When I woke up, I stretched my arms and looked out the window as I thought today's upcoming event.

  “It’s finally here huh?” I muttered while putting on my uniform, grabbing my grimoire, and leaving while Vey was still sound asleep.

  Today was officially the day of the party. Also known as my last day working for the disciplinary committee.

  I’m sure all the other members are jumping with joy right now. And I feel the same way. I’m glad to finally be out of that hellish workplace and have the chance to return to my normal school life.

  But moving past that for now, I found myself wondering how to pass the time until the party.

  As it was a Saterday, This world's version of Saturday the only people at the school would be people from the student council, disciplinary committee, and the students assigned to prepare the party.

  Thinking I might as well head there myself to see how the party would look, I grinned happily and made my way toward the school building.

  Standing inside the school, Riko was fidgeting nervously.

  “Hey. Are you okay?”

  Standing next to Riko was Mr. Ariyama who was giving him a look of concern.

  “Y-Yeah. It’s just that…Haiko’s been acting strange since I gave her that tea. I know you said it was suggestive, but it’s like she’s not even thinking straight.”

  As if trying to ease Riko’s concerns, Mr. Ariyama patted him on the back.

  “Not to worry. That just means the effects are working. You needn’t concern yourself with her wellbeing.”

  “Really?”

  It was clear how much this was eating at Riko. Despite how far he was willing to go in order to achieve the outcome he desired, he still found himself growing hesitant due to way the things were playing out.

  “Trust me. Before you know it, Haiko and I will be father and daughter again. And it’ll be all thanks to you.”

  “Heheh. I'm just happy I could help.”

  Feeling flattered, Riko scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.

  Meanwhile, Mr. Ariyama grinned and patted Riko on the back once more. Snickering quietly to himself all the while.

  Walking through the school building, I eventually found myself standing in what appeared to be a ballroom.

  “Whoa. I didn’t even know the school had a place like this,” I muttered.

  “Yes. It’s indeed quite amazing.”

  Hearing a voice behind me, I saw Haiko standing there. However, something felt off about the way she walked.

  “President Haiko? Um…Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

  As she answered, I noticed her eyes looked weirdly glazed over.

  “Uh…No reason.”

  Not sure what to do, I walked away and left her be.

  It might’ve just been that she was tired, but something definitely felt off about her.

  Not sure whether to consult someone about this or not, I decided to leave it be and explore the ballroom.

  Around forty tables covered both sides of the room that no doubt would be covered with all kinds of dishes when the party actually started.

  “This place sure looks fancy,” Nia muttered from within my grimoire.

  “You got that right,” I muttered in response.

  I continued looking around for a little while longer.

  As I did so, however, I found myself getting a lot of angry glares. It looked like my presence wasn’t exactly appreciated.

  “Geez. Keep glaring at me and you’ll never finish before it’s time for the party.”

  Leaving the ballroom, I was about to head to the cafeteria for some food when I heard a voice call out to me.

  “Axel!”

  Turning around, I saw Xara running toward me with a smile on her face.

  I waved back and then the two of us grabbed some food at the cafeteria and made our way toward the normal meeting spot me, Xara, Roy, and Flynn hung out at during break periods.

  “Hm? So you’ll be there at the party too?” I asked. To which Xara nodded her head.

  “Yeah. Since the cooking club is putting in the effort to make some of the food, we're allowed to attend if we want.”

  “Wow. That’s great!”

  I didn’t want to openly admit it, but I was actually kinda worried that the party would be super boring since everyone more than likely would keep their distance from me. But if Xara’s there, I’d be more than happy to stay the whole night.

  “So does that mean you’ll need a dress? I can take you out to get one if you need.”

  Xara shook her head.

  “That’s alright. I already have a dress I got during a day out with Dianne a little while back.”

  “Ah. I see. Well, I look forward to seeing it on you.”

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Hearing that, Xara gave me a beaming smile.

  “Thanks. And I look forward to seeing you in a suit. I’m sure you’ll look dashing.”

  I couldn’t help but blush in embarrassment.

  I guess it was a good thing Vey forced me out and got me to buy a tuxedo. I’ll make sure to thank her when I get back to the dorm to change. But moving past that for now, I decided to ask Xara something.

  “Say, pushing that aside, have you noticed something off about President Haiko?”

  Xara tilted her head in confusion.

  “Weird how?”

  “Like…she wasn’t all there?”

  Xara thought to herself for a moment before answering.

  “Now that you mention it, I’ve seen her look like she’s in a dazed state a few times these past couple days. Maybe she’s not sleeping well?”

  “Maybe…”

  That’s probably what it is, but there was still something nagging me. Like I was missing a piece of the puzzle. I guess I'll have Sirin look into it later.

  Moving past that topic, Xara and I ended up making small talk for the next hour before leaving to prepare for the event.

  A few hours later, it was time for the party.

  Putting on my tuxedo, I looked at myself in the mirror.

  I personally didn’t think it looked that great, but Vey assured me I looked perfect.

  And so, I waved goodbye to Vey and made my way toward the ballroom with my grimoire strapped to my belt.

  It looked a bit off being a crimson color to my black tuxedo. But even so, I had no plans of going without it. But moving past that, I had something I needed to do.

  “Sirin?”

  Suddenly, a small cube appeared next to me.

  “Yes Master?”

  “Keep an eye on things during the party. If anything unusual happens, let me know.”

  “Understood.”

  It may have just been paranoia, but I was getting the feeling something was going down today. I just didn’t know what.

  Sirin vanished from my sight and I continued walking toward the ballroom.

  Upon my arrival, everyone was already chatting with each other and having fun.

  However, those who noticed me enter instantly rolled their eyes and groaned.

  Wanting to be the bigger man, I simply snuck water under some of their feet and caused them to slip. Dropping their food and drinks all over themselves.

  I would’ve done the same to everyone, but as I said, I’m trying to be the bigger man.

  “Axel! Over here!”

  Hearing a familiar voice, I turned to see Xara jumping up and down while waving over to me. Many students looked at her with disgust, while a few others focused on her chest which bounced every time she jumped.

  Irritated, I dropped balls of water onto the heads of the assholes, while lighting the pervert's shoes on fire which they quickly tried to put out. That’s what you deserve for trying to look at my woman.

  As Xara looked me up and down, she smiled brightly.

  “You look amazing Axel. That tuxedo really suits you.”

  “Heh. You really think so?”

  I scratched the back of my head, embarrassed.

  “Yeah! You look great!”

  “Thanks. You look awesome too Xara.”

  She giggled happily.

  “I know right?”

  Xara was wearing a purple cocktail dress that went all the way down to her knees. It blended in quite well with her dark purple hair.

  I can’t believe I’m saying this, but somehow this dress made her look even more beautiful than she already was.

  The dress was even designed to work with her tail and wings making it as if this dress was made specifically for her.

  Grabbing some food, Xara and I talked for a while until someone came up to the two of us.

  “I see you’re having fun, filthy man commoner.”

  Talia stood there in a crimson-red slip dress and glared at me.

  “Well hello to you too Princess asshole.”

  I folded my arms as I returned her glare.

  “Are you here to ruin the fun? Or to talk about how glad you are to have me off the committee?” I asked.

  I had thought she would retort with something. But instead, she wore a serious expression.

  “Well…not exactly. I’ve come to discuss something rather important actually.”

  “Hm?”

  “You see, I’m wondering if you might know what’s been going on with Hai-”

  Before she could finish her sentence, a group of musicians walked into the room and began playing their instruments. Xara’s eyes began sparkling and she grabbed my arm.

  “C’mon Axel! Let’s dance!”

  “Er…Okay!”

  Leaving Talia behind, Xara dragged me onto the dance floor.

  Since there weren’t that many people yet, anyone who wanted to dance had plenty of room. Thus, Xara and I had no problem finding a spot to do so.

  Soon enough, the music kicked into full gear and the two of us began to dance with each other as best we could.

  Standing off to the side, the still dazed-looking Haiko watched Xara and Axel dance. She was wearing a light blue dress that blended well with her long white hair and bright blue eyes.

  “They seem to be having fun,” she said to herself with a smile.

  Just then, Riko stepped up next to her.

  “Um…President Haiko?”

  She turned to him.

  “Yes? What is it Mister Toyazoto?”

  “I was just wondering if you’d be willing to come with me for a bit. I think it’s about time you and your dad finally made up.”

  “Oh…Okay.”

  Normally, Haiko couldn’t help but gawk at the idea of making up with her father. But for the last couple of days, she’d felt oddly content about accepting Riko’s requests.

  Thus, she followed him outside the ballroom to a nearby empty classroom where her father stood.

  “Haiko.”

  “Hello…father.”

  Hearing that, Mr. Ariyama smiled as tears started to swell up in his eyes.

  “You actually called me father. I’m so glad.”

  He looked so happy about just being called father, that Riko couldn’t help but feel a little bad for him. With how much he must’ve gone through, Riko was happy to see the two of them interacting with each other.

  “So Mister Toyazoto wanted the two of us to make up. Is that what you want too?” Haiko asked her father to which Mr. Ariyama wiped away his tears and nodded.

  “Yes. That’s all I’ve wanted. Would you please make up with me?”

  Still looking rather dazed, Haiko nodded.

  “Of course.”

  Mr. Ariyama’s smile grew even bigger upon hearing those words.

  “I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you Haiko!”

  Overwhelmed with emotions, Mr. Ariyama hugged Haiko and she responded in kind.

  Feeling a sense of warmth, Riko watched the two of them with a satisfied smile.

  Letting go of Haiko for a moment, Mr. Ariyama turned to Riko.

  “Um…I know this may sound selfish after everything you’ve done, but do you think you could give me some time alone with my daughter? I’d like for the two of us to catch up with each other since I haven’t seen her in so long.”

  Riko nodded in understanding.

  “Of course. Have a good time catching up you two.”

  “Thank you. Goodbye Mister Toyazoto.”

  Mr. Ariyama’s smile never faded as Riko left the room. And after feeling a sense of accomplishment, Riko returned to the ballroom. Happy that it looked like the ending he'd been longing for would finally come to fruition. And all he had to do was wait just a little bit longer.