Somewhat ready for school, Kurumu strolled out of Yukari's small bathroom rubbing her weathered towel against her damp locks. She had been a touch out of sorts last night and had come to Yukari's suite instead of her place. Arriving around eleven, the poor girl had been asleep, but enough ringing of the doorbell had convinced her to answer Kurumu's summons.
Yukari was standing on a stool as she put away her rice cooker in one of the overhead cabinets. The witch was already dressed in her blouse and skirt and was busily cleaning her dishes and putting things away to clear her counters before she engaged in the breakfast she had set out on the low table. Two plates of eggs, rice and bacon waited.
One of the few things that remained on the counter was a white satchel. Grinning, Kurumu quickly walked across the room to drape her arms about Yukari's shoulders. As her towel rested about her neck, Kurumu pressed against the young girl, taking in a deep breath.
"You made lunch for us?"
Yukari stiffened with a groan, leaning back against her. It looked like she was finished with the counters, though she had yet to drain the sink. With her standing on the stool, she was slightly taller than Kurumu.
"Don't rub up against me, Kurumu. You were too rough last night."
Kurumu frowned. She had woken up in Yukari's bed to the smell of breakfast being made. The warm sheet pulled about her reeked of her sexy aroma, though her body felt satisfied. Normally she would be quite hot and bothered under such conditions, but Kurumu had not questioned her good fortune.
Short with the pleasantries, Yukari had instructed Kurumu to get cleaned up. The magical doorway between their suites had been left open all night, allowing Kurumu to easily fetch her things.
"I'm sorry. Did I move too much in my sleep?"
Yukari sighed. Her eyes had dark circles under them and there was a bruise partially hidden by the collar of her blouse.
"You became clingy and started making all sorts of erotic sounds. You tried to smother me in your tits."
Kurumu relaxed her grip, worried about last night. She did not remember any of this, though she knew it must have happened. She wondered if this was because Tsukune had sent her home shortly after she caused him to have an accident in his jeans. If Tanboshi had not knocked on the door, curious if those sexy sounds meant Tsukune was finally becoming a man, she would have refused.
Seizing her freedom, Yukari slipped out of her grasp while dismounting the stool. She reached into the sink to pull the plug. Grabbing a sponge, she turned on the spigot to wipe the sink down as it drained.
"If you're that horny, please don't sleep with me again. You made a mess in my bed."
Kurumu's hands drifted to the ends of her unbuttoned blouse. It was one of her fitted ones, so she could button it all the way up. She had left her sweater vest in the bathroom with her shower things, knowing she would have to move that stuff back into her room and fetch her schoolbag.
"How did I make a mess?"
"The scientific term is ejaculate, though most documentation suggests this is only experienced by men. I worried that you had relieved yourself, but it did not smell like urine."
Kurumu blushed hotly, reflexively hugging herself.
"Uh… I'm sorry. I've never had that happen in my sleep before."
Finishing up with the sink, Yukari pulled open a small, nearby drawer to put aside the sponge. Seizing a rag from this drawer, she quickly dried off her forearms. Returning the rag, she closed the drawer and started tugging down the rolled up sleeves of her blouse. She turned about with a sigh.
"Well… I did help a little."
"Huh?"
"You were all over me like a koala. I managed to force my hand between your legs, hoping that maybe if you had something to grind on, you would stop."
"I'm so sorry. That must have been horrible."
"It was unbelievably sexy. It was like the science room when Ms. Sasayaki gave you that aphrodisiac. The smell. The aura. I've never made another person orgasm before."
Kurumu smirked, deciding it was past time to button up this blouse. Leave it to Yukari to turn what should have been a traumatic experience into sex education.
"You didn't play with yourself while next to me, right?"
"I've done it before. One more time wasn't going to change anything."
"Yukari."
"I couldn't sleep after you squirted all over me."
Kurumu shook her head as she buttoned up the last of them. She turned about, heading back to the bathroom. She should get everything ready before eating breakfast.
"I'm really sorry, Yukari. I didn't mean for that to happen to you."
"Are wet dreams normal for you?"
Kurumu paused at the bathroom door. It was not like she was angry with Yukari. She was embarrassed.
"Tsukune teased me too much last night. I wanted to continue but he sent me home."
Kurumu stepped inside the bathroom, retrieving her lavender mesh bag of shower things from the sink. She grabbed the sweater vest which she had left on the toilet seat. Wandering back out into the room, she smiled at the worried girl whom lingered near the low table.
"I'm also sorry about the bed. Do you want me to clean your sheets tonight?"
"I can handle that."
"Are you sure you don't want my help?"
Yukari peered up at her with pleading, brown eyes.
"I love you, Kurumu. But I don't love you. Can you promise that this won't happen again?"
Kurumu stepped over to the girl and wrapped her up in a gentle hug, patting her head when the witch rested her cheek against her breast.
"I'm sorry, Yukari. I really am."
"I know you didn't mean to, but it was scary."
"Did I hurt you?"
"I have a couple bruises. Nothing serious."
"Are you sure you don't want my help?"
"I want to eat breakfast."
Kurumu chuckled, letting go of the girl. Smiling softly she hurried back into her barren apartment. She ducked into her bathroom, opening the shower stall. She hung her mesh tote by its handles upon the fixed showerhead. Slipping back out into the main room, she fluffed the sweater vest out before pulling it over her head and down her torso. She smoothed the fabric down as she made her way to her small entry. She retrieved her shoes and schoolbag, having left her keys and ID card inside it last night.
"Do you think Moka ever masturbates?"
Kurumu laughed, noting the witch was lingering near the opening instead of attending to breakfast.
"I doubt that. She has that other girl in her head that would probably scold her if she even thought to touch herself down there."
Yukari nodded as Kurumu crossed back through into Yukari's suite. The witch reached up to touch the enchanted box, causing the humming device to activate and close. As Kurumu knelt down at the low table, the witch slowly came over to attend the other plate of food.
"You know I love Moka. I want to know everything about her."
"She wore that crimson dress yesterday. The strapless one with the built in bra."
Yukari frowned as she picked up her chopsticks.
"I should be with her on the weekends."
Kurumu grinned as she started on her breakfast.
"So how was your date with Hiboshi on Saturday?"
"Very profitable. That girl was eager to settle her debt."
"Were the two of you alone?"
"She was accompanied by Ms. Yaisoku and her older sister."
Kurumu frowned as she stowed away a mouthful of eggs.
"Sister? I thought Ami was Coach Yaisoku's niece."
"She has an older sister, Modoka. She is a junior on the tennis team."
"She's never mentioned that."
"It's unusual for Jorougumo to have children so close together. It's too hard on the body even if they decide to consume their mate."
Kurumu grimaced, not caring for that sort of talk during breakfast.
"You should get a real table."
"What's wrong with my table?"
"It would be nicer if we could sit."
"But then I would have to leave it out."
Kurumu glanced about, thinking Yukari's room would be fine with another permanent fixture.
"They have folding tables."
"Not nice looking ones."
"I wonder if the nekomusume girls make their own breakfast."
"Nekomusume girls?"
"Hidarimeki and Hiyoshi from suite 319. They had a lot of furniture, but no table or chairs."
"You've already met your neighbors downstairs?"
"Mhm. The Hitsuji sisters, Ryomi and Chiyu, both live in 321. One's a junior whom used to be a classmate with Ginei. Oh, and so was Hidarimeki."
"I'm not interested in our Senior."
"Chiyu is a first year from class ten. Both sisters are shorter than me."
Yukari smiled as she put away a piece of bacon.
"Your desire to meet new people astounds me. I did not conclude there to be any benefits to know my neighbors."
"I heard that most of the older girls from Uonuma live in this building. I bumped into Horie and Shiruba from the track team yesterday morning at the commissary. They live in 313. I couldn't stick around to find out whom the rest of the girls were, but I'm sure they would know."
"You realize that Horie is our school valedictorian?"
"Nobody mentioned that when I was doing the interviews."
"You weren't asking about academics in your first article."
"How did you find out?"
"When we met the student council president, I asked if he was valedictorian. He assured me that both he and the vice president are in the top ten, but that the honor of valedictorian and salutatorian belongs to Ms. Horie and Ms. Kosai, respectively."
"So what rank is he?"
"He did not share that."
Yukari smiled as she put away another mouthful of eggs.
"I'm intrigued. I might pay Ms. Horie a visit."
"You should. It would be good if you had a friend or two outside of the club."
"Don't misunderstand my intent. I merely wish to make acquaintance with someone that is recognized as the most intelligent of our seniors."
"I'm glad to hear you're making strides in becoming sociable. Real people interactions are better than anything you might read in your books."
"I should have borrowed more from the library. Ten Nights of Dream and Ten Loves of Nishino did not keep me all that occupied yesterday."
"So how else did you spend your time?"
"I had out those wings for as long as I could. Nineteen minutes, twenty two seconds. I'm surprised I can't have them out longer, since the transformation is not nearly as involved as becoming a cat."
"Well… you did say you're tapping your own spirit to fuel that. Maybe as your body gets older, you will be able to sustain the spell longer."
"That's frustrating. Still that's more progress than what I can say about the growth potion."
Kurumu chuckled as she finished up her eggs. She shook her head.
"You still trying to do that?"
"Why not?"
Kurumu smiled, regarding the remnants of her breakfast. She had yet to tackle the rice, but it was not like that would take long. She seized up one of the strips of bacon.
"So what did Hiboshi buy you?"
"Some casual outfits, dresses and lingerie. Things that my mother would never allow me to own."
"There's nothing wrong with being eleven, Yukari. I don't know what you think is so great about being four or five years older."
"Ms. Hiboshi understands the issue. Nobody wants to be treated like they are inferior."
"Nobody is treating Hiboshi like she's inferior."
"They don't treat her the same way as they did before. Now she's some cute thing to be fawned over."
While that had been true the first couple days, most people had learned to leave the snippy fox girl alone. She could not imagine the team dynamic to be that bad, considering Hiboshi continued to tolerate Yaisoku's company and Arashimideru had never seemed the sort to fawn over anything. While there certainly were other girls in the tennis club, someone would have to actively dislike Hiboshi to make her club experience bad.
"I want to see some of the things she bought you."
"We don't have the time."
"There's no rush to be the first ones to class. We have plenty of time."
"I still have to do these dishes."
"Just put them in your dishwasher."
"You still should rinse them first. Dishwasher drains are not meant for large particles."
Kurumu shrugged, setting aside her empty plate. She picked up the small bowl of rice and started with a hefty portion.
"I don't have cups."
"Why do you need cups?"
"For my kitchen. I spent all my money to get a few things, and I still don't have cups. Or a tea kettle."
"I thought Ms. Unari made you a list."
"She did. I didn't have enough money."
There was a short time of silence as the two of them finished up their meal. Yukari finished first, setting her bowl in her plate and carrying both dishes over to the sink. She turned on the spigot, promptly rinsing both clean of debris. She pulled open the dishwasher on her right, stowing the dishes away.
Finished up with her own meal, Kurumu set her dishes aside on the floor. Getting up, she remained hunched over to grab the edge of the table. She tugged the polished board over to the bed till it was close. Setting it down, she moved around to the other end so she could push it under the bed.
"Do I need to buy toilet paper from town or can I pick that up in the commissary?"
Yukari walked over to pick up Kurumu's dishes.
"The commissary has a few things like that. It does cut into your meal money though."
"Does it have cups?"
"Maybe. You can get sponges and dishrags. Shower and dental stuff. Minor things like that."
"I should probably send my mother another letter asking for some money. Where is the mail handled?"
"Our mailboxes are inside the commissary. You can drop your letter off there."
Kurumu slung her schoolbag over her shoulder, resting the strap between her breasts. She wandered over to the entry foyer, dropping her shoes on the floor. Bending down, she tugged her right shoe on.
"I don't suppose you would be interested in a study session Wednesday night?"
"I don't require studying."
"I figured as much."
"Will Moka be there?"
"I believe Moka will be studying with Tora."
"Who were you planning to study with?"
"Tokori, Satsuki and Nerume. Don't know if I'll ask anyone else."
With her shoes on, Kurumu glanced over the half way. Yukari had finished with the dishes and was stowing the step away beneath the sink. The witch moved over to her right, pressing the buttons on the dishwasher to start the wash cycle.
"If Ms. Nazohashi is interested, she may host her study session here."
"You know you could call her Tora."
"I often do. But I also appreciate the formality she often shares with me."
The witch came over to the foyer with the satchel slung over her shoulder, taking her cape and hat down from the pegs on the wall. These pegs were something Yukari must have added as Kurumu had not seen them in any other suite. The witch clasped the cape about her shoulders with her ruby brooch before slipping her shoes on.
Not wanting to be in the way, Kurumu opened the door and slipped outside. She waited as Yukari got her schoolbag and hat situated. Finally ready, the witch exited her apartment, closing the door and locking it up. Kurumu started down the wrought iron stairs a couple steps ahead.
"We should stop by Shirayuki's place?"
"Why would we do that?"
"Because we have time and I want her to be okay on her first day back from suspension."
"You switched classes so you wouldn't have to deal with her."
"I switched classes for many reasons. I was worried sitting next to me would be hard on her."
"How would walking her to school make things easy on her?"
"We don't have to walk her to school. I'm pretty sure she has to go to the dining hall and eat breakfast. I didn't notice any kitchen stuff in her boxed things when I visited her last week."
Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Kurumu started for the apartment building on their right.
"I still think that was a dumb thing to do. She tried to kill you."
"That was an accident."
"So she claims. You know she is probably sleeping."
Kurumu shrugged, noting that Yukari was keeping pace, though pointedly remaining behind her.
"Maybe. Do you want me to carry the satchel?"
"I have it."
"I don't think you've officially met Shirayuki yet. You'll understand when you speak with her. She's very shy and reserved."
"Her personality only defines how she deals with the things she has done. It does not prevent her from doing things."
Kurumu sighed, supposing there was no way to convince Yukari about things being an accident. They walked up the small paved path that preceded the middle suite of the adjacent building. The numbers 402 were etched upon the plain door. Coming to a stop, Kurumu reached over to depress the small circle mounted on the frame.
"I at least have to tell her what's going on. Apparently Moka and Tsukune plan to tell her that I was caught fooling around with him so I've been switched homerooms."
"While that sounds reasonable and like something a school would do, it would not be an effective deterrent. It's not like you would have been fooling with him during classroom hours."
"True, but it's better than saying I was moved out of concern for her. She might even be counting on me being there for her, so I don't want her to be disappointed without me saying something about it."
"My personal opinion is that Shirayuki and Saizou are just excuses so you can put some distance between you and Tsukune."
Kurumu sighed as she pressed the doorbell again.
"I don't know. Maybe it is. I can't tell if I'm moving forward or back when I'm with him. I worry that if I didn't try something, he would forget all about me."
"If he teased you last night that was a step forward."
Kurumu smirked.
"A step towards getting in his pants. It's his heart I'm more worried about."
"Kurumu, you win. There's no way a young man is going to pick another woman in this scenario."
"I don't know."
"Would the other Moka allow it? I mean… if she's being denied self-gratification, there's no way she will be allowed to have sex with Tsukune."
"So I win simply by whoring myself out."
"Yes. Tsukune would have to be a saint with no sexual desire. We know that's not the case."
Kurumu smiled, reluctantly agreeing with Yukari. Yukari had been in his dreams enough to know he was a healthy young man with a strong sexual appetite. Kurumu had known this for much longer, since she could always feel his longing for her.
"It feels cheap winning like that."
"I'm stating a fact. I do feel he is safer with Moka, provided he is allowed to remain the way he is. But if the Rite must be performed, you two are kind of equally dangerous to him. If he could wait a few years, he would be better off with me."
Kurumu sighed, aware that Tsukune was willing to become a vampire. While it sounded like he would be doing it for Moka, he believed the change would be for everyone's benefit. He hated being a burden on them and wanted to be able to hold his own ground. He was tired of being rescued and protected.
"Tora suggested he should transfer out at the end of the term. Keep in touch via mail."
"That would be a sensible thing to do."
"Should we push him that way?"
Yukari paused.
"Tsukune is important to me. I can work around a long distance relationship and could help you do the same. Moka too if she wants to be part of it. It could be like he never fully leaves."
"What are you talking about?"
"Doorways. I could make a doorway. If I know the destination, it's a simple spell, though kind of energy intensive if the distance is great."
"So… with enough power we could visit Tsukune any time we wanted?"
"Yes."
Kurumu depressed the small circle another time, having lost track of how many times she had done this. She had not thought much about Tora's suggestion from a couple weeks ago with things being so hectic. But this doorway idea was much better than risking death to become a vampire.
"When should we propose this to Tsukune?"
"I suppose any time after midterms would be fine. It would be best not to distract him right now."
"We have the field trip after midterms. We can do it when we get back."
Yukari grimaced.
"Are we seriously going to do that?"
"Of course we are. You wanted me to prove my body's reaction to Tsukune was special."
"I don't need to be present for you to do that."
"As if you would believe me otherwise."
"I don't like it. Human cities are terrible places for a witch to set foot in."
"Why?"
"Because the flow of natural energies are all messed up."
"But that's how a lot of nature based spirits feel about human cities. You don't see Kana crying about human cities."
"She's been domesticated. Growing up around humans deadens your senses to the natural world. I'm sure she feels much healthier at Yokai than she has ever felt living with humans."
Kurumu shrugged, figuring she could ask Kana at some point. Turning her attention to the door, she pressed the doorbell again.
"Shirayuki? Are you in there? You know… I can't get a key to find out."
"Maybe she's already gone to breakfast."
"I can't imagine that. She's normally late to school."
"Then she's sleeping."
"I know, but she's got to wake up. She can't sleep through this chiming forever."
"Maybe she broke the doorbell."
"Shirayuki's not like that."
"Okay. Maybe she 'accidentally' broke it."
"That's not funny."
"I suppose it might not have worked to begin with. Is that conclusion more agreeable with you?"
Kurumu sighed, resorting to banging on the door.
"Mizore. It's Kurumu. I wanted to talk to you before we headed off to school. Please open up."
"As if that girl has other associates that would be mindlessly beating on her door this hour."
"There could be others that would take interest in her."
"Like who?"
"Well… there's a strong chance Umizake is her fiancé."
"Umizake. You mean Umizake Aoi from class nine, whom ranked seventh in our grade."
"Yea. He's also from Hokkaido. He mentioned he was here to look after his fiancée."
"Seems to be doing a poor job of that."
Kurumu grimaced.
"Well… I guess it's not a certainty."
The deadbolt was drawn back. Mizore poked her head around the door, the usual white stick nestled between her lips. Her purplish locks were shaggy and disheveled as she regarded them with sapphire eyes. Her pale fingers grasped the door protectively.
"Hey."
"Hello."
"Um… this is Sendou Yukari. She's a friend."
"Her friend."
"Yukari."
Yukari regarded the door coldly.
"I want no misunderstandings here."
"I was hoping you two would go away, but I forgot how stubborn you are."
Kurumu giggled, rubbing the back of her head.
"I'm sorry. I wanted to talk to you."
"Okay."
Realizing the girl was not going to say more than that, Kurumu smiled.
"Right. I have been moved homerooms. Middle of last week I started attending class two with Yukari."
"Oh."
"It's okay. Um… if you want to, I'm sure Burumoto would switch seats with you again. That way you could sit by Tsukune."
"Why would you want her to do that?"
Kurumu sighed, regarding Yukari with annoyance.
"Because Tsukune is going to be her friend."
"She should switch with Mr. Tamaishi. I think she would get along better with Ms. Genzouyaki."
"Nerume sleeps through class."
"Exactly. There should be no issue with her sitting by Ms. Genzouyaki."
Kurumu managed a smile.
"It's just a thought, Mizore. I know it might be difficult talking with anyone from the soccer club, but I know both those boys would be willing to help you out if you ask."
Mizore regarded her impassively.
"Is that all?"
"Um… Ms. Hitori also switched you out of our home ec group. She felt that I was antagonizing you and decided you would be calmer in a group with Tokori and Taijin. She moved the three of you over to station sixteen, so you will be closer to the door."
Mizore nodded.
"Okay."
Kurumu disliked this exchange.
"Can we come in?"
"No."
"I know it might be cold, but maybe if you make some tea with those berries="
"I'm naked."
"Oh. So you sleep naked?"
The girl stared at her till Kurumu looked away.
"I guess that makes sense."
"We should be going."
Kurumu smiled, wishing they could have done more.
"Yea… Mizore. You're having lunch with us today, right?"
Mizore sighed, glancing aside.
"I did promise that."
"I didn't make lunch for her."
Kurumu frowned, but she could not recall ever seeing Mizore eat anything other than ice cream.
"I don't know if she eats hot food."
"I don't."
"Right. You'll bring some tea made with those berries, right? It'll make things easier for you. You won't have to worry about anyone being uncomfortable."
"I doubt there are enough berries in the world to do that."
"Shut up, Yukari."
"I'm going to get dressed now."
"Yea… and good morning. I know things will be a lot better for you, starting now. Okay?"
"I'll see you at lunch, Kurumu."
The door closed with the sound of the deadbolt being pulled back into place. Kurumu sighed, feeling things went as good as could be expected. Forcing a smile, she turned on her heel and walked back to join Yukari whom had been waiting a comfortable distance behind her.
"See. I told you she was a shy and reclusive girl."
Yukari shook her head as she joined Kurumu on their walk to the school.
"You know, people with dead bodies in their rooms would behave the same way."
Kurumu had to admit that having Ms. Nekonome's history lecture before lunch was far more engaging than putting up with Mr. Nagamushi's senseless drivel. She smiled as the teacher rambled on about the industrial revolution of the Meiji Era. Even though their exam would not be taken until Friday, Ms. Nekonome was deliberately covering the subject material that would be on the test. She promised their next two lectures would also be important for testing purposes, so pay attention and take notes.
Kurumu was called on more frequently in this centralized seat. It certainly made Ms. Nagamushi's class after lunch rather painful. She had no choice but to bring her English textbook and try to follow along, since he was guaranteed to call on her at least once every lecture. She wondered if her grades would start improving with all the extra attention.
The bell sounded the start of the lunch hour. Ms. Nekonome looked up from her textbook and smiled apologetically.
"Oh. I had not meant to run all the way to the bell. Silly me. Anyways, hope you all have a wonderful lunch and start studying for your midterms. It's never too early."
Kurumu smiled, wondering how the nominations had gone. She had wanted to check after her third period science lab, but Mr. Hakuru had decided to hold his lecture in the classroom for a change. He felt it was important to inform them that their science midterm would be graded upon group performance and that they would turn in one exam paper per lab station. The end of term exam would be graded upon individual performance when they had more allocated time.
Her role in class two felt different. Back in class three she had been surrounded by guys that admired her. Burumoto would flirt almost every day with her and it was common for Ikazuchi and Yougan to add their comments. Occasionally Tamaishi would join in and even though Takurami spoke venom, he usually gave off this simmering desire that betrayed his jealousy of Tsukune's good fortune. The only girls that had sat by her were Moka and Shirayuki, and for whatever reason, neither were interacted with as much as she was. For all purposes, Shirayuki was essentially invisible. As for Moka, Kamitsuku had said that Moka was more difficult to approach. Kurumu still did not understand why.
In class two, the only guy that betrayed any interest in her that sat close by was Abe Hizume from the baseball team whom was on her right. There were other boys that harbored lust for her, but most were several seats removed. It was not like proximity mattered that much. This core that demanded male attention within her was being satisfied. It simply was different than the attention she had been enjoying in class three. Instead of interactive flirting, she was putting up with this simmering, repressed longing. It felt creepier.
Technically she had other boys that sat by her. Ichida Taka, their class rep whom sat on her left, had an unusual air of disinterest about him. It reminded her of how she felt around her former lab partner, Izanai. It was this casual arrogance that she was beneath his attention. Not that Ichida was arrogant. He was not above talking with her, but he would only do so on his terms and often excused himself when she tried to make casual conversation with him.
The other boy, Hisakata Unkei, sat behind Ichida. This was the kendo club guy that lived in the dorm room next to Umizake. He seemed to have no interest in anything, though Yukari had assured her that he was one of the better students in their class. He did seem capable, considering he was one of the six regularly called upon to participate in class. Kurumu had to wonder if Ms. Sunao had a crush on the boy considering she would call him twice sometimes.
Last week she had tried chatting with Deshi, though the foreigner had trouble carrying a harmless conversation. The PSC girl liked mischief so she avoided talk centered about normal things and would be evasive if asked personal questions. Kurumu had no idea how Tora could put up with this, but she supposed Tora was not an intrusive person.
Since Deshi and Yukari quickly proved too difficult, Kurumu had settled on chatting with Juri, whom sat behind her. Satsuki would often get up from her window seat and sit on Juri's desk as the three of them talked about whatever crossed their minds.
Today Kurumu had been interested in what Juri knew about the Uonuma girls in the suites. Not only did Juri know the two track seniors but she also knew the others that lived in their building. Denshou Hakaru was her cousin, whom was part of the ikebana club and she was living in Suite 315 with Seinou Hanii, whom was the registered president of the karaoke club. The popular second year Hitozen twins Kurumu had heard about were the identical twins in suite 318.
While Juri had no idea whom was in 316, she had spoken with reverence regarding the girl living alone in suite 314. In her opinion, Herikuda Yoko was the most popular and influential Uonuma girl at Yokai despite Horie's status of valedictorian. The leader of the fashion club was the young woman to go to if a girl needed advice about anything. She had been so important to their community that there was still an active fan club of junior high girls that had not spoken with Yoko since grade school.
As Kurumu slipped out of her seat to wander over to Yukari, she watched as the classroom emptied. Being small, Yukari preferred to let the hallways clear up some before leaving class. Kurumu smiled as Satsuki came over to join them.
"You really should come to lunch with us sometime this week."
Kurumu grinned. She really wanted to. Chatting with Satsuki and not being able to bring up her progress with Tsukune had been difficult. She really wanted to talk about this with Nerume and Satsuki, mostly to see if they would be happy with it. If it had not been for that promise with Shirayuki, she would have bowed out of Yukari's lunch.
Being early to school, Kurumu had hung out a little in class three to let Moka and Tsukune know about the lunch and to remind them about being nice to Shirayuki. She had been disappointed with Tsukune's condition, Moka overcoming her inner voice's protests and helping herself to a bit of Tsukune's blood. He was barely coherent and had needed Kana and Moka to support him all the way to his desk.
"Maybe tomorrow. I have to feel the situation out with Shirayuki first."
Satsuki sighed, rubbing the back of her sienna locks.
"What's there to figure out? The girl almost killed you."
Kurumu smiled, having heard this argument so many times that she no longer cared to respond.
"You should try eating with Morisato. I think she only hangs out with Kisurusu and Fujino."
"I don't know either of those girls."
"They're from her archery club and from Uonuma. I doubt she would mind the company."
"Maybe. I'll ask Nerume if she wants to."
"Nerume will be fine with anything you want to do. The only reason she doesn't eat with Chisa is because you have such an issue with being around a girl that tall."
"I know. But she eats with Goto and that fashion club of theirs. It's not like she's lonely."
"I feel like it's been forever since I've seen Goto."
"Well… she's in class eleven. We don't mix much with the first years across the hall."
"You should invite the two of them to our study session. There's no way Goto would dodge that."
"I suppose we could do that."
Kurumu smiled, noting that most of the class had left the room. Yukari had slipped out of her seat and was holding the white satchel.
"Are you ready, Yukari?"
"I've been ready."
Kurumu started for the front door with Satsuki at her side. Yukari paused a moment at her desk, likely to ward it from tampering. She then quickly hurried to join them as they exited the classroom.
"How many girls do you think we can get up in that loft at Tokori's place?"
"I don't know. Maybe a dozen."
"Should we make it a sleepover?"
"I doubt she has enough bedding."
"Yea, but the loft was tatami flooring. We technically could get by with just sheets and pillows."
"As if sleeping directly on tatami is comfortable."
"It's not as bad as the dorm rooms. Or the suites for that matter."
"That doesn't make it good."
"I want to get Asuka in with this study session. She adores Tokori."
"Why is that? I know she's out of prefecture and might not have that many friends, but it's not like Meirowasa is anyone special."
They slipped through the open back door of class three. Yukari made a straight line for Moka while Tsukune was still in the process of arranging the desks. Shirayuki was already sitting in Saizou's former desk which was pushed up next to his. Kurumu wandered with Satsuki over to Nerume, whom was still sprawled across her desk.
"I think it's just because she feels like it. It's like Tokori is the sort of person Asuka would not be allowed to interact with back at home. Her family is very pure blood biased."
"I guess. I didn't get to talk all that much with her at her birthday party."
"Yea… she invited so many people and ended up spending most of her time with Tokori and Taijin."
"She talked quite a bit with your group."
"That's true. But I kind of feel bad that you guys came along and didn't get to interact with her."
"It's no big deal. You should join your group. I'll wake this little booger up."
"I'll see you after lunch."
Kurumu reached over to give Satsuki's shoulder a squeeze. The girl frowned, batting her arm aside. Chuckling, Kurumu walked away as Satsuki jostled her friend awake.
It appeared that she would be sitting in Shirayuki's desk which had been pushed up against her former desk. Yukari had already distributed the four bento boxes she had associated with each of them. Tsukune always had the black one with the cherry blossoms and Moka had the faded pink one with the red hearts floating about white clouds. Kurumu smiled as she touched the periwinkle bento with the daisy petals. A small cup was resting next to it, filled with a clear liquid that had a familiar scent.
"You made the tea."
She smiled over at Shirayuki whom was wearing her unusual blouse with the two sided pocket stitched in the front. The garment was made from fabric that breathed better than the standard issue blouses. The girl was prone to overheating, which is why she abstained from most gym activities. Being the last to take a seat, Kurumu gestured at Shirayuki.
"So how has school been today?"
"It's been uneventful."
Tsukune sighed heavily.
"Uneventful? This day has been a disaster."
"Why is that?"
"Ms. Shirayuki here decided to nominate me for class manager."
Kurumu giggled.
"It's not funny."
"Why didn't you decline it?"
"I wanted to, but then half the class started clapping and Ms. Nekonome assumed I had accepted it."
"You would make a great class representative."
"That's not the point, Moka! I'm supposed to be keeping a low profile. How am I going to do that as the class manager?"
Kurumu smiled, understanding his concerns but thinking he was overly worried about it.
"I don't think being the class manager would put you in any more trouble."
"Kurumu!"
"Your reputation is the same whether or not you have that position. Actually being in a position of responsibility like that could make some people think twice about coming after you."
Yukari glanced up from her white bento. She had already taken several mouthfuls down while the rest of them had yet to start.
"Were you elected into the position today?"
"No. It was just nominations today. We will be doing the elections tomorrow."
"You should tell Ms. Nekonome that you plan to withdraw."
"It's not that big of a deal, Yukari. I'm sure Mizore would feel more comfortable with Tsukune as the class manager."
"Yes."
Tsukune sighed, finally taking his first mouthful of lunch. She could feel his gaze pass over her as she took her first bite of her lunch. He felt different today. He wanted her more than he normally did. She felt she should say something.
"So… are there other candidates for the position?"
"Ms. Hiboshi volunteered for it. I was also nominated, but didn't feel right about running against Tsukune. I agreed to be vice manager if Tsukune was elected."
Yukari smirked.
"That pretty much settles it. There's no way Ms. Hiboshi will win an election against the two of you."
Kurumu chuckled, realizing Tsukune would have to withdraw if he really wanted to avoid the role.
"Were there any other nominations for class manager?"
"Two others but Ms. Dokiniji and Mr. Ikazuchi both declined."
"Ikazuchi got nominated?"
Tsukune smirked.
"By Mr. Yougan. They were goofing off as always."
"Is anyone running against Moka for the vice manager?"
"Ms. Irewata volunteered for it and Ms. Arashimideru accepted Ms. Hiboshi's nomination."
Kurumu smiled, thinking that was an interesting situation.
"Did Tora volunteer for anything?"
"She said she can't hold any recognized positions. She will help, but that's the extent of it."
"Mr. Tomisaki agreed to take one of the secretary positions so we won't be voting on that. The other secretary position was left open. Ms. Nekonome felt she should offer it to someone that lost one of the elections if they still wanted to be a part of the student government."
Kurumu paused, tapping her chopsticks against her eggs. She favored Shirayuki with a smile.
"Did you want to go to the school store and pick up something to eat?"
"I'm fine."
Shirayuki leaned over and pulled a small insulated bag out of her schoolbag. She retrieved a half-liter container of vanilla ice cream, setting it on the desk next to her silver thermos. Grabbing a wooden spoon, she dropped the insulated bag back among her things.
"So… other than being nominated into a position of authority, how has your day been?"
"I guess the same as any other."
"Did Ushio switch seats with you?"
"No."
"Ms. Nekonome allowed her to take Mr. Komiya's desk while Tora took yours. She said she would give Mr. Komiya the option of sitting in the back or in the front."
Kurumu smiled, surprised Tora had been allowed to do that.
"So he definitely is returning to class three."
Tsukune sighed.
"Yes. He will be here for midterms."
"I don't know if you were told, but Mr. Komiya is a monstrel whom attacked Moka and Tsukune. He also attacked Ushio, Tora and myself later on in that first week of school."
Shirayuki paused, holding her spoon in her mouth next to the white stick.
"Okay."
Knowing that was likely the most response she would get from that, Kurumu elected to continue with her lunch. Unlike breakfast, Yukari had wrapped the bacon around small fried spheres of dough which she had pinned with toothpicks. Chopped green onions and carrots had been mixed in with the eggs for a crunchier texture and the rice had been packed into small onigiri held within sliced seaweed. These bento boxes were only large enough to squeeze two of these rice triangles inside.
"Have you made any plans for studying for midterms, Tsukune?"
"Not really. What about you guys?"
"I don't study."
"I think Tora and Moka will be studying together. I'm trying to put something together with Satsuki and Nerume with one of the girls in my home ec class."
"You're more than welcome to join us, Tsukune."
"What about doing something with Kamitsuku? Maybe get the guys together on your floor."
"I think I'll just study alone. It's easier without the distractions."
"I agree."
Kurumu smiled at Shirayuki. Picking up the small cup, she downed a mouthful of the tea. It was still a little chilly but she could taste the berries.
"The tea Mizore made for us is flavored with berries that help your body adjust to her temperature."
"Is that what that is? It does taste nice."
"Yea, she's a yuki'onna so her body temperature runs a lot lower than ours. Without this touching her skin directly can be rather uncomfortable."
Yukari popped one of the bacon wrapped morsels in her mouth, dropping the toothpick in the bento.
"So where do you get these berries?"
"They grow with the shirayuki flowers that cover the western valley near our village. Beyond that field is the outskirts of Asahikawa."
Yukari perked up.
"That's actually a major city in Hokkaido, Sapporo being the only city larger. How close is your community to the humans?"
"I was not aware it was a major city. I just knew that it was the closest human settlement."
"There is not a male version of your species so I presume you mate with humans."
"My two little brothers and father are human."
"Mizore's mother and mine were friends. Both graduated from Yokai with Ms. Nekonome."
"I think you mentioned that before. You were thinking she might know Umizake from my floor, because he's also from Hokkaido."
Noting Shirayuki wince, Kurumu felt it would be best to steer the conversation away from potential fiancé discussion.
"Speaking of Hokkaido, did you know Ushio was from Hokkaido?"
"He is?"
"Yea, Tora picked up on that. I didn't realize Sorachi was a subprefecture of Hokkaido."
"Clearly geography is not your strong suit."
"As if I would know the subprefectures of Hokkaido."
"If I recall correctly, the yuki'onna have issues with fertility. Their body temperature becomes too low to sustain new life around the age of twenty six."
"That is accurate. Daughters are encouraged to marry young and have families right away to preserve our kind."
"I guess your little brothers can't be that little."
"One will turn twelve in the summer and the other turned nine in the spring."
"There seems to be quite a large gap between you and your brother."
"My sister was stillborn."
Yukari looked down.
"Oh."
Kurumu smiled as she nibbled away at the onigiri.
"So the flower name is shirayuki? My mother said the women retain their maiden names, so you must be an important family to your community."
"My family is part of the oldest lineage that helped establish our community. The snow priestess is from the main branch of our family."
"I guess that makes sense then why you would be asked to become the next snow priestess."
"I am the preferred choice, but there are two other girls that carry the Shirayuki name that could take my place. One is married and expecting her third child in the fall. The other is only six years old."
"I take it the married one's first two children were boys."
"Yes."
Tsukune managed a smile as he sipped the tea.
"That must be frustrating for your species. To only have so much time and not be guaranteed to have the children you want."
"I love my brothers."
He nervously glanced away.
"I'm not saying you don't, but I'm sure you wish your sister had survived. She would better understand you than a human boy could hope to."
Kurumu smiled.
"I'm sure she makes up for that by being close to her mother."
"Yea."
Finishing off the first of her onigiri, Kurumu seized up the other while taking a swig of the tea. She noted Moka was finished with her meal and Yukari was almost done.
"What do you plan to do now, Mizore?"
"Plan?"
"For lunch. I realize you must have been trying to spend this time with Coach Kotsubo. Since he's an ass and doesn't want you around him, what do you plan to do?"
"I haven't really thought about it."
"You can eat lunch with us. Yukari and Kurumu aren't always with us, but Moka and I reliably eat together."
"Are you complaining that I don't spend enough time with you?"
"I'm just saying that you have other friends you eat with."
"The two of you are more than welcome to join me. I know Nerume and Satsuki don't mind and you get to bypass the whole lunch line if you eat with Tora."
"I don't like the cafeteria."
Kurumu smiled.
"I don't think he was asking for you to wait in a lunch line with him."
"Yea, I meant you could wait for us here while Moka and I get our lunches."
Yukari sighed.
"I would offer to make lunch for everyone all the time, but the cost of ingredients is too high. I could manage feeding two people every day, but not four."
"Maybe I could pitch in with the ingredients? If both of us pitch in, that should cover for four."
Tsukune grinned.
"Are you sure about that? What about eating with Tora and your other friends?"
"I could take my bento lunch with me."
"Excuse me, but that's my bento you are talking about."
"I know that, Yukari. I'm just saying that I could still eat the food we make even if I'm not here with you guys. And yea, that would be better than you sitting in class eating by yourself."
"You guys are really close."
Kurumu smiled at Shirayuki.
"Are we? I suppose so."
"Anyways, if you have no other plans, you are more than welcome to join us for lunch. As you can see, it is pretty quiet in the classroom during lunch, if you don't like all the bustle of the cafeteria."
"It's probably the heat. That cafeteria is not the best ventilated room in Yokai."
"Do you eat normal food?"
Shirayuki glanced up at Yukari's inquiry.
"I do."
"Ice cream is a treat. That's not normal food."
"Okay."
"Do you eat food that isn't ice cream?"
"Chilled fruit cups. Cream cheese. Yogurt."
"Any meat?"
Shirayuki shook her head.
"Are you thinking of making a bento for her?"
"How could I? She eats entirely different from the rest of us."
"No offense, Yukari, but you kind of make the same things all the time."
"This is a balanced, nutritional meal. There's no reason to change the format."
"Aono Tsukune. Could I see your hand for a moment?"
Placing the last morsel of her lunch in her mouth, Kurumu watched with interest as Shirayuki held her hands out to Tsukune. Confused, Tsukune placed his hand in hers. A slight smile touched Shirayuki's lips as she rubbed her fingers across his hand.
"Is it cold?"
"A little."
The girl stood up and leaned in close, causing Tsukune to lean away from the girl's face. Mizore cocked her head slightly.
"You know I hurt Kurumu because I was upset with what she said about Kotsubo. Everyone thinks I'm some crazy girl willing to attack any guy that doesn't treat me nice."
Tsukune smiled warmly upon Shirayuki.
"Kurumu has already told us that those were accidents. That you have trouble controlling your powers."
"I'm glad you understand me. Most people don't want to."
Setting aside her chopsticks and closing up the bento, Kurumu smiled softly.
"We'll all be your friends, Mizore. Even Yukari."
"I will tolerate her if she behaves."
"Moka?"
Moka forced a smile.
"Of course."
Shirayuki let go of his hand and brushed the back of hers against the side of his cheek. Backing off, she thrust her hands in her pockets as she regarded the group.
"Then I will take your invitation. I look forward to spending more time with you, Aono Tsukune."
Shirayuki grabbed up her half-liter of ice cream and wandered off to the door. She continued to take small spoonfuls as she walked out of the classroom.
Yukari folded her arms about her chest, frowning.
"She has class with you guys after lunch. Where is she going?"
Tsukune shrugged.
"Maybe she has to go to the bathroom."
"I suppose. That felt like a deliberate attempt to be dramatic."
Kurumu chuckled.
"Well… she is part of the drama club."
With it being the week of midterms, there was nothing major going on in home economics. The class had voted on making cookies tomorrow with today and Wednesday being left open for free study. Ms. Hitori had given them freedom to roam the room as long as they kept the noise down. Over half the class, Juri included, had decided to head over to the library to make full use of the study hour.
For all of Ms. Hitori's efforts to keep Shirayuki away from her, Kurumu was lounging about station sixteen with the same girls she had been socializing with the entire first half of the term. Sakamori was the only one absent because she had decided to hang out with the Unabara twins and Fujinuma at station three. Over the weeks, Kurumu had picked up that Fujinuma was another girl from the same mermaid community off the coast of Kashiwazaki. There was a fourth mermaid girl from class nine, whom she had yet to meet. She did not recall the name.
A cursory glance about the room revealed only about a dozen girls had stuck around. The three juniors from track at station four were chatting amongst themselves. This included the younger Samurakami girl that lived with her sister in the suites. The tall one, Hashimoto, was the oldest second year and had turned seventeen at the start of the school year. She was about the same height as Taijin. The only thing Kurumu remembered about the dirty blond that was with them was that she was from Aga and most likely another tengu girl. The girls had mentioned her name a couple times. Yamasomething. Sake? Yamasaki. That sounded right. All three of those second year track girls were from class six.
There were three other second years at station seven. She knew two of them were in class three. The other was probably in class five or six as she had not seen that girl with the oily black hair in gym.
The two girls from class three were shorter. The one that was about Moka's height was also about Moka's chest size. She had cinnamon, swirly short curls that bobbed with her every motion. She smiled and gestured a lot when she spoke. The shorter one was about Tokori's height and had short, spiky hair. It looked like her hair was hardened amber resin that would be painful to bump into.
The only other girls in the room were the four first years hanging out at stations twelve and thirteen. Kazehana with the long, jet black twin tails, was from class five and part of the track team. The slightly taller Nomura was from class four and also from track. She had fluffed her whitish blond tresses over her shoulders so that the ends would settle on the swell of her modest bosom.
The last two girls from station thirteen, Kurumu had never officially spoken with. The taller one was Keishutani from class five. Kurumu only knew this brunette with the boyish haircut was the childhood friend of the other girl. Makibi Minori was Ushio's cousin whom lived in the Sekikawa district. She had black hair like his, though she had hers pulled back in a simple ponytail. She was on the volleyball team.
"I'm just glad that it was all a misunderstanding and nobody was seriously hurt."
"Yea, well… someone here should be doing me favors instead of asking me for one."
Kurumu smiled at Tokori.
"If you come over to my suite, you would realize how bad of an idea it would be to host a study session there. I have nothing. No furniture. Barely any dishes. No bedding."
"They wouldn't have to spend the night."
"It would be a terrible experience and I doubt you would come."
"I want to meet your family. They sound interesting."
"My brother's annoying and my mother is… motherly. I don't know if she would agree to the idea of having anyone stay over on a school night."
"What about you, Taijin? Any opinions?"
"I plan to study with Asuka. Wherever that ends up is fine with me."
"I'm smarter than she is, so she knows not to argue against my desires."
Taijin shrugged, leaning up against the counter. Shirayuki had taken her usual spot on the floor in the corner of the station. The quiet girl was writing in her notebook, paying the group little attention.
"You have to remember to ask your mother tonight. It's not like I absolutely refuse to have the study session at my place, but it would be a huge downgrade from yours."
"I'll ask. No promises though, so don't be making any plans until after you speak with me tomorrow."
"That's fair enough. I'm pretty sure I can get the message to most of the girls I plan to invite to this after we speak tomorrow."
"How many are we talking about anyways?"
Kurumu shrugged.
"I know I was going to have Nerume and Satsuki and maybe Chisa and Tama."
"Who are they?"
Asuka grinned.
"Chisa's from class one. I tried getting her to come to my party but I guess her friend had other plans."
"Well… Goto ducked out of Moka's birthday party. I think she's uncomfortable with the idea of celebrating something important like that with someone she barely knows."
"That's understandable."
"But we are talking about studying here. I doubt she will avoid an invitation for this."
"Is it okay if I ask the girls I eat lunch with to come along?"
Kurumu frowned, running the numbers through her head.
"That's up to Tokori. I know her loft might be fine for a dozen girls but her mother might not be."
"I doubt the number would matter to her, though everyone would have to bring their own snacks."
"Do you have bedding for a dozen girls?"
"No. Why would we?"
"It's just one night."
"The night before exams when sleep is important."
Asuka stuck her tongue out at Taijin as Tokori shook her head.
"I would not encourage a sleepover. It takes an hour for me to get to school. You realize how early you would have to get up if you wanted to eat breakfast?"
"Aw… you wouldn't make breakfast for us?"
"Not for a dozen girls. And if my mother has work that night, she's not going to be back from work in time to take care of breakfast for us."
"What do you do for breakfast?"
"I use my home ec skills to whip up something in the microwave and toaster."
Kurumu chuckled. Smiling she sighed. Some girls might have club activities wrapping up around six and it would take an hour to get to Tokori's place. That might allow three hours of study before they would have to turn around and go home. This was also assuming nobody stopped for dinner, or that dinner would be provided. If she really needed more space, she only had to ask Yukari for permission.
"Maybe we should have it at my place. Would you be willing to spend the night in my barren suite?"
"If Mother has work, I have to stay home and watch after my brother."
"So… that's a yes."
Tokori managed a smile.
"Sure. If she says I can, I will."
Kurumu noted Taijin's attention was elsewhere. Turning slightly to follow her gaze, she smiled as the three second years from station seven approached them. The shortest one with the spiky hair stood in front of the others, holding her elbow as she gestured with her other hand.
"You're Kurono Kurumu."
"I am."
"Itsuko mentioned that you would be doing an interview of the cheerleader squad. Is that correct?"
Kurumu frowned, thinking that was the name of one of the girls she had slept with.
"Yes. I take it you must be from the team?"
"I am Tsubuyama Kosuru."
Kurumu smiled. This was the other nekomusume girl Hidarimeki had mentioned.
"I've been told about you. You're another former classmate of Ginei, our club president."
The amber haired girl chuckled.
"Tsuri mentioned that?"
Tsubuyama gestured at the tall, oily haired girl next on her right.
"This is Watanabe Mei. She was also part of our notorious class."
The taller girl smirked, crossing her arms about her chest.
"I may have been there, but I kept out of trouble."
"Truth be told, it was only a third of the class that had our teachers pulling their hairs out. If Mr. Sawayaka was not already bald, he certainly would have been after half the stuff those boys did."
"You must admit though it was an unusual display of rowdiness."
"How do you mean unusual?"
Watanabe smiled.
"Normally you hear of boys trying to kill each other. Our crew was content with annoying each other."
"And in the most amusing of ways. I still don't know how they glued Tekikawa to the gym ceiling without him waking up."
"What?"
"They probably got Hitsuji involved."
Tsubuyama frowned at her busty partner.
"There's no way that innocent girl was involved in that."
"Maybe they clipped some of her fur without her noticing."
"Maybe, but I don't know if they would dare do that to her."
"Morioka would. He teased her all the time."
Kurumu smiled, gesturing to the cinnamon haired girl.
"And you are?"
"Oh. Kukioba Tappuri. I'm also part of the cheerleader squad."
Noticing the girl had familiar, faint pink eyes, Kurumu grinned.
"From Myoko?"
Kukioba frowned, glancing at her friend.
"No. We're both from Tsunan."
"Do you know Shinayaka Momiji?"
Tsubuyama grinned.
"You're fishing for her true form. She is one."
Kukioba giggled, sheepishly rubbing the curls at the back of her head.
"Oh. I guess it's obvious when you've figured out one or two of us. We do use colored contacts when we go out into the human world to avoid this issue."
Asuka's blue eyes flashed in understanding.
"Oh, you're a gyokuto. Does every gyokuto have big breasts?"
"Uh… actually our eyes tend to be the giveaway but I suppose we do tend to be well endowed."
Asuka waved her hand dismissively.
"I've seen plenty of girls with pinkish eyes. It's not that clear of a sign."
"That's true. Both Tsuri and Itsuko have pink eyes and they're the same as me. And mine are faint blue."
Kurumu smiled.
"Um… I was going to do my interviews and pictures all on Friday after midterms. I discussed this with Ms. Uchikawa."
Tsubuyama waved dismissively.
"I haven't spoken with her yet. I was working off of what I heard from Tsuri."
"Yea… well I wasn't planning on doing the interviews, if that was your intention. I didn't bring anything to take notes."
"We can do it tomorrow if you want."
"We'll be cooking tomorrow."
"Wednesday then. It'll be a free hour so you won't have anything else to do."
"Except study."
"I can make you a list of the other girls on the team. That way you won't have to do everything on Friday."
"You have boys, too. I know about Tomisaki."
"And Yuuki."
Kukioba shivered with a slight giggle.
"What was that?"
"Ignore her. Anyways, would a list interest you?"
"I don't know. If I can't interview them in my free time, like during gym or in home ec, there's not much point in giving me names. I won't find the time to talk with them until Friday."
"You have gym next period, right?"
"Mhm."
Tsubuyama stroked her chin as she glanced up at the ceiling.
"I know her precious Yuuki is from class one, so if you can talk with the boys, he'd be available. There's also our senior, Hogomaru, from class 3-1. I don't think we have any first years, though. At least not in our gym class."
Tokori sighed.
"Ikatsuki from my class is in the cheerleader squad. I know she joined the squad with her friend but I don't know the name or what class she is in."
"Ikatsuki and Fuyutsuki are both from the same village in Sekikawa that Hogomaru is from. Zoshaga and Kagayama are also from the same place."
"So… it's kind of a club girls from Tsunan and Sekikawa join?"
Kukioba giggled.
"It does seem that way. Two seniors are friends from Sado, but I think the rest of us are from those two communities."
"But Tomisaki is from Myoko."
"We're not talking about the boys. Yuuki is from Tsunan, but I didn't bother asking where the other two were from."
The bell sounded the end of the period. The girls sighed in unison.
"Well, I guess we should be heading to gym."
"Speak for yourself. I have Ms. Unsei's lecture."
Tsubuyama grinned at Watanabe.
"Have fun with that."
She waved at Kurumu before heading out the door behind her two friends.
"I should be going too. I have Mr. Sawayaka's lecture next."
Asuka pouted at Tokori.
"You should switch homerooms with someone so you can be in our gym class."
"That's stupid."
Kurumu chuckled, waving at Tokori as the girl slipped out the door to head to her next class. She turned and favored the other two with a smile.
"I'm going to stick around a little to chat with Mizore. You two can go ahead."
"She needs to come to gym. We're not doing anything physical this week anyways. They want to do some basic skill tests to have a baseline to compare our improvements by the end of term."
"I'll make sure she comes. Right, Mizore?"
Shirayuki nodded, but did not look up from the notebook. She was intently writing something.
"Don't linger too long. You know they have a seventh period home ec class."
Kurumu chuckled as the two girls left through the open door. She had never seen any girls from the next class. Usually they were long gone before any would have a chance to show up. She figured most of them were coming from the sixth period gym. Noting that most of the other girls had left, Kurumu walked over and held a hand down to Shirayuki.
"You want to walk with me, or stay a bit longer?"
"You know I heard the two of you talking this morning."
"Were we that loud?"
Shirayuki shrugged, not looking up for her notebook.
"She said that you were both dangerous for Tsukune to be around. Why is that?"
Kurumu frowned, letting her hand rest at her side.
"You took a while answering the door if you heard that."
"The little girl was not happy to visit me. I did not know if I should answer the door."
Kurumu sighed, unable to deny that.
"You remember what I said about not being able to kiss him. Well… since my charm is reflexive, I could accidentally cause him to kiss me, which could be problematic. So… yea. I would be dangerous to anyone in a long term relationship. Not just Tsukune."
Shirayuki slipped the pencil into the binding of her notebook. She closed it and pressed it against her belly as she looked up at Kurumu.
"Do you think you should be dating him, knowing this?"
"I don't know. It's going to be an issue no matter what I do. I mean… what choice do I have? I can't be alone. My body would break if I was not in the presence of a man that desired me."
"I don't understand."
"As a succubus, I require to be desired. If I'm ignored or unwanted, my body starts to hurt. It can get really bad. It gets worse the longer I go without any attention. I actually collapsed in junior high because I tried to avoid guys."
"That sounds depressing."
"Yea."
"But you don't actually need to be with Tsukune. You just need someone to care for you, right? It doesn't have to be an actual relationship."
Kurumu sighed.
"I suppose that's true. But Tsukune's very special to me."
"But you're dangerous to him. Isn't his safety more important?"
"I don't know, Mizore. Maybe with enough time and research, I can find a way to make this work without all those kissing issues."
"If you love him, you'll do what's best for him."
"I know that. I'm guessing you heard we were talking about having switch schools."
"To get away from Moka and you."
Kurumu grimaced.
"I… wouldn't say we're the most dangerous things to him. Moka's saved his life."
"The two of you need to head on out to your next classes."
Kurumu turned about, favoring the teacher with an apologetic smile.
"Yes, Ma'am. Come on, Mizore. We need to go."
Shirayuki slowly got to her feet, clutching the notebook to her chest. She ignored the hand Kurumu offered, walking out into the hallway. To Kurumu's relief, the girl headed to the right in the direction of the gym.
"I don't trust Akashiya."
Kurumu hurried to fall in step next to Shirayuki.
"Why?"
"There's conflict in her eyes. At least your little friend is honest about her feelings towards me."
Kurumu sighed.
"Moka can be difficult to read at times. She has a voice in her head that troubles me."
"What does that mean?"
"There's another Moka inside of Moka. That Moka is difficult to understand."
Kurumu chuckled, realizing she should lower her voice as there were other students walking down the hall towards the classes behind them. Stepping in closer to Mizore, she absently grabbed the girl by the sleeve. The fabric was chilly but not unbearable.
"She threatened to cripple me. It took a long time for me to decide she was worth getting to know, since I prefer the Moka that Tsukune adores."
"Is this other Moka a threat to him?"
"She wants nothing to do with him."
"I see."
They turned at the end of the hall and angled towards the cafeteria. They walked steadily across the empty room, paying little attention to the students that hurried past them. Reaching the end of the cafeteria, they walked through the double doors that opened into the large gym.
Kurumu quickly noted that all the gym teachers, male and female, were gathered in the gym. Well, maybe not all of them. She could tell the seniors were missing, likely gathering in the smaller practice gym. She paused, wondering what exactly they would be doing.
"I want to thank you for not saying anything about me being engaged."
Kurumu smiled, resuming her walk a couple paces behind Shirayuki.
"I haven't spoken with Umizake to confirm if he is the guy you're engaged to. I don't want to start another rumor."
"Even if he is, I have no intentions of marrying him."
"I understand that."
"I think you are right about Aono Tsukune. I've read his articles and he does seem like the sort of guy whom would understand me."
"I told you he would be."
Glancing over her shoulder, Mizore withdrew the small stick from her mouth and smiled.
"He's also cute when you get a good look at him."
Kurumu smirked.
"Yes. Even Tora has admitted that. Speaking of which, have you tried making friends with her?"
Shirayuki shrugged as they made their way into the small hall that flanked the stage and ended in the doorway to the girls' locker room.
"I told you before, Kurumu. I don't really need friends. I only need one."
Kurumu sighed, shaking her head. These antisocial girls were so hopeless.
June 6th
I know this letter is very sudden, but I messed up. When I moved to the suites, I had this crazy idea that I should furnish my kitchen. I spent everything, Mom. I'm so sorry. That was very stupid of me and I know you should be angry. If Ginei was not throwing a pool party for Tsukune's birthday, I would totally be regretting that swimsuit purchase right now. It bothers me that I don't even know if I will get it before his birthday arrives. That would really suck.
As for breaking my bank on the kitchen, I regret to report that I didn't even manage to scratch the surface. There's a lot of things that I lack and I can't get them with my meal account at the commissary for the suites. I understand if you can't help me out right away and I know this letter won't get to you before next Monday. I hate asking you for this after you just spent so much on me, but maybe another ten thousand would be enough? I don't know. I feel so stupid.
I don't think I mentioned it, but we will be going on a field trip into the human world after midterms. I'm finally going to have some contact with those scary humans you seem to feel I'm not ready for. Don't worry. I'll be with Ms. Nekonome so I'm sure she will protect me from them.
Also, I think I have officially befriended Shirayuki. We've had a rocky start, but she seems to like Tsukune which is a good thing. I'm sure over time she will warm up to the rest of the club. You should feel bad if you don't laugh to that.
I guess there really isn't that much to say. Asuka's birthday party was fun, but perhaps a bit too much? We had eighteen girls with two escorts. There's just not enough time to visit with everyone equally. I don't think I even spoke with the okami girls that attended.
Anyways, love you and hope to hear your answers about how I was born.