CHAPTER 23:
MIROKU'S CASE
"Hmm.......how in the world do you do this?"
Higurashi Kagome was staring at the notebook and the Geometry textbook in front of her.It was late night and she was finishing her homework.Though,she was having a hard time solving the math problems in front of her.
Scratching her head,she sighs and looks out the window."This is hopeless.....I have two exams tomorrow and I haven't even study yet!"
She heard a knock on the door and turned,"It's open..."
Ms.Higurashi came inside with a cup of hot cocoa in her hands."I thought you might need some refreshments....so I brought you something warm to drink."
"Thanks,mom...." said Kagome as she takes the cup carefully into her hands.She then sits on her bed sipping the warm substance into her mouth.
Ms.Higurashi takes a glance at Kagome's notebook before she sat next to her."So,how is school,dear?"
"Oh...fine." Kagome answered shortly,"Just these homeworks and exams are giving me too much stress."
She heard her mother giggling and laughs with her too.They both were silent for a while."....Are you...okay,mom?"
"Hm?"
"Well....I've noticed you havn't been sleeping enough for this past few days,"said Kagome slowly,"I was just wondering if something is wrong."
"Oh...." Ms.Higurashi lowers her eyelid as she glances away from her daughter.The aura around felt a bit sad,thought Kagome as she stared into her mother's eyes.Her mother then turns towards her, smiling brightfully," I was just wondering what I should get for your 16th Birthday!"
"Oh,mom!Come on!That's like three months from now!!"said Kagome but laughs.Her mother starts laughing too.
"But,..don't stress yourself too hard,okay?"said Kagome worriedly.
Ms.Higurashi smiles softly and patts her daughter's head,"Thank you,dear.Now you should go back on finishing your homework.I'll be downstairs if you need anything."
"Okay,...."
Ms.Higurashi walks towards the door with the empty cup in her hand,"Oh,and Kagome...."
"Hm?What is it?"
"....I hope you're relationship with Inuyasha-kun is going well."
"Ugh!Mom!!!!"
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"Oh,Sango.Please forgive me."
Miroku was holding out both of his hands in front of him as though to surrender.Sango was in front of him,hands on her hips,glaring at him like an ogre.
"No!!Not this time!!How many times have I told you to stop flirting with other girls!!" She shouted at his face.Miroku sighed and lowered his hand.
"I'm really sorry,Sango.I never knew you would be that jealous...."
"Wha...!!!? I..I never said I was jea..." She suddenly felt a tingly sensation on her butt.She closed her eyes as to hold her anger and her knuckles trembling." Mi..ro...ku~~~~~~~!!!"
WHACK!!!!!!
"YOU PERVERTED ASSHOLE!!!!"
"..aah!!"
Kagome came into the classroom just in time to see what happened.She sighs sweatdropping and shakes her head,"What are you going to do,Miroku-san?"
Miroku was on the ground uncouscious with a HUGE red hand-print on his cheeks.Sango,who was breathing heavily,slows down her breathing rate and stares at the uncouscious Miroku.
"...Stupid,Miroku..." She makes a sad expression,"Why don't you EVER look at me?"
"...Sango-chan?"
Sango freaks out by the voice and turns around nervously.She freaks out again to see Kagome standing at the door."Ka....Kagome-chan!!!?"
Kagome's eyes sparkles in delight as she held her eyes together."Sango- chan!!"
Sango extremely blushes,"N....Nnnnno!!!!It..It's not what you think it is!!?I..It's not like I like Miroku and..."
Kagome smiles teasingly,"I never said anything about you liking Miroku."
"Wha....!!!" Sango blushed again."N...no no no no!!!!I...It's not...!!!"
The door opened behind to reveal Inuyasha yawning sleepily with his bag over his shoulder.
"Damn,what's with the racket?" he said as he yawned,"Do girls have to be this loud early in the morning?"
Kagome giggled with a hand over her mouth,"It's nothing,..Inuyasha."
"?" Inuyasha stares at Kagome wierdly but walks to his seat,"Yeah,whatever."
He stops to see Sango standing frozen in front of him,"What the heck is wrong with you,Sango?And why is your face red?You sick or something?"
Sango blushed again,"No,I'm not!!!" Kagome was behind the confused Inuyasha giggling once again.
Inuyasha sees the uncouscious Miroku on the ground and sweatdrops," And why the heck is Miroku here?Is he uncouscious?He's not even in this freakin' class."
Kagome came up behind him,"Oh,about that,Inuyasha.Can you bring Miroku-san to Ms.Otsuu's office?Miroku..er...had a little fight...with Sango-chan."
"Huh?" Inuyasha looks at Sango,"what kind of fight?"
Sango glares at him,her face still red."It's none of your bussiness!!!Just bring Miroku to the nurse's office already!!!"
Inuyasha shrugged and carries (actually drags) Miroku out of the classroom.Kagome and Sango watched them from behind.
"Kagome-chan...." Sango spoke as soon as Inuyasha left,"...umm....."
Kagome smiled,"If you need any help,Sango-chan,just ask me.I'll do anything to help you."
"Kagome-chan...."
Kagome held her hands,"Since you helped me a lot about Inuyasha....it's my turn.Isn't that what friends are for?I really want you and Miroku-sama to be together from my heart."
Tears welled up from Sango's eyes.She slowly wipes them and smiles,"Thank you,...Kagome-chan."
The door opened again and Kikyou came inside the room.She looked throughout the room and spots Kagome and Sango.
"...Kikyou.." Kagome muttered softly.
Kikyou walks up to them and stops in front of Kagome,"Have you seen,Inuyasha?"
"Eh?" Kagome stuttered,"Uh,...ummm..he went to the nurse's office.He should be back soon."
"I see." She glances at Sango and turns her attention back to Kagome,"I need to talk to you."
"Eh?"
Kagome looks back at Sango worriedly."But...."
Sango smiled,"Go ahead.I'll tell Ms.Yura that you two will be late."
"Sango-chan...." Kagome turns to Kikyou."Okay,Kikyou.Let's go."
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The school bell rang and all the students reported to their first period....aside from two people.
Kagome and Kikyou stood facing each other as the wind blows softly.
"....what is that you wanted to talk to me about?" asked Kagome.She could feel her heart pounding rapidly from nervousness.' What does she really want with me? '
Kikyou turns to stare at the tree beside her.Her long,beautiful black hair was flowing into the wind as though they were dancing in the same rythym as the wind.Her dark,brown eyes staring about as there were something in the air around her.Her pale,pink lips were shaped into a small curve and her skin which seemed to contrast the colours of her uniform just seem to fit her.Kagome,for a second,was charmed by her looks.
She held her chest tightly,' Wow....Kikyou is...really beautiful.Even I admit it.Gosh,..I can never compete with that.Kikyou...is really different from me.I can understand why Inuyasha loves her and though I don't admit it....even Naraku. '
"Kagome..." Kikyou suddenly spoke up."I'm going to tell you this and only once."
"Wh...What is it?"
Suddenly,Kikyou's gentle face changed drastically.She glared furiously at Kagome as though to kill her," I don't EVER want to see you near my Inuyasha again!Inuyasha is mine!He loves me and I love him as well!You have no right to come in between us and break our relationship."
"....Eh!!?"
Kagome stares at Kikyou in shock."Wha....What are you..saying?"
"Do you know how lonely I was without Inuyasha at the hospital?Inuyasha is the only thing in my life that makes me feel alive.Without him...,I am dead!!I can't find any other reasons for me to live!I was always lonely...!People only liked me because of my appearance!People only knew of me because of what I am!But,Inuyasha!He loved me from the inside!And I love him from the inside too!"
"...Kikyou."
"We didn't care what we were!I didn't care if he was a rebel or not!I didn't care who he was!Because...because I love him!!What about you,Kagome!Do you like Inuyasha because of his looks!!?Do you love him because he looks cool!!?"
"That's....."
Kikyou glares at Kagome again and turns to leave.Kagome bit her lips as anger boiled into her body."That's.....That's not true!!!!"
Kikyou stops and turns back,"What?"
"That is not true...." Kagome stares into Kikyou's eyes,"I understand how you feel.....about being lonely."
Kikyou widens her eyes angrily,"What do you know!!?"
"But I do!!I understand because...I was the same as you.I was always lonely.No one liked me.Everyone ignored me.Everyone hated me.....but..I never knew the reason why.So,I understand how you feel."
"But,....my feelings for Inuyasha are real!!I love him...I really love him!!But,I know that my feelings will never be returned because...because he loves YOU."Kagome held her chest tightly again as to stop her heart from pounding too hard,"...And I don't plan to bother your relationship with him.If being with you makes him happy then I will be happy with that too!But still....is it already bad enough just for me to stay near Inuyasha?"
"What?"
"Inuyasha may be yours Kikyou.And I won't argue with that.So please..." Tears poured from Kagome's eyes,"Don't seperate Inuyasha from me...."
The bell rang signaling second period has started.Kikyou glances at Kagome before she leaves,"...Stay with Inuyasha as long as you want.Just don't bother us."
Kagome fell on her knees as she watched Kikyou leave."Arigatou...Kikyou."
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Miroku opened his eyes to find himself lying on the bed.He slowly sat up and looked around.The curtain in front of him opened and Ms.Otsuu came in.
"So,...how are you feeling?" she asked.
Miroku sighs,"Not too well."
Ms.Otsuu smiled as she shoves in a thermometer into Miroku's mouth."Taijiya- san sure did hit you hard."
Miroku rubbed where he remembers Sango had slapped him."She will never know how I feel."
"Oh,is that so?" Ms.Otsuu smiled again,"Do you think she keeps hitting you because she hates you?"
"That's what I think..."
"Tsk tsk tsk,you don't understand a thing about a girl's feeling,do you?" said Ms.Otsuu as she kept moving her pen."See,..we,girls and women,..are...delicate.We get very emotional about things.Especially when it comes to guys."
"What do you mean by that?"asked Miroku,still a thermometer in his mouth.
Ms.Otsuu dropped her pen,"Hmm...how should I say this?Girls are mostly shy when it comes to feelings to the guy she likes.See...we,girls, want you,boys, to know that we're in love with you.We want you to notice our feelings rather than we say it by ourselves.Or course,there are girls that says their feelings just straightly.But most....they want you to notice it."
"Notice...?"
"Girls are really....picky when it comes to boys.Unlike you,guys,who just choose whichever you think would fit you.Girls tend to want a guy who would only look at themselves.Not other girls.You understand?"
"...I see.."
"We also get jealous very easily.So,I suggest that you should stop your act on flirting with other girls."
"Yes..but...."
"The reason why you flirt with other girls is because you're scared,right?" Miroku looks at Ms.Otsuu in surprise who continued,"You're scared that once you admit your feelings towards her,...you're scared that she might reject you.You're scared that she might break your heart and hurt you."
"You sure know a lot for being just a nurse..,"
"Oh,you never knew that I accept ' counseling ' too? "
Miroku sighs,"...It's true that I'm scared that she might reject me when I tell my feelings to her.But there's also one more thing that I'm scared of."
"..Hm?"
"I'm scared that I might not be able to protect her....again.It is the worst feeling for me not being able to protect the one I love."
Ms.Otsuu suddenly burst out laughing.Miroku stares at her in a bit angry way,"I'm pretty sure that is nothing to laugh about."
"Hahaha,Sorry,Houshi-kun!" Ms.Otsuu tries holding her laugh,"It's just that..you're so....funny.."
"...I believe I want to know what is so funny?"
Ms.Otsuu suddenly changes her expression and stares at Miroku seriously,"Houshi-kun,....it's a bad thing to blame yourself for not being able to protect anyone.See,...the power to protect comes from the inside....from your heart.If your heart is weak as ever now...you'll never be able to protect her....anyone!Come on,Houshi-kun!Be a man!!A man that is able to protect the one he loves!!"
"...a man.."
Ms.Otsuu then takes the thermometer from his mouth,"Hmm,seems like your body temperature is normal.Okay!You're good to go!You can go back to your class now..."
"Thank you,Ms.Otsuu."
"It's nothing!!Just go already!"
Miroku openes the door when Ms.Otsuu stopped him," Be a man,Houshi-kun!!!"
He smiles and leaves the nurses's office.Ms.Otsuu leans on her chair satisfied at what she just did."You're the best,Otsuu!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Miroku was walking back to class when he met Sango just as he was about to turn the corner.
"Mi...Miroku!!?" she said surprisedly as she dropped the stack of textbook she was holding,"...Oh!!"
She bent down to pick it up as well as Miroku.
"I...It seems you're fine now." Sango spoke as she hurriedly picked up the textbook.
"Yes," said Miroku with a smiled,"That slapped did really hurt though."
Sango blushed,"I..It's your fault!!You were acting like a pervert so.."
Their hands met and they both stared at each other.Sango then blushed again and pulled her hand away as Miroku stood up holding the last textbook.He handed it over to Sango who accepted with her face still red.
"Th..Thanks for helping me,"she said as sorted the textbook,"You...didn't have to though."
"I wanted to,my dear Sango."said Miroku and takes half of the textbook Sango was holding,"I can't just let a frail girl hold a stack of textbooks."
"I'm not weak,you know.." Sango smiled as they started walking.
"What's the point of me protecting you when you say that you're strong?" Miroku said his face unusually red.
"Huh?" Sango stopped,"What...did you say?"
Miroku stopped as well and stares at Sango,".....Sango,....I..."
Suddenly,a rock the size of a baseball headed towards the two."Watch out!!!" Miroku shouted as he dropped the textbook he was holding and pushed Sango out of the way.
"Kyaaa!"Sango fell to the ground with Miroku on top of her."Wha..What was that?"
"Well well,it isn't the two lovebirds?"
"You are...!!?"
"Nice to meet you.My name is Suikotsu of the Shichinin-tai.Sorry to bother your romantic conversation but I came here to do my job."
Miroku looked up at the tall figure standing in front of them.' Shichinin- tai!!?The ones who attacked Kagome-sama at the party!!? ' He slowly stood up hiding Sango behind him."Suikotsu...you said?Tell me,....what is this certain job?"
Suikotsu smirked and pulls out something from his pocket.It was a glove with a three long,sharp knives sticking out on the top...like claws.He puts the glove on both of his hands,"Meet my soul partner." He said as he licked the blade,"..And my job here is to get rid of you."
"Let me guess...Naraku."
"Heh,pretty smart for an innocent looking guy like you.Yep,Naraku gave orders to Bankotsu to get rid of anyone who has connections with Inuyasha.It's just unfortunate that you happen to be one of them."
"Wait!!"Sango came in between them,"It's not fair to fight a weaponless guy!Why don't you fight like man!?A fist to fist fight!!"
"Shut the hell up!!!" shouted Suikotsu and smacks her across the face.
"Aarggh!" Sango fell to the ground and Miroku rushed quickly to her."Sango!!"
"You know,I don't mind anything with girls...but I just seem to can't stand with girls like you who think they're all that!"
Miroku glared at him,"Sango is not like that!!I want you to take that back!!"
"Ha!!" Suikotsu laughed,"What can a helpless guy like you do!!?" He licks the blade again,"Oh yeah....Naraku also said that to get rid of anyone else who bothers with his plan.And that means you as well!!" He pointed at Sango on the ground.
Miroku stepped in front of her,"I won't allow you to lay any finger on,Sango!!"
"Mi..roku..."
Miroku smiled nervously as sweat dripped from his nose,"I'd be a coward if I leave you here right now.I don't ever want to see you hurt again,Sango.When I couldn't save you ' that time '...I was overcomed with guilt and I kept on running away from the truth that I couldn't save you.But now..I won't allow myself to do that!Even if it risks my life,..I will save my beloved girl right now and right here!!"
"Eh?" Sango's eyes widen in surprise.
"Here I come!!!" shouted Suikotsu and charges towards him.Miroku poses for a defense as he searched around for a weapon.
' Miroku!!!!!!!!! '
MIROKU'S CASE
"Hmm.......how in the world do you do this?"
Higurashi Kagome was staring at the notebook and the Geometry textbook in front of her.It was late night and she was finishing her homework.Though,she was having a hard time solving the math problems in front of her.
Scratching her head,she sighs and looks out the window."This is hopeless.....I have two exams tomorrow and I haven't even study yet!"
She heard a knock on the door and turned,"It's open..."
Ms.Higurashi came inside with a cup of hot cocoa in her hands."I thought you might need some refreshments....so I brought you something warm to drink."
"Thanks,mom...." said Kagome as she takes the cup carefully into her hands.She then sits on her bed sipping the warm substance into her mouth.
Ms.Higurashi takes a glance at Kagome's notebook before she sat next to her."So,how is school,dear?"
"Oh...fine." Kagome answered shortly,"Just these homeworks and exams are giving me too much stress."
She heard her mother giggling and laughs with her too.They both were silent for a while."....Are you...okay,mom?"
"Hm?"
"Well....I've noticed you havn't been sleeping enough for this past few days,"said Kagome slowly,"I was just wondering if something is wrong."
"Oh...." Ms.Higurashi lowers her eyelid as she glances away from her daughter.The aura around felt a bit sad,thought Kagome as she stared into her mother's eyes.Her mother then turns towards her, smiling brightfully," I was just wondering what I should get for your 16th Birthday!"
"Oh,mom!Come on!That's like three months from now!!"said Kagome but laughs.Her mother starts laughing too.
"But,..don't stress yourself too hard,okay?"said Kagome worriedly.
Ms.Higurashi smiles softly and patts her daughter's head,"Thank you,dear.Now you should go back on finishing your homework.I'll be downstairs if you need anything."
"Okay,...."
Ms.Higurashi walks towards the door with the empty cup in her hand,"Oh,and Kagome...."
"Hm?What is it?"
"....I hope you're relationship with Inuyasha-kun is going well."
"Ugh!Mom!!!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh,Sango.Please forgive me."
Miroku was holding out both of his hands in front of him as though to surrender.Sango was in front of him,hands on her hips,glaring at him like an ogre.
"No!!Not this time!!How many times have I told you to stop flirting with other girls!!" She shouted at his face.Miroku sighed and lowered his hand.
"I'm really sorry,Sango.I never knew you would be that jealous...."
"Wha...!!!? I..I never said I was jea..." She suddenly felt a tingly sensation on her butt.She closed her eyes as to hold her anger and her knuckles trembling." Mi..ro...ku~~~~~~~!!!"
WHACK!!!!!!
"YOU PERVERTED ASSHOLE!!!!"
"..aah!!"
Kagome came into the classroom just in time to see what happened.She sighs sweatdropping and shakes her head,"What are you going to do,Miroku-san?"
Miroku was on the ground uncouscious with a HUGE red hand-print on his cheeks.Sango,who was breathing heavily,slows down her breathing rate and stares at the uncouscious Miroku.
"...Stupid,Miroku..." She makes a sad expression,"Why don't you EVER look at me?"
"...Sango-chan?"
Sango freaks out by the voice and turns around nervously.She freaks out again to see Kagome standing at the door."Ka....Kagome-chan!!!?"
Kagome's eyes sparkles in delight as she held her eyes together."Sango- chan!!"
Sango extremely blushes,"N....Nnnnno!!!!It..It's not what you think it is!!?I..It's not like I like Miroku and..."
Kagome smiles teasingly,"I never said anything about you liking Miroku."
"Wha....!!!" Sango blushed again."N...no no no no!!!!I...It's not...!!!"
The door opened behind to reveal Inuyasha yawning sleepily with his bag over his shoulder.
"Damn,what's with the racket?" he said as he yawned,"Do girls have to be this loud early in the morning?"
Kagome giggled with a hand over her mouth,"It's nothing,..Inuyasha."
"?" Inuyasha stares at Kagome wierdly but walks to his seat,"Yeah,whatever."
He stops to see Sango standing frozen in front of him,"What the heck is wrong with you,Sango?And why is your face red?You sick or something?"
Sango blushed again,"No,I'm not!!!" Kagome was behind the confused Inuyasha giggling once again.
Inuyasha sees the uncouscious Miroku on the ground and sweatdrops," And why the heck is Miroku here?Is he uncouscious?He's not even in this freakin' class."
Kagome came up behind him,"Oh,about that,Inuyasha.Can you bring Miroku-san to Ms.Otsuu's office?Miroku..er...had a little fight...with Sango-chan."
"Huh?" Inuyasha looks at Sango,"what kind of fight?"
Sango glares at him,her face still red."It's none of your bussiness!!!Just bring Miroku to the nurse's office already!!!"
Inuyasha shrugged and carries (actually drags) Miroku out of the classroom.Kagome and Sango watched them from behind.
"Kagome-chan...." Sango spoke as soon as Inuyasha left,"...umm....."
Kagome smiled,"If you need any help,Sango-chan,just ask me.I'll do anything to help you."
"Kagome-chan...."
Kagome held her hands,"Since you helped me a lot about Inuyasha....it's my turn.Isn't that what friends are for?I really want you and Miroku-sama to be together from my heart."
Tears welled up from Sango's eyes.She slowly wipes them and smiles,"Thank you,...Kagome-chan."
The door opened again and Kikyou came inside the room.She looked throughout the room and spots Kagome and Sango.
"...Kikyou.." Kagome muttered softly.
Kikyou walks up to them and stops in front of Kagome,"Have you seen,Inuyasha?"
"Eh?" Kagome stuttered,"Uh,...ummm..he went to the nurse's office.He should be back soon."
"I see." She glances at Sango and turns her attention back to Kagome,"I need to talk to you."
"Eh?"
Kagome looks back at Sango worriedly."But...."
Sango smiled,"Go ahead.I'll tell Ms.Yura that you two will be late."
"Sango-chan...." Kagome turns to Kikyou."Okay,Kikyou.Let's go."
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The school bell rang and all the students reported to their first period....aside from two people.
Kagome and Kikyou stood facing each other as the wind blows softly.
"....what is that you wanted to talk to me about?" asked Kagome.She could feel her heart pounding rapidly from nervousness.' What does she really want with me? '
Kikyou turns to stare at the tree beside her.Her long,beautiful black hair was flowing into the wind as though they were dancing in the same rythym as the wind.Her dark,brown eyes staring about as there were something in the air around her.Her pale,pink lips were shaped into a small curve and her skin which seemed to contrast the colours of her uniform just seem to fit her.Kagome,for a second,was charmed by her looks.
She held her chest tightly,' Wow....Kikyou is...really beautiful.Even I admit it.Gosh,..I can never compete with that.Kikyou...is really different from me.I can understand why Inuyasha loves her and though I don't admit it....even Naraku. '
"Kagome..." Kikyou suddenly spoke up."I'm going to tell you this and only once."
"Wh...What is it?"
Suddenly,Kikyou's gentle face changed drastically.She glared furiously at Kagome as though to kill her," I don't EVER want to see you near my Inuyasha again!Inuyasha is mine!He loves me and I love him as well!You have no right to come in between us and break our relationship."
"....Eh!!?"
Kagome stares at Kikyou in shock."Wha....What are you..saying?"
"Do you know how lonely I was without Inuyasha at the hospital?Inuyasha is the only thing in my life that makes me feel alive.Without him...,I am dead!!I can't find any other reasons for me to live!I was always lonely...!People only liked me because of my appearance!People only knew of me because of what I am!But,Inuyasha!He loved me from the inside!And I love him from the inside too!"
"...Kikyou."
"We didn't care what we were!I didn't care if he was a rebel or not!I didn't care who he was!Because...because I love him!!What about you,Kagome!Do you like Inuyasha because of his looks!!?Do you love him because he looks cool!!?"
"That's....."
Kikyou glares at Kagome again and turns to leave.Kagome bit her lips as anger boiled into her body."That's.....That's not true!!!!"
Kikyou stops and turns back,"What?"
"That is not true...." Kagome stares into Kikyou's eyes,"I understand how you feel.....about being lonely."
Kikyou widens her eyes angrily,"What do you know!!?"
"But I do!!I understand because...I was the same as you.I was always lonely.No one liked me.Everyone ignored me.Everyone hated me.....but..I never knew the reason why.So,I understand how you feel."
"But,....my feelings for Inuyasha are real!!I love him...I really love him!!But,I know that my feelings will never be returned because...because he loves YOU."Kagome held her chest tightly again as to stop her heart from pounding too hard,"...And I don't plan to bother your relationship with him.If being with you makes him happy then I will be happy with that too!But still....is it already bad enough just for me to stay near Inuyasha?"
"What?"
"Inuyasha may be yours Kikyou.And I won't argue with that.So please..." Tears poured from Kagome's eyes,"Don't seperate Inuyasha from me...."
The bell rang signaling second period has started.Kikyou glances at Kagome before she leaves,"...Stay with Inuyasha as long as you want.Just don't bother us."
Kagome fell on her knees as she watched Kikyou leave."Arigatou...Kikyou."
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Miroku opened his eyes to find himself lying on the bed.He slowly sat up and looked around.The curtain in front of him opened and Ms.Otsuu came in.
"So,...how are you feeling?" she asked.
Miroku sighs,"Not too well."
Ms.Otsuu smiled as she shoves in a thermometer into Miroku's mouth."Taijiya- san sure did hit you hard."
Miroku rubbed where he remembers Sango had slapped him."She will never know how I feel."
"Oh,is that so?" Ms.Otsuu smiled again,"Do you think she keeps hitting you because she hates you?"
"That's what I think..."
"Tsk tsk tsk,you don't understand a thing about a girl's feeling,do you?" said Ms.Otsuu as she kept moving her pen."See,..we,girls and women,..are...delicate.We get very emotional about things.Especially when it comes to guys."
"What do you mean by that?"asked Miroku,still a thermometer in his mouth.
Ms.Otsuu dropped her pen,"Hmm...how should I say this?Girls are mostly shy when it comes to feelings to the guy she likes.See...we,girls, want you,boys, to know that we're in love with you.We want you to notice our feelings rather than we say it by ourselves.Or course,there are girls that says their feelings just straightly.But most....they want you to notice it."
"Notice...?"
"Girls are really....picky when it comes to boys.Unlike you,guys,who just choose whichever you think would fit you.Girls tend to want a guy who would only look at themselves.Not other girls.You understand?"
"...I see.."
"We also get jealous very easily.So,I suggest that you should stop your act on flirting with other girls."
"Yes..but...."
"The reason why you flirt with other girls is because you're scared,right?" Miroku looks at Ms.Otsuu in surprise who continued,"You're scared that once you admit your feelings towards her,...you're scared that she might reject you.You're scared that she might break your heart and hurt you."
"You sure know a lot for being just a nurse..,"
"Oh,you never knew that I accept ' counseling ' too? "
Miroku sighs,"...It's true that I'm scared that she might reject me when I tell my feelings to her.But there's also one more thing that I'm scared of."
"..Hm?"
"I'm scared that I might not be able to protect her....again.It is the worst feeling for me not being able to protect the one I love."
Ms.Otsuu suddenly burst out laughing.Miroku stares at her in a bit angry way,"I'm pretty sure that is nothing to laugh about."
"Hahaha,Sorry,Houshi-kun!" Ms.Otsuu tries holding her laugh,"It's just that..you're so....funny.."
"...I believe I want to know what is so funny?"
Ms.Otsuu suddenly changes her expression and stares at Miroku seriously,"Houshi-kun,....it's a bad thing to blame yourself for not being able to protect anyone.See,...the power to protect comes from the inside....from your heart.If your heart is weak as ever now...you'll never be able to protect her....anyone!Come on,Houshi-kun!Be a man!!A man that is able to protect the one he loves!!"
"...a man.."
Ms.Otsuu then takes the thermometer from his mouth,"Hmm,seems like your body temperature is normal.Okay!You're good to go!You can go back to your class now..."
"Thank you,Ms.Otsuu."
"It's nothing!!Just go already!"
Miroku openes the door when Ms.Otsuu stopped him," Be a man,Houshi-kun!!!"
He smiles and leaves the nurses's office.Ms.Otsuu leans on her chair satisfied at what she just did."You're the best,Otsuu!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Miroku was walking back to class when he met Sango just as he was about to turn the corner.
"Mi...Miroku!!?" she said surprisedly as she dropped the stack of textbook she was holding,"...Oh!!"
She bent down to pick it up as well as Miroku.
"I...It seems you're fine now." Sango spoke as she hurriedly picked up the textbook.
"Yes," said Miroku with a smiled,"That slapped did really hurt though."
Sango blushed,"I..It's your fault!!You were acting like a pervert so.."
Their hands met and they both stared at each other.Sango then blushed again and pulled her hand away as Miroku stood up holding the last textbook.He handed it over to Sango who accepted with her face still red.
"Th..Thanks for helping me,"she said as sorted the textbook,"You...didn't have to though."
"I wanted to,my dear Sango."said Miroku and takes half of the textbook Sango was holding,"I can't just let a frail girl hold a stack of textbooks."
"I'm not weak,you know.." Sango smiled as they started walking.
"What's the point of me protecting you when you say that you're strong?" Miroku said his face unusually red.
"Huh?" Sango stopped,"What...did you say?"
Miroku stopped as well and stares at Sango,".....Sango,....I..."
Suddenly,a rock the size of a baseball headed towards the two."Watch out!!!" Miroku shouted as he dropped the textbook he was holding and pushed Sango out of the way.
"Kyaaa!"Sango fell to the ground with Miroku on top of her."Wha..What was that?"
"Well well,it isn't the two lovebirds?"
"You are...!!?"
"Nice to meet you.My name is Suikotsu of the Shichinin-tai.Sorry to bother your romantic conversation but I came here to do my job."
Miroku looked up at the tall figure standing in front of them.' Shichinin- tai!!?The ones who attacked Kagome-sama at the party!!? ' He slowly stood up hiding Sango behind him."Suikotsu...you said?Tell me,....what is this certain job?"
Suikotsu smirked and pulls out something from his pocket.It was a glove with a three long,sharp knives sticking out on the top...like claws.He puts the glove on both of his hands,"Meet my soul partner." He said as he licked the blade,"..And my job here is to get rid of you."
"Let me guess...Naraku."
"Heh,pretty smart for an innocent looking guy like you.Yep,Naraku gave orders to Bankotsu to get rid of anyone who has connections with Inuyasha.It's just unfortunate that you happen to be one of them."
"Wait!!"Sango came in between them,"It's not fair to fight a weaponless guy!Why don't you fight like man!?A fist to fist fight!!"
"Shut the hell up!!!" shouted Suikotsu and smacks her across the face.
"Aarggh!" Sango fell to the ground and Miroku rushed quickly to her."Sango!!"
"You know,I don't mind anything with girls...but I just seem to can't stand with girls like you who think they're all that!"
Miroku glared at him,"Sango is not like that!!I want you to take that back!!"
"Ha!!" Suikotsu laughed,"What can a helpless guy like you do!!?" He licks the blade again,"Oh yeah....Naraku also said that to get rid of anyone else who bothers with his plan.And that means you as well!!" He pointed at Sango on the ground.
Miroku stepped in front of her,"I won't allow you to lay any finger on,Sango!!"
"Mi..roku..."
Miroku smiled nervously as sweat dripped from his nose,"I'd be a coward if I leave you here right now.I don't ever want to see you hurt again,Sango.When I couldn't save you ' that time '...I was overcomed with guilt and I kept on running away from the truth that I couldn't save you.But now..I won't allow myself to do that!Even if it risks my life,..I will save my beloved girl right now and right here!!"
"Eh?" Sango's eyes widen in surprise.
"Here I come!!!" shouted Suikotsu and charges towards him.Miroku poses for a defense as he searched around for a weapon.
' Miroku!!!!!!!!! '