"Excuse me," He started. She looked up, eyes snapping back into focus as she turned to look at him. "I was wondering if you already had a partner in mind, Miss…?"
"Higurashi." She supplied, with a small smile. "Higurashi Kagome."
"Minamino Shuichi." He introduced in return. Higurashi laughed softly, nodding her head.
"So you're the famous Minamino-kun!" She exclaimed in amusement. "Can't say I didn't hear a couple of rumors about you before I transferred here."
"Ah. My reputation precedes me then." Kurama replied dryly. "And your opinion?" Kurama couldn't quell the regret that was starting to develop. Maybe this had been a bad decision; he knew he wouldn't be able to deal with another girl always harboring false expectations of him.
She shook her head. "I don't listen to rumors. I know what it's like to have everyone forming opinions on you just by rumors alone. It sucks." Higurashi finished the last sentence emphatically. "It was part of the reason I transferred."
Kurama hesitated with his next question, but found curiosity tempting him to probe more. "If you don't mind me asking, what was your reputation Higurashi-san?"
"The sick girl." She responded promptly. "I was out of school a lot because of some extenuating circumstances." Kurama blinked in surprise. Higurashi certainly didn't look the part of an ailing girl. As if reading his thoughts, she smiled weakly and said, "Like I said there were some circumstances beyond my control."
From her vague descriptions of the so-called circumstances, Kurama knew it would do him no good to inquire more into her past for now. "Thank you for telling me, Higurashi-san."
She shrugged her shoulders. her eyes shifting towards the scenery outside her window. " No need for thanks. You asked, so I answered." She responded simply.
"So…" He began, trying to bring their conversation on point again. "Would you like to be partners for the project?" Higurashi turned back to look at him, and her eyes crinkled into a smile.
"You asked." She began again, laughing softly. "So I accepted." She gave him a grateful smile, soft and genuine. "I would love to be your partner."
Kurama wasn't sure if it was something about her smile or the appreciation in her words, but he felt his insides do an unexpected flip and returned her smile with one of his own.
Since the story is from Kurama's perspective, Kagome will be referred to by her surname Higurashi as a while. In Japanese culture, using first names is something that represents a closer relationship, and since Kagome and Kurama just met, Kurama still addresses her as Higurashi in his mind. Some of you guys were curious, so this story takes place in the Yu Yu Hakusho timeline right after they finish the Sensui arc.
As for Kagome, she's finished her battle with Naraku, but her current life is still something of a mystery that will be addressed as Kurama figures it out too! :3 D'awww romance coming up!
Anyways, wow the feedback has been soooo great! I love you guys haha. Feel free to give more!
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and Kurama do not belong to me.
