Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The weather wasn't bad, it made his day the slightest bit better after spending the entirety of it with Sam, Taurtis, Yuki, and others.

They're his friends, atleast he hopes they are

But he's begun to ask himself a question recently, why does he always feel so pathetic and small around them? He's always walking in egg shells when near Sam and Yuki or else a knife fight breaks out.

Whatever, visiting his favorite cousin (for the first time ever since coming here) should make him feel better, the stress of having friends like them made him forget that the Maki's dont live too far from the town.

———

The sight of the humble, traditional Japanese home brought a sense of Nostalgia to Grian's heart, he remembers visiting once every year to see the Maki's when he was younger. Even when they're far from one another, Grian and Valerie remained the bestest of cousins ever and kept connected online.

Without hesitation he rings the doorbell and he can already hear the sound of footsteps rushing to open the front door.

He had messaged Mrs.Maki before hand that he was coming over for a visit.

The door swings open revealing a familiar, cheery pink haired girl.

"Grian!"

"Valerie!"

Valerie had practically launched herself 6 feet off the ground out of joy, she almost hit her head on the ceiling.

"Grian! Grian! Grian! Grian! I missed you soooo much! Come in!"

She grabbed him by the neck like a cat and dragged him inside. 

"Hey- hey! I'll trip!"

He feigned annoyance

Grian's neck is released by its captor and he is greeted by none other than Valerie's parents. Amery Maki and Shohei Maki.

"Hello, Grian."

Shohei greeted him with his ever so gentle voice, he's so similar to his daughter. They share the same noble, saccharine, and humble personality— even the pink hair! Valerie got almost everything from her father.

"Uncle, Auntie... it's so nice to see you again."

"Mn, likewise. You've grown so much, boy! How's high school in Japan treating you? Akademi high is a bold choice."

Amery, Grian's mother's older sister. Much like Valerie, she has a cheery and bright personality, this entire family is like a pool of light.

"Well...it's okay, I'm doing...fine."

"Grian, my boy, why dont you have a seat? We have a lot to catch up on."

"Right—"

"Grian, Why didn't you visit us? You live so close yet you didn't visit me! Me! Your favorite cousin!"

Valerie cut him off, she has that kicked puppy look on her face as if she's so heart broken that he didn't remember them anymore.

"I was busy! My friends are always dragging me around to do whatever shenanigans they have in mind."

Grian scratches the back of his neck, his friends are definitely something. They're cool, they're fun, but... they're also—  deranged no, he's just overreacting.

"Valerie, I came here immediately after classes ended, how are you already in your home attire? Do your classes end earlier than mine?"

"No, I don't have classes today. Actually I'm busy preparing to transfer to Canada."

"Huh?"

"That's right, Our little Valerie is transferring to Yandere high school in Canada. She's got better opportunities there. She'll be leaving on Saturday."

Amery blows on her 3rd steaming cup of coffee for the day(that he's seen), Grian can tell that she's sad about her daughter leaving them but she knows that a brilliant girl like Valerie deserved only the best.

"Yandere high school...? I've never heard of it before."

"it's nothing like vengeance high nor is it even elite but it's good!"

"I'll do my own research on it..."

———

Once they finished their small reunion it was already dark out. Shohei, Amery, and Valerie had all offered to walk him home but he turned them down, they all truly are too kind...

On the way home Grian couldn't help but feel

Hurt.

Valerie is leaving the country...so soon, Why now? Why now when Grian finally visited them and when he needs them the most? It's not her fault, he knows that, it's his for not visiting as soon as he got here.

Valerie...Valerie is special because she's family but also because she is his bestest most favorite cousin of all time. When he returned to Japan because of Taurtis' insistence he was excited, not just because he got to hang out and live his highschool life with his childhood friends(Even though he was kind of scared of Sam) but also because the Maki's are here.

They're welcoming, they're complete, they're the perfect family. Valerie is more than just a cousin to him, she is his sister and Mr. And Mrs. Maki are like his parents, they comforted him after his parents divorce.

He really wishes they were more than just cousins.

———

Unlocking the door of his shared home, he prayed that Taurtis and Sam are already out cold.

He rushes to get out of his uniform and switches to sleepwear. Rest is what he needs, it is what he needs more than anything everyday.

Despite feeling so sleepy, he couldn't sleep, he had his eyes shut for over 20 minutes now yet no sign of his consciousness slipping away. The thought is still heavy on his mind.

The Maki's are a good source of comfort for him, but as always, Valerie is the most special.

She was like a light at the end of the tunnel that is his high school life full of crime and dirty, filthy blood.

But it was just an illusion, a hallucination. Is he so desperate to think that there is an escape to this hell? 

Little demons like Yuki and Sam have roped him into the flaming pits of the high school. Sam and Taurtis were his childhood friends...old memories stay in the past. Time flies and it changes people even when they don't want to.

Grian can't handle anymore blood soaking his sweater, dirtying his shoes, and staining his hands. He can't handle anymore stabbing, gaslighting, blackmail, stalking, robbing, and threatening— their list of crimes go on and on, a few more and they might just get into the FBI watchlist.

Seeing despair and blood spill out from someone's body sure makes an impact on someone's mental health,...Grian is only a teenager.

He wonders if Valerie has ever experienced pain like this? He admires her. Her will is stronger than anything, her positivity and energy is enough to break bedrock, one can recognize her before she even enters the room just from her aura.

He can't help but feel jealous.

She probably has friends much better than his, a school life better than his, she's never committed a crime in her life, she never hurt a fly even!

Grian wants to get away...get away from this PLACE! Live a life like Valerie's...

He really...really regrets ever coming to Akademi.

Should he..? No....should he though?

Grian snatches his phone from the bedside table and types into Google's search bar "Yandere high school" He stares without blinking at the bright loading screen.

He reads the school's website without missing a single word.

The entire night he spends it researching everything about the school that has been documented online. He could answer any question asked at this point.

When he finished, he finally blinks and says to himself

'It's perfect...'

Why didn't he just enroll there instead?! It's literally perfect! It's closer to the UK than Japan, It's in Canada so it's an English speaking country meaning he doesn't need to learn a completely different language with a completely different alphabet and completely different culture! Dumb Grian! Dumb! Dumb! Dumb! Dumb!

It's won quite a few competitions and has a record of students that graduated and got accepted into Ivy league colleges— it's perfect! Just perfect!

Now....it's time to make the decision... He's already spent some time in Akademi and spent money on it...uniform, books, dorms and tuition... So should he or should he not? Shouldhe or should henot? Should he or should he not? shouldheorshouldhenot? shouldheorshouldhenot? shouldheorshouldhenot?shouldheorshouldhenot?shouldheorshouldhenot?shouldheorshouldhenot?

He so should! 

Grian has decided... He is transferring to Yandere high school! The money doesn't matter! He'll just use Mother and Fathers money! They give him whatever he wants as long as he doesn't bother them.

Get ready Canada....

Tomorrow, Friday, Grian is officially escaping from Hell!

Chapter Text

Friday morning.... today he escapes this Hell. All he needs to do is have a simple talk with the principal and skidaddle.

Maybe this change was written in the stars? The enrollment was still open, there are dorm rooms ready for use and there's a flight from Tokyo to Canada available, ain't he just lucky?

Grian hasn't told anyone about his plans, actually he isn't even going to tell anyone, not even Taurtis. It's best if they stay in the dark, it's best if they think he just died or disappeared. There's a possibility that they look for him, hopefully they don't...

A small part of him wishes they do, but that's just his desire to believe that they actually care about him...

He can feel his friend's skeptical stares, they ask him "why are you extra giddy today?" And he'll always just brush it off like they're seeing things.

They're dumb enough to believe him.

———

It's the end of school and his euphoric feeling has not once decreased by a single.

He made a full proof excuse to separate from the trio and march to the Maki residence. On the way there he messaged Valerie that he is once again visiting, she replied with a myriad of happy emoticons and hearts.

He stared down at his phone and let a light chuckle escape, looking at his phone while crossing the road wasn't a good idea, he almost got run over by a bus!

But a near death experience wasn't going to stop him.

———

Ding dong!

He rings the doorbell twice and is once again invited in by a very fast and cheeky Valerie.

"Perfect timing Grian!"

She drags him by the neck just like yesterday, he felt a slight sense of deja vu.

Grian coughed out a brief greeting to his auntie and uncle before running up to Valerie's bedroom, it's as pink as he remembers it to be, don't scientists say that pink drives a person nuts...?

"Alright! Which one should I bring with me? This Amy Rose plushie I've had since I was 5 or this Kirby one from when I was 10?"

"Uhm...the Amy one? But I don't think I should be the one making that decision.."

Valerie whined and crouched on the floor smacking herself with the two soft dolls, she cried out in stress.

"Ah! It's so hard! I can't decide what I should bring with me! I don't want to leave anything behind! Everything's too special for me to not bring..."

"That's one of the down sides of moving... Oh! I've got a solution for your problem! But I have to tell you something first."

"What is it...?"

Valerie sniffles, curious on what Grian has to say.

"..I am...moving to Canada with you! And to the same school!"

"WHAAAAAAT?!?!"

She springs up from the ground like a coil, her eyes almost falling out of her sockets, and her mouth hangs wide open.

"Are— are you really?! Since when?!"

Valerie holds his shoulders with surprisingly great strength.

Grian flinches from the sudden contact.

"Since yesterday! When you told me that you were leaving I immediately enrolled myself! Honestly why didn't I enroll in that school to begin with?! It's just the right school for—"

"Grian...are you doing this because of me?"

He was startled by her sudden change in tone.

"I am but—"

"Are you serious right now?! You're leaving your friends just because of me? Grian we haven't even spoken for the past few months you've been here. Please tell me this is a prank."

Grian is confused, why does she sound so upset? Getting to hang out with him everyday, shouldn't she be happy?

He's moving just for her! She should be flattered! She- she- should feel special!

"It's not. I'm really moving because I want to be with you."

"Don't tell me that's your only reason."

"I— i— have other reasons of course!"

"Then what is it?"

'I want to escape this place'

Is left unsaid.

"It's private..."

He puts his hands on top of Valerie's.

"....then I have no right to force it out of you. It's...your choice Grian, I hope you won't regret this decision."

"I promise you I won't."

Gently, he removes her hand from his shoulders and holds it between them.

———

7:10 PM, Evening.

Taurtis and Sam have disappeared into God knows where, Grian could care less, he's too busy loading his luggage.

The past 2 days have been wonderful, no one's in his way meaning he can do as he pleases, he can FaceTime Valerie and have no one know of his plans.

The two cousins chat over FaceTime while packing their individual belongings. Grian had took some of Valerie's stuff as his solution for her previous problem. The room was filled with laughter and jokes.

Grian ends his day by hiding his luggage in his closet, under the bed, and anywhere else he can.

Everything is set.

Chapter Text

Grian by routine wakes up at 6 am in the morning on weekdays and 9 am during weekends but today isn't an ordinary day.

Today is Saturday and he has forced himself to get up at 4 as per his agreement with Valerie in order to not be late to their flight. It's a 1 hour and 56 minute drive from here to the airport without traffic so Shohei and Amery also got up at 4 am so they could drive them there.

4 am was just the right time since Taurtis, Sam, and the rest of the town would still be asleep. Grian really doesn't want any of them to find out, he would love it if they just thought he disappeared or never even existed at all.

He changes out of his pajamas and onto something more appropriate. A red striped sweater, beige linen pants, ankle length socks, and brown sandals, okay— he knows it's a fashion murder that he wears slippers and socks together but that doesn't matter—! What matters is comfort and warmth, speaking of warmth, he can't forget about his jacket or else he'll be freezing on the airplane!

He grabbed his bags as soundlessly as he could fearing that even the slightest sound woke up Sam, those rabbit ears of his can pick up on any sound.

He rushed out of the house and waited patiently for the Maki's car to pull up.

Grian receives a notification from Amery.

Aunt Amery: "SORRY BOY YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT A LITTLE WHILE, VAL WOKE UP LATE."

chuckling to himself, he replies

Grian: "It's okay, I can wait."

Grian: "I'll go to the convenience store for now."

Putting his phone away he decides that he should get something to eat from the nearby 24/7 convenience store for breakfast.

———

Grian browses the selection of cheap meals before settling on sushi and melonpan.

On the way to the freezer area to get water he ran into a certain unkind, pink demon—

Yuki.

'what is she doing here so early in the morning?!'

He felt panic devour his whole being, no one should be awake at this time of day on a weekend other than maybe an overworked teacher.

"Who— oh, it's you... What are you doing here?"

"Uh— uhm— I just accidentally set my alarm clock to 4 in the morning a— and I couldn't go back to sleep so I just decided that why not just start my day already? Haha..."

"Is that so..? You sound real jumpy, did you drink 10 cups of coffee or something? I should be the one drinking that much, I stayed up the entire night trying to finish my art project and I'm STILL not done!"

The exhaustion was distinct on Yuki's face, right under her eyes are massive eye bags and the whites of her eyes are slightly red.

"Well good luck on that project! I better get going..."

Before he could even take his first step away from the demon, she already got a grip on the back of his sweater

"You really think you can just walk away? That lie was terrible, you don't just accidentally set your alarm to 4 am, especially not someone like you."

Yuki turns him around and as he expected, she has her knife out. The sharp blade sparkles under the convenience store light.

He swears that that knife gets sharper each time it makes an appearance.

"I'm telling the truth Yuki! Could you put the knife down? I'm not in the mood for a fight—"

"I'm not mad about whatever you're hiding, I'm mad that you lied to me. Tell me the truth and I might let you go."

The knife inches closer to his neck but not enough to prick his skin.

It's not that he can't tell the truth, he just doesn't want to. 

"I..."

———

Grian ran as fast as he could, he didn't even pay for the Sushi and bread, the cashier didn't look like they cared anyway.

He can't believe he even did that and without getting any blood on him.

He, he stabbed Yuki with her own knife.

She barely let out a scream, just a pained, shocked gasp.

Her red eyes didn't leave him for a second, Yuki looked at him with an indescribable rage.

She's...just getting a taste of her own medicine...can someone die because of a knife to the shoulder?

Hopefully that attack was enough to discourage her from chasing after him.

———

When he returned to the house, the Maki's car was already parked in front of his former dorm.

"Good morning Grian— my, what happened to you? You're sweating.."

Shohei asked with concern for the boy

"Oh, yeah...I— I got chased by a dog outside of the convenience store."

Grian brushed away the sweat with his palms.

Amery gets out of the passenger seat to help Grian put his bigger bags in the trunk of the car.

With everything set, Shohei steps on the gas and departs to the airport.

At the back of the car, Valerie analyzed Grian's expression.

"G...you look tired, I'm guessing it's because of the time but...you look...tired tired."

"Huh? Yeah I'm just a little...out of it. Woke up so early in the morning....got—

Grian managed to stop "Almost got stabbed" from spilling out.

— chased by a dog... Of course I'm tired...and I suppose I am feeling numb because I'm....leaving my friends behind."

He leans his head against the window, his head bumping against it lightly each time they go over a bump or a poorly made road.

"I get that, but don't worry because what the future has in store for us is even better, Canada is a wonderful place, You know Meghan? She's there too."

"Meghan..? Oh yeah...Meghan..."

Grian remembers Meghan as a...very unique girl.

"I should probably stop talking your ear off huh?"

Valerie chuckles.

"You two can get some shut eye back there, you don't have much to do unlike your father over here."

Amery drew attention to the fact that Shohei was running on just a few hours of sleep and needed to drive for 2 hours.

"Aha...don't worry about me, Kids....just rest up, you're gonna need it."

"Yes sir.."

The cousins say in unison. They get comfortable at the back, Valerie pushes her seat as far back as possible and cuddled her Snorlax stuffy. Meanwhile Grian did the same thing with his seat, he removes his sandals and curled up into a ball to cover himself with a blanket he pulled out from his bag.

Amery snaps a photo of the adorable sight behind her, Shohei looks at it through the rear view mirror, small smile forming on both their lips.

"Let's print that picture when we get home."

Mr. and Mrs Maki engrave the pleasant scene behind them into their memory, those two were once just little kids they would love and care for, but what they're doing in the present isn't too much of a difference from the past.

Chapter Text

The car parks in front of the airport gate.

Amery gets out of the car and lightly shakes the two awake.

"Valerie, Grian...were here it's time to wake up."

"Ngh...5 more minutes Mom..."

Valerie groaned and turned her head away from her Mom.

"Haah... we're at the airport, wake up or you'll miss your flight."

Grian had already woken up at the first shake, he folded the blanket neatly before putting it back in his bag.

He stares out the window for a few seconds to gather his thoughts. It's daybreak and the sky is a warm and enchanting gradient of blue, pink, and orange, the golden ray of the sun caressed Grian's gentle features and strawberry blonde locks.

There are people bidding their families farewell or reuniting with them.

He helps the still drowsy Valerie out of the car, thanking Amery for waking them up.

"I kind of wish we hadn't slept in the car so that we could have spent much more time together."

Grian mutters with a melancholic voice as he gets his and Valerie's luggage from the trunk.

"Oh don't worry dear, you can always FaceTime us on Facebook whenever you two need Mama and Papa's love."

Shohei pats Grian's and Valerie's backs.

"I'm going to miss you two. Grian my boy we just got you back a few days ago and now you're already leaving us? You are too cruel to us oldies."

"We haven't even left yet and I already miss you Mom, Dad!"

Valerie held her parents close to her. She didn't want to let go, she has never gone a day being so far away from them for such a long period of time.

She has small beads of tears forming in the corner of her eyes, Grian can't judge her, he feels the exact same way.

"Auntie, Uncle, we promise we'll message you once we get to Canada."

"You two should get going now, you still need to get through security and all..."

Amery was forcing a smile on her face, she dragged Grian into the hug, gripping the sleeves of the two kids, she kissed both of their cheeks the same way she did when they were smaller.

The family hug lasted only a few minutes but to them it felt like forever, but that's just their desire for it to last forever.

They eventually had to let go, they hesitated and let the touch linger to the fullest extent.

The cousins walk to the short stairway up the gate, their legs staggering just a little.

They couldn't stop looking behind them...

They make their way inside and they're out of sight for Amery and Shohei.

"Stay safe, our babies..."

———

Valerie and Grian boarded their plane together, their heavy luggage were taken off their hands by the baggage handler, leaving them with their backpacks that contained basic travel necessities(e.g. their chargers, sanitary pouch, extra clothing, money, etc.)

Grian bought a ticket for first class since he preferred having his own private space and comfortable resting area, much like a hermit.

Valerie humbly stayed in business class.

He would have preferred being closer to his cousin but even if he purchased a business class ticket the chances of him getting a seat close to hers was low.

Instead he chooses to forget about it and take it easy. He isn't in the mood for a nap so he digs through his bag to play Pokémon or Zelda on his Nintendo DS.

When he got on the plane the first class passengers looked at him weirdly, he didn't judge, he would be confused too if he saw a teenager flying all alone, especially since he didn't look like be belonged in that area.

His clothes are baggy, his hair is unbrushed, and his glasses are crooked. He looks like a target of bullies.

It's an accurate assumption.

Grian starts up his DS, the familiar sound of the pixelated chime is satisfying.

He rolls to his side to look out the window. They have yet to take off, the flight attendants are still assisting passengers in their seats and the Pilot is giving a short introduction on airplane regulations.

The sun has fully risen and it is bewitching, he isn't a morning person but what man doesn't appreciate the sun's beauty?

Soon enough the plane leaves the ground and retracts its wheels.

Grian stares down in awe at the ground, buildings of all sizes look like ants from here. His chest feels warm, he is still within Japan's territory but he isn't anywhere near them anymore...no more Sam, no more Yuki, no more Mr. Rowan, and...no more Taurtis....

He feels so...free....being this high up in the heavens makes him feel like a bird.

But is he actually free? There's a small flaw in his escape... Those people can still stalk and message him online, all of them know his social media accounts. His Facebook, his Twitter, his MySpace— even if he blocks them they'll just make another account— and it's not like he can just delete his accounts, he has too much important stuff there!

How will they react? How will they react after abandoning them without a word? Will they threaten him with death? Will they dox him? Will they understand his escape? Will they send pictures of their self harm and murders to gain his pity? Will they tell him they love and want him back?

Will they hunt him down?

What does he do with love that is only there when he is gone? Don't tell him stuff like that or he'll feel guilty for leaving.

Oh lord, he may never be free.

Grian adverts his eyes from the window and back to his game.

His being feels like a whirlwind of shattered glass stabbing his insides.

"Am I actually free?"

He whispers and cradles himself.

He slots in his earphones and pulls out his mp3 player to get his mind off the mess that is life.

Chapter Text

Grian chews the lunch the flight attendant had served him, he isn't going to lie, it tastes pretty good.

It's not as good as home cooked food sprinkled with love but it's still edible.

It's 12 pm currently and they should be landing at 5 pm. The view out the window wasn't anything impressive, it's just the ocean.

He's motivated by the thought of being able to speak English again without people around him getting confused. It's not that he struggled speaking japanese, well— he does get confused by some words. How does one study when they can't even understand what the teacher is saying?

How do Canadians feel about British people, are they like the Americans that mock accents? Will they make fun of Valerie for her limited vocabulary? Hopefully not.

That's something future Grian should concern himself with, not present Grian.

———

5 pm, they've finally landed! Grian's buttocks have begun to hurt after sitting for so long. His already flat tush might just get flatter.

"G, G! Over here!"

Valerie flailed her arms around to get his attention.

"There you are—"

He was cut off after Valerie grabbed the back of his collar and dragged him(again) like a ragdoll to the baggage reclaim station.

"Well aren't you excited?"

"Of course I am! This is my first time in Canada."

The two received funny looks from the people at the station, they were either bothered by Valerie's overly enthusiastic squeals and unique style of appearance, or amused by the unfamiliar language she was speaking.

"Okie, I've got our luggage. I'm feeling a little hungry, mind if we eat first before heading to the school?"

"Yeah sure, where do you want to eat?

Grian takes his luggage from Valerie, they both walk around the airport food court to see what catches their stomachs interest.

"Hm, I'm not sure, is there a restaurant here that we don't have in Japan? I'd like to try something new, since we are in a new country."

"Let me see....uhm, how about Chipotle...? We don't have that there in Japan right?"

"I think I've heard of it online! But I never tasted it...let's eat there!"

They enter the restaurant and stare up at the menu.

"Should we get a bowl? It looks pretty big, how about we share it?"

Valerie could easily understand what was written on the menu, she looked proud of herself for understanding English.

"Yeah let's share, you can choose which one, I'll eat whatever. You can also practice your English with the Cashier."

"Good idea!"

———

Valerie returns to Grian with a bowl in hand and a... drained expression?

"I.... I didn't know they take custom order...I stuttered so much a- and I didn't know what some of the ingredients were called! It was so embarrassing!"

Valerie's face matched her hair and placed the bowl on the small circular table.

"Haha! Don't worry about it Valerie, it was good for your first time. Dig in, it might comfort you."

Valerie sinks her spoon in and as soon as she places it in her mouth her eyes glitter like precious rubies. The flavour exploded on her tastebuds like fireworks.

"Oh! It's— it's good! Delicious actually."

Grian didn't respond, his mouth still full. He only gives her a small smile of agreement.

Valerie gobbled down her half like a starved woman.

"Is it really that good..?"

She nods her head rapidly, her eyes still sparkling with joy.

"Whatever you say...I'll call us a cab."

"Don't you mean a taxi—? Oh wait you're British.

———

The two get in the taxi after putting their luggage in the trunk, they both sit at the back.

Their driver attempts to engage in small talk, something that isn't very common in Japan.

But Valerie looked delighted to chat with the driver.

Grian just admires the scenery outside the window. The trees are a warm red, orange, and yellow, just a few of them being green. The leaves decorate the crosswalks and lawns of homes. A lot of the houses and other buildings are adorned with Halloween decorations such as pumpkins, cobwebs, skeletons, and ghosts.

Valerie was charmed by the immediate culture shock.

"Maybe we can carve pumpkins and set up decorations at our dorm when we get there?"

Grian snapped Valerie out of the trance.

"Can we really?! I wonder if the other students at the dormitory have decorations."

"If the school allows it then there's a 100 percent chance that it's decorated."

"Let's have a better set up than all of them!"

Grian just laughs. He can feel their driver glance at them through his rear view mirror, he couldn't see the driver's expression but he can sense a smile on his face. Valerie's energy can put a smile on anyone's face.

———

They thank the Driver and wave goodbye.

The dorms weren't anything impressive on the outside but just like with people, what matters is on the inside.

And the inside is...well— let's just say.... Oh who is he kidding? Its dreadful! There are literally mushrooms and vines on the floor boards are walls!

He turns to look at Valerie but she wasn't even looking at the dorm?!

"Valerie? Val? RiRi? VALERIE!"

"Huh? What is it?"

"What are you so focused on? Your dorm is being reclaimed by nature!"

"I'll just clean it up...."

She slowly turns her head to look back at the gazebo in the center of the path. The gazebo does look pleasing—

"Oh."

Grian finally realized what she was gawking at.

"Why are you spying on a guy having a mental breakdown?"

He gives her a deadpan look.

"I'm not looking at the one crying, no! I'm looking at him."

"The one with black hair?"

"Yup...<3"

Grian swears he just heard Valerie say an emoji, how does one day an emoji?!

"Well...you should probably stop, staring at someone like that is creepy... Especially a stranger..."

Grian having experienced stalking and getting stalked by someone, knows exactly what creepy is.

He pulled his cousin to the lawn of her dorm and looked around for a broom.

"You should clean up now, we don't have all day. I have to check up on my own room."

He leaves her there and goes up the stairs to his room, the dormitory didn't have any rooms available on the first floor so he had to struggle getting his luggage up the steps.

Fortunately, his room wasn't actively getting colonized by fungi and vines like Valerie's, it's just really, like REALLY dusty. some cobwebs are hanging on the corners of the ceiling...

Such a wealthy school doesn't care enough to clean their dormitory, is this a bad omen?

Whatever, time to get a broom.

———

Grian spent 2 HOURS and 30 MINUTES cleaning his dorm and furniture. Why in the world were some of his doors missing?! Now he'll need to live with a door-less bedroom and door-less closet before getting it re-installed.

Whatever, he just needs to unload his stuff for now. Put his clothes in the cabinet, his shampoo, soap, and toothbrush in the bathroom, you know what he means. He'll buy more furniture new time.

Sooner or later, Grian will bring life to this room in no time.

"I should check up on Valerie..."

———

Down the stairs he went and to his shock the room was spotless, it looked brand new.

"Woah...did you have someone help you clean up? This place is spick and span!"

"Nope! I'm just that good! By the way, did the two visit you too?"

"Who?"

"Oh so they didn't visit you? Well they're my neighbours. I think they're sisters. They're both so pretty! Especially the one with brown hair! Oh she was so so stunning and nice! They even told me that one hotties name, his name is Senpai apparently."

"Senpai? Really? His name is SENPAI?"

No way someone is named THAT, right? It's literally a word! Is he an upperclassman? Is he also from Japan.

"Maybe it's just a nickname everyone uses for him? Who knows. If I get the chance to speak with him I'll ask him about it.

"Hopefully it's just a nickname."

"Even if it is his name I still want him to be mine—!"

Valerie gushed over Senpai like a fair maiden.

"Uh, you do you. I'm gonna revamp my room a little."

Valerie doesn't reply, she just stares out the window whilst unloading her bag.

Chapter Text

Grian lazily whacked his annoyingly loud alarm. The bright light outside his window blinded him, he's slowly getting used to the once unfamiliar sight of bland dormitory walls.

He's been here for 2 days now, it was just enough time for him to get cozy and personalize his dorm, he'll add more stuff as the days pass.

Today is Monday meaning it's his and Valerie's first day in Yandere high school.

He gets up and makes his bed.

A few things he's still not used to are living alone, waking up at 7 am, and not having to wear a uniform. The school allows students to wear whatever they please as long as it's up to code.

After taking a quick shower and eating his breakfast he goes down to fetch Valerie. going to school early will give them enough time to familiarize themself with the school's layout.

———

When he got to her room he immediately saw the big improvement to the room and...2 unfamiliar girls chatting with Valerie.

He briefly knocks before entering.

"Good morning Val, may I ask who you two are...?"

"Oh, good morning Grian! These two are the girls I told you about. Guys, this is Grian, my cousin."

"What's up I'm Funneh, we're Valerie's neighbors, were quite literally just next door."

"And I'm Gold, it's nice to meet you Grian."

"Nice to meet you too, I live upstairs in the 2nd room."

Valerie was right, the two are very pretty.

Just from first impressions Grian can tell Funneh is the "goofy" type between her and Gold.

Funneh has long navy blue hair with... terribly short side swept bangs. Her azure eyes resemble the sky and sea. Much like the rest of her appearance she's donning blue too, Blue varsity jacket, denim shorts. The only non-blue thing on her are her shoes.

Gold on the other hand seems more elegant and refined whilst maintaining an approachable and friendly aura.

Her wavy, long hair is an ombre of caramel and honey blonde, much like Funneh she has side swept bangs however it's longer in comparison and nearly covering her eye. Befitting her name her eyes are gold and honey like, they radiate warmth and sweetness.

She seems more "classy" compared to her friend. Gold is dressed in a black blazer, white button up blouse, black pleated skirt reaching slightly above her sock covered knees and black loafers. To top off her outfit she has a red bow tied around her neck with a red rhinestone in the middle.

"You two weren't at the school's and Yandere's Halloween party, right?" Gold asked, her voice upbeat.

"No, no, we were too busy. Uhm, who's Yandere? She has the same name as the school—"

'and someone I used to know.'

"Yandere is mine and Gold's friend! We met at the start of school, she hosted an after party in her mansion yesterday."

"Too bad we couldn't go, right Grian?" Valerie sulked in her spot, parties were always something she enjoyed.

"Yeah, It's fine with me though, I'm not a big fan of parties. Well we should get going—"

"I haven't packed my bag yet."

"..."

———

The quartet plus the teacup pig walked together in silence with slightly horrified faces.

Grian was deep in thought

 'It's safe to eat goldfish right? Right?! Valerie didn't cook it— I need to get that joke of a sushi away from anyone's mouth—' His train of thought was cut short after Valerie slipped and dragged him down with her.

"WOAH!" They screamed in unison.

"Ah, You two okay?"

"Goodness me, my buttocks! Valerie, you rarely slip when I'm with you.."

"This road is slippery..."

Valerie slowly stood up before lending Grian a hand.

"It'll be worse in winter." Funneh laughed.

"It's similar in England..."

———

Their first class was Language, but the teacher was absent. Their teacher didn't even leave a note explaining where he went.

Because of that they leave for their 2nd class, Culinary class. Grian isn't a remarkable cook, he can follow recipes and instructions but if you leave him without one he might just serve you something akin to coal.

Right after he entered the classroom he saw a face that nearly triggered something within him.

'...Chan...?'

But upon closer inspection he realized he was wrong. The stranger and Chan are wearing the exact same seifuku and their long black hair is tied into a neat ponytail.

"Good morning class, I am your substitute teacher for today, Mr. Bleud. Mr. Dragon has left for Hollywood to become a glorified Hollywood hobo! Today you will partake in a sandwich challenge."

That's something Grian has never heard of before, the sandwich challenge and the Hollywood hobo thing.

Their teacher wants them to make Sandwiches within a time limit and according to the preferences of the dolls sitting outside.

It was silly but it made his classmates happy whilst learning at the same time.

Funneh and Gold completed his knife skills.

By the end of the activity they managed to serve all of the dolls their sandwiches.

"These sandwiches will be donated later to homeless shelters, so thank you for your cooperation. The papers on your table are your homework, the deadline is Wednesday. Now, today's lesson is—"

Grian stared down the stack of papers the size of his head. Homework on the first day is a cruel act.

He sits through the lesson and listened as best as he can. His focus was often interrupted by Funneh's low, dejected whines. He occasionally shifted his eyes to stare at the girl that looked like Chan, is she some sort of secret sister?

———

The class at last concluded and everyone left.

The quartet decided on having their launch at the baseball diamond.

As they chased Gold with Valerie's disgusting Goldfish Sushi they came across a patch of red grass that was getting cleaned, the sight made Grian uneasy...no...he's just overthinking it...it can't be that...

They sit on the soft grass of the field. The school has multiple courts for different sports, this school IS supposedly prestigious so it makes sense.

They spend their time yapping, complaining about homework, and cloud watching until they got tired.

Funneh, Gold, and Valerie agreed on taking a nap, Grian refused and engrossed himself in watching the clouds. He saw a total of 2 airplanes fly above them and 11 clouds that had a comprehensible shape.

It was fun and relaxing, in spite of that, around the middle of his cloud watching he started feeling...watched. He swears he can feel someone watching them, he even heard some camera clicks...it was creepy. He tried to look for it but there was nothing. Maybe it's just his paranoia...?

He needs to let it go, he's in a better place and he is far from Japan, no one can hurt him now.

No one will hurt him and his friends...

Chapter Text

Grian ended up falling asleep in the middle of his cloud watching.

It was a dreamless nap that ended quickly after the bell rang and Gold's hand hit his face.

"Ow!" He dramatically rolled to his side and rubbed his now red nose.

"Oh God! Grian I'm sorry! I— I had a nightmare!"

"Haha! G, you look like Rudolph!" Valerie shook with laughter, he could see tears forming in her eyes.

"I dreamt that something was going to fall on me and smash me into a red jam..." Gold assisted Grian to get back on his feet.

"Nahh Gold, you're just freaking out because of that freak accident at Yandere's Halloween party. You're fine, you're fine." Grian found it a tad bit strange how Funneh could just brush off an incident like that.

"Gold...you almost died at a party—?" The thought of death isn't comforting.

"Come on guys let's go it's gym time, whoever gets their last is a rotten egg!" Funneh ran ahead of them.

Valerie and Gold followed. Gold was in front despite Funneh cheating and having a head start, Valerie came close to Gold being in 2nd.

Grian stayed in the middle. He can out run them but he didn't know where the Gym was so he just let them lead the way.

When they finally got there the quartet was all sweaty and red, the class hadn't even started yet.

Funneh was the last to go through the door thus marking her as the loser.

"No— haah—! No fair, you're all more fit than me!" She flopped on the floor and weakly crawled to the bleachers.

"You literally had a head start!" Said the three winners.

"You four, sit down and quiet!" Their teacher barked.

———

Valerie and Grian have never played Hockey once in their lives.

When the teacher explained the rules and mechanics Grian's head was full of fog.

Valerie looked like she was in lala-land.

Funneh, Gold, and the rest of the students looked excited to play, they held hands as they squealed with joy.

Their teacher picked out 12 students to play first, they have 6 students on both teams.

Valerie and Funneh are on the same team while Grian is with Gold.

'Phew, luckily I'm on Goalkeeper, Im pretty good at defen—'

FWUSH

That thought was cut and his mouth agape short as the puck flew to their team's goal.

FWUSHH

"WOOAH! Valerie you're good for a first timer!" Funneh patted Valerie's back, she looked impressed with the pinky.

The crowd cheered for Valerie.

"Go new girl!"

"Woooh! Go go pinky!"

"who's she? She's pretty..."

"Sorry Grian but....my Mr. Right is here." Valerie watched him with fierce, determined eyes.

He scanned the crowd and there he saw the very same good-looking guy he and Valerie saw at the gazebo (+the crying one).

"Seriously, Valerie? You've never even spoken to him."

"Meh meh meh meh meh! Shut up!" She stuck her tongue out.

"You— Mister! May I change my role?!"

———

The students watched from the bleachers the intense match of two new foreign students that have never played hockey before, playing as if they were professionals.

Is this what a sibling rivalry does to a person?

The crowd's eyes followed the puck that slid with the speed of light, their ears filled with the familiar sound of hockey sticks hitting the ground, the puck sliding, and the squeaks of shoes.

Valerie and Grian's team mates could barely play but were too entranced to care or notice.

Funneh and Gold left to watch as soon as they felt the tension of rivalry building up.

The fervent game ended after Valerie's team scored the highest with her as their MVP.

"Yeaaah!!! You just got OWNED by the one and only!"

"Ugh...you only won because I tripped!" Grian pushed himself up and removed his gear before placing it back in its box.

"You two did amazing! This is an amazing first day for the two of you!" Funneh tackled the two cousins into a big bear bug.

"Yeah, and guess what? Senpai noticed the two of you and are totally interested in you both!" Gold exclaimed"

REALLY?! oh my god, OH MY GOD! Did he say something about me?!"

"He said you're reaallly cute and he—" Gold whispered in Valerie's ear.

"Kyaahhh!!!" She fell to her knees and praised the sky(ceiling), her face glowed bright red.

"What did Gold say?" Don't blame Grian for being curious, whatever Gold told Valerie HAS to be something good if it got that kind of reaction out of her.

"Oh it's nothing~ Senpai said you were pretty epic too, you're surprisingly good at hockey. c'mon let's watch the next match." Funneh's smug smirk made Grian even more curious, why is he the only one that doesn't find out?

"Good to know that he thinks I'm cool, I was on autopilot the whole game..."

Chapter Text

Valerie and Grian were on their way home.

The other two stayed behind to get some snacks from the vending machine.

"Our First day of school went pretty well, don't you think?" Valerie posted the few pictures she took on her Instagram and added an unreasonable amount of hashtags.

"I guess. I... saw someone familiar but...I'm pretty sure it's not her. You know, you really shouldn't be on your phone when crossing the road—"

"Excuse me!" If Grian keeps getting cut off like this he might just cannibalize the person.

The two turned to look behind them and Valerie nearly melted as soon as she saw who it was.

"Hi...Senpai?" Grian flashed him an awkward smile.

"Hey there hot s—" Valerie received a smack on the back from her cousin.

"Hey there Senpai!" Her usual smile was brighter than ever.

For some reason Grian didn't know, Senpai's cheeks bloomed a light pink.

"Aha..Yeah, Hi Grian and V— Valerie. I uhm, I wanted to ask you something, Valerie I mean hehe..."

Senpai looked jittery, he's redder than before and kinda sweaty. Either from running or from nervousness. It's far from the cool and composed guy the two viewed him as when they watch him from afar.

However the bizarre behavior didn't seem to turn off his cousin.

"Should I leave you two alone?"

"Yeah— uhm, that would be appropriate."

"Alright..." Grian left the two alone— nah, did you really think he was going to leave Valerie alone with a STRANGER? Well you're dead WRONG.

Grian hid behind a large tree far enough for him to hear them but also far enough for them to think he left.

With eyes like a hawk and ears like a bat, he listened and watched carefully.

"So...earlier at gym class I watched you and Grian play. You two are siblings, right?"

"Oh no no, we're actually cousins. I'm japanese and half British but he's fully British."

"Ah, I get it, that's cool...Anyways, you too were amazing earlier and I think you too are hella sick and like— really pretty too—" He thinks he's pretty?

"You think I'm pretty?"

"I— I mean— yeah! So I was wondering uhm...later in the evening you wanna...go hang out with me at the new cafe..?"

"Sure, so a date?"

"I— yeah it's a date. I guess I'll pick you up later at 5?"

"Sounds good! My dorm room is—"

Grian for the second time today, mouth hung wide open.

'they literally just met? And they're already going on a date? Not even tomorrow?!' Grian gripped the bark of the tree, he feels like his head is about to pop from embarrassment.

He's not shaken from the fact that Valerie is going on a date, she's experienced with romance and it's not rare for her to have a new boy babe.

But this?

This was way too fast! But honestly he knows it's not his business to say his opinion on her love life.

He'll let them be and return to his dorm, for real this time.

———

He watched the pair be lovey dovey through the crack of his window blinds,

The sight makes him cringe.

Yeah he's not letting them go, so what? He lies sometimes.

Living directly above Valerie's room is convenient for this situation.

"come on you two just go already." Despite how cringe worthy the two are, he can't stop but watch it play. It's like watching a romance drama except it's free and in real life.

"Real romantic of you Senpai...a bike and cafe date? Real cliché..." He's not going to lie, every inch of this is entertaining.

The pair set off on Senpai's bicycle, it's truly romantic and CLICHÉ. Valerie's long cherry blossom hair is caught in the wind and Senpai has her arms wrapped around his waist for safety, so cliché!

Grian has to see more of this, he has to!

His ability to move fast has come in handy once again. He dashed out of his dorm, nearly forgetting to lock it. Grian stalked the two all the way to the cafe by foot, he didn't even break a sweat.

All for the delicious romance tea. Life has to understand him, he's British! Of course he wants it.

———

Observing from a seat a few tables away from them, Grian hid his face with the menu.

"I'll have matcha and apple crumble pie, thank you." movies are best paired with food, what better than sweet apple pie and romance?

"Hm, this cafe is so cute and cozy.."

The cafe is pleasing to the eye. Cream walls are decorated with plastic Sakura blossoms, the lanterns emit a warm glow. Overall the design is very appealing.

"It sure is, but it's not as cute as you, Valerie."

"Oh Senpai! I think you're cute too!"

Oh goodness... it's so cringe but so good. Grian felt a single tear travel down his cheek.

"So, Valerie, why did you and Grian come to Canada? Doesn't Japan already offer good schools?"

"There are good schools in Japan but Canada just has more, y'know? I'm a smart girl. About Grian, well...he won't tell me his reason for transferring. He only told me that he wanted to go with me, I felt bad for making him leave all his friends behind."

She sounded sheepish, and it made Grian feel just as guilty as she does.

"I wonder if he's ever going to tell me the truth because I kind of have a feeling that it's something more severe."

"Why is that? I don't know anything about him but he seems interesting." So Gold was telling that truth when she said Senpai was interested in him other than Valerie. He'll be sure to take note of that.

"Well first of all he lived real close to us but never visited us until like a few days ago, he flinches when I touch him, and he just seems more distant ever since he came back to me..." Now that really made Grian feel guilty.

"Maybe he's just changed over the years or he's going through something..? I can help you help him if you want. We'll be a trio!"

"That sounds good actually! I'm sure he'd love to have more friends, now— enough about all this negativity." More friends don't sound too bad...he'll just need to be cautious.

Valerie and Senpai shared more and more about themselves. From what he's heard from Senpai himself, he's a japanese born in Canada, his real name is Kai Hayashi, he enjoys sport, music and videogames.

Grian's focus on them was removed as the waiter placed his pie and drink on his table.

After thanking the waiter he took a sip of the average tasting drink and stabbed his fork into the pie slice.

He takes three bites before he feels something funny in his mouth...

He reached into his mouth and slowly pulled something out....

Hair. Curly. Grey. HAIR.

That's disgusting!!

"Bleuh!" He spat out his pie and digged the remaining slice to check if there was more hair, and lo and behold there was another one.

He checks his drink and surprise surprise

Ants! Ants in his drink! He's already drank half of it so yeah, ants in his tummy!

There are ants partying in his tummy!

"Excuse me! Waiter! There are ants in my drink and I found hair in my pie—!"

"Kyaah! What the hell!" Valerie shrieked, within the pie she's sharing with Senpai is a cockroach.

"Waiter there's a roach in our pie!" Senpai yelled and the small cafe erupted in panic, the customers searched their own food for bugs, hair, or nails. The employees were panicking and sweating, asking around the kitchen for the chef that made the pies.

"We're sorry Ma'am and sir— I'll take those— oh gosh I'm sorry!"

The clumsy waiter foolishly let go of the hot choco she was holding it spilt all over Valerie's torso.

"Eek! That burns!"

———

Grian ran out of the cafe the second that an enraged customer got violent when they found ants in their drink.

He leans on a tree and sighs.

"That was terrible...both for me and those two...! So disgusting... I already know how it's gonna end, I don't need to know what happens next. I might as well just go home." 

Pulling himself together, Grian goes home. What a waste of money and time.

"I really should have brought water with me...I can feel ants in my stomach."

———

fwop

Grian collapsed on his bed, the little disaster at the café took away all of his energy.

He isn't in the mood to wait for Valerie and listen to her complain about her date.

He's unsure if he should be friends with Senpai after he probably left such a sour memory in his cousin's mind.

Whatever, this is something future Grian needs to worry about, not present Grian.

Present Grian needs rest after a long day in school and stalking.

Chapter Text

Grian gently turned off his alarm clock, unlike yesterday.

A barely audible whine escapes his lips. He forced himself out of bed via rolling off of it. He flopped on the floor like a lifeless bird, his arms spread out like wings.

He could barely open his eyes. It's only the second day of school he isn't even in class yet he's already worn-out.

The hardwood floor is better than uncomfortable, plastic seats.

After a few minutes of silence and internal discussions, Grian has decided to get up and not skip school.

With all his might he pulls himself up with the assistance of his bed post and bedside table. He nearly tripped due to his blanket but caught himself on the nearby wall

Its so cold.

He rubs his eyes and puts on his glasses.

'Time to get ready for school, yay....'

———

Grian successfully descended the stairs without tumbling down.

Just as he was about to ring the doorbell he realized Valerie's door was open.

"Valerie, you shouldn't keep your door unlocked...what's up with that look? You look extra jolly today, and why the mask?" Grian expected Valerie to be at least a bit antsy since her date with Senpai— or Kai was catastrophic.

"Hehehe...Funneh and I, we committed a little bit of tomfoolery." Valerie mischievously wiggled her fingers together and even with the surgical mask on Grian can tell that she's grinning under it.

"Oh let me guess, you released a deadly virus that only you and Funneh are safe from?" Grian said sarcastically.

"Nope! We dyed Gold's hair shrek green!" She held her stomach and placed her hand on her mouth, her entire body shook as she held in her laugh.

"I laughed so much earlier it still hurts, I ditched Funneh, Gold was so mad. Hahaha! Oh gosh my sides!" Valerie falls to her knees and side, her face is red after stifling a massive wheeze. She tried to wipe away the endless stream of tears that ran down her face but was unsuccessful.

Grian looked down at his pitiful cousin.

"Oh it can't be that funny. Don't they say that hair is a girl's life?"

"You should have seen the look on her face! And yeah, it is a girl's life but it's not like we cut it. It'll wash out."

"Whatever you say, I know nothing about cosmetics. Just get up so we can go to school—"

"Bark! Bark! Woof!"

"What was that? Valerie did you get a dog?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, yesterday me and Senpai went on a date, it went terrible but he got me a puppy as a sorry, Isn't' he so so sweet?"

"He did? Then I guess he is sweet. So...are you guys like dating now?" This was an unexpected turn of events for Grian, he assumed that their date ended horribly because of the cafe incident but being the gentleman that he is, Senpai went and spent that much money just to make up for it, maybe Senpai is better than Grian thought.

"Hehe, yup, we're official." Valerie opens her bedroom door and comes running out a white, poodle puppy. "Her name is Momo! I've only had her for a day and I'm already in love with her, she's so so cute!"

She carried the happy puppy and kissed its face like a mother would to her child.

"I didn't know the school allows pets, maybe I'll get a pet next time." Momo's beady eyes invited him, he reached out to pet the dog, it pressed its head against his palm eagerly. Momo is friendly, just like her Mom. "Aww, who's a cute wittle babwy? Ahaha."

Valerie puts the puppy down, it runs around the dorm without a care in the world. Momo runs into Valerie's room and they hear the sound of a squeaking toy being abused.

The two chuckle before departing for school

"Don't forget to lock your door."

"Right, right."

———

"You go on ahead, I'm going to get something from the vending machine."

"Sure, I'll be at the mini gym with Senpai." And with that Valerie skedaddled, a bright smile plastered on her lips.

"Ah, young love."

He puts in a coin, and pressed on the button of his desired drink, he reached down the little space below but his drink never came.

Looking up in confusion he sees his can of coca cola STUCK.

Grian looks around the hallway, he can't have someone see what he's about to do or else he might get in trouble.

He throws a sick, kick and punch combo at the machine.

'Oh Grian you're so cool.' he lied to himself.

The can fell and he earned his well deserved victory against the big metal machine.

Nothing better than coca cola early in the morning.

'now that I think about it, where is everyone?' his question was quickly answered as outside the mini gym are an unreasonable amount of students standing around.

'Are Valerie and Senpai here? Must be because of that, someone as popular and well liked as Senpai could definitely stir up a scenario.

But it's best to verify than to assume.

His eyes land on a familiar all the same unfamiliar girl watching from a corner.

It's the girl that looked like Chan from the first day of school! He's been meaning to befriend her or at least have a conversation with her.

Before he could even tap on her shoulder she was already facing him.

"Hey." Her voice is different from Chan's. Her voice is... Calming, her tone is similar to how Yuki sounded when he first met her, innocent.

"Hi, uhm. Do you know why there's such a crowd here?"

"Oh, Senpai and Valerie are inside. Apparently they're dating. Hm... you're kind of familiar." She tapped her chin and looked up at the ceiling.

"I'm Grian, Valerie's cousin, I was also in the same class as you yesterday. It's nice to meet you."

"Oh yeah! Grian! Right right, I'm Yandere." Yandere takes his hand and shakes it. Her hand is soft but the base of her index finger has a callus. Does she cook often?

"Yandere, neat name. It's the same as the school's. You're Funneh's and Gold's friend, right?

"Aha, I am. Are you their friend too?"

"That's right, say, do you want to eat lunch with us later?" Grian didn't get why but the question got him an odd reaction from Yandere that lasted for a second, if he had blinked he would have missed it.

He ignores after she gives him a smile that could rival his cousin's.

"Ofcourse! I'd love to!" He likes her smile, he loves it when people smile. Not the scary, and eerie kind of smile but the smile that is pure and shows a person is truly happy.

He wants to make people smile to make himself smile.

"Then let's meet up at the bleachers outside. See you later Yandere!" He's sure they'll get along.

Grian enters the mini gym after some trouble, some people were blocking the way but it's fine.

"Senpai, Valerie." There are multiple people in the mini gym, most are varsity kids, and some are just students that want to stay fit.

"Grian! Just the man I wanted to see." Senpai got off the treadmill and went to hug him before realizing something. "Shoot sorry, I probably shouldn't hug you without your permission haha...plus I'm pretty sweaty."

"It's okay, so why did you want to see me?"

"Well...you know that Val and I are dating now...right? You okay with that...?" Senpai looked nervous, nervous in the same way a guy would meet his girlfriend's parents.

"I'm fine with it, I'm not her parents."

"Phew, glad to hear that Bro. Wait, you okay with me calling you "bro"...?"

"Uh— yeah— I am." After his confirmation Senpai finally looked relaxed, he needed to chill out. "So...that's all you wanted to talk to me with?"

"Yeah kinda..."

"....erm...then...wanna eat lunch with me later?" Speaking with Senpai is kind of awkward. "Huh, yeah sure!"

"Cool...Funne

h, Gold, and Yandere are coming too by the way."

"That's uh, that's a lot of ladies! You a lady killer Grian?"

"...."

"Aha...heeh..."

———