Conclusion

(chapter originally by doragom333 at writing.com)

"Minako," Yukari began.

"I know I broke my promise to keep things secret," she began. "But I just couldn't let her get away with-"

"I know, I know," Yukari interrupted. "I just wanted to say thanks. If you hadn't gotten everyone involved to help, I don't know where I would be right now."

"Always glad to help, Yuka-tan!" Junpei said, winking at her, causing Akihiko to elbow him.

"Ugh!" Yukari growled. "Though I do wish that not everyone had been involved."

"Believe me," said Minako. "They were not part of my plan. I tried to keep it between us girls, but-"

"Sorry!" Fuuka said, blushing. "I just wanted Aigis to provide backup, I didn't think she'd go all the way."

"It's okay, it's not your fault Fuuka-chan..."

"Takeba," Mitsuru said, turning to face Yukari and bringing all other conversation to a halt.

"Yes?" Yukari replied. She could guess what Mitsuru would say next, namely that she would scold her for this. For rising up to childish taunts, entering a humiliating situation entirely of her own will, and creating problems for everyone. It was partly all her fault to begin with.

"I realize that this has been quite an ordeal for you," Mitsuru continued. "If you... need time to yourself to recover, feel free to take the next few days off from Tartarus and get some extra sleep. And remember, we are always here for you, as a team."

Yukari was surprised, but in a good way this time. She knew Mitsuru had her kind moments, but she wasn't expecting this from her. She looked around. The entire team was smiling, letting her know that everything was alright now.

"Thanks, Mitsuru-sempai, everyone," she said, overjoyed. "I think I'll be ready for Tartarus tonight, though. I've got a lot of extra stress to work off from that ordeal and all..."

"Excellent!" Mitsuru said. "Then we should have no problem climbing the rest of what is currently available tonight."

"The entire block!?" Yukari sputtered. "Wait, wait a minute. I think I'm up for a few floors, but the whole block? Guys!?"

Yukari sighed, as her protests were only met with laughter from the team. She was actually hoping to have some time off, but when there's Shadows, there's work to be done, it seems. At least her horrible humiliation was now behind her.

As for Kaya, over the next week, she didn't show up to Archery Club, and ended up transferring out of Gekkoukan by the end of it, all without giving any reasons why. Though it was clear to Yukari that it was either due to Mitsuru's threat and/or the constant catcalls she got from most of the student body, (despite Kaya having deleted the video as soon as she could, it seems that it had still made its way around.) Either way, it was probably for the best.