I'm Miyoshi Karin.
	As a chosen hero, I'm once again conducting operations at Sanshu Middle School today.
	...or at least I should be.
Yuna: Awawawah. The exams are coming up soon. What do I do?
Togo: You don't need to do much, Yuna-chan. Just demonstrate the fruits of your normal studying habits and there shouldn't be any problem.
	Togo laughs.
Yuna: You're right, but... it just seems kinda hard this time around.
Togo: You're going to aim for a 70, Yuna-chan.
Yuna: ...uwah, my best buddy's being strict with her goal setting for me.
Yuna: Can you lower the bar just a little... Togo-san?
Togo: Haven't I told you? Being a hero and being a student go hand in hand.
Yuna: Uuuugh. Damn you Vertexes.
Karin: Well, just do your best, Yuna.
Togo: You need to show some results too, Karin-chan.
Karin: Ugh. But we're heroes, so we don't really need to score high on exams...
Togo: Remember what Fu-sempai said? If we let hero club duties take over our normal lives, that means we've taken personal damage from the Vertex, which we can't call a flawless victory.
Togo: So hang in there, you two.
	Togo laughs again.
Karin: Man, Togo's laugh kinda packs a punch in a certain way, huh.
Yuna: Yeah. Sometimes it gets just a little bit scary. Now that she said I need to get at least a 70, it looks like it's one of those times.
Karin: Oh well. Togo's got a point.
Karin: It's too late to prepare properly, but some preparation's better than nothing.
Yuna: Oh, so you're gonna study, huh? Awwwright, I'll give it a go too.
Yuna: Ah, if we're both gonna do it, why not do it together?
Karin: S-study together?
Yuna: I'm sure if we put our heads together, we can bolster our chances.
Karin: ...hmph
Karin: Well, fine. If you so insist.
Yuna: The exams are next week, and the weekend's only starting, so....! I'll stay over at your place tonight!
Karin: Eh, a study group at my place? And you're staying overnight?
Yuna: Welp, I'll drop by your place this evening!
Karin: Ah, wait...! We're... studying at my place?
	-That evening
	...And so, today Yuna's staying at my place.
Karin: Let's see... is there anything I need to do to prepare?
	I've never done this before, so I don't know what I'm supposed to do.
	I've got all kinds of supplements so I've got no problem as far as food goes.
	As for clothes, I'm sure Yuna will bring her own.
Karin: ...Is it really okay not to do anything in particular...?
	I stare at my studying desk.
Karin: Well... maybe this should be enough for now.
	Squeaky squeaky squeaky ← Cleaning
Karin: Drinks... I guess water will do.
Karin: ...Yeah. I wonder if this is enough preparation.
	Now we just have to wait for Yuna.
Karin: ...she should be here soon.
	...
Karin: ...Hah!?
	Wait a minute, why am I sitting here properly like I'm waiting for some sort of formal meeting?
Karin: D-don't be stupid. Let's do some training!
Karin: Why am I even getting all giddy for just some stupid study group!?
Karin: Training! Training! Rrrrrroooohhhh!
	I mean, we didn't even agree on a time more specific than "evening".
	Yuna's kinda willy-nilly like that.
Karin: Hmph! To get back at her, I won't answer the door right away when she comes!
	*Bing bong*
	*Step step step!*
Karin: Geez, how late can you be!?
Yuna: Sorry, sorry. I bought us some supplies, see?
	She shows me a bag filled with snacks.
Karin: This is a study group, okay? Don't get the wrong idea.
Yuna: You use your brain to study, right? So you gotta have sweets☆
Yuna: Anyway, Karin-chan, you're sweating.
Karin: I was weight training because SOMEBODY was late.
Yuna: Sorry about that! Okay then, I'll do some weight training too!
Yuna: ...AH!!
Togo: I can't wait to see your scores, Yuna-chan.
Yuna: ...But on second thought, let's just study today...
Yuna: Pardon the intrusion
Karin: You can have some of my snacks too. Here, dried sardines.
Yuna: They seem like a great study food.
	The question is what subject to start with.
Yuna: Math! Gotta be math!
Karin: Hm, I admire your courage.
Yuna: Do you think it'd be more effective if we transformed while studying?
Karin: Just study normally.
Yuna: Okaaay. I'll be a hero! I mean, I'll be studying!
Fu: Oh, looks like Yuna's staying over at Karin's place today.
Itsuki: She sent a message saying they're having a study group.
Fu: Well, both of them are good at concentrating on what's on hand, so it might turn out better than expected... or it could be a complete trainwreck, too, though.
Fu: So, are you good with your studying, Itsuki?
Itsuki: Y-yeah. I can manage... probably... perhaps.
Fu: Oh, you seem a little uneasy there. Alright, let me lend you a hand!
Fu: So, what subjects are you having trouble with? I can teach you.
Itsuki: Let's see... Math... Language... History...
Fu: My little sister's a lost cause too!
	The hero club shares info via SNS.
	So Togo too knew that Yuna was staying over at Karin's place.
Togo: ...I wonder if Yuna-chan's studying properly.
Togo: ...I'll send her a message. How're you doing...?
	...
Togo: ..no reply. Which means she must be concentrating, right?
Togo: That's a relief, but it's also a little lonely...
	Late at night
Yuna: ...awwwrighty! Reached my quota!
Karin: I finished five minutes ago too.
Karin: Yuna, you can really concentrate at times like this, huh. You didn't even notice your phone went off, did you?
Yuna: Eh, ah, you're right. It's from Togo-san.
	Personally, I've also raised my concentration skills through practice. I'm good at cramming when I need to. (That's how I got a high score on the admission exam)
	But Yuna quickly reached her quota too.
	She apparently learned martial arts from her father, so maybe she drilled her body there.
Yuna: Man, I'm so tired. My hands feel heavy too.
Karin: No pain no gain, huh. Let's stop here for today. No point in studying fatigued.
Yuna: You're right. Let's start again tomorrow.
Yuna: ...Hwah! Look at the time! Didn't even realize I was so hungry.
Karin: That's because you cheated hunger by eating all the dried sardines.
Karin: I've got supplements, but it's kind of tough to survive on those alone.
Yuna: I bought these along with the snacks.
Yuna: Bazzzing! Rrrrraawwwwwmeeeeennn!
Karin: Oh, not udon?
Yuna: Sometimes you want to go with this instead, you know?
Yuna: That said, let's make these together. It's simple.
Yuna: Can I use the ingredients in the refrigerator?
Karin: Sure, but I don't think there's much in there.
Karin: I underestimated how many dried sardines we'd need. And they'd go so well with ramen too.
Yuna: I've scouted some bacon and sausage players. With four each, they've got some outstanding talent!
Karin: Sometimes I like to put meat in my mouth for some energy.
Yuna: So you must be a carnivorous girl then, Karin-chan.
Yuna: Okay, then I'll add the bacon and sausage along with the eggs and spinach I bought for some original ramen.
Karin: Wow, that actually sounds pretty good.
Yuna: Awwrighty, let the cooking commence! I'll be a cook!
	...
Yuna: Zuntatta♩ Zuntatta♩ Soft-boiled eggs are reaaady!
Karin: I cut the spinach and the bacon. Leave any knife work to me.
Yuna: Looks like we can make some nutritious ramen, hun.
Karin: This is great. To be able to make something so good without any trouble at all!
Yuna: It kinda makes you hungry, huh. ...But hunger is the greatest spice, as they always say...
Karin: Who?
Fu: Hmm, a message? Let's see... 'It got so late before we realized it, so we're eating some instant ramen we made...
Fu: Heheh, working hard, I see, Karin and Yuna. Oh, there's an image of the ramen attached.
Fu: Mmmgah! It looks soo good... This is midnight snack terrorism, I tell you.
Fu: But it's a taboo for a girl like me to ingest something before bed... ahh, I know it is, but I can't help it... I'm opening up the lid of some cup noodles!
Itsuki: ...
Fu: What's with that smug look, Itsuki? Help your Onee-chan before it's too late!
Togo: ...*sniff* Showa era movies... are so good... the message resounds in my heart...
Togo: Oh, a message... looks like Yuna-chan's doing her best.
Togo: ...But it's good she's having fun. I should've joined in too.
Karin: ...slurp... wow. This ramen's great.
Yuna: It's filling too since there are eggs in it.
Karin: I've had instant ramen before, but it wasn't this good.
Karin: Is it because we added our own personal touch...?
Yuna: There's that, and it's also because we're eating it together.
Karin: ...I see. Because we're eating it together, huh.
Yuna: Yuki Yuna is eating do the last drop of broth!
Karin: ...Ah, by the way, since you are technically a guest, you should sleep on the bed.
Karin: I'll sleep on the floor.
Yuna: Not at all.
Karin: I thought you'd say that. But you are a guest. Technically.
Yuna: That's not what I mean. You should sleep on the bed with me, Karin-chan.
Karin: !?
Karin: Geez, I don't get what Yuna's saying at all.
Karin: She won't sneak into the shower, will she...?
	She acts way too familiar.
	She's kind of peculiar.
	...but this is the first time I've had someone stay over. I never expected we'd sleep in the same bed.
Karin: ...wait, why am I getting nervous!? I don't get it! I don't get it!
	I indulge in the warm shower.
Karin: it really is kinda cramped in here, don't you think?
Yuna: Really? I think there's plenty of space.
Karin: Well, if you say so...
Yuna: But you know, I've always wanted to do this with you, Karin-chan.
Karin: Mmgah!?
Yuna: Because there's so much I've wanted to talk to you about.
Karin: ...there's not that much to talk about.
	Not much besides training and supplements at least.
Karin: There are more things I'd like to ask you, Yuna.
Yuna: Ask away. Wanna talk about pressed flowers?
Karin: Ah, why do you like pressed flowers, anyway?
Yuna: Well, my parents taught me! Oh, uh that's all! ...I'm sorry I can't expand any more on that.
Karin: You've got good parents.
Yuna: Any other questions? I'm sure I can expand more on the next one.
Karin: ...well.
Karin: Yuna, you've got a lot of friends in class, right? Do you... have some kind of trick for that? A trick to get people to get along with you...
Yuna: Huh, I don't think I'm that much of an expert. I just kinda get along with everyone.
Karin: ...All experts are humble like that.
Karin: Well, whatever. Forget I asked.
Yuna: Hero Tickle!
	*tickle tickle*
Karin: Ahahaha! H-hey what was that for?
Yuna: A sleepover's no place for long faces like that.
Karin: Ugh, fine. Sorry.
Yuna: ...Going back to what we were talking about before.
Yuna: Actually, when I was in elementary school, there was a girl I got into a little fight about and we stopped talking...
Karin: Eh, no way, you?
Yuna: It was right before classes got rearranged. We got put into different classes, so I lost the opportunity to reconcile.
Yuna: But then, she transferred to a different school.
Yuna: And, right before she transferred, I received a letter from her. It said 'I'm sorry I couldn't apologize to you. I liked you Yuki-san'...
Karin: ...That's gotta be tough.
	I see. So things like that happen to Yuna too.
Karin: (Th-this is where I have to console her and tell her it's alright, isn't it...!?)
Yuna: So... I asked where she moved and went to go see her during summer break.
Karin: You did!? ...way to take the initiative.
Yuna: I asked my dad for permission first. He said 'School is where you learn interpersonal relations, so this is indeed a fine opportunity. Now go, my child! Go! Wahahah!'
	Yuna must take after her dad.
Yuna: So then we completely made up.
Yuna: We couldn't even remember why exactly we got into a fight to begin with.
Karin: ...so you've... had an experience like that.
	I suddenly want to tell her about myself now.
	I feel like I can tell Yuna.
	I think I want her to tell her.
Karin: Is it okay if I talk about myself for a bit?
Yuna: Sure!
Karin: Actually, I... have an older brother. Miyoshi Harunobu...
Yuna: Ehh!? Really?
Karin: He's an outstanding older brother. He's even quickly started working within the Taisha.
Yuna: Oh, an elite, huh. You must be proud of your brother, huh.
Karin. He's too outstanding... and he's my brother. His always scores at the top, has good conduct, his soccer club won the inter-high championships, and his haikus would win area-wide prizes.
Karin: My parents would hang the pictures he'd draw on the walls at home, but they'd never hang any of mine.
Karin: I mean, sure, they may not be as praiseworthy as his, but normally you'd hang at least one of your daughter's drawings, wouldn't you?
Karin: So my parents only seemed to have eyes for my perfect superhuman brother.
Karin: ...I hated it. So much.
Yuna: Karin-chan...
Karin: He was an able older brother, so he'd help me out in various ways. But that... became another issue for me.
Karin: But then I found my chance...! The aptitude test said I had the disposition to be a hero.
	From then on, I recklessly trained myself.
	If I wanted to be acknowledged in comparison to my lump of talent of a brother, I'd have to cover up my lack of talent with effort.
	To build my stamina, I ran until I bled.
	I swung swords until you could see the bones in my hands come out from the skin.
	--And as a result.
	I was the one chosen through the hero selection examinations.
	Eventually, the Taisha provided me with a portable terminal.
	Until the Vertexes would arrive, nobody would know whom the Shinju-sama would elect to lend his power.
	However, the terminal provided by the Taisha once belonged to a hero.
	So it was something of a special pass that would allow anyone with the right aptitude to transform as long as they possessed it.
	I received genuine hero training from the Taisha and waited for actual combat to come.
Karin: Now that I've come this far, all that's left is to produce results.
Karin: As a hero, I'll defeat as many Vertexes as I can.
Yuna: But it's kind of reassuring that your older brother works within the Taisha, right?
Karin: I haven't had any contact with him at all. The inner workings of the Taisha are top secret, after all.
Yuna: I see...
Karin: ...Sorry for dropping such a heavy talk on you. It doesn't really bother me anymore, though.
Karin: I had decided not to tell anyone about it, but I kind of figured I could tell you, Yuna...
Yuna: Ahahah, aw shucks. Thanks.
Yuna: When we defeat all the Vertexes, you'll have accomplished something nobody's ever done before. So let's give it our best.
Karin: Yeah. I'll destroy each and every one of them.
	The next Monday
Togo: Yuna-chan, how was the sleepover?
Yuna: We studied hard, so I'm not worried at all!
Togo: That's great.
Yuna: Yup. And it was fun since I got to talk with Karin-chan about a lot of stuff!
Yuna: We even promised to have another sleepover sometime.
Togo: ...
Yuna: Ahh, I can't wait until the next sleepover.
Togo: I see. You're going to aim for an 80, right?
Yuna: ...wait, did that number go up?