Time to do some catching up!

{if@ Gammod == False}((Continuing from alternate Game Mode outcome to last chapter, shown below))

You stare in amazement, eyes glittering with wonder, then turn to look into the face of your saviour for the first time.... wait a sec, do you recognise her? You might..... you lean in closer and squint your eyes to get a better look.

She's very tall, and her face is beautiful but stern. She's got long, silky, flowing hair that's bright red, and she's looking back at you with eyes that seem to contain an entire galaxy each. You can feel your heart speeding up and all of your worries from just before melting away as you stare deeply into her starlike eyes....

.....

"....Debbie?" She asks.

You snap back to your senses, and blink a few times. "Huh?" You ask, confused, and immediately chastise yourself for acting so uncouth.

The beautiful woman's stern expression shifts into one of slight approval and pride. "I didn't expect you to actually make it in here. Good job!"

"Oh, th-thanks...." You reply, quietly. Her tone is so genuine and supportive, even if her words sound a bit harsh.

Wait, you do know her! This is Nora, who you cuddled from the bank that time, with the really cool apartment and the photo of her Warrior class! You'd totally forgotten that she's at this school too!

"Nora!" You say suddenly, face flooding with a joyful expression.

"How did you end up on the Sorority's bad side? They normally only care about people who are dangerous."

Her words are still a bit harsh, but she's so pretty and her tone is so genuinely inquisitive that it doesn't even make you feel bad. You rush forward and take her into a close embrace, holding her tightly until you feel extra safe again. She pauses, then brings an arm up and wraps it around you to hold you there as well.

"I'm glad you're alright." She says. "And still adorable."

{endif}Nora takes a moment to check up on the pile of groaning girls, and leans in to say something to them that you can't hear, then walks back over to you with a calm smile. She takes your head in her hands, which just about melts your heart, and turns it over a few times to get a look from several directions.

"You're not hurt?" She asks.

You tell her that you're alright, but you take your time about it, so that she doesn't let go too soon. Nora nods.

"Good. I'm glad." She releases your head, and looks you up and down.

"Thank you!" You shout happily. "You totally saved my butt. Is there anything I can do for you, now? I could look over any essay drafts for you, if you like!"

Nora lifts her elegant hand, about to wave the offer off, then pauses.

"You know, Debbie," She says, contemplatively. "Since you made it to the University, how would you feel about doing what you did for me back in the city? There are.... several stresses surrounding me right now, both from the pressure of being top of the school and from my Warrior partner refusing to put in anything but the most minimal effort. I wouldn't mind having somebody as cute as yourself to cuddle up and relax with, whenever the stresses grow too high."

Oh wow... yes, yes! You agree very hurriedly, because last time was super awesome, and because she is very beautiful and you probably would've agreed to anything she said. Besides -- did she just say she's the top of the school? That's a massive deal! Even though it's just the start of the year, being top of her Third Year class probably means she's already better than some professional Warriors out there. If you cuddle with her enough, maybe you'll be able to pick some of that up by osmosis!

"Of course, you can't tell anyone about it." Nora quickly adds. "I have a reputation to uphold, being last year's Arena champion."

You agree very hurriedly, because, y'know. Nora smiles at that, which makes you get tingly. Before she leaves, she tells you that you'll be able to find her at the Arena in the Courtyard.{if ArenaView >0} Since she was the Champion, they'll let you in now, even though you're a First Year.{endif} You rush up to give her a quick hug from behind on her way out, which she responds to with some headpats, and then the two of you go down your separate ways of the hall.

Geez.... that could've gone really badly, just now. Thank goodness Nora was on top of it. And how cool to not only meet her again, but to be her official cuddle buddy again! Argh, that's the best.

You should probably worry about the Sorority a little bit, in case they want to try come get you again later, but.... for now, it's probably alright! You can at least enjoy this Free Time in peace. Besides, you can just cross that bridge when you come to it. Preparation is for the birds! When they make nests! You're a human, you are above all of that.