Kurumu jerked up when a gush of cold liquid splashed across her face and neck. She was lying on her side upon the couch in Moka's suite. Her black chemise was hiked up to her stomach and her right hand was squeezed between her thighs.
"Get up. We're going to be late."
Pushing up on her numb left hand, Kurumu blearily glanced about. She found her antagonist, walking back to the sink with an empty glass. Pulling her hand free of her thighs, she resisted the urge to fix her hair with grimy fingers.
"Did you dump water on me?"
"I didn't dare touch you when you reeked of sex. You might molest me."
Kurumu pouted as she shifted onto her knees. Her hand pressed in the fresh wet spot.
"You got her couch wet."
"I bet you did worse to it."
Kurumu smiled weakly. She took in a deep breath which turned into a yawn.
"Where's my Moka?"
Kurumu groaned, lifting her arms high over her head to stretch.
"She spent the night with Ms. Shuzen."
"Why?"
Kurumu yawned again, having no answer. Before leaving school with Tsukune and Mizore, Moka had stopped them at the shoe cubbies to inform them about Ms. Shuzen's invitation. She had not thought to press for reasons, assuming it was a family matter.
"Does it matter?"
"You shouldn't be alone."
Kurumu snorted, crawling off the couch.
"You shouldn't sneak into other girls' rooms."
"I knocked on the door for several times."
Kurumu waved a hand dismissively. Depressing a lever on this side of the couch, she tugged the back up slightly. Keeping hold of it, she pushed the lever on the other side. She swung the couch upright, the levers snapping into the vertical setting.
"I need a bath."
"There's no time for that. It's already after seven."
"I'm willing to be late."
"Kurumu."
Ignoring the witch, Kurumu stalked over to the open bathroom door and slipped inside. She promptly stepped over to the toilet, lifting the lid and plopping her butt down. She pulled the chemise up over her head, slinging it across the room. She sighed as she emptied her bladder.
"I'm being serious, Kurumu."
The witch stepped into the room, sternly regarding her.
"I'm not going to school with my crotch feeling like this."
Yukari pursed her lips as her eyes studied Kurumu. Kurumu felt the slight sugary sensation of interest. The witch leaned back against the door frame, glancing down at the floor.
"I was worried."
Finished, Kurumu lifted up from the toilet and stalked over to the rack of towels and bathing goods. Her lavender tote with her shower goods rested on the shelf. It contained her peach scented shampoo and bodywash, along with her toothbrush and paste. The vampires had their own collection of scented shampoos with matching bodywash, including cherry, tangerine and peppermint.
"I won't run a bath, but I have to wipe down. I'll be quick."
"Are you okay?"
There was a slight tremble to that question. It bothered Kurumu's heart. Forcing a smile, she grabbed the peppermint shampoo and bodywash along with a plush, black towel and her loofa. She wandered back over to the toilet, setting down the bathing supplies before pulling out the stool nestled between the toilet and the tub.
"I'm fine."
"You could have spent the night with us."
Kurumu plopped down on the stool and seized the shower wand.
"I can sleep by myself."
"Did you black out?"
"I told you I'm fine."
She had cried a little last night, but it had not brought her to the point of collapse. She spun the dial for the faucet, causing the water to spray out of the wand. She waved it over her hair, running her other hand through her tresses till they were soaked.
"Your kitchen is a mess. You should have thrown that food out instead of letting it sit there all night."
"If I had known Kokoa would not return with her girls, I would not have made so much dinner."
"You're not lying to me, right? You were lazy like always, right?"
She could feel Yukari's sorrow. It made sense. Kurumu had no clue what to say. Deciding her hair was wet enough, she brought the wand down in front of her, spraying her torso and legs.
"I'm assuming Kokoa spent the night in the dorms with her friends."
"Yes."
Watering down her curls between her legs, Kurumu wondered if she should trim them. They were starting to get long. She dropped the wand into the tub, letting it continue to run as she grabbed the shampoo off the toilet seat.
"Did she find herself a club?"
"No."
Kurumu squirted some shampoo into her palm. Putting the bottle aside, she smeared the gel into both hands before running her fingers through her tresses. She quickly worked up a lather.
"What happened?"
Yukari sighed as Kurumu continued to work her fingers in her hair.
"Ms. Antai convinced Moka's sister to speak with the kendo club first. Their captain, Mr. Kogane, politely informed her that the fencing club was specifically created for girls wishing to learn swordplay. He was very polite about turning her away."
"Did Kokoa take it well?"
"She was annoyed. She challenged Ms. Akegawa's brother. It was embarrassing."
"Did he fight her?"
"Depends on what you define as a fight."
Kurumu paused, thinking she had lathered her hair enough. She reached over to grab her loofa and the peppermint bodywash.
"Did they use swords?"
"No. He patted her head and then she clocked him. Mr. Saiban broke up the one sided brawl."
Kurumu chuckled, squirting some bodywash into her loofa. She set the bottle aside before working the soap into a froth within the loofa.
"I've never heard of a Saiban."
"He's one of the kendo seniors. He pulled Kokoa off Mr. Akegawa with surprising ease."
"I'm surprised she didn't fight him too."
"Mr. Saiban handed her over to her friends whom steered her out of the room before things got worse. It helps that the fencing club is in the same building so it didn't take too much conversation to convince her to leave things alone."
Kurumu nodded, rubbing the loofa up her arms and shoulders. With those done, she started to lather up her breasts, carefully avoiding her nipples which had decided to become erect. Silly things.
"How did things go with the fencing club?"
"That was even more embarrassing."
"How so?"
"She talked so big, claiming to have years of experience with the sword. And then Ms. Kosai trounced her without breaking a sweat."
Kurumu snickered, finishing up with her legs. She lifted up from the stool to work the loofa into her groin and ass, both needing this cleaning more than anywhere else. She groaned slightly, still feeling tender from last night.
"Don't enjoy that too much."
"Continue your story."
"Not much else to say. After Ms. Kosai beat her soundly, Ms. Tadashiguchi challenged the pouting brat. The match took longer, but Moka's sister couldn't score an official point on her."
Kurumu plopped back down on the stool, fetching the wand from the tub. She thoroughly rinsed out the loofa before turning the wand on herself.
"Those two are seniors, right?"
"Yes. Ms. Kosai is the captain while Ms. Tadashiguchi is the senior whom Ms. Okumura recommended to work with Ms. Otonashi at the Seaside Hostel."
"Was she nice?"
"Ms. Tadashiguchi was very curt and composed. I can see why Ms. Udetama would not get along with her. Ms. Tadashiguchi was commenting on nearly everything Moka's sister did, aggravating her. I was impressed and learned a lot from the fencing lecture."
Figuring she had rinsed her body enough, Kurumu lifted the wand up over her head. She brought her free hand up to rub the lather out of her tresses.
"It sounds like you found a good club for her."
"I thought so, but she angry over losing. She argued that fencing was a stupid sport and that real fights lacked their silly rules."
"But she wanted a competitive environment."
"She was being petty. Ms. Kosai bluntly told her that she would have died in a real fight."
"I bet that didn't go over well."
"Of course not. She demanded to use her familiar in a fight. Within seconds, Ms. Kosai had impaled her and relieved her of her weapon. That brat is lucky her familiar wouldn't let the captain pick it up."
"She should join them."
"I don't know if they will take her. She tried to turn that into a brawl after losing her weapon. Turns out Ms. Udetama is skilled at grappling. She restrained that brat before anyone got seriously hurt."
Kurumu sighed, noting the water was running clean. Turning the dial to stop the flow of water, she put away the wand and seized the towel from the toilet seat. She rubbed it vigorously against her tresses.
"I'll convince her to apologize. They might still take her."
"Maybe. She seemed adamant about joining a real fighting club."
Kurumu smirked, bringing the towel down to dry off her torso and limbs.
"I'm pretty sure karate and judo won't approve of brawling."
"I know that. But she was crying."
Kurumu paused.
"Crying? Why?"
"She's got this idea in her head that she's a disappointment to her mother. With her big sister out of the house, defeating Moka is the only chance she has left to prove her worth as a vampire."
"That's so dumb."
"Not to a vampire."
Kurumu got up, holding the towel to her breast as she gathered up the shower supplies. She wandered over to the rack, putting these things away. She had brushed her teeth last night, so she saw no point in doing it now when she was skipping breakfast.
"So… how did things go at the karate club?"
Yukari huffed, retreating out into the main room.
"It was already after six when she had her meltdown. Most clubs wrap up by six thirty, so I convinced her to save that adventure for today."
Kurumu smiled, exiting the bathroom while holding the towel to her bosom.
"I'm glad you're looking after her."
"I'm only doing it because my Moka asked me to. I'd rather do something else today."
"I suppose you could always start working on one of your article suggestions."
Yukari sighed as Kurumu walked by Moka's bike, intent on Moka's closet door by the refrigerator.
"I would rather babysit her another day if that's my alternative. Since Ms. Akegawa and Ms. Antai both have gymnastics practice, she will only have Ms. Fukai to watch over her. It would be irresponsible of me to abandon her."
Kurumu grinned, tugging open the door to Moka's closet and slipping inside. She promptly tossed the towel into her busted hamper. Her remaining trio of school blouses were on hangers above the shelf which she had stacked her school skirts, lingerie and sleepwear upon.
"Important question, Yukari. Should I go blue, green, strapless or thong?"
"Didn't you already wear your thongs?"
Kurumu grinned, snatching up her lacy, crimson bra to present it to Yukari whom lingered by the door.
"Those were the black ones. I have a red pair to go with this."
"I don't know. Green?"
"Green it is."
Kurumu returned the crimson bra to the pile, fetching her pine green one. The lacy pattern upon this bra was not quite floral. She believed the correct word was paisley. She slipped her arms through the straps and hooked the front clasps, tucking her breasts snugly in the cups.
"I'm assuming Rubi went to school ahead of us."
"She did."
Kurumu nodded, grabbing her mint green boyshorts with the white clovers. She fished her feet through the holes, tugging the fabric up to a snug fit about her waist.
"Did the school have a job for her?"
Kurumu stepped into a school skirt, drawing it up her legs.
"It sounded like she was running errands all day. Nothing important from what I gathered."
Kurumu absently fixed up her skirt before seizing one of her fitted blouses. She undid the three buttons which kept it on the hanger before returning the hanger to the rod.
"I thought it would be more important than that, considering she blew off your lunch together."
"She ate with the Headmaster."
Intrigued with this news, Kurumu slipped her arms through the sleeves of her blouse. She started buttoning up the front, cocking her head inquisitively.
"That sounds important."
"No. It sounded awkward. She said he stared at her without saying a word for the entire meal."
"Maybe you should join her this time. It might not be as bad as she claims."
"I don't want to eat with that guy."
"Maybe you could ask him for information to help you do those articles."
Yukari groaned as Kurumu pulled a sweater on over her blouse. Fixing it up, she grabbed a pair of socks before retreating from the closet.
"I guess I could pretend that my presence has something to do with the paper. That's probably better than eating with Moka's sister."
"It's only a suggestion, Yukari. I'd offer to go with you, but I'll be busy interviewing Kawakuchi's lunch group for my band article."
Yukari sighed, shutting the closet door before following Kurumu over to the genkan. Kurumu ducked through the strap of her schoolbag, letting it dangle across her torso. Bending down, she pulled on her socks before slipping her feet into her loafers.
"So what did you do last night?"
"I listened to one of Moka's L'Arc en Ciel albums before realizing I should start dinner. Finished making dinner and then I listened to the other album."
Kurumu pushed open the exterior door and waited for Yukari to exit. Once the witch was outside, she closed the door and locked up before stuffing Moka's key into a compartment of her schoolbag.
"You should have known something was up before you finished making dinner."
Kurumu nodded, following Yukari away from the suites.
"I sort of did. It was almost seven when I started making it. I kept thinking she would walk through that door at any moment. Then I scolded myself for not waiting another half hour. I wasn't hungry to start with and could have skipped that meal."
"And nothing else happened, right?"
Kurumu sighed, annoyed with her persistence.
"Nothing happened, Yukari. I didn't have a breakdown. When I finished the other L'Arc en Ciel album, I put in one of her B'Z albums. I probably could have stayed up to listen to the other B'Z album, but it was already after ten."
"Were you studying?"
"No."
Yukari frowned as they started down the trail away from the commissary.
"Did you work on your article?"
"I didn't go to my suite for my laptop. I probably should have. I need to download my pictures."
"You sat on your ass for hours, listening to music. You didn't study. You didn't work on your article. You didn't even clean up the kitchen."
"Yea."
Yukari sighed, shaking her head.
"I should be happy that nothing happened, but that is ridiculous. What a complete waste of time."
Kurumu smiled, glancing over her shoulder.
"Should we wake up Mizore?"
"No."
"It wouldn't take long."
"We're already late, Kurumu."
Kurumu was unsure about that but had forgotten to slip on her watch. She sighed, keeping quiet until they reached where the suite trails combined.
"I wasn't alone the whole time. Mizore was with me until I started dinner."
"I'm surprised she wasn't attached to Tsukune's shadow like always."
Kurumu chuckled, toying with the strap of her schoolbag.
"It's not like Mrs. Sunao turns in the attendance sheet right away. We don't have to be there at the start of her lecture."
"It's rude and inconsiderate to our classmates to show up in the middle of it."
Kurumu sighed, supposing she lacked a good position to argue from.
"Mizore is often alone too."
"Her situation and yours are completely different. She's not going to die."
Kurumu walked in silence several paces.
"Did I ever tell you that her diary was full of detailed accounts of suicide attempts?"
They arrived at the main school path without another word being said. As Yukari turned left towards the school, she let out a soft sigh, shaking her head.
"It doesn't surprise me. That girl is a drama queen."
"You should be nicer to her."
"Why? So she won't kill herself? Why should I be held hostage like that?"
"I… that's not what I meant."
"You're nice, Kurumu. It hurts me when bad things happen to you. But Ms. Shirayuki is a selfish bitch whom hasn't done anything special for anyone."
"She's trying to help, Yukari. She's giving Tsukune blood. She saved us from Ms. Yakumaru. She tried to help me with those akaname boys and she fought with us against Kamiya."
"You can pretend that she's a good friend all you want but I haven't seen her do anything to convince me that she won't stab my Moka in the back. She wants to carry Tsukune's baby. And since you need another woman to have a baby with Tsukune, she doesn't regard you as her enemy."
Unable to defend Mizore against Yukari's logic, Kurumu sighed and walked in silence. She had no idea how Mizore regarded Moka now. While she had shown some sorrow about this Moka being rejected by Kokoa's mother and wanted Moka to train her, she seemed no closer to Moka than before.
The bell sounded out. Kurumu noted they were at the start of the perimeter wall where they handed out papers, mildly surprised that she could hear the bell all the way out here.
"I told you we would be late."
"That's the first bell, right?"
Yukari huffed, quickening her stride. Noting the lack of other students, Kurumu realized it might actually be the second bell. Following Yukari's example, she hurried her step.
"I should have left you in the bathroom."
"You love me too much to abandon me."
"You're an idiot. I'm trying to be the class manager. I can't show up late to school."
Kurumu chuckled as they jogged by the boards, quickly closing in on the main school gate.
"I think the teachers should be happy we show up at all. Many kids are boycotting school."
"Oh sure. They should be thrilled that a poor student like yourself graces their classroom."
"No students means no job."
Thanks to her longer stride, Kurumu reached the door first to open it for Yukari. They ducked inside, moving over to their cubby aisle. Switching their loafers with slippers, they hurried over to the grand stair and ascended to the upper level.
"Salutations, students of Yokai Academy. It is I, Tashikana Ichigo, your Voice, greeting you with another glorious morning."
Kurumu smirked as they walked by the broadcasting room. The speakers in the halls and classrooms continued to deliver his friendly message.
"I have a special treat for you. Joining me on this marvelous day is our student council president, Kaneshiro Hokuto. He wishes to convey his feelings so I shall be turning this over to him."
"Thank you, Mr. Tashikana. It is a pleasure to be here."
Kurumu slowed her step, glancing over her shoulder as they neared the freshmen wing.
"Come on, Kurumu."
Kurumu resumed her pace, effortlessly keeping up with Yukari.
"I want to thank every student whom has chosen to be here today. Our education is an important thing for each one of us to pursue."
The doors to class one were already shut.
"Some of you might be aware that the safety and security of this school has come under scrutiny. Many students have chosen to stay at home as a silent protest to the state our school is in."
Reaching the door to her homeroom first, Kurumu drew it aside for Yukari. They stepped inside, closing the door behind them and bowing their heads with murmured apologies. Mrs. Sunao stood at the podium holding the attendance sheet. The teacher wore a textured gray blazer over a periwinkle blouse tucked in a glossy black, pencil skirt. Thanks to her high heels, the tiny teacher whom had her ashen gray hair pinned up in twin buns could see over the podium.
"Normally an attendance sheet betrays troublesome students. But now… now I think it reflects a failure of the school. These aren't poorly performing students whom refuse to learn. These are young men and women, recognizing that their safety is more important. Since when should any student have to make the choice between their health or their education?"
Kurumu slipped into her desk behind Yukari. She flashed Abe a smile and nodded at Kumiko and Satsuki.
"I must confess that there was a time that I would have joined such a cause. Like so many students in this school, I was hospitalized for a short while. And many of us do survive the harsh trials of high school. But I don't think we should fault our fellow students for saying enough is enough."
Juri tapped her shoulder in the middle of the long pause which followed. Kurumu glanced back, smiling at the girl whom promptly waved at her and grinned. She noted Hazumi and Endo were both missing but Madosuki was here. A cursory glance confirmed all of the guys were present.
"As your student council president, I will not tell anyone to stop coming to school. But I will say that you should think carefully about what is important to you. Follow your heart. And do not look down on any whom chose a different path than your own."
"Is he giving us permission to skip school?"
"It is clear that changes must be made. Some of us are more capable of doing that by coming to school. I believe that my presence here has much more value than staying at home. So I shall remain loyal to this school for as long as there are other students willing to attend these halls."
"I know I'm not staying home. Coach would kill us if we skipped school."
Kumiko snorted at Abe.
"It's not like you're on the team going to regionals."
"Oh? So are you going to stop coming?"
"I believe that all of us can make a difference. Thank you again for having me. I wish that all of you have a safe and productive day."
Kumiko huffed, crossing her arms and leaning back in her seat.
"Unless my sister tells me otherwise, I have no reason to boycott the school."
"Thank you for that inspirational speech. While I can't speak for everyone, I know I won't be vacating my post over a couple missing girls. These unfortunate things happen."
The guy on the intercom started down a list of announcements which Kurumu promptly tuned out. She turned in her seat and smiled at Kumiko.
"So you've heard of the boycott?"
"My sister made me aware of it."
Madosuki nodded vehemently.
"Ms. Doronuma was telling everyone on our floor that the missing girls were actually dead. Several girls decided not to come yesterday. It might be more now that Fufi shared her story."
"What story?"
"My sister informed me that a couple of track seniors were attacked after their meet."
"Yea. Fufi is done. She practically begged me to stay with her."
"What happened?"
Kumiko sighed, rolling her eyes.
"It didn't sound that serious. The cousins were surrounded by a red mist and got slashed up. It was only minor injuries, though it ruined their track clothes."
"Cousins? Do you mean the Ohira cousins?"
"Maybe. I don't know how many cousins are on the team."
Kurumu paused thoughtfully.
"I wonder if that is why they decided against attending the birthday party."
"They were probably too scared. Apparently it happened so fast that they didn't see their assailant."
"Something similar happened to Roniushi from the gymnastics club."
"Did it also happen on campus?"
"I believe so."
Madosuki's eyes filled with concern.
"Does the PSC know about this?"
"My sister doesn't tell me everything."
Satsuki snorted at Madosuki.
"Don't look at me. Deshi and I are peons in the PSC."
"Excuse me!"
Kurumu flinched at the shrill cry from Mrs. Sunao. The woman pouted, tapping her pencil against the attendance sheet.
"I'm sorry. But I must finish attendance and give my lecture. Please save your gossip for later."
Kurumu felt so guilty as the timid teacher started calling out names.
Kurumu clenched her thighs tightly together. She could probably make it. Class was only so long. She squirmed in her seat, feeling the threatening pressure. Maybe rubbing it did work. No way. That would be too obvious. The boys would never let her live that down.
Why was it so bad? Ushio had given her an unopened can. It was just tea. Quaffed in one go before going to her chemistry lab third period. Why was it so desperate to come out when it had been in her system for less than two hours? She wondered if it would smell like peppermint.
Oh no! A little came out. She whimpered, throwing up her hand.
"Ms. Kurono?"
"Have to pee."
Abe snickered. Of course he would. Senyou was too.
"You can bear with it for ten more minutes."
Kurumu turned distressed eyes upon Ms. Nekonome.
"I won't last more than five."
"Add this to the list of injustices at this school."
Senyou chuckled, nodding at Abe's comment.
"Indeed. Popular girl forced to piss herself in class to please school officials."
"Well it wouldn't be the first time she had to clean her seat."
Kurumu whimpered at Ichida. The guy shrugged, glancing away as Ms. Nekonome sighed loudly.
"You may go, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu slipped out of her desk, feeling the pressure lessen the moment she was upright. Knowing this relief was temporary, she pranced down the aisle to the back of the classroom. She favored the scruffy Osakebi a smile before cutting behind him and darting over to the back door.
"I trust nobody else requires an emergency bathroom break?"
Kurumu noted the reproachful tone, sliding open the door. Stepping out into the hall, she quickly closed the door behind her. She resumed her distressed walk on the pads of her feet, worried that jarring her heels upon the floor might break her seal.
It felt like forever to get to the bathrooms which were on the other side of class six. She swore she would never drink a whole can of tea before lunch ever again.
She finally reached the opening for the girls' bathroom, darting around the alcove. The long counter with built in sinks was on her left. Mirrors were placed over every sink. She turned to the stalls on her right, pushing open the cream door of the nearest one. She swung it shut, twisting the shiny knob to secure it.
She desperately lifted the lid with one hand while reaching under her skirt to tug her panties down with the other. Turning about, she dropped her panties below her knees and flipped up her skirt before plopping down on her butt. She sighed happily as she opened the floodgates.
As her bladder emptied, she wondered if she should bother returning to class. She had already disrupted the lecture once. Doing it again felt wrong, though she needed her notebook to do her lunch interviews. She could always get it after the bell sounded.
She wondered if all of Kawakuchi's group had attended school today. It would suck if this boycott messed up her ability to do her articles. She wondered how many kids were absent today. The only two missing from hers were Hazumi and Endo. She had not noticed anyone missing from Tsukune's class.
Squeezing out the last drops, she spun the roll to tear off a couple squares. Dabbing herself dry, she remembered that Yokokara was a class rep. She could ask him for some scrap paper and borrow his pencil. She could wait by his class instead of returning to hers. She hoped he had not forgotten about her doing their interviews today.
Finished, Kurumu stood up and pulled her panties back in place. They felt damp but there were days when sweat would cause this and plenty more when lustful thoughts from juvenile boys got her juices flowing. Sighing, she twisted the lock for the door and pulled it open.
After a quick wash in the sink, she wandered back out into the hallway. A cursory glance confirmed no other students were milling about. There was a convenient crossover to the other side of the hall right by the bathrooms which she promptly took. The first door on her left was for the choir room while the nearest door on her right was for class seven. Turning right, she headed for class nine.
She quickly arrived at her destination, which seemed a much shorter walk without the urgency. With nothing better to do, she mulled over how mundane the day had been thus far. Other than her brief visit to confirm Mizore had made it to school, the rest of her day had been gossip about the boycott and the missing girls. Kokoa was right about everyone concluding the girls were dead.
She sighed, leaning against the wall beside the door. She wondered how Moka was doing. She was curious about what she had done with Ms. Shuzen last night. Kurumu knew practically nothing about their new math teacher. She hoped everything was fine.
She should listen to the other B'Z album tonight. Or Mizore could bring her CDs since she obviously hated Kurumu's Utada CD. Kurumu was curious what the rest of Mizore's CD collection was like. She had only listened to one of her Dir En Gray albums and that had been months ago.
The back door to the classroom was drawn aside. Kurumu smiled up at Umizake whom promptly exited the room. Wearing his PSC jacket, the young man spared her only a glance as he walked by her.
Kurumu slipped inside the classroom, deftly avoiding one of Wanibuchi's friends. She waved to Machida as he neared the door. With a grin he offered a two fingered salute to his bushy brow before departing.
Kurumu nodded at the large boy with his ginger locks swept back and tied into a short tail as he got up from his desk. He was on the baseball team though his name escaped her. Next to him was a guy with glossy black hair whom was stuffing his course materials into his schoolbag. She had not been introduced to him either of the times she had accompanied Kokoa to this class.
This classroom felt dead. Having suffered several casualties in the akaname incident, this class only had eighteen students with over half being girls. Kokoa sat alone in the front row in the center seat. The vampire had commandeered the Numasaki boy's desk before the end of last term so she could sit by Taniguchi. The boy with the short indigo locks was presently sitting by himself in the third row, which had been a vacant desk between one of the cheerleader girls and a shy girl whom had not spoken up in class either time Kurumu had visited.
Kurumu doubted that tennis guy with the ponytail which defied gravity was part of the boycott. He sat in one of the front row desks and had likely slipped out the open front door. The only other guy in the room was Yokokara, chatting with Mr. Hirojima at the podium. The portly teacher had a shiny, bald head and a pair of tiny glasses resting upon his huge, bulbous nose. His tan jacket had no hope of ever being closed with its buttons, betraying a stretchy, white polo shirt which could not hide his girth. His bared belly hung over his tan slacks.
"Yokokara."
The boy turned slightly. He nodded at her before turning his attention back to the teacher.
"I heard you're interviewing us today."
Kurumu smiled as Numasaki hopped over to join her walk to the front of the classroom. The boy had the same mint colored eyes as his cousin.
"I saw your cousin over the weekend."
"Lazing around in her room, I'm certain."
"Taniguchi's room."
"Same thing."
"Hey, Kokoa."
Kurumu held a hand up at Kokoa whom was heading for the door. She shivered when Numasaki suddenly touched her shoulder. He was thinking naughty thoughts. The vampire paused to scowl at her, forcing her to ignore this intrusion.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing. Just thought I should say hi. See how your club search is going."
"I don't need to join your club."
"I wasn't asking you to. I heard that you plan to visit the karate club today."
"I'm going to lunch."
Kurumu smiled softly as the vampire stalked off in a huff. She absently brushed his hand off her shoulder.
"Don't fret over that, Ms. Kurono. She's been grouchy since yesterday because Ms. Kyubane and Ms. Juntaku failed to show up. I confess that I was similarly disappointed."
Kurumu snorted, aware that those were the two buxom cheerleaders.
"Milady needs to join a club by the end of the week."
"Or what? She'll get expelled?"
Kurumu smirked as she meandered over to the podium with Numasaki. She wondered what the school would do if Kokoa failed to meet their deadline. She doubted it would look good if they suspended the daughter of the Fairy Tale president over something so trivial.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Hirojima. While I do find your perspective on kanji stimulating, it seems my classmates require my attention."
Mr. Hirojima chuckled, turning his sandy eyes upon Kurumu. She shuddered at the passing lewd thought this man entertained about her. Even though it lasted only two seconds, it still bothered her. The man tucked his portfolio beneath his thick arm, grinning at Yokokara.
"I would make a similar excuse if my waiting company included a young lady. I shall take my leave."
"Always a pleasure, Mr. Hirojima. I look forward to tomorrow's lecture."
Mr. Hirojima guffawed, shaking his head.
"Enjoy your youth."
The teacher waddled away from the podium, slowly making his way to the door. Kurumu glanced at Yokokara inquisitively as the heavyset instructor left the room.
"What was that?"
"Shameless flattery. If Mr. Yokokara was a girl, I bet he'd be sleeping with teachers to get better grades."
"I doubt I would need to take things that far."
"I hope you two know that most girls don't do that."
"Most guys don't suck up to a teacher over how a word is written."
Yokokara chuckled, slipping between them. He stopped at the front row desk closest to the door.
"Every person enjoys being told that what they talk about is interesting."
Kurumu wandered over to his desk, noting he was putting away his things. She shivered again from Numasaki's attention, though at least this time he kept his hands to himself.
"Do you have some spare paper and a pencil I can borrow? I accidentally left my interview notebook in my classroom."
Yokokara nodded, tugging a folder out of his schoolbag. Holding it open, he pulled out a few sheets of loose paper.
"Five should be enough."
She took the paper as he closed his folder. He pushed it back into the depths of his schoolbag, fumbling around for a moment before pulling out a blue mechanical pencil.
"You can keep this. I have several."
Kurumu smiled taking the writing utensil and murmuring her gratitude with a slight bow.
"Shall we?"
Kurumu nodded, following the two boys out into the hallway. As they started towards the crossover near the back of their classroom, Kurumu pressed the white eraser to push out lead, thinking she should attempt to get these two done.
"I forgot your first name, Numasaki."
"Am I really that forgettable?"
"If you sucked up more, she would have remembered it."
Kurumu smirked.
"I don't remember yours either, Yokokara."
"I wasn't going to suck up to another guy's girlfriend."
Numasaki chuckled as they turned left and crossed over to the stairs.
"It's Fumio. And his first name is Ryuga."
Kurumu nodded, attempting to jot that down on this paper. She frowned, realizing she had to pinch the sheets close to her bosom with her arm and use her hand as a firm surface to write against. They started down the stairs on the right which faced the cafeteria.
"Okay. What instruments do the two of you play?"
"I have the tuba. This guy has some sort of horn."
"French horn."
"They should call it a circle horn, since that's what it looks like."
Kurumu had no idea what they were talking about, hoping her readers were more familiar with band instruments than she was.
"And you guys had a band in junior high, right?"
"We did."
"So how long have you been playing the tuba?"
"At the start of junior high. Same goes for Mr. Yokokara."
Kurumu nodded, scrawling these notes in faint lines. She worried about pressing harder and accidentally stabbing through the paper.
"So… the junior high in Umiman is a boarding school."
"That's correct."
"I know Mr. Numasaki is from Ikinakawa. I don't remember where you're from."
"Tsushimi."
Kurumu had never heard of that village before. The bell sounded the official start of the lunch hour as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Where's that?"
Yokokara shrugged as they started towards the end of the lunch line which started after the first door to the home ec room.
"It's somewhere near Sado Island. It's a small community with only about a dozen different families."
"Is anyone else from Tsushimi at Yokai Academy?"
"Ms. Mizusaki and Ms. Numamiya are both in class eight. I understand that they joined the diving club. They have older relatives whom are seniors in that club."
"We have a diving club?"
Yokokara shrugged again as they arrived at the end of the line.
"So I've heard. I could always ask Mr. Gyousan if you doubt it. I believe he's the advisor for that club."
"What would they do?"
"Go diving."
"But where?"
"We have a travel club, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu smirked at Yokokara, aware that both of Taniguchi's friends were part of that silly club. She also knew that they had a skiing club and an outdoors club. She supposed this diving club might only have club activities during school breaks.
"Do you think they did something over the summer?"
"I think the bigger question is if either of them attended school today."
Yokokara snorted at Numasaki's amusement.
"Doubtful. They both live on Ms. Taniguchi's floor."
Kurumu managed a smile as they slowly progressed down the lunch line.
"What do you think about Mr. Kaneshiro's morning announcement?"
"I think it was a neutral statement, able to be viewed as support to whatever decision a student makes in regards to this situation."
"That's politics for you."
Kurumu grinned at their dismissive attitude about this. She probably should not worry about what their student council president was doing, considering how reluctant he had been to help them during their problem with Midou. While Sukoyaka might adore him, Kurumu thought he was a coward, afraid of taking a strong position.
"When's your birthday, Numasaki?"
"June twenty third."
Kurumu smiled softly. That was a couple days before Satsuki's birthday. She had woken up in a hospital bed with a lot of bad news about Yukari, Nerume and herself.
"Really? A good friend of mine was born on the twenty fifth."
"I'm open to introductions."
Kurumu smirked, glancing at Yokokara.
"When's your birthday?"
"April twenty eighth."
"That's kind of cold, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu took in a deep breath, jotting down the dates.
"Not really. I was getting to the part where I ask about girlfriends or crushes. With that remark, I assume I can say none."
"Hold up. I have girls I'm interested in."
"I haven't considered having a girlfriend."
"I was talking here."
Kurumu wagged a finger to shush Numasaki.
"Why don't you want a girlfriend?"
"I didn't say that. It's more of a matter of priorities. If I got a girlfriend now, I know that I would put her before my studies. I have no intentions to seriously pursue a woman until after I graduate."
"That's bogus, Mr. Yokokara. Your chances of meeting a girl drop the moment you graduate unless you are aiming for a profession littered with women."
"Perhaps. It is true that my older brother is still single during his second year of college."
"Your older brother is in college?"
"Yes. One of the benefits of being part of the business program is that Fairy Tale will assist your higher education if your grades are acceptable and you agree to work for them after graduation."
Kurumu nodded, mulling over this information.
"But you are in band."
"I applied for the computer program but it was full. I had no desire to pursue the same path as my brother, so I listed band and art as my alternatives."
He paused with a deep breath.
"And my parents are quite troubled with that decision. But I intend to pass along this news about the Happily Ever After program. If I keep my grades up, it looks like I can pursue whatever future I may desire. Perhaps Fairy Tale will even help me out when the time comes to find a mate."
"I wonder if I have a shot at this Happily Ever After."
Kurumu smirked at Numasaki.
"You have to be in the ninety percentile."
"That high?!"
"Overall. I checked on that with Mr. Hino. You don't have to have ninety percent in all subjects."
"Thank goodness. My English was below eighty percent last term."
Yokokara chuckled.
"I doubt you have a ninety percent average with an English score that low."
"Yea… more like eighty five. But I might be able to bring that up."
Kurumu grinned, noting they were getting closer to the end of the hall.
"So… what poor girls do you have your eye on?"
She shuddered at his sudden shower of lewd intentions.
"I'll be happy to date you-"
"Nope."
He laughed sheepishly, glancing aside. Rubbing the back of his neck, he took in a deep breath.
"There's also that gorgeous second year whom was up on the stage with you. Okimune Hitsumi."
Kurumu smirked, marking up the sheet of paper.
"Mr. Numasaki plans to die a virgin."
"Hey now. I think I have a shot."
"She turns down every guy that asks her out."
"Seriously?"
"Mhm."
Numasaki sighed dramatically.
"Well… I can't date any of the girls from my village. None of them take me seriously."
"I wonder why."
"It's a small town. Probably bigger than his Tsushimi but not big enough for us to seriously look at each other like marriage material."
"That's true. Most of the kids in my village marry outside the community."
"If only my cousin wasn't such a big mouth, I might have convinced one of the Aranami girls to date me. The girls from Umishiro are my last chance at happiness."
Kurumu smirked as they turned the corner. The line crossed this intersecting hallway diagonally.
"I suppose you could always hang out in the library."
"The library?"
"Didn't I mention the two Umishiro girls working the library to your cousin?"
Numasaki gasped dramatically.
"I must act quickly before she poisons my last well of hope."
Yokokara chuckled, grabbing the boy by the sleeve before he took off down the hallway to the library.
"They won't be there now."
"Hey, Kurono!"
Kurumu grinned, spying the familiar trio of girls lingering in the hall. Kiba waved at her while Matsudera frowned, glancing about nervously. Akari offered a subtler wave as Kurumu stepped out of line.
"Hey. I'm glad that you guys still came to school. I heard about the Ohira cousins getting attacked."
Kiba barked out a laugh as the other two shared a glance.
"Why would I want to stay home because of that?"
"Well… Hazumi didn't come to school today."
Matsudera frowned.
"Why would she do that?"
"Ms. Hazumi is a skittish one."
"I guess. But we heard the story from Ms. Ohira. It's not like they stopped coming to school."
Kurumu grinned, thankful that this attack was as easy to dismiss as Kumiko had implied.
"So… I didn't get a chance to talk to you yesterday. I'm sure you know about Ginei and Hajihachi."
Akari smiled sweetly.
"We did. I'm happy for her."
Kiba snorted.
"That girl would not shut up at the sleepover. She was fretting over meeting parents and if the elders would approve of them marrying. The way she talked, she made it sound like this would happen soon."
"Well… there isn't much reason to wait for graduation if everyone approves. They're both sixteen."
Kurumu frowned at Akari's statement.
"Doesn't he have to be eighteen?"
The okami frowned, sharing a glance with Matsudera.
"I think that's human law. I know Mr. Morioka has citizenship. But many of us don't bother to get ours from Fairy Tale unless we have to. It's troublesome to be registered with the humans and not attend their schools. I think it's against their laws."
"It's called neglect."
"This line waits for nobody, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu glanced back at Yokokara, noting the two boys had moved further up. Clutching the sheets of paper to her bosom, she patted Akari's shoulder.
"I'm with another band group today. I will have catch up with you guys tomorrow. I want to know how things turned out with Fumusuna."
Matsudera pouted.
"He didn't ask me out."
"Stop moping. You'll meet his family at the cultural festival."
"Good luck with your article, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu grinned, trotting away from the trio. She smiled at the guys behind Numasaki and Yokokara.
"I'm with these two."
These two unfamiliar boys had feathered locks and golden eyes. The taller one had fawn brown tresses which almost touched his shoulders while the other's short hair was the color of shale.
"Yea, sure."
She bowed to them before slipping in behind Numasaki. The undine smirked at her, licking her up in his fantasies. His persistence was starting to make her body respond.
"Wish I was a girl. Guys are always nice to girls."
"You want guys to hit on you?"
"These two fine gentlemen didn't hit on you."
"I didn't say they did. I'm saying guys do."
"I suppose that's a fair point. I wish I was a lesbian."
Kurumu snorted.
"That's not going to stop guys from hitting on you."
"I think you need to stop while you're ahead."
"He isn't ahead."
"Even more reason to stop."
Numasaki grinned as they steadily approach the cart laden with empty trays.
"So what were you gabbing about to those fine ladies?"
"Nothing special. Our club president finally announced his engagement to a girl whom has been on his radar for over a year."
The guy behind her broke out in a fit of laughter.
"That dog is getting married?! Which girl did he con into that?"
Kurumu smiled, glancing back at the one with the shale hair.
"Hajihachi from class six. She was in his homeroom last year."
The two boys shared a glance and both shrugged.
"I'll have to ask him about it next period."
"You're in his homeroom?"
The guy with shale hair nodded.
"I am. Kobato Haburi. My friend here is Suzuki Souji from class three."
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Kobato. And thanks again for letting me back in line."
"Don't mention it."
Kurumu nodded as they drew closer to the trays.
"So… you both mentioned college. Do either of you have a career in mind?"
"Something that involves making money."
Kurumu snorted at Yokokara's remark.
"I imagine that is most careers."
"I'll admit that I don't have anything specific planned. Though I can safely say that I won't be continuing my band career into college."
"I am thinking I might become a marine biologist."
"Do you even know what a marine biologist does?"
"Have sex in the ocean?"
Kurumu failed to suppress her giggle. She had no clue what a marine biologist did either, but she was pretty sure it had nothing to do with that.
"You should ask Mr. Hino what you will need to do if you seriously are wanting to do that."
Numasaki smirked at Yokokara.
"Was I wrong?"
"I believe it's the study of the ocean and its ecosystems. I don't know if there is any money to be made in such a career. It's like wanting to be a mathematician."
"It can't be that bad. Ayame's father is one."
Yokokara sighed deeply, shaking his head. He grabbed a tray from the pile.
"Then ask your uncle about it."
Kurumu chuckled as she took a tray from Yokokara. She slipped the sheets of paper beneath the tray.
"All that's left is the random things you'd like me to add to your paragraph in the article. Stuff like your favorite music, food or memory."
Yokokara shrugged as he grabbed a cup of udon.
"I believe that's optional. I'm fine with what you got for me. Or you could pull stuff from the interview I gave for the popularity contest."
Kurumu grinned as she looked over the selections of entrees. She had not forgotten about him being nominated for the contest along with Umizake and Yamashita from class twelve. The kappa boys on Tsukune's floor had tried to block vote this trio into the finals, but all three had fallen short. She could not recall if Yokokara had been eighth or ninth, but knew for a fact that Umizake had placed seventh.
"Hopefully you won't be as tight lipped about your favorite things."
"I promise that I will have a long list of what I like about you."
Kurumu smirked as she seized a box of katsudon. Having missed breakfast, the smell of the food was reminding her how empty her stomach was.
"Talk like that and you'll be a footnote in my article."
"Sorry. I meant for you."
She drawled out a sound of disbelief as she added a cup of miso soup. Scooting further down the line, she found the bread rolls. She hoped she would be sated from these three things as she wandered over to the juice carts.
"So how much progress have you made on your article?"
Kurumu smiled as she fetched a can of yuzu. She shrugged at Yokokara before joining him in a line for one of the registers.
"I think more than halfway done now. I finished both groups that eat in the band room. When I get your group done today, I think I only have fifteen or sixteen left."
"That sounds ambitious, Ms. Kurono. There are eight others in our group."
"I can stretch into fifth period if I have to."
Yokokara chuckled.
"I doubt you can hang out in class four after the bell. Short of them having science in their lab today, you'll have to find a new venue to finish up."
Kurumu nodded as they slowly neared the worker behind the register. She had not thought about that. He might be right about this not being possible to do in one sitting.
"Maybe you could help me out? You did say you have nothing else to add."
Yokokara smiled warmly with a slight nod. He stepped up to the register and handed his tray of goods over to the worker.
"I suppose I could split the work with you."
"I can help too."
"Oh? I thought you had this long list waiting for me."
Numasaki grinned, lavishing lecherous thoughts upon her.
"I do. It's so long I don't think we can do it this lunch hour. Perhaps you and I could go somewhere-"
"I'm good."
She shivered from his juicy desire, wondering when he became so fixated on her. He had not been this bad the other two times she had been with Kokoa.
"Next."
Kurumu nodded, happy to step forward and surrender her tray to the worker. Then it dawned on her.
"Oh shit."
"Ms. Kurono?"
"My lunch card is in my schoolbag."
"I got it."
Numasaki chuckled, balancing his tray in one hand as he fished his free hand into his pocket. He tugged out a one thousand yen note, handing it over to her.
Kurumu was reluctant to take the yen but her stomach growled. Plucking the note from his fingers, she bowed slightly.
"Thank you."
"We don't have all day."
Kurumu forced a smile at the middle aged woman whom worked the register. Her sullen behavior was reflected in her gaunt features and hollow eyes. She snatched up the note, ringing up the total which sprung the drawer out. Stowing the note away, the woman scooped out the change and dumped it on her tray. Kurumu bowed again, taking the tray and stepping free of the line.
"For someone whom was waiting at our door, you weren't very prepared."
Kurumu smiled apologetically as she joined Yokokara. She had no intention of telling him about nearly pissing herself. They waited only a few seconds for Numasaki to join them.
The cafeteria had some notable vacancies as they made their way through the noisy room. While most of the sports teams maintained their attendance, there was not a single soul at the tables for the swimming club. She sighed as they walked by the track team tables.
"So… do you still think boycotts never work?"
Yokokara chuckled.
"I think Yokai Academy might end up a boys' school."
"I certainly hope not. I'll switch schools if they make that announcement."
"Sure. Right after you become a lesbian."
"I'm fine with only licking it."
Kurumu shuddered at his thoughts. She shook her head as they neared the start of the hall.
"You're never going to have a girlfriend."
"Don't curse me like that."
Kurumu smirked as they made their way back to the diagonal portion of the line. She saw that the trio was still waiting for Bikiyama and Tsukune. That probably meant English was running long again. She sighed, wishing she had an instructor whom made it easier to learn that useless language.
With polite murmurings, they cut through the line. They drifted over to the other side of the hall, walking by the second year science labs.
"Kurumu!"
She spied Ushio whom stood in line with Tamaishi and Yano. The bulky trio of soccer boys were laughing about something. She nodded at them, having no intention of finding out what their mirth was about.
"I'm telling you. Guys are invisible."
"What?"
"It's better being a girl."
"You are the definition of ignorant."
Numasaki frowned at Yokokara.
"How so?"
"Everybody thinks the grass is greener on the other side. You should drop this nonsense."
"But you know I'm right."
"Assuming one gender or race has it easier than you creates contempt. This assumption builds a barrier which you cannot overcome because you are not the easier gender or race."
"It's not an assumption. It's true."
"And what is the point of admitting your disadvantage? Are you demanding someone make up for it? Shall we pass a law which requires women to pay attention to men?"
"I'm not saying that."
"Then you are complaining for the sake of complaining."
Kurumu grinned at Yokokara's conclusion as they arrived at the back door for class four. There were two groups of students gathered inside the classroom. The smaller group by the back door consisted of three guys, one of which Kurumu recognized as Wanibuchi's friend from Kokoa's classroom. The other group towards the front consisted of two boys and two girls.
"Yokokara!"
The burly guy with the short, oily black locks waved animatedly for them to join him. It still amazed her that this school had so many husky guys whom could actually fit their large asses in the same desks she used. And this guy was not even close to being the biggest boy she had seen.
"Pull up a chair."
"Greetings, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu nodded at the thick girl whom sat beside the one whom had called out to them. Her dark tresses which were pulled back in a ponytail had a slight greenish hue. Like their greeter, the iris of her eyes had an ochre tint to them.
Yokokara placed his tray on a vacant desk near the other male of the group. The class rep gestured at this slender man with wavy, shoulder length hair. His cerulean bangs were swept back, betraying silver eyes.
"This is Kawakuchi Chifu."
He turned to point at the other girl. She was tiny compared to her companions. Her coral pink tresses were pulled back in a bun while her bangs curled forward to touch her slender eyebrows. Honey eyes peered up at Kurumu as the frail girl clutched a pink bento against the slight swell of her bosom.
"This is Chouseki Rui."
Numasaki slipped through her line of sight. He dropped his tray on a desk as Yokokara pointed at the heavyset girl. The big girl had two white bentos on her desk.
"This is Shimizu Shina."
While Numasaki dragged his desk up next to Chouseki's, Yokokara gestured to the big guy.
"And this is Sekidei Takeo. All four of them are seniors."
Kurumu smiled, electing to place her tray on the vacant desk closest to Sekidei. Taking her seat, she pulled her sheets of paper out and started to jot down the names.
"I'm glad all of you are still attending school. I was worried over how I would complete my article if some of you stopped showing up."
"So many of my neighbors didn't come."
Shimizu chuckled at Chouseki's timid remark.
"I know. It almost felt weird showing up."
"Are we the only two left?"
"Four. Kawano and Yanagisawa from choir were both in my class today."
"You don't have anything to worry about, Shina."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Sekidei grinned at the big girl.
"Any kidnapper would die of a heart attack, trying to pick you up."
"That's not the point of the boycott, you bonehead. It's about the faculty not making it safe for us."
"And I'm saying you're not in any danger."
"This school shouldn't be limited to those whom can fend for themselves."
"Kora lived in the suite above Shina. She was so nice."
There was a pause after Chouseki's comment.
"I never met Ms. Niwakame but I spoke with Ms. Mizumi."
Chouseki nodded.
"For your tennis article. I probably won't come back to school after the concert."
"Yea… I'm thinking Kawano and Yanagisawa will be doing the same."
"And I'm guessing you won't grace us with your enormous presence."
"I hope you like the lunch line once your meal ticket is gone."
Sekidei chuckled at Shimizu, tapping the pair of white bentos on his desk.
"I'll manage."
"You might, but I'm rather fond of the lunches Rui makes for us."
Chouseki blushed at Kawakuchi's remark.
"You could boycott with me."
"I don't know if a class rep should be participating in this movement. Don't you agree, Mr. Yokokara?"
"I have no intentions of boycotting this school."
Shimizu snorted, crossing her thick arms below her ample bosom.
"Boys never appreciate problems which don't directly impact them."
Yokokara pulled a lid off one of his containers and wagged his chopsticks dismissively.
"I don't recall any kappa girls stepping in to help when several first year kappa guys went missing."
"That's not the point. I'm thinking this Lord Chiki is right. We need a proper police force to handle this."
Sekidei snorted.
"You mean like Kuyo handled things?"
"Oh please. Kuyo was a tyrant whom picked out the worst purebloods he could find and made them into his executioners. The Headmaster should have let Fairy Tale put an office in Mononoke years ago."
"There's no guarantee that the people of that Fairy Tale office would have been any better than Kuyo."
"And there's no guarantee that it would have been worse. Just because it wasn't a sure thing, doesn't mean it was the wrong thing."
Kurumu smiled, holding her pencil against a blank sheet of paper. As much as she wanted to eat, she knew she had to get started on these interviews.
"If all of you don't mind, I'd like to drop these topics."
"Sorry, Ms. Kurono. These boys don't appreciate our concerns."
Kurumu nodded, turning her attention upon Chouseki.
"So… are you dating Mr. Kawakuchi?"
Chouseki's eyes widened and she shook her head vehemently as Kawakuchi chuckled.
"Rui is engaged to marry my brother. He would be immensely upset with me if I stole her away."
The girl turned a deeper shade of scarlet as she bowed her head.
"That's years away."
"Not really. After you graduate, he wants you to move in with him."
"I haven't agreed to that."
"Would you refuse?"
Chouseki pouted, fidgeting with her bento.
"I can wait for him to finish college."
"I thought you were planning to attend the same college."
The flush girl squirmed.
"But I can't live with him. Things would happen."
Sekidei chuckled.
"Things will happen when you marry him."
"On top of providing our meals, which I must admit were awful the first months, Rui often stops by to clean our suite. I've suspected some time now that she is using me to acquire some wife experience."
The girl turned a darker shade of scarlet. Kurumu smiled as all four boys laughed over the girl's discomfort. She hoped he was right about this being some form of training.
"How much older is your brother?"
"He's two years ahead of us."
"Are you fine with me including this in the article?"
Chouseki pouted.
"I guess I don't mind. Everybody knows about it."
"She was only eleven when she started going out with him. She was lonely when he left for junior high."
Kurumu nodded, thinking that meant these two must have come from the same village then.
"Are you two from Aranami?"
"We are."
"The two of us are from Umiman."
Kurumu grinned at Sekidei, adding these facts to her sheet.
"While we're sharing simple facts, I should ask which homerooms you all are from."
"I'm in class nine. This oaf is in class eight."
"Rui is in class two while I'm the rep for class twelve."
Kurumu smiled at Kawakuchi. Senior class twelve was the one with the captains of the soccer and basketball team in it. That would explain why this pleasant class rep had not been in the contest.
"Uzushio!"
Kurumu flinched at Sekidei's loud call. She glanced at the door, noting Wanibuchi was now seated in that group of boys near the back which had doubled in size. A young man whom had his platinum locks up in a broom cut was making his way over to their group. He was about Tsukune's height.
"This is Uzushio Ai. He's a second year in class twelve."
Kurumu grinned as the young man took up a seat at the vacant desk beside her.
"From Ginei's homeroom."
Uzushio nodded. He had soft, lavender eyes like her own.
"He's also from Umiman. Where are the others?"
The young man glanced back at the open door.
"They were right behind me."
"Whom are those guys by the door?"
Sekidei chuckled, gesturing at the group.
"That's the bowling club. Mr. Wada is their advisor so they use this as their club room. They almost always have their lunch in here."
Kurumu nodded as two girls walked through the back door. The taller one had her dark green bangs trimmed across her brow in the hime style. The rest of her hair was pulled tightly back into short pig tails. The crimson baubles had been carefully placed at the top of each tail. The other girl had creamy blond tresses which cascaded down to the small of her back like waves.
"Ikesuima! I've saved a seat for you!"
Sekidei chuckled, patting his lap which earned him a backhand from Shimizu. The two approaching girls giggled. The blond had quite the figure. The other girl was thicker but would not deter any boy whom appreciated the extra padding on those curves.
"These two are from this classroom, right?"
Yokokara nodded as the blond settled in the desk by him.
"These two ladies are also from Umiman."
"Where's Mugen?"
The plumper girl huffed as she sat down in the desk by the blond.
"Who cares?"
"Whom is Mugen?"
Sekidei grinned at her.
"Mugen Kai. He's also from this classroom."
"He's an unpleasant guy."
Kurumu smiled at Yokokara.
"Where is he from?"
"He comes from the water."
Shimizu smacked the big boy, shaking her head.
"We don't know. There's several small Sado communities which send kids to Umiman."
"You'll have to ask Mr. Mugen when he arrives."
Kurumu nodded at Yokokara's remark. Taking in a deep breath, she smiled at the two girls.
"I was told just yesterday that the two of you play oboes."
The blond shared a glance with her friend before nodding.
"That's right. Is she doing our interviews today?"
"She is."
"Why weren't we told about this?"
"I mentioned it to Mr. Kawakuchi at lunch yesterday."
Sekidei chuckled.
"You did, but it was before these two joined us."
The plump girl sighed dramatically.
"I suppose it can't be helped. I'm Yoshida Kinoko and my best friend is Ikesuima Sakura. We have been inseparable since the first grade."
Uzushio snickered, gesturing at Yoshida.
"This brat forced Mr. Tekikawa to change homerooms last year so they could be in the same class."
"I politely asked him to switch."
"That's not how Mr. Tekikawa remembers it."
"At least they didn't start us in different homerooms this year."
Kurumu smiled at the blond before turning her gaze upon Yokokara.
"Any preferences on whom you will help me out with?"
"Not really. I imagine you would prefer the girls."
"If you don't mind."
Grinning as she turned to address Yoshida, Numasaki sighed dramatically.
"Wish I was a girl."
Kurumu jerked up from her seat on the couch at the sound of the door being opened. She glanced at the door, pausing Moka's CD player as a loud Kokoa entered the genkan with a laugh. Fukai slipped in behind Kokoa with her goggles dangling from her neck. Both girls promptly started to remove their shoes.
"You're way too full of yourself."
Yukari stepped into the doorway, leaning against the frame with her arms crossed about her chest.
"Those guys were weaklings."
Kurumu pulled out the earphones, supposing she could finish listening to this other B'Z album later.
"Which guys are we talking about?"
Kokoa grinned at her, springing from the genkan. In a couple lively steps, the vampire was over to the back of the couch, peering at Kurumu with sparkling emerald eyes.
"Those karate boys. I wiped the floor with them."
Kurumu frowned, glancing at Yukari whom remained in the entryway. Fukai set her schoolbag beside Kokoa's before starting over to join them.
"I thought you were helping her find a club."
"We visited three clubs."
"Heaven and earth the karate dojo, but farmer dragon."
Kurumu blinked, clueless what that was supposed to be.
"Yea, those jerks actually had the gall to demand payment."
"They wanted you to pay to join?"
Yukari huffed.
"No. They wanted her to prove she could beat this big brute in a stone breaking contest. They argued that stones cost money, so she would have to pay them a thousand yen."
Kurumu regarded Kokoa suspiciously.
"You must have that much money."
"That's not the point. A pathetic club like that should not have dared try to cheat me."
"Their stone density was less."
Kurumu frowned, glancing at Yukari.
"She didn't say that wrong, Kurumu. You're just dense."
"I don't understand."
"They were cheating. A gnome like Fukai can sense these things simply by touching one of the stones. In short, the stones they wanted Kokoa to break were heavier despite looking the same."
"But that's Miyamoto's club. He would never condone such a thing."
"I didn't see Mr. Miyamoto there. Nakai from our homeroom was there. His older brother was running the show with this big brute named Jindai."
Kurumu smirked.
"There's a guy named enormous?"
"That guy looked tough but he could only do ten of their wimpy stones. I smashed thirteen with ease."
Kurumu frowned.
"Wait. I'm confused. Did you join this club or what?"
"She chicken skin them."
"I sure did! Serves them right thinking to ask me to join such a sorry excuse for a fighting club. I could smell it on them. Nothing but a club full of pushovers."
"Then why did you pay to break their stones?"
"Who said I paid them? I waltzed in and smashed them, claiming the prize for myself."
Kurumu blinked.
"I'm not following this at all."
Yukari let out a heavy sigh as Kokoa laughed. The witch pulled out a wad of yen and wagged it at her before placing it on the half wall dividing the genkan from the stove.
"Apparently these guys do this for all their new recruits. They have them pay a fee and if they do break more than their champion, they give them a prize."
"Those dorks were mad that I wouldn't join after taking the money."
"Technically you didn't pay to participate."
Kokoa huffed, waving a dismissive hand at Yukari.
"Whatever. I would have got my entry fee back anyways."
"Floor plan from the forest."
"Which I'm sure they regret."
Yukari shook her head.
"When Mr. Miyamoto hears about you thrashing his club, he's going to have words with you."
Kokoa cackled, wagging a fist.
"Let him come. I'll make him regret the day his path crossed mine."
Kurumu smiled softly, getting up off the couch.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that. Ginei valued Miyamoto's presence in a fight over ours."
"That's not saying much. If I ever fought you seriously, your tombstone would read slain by vampire."
Kurumu sighed, walking over to drape an arm over Fukai's shoulder.
"You keep talking mean to me like that and I'll make one of your girls forget all about you."
Kokoa's eyes widened.
"You wouldn't dare!"
Kurumu smiled, squeezing a confused Fukai to her side.
"You're right. I wouldn't. But if you keep pushing people around, you are going to come across people whom won't hesitate to push back."
A short moment of silence followed as Kokoa simmered over this warning.
"Where's my Moka?"
"Who cares where that girl is? I'm hungry and my servant is being lax in her duties. She isn't even dressed in her uniform."
Kurumu snorted, drawing away from Fukai but leaving her hand on the girl's shoulder.
"I see no reason to change clothes without any guarantee that Milady will show up."
Kokoa scowled, gesturing to the kitchen.
"That's no excuse to leave the kitchen a mess."
"She is right, Kurumu. You should have cleaned that up when you got home."
Kurumu shrugged indifferently.
"After you guys took off, I stopped by the band hall to talk with Mr. Tagami about finishing my article. I haven't even been here an hour."
"It wouldn't take you an hour to clean."
Kurumu knew Yukari would scold her if she said anything about listening to music.
"Moka was going to eat in the dining hall with Tsukune and Mizore today."
Yukari sighed with a slight shake of her head.
"I suppose I should go home then. Start making dinner if Rubi hasn't beaten me to it."
Yukari had eaten lunch with Rubi and the Headmaster today. She had spoken a little about it during gym, promising that she could do that stupid weather article now if they still wanted that. It was something that the Headmaster could control. He attended town council meetings weekly, letting the elders decide what weather they wanted. The Headmaster had also helped Yukari compile a list of several unfulfilled school expansions, many of which had been abandoned when Kuyo became head of security.
Yukari had nothing to explain the mystery of how the lunch hour presently worked, but she had shared a tentative plan of what would change if the school did expand to thirty students per classroom. Most of the faculty agreed that separating the first years into their own lunch hour would be best. To diminish disruption, all first years would end up having their gym period right before their lunch hour. Then the other grades would have their lunch the following period.
"So… did she join a club?"
"There aren't any clubs worthy of me."
"We got thrown out of the other two clubs we checked on."
"Which was totally unfair!"
"They called her a little kid."
"That's because I was being followed around by a little kid."
"I have more high school experience than you."
"That doesn't matter when you're flat as a board!"
Yukari gasped. With a growl, she wagged a finger at the vampire.
"As if you're one to talk! You're almost four whole years older than me and the only physical advantage you have is eleven centimeters."
Kokoa sneered, pounding her fist into her palm.
"I'll show you my physical advantage."
"Calm down you two. What exactly happened?"
Yukari blushed and Kokoa seethed.
"They picked us up and tossed us out. It's embarrassing to be hauled off your feet like that."
"It's insulting! How dare they put their hands on a vampire woman without fighting for that right!"
"You let them pick you up?"
Kokoa blushed angrily.
"I didn't think they would do something that stupid!"
"This happened at both clubs."
"Well I'm sorry for thinking there couldn't be that many idiots in your school!"
"You would think a mighty vampire would at least be able to keep her feet on the ground."
"There was no harmful intent!"
"Hopefully you didn't start fights with these other clubs."
"That all happened before our return to the karate club."
Yukari smiled at her confusion.
"We first went to the karate club. She got angry over their demands for her to pay so she stomped off, wanting to try the other clubs. It seems that both the judo and wrestling clubs use the nearby facilities so it was a short walk."
"I don't remember the wrestling club meeting out there."
"I don't regard you as a reliable source of information."
Kurumu pouted, seriously not remembering another building. There had only been two flanking the trail with one belonging to the judo club while the other was for karate.
"So after these two humiliating experiences, Kokoa waltzed back into the karate club and smashed their stones. That older Nakai boy called foul so she demanded them bring her another stack if they doubted her prowess."
"And then they dared to say I couldn't keep their prize money if I refused to join them. As if they had the strength to take it back."
Kurumu sighed, shaking her head.
"I hope this doesn't cause any trouble."
"It still irks me that all those clubs treated me like a little kid. Even rabbits know better than to make fun of wolves."
"They're not rabbits, Kokoa."
Kokoa thrust her thumb in her chest.
"I am a proud vampire. The top of all monster races. They should fear me."
Fukai thumped her fist against her own chest.
"Yes. Fear the flat chest society."
Kokoa's shoulders sagged.
"Please tell me she meant to say something else."
Kurumu chuckled, lifting her hand off Fukai's shoulder to tousle her scraggy black locks.
"You know… Yukari has growth candies."
"Growth candies?"
"That's a temporary solution with an unfavorable side effect."
"But you've seen her mother and sister. You know she'd have a mature body if you gave her a dose."
"You can make me older?!"
Yukari held her hands up defensively.
"Temporarily. I suppose you could try it out on the weekend."
"I want it now!"
Yukari scowled.
"No. It lasts for a set amount of time and then the side effect is twice as long. If you absolutely must embarrass yourself, we can do it tomorrow morning."
Kokoa paused, glancing suspiciously at Kurumu.
"How embarrassing are we talking about?"
"You'll be eight years older for eight hours and then eight years younger for sixteen hours. Maybe with more testing I could diminish the duration of the side effect, but I've been focused on other projects."
Kokoa mulled over the implications.
"So… I'd be seven."
"Yes. Do you still want to do it?"
Kokoa grinned savagely.
"You bet I do. I'm going to show those boys the true strength of a mature vampire woman."
Yukari chuckled, retreating back to the door.
"I guess I'll leave you to your villainous plotting. I'll see you in the morning."
"Good night, Yukari."
The witch sounded a response before closing the door behind her.
"I need to wear something adjustable for tomorrow."
Kurumu snorted as she wandered over to the sink which was stacked with dirty pans.
"Your school uniform is going to fall off of your body when you turn seven."
"But that should be around my gym hour. The gym shorts are stretchy and the gym tee should still fit."
Kurumu smirked. Turning on the water, she started to scrub the pans clean.
"So what shall I make you for dinner, Milady?"
