《Stray Clouds》 CH. 1 - A New Start If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. CH. 2 - By Chance This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. CH. 3 - Courage This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. CH. 4 - Crushing This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. CH. 5 - Hanging Out If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. CH. 6 - Vigilantes If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. CH. 7 - Breaking Through If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. CH. 8 - How It Began ¡°Alright, listen up! I¡¯m your new and permanent trainer, Mr. Goda! But you lot will address me as Sir and nothing else, got that! I¡¯m here to whip you lazy teenagers into the best shape of your lives! Now I want to see sweat, I want to see drive and nothing less, understand? Now get out there and give me three laps around the track! Go!¡± ¡®Oh boy¡­¡¯ ¡°So what are you still doing here!? Move, move, move!¡± *pant* Mr. Goda¡­ *pant* I was first!¡± The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. *mouth full* Hey, Hikigaya, Shiori. I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you guys. *gulp* How did you guys meet exactly?¡± ¡®Oh boy¡­ Here we go.¡¯ *sigh* Look, maybe.. Maybe we¡¯re going a little fast here. I don¡¯t even know your name, let alone if I should hate you or not.¡± ¡®Wow how charming¡­¡¯ ¡°My name is Shiori Inabi.¡± ¡®And you don¡¯t seem to get the hint¡­¡¯ ''I can''t believe this! The school year hasn''t even started and it''s already awful! I have to spend all my time with that guy?'' CH. 9 - Field Trip to Holden Manor ¡®Today was a fun day. I actually got to go after school and eat ramen with my friends! I never imagined it¡¯d be so fun! I even learned a bit more about Haru. And Lucy. Even Shiori and Hikigaya. Lucy¡¯s dad was really nice and let us eat for free. I really like my new friends. It¡¯s hard sometimes trying to speak up but they make me feel so welcome anyway. I can¡¯t wait to spend more time with them.¡¯ ¡®How was I so lucky to find them?¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s right¡­ Haru¡­¡¯ ¡®No! Don¡¯t be stupid! He¡¯s just being nice¡­¡¯ ¡°Hello?¡± ¡°Uh sure. But you come over almost every night, you sure your parents are okay with it?¡± ¡°Well then I¡¯ll be over in a sec.¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡®I can¡¯t let him know how excited I am! Field trips are awesome but that would be way too embarrassing!..¡¯ She thinks before turning back to him a frustrated look. ¡°She won¡¯t even tell us which one it is.¡± ¡®He¡¯s actually asleep¡­ With me here¡­¡¯ She blushes a bit and smiles a soft warm smile. ¡®Maybe I won¡¯t¡­¡¯ ¡®Just you wait¡­ it gets better!¡¯ She thinks. ¡°Alright class, get in line. We¡¯re gonna walk up to the house now.¡± ¡®They¡¯re perfect for each other¡­¡¯ They all think together. ¡®Here it comes..!¡¯ They think in unison. ¡®Aren¡¯t I truly amazing?¡¯ CH. 10 - Father ¡®One perk of being a teacher is not having to do these anymore...¡¯ ¡®Huhh?! They¡¯re totally involved in their conversation!¡¯ ¡®Whatever. The show must go on.¡¯ This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡®Now that is a reaction!¡¯ ¡®How did this happen? What is even happening? I wasn¡¯t trained for something like this!¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s right. Tsuki could still be out there¡­ I hope those two stay safe while help comes, there¡¯s nothing else to do now..¡¯ She thinks with a frustrated look. ¡®She¡¯s so beautiful¡­¡¯ ¡°What high school do you go to?¡± He asks, not removing his gaze from Shiori. Hikigaya quickly answers. CH. 11 - A Way Out ¡®I didn¡¯t realize their friends cared so much for them. Maybe they are turning around already.¡¯ She thinks, placing her hand over her mouth gently before speaking up. ¡°Regardless, you both should go see a medic. Make sure you guys are actually okay, understood?¡± Stolen novel; please report. ¡®Oh, what would I do without that man?¡¯ She thinks with a loving tone. ¡®What am I doing? How did I end up in this situation? How did I let myself get involved with them?¡¯ He approached me. He wiped the blood from my face. He said, ¡®You¡¯re quite the interesting one, aren¡¯t you? Is it disconnect or pure fear that keeps you standing here?¡¯ Then he took my hand and began walking away, pulling me with him. ¡®We will find a place for you here with us. Just like the rest.¡¯ Then he smiled at me. That twisted smile¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ get it out!..¡± ¡®There¡¯s nothing they won¡¯t do¡­¡¯ She thinks. ¡°Hey, look at me. It¡¯s going to be alright. Watchdog and I will protect you. We are going to bring them down and set you free.¡± CH. 12 - Friends Stick Around ¡°You better give one to Shiori or I¡¯ll bop you one!¡± She warns. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡®I shouldn¡¯t be here.¡¯ ¡®What am I doing? I can¡¯t be their friend¡­ I¡¯m horrible. They¡¯re better off without me.¡¯ ¡®Am I¡­ jealous?..¡¯ CH. 13 - A New Year ¡®Why do I even care so much? I should be glad she¡¯s getting so comfortable with the others. Yeah, it¡¯s a good thing! ...Still¡­¡¯ Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡®I guess he is kinda¡­ cute¡­¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s right, Valentine¡¯s Day. This is the first time I¡¯ll even have a crush on Valentine¡¯s¡­ Maybe I should¡­¡¯ ¡®So cute!¡¯ ¡®Maybe it could be for me¡­¡¯ He thinks, hopefully. ¡®I guess getting chocolate from me wouldn¡¯t be that special¡­ I don¡¯t know why I thought he wouldn¡¯t get any. He¡¯s cute, tall, smart, and way more popular than the rest of us. Unlike me¡­¡¯ ¡®And I don¡¯t want to ruin their tradition.¡¯ ¡°Oh yeah? Gonna make me some chocolate as thanks for being such an awesome friend?¡± His words play in her head. CH. 14 - A Complicated Valentines ¡®With how different things have turned out this year, I was kinda hoping this time would be different too¡­ Oh well.¡¯ *chomp*¡± If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Don¡¯t let this make things awkward between us. I still want to be friends and grow together, but I understand if you don¡¯t want to be around me for a while¡­¡± Samuel approached them while they were minding their own business at their desks and said, ¡°Since neither of you gave or received any chocolate, you wouldn¡¯t mind me asking for a favor would you? Think of it as a task for your special case.¡± She says with a smirk as they droop in their seats. CH. 15 - More Than a Robbery ¡®Maybe she was trying to relate to her injury?¡¯ He thinks. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. CH. 16 - The Start of Something Worse ¡®Please guys, keep that fight tight.¡¯ stonefist ¡®Those air cuts are sharp. I have to pay attention.¡¯ Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡®This man¡­ His soul doesn¡¯t seem as strong as Fullsky¡¯s but his strength should not be underestimated.¡¯ CH. 17 - Time For Change ¡®What am I doing? I¡¯m supposed to be the sunny, happy one of the group and yet all I¡¯ve done is gone and ruined everything. What good am I if I¡¯m not doing the only thing I¡¯m good at?..¡¯ You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. CH. 18 - A New Home A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. She smiles back. ¡®She wouldn¡¯t mind if I read some of her stories, right?¡¯ ¡®Huh. It¡¯s dated. February 20th. She must¡¯ve written this idea then.¡¯ She continues to read in her head. ¡®¡°I still can¡¯t believe I did that. Making chocolates for him. I mean what was I thinking? It¡¯s not like someone like him would ever like someone like me. He¡¯s so cute, so smart, and so popular. And I¡¯m just¡­ me.¡±¡¯ ¡®Ooh a Valentine¡¯s romance!¡¯ She thinks as a cute smile. ¡®¡°I should just quit liking him. It¡¯s never gonna work. But I like him so much, I want to keep trying! But I couldn¡¯t even give them to him! It just felt so awkward and I didn¡¯t want to mess up their tradition.¡±¡¯ ¡®This all seems¡­ familiar?¡¯ She thinks before continuing. ¡®¡°Whatever. There¡¯s no point in dwelling on it now. I¡¯ll keep trying and hopefully one day he¡¯ll like me too. Oh Ryuji, could someone like you ever like me? Shiori¡¯s¡­ Diary Log 92¡­¡±¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m going to be living with her!..¡¯ CH. 19 - Ryujis Truth ¡®Sitting here, so close to him, waiting to watch a movie together. It¡¯s almost like we¡¯re¡­ on a¡­¡¯ ¡®No, I can¡¯t.¡¯ If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. CH. 20 - Truths Revealed ¡®What do I do? Chizuru knows already, Sugawara just said his, but Lucy. What if she likes him? I don¡¯t want to make it weird. I don¡¯t want to lose her either.¡¯ This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡®It¡¯s okay. As long as things stay the same, everything will be okay. Right?..¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m not boredddd!¡¯ ¡®What do you want to do then?¡¯ Lucy responds. ¡®Are yall busy??¡¯ ¡®Not really. It¡¯s spring break¡¯ Hikigaya types. ¡®Then let¡¯s make plans! Tomorrow, meet at my place, get ready for a wet time!¡¯ ¡®Wet..?¡¯ Ryuji texts. ¡®Beach?¡¯ Shiori guesses. ¡®Yes sir!!¡¯ ¡®Stop feeling this way! Why do I even care? It¡¯s fine.¡¯ ¡°Well that should be easy enough. He may be a little weird but he¡¯s still a guy after all. And your friend.¡± ¡®My first beach day!¡¯ She thinks with an excited look on her face. CH. 21 - Beach Day! If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. CH. 22 - Camping With the Tanakas Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡®Haru is trying to get us alone?? Is he?.. No, no, no! No way!¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s it. I¡¯m just gonna do it. If he hates me for it, oh well. I can¡¯t hide it anymore! I have to tell him how I feel!¡¯ ¡°Haru, I-¡± CH. 23 - Overwhelming Emotions ¡®He can¡¯t swim!¡¯ Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡®He¡¯s so¡­ cute, smiling like that¡­¡¯ He thinks. ¡®Crap! I was totally staring! What is wrong with me?! He definitely noticed!¡¯ ¡®Is he¡­ disappointed? Did he want something else?¡¯ ¡°Haru¡­¡± ¡®What am I doing?! This is way too embarrassing! He¡¯s gonna think I¡¯m creepy!¡¯ ¡®Ugh, this is so awkward! I don¡¯t know what to do now! I just asked him to call me cute, and that¡¯s it?!¡¯ ¡®What am I thinking?! That¡¯s so weird, of course he won¡¯t! He¡¯s probably gonna think I¡¯m some-¡¯ CH. 24 - Cleared Up. Devils Syndicate On The Move ¡®But if I ask him¡­¡¯ ¡®¡°What? No, it was just a one time thing. I¡¯d never be with you for real.¡± He looks at him with a look of disgust.¡¯ was only a one time thing! I don¡¯t think I could handle that kind of rejection¡­¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡®I¡¯m happy for them. At the same time though, I¡¯m¡­ jealous¡­ Something so cute could never happen to me.¡¯ She thinks with hints of sadness in her eyes. CH. 25 - Secrets Of The Barraged Facility. Frontier V. Fullsky Climax! ¡®Focus¡­ Focus¡­ I am a Hexed! I can¡¯t lose!¡¯ The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. will move you out of our way.¡± ¡®Her fists¡­ my blood..!¡¯ Using the Pulse Arm, they charge and put their palm on her stomach. ¡®I have to kill her with this before the heat cools!¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m sorry Doctor, I know I said I wouldn¡¯t do this to your first design but she¡¯s leaving me no choice!¡¯ CH. 26 - The Long Night Ends ¡®I have to stop them!¡¯ ¡®What was that?.. I didn¡¯t...¡¯ He looks around for a moment and sees both Hexed injured and staggered. ¡®Whatever. I gotta take this chance!¡¯ Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡®Fullsky! I forgot, she''s out there fighting, I need to help her!¡¯ ¡®He¡¯s faster!¡¯ ¡®His eyes, they¡¯re glowing.¡¯ ¡®I have to escape!¡¯ CH. 27 - Plans For The Last Day Party They fly through the night sky for a little while, silent as they¡¯re both quite tired from the events of the night. After awhile of a somehow peaceful flight through the warm summer night air, Fullsky speaks. ¡°Where should I drop you off?¡± ¡°We can go to our normal spot.¡± He responds softly. She nods and so they do. They come into a small clearing in the forest. A small, wooden stage with long benches around its front. She sets him down then lands, her wings going away as she does. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± She asks. ¡°Better. I think my leg is back to normal. More or less haha.¡± He lifts his leg then puts it back down as Fullsky giggles back to him. ¡°What about you? Chief said you passed out immediately after your fight.¡± He says with a look of concern. ¡°Well the Chief is being a drama king. I didn¡¯t pass out, I simply took a little power nap. Frontier had gotten a lot stronger since the last time we fought. They had this glowing symbol on their forehead and could-¡± ¡°Produce heat from their hands?¡± He interrupts but in a reasonable way. She looks surprised for a moment but nods. She decides to sit down on one of the benches while she speak so Watchdog takes a seat next to her. ¡°Yeah, there were two more like that. They were much stronger than any other members before.¡± He adds. ¡°Called themselves the ¡®Hexed¡¯. Haha, what does that even mean?¡± She laughs, attempting to put down the ¡®Hexed¡¯ idea. ¡°I have no idea. They talked about these ¡®Pillars¡¯ too. They really are a cult.¡± He says while also laughing. They laugh together a bit, making fun of the Devil¡¯s Syndicate. They slowly stop laughing and sit in silence for a moment before Fullsky speaks up. ¡°Watchdog.. We¡¯ve known each other for almost a year now. We¡¯ve fought side by side and became a great team but¡­ lately we haven¡¯t been able to stop them. That¡¯s the third time they¡¯ve gotten away with their plans. What if we can¡¯t do it? What if we can¡¯t stop them? Are we¡­ just causing more problems?..¡± Watchdog stares at her as she gazes off into the night sky, overlooking the city and forest. He doesn¡¯t answer right away. ¡°We may not be perfect, but we are doing the right thing. We have powers that others don¡¯t. We are trying to stop criminals from hurting people, but that doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯ll always succeed.¡± He gently puts his hand on hers. ¡°As long as we stick together and keep doing the right thing, we¡¯ll be okay.¡± He gives her a reassuring look as her eye shines a bit before she nods. They stare at each other for a moment before she shifts her gaze to his mask covering his mouth and nose. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you without your mask.¡± She says softly. ¡°Yeah.. Maybe one day you will.¡± She smiles a bit and pauses. She blushes a little before closing her eyes and leaning a bit closer. Watchdog, realizing what she wants, hesitates. He thinks about it for a moment before sliding his mask down under his chin. He closes his eyes too and leans forward. They slowly and gently kiss each other. They kiss for a moment, feeling their cut, dry lips and old blood pressed between them before leaning back. Once Fullsky opens her eyes, Watchdog has his mask back on, blushing and looking away. Fullsky blushes heavily too. She then stands up and adjusts herself. ¡°W-well, at least tonight wasn¡¯t a total failure.¡± She says with an awkward smile. ¡°Get home safely, Watchdog and rest well. Y-you never know when the Syndicate might strike next!¡¯ She says, embarrassed about the kiss as her wings shakily come out of her back. ¡°Y-yeah.. You too, Fullsky.¡± He says back. She nods and smiles again before lifting off. He watches her fly away for a moment before looking down and steaming a bit about the kiss. Fullsky flies through the air with an embarrassed smile on her face. She covers her face with her hands and spazzes around a bit as she floats, blushing hard and squealing about it. Still holding her face, she spreads her fingers so her eyes peak through. ¡®My first kiss!..¡¯ She thinks happily. Watchdog stands up and adjusts himself as well. Still blushing, he wiggles his leg a bit, double checking his injury, before jumping over the cliff and hopping away. Right after he leaves, a small light from an electric lantern comes up from the trail leading to the spot. Chizuru pops her head up, holding a little basket and a lantern. ¡°Hm? I thought I heard something. ¡­ Oh well!¡± She smiles and continues up onto the stage. The next day, Chizuru is happily snoozing in class, a bubble coming from her nose. ¡°Oi, Chizuru.¡± Lucy pokes the bubble which causes it to pop and Chizuru opens one eye half way. ¡°Huh?..¡± ¡°Thank you Ms. Kagan. Now, as I was saying¡­¡± Samuel puts down a graded test on Chizuru¡¯s desk. She got a B+. ¡°Niceee..¡± She gives a smile and a thumbs up with both her eyes closed before plopping her head back down on her desk, going back to sleep. Lucy rolls her eyes. ¡°I know there¡¯s only a couple days left of school but don¡¯t clock out just yet. We still have a few things to go over such as the procedure on how your return after Summer break will be, how the classes will be arranged and so on.¡± Suddenly, Chizuru snorts, popping the other snore bubble, then shoots up, her hand in the air. ¡°Oh, I know! Let¡¯s have a party for the last day of school!¡± Everyone stops and stares at her, her face still looking like she¡¯s half asleep. Suddenly, the class cheers. ¡°Yeah! A party!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll bring some drinks!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll make a cake!¡± All of the students erupt with excitement and discussing how this party is going to go down. Ms. Samuel stands there with a shocked look on her face. She then shakes her head and calms down. ¡°Alright, alright! Everyone settle down! Fine, we can have a party on the last day.¡± Everyone looks pleased and excited for the now upcoming party. ¡®If you let me finish, you would¡¯ve learned I was gonna do that anyway..¡¯ She thinks with a slight droop before composing herself. ¡°Now, let''s get organized. We¡¯ll divide then go over who¡¯s bringing what so we have enough for everyone.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. She goes to the board and begins writing columns and asks the class questions about it. The students around Chizuru pat her on the shoulder appreciatively. ¡°Good thinking Chizuru!¡± She smiles in response and looks at the others. Hikigaya and Haru give her a thumbs up while the others smile and nod approvingly. She gives another big smile. ¡°This is gonna be the best!¡± Once the day comes to an end, they all meet up where they usually do. ¡°It¡¯s pretty lucky there¡¯s no one with any allergies in the class huh? That just means better food!¡± Hikigaya pats his belly as Shiori nods. ¡°I¡¯m so excited! I¡¯m gonna make the yummiest jello!¡± Chizuru says as she jumps with joy. ¡°I¡¯m glad I just need to bring some soda cause I definitely can¡¯t cook.¡± Sugawara says, slightly embarrassed but relieved. ¡°Yeah, and what were you gonna bring again, Ryuji?¡± Haru asks as he throws his arm around Ryuji¡¯s neck. Ryuji responds casually. ¡°I¡¯m gonna make cake balls on a stick.¡± ¡°Oh, like cake pops.¡± Shiori says. ¡°Yeah, exactly.¡± He turns and looks at her with a soft smile and she gets embarrassed, realizing she talked so casually to him. ¡°Leave it to Ryuji to make something so creative.¡± Hikigaya gives him a smile as Ryuji smiles back a bit. ¡°Well, I¡¯m gonna hurry home! I gotta get started! I can¡¯t wait to see you guys tomorrow! Woohoo! Last day of school!¡± Chizuru runs off home, her arms in the air, cheering as she excitedly heads home. They all smile at how cute she is. ¡°Yeah, I told Ryuji I¡¯d help him with the cake pops so we¡¯re heading out too.¡± Lucy says, stepping next to Ryuji. ¡°Come along Suga! We better hit the store on our way home.¡± Haru throws his bag over his shoulder and smiles at his boyfriend who blushes in response. ¡°Yeah..¡± Haru looks at him, blushes a bit before leaning over and giving him a small kiss on the lips. Sugawara blushes heavily as steam pops from his head. Haru leans back and smiles, grabbing his hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± They run off as he pulls a barely conscious, goofily smiling Sugawara along. ¡°Aw, look at that. How cute?¡± Lucy says, looking at Ryuji, who nods a couple times in agreement. ¡°Main, I still can¡¯t believe that dork got his first kiss before I did.¡± Hikigaya says, watching them. Shiori looks up at him surprised. ¡°You haven¡¯t kissed anyone before?¡± She asks so openly. Hikigaya looks at her surprised that she is so interested. He blushes a bit out of embarrassment and rubs the back of his head, looking away from her. ¡°Oh, no. I totally have, I¡¯m just saying, he did.¡± ¡°Oh yeah? With who?¡± ¡°Ah, I don¡¯t really remember. She was a blonde I think?¡± ¡°I meant you, dummy.¡± She says, blushing a bit but looking annoyed by his obliviousness. He blushes, even more embarrassed as she pries. ¡°Y-you don¡¯t know her.. Besides, what about you? I bet you haven¡¯t kissed anyone before.¡± He shifts the direction of the conversation. ¡°I definitely have.¡± She responds confidently. ¡°Oh yeah? Describe them.¡± ¡°Well he was tall, taller than you. He wore a lot of black and was pretty muscular-¡± ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re describing one of your story characters.¡± He says, poking fun at her. She blushes and gets angry. ¡°I am not! You don¡¯t know him! He doesn¡¯t even live in this city!¡± ¡°Yeah, well, same goes for me!¡± They begin arguing about it as Lucy and Ryuji watch. ¡°They really are something.¡± She says. ¡°Yep.¡± She looks at him, bleps her tongue out and begins to walk home. Ryuji blushes a bit at her action and follows. Eventually, Hikigaya and Shiori make their way home, both pouting because neither believes the other. As soon as they come through the door they both head straight for their rooms. ¡°How was school sweetie?¡± Hamasaki asks. ¡°Stay out of trouble?¡± Asami asks as well. Neither one of their children answer as they stomp up the stairs and into their rooms. They slam the doors shut and after a moment, they both open their doors again, stick their heads out and glare at each other. They stick their tongues out then slam their doors shut again. Asami looks confused while Hamasaki just sighs with a little smile on her face. ¡°Oh, to be young and in love.¡± ¡°Too bad Hikigaya got my temper.¡± Asami laughs with her hands on her hips, almost proud of it. Shiori throws her bag down on her desk and plops onto her bed on her back. She lets out an exhausted breath. ¡°That dumbass can be so annoying sometimes.¡± She groans. Some hours go by and everyone else has already gone to bed, but it is still not super late. Shiori pokes her head out of her room then steps out. She reluctantly knocks on Hikigaya¡¯s door. ¡°What?¡± His voice muffled from behind the door. ¡°Come on, we gotta make the cookies for tomorrow.¡± She says with a considerate volume. He opens his door. ¡°What cookies?¡± She gives him a look of disapproval of his forgetfulness. ¡°The cookies Ms. Samuel told us to make for the party?¡± He then gets a look as if remembering something. Earlier in class¡­ ¡°Since you two are partners, how about you both work together to bring in your snacks? Sound good? Great! I expect them to be twice as yummy!¡± She gives a little smirk knowing exactly what she¡¯s saying. As he remembers this, he gets an irritated look on his face. ¡°Great¡­¡± He rubs his head, looking upset for a moment before looking at Shiori. ¡°Well, I wish you luck. I hope they come out delicious.¡± He turns around to head back into his room but Shiori grabs his shoulder. ¡°Oh no, you¡¯re gonna help me with this. If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll tell Ms. Samuel and have her report you to the principal.¡± He sweats with an upset look but sighs and agrees. ¡°Fine¡­¡± They both head downstairs to the kitchen. ¡°Why did you wait until so late to tell me?¡± Hikigaya asks with a slightly upset tone. ¡°I didn¡¯t want anyone to see us baking together.¡± She responds casually. He kind of blushes at the statement but shakes his thoughts away. As he heads into the kitchen, Shiori goes into the living room and grabs the TV remote. ¡°Um, the kitchen is over here?¡± Hikigaya points out with an attitude. ¡°I know but I¡¯m not gonna make something in silence. I need something playing.¡± She puts on an animated movie, one she enjoys watching from time to time. She sets down the remote and joins Hikigaya. ¡°Ah, AnimalCity, good choice.¡± Hikigaya says with a satisfied smile. ¡°You like this movie?¡± She asks, surprised. ¡°Yeah, it may be about talking animals in a city, but I enjoy it.¡± Shiori looks surprised a bit but agrees. Hikigaya smiles at her and goes to look in the fridge. ¡°Welp, we don¡¯t have any cookie dough so we¡¯ll have to make some from scratch.¡± He says as he pulls out milk, chocolate chips and butter. ¡°You know how to make cookie dough from scratch?¡± She asks doubtfully. ¡°Nah, but how hard can it be?¡± A timer bell rings and they open up the oven to see the cookies on the tray. They look hideous. Shiori gives him a look like, ¡®Really?¡¯ and Hikigaya puts his hands on his hips. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s harder than it looks?¡± He says. ¡°Ya think?¡± She sighs and leans against the counter pulling out her phone. Hikigaya takes the cookies out and dumps them. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s try this again. This time with a bit less Hikigaya.¡± ¡°Hey.¡± She pulls up a recipe on her phone and reads it swiftly. She begins measuring and adding the ingredients, following the instructions step by step, using Hikigaya to do most of the laborious mixing. As he mixes the ingredients, Shiori reads the instructions more to make sure she¡¯s doing it right. She then pauses and looks at Hikigaya with a side glance. She notices him sticking his tongue out as he does his best to stir properly. She blushes a little. ¡®He¡¯s¡­ almost cute¡­¡¯ She then shakes her head a bit to remove the thought. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get them onto the sheet.¡± He nods happily. They put them into small portions onto the baking sheet and into the oven. They lean against the counter after setting the timer, taking a breath of relief finishing them up for the most part. They stand in silence for a moment before Shiori speaks up softly. ¡°Thanks for helping me.¡± ¡°Of course. I mean, you did do most of the work considering I just mixed but it was a team effort anyway!¡± He smiles at her. ¡°Yeah but you didn¡¯t have to.¡± He looks at her confused. ¡°What do you mean? We were told to make them together weren¡¯t we?¡± ¡°We were, but that doesn¡¯t mean you had to. I wouldn¡¯t have told Ms. Samuel if you didn¡¯t.¡± She admits softly. Hikigaya looks at her while she stares at the floor. ¡°I¡¯ve done dozens of ¡®group assignments¡¯ by myself throughout my life. At this point, I¡¯m used to it. If you really didn¡¯t want to, I wouldn¡¯t have made you.¡± She has a slightly distant look on her face while talking about this. Hikigaya notices it and looks a little confused on how to make it better. ¡°Shiori, I¡¯m your partner whether you like it or not. I¡¯ll always help you out.¡± He says, giving her a slight, awkward smile. She slightly smiles back. ¡°Yeah. Thanks.¡± Her smile fades quickly as she goes back to looking down. Hikigaya doesn¡¯t know what to do for her and sweats a bit until he notices he put his hand in a small pile of flour on the counter. He smirks a bit as he lifts his hand. ¡°Hey, Shiori.¡± ¡°Hm? O-¡± As she looks at him, he suddenly puts both his hands covered in flour on her cheeks, cupping her face in his hands. She blushes intensely, surprised for a moment before grabbing his wrists and angrily yelling at him. ¡°Hey! What do you think you¡¯re doing?!¡± She then calms a bit seeing him giggle at her. ¡°Hehe! You got flour on your face now!¡± She stops and realizes his hands, and now her face, are covered in flour. After a moment, she smiles a bit. ¡°Oh yeah? How about this?¡± She takes an open hand, now covered in flour too, and palms his face. Hikigaya coughs from the flour and smiles back with a mischievous smirk. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s it.¡± He grabs a handful of flour and aims at her as she runs around the kitchen isle, laughing and making excuses to make him stop. They play around late that night, laughing and throwing flour until the timer for the cookies eventually goes off. Too busy laughing with each other, Hikigaya holding Shiori close with his left arm and patting her head with flour, this batch of cookies too, ends up in the trash by the end of the night. CH. 28 - Last Day Of The First Year ¡°Alright! Last day, perfect triathlon runs, let¡¯s go!¡± If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. a bit are different now. You have the others all here for you. At the very least, you¡¯ll have me.¡± ¡®She hugged me!¡¯ CH. 29 - The Ink And Lead Convention ¡®Why was I dreaming of that again?..¡¯ The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡®Alljoy?¡¯ the Catherine Alljoy?! As in, writer of Clawless Love?!¡± CH. 30 - Spiraling If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. CH. 31 - The Final Piece. Shioris Birthday Party ¡°How did they find out?¡± you to go back. Not him.¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t go. I¡¯m¡­ busy¡­¡± Chizuru says over the phone. ¡°Yeah, sorry, I can¡¯t make it.¡± Lucy says as well in a different phone call. ¡®So cute.¡¯ ¡®To Shiori - From Amber¡¯ ¡®Dear Shiori, I¡¯m sorry I can¡¯t be there for your birthday. You know I would be if I could. I hope this day treats you well and even if it¡¯s not, just remember that good days come and go just like the bad ones. Just keep your head up little sis and everything will be better one day. I¡¯ll try to get back as soon as I can and then we¡¯ll have a real party as a family. - Love, Amber. P.s. Take care of Hikigaya for me while I¡¯m gone. I know he can be a lot sometimes but he¡¯s nicer on the inside. And take this to remember me while I¡¯m away.¡¯ CH. 32 - The Longest Night Begins ¡®I can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t go to Shiori¡¯s birthday party! I can only imagine how upset she must¡¯ve been. All because I was too scared to face Lucy¡­¡¯ ¡®I just don¡¯t know what to do. We¡¯ve never fought like this before. Should I just give her space until she¡¯s ready to talk? Or should I call her? And what about Shiori? What if she¡¯s so upset with me that I didn¡¯t go that she doesn¡¯t want to be friends anymore?!¡¯ ¡®There¡¯s so much happening, I don¡¯t know what to do¡­¡¯ ¡®No! I can¡¯t just give up! I¡¯ll fix this! I¡¯ll make it better! First things first, I gotta make up for missing Shiori¡¯s birthday. I have to get her something really nice! But where would I go at this hour..?¡¯ This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡®This isn¡¯t good. He¡¯s so strong, I can¡¯t land a hard enough hit. Watchdog would¡¯ve been a better match for him than me. I just hope he¡¯s got better luck.¡¯ She thinks with a slightly concerned look. we?¡± CH. 33 - Keeper Vs. Fullsky! ¡®He¡¯s still here somewhere¡­¡¯ She looks over sharply. ¡°There!¡± The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡®Another air cut! I can stop this!¡¯ CH. 34 - The Devils Syndicates Plan. Watchdog Vs. Sahara! Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. not my superior, you pain in my ass. We are all Pillars of the Devil¡¯s Syndicate. We all give the commands here.¡± ¡®It doesn¡¯t matter how many punches there are, he still only has two arms!¡¯ CH. 35 - Watchdogs Terrifying Secret ¡®Not good¡­ At this rate I¡¯ll¡­¡¯ If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡®What happened? Did I really do that? Why does my body feel like it¡¯s burning? I feel like I just worked out for five days straight¡­¡¯ all burn.¡± ¡®That should have worked. The serum is perfectly programmed, those frequencies give command without confusion. So how did he dodge?¡¯ ¡°Watchdog, throw yourself out the window.¡± ¡®He¡¯s fighting it..!¡¯ CH. 36 - Watchdog Vs. Strife Climax! You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. ¡®I¡¯m not getting anywhere. I have to take them down one at a time. I¡¯ll start with Strife!¡¯ ¡®That¡¯s it!¡¯ ¡°What if we can¡¯t do it? What if we can¡¯t stop them? Are we¡­ just causing more problems?..¡± ¡°As long as we stick together and keep doing the right thing we¡¯ll be okay.¡± CH. 37 - From Bad To Worse. Fullsky Vs. Commander Spark Begins! ¡®They all have one?!¡¯ She thinks. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. not destroy them.¡± turns, ¡®His attack¡­ Why is it hurting so much more than normal attacks do?..¡¯ CH. 38 - Fullsky Vs. Spark Climax! Fullskys Desperate Struggle If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. CH. 39 - The Longest Night Ends This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. CH. 40 - The Sun Shines Even After Tragedy The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. If you plan on fighting bad guys too, CH. 41 - The First Day of a New Year Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. She says as she turns to Ryuji. CH. 42 - Vigilantes Retired. A New Club on the Horizon If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. CH. 43 - The Helpers Club! Ryuji Confronts Lucy? Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. CH. 44 - The Club Festival. Amys Evil Plan? Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. CH. 45 - The Club Festival Ends. On the Hunt For the Missing Bear! ¡®What am I doing? Why am I so worried about this? He¡¯s obviously fine and wants to still be around me¡­¡¯ ¡°Sorry you didn¡¯t really get to give out your cookies Ryuji¡­¡± Lucy says hesitantly. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°I was just coming to school one day with him in my bag like I normally do when at some point I had to put my bag down.¡± She walks to class with a normal looking brown teddy bear sticking out of her bag when someone calls her. ¡®Be right there!¡¯ she says as she puts her bag down at her desk. ¡®Don¡¯t go anywhere.¡¯ she tells her bear, playfully. ¡°Next thing I knew¡­ he was¡­ gone!¡± *gasp* It belongs to Mormo! I¡¯m sure of it!¡± Suiyoubi gasps. CH. 46 - The Talking Bear Mormo. The Start of a New Friendship? Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. CH. 47 - Amys Plan. Tsukis Confession? ¡°You¡¯re thirteen now. It¡¯s time you start taking care of yourself.¡± A woman¡¯s voice says in his head before a man¡¯s voice speaks too. ¡°We are going to leave this home to you. You better take good care of yourself and do everything you¡¯re supposed to so that you may grow and one day take your place among the-¡± ¡®I don¡¯t want to think about it¡­¡¯ This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. CH. 48 - Tsuki Pushes Back. Touma and the Upperclassman? If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. CH. 49 - Toumas Big Sister. The Helpers Clubs Next Mission? ¡®He wants friends and better communication skills, huh?.. This sounds like a job for¡­¡¯ ¡°The Helpers Club.¡± Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°COME ON, MOVE IT! I WANT TO SEE SWEAT AND TEARS, LET¡¯S GO!¡± pant* long was that?¡± Shiori asks Hikigaya, catching her breath. *pant* three kilometers. in five minutes.¡± ¡®Oh man! Why do I keep bringing it up? He¡¯s obviously still hurt by it! I have to think of something to change the subject!¡¯ CH. 50 - The Deal to Win! Sports Festival On the Way! This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡®This guy is huge! Who is he?¡¯ He thinks.