#gen 2 squids

Nova is in the middle of his teacher's lecture about human history. He knew it was going to be another boring lesson, but dealt with it. Nova got all the notes, written down on his notebook and he put his pencil down when the teacher's lesson ended.

"Geez... So much work.."He sighed. He hoped to cod, that his right hand wasn't cramping from writing.

Today's Valentine's Day. The time of year, when squid couples give each other chocolates, flowers, and other kinds of gifts. Especially on dates. Nova on the other hand, still doesn't have a Valentine. And he's perfectly fine about it.

The bell chimed as everyone got up from their seats. It's about time for lunch and Nova brought his own bento box from home.

As soon as Nova left the classroom, two girls appeared in front of him. One of them is holding a box of baked goods. They bothed smiled, happy to see Nova.

"Hey, Celeste and Willow!" He recognized the two inklings. He played against the two on a Turf War match. He was about to win the match, until Celeste blasted him at the end.

Nove noticed the box, that Willow is holding. "Uh, whatcha got there?" He asked, examining the box.

"We were just in the area and wanted to give you something!" Celeste nudged at Nova and grinned.

Willow presented the box of cookies to Nova. "It's from your secret admirer. I heard, she's a really good baker. She asked us to give them to you at lunchtime." She smiled.

"O-Oh! Gee, thanks!" Nova accepted the box of cookies. First the note, now the cookies. "Those look really yummy! I'll eat them, right away!"

"You enjoy your cookies, bud! We'll be on our way!" Celeste waved, goodbye to Nova and left. Willow bowed, politely to Nova and followed Celeste.

Meanwhile, Hachi was standing by the vending machine. Once Willow and Celeste approached to Hachi, she smiled. "Thanks, a bunch! Hopefully, I pay you back in return."

"Nah, that's not necessary!" Celeste grinned, happily.

"You're still set for decorating the gymnasium for tonight? We could use the extra help from Seaside Hill's track star." Willow waits for Hachi's answer. They were out of options to begin with.

"Why wouldn't I help?" Hachi giggled. "I've helped with the decorations for the Halloween dance, last year! I'm down for tonight's preparations!" Hachi gave them a thumbs up and a wink. She couldn't let them down after what, Willow and Celeste did for her.

After school, Nova and Leif are helping with the decorations in the gym. Nova's role was painting signs for the dance. It wasn't as big, compared to his Ink Brush. And using the Slosher wouldn't be allowed in school, after that incident during the school festival.

Leif walked over to Nova. They were finished with carrying a ton of food and drinks. "Hey, Nova! You got a minute?" They asked. Leif sat down on the floor and criss-crossed their legs.

"Hm? What is it, Leif?" He stopped painting the little hearts on the sign.

"Is it true, that your secret admirer baked you some cookies?!" Leif leaned in, closer to their cousin.

"Uhh.. yeah?" He nodded. It's not such a big deal for someone to give him food. "Celeste and Willow came to me and told me, that it's from my admirer. I really enjoyed them, during lunch!"

Hachi was in the of hanging up the banner, until she heard over Nova and Leif's conversation. Whatever they're talking about it has something to with Hachi's cookies. She tried to lean in a bit, but she's couldn't. Hachi is standing on a ladder. One wrong step and she'll fall to the floor.

"Wait.. How did you know? Were you eavesdropping?" Nova raised an eyebrow.

"Weeelll, maybe. I didn't wanna get caught. So, I bailed out.. Sorry, cuz." They scratched the back of their head.

Nova sighed. "It's fine, Leif.. Anyway, yeah. I'm more curious in meeting this girl. I wouldn't mine, enjoying her sweets. Every single day!"

Hearing what Nova have said, Hachi's face was a deep shade of green. She could squeal at the top of her lungs.

While Hachi is up there on the ladder, Terra and Bits were bringing in more balloons. What Terra didn't notice is that, one of her long tentacles are attached to the ladder.

"Hm?" Terra couldn't go any further. She looked back and saw, what was keeping her from going anywhere. "Uh-oh, not again." Terra tugged, lightly on the ladder. She frowned, a bit. "It won't let go.." She tugged on it with a bit of force, freeing her tentacle with ease.

Once Terra's tentacle went free, the ladder was wobbling a lot. So much, the ladder might fall over. And Hachi is standing on it!

Her daydreaming was cut-off, until the ladder started to wobble."Wh-Wha?!" Hachi yelped. This ladder, she used was old and a bit unstable. She tried to keep her balance, but she was about to fall over.

"Eeeiaaaaaagh!!!" Hachi was flailing, helplessly as she was fall. Everyone in the gym, stared in shock. And that brings Nova and Leif's attention.

"Hachi!!" Nova cried out. He got up and rushed towards her. He ran as fast as he could and made a sick powerslide on his knees. The custodian did a good job in waxing the entire floor.

Hachi shut her eyes, tight and braced herself for the inevitable impact. She kept her eyes shut, but nothing happened to her. "I-I'm.. alright..? But, ho-" She opened her eyes to see Nova, carrying her like a princess. He caught her, before she plummeted to the ground.

Nova sighed in relief. "Hey, are you alright?" He asked, still carrying Hachi.

"Y-Y-Y-You...!" Hachi was very flustered and lost for words. And being carried like that, didn't help much. She looked at the crowd of student. They were relieved, yet amused. Even Aki was smirking at the display.

Hachi's face became greener than the plants in Kelp Dome. "Y-You..." Hachi gritted her teeth. Her anger is now, boiling red.

"Uh.. Hachi?" He raised an eyebrow, looking confused. He doesn't understand, why she was angry. He just saved her life. Whatever it is, it's not pretty.

"Y-YOU DUMMY!!!!" She screamed at Nova. Hachi balls up her fist, angrily. And with an amount of force, she slugged Nova in the face. Her face was a mixture of anger and embarrassment.

"Uwaggh!!!" He took the punch from Hachi, dropping her to the floor on purpose. Before he could say anymore, he collapsed onto the floor.

"Ohhhhh, crab!!! Nova got knocked the eff out!!!" Leif pointed that out and the crowd were shocked, again. Today just went from zero to a hundred, really quickly. The preparations for the dance were cut-short, when the class rep walked in.

After the outburst in the gym, Nova was walking home. with a bruised face on his face. "Geez... Hachi packs a really good punch, compared to most kickboxers.. Ow.." He has an icepack, close to his cheek. It's very cool by the touch, but it'll numb down the pain. "I still don't understand, why she was so pissed..?"

Luna was walking with him. After Nova just explained to his sistesr, she started snickering. "Maybe, she was just too embarrassed and doesn't want anyone to see?" Luna shrugged. "On the bright side, Hachi is safe." She brought her hands behind her head and sighed. Too bad, Leif went to Kelp Dome after Nova was taken to the nurse's office.

The school dance starts in 5 hours. So, they have enough time to attend clubs or play Turf Wars. The class representitive dismissed everyone at the gymnasium. Which leaves, Hachi walking home with Aki.

The green inkling was silent, the whole time. Hachi didn't mean to punch him, but she didn't want anyone to know that they're a couple. Yet.

"Hachi? You've been silent, since we finished with the decorations." She looked worried about her co-captain. "Are you still mad at Nova for saving you..?"

A light blush on Hachi's face is too noticable for Aki. "N-No.. I'm not mad at him.. I-I was just jumpy, that's all.." She looked, aside. On the inside, she felt bad for slugging Nova.

"Well, I'm you're alright.. Terra apologized about the ladder. It appears that, one of her long tentacles got caught around the ladder." Aki explained.

Hachi understood, what happened and nodded. "It's not her fualt. The damn ladder didn't as strong as it used to be.."

"Apologies aside, we gotta prepare for tonight. Everyone's going to show up with their dates. I asked Mel to go the dance with me and he accepted. Actually, it's his first Valentine dance." Aki wanted for Mel to have fun. Other than, staying in his own house with his parents.

"Soooo, Hachi. Do you have a date to the dance?" Aki asked.

"A-Actually, I do.." Hachi answered, rubbing her left arm with her right hand. Her blush, increased greatly.

"Oooohohohooo~" Aki brought her hand to her mouth and smirked. "What his name~? Does he go to school, here?" Yet again, Aki's began to sparkle with pure excitement.

Hachi thought back to what Luna said. She mustn't tell anyone it's Nova, until the dance at 8 PM. "I-It's a secret..! When the time comes, I'll explain it to you.." She smiled, slightly.

After a bit of chatting, they arrived at Hachi's apartment. She can finally take a nap, until tonight. Today was an usual day for her. "Okay, I'll be seeing you soon.." Hachi yawned, cutely.

"Alrighty~♪ Get plenty of rest tonight~♪" Aki waved at her and turned back to the direction of her home. She couldn't wait to write some ideas for her new fanfiction. Or her new art comic.

Hachi used her key to unlock the door to her apartment. The living room felt quiet, this time. Her parents aren't were, yet because they're both at work. "Figures.." She sighed.

Hachi dropped her bag and made her way to the bedroom. Before she could rest on the soft mattress, Hachi saw a picture of Nova and Hachi. This was their first video game tournament. Hachi won 1st, while Nova won 2nd place. They've been rivals when they were children.

Hachi stared at the picture for a while, until she fell onto the bed. She curled up into a ball and rested her head on the pillow. Hachi thought back to her rivalry with Nova. On the outside, she was always one-step ahead of Nova. But on the inside, she seems happy around him. The thought of him, made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Hachi slowly, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

5 hours have passed, making it nighttime. Once the clock strikes at 8, the valentine dance will begin. Nova was riding in the car with Fynn to the school. He could walk up there, alone. But, he asked his father to take him. He was now, wearing his white suit and pink tie. Surprisingly enough, Nova really likes it.

Nova arrived at the school parking lot, in 20-25 mintutes. He promised Fynn, that he'll leave until 10. And with a bro fist from his dad, he stepped out of his car. "Secret admirer, here I come!" He said, after closing the passenger door.

Nova is holding a box with a pink bow in his hand. He's planning to give this to his admirer in return for the cookies.

On his way to the entrance to the gym, Nova spotted Hachi by the the wall. She was wearing a beautiful golden dress with a cute bumblebee brooch. Nova's jaw dropped, when he saw her.

"Woah.." He remarked. This is the first time, Nova has seen Hachi in a dress.

Hachi giggled at his comment. "Yeah, I know. It's cute, right? My mom, picked this out for me." She checked herself out. It wasn't as formal, but it's acceptable.

"so, uh.. Where's your date? Is he running late or somethin'?" He asked. Nova hasn't known about Hachi's date, yet. Nova would soon, smell the sweet scent of honey. The same scent as the letter.

"Well, the thing is..." Her blush, appeared on her face. This was it. She couldn't hide it from Nova, any longer. "I am your date.." Hachi finally, told the truth.

Nova stood there like a frozen pole, waiting for someone to stick their tongue on it. Nova recognized the handwriting and sweet honey scent. "S-So, you're me secret admirer?!" Nova exclaimed.

Hachi nodded. "Yeah.. Shocker, isn't it? I can't stand, the thought about you being dateless.." She was twiddling her fingers, again. "To be honest, I meant what I said.." She looked down, blushing heavily.

Nova walked a bit, closer. He placed a hand on Hachi and smiled. "Did Luna put you into this?" He asked.

She looked into Nova's eyes and nodded. "Your sis is a good wingwoman, y'know.." She added. "I've been keeping it quiet for 4 days."

Suddenly, Hachi noticed the small box in Nova's hand. She looked, curiously at the box. "Hey, Nova? What's that in the box?"

"You mean the valentine gift? I wanted to give this to my admirer in return. Well, now that you're here." Nova opened the box and presented a golden heart locket to Hachi.

Hachi gasped, when he showed her the lockett. "I-It's beautiful...!! Why on earth did you get that..?!" The moonlight reflected upon the locket.

"It wasn't that expensive, but it's worth the purchase at a jewelery store at Arowana Mall. No biggie." He placed a necklace around Hachi's neck. "You look stunning, with or without it." He grinned, happily.

Hachi was on the urge of tears. She never seen such an amazing gift, before. She'll promise to cherish it, as long as she lives. Hachi quickly glomped the purple squid and squealed, joyfully. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!" She cried, hugging him tightly.

"H-Heh, you're very welcome." Nova returned the hug. He's glad that Hachi enjoyed her valentine gift. "So, are you ready to go inside? Our friends are waiting." He said.

Hachi looked up at Nova. She was tearing up, already. She wiped some tears from her eyes with a hand and smiled. "Y-Yeah.. Let's have some fun! Together!" Hachi took Nova's hand, escorting him inside.

The dance got started and everyone was having a good time. For tonight's dance, Camille and Nebula are hosting. The Neo Squid Sisters also go this school.

"Hope, everybody's having a good time!!" Camille cheered through the microphone. The crowd goes crazy as Camille, announced.

"Tonight, we have a special guest! Now, give a warm welcome to Lunar Crash!!" Nebula said, revealing the school's rock band.

Nova's sister, Luna showed up on stage with her band members. Luna's the lead singer and guitarist. The female sharkling on the left plays the bass and the anemone girl is playing the drums.

Luna brought a microphone to her face, gazing at everyone on the court. She also spotted Nova with Hachi. Seeing the new couple, Luna smiled. "Good evening, Seaside Hill High!! Are you ready to lift off?!?" She said her usual intro slogan. The entire crowd, chanted the band's name.

With a few taps from the drummer's drumsticks, the music began to play. Luna have been practicing her new song. This time, she'll rock this gymnasium.

After 2 or 3 songs, Luna and her band left the stage with a wave. "Thank you all for listening! We've worked hard in making our new hit!" Luna couldn't wait to tell Fynn and Eimie about tonight's performance.

Once the whole gym went silent, the DJ got back from his break. He can turn up some sweet and slow jams for the couples. Everyone started slow dancing with their couples.

That leaves Nova and Hachi on the courtyard. He looked into Hachi's amber eyes. "May I have this dance?" He said, taking Hachi's hand. He wrapped his other arm, around her waist.

"S-Sure, I'd love that!" Hachi blushed, deeply as she made her first move. She moved to the rhythm of the song. Being careful of where she's stepping on, she rested her head on Nova's chest. Hachi could smell the rich scent of fresh cologne. Smells like lilac flowers.

Nova went silent as he followed Hachi's footsteps. He wished, this moment could last forever. After all these years, Nova has finally found a special someone.

Their friends: Aki, Mel, Camille, and Nebula were watching. Camille and Aki expressed their awe. This means, Aki has enough info for her next fanfic. Mel and Nebula brofisted each other and smiled.

The song went on for 3 minutes. Nova and Hachi at each other, lovingly. Hachi has never felt this way, before. Her heart was beating fast, due to being very close to him. If it wasn't for Luna's help, she wouldn't have the courage to confess to him.

The song ended and everyone stopped dancing. Nova smiled, when the song is over.

Hachi stared up into Nova's eyes. She knows, what she has in store for Nova. She wanted to pay him back for saving her from the fall. She's getting that warm and fuzzy feeling, again. And she couldn't wait any longer.

"U-Um.. Nova..? There's something, I want to give you in return.." Hachi remembered about how Hunni met Mako. The mood is set, her face blushing, and she kept twiddling her fingers.

"Hm? What's the matter?" He asked, looking a bit worried. He thought, messed up during the dance. But, that wasn't it. Whatever it is, something was on her mind.

Without delay, Hachi brought her hands to his face. She shut her eyes, tight and plants a deep kiss on Nova's lips. She cooed through Nova's mouth.

"M-Mmm?!" Nova blushed, madly due to Hachi's approach. He calmed down and returned the kiss, his arms are wrapped around her waist.

Aki and Camille were squealing like fangirls from the background. This is by far, the most romantic ever. Aki knows, what to write for her next fanfiction.

Luna watched the passionate kissing. Luna's glad that she helped Hachi with asking her brother out. Feeling pleased, Luna gave herself a pat on the back.

The kiss went on for 6 seconds, until they broke the kiss. They stared at each other, blushing like dorks.

"That's for saving me.. And sorry about punching you in the face.." Talking about it, make her remorseful.

"Listen, Hachi. I can take a beating, y'know. Don't worry about this handsome and buised face!" He winked at Hachi.

Hachi giggled, feeling relieved. She hugged him, tightly. This is Hachi's first time, she felt this way. She looked up and smiled at him. "I love you, you goofball." She said, nuzzling against him.

"Heh, I love you back." He chuckled lightly, returning her embrace.

Tonight was a success. Hachi finally confessed her love to her rival and captain of Galaxa Gems. She was wondering, how is she going to explain this to Hunni and Mako? She could at least, spend her new life with her new boyfriend.

Nova went back to his homeroom, after he was called in the principle's office. He wasn't in trouble. His teacher asked him to run a small errand with the principle. He printed out flyers for the Valentine's Day dance for next week. Unfortunately for Nova, he doesn't even have a date to go to.

As he opened the door and reported to his teacher, he seems to notice a pink letter at his own desk. Nova was wonderering, who sent that letter? The rest of the classmates were just finishing their school work. Including Hachi and Leif. Hachi was sitting by the window, where Nova is. And his cousin, Leif was sitting in the middle.

He took his seat and resumed his work until the bell rang. He put the letter away in his bag. He'll read it, later after school.

The school bell rang and everyone in Seaside Hill High were going home or attending their school clubs. As for Nova, he doesn't do any clubs.

"It smells like sweet nectar.." Nova took a whiff at the scent. Could be some kind of expensive perfume. He was going to open the letter, until he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Hey, cousin! Whatcha got there?" Leif appeared, right behind him. They were looking over his shoulder to see a pink letter. "Didn't mean to surprise ya. You've been staring at that letter after we were done with class." They wrapped an arm around Nova.

Nova turned his head to Leif and smiled. "Oh, sorry! It laying there, before I came back to class. I was gonna open it, until you showed up" He stared at his letter for a second.

They were eager to know, what's in the envelope. "Well, don't just stand there! Open it!" They said. Leif is one of the squids, who likes surprises.

Nova opened the envelope, to reveal a note. He started to read it, out loud to Leif.

"I heard that you don't have a date to the Valentine's Day dance, next week. Meet me at the entrance of the gym, if you want to come to the dance. I really adore you in turf battles. I love the way, you draw your hearts with your Inkbrush. I'll see you, next week. OXOXO from your secret admirer." After he read the letter, he blushed. Someone admired him.

"Ohhhhh~ Looks like someone has a crush on yoooouuu~" They nudged on Nova. "Well, it's your chance to go to the dance. At least, it's from Grandma Cheryl."

Nova had flashbacks when his grandmother, Cheryl was his secret admirer. He was VERY embarrassed, in front of his sister and cousin. Including his childhood friend, Camille. "That was like 6 years ago.. I thought, it was Camille who sent that letter.." He sighed. "Well.. I guess, I'll go.. My first guess was Camille, buuut I doubt it. I've been friendzoned, pretty hard. I believe she's with some guy named, Tele.. Telemachus?" He's seen him, a couple of times at the Square. "Anyway, my chances of asking Camille out was out of the question." He shrugged. There's plenty of fish in the sea.

"If it's not Camille or Grandma, then who sent the letter?" Leif puzzled.

"I really don't know yet, Leif. That's for me to find out, when I arrive. But for now, me and my team are going to practice for Ranked, this weekend." Nova puts away the letter in the envelope and hid it in his bag for safe keeping.

"Well, good luck on that! I got a club to attend to at the greenhouse! These plants can't water themselves." And with that, they waved goodbye to Nova and left him.

Meanwhile, Hachi was watching from the background. Along side her was Nova's twin sister, Luna. "You think, it's a good idea to send that letter..?" Hachi whispered to Luna. She was blushing, slightly while she kept twiddling her fingers.

Luna nodded. "You're the one who asked for advice about asking my brother out to the dance. He'll be finding out, soon enough." She placed a hand on Hachi's shoulder with a smile. Luna remembered when Hachi visted her in the middle of band practice for the dance.

"Well.. I don't want Nova to be lonely on Valentine's Day, y'know?" She looked at Nova. She's never felt like this, before. At first, Hachi mostly teases Nova and always beat him in any game. Including Turf Wars, she claims to be fresher than her. When Nova participated at the Olympics with Camille, she was rooting for Nova on TV. Just a little bit. Even her mother, Hunni was surprised about it. Once Nova returned home with a slight bruise on the back of his neck, she felt cornered for Nova.

"Make sure you keep this a secret from Nova. It wouldn't that surprising, if you told him right away." Luna flipped her wavey tentacle hair, as she parted way with Hachi. She turned to look at Hachi, one last time. "If you need any help on keeping it a secret from Nova, text me. We've got 4 days until the dance." She said, before catching up to her twin brother.

Hachi stood there, thinking about the letter, she wrote. It's only a matter of time to keep Nova guessing, who sent the letter. She checked the time on her phone. Her daily track practice routine starts in 30 minutes. "I better get going, before the coach will have me do 20 laps on the track." She sighed.

One day later..

The Galaxa Gems: Nova, Hachi, Mel, and Aki were planning strategies at an outdoor table in Inkopolis Square. Nova has formed his own squad, 2 weeks ago, making him captain and Hachi as co-captain. The inktoling, Aki Takoshi joined his squad after serving him some spicy curry to satisify Nova's hunger. The inkling with the yellow tinted shades is Mel Larimar. Mel and Hachi have been good friends, since Hunni and the former Kriller Bees's get-together party. Mel's also part-vampire squid, due to his mother's genes. He sometimes, drinks blood to keep him from going berserk.

While they were discussing strats for Turf Wars and Ranked Battles, they all heard a jingle from the Inkopolis News channel. Neo Squid Sisters, Camille and Nebula were on air and ready to reveal today's stages.

"Hold onto your tentacles!" Camille was the first to read the teleprompter. Nova used to have a crush on her, ever since childhood. But he's been friendzoned, very harshly. Reminds him of his dad, Fynn crushing on Marie when he was 18.

"It's Inkopolis News Time." Nebula finished the introduction. Always the sassy attitude, just like her mother. The rest of inklings kept silent as they all watched the news.

They revealed the next rotation of stages. Not to mention the hilarious comments about the two stages. And before they were about to end today's news, a grin appeared on Camille's face. They must be up to something.

"Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Right, Nebby~?" She looked over to her cousin. That was when Hachi gulped. She doesn't want Nova to find out.

Nebula nodded. "Mmmmhm! It's the time of year for squids to give gifts for a special someone. Or go out on a nice and romantic dinner." She added. "Unless, you're a dateless sap who stays at home and eat ice cream.." Nebula has witnessed it, herself before. Just watching a sad romance movie and eat cookie dough ice cream.

"Okay, that's all for now! And I hope everyone, have a Happy Valentine's Day. Annnndd.." Camille and Nebula did the traditional Squid Sisters pose, passed down by Callie and Marie.

"Staaay Freeeeesh~" The Neo Squid Sisters ended the news with a slogan. And finally, the main screen switched to the turf war brand commercials.

Hachi looked at Nova. She blushed, slightly as Nova was focusing back on the plan. He seems to be zoning out about the letter from his secret admirer.

"Sooooo, any of you are going to the dance?" Aki asked the rest of the squad. "I heard, it's gonna be awesome!" She squee'd happily.

"Actually, I received a letter after I ran an errand. It's from a secret admirer." Nova pulled out the letter. "It smells kinda sweet." He added.

Hachi giggled, nervously. "T-That's great..! I-I wonder, who wrote that letter..?" She looked over the letter.

"I really don't know, Hachi.. But I must meet the admirer at the dance!" He sounded eager to meet this mysterious squid.

Aki's eyes began to sparkle. This is the same expression as his cousin, Leif. She has interest in romance manga and anime. On most days after working at her dad's restaurant, she writes romantic fanfics. "Ooooo~ Whoever this person is, she must be lucky to ask him out~" Aki giggled.

Hachi stayed silent, while Nova and Aki were chatting about the Valentine dance. Her face was a light shade of green. She couldn't tell him, that it was her. Before she could try to text Luna about the situation, Mel tapped her on the shoulder.

"Is something the matter? You're pretty much blushing." Mel pointed that out, the moment Hachi was in the train with him.

"W-What do you mean? I-I'm fine..!" She would lie to him, but Mel is a trustworthy friend. She leaned in, not letting Nova or Aki hear their own conversation.

"Hachi.. You can tell me.. If there's something troubling you, please tell your friends." Mel whispered.

Hachi sighed and whispered into Mel's ear. "It was me.." She admitted. "It was me who sent the letter... I have a crush on our leader.. Ever since after Nova came home after the Olympics.. I've rooted him on.." She was twiddling her fingers. Her blush increased when she told him the truth.

"No wonder, you were shouting at the TV screen.." He rubbed his chin with a finger and thumb.

Hachi stared, directly into Mel's eyes. Well.. into Mel's tinted shades. "Please.. Don't tell Nova.. I wanna make this a surprise for him." She pleaded.

Mel thought about it for a while. Breaking a friend's promise is the last thing, he could ever do. He turned his gaze on Nova and Aki. Nova was now, talking about his sister's performance on stage for Tuesday night.

Mel paid attention to Hachi and smiled, a bit. "Don't worry. I won't tell."

Hachi could squeal out of pure joy, but a simple hug would do. "Thank you, Mel..! I owe you one..!" She grinned, happily. The hug went on for a few seconds, until she lets go. Her gaze was fixated on Nova and Aki. "Hey, guys! Are we gonna chat all day? Or are we gonna go play?" She asked, tapping her feet in an impatient way.

That brought her attention and Nova smiled at her. "Oh, right! We've been sitting here for at least 30 mintues." Nova got up from his seat. "Alright, team! Let's rock n' roll!!" He pumps his fist into the air, triumphantly.

The rest of the Galaxa Gems cheered, as well. Today's stages were pretty decent in Ranked Battles. First they need to warm up in Private, and then head into a lobby.

After the Galaxa Gems played 3 or 4 matches in Ranked, Nova left the square because his mom asked his son to pick a nice suit for the dance. He waved, goodbye to his team and got on the bus. Once he arrived at home, he used the key to unlock the door.

He was soon greeted by his mom, Eimie Marchant Sparks. "Welcome home, champ! Did you enjoy your matches, today?" Eimie said. She was preparing dinner before Fynn comes home from work.

"Hey, Mama! I sure did! It was a rocky start, but we pulled it off!" He scratched the back of his head and chuckled. "Soooo.. You called me about picking out a suit for me?" He asked.

Eimie nodded. "Yeah! Your father has some nice suits, when he was your age. I'm sure, it'll fit. Come with me." Eimie escorted her son to Fynn's closet in the bedroom. She picked out, a decent suit for Nova. It was a white suit with a pink necktime on it.

"He wore this at the prom, before I met him. I thought, that you would look great in a white suit." She handed the suit over to Nova. "Give it a try!"

"Kay, gimmie a sec." He took the suit and walked into the master bathroom. After 5 minutes of putting on the suit, he was done. "Uh, how do I look?" He said, stepping out the bathroom. It was indeed, a perfect fit.

Eimie gasped and squealed in joy. "You look handsome!!" It brings a tear to her eye. She's proud of her Nova, that he's going to the Valentine dance with a secret admirer. "I'm sure, your special lady would be head over heels, in love!"

Nova blushed, slightly at the comment. "Geez, Mama!" He said, chuckling.

Meanwhile at Hachi's apartment, Hachi was backing some cookies for Nova. With the help of her parents: Hunni and Mako, she's getting the hang of baking sweets.

"They should be done, by now.." Hachi looked at the cooking timer. Only 3 minute left until the cookies are fully baked to perfection. Suddenly, Hunni walked in the kitchen. Her mom can smell the sweet scent of sugary goodness, coming from the oven.

"Wow, those smell really good!" Hunni has a weakspot when it comes to baked goods. Her husband cooks on most occasions and her daughter was happy to help out. "So, tell me somethin'. Are you baking them for yourself or for that Nova kid?" She smirked.

Hachi stared at her mom, blushing. "Th-they're for Nova.. I'm going to give him some cookies, when he finds out." She sighed, deeply. "Mom? What's it like, when someone confesses to you? I mean, how did you meet Daddy?" She kept, twiddling her fingers.

Hunni raised her eyebrows. This was the first time, her daughter asked about asking someone out or dating. Nevertheless, she's happy to oblige. " Your father and I, bumped into each in Inkopolis Plaza. As usual, I was pretty angry at him for calling me short. We played a match in Splat Zones, until he apologized. After that, we've been battling alot in Turf Wars. That was until that moment in Flounder Heights." As soon as she said that, she was blushed. "We kissed under the grate and we started dating~!" She even embarrassed, herself. "You should've seen the look on your dad's face! He's so cute, when he's flustered!" She giggled some more, until she kept a smile on her face.

"Hachi, sweetie. There's nothing to be worried about. You go out there and have a good time with Nova. And someday, you'll have a family of your own." She gave Hachi, a big bear hug until she went back in the room.

"Thanks, Mom. Guess, there's no need to worry.." She smiled, slightly. Maybe, she'll be able to have the courage to kiss Nova.

DING~♪

Hachi heard the cooking timer, going off. It was already 3 minutes until the cookies are golden brown and more edible. "Oh! The cookies are done!" She said, before turning off the oven's heat.