Chapter 7: Red Haired Demon Part 1

In the schoolyard, Hikaru, Yuumo, Ren, and Ryuji sat in a circle, enjoying their lunch. Today was an early release, mainly due to the meeting Hikaru had arranged the previous day without Shoto. Hikaru pulled out Hina's stats sheet and gently placed it on the grass. "I've decided that Hina will be the last member of our group."

Yuumo glanced at the paper, analyzing it intently. "Whoa... everything here is maxed out. It's like she's the final boss." He sighed softly, looking up at the sky as he ate his sandwich. "Too bad there's only a one percent chance."

Ren looked at Yuumo with a puzzled expression. "She should be willing to join if we explain things to her, right? Why are you saying the one percent crap?" Yummo heard Ren continue to look at the sky while eating his lunch. "Maybe she will join. Or maybe she won't, because she's the Red-Haired Demon. Anything she does can be as insane as possible!" Hikaru quickly put the paper back in his bag, staring at the ground with a serious expression. "We're doing this after school, and without Shoto. If things get out of hand, we just have to rely on our abilities." Ren and Ryuji exchanged glances, not wanting to dwell on Hikaru's plan any further. Yuumo, unsure of what to expect, nodded and stood up quickly, preparing to head back to the school.

"I'm heading off. See you guys after school!" Yuumo called out as he walked away. Hikaru got up slowly and headed in another direction without saying a word. Ren and Ryuji stayed behind since their after-school sports activities started earlier than most.

Ryuji sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Hey Ren, do you think not telling Shoto is a good idea?" Ren stared off into the sky. "I'm sure Hikaru has his reasons. He was nervous when he met us individually, right? Maybe he just wanted to give Shoto a break. Every encounter he has with us has been bizarre. It's probably for the best." The two athletes shrugged and went back to sitting on the grass, enjoying the nice weather.

A few moments later, Shoto was in class, staring out the window. His homeroom teacher wasn't there because of the early release. His bag rustled, and Neko popped out, quickly jumping onto Shoto's back. The cat had been doing that a lot lately. "You know, you could stay with my aunt instead of following me all the time."

Neko hopped off and landed gently on his desk. "At least pretend you're happy to see me every day! So, when are we going home?" Shoto looked at Neko, then back out the window. "I have to take our field trip forms to the student council office later. I thought it would be best to stay here and do some homework first."

Neko lay back on the desk, closing his eyes as if about to nap. "So, you're going to meet Hina, huh?"

"Yeah, but I'll recruit her my way. I'll hand in the forms and talk to her alone. I need to see if the whole Red-Haired Goddess thing is real or not." By the time Shoto finished talking, the cat was already asleep. Shoto smiled softly, not wanting to disturb Neko's nap. Instead of doing his work, Shoto decided to take a nap too, folding his arms on the desk and resting his head on them. He closed his eyes and dozed off, waiting for time to pass.

---

Hikaru, Ren, Yuumo, and Ryuji made their way to the student council office. Yuumo, Ren, and Ryuji sat outside as Hikaru knocked on the door. It slowly creaked open, and a girl with orange-reddish curly hair, tied back in a ponytail, poked her head out. She wore her school uniform with a long skirt. It was Hina Shinako.

Hikaru held up their permission slips for the field trip. "I'd like to turn these in and have a word with you, Ms. Shinako." Hina nodded and walked back to her desk, allowing Hikaru to enter. He walked in and closed the door behind him. Yuumo blinked and looked at Ryuji and Ren. "So we're just letting him go in there alone?" Ren shrugged, and Ryuji closed his eyes, leaning his head against the wall.

Hikaru sat in the chair in front of Hina's desk as she examined the forms carefully. "Ryuji Chidari, Ren Tashiki, Yuumo, and you are Hikaru Tomioka." She smiled, setting the papers aside and looking at Shoto's rival with interest. "What brings you here to talk?"

Hikaru adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. "Ms. Shinako, no, Hina. I know you're the student council president, but we need your help, and it's important you hear me out." Hina's eyebrow perked up, intrigued by the mention of something important. She folded her arms and listened attentively.

Hikaru looked down, gathering his thoughts. "I know you excel in everything and you're smarter than me, but if you join us, I'm sure Shoto can expla—"

"Shoto? Are you referring to Shoto Kazami?" she interrupted, her interest piqued. Hikaru nodded, and before he could continue, Hina clasped her hands together and smiled joyfully. "I'll join if he's involved! Is he outside? Bring him in!" It was clear she had a crush on Shoto.

Hikaru sighed, pushing his glasses up. "Sorry, but he's busy with other things. You'll meet him soon enough. He's the strongest among us—" Hina's demeanor shifted, her smile turning more psycho. "Strongest, huh? That makes you and the rest of them strong too, right?" Hikaru looked confused, but before he could react, it was too late. The student council president flipped her desk and kicked it toward Hikaru, sending it flying straight at the door.

The door shattered as Hikaru was flung into the wall. Ren, Ryuji, and Yuumo were shocked to see Hikaru thrown out so quickly. Smoke filled the office as Hina laughed, taking her hair out of the ponytail, revealing its curly, messy state. Hikaru slowly got up, bruised and trying to catch his breath. "Looks like the Red-Haired Demon is finally showing her colors." Hina approached them slowly, the red-haired demon ready to make her move. The group braced themselves, preparing to face the school's Unwavering Maiden.