Note: Going through a couple rollercoaster stuff, but I'm trying to write when I can! Feedback=welcome! Also if I haven't said so before happy pride month y'all(REALLY LATE IK)

Kou froze, watching him slowly, before muttering "Ihavetogookaybye." Before Mitsuba could respond, he darted off, running out to his next class. He'd forgotten his gym bag, but it was hopefully fine. He didn't want to deal with Mitsuba right now, and he wasn't sure he could, because of the Valentine's note. So, he ran off to his next class, because thankfully this was the ONE class Mitsuba wasn't in...whew. As he sat down in his latest class, he couldn't help but panic all the way throughout the lesson...this was stupid. But since he was so stressed, he decided to do the one thing that could partially relax him...simply planning what to cook when he got home Teru was always busy and couldn't cook to save his life, so the responsibility fell onto him.

Tonight, he'd keep it simple. Just some noodles. He was volunteering for gardening club anyway, so he'd need to. Usually, he didn't, but since Mitsuba's walk home aligned with his, he didn't want to risk it. He'd need to ask his friend Nene about that...but, class had just finished, so now was the time to do it. As Nene was walking to her next class, Kou caught up with her, an awkward smile on his face. "So, Nene...remember a while ago when you told me the gardening club was always open if I had time to volunteer?" She rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what he was getting at. "Kou, I said time to volunteer, not time to avoid Mitsuba...." He smiled sheepishly, shrugging. Nene rolled her eyes again, sighing. "Fine. Come after school. But, we will be talking about Mitsuba. It's not like we have much work so late in October anyway.." Kou paused at the mention of October, knowing subconsciously that he'd need to attend the Halloween party soon...with Mitsuba. God, why'd he invite him...

Later, Kou finished up school, and began to walk over to the garden to Nene, who instantly sighed, handing him a pot. "Hold this, please. Why can't you just confess? Believe in love, god..." Kou chuckled awkwardly, watching her transfer the dirt. "Well, it's not that simple....I might confess, but it just seems wrong...he doesn't even like me like that!" At that sentence, Nene paused, watching him. "You did not just say that...." Kou shrugged, running his free hand through his hair. "I don't know, of course he doesn't!" Nene sighed, taking the pot. "Look, Kou, even if not, it's a good idea to at least try! You're hopeless..."

Kou sighed, staring up at the sky. Did Mitsuba genuinely like him back..? It seemed like a lost cause...plus, if Mitsuba would ever crush on anyone, it would be Teru....that was who everyone had a crush on. Either Teru or Aoi, and Mitsuba barely knew her...it was practically pointless, at this point. Plus, he wouldn't-"Kou." He glanced up in slight surprise, snapping out of his thoughts. "Hand me the rake. Honestly....if you're just here to think about Mitsuba, you might as well see him in person-oh! I have the perfect idea. Everyone's going around and asking each other to go out to prom. Why don't you ask him!" Kou froze at the thought, instantly shaking his head. "No way. I'd rather run a marathon." Nene smirked, sitting down next to him. "Alright then, if you don't ask Mitsuba out, me, Amane, and your brother will all make you run a marathon...just texted them all!" Kou froze,groaning in annoyance. "I hate you so much....I'm gonna head home." She nodded, smirking. "Got it. Just remember the deal now~"