Mami Said Knock You Out, a Yuma Quest (PMMM)

[X] Admit that you're afraid. What if Kyoko doesn't come back?
-[X] You don't want to be a bad girl, but you can't help being scared.

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You look down, turning your gaze away from Madoka's. "Yuma…" you take a deep breath. "Yuma was… afraid. What if- what if Big Sis doesn't come back?"

Madoka pulls you against her chest, and you lean your head on your shoulder, wrapping your arms around her. "Big Sis said she'd come back, and Yuma trusts Big Sis, but Yuma still worries."

Madoka pats you on the back, and you squeeze her tighter. "Yuma doesn't want to be a bad girl," you say, barely louder than a whisper. "Kyoko has been the best Big Sis Yuma could ask for, and Yuma should be a better Little Sis for her, but-" you let out a shaky breath. You're not crying, really, but your eyes are wet and you're shaking. "But Yuma can't help but be scared."

Madoka continues patting your back, but you can feel her slightly shaking in your arms. "Yuma…" she whispers. "What do you mean, you don't want to be a bad girl? How would being worried make you a bad girl?"

"Because Kyoko has never been anything less than amazing!" you say. "Big Sis has been amazing, and she's helped me when she didn't need to, and she's cared for me and fed me and taught me and protected me and I'm worrying about her leaving me the second she's gone for more than a few minutes!"

You let out another shaky breath, and take a minute to calm down. Madoka holds you close, gently swaying from side to side. Your breathing eventually slows and you hear footsteps from behind you, gentle and barely audible. Whoever it is doesn't say anything, but the locks of hair that rest on your shoulders tell you it's probably Homura.

"Yuma," Madoka eventually says, once Homura's left. "You... you're afraid that Kyoko will leave you, but you also think you're a bad girl for doubting her?"

You try to nod, but find that rather difficult with your head pressed into Madoka's shoulder. "Y-you're about right. Yuma isn't always a bad girl, but sometimes… well, Yuma could be a much better Little Sis, especially with a Big Sis as amazing as Big Sis Kyoko. And if Kyoko is an amazing Big Sis and Yuma isn't an amazing Little Sis… the what if Big Sis gets fed up, and, and leaves Yuma?"

"Yuma… have you, well, talked about this with Kyoko?"

"Once or twice. Since Yuma doesn't tend to get scared when Yuma's with Big Sis, it's never… it's only been an issue once or twice."

"Yuma, I don't really… I've never really felt those things, so I can't give you much advice, but I do have one suggestion, if you want to hear it."

You try to nod, and while you don't exactly succeed, Madoka gets the message and continues. "I think… I think you should talk about this with Kyoko. Not right now, of course, but once you feel you're ready. Do you think you could do that?"

"N-no, Yuma- Yuma doesn't want to be needy-"

"You're not being needy," says Madoka. "And I'm sure Kyoko would agree with me. I haven't known the two of you for a long time, but it's obvious that Kyoko really loves you."

"B-but Yuma isn't a perfect Little Sis, and this would be another bad thing about Yuma. Yuma could be a much better Little Sis…"

"I've only known Kyoko for a day or two- though it feels like a lot longer- but I think she would probably say the same thing. I think she would say that she could be a better big sis, when she has a little sis as amazing as you."

"But Big Sis is amazing! She would be wrong! And even if she could be a better Big Sis, that doesn't matter! She's my Big Sis! I wouldn't trade her for anything!"

You pause, waiting for Madoka to respond, but she doesn't. Brow furrowing, you think. Wait, is Madoka… Is she doing what you think she's doing? You pull away from her, keeping your arms on her shoulders as you stare into her eyes.

"Madoka," you say, slowly and carefully enunciating each word. "Did you just get Yuma to say all the things you think Kyoko would say about Yuma?"

Madoka smiles, like the scheming angel that she is. "Well, maybe. She really seems to care about you, Yuma. I don't think she'll be leaving you any time soon."

"But what if she does? What if she gets fed up, or I make her mad, or-"

"I don't think that will happen. And even if she does get angry, or tired, or anything like that, she won't leave you because of it."

"Yuma... Yuma's concerns are really stupid, aren't they?"

Madoka shakes her head. "Of course they aren't," she says. "They got you upset, and they made you afraid. That alone makes them important."

She continues staring at you, mouth lifted in a small smile. You don't say anything, and neither does she, but after a minute she breaks the silence. "Yuma, are you okay to… you know, do this? It's perfectly okay if you're not, we can call Kyoko with telepathy."

You shake your head, leaning on Madoka as you get to your feet, legs shaky. "N-no. Yuma is.. Yuma will be fine. Just give Yuma a few minutes?"

Madoka nods, and rises to meet you. Well, she's taller than you, but you like to think of the two of you as equals. "If you think so. But in… let's say, ten minutes, if you're still not feeling good, then reconsider? It's up to you, of course, but I don't want you to feel forced into something, okay?"

You nod, and she gives your shoulder one last pat. You head over to a music station next to Homura, slipping on a pair of headphones and browsing through the selection. You want something fun and relaxing, a nice song that will help you calm down. Luckily, they have just the thing.

"In the town where I was born," sings the recording, of surprisingly good quality. "Lived a man, who sailed to sea. And he told us of his life in the land of submarines." You rock your head back and forth, gently swaying with the beat. You can feel your heartbeat slowing and your breathing relaxing, like a weight is slowly being lifted off your shoulder.

"We all live in a yellow submarine," you hum. "A yellow submarine, a yellow submarine."

Beside you, Homura turns her head. You turn to look at her too, smiling at her raised eyebrow. She exhales lightly in response, which is kind of close to a laugh, right? Right.

You continue bobbing your head along with the music, frowning as the song ends and another begins. It's from some video game, and while it's plenty relaxing it's no Yellow Submarine.

As for your… feelings, you're not quite sure what to do. Should you talk to Big Sis Kyoko, like Madoka said? Maybe, but your stomach twists into knots at the thought of telling Kyoko that you think she'll abandon you. She's great, she doesn't deserve to hear that. Kyoko knows you're… afraid of being abandoned, but you never really explained it; you just freaked out the first time she went to buy groceries, and you're not sure what she figured out from your blubbering. You remember she cried a bit, too, though she wasn't nearly as loud as you were, and she hugged you a bunch. Everything else is a blur.

The next few minutes pass in a daze, as you listen to a few more mediocre songs before switching back to Yellow Submarine. A smile blossoms on your face, as you remember the first time you sang it with Big Sis Kyoko. Neither of you had been very good, really, but it had been a very fun time. You're humming along to it when Madoka taps you on the shoulder, smiling and tapping her ears. You slip off the headphones.

"Yuma, are you ready to go?" she asks. "Did you find anything you want to buy?" Sayaka's standing behind her, holding a reusable bag containing what you assume to be CDs.

"Yuma is ready," you say. "And Yuma doesn't want to buy any CD's; without a CD player, they're sort of useless."

"You know, I hadn't thought of that," says Sayaka. "Huh. So, off to the bookstore?"

Everyone nods in agreement, and you head off. You stay a few feet ahead of the others, arms swaying from side to side as you make your way to the bookstore.

"So, Sayaka," says Madoka. "What did you get for Kyosuke?"

"Well, I was wondering what to do, since he wasn't happy with the stuff I was getting him beforehand. Sooo, I decided to branch out, and got him some different styles of classical music I thought Kyosuke would like something a bit different to spice it up!"

"It's classical music," you say, turning around to face them. "How spicy can it get?" Sayaka stops, staring at you with wide eyes growing wider by the second. Beside her, Madoka frantically waves her head, trying to warn you off.

But it's too late.

"How spicy?" says Sayaka, voice cracking. "How spicy? Have you never heard the 1812 Overture? Hall of the Mountain King? William Tell Overture?"

"W-what are you talking about?" you say. "Yuma doesn't know what those songs are?"

Sayaka's mouth goes from an O shape to a wide grin. Madoka gasps, and grabs her friend around the waist.

"Sayaka, no!" she says. "Not right now! Classical music can wait!"

"No, it can't!" says Sayaka.

"Sayaka Miki, it's waited at least a few hundred years," says Homura. "That's why it's called classical music."

"Transfer Student, not you too!"

You chuckle, covering your mouth. As the others turn to stare at you, you devolve further and further into hysteria, cackling wildly and clutching your stomach.

"You- Sayaka, you love classical music!" you say. "But it's, it's just old people playing old music! The notes are old!"

"That's not how music works," says Homura. "Not even close. It's not bad because it's old, it tends to be bad because it was for a different time period with different tastes in music; there are a number of classical songs I quite enjoy, regardless of their age."

Sayaka turns away from you, switching her gaze to Homura. "You like classical stuff? What kinds?"

"Mainly orchestral pieces. I find that modern music fails to capture the majesty and scale of an entire orchestra performing a song they've practiced for months."

Sayaka relaxes, shoulders dropping. Madoka carefully releases her grip, gently taking her arms off of Sayaka's torso. "Yeah, right? Modern music is catchier, sure, but it's not as beautiful as the classics."

Homura shakes her head. "It's not beauty I'm looking for. There are plenty of beautiful songs, but the sheer impact of a full orchestra building up tremendous finale is something not replicated by today's musicians."

The two of them continue their discussion, going on about the differences between orchestral and classical music, and you tune them out, continuing down the road.

"It's good to see the two of them getting along," whispers Madoka. "They're both really great, and it was awful seeing them at each other's throats. I'm so happy they're getting along now!"

"Yes, I suppose Mozart was interesting," says Sayaka. "To someone who's only experience to classical music is through Youtube compilations of famous songs!"

"His works are popular for a reason, Sayaka Miki, and their availability does not make them any less authentic."

Madoka chuckles, rubbing the back of her head and looking at the ground. "Well, they're not literally at each other's throats, right? No violence, right?"

"Transfer Student, if you try to claim that orchestras should play jazz I will punch you in the face."

"Impossible. I would throw myself off the nearest cliff long before you got the chance."

Madoka remains silent, staring at her feet. You reach out and pat her on the shoulder. "It's okay," you say. "They aren't physically hurting each other, so you aren't wrong."

"Yet," says Madoka. "They aren't physically hurting each other yet. Even so, it's better. It's something."

"And something is… well, something," you continue. "And when you've been getting nothing…"

"Yeah, you're right. Hey, take the right coming up."

You do as Madoka says, turning right and leading your little group onwards to the bookstore. Again, this would be a lot easier if you actually knew where the bookstore was, but you are no quitter, and Madoka is more than happy to correct you whenever you take a wrong turn. Which is good, because you have no idea where you're going. The walk passes quickly, and you make small-talk with Madoka while Homura and Sayaka argue. To some surprise, no violence erupts between them on the way to the bookstore, and while the day is young it is certainly progress.

"That's it, over there!" says Madoka, interrupting Sayaka's tirade about the use of sixteenth notes; chiefly, how using anyone using notes shorter than that should be hanged without trial. Nevertheless, she pauses her rant, looking up and confirming that it is indeed the store you're looking for.

Once you're inside, the old wood walls providing a calm, relaxed atmosphere, you all agree to look through the different sections and meet up at the check-out in about twenty minutes-by Madoka's count, that should get you to the arcade right around when Big Sis Kyoko will be finished up with her personal business.

Homura shuffles around, looking quite awkward, and Madoka strikes up a conversation while you and Sayaka wander off.

"So, Yuma," says Sayaka, walking with you towards the fantasy section. "Is there anything in particular you're looking for?"

"Not really," you say. "Yuma was never much of a reader. Any manga you would recommend?"

"I'm not really a manga fan myself," says Sayaka. "But if you're looking for an easy read, I'd recommend the Warriors series. It's not manga, but it's really cool! I remember reading it when I was your age…"

Warriors, huh. Wait, you've heard about that! It's the one about cats. You like cats! Kitties! You start looking through the shelves, unable to control your excitement as you bounce up and down. Come on, come one-there! You pull out a book titled Warriors, Night Whispers. Aww man, it even has a cool title!

"Woah there," says Sayaka. "What do you think you're doing?"

"R-Reading the book?" you say, tilting your head. "You know, cause you recommended it, and Yuma tough it would be fun to have a book to read…"

"No, I get that. But why are you reading Night Whispers first?" Oh, this isn't the first one? Well, that makes sense. You open your mouth to ask if Sayaka will help you find the first book, but she keeps on talking. "See, that's the third book of Omen of The Stars, which is the fourth series. You need to read Into The WIld and all the other books in The Prophecies Begin series, then everything in The New Prophecy and Power Of Three series, then The Fourth Apprentice and Fading Echoes, and then you can read Night Whispers."

You stare at the book in your hand, now conscious of just how much it weighs. It's… not a small book. "How many books are in each series?" you ask.

"Six. But after you finish the first four series-and read the standalone books, especially about Skyclan- then you can read the fifth series, which is garbage, and you shouldn't read, the sixth series is still going, but you really shouldn't read it. Then there's the spinoff manga-"

You slowly back away, careful not to catch Sayaka's attention, and tiptoe out of the aisle. Now you just find someone else, and- fiddlesticks, you're still carrying that blasted book! You can't take it with you, especially when you have no intention of buying it, and you can't in good conscience put it in the wrong place. Oh, why are you so Good?

"Er, Sayaka?" you interrupt her rambling, something about cuddly murderhobo kittens. "This series sounds a bit… long for Yuma. Maybe something else?"

"Yeah, I guess it is a bit intimidating to a casual reader," she says. "Anyway, I hope you find something! Meanwhile, I'll be finding some nice, old-school fantasy. You can never have too many copies of the Hobbit, after all!"

You wave goodbye, leaving Sayaka to her fantasy and heading over to a different section. Homura's cool, maybe she knows some cool books? With that in mind, you go looking for your dark-haired friend.

She's not too hard to find, looking through the Historical Fiction section with surprising vigor.

"Hey Homura. Whatchya looking for?"

"I'm looking for one in a series of novels," responds Homura, not pausing her search. "They are quite difficult to acquire in Japan, so much so that I had given up hope of acquiring some more volumes, but- ah, here it is."

She pulls out a thick paperback book, old and slightly worse for wear, with a drawing of some fancily dressed man on the cover.

"That looks cool," you say. "What is it?"

"The Flashman Papers," explain Homura. "Quite popular in the West, though it lacks such popularity in Japan."

"Flashman?" you say, chuckling. "That's a weird name. Is that what the hero's called?"

"Well, calling him the "hero" would be quite a stretch," says Homura. "He is absolutely reprehensible, and the humor comes from his constant, unintentional heroics, as he manages to save the day despite his best efforts. When combined with a scathingly sarcastic internal monologue, it is quite an entertaining read."

"That sounds… weird, Yuma thinks, but maybe Yuma should give it a try? If you like it-"

"Absolutely not," says Homura. "Over my dead body. You are not close to mature enough to enjoy or even understand it!" Her eyes flicker from side to side, and she adds; "Also, one must have a complex grasp of world history in the 19th century to understand the events transpiring in the books."

"Yuma is a big girl!" you say. "Whatever stuff is in there, Yuma can handle it! And Yuma is smart, Yuma knows old stuff!"

"What was the Great Game?" asks Homura.

"It was… uh… Smash Bros Melee!"

"Saying it confidently does not make you right, you know."

"It doesn't hurt! At least, it hasn't hurt yet."

Homura shakes her head, sighing, and you leave yet another section. Well, you may not be super smart about history and you may afraid of series with as many books as most TV shows have episodes, but you can still read books! You're a reader! You'll find something here, you know. If only there was someone sane, reasonable, calm, someone you like and respect, and with whom you shared a major interest or two. Someone smart, but not necessarily a bookworm.

You stop in place, letting out a small gasp. Wait a second! You know someone like that!

Oh, but Big Sis Kyoko isn't here! Well, you suppose you can ask Madoka. She fills the criteria too, you guess. Hmph. You know you were on to something.

You stomp around the store, looking for the telltale sign of bright pink hair, and eventually, you find Madoka. Your annoyance has dimmed, by then, and a smile is on your face as she turns to greet you. "Hi Yuma," she says. "Have you found anything yet?"

"Nope. Yuma went to Homura and Sayaka for recommendations, but they both gave bad ones. Seriously Homura, who recommends a book that you won't let the person you're recommending it too read? And after looking for it, too!"

Madoka squints at you, mouth open in silent confusion. "Yuma... you did ask Homura for recommendations, right? That wasn't just a book she wanted for herself?"

"Well, um, maybe, but still! It's… it's, uh… WELL, moving on, do you know any books you think Yuma might enjoy?"

Madoka puts a hand to her mouth, failing to stifle her giggles, and she fixes you with a radiant smile. "Well, if I think back to what I liked when I was your age… Actually, what do you like? Shonen manga? Fantasy books? Slice of life comics?"

You scratch your chin, furrowing your brow in thought. What kind of stories do you like?

"Well, Yuma like the… what are they called, when it's people hanging out and having fun?"

"That's slice of life!"

"Then Yuma likes slice of life stuff, especially the funny ones… It's just fun, reading about people relaxing and having fun. It's nice." You smile. Yeah, you always liked those kinds of stories.

"Well then, let's see what we can do. What are some good slice of life comedies I've read recently… Oh, I got one!"

Madoka hurries down toward the comedy section, and you follow her, smiling. She stops, her searching gaze going through the collection of books before she finds the one she wants. "Found it!" Madoka reaches up, standing on her tiptoes and sticking her tongue out in concentration. She pulls out a small book with a plastic cover, a light novel.

"Actually, on second thought, I'm not sure you'd like this," says Madoka. "It's really funny, but it's also about romance."

"Yeah, Yuma isn't really a huge fan of sappy romance books," you say.

"It's not sappy. It's more like... it's a comedy, and it's sort of a parody of high-school romances." She leans in, a conspiratorial grin on her face and whispers; "All the characters are really dumb, and they make horrible leaps in logic and have ridiculous misunderstandings."

"Actually, that doesn't sound so bad," you say. "Maybe Yuma should give it a try?"

Madoka smiles. "If you want to try it. You know, I really do think you'll like it."

You smile back, and keep on talking; small talk is weird, sure, but you're smol! You can do it!

And as a matter of fact, you do. You have a nice conversation with Madoka, talking about what books you've read and what you thought of them. It passes the time quite nicely, and before you know it you're all ready to leave. You have your book, along with the sequel, and Homura's found her stupid "mature" books that you can't read. Sayaka, despite her earlier enthusiasm, hasn't bought a second copy of her fantasy book; instead, she's shooting awkward glances your way. You're not sure what it's for, but you doubt it's anything big.

Now, you just have to make your way to the arcade, and you'll be back with Big Sis Kyoko. You feel worry begin to claw its way into your stomach, and you take a deep breath. It will be okay. Big Sis Kyoko will be back. The best part is, as much as the possibility scares you, you believe that. And, at least according to Madoka, being afraid doesn't make you a bad girl. You're not so sure about that one, but maybe… Well, you'll have to think about it.

But right now, you're on a fun trip with people you like. And you're going to an arcade, even if it is the place where you're meeting Big Sis Kyoko. Arcades are fun! You'll have fun, too! With that in mind, you head out the doors and follow Madoka to the arcade.

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"Yuma Chitose, don't you dare throw that blue-nooOOOO!"

Sayaka screams echo through the empty, dilapidated arcade. In contrast with most other buildings in the city, it's old, and it most certainly shows it. But on the plus side, everything's really cheap. The four of you are in the arcade, playing a racing game with the seats and stuff. You're the only group in the arcade, possibly due to both the location and ragged state, which means that you can be as loud as you like without getting any odd stares.

"Sorry, Sayaka," you say, leaning in your seat as your character makes their way around a tight turn. "Yuma can't hear you from up here!"

"You're losing!"

"Then why is Yuma laughing while you scream in anguish?"

"Because blue shells suck!"

Madoka and Homura are silent, each with different levels of concentration. Madoka's tongue is sticking out of the corner of her mouth, and she stares at the screen with an odd intensity. Homura, on the other hand, doesn't seem to be paying much attention. She lightly turns her wheel from side to side, expertly dodging projectiles and hazards alike, seemingly without the slightest bit of effort. But the glint in her eyes betrays her true feelings, and-AHH, RED SHELL!

"Gotya!" says Madoka. "Woohoo, I'm in first!"

"Not for long!" shouts Sayaka, driving through an item box. "Come on, be a red shell! Red shell, red shell- green shell? Meh, this works just fine." She lines it up, eyes darting around to asses the angels, and you know that it's all over for Madoka. The end of the stage is coming up, and if Sayaka passes her, Madoka won't be able to recover!

Sayaka lets the green shell go, and you watch as it bounces nearer to the corner. The way it's aimed, it will hit Madoka as she goes around the corner, right when she'll have the least mobility.

"No, no, no no nononono!" Madoka's cries get more and more frantic as the shell draws closer and closer, hitting the bend at just the right angle and smashing into-

Homura, who has somehow managed to pass Sayaka and fly around the corner, putting her right between Madoka and the shell. "Oh no," she says, voice monotone. "I have been hit. What a catastrophic misjudgment I have made."

"Sorry, Homura!" says Madoka. "But also thanks! Now, to finish this!"

She roars ahead, Sayaka hot on her heels. Homura follows them, keeping level with Sayaka, and you crash into another wall. Perhaps looking at the screens of the people in front of you isn't the best strategy, but you've accepted defeat and you want to know who wins.

The others, turn around the final bend, attention drawn to the finish line. "I'm gonna get it!" shouts Sayaka.

"You're not gonna get it!" replies Madoka.

"Imma get it!"

"No you're not!"

"Too bad, red shell time!"

Unfortunately for Sayaka, it is not red shell time. It's banana time, actually, and she curses and throws it ahead. Madoka is just as lucky, dropping hers behind her, but Homura manages to get a green shell. She throws it before anyone has a chance to process it, the perfectly aimed throw colliding with Sayaka.

"Transfer student, why'd you aim for me? Madoka's in the lead!"

"Would you believe that I missed?"

Sayaka growls as Homura zips past her, and Madoka begins vibrating in excitement.

"I've got this!" she says. "I'm going to win!"

"Heeeeey," you say. "You know what I like?"

"Wh-"

"BLUE SHELL!" you scream, relishing the terror on her face as she sees the warning. But while your statement sure was loud, it wasn't exactly well-timed; you have to sit awkwardly for a few seconds before the shell actually reaches Madoka, slamming down on her just before she reaches the finish line. She leans forward in defeat, resting her head on the wheel and groaning.

"Ngghhh. Guess this one goes to you, Homura."

She stays like that for a few seconds, before she looks up and gasps. "H-Homura? Why'd you stop?"

Homura's car has stopped in front of the finish line, idling next to Madoka's. "You deserve the win," Homura says. "Had I not intercepted- I mean been hit by Sayaka Miki's green shell, it would have been me who was assaulted by Yuma Chitose's blue shell. The victory is yours."

Madoka stares at her, mouth opening and closing without anything comprehensible coming out. "I-but, I don't- I can't-"

"Well, if you won't take it," interrupts Sayaka. "I guess I will- oh, come on!" You look over to her screen, where she stares daggers into the banana- her banana, that has left her spinning in place.

Right at the finish line, Madoka and Homura are staring into each other's eyes. "I didn't earn this victory," says Homura. "You should win."

"No, you should win. Yuma took me out fair and square. Just go forward, Homura!"

Homura shakes her head, raven hair shifting. "I won't go forward, Madoka. Not until you've crossed the finish line."

"Alright, take two!" shouts Sayaka. "This time, I'll- oh, you can't be serious! How?"

"Homura, you have to go forward. If you don't, Sayaka will win."

Homura seems to actually consider that, narrowing her eyes. "Please, Homura, if only to spite Sayaka."

"Too late, weirdos! I've run out of bananas to run into, and now I'll- WHAT THE HELL!"

You cackle, almost falling out of your seat as you watch Sayaka's car do a flip, having been the victim of your red shell. "I don't think Sayaka Miki can win," admits Homura. "Yuma Chitose, on the other hand… no, it isn't worth it. Madoka, you have to go forward. I. Won't. Go."

Madoka sighs, and reluctantly presses the gas pedal. Her car crosses the line, Homura's right behind her, and Sayaka finally manages to get to the finish line without her car being accosted. "Oh, that was fun," you say. "Hey Madoka, what's the time?"

"It's right around five o'clock," she answers. "In other words, Kyoko should arrive any minute now." You rub the back of your head, looking at the ground, but you freeze at the sound of a door opening.

"Sup nerds," comes the unmistakable voice of your Big Sis. "Hope ya didn't do anything cool without me-"

"Big Sis!" you yell, running over and leaping at her with your arms extended. She takes it in stride, grabbing you under your shoulders and spinning you around her.

"Hey, Yuma," she says, setting you back on your feet. "Did ya miss me?"

"Of course!" you say, hugging her as tight as you can. You don't think you hear anything crack, so you're pretty restrained this time.

"Hi Kyoko," says Sayaka, stretching her arms. "We just finished up a game of Mario Kart. Madoka won, since Homura was being weird about it."

"Hi Sayaka. What do you mean, Homura was being weird about it?"

"Madoka deserved it," says Homura, interrupting Sayaka before she can say anything. "But anyway, hello, Kyoko."

"And hi to you too, Madoka. So, what do we do now?"

Sayaka opens her mouth to suggest something, but her phone rings before she can say anything. "It's my dad," she says, smiling apologetically. As she walks over to take the call, the rest of you get back to doing whatever it is you're doing.

"Well, I guess we all go home and have supper?" says Madoka. "Today was fun!"

"That is was," says Homura. "In any case, I don't have plans for tonight."

"Really," says Kyoko. "You don't have a plan?"

"Do I look like the sort of girl who has plans?"

"Uhh, yeah. You look like the sort of girl who has a plan for everything. Hell, you probably have a plan for this conversation, don't you?"

Homura rolls her eyes, but she can't hide her smile. "Oh yes, I do have a plan. Step one is "ask a rhetorical question". Was "answer a rhetorical question" part of your plan, or did you just improvise?"

Kyoko smirks, putting her hands behind her head. "Nah, no plan here. I'm winging it 24/7, day-in-day-out. No plan here."

Sayaka walks back to the group, phone in hand. "So my dad was wondering if I was going to be home for supper, and that got me thinking."

"And you deemed this worthy of our attention?" says Homura. Kyoko, against all your expectations, doesn't snicker, but instead levels a frown at Homura. Madoka joins in on the frowning, and you debate doing so if only to fit in when Sayaka continues. "Well, long story short, I was wondering if you lot wanted to join us for supper, if you don't have any other plans."

Kyoko blinks, eyes going wide, while Madoka smiles and Homura remains neutral.

"Well, I mean, food is good but there will have to be a lot, right?" says Kyoko, looking away and rubbing the back of her head. "How will I know that there'll be enough food?"

"Oh, Dad's good at stuff like this. Give him an hour or so, and he'll have a real feast ready."

Kyoko smiles, the sort of obviously fake smile that makes you think something's up. Wait, is Kyoko… nervous? She is!

So Kyoko. Is nervous. About having supper at Sayaka's. And meeting Sayaka's parents. Your eyes light up as you try to avoid string at Big Sis. Ohohoho, this is good. But what to do? You'd personally be fine having supper at Sayaka's- her dad sounds great, and you always like meeting new people- but Kyoko is very nervous, and as funny as it is, you don't want to push her into doing something she doesn't want to.

What do you do?

[ ] Get Kyoko to have supper with Sayaka; it will be fine!

[ ] Tell Sayaka you're sorry, but you can't.

[ ] Write-in.