Later that week, Friday, the group heads for the gates of the school as class just got out. They all go over their plans for the weekend as they head out.

“Now remember guys, we’re meeting tomorrow at Chizuru’s house early for the sleepover.”

Haru says with a finger wag to the group. Chizuru nods aggressively with a big excited smile on her face.

“And don’t be afraid to ask for rides. My mom said she’s more than happy to give us a ride there.”

Hikigaya offers. Lucy perks up.

“Oh Hiki, could you take us? It’d be so much nicer than walking the whole way there.”

She points her thumb over her shoulder to Ryuji who nods in agreement. Hikigaya nods back then turns to Shiori.

“So how about it? Want me to take you?”

Shiori is surprised for a moment before sighing and agreeing begrudgingly. 

“Sure. That only makes sense.”

She says with a tone almost saying she doesn’t even want to go.

“Great! Then I’ll get Sugawara and we’re all set!”

Haru says with a big smile. The group all confirms the final arrangements before heading their own ways. As Haru and Sugawara walk home together, Sugawara seems nervous for some reason Haru notices so he asks.

“What’s wrong Suga? You nervous?”

He looks up at Haru, snapping out of his thoughts and gets a bit embarrassed by him noticing.

“It’s that obvious?..”

Haru smiles at him. Sugawara blushes in embarrassment before speaking softly.

“I’ve just never been to a sleepover before… I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do or feel…”

He says. Haru thinks for a moment.

“Hmm... Well are you excited?”

Sugawara looks up at him again, slightly confused.

“Of course I am.”

“Then feel excited and don’t worry about how to act. We’re doing this to have fun and relax. And I’ll be right there with you if you start to feel overwhelmed, okay?”

He says with a warm, caring smile. Sugawara smiles back softly and nods, his eyes shiny and his cheeks warm. 

Soon, the next morning rolls around and Shiori wakes up looking a bit more energized than she usually does. She checks her phone and it reads 9:36 a.m. She smiles and gets out of bed. She changes, grabs a duffel bag and a backpack she packed the night before and heads to the bathroom to prepare herself. She then comes into the kitchen where her mom is cooking. 

“My, I haven’t seen my Shiori so excited this early since her first field trip.”

Shiori gets embarrassed and stops, composing herself.

“Sorry, I know it’s pretty early but we still have to go get snacks for later before we head over.”

“Oh? Want me to take you then?”

“No, it’s okay mama. Ms. Oshiro said she’d take us.”

She goes to the door and begins putting her shoes on. Before she can open the door though, her mom calls to her.

“Hey.” 

Shiori stops and turns as her mom lifts a breakfast sandwich through the little window area looking into the kitchen.

“I know you’re excited but make sure you eat breakfast. It’s very important to eat properly, I don’t want your blood sugar to drop.”

Shiori smiles softly and grabs the sandwich through the window.

“Thanks mama.”

She takes a big bite before opening the door, hands full and rushing out.

“Love you, bye!”

She darts out, closing the door behind her. Takanou comes into the kitchen soon after.

“Hmm… do you think she’ll be alright? She hasn’t had friends in so long, I don’t want her to be hurt again...”

She says, worry on her face and in her voice as she stares at the door. Takanou steps behind her gently as she leans against him.

“We’ll just have to wait and see my love. But she’s a strong girl. She’ll be alright.”

Shiori quickly rushes down the hallway to the stairs but suddenly stops. She realizes that despite the sandwich in her mouth, she can’t help but smile and the fact that she’s running because she wants to get there sooner. Her smile slightly fades as her body relaxes to a neutral position.

‘I guess I really am excited. All for some dumb sleepover that I was.. only pity invited to...’

She thinks, drooping her tone, getting lower and lower. She stands there as she lowers her head, crumbs coming off her sandwich and falling to the floor. After a moment, she tightens her grip around her bag before looking up sharply.

“Whatever. I am excited!”

She says through sandwich, slightly muffling her words. She looks determined as she continues running down the stairs.

‘Maybe this time... will be different...’