"It's about time you showed up. I was worried I'd have to go back in and check on you."
Kurumu forced a smile at Yukari's remark, mumbling a soft apology as she took a seat beside the witch. A bowl of rice had been set out for her. A fried egg had been placed on top with sliced sausages placed about in a ring. Picking up her chopsticks, she murmured her thanks for the meal.
She felt horrible. She could feel the muscles squeezing her heart without pattern or reliable intensity. She had woken up in the middle of the night, retching and crying. She barely recalled what had been going through her mind other than a plea for mommy to make it stop before she had blacked out.
She had roused under a healing spell from Yukari whom apologized over and over about not bringing Mizore back and begging her to stop hurting herself. The witch had gotten up to use the restroom, only noticing Kurumu's condition on her return trip. After cleaning Kurumu up, the witch had brought Kurumu over to her futon and they had gone back to sleep holding each other.
As Kurumu put down a sausage, she noticed Tsukune was dressed in a crimson shirt with black lettering. Mrs. Aono had a bright yellow apron today over a green shirt with the sleeves rolled back to her elbows. Yukari was still in her pajamas from last night.
"Where's Mizore?"
"She'll be back, Kurumu. She's not going anywhere."
Kurumu felt her heart twist and she winced with tears rolling out of her eyes.
"It will be okay, Ms. Kurono. Please don't worry."
"We can go look for her after breakfast."
"You look pale. Eat something."
Kurumu nodded, lifting the back of her hand to rub her eyes. Her throat was tight, making it hard to swallow what she had chewed. And it hurt so much.
"I would have brought her back if I could. So stop it."
Yukari had found Mizore, but being with Mrs. Aono made it impossible to bring the snow girl back in her emotionally unbalanced state. There was no safe way to approach a snow girl despairing without a high resistance to cold or a strong fiery temperament to offset the frigid conditions.
Kurumu forced another sausage into her mouth, sniffling. It was difficult to explain. She had not gone to bed feeling this wretched. While she had been disappointed about Mizore not returning, her heart had not hurt. Her only strong emotion had been guilt over betraying Mrs. Aono's trust again. At least the cleanup of their transgression had been easy after darkening her hair to a more socially accepted shade.
"So what do you have planned for the day, Tsukune?"
"Kyo called her friends to try to put something together. I'll check on her before we head out."
"Maybe you should show your girlfriend around the neighborhood. Sometimes all you need is some fresh air to clear your head. I'm sure she'll feel better."
"As if being outside in a city is fresh air."
Mrs. Aono laughed.
"I suppose you have a point, though Yamagata only feels like a city in some areas. You don't have to go far before you're in the middle of a rice field."
"I suppose we could hang out in Kajo Central. These two had fun at the science museum in Kofu."
"I hope you are not trying to take your girlfriend to that silly arcade."
"She might want to see the place I squandered all my free time away and thank it for being the biggest reason I ended up in our school."
"I think she would be more interested in visiting your junior high than that place."
"I would rather avoid seeing that place ever again."
As Kurumu quietly continued on her meal, Yukari set her chopsticks down beside her emptied bowl.
"Moka gave me the impression you had friends in junior high."
"I knew some guys."
"Did your cousin and her friends go to your junior high?"
"She lives in the Nishita area of town which is a thirty minute walk from here. Her group of friends have always been in different schools than me."
"That's unexpected."
"I'd say fortunate. I can't imagine how much worse my life would have been if I had to put up with their nonsense all the time."
"So these guys you speak of are a different group of friends."
Tsukune frowned at Yukari. He pulled his silver phone out of his back pocket, flipping it open.
"I wouldn't call them a group. These were guys whom went with me to the arcade and other places. I've known Ishii and Hara since the first grade. Nakagawa moved here in the middle of our fourth grade year."
"That sounds like childhood friends."
"I guess. I don't have that many names in my phone. Noguchi and Kubo I met in junior high. The rest of these numbers are for adults, family or our friends whom went on the Kofu trip with us."
"What about your cousin's friends?"
Tsukune smirked, setting his phone down.
"My parents gave me this phone when I turned fourteen. Kyo's friends had lost interest in me by that point and I certainly wasn't going to contact them for their numbers."
"It has been some time since Ishii and Hara visited. Perhaps you could call them for an outing."
Tsukune laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I think they would react even worse to finding out I have a girlfriend than Kyo's friends."
"Maybe you could introduce them to Ms. Shirayuki."
Kurumu winced as her heart twisted again. She made a slight whimper around the last bits of sausage in her mouth, careful not to choke. Kurumu sniffled as she sliced her egg white with her chopsticks.
"I suppose we could if Mizore is comfortable with that."
"What school did your guy friends end up going to?"
"They didn't stick together. I know Noguchi bragged about going to Kajogakuen in Kajo Central which has a different approach to school. It's like some credit system where you pick your courses. I guess it's fine if you know exactly what you need, but most of us prefer a structured system. He seemed to think he would have more free time to do what he wanted."
Tsukune fidgeted with his phone on the table.
"Nakagawa and Kubo went to Shogyo since it was the closest high school to Kubo's home. I don't think they even tried to get in a different school. Ishii and Hara took the Kita exam with me, but only because I agreed to take the exam for East. East is like the boys' school equivalent of Kita. They're pretty close to each other. The way Ishii had it figured was if our parents objected to us going to Kita, we could always enroll in East provided we passed both tests. They're both in East."
"Would you say that your friends were eager to meet girls?"
"Most guys are. Ishii always talked about girls and teased me over spending too much time with Kyo's friends. Sometimes Ishii and Hara joined our outings but then Kobayashi got weird and declared them agents of evil. After two or three weeks of that nonsense, they stopped asking to play with Kyo's friends."
"I've noticed that you defer to surnames for your cousin's friends despite knowing them for years."
"Well… I never had permission to call the girls by their first names. And I wasn't about to ask for it. As for the guys... that's kind of normal. Sure we occasionally used our first names when hanging out, but I wasn't really in a habit of calling guys by their first name until Ginei made such a fuss about it."
Tsukune laughed sheepishly.
"And to be honest, I don't remember Noguchi's first name. Even my phone entry for him is Nogu."
"Are you feeling better, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu lifted her eyes to Mrs. Aono, covering her mouth as she chewed on the last of her fried egg. She nodded since it was true. Her heart still ached, but had been spared any sharp pains during this talk.
"I will wash your nightgown and futon for you, since it seems you had an accident."
"Is something wrong?"
"It's just morning sickness."
Kurumu froze in the act of picking up a wad of rice as Tsukune gagged.
"I certainly hope not."
"Please don't worry my mother like that."
Kurumu poked at her rice.
"I don't know what's wrong with me."
"You're stressing yourself with worry."
Kurumu wondered if that was true. She knew she could do that to the point of blackout. Her heart twisted again at the thought of mommy. She sniffled as she brought a fist to her chest.
"I want to go home."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Something's not right. I want to go home."
"You're being stupid. Once we find that dumb girl, you'll be fine."
Kurumu started to cry again. It made no sense. She felt like finding Mizore would not change anything. That everything would still be bad.
"I want to go home."
Yukari sighed heavily, rolling her eyes.
"Stop being a baby. You were just with your mother less than two days ago."
"I don't feel right."
Mrs. Aono got up from her chair and walked over to place her hands on Kurumu's shoulders.
"There, there. Do you feel like you need to go to the hospital?"
Kurumu instinctively shook her head, setting her chopsticks aside. She clutched both her hands at her bosom, closing her eyes as her heart was squeezed so hard it was difficult to breath.
"I want my mommy."
Kurumu shivered as fingers brushed through her tresses.
"That's precious. I don't think I've heard Tsukune address me as mommy in years."
"Because that would be embarrassing."
"You should go get dressed, Ms. Kurono. I need to speak with my son."
Sniffling, Kurumu stood up when Mrs. Aono's hands left her. She flinched at the touch of a small hand. Realizing it was Yukari, she took the witch's hand and they walked slowly across the living room.
"Am I in trouble?"
"I think we need to discuss your situation more thoroughly."
Yukari let go of her hand once they entered their room, closing the door behind them. Kurumu stumbled with a moment of indecision before remembering they were to get dressed. Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand, she wandered over to her suitcase and knelt down.
Kurumu glanced over the contents of her suitcase. Mrs. Aono had arranged everything nicely though the mother had taken out Kurumu's schoolbag. Her heart ached at the sight of the souvenir bag with the plums and decorative glass. Grimacing, she clutched at her chemise and tugged it overhead. She wadded up the silky fabric, tossing it against the wall.
She wondered why she had bothered bringing this pretty cheongsam. There was no good situation for her to wear it. The blouse and suspender skirt outfit was much too stuffy to endure a long walk around the town. She would feel kind of stupid to wear one of her school uniforms.
"Can we go home?"
"I'm not going home, Kurumu. As for taking you to your home, I don't know what you think will happen. It's not like seeing your mother will make you feel better."
Kurumu supposed that should be true, but it did not feel that way. Yukari had already stripped and was pulling out garments from her magical bag.
"Something's not right."
Yukari sighed dramatically, selecting a black sundress with a sunflower print. She pulled it overhead, slipping her arms through the loops of the spaghetti straps before tugging the fabric down her torso. It was surprisingly tight about Yukari's midsection and far too loose at the chest.
"The only thing not right is that I'm the eleven year old and you're the sixteen year old. That was weird to hear you say you want your mommy."
Kurumu clutched her breast, feeling a sharp jolt of pain. Whimpering, she turned her attention back on her wardrobe options. She supposed she would wear the pink halter top and white jeans she had worn to the aquarium. She grabbed her lavender boyshort panties with the white dot pattern and the pink lace hem. She pulled her panties on first, glancing at Yukari.
"Are you going to wear panties?"
"Why should I?"
The witch smoothed out her sundress which ended below her knees. The fabric hugged Yukari's hips and rump but looked looser down her legs than Kurumu's cheongsam.
"Won't black be hot?"
"Could you quietly dress yourself?"
Kurumu pouted, having felt better with the mild banter. She stepped one leg into the tight jeans, tugging it up to the top of her thigh before slipping her other leg in. She wiggled and hopped on her toes to get the jeans up around her rump.
Yukari was carefully folding and arranging the other garments she had pulled out. Kurumu refrained from asking if Yukari would wear a bra, since that sort of dress would look best with a strapless. She doubted Yukari owned one of those as Kurumu pulled her pink halter top on, not bothering with a bra either.
"Can we go home tonight?"
"No. You saw the train schedules."
"Can't we use your magic?"
"Impossible to explain. Most of Niigata isn't reachable by an evening train from Yamagata."
"What if we said we were going to your home?"
Yukari sighed, shaking her head.
"Help me tighten these straps."
"How?"
"It's called tying knots, Kurumu."
Kurumu nodded as she walked over to Yukari. She grabbed the strap on Yukari's shoulder, tugging it up to tighten the fabric against Yukari's chest. Looping the strap on itself, Kurumu pulled it through for a knot.
"I don't want to go to my home earlier than I have to."
"I know. I was meaning we say we go to your place, but go to mine."
"I know what you meant. I also don't enjoy the thought of spending more time in your archaic home."
"Can we go tomorrow?"
Yukari sighed again as Kurumu finished tying the other strap.
"Are you sure you want to leave Tsukune earlier than you have to? We don't even know if he will be called to the Shuzen Estate for that wedding."
Kurumu paused, absently touching her breast.
"We were going to leave Friday morning anyways, right? Maybe we leave tomorrow night?"
"I don't think we ever discussed when we would come back Friday, but I'm fine with leaving tomorrow night under the ruse of going to my home."
Kurumu looked up at the sound of the doorbell.
"When were you going to make a door back to the school?"
"I can't do that."
"Why not?"
"That's too much energy for me, Kurumu. Especially with how the school barrier works. If I cast that spell now, I might lose consciousness for a whole day."
"But I thought you said it would be too conspicuous casting it from inside the barrier?"
"I nearly wiped myself out jumping from two stations in the same time continuum. When I was saying those things, I was giving myself far too much credit for what was within my physical limitations."
"So… you're not going to make the doorway to the school?"
"Do you want to go home to your mother or not?"
Kurumu bit her lip.
"I guess you're right."
"Of course I am. It'll be fine if I cast it within the barrier if we can convince Ms. Shindou to work with us."
There was a knock on the door.
"Are you two dressed? Mizore has returned."
Kurumu felt some of the heaviness on her heart diminish. She smiled softly, still feeling uneasy as she headed over to the door. Yukari sighed, following on her heels.
Mizore stood in the open doorway with her hands clasped at her navel and her head bowed. She was wearing a black tank top Kurumu had never seen her wear before and a pleated white skirt with two purple stripes near the bottom hem. Though the snow girl was at best average for girls their age when it came to bust sizes, that top made her seem more buxom than the times Kurumu had seen Mizore naked.
"I didn't know you owned other clothes."
"Can I change?"
"You can pack up your things and get your butt on a train to Asahikawa."
"Ms. Sendou."
Yukari huffed, glancing away from Mrs. Aono's admonishing look.
"I'm sorry for making everyone worry. That was not my intention."
"What was your intention?"
"I don't want to hurt Kurumu. Or Tsukune. I'm sorry."
"Then stop forcing yourself between them."
Kurumu placed a hand on Yukari's shoulder, shaking her head.
"As the only experienced adult in the room, I think everyone needs to reflect on what it is they want out of life. While I understand you must have a difficult situation being pressured into an early marriage, this is not an excuse to place your needs first. You have to consider the needs of my son. And as his parent, I don't feel that a serious relationship is something he needs, regardless of whom that may be with."
Tsukune grimaced, clenching his fists.
"I'm not asking you to break up with Ms. Kurono. She is a lovely young woman, but she's still a child. I won't pretend that I don't feel the same way about you. You are both in over your heads and should step back instead of allowing your emotions to push you somewhere you are not ready to be."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Aono, but I disagree. I don't have the luxury of time."
"Allow me to speak to your parents."
"Why would they listen to you?"
"Because I'm allowing you to stay in our home."
"You are helping me avoid something. I'm sorry."
Mrs. Aono sighed.
"Perhaps you should stop by the station and see what it would cost to go home."
"But Mother-"
"She is right, Tsukune. We are allowing her to defy her parents. That puts us in a poor position to discuss what can be done for her."
The temperature dipped as Mizore's hands tightened.
"Please let me stay. I promise I won't cause trouble. I'll stay in the room and won't speak with anyone."
Mrs. Aono frowned, looking up at the ceiling.
"Is the AC malfunctioning again?"
Tsukune laughed nervously, stepping down into the genkan to grab Mizore by the arm.
"I'm going to take Mizore out for a walk with us. We'll make sure to stop by the station at some point to let you know what it would cost."
"Please don't send me home, Tsukune."
"We can discuss that later. Come on."
Tsukune hissed, snatching up his shoes and pushing Mizore back to the door. The temperature in the room quickly warmed back up the moment Tsukune pushed Mizore outside.
"At times he acts so much like his father."
Kurumu smiled meekly as she walked over to the genkan. She glanced at her bare feet and decided there was enough padding in her school flats that she did not need to fetch socks. Bending down, she put on her shoes while Yukari came over to put on some sandals. Kurumu wished she had brought hers.
"Are you going to send her home, Mrs. Aono?"
"She has a valid point. I can't speak with her parents if I'm disrespecting their decisions. I've discussed with my husband about sending her home but that turns this into a financial matter. Hokkaido is a long way from here and I have no means to contact her family to come get her. And it would be irresponsible to send her home by herself."
"Wait. You plan to go with her?"
"That would be the responsible thing to do."
Yukari glanced at Kurumu, her eyes betraying her surprise.
"I'm sorry. I didn't think you would feel obligated to do that."
"We are discussing putting a young lady whom has essentially ran away from home on a train. Even if there were no concerns for her safety, I have my doubts she would go home if she was unsupervised."
Kurumu bowed to Mrs. Aono.
"I'm sorry for causing you trouble."
"Oh dear. You're not wearing a bra."
Kurumu blushed.
"Well… I don't own a strapless and normal bras look stupid with halter tops."
Mrs. Aono sighed with a slight shake of her head.
"Have Tsukune call me with the train ticket cost so I can discuss this with my husband."
"Right. We'll be going now."
"Be safe."
They headed out the front door and down the concrete steps of the porch. Tsukune was out in the street with Mizore whom was hugging herself. Wandering over to the covered gate, Kurumu opened it for Yukari. The warm air smelled fresh. Slipping through the gate behind Yukari, she closed it up.
"So shall we head to the station?"
Tsukune frowned at Yukari.
"There's no reason to do that right away."
"Your mother wants to know the price and she's not going to send this troublemaker home alone."
"I doubt they would let anyone into my village without notice."
"We were not in a position to explain to her why her proposal was unlikely. If you were a normal girl, Mrs. Aono's decision is fundamentally sound."
"I'm sorry."
Yukari sighed heavily.
"Between this one wanting to go home and this one refusing to go home, I've already had enough for this day. If we're not going to the station, then I suggest we go to a park. I'd prefer a location that you humans haven't completely defiled."
Tsukune chuckled, gesturing behind them.
"Kajo Park is this way."
Kurumu waited for Tsukune to pass by them, turning on her heel to walk alongside Mizore. Yukari snagged up Kurumu's left hand, intentionally keeping Kurumu between her and Mizore. Mizore had shoes but no socks.
"Are you okay?"
"I guess."
"I was worried when you didn't come home last night."
"I was told that."
"Why didn't you come back?"
"It was late and I didn't want to be a bother."
"So you spent the whole night outside?"
"What else could I do?"
Kurumu grimaced as another shooting pain erupted in her center. She made a slight whimper which drew a look of concern from Mizore.
"What's wrong?"
"It's your fault. Ever since you ran off, she's been hurting."
"My fault?"
"You clearly know little of the myths of succubi. It is written that the first daughter of Lilith died of a broken heart. If a situation pushes Kurumu into an anxiety attack, she collapses."
"That's not entirely true, Yukari."
"That is what you told me."
Kurumu forced a smile as her heart continued to ache.
"Well… I learned a little more at the hospital. I have muscles about my heart which constrict. The Headmaster said grief could crush my heart."
"That's not fair."
"I don't see what he gains in lying. And Ms. Sasayaki admitted my heart was different."
"But what happens if you had to break up with Tsukune?"
Kurumu smiled at Yukari, squeezing her hand.
"I imagine it would hurt."
"Hurt? You collapsed thinking you couldn't be with him anymore. This is serious."
"Would she die?"
"What are you three talking about?"
Tsukune slipped his phone into the side pocket of his green cargo pants. Kurumu forced a smile.
"Did you call your cousin?"
"I left a message. She must be sleeping in."
They had only made it halfway down the next residential block.
"I was asking Mizore how she convinced the driver to let her get off with you."
Tsukune sighed as he fell in step with them.
"That was kind of what Aoi and I decided would work best."
"Umizake agreed to this?"
"He gave her the option to stay with him. There was a huge argument before we got off. Ms. Genzouyaki was troubled, saying that Mizore should stay with her. Ms. Unari protested over lack of space but Ms. Kakeru was willing to forego her stay with Ms. Genzouyaki if that made things fine with everyone else."
"I'm guessing Satsuki refused."
"She doesn't like me."
"Satsuki doesn't like most people."
"She should have spent the summer with her fiancé."
"Ms. Unari felt the same way but Ms. Genzouyaki was fiercely against that."
"It sounds like you guys had a long discussion for a short bus ride."
Tsukune waved his hand dismissively as they arrived at the next intersection. He started on a diagonal path for the clock in the open area. Beyond the clock, the path cut up through a break in the trees which was flanked by stone walls.
"We had three stops before mine so it wasn't a short ride at all."
Kurumu nodded. She remembered the out of prefecture bus routes had to go to several locations, so it did make sense that it would take longer. She noticed that there was a building behind the row of trees.
"Perhaps we should introduce one of your childhood friends to Ms. Shirayuki."
"What for?"
"So you can stop interfering with Kurumu's relationship."
Kurumu smiled, touching her aching chest.
"I remember when you were opposed to my relationship."
"I remember when circumstances were different."
"I only need Tsukune once or twice. It doesn't have to be permanent."
"You should want more than that."
"I do, Tsukune. I do want more from you."
Tsukune sighed as they approached what appeared to be a bridge. There was a line of water between the road and trees Kurumu had never noticed before.
"There was a river here?"
"It's a moat. Kajo Park is about Yamagata castle."
"Wants aren't the same as needs. I know I shouldn't want more from you."
Tsukune sighed again as they started across the bridge.
"That's why you should ask this from another person."
"I could have a baby for you, since Kurumu can't. The three of us can have a child together."
"Kurumu informed us that she can be fixed by Mrs. Shuzen. That is the promise from Moka's mother, whom seems trustworthy. Kurumu can make a baby with Tsukune without your interference."
Mizore cocked her head, regarding Kurumu.
"When will you be fixed?"
Kurumu shrugged as they reached the other side of the bridge where the path cut through a break in the stone wall. The path curved up to the left between stone walls. There was a sign up ahead which gave an overview of Kajo Park with several buildings indicated. It looked like they had a baseball field.
"If it happens soon, I am willing to carry your child."
"You change tunes easily."
"My primary goal has always been to have a child to avoid being forced into an unwanted marriage and an unwanted profession."
"Wouldn't a succubus child get you exiled?"
"It's not like they would know she's a succubus right away."
Yukari nodded with an impressed look as they followed the path between the stone walls.
"That is a valid point."
Kurumu recalled mommy telling Mizore that hosting was not safe for her kind. She had no idea if mommy had been correctly informed of that or if that Hajinai woman had merely wanted to avoid bringing Mizore's mother into things.
"Have you considered seducing Umizake?"
"What for?"
"I think Umizake does care for you, but he won't show it unless you show interest in him."
Mizore sighed as the path turned right into a large parking lot which preceded the white, multistory building they had seen from across the moat.
"I don't see why you think that works towards my goals."
"Well… what if it becomes a relationship you want? Would it still matter to you if it was arranged?"
"Should Tsukune be with Moka because someone brought him to Yokai for Moka?"
"False correlation. My Moka does not require a sexual relationship with Tsukune."
Tsukune chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I mean… I'd be lying to say I would object to being with Moka if Kurumu wasn't my girlfriend. But Yukari is right that I can satisfy any destiny I have with Moka by simply being her friend."
Mizore crossed her arms about her chest, nearly causing a boob to slip out of her loose tank top.
"I reject the idea that I have to marry someone picked out for me."
"Are you worried he wouldn't find you attractive?"
"Kotsubo didn't want me."
"Kotsubo was much older than you."
"He was with another student before me."
"A girl whom is three years older than you."
"Three years isn't that much of a difference."
Yukari huffed.
"It is to law officials."
Tsukune laughed as his phone started to ring. Pulling it out of his pocket, he grinned at the screen.
"Looks like Kyo woke up."
Kurumu stumbled as she was pulled into the side of Masuda Kaori. She clutched the white plastic bag to her chest, managing a smile as the girl's arm rested across her shoulders. The girl had on a white Giants jersey with a matching black cap. Her long ponytail was pulled through the hole in the back with the rim of her cap tilted up to accommodate her hair. Her denim shorts were often hidden by the long jersey.
"Nothing like shopping to make a girl feel better, right?"
Kurumu smiled, nodding. The muscles about her heart had relaxed though she doubted it had anything to do with blowing more than half of her remaining cash on a lovely black yukata dotted with pink carnations. She had needed time after seeing the souvenir shop from last night. For some reason, she had broken into tears and had found it difficult to breath. It had made all the girls worry over her as this had been her second breakdown.
"Now you have to wear that proper. No respectable girl wears lingerie beneath their yukata."
"Don't listen to that deviant, Ms. Kurono."
Kyoko shook her head as she walked out of the kimono shop with Yukari and Tsukune. Kyoko had on a sleeveless, white racerback shirt with RIP Slyme scrawled across her bosom. The shirt was tucked in a pair of faded blue jeans. Like Kaori, she was wearing casual sneakers and socks.
"Isn't lingerie optional with most dresses?"
Kyoko favored a puzzled look upon Yukari.
"I guess you can get away with it, but I've never thought of it as optional."
"Lingerie is always optional for the bold."
Onishi Ena was a tall brunette with short, boyish hair. She pushed a stray lock behind her ear and adjusted her glasses as she came over to join them. She had a loose, baggy brown shirt with black buttons which served no purpose since it was a pullover. Her pristine white slacks flared out at her ankles about her wide high heels which gave her enough extra height to be on Tsukune's level. She towered over the rest of them and smugly enjoyed it. She slung her purchase over her shoulder.
"Pity you won't be able to attend the festival. My pictures of you trying it on will have to suffice."
Kurumu shivered. Onishi was as bad as some of the guys back at Yokai. Normally interested girls gave off this sugary and sickeningly sweet sensation, but the desire Onishi exuded was unlike anything Kurumu had experienced before. It had her wonder if this was the difference between a girl curious about her and a girl whom actually wanted her. Of course there was no polite way of asking Onishi about it.
"When did you take pictures of her?"
Onishi grinned, adjusting her glasses.
"I have my ways."
"Whatever. Was there any other things you wanted to buy? We can help you out."
"Uh… I don't think so."
"You sure?"
Kurumu was not about to bring up buying lingerie in front of Onishi. She also had depleted her cash reserves to a little more than three thousand yen, which she was hesitant to spend today.
"Hey. We're missing that fainting punk girl."
Tsukune looked about and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry. I must have left her in there. I'll be right back."
Kurumu smiled as she leaned against Masuda. While Kyoko had been cautious about Mizore being a potential delinquent, the other girls had been remarkably accepting of Mizore. Their first stop of the morning had been at Kyoko's corner home which had a pretty garden in the front. Onishi had already been in the house since her home was only a couple blocks from Kyoko's. They had chatted for a few minutes before locking up and heading over to Masuda's apartment.
That was where Kurumu had her first breakdown. Unlike the other girls whom had phones, pretty homes and stable families, Masuda was the only daughter of a single mother. Masuda lived in a tiny apartment across the street from Nishida Central Park not far from the elementary school where the girls had all become friends. Masuda's mother rarely was home, working two steady jobs to afford Masuda's tuition on top of the rest of the household expenses.
"Hey, Kyo. Take my picture with the girl whom made our Tsuki into a man."
Kurumu blushed as Onishi chuckled.
"Wouldn't it be better to have Tsuki in the picture?"
"We can do that when he gets back with rocker chick. Come on."
Kurumu smiled softly as Kyoko came around to stand in front of them. She staggered forward a step under the sudden weight of Onishi's arm as the tall girl took a pose on her other side.
"Do you want to be in the picture, Ms. Sendou?"
Shrugging, Yukari came around to stand in front of Kurumu. Kyoko regarded her screen and directed them to smile. A couple seconds later and Kyoko grinned, shaking her phone.
"Do you want me to send these to you?"
They were on the fourth floor of the S-PAL mall tied to the Yamagata station. As it was a weekday, it was not that busy though there were some people milling about this afternoon. They had eaten lunch at the Lotteria, a fast food burger joint on the first floor, after Mizore had recovered from her last fainting spell.
"I would have to empty my memory card first. Maybe later."
"You should send them to Tsuki."
"Don't worry I will."
"You're all chummy with the girl whom stole your Tsuki away."
Masuda snorted at Onishi before nuzzling her cheek against Kurumu's head.
"I'm fine with giving him to a girl like me."
"She looks nothing like you."
Masuda pulled back but left her arm gently on Kurumu's shoulder.
"She understands. Besides… I haven't even thought that much about Tsuki since I joined the softball team. There's no point fretting over someone I would barely get to see anymore."
"I recall you being disappointed he failed the Kita entrance exam."
"Oh please. Whom wasn't disappointed when he failed all of his exams?"
"Sorry for the delay."
Kurumu glanced over her shoulder. Tsukune was grinning as he walked a couple steps ahead of Mizore. The snow girl was rubbing her eyes and shuffling her feet.
"She was tucked in a corner, napping."
"You have some strange girls in your high school."
"As if you're one to talk."
"She's never been good with the heat and I don't think she slept that well last night."
"Get over here and have your picture taken with us."
Kyoko laughed sheepishly, looking at her phone.
"I just realized I didn't take any pictures of our trip to Lina World yesterday. I'm so sorry."
"Lina World? Dear God, Kyoko. Were you trying to torture them?"
"It was fun, Ms. Masuda."
"I think her inquiry was valid."
If Kurumu had a free hand, she would have jostled the brat. Tsukune was steering a wobbly Mizore over to them, looking them over.
"Where do you want me standing?"
"Put your arms over Kaori. She's always dreamed about it."
"Shut up."
Tsukune chuckled as he settled in on Masuda's other side. He was holding Mizore against his side to help her remain steady as Kyoko backed out for a wider shot. Onishi placed a hand gently on Kurumu's shoulder. They smiled as Kyoko worked the buttons on her phone.
"Do you want me to send these to you or shall I take a couple on your phone, Tsuki?"
"Hand me your phone, Aono."
Tsukune frowned as Onishi stepped away from Kurumu and held a hand out.
"Why?"
"Because I'm swapping spots with Kyo."
"That's a good idea. Get over here, Kyo!"
Tsukune reluctantly surrendered his phone to the tall, bespectacled girl. Her heels clipped on the floor as she moved back to where Kyoko had been standing while Kyoko took Onishi's vacated spot. Kyoko was content to stand closely at Kurumu's side while Onishi flipped open Tsukune's phone and held it up.
"Everyone make lewd faces for Aono to enjoy in his private time."
"Take the picture."
Onishi grinned, pushing a button which caused a white light to flash. Kyoko giggled as Onishi flashed them with the phone a couple more times.
"You didn't need the flash."
Onishi shrugged as she clipped her way back over, returning the phone.
"As long as Aono is fine with me flashing him, there should be no complaints."
The weight of Masuda's arm finally left her shoulder as the ponytailed girl turned on Tsukune.
"We should hang out tomorrow."
"Don't you have practice?"
"One day isn't going to hurt anything, Kyo. I'll say I'm sick or something."
Onishi clucked her tongue while shaking her head.
"Your poor mother will be disappointed."
"Bah. My poor mother won't mind if I have a bit of fun. She comes home to a clean apartment and a meal prepared for her. I dare her to complain."
Kurumu smiled, feeling her heart ache as she thought about mommy. She had never been so kind to help mommy with the household chores. Now with her living most her year in a boarding school, she would never have the chance.
"Are you okay, Kurumu?"
Kurumu glanced at Tsukune and nodded.
"Yea. I'm feeling better."
"We should stop by the house to drop off your yukata."
"And drop off Ms. Shirayuki. She might faint on us again if we take her out on another long walk."
Mizore was wobbling upright with a hand pressed to her temple. One of the straps of her black top had drifted off her shoulder and the garment was damp with sweat beneath her bosom. Her nipples were pushing against the fabric notably.
"We should have had her change clothes when we stopped by the house for Ms. Kurono's purse."
Masuda slipped around Tsukune to tug Mizore against her side.
"I'll walk with her this time. I still can't get over how cold her skin is. It's like walking with a melting ice cube. So where should we go next if shopping is out?"
"We need to price some tickets for Ms. Shirayuki."
"Yea, you guys said something about her being a runaway."
Kurumu disliked how Yukari had explained Mizore to these girls, thought it was sadly accurate.
"I imagine it will be very expensive to send her home by train. A plane might be cheaper."
Tsukune chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head.
"If it's that bad, I'm sure my parents will have to let her stay."
"We won't know anything till we ask."
Yukari huffed with her arms crossed as she headed for the escalator bank in the center of the open space between the shops. Grinning, Onishi fell in step with the small girl's strides. Kurumu smiled as she felt the gentle touch of Tsukune's hand on her shoulder. Nodding at him, she started towards the others with Kyoko keeping pace on her left as they made their way around the wall to the escalator which would take them down to the lower floors.
"I have to admit my memories of Masuda were much different."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You were always bossy and difficult to talk to."
"That's because Kaori loves being in control. I'm sure that was obvious when you saw her apartment."
"Oh, stuff it, Ena. A clean home is easier to manage."
"I don't think I've ever been to her apartment before, though we did hang out at that park a lot."
Yukari grabbed the black band of the escalator and stepped on the moving stair. Kurumu thought to pull away, but Tsukune tugged her in against his side as he stepped on the stair behind Onishi. Smiling softly, she leaned against him as they descended.
"With Kaori's training, she will be prepared for her inevitable marriage to a useless lout whom spends all his time and money on loose women."
"Don't forecast my future."
"Where shall we head after this?"
"Perhaps we can visit Aono's junior high?"
"Why does everyone keep suggesting I go back to that prison?"
"Hey now. This is a tour of your past for your girlfriend."
"So far it feels like you're all trying your hardest to embarrass me."
Kurumu smiled as they neared the third floor. For all his protests, she could tell he enjoyed being around these girls again. They had goofed off a little at the park by Masuda's apartment before showing her the indoor swimming pool where they all had learned how to swim. Since his house had not been far from the pool, they had stopped by to pick up her purse before heading over to his elementary school across the train tracks. Tsukune had admitted that only a small section was the school he had went to since the city had made a huge expansion in 2004. The city was leaving the old school standing, seeking to classify it as a historical site since it was the first school.
"Then where would you suggest we go?"
"Well… the arcade at Kajo Central is nearby."
Masuda sighed, rubbing Mizore's shoulder.
"I suppose we could spend some time there but we are at least going to walk around your junior high."
"I guess we can walk by it."
Yukari stepped off the escalator onto the third floor. The witch walked a couple steps to the side, waiting for them. Nodding at Kurumu, Yukari grabbed the black band and stepped onto the next escalator.
"What about the maid cafe my Moka said you went to?"
All eyes turned upon Tsukune before he could get on the next escalator.
"Maid cafe?"
"When did this happen?"
"Where is it?"
Tsukune laughed sheepishly as he stepped onto the moving stair.
"That's something Noguchi dragged us to."
"I remember that turd. Why were you hanging out with a creepy dork like that?"
"Well… I always saw him at the arcade so it kind of just happened."
"You have been led astray, Aono. Please tell us where this establishment is so that we can determine how far off the path this has taken you."
"You just want to see the maids."
Onishi adjusted her glasses.
"Naturally. How else can we decide the appropriate level of punishment?"
"We only went a couple times. I don't remember the place or where it is."
Kyoko smirked at Tsukune, shaking her head.
"Sure. They drugged you, threw you in the back of a van and you woke up in the cafe."
"Well… I vaguely know where it is but we can't walk around aimlessly. Mizore won't make it."
"If you don't take us there than we will be forced to assume the worst case scenario."
Kurumu frowned, glancing at Onishi.
"What's the worst case?"
"Full service."
"What's full service?"
Yukari huffed as they neared the second floor.
"She means sexual favors, Kurumu."
Kurumu blushed at the thought of Tsukune having sex with some strange girl in a maid outfit. She then thought about the day of her departure and how he had liked her wearing the maid uniform and thong.
"Do you have a maid fetish?"
"It was nothing like that! It was just a bunch of girls being overly nice and cute to get excessive tips from desperate guys whom can't find girlfriends."
"An astute observation. So now that you have acquired a girlfriend, are you afraid to introduce her to your days of despair?"
"Well… he was a virgin on his birthday…"
An uneasy silence settled over the group at Kurumu's admission. Yukari was the first off the escalator, walking off to the side away from the escalators. Onishi sighed, grabbing the witch by the shoulder to prevent her from getting too far ahead of the group.
"We were teasing him, Ms. Kurono. No maid cafe would actually offer that sort of thing."
"Yea… that ruins our fun."
Onishi smirked at them as they got off the escalator.
"You are all blushing."
"That's not true!"
"Wishing you had been his first?"
Masuda scowled, clinging Mizore to her side.
"Shut up."
"It's embarrassing to think of him having sex with Ms. Kurono."
"I guess I would feel a little uncomfortable if you had a boyfriend."
"We can keep talking while moving."
Yukari huffed, pulling sharply away from Onishi. Things were a little busier on the second floor due to it emptying directly into the train station. There were some novelty shops on the right.
"She's in a hurry to be somewhere."
"She doesn't get along with Ms. Shirayuki."
Masuda chuckled, giving Mizore a squeeze.
"Can't say I blame her. Why chase after Tsuki when you have a fiancé?"
"It's an arranged marriage."
"You said you met this fiancé. Is he cute, Ms. Kurono?"
"He's tall and one of our top students."
"She's not asking for your opinion, Tsuki."
"Though that's nice to hear he's smart."
Kurumu laughed softly, leaning against Tsukune as they neared the end of the shops. Across the walkway was the entrance to a hotel and off to the left was the east exit from the station.
"I think he likes Mizore, but won't say it until she accepts him."
"Okay… is he ugly as sin or something?"
Kurumu had to smile.
"No. I don't think he's bad looking. I have asked Mizore to give him a fair chance."
Masuda sighed dramatically.
"It would be nice to have an arranged marriage to some cute guy."
"Since when have you ever liked something picked out for you?"
"This is different. And since Ena here forced us all into that forsaken place, we'll never find boyfriends. There were plenty of closer coed high schools we could have attended."
"Nobody forced you to enroll in Kita. And Sayaka has managed to find a boyfriend."
"That traitorous twit. It was her fault for getting us all branded as freaks in junior high."
"You weren't interested in any guys in junior high."
"I would have been interested in a guy interested in me if he was cute."
At the end of the shops they had turned right, taking the passage to the station. They had walked this path yesterday as it was a convenient method of crossing the tracks.
"Could we visit their high school?"
"Why would you want to do that?"
Kurumu shrugged, leaning against him.
"I don't know what else we would do after seeing your junior high."
"There are much more fun places to go if we're willing to walk that far."
"Yea, well… I only have so much cash so keep that in mind before spending my money."
"The pool is cheap if one of you are willing to buy Ms. Kurono a swimsuit."
Onishi hesitated as they reached the point where the train station shops started. She glanced over at Kurumu, adjusting her glasses with a nod. Kurumu shivered at the sensation the girl favored upon her.
"That might be a worthwhile investment."
"Please don't trouble yourselves. I know they won't have anything in my size in stock."
"Are we cool with asking your size?"
Kurumu smiled, supposing it would do no harm.
"75G."
"Good God girl. And you just turned sixteen?"
Masuda shook her head as they walked by the intersecting passage with the gates down to the platform. Yukari had already passed through the glass door to the ticket information center and was taking a spot at the end of the line. Onishi grabbed the portal, holding it open for the rest of them.
"I can't imagine having to run around with that sort of baggage."
"You don't have any baggage."
Masuda stuck her tongue out at Onishi as they filtered in through the door.
"They did put her in the centerfield because she's the fastest on the team."
"That does not mean I'm flat, Kyo. It's called a sports bra."
"If you cut your hair you could be a starter on the boys' team."
"You're not one to talk. You don't even own a bikini."
"I'm intelligent enough to recognize how futile that would be."
"This is really not the setting to have this discussion."
Kurumu smiled at Kyoko's distress, aware that several others were regarding their group with frowns. Yukari had reached the information counter which was being run by a dark haired man wearing a blue jacket over a white dress shirt.
"May I help you?"
"Yes. We were wanting to get a price for a ticket to Asahikawa."
"Asahikawa?"
"In Hokkaido. It is a major city."
The man frowned.
"Hokkaido? You would have to take the train to Sendai if you wanted to go there."
"That sounds reasonable."
"How quickly are you wanting to get there?"
Yukari glanced back at them but Kurumu could only shrug.
"Within a day would be preferable. I'm sure my mother would want to minimalize the need for hotels."
"Then the Tohoku Hokkaido Shinkansen would be the most sensible route."
Kurumu grimaced, aware how pricey the Yamagata Shinkansen had been. Still it probably was cheaper than going a more time consuming route which required a hotel stay.
"How much longer would a non Shinkansen route take?"
The attendant chuckled, shaking his head.
"Much too long if you wish to not have to spend the night somewhere."
"How much is the ticket?"
The attendant held up a hand as he worked on a nearby terminal.
"I'm first checking to see if it is possible to get you to your destination in one day."
The attendant whistled with a slight shake of his head. He turned back to them with a smile.
"Asahikawa does have a station on the Hakodate train out of Sapporo. We have three trains leaving this station for Sendai every week day which could connect to the Shinkansen to Sapporo. There's a morning train at nine, a noon train and an afternoon train at two. It doesn't matter which one you take. The price is the same and all can't get you to Asahikawa any faster than ten hours."
"That sounds rough. This girl can't handle two hours in the sun."
Masuda chuckled, patting Mizore in the back. The snow girl glanced at Masuda, shaking her head.
"How much is the cost?"
"Twenty five thousand yen."
"Isn't that a bit high?"
The attendant smiled politely, shaking his head.
"Twenty five thousand, six hundred fifty yen."
"Wouldn't a plane ticket be cheaper?"
The attendant shrugged, holding up his hands.
"I cannot compare that, but I can assure you that this price would be cheaper than taking different trains and spending nights in hotels. There is also the fact that the Shinkansen is the only train which crosses the sea. At some point you would either have to take that train or catch a ferry."
Tsukune chuckled, shaking his head.
"That's like seventy seven thousand yen for my mother to take her back. There's no way my parents are going to afford that."
"Thank you, Sir."
Yukari bowed slightly to the attendant, whom nodded his head.
"Have a good day."
As they headed out of the information center, Kyoko let out a huge sigh while shaking her head.
"Can you imagine how much stuff you could buy with seventy seven thousand yen?"
"We could easily get her a swimsuit."
Kyoko giggled, slapping Tsukune on the shoulder.
"Text your mother that total. She'll probably flip out."
"We could stop by the library and check on the costs for flights from Sendai to Sapporo."
"I suppose we could do that. Is a half hour at your arcade good enough?"
"At least make it an hour."
"Come on, Tsuki. If we're stopping at the library, we can't be wasting a bunch of time at your arcade."
Tsukune let go of Kurumu as they started down the walkway over the train tracks. He flipped open his phone and started punching in numbers.
"We don't need to stop at the library. Mom can have Dad check on plane schedules and ticket costs at his workplace. An hour at the arcade and a quick stop by my junior high before taking Mizore home. I don't really care what we do after that."
Kyoko smiled at him.
"You're being surprisingly assertive."
"Never stand in the way of a geek and his games."
Tsukune glanced at Masuda, shaking his head.
"I'll pay for your tokens if you're worried about the costs."
"Then I'm fine with an hour."
Kurumu chuckled, leaning back against Tsukune after he pocketed his phone. They were steering off to the right along the walkway which crossed over to the second floor of Kajo Central.
"They really are like our friends at school. The girls we fly with."
Tsukune smirked, draping his arm over her shoulder and pulling her in.
"I guess they are."
"Are you sure you're okay?"
Kurumu favored Kyoko a pained smile as she clung to the metal links anchored to the bar above. She rocked back and forth on the pads of her feet, feeling her heart relax. She had no idea why it hurt again. It had calmed down so much during the arcade and had not been a trouble at all these past few hours.
There had been nothing special about the arcade or Tsukune's junior high. It actually did look somewhat like what she expected a prison would resemble with the tall chain-link fence erected about the grounds. Kurumu was thankful that Mizore was starting to wilt in the prime hours of the sun, providing an excuse not to explore the place.
After dumping Mizore off at Tsukune's house, Masuda had convinced Mrs. Aono to spot them some cash for the Yamagata bowling alley. It was not an expensive outing and she promised Kyoko would pay her back, which Kyoko agreed she could if Mrs. Aono wanted.
"Should we call Auntie?"
Kurumu shook her head, knowing this pain would not go away like that. She pushed back on her swing, lifting her legs so that she could glide all the way forward. She took in a deep breath as she regarded the back of the bowling alley in front of them.
"I'll be fine. I'm sure when I go home, everything will be better."
"You're such a baby."
Yukari was seated in the swing on Kurumu's left while to the right Kyoko was leaning on the post holding up the bar overhead. Tsukune was still inside finishing up his game with the other girls.
"I'm sorry."
"You're just stressed over Ms. Shirayuki."
"It's not that."
Yukari sighed.
"I don't understand her. From what I know about Mr. Umizake, there is no reason for her to refuse this marriage proposal."
"She doesn't love him."
"She doesn't love Tsukune."
Kurumu paused, having no argument against that.
"I… I just want to see my mother."
"I used to have days like that."
Kyoko smiled softly, pulling her phone out of back pocket.
"Something feels off or goes wrong. You think maybe your parents can make it better, because they know so much more than you do."
"I assure you that's not the case."
"Then what is it?"
Kurumu shrugged as she rocked back and forth.
"I want to be held. To feel her against me. Warm. Protected. Loved."
"I haven't felt like that for years. I guess that happens when you come home to an empty house more often than not. When being loved is something you can't get on demand. Even with this silly phone which supposedly makes us closer."
Kurumu winced at the thought of coming home to a place without mommy. For so many years, that was something she could always count on. Mommy would be home for her. Now with this deal made with Mrs. Shuzen, those days were coming to an end.
"Do you think your parents will hurt when you leave?"
"That's something they agreed to when they gave birth to us."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari's gruff response.
"I doubt there's that much thought put into it."
"And I doubt my parents would hurt. I think it's more likely that they wouldn't notice the difference."
Kurumu shuddered at the thought. She let go of the chain with her right hand, bringing it to her breast as she closed her eyes tightly.
"Kurumu, stop. You are personalizing other people's problems and it doesn't do anyone good."
Kyoko smiled, slipping her phone back in her pocket.
"Don't worry about it, Ms. Kurono. I know I make it sound like my family life is bad, but it's not. I guess the best word for it is empty. That's what it is. Empty. The house. The relationships. It's there but there's nothing inside of it. I know it might not seem good, but it doesn't mean it's bad. Not when you look at the kind of life Masuda has endured."
"That's a positive way of approaching disappointment."
"I guess. Anyways, that's why I said you guys were lucky this morning. Normally you'd never catch me in that house, but I slept in. Probably from that spin Tsukune surprised me with."
Kurumu chuckled at the memory, feeling a little better.
"We should change subjects. Something more positive and uplifting."
"Any suggestions?"
"We could talk about how this brat isn't wearing any underwear."
"This dress is long enough."
"That's hilarious, but not exactly a topic we can talk long about."
"Do you ever forego lingerie?"
"Only when I forget."
"Kurumu often doesn't wear a bra."
"Because I only have four and I don't own any strapless bras to go with half of my casual outfits."
"I'm surprised you have a shortage if you've taken Tsuki with you lingerie shopping multiple times."
Kurumu giggled, shaking her head.
"It's only been twice and the most I've ever bought was panties. I don't have money."
"You two are so alike. I don't think Masuda owns any normal bras these days. Ever since she started softball… well, they only have so much money so she said it made sense."
Kurumu nodded, feeling her heart squeeze a little.
"What about Ms. Onishi?"
"Ena? I don't think any of us dare to ask about her lingerie."
"Is she into girls?"
Kyoko glanced about nervously.
"Uh… we don't know? She's weird but it might all be a game she's playing."
Kurumu smiled, contemplating other subjects they could talk about.
"Do you think we'll meet Ms. Kobayashi tomorrow?"
"Who knows?"
"What is she like?"
"I believe I've already told you about her craziness."
Kurumu grinned, returning her hand to the chain to swing gently.
"Yea… but that was a phase. What was she like before?"
"Hmm. I guess you could say she was our creationist."
"What does that mean?"
"She was always fussing over things. Drawing, painting, building. She got her parents to buy her a makeup set back in the second grade and we had to learn with her. There was no negotiating with her."
Yukari huffed.
"My mother won't buy me makeup."
"Neither does mine, though she's not hawking what I spend my allowance on."
"Is makeup expensive?"
"Not really, but when you have a limited income, you don't want to spend it on junk that doesn't seem to improve your looks at all. That and our school will make you wash your face if it's too obvious."
"So… she's a girly girl?"
Kyoko laughed, nodding.
"Yea. Far more girly than the rest of us. She's bleached her hair blond so many times that the school is convinced she's a foreigner. She used to carry around a tote with hair accessories and cheap jewelry. Her parents are pretty well off, so she was quick to let us have whatever we wanted from her tote. I don't think they ever gave her stuff that was valuable."
"Is she smart?"
"I wouldn't say so."
"But you stated that she was going to a cram school."
"Her parents can afford to send her to one. It also helps that she has a clear goal in mind."
"A career?"
"Yup. She decided last year that she would become an architect."
"I'm surprised she didn't go with fashion."
Kyoko chuckled, shaking her head.
"I think her days of dressing Tsuki up in gowns are long behind her."
"Gowns?"
"Just things she did to a young boy whom we all loved to have around."
Kurumu smiled, thinking she would have to ask Tsukune about his crossdressing days.
"Tsukune did mention a few junior high friends whom he has known a long time. An Ishii and Hara whom both enrolled in East."
"Jun and Hiro. What about them?"
"Yukari was trying to meet them tomorrow before we go."
"I was trying to pawn Ms. Shirayuki off to an eager virgin, since getting knocked up is her priority."
Kyoko giggled, shaking her head.
"You can't be serious. Anyways, they used to be fun but we went our separate ways."
"I heard they tired of being evil minions which Ms. Kobayashi attacked."
Kyoko laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Well… sort of. Jun had a big crush on Sayaka. We all knew it. Ena thinks something happened between the two which prompted Sayaka's craziness."
"Tsukune didn't mention anything about it."
"I doubt Tsuki knew. It wouldn't surprise me if Hiro didn't realize it either. But Hiro would never come play with us without Jun, so… yea."
Kurumu smiled softly, noting that the others were walking across the street towards them. She let go of the chains and stood up from the swing.
"Do you think we should head home?"
"Already? It's not even six."
"What time were you planning on heading back?"
"Didn't Auntie say she would call for us?"
"What are we talking about?"
Kurumu smiled as she regarded the dirt. Tsukune was admiring her which felt nice. Yukari stepped in beside her, tugging the bottom of her shirt.
"We were discussing if we should head back to your home or not."
"Kyo's right. Mom said she would call. She wants to have a proper discussion with Mizore and Dad before having us around."
Masuda hopped over to Kurumu's side, draping an arm over her shoulder.
"We could always hit the batting cages. They're not far from here."
"That costs money you don't have and I have no desire for further physical activity."
"You're such a weakling, Ena."
"Kaori forgets that she's in the company of ladies."
Masuda stuck her tongue out at Onishi. Sighing, she leaned her head against Kurumu's.
"What else could we do?"
"Well… Sega World is close by."
"Really, Tsuki? We've already spent more than an hour at your silly arcade."
Tsukune chuckled sheepishly.
"It's not quite the same thing."
Kyoko and Onishi shook their heads as Masuda eased off Kurumu without letting her go.
"Maybe we could eat dinner? Spice Picca is down the street and I'm in the mood for curry."
"That also costs money you don't have."
"I don't think my mother wants us eating dinner while we're out."
"We don't have that many options, Aono."
"What about visiting one of your homes? We didn't see your place, Ms. Onishi."
Onishi smirked at Kurumu.
"I don't know if I could take you home with me. My little brothers might succumb to your charms."
"Then… maybe Ms. Kobayashi?"
Kyoko frowned as the group quieted.
"I don't know if we should intrude. Her family might be having dinner right now."
"But that guarantees the brat would be home."
"Not necessarily. She could still be out with her boyfriend."
Masuda grinned wider at Onishi.
"Even better. We can tell her parents all about her mischief."
"That could cause quite some trouble if they don't know about him."
Masuda huffed, removing her arm from Kurumu's shoulder to cross hers about her chest.
"So? It serves her right for getting a boyfriend without telling anyone."
"Stop being childish."
"Childish? If that twit thought she was doing something right she would have told everyone about it."
"That's not an excuse to cause her grief."
"She threw us away, Ena. Do you think she would talk to you if you weren't in her homeroom?"
"Let it go, Kaori."
"You know I'm right. We only had another year together and she quit on us for no good reason."
"What if she loves him?"
"Then I better get a damn wedding invitation!"
Onishi sighed heavily. Forcing a smile upon Kurumu, she bowed her head slightly.
"I'm sorry for her rude behavior."
"Yea. I'm totally the bad guy here."
Onishi grinned with a gesture down the street.
"Perhaps we should all cool off at the bathhouse?"
"I don't know about that. What if Mom calls while I'm in there?"
"You can text her that you will be going to the bathhouse with us. Maybe Kaori can bathe on your side."
"Ha, ha. Very funny. You'd have a better chance getting in there than me."
Kurumu smiled at their antics, sharing a glance with Kyoko. The cousin smiled apologetically.
"Will it be crowded, Ms. Onishi?"
"Given the hour, I don't think so. Most people whom would use the facility would eat dinner first."
Yukari nodded with a contemplative expression.
"I've never been to a public bathhouse. Do we need bathing supplies?"
"They sell most things at the counter and also have vending machines with small bottles of soap and shampoo in the locker rooms. They have their own towels, though some do show their age."
Masuda draped her arm over Kurumu's shoulder again.
"Ena just wants to see Tsuki's girl naked."
"And you don't?"
"I'm a little curious, though it's obvious she has an awesome body. You don't mind if I squeeze your boobs once or twice, right?"
Kurumu pouted, feeling a surge of desire from Tsukune.
"Why would you want to do that?"
"For comparison's sake. You can squeeze mine if you like."
"Please don't molest my girlfriend."
Onishi adjusted her glasses with her own flavor of desire upon Kurumu.
"I prefer to call it research."
"We should get going. Ena can call her parents to pick us up afterwards."
Yukari took Kyoko's hand and they started back to the sidewalk which flanked the road for the bowling alley. Masuda tugged Kurumu along, prompting Tsukune to fall in step with them. Onishi tailed a couple paces behind as they headed north.
"Can all of us fit in Onishi's car?"
"I can call Mom to pick us up."
Kurumu nodded at Tsukune, supposing this would be the end of the day. Her heart still ached but it felt comforting to be near Tsukune and held by this older girl from his past.
"Do you want to squeeze Kurumu's boobs, Ms. Aono?"
Kyoko laughed nervously.
"I haven't thought about it."
"They're very soft. My Moka's are soft too."
Kurumu stumbled as Masuda tugged her closer to her side. The girl was shaking her head.
"I don't get it. How did he end up in a club surrounded by girls?"
"Aono has always been surrounded by girls."
"We don't count. We were just kids goofing off. It's different once you hit junior high."
"I wasn't surrounded by girls in junior high."
"As if that matters when you snag a girlfriend with a smoking hot body in your first few months of high school. And then you have that rocker girl crushing mad hard on you. Where the fuck are my prospects? Did I torture women and children in a former life?"
"It pains me to admit it, but my Moka has a childish crush on Tsukune."
"Oh? She has the hots for you too?"
Tsukune waved his hands emphatically while shaking his head at Masuda.
"We're just friends! Moka, Kurumu and Tora all joined the newspaper club with me. Most Yokai students have a friend or two with them, but our club members were all loners."
Masuda glared at Tsukune.
"How many guys are in this club, Tsuki?"
Tsukune chuckled nervously, glancing away as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Uh… it's just me and our club president."
"Is he cute?"
"Ginei has several girls whom admire him."
Masuda sighed, shaking her head. They crossed the street which had more buildings on the other side. It was difficult to say if the ones on the right were businesses or residences but the structures on the right were clearly warehouse sorts with their white painted sheathing and roll up doors.
"Life is entirely unfair. Both Tsuki and Sayaka get lovey dovey lives and here I'm still playing housewife to my mother. Where's my handsome prince whom will sweep me off my feet and spoil me silly?"
"You murdered him in your past life."
Masuda stuck her tongue out at Onishi. She sighed, leaning against Kurumu.
"Be honest. What is it you see in him?"
Kurumu blushed at the memory of answering this to Kyoko.
"Well… he's cute."
"It's a physical attraction."
Masuda laughed at Yukari's blunt interjection. The girl had a rosy glow to her cheeks.
"I can't imagine anyone being physically attracted to Tsuki."
"I had the same reaction when she told me she was attracted to him."
"Tsukune is very big. I've seen other men and I believe he is easily bigger than average."
Masuda snorted at Yukari's remark.
"What are you talking about? Tsuki is kind of scrawny."
"Indeed. He is barely taller than I am."
"I was talking about his penis."
Masuda stumbled over her feet, nearly pulling Kurumu down. They all halted their walk which caused Yukari to frown back at Kyoko whom was holding her hand. Tsukune was moving his mouth without making a sound like a fish on the beach trying to breathe. It was the first time Kurumu had seen Onishi blush. The tall girl turned her head aside, touching her temple.
"That was unexpected."
"Tsuki. Why would a little girl know something like that?"
"I… I have no idea. I can't… when? I don't understand."
Kurumu was also at a loss. She was struggling to think of situations in which Yukari could have seen something of that nature. There may have been close calls but nothing seemed possible.
"She's joking guys. It's a joke."
Masuda nodded as Kyoko continued to stare off in a daze.
"Yea. It has to be. It's not like a girl her age would have any clue what the average size for men is."
"It's called the internet, Ms. Masuda. In my opinion, if Tsukune's grades ever do fail him, he could have a profitable future in the porn industry with Kurumu."
Onishi made a slight sound as she cleared her throat.
"Well… if you ever need a camera woman…"
Masuda snatched up Kurumu's hand, shaking her head as she started walking briskly. Kyoko broke out of her daze to start after them with Yukari in tow.
"I'm never going to forgive you, Tsuki. Never."
"Wait! What did I do?!"
Kurumu doubted any answer would make sense.
Kurumu sighed, closing her eyes while relaxing against Tsukune. Mrs. Aono had given her permission to curl up in Tsukune's lap while they watched the television. They had dressed down for bed after dinner. Kurumu was wearing her powder blue chemise while Tsukune had on a white tee and loose black sleep pants. She could feel his body reacting to her presence but she was weary from a long day. At least it felt like her heart had finally calmed down.
They were seated behind the table and Tsukune had his hands carefully placed below her breasts but in sight so his mother would not worry. His mother sat on their left and his father on their right. Both were still dressed for the day as they watched the program discussing the upcoming festival.
"You should scoot back from the television, dear."
Yukari nodded, her eyes fixed on the screen as she complied with Mrs. Aono's request. Yukari wore a soft yellow tank top with a large strawberry printed in the white oval center which Kurumu had never seen before. The top had matching yellow sleep pants with a white hem printed with small strawberries.
Mizore had eaten dinner with them today. The snow girl was sprawled out on the floor in front of Mrs. Aono, barring the path to the hallway. Having nothing resembling pajamas, Mizore was wearing a black sports bra and a pair of shorts she had borrowed from Mrs. Aono. The bright red fabric clung tightly about her hips and rump, but was loose at the thighs and waist. Considering it was something Tsukune had used to worn in his junior high days, it was surprising it fit at all.
The situation with Mizore was as worked out as it could be. Having determined plane tickets were not much cheaper than the train, the Aonos had abandoned the idea of sending Mizore home. She was allowed to spend the summer provided she strictly followed the rules, which were simple enough. Don't molest Tsukune, eat the meals served to her and keep her room tidy. If she failed, they had decided they could contact the school and see if they would be willing to take her back to campus early.
"Are you certain the two of you can't stay for the festival?"
"I have no way of changing plans with my mother. I'm sorry."
"A pity that I won't get to see you in that pretty yukata you bought."
"Darling."
Mr. Aono smirked at his wife, turning his attention back to the screen.
"You're more than welcome to make yourself comfortable over here, my dear."
Kurumu smiled as Mrs. Aono rolled her eyes. She felt jealous. She wondered if Mizore or Yukari felt the same way. They both seemed to not question the interactions of Tsukune's parents. Was this normal? Was this how a family was supposed to be?
For all the teasing of lecherous acts, the bathhouse visit had not been anything special. While Masuda had given her boob a squeeze, the other two had kept things to simple conversation. It was mostly talk about their school lives and career prospects. Onishi was undecided but planned for college while Masuda was leaning towards a career in physical wellness such as a gym trainer or a nutritionist.
They had talked a few minutes about sex, mostly because Masuda had noticed her arctic blue curls which had Kyoko giggling over her coloring her pubic hair. Kurumu had defended her patch on the basis of Tsukune preferring it this way. It felt odd talking to three older virgins whom looked upon her as some expert on sex. She had to remind them that she had only done it a few times and that Tsukune had been her first so she could not compare him to anyone.
It was during this talk that Yukari had confirmed seeing Tsukune's size. She had seen him twice during the week of the field trip, admitting that it was only glimpses but that her memory was reliable enough to make a fair comparison to internet images. As the other girls were dubious about accurately judging anyone's size with a glimpse, they had discouraged the witch from being so silly and that she should enjoy being a kid while it lasted.
Kurumu had nearly drifted off in his arms when the sharp tone of the doorbell announced a visitor. As Kurumu stirred back to a more upright position, Mrs. Aono glanced at her husband with a frown.
"Are you expecting anyone tonight?"
"No. My mistress meets with me every other Wednesday."
Mrs. Aono sighed, slowly getting to her feet.
"I suppose I can remind her to wait for next week."
"You're the best, dear."
Mrs. Aono shook her head as she carefully stepped around Mizore to enter the hall.
"Keep out of sight, Ms. Shirayuki. There is a chance our guest is a man."
"I assure you that I prefer women."
"Oh, stop it."
Mr. Aono chuckled as his wife disappeared from view.
"So what do you plan to do if it is a woman?"
"What I always do."
Kurumu frowned, wondering how often this sort of thing happened.
"Tsukune. You have another beautiful young woman visiting you."
Tsukune shifted behind her, freeing his legs as his mother stepped back into view. Before he could get to his feet, a familiar pink haired girl poked her head around the doorway. Moka stepped further into view, waving her hand as Kurumu stared in shock at the vampire. Moka was dressed in the lilac dress with white lace stitched in the hem about her thighs which she had worn on the field trip. She had the same lilac, long sleeved jacket worn over the dress with the white button cinching it together in the center at the top of her breasts.
"Moka!"
Yukari sprung into Moka's torso, causing her to reflexively catch her. Yukari's feet landed heavily in the center of Mizore's back, yielding a breathy groan. Moka glanced down, frowning as she effortlessly lifted Yukari up to spare Mizore some discomfort.
"What is she doing here?"
Mizore lifted up on her elbows, cocking her head to glance up at Moka.
"Is there an issue with me being here?"
Moka glanced aside as she backed away a step, letting Yukari's feet settle on the floor.
"I'm sorry."
"It's a valid question. No need to apologize to a stray."
With the shock passed, Kurumu took Tsukune's hand to get up on her feet.
"We sort of knew she might spend the summer with me."
"That may be true but I had hoped she would give Mr. Umizake a fair chance."
"I don't believe we have been properly introduced. I'm Aono Kouji, Tsukune's father."
"This is Akashiya Moka, another member of our newspaper club and a good friend."
Moka flinched at Tsukune's cheerful introduction, managing a smile and a nod.
"I'm pleased to meet you."
"I don't wish to sound rude, but I am curious why you have dyed your hair, Ms. Akashiya. I guess they allow such things at your school, since you are the third of my son's friends to have unusual hair color."
Moka absently touched her hair, smiling softly.
"My mother is a foreigner so this is my natural color."
"Natural? I don't think I've ever seen hair naturally that color."
"This hair color did cause me trouble in school. But when I dyed it darker to look more like everyone else, they treated me no differently. It seemed a waste of money so I stopped trying."
"And here I was starting to worry my boy was surrounding himself with a bunch of rebellious girls."
"Dear. I've known about Ms. Akashiya for some time and was informed she is a top student. Tsukune has always written good things about her."
"That's good to hear. You are more than welcome to spend the night as my door is always open to beautiful young women."
Moka bowed her head.
"I thank you for the hospitality and for the kindness you have shown my friends. I hope that they have not caused you any trouble."
"No trouble at all, Ms. Akashiya. Would you like some tea?"
Moka shook her head at Mrs. Aono.
"I am sorry, but I do have people waiting for me."
"I did notice a car idling in the street. If it is no trouble, you could ask if your companions would like to park in our driveway and come inside."
"Thank you, Mrs. Aono, but it is rather late. I will most likely sleep on the drive back to Sendai."
"Why did you come here?"
Moka smiled softly, fondly pushing her fingers through Yukari's hair.
"I've come to pick Kurumu up."
"But your sister's wedding isn't until next week."
"Yea. I promised my mother that I would be home by Friday. I at least have to stop by the house and say goodbye before you whisk me away for the rest of the summer."
"This is kind of sudden, Moka. Isn't it possible that you wait another day? I know my cousin would be very disappointed if Kurumu left without warning."
Moka shook her head with a thin smile.
"I'm sorry, Tsukune. I would love nothing more than to stay and chat with your family, but Mother said I was to come get Kurumu and return right away. Kokoa is waiting in the car since Mother felt it unwise for me to fly here on my own."
"You flew here?"
"Yes. Kokoa and I were escorted onto a plane this afternoon. When we arrived at the airport in Sendai, we were picked up by a nice woman whom was instructed to take us here. I was fortunate that Tsukune had given me his address."
Mr. Aono got up on his feet and grinned.
"Surely you can at least spend an hour before running back to Sendai."
Moka brought her hand up, stifling a yawn. She shook her head.
"Sorry. I'm afraid Ms. Kiyoshi would not appreciate that. She's clearly agitated with this assignment and wants to take us back to the hotel she has booked for the night. We have a morning plane to catch."
Kurumu frowned at the name, feeling like she may have heard it before.
"If you don't mind me asking, where are you flying to?"
"Kumamoto, Mr. Aono. We live in a country estate in the prefecture."
"This is a bit sudden, Moka. I don't know if I should come. My parents have appointments scheduled for me early next week."
"I don't think you can, Yukari. We only have a ticket for Kurumu."
Yukari pouted as Moka caressed her locks.
"You will remember to send for me? Your sister is being married and I should be a part of it."
"I will remind Mother that a young witch is expecting an invitation."
"Well… I suppose Ms. Kurono should change into something else for your drive. I will fetch her dirty clothes from the laundry so she doesn't leave anything behind."
Kurumu nodded as Mrs. Aono retreated down the hall. Clutching her breast, she picked her way around the table and carefully avoided stepping on Mizore.
"Will this work, Moka? I've never been on a plane before."
"It should be fine."
Kurumu hesitated in the hall, touching the door to her room.
"Are you sure? Don't they require an ID or something to board a plane?"
"You don't need to worry about it."
"I'm no expert at flying, but I do believe every passenger has to present some sort of photo ID, even if it is a student ID. Surely you have one of those."
"Dad, our school didn't issue photo IDs. Our lunch cards are no different than a credit card."
"Ms. Kiyoshi is flying with us to Kumamoto, Mr. Aono. I believe she will be able to get Kurumu on the plane. She was on the phone most of the drive here arranging things with another of her coworkers to handle things in her absence."
"I see. It sounds like this woman must have some influence."
"I believe she has a way of getting what she wants."
Kurumu sighed, sliding the door open.
"I'm not throwing a bra on so this Kiyoshi best be okay with me wearing a tank top and shorts."
"She's very pretty, Kurumu. I believe she is one of your kind."
Mr. Aono chuckled heartily as Kurumu wandered into her room and shut the door behind her.
"If by kind you mean a charming and beautiful young woman, I insist that she comes inside for some tea and conversation."
"Are you making a case for why I should send you to your office to sleep for the night?"
"A false threat. I know you could never sleep soundly without me by your side."
Kurumu chuckled as she tugged her chemise over her head.
"Avoid men like this, Ms. Akashiya. They are more trouble than they are worth."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"And Ms. Kurono. I have your clothes in a bag. Am I able to come in?"
"One moment."
Kurumu pulled her gray tank top on and quickly hopped into her black shorts. She hurried back to the door, tugging it open. She smiled at Mrs. Aono, bowing slightly as she took the plastic bag with today's clothes in it. His mother had already washed the chemise she had worn last night. Kurumu headed back to her suitcase to start packing as the door was shut by Mrs. Aono.
"Can I go inside?"
"You can hug her at the door where I can see you."
"Sorry, my boy, but it seems you have graduated from the innocent son she hoped you were to a filthy man whom will take advantage of every opportunity given to him when it involves a beautiful girl."
Kurumu had to chuckle as she arranged her suitcase while the antics ensued behind her.