Kurumu roused at the sound of a firm knock upon the door. She blinked several times, lying on her back upon the couch. It was dark in the room and she could hear the faint sound of music coming from below her breast. Mizore's head was resting upon her torso.

Frowning, Kurumu shifted up onto her elbows which caused Mizore to roll into her lap. The snow girl was wearing a black tank top and a pair of red cotton shorts which she had acquired at Tsukune's house over the summer. Kurumu had teased her over wearing Tsukune's old clothes while they had done laundry last night. Mizore had impassively stated that she would keep the shorts and his baby, regardless of how she felt about him now.

The knock on the door repeated, causing Kurumu to groan. Since the washer and dryer were located in the commissary, Kurumu always wore a tank top and shorts to bed on the nights she did laundry. This week she was in her gray tank top with black cotton shorts. She grabbed Mizore by the shoulder and shook gently.

"Hey. Are you awake?"

Mizore reached up to tug a white earpiece out as she turned over to regard Kurumu. The snow girl had her CD player in her other hand.

"What?"

"What time is it?"

Mizore shrugged, sitting up. The person at the door knocked again, prompting Kurumu to scoot towards the back of the couch. Moka grumbled from the bed, stirring from the disturbance. Kurumu swung her legs over the side, pushing up onto her feet.

"You could have woke me up."

Mizore shrugged again, putting her earpiece back in.

"I've only been up for three songs."

Kurumu snickered, thinking that was at least fifteen minutes. She sauntered over to the entryway, turning back the deadbolt and easing the door open.

"Good morning."

Kurumu frowned at Nijiro. The young man was dressed in his school attire, though his jacket was open.

"Morning. Did you want me to go with you to your meeting?"

Nijiro chuckled, looking over her. His lustful thoughts felt as soothing as the mild wind upon her skin.

"It was a short meeting. Ms. Sendou said that you wanted to go with me on a date today."

Kurumu nodded dumbly, glancing back inside at the sound of a thud. Moka had fallen out of bed. The silver haired vampire groaned, struggling to free her legs from the black sheet. Moka was wearing her white tank top with the large pink heart in the center of her ample bosom. The top had come with that pink sleep pant patterned with a multitude of different sized white hearts.

"Are you okay?"

Moka grumbled, getting to her feet as Kurumu turned on the lights. The vampire grimaced, shielding her eyes with one hand while fixing her pajamas with the other.

"Is Yukari here?"

"Ms. Sendou went to the school with Ms. Toujou after the meeting."

"What for?"

"I did not ask."

"Do you mind if Nijiro comes inside?"

"Whatever. I'll be in the bathroom."

Kurumu smiled as Moka stalked off towards the bathroom door. Nijiro entered the suite, closing the door behind him before parting with his shoes.

"I should get dressed."

"And here I was beginning to hope that you would spend all day in such casual attire."

Kurumu smirked, sashaying over to the closet door. She could feel him following her. She tugged the door open and slipped inside, not minding that he lingered at the open doorway.

"Did you have any plans for our date?"

"I was relying on your wealth of creativity."

Kurumu snorted as she looked over her collection of casual clothes which had migrated to Moka's closet over the past couple of months. She had more outfits here than in the closet of her own suite.

"The only thing that comes to mind is the volleyball game against Sekisei today."

"That starts at two. We barely have the time for a trip to Mononoke if you want to do that."

Kurumu grabbed her tank top at the bottom, pulling it up over her head. She tossed the garment into her empty hamper.

"It's not like we need to be there at the start. As long as we arrive before the end of the third set, we should be in time to see how things turn out."

Feeling his desire for her, she turned towards him as her fingers touched the hem of her shorts. She tugged the fabric down her hips, letting it fall to her ankles. Wearing nothing but a playful grin, she stepped out of the garment. Turning about, she bent over seductively to pick her shorts up. She could feel how he saw everything, making her body flush with anticipation. Knowing he could not capitalize on her pose, she straightened up and chucked the shorts into the hamper.

"Want to dress me?"

"I think it's safer for me to stay over here."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at him before looking over her selection of clothes. Feeling frisky, she grabbed her crimson thong. She could feel his appreciation for her choice as she pulled on the flimsy garment, guiding the swath of fabric in the back to nestle perfectly between her cheeks.

"Do you plan to wear your school outfit on our date?"

"If we stop by my place, we won't make it to Mononoke."

"Could you two cut back on the flirting?"

Kurumu selected the teal halter top she had acquired from Mrs. Yamadachi the day of mommy's viewing. There was little reason to wear this with a bra. The garment looped behind her neck with the fabric coming down in crossing swaths to cup her breasts. It would bare her midriff and most of her back.

"My apologies, Ms. Akashiya. It is a shame that we didn't see you at the meeting today."

"Not much reason to show up to the last meeting of the former student council."

"I suppose you are right."

Kurumu grabbed the pleated denim short that had been bought with this top. It had pockets just like a pair of shorts and even buttoned up like one, but the resemblances ended at the crotch level where the pleats started. The bottom hem of these pleats were a whole finger's length from her knees.

"If you want to treat me to lunch, we could swing by Tokori's workplace. I don't get many chances to chat with her these days."

"We could. If we leave right now, we should arrive before the lunch hour makes every place busy."

Kurumu sucked in her breath so that she could button up the skirt.

"Maybe do an hour at Siren's Lullaby."

"That defeats the purpose of not being in a room alone together."

Kurumu giggled as she grabbed a pair of short socks. She sashayed over to the doorway to join him, noting that Moka was standing in front of the microwave which was warming up a frozen breakfast.

"You are ruining your chances of getting lucky with me."

"I am tactfully stalling for a more convenient time for such activity. We shouldn't show up to a volleyball game reeking of inappropriate behavior."

Kurumu huffed at him flaunting his vocabulary to sound smart. She stalked over to Moka's desk as the microwave sounded the completion of its task. She flipped open her journal, fishing out the ruby studs.

"We could always shower if you're that worried about it."

"We won't have the time to run back to our respective homes."

"They have showers in the gym locker rooms."

"Could you not argue over the convenience of having sex today? I'm trying to have breakfast."

Kurumu chuckled as Nijiro uttered an apology. She finished with one earring and turned about while starting on the other. Moka was leaning against the counter, holding a bowl. She stirred the contents with a pair of chopsticks.

"You'll be just as bad when you start dating someone."

"Doubtful. My parents never talked about that stuff around us."

"What about Ms. Juunan?"

Moka grimaced, making Kurumu feel a little guilty over bringing up the succubus.

"She doesn't count."

"To be fair, the only time my mother brings up my father's sexual activities is when she is complaining about his loyalty."

Done with the other earring, Kurumu leaned down to pick up her schoolbag which rested beside the couch. She quickly put on her socks before opening up her schoolbag. She fished around for her lavender purse which contained her keys, lunch card and phone. Pulling it out, she straightened back upright.

"Will you two spend the whole day here?"

"I will. Shirayuki!"

The vampire spoke loud enough to catch Mizore's attention. The snow girl pulled an earpiece out while sitting up on the couch.

"Do you want to tag along on Kurumu's date?"

Mizore shook her head, lying back down.

"I need to keep my baby away from bad influences."

Kurumu smirked, pulling the strap of her purse up onto her shoulder so it could hang against her hip.

"Brat. You two should go hang out with friends instead of wasting your whole day in here."

"Maybe after lunch. Now run along on your date and try to behave yourself."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Moka before she sashayed over to the door. She bent over to slip on her white platform sneakers while Nijiro wandered over to join her. She could feel him admiring her body.

"I guess I'll leave you two to your bonding. I might spend the night with my boyfriend."

Nijiro chuckled as she opened the door and stepped outside into the mild morning.

"We shouldn't be doing that again."

Kurumu grinned, unzipping her purse as he exited the suite. She pulled out her keys which had a little dolphin figure with the Niigata aquarium logo upon it.

"But you secretly want to."

"That's no secret. But I still must refuse."

Kurumu giggled as she locked up the door. She dropped the keys into her purse before zipping it back up. With a grin, she latched onto his arm and gestured towards the trail which would lead them out of this clearing which included four identical, two story apartment buildings and a central commissary.

"Shall we be going?"

With a shared laugh, they started off.


"And here you go. Two tonkatsu teishoku meals."

Meirowasa Tokori was dressed in a green, sleeveless blouse with a stiff peter pan collar with a black skirt. This was the standard attire all of the waitresses at the Mix it Up café wore. Her shaggy, shoulder length locks were an equal mix of black and white that it was difficult to say which color was the dominant one.

Kurumu grinned as Tokori placed the meals before them. They were seated at a cherry varnished table with matching chairs in this family diner. The booths which lined the walls on the far side of the dining area had all been claimed by local families. It would not be long before every table was taken.

"Can we talk for a moment?"

Tokori smirked, regarding her with soft caramel eyes.

"Not the place or time for it, Kurono."

"Yea, but it's not like you regularly wait on tables. There can't be that many dishes yet."

Tokori glanced at the front counter where the burly owner of the store stood behind the register. The man seemed more interested in his magazine than the activities of his employees.

"I suppose a quick chat wouldn't hurt."

"Good. I never can catch you before you take off."

Tokori tugged out one of their vacant chairs, sitting across from Nijiro.

"No real reason for me to stick around."

"But your group's door is always closed. I can't ever talk to you between classes."

"Yea. Funny how that worked out. None of our teachers have a lecture the period before ours, so they all start up right away. I'm sometimes embarrassed to ask for a bathroom break."

Kurumu had heard about this from Kana, since the class seven girls had been grouped with the class five girls. They were always first to the dining hall for lunch which was mildly amusing since it had been that way even before the school had been wrecked. Tokori and Kana both had fourth period gym.

"And since you haven't been showing up to the PSC meetings, I can't rely on Satsuki, Kumiko and Tora to have any news about you."

"I got permission from Mr. Sabaku the week classes moved to the dorms. It's not like the PSC is going to do anything in the current situation. My presence isn't required."

Sabaku Akira was a second year from class ten whom had taken over the PSC the week before the school festival due to Kumiko's sister developing a sudden case of pregnancy. Lady Hineri, the former leader of the PSC, now spent all of her time in the suite next to Moka's. Kumiko regularly visited with her.

"But that makes it difficult to check up on you. Sure Satsuki spends the weekend with you guys, but she never has much to say beyond your brother being annoying."

"Because there isn't much to say. As for my perverted little brother, we caught him masturbating with Mikomi's panties in the bathroom last night."

Kurumu grimaced at the thought.

"But he's only nine."

"Is that too young?"

"When did you start masturbating?"

Nijiro frowned at her, picking at his rice bowl.

"I'd rather not discuss that."

"Oh come on. It's not a big deal. I started in junior high."

"I suppose I can admit to that. But I certainly wasn't doing it when I lived at home with my parents."

"How old does a guy have to be to masturbate?"

"It never crossed my mind to ask other guys about their exploits in self-gratification."

"I'm going back to work if this is what you want to talk about."

Kurumu pouted at Tokori.

"It's not. I just want to know if things are okay with you and your family. The last time we actually spoke was less than five minutes and you shooed us out the door."

"Though we did visit with Ms. Sawayaka and Ms. Meirowasa's family for at least a half hour before that."

"That was three weeks ago. A lot can happen in three weeks."

Tokori drummed her fingers upon the table.

"I suppose I could admit that Mom gave the hospital her two week notice last Monday."

"She's quitting her job?!"

"There's not much reason to keep it. With only a high school education, she can't be promoted any further. And we don't really need the money."

"Surely you jest. Every person needs money."

Tokori smiled at Nijiro.

"When the house burned down, the bank forgave the remaining debt. Mikomi's home is already paid for, so the amount of money we need to get by is not nearly as much as it used to be."

"I thought your father gave you that home."

"He signed it over to us but he didn't own it yet. He only bought that house a year or two after he was hired on as an English teacher in 85."

"Your father was an English teacher?"

"My mother was impressed with how he handled his tongue."

Kurumu blushed, thinking Nijiro was quite talented with that too.

"Yes. Well. Your father is an undine."

"Forgive me for saying this, but I was under the impression that you were working to help your mother pay for your tuition."

"Not at all. I save most of my earnings."

"That's my fault, Tokori. I thought that was why you had your job."

"I sometimes help with groceries, but Mom would never let me pay her bills."

"But your family will need some source of income. What does your mother plan to do?"

Tokori grinned at Nijiro as another family was seated by the brunette in the white blouse.

"The Headmaster didn't say it yesterday but she's one of the five new hires. She's going to be the new instructor for the Health and Wellness elective. She'll start work right after winter break."

"Are they still doing that elective?"

Nijiro nodded at Kurumu.

"The elective courses which only have third years are still going. I heard that the mechanics class will even have an exam."

"Damn. I feel bad for Ms. Tsumugi. She's been running all the way back to school after finishing up her fifth period course in Baratoge."

"You are forgetting that fifth period for you is the lunch period for the third years. She actually has a whole hour to get back to the school to teach her elective."

Kurumu smiled at Nijiro's remark, realizing she had overlooked that.

"True but that means she has no time for lunch. I'm sure that she'll be happy to get out of that."

"Will your mother also be taking on the science class that Ms. Tsumugi is covering for?"

"No. Just the elective. They plan on bringing on a new science teacher for that."

"Fair enough. The juggling of the science teachers has been quite the thing this year. Somehow I've managed to end up in Mr. Katai's class again."

Kurumu smiled softly with thoughts about that. The first vacancy had resulted from a forced resignation. A teacher precious to her, Ms. Sasayaki, had been asked to leave when it became known that she had withheld her knowledge of Tsukune's humanity from the rest of the faculty and had even altered hospital records to avoid his true form being discovered.

It still bothered Kurumu that the man whom had pushed for Ms. Sasayaki's removal had been plotting against the Headmaster for decades. His death at the hands of Ms. Hitori had vacated another science teacher spot. Ms. Uchikawa had given up her Health elective to take one while Ms. Hitori had handled the other. The school added Ms. Huang after summer break but had lost Ms. Rin only weeks later. And since the Housemother denied all male entry into Baratoge, the male first year science teachers had been swapped with acceptable female second year teachers.

"Isn't it too soon for your mother to quit her job? We're not even done with November."

"We have some savings. She's been talking about taking a vacation for years and it seems like we might actually do it."

"Where will you go?"

Tokori smirked at Kurumu.

"Osaka. My uncle is putting together a whole week vacation package for us and Mikomi."

"You have an uncle?"

"Yea. I never said that my mother was an only child."

"But you've never mentioned having other family before."

"Mom's family doesn't speak to us. Uncle is the only exception, and I think that's because his girls want to meet me and my brother."

"Have you met your uncle before?"

"I don't know if I did. We haven't left Mononoke since Kuyo came here back in 94 and I can't say that I remember much before then. And nobody was going to visit us with that jerk around."

"I hope you make good friends with your cousins."

Tokori sighed, glancing back at the burly man standing behind the register.

"Yea. I'm just hoping that Yaku doesn't molest our cousins."

Kurumu snickered, knowing that was a valid concern.

"When will your family vacation start?"

"Right away. We'll be taking the bus to Ashikantai and heading out the next morning. We should be back at Uncle's place on Christmas eve, spending the holidays with his family."

Kurumu smiled, thinking how nice it would be to spend her whole winter break with family. Then again, the only family she had was Mrs. Yumekawa, her grandmother. While there were other members of the Yumekawa family, they would all be distant cousins on her father's side.

There was also Kabuki, the succubus whom had been born from the same undine. If she did have to spend her winter break with Kokoa, she might be able to visit that girl.

"Ms. Meirowasa. I believe you have dishes to tend to."

Kurumu smiled apologetically at the brunette waitress whom had stopped by. Tokori promptly stood up and tapped a scrap of paper on the table.

"Yes, Ms. Yamamoto. You two can pay your bill at the register."

"Wait a second. Did you hear any news on making a new school?"

Tokori snorted, pushing the chair back in its place as the brunette greeted another family.

"You should read your own paper. Ms. Nazohashi just did an article on that."

"I did. There's been no movement."

"She has the same information that I have. Have fun on your date."

Kurumu smiled as Tokori stalked off. She sighed, turning her attention upon her untouched meal. She glanced at his plate, noting he was nearly finished. She laughed with a shake of her head.

"Enjoying your meal?"

"It's good."

"Are you trying to hurry so that we have more time for karaoke?"

He chuckled, picking up his drink.

"The thought has crossed my mind. Though we should find something safer to do."

Kurumu smirked as she cut up her tonkatsu with her chopsticks.

"Well she only asked me to try to behave."


"That will be five thousand two hundred fifty yen."

Kurumu winced at the total, glancing at Nijiro. The young man calmly fished his wallet out of his slacks.

"Are you sure that you don't want to buy a CD for yourself?"

Nijiro chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled out thousand yen bills from his wallet. An unfamiliar song played over the speakers, though the singer was obviously Otsuka Ai.

"I wouldn't even know which one to pick up."

"But you know a lot of popular songs."

"This is fine, Kurumu. Consider it an early Christmas gift."

The shaggy haired man with hazel eyes standing behind the checkered counter swept up the small stack of bills. Like the rest of the employees at Spinning Discs, the guy was sporting a yellow tee shirt with the store logo which consisted of a blue CD with the name scrawled in black characters in a circular pattern about the 'hole' in the center. He punched in the total of the bills upon the register which popped the tray out. He counted up the change in coins.

"Seven hundred fifty yen is your change."

Kurumu dragged the white plastic bag with the blue store logo upon it off the counter, bringing it to her bosom. Nijiro had bought It's a Wonderful World and Shifuku no Oto for her. Both Mr. Children albums were newer than the compilation albums she had acquired during summer break. The band had another album which had just come out in September but she had decided not to ask for it.

The worker presented the coins and receipt to Nijiro.

"Thank you for your patronage."

Kurumu returned the slight nod the worker favored them as Nijiro pocketed his change and wallet.

"Thank you for the CDs."

Nijiro smiled as they started for the main door which was close to the cashier counter.

"It was my pleasure."

Despite being inside this store before, this was the first time Kurumu had acquired a CD from here. They walked by the sales rack which had older CDs the store was trying to get rid of. There were many aisles of music behind them, divided by genres and alphabetized by artist. The first two aisles near the door were reserved for singles while the row in the back of the store was lined with DVDs of live performances. The compilation albums were placed with the normal albums which were arranged in the order of release.

Kurumu pushed open the door, holding it for Nijiro.

"You need to start buying yourself some CDs."

He chuckled as they stepped out into the mild afternoon.

"Perhaps later. We should head back to the school."

Kurumu frowned, reaching for her purse which dangled by its strap upon her shoulder.

"It can't be that late."

Nijiro drew his sleeve back. A silver watch was held by a black leather strap about his left wrist.

"It's almost one."

"We don't need to be there for the first set. We could squeeze in an hour of karaoke."

"Even if we behaved ourselves, we might not be back in time for the end of the third set. Unless you have an activity that won't take a whole hour, we should go."

Kurumu pouted at his smirk, glancing across the street at the arcade.

"I'd suggest more time in the arcade but you suck at video games."

"You're not much better."

"We didn't have an arcade in Kengamine. What's your excuse?"

"Playing video games is something kappa guys do. As a proud undine, I would disgrace my family by showing interest in such a primitive form of entertainment."

Kurumu clutched her breast, staggering dramatically.

"Your snobbery is killing me."

He laughed, drifting away from the store as a pair of boys entered it.

"It's true though. Video games are a distraction from my studies."

"I hope you don't think music is a distraction."

"Music is only as distracting as you allow it to be. Video games require participation."

Kurumu was tempted to ask if she was a distraction. She sucked in a breath as she thought about things they could do which had minimal time requirements. She thought about visiting Satsuki at the Gates of Heaven, hoping it would not be too busy right now. And then another thought popped in her head.

"We should check out Guilty Pleasures."

"The sweet shop? But we ate not long ago."

"There's always room for sweets. And I'd like to visit with Sukoyaka."

Sukoyaka Myaku had shared Ginei's homeroom last year and was in class six with Hajihachi this year. She was in band and played the violin.

"I wasn't aware of you being friends with Ms. Sukoyaka."

Kurumu smiled as she started down the street to the right of Spinning Discs.

"More like an acquaintance. I've wanted to check out her parents' shop for months but always forget to. This won't take too much time."

"I suppose we can. It is right around the corner."

Kurumu grinned as they passed by the squat structure next to Spinning Discs. That black stone building was Karma which sold a bunch of random stuff. The small white building with the faded siding next to the arcade was Chinchin'naru. Kurumu had no idea what it sold and had no intentions of finding out.

"Have you been inside Guilty Pleasures?"

"Once at the start of the year. I treated my sister to some sweets."

"And here I was wondering if you secretly had a sweet tooth."

"I'm sorry to disappoint."

The small, red brick building with the black tiled roof and gold trimmed glass door which stood on her left at the corner of the upcoming intersection was the Toybox. All sorts of stuffed animals, action figures and other miscellaneous toys could be seen through the windows facing this street.

On her right side on the corner of this intersection was Hands On which sold puzzles, figurines and models. This single story building consisted of gray stone walls which went up to about her waist. Then it transitioned into faded black paneling which stretched up to a flat roof with black trimmed windows and a double glass door facing the street.

Across the narrow street from Hands On was the electronics store. It was a tall, white stone building with large windows that displayed the latest television models and computers. The sign over the double glass doors which faced the intersection consisted of the two characters for too much and entertain which blinked from yellow to blue to red and back again. The store carried all sorts of things from DVDs and video games to digital cameras. That was where Moka had picked up her karaoke machine.

The last structure at this intersection was Imagination. The bricks of this hobby shop had been painted a pastel yellow with black framed windows. It sold things like board games and the booster packs for those trading card games like Yugioh.

They turned left at the intersection with their destination already in sight. Guilty Pleasures was the small building with the white paneling next to Toybox. It had three windows on either side of the central, double glass door. The black tiled roof slanted up and away from the street with enough overhang to cast shade over the windows. Though it rarely was allowed to rain in Mononoke, the end columns had white gutters strapped to them.

The scent of food beckoned to them, though the source was the neighboring red and black structure. Fried Delights had only a thick black curtain separating its dining area from the outside. Kurumu had yet to eat there, understanding that it served a huge assortment of gyoza, korokke, tempura, katsudon and other deep fried dishes.

"How well do you know Sukoyaka?"

"I know she's a local and in my grade."

"Have you talked with her at all?"

"I've never had a reason to."

Kurumu supposed that was not a surprise as she stepped under the overhang. Across the street from these two food establishments was the Loud and Clear music shop. If she ever wanted her flute serviced, she could take it there. The staff even offered lessons.

She grabbed the black handle of the door, tugging it open. A small bell announced her arrival as she gestured for Nijiro to enter. The soft sounds of an orchestra played over the speakers as the familiar scent of cinnamon greeted her. Once Nijiro had passed by her, she drifted inside, allowing the door to close behind her under its own weight.

There were only a few people seated about the rounded tables scattered throughout the dining area. These tables stood higher than a standard kitchen counter, held up by a thick, silver pillar with a large tapered base at the bottom. The white wood chairs had framing connecting the legs which would allow a girl of her short stature an easy way to clamber up onto the high, spade shaped seats. The backs of these chairs were open with rounded framing that resembled a heart.

The interior walls were painted a lush green at least a meter or so higher than the windows before transitioning to black. The black speakers playing the classical music were mounted to the walls at the point of transition. White ceiling fans hung down from the dark rafters which swept up out of view.

Kurumu followed Nijiro towards the white marble counter which divided a recessed section of the room from the dining area. This counter was flush with a wall which had an opening into a hallway with a sign that promised access to the bathrooms. Shelves of sweets lined the walls behind the counter.

A large, burly man easily ten centimeters taller than Nijiro stood near the register at the far end of the counter. He had a massive nose, broad cheeks and dark, shaggy locks which covered his ears. His dark eyes swept over her curves with momentary interest before the man turned his attention upon Nijiro. A short sleeved, light blue dress shirt with large black buttons was wrapped over his massive torso, baring his thick, hairy arms. An apron was tied about his broad waist, hanging over tan slacks.

"Afternoon. How may I help you?"

Nijiro smiled at the deep man's voice, stopping once he was near the register.

"It's my girlfriend's first time here. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Depends on what her tastes are like. Do you like sugary sweets, chocolate, fruity stuff or snacks that could pass as a meal?"

Kurumu grinned, glancing at the shelves full of wares.

"Chocolate is always good."

"We have choco bats, Meiji apollo cones and tirol. We also have chocolate covered senbei and pocky."

"Meiji? Isn't that the company you wanted to work for?"

Nijiro chuckled, nodding at her.

"It is. Would you like a bag of apollo cones?"

"How much is it?"

"Five hundred yen."

Kurumu grimaced at the gruff answer. It seemed so high for a snack, but it was chocolate.

"If you don't mind."

"We'll take a bag of the cones and two fugashi bars."

The worker nodded, moving over to the shelves to grab the items.

"Does Meiji make fugashi bars?"

"Most stores carry the Yaokin brand."

The big man returned, setting a white box with pink strawberries on the counter next to two brown bars wrapped in clear packages with green ends. The worker brandished his large fingers upon the register, ringing up the total.

"That will be seven hundred fifty yen."

Nijiro pulled the coins he had acquired earlier out of his pocket, placing them upon the counter. The man pushed a button which slid out the drawer. He swept up the coins and dropped them into the tray before closing the register up.

"Thank you for your patronage."

Kurumu smiled, grabbing the carton and holding it to her bosom.

"Is Myaku here?"

"What business do you have with my daughter?"

Kurumu laughed nervously at the man's gaze as Nijiro retrieved the two fugashi bars.

"Just wanted to visit. I'm Kurono Kurumu. I talked to her when I did the article for band."

"Oh? So you're in that dog's newspaper club."

Kurumu grinned, aware that Ginei had an advertisement for Guilty Pleasures on the back page of every paper since it was one of their sponsors.

"Was. I promised to check your store out."

"Katashi!"

Kurumu glanced over her shoulder at the man's firm bellow. A stocky boy roughly Moka's height looked up. He had a shaggy mess of hair which obscured his eyes and ears. The yellow and black polo stretched over his torso made him look even wider. A husky pair of jeans completed his ensemble.

"Go fetch your sister."

The large boy grumbled, slipping off his chair. He waddled across the room, disappearing into the hall.

"Myaku never mentioned having siblings."

"She has two younger brothers. Katashi and Osamu."

Kurumu nodded, turning her attention back upon the grizzly man.

"How old are they?"

"Katashi turned thirteen over the summer. Osamu just turned ten last month. He's still too young to help around the store so he stays at home with his mother."

"This is my boyfriend, Amesuki Nijiro. He's a second year like your daughter and Ginei."

The large man offered her a polite nod.

"I'm Sukoyaka Ichiro, owner of this fine establishment."

"Does Myaku frequently help out with your store?"

"She helps out more than her brother. That boy is supposed to be wiping down tables."

Kurumu grinned, glancing about the dining area. Only four tables were in use. Doing a quick count, she figured that they had nineteen tables with three or four chairs about each of them.

"You don't seem that busy."

"We're never busy for the lunch hours. Things tend to pick up after two."

"I've stopped by the Gates of Heaven and they only seem to be busy at lunch."

"Is the new place cutting into on your profits?"

Mr. Sukoyaka chuckled at Nijiro's inquiry.

"I haven't noticed a difference. Most folks grab their things and go. Only a few stick around. Usually local kids that don't want to go home for one reason or another but lack the money to do something else."

Now that he mentioned it, Kurumu realized that all of the store patrons were younger. She gestured at the lanky boy with spiky, short hair which gleamed like obsidian. He sported a black tee and tan slacks.

"Are these kids regulars?"

"Yea. That one is Kasahara Wato. Everyone knows that he has a crush on my daughter but she'll never see him as anything more than another brother."

"How old is he?"

"Fifteen. Just like Onodera over there. She's the one with the ponytail."

Kurumu nodded upon seeing the girl with the burgundy offside ponytail. The girl was fairly endowed and was with a younger boy wearing a yellow tank top. Her dark orange blouse bared one shoulder, revealing the thick strap of a black sports bra. She and her companion both had on blue jeans.

"Is that her brother?"

"Yea. Tifa is always watching over Zak while her parents work."

That girl would probably attend Yokai next year which had Kurumu wonder what the boy would do.

"It would be nice if they built that school soon."

The man chuckled as the exterior door opened and a young boy entered.

"That certainly has been a hot topic ever since Lord Chiki visited with the town elders. I imagine that once the repairs for your school are finished, they'll start working on the town's school right away."

"Really?"

The man grinned wide, gesturing for them to move aside as the young man approached the register.

"Of course. They already have the land."

"Afternoon, Mr. Sukoyaka."

"Afternoon, Nachi. What will you be having today?"

"Ms. Kurono?"

Kurumu turned at the sound of her name, smiling at Myaku whom stood beside her brother. The girl was wearing a mint, sleeveless blouse which transitioned into pleats at a hem ringing her torso below the swell of her bosom. Slim black jeans hugged her curves down to her ankles. She had orchid locks which curled at the ends, almost touching her narrow bared shoulders. Her copper eyes glanced at her father as the man took the order from his young customer.

"Did you need me?"

Kurumu shivered at the lustful gaze Myaku's younger brother favored her. She could not see his eyes beneath his thick bangs but could feel them molesting every curve of her body.

"I just wanted to visit."

"Afternoon, Ms. Sukoyaka."

"Afternoon, Mr. Amesuki."

Feeling uncomfortable from the boy's continued lechery, Kurumu gestured at the brother.

"You never mentioned having siblings."

"I wasn't aware that you wanted to know that."

"It was a get to know you article for your band."

"I didn't see you comment on other members having siblings."

"I don't write about it but I often ask. I'm pretty sure that none of the guys you have lunch with had siblings since most of them only had one parent."

Myaku smiled apologetically.

"I'm sorry. What exactly did you want to know?"

"You could start with some family history."

Kurumu grinned at the father's suggestion. The young boy had already finished his purchases and was making his way to the door.

"That would be nice. Did you attend Yokai Academy?"

"I did and so did my parents. I was born and raised here."

"My father is a mixed breed."

The burly man chuckled, thumping his chest.

"I am. My father is a tall, kirin stud whom fell in love with a giantess. Pa's family never was thrilled about it but things are nicer on Ma's side. They had the wedding in Chouten after their graduation back in 68."

"Grandpa opened this place in the summer of 71. It used to be a magazine shop."

"Do you have aunts and uncles?"

"One of each. My aunt Utano lives in Moegara with her husband. We usually see them every cultural festival since that was the easiest time to work around Kuyo and the barrier."

Her father laughed heartily.

"That bastard chased most of my family out of town. Even my parents decided it would be best to move closer to Ma's family in Chouten. I talked Pa into leaving the store in my care."

"My aunt was thinking about moving to Moegara even before Kuyo came along. She was worried about how long it was taking to rebuild the local school."

"How long would it take to build the school?"

Mr. Sukoyaka stroked the stubble on his broad chin.

"Hard to say. Back in the day, they could throw up a new building in about a year. It all depends on how much manpower you have and if you have all the materials on site."

Kurumu shivered from another naughty thought from that boy. She was regretting her outfit selection.

"It would be nice if your son could attend a year of junior high before going to Yokai."

"Well the school was never meant to be for the junior high."

Kurumu frowned at the father.

"I thought that they were building a school for the town."

"The land Mr. Tensai set aside was only for a primary school. The town elders were having talks about a bigger project for a junior high with student housing. But since that required Fairy Tale's involvement, the Headmaster was against it."

"I guess things will be different after he retires."

"Maybe. But I doubt the town elders have a strong case to have Fairy Tale fund that junior high project. Back then, there were issues concerning the enrollment of students from Chouten and Moegara into the nearby junior highs. Atsuen lacked housing and Touboe refused to let anybody outside of Touboe to attend their junior high."

"But they've built a junior high outside of Touboe since then."

"Precisely, young man. Back in the eighties, the school in Atsuen was turning away kids. The real reason why Yokai Academy lacked entrance exams was because many of those kids missed junior high. It had nothing to do with the local kids being uneducated due to our local school burning down."

Kurumu smiled, guessing the man had this conversation before.

"What will they do about kids like Katashi?"

"Who knows? Maybe they will stuff them into the same building. The original design was a four story capable of supporting up to a hundred kids per grade level. I'm sure with how much the population has declined over the past decade that we will have several empty classrooms."

"Well it's not like the junior high age kids need to wait for a school with extra housing."

"It's not just the housing. The new school was designed with only one gym which would serve as their auditorium and cafeteria. And the new school won't even have an activity yard large enough for a proper game of soccer. Every new junior high is built with the hopes of having junior high sports in the future. At some point a separate junior high will have to be built, with or without the extra housing."

"They have tons of open space near Siren's Lullaby."

Mr. Sukoyaka nodded at his daughter's comment.

"They have space but not the money."

Kurumu smiled at the exchange, feeling annoyed with the constant lechery targeted upon her.

"Do you have cousins?"

"Yea. My aunt has a son and two little girls. Hijiri will be coming to Yokai Academy next year."

"That boy is the spitting image of his father. Fairy Tale even classified him as a salamander."

"Uncle is Father's best friend. They graduated together in 88."

"Really? Did you know my mother?"

The big man frowned as the door sounded the arrival of another customer. A young girl with braided pigtails greeted the Onodera siblings. She had on a green crew shirt and denim shorts.

"Can't say that I knew a Kurono. Did she have a different name?"

"No. She graduated a year after you. She wasn't very outgoing so it isn't a surprise."

Mr. Sukoyaka chuckled as the pigtailed girl started towards them.

"I never paid too much attention to girls in high school. Most would turn you down the moment they heard that you were a mixed breed."

"Afternoon, Mr. Sukoyaka."

"Afternoon, Kairi. Here for your usual?"

"You know it."

As the father turned to acquire the goods, the girl turned a smile upon them.

"Hey, Myaku. Friends of yours?"

"This is Kurono Kurumu and Amesuki Nijiro. They are students at Yokai Academy."

Kurumu bowed slightly, murmuring a greeting as the girl regarded them with honey colored eyes.

"Figured that much. I'm Kumatani Kairi. I'll be starting school with you in April."

"Five hundred yen."

Kumatani grinned, pulling a coin from her tight fitting shorts. After handing it over to Mr. Sukoyaka, she grabbed up her clear bottle of ramune and a pair of umaibo treats wrapped in orange plastic declaring the chicken curry flavor.

"Did you meet Tifa?"

Kurumu smiled, shaking her head.

"No. We were talking about Myaku's family. She didn't talk much about it when I did her interview for the band article."

"Ah. You're one of the paper kids."

"I'll send them your way once I've bored them with tales of my family history."

Kumatani giggled at his remark. She backed away from the counter.

"I won't be here that long. Good luck with this windbag."

Kurumu grinned as Mr. Sukoyaka frowned at the retreating girl.

"I swear that girls her age were not that impish in my days."

"I'm curious about that Uncle you mentioned earlier. How did he end up with your sister?"

Mr. Sukoyaka puffed up with a wide grin.

"The man in question is Tenka Izanagi. We shared homeroom during our first year of high school and stayed friends ever since. He knew my sister since he stopped by the house almost every weekend."

"Yea. And Mom was my aunt's friend. They shared homeroom and home economics together."

"Vile temptress. She didn't want to go home for summer break and found her way into my bed."

"That's not what happened."

"Because she seduced an innocent young man whom had never had a girlfriend before, Myaku was born only months after my graduation."

"That's not how Mom or my aunt tells it. You crept into your sister's room and made love to Mom."

"Where was your aunt when this happened?"

Myaku blushed at Kurumu's query.

"Lying next to Mom. She woke up in the middle of them going at it."

"Doesn't change the fact that she was open to the idea."

"I'm not going to argue over whom is to blame for that."

"Then she told me about being pregnant, forcing me into a marriage I was not ready for."

"Don't act like you regret marrying Mom. You two are always cuddling at home."

"We do now. Those first years were the worst."

Kurumu smiled at the playful banter.

"Maybe your mother would have known mine."

"Perhaps. Utano and Konara graduated in 90. I spent the bulk of my first two years after graduation watching over this little girl."

"You make it sound like I was a chore."

"When you have your own child, you'll know that I'm speaking truth."

Myaku sighed with a shake of her head.

"My aunt and uncle got married that summer after her graduation. She must have been pregnant at the ceremony since Hijiri was born the following February."

"How old are your other cousins?"

"Niru is two months younger than Katashi. And Hikari will be turning eleven in January."

"Katashi! At least look like you're working."

The young boy grumbled, walking away. He returned to where he had been sitting, grabbing a washcloth.

"You said something about another uncle."

"Yea. Isao. He graduated in 94."

"We haven't heard much from him since he left that summer after Kuyo took office."

"Utano moved out of town that winter. He has dropped in unannounced on Utano a few times over the years. Most of the time he just sends postcards."

"Does he talk to your parents?"

Mr. Sukoyaka shook his head with a disappointed look.

"Isao has always had a big chip on his shoulder about being born a monstrel."

"Half of the boys I know are like that."

"That doesn't excuse it. I'm hoping that he gets over it someday. Either because he gets too old for this nonsense or he finds a woman to help settle down that hot head of his."

Kurumu managed a smile, nodding thoughtfully.

"Well I don't have much to say about myself. My father and mother have both passed away. My mother was an orphan and my father was an only child. I've met my grandmother once. That was nice."

Myaku laughed with a warm smile.

"You shouldn't worry over your lack of family, Ms. Kurono. You don't have any control over that."

Nijiro placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a squeeze.

"Perhaps we should be going now?"

"Not yet. Myaku can introduce us to those future first years."

Nijiro sighed, glancing at the table where the two girls sat with the younger boy.

"I suppose we have time for that."


"Did you see me score the winning point?!"

Meisai Nadako came bounding over to Kurumu. The gyokuto from class six was wearing the mint green tank top and bright red bloomers that all of the volleyball girls had on. Crimson lettering declaring the school name came down the center between her ample breasts contained within a black sports bra.

Kurumu grinned at the girl from Aranoiji, holding her arms out. Meisai took the invitation, stepping in to give Kurumu a sweaty and squishy hug. Her poofy black hair was matted to her head in several spots.

"I did. I'm glad that you won."

Meisai giggled, drawing back to arms' length. Several girls from the volleyball team were making their way to the locker room which flanked the stage at the far end of the auditorium.

"That puts us up to seven and three."

Kurumu nodded, taking note of the girls from Sekisei High whom were all garbed in flimsy, yellow tank tops with purple lettering designating their school. Their spandex shorts were a darker shade of purple.

"Do they only have ten girls on their team?"

"Yea. I have to give it to them. It's hard to play two games back to back. I can't imagine doing five."

"I honestly thought you guys won it with your last set."

Meisai frowned, cocking her head.

"When did you get here?"

Kurumu smiled apologetically.

"Around the tail end of your fourth set."

"Somebody got carried away while socializing in town."

Kurumu pouted at Nijiro's smirk.

"I was strengthening my bonds with the local community."

"I thought it refreshing to see one of our more popular students fraternizing with the local girls whom will be coming to Yokai next year."

Meisai frowned at the girls standing beside Kurumu.

"Whom are you?"

"This is Tensai Tobi and her roommate Netsukaze Samayo. They're both third years."

Tensai had her russet tresses pulled back into a ponytail and was wearing a yellow frock over a slim pair of white capris. Netsukaze had short, tangerine locks and a rattail running down to the hem of her black racerback shirt with a pink and orange rising sun design on her belly below the swell of her bosom. A loose pair of black cargo shorts denied view of her shapely hips.

"Why is that name familiar?"

"Ms. Tensai is the daughter of the wealthiest man in Mononoke. Kurumu's club has mentioned him in several of their articles."

"That's right. Why are you living on campus?"

"Because I can?"

Kurumu laughed at Tensai's confused response.

"It's an independent thing, Nyanya. Kind of like why Unsei from class seven has a room on Tsukune's floor despite his family living in town."

"I didn't know that guy lived in the dorms."

"I'm usually home for the weekends but I had to come to school today. If I don't, Samayo would never muster up the courage to see her beloved."

"Don't start that nonsense."

"Oh? You have a crush on one of the basketball players?"

"I don't."

"She grew up with the Bakugen brothers and longs to spend the rest of her life with Akaru."

"Fuck off."

Kurumu giggled, having heard most of this while walking back to school. Netsukaze and Bakugen both came from Tochimoeru and had known each other since the first grade. Akaru was the captain of the basketball team and had a younger brother on the team whom was a first year.

"It's nothing to be ashamed about. I grew up with Yuya and he finally decided to ask me out."

"Have you kissed that boy yet?"

Meisai blushed, shaking her head at Kurumu.

"Not yet. But we're actually hanging out together after classes and on the weekends. We weren't even talking to each other before the festival."

"Samayo could learn from your example."

"If I wanted to hang out with him, I could just ask him."

"But you won't ask him to."

"I don't want to hear that from a girl whom ditched her boyfriend the moment he got expelled."

Tensai sighed, glancing down at the floor.

"Hayato wasn't my boyfriend. He just used Azuki and me to spread lies about the newspaper club."

There was a short, uncomfortable pause. Kurumu thought about Fusamina whom had manipulated Tensai and Dokugo Azuki, president of the literature club, into making a fake newspaper filled with anti monstrel propaganda. Their goal had been to get the newspaper club members expelled.

"What are you talking about?"

Netsukaze sighed heavily, wagging a dismissive hand at Meisai's confusion.

"Nothing to worry your pretty head over."

Tensai had told Netsukaze weeks ago about the memories of Yukari's rape which Kurumu had given her. The salamander was still annoyed at Kurumu for doing something so cruel to Tensai.

"But you're both graduating this year. You might never see him again."

"That dummy isn't going anywhere. Everybody knows that taking the 'hands on' electives won't get you out into the real world. He should have at least taken the business electives to land a job with Fairy Tale."

"I wouldn't claim that the 'hands on' electives are a dead end. The world will always need mechanics and construction workers."

Netsukaze snorted at Nijiro.

"It won't mean squat if he doesn't get his citizenship."

"Samayo was so worried about her parents not getting hers. She finally got the notice in the mail today that she can register for the national college entrance exam."

Meisai grinned, stepping in closer to Kurumu with an arm draped over Kurumu's shoulder.

"That's cool. Do you know which school you're applying for?"

"I was thinking of going to the Nagaoka University of Technology. It's close enough to Tochimoeru that I could go home on the weekends if I wanted."

"Where exactly is Tochimoeru?"

"Near Mount Sumon."

Kurumu nodded, having no clue where the college or that mountain was.

"It's good that you know what you're doing after graduation. What about you?"

Tensai laughed nervously, toying with a lock by her ear.

"I'm just glad that father got citizenship for Azuki and me to take the exams. I know he thinks we can get into Tokyo U but I'd be fine with any liberal arts college."

"Do you plan to go to the same college as her?"

"Yes. Wherever we go, it will be together."

"Dokugo could easily get into Nagaoka University if she wanted to. I don't know why she bothered taking a computer course with no plans of pursuing a computer degree."

"We'd go with you but Nagaoka University doesn't have a program for graphic arts."

"You don't even know any schools that offer that crap."

"It's not like we can easily access information about the human world. Hopefully father will arrange a trip into the city for us over winter break."

"If he wants you in Tokyo U, he'll have to let you out."

"Well Tokyo U probably has a program for graphic arts. But Azuki would never be able to afford Tokyo U."

"Yea. Even if she is in the ninety percentile, Fairy Tale won't fund her college."

"They won't?"

Netsukaze huffed at Kurumu.

"Of course not. Monstrels are at the bottom of the list of eligible students. She'd never get it."

"Fairy Tale wouldn't send me to Tokyo U for free. The fact that she's a monstrel wouldn't be the whole reason why that won't happen."

Tensai nodded at Nijiro's remark.

"Yea. If you request a top school like that, you better have plans to work for Fairy Tale."

"Ms. Kurono!"

Kurumu grinned as another familiar girl started towards them. Shinayaka Momiji was another gyokuto from class six on the volleyball team. The girl with white spotted curls resting upon the swell of her huge bosom had already dressed down into a loose, peach blouse and cream, ruffled skirt. The thick strap of a dingy white sports bra was visible on her right shoulder.

"Another little girl with big breasts."

Kurumu snickered at Netsukaze's remark.

"You should go change."

"I'll be fine like this. These girls are talking about their futures."

"This is Shinayaka Momiji, a first year from Aserutani. These two are third years whom live together in the suites. Tensai Tobi is from the manga club and Netsukaze Samayo is from gymnastics."

Shinayaka smiled at the salamander.

"You must know Kochimaru."

"I do. Timid girl."

"You guys missed it, but this girl bawled her eyes out after the second set."

Shinayaka pouted, wringing her hands.

"I cost us that game. Are you sure you don't want to change?"

"It's not like I'll be hugging Yuya before or during his game. I have plenty of time to take care of it."

"Some guys might even prefer the sweaty smell."

Netsukaze scowled, wagging her finger at Tensai.

"Don't listen to this virgin. You should go shower up."

Meisai groaned, pulling away from Kurumu as she looked about the auditorium. Most of the crowd had dispersed. The guys from Sekisei High were doing warmups on the back court close to the stage. They wore loose tank tops similar to the ones the girls from their school had been wearing. But their dark purple shorts were made from loose fabric with a yellow stripe running down each of the sides.

"I will when they call to clear the court."

"When did you get here, Ms. Kurono?"

"We arrived in the middle of Makiba's scoring streak. How many points did she get in a row?"

Both gyokuto girls grinned. Makiba Minori was another girl from class six. The stocky girl hailed from Atsuen and was cousins with Burumoto Ushio, the first guy Kurumu had met at Yokai Academy.

"Eight. Did you just bump into these two while in town?"

"Yea. We were chatting with Sukoyaka in her parents' shop when these two stopped by. Apparently a bunch of local kids swing by Guilty Pleasures to hang out."

"It's a good place to chill if you're low on cash."

"I don't think I've seen a volleyball game with both teams scoring over twenty five points before."

Meisai chuckled at Nijiro's remark, nodding.

"It happens but not that often."

"I'm just glad that we won."

"What three teams did you lose to?"

"Obviously we lost to Shimote Tech and Imoshinai Institute. We dropped a close game in five sets against Nakamune which sucked."

"Yea, but that was an away game. I think we can beat them here."

"Sounding confident despite losing us that second set."

Shinayaka pouted at Meisai.

"But it's true. We shouldn't lose to them."

"You never know. We could lose all six of our remaining games."

"I doubt that would happen to you or the boys. Hopefully they can win a game against one of the big teams this year."

"How are the boys doing this year?"

"The same record as the girls but they beat Nakamune. Their third loss came from Toutoi Tech."

Netsukaze grimaced at Meisai's response.

"Yea. That was an embarrassing loss. They lost by a larger margin to them than they did against Shimote or Imoshinai."

"Really? Are they a good team this year?"

"Yea. I heard from Yuya that they were undefeated. They beat both Imoshinai and Shimote before us."

"Why is this the first I've heard about this?"

Meisai exchanged a look with Netsukaze before they both shrugged.

"It's not like we know the records of the opposing teams before we play them. Most coaches won't share that information until after the game is over."

"That bye came at a perfect time for the guys. Gave them some time to recover and an easy away game against Ishou Academy last Thursday. Hopefully they'll be in shape to take on Sekisei High."

Kurumu nodded, glancing over the Sekisei High boys whom had started running drills. None of these guys looked more physically intimidating than the ones on their team.

"Where is our team?"

"Probably in the practice gym."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, wondering if she wanted to stick around for the game. Then again, there was no guarantee that there would be anyone in the suite if she went home right now.

Meisai clapped a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.

"Do you have any plans to join our volleyball team?"

Kurumu laughed, shaking her head.

"Maybe if I grow another fifteen centimeters."

"I'm not fifteen centimeters taller than you."

"Yea, but you can jump. I'm not built for that."

Shinayaka pouted at them.

"I'm not built for jumping either. My breasts start to ache if a set drags out too long."

"That's because you're wearing an old sports bra. You need to get a new one."

"I just got this in March. It's not old."

"Do some weight lifting to toughen up those muscles. Then it won't hurt as much."

"Out of curiosity, how tall are you?"

Kurumu grinned at Nijiro.

"I'm almost 154."

"Wow. I didn't think I was a whole ten centimeters taller than you."

Shinayaka shrugged at Meisai's surprise.

"I'm only 160½."

"Which is why you suck."

Netsukaze chuckled at Shinayaka's pout.

"I think you girls are wasting your breath. The only club Ms. Kurono will join is mine."

"I know that my sister would approve of that."

"It's obvious. She's buddies with all of our first years."

Meisai shrugged indifferently.

"Kurumu is friends with most first years. I wouldn't say your club is special in that regard."

"I know several of our first year girls would like her to join the manga club."

"I'm no good at drawing."

"But it sounds like you are good at modeling."

Kurumu smirked at Tensai, seeing the amusement in her green eyes.

"I'm not posing for Iko's next comic."

"But you promised."

"I did no such thing."

"That poor girl will be so heartbroken."

"We will be starting the basketball game in ten minutes. Please keep clear of the court."

Meisai sighed, pulling away.

"I guess that's my cue to hit the showers."

"Will you be voting for Mikomi?"

Meisai laughed, glancing at Shinayaka. Both girls grinned and nodded.

"Of course. Makiba will also be voting for her."

"We have to support our classmate."

"That's good to hear."

"Yea, well… I think the rest of the team is voting for Mr. Machida."

"Why would they vote for him?"

"Unsurprising. Two of your second years are close friends with Ms. Mizudake."

Meisai nodded at Nijiro's remark.

"There's that but they also prefer someone with a clear goal. The other first years are considering voting with the older girls simply because they don't know Ms. Sawayaka that well."

"Well I know that almost everyone in gymnastics intends to vote for Ms. Sawayaka."

"Mikomi has mine. I can't speak for the rest of the manga club."

"This makes me wonder if anyone plans to vote for Ginei."

"I suspect that most girls are worried about him attempting to change the dress code."

"Which would totally suck. I don't even own a thong."

Kurumu laughed at Meisai's remark.

"I have a couple. I'm actually wearing one right now."

"I used to have one in junior high."

"You did?"

Shinayaka nodded at Meisai's surprise.

"It came with a lacy pajama top my mother bought for me when I was twelve. I tried wearing the thongs but they were annoying so I just slept without them. I donated the top when I grew out of it."

"Did you donate your thongs?"

Shinayaka looked with disgust at Meisai's smirk.

"Why would anyone donate their panties?"

"I'm just joking. I'm off to take that shower. Be right back."

Kurumu giggled as Meisai skipped away from them. Shinayaka shook her head.

"The things that come out of that girl's mouth."

"Do they have a donation center in Mononoke?"

"Are you looking for some cheap, used panties?"

Kurumu blushed at the amused Tensai, wagging a dismissive hand.

"I was only curious if your town had one."

"We do. It's across the street from the recycling center."

"Near the hotel?"

"Mhm. I don't think they have a section for used panties."

"I'm not asking for used panties!"

Nijiro chuckled, stepping in to drape his arm across her shoulders.

"Of course not. You wouldn't send me home with your old pairs if you needed them."

Kurumu blushed deeper, not wanting to explain his comment to these curious girls. She buried her face against his chest, shaking her head.

"Someone isn't sleeping with me tonight."

He laughed, rubbing her shoulder.

"I'll live."