Kurumu relaxed in the tub, resting her right arm on the lip while she absently ran her fingers through Yukari's moist locks. The witch was turned slightly between Kurumu's thighs, pressing her cheek against Kurumu's left breast while staring at the toilet. Yukari's right arm rested behind Kurumu as they enjoyed the warmth of the water.
"Are you feeling better?"
Yukari dragged her thumb back and forth about the erect nipple of Kurumu's other breast.
"I wish I could bathe with Moka."
Kurumu smirked, still stroking her fingers through Yukari's hair.
"You'd probably pass out from the fumes."
Yukari groaned, deciding to pinch the nipple which caused Kurumu to gasp.
"You let him play with my body."
Kurumu whimpered, not knowing what more she could do. She had already apologized but the witch had barely spoken to her since getting her measurements done yesterday. If Moka had not invited her to spend the night, she probably would have sulked in her suite with Rubi.
"At least Ms. Huang gave us the marriage certificate without asking too many questions."
Yukari grunted, nuzzling her cheek against Kurumu while pinching the nipple harder. Kurumu could feel tears form in her eyes as she held her breath.
"Yukari. Please."
She panted in relief when the witch let go of her aching nipple.
"I can't believe he tried to marry me."
"I'm sure he couldn't because of your age."
"It's the mafia, Kurumu. And with him being the future leader of that clan, they probably would bend a few rules. I'm lucky his sister wanted parental consent."
"I'm so sorry."
Yukari sighed, bringing her thumb back up to tease Kurumu's nipple again.
"It's partially my fault. I thought I could fix the power supply to that device by lunch. His body does have spellcasting potential. But I overestimated his arcane threshold."
Kurumu nodded, having nothing meaningful to respond to whatever it was Yukari had said.
"I still can't believe you and Ms. Morisato concluded I had a crush on Mr. Huang. I hate that guy."
"Well… it sort of made sense at the time."
The door tugged open and Kokoa sauntered inside. The vampire yawned as she strolled over to the toilet, hiking up her cherry red nightgown.
"Morning, Milady."
Kokoa cocked her head, regarding the toilet seat which had the powder blue, corduroy tank top Kurumu had slept in and Yukari's soft pink camisole. Decisively, the vampire released the fabric to grab the collar of her nightgown and pull the garment off.
"My servant continues to trouble me by leaving her clothes in my way."
Kokoa draped her nightgown over her arm before seizing their pajamas. Lifting the seat, the vampire turned about and sat down heavily. The sound of trickling water filled the air.
"I hope you don't plan to be in there long. You have things to do."
"Does Milady want me to scrub her clean?"
Kokoa shook her head, yawning as the tinkling slowed to a patter. Once recovered from her yawn, the vampire stood up.
"I'm going to invite the girls over to study. I might drink Nagisa's blood tonight."
"I thought you were going to wait for the weekend."
"I'm not going to force her."
"Of course, Milady."
"I'll go get dressed. Don't take too long."
Kokoa walked off with their pajamas still in hand. Patting Yukari's head, Kurumu smiled at the witch.
"Are you ready to get out?"
Yukari nodded, shifting between Kurumu's thighs. Placing a hand on Kurumu's shoulder, Yukari stood up and stepped over the lip with a slosh of water. Dripping on the tiles, the witch pranced over to the shelf to fetch a pair of towels as Kurumu got up. Doubting Moka would need the bath, Kurumu pulled the plug before stepping out.
"Are you ready for your exams today?"
Kurumu shrugged, taking the black towel Yukari offered her. She promptly dried her breasts and arms.
"I'm as ready as I can be."
"You studied more this time. I hope you do well."
Kurumu snorted as she leaned down to towel off her legs.
"I better. If I do worse, I won't see much reason to put this much effort into it again."
"The classes get harder, Kurumu. More effort will be necessary."
Slipping the towel behind her, Kurumu grabbed each end and rubbed it up from her rump to the middle of her back. Ignoring the drip on her shoulders from her hair, Kurumu fixed the towel at her waist.
"I don't feel like wearing the silly maid outfit today. Do you think Kokoa will care?"
"I don't care."
Yukari huffed, stalking out of the bathroom. She walked over to the couch, grabbing her pink and white polka dot bra from the pile of clothes she had set out.
Kurumu sashayed over to Yukari's side, glancing about the room. Kokoa had tossed their pajamas from last night on the couch cushions. She could hear Kokoa getting dressed on the other side of her closet door. Moka was stirring beneath the covers of the bed.
"Don't you need to start on breakfast?"
Kurumu smiled as Yukari tightened the straps on her bra. She placed a hand on Yukari's shoulder.
"You can pad those a little if you want."
"It's fine."
"Lots of girls do it."
"If I keep rushing to be an adult, I'll miss my whole childhood."
Kurumu frowned, letting her hand fall to her side.
"That's not something you'd normally say."
Yukari turned to her with a soft smile.
"I realized it when I was in Huang's body. You would think seeing myself in a mirror, I would have noticed it before. But it was so obvious when I was a man for a few hours. His body didn't react at all to me."
"Um… Yukari. I don't think if I was trapped for hours in a man's body, I'd want to fuck my own body."
"Sexual attraction is not entirely a choice you make. His body responded to you and several girls over the course of that day."
Kurumu smirked at Yukari, placing a hand on her hip as she leaned back.
"Oh? You got an erection over me?"
"It was horrifying, Kurumu. I don't know if it's just his body or if all men are like this, but it's not fun having something hard between my legs all damn day long."
"Did you play with it?"
"No! I did not want that on my conscious!"
"Maybe it would have calmed it down."
Blushing, Yukari shook her head. She snatched up her pair of pink boyshorts with white snowflakes, shaking them out and stepping into them.
"It crossed my mind but I worried about enjoying it."
Kurumu took in a deep breath as Yukari pulled on the panties and smoothed them out.
"That's the first time you've worn these. What do you think of them?"
Yukari paused with a thoughtful expression. She shrugged, grabbing a blouse.
"I'm thinking they feel no different than bloomers without panties. I didn't get to thank Ms. Hiboshi properly for her assistance."
"Yea… she might need some space after you groped her."
Yukari sighed heavily as she guided her arms into the sleeves.
"I hope it was just her and Ms. Morisato."
The closet door opened and Kokoa emerged, smoothing out her sweater vest and fixing her collar.
"Why aren't you dressed?"
Kurumu chuckled, sashaying over to the refrigerator and tugging it open.
"I guess I should start breakfast now. I hope nobody minds natto, rice and miso soup."
"Depends on the natto. Are you going to walk around with your tits hanging out?"
"Why not?"
Kokoa snorted as Kurumu pulled out the containers of diced onions and tofu.
"Because it makes me uncomfortable."
"I think the word you are looking for is jealous."
"As if you're one to talk. I at least have breasts."
"I bet you use padding."
"Padding?! Why would a proud vampire need to pad her chest?!"
Kurumu chuckled as she took out the stool from beneath the sink. Stepping up, she fetched the pot before getting the rice cooker and measuring cup from the adjacent overhead cabinet.
"Maybe you should take Yukari's example and try embracing your childhood."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I don't think she has an issue with behaving like a child."
"You're the only child around here."
"My point is proven."
Kurumu shook her head as she filled the measuring cup full with water. She dumped the water into the rice cooker before stooping down to fetch the bag of rice.
"Calm down you two. We'll have to throw a big party for Yukari when she turns twelve."
"That's in March, Kurumu."
Kurumu shrugged, measuring out two cups of rice and dumping each into the cooker before sealing it. She plugged it in and turned it on.
"That means we have lots of time to plan for it."
She absently started humming Nice and Easy, one of the Toshinobu songs she had heard last night. She swayed over to the sink and flipped the faucet. She filled the pot to the usual level, cutting off the flow. She danced over to the oven, setting the pot down on the nearest burner.
"I guess I should wake my Moka up."
Kurumu continued to rock to the song in her head, singing some lyrics as she pulled out bowls. After arranging them, she sprinkled some onions and tofu into each from the containers. She remembered so little about the song but it repeated the title over and over so it stuck in her head.
"That's from that album you were listening to last night."
"Mhm. Moka was right. I did know songs from his third album."
"You better not flunk your exams. I have no use for a dumb servant."
Kurumu pouted as she resealed the containers. She walked back to the refrigerator, putting away the tofu and onions while retrieving the container filled with natto.
"I did more studying than the rest of you."
"You need it more than the rest of us."
Kurumu felt she was in no position to argue there. Losing the beat of the song, she changed the subject.
"Did the Headmaster say when he was going to start our training?"
"He said we should wait until after Sports Day. He wants to get at least one more teacher to help us out."
"Yes, Teacher. I'm awake."
Kurumu snorted a giggle. The vampire was upright in bed with Yukari pawing at her.
"Lie down on your back and I'll give you a lesson."
Moka turned bleary eyes upon Yukari. The vampire fixed the strap of the pink camisole she had on. It was a slightly different shade from the one Yukari owned.
"Yukari?"
"She's up. Now get the table out."
"You don't get to order me around."
"I'm not going to watch you molest my sister."
"I have to pee."
Moka tugged the blankets aside to free her bare legs. Yukari backed off the bed, allowing Moka an easy path of departure. The vampire eased out of bed. The camisole ended at her waist, revealing her silver curls. After staggering the first steps, Moka made her way quickly to the bathroom.
Kurumu started to bob to a different song in her head as Yukari started to make the bed. She glanced at the closet, wondering if she should get dressed, though she still had to do dishes. She sung softly the few lyrics she recalled from Always Remain.
"I don't recognize that one."
"Yea… I didn't either. But I liked it."
"I'll have to listen to her albums."
Kurumu nodded at Kokoa, glancing at the rice cooker. It would be a few minutes before she had to do anything. Moka stepped out of the bathroom, yawning and scratching her head.
"Moka certainly is different."
"How so?"
Kurumu smirked, gesturing at the vampire as she came up beside Kokoa. Moka draped her arms over Kokoa's shoulders, leaning on the smaller girl.
"Months ago, this dork wouldn't go to bed without wearing a bra and panties."
Kokoa snorted, slipping an arm around her sister for support.
"It's just weird to wear a bra to bed. I don't know where she picked that habit up from. None of us have ever done that."
"Maybe she picked it up while living with humans."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari whom had taken a seat on the bed after making it.
"She did live in an orphanage. Maybe she didn't have her own room."
"Go get the table, Sis."
Moka grunted, releasing Kokoa. She shuffled off to the bed, kneeling down and feeling under the bed for the table. Yukari let out a sigh, shaking her head as she scooted of the bed and hunkered down to help.
"Maybe my Moka finally feels comfortable enough to let her guard down."
Kokoa laughed, hopping up to sit on the back of the couch.
"That doll doesn't have a guard to let down. A lack of lingerie means nothing. Kahlua doesn't wear a bra most of the time. I'd never dare say that her guard was down because her tits aren't secure."
Yukari helped Moka guide the table to its usual spot behind the couch.
"It's an expression, you idiot. It means she feels comfortable with us seeing her naked."
"You're the idiot for using bad phrasing."
Kurumu grinned, drifting over to check on the water in the pot.
"Kokoa finished that volume of Gravitation last night so you can return it to Kana."
Kokoa pushed off the couch to go fetch the volume she had left on the stand by the television.
"I don't know why you thought this was a bad volume. I liked the panda girl."
"You would."
Kokoa frowned, grabbing the volume. She strolled slowly back around the couch.
"She's a cool character. Passionate but I feel sorry for her. There was nothing personal about Shuichi saving her. She's reading too much into it."
Yukari snorted, taking the volume from Kokoa and placing it next to her on floor.
"The whole trip to America was a horrible story arc. I get that it was an excuse to have Yuki battle his demons with the guy that abused his trust and subsequently died at his hands, but it could have been done much better."
Kokoa knelt down on the other side of the table.
"I hope my sister doesn't feel indebted to Aono. There's so much similarity between him and Shuichi."
"Tsukune is not gay."
Kokoa smirked at Yukari.
"Maybe not. But he is a weakling whom would put himself in danger for anyone. She should realize that his suicidal nature is nothing special."
Yukari sighed heavily, uncrossing her arms to lean back on her palms.
"That's not just Tsukune. Kurumu and my Moka also have this problem. They're all too nice."
Moka face planted into the table.
"Moka!"
"Are you okay?!"
The vampire groaned, lifting up as Yukari and Kokoa both gingerly touched Moka's shoulders. Moka rubbed her head, grumbling.
"Too early."
"Maybe one of you should help her get dressed."
Kokoa huffed, tugging Moka close to her.
"I'll have to do it. This deviant would molest her."
"She would wake up faster if I did."
Kokoa scowled, struggling to get up on her feet.
"It's a pink day, Milady. Make sure you help Moka into her pink lingerie."
"That's not fair. I don't own pink lingerie."
Kurumu paused at the protest.
"Are you wanting to match with us?"
Kokoa blushed, nearly losing hold of her sister.
"No! I'm saying this is dumb and childish!"
"If you want to-"
Kokoa dropped Moka on the floor with a huff. She defiantly crossed her arms.
"You're the servant. You should dress my sister."
Kurumu sighed, pushing off the counter. She walked over to the groaning vampire and hunkered down.
"I guess I can if you watch the food for me."
"I can do that."
Nodding at Yukari, Kurumu helped Moka up. Cooing words of encouragement, she guided the vampire over to the closet door in front of the refrigerator. Moka stumbled through the door the moment Kurumu opened it, kneeling down in front of her lingerie. The vampire yawned, taking off her camisole.
"So was the third volume of Hellsing better than the others?"
"The series is much more brutal than the ones I've read before. Lots of focus on blood and gore. Not a whole lot of character development. Perfect for simpletons."
"So… you don't like it."
"I think the warmonger over there might like it. It's vampires being violent for the sake of being violent."
"That does sound more interesting than a gay singer of a band."
"I think anything is more interesting than that. Nana was so much better though I doubt someone of your interests would like it."
"What would you know of my interests?"
Noting that Moka was putting on her pink lingerie without prompting, Kurumu smiled at the pair.
"Maybe you could let Kokoa read the Hellsing volumes when you're done with them."
"I promised Nagisa that I would read that alchemist series next."
"Well… Yukari will need a new series soon. It won't take her long to read Hellsing now that she's finished the device to move Moka's soul from the rosary."
"She did?"
"Yes. I did. Now all we need is a body to put that spirit into."
"So my sister will finally be free of this cage."
"No. The cage you speak of is the rosary itself. That will remain but there will no longer be a soul taking over your sister while she is suppressed. It will be more like how she was when she was holding the whip. She'll be sealed but her original personality will be in full control of her body."
Kokoa grimaced, rocking on her toes with her hands gripping the back of the couch.
"I guess that's better than how it is now."
"You should write to your mother. See if she can help us find a body."
Kokoa rolled her eyes, causing Kurumu to grin.
"And don't talk about putting her into the body of a senile, old man. The President of Fairy Tale must be more resourceful than that."
Kurumu flinched at the sound of the bell. She hastily scrawled down an answer for the problem, knowing anything was better than leaving it blank.
"Times up. Pencils down. Pass your exams forward."
Sporting a long sleeved, pinstripe blouse, Ms. Shuzen strut over to Senyou's desk. The blouse was tucked into a pair of textured, gray slacks with a glossy black belt with a silver buckle.
"I understand that this class takes the chemistry exam next. Be sure to report directly to Mr. Hakuru's lab after lunch."
Kurumu took the exams Juri handed her, adding hers to the stack before passing them up to Yukari. The witch presented them to the math instructor whom promptly moved over to the next row. Kurumu grinned at Ichida as he handed exams up to Deshi.
"I hope we all do well on the experiments."
Ichida smirked as Ms. Shuzen took the stack of exams from Deshi and moved to the last row to collect the remaining exams from Wanibuchi.
"Just remember that Mr. Hakuru grades us on participation. I can't be doing everything if you want a decent grade."
"I promise to be as useful as Ichiboku."
"Which isn't saying much."
"I hate that my grade will be influenced by the fools I was paired up with."
Senyou stopped at Yukari's desk, wagging a finger at her.
"Hey now. I carry my own weight in lab."
"You'll have to do more than that. Mr. Osakebi is useless."
Senyou shrugged at Yukari's sentiment, glancing at the back of the classroom. Unsurprisingly Osakebi had already left along with Yano, Nakai and Ichiboku. Hisakata and Tandoku were steadily heading for the open back door.
"Seems like she's back to her usual self."
Senyou smirked at Abe as Shouhei and Endo strolled behind him, intent on the front door. Wanibuchi and Yakihara had already left on the heels of Ms. Shuzen.
"Yea. Maybe she was temporarily possessed by a spirit haunting the school grounds."
"There's no such thing as ghosts, Mr. Senyou."
"I don't know about that. You recovered the moment you left the school. Maybe some spirit took over your body because you spent the night here."
Juri giggled at his conclusion.
"That sounds cool. I'll have to ask around and see if there are any school legends like that."
Kumiko huffed, joining Satsuki as the pair walked over to join Deshi.
"You should save that silly speculation for after exams."
"I think I'll eat with the PSC today."
Her announcement stopped the trio from walking off while Senyou and Abe continued out the door behind Ichida. Satsuki frowned at her as Kurumu slipped out of her seat, feeling her phone and card stashed away in the pocket of her school jacket.
"Is something up?"
"I just feel like hanging out with you and Tora for a change."
"You promised that you would eat lunch with my Moka and me."
"Yea, but Kokoa is having all of her girls over tonight. I don't need to have lunch with them if I'm going to be making dinner for them in a few hours."
"That's not the point!"
Sidling up beside Satsuki, Kurumu waved a dismissive hand at Yukari.
"You'll be fine, Yukari. It's not like you had any problems with Kokoa all of last night or this morning."
"I guess if she behaves herself."
Kurumu linked arms with Satsuki, causing the girl to tense up.
"I haven't had lunch with the PSC in weeks. The last time was before the whole mess with Lord Chiki was finally resolved."
"I don't care what you do, Ms. Kurono. I'm leaving."
Kumiko stalked off, prompting Deshi to hurry out into the hall with her. Juri giggled, gesturing to her while she retreated down the aisle behind Madosuki and Hazumi.
"I bet you're just wanting to avoid the long lunch line."
Exam days operated differently from normal school days. The bell schedule was changed, allowing them two hours per subject. On the first day of midterms, all students took the tests for their first two periods before lunch and took their third period's exam after lunch. Since there was no fourth period gym, everybody would arrive at lunch at the same time, making the line much longer than normal.
"Maybe I am."
They shared a laugh. Satsuki tugged her on the arm to prompt her to get moving. They were the last to leave the room with the exception of Yukari whom planned to buy her lunch from the school store.
The hallway was bustling with activity. The doors for every classroom were open. Many students were on their way to stairs leading down. Most of the snippets of conversations Kurumu picked up were about how well students thought they did on an exam.
It was a short walk to the back door of class three. A large group exited right before they arrived. Kurumu grinned, waving at the girls surrounding Tsukune.
"Kakeru! Happy birthday!"
The tall girl blushed. She bowed her head as Goto laughed heartily, slapping her friend on the back.
"Oh, yes. Happy birthday, Ms. Kakeru."
Tora bowed slightly as Nozomi gave Kakeru a playful shake.
"You never said anything about a birthday coming up."
"I didn't want to trouble anyone."
"Damn, Kakeru. I didn't know it was your birthday."
Kakeru smiled apologetically at Satsuki.
"Happy birthday, Ms. Kakeru."
"Yea. Congrats on turning sixteen. I have to tell the rest of the girls."
Kakeru let out a sigh as everyone acknowledged her birthday.
"Please don't plan anything, Ms. Bikiyama. My family will be here tomorrow."
"That's cool. I'm still going to tell the other girls."
Tsukune grinned, gesturing at Kurumu.
"I thought you were going to eat with Moka and her sister today."
"I decided to eat with Tora and Satsuki today."
"She just wants to dodge the lunch line."
Nozomi chuckled at Satsuki's declaration, gesturing towards the cafeteria.
"Well we don't have anyone holding a spot for us in the line so we need to get moving."
"I'll meet you down there."
Mizore took off towards the school store after her declaration. The rest of them started moving down the hall with Kakeru and Goto taking the lead.
"How was the algebra exam?"
Kurumu grinned at Tora, aware that Tsukune's class would have Ms. Shuzen's exam after lunch.
"I don't think it was too bad. How do you think you did on that algebra test, Nozomi?"
"I'd guess mid eighties."
"I'll be lucky if I scored that high."
"They won't kick you out of the PSC if you drop below an eighty percentile average, right?"
"I didn't say I did that bad. I'm sure my Japanese exam was fine."
"The history exam was the easiest by far. I wouldn't be surprised if I got a perfect score on that."
"That sounds promising. I'll need an easy test to go with my English exam tomorrow."
Tora sighed heavily.
"We have Mr. Hakuru's lab with Mr. Nagamushi's English exam tomorrow. I hope Ms. Shirayuki is more cooperative this time around."
"Who is your other lab partner?"
"Mr. Takurami."
Kurumu nodded, recalling that Tsukune was only partnered with Arashimideru after Moka had switched homerooms with Goto. Goto had ended up in the lab group Nerume had been in.
"You have your chemistry test next, right?"
"Yea. So does Moka."
"I wonder if Mr. Katai is easier to work with."
"I have no idea. But I don't think anyone could be harder than Mr. Nagamushi to learn English from."
Tora chuckled as they started down the stairs.
"Probably so. If I recall correctly, Mr. Gyousan is the history teacher for Moka and her sister."
"Yup. Ms. Houkai is their English teacher and Mr. Hino is their algebra teacher."
"What exams are those two taking today?"
"Well Milady had both her math and science exams first. She'll take her English exam after lunch."
"And what was Moka's second exam?"
"She has Mr. Hirojima second period. So the only tests those two both take today is their chemistry lab."
"That might be useful. They could cross reference notes and study accordingly tonight."
"I doubt those two will need it. But Kokoa does plan to have her girls over tonight for a study session."
"What test will you end your day with?"
Nozomi favored Tsukune a snaggletooth grin as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"English. I hope Mrs. Sunao's exam is as easy as you say it is. I don't want to study at all tonight."
"I think you should at least try to study."
"Yea, yea. Maybe I'll see you after lunch."
With Tsukune at her side, Nozomi followed Goto and Kakeru to the end of the long line. Kurumu grinned, as she walked onwards with Tora and Satsuki.
"Yukari finished that magic device yesterday. All that's left is finding a suitable host."
"I suppose that's good news. Though I must say that I'm disappointed. I was mildly curious if her score would drop without the help from her rosary."
"Are you saying that Akashiya is cheating on her exams?"
"I don't think it's fair to say that. It's not her fault that she was sealed with another soul."
"But you believe her score is boosted because of it."
Tora shrugged at Satsuki's persistence.
"It's difficult to say if the sealed Moka is the intelligent one or if the seal itself is. It might have made no difference at all. But I wouldn't protest if her score did drop."
A whistle from the line caught her attention. Kurumu glanced over, noting a pair of second years from the soccer team eyeing her with blatant desire. The snaggletooth grin of the pepper haired guy helped her identify him as one of the okami boys from Morihochou. The big guy with shoulder length black hair standing next to him blew her a kiss. She shook her head, quickening her step.
"My mistake for looking."
"How often does that happen?"
"Usually they keep it to their thoughts so I can enjoy the attention without the embarrassment."
Tora smirked while Satsuki grimaced.
"So you admit to liking it."
"It's like food. I don't hate it but I can get annoyed if I realize it's coming from guys I don't think should be lusting after me. Some of the male teachers can be real creeps."
"I think I would hate feeling lusted after all the time."
Kurumu shrugged at Satsuki's remark.
"I did. But it starts to hurt if I try avoiding attention for too long. After my first collapse, I gave up on the ideal that I could be a normal girl."
"I'm sure even normal girls get some attention. It's not like Senior was the first guy that showed interest in me. There was a boy in junior high that I'm sure had a crush on me."
"This is the first I've heard of this."
"I thought you were in my head."
"Only up to a certain point. I didn't see much after the incident with your father."
"What do you mean by she was in your head?"
"Kurumu here can dive into your mind and replay your memories like old videos on a computer."
"Why would she want to do that?"
Tora frowned as they reached the end of the corridor and started walking diagonal to the serving line.
"I'm uncertain. I can't remember why but we were in separate rooms and she wanted to sleep with us. She bypassed my barrier by diving through my little guardian's connection to me."
Satsuki nodded as they steadily approached the door in front of the cart with the lunch trays.
"I knew she could take away memories. I guess it makes sense that she can see them."
Kurumu suspected that Satsuki was worried about her family secret which Nerume had revealed to her.
"Satsuki. Have you written a letter to Nerume?"
"I guess I should. I keep meaning to."
"She mentioned she might drop out of school in the letter I got from her last weekend."
Satsuki turned wide, marigold eyes upon her.
"No way!"
"Yea. Her parents are dropping her out of physical therapy due to financial reasons so she said she might drop out of school too to make things even easier."
"That's just dumb!"
"I hope you discouraged Ms. Genzouyaki from doing something so foolish."
"I told her not to do it over her parent's finances. It's one thing if they tell her to drop out. It's another thing to simply quit because you're depressed and don't want to be a bother."
Tora shook her head, arriving at the door first. She held it open for them.
"What does she plan to do if she drops out?"
"I have no idea."
Satsuki sighed as she walked into the service corridor ahead of Kurumu.
"Now I have to write that brat before studying for English tonight. She better not quit school."
It was too noisy in the back area to bother attempting conversation. The short corridor emptied into an open area. They turned down another corridor on their right, walking into the kitchen area. Workers all wearing hairnets and similar uniforms milled about, working the stoves or doing dishes. One lingered by a rack filled with premade lunches for the PSC and athletic programs.
Satsuki waved at the woman whom nodded in response. The dark haired woman fetched a tray from the rack, handing it off to Satsuki. She then did the same for Kurumu and Tora. With trays in hand, they made their way to a door on their right which opened up into the cafeteria behind the registers.
Exiting the room, they traded the clamor of the kitchen for that of the cafeteria. It was a short walk to the nearest door into the large gymnasium.
"So… Satsuki. Will your family be coming to Sports Day?"
"I haven't been warned of such a thing but my dad might show up for the cultural festival."
Tora nodded as they made their way along the wall towards the girls' locker room.
"The same goes for me. My parents might show up for the cultural festival but I doubt they will be here this weekend."
After walking almost the entire length of the gymnasium, Satsuki sighed.
"Does Nazohashi know about your mother?"
Kurumu flinched, unable to formulate a response.
"My Aunt told me something this weekend. I have no idea whom all know about your situation. But with how she didn't even ask about your mother attending these events, I'm gambling that she does."
Tora stopped at the start of the passage to the girls' locker room.
"That's kind of a secret, Ms. Unari. Nothing has been made official yet."
"Yea. My Aunt mentioned that. I figured Akashiya and her sister knew since you mentioned something about your guardianship being transferred to their estate in that letter to Nerume we got near the end of summer vacation. And I'm pretty sure Sendou knows."
Kurumu relaxed her shoulders as she thought over whom all knew about this.
"I have no idea how many teachers know. But yea… Yukari knows. And of course Moka and Kokoa know. So does Kana, Rubi and Mizore. I even told Nerume in one of my last letters."
"You let that big mouth know?"
"She was upset that I was keeping secrets from her."
"That little turd doesn't know how to keep quiet about sensitive stuff. She shared some things about me with Kakeru that I'd rather nobody know about."
Kurumu bit her lip, glancing aside.
"Well… it's Kakeru. I don't get the impression she's the type to spread gossip."
"Maybe not, but she might mention something to Goto. And that girl definitely is the gossip type."
Kurumu sighed, supposing there was nothing she could do about any gossip Nerume spread. She still loved the girl and hoped things would get better for her.
"Well… Goto sits next to Tsukune and as far as I can tell, he still has no clue about it."
Satsuki frowned, cocking her head.
"Wait. Aono doesn't know about this?"
"We should join the others."
Tora led the way down the passage to the girls' locker room. She stopped at a door on their left, drawing it open. The PSC ate lunch in this storage room for the drama club.
The interior was the same as always. Props and equipment were pushed up against the walls. A low table was set out in the center of the room with other members of the PSC gathered about it.
"Salutations, Ms. Kurono. It is always a pleasure to have you join us."
Koike Kousuke favored her a multi fanged grin, betraying his inugami nature. The tawny haired boy had the left sleeve of his PSC jacket pinned to his shoulder. In their fight against the rogue faction of Fairy Tale in Okinawa, the young man had lost his left arm while Ginei had lost an eye. The more seasoned fighters like Miyamoto and Kitajima had survived the fight without any lasting injuries.
The middle aged man with the sharp widow's peak and fine moustache was Kitajima from the kendo club. Despite his appearance, he was only a second year. With composed posture, he continued with his meal without acknowledging their arrival.
On Koike's other side was the massive Sabaku. With how his muscles strained against the confines of his PSC uniform, Kurumu would not be surprised if he could tear his outfit simply by flexing. His black hair was fixed in rows of braids which were tight to his scalp.
"Yes. Welcome, Ms. Kurono. Have a seat."
Sitting beside Sabaku was Lady Hineri. Unlike the other girls in the club, Lady Hineri sported a black, short sleeved jacket which had a white zipper which came down from the collar and slashed across her breasts before coming down to the bottom hem at her waist. The garment had rows of decorative buttons down the front.
"I don't suppose you were thinking of joining our ranks. We could use a resourceful woman like you."
Kurumu smirked as she followed Satsuki around the table behind Umizake and Tokori. Kumiko was sitting beside her sister with Deshi on her other side.
"I'm content with my role in the newspaper club."
The silky haired leader of the PSC smiled with thin lips. Her auburn eyes were the same as her sister's.
"Pity. We could use the help."
Kurumu squeezed in between Satsuki and Tokori while Tora took a seat by Deshi. Kurumu smiled at Tokori whom scooted to make space.
Umizake Aoi, Mizore's fiancé, continued to eat his meal without comment. His inky black locks were a tangled mess as always. He was the tallest guy in the room but was slender compared to the others.
"Hey. Umizake."
He looked up with steel blue eyes. Kurumu grinned.
"Just making sure you're in there. So how are things going with the PSC?"
Tokori chuckled, shaking her peppered locks.
"You ask that like you don't have friends in the PSC."
"As if any of you know what is going on."
Kumiko huffed, poking at her teriyaki noodles.
"My sister shares most of what is going on with me."
"Which I hope you aren't blabbing to your friends."
"Of course not."
Lady Hineri smirked, setting aside her meal.
"Things will be busy for us after exams. In the past, the PSC would recruit several strong, influential people before these events to help with security. But thanks to the events with Lord Chiki and that gang of killers, we were unable to get things going."
Sabaku nodded, swallowing down a mouthful.
"We have turned to the kendo club for aid and they have agreed to help. We should have enough hands to police a single day event like Sports Day. But we will need more to handle the cultural festival."
"What about the faculty?"
Sabaku chuckled heartily, shaking his head.
"These are our events, Ms. Kurono. The faculty encourages us to run things as much on our own as possible. We will manage one way or another."
"It would be unfortunate if we had to turn to the kendo club again, but that may be our only choice."
"I assure you, Lady Hineri, that my club will have no issue with lending assistance."
"But doesn't that mean that the kendo club and the PSC won't get to participate in these events?"
Koike laughed, wagging his fist.
"Maybe so, but that is our role. The student council also makes this sacrifice, Ms. Kurono. It is an honor that we do this so that our fellow students can enjoy their high school life to the fullest."
Kurumu frowned, glancing at Tora and Satsuki.
"But it's your cultural festival too. I want everyone to enjoy it."
"Don't worry about me, Kurumu. I look at this as a way to avoid having to participate in anything crazy my homeroom might want to do."
Satsuki snickered, nodding.
"Same. I have a feeling I won't regret whatever ideas the boys try to make us do."
"What makes you think the boys would force us to do anything?"
"They outnumber us, Kurumu."
"I concur. I'm officially joining the PSC after midterms and want no part in whatever it is those boys plan to subject us to."
"But you're one of the secretaries."
"Secretaries aren't an official position of student government. I can join the PSC and still fulfill my duties to my classroom."
Tokori chuckled, shaking her head.
"I kind of feel sorry for you. Three of your classmates just dropped out on you."
Kurumu pouted, fairly certain Deshi would do whatever the PSC asked of her. That cut the number of girls in her homeroom down to six. She sighed, supposing it hardly mattered.
"Did you ever find a new advisor?"
"Unfortunately not. I've asked all four of the new teachers, but they all declined. They all seem to agree that I should be asking someone with more experience to be the advisor to our prestigious club."
Lady Hineri smiled at Koike's passionate declaration.
"I met similar resistance with those with more tenure. I asked Mr. Hiramatsu, Mr. Hakuru and Mr. Mitani, all whom have been here since the first expansion in 71. All three declined."
"Any particular reason why you asked those three?"
"Because those three aren't registered with any clubs."
"But I thought a teacher can be an advisor for more than one club. Like Mr. Shini-"
"No, Ms. Kurono. Mr. Shini helps Coach Yaisoku with the tennis club. He isn't an official advisor, just like Mr. Ikuhata isn't an official advisor to the auto club."
Kurumu frowned at Lady Hineri's quick rebuttal.
"So teachers can't be advisors to more than one club?"
"I don't think there's a rule against it, but I can't think of any cases of a teacher being the sole advisor of two clubs. Mr. Kaneshiro has mentioned talking to the Headmaster about officially absorbing our club into part of the student council."
Koike huffed at Lady Hineri's revelation.
"Which goes against the founding of this club. We were never meant to be controlled by the student council. The whole point was for us to operate independently with a faculty advisor. Making us an extension of the student council gives them more power than they need."
"Maybe so, but Mr. Kaneshiro is drafting up the proposition as we speak and plans to present it to the Headmaster after the meeting on Saturday. If we don't have an advisor by the time the next student council is picked, we would cease to be recognized as an official club and lose all funding."
Tokori snickered, poking at her lunch.
"It seems the notoriety of the PSC has become its undoing."
Kurumu perked up, wagging a finger at Lady Hineri.
"Have you tried the school nurse?"
"Ms. Tsumugi? Why?"
"Because the librarian is an advisor. Apparently that's okay so maybe the school nurse is an option."
"I suppose it can't hurt to ask."
Kurumu smiled, hoping she had helped a little with that suggestion.
"So… are you guys training or something?"
"Training? What for?"
Kurumu grinned at Lady Hineri's confused expression.
"Well you said that you plan to police these events. I'm assuming you need to do some sort of training to prepare yourselves in case a fight breaks out."
Sabaku chuckled heartily, shaking his head with a wide grin.
"I can't say that the PSC has ever done training. Normally the PSC recruits individuals whom are known to be able to handle themselves well in a fight."
"I train as much as I can, but I'm still getting used to the whole missing limb."
"Indeed. If you join the PSC, it is assumed that you are training rigorously for the trials that might befall you when you walk this path."
Kurumu nodded at the three second years.
"So… you haven't trained these girls at all."
Tokori snorted, rolling her eyes.
"I'm only here as a publicity stunt to show that the PSC was willing to recruit a monstrel."
"I train. But never have with upperclassmen."
Tora sighed at Deshi's comment.
"The most training I have is what we did over the summer with Senior."
"Satsuki. Have you ever been in a fight?"
"Do ones with my family count?"
"Mr. Koike. I placed you in charge of the first years with the hopes that you would prepare them for their duties within the PSC."
Koike frowned at Lady Hineri.
"But they're girls. I don't know how to train girls."
"I haven't trained with Mr. Koike either."
Koike turned on Umizake, waving a finger at the young man.
"I doubt you need any training. You handled those akaname boys without even telling us about it."
"It sounds like we need to have an emergency training session after exams are concluded tomorrow. I need to know how well each of you can handle yourselves in a fight."
"Well… maybe we could extend an offer we made to Umizake earlier. Though Kokoa said we won't be training with Ms. Hitori until after Sports Day but it would be useful for the cultural festival."
"Training with Ms. Hitori? Now that is intriguing."
Kurumu grinned at Lady Hineri.
"Allow me to explain."
"Is it okay if I do the dishes?"
Rubi lingered by the sink, dressed in only a large white shirt which skirted her thighs. Sporting her maid outfit, Kurumu shrugged as she strolled over to the witch and placed the last of the dishes in the sink.
"I don't care. Will Milady require anything else?"
Kokoa was seated at the table, reading the tenth volume of Gravitation. Half the buttons of her blouse were undone, betraying the crimson lace of her bra. Having seen most of Kokoa's wardrobe, Kurumu knew the vampire lacked a matching panty for that lingerie.
Taniguchi was the only one seated at the table with Kokoa. Still dressed for school, the undine had a lavender chemise draped across her lap. Hotaru was in the bathroom, preparing the bath.
Ishiko and Hikari were on the other side of the couch changing out of their school uniforms. Ishiko pulled a sky blue tee over her head, smoothing the fabric down her flat torso. She tugged her goggles free of her collar, letting them dangle by their cord about her neck. Bending over, the gnome stepped into a gray sleep pant.
Hikari slipped into a long sleeved, royal blue nightgown Kokoa had bought her for her birthday over the summer. The salamander tugged the white, satin sash about her waist before fixing the top to properly cover her pale skin.
"Milady?"
"I don't care what you do."
The closet door opened and Moka emerged with Yukari. The vampire had on her white tank top with the large pink heart centered at the swell of her bosom. The matching pink sleep pant was patterned with many smaller white hearts. Yukari was sporting her yellow tank top with the large strawberry printed in the center of a white oval. It came with a yellow sleep pant patterned with smaller strawberries.
"Then I'll turn back on the music."
Leaving the dishes to Rubi, Kurumu pranced around the couch to where Moka had set up her stereo system with the karaoke microphone. Kokoa had her turn it off earlier, claiming it was a distraction to their studies which had begun the moment they got back from school around five. Kurumu supposed it was but that had not stopped Kokoa from demanding her to start making dinner at six. For her first attempt at curry, Kurumu had done a fantastic job according to Yukari.
"Do you want to change CDs?"
Kurumu glanced at Moka as the vampire sat down on her bed. Yukari had grabbed the fourth volume of Hellsing and was crawling onto the bed behind Moka.
"I think we're fine with what we got. Hotaru really likes this guy."
The device had a three disc changer which was loaded up with the three Baddest albums by Toshinobu. With a push of a button, the stereo resumed playing It's Your Show from the third album.
"If you like this kind of music, you should pick up Vest from SMAP."
Kurumu smiled at Taniguchi whom had gotten up on her knees and draped her arms over the couch. Hikari and Ishiko had returned to the table and were preparing to study.
"I have no idea whom that is."
"Oh, they're only the most popular boys' band in Japan."
Kurumu sashayed back over to the table, bobbing to the music.
"Isn't that what you said about that Arashi band you had Kokoa buy you a CD for?"
"Well… they had a really good first album that I've wanted to get forever. SMAP are seasoned veterans."
"So you have several albums from this group?"
Taniguchi shook her head, releasing the couch to turn about and follow Kurumu's movement.
"Just the one. It's a huge two disc compilation with pretty much every single they have released since their first album back in 91. Their last album they released in 2003 was their sixteenth album. I thought about getting it, but bought their single with a flower unlike any other in the world instead."
"I'll look into getting it this weekend."
Kurumu regarded Moka curiously.
"Have you heard of SMAP?"
"That single she mentioned was very popular in junior high. That and the Colors song that you have on your Utada CD. I heard those two songs all the time on the radio."
Kokoa put aside her manga.
"Let me buy that one, Moka. I haven't bought any CDs for the CD player I bought."
"You still haven't bought any CDs?"
"No. She just bought CD players for herself and me."
Kurumu smirked, wondering if Hikari had forgotten that she had been there after the paintball game when Kokoa had bought those CD players.
"I'm just surprised you haven't gone CD shopping since."
"I don't know what to get."
"She's been listening to all of my CDs these past couple weekends."
"Yea. And SMAP was okay."
"She likes almost everything she's listened to."
"I didn't care much for the Mongol band."
"I didn't say everything."
"Are you happy with the three albums she bought you?"
"Technically I bought one of those myself."
"You know what I meant."
"No complaints with the Every Little Thing Album I picked up. Everybody knows Time to Destination is their best album and maybe I can convince Kokoa to buy me their debut."
"I'll think about it."
"The Dreams Come True compilation wasn't as great as I hoped it would be. But it does have 'Love Love Love' on it so it's not a total loss. Everyone made such a big deal about their Diamond album when it came out. I did get their Kind Kiss single, but I doubt I'll buy another album from them."
Hotaru popped out of the bathroom with a huge grin.
"I have your bath ready, Milady."
Kokoa grabbed Taniguchi by the arm, leaning in close.
"Want to do it now?"
"I thought you were going to finish your manga."
Kokoa nuzzled her cheek against Taniguchi's shoulder.
"I can do that after."
Taniguchi giggled, tugging her arm free of the vampire. Slinging the chemise over her shoulder, she got to her feet.
"I guess we can go now, but you should bring some pajamas with you."
"But we're all girls. Nobody cares if any of us walk about naked."
Taniguchi smirked, wagging a finger at Hotaru.
"Most of us are a little sensitive about our figures."
"Yea. You're just bragging when you walk about naked."
Hotaru pouted at Hikari's statement as Kokoa stood up.
"Fetch me a nightgown from my closet, Hotaru."
Hotaru instantly grinned, offering a curtsy and pulling her school skirt up slightly.
"Right away, Milady."
With a giggle, the sylph tugged open the door to Kokoa's closet and darted inside. Taniguchi followed Kokoa into the bathroom, pulling the door shut behind them. Almost in perfect unison, Hotaru pranced back out of the closet with Kokoa's satin nightgown with the floral sash. The sylph skipped over to the bathroom door, creaking it open to slip her arm inside.
"Your robe, Milady."
With a wry grin, Hotaru retracted her arm without the robe, closing the door. She hummed with the Poly Rhythm song as she swayed over to the couch to pick up her bag of clothes.
"Shall we change in private, Kurono? Some ladies present might get upset."
Hikari glanced up from her algebra exercises with pursed lips.
"I'm not going to help you study for algebra."
Hotaru chuckled, dancing over to Moka's closet. Supposing she had nothing else to do since Rubi was taking care of the dishes, Kurumu joined the sylph. Hotaru was already undoing the buttons to her school blouse when Kurumu closed the door behind them.
"What's the other exam you two are taking tomorrow?"
"We have chemistry."
"Are you two lab partners?"
Hotaru nodded, slinging off her blouse. She started loosening her skirt as Kurumu struggled to remove her clingy, velvety maid outfit.
"Yea. Hikari, me and Yuko. Can't really study for that."
By the time Kurumu had freed herself of the stuffy garment, Hotaru had already discarded her lingerie and was pulling on a yellow tee. Kurumu fluffed the maid outfit out before hanging it up.
"Speaking of chemistry, did you like the album Kokoa bought you?"
Hotaru nodded, picking up a pair of black, cotton shorts and shaking them. She slipped them on.
"Good stuff. I wouldn't mind getting more of their music."
Kurumu stepped around the sylph to grab her navy, cotton shorts.
"I can't believe that's the first male musician you have a CD for."
"I like to sing with my music. Never made sense to buy stuff guys were singing."
After pulling on the shorts, Kurumu fetched the old white shirt she had paired with these shorts. This old shirt was not long enough to cover her rump and her breasts almost caused it to bare her midriff. In seconds they were both dressed and headed back out into the main room.
Rubi was drying her hands with a rag with the sound of the dishwasher running. The Poly Rhythm song was almost finished. Kurumu wandered over to the couch to fetch her schoolbag while Hotaru knelt down beside Hikari.
"I can't wait for Ms. Hitori to start training us. I wonder what sort of things a powerful phoenix could teach the two of us."
Hikari frowned at the excited sylph.
"You should worry about your exam first."
Kurumu chuckled, tugging her English textbook out and kneeling down at the table beside Ishiko. The gnome was also going over English vocabulary she had written on flash cards.
"I wouldn't get your hopes too high, Hotaru. You know how Ms. Hitori is in home ec class. She might not be that good of a trainer."
"I guess that's a fair point. Let me work on one of these exercises."
Hikari sighed, surrendering her worksheet and pencil to Hotaru. The sylph started humming along to the next song playing as she scribbled on the sheet.
"Hey, Ishiko. Want to help me study English?"
Ishiko glanced up. After a moment, she nodded, handing over her flash cards.
"Affirmative."
"Don't you also have your algebra exam?"
"Math is perspective."
Kurumu smirked, aware that Ishiko had meant to say easy.
"Do you think you did well on your Japanese exam?"
"I did well."
"Should I get out the spare futon?"
Kurumu smiled up at Rubi.
"I have no idea where it is. Moka! Where do you guys have the spare futon?"
"It's in Kokoa's closet."
Kurumu nodded, thumbing in the direction which prompted Rubi to walk off. Kurumu wished she had known that a couple weeks ago when Kokoa had dragged an unconscious Nakamoto to the suite. Thinking she had no choice, Kurumu had slept on the floor.
"I honestly didn't think you guys had one."
"We used it that time when we had Tora, Kiki and Kana over."
"That was a long time ago, Moka. Like right after Kokoa moved in."
"I think this is the most I've seen in this suite at one time."
Kurumu grinned at Hotaru, nodding as the second song started to play.
"Yea. The few times Kokoa has had all of you over, Moka would spend the night with Tora or Yukari."
"Mhm. And I would end up on the couch with you and Ishiko while the others got to sleep with Kokoa. I never get to sleep with her."
"That's because she worries that you won't behave."
"I'm not going to do anything while she sleeps."
Hotaru pushed the sheet over to Hikari and handed over the pencil.
"Do you think you'll have any retakes this time?"
Kurumu snorted, as she glanced over Ishiko's flash cards. She had no idea when she would ever use the word manufacture.
"I hope not. English is the only course I'm worried about."
Rubi emerged from the closet with the futon in hand. She shuffled over to the space between the couch and the stand for the television. Kneeling down, the witch spread out the futon.
"I'm glad we won't have to deal with retakes until after Sports Day. I'm looking forward to being rivals."
Moka laughed at Hotaru's declaration.
"Kokoa is upset about that."
"When isn't she upset?"
"Is she upset that we are on a different team?"
"It's because she wishes I was on a different team."
"That's what she gets for demanding that you change homerooms just so she could have you in the same gym period."
"She didn't know that Sports Day would be arranged like this."
"I doubt she has ever had a Sports Day before."
"That's not a surprise. She was tutored."
"Is there anything else for me to do?"
Kurumu shrugged at Rubi's inquiry.
"I don't know. Maybe you could use the karaoke feature of Moka's stereo."
"We don't need to hear Rubi singing."
"She has nothing better to do."
"I don't know these songs."
"Are there any songs you know?"
Rubi shook her head and Kurumu chuckled.
"Well start learning a few."
"Oh! We got a new advisor for gymnastics today."
Hikari sighed, glancing at Hotaru.
"Are you planning to study?"
"Her brother stopped by our homeroom after our last exam. Apparently his captain, Mr. Kogane, is in the computer program and the third year instructor didn't have a club."
Kurumu nodded, unfamiliar with the instructors for the computer program. She only knew Mr. Karatsuki whom taught the first year class and was the advisor for the computer club. He had been hired in 2002 with the other two instructors when the program had been added as an elective.
"Anyways, his instructor, Ms. Hanada Mirai, is willing to take us on."
"Have you met her?"
"We were only told about this today, Ms. Kurono. We don't know much about her."
"That's not true. Your brother gave us some background on her."
"Like what?"
"She's from Ikegahara, some small village in the Hida region of the Gifu prefecture. They send students to Yokai Academy every year."
"Why don't they attend the school in Gifu?"
"I have no idea. But Ms. Hanada started up the dance club with Mr. Kamihara as their advisor back when she was a second year in 1990. There's two second years from her village in that club right now."
"So… she wasn't in the gymnastics club."
"I think you're forgetting that the gymnastics club didn't start until the summer after Ms. Hanada graduated in 92. You wrote that in your article."
Kurumu nodded slowly, recalling Ms. Rin had been hired in 89 and had started the club a couple years later. It had been a random fact she had not latched onto since other things had felt more important.
"I'm happy for you two. Maybe I'll get to meet this woman someday."
"Maybe you should write an article about her and the dance club."
Kurumu frowned, glancing at the flash cards.
"I don't know. I should keep my focus on the karate, kendo and fencing club articles for now."
"I can do that article."
"If you do that, Moka, I'd like to help. I know that Okimune has friends in the dance club."
"I can't sing along to this."
Kurumu laughed at Rubi's declaration. The witch frowned, holding the microphone as a slow song played on the stereo.
"Hit the skip button to a more upbeat song."
"What's the skip button?"
"Can you help her, Yukari?"
"I'm busy."
"Is Hellsing that good?"
"Shouldn't you be studying?"
Moka giggled, pushing off the bed.
"I'll help you, Rubi. I don't know the lyrics for Free your Soul, but I can help you with a different one."
Taking in a deep breath, Kurumu cocked her head and regarded Ishiko. The girl was fixated on her notes about English sentence structure with several examples of proper phrases.
"Hey, Ishiko. Have you spoken with Sakamori?"
"No. Why?"
"Well… because she's from Chirasu. You both knew those seniors whom died."
"Nothing I can do about it."
"I understand this Ms. Sakamori is difficult to talk to. Asking Ishiko to socialize with someone like that isn't going to work, Ms. Kurono."
"I wonder if she'll be on the bottom of the list for the board of shame again."
Kurumu smiled softly, glancing at the flash cards.
"Probably. She's not one to care about academics."
"Sha sha shall we ride? Yakusoku no daichi e to. Sha sha shall we ride? Shall we ride? Inori sasegate."
Kurumu grinned as Moka started to sing along to the Atarashii Megami song. It was definitely an upbeat song which Kurumu had liked the moment she heard it.
"That's sad when you think about it."
"What is?"
"Well… most students that don't care about their academics don't even come to high school."
"Yea, Kurono. Have you not noticed that we don't have a bunch of failing students here? We might fail a subject or two, but nobody is failing all of their classes."
"That is an astute observation, Ms. Antai. Even with Ms. Sakamori's last exam score of 300, nobody is scoring below the sixty percentile."
"But that makes sense. A high school with housing and boarding costs too much to send someone that has no chance of passing."
"Most of those on the board of shame fall in the high sixties and low seventies while the top hundred dips into the low eighties. So I suggest that you all stop goofing off and study since most of your peers aren't that much dumber than you."
Taking the hint, Kurumu started to study in earnest.