Shizuma witnessed the little scene between the bickering Spicans, although she wasn't sure exactly what was said, she saw Tsubomi-chan's face, and that was enough to tell her that something was wrong. She had never seen the girl look simultaneously angry and upset, and the dark-haired girl, Nanto Yaya-san, whose name Miyuki had to remind her of earlier, was angrily retorting to whatever the girl had said. Shizuma saw the cute face fall, and she swore she could see tears building. Immediately, she began moving closer, not wanting to get involved, but not wanting to see the younger girl looking so upset either. She caught Hikari-san's name being spit out among the pink-haired girl's parting words before she fled the room as fast as her shorter legs could carry her.

Nanto-san was staring at the doorway the girl had disappeared through. Her face was stricken, as well she should be, making a cute girl like Tsubomi cry like that. Shizuma felt anger at the thought that maybe this girl was the reason Tsubomi was crying last time at the lake as well, it was possible, but she wasn't sure yet. She strode purposefully towards the door with the intention of following the younger girl herself. She glanced sideways at Nanto-san's face, narrowing her eyes as she glared at the dark-haired spican. At that moment, Nanto-san glanced in her direction, their eyes meeting briefly, Shizuma noted that the girl's eyes had widened as she recognised the venomous glare was for her, and satisfied that her silent message was received, Shizuma picked up her pace, exiting the dining area and noticing the front doors leading outside had been flung open. Tsubomi must have gone that way, but it had just gone dark outside, with the light of the rising full moon illuminating the trees gently, she shouldn't be out at this time, Shizuma was now getting more worried. She swiftly moved through the doors and out into the crisp open air, which was starting to get a bit chill. She knew of only one place the pink-haired kouhai might go to, so she set out for the lake, hoping Tsubomi was okay.

Shizuma's heart sank unexpectedly when she saw the bench the girl usually sat in empty, where was she? She must still be outside here somewhere. Moving towards the lake, she caught a flash of pink from behind a tree nearer the lake, 'Is that her? What is she doing there?' Shizuma silently moved closer, peering around the trunk she saw a small girl with pink hair in a spica uniform, sitting on the ground, huddled against the tree with her knees drawn up to her head, hiding her face from view.

"Tsubomi-chan?" No response from the younger girl. Carefully Shizuma sat down next to her as close as possible without touching the girl. She moved her arm gently around the petite shoulders, slowly pulling her closer. Tsubomi seemed to allow the contact, lifting her head and falling to the side, into the older girl's embrace. The pink head settled on Shizuma's chest as the taller girl wrapped her arms more securely around her kouhai, to both comfort and provide warmth as the temperature was slowly dropping, and the former etoile didn't want her young friend to catch ill.

"I'm here Tsubomi, whether you want to talk or not, just relax now, I'll stay with you." She cooed into a small ear, barely visible through the cascade of soft pink splayed across her chest.

"S-Shizuma-sempai?" The girl mumbled against her, "what're you doin' here?" her voice slightly muffled.

"I saw you run out and wanted to make sure you're okay, it's a bit late to be outside Tsubomi-chan, I was worried." Shizuma replied as she gently rubbed the smaller girl's back in what she hoped was a soothing pattern.

"O-Oh. You- you didn't have to… I'm… fine…" her mumbled words weren't very convincing, the older girl realised that her kouhai was making no effort whatsoever to move from her embrace, her small body felt tired and limp, like she simply had no energy left in her. What had happened to the little spitfire she had enjoyed talking to the other day? Shizuma was worried but knew that all she could do for the girl at this moment was comfort her to the best of her ability.

"You don't look fine, don't worry Tsubomi-chan I won't tell anyone that you were upset, and you don't even have to tell me what happened, just know that I am always here if you want to. You're not alone." Shizuma replied sincerely, raising her other hand to stroke the girl's head and run her fingers gently through the soft locks of pink.

"…But I am… always… have been…" The reply was so quiet that Shizuma almost didn't catch it, the voice sounded so lost and uncertain that Shizuma felt herself reigning in her own impending tears as her own emotions both past and present was pulled to the front of her consciousness by the sweet underclassman she was now cradling.

"I thought that once too… like the light in my world was gone, and that I would be alone, and unloved… forever. Every day was dark and filled with longing for something I could never have…" The girl in her arms was still, sensing the seriousness of her sempai's admission.

"But even though I thought I was alone I wasn't truly, there was someone who was always there, someone who cared for me deeply, and supported me, lifting me up, consoling me… in her own way, it took me a while to see it, and to appreciate her fully, but she was there, and still is. Sometimes it only takes one person… to change us… to help us feel again… if we let them of course." Shizuma paused, continuing her soothing strokes of the pink hair, she could practically feel the younger girl's brain ticking this information over in her head. Then Tsubomi shifted her head to the side so one red-rimmed eye was visible, softly looking up at Shizuma, no trace of her usual Tsundere attitude present, Shizuma's stomach twisted a little nervously, she hadn't told anyone else that before, but she had spilled her feelings instantly to this pink-haired girl.

"…Miyuki-senpai is truly a wonderful person isn't she?"

Shizuma was a little stunned, 'How did she know I was talking about Miyuki?' This girl was far more intelligent and mature than she was given credit for. She smiled gently at her kouhai.

"Yes, she is. She is my longest childhood friend, we even went to kindergarten together. I feel like I haven't been half the friend she has been to me, and many times I questioned if I even deserved her as a friend, but all I can do now is show her I appreciate everything she has done for me and be there in future whenever she needs support."

The younger girl was silent for a minute. "I'm glad… you have someone like that Shizuma-senpai… it must be nice… having someone… who you can trust… who will support you… no matter what…" She spoke quietly, moving her face back into Shizuma's chest, shielding her eyes. Shizuma was saddened by the way she said it, as if she had no one in her life who would do those things for her. A girl like Tsubomi was so precious, she must be close to somebody, a childhood friend, or even a family member would care for her, right?

"You have friends Tsubomi-chan… perhaps you haven't known them for as long as I've known Miyuki, but they still care, and if you don't want to go to them I am here, and Chikaru-san is always willing to help anyone, I know many of the underclassmen talk to her about their problems." Shizuma kissed the top of the pink head without thinking. Her kouhai remained still and silent. She thought about her next question, but ultimately her curiosity got the better of her.

"And… you are friends with… Nanto-san aren't you? I know you argued earlier… but she would care wouldn't she?" Shizuma paused again, wondering if she had asked too much.

"Hmmph, doubt it. Yaya-senpai only ever thinks of herself." The girl mumbled, then sighed, "You saw us earlier."

"Yes… I wasn't going to say anything in case she was the reason you were crying… I'm sorry if I overstepped, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to." She reassured the girl, not wanting the girl to pull back from the closeness she was allowing at that moment.

"She… wasn't entirely… the reason… she just… overwhelms me sometimes…" Tsubomi hesitantly admitted.

"She has a broken heart… I promised myself… I would help her… I've been trying… but…" Tsubomi lifted her head, raising her sad and tired eyes to meet Shizuma's.

"She's not like you sempai… she's alone but when I try to be there for her… she sometimes lashes out, as you saw. She gets angry… usually at herself but she takes it out on others… well me I suppose… but she's not like that all the time, today she was kind and… fun to be around… but Hikari-sempai came over and ruined whatever progress she made today. She's still far from over Hikari-senpai… I feel bad sometimes when I wonder if it's all worth it… because it is… I want her to be happy again… I was afraid for her mental health at first… I stayed with her even when she screamed and cried and starved herself… I stayed because I cared about her and I was afraid… that she would harm herself… maybe even suicide. That's how depressed she was." Shizuma's eyes widened at Tsubomi's revelation, her respect and admiration for this pink-haired kouhai rose dramatically knowing the task that this girl had set herself. No wonder the girl was crying, caring for someone broken like that was so hard, especially if that person was aggressive and not wanting help, at least Shizuma could say that at her worst she had never lashed out at Miyuki the way it seems this Nanto-san had done numerous times to her kouhai, and Miyuki never had to worry about her being suicidal.

"I guess this sort of makes me Miyuki-sempai in this situation." Tsubomi chuckled humourlessly.

"I'm sorry Tsubomi, you're in a difficult situation with Nanto-san. Thank you for trusting me, I won't say anything about this but… if it gets worse… if you think she will hurt herself… I think you should get professional help for her. You are an amazing girl for doing everything you have for her, but you are still a student, you have other obligations, and you can't support someone like that forever. Hopefully she will be okay now… with you caring for her… but don't drive yourself into the ground. If you ever need support, even if you just want to sit and talk about Nanto-san or anything else, don't hesitate to come to me, okay? I can be your support, if you want me to."

The violet eyes stared into hers as more tears welled up and began to fall.

"Tsubomi…" The younger girl fell forward, burying her face into Shizuma's shoulder, and flinging one arm around her neck, clutching at the back of her shirt. The girl didn't answer her, just quietly sobbed for a few minutes as Shizuma pulled her close, rubbing her back and making soothing noises in her ear. Eventually the girl slumped against her fully, her quiet breathing slowing down and becoming more steady, almost as if… 'Is she asleep?'

Shizuma gently pulled back to look at the girl's face, her expression was calm and soft and very much peacefully asleep. 'She must be exhausted from all that crying, I better take her back now.' She took a minute to admire the adorable sleeping face of the young girl she was really beginning to care for. It was a shame the girl obviously felt alone, like no one cared for her, Shizuma was sure that Nanto-san wasn't the entire reason for her crying, but the girl had already entrusted her with a lot more than she had expected she might. Maybe one day she will trust her more and tell Shizuma more about herself, the conversation was basically about Nanto-san after all.

Shizuma gently positioned the girl so she could slip one arm under her knees, with her arm already wrapped around the slim waist and Tsubomi's arm around her neck making it easier to lift the girl into her arms, princess style, and stand. She carefully began walking back to the dorms, hoping the doors were still open, as she took care not to jostle her precious cargo too much.

As she came within sight of the entrance, she saw Miyuki waiting patiently by the open door, as she moved closer Miyuki had signalled someone inside and Chikaru-san also appeared, looking both worried and relieved. Shizuma tightened her hold on her pink kouhai and swiftly ascended the few steps, walking through the open door as Miyuki and Chikaru-san made way for her, Miyuki closing the door behind her.

"Is she alright?" Chikaru-san's worried tone caught Shizuma's attention as she turned to face the Lulim president.

"She's okay, just asleep. I'll take her to her dorm now if you'd show me the way Chikaru-san?" Shizuma didn't know why but she felt sure Chikaru would know, the Lulim president seemed more than just generally concerned for an underclassman, she seemed quite upset at Tsubomi's condition, they must know each other well.

"Ah, yes Shizuma-sama, her dorm is this way, I'll show you." Chikaru-san immediately began to lead the way, Shizuma following, cradling the young girl to her. They both ignored the few students lingering by the stairs to the entrance hall and moved with purpose as quickly as possible to get Tsubomi safe and out of view of the other students, knowing the girl wouldn't like to be made a spectacle of.

Shizuma made sure to memorise the way, and stopped outside the door Chikaru indicated as the president opened the door for her. She walked in and waited for Chikaru to pull back the covers of Tsubomi's bed, the other bed in the room was obviously vacant, so Tsubomi must not have a roommate. Shizuma gently laid the pink-haired girl down on her bed, taking the liberty of delicately stroking her head while Chikaru helpfully removed the girl's shoes so they could cover her with the blanket.

"What happened?" Chikaru asked quietly.

"She ran from the dining hall after an argument with Nanto-san. I followed her, and comforted her the best I could, she fell asleep so I carried her back." Shizuma answered briefly, she said nothing of what Tsubomi had told her in confidence, even though she was sure Chikaru-san would know something about the situation anyway, she always knew things, she wasn't called the 'Shadow Empress of Astraea' for nothing.

"Yaya-san doesn't realise what she has." Shizuma looked at Chikaru, surprised at the bitter tone in her voice. The Lulim president's eyes were on the young sleeping girl as she continued. "She relies on her to be her strength, her supporting kouhai, but she doesn't know the toll it truly takes on Tsubomi-chan."

Guess Chikaru knew almost as much as she did about the situation, it was rare to see reactions like this from Chikaru-san, who was always careful with her true emotions, and always watching everyone else. Chikaru-san was a caring person by nature, but her reactions towards Tsubomi was something Shizuma had never seen from the Lulim president before. Shizuma made a mental note to keep an eye out for more clues as to the relationship between the two.

"I guess we should leave her to sleep, we can check on her tomorrow Chikaru-san." Shizuma moved towards the door, opening it for Chikaru.

"Yes, you're right, I hope she will feel better then."

Yaya lay on her bed, trying not to feel as upset as she did about the fact that Tsubomi hadn't come this morning to get her. If she let herself worry over how much Tsubomi might hate her now then she'd dissolve into tears again, like she had last night. After her argument with Tsubomi and the girl's sudden departure, Yaya had gone straight to her dorm and broken down. She knew she had messed up, again. Seeing Hikari had upset her and caused her to go on the defensive and she had hurt Tsubomi again. The last words the girl spoke to her really struck her heart. She hadn't said that to Tsubomi had she? That she'd rather be with anyone else? She probably had at some point when she was arguing with the girl or angry. But she had never really meant it. But Tsubomi had believed her. Despite their friendship, strained as it may be at the moment because of Yaya, she thought that Tsubomi knew that she did care for her in her own way, that she didn't want anyone else around her except her little pink-haired kouhai.

Yaya sat up, thinking about what she should say to her young friend, at this point, she didn't care if she had to grovel on her hands and knees, she needed everything to be okay again. She needed her Tsubomi back, and she needed to make her understand that she didn't mean to hurt her, that it was another dumb mistake on her part. She would do whatever the pink haired girl wanted as long as she forgave her.

Yaya moved off her bed, quickly getting dressed, maybe she could catch her pink kouhai at breakfast. 'Feeling sorry for myself won't fix the problem. I need to fix it now. I need to get my Tsubomi back.' The possessive nature of her feelings towards Tsubomi hardly even bothered her anymore, she just accepted them. Tsubomi wasn't just needed anymore, she wanted her there with her, always. The thought of Tsubomi hating her and never coming back was tearing her apart inside, she can't let that happen, not if there's something she could do about it.

After rushing down to breakfast, she had looked around and was immediately defeated when no pink hair was visible in the dining hall. She couldn't give up yet, maybe Tsubomi had come early and left? The only way she could know is to ask someone. Spotting Tamao and Nagisa at a table, she figured they would be the best and easiest to ask first, they were also friends with Tsubomi after all. She walked over to their table and sat down, surprising the two.

"Hello Tamao-chan, Nagisa-chan. You haven't happened to have seen Tsubomi-chan this morning have you?" Yaya wasn't in the mood for small talk and decided to get to the point.

"Yaya-san. Good morning. I'm afraid we haven't, though from what apparently happened last night I wouldn't be surprised if she skipped today." Yaya's stomach dropped, was Tamao talking about their argument? How would she know about that? Then again it would be unusual of her to call Yaya out like this, to her face, maybe she's missing something?

"What are you talking about?" Yaya focused on Tamao intently.

"U-Um you didn't know? A lot of people are talking about it, a few girls witnessed it after all…" Tamao looked uncertain, even Nagisa stopped eating, looking down at her plate with a small frown.

"Obviously I don't know, so please enlighten me." Yaya managed to get out calmly, but inside she was ready to explode, 'just spit it out already!'

"Tsubomi-chan disappeared outside last night and apparently Shizuma-sama went after her." Yaya felt like Tamao had punched her in the gut, was Tsubomi okay? This was obviously Yaya's fault, she ran outside after their argument.

"They were gone for a while and Rokujou-sama and Chikaru-sama were waiting for them by the doors looking worried. Then Shizuma-sama eventually returned, carrying Tsubomi-chan in her arms, she was either asleep or passed out, or so we heard." Yaya's worry escalated, what the hell happened out there?! And Shizuma-sama being the one to go after her and bring her back? Yaya briefly remembered the glare the former etoile had sent her as she left the room, but how the hell does she know Tsubomi? Yaya should've gone after the girl immediately when she ran away, but why would Tsubomi run outside?

"Yaya-chan?" Nagisa spoke up, "are you okay?"

"This is my fault." Yaya lowered her head to stare at the table.

"Yaya-san? How is it your fault?" Tamao inquired gently.

"We had an argument, I said something I didn't mean, I guess she finally had enough of me." She rose from the table abruptly, intent on finding the pinkette.

"Excuse me but I need to find her."

She must be in her dorm room, Yaya remembered where it was, she would go see her friend, make sure she was okay, and apologise profusely, that was the plan.

She knocked on the door and waited, receiving no answer, she tried the handle, finding it unlocked. She opened the door and slipped inside, noticing her kouhai still asleep. This worried her also, Tsubomi never slept in this late, she was always up early to pry Yaya out of her room. Well, it looked like it was Yaya's turn to wake up the sleeping beauty. She carefully sat on the bed, and shook the smaller girl gently.

"Tsubomi-chan, wake up. Tsubomi-chan…"

"Ughhh…" Tsubomi turned over and opened bleary eyes in confusion.

"Yaya-sempai… wat're you doin' here…" she mumbled sleepily. If Yaya wasn't in serious mode right now she would grin at Tsubomi's cute response.

"You slept in, so I came to wake you up. Are you… are you okay?" Yaya asked uncertainly.

"mm fine… go away… I… tired." The younger girl grumbled and settled back in her blankets as she was before Yaya disturbed her.

"I don't think so Tsubomi-chan… you'll be late. Come on, get up." She tried to pull back the blankets a little, realising the girl was still in yesterday's uniform.

"Noooo…" Tsubomi curled into a ball clutching at the blanket.

"Yeeeesss Tsubomi, come on you're still in your uniform. If you ask me nicely, I'll help you get dressed…" Yaya couldn't resist slipping that tease in to the conversation.

"Hmmph. You wish." Was mumbled from the blanket.

"I could probably think of more creative ways to get you out bed Tsubomi, and out of that uniform too, care to test me?" Yaya smirked a little, enjoying seeing Tsubomi like this in a way, it was different, and really cute.

There was significantly quicker movement as the younger girl sat up, her fluffy pink hair messed, with her drowsy violet eyes narrowing to glare at the dark haired intruder.

"Baka." Was all she offered in response.

Yaya decided now was the time to hug her and apologise, she grabbed Tsubomi and pulled her against her, wrapping her arms securely around the surprised girl.

"Tsubomi I'm sorry, I know I seem to be saying this a lot now, but I didn't mean what I said, please don't hate me." She hated how her voice cracked a little there but continued, "I wouldn't rather be with anyone else but you, you're my pink dragon and I need you, so much. I'll tell Hikari I'm going with you in the break if that's still okay with you. I don't wanna be around her anyway. She makes me feel bad, I know she doesn't do it on purpose but, if she hardly talks to either of us all this time then expects us to stay with her and her girlfriend, I mean what the hell? No way in hell that's happening. I'd rather be here with you anyway."

She hugged the silent girl closer, trying to convey her sincerity. She relaxed a little when smaller, slender arms wrapped around her, hugging her back. God, Tsubomi was nothing like Hikari. Moments like these with Tsubomi were so real, Tsubomi hugged her back, Tsubomi always forgave her even though she was such a bitch, if she had treated Hikari like that, Yaya was sure Hikari wouldn't have stayed with her like Tsubomi had. Tsubomi was so warm, Tsubomi never looked at her with fear, or unease, like she couldn't be trusted, like she was some kind of monster, like Hikari had after the incident. Tsubomi glared in annoyance yes, but she was never malicious about it, she cared, she just had a hard time showing it because she was a Tsundere.

Yaya's stomach flipped in nervousness and a little excitement at having the pink-haired kouhai in her arms. Her feelings were rushing at her, they were a little overwhelming, she had been in denial and skirting around her feelings for her kouhai for a while now, but no more, it was obviously affecting their relationship and needed to be known. It was still too early for Yaya to give voice to these new feelings and she didn't want to do something stupid or make her little Tsundere uncomfortable. Plus she needed some time for Tsubomi to truly accept her apology and for them both to get over this incident. But hopefully, in the meantime, she could give the girl hints and possibly warm her up to the idea of maybe being with Yaya.

"You're a baka, you were bound to say something stupid sooner or later." Tsubomi's words of acceptance for her apology. She loved Tsubomi's fire, even when sleepy, the girl would have a comeback for her. Little dragon indeed.