"Dakota-chan," Izumo called out. She's been sitting in silence ever since they ordered their drinks, Totsuka being the one that's been holding a conversation the whole time. It's been a few weeks since she moved in with Totsuka, temporarily, and so far everything was going good. Academically she was still strong, somehow managing to help the boys keep afloat, and now that bruises no longer decorated her skin she was able to start wearing the proper summer uniform.

"Hmm?" She answered, her chin resting on the palm of her hand and a smile rested on her face. Dakota has been listening intently to what Tostuka has been saying for the past 10 minutes, and every now and then she would chuckle at something he would say, and resume listening. Mikoto stared at the boy with bored eyes, but even he would huff in amusement.

"Your room is done, and I wanted to know how you would like to decorate it." Izumo brought out a piece of paper, the room on it with the measurements of the walls and windows.

"We already got Mikoto's room's done, so all we need now is your's." Izumo passed her the paper, and watched how her eyes widened in shock. Dakota's mouth opened in shock, wanting to say something but no words exited. She looked up, wide wine eyes gazing at him, "This... this is a big room." Izumo chuckled, "Yeah, we combined two rooms so that way you have adequate space."

"Does Mikoto-"

"His room is also two rooms combined," Izumo confirmed, assuring her that they both are getting equal treatment. Dakota visibly relaxed.

"So, any must-haves?"

"How are we paying for this?" Dakota asked, ignoring Izumo's question. Mikoto spoke up this time, "There's still extra money from the bags you gave us, so we'll use that to decorate the room." In truth, there was a lot of extra money. Izumo, nor Mikoto, thought that they would have this much left, especially after all the renovation they've done. However, there was! Probably enough to do the decorating and still have some left.

"So, must-haves," Izumo reminded. Dakota bit her lip, she's never had an option in what her room could look like.

"A bed?" Izumo wanted to laugh, but he understood where she was coming from. Being offered to pick something after having no choice for a while could be confusing.

"What size?" Totsuka asked, eyes wide in curiosity. Dakota shrugged, "A twin... I guess." Izumo nodded, taking out a pencil and making a list on the paper, "So Queen bed it is." Dakota almost protested but Mikoto interrupted her, "It's fine. A bigger bed means better naps." Everyone chuckled at that kind of thinking because only someone like Mikoto could have it.

"Maybe a bookshelf since Nishida-san loves reading so much!" Totsuka offered, his eyes bright in thought that he was able to help. Izumo nodded, and Dakota thanked Totsuka for the helpful thought.

"Lastly a desk." All four of them stared at the list, blinking comically as they gazed at the three things, and the still very much open room.

"Anything else that's a necessity?" Totsuka wondered aloud. They waved at the waitress who set their drinks down, before turning back to the paper.

"Mikoto has a sofa, so we could get her one," Izumo assured.

"T.V?"

"I don't watch a lot of T.V, but I guess a computer would be nice." Izumo nodded and wrote down 'laptop.' They all continued to stare at the laptop, unsure what else to put on the paper.

"I guess...we'll just have to figure it out as we go~" Tostuka smiled, his grin wide and eyes shut.

'Another body was found this morning.' Everyone turned to the television, their eyes full of curiosity and ears attuned to pick up information.

'The victim is 16-year-old Yamagiwa Masato,' A picture of the young girl appeared on the screen and a chill went over the three high schoolers.

"She's... in our class."


School canceled for two days. The death of Masato hit everyone in the heart, some harder than others. On the day they came back, Masato's desk had white flowers on it, a blue blow, and a bunch of notes. Her friends cried over her, and her boyfriend had to transfer schools.

Dakota didn't know her well, but she remembers the girl being friendly. Masato's glasses were always too big for her face, and her hair a complete mess sometimes, but she was sweet. Sweeter than any dessert Dakota had ever tasted.

"Man, what a glum day." Despite the heat, rain poured from the sky in a heavy downpour making visibility limited. Izumo and Dakota sat in the safety of the bar, watching how the rain made patterns on the windows and thumped against the glass. Dakota sipped on her Shirley temple, minding the soft sounds that echoed in the bar.

"Where's Mikoto-kun and Totsuka-kun?" She wondered aloud, making Izumo pause in his cleaning. The bar would be opening soon to the public, there were still a few things to clean up and organize. Dakota had offered to help out around the place, since she was going to be living here soon she should find a way to contribute.

"Hmm, good question." Izumo set down the glass, leaning his elbows on the bar to watch the windows with Dakota. He could see the worry in Dakota's wine-colored eyes that frantically scoured the crowds for the two trouble makers. The blonde smiled, "Don't worry, it's Mikoto and Totsuka. They'll be fi-" Izumo cut himself off when said two boys walked through the door soaking in rainwater. Dakota almost dropped her glass as she took in their appearances, her hands flying to cover her mouth in shock.

"Wh-what the hell did you two do?!" Izumo shouted as he rushed to the back to get some towels and the first aid kit. Dakota walked over to the two, her eyes not once leaving their appearances. Gently, she gripped their hands and led them to the bar stools so she could get a better look.

"Thanks, Kusanagi-san, Nishida-san!" Totsuka chirped. A bright smile on his face despite the busted lip and split nose bridge. Izumo came back out with two large towels and draped them over the boys, and he handed Dakota the first aid kit.

"What... what happened?" She whispered, her eyes focusing on Mikoto's. Out of the two of them, the redhead looked the worst. His already scruffed hair was even messier, and his face adorned bruises and cuts. She looked at his hands, and on his knuckles were covered in blood. Sighing, she gently took one of his hands and brought it closer to her so she could wipe the disinfectant pad around the wounds.

"They jumped us!" Totsuka explained, allowing Izumo to patch some of his scratches on his face.

"They?" Dakota echoed. Izumo glanced at Mikoto, and eyebrow raised and his lips pursed. Dakota glanced between the two of them, before rolling her eyes.

"We've been scuffling with a group lately, and it seems that they finally made a move," Izumo informed. Dakota's eyes widened, her head snapping to the redhead.

"You guys are getting involved?" She growled, wine eyes becoming dangerous and her jaw clenching. Mikoto sighed and shook his head, "No, they're just being trouble." Dakota swallowed the lump in her throat and she instead chose to focus on bandaging Mikoto's hands. She could feel him flinch when she pressed a little too harshly on one of the split knuckles.

"Did that hurt?" She asked. Mikoto wanted to be sarcastic, but he stopped himself at the tone of her voice. Her eyes held actual confusion and her voice reminded him of a curious child. Izumo glanced at her, taking note of some of the scars on her fingers and the way she expertly wrapped the bandages. He could imagine that being in the household she lived in, she had to learn, but what caught his attention was how she harshly she was doing it.

"Dakota-chan," Izumo called out, taking pity on Mikoto.

"I know you're mad, but you don't have to treat the wounds that harshly," He chuckled, but stopped when he saw the genuine confusion on her face. She turned to Mikoto, "I asked if it hurt and you didn't answer."

"Shouldn't you know?" Mikoto shot back, annoyance in his voice as glared at the girl. Dakota smiled, not her usual smile but a disappointed one.

"No... I don't." She finished wrapping his hands, began working on the small cuts on his face. Dakota tried really hard to be gentle when applying the cream on the wounds, however, it was hard to tell what was too gentle and what wasn't.

"Nishida-san, you look like your struggling," Totsuka laughed, making Dakota chuckle.

"Well, I don't know how gentle I need to be," She explained. Izumo smiled, "Just treat him how treated yourself." Dakota huffed in annoyance, "I was on his hands, but that turned out to be too rough. So now I have to be gentle, but I don't know how to be gentle," she growled. Frustration leaking into her voice and her eyebrows beginning to furrow.

"There, all done." Dakota placed the cream down and chose to instead start packing the first aid kit. She felt beyond irritated, more at herself than anybody else. Heading to the back, she harshly shoved the box into the bathroom cupboard and made her way back to the group.

"Dakota-chan, you okay?" Izumo asked, his eyes not once leaving the pouting female's face.

"I'm fine," She responded, wincing when it sounded a little too curt. Choosing to be silent, Dakota began sipping on her Shirley Temple and decided to play on her PDA. The three boys glanced at each other, not sure what to do with this type of Dakota. There are times where she's crabby, but that oftentimes had to do with when they were studying and Mikoto would try and make her do his problems. Even then, she wasn't bad, just slight irritation. This, however, was a new level and it somewhat made them a bit hesitant to ask.

"What's wrong?" Tostuka questioned, and as much as Dakota wanted to yell that she was fine, it would be unfair to the boy who was trying to be kind. Dakota took a deep breath, filling her diaphragm with air and releasing it. She smiled kindly at the middle schooler, wine eyes meeting light brown, "Everything is okay."

"Then why do you look mad?" Mikoto asked, his voice gruff and eyes looked uncaring. Dakota's nose scrunched, something he noticed she did when she was frustrated, "I'm not mad, I'm just irritated."

"At what?"

"Myself okay?" They all stared at her with confusion in their eyes, unable to understand where she was coming from. Dakota sighed, pushing the glass away and resting her head on the bar table.

"I'm irritated because I don't know how to be as gentle as I need to be to take care of you guys," Dakota confessed. Her chest heavy with the feeling of uselessness and the thought that she was hurting them instead of helping.

"What are you talking about?" Mikoto gruffed out. His gold eyes narrowed on her and his lips pursed at the thought and fact that she was berating herself.

"I. Don't. Know. How. To. Be. Gentle." Mikoto's glare hardened. He hated it when she talked like that to him.

"How do you not know how to be gentle? You're always gentle around us," Totsuka comforted. Izumo nodded along, trying to help the situation in any way he could. Dakota sighed heavily, "Not when it comes to injuries, I'm not."

"You said you treat your injuries the way you treated Mikoto's, but surely you don't do it has harshly right?" Izumo asked, and somewhat regretted it when Dakota's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance.

"I'm telling you, I don't know."

"How do you not know?"

"Because I don't!" She yelled, her voice echoing throughout the empty bar and eyes beginning to tear up out of frustration. The boys stared at her with wide eyes and shocked expressions, not expecting her outburst. Dakota sighed heavily, her body feeling like lead and her mind becoming tired.

"I... I don't know. I can't feel what being gentle or being harsh is on a wound," She explained, lifting up one of her hands and gazing at the scars and disfigured fingers.

"You can't feel?" Totsuka questioned.

"I can't feel pain." She grabbed one of her disfigured fingers, and before any of them could process what she was doing, Dakota yanked on it. A sickening pop echoed throughout the room, followed by Totsuka and Izumo's shouting and Mikoto somewhat rushing to go grab the first aid kit.

"Wh-what the fuck was that Dakota?!" Izumo shouted, grabbing her hand wrapping the now straighter finger to her other finger. He then plopped ice on it and wrapped the digits with a towel. The girl smiled, taking her hand out from underneath the ice packet and flexing it.

"I told you, I can't feel pain," She was about to bang her hand on the table, to emphasize it even more, but a large rough caught her wrist just in time. Dakota glanced at Mikoto, who held her wrist to the point that she couldn't move it. She could feel the pressure, but even that was dull.

"Just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean you have to cause yourself harm." He wrapped her fingers again in the ice packet and towel, and with great care, he set the hand down on the bar table. Izumo reached over and smacked the girl upside the head, eliciting a cry in shock, "You idiot! Don't do that to prove a point," he growled. Dakota smiled, "Right, sorry." They all collectively sighed, Totsuka looked the most interested in it all though.

"Wow! That's so cool! You can't feel anything, then?" Dakota chuckled at the child-like wonder, "I can feel pressure, but I don't associate pain with it. It's not as cool as it sounds. I have to check my temperature every day because I can't feel when I'm overheating, let alone when I have a headache. I rarely sweat, and that has issues all on its own," She paused, "I'm really just a walking casualty." Totsuka laughed at that, and Izumo chuckled.

"Well, at least we know to be careful now," Izumo said, ruffling the girl's hair. However, before the atmosphere completely cleared up he leaned in and smiled devilishly, "But next time you do something like that finger stunt, you'll regret it. Okay?" Dakota nodded, her smile becoming wobbly as she gazed at the blonde in fear. Izumo clicked his tongue, he couldn't hit her like Totsuka and Mikoto because: 1. she's a girl and he would never do that to a girl, and 2. she couldn't feel it anyways.

"Oh! Since you're here, I'll show you your room," Izumo offered. He's been reminding himself to do that, now that the room was actually finished he felt better showing it to her. Dakota nodded, and with the ice pack in hand, she, Totsuka, and Mikoto followed the blonde upstairs.

"This is Mikoto's room," He gestured to the first door on the right, "and this will be yours." Her's was right across from the redheads, and when Izumo opened the door, Dakota gasped. She stepped in the room with uncertainty, large eyes taking in the space.

"Do you like it?" The space was ginormous. Numbers on paper didn't do it justice, because this looked a lot bigger than what the numbers said it was. It was a giant rectangle, three times bigger than the room she had back with her father, and it felt overwhelming. A good overwhelming. A sense that this was actually happening to her. She had three large windows, the wall covered in the red brick, creating an older vibe that she absolutely loved. Her walls were bare, an offwhite to add a small amount of color, and the floors were a stained a natural color.

"I love it," Dakota choked out, her words shakey and eyes began to sting. Izumo and Tostuka smiled, happy that she liked the layout. He jumped over to her, a large smile on his lips as he hooked his arm with her's, "Look look! This is where the bed will be!" He began showing her the layout that they discussed at the cafe, dragging her around the large room.

"Do you know what kind of colors you'd like? Like a color scheme?" Totsuka inquired, his eyes gleaming as he watched the pure wonder across Dakota's face. Her eyes remained wide and jaw slacked, only moving her head to take in the place.

"I... I don't know," She mumbled. Izumo smiled comfortingly, moving to one of the windows and leaning on one of the sills, Mikoto following. Totsuka nodded, "In that case, would you allow me to have the honor of decorating your room?"

"Hah?" Izumo stared at him, disbelief in his eyes as he took in the middle schooler. Dakota turned her head to look at the brunette, wine-colored wide.

"Yes! I've been reading a lot of home improvement magazines lately, and plus I have a good sense of who Nishida-san is... I can do it!" Izumo and Mikoto stared at the boy with uncertainty. Dakota looked around the room, taking in everything, then smiled.

"Sure, go for it."


"You know," Izumo started, "You didn't have to say yes to the kid's request." Dakota chuckled, putting her books away and getting ready for lunch.

"I don't mind. Besides, I have no interior design skills, so whatever he does will be better than I do," She replied, pulling out two bento boxes and passing the larger one to a napping Mikoto. When she placed it in front of him. his eyes snapped open and his hands searched for the chopsticks.

"You cater too much to them," Izumo grumbled, motioning towards the lazy eating Mikoto. She's also been making bento boxes for Totsuka, as a thank you for letting her stay with him. He'll try and help sometimes, but oftentimes he lets Dakota take charge.

"It's fine, I don't mind," She giggled, taking a bite of the tempura shrimp. Izumo shook his head, exasperation on his face and his shoulders sagged. They were silent for a few seconds, the sounds of the class murmuring and munching of food surrounded the trio.

"Ne, Izumo-kun," Dakota called, making the blonde lookup.

"Have you found out what you're going to do about school?" He gave her a confused look. She shrugged, "It's going to be hard to be a student and work a bar, do you have any plans about what you're going to be doing?"

"I already asked Kushina-sensei, and she said that there is an exam I could take," He began to explain. Mikoto half-listening while Dakota gave the boy her full attention.

"She said if I pass it, then I'll be able to get my High School diploma." Dakota's eyes widened, her mouth slightly agape as the news sunk in. She stared at him for a bit, before her head began nodding, "That'd be good. How about you Mikoto-kun?" The red-head grunted, "Drop out." Izumo and Dakota stared at the male, not surprised about his answer in any way.

"What about you Dakota-chan?" The ravenett hesitated, unsure about what she would do. She enjoyed the thought of no longer having to come to school, and not to mention Izumo and Mikoto wouldn't be here so it would be boring, but at the same time, Dakota enjoyed learning.

"I... I don't really know," She mumbled. Izumo could see the conflict that was happening in those wine-colored eyes, "Don't stop coming to school just because we are. If you want to stay, you should."

"It'll be boring without you guys here, and I'm not the biggest fan of school," Dakota reasoned.

"But..." Mikoto questioned, taking a large bite out of the cucumber roll.

"But, I enjoy learning. I don't want to stop my education," She grumbled, now unsure of what she was going to do. Izumo hummed in thought, "Why don't you talk to Kushina-sensei about online school?"

"Online school?" Izumo nodded, "That way you can continue your studies, but you can hang out at the bar with us so you won't be alone." Dakota blinked in surprise, "I... I guess that could work." Izumo smiled at the compromise, happy that he could help out.

"Anyways, did you guys watch the news?" Izumo inquired, his gaze turning serious as he eyed the two. Mikoto raised an eyebrow and Dakota shook her head.

"The bastard that killed Masato, he struck again." The words sent chills down Dakota's spine. Mikoto looked up from his bento and Izumo was staring dead at Dakota.

"They linked him to the series of murders a few months ago, they said his targets are high schoolers. Female high schoolers." Dakota gulped, she didn't like the way Izumo was staring at her. Even Mikoto glanced at her.

"C-C'mon, that's like 1 in a million chances he'd come after me," Her stutter didn't help with instilling confidence. Not in the boys, and not in herself. Having enough of the tension, Dakota huffed, "Mou~ enough Izumo-kun! You're being paranoid!" The blonde spluttered, "Can I not be worried about a friend?"

"There's a difference between being worried and paranoid," Dakota huffed. Mikoto grunted, "It doesn't hurt to be a little paranoid. I bet Masato didn't think she'd be next."

"Of all times I need you to be laissez-faire," Dakota mumbled, staring at him incredulously. The redhead shrugged, putting on his face of indifference as he continued to eat. Izumo motioned to Mikoto, a look of 'see!' on his face. The ravenette sighed and shook her head, "Okay, if it makes you feel better I'll be more careful."

"That doesn't make me feel better at all," Izumo exasperated, his shoulders slumping and eyes closing in angst. Dakota chuckled, taking another bite of her tempura roll.

"It'll be fine! I'm with Tatara-kun right now anyways."

"Tatara? On first name bases already?" Izumo questioned. Dakota nodded, "Well, we're living together and calling each other by our last names got tiring."

"Wait, he's calling you Dakota?"

"...Yes?" For a moment, Dakota swears she saw sparks fly behind Izumo, even though the blonde smiled.

"Interesting~" Dakota raised an eyebrow, "Are you okay?"

"Peachy."

"Tatara-kun, what's up?" Dakota acknowledged the middle schooler, who was holding four cans of soda in his arms. He passed them around, and when he gave one to Mikoto he waited expectantly. Izumo and Dakota gave the boy an odd look. Mikoto snapped open the can, and a spray of coke hit his face, drenching him in soda. Izumo began cackling alongside Totsuka, while Dakota couldn't take her eyes off the drenched boy. He looked beyond irritated, glaring at the middle schooler.

"I didn't think that would work!" Totsuka laughed, pointing at Mikoto. The redhead then chucked his can at the Totsuka, who in return also got drenched in the drink.

"Ah! King!" Dakota glanced at her drink, and held it away from her as she opened it.

"Dakota-chan!" Izumo screeched as the liquid sprayed all over him. Dakota laughed and once she was sure it was done, she began sipping on the cool beverage. Izumo glared at her and held out his drink to her, but when he opened it nothing came out. Everyone stared blankly at the dud before Izumo threw it at the girl. He barely missed, but instead, he hit another person, a businessman from the looks of it. The man hollered when the drink hit his suit, spilling some of the sugary liquid on his jacket.

"Hey!" Everyone froze at the voice, now being confronted with an adult figure. The man stalked up to them, a snarl on his face and neck flushed with anger. Dakota gulped, memories of men beating her crossing her mind when she saw the look in his eyes. It was the same as those men. Exactly the same.

A rough hand grabbed her forearm and pushed her so she was behind them. Another broad figure blocked her, and a gentle hand clasped her shoulder.

"It's okay, Dakota-san, you're with us." 'Tatara,' she vaguely made out. Right, she was with Mikoto, Izumo, and Tatara. Mikoto stood in front of her, and Izumo to the side.

"Sorry about that sir, I was aiming for my friend but I missed," Izumo explained, an apologetic smile on his face. The man seethed, "I don't give a fuck! You know how much this suit costs?! HUH?!" Mikoto huffed, "Just get it dry cleaned, it'll be fine." Apparently those weren't the words the man wanted to hear, because he made a grab for Mikoto.

"Hey!" Izumo called out, quickly grabbing the man's arm before it could even touch the redhead. It wasn't so much for Mikoto's sake, but more for this man's.

"I swear! Kids these days have no respect for their elders!"

"We said sorry," Totsuka hummed, smiling at the businessman.

"Sorry won't fix this stain!"

"Well maybe if you stopped yelling at us you can get it cleaned faster," Izumo's snide remarked seemed to make the man even angrier. Before he could say anything, Mikoto clicked his tongue.

"Whatever let's go." Mikoto motioned to the opposite direction, and Dakota was quick to lead the way, followed by Totsuka, Izumo, and then Mikoto.

"Hey!" A hand on Dakota's back prevented her from looking back, taking the message to just keep walking.