Misao stood outside the house silently, her eyes wide with awe. Just when she thought Kyo's house was nice, this place blew it out of the park. Was this girl from some form of rich family? Most of the people in her class came from working class families, their parents working in offices, being board of director or a successful boss/president of a company. The odd few being doctors etc.
But this woman's parents had to be loaded, being a doctor, lawyer or just plain billionaires. Nobody she knew lived in a place like this, I mean Kyo did but because he was a demon and the leader of his clan. The house looked like something a samurai would live in, reminding her of things she had read in history books. Two massive doors standing as gates in front of the house to keep people out.
She could imagine some ancient war lord standing on the balcony and staring into the distance waiting for battle. Or some princess being trapped inside and waiting for an escape or happiness to come her way. She felt really out of place, realizing the kind of person she was friends with. Tsubaki was such a nice girl she never would have thought she came from such a noble background.
No wonder she was so proper and pretty, she had probably been raised to be since she was young. Such things were to be expected growing up in such a family, having to act ladylike so she could adapt to her lifestyle. The pressures they had to be under because of their parents jobs had to be stressful, she did not envy them in the least.
She then reached out and pressed the buzzer that was on the side of the gate. But made sure to be on her guard, learning from experience after what happened with Shuhei Kuzunoha. Should danger arise its ugly head or she sense that something bad was to happen. She had Kyo's protective talisman and she would be able to bolt out of there no questions asked. But she doubted such a thing would happen, Tsubaki wasn't that type of girl.
"Hello?" Tsubaki's weak voice replied through the buzzer. She wondered who could be visiting her. Certainly not her parents and none of the servants had anything to do with her anymore either. She was sent money to get herself by, but they never so much as spoke to her or even wrote a letter. Completely cutting themselves out of her life, like she had never even existed. Their hatred of her burning bright like a star.
Misao shifted as concern washed over her, hearing her voice made Misao wonder if she was really sick. She had probably been sleeping and she woke her up from a peaceful nap. Wondering if this was a bad idea. Tsubaki had always been a frail woman but had a good heart, there was no way she could be in danger. Hell, she tended to avoid people because she suffered from social anxiety due to being such a loner.
She then took a deep breath to prepare herself "Himura-san? It's me, Misao. You know, from school" she replied nervously. Maybe she should just go back to school, but she knew she would feel bad for such a thing. She already knew that Kyo would want to chew her out about this later, but Tsubaki was her friend. The girl had nobody else she could speak to as most of the other students harassed or made fun of her.
Though she would never hurt a fly, jealous girls made fun of Tsubaki and most guys only wanted her for sex. But she rejected every confession that came her way and kept her distance from the girls who hated her. But despite this keeping her safe, it also left her lonely and starved of interaction with other people who may have genuine hopes of being her friend.
There was a long silence before Tsubaki replied, her voice full of panic. "Misao?! Why are you here? How did you find my home?" she panicked anxiously. She wasn't properly dressed or anything. If she had known she was coming she would have tidied up a bit and dressed in more appropriate clothes. She looked terrible right now and the idea of Misao seeing her in such a pitiful state embarrassed her.
Misao hummed and smiled at the sound of her voice "I forged it from one of the teachers. There's no way I could leave you all alone when you don't have any friends" she replied. She just couldn't shake her worry. What if something awful had happened to Tsubaki or she was hiding because another student had done something bad to her.
Tsubaki was a hard-working student and polite to everyone she knew. But she was a very lonely woman and got anxious around people. Because of this she barely spoke to anyone in the class. Ergo her lack of being sociable and lacking in relationships, she had no companions aside from Misao to spend her time with. Something that Misao could relate to because of her childhood bullying.
There was another long silence, causing Misao to worry. Wondering if she had scared the poor girl, she was known for being timid after all. Maybe she was trying to hide and wait till she was gone. What if she already had guests or something? What if a member of her family was visiting? That was possible after all, though she didn't speak about her family life much. Her personal life could be complicated.
Eventually Tsubaki replied "I… I'll let you in now" she replied nervously. Hearing the reply from the other girl knocked her through the loop for a second. Though there was an odd tone to her voice that surprised Misao. Was that…. Embarrassment she had heard in her tone? She had to be imagining things right?
There was then a loud buzz and Misao pushed on the door. Figuring there must have been alarms on it to keep her safe, which was expected. She then pushed on the heavy wooden door and her eyes widened. She felt like she had gone back in time to the warring states era when Japan was at war and fighting one another. The time when lords had weapons and soldiers fought and battled to protect the royals.
The garden set up wasn't much different from Kyo's, garden ponds with decorated plants, filled with Koi carp. Many beautiful carved statues, trees and stone paved paths. However, it had a more feminine air to it. The garden was carefully tended to and had a lot of colour. Flowers blooming everywhere and even a bird table. She gazed at the few birds that sat quietly in the trees making her smile, the decoration of the house was stunning. Causing her to feel at awe of the beauty that surrounded her.
She felt herself getting lost in the moment, wishing she could take pictures but feeling that would not be polite. So, she held back, simply taking mental pictures to keep as memories. It had been so long since she had felt so at peace with herself, lost in the moment. Like time had stopped and she was living in a dream, a world where she never had to worry about her life being in danger.
"Tsubaki-san? Hello?" Misao called curiously. She had taken off her shoes at the front door and was now walking though her house. Again, similar to Kyo's but had more wall art and decorations everywhere. That and the place was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, while in Kyo's place he lived with a bunch of men whom served him while acting like roommates.
Pictures of family members, paintings, carved mask statues, protective wards and flowers. A very traditional set up, something you didn't see in many houses nowadays due to them being western. She had never seen such a grand and well-tended to house. She was certainly obedient and looked after her home well. Her parents must have trained her well, so she could live on her own.
They must have been very proud of her for doing so well despite being a senior in high school. "In here Misao" a weak voice replied. She would have to stay in bed because of her fatigue, that and she wasn't dressed appropriately at all. She couldn't let Misao see her like this. She was used to unwanted attention because of her appearance, as well as the blood that ran through her veins. But she would never use her charm against Misao, she wanted to earn her trust the right way.
Misao followed the voice before she reached the room in which Tsubaki lay. Seeing the poor girl laid in a futon with the sliding doors opened. The gentle breeze blowing into her room, despite her pale face. She had no idea she was feeling this bad, Tsubaki was the type of girl who never let on to what was really wrong with her. Thus, hiding and avoiding her problems from others and relying on herself.
But she could not abandon someone in need, she had helped Kyo before. She had helped Tadanobu before too. As long as it was in her ability to help someone be with her senka power or as a human, she would do it. She hurried up to her quickly, concern taking over her rationality. Her skin was so white, she looked so weak and tired. Sure, she was known to be a wallflower and quiet, but now she looked really sick.
Had she been hiding some kind of illness while at school? Did anyone else in the school know about this? What about her parents? Why weren't they here helping her right now if she was feeling this bad? "Tsubaki-san? You look awful, are you sick?" she asked in a panicked tone. Why hadn't she told anyone, what good was suffering in silence if it only made things worse? She didn't have to act so modest.
Tsubaki laughed weakly, sometimes she wondered how someone like Misao could be so kind. Only causing the affections she felt for her to grow even stronger than before. If only she could tell her how she felt. She didn't have to come all this way to see her, but she did. She was the first person since moving here whom had shown her such kindness. She had forgotten how wonderful the company of another person could be.
"It's fine Misao. I've always had a weak constitution to heat. Whenever it gets too strong like this, I become bedridden. I'm sorry for worrying you so" she apologized. But she was touched she came all this way. Though she would not ask her for a bed bath, her company was much appreciated. Having someone to make it easier until the weather cooled down once more. Making her able to leave her bed.
Misao softened but was relieved she was ok despite this. But the thought of how long she had been suffering by herself only made her feel more anxious. "Do you need a compress or something?" she asked. Now that she was here, she may as well be of some help to her. She wouldn't be a good friend otherwise. Friends looked out for each other after all.
Tsubaki gave her a touched expression then shifted. She felt bad asking for her help, but she seemed genuine in her worries. She looked away shyly "If… if its not too much trouble" she replied. After being such a disappointment to her family. She had forced to become self-reliant and suffer in silence. But, for some reason she felt like being selfish whenever she was around Misao.
But the idea of taking advantage of her kindness made her feel bad. Was she allowed to be this happy with someone? Was she allowed to let her feelings for the blonde grow? She had spent so long alone that she had never thought such a thing could happen. That she would never meet anyone who could accept her and truly be this loving towards someone.
Misao smiled warmly, stunned that Tsubaki thought she could be a bother to anyone. "Sure, don't be silly. I'll see if I can get you something to eat too. You should keep your strength up" she replied. It was always ok to ask for help from someone if things got too much. She then got to her feet to go in search of the kitchen for food.
As she watched Misao leave, Tsubaki slyly peered at her. Gazing at her silky strawberry blonde hair and figure. Feeling her heart swell in her chest; damn, she really had it bad, didn't she? She then rolled over and covered her face with her hand, she couldn't get her hopes up. Yet she couldn't help but hope that Misao felt the same way. Wanting to capture the happiness she sought after.
"Here you go, its nothing special but it will help boost you up" Misao replied kindly. She had made some onigiri, fresh tea and brought a cold compress. She had used the basics as she felt bad rummaging through her cupboards. So, she simply went with what she could find as it felt like the politest thing to do. But she felt like Tsubaki may appreciate it all the same. She was the type of girl who was grateful for anything.
Tsubaki blushed, she was about to eat Misao's home cooking. Nothing fancy mind you but still homemade. She felt so grateful for this moment she may actually cry because of it. She had seen the lunches that Misao ate every day, but she had no idea she had made them herself. The idea of Misao wearing an apron and standing in a kitchen made her heart flutter with delight.
She then sat up weakly, covering her chest in case her clothes had strained. Making sure her breasts were decently covered. Seeing as she had tugged at her clothes because of the heat. She did not want to seem improper towards her crush. Scared that if she did something wrong she may scare her away. She didn't want to go back to the lonely life she had suffered before.
"Thank you Misao, your too kind" she replied gratefully. She didn't have to come here, all this way. But she had. Wondering if it was fate, seeing as she had been thinking about her. She then took a bite out of the rice ball, her eyes snapping open. Was that? Did she taste chicken? Light spices? But she had no idea she carried such things in the house as it was not often she cooked.
Misao smiled, knowing that by her reaction she approved of her cooking which made her happy. "Its teriyaki flavour, you had some leftovers in the fridge. So, I kind of botched together something simple" she replied. She had hoped to make her something bigger, but she didn't want to appear rude by using up all of the contents in her house.
Tsubaki gazed at the snack in awe, mostly she ate snacks pre-made meals. The most she could cook was curry due to the fact she had been trained to act like a lady. Cooking had been due for when she became a teenager. However, when she was discovered of her secret she had been abandoned. All hopes of training her to be a bride were shattered and she was thrown out of her home to where she currently resided.
All she had worried about was finding a home, finding a school and food. Getting by as best she could, while the thoughts of her family lingered in her mind. The heartbreak so painful she felt she may die. She smiled at Misao warmly, her amber eyes shining in the sun "It's good, you truly have a skill for cooking" she replied politely. Whomever she married in the future would be blessed with an amazing wife.
Misao blushed awkwardly, having never really been praised before aside from her parents or Kyo. "Thank you, you're the first friend whose ever tasted my cooking" she replied. Mana and Kana tended to have their parents make theirs. She was relieved to know that Tsubaki liked it, even if it was the basics. Hopefully one day she could invite her over for dinner so that her parents could meet the new friend she had made.
Remembering how it had felt when she had met Mana and Kana for the first time upon becoming a junior in middle school. The two continued to chat while sipping tea and enjoying their company. A sense of comfort being shared between the two, feeling as though they had known each other all their lives.
"Eh? But I couldn't possibly Misao. You've done so much for me as it is. If you keep being so kind I will have to find a way to repay you" Tsubaki babbled. Why was she being so gracious and giving? She was just a classmate. She didn't have to go this far to make her happy, what she had done today was more than enough. She hated to impose on her further.
"Don't be silly, my parents love having guests and are always happy when I meet someone new" Misao replied. As long as it wasn't a demon hating individual again they would be happy. She had learned to be more cautious ever since she had met him. Knowing they would forever be on bad terms due to the opposite opinions they had on demons. One a hateful person and the other accepting.
But she knew that Tsubaki wasn't like that, she was a gentle person. She sensed no hidden motives, no lies and no animosity about her. She was an open and caring person despite her wallflower nature. Her parents would love her and perhaps she could even bring her out of her shell. There was no way she could allow Tsubaki to continue being so lonely. She needed to help her grow friendships.
Her father would relax knowing it was another female friend, which would allow her mother and father to relax. However, she hoped that Kyo would not antagonize the poor woman by being a pervert. Despite being loyal to her and wanting to marry her when she graduated, he still tended to flirt with some other girls to make her jealous.
Tsubaki softened, Misao was so gentle to her she felt like she may die from happiness. Ever since they had bumped into each other that day, she had been nothing but kind and open to her. She then bowed her head gripping her hands into balled fists, it was now or never. It was her chance to spend time with her beloved Misao. The young woman whom had claimed her heart.
"Misao, if it is not too much trouble. May I have dinner on a Friday night. So, I may spend time with you at the weekend and join you to school on the Monday" she asked hopefully. Though in her mind it would be like a date, to Misao it was simply a friendly gathering. But she would take what she could get until she was able to find the confidence to express her feelings.
Misao blinked, she had never had someone stay over before. Sharing a bed and telling stories, just being girls. Then to have a Saturday of shopping and having fun together, it sounded amazing. Tsubaki had never had friends before, so she had probably never experienced such things. But that was going to change right now, and she was see that she was able to have some fun for once.
She then took Tsubaki's hand, unknowingly making the other girl blush at the physical contact. "Of course, my parents would be delighted. Though I have to warn you my dad can be a little weird" she replied. She didn't have a thing to worry about, all she had to worry about was being herself and the amount of fun they would have together.
Tsubaki smiled, she didn't care what her parents were like. Surely, they would be better than her own. At least that was what she expected given the way Misao spoke about them so fondly. She was finally able to spend some proper alone time with her crush, even if the date would be one sided. "Arigato Misao-chan" she replied.