daughter’s best friend as she shows her all the ropes. She’s extremely popular due to her fantastic fashion sense and personal newspaper, the Ingram Today. Some of the kids call her “Emmy”, including your daughter.

“Uhm… Is it OK if we can be friends too?”

An adorable little girl in your class, Hillary Santiago is the daughter of the Music Teacher. She’s a bit nerdy, and used to get bullied, so she’s hopeful that you’ll be her friend! She’s absolutely enamored with one particular member of a famous boy band. Your daughter calls her “Lilly” 

“If you’re still wondering, you should join the Sports Club with me!”

Mackenzie Kennedy’s the peppy tomboy in your class, and Ken’s best friend, though she holds secret feelings for him. They’re so close that he calls her “Mac”, ever since they were kids. She’s energetic, cheerful, and always willing to step in if someone needs a hand. In fact, she’s the strongest girl in the town, and by quite a large margin.

“Oh, right, I’ll show around, then!”

The top of the class, Ken Anderson is Mackenzie’s childhood friend, who she affectionally calls “Kenny”. Secretly, he enjoys playing video games, despite his image of a perfect honor student. In fact, he’s even on the Student Council, though he’s a bit jealous of the president.

“It’s rude to laugh…”