"I'm sorry, Kotarou. But I can't let you catch my cold."

Ryuuichi apologizingly smiled at his little brother. At that, Kotarou looks so extremely betrayed that it made me amused. Obaa-san told us she'll warm Ryuuichi's food while Saikawa promised a dessert after dinner.

"Oh well," I started after the others left. "I need to go throw the water away. And you need to rest. So sleep. We'll wake you up when it's time to eat."

"Neko?" he called, making me turn.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you." Ryuuichi smiled warmly, making me nod.

"You're welcome."

"Saikawa." I called out when he's about to rest for the night. "Tomorrow morning, can you help me?"

"With what, if I may know, Neko-sama?" his eyes opened, his impassive stare making me uncomfortable a bit.

"My hair. You know how to do haircut, right? Obaa-san told me before that I should let you cut my hair instead of going to shops. It saves money." I nibbled my lower lip. This is a big damn sacrifice in my part, to be honest. In my fifteen years of existence, I never thought of cutting my hair and then actually committing myself to the idea.

"…" he looks like he was about to question why I want to cut my hair all of a sudden, but went against it. "… very well, Neko-sama. We'll be cutting your hair tomorrow morning."

I nodded.

"Onee-chan!" Usagi smiled at me from the tub. I smiled back before looking up at the ceiling. My eyes then drifted to the huge mirror that was placed on a wall along with the sink. I stood up and faced the mirror, looking at how long my hair has been.

"It'll be really a waste." I muttered, playing with the ends of my hair. "But it's been such a hassle…" sighing, I went back sitting at the side of the tub.

"Onee-chan, you look so pretty." Usagi commented, making me blink at her. "You're like Rapunzel! But… you're prettier when your hair… is short…" she struggled with her words, but I smiled.

"You really know Onee-chan, huh?" I asked her, making the raven-haired smile.

"Okaa-chan won't be mad," she said, as if really sure. "Okaa-chan will be happy because… you're still so pretty…"

I wistfully smiled, leaning my head against the rim of the tub. "… will she?"

FROM: BIRDIE (KAMITANI)

TO: MIDGET (KITAGAWA)

You're running today?

FROM: MIDGET (KITAGAWA)

TO: BIRDIE (KAMITANI)

Probably not. I'm doing something. Wanna see it later?

FROM: BIRDIE (KAMITANI)

TO: MIDGET (KITAGAWA)

Whatever. Do what you want.

"What a supportive person," I mumbled, putting my phone away as Saikawa placed a cloth around my neck, thus covering my whole body. "We're starting?"

"Yes." I heard his deep voice. "Just how short do you want it, Neko-sama?"

I placed a hand on my shoulder. "Just a little past my shoulders."

"E-Eh?" I looked at Ryuuichi who was drinking tea across me. "That short? But that's so… that would be…"

"A sight." I nodded, sighing. "But it's really long. And I've been thinking of cutting it short."

"It would suit you, Neko-sama." Saikawa started snipping. "You have natural wavy hair. Keeping your hair short and maintaining its waviness would be bringing out your inner femininity."

"Shut up, Saikawa." I sighed.

"He's right though?" Ryuuichi chimed in. "You would really look pretty. I can already see it."

"Stop stroking the girl's ego. It's already inflated."

"It's not, Obaa-san." I protested, making the old woman huff while looking away. Ryuuichi and Usagi laughed.

"ANIKI!"

"What, Taka?" the teenager gruffly answered, not taking his eyes away from the television.

"It's Neko-nee-chan, look!"

In instant, Hayato looked and saw his little brother holding their mother's phone. He took the phone from him, ignoring his sudden protests, and then saw what the brat was talking about.

The girl in the photo has argentine-white wavy hair, the tips just past her small shoulders. Her jade-green eyes were strangely glowing, as if content and happy in the moment. Her smooth, lean legs were crossed and she was leaning on the side, as if striking a pose. Her face was plopped to her palm, facing the camera with a small smile.

There was nothing on the caption, just an emoticon of a camera while tagging Kashima. Which means he could be the one who took the photo. His eyebrows rose when seeing how many comments and likes her photo has gotten. Some he could recognize from the school, but some not.

"She's famous, right?" his mother's voice rang from behind him, making him slightly jolt. "How lucky you and Ryuuichi are. Usaida tells me that she never really hangs out with anybody else except you two and maybe Inomata. Protect her, will you?"

"What are you saying, lady? Shut up."

WHACK!

"Who are you saying 'shut up' to, huh?"

"Wow, Neko!" Ryuuichi looks at his phone with awe. "You got so many good responds."

"I did?" I frowned. I looked at my phone which keeps quiet. Oh right. "I turned my notifications off so I don't really know what's happening."

"But look!" He showed me his phone. "One thousand retweets and on-going! You're famous! Sugoi!"

"That's not a big deal, Ryuu." I waved my hand dismissively. He looks so hyped up and completely awed, but popularity and fame isn't something I'm fond of. "Besides, you're quite popular yourself."

However, it doesn't seem that he heard me. He was too busy scrolling up and down. "Oh? … Fujiwara Hiromi's look-alike?"

I stopped reaching for the cream cheese and turns to him. "What did you say?"

"E-Eh? Some of the comments keep saying that you look exactly like Fujiwara Hiromi. Who is that?" he faced me the screen of his phone, but I quickly looked away. Curiosity is a temptation. Goddamn it.

"No one," I quickly answered. "Come on, Ryuu. Help me here instead."

"Right!" he looks sheepish at that moment. "Sorry, Neko."

"It's okay." I understandingly told him. "You're a teenager, it's only normal."

Ryuuichi hummed then helped me search for ingredients.

FROM: MIDGET (KITAGAWA)

TO: BIRDIE (KAMITANI)

[ATTACHED PICTURE]

What you say?

FROM: BIRDIE (KAMITANI)

TO: MIDGET (KITAGAWA)

I already saw that. You posted on social media, idiot. Everyone's going to see it.

FROM: MIDGET (KITAGAWA)

TO: BIRDIE (KAMITANI)

Hey, at least I personally sent you a pic. And that's a different one, stupid. Look at it first.

He found himself staring at a selfie of the girl, a cat filter was on and she was hiding her small soft smile behind her hand.

… she just really had to use a cat filter, of all things.

"High school sucks,"

"Aww, you already judged that quickly? How fast, Neko-chan~"

"H-How come you got into that conclusion, Neko?" Ryuuichi asked, confused at my instant statement. "I heard high school is fun. How come you think it sucks?"

I sent him a deadpan look, making him startle. "That's just how I think it is."

"Hey, now that you mention high school, why don't we look at their clubs?" Usaida suggests, making me turn to him. "Like a tour?"

"Won't we be bothering them?" Ryuuichi asked, worried.

"Hey, it's no big deal." Usaida assured. "At this time of year, anyone's free to look in on any club."

"Neko-nee-chan, take me!" I turned and saw Taka reaching his hand to me. Sighing, I took him from Ryuuichi's back and settled him into my lap. Usagi was holding my side along with Kirin.

"Besides, the kids are probably excited to go."

"I wanna go to the baseball club!" Taka informed.

"I wanna go to my mama's club!" Kirin chimed in.

"Wanna see!"

"Wanna… see…"

"Okay, let's go!" Usaida cheered, inching already towards the door.

"Wait a minute, Usaida-san!" I noticed Ryuuichi slipping in the recruitment poster inside his pocket. Sighing, I followed.

"Fartin'! Fartin'! Brap! Brap! Brap!"

"…"

"One! Two! Three! Four! Brap! Brap! Brap!"

"… Usaida, you taught them that?" I whirled around to face Usaida, who only watched amusingly.

"They're cute, that's what matters, Neko-chan."

I rolled my eyes and looked back to Ryuuichi who, for some reason, looks embarrassed. Not that I am judging him, I could be embarrassed as well if only I'm not used to people's stares already.

Not a short moment after, we arrived at the Drama Club's club room. I helped Kirin opening the door, but what was behind the door surprised us,

"Oh… Kirin, and all your little friends… Welcome…"

Majority of the kids were scared (Takuma seems to be the only who's smiling) while Yayoi-sensei started to brag about the highlight of the Drama Club. I hummed, praising the art. "Looks convincing at least."

"Glad you think the same, Neko-chan." Yayoi-sensei smiled at me. "Also, congratulations on entering high school, you two."

"Thank you." Ryuuichi and I simultaneously answered.

"Do you two want to join the Drama Club? To discover a new you?" I blinked when she took hold of my hand and Ryuuichi's. "I think you two have talent."

"Talent or not, I can't really manage to be in two clubs." I politely said, pulling my hand out of her grasp. I flashed a soft smile at her, "I'm sorry." The drama teacher looks a bit taken aback, obviously surprised of how fast I responded. I made it clear on the first place. I can't act nor should I will.

"Um… but I…" Ryuuichi looks so hesitating.

"You kids have talent!"

We turned to the side and saw members recruiting new people. I frowned when I saw the students that were recruited. For a minute, I really thought Yayoi-sensei was really genuine. Maybe she is, but not that much.

"We're going to help that talent blossom!"

I heard Ryuuichi sighing beside me. I snickered to myself. He was about to be convinced, huh? Oh well, it's only natural for him. A club focusing on babysitting is not that of a great feat after all.

"Um, I have the same reason with Neko." Ryuuichi smiled abashedly. "I can't handle being in two clubs at the same time and I really need to focus on babysitting. I'm sorry." He bowed, making me do the same. I forgot doing that earlier.

Just then, Kotarou pulled Ryuuichi's pants softly, making the brunette look down at him. "What is it, Kotarou?"

I looked down to Usagi who tugged at my socks. "Onee-chan, I smell sweets."

I blinked. "… Sweets?"

"Ah, Neko! Wait!" Ryuuichi called after me. I turned my head to look back at him. "Wait for me!"

"At this state, I won't be able to catch up with the kids, you know." I reminded him, making him sweatdrop. "Do you want me to wait for you? Or go ahead?"

"Go ahead, please." He sighed. "I'll wait for Usaida-san. He is taking too long anyway."

"Okay," I nodded. I quickly went after the children, Usagi in my arms. The brats were easy to find, considering they don't have long legs and therefore not that fast, and it's because they stopped to greet Umi-sensei. "Ohayo."

"Ohayo, Neko-chan." The P.E teacher smiled up at me. "Where are you all going?"

"Well, we're looking at high school clubs, but—"

"Smells good!" Kirin sniffed the air before commenting. Taka did the same and agreed.

"Over there! Let's go!" the small loud boy exclaimed before running away along with Kirin, the twins following. I sighed. Troublesome brats…

"They look like they're having fun," Umi-sensei commented, standing up. She's beaming as always. "How about you, Usagi-chan? Are you having fun?"

"Yes!" Usagi answered cutely. I adjusted my arms around her. "Onee-chan is having fun too!"

Umi-sensei looks up at me, because of her petite height, and with a meaningful smile, she spoke. "I'm glad she is."

I blinked at her words. What…?

"I have my own club to get to, but I'll see you later." She bid goodbye before leaving, while I bow in return. I continued walking. The sweet smell of pastry is getting near, so I guess I'm getting wherever the hell those kids are going to.

"Uh, I'm sorry, kids," I heard someone saying. "But it'll take time for the cookies to bake."

"I wonder where these kids came from though." another said. "Are they lost?"

No, they're not. They sure have damn good noses though. Managing to smell the cookies all the way from the Drama Club's club room is a pretty huge deal.

"I really, really wish we could give them some sweets!" someone exclaimed, probably another student. What she said took my attention though.

"They're the children from the school's daycare," a haughty tone took my attention. Huh… I never expected her to be in this sort of club. Sighing, I entered the room. "Kitagawa-san?"

"Hey. Sorry if the kids bothered you." I told her, entering the room. I saw how some of the members stiffened at the sight of me. "Ryuuichi and I got distracted for a bit."

"Where is he, anyway? Not like I want to see him or something like that!"

I didn't even say anything yet…

"He'll come soon." I informed before looking around. "So you're making sweets, huh?"

"Yes." the stiff girl nodded, taking out a cloth from her pocket to wipe off some drool from the kids. I dropped Usagi down delicately, tucking a stray strand behind my ear after.

"That's nice," I commented. "I like sweets."

"I'll give you some after we finish baking," Inomata told me, a slight flush on her cheeks. "If you don't want them, it's fine."

"I just told you I like sweets." I deadpanned. "It's fine. I would appreciate some."

"… Excuse me! Have you seen any small children here?" Ryuu's voice made me turn my attention to the door. "Inomata? And the kids!"

"Hi, if you didn't notice me." I waved my hand, making him reddened.

"S-Sorry, Neko!"

"It's alright—"

"WHY WERE YOU LETTING THESE KIDS ROAM BY THEMSELVES? YOU ARE PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF THINKING THAT KITAGAWA-SAN CANNOT HANDLE THE CHILDREN ALL ALONE AND YET—"

"—or maybe it's not." I mumbled, looking at how Inomata scolds Ryuuichi.

"WHO KNOWS WHAT'LL HAPPEN IF YOU WEREN'T PRESENT?"

"Inomata, it's no big deal—"

"AS A MEMBER OF THE BABYSITTER CLUB," I facepalmed, sighing. "YOU SHOULD BE SUPPORTING KITAGAWA-SAN AT ALL TIMES!"

"Inomata," I called, making her stop. "You're scaring the others."

The raven-haired turned. She flushed when she saw her co-members shivering along with the children. "I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry for raising my voice…"

"Well," one of the students spoke. "That just shows how you care for the children. There's nothing wrong about that. Though, Ino-chan, I always thought you're a quiet person…"

Another member giggled, "I guess you have another side to you."

I saw Ryuuichi smiling, "I'm sorry for disturbing you. Also to you, Inomata-san. Come on, everyone, let's go."

"But we didn't receive any sweets yet!" Taka opposed loudly. Kirin bravely agreed, nodding feverishly.

"Taka-kun, no sweets." Ryuuichi reminded gently.

"If you'd like, you could join the cooking club. We'd love to have a cute boy around. Also you, Kitagawa-san, we won't mind you joining." I blinked at what a co-member of Inomata was saying. What now?

"M-Me?" Ryuuichi asked, taken aback.

"President, no!" a girl spoke. "They're busy in the daycare room. They probably don't have time for clubs."

Their president looks saddened by the fact. "Oh, I see…"

"We have to go," I chimed in. "Again, sorry for disturbing." Ryuuichi and I bowed before taking the children away despite their protests.

I shakily sighed, pushing my hair back. "And this is why I don't really like going here. If only not for Taka…"

Usaida amusingly plopped a hand atop my head, "Sometimes being pretty is lame, yeah?"

"Shut up," I rolled my eyes. "That's not what I'm talking about."

"Yeah? But a lot of boys are looking at you, right now. Hayato will be super mad." He chuckled. "I bet his teammates will bother him to get your number."

"I'm actually referring about the noise." I told him, pushing his hand away. "But if something like that would happen, I would definitely appreciate it if he won't give it away."

"Nah, he's not like that. Don't worry." Usaida turned to the sharp-eyed boy. "Right, Hayato?"

Kamitani turned from talking to Ryuuichi. He eyed the pinkette before landing his light green irises at me. "Whatever," he said before turning away. "See you around. Taka, no more selfish requests to Kashima and Kitagawa, okay?"

"I don't do that…"

Kamitani started to walk away so I turned to Ryuuichi. "Hey, Ryuu—"

I watched as he stares contemplatively around. Looking down, I saw Kotarou looking at his older brother.

"I guess, they're having fun…" I heard the brunette murmur to himself.

"Usaida," I softly called. He hummed in response. "Am I boring to be with?"

He lets out a soft smile, "What made you think that?"

"Just answer."

"No, you're not, Neko." He said. "But isn't it more fun when you're in a club and you have many co-members?"

I nodded. "Okay."

"Ryuu!" Taka yelled, making me and Usaida turn our heads to him. Ryuuichi seemed to snap out of his stupor.

"S-Sorry!" he apologized.

"Where're we going next?" the loud boy asked, looking up at him along with the other children.

"Well… I have something to be taken care of. Usaida-san, Neko, can you go ahead without me? I'm gonna go look around a little longer for a place to put up the poster." He turned to his brother. "Kotarou, wanna come?"

In his surprise, the laidback kid shook his head. Raising my brow, I turned to Ryuuichi. "Well, go on. I think after a few looks on other clubs, we'll go back to the daycare."

"W-Well, I'll be back soon…" Ryuuichi trailed off, running away. I think he didn't expect that Kotarou would refuse to go with him.

"Where are you going? Kotarou!"

I spun around and saw Kotarou running while the others are following him. "What the heck are you waiting for? Follow them!" I told Usaida before starting to walk-run after the children.

"Thanks." I said before accepting the small bag of cookies Inomata is handing to me. I think I can handle eating one or two before my allergy kicks in. It's such a pain having egg allergy then liking sweets at the same time.

We left the clubroom after getting the sweets the kids were asking for. While we're walking, I thought of several people that could be our co-members. The Ya-what's-it-again one? Impossible. How about Nezu? Nah, he's a top student and he's working at that. Becoming a member of the club would just be an addition to his burdens. Kamitani? He has baseball, though. But Usaida told me that Kotarou wants to 'recruit' him or something like that.

"Ryuuuuu!"

"Ryuu-niichama!"

I snapped out of my trance when I heard the children's voices. As it turns out, Ryuu did manage to find a place to put up the poster… and looks like Kotarou succeeded in recruiting someone. Kamitani's eyes met mine for a split second before he looked away.

"But really, was it so obvious that I was depressed?" Ryuu asked, sweatdropping.

I gave him a deadpan look, "Do you want me to answer that?"

"On second thought, please don't."

"Yo, Ryuu. Sorry that you have to go ahead." I yawned before sitting beside him. "Homework's such a bitch."

"You stayed up all night to do your homework?" Ryuu blinked, "But… don't tell me… Neko! How many times do I have to tell you to control your manga addiction?!"

"I was getting into the good part," I defended myself. "You can't blame me! Blame the manga!"

"Neko, don't wait until Obaa-san find out about this. She'll surely scold you." He firmly told me. "I'm pretty sure she already scolded you this morning because you woke up late—"

"Yes, mother." I sighed. "I'll control my manga addiction." Thinking of changing the topic, I placed my chin above my palm before asking, "So, what are you two talking about?" I glanced at Kamitani before directing my eyes at Ryuu again. "You seem so into it, Ryuu."

"W-Well… let me ask you something first, Neko."

"Shoot." I told him, making him frown in confusion at first.

"She means to go on," Kamitani explained.

"Ah! Well, here goes…" he sighed. "Do you ever had experience about… err… love?"

I blinked. Suddenly, my mind went blank. Love… experience…?

"You know! Crush… Infatuation… err… I don't know, to be honest." Ryuu sighed, making me raise my brow.

"I don't." I answered. "I don't have time for it, to be frank."

"Well, what do you think about adultery?" he asked next. What's with the questions?

"Adultery… well, adultery is horrible. That's what I can say." I shrugged before facing the front. The teacher is going to enter any minute now. "What has gotten you to ask those, though?" I asked, facing him again.

"I'll tell you about it later." He sighed.

"So that's what it was…" I mused, taking a bite of yakisoba bread. "Well, for one thing, I think it's impossible for Yukari-sensei to commit adultery, yeah? Agree with me, Kamitani," he dealt me a glance. "See, he agrees. Second, even if she commits adultery, she wouldn't do it with some mere high-schooler. Do you agree with me?" this time, I didn't even bother to look at the sharp-eyed boy. "See, he agrees. Ryuu, you don't need love experience to get the situation, y'know? It only needs common sense. You're smart, you can do it."

"Thanks, I guess…?"

"Besides, it's not our problem. Don't think too much about it." I took another bite. "Whatever the truth is, it'll always be the truth."

"Well, you and Kamitani both have the same answers." Ryuu commented, awkwardly laughing.

"Kitagawa-chan," one of our male classmates called. "The homeroom teacher asks for your help after class. She told you that it won't take too long."

"Oh, the quiz papers." I mumbled. "Almost forgot about that."

"Don't worry, I'll tell Usagi-chan." Ryuu assured me.

"Thanks," I told him before continuing to eat.

"Thanks, Kitagawa-san." The homeroom teacher smiled at me. "You're such a great help."

"You're welcome," I monotonously replied. "I have to go, sensei."

"Oh, be on your way!" she beamed before turning to her pile of paperwork. I took my bag and went out of the faculty room. I'm not super late as I would think of it.

When I arrived at the clubroom, Ryuu was reading a story for the children while Usaida was snoozing at the side though Midori is not with him. "Where is Midori?" I asked, taking their attention. Usagi and Kirin ran towards me, making me kneel to greet them. "Hello, kids."

"Onee-chan!"

"Neko-neechama!"

"Sawatari-sensei went home early. It turns out that her husband came home from Turkey today." Ryuu informed, closing the book he was reading. "The senpai I was telling you about never managed to confess his feelings to her though. He didn't know that Sawatari-sensei's husband was literally far away. He took it metaphorically."

"Pft—" I covered my mouth.

"It's a good thing you weren't here when he said that. You'll surely laugh at him." he sighed, looking at me with slight scolding in his eyes. "It's not nice, Neko, you know that."

"N-No, t-hat's n-not in my n-nature…" my shoulders shook so hard. "T-Though there's n-no guarantee I w-won't tell him s-something mean in return. C-Claiming Midori as his future d-daughter just like t-that…"

"Yeah, I know." Ryuu shook his head. "Come to think of it, I just have the feeling that you two won't get along."

"Why?" I asked, finally managing to stop myself from laughing. I can't help it. That guy is so stupid.

"His name is Inui—though I'm not sure if it's his last name or first name—and that means dog, right? Your name means cat."

"I don't naturally get along with everyone, Ryuu." I told him.

At that, he laughed. "You're right, Neko."

i just have a question though; what do you think of neko? is her character fine? is she too bland? or something? kindly tell me your thoughts!