Kurumu groaned at the sound of her doorbell. She felt hot pressed up against him. She breathed in deeply with her cheek pressed against his chest. Her eyes reluctantly opened as she realized the lack of feeling in her right arm which was pinned beneath him. She tensed her other arm draped over his side, drawing her hand up to caress his bare shoulder.
A sheet was drawn over her hips, one of which was slung over his thigh. One of his hands gently touched her shoulder as her head rested on his other upper arm. She could hear him breathing softly and feel his heartbeat against her skin. Her body burned against him, feeling as flush as yesterday morning.
She shifted to pull her numb arm out from under him, causing him to stir. Sitting up caused the sheet to drift back her rump as she flexed her right hand to regain some feeling. Kurumu sighed as the doorbell chimed again, glancing across the dark room to her small foyer. She mildly wondered what time it was and whom might be at her door.
The drive back to Yokai had been much shorter than expected. The driver had taken a different route to a different tunnel an hour closer than the one they had first taken. He had given no reason as to why he had taken the longer route the first time, chuckling about how she should learn to appreciate the view.
With such an early arrival at Yokai, Kurumu had plenty of time to drop her things off in her suite before heading to the dining hall with Moka and Kana. Yukari, whom had passed out halfway through the drive, had been too exhausted to bother with a crowded dining hall. Kurumu assumed the driver had taken Ms. Nekonome and Rubi to a convenient location close to her apartment with Ginei offering to help.
Tsukune had been waiting at the dining hall with Kamitsuku and Aku. He had spent a couple hours at the hospital with Kamitsuku and Tora but the staff had only ran a couple tests and wrapped his neck before sending them away. Tora had treated them to a late lunch and they had arrived back at the dorms well before the end of the school day. Having little else to do, the two boys had done their laundry since they had no competition for the units. Naturally the boys had finished eating long before their arrival.
With how late it was, Moka started dozing off shortly after finishing her meal. Kana had helped the drowsy vampire retire for the evening, leaving Kurumu alone with the boys. Tsukune had walked her home, making good on last morning's promise. She smiled, caressing his cheek while wondering if there was a limit to how much sex was safe. She wondered if they should be concerned with dehydration.
He groaned at the chime of the doorbell. She glanced down at his chest as his eyelids started to flutter. She lowered down on his body and snuggled her face against his neck. Faint black tendrils snaked out across his skin from the two circles at the base of his neck. It looked worse than when she had removed the bandages last night.
"What time is it?"
She kissed his neck, feeling his hands drift to rub her shoulders and back.
"Don't know. You should shower."
She felt his hunger for her rise as he squeezed her.
"You feel so good."
"I feel loved."
"You are."
She felt him kiss the top of her forehead. She smiled as the doorbell chimed again, causing him to groan.
"They're persistent."
"I need to answer the door."
She lifted up on her haunches, reaching behind for the blanket. She smiled as his hands drifted her sides. He liked the view. Smirking with her gaze averted, she got her toes on the futon and slowly stood up while drawing the blanket about her. Stepping over him, she cinched the blanket over her breasts like she would a towel.
He groaned again, rolling on his side and slowly getting to his feet. She grinned, glancing sidelong at his cute derriere. He shambled off in the direction of the bathroom, prompting her to start for the door.
Their clothes from yesterday were strewn across the floor. She thought about picking up, but she had no idea how long her guests had been waiting. She flipped the switch for the room lights as she stepped down in her small foyer. Rubbing her face, she drew the deadbolt back and opened the door.
"About time."
Peering around the door, Kurumu smiled at Satsuki and Nerume. Satsuki had on a red and black, long sleeved, checkered shirt which was left unbuttoned but was tied at her midriff over a black tee shirt. A tight pair of denim shorts hugged about her hips with a frayed hem gracing her thighs.
"What time is it?"
The nekomusume shrugged with a glance at Nerume. The kirin had on a white shirt with red short sleeves. The yellow skinny jeans looked like tights, but it had pockets and loops for a belt.
"We came over right after our showers."
"Yea. It's after seven but I forget to wear my watch."
Satsuki's ears perked up as she stepped closer to the door. She grinned, glancing Kurumu over.
"Okay, I hear a shower and I'm guessing your butt naked."
Kurumu smiled, drawing the door further open and leaning her head against it.
"Yea. Tsukune is here."
Nerume smiled, cocking her head.
"Can we come in?"
"Sure. I need to tidy up a little and bring him his clothes."
Kurumu let go of the door and backed out of the foyer. She turned about and picked up his shirt which was tossed at the foot of the stove. She wandered a couple paces over to fetch his pants which had his boxers tucked within. Folding the clothes in her arm, she heard the door shut and the deadbolt drawn.
"So how did the trip go?"
"It was more dangerous than I would have liked."
Satsuki frowned.
"Dangerous?"
"I have to pee. I'll be right back."
Smiling, Kurumu wandered across the room to open the bathroom door. She quickly slipped in, setting his clothes down on the sink.
"Kurumu?"
"Yes?"
Dropping the seat of her toilet, she freed herself of the blanket so she could sit down.
"What's going on?"
She relieved herself while folding the blanket in her lap. She wondered if it was normal for it to burn.
"Kurumu?"
She smiled, easily hearing him over the shower.
"I'm peeing."
"Who was at the door?"
"Satsuki and Nerume."
"You sent them away?"
"No, they're in the other room."
He sighed as his desire diminished.
"Then what are you doing in here?"
"I brought your clothes and left them in the sink."
"What time is it?"
"I don't know."
She got up, flushing the toilet and exited the room with the blanket folded up in her arms. Closing the door, she favored the two girls with a smile as she wandered back over to the futon.
"You have big tits."
Kurumu smirked at Satsuki as she dropped the blanket next to the futon. Getting down on her hands and knees, she started folding up the futon. She felt Nerume before the girl snuggled against her.
"You look sexy."
Kurumu grinned as she felt the girl rub her back with arms about her waist. She scooted forward with the girl still attached, trying to finish folding this futon.
"And you're hot."
"Get off her, pervert."
Nerume loosened her grip, pulling her face away.
"I meant she's really warm. Touch her."
Satsuki shook her head.
"Well, she does have a glow about her."
Kurumu scooted out of Nerume's grip, lifting up her futon as she got to her feet.
"My temperature has been up a couple days now."
Satsuki frowned as Kurumu started for the closet.
"Is it possible you got sick?"
Kurumu shrugged as she reached the door and awkwardly grabbed for the knob. She shuffled into the closet and stuffed her futon in the upper shelf. She patted her hamper, already full with the dirty clothes she had unpacked from yesterday. Leaving the closet door open, she went about the task of picking up her clothes from last night to add to this pile.
"You said the trip was dangerous."
"We encountered a territorial witch that didn't like humans much."
Kurumu bent down to pick up her skirt and thong. She stepped over to add her blouse and bra.
"Everyone okay?"
Kurumu shrugged as she turned on her heel to head back to the closet.
"Yukari took the whole thing pretty hard. That bus driver forced the issue of us dealing with the witch to prevent the humans from correcting the situation themselves."
"Serious?"
Kurumu tossed her clothes in the hamper and glanced about her closet. She might as well pick out clothes for the day.
"Yea. I know it doesn't make much sense."
"Sounds stupid. What did the teachers have to say about it?"
Kurumu sighed as she grabbed up a plain pair of panties. Her breasts ached some, but not nearly as bad as two days ago. Deciding against a bra, she grabbed a simple pink tee which was long enough to cover the hole of her modified denim shorts. She imagined she would have to spend most the day writing her articles so it was not going to be the sort of day to prance about in her true form.
"I don't know what Mr. Umatobi thought about it. Ms. Nekonome simply stood there. She probably didn't think there was anything she could do."
Satsuki sighed as Kurumu came out of the closet with clothes.
"So… everyone is okay, right?"
Kurumu shrugged, leaning against the wall with her clothes in her arms. She smiled as Nerume came over with the sheet.
"Tsukune got hurt so we sent him home with the film club. Only a few of us stayed behind to handle the witch like the driver wanted."
Satsuki nodded as Nerume slipped between them to put the sheet in the closet.
"I saw him in the dining hall last night with his friends. I asked him about you but he just said you guys were on a later bus."
Nerume smiled as she closed the closet door behind her.
"Your sheets need washed again."
Kurumu smirked.
"Yea."
Nerume sidled over to lean on the wall beside Kurumu.
"Do you think you're hot because your body is reacting to him?"
Yukari had mentioned that possibility, but Kurumu had not dared voice it herself. She probably should consider setting something up with Ms. Sasayaki.
"Maybe. So how has the week been for the two of you?"
Satsuki smirked. She pulled a white band out of her back pocket and dangled it before Kurumu.
"I got my application approved."
"Didn't you claim you would be wearing that jacket?"
"They had me fitted but I won't have my jacket until Thursday. That will be a cool birthday present."
"That is next weekend, isn't it?"
"Mhm."
"I know you said you would be fine hanging out, but did you want to do anything special?"
Satsuki shrugged.
"I suppose we could do another round of drinking."
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head.
"I'm serious. We could have a little drink together here. That way we don't have some annoying little brother to worry about."
Kurumu grinned.
"That's tempting. I wonder what Yukari would be like boozed up."
Satsuki snorted.
"I wasn't thinking of inviting her."
Kurumu smiled, her thoughts drifting to the silly shojo girl. It felt like forever since she had spent any length of time with Sakamori. With the field trip and midterms, last Monday had been the only real time she had and she had been too preoccupied about failing her English exam to pay much attention to the girl that scored second lowest on the exams. She did know the girl had failed two subjects.
"It might be fun if we did something with Hinoko."
"Yea. I bet she's feeling down now that Kinzoku is gone. You have home ec with her, right?"
Kurumu nodded.
"Then you can let her know on Monday. We can do it here after dinner on Saturday. Sounds good?"
"Sure."
Satsuki wagged a finger at her.
"No dream stuff. I don't want a repeat of last time."
Nerume gestured at the nearby door, which no longer had the sound of a shower behind it.
"You could always check directly if you're curious."
"I'll pass."
Kurumu hugged her clothes against her breasts as her thoughts wandered.
"Hey. How has things gone with Shirayuki?"
Satsuki chuckled as Nerume sighed.
"She didn't join the PSC if you're curious. Some second year named Kitajima was there with me but your snow girl wanted to talk to Tora and you before filling out that application."
"They haven't kicked her out of the drama club?"
"Well… I don't think they have. We didn't attend any club meetings."
"Those two have been walking home together after school every evening."
Kurumu smirked.
"And what have you been doing? Checking in with your Poetry?"
Satsuki waved her hand dismissively.
"I withdrew from that club."
"You walked with us, Satsuki."
Satsuki blushed, glancing aside.
"Not every day. Tuesday the PSC interviewed me and then there was their Thursday meeting."
"I thought you were going to force her to handle this on her own."
Satsuki sighed, rubbing the back of her head.
"I wanted to, but it was boring eating lunch by myself on Tuesday. I did try lunching with Morisato on Wednesday, but her two friends are too girly for me. I had nothing better to do after school, so I tagged along. Deshi was cool about letting me lunch with the PSC these past couple days so it's not like I've been holding her hand through this."
Kurumu smiled, aware that she had not thought much about Satsuki's stubborn refusal to get involved. This result should have not surprised her at all, since Satsuki had no friends outside of Nerume.
"So what have you been doing with Shirayuki?"
"Well… we did eat lunch with Chisa and the fashion club one time, but I don't think Ms. Shirayuki enjoyed that."
Nerume's face brightened up.
"Oh. Speaking of Chisa, her date with Mr. Kitamori went well. She's planning on seeing him again today."
"Really?"
Satsuki chuckled as the door opened and Tsukune walked out. His dark hair was dripping and his shirt was notably wet as he managed a smile.
"You forgot to give me a towel."
"They're stacked on the toilet tank."
Tsukune frowned, tugging the door back open and shaking his head. He sighed.
"In plain sight."
Grinning, Satsuki gestured at Kurumu.
"Anyways, I heard Goto didn't care much for the guy he brought along."
"She said he was an idiot."
"Is she tagging along on this date too?"
"She is, but he's not bringing a second guy this time."
"Have you seen this guy?"
"What are you guys talking about?"
Kurumu smiled at him, aware that he was pleased with her state of undress.
"Her friend, Ms. Kakeru, is going on a second date with a third year. He's a third year, right?"
"Mhm. And I haven't seen him but Goto says he's really handsome."
Tsukune nervously glanced about, timidly touching her shoulder.
"Are you planning on getting dressed?"
"I'm going to take a shower."
He nodded, withdrawing his hand to scratch behind his ear.
"Did Kakeru say anything about this guy? Does she like him?"
"She doesn't know. This is all new to her."
Kurumu smirked.
"Maybe we should invite her to Satsuki's birthday party and see what she says after a few drinks."
Satsuki snorted.
"I'd rather not. I might not mind if we have those girls from downstairs join in. I've never really had friends of my race before."
"I could ask if they would be interested."
"Is this normal?"
Tsukune smiled sheepishly.
"What's wrong?"
"I, well, nothing. So you have a birthday soon?"
"Satsuki's birthday is next Saturday. We were thinking of having a small party in my room and inviting a couple of nekomusume girls from downstairs to join."
"Oh? I didn't realize you knew your neighbors already."
Kurumu chuckled.
"Yea. I guess I've become quite the social butterfly."
"What time is it?"
Kurumu shrugged, gesturing at the counter by the kitchen sink.
"You left your watch over there."
Tsukune smiled, shaking his head as he headed over to the counter.
"I'm surprised you're just standing around naked like that."
"I didn't get to talk with any of my friends last night. I'm curious what's been going on."
Tsukune picked up his watch and fastened it about his wrist.
"It's six minutes to eight. You should shower and save your catching up for the breakfast table."
Satsuki grinned.
"Are you embarrassed to see your girlfriend naked?"
Tsukune smiled softly, glancing at the door.
"I guess this doesn't embarrass you."
Satsuki frowned, walking over to him.
"Damn, that looks bad. What's up with your neck?"
She reached up to touch the side of his throat, causing him to flinch and draw back.
"That's tender."
"I imagine so. What did this to you?"
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head. It did look like two bruises.
"That's Moka's bite mark. She had to give him some blood to heal him and his body is reacting poorly."
Satsuki fussed with his collar to better hide the marks, shaking her head.
"Poorly my ass. You need to stay out of trouble."
"Yea. Everyone seems to feel that way."
Nerume touched her forearm, leaning in closer.
"So did you two do anything romantic on the trip?"
"I slept with him every night."
Tsukune smirked.
"In a room with Yukari and Ms. Nekonome."
Kurumu smiled, supposing the girls did not need to know everything.
"I got the two of you souvenirs, but I left them with Ms. Nekonome."
Tsukune chuckled, gesturing at the wall.
"I'm surprised Yukari hasn't come to check on us."
"How is the brat? You said she took the whole thing hard."
Kurumu shrugged, also curious why Yukari had not roused them first. Surely that girl was awake by now.
"I wonder what she's up to. She has to write her article today."
"We all do. I'm supposed to work a piece with Tora but I have no clue what she expects."
Satsuki frowned.
"That sucks. How long do you think this will take?"
"Ginei wanted us to meet up after lunch at the school computer room. It might be an all day thing."
"That's okay. It's not like I had anything to do."
"I thought you were going to hang out with Shirayuki after this."
Nerume smiled, wrapping her arms about Kurumu and leaning her head on Kurumu's shoulder.
"I'm sure Kurumu wants to see her too. And Ms. Nazohashi will be with them, so they can talk about that PSC application."
Satsuki shrugged, placing her hands behind her head.
"I guess we can hang out while you guys do your club stuff."
"We could check the library. Chisa doesn't have practice so we might run into Ms. Bikiyama."
Kurumu perked up.
"Did something happen with Bikiyama?"
"Well… you know she's in gym with us and hangs out with Ms. Shindou and Chisa. So… I prompted a conversation between Mizore and them a couple days ago."
"How'd that go?"
Nerume frowned.
"I sort of embarrassed her by trying to explain that she didn't lie about having a fiancé. Mizore didn't talk much with me for the rest of that day, but we ate lunch with Ms. Bikiyama and her three friends these last two days."
Kurumu paused.
"I know she's with Uchikawa and Matsudera from track. Who's the fourth?"
"That would be Ms. Kiba from class seven. She's Ms. Matsudera's friend. She lives on our floor across the hall from Ms. Matsudera."
Kurumu nodded, recalling that crazy morning when she had encountered Matsudera in the hall before Satsuki had rescued her. She imagined that meant the other girl from that morning was Kiba.
"So are they okay about what happened?"
"I think so. I can't say Mizore talked much with them, but they didn't mind her being around them."
Satsuki smirked.
"Yea, we talked last night about that. Looks like we'll be going our separate ways."
Nerume pouted.
"But I want to eat with you too. You don't have to be with the PSC all the time."
Tsukune chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'm still baffled why you haven't taken your shower yet. It's hard for me to take part in a conversation with you naked."
Kurumu smiled. Since Nerume had her arms about hers, Kurumu settled on leaning over and placing a kiss on top of the girl's head that caused her to giggle.
"You have to let me go. My boyfriend can't handle this any longer."
Nerume took in a deep breath before releasing Kurumu. The kirin smiled, leaning back against the wall with her hands behind her back.
"Oh. I forgot to mention this but Ms. Sunao let me switch seats with Mr. Burumoto yesterday. I'll be sitting in front of you, Mr. Aono."
"Really? Huh. I guess that means I'll be surrounded by girls with the exception of Mr. Ikazuchi."
Kurumu chuckled as she opened her bathroom door.
"You play nice with my friends while I shower, womanizer."
They all laughed as she shut the door.
Kurumu stretched her arms over her head as she sat on the station next to the monitor Tsukune was working on. She had finished her cheer article about a half hour ago. Ginei was being extra critical about the articles this time around, especially since both her articles had been much smaller than last edition. Tsukune was on his third draft.
It was a little after five. Tora was sitting beside Yukari at the empty station where Yukari plugged away on her personal laptop. She was also on her third draft, since Ginei had thrown out her first one based on it being too direct. Kurumu had seen it and agreed that it might have caused Rubi trouble with the locals. Sadly Yukari's second attempt was too vague and empty to be considered a headliner.
Kurumu smiled as Tsukune placed a hand on her knee. She sighed when he promptly removed it to resume typing. Pouting, she grabbed the edge of the station and swayed her legs in boredom. She wanted to be alone with Tsukune but she supposed it was nice being around everyone else.
It had been a long day. They had roused Mizore before fetching Yukari. Naturally Mizore was dressed as she always was while Yukari had donned those coveralls with the orange sunflower over a striped long sleeve shirt. The witch had been awake and had already eaten, but she had nothing better to do beyond reading manga so she accompanied them to their commoner's breakfast. On the way over, they had stopped in the commissary to pick up the mail.
Her mother had surprised her with a simple letter stating most of the things were moved and included fifteen thousand yen for her to make her life more comfortable in her new suite. It would definitely be enough to finish out her kitchen. She would have to write a letter soon in appreciation for this and give her mother an update on how things had been going these past couple weeks.
After breakfast they had all headed up to Tsukune's dorm room so he could change and her friends could meet Tsukune's neighbors. Turns out that the slender, dark haired guy in 422 across from Aku's room was one of Nerume's fellow astronomy club members. His name was Kokutan Yuuta and was from class eight. He assured them that Nerume was in no danger of being kicked out and that the only reason why he was in the club was because his cousin asked him to be. Nerume had not realized this boy was related to their only second year, whom was a girl.
Turned out that forgettable boy in 426 across from Kamitsuku was the younger brother of one of Ginei's former classmates. Gokuya Kunichi and his brother were part of the suspicious acupuncture club. The creepy boy offered to show them how it was done before they all decided gaming in Kamitsuku's room would be more entertaining. That had kept them busy till lunch.
Around two Ms. Nekonome had checked up on them to see their progress and had left to attend some things at her desk which she was sure had piled up in her absence. She had admitted some worry about leaving Rubi all alone, but she doubted Mrs. Tomarigi could have handled her class perfectly for the past week. Wishing them all luck, she had disappeared a good hour before returning.
At that point Moka and Kana had been finished with their articles and Satsuki was bored to tears since Nerume had wandered off to the library with Mizore. The trio had taken Ms. Nekonome's offer to visit Rubi and have dinner in Mononoke.
Kurumu sighed as two hands cupped her breasts from behind and gave them a squeeze. Ginei was such a weird guy. Any other boy would have reeked of desire before attempting such a thing. With Ginei this was so casual and quick that there was no warning.
"Could you not?"
"I figured you were lonely with his hands busy."
"You should show more respect to my girlfriend."
Ginei's hands left her as the wolf strolled around the station. He thrust one hand in a pocket of his track pants with the black stripe down the side. His silver wolf head pendant dangled against a white crew tee shirt. He smirked at Tsukune.
"Is this a claim of ownership I hear?"
It was a rare occasion to see Tsukune better dressed than Ginei. It was nothing special but having a dress shirt and slacks was a step up.
"Well… uh… yea."
"Fight you for her."
Kurumu giggled as Tsukune struggled to come up with a reply.
"Why don't you go grope Tora?"
"He will not."
Ginei shrugged at Tora's quick refusal.
"I guess I should try my hand at groping Moka. I hear she's quite sensitive to touch."
"You must want to die."
Ginei chuckled at the casual threat from the witch.
"Right. You're still spying on her through her rosary."
Yukari sighed.
"Unfortunately not. The bus killed my spell and I didn't think about recasting it last night. I thought about doing it today but didn't expect Moka to leave early or for this article to take so long."
"Speaking of articles, would you two mind taking a look at mine?"
Kurumu shrugged, scooting off the station onto her feet. She had seen his swim club article and it had been decent advertisement for those girls. As promised, the article was upfront about what the girls were going to do, but the list of benefits might draw some lonely young men to help their cause.
Mizore was seated at the back of the lab with Nerume leaned up against her. Mizore was reading a book, occasionally pausing to readjust the napping girl. They had returned from the library shortly before Kurumu had finished up, though Nerume had passed out within minutes of getting comfortable.
Wandering over to the station he had been writing at, Kurumu paused when the back of a hand pressed against her cheek. She managed a smile at the concerned Tora. The sphinx had decided to wear a school uniform for some reason.
"You're feverish again. Are you okay?"
Kurumu shrugged, taking the seat Ginei offered her. He chuckled, leaning back against the station with his arms crossed about his chest.
"Maybe she needs Moka to take another bite out of her to lower her temperature."
"That's not normal, Ginei. You should stop by the hospital and have yourself checked."
Kurumu smiled.
"I don't know if they will be able to do anything without Ms. Sasayaki."
"Even so, we will be in Mononoke tomorrow. We can spare a couple hours to make sure you're okay."
Kurumu grimaced.
"I'd rather not. My mother gave me money to finish buying the kitchen things on my list and I don't want to waste my day in a hospital just so some clueless nurse can shrug at me."
"You're health is not a waste of time, Kurumu."
"I'm fine, Tora. I'll talk with Ms. Sasayaki on Monday and take care of it then."
Ginei chuckled.
"Speaking of health, have you met up with your drill instructor?"
Tora grimaced.
"Ms. Tobuyoku lives across the hall from me so it's hard to avoid her. She caught me last night and made me do those stretches. It was horrible."
Smirking, Kurumu skimmed over the article. He had so many pictures in these articles, likely to fill up as much space as he could to warrant the twelve pages he was proposing. It was sad that all these shots would end up in black and white, since many of them were gorgeous. The article heavily focused on the film club's project on the hill while mentioning some of the other things they did.
She imagined most of these pictures were taken on Thursday. She could see the rain in some of them. There were even pictures of them taking pictures and a few portraits of the film club members, but the article did not read like anything she had done. In fact, the absent club members were barely mentioned beyond remarks of Tatsumaki heading up film appreciation and Hatsutori having an off campus studio.
Kurumu gestured at the screen, shaking her head.
"What's this nonsense about Kirameku being the president of the loli appreciation club? Chouda told us this isn't a real thing."
Ginei chuckled.
"Those two seniors started that 'club' to idolize Chouda but their numbers quickly grew and so did the number of girls they adored."
"Is this something we should have in our paper?"
"Of course. I'm actually a member of the silly thing."
"What?!"
"Yea. Lady Otonashi was the first added to their list of divas. When I heard about this 'club', I promptly joined to get an idea what they were doing."
He chuckled, shaking his head.
"I swear I made a killing off those sorry souls."
Tora frowned.
"I don't follow."
"The group targets young women that are short and underdeveloped. It wouldn't surprise me if Yukari has caught their attention, considering she actually is prepubescent."
"I can't imagine anyone our age being seriously interested in Yukari."
"Well… your little friend snoozing on ice princess back there is within socially acceptable standards."
Kurumu frowned with a glance at Nerume.
"What exactly did you do?"
Ginei chuckled again.
"I would take pictures for these guys and they're not picky about what I give them. I seriously could give shots of Chouda drinking from a fountain and make an easy hundred yen off that."
"That is sad."
"You make money off of this?"
"Quite a bit last year, though I mostly sold shots of Lady Otonashi and gave the money to her. She found the whole situation weird but didn't mind extra money for the club."
"That is weird, Ginei."
He chuckled.
"There were other girls they would have paid money for, but I didn't feel right going paparazzi on them. Feels wrong if you sneak pictures in."
Kurumu snorted.
"The archery club feels otherwise."
"I was investigating the missing girls."
Tora regarded him dubiously.
"I'm curious but what other girls would be on their radar?"
Ginei shrugged.
"I haven't been in contact with those guys since Lady Otonashi left. I can't really say if any freshmen girls have been noticed."
"Do you plan to contact them?"
"I should. It would at least be a convenient excuse to check on Haiji."
Kurumu smirked.
"Your friend is in this club?"
"Not really. He just kept an eye on them to make sure they don't break any laws."
"That's worrisome."
"It also would be nice to know if one of you girls made their list. I might be able to make some money."
Tora rolled her eyes.
"I highly doubt Kurumu or Moka would qualify as underdeveloped."
"Neither would you."
Tora glanced away from his comment. Kurumu smiled, thinking to redirect the conversation.
"What about upperclassmen? You must have had an idea of alternatives to Lady Otonashi."
"Obviously Chouda, but there's also Okutomo Sana, whom is in charge of the Greetings Club."
Kurumu perked up.
"I've heard of that girl. She's a friend of one of the seniors in archery."
"There's both Tadayo sisters from the choir. My dreamy little classmate, Hitsuji Ryomi, and I imagine her sister will be when they find out about her. Then there's Yukawa Asahi, from the poetry club. Darling girl that keeps even the likes of Kyuushutsu in line. Makenuki Ritsuki from the auto club is an adorable, freckled girl with glasses whom looks like a third grader. I'd dare say Yukari looks older than her."
Kurumu chuckled shaking her head, uncertain if she should be worried or impressed.
"Guys are into this stuff?"
Ginei shrugged indifferently.
"I know Haiji is among those that have a fiercely protective nature over girls like this. Others probably fantasize about defiling an innocent girl."
Tora huffed.
"That is such a wonderful thought."
"The only other two names that come to mind are Miyake Yuniko from track and Mizudake Yuri from tennis. Both girls are really fit and Yuri in particular fills that sassy girl that some boys admire."
Thinking of sassy, short girls, Kurumu wondered how Hiboshi was doing.
"They have short girls in tennis?"
"A couple. There's another short girl, but she's…"
Ginei made a gesture implying a bosom which caused Kurumu to smirk and Tora to roll her eyes.
"Do you think any of these girls would make it in a popularity poll?"
Ginei chuckled with a wide smile.
"Of course. A couple of these girls are as saintly as Lady Otonashi. Even without this dumb club, they would get nominated."
"Well that's a good thing."
"But yea, some of the others like the Tadayo sisters are not much different from an average girl. Let's just say I would not be surprised if some girls got in solely because of this club. "
"That's just sad."
Ginei laughed at Tora's displeasure. Feeling she was finished looking over the article, Kurumu slipped out of the seat and gestured for Tora to take a look.
"So… what's the plan if we finish things today?"
"Plan?"
"Yea. Are you meeting with the student council tomorrow?"
Ginei paused and grinned.
"You mean on Monday."
"Oh, yea."
"I have a lunch arranged with them so I can give them the paper. I should have a decision by the end of the day if we are acceptable for publication."
Kurumu groaned slightly.
"Guess that means a long Monday followed by an early Tuesday."
Ginei chuckled.
"It's not like we can make papers fold themselves."
Kurumu smiled, wondering if Yukari did have a spell for that. Then again, simply having more hands to help fold would cut the time down significantly. Kurumu regarded her friends in the back of the lab.
"Do you have applications for our club?"
"I could get some. Why?"
"Kurumu and I have been thinking about having Ms. Shirayuki join our club or the PSC. I hear she is reluctant to join the PSC."
Ginei chuckled.
"I suppose we could take her in."
Kurumu smiled, hoping this would work out for everyone.
"Then come talk to her with me. I'm sure she would join. She writes stories all the time."
Ginei started after her as they walked to the back of the lab.
"Does she now? We could use someone like that."
"You think so?"
"Definitely. We used to have a senior doing that last year. Usually took up a whole page as he would publish a chapter at a time. Decent stuff."
Mizore noted their approach, lowering her book to her waist. She glanced at Nerume whom shifted at her side before looking back at them.
"Hey, Mizore."
"Hello."
"I don't think you've been officially introduced. This is Morioka Ginei, our club president."
Mizore nodded, touching the end of the white stick nestled in the corner of her mouth.
"I read his comments about Kotsubo and me."
Ginei chuckled, slipping one hand into the pocket of his track pants.
"I hope they were kind to both parties."
Mizore shrugged, offering no response as she lowered her hand back to her lap.
"Mizore… I was wondering if you would like to join our club."
Mizore glanced across the room at Yukari.
"Is she okay with that?"
Ginei chuckled.
"She doesn't have much say in whom I approve as members."
"I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable."
"I think she'll be fine. You're nothing compared to what she put up with on the field trip."
Mizore stared blankly at him, unaware of the circumstances. There had not been much reason to talk about the events of the trip by the time they brought Mizore into the group.
"I thought you wanted me to join the PSC."
Kurumu shrugged.
"Tora suggested it, but I wasn't sure if you would like being in the same club as Umizake."
Mizore glanced aside as Ginei favored her an inquisitive look.
"Who's Umizake?"
"Umizake Aoi from class nine. He lives down the hall from Tsukune and joined the PSC before our trouble with them. Like Tokori, he was too new of an addition to take part in that mess."
"So what's her issue with him?"
"He's her fiancé."
The temperature took a slight dip which caused Nerume to shiver with a slight whimper. Kurumu smiled and promptly reached out to touch Mizore's freezing cheek.
"It's okay. I confirmed it with him."
"I don't want to be in the PSC."
The temperature was too harsh for her to touch Mizore's skin directly. Withdrawing her fingers, she knelt down and rested her hands in Mizore's skirt.
"I understand. It was just a thought since Tokori, Tora and now Satsuki are part of that. And the PSC knows about your engagement now, so I'm sure Satsuki will know soon."
"You said you wouldn't start more rumors."
"But this is the truth, Mizore. This is not a rumor."
"I don't want him."
"Which is why I'm asking you to join our club instead."
"Why is it so cold?"
Kurumu chuckled as Nerume lifted off Mizore's shoulder to rub her face with both her hands. The girl shivered, tucking her hands into her armpits as she blinked with another groan.
"I upset Mizore with talk of her fiancé."
"She doesn't like that."
"Welcome back to the world, sleeping beauty."
Nerume weakly smiled at his remark.
"You gave me flowers."
"I did. We were talking about having Mizore join our club before this Umizake fellow got brought up."
"Umizake? Who's he?"
Mizore sighed but the air about her warmed up.
"I guess that's the name of the boy I'm supposed to marry. Why did he have to come here?"
"He said he was supposed to keep an eye on you, but I don't think he is."
Ginei chuckled at Kurumu's assessment.
"That aside, I hear you write stories, Mizore."
"She writes depressing stuff."
Mizore glanced aside at Nerume, causing the girl to wilt.
"I'm sorry."
"As long as she's not writing porn or graphic violence, we can publish it."
Mizore blushed.
"It's not like that."
Nerume smiled.
"It's rough drama. You would have to read some of it to understand."
"Are you fine with me reading one of your stories?"
Mizore meekly shrugged.
"I guess."
"Do you want to write a story for our paper?"
Kurumu clutched Mizore's chilly hands and leaned in.
"It won't be too hard with how quickly you write. We only do a paper like once every three weeks."
"We can give her half a page on the back before the advertisements. If I hear good feedback, we can give her more in the future."
"Are you sure I should do this?"
"Why not? We have Kana give us a comic that builds off itself so there's nothing wrong with someone serializing a story for us. There's magazines that do this."
"Tsukune was reading some Faust magazine which is full of stories from new authors."
"Do you think you could become a novelist?"
The temperature dipped again as Mizore looked away from Nerume. A small tear rolled out her eye to instantly freeze against her cheek.
"I don't deserve dreams like that."
Kurumu squeezed her frigid hands.
"Don't do that."
Nerume leaned in to wrap her arms about Mizore's torso as the girl carefully nuzzled up against Mizore's blouse. The girl shivered as she exhaled soft white clouds.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
Mizore took a couple deep breaths, shaking her hand.
"No, it's okay. Okay."
Ginei chuckled as the temperature about Mizore elevated after she took several more deep breaths and swallows.
"Well… if you can keep it together, Mizore, I would love to have the extra help. Reading through these kids articles make me feel like I'm a professional writer."
Kurumu leaned her cheek against Mizore's skirt, still holding the girl's hands.
"Are you implying that I'm a bad writer?"
Ginei smirked.
"Yes. Now I'm going to head down to the teachers' lounge and fetch a couple applications."
"A couple?"
"Why not? I'm thinking this lovely lady might reconsider joining us."
Nerume giggled, loosening her hold about Mizore.
"Why would I do that?"
"Because I enjoy being surrounded by beautiful young women."
Nerume pouted, glancing up at him.
"I already know you're not my race."
Ginei chuckled.
"Well I can't change what I am, but I wouldn't mind your addition to our ranks."
"But I don't have any writing talents."
Ginei smirked, gesturing at Kurumu.
"Can't be worse than hers."
Kurumu huffed.
"Maybe I should stop writing and let you handle the softball and baseball teams this time around."
"Your methods of gathering information are good but the execution of your final product is lacking."
"Fine. I'll let you guys write the articles from my notes."
Ginei grinned, turning his attention back to Nerume.
"So how about it? I remember you're in the Astronomy Club but that can't be too demanding of your time. After all, you have sat here all day watching us."
"I guess I could if you don't mind having me."
"In the least you could be an extra set of hands for folding papers and handing them out."
Kurumu smirked at him echoing her earlier thoughts.
"Maybe you should ask Sonoda to share in our misery."
"Their hosted meet is only two weeks away. I'd feel wrong about calling her in before summer break."
Kurumu smiled as Tora came over to join them.
"You should go get those forms before these girls change their minds."
He chuckled as he turned about and headed for the open door. With a simple wave, he slipped out the door and disappeared around the hall.
"So what happened?"
"That sly dog convinced them both to join."
Tora nodded, crossing her arms about her chest.
"I guess that means I don't have to trouble myself further with the PSC. From what little I did get out of Umizake yesterday, it felt like he would not care either way."
Mizore sighed.
"We're being forced by our parents. I doubt he wants this any more than I do."
"I wouldn't say that, Ms. Shirayuki."
"It's sad."
Kurumu frowned at Nerume.
"What makes you say that?"
"Well… he's just going along with it. Nobody wants to be with a guy that's just going along with it. I want to be loved and cherished. Not tolerated."
Kurumu smiled.
"Ginei seems to think that's the best way to go about it. He said he would agree to date any girl willing to ask him out."
Tora sighed.
"That's different. Ginei is flirtatious. Any girl that asks him out would be reeling from the attention he would lavish upon her. Our Mr. Umizake is possibly more apathetic than Ms. Shirayuki is."
"She's not apathetic. She's controlling her emotions."
Kurumu frowned at Nerume's statement as a thought crossed her mind.
"Would there be a reason for Umizake to control his emotions?"
"I don't know. She said he was a Mizuchi, which I've never heard of before."
Tora merely shrugged when Kurumu glanced at her. Kurumu sighed and offered Nerume a smile when the girl lowered a hand to caress her cheek.
"You're still warm. Maybe warmer than before."
Mizore frowned.
"Is she? I thought I was colder."
"No, you're feeling no different than you do in class."
Kurumu grinned.
"You two are getting along well."
Mizore sighed.
"She makes me uneasy."
"If she gets too cold I just snort some flames to warm myself back up."
Kurumu chuckled.
"I guess that would come in handy."
"Did you two meet Ms. Uchikawa in the library?"
"We did. She was with Ms. Bikiyama and we talked for some time."
Mizore sighed.
"Ms. Bikiyama was loud and upsetting the two guys on duty. We nearly got thrown out."
"While I can't vouch for Ms. Bikiyama, Ms. Uchikawa is a very proper and educated, young woman. I enjoyed her company as a class representative and it was no trouble at all to do her interview for Kurumu. I feel she would be a good friend for you to have."
Kurumu smirked.
"Bikiyama is part of your gym class."
Tora huffed, rolling her eyes.
"I'm aware of that. So what will these two be doing in our club?"
"Mizore will be writing a story for us."
Mizore sighed again.
"I'll try. I don't know what would be acceptable. I usually write dark themed pieces."
"Why don't you try something lighthearted?"
"I don't know how to do that well."
"Maybe you could write something similar to your last project. It sounded like it was more upbeat."
Mizore cocked her head, her eyes wandering.
"I suppose that could work."
"I know you're supposed to be a Snow Priestess, but could you also be a novelist at the same time?"
Kurumu grinned at Nerume's inquiry.
"I don't see why she couldn't. Don't you like writing?"
Mizore sighed, her shoulders slouching.
"I suppose I do. It's a safe medium to expel negative emotions."
"What about you, Ms. Genzouyaki? What are you planning to contribute?"
Nerume shrugged.
"I guess I'll help out like I have been."
"She's going to be our lolita diva."
"What's that?"
Tora smirked.
"A comment Senior made about a loli appreciation club that exists in our school. I wonder if he asked you with the intent to augment our finances."
"Huh?"
Kurumu chuckled.
"There's a group that is willing to buy pictures of girls that are short and underdeveloped."
Nerume pouted.
"I'm not underdeveloped"
"You're an adorable, little girl."
Nerume sighed.
"If that's what you want, I guess I could."
"I'm teasing, Nerume. Ginei hasn't even checked in with this club to see which of us first years have caught the attention of these boys."
A cold hand touched her cheek, causing her to shiver. Mizore frowned at her.
"What really happened to Tsukune's neck?"
Kurumu paused. When Mizore had first asked, they had been in the company of his neighbors. Not wanting to risk someone overhearing and starting rumors, they had dismissed it as him hiding an embarrassing skin rash. She supposed the truth could not hurt.
"He got in a tussle with someone when we were in the city. Moka had to use her blood to fix him."
"It was... awful."
Tora covered her mouth as she paused. Her eyes flickered in a mix of indiscernible emotions.
"We can't have any more accidents like that. We can't."
Mizore nodded, glancing aside.
"Is there anything I could do?"
Kurumu sighed.
"I don't know, Mizore. I suppose you could help watch over him."
"How bad was this?"
Kurumu took a breath, not allowing herself to recall the particulars of that night.
"It's behind us, Nerume. But since you're joining, you'll help us too. Right?"
"Of course."
Kurumu managed a smile, feeling some of the tension dissipate.
"I think everything will be fine if we stick close together."
Ginei laughed heartily. He stood near the entrance of the room, holding a handful of applications.
"Get in there, Tora. This looks like a group hug sort of situation."
With an aside glance, Mizore smiled.
"What will it take for me to convince you to do our club next?"
Kurumu smiled at the swarthy Aku as he regarded her with arms crossed about his yellow tank top. She lingered in Tsukune's doorway with her wicker hamper in hand as he fetched his dirty clothes from this morning. For some reason he was getting something out of the closet.
"I'm already committed. I have the baseball and softball teams picked out since their seasons start on the second. We won't have our next paper out before then."
He sighed, glancing over at the two lingering across the hall. Kamitsuku had on a buttoned up islander shirt with khaki shorts while Kinusawa had on a black shirt with a crimson logo and jeans.
"Will you guys have another paper before summer break? Our schedule picks up right at the start of the second term and we only have a few matches before regionals."
"I don't know, Aku. I can try but I don't think Ginei wants me to do three athletic clubs in one paper."
"There's only a dozen of us, so it wouldn't be difficult."
"That's great but I know the softball team is like twenty girls and the baseball team might be bigger than that. It's a lot for me to work with."
Kamitsuku chuckled.
"Give it a rest, Aku. There's six more weeks to summer break so it's not like they will stop the presses after releasing their next paper."
"Yea, but one of those weeks is term exams. I doubt they will be doing much the week before that."
Kurumu sighed as Tsukune came over to join her. He dropped the clothes he had gathered, along with a few that looked clean.
"I don't know what Ginei has planned for the paper after our next one. I'll ask him when I see him."
Kinusawa grinned.
"It's not like your judo matches matter. You could lose all of them and still go to the regionals."
"That's not the point. We host one of those matches."
"Which one?"
"I don't remember."
"You could be fretting over nothing."
"It could be the first week."
"Yea, but since the results don't matter, it's only important that you guys get mentioned before your regionals. You whined about that being right before Sports Day."
Aku grimaced.
"I don't get why they did that. Everybody knows that's the second Monday of October. Why schedule an important meet the weekend before it?"
Tsukune smirked.
"Probably because they figure the Judo team won't be able to contribute much to Sports Day."
Aku snorted.
"Talk some sense into your girl, man. She has to get our club done before the match we host or nobody will know about it."
Tsukune shrugged.
"Can't help it. She's booked up and Morioka tends to frown on us making articles too similar to hers. If someone else took your club, it would end up more like the article we did for the film club."
"How did that turn out?"
Tsukune grinned at Kamitsuku.
"It's mostly about what your club does and what you did on the field trip. Your names are listed but it's not anything personal like what Kurumu does."
"You guys done with the paper?"
"Yea. Finished up. Ate dinner. She wants to do her clothes with me even though I have nothing to wash."
Kamitsuku smirked.
"You two didn't do it last week, so I guess she's feeling left out."
"I'm fine with an impersonal article. It's not like girls care about your hobbies and favorite colors. If you look cute enough, they will date you."
Kurumu snorted.
"How many girlfriends have you had?"
"As many as you have had, I imagine."
Tsukune chuckled.
"I'm just envious at how quickly she picks up her articles. I have no idea what I should write about next time. This last one was rough since it was forced on me."
"There's one thing I could suggest."
Attention shifted to the tall boy with the wavy, shoulder length hair. Kinusawa smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
"Well… uh… Furukawa from our Arcade club went missing halfway through the week. He was helping Umigame investigate that missing boy, Chikafuji."
Kurumu nodded.
"You mentioned this at Tsukune's birthday party."
"Yea… you guys handled the missing girls case, so I was hoping you might be interested in a missing boys case. Furukawa is the third guy to vanish from our floor without a trace. We checked his room and he hasn't attended classes since Tuesday."
Kurumu frowned.
"Who would be the other missing guy?"
"Watanabe from class six."
Aku snickered.
"The guy your witch friend vaporized."
"That's a rumor and I'm wondering who started that."
"Maybe they all got tired of Gomitsuro's stench and fled."
Kurumu chuckled at Aku's casual remark.
"I understand Gomitsuro's nervous and rightfully so. Watanabe was from room one while Chikafuji was in three. Furukawa lives in four so that's all of his neighbors."
Tsukune frowned.
"Do you think he had anything to do with it?"
Kinusawa shrugged.
"You'd have to talk with Umigame about that. He's in six if you do want to walk that far down the hall. If not, you might be able to talk with him at school. His fishing club meets in the second year class one."
Kurumu handed her basket over to Tsukune and he reflexively took it.
"Could you talk with Umigame for Tsukune? I'm not comfortable letting him investigate on his own."
Kinusawa chuckled.
"Tsukune seems pretty capable to me."
"I heard that Chikafuji was one of the victims of a monstrel attack that the PSC handled."
"Umigame heard that too, but he hasn't been able to confirm that. The old PSC wouldn't discuss such matters with a Kappa and the new PSC surrendered all their records to the school. That Hineri woman in charge has no recollection of his name but admits she was not involved in every incident."
Tsukune sighed.
"I think I need to talk with Morioka before committing to this. It sounds like either Gomitsuro knows something or he's the next victim."
Aku snorted.
"Then let it happen and spare us all of this misery."
The kappa boys chuckled.
"What do you think, Kurumu?"
Kurumu agreed with his sentiment that Gomitsuro might know what was going on, but this was on the premise that these things were connected. She recalled Watanabe had gone missing after the PSC incident and that Chikafuji had disappeared on the third weekend. This incident was the middle of the week, which was different from the others.
"I think you should ask Tora to get the PSC involved. Umizake in particular. He lives on this floor."
Tsukune nodded.
"He's also in class nine so he might have an easier time talking with Umigame. The idea for the article is good but I'm sure the PSC are better equipped at finding your answers."
"I don't recall the PSC being much use for your missing girls situation."
Tsukune chuckled at Kinusawa.
"Let's just say I would be more comfortable working with Umizake than on my own."
"I'll help. Might be able to get some pictures for you that will make a flashy article."
"Thanks, Kamitsuku."
"No problem."
"We need to head down and start this laundry before it gets too late."
Kamitsuku chuckled as they all started down the stench filled hallway. The end of the hall had been bricked up with a glass door, the materials not matching the hall due to this being a quick fix for a fox girl's outburst of trying to recover her omamori. The kappa boy shook his head as they neared the end of the hall.
"I certainly did not miss the fragrance of Gomitsuro. Odd to admit city air was cleaner."
Kurumu chuckled at his remark, reaching the end of the hall and holding the door open for Tsukune. The outside air was refreshing.
"Hey, Kurumu? Did you give Tsukune his present?"
Kurumu nodded as Tsukune passed. She gestured at his wrist.
"He's wearing it."
Kamitsuku grinned, glancing down the hall at the other two lingering boys.
"I meant the other present."
Kurumu smirked, stalking outside.
"We didn't use your condoms."
The boys chuckled as the door closed. She promptly stepped over to slip her arm in his. She could feel his interest in her as they slowly started down the stairs.
"Are you fine saying stuff like that?"
"Like what?"
"That's almost admitting we've done it."
Kurumu shrugged as they reached the first landing and started down the next flight to the third floor.
"Not exactly. Besides, it's not like my friends don't know."
"That's different. Those guys are going to hound me for details."
"That doesn't mean you have to say anything."
Tsukune nodded as he reflected for a moment.
"Did your friends ask for details?"
Kurumu snorted, wondering if she should bring up Nerume's obsession with his size.
"My friends are only curious if it felt good."
Tsukune laughed, shaking his head.
"I guess that makes sense. Girls are probably not interested in the same things boys are."
"What sort of details do boys want to hear?"
He paused to ponder which slowed his descent.
"It won't be as innocent as whether or not it felt good. That's assumed."
"Enlighten me."
Tsukune chuckled.
"I'd rather not."
"Why not?"
"You don't know those guys. They probably will ask where, how many times, who's on top and who knows what else."
Kurumu smiled, breathing deeply of the cool night air.
"Why would they want to know that?"
"I guess it's the whole living vicariously thing. You know. Since they don't have girlfriends."
Kurumu shook her head, thinking boys were silly. While she was interested in her friends having relationships, she could not imagine wanting to know all the details. It would be enough to know Nerume had a boyfriend she was intimate with. That was enough to know she was happy.
After a few moments of silence, they reached the bottom of the stairs. It had been such a lovely day, but so much of it had been squandered inside. It was great to not have to deal with rain every moment. She imagined Moka was thrilled to not have to carry an umbrella around.
"When did you decide to do the baseball team?"
"They have the same schedule as the girls so it made sense."
"Oh. I didn't want to ask with him standing there."
"It's okay."
"Do you have any contacts in the baseball team? If not, I think Ikazuchi is on the team."
"He is. I also sit next to Abe from your art class and he's also part of the team. I'm also a little curious about meeting the guy that's dating Kakeru."
"He's on the baseball team?"
"Mhm. I probably should start making arrangements to eat lunch with them like Friday or something. Maybe have Nerume tag along since I heard from the soccer team that both baseball and basketball have kirin boys."
Tsukune chuckled as they reached the laundry room. She quick stepped by him to open the door.
"You're trying hard to get that girl a boyfriend."
Kurumu shrugged as she walked in, letting the glass door shut behind her.
"Nerume wants a boyfriend so I don't see the harm of helping her find one."
Tsukune set the hamper down next to the washers.
"I'm glad you got the two of them to join our club. I know Tora has been fretting over Shirayuki getting kicked out of her club."
He set aside the school dress shirt and black sleep pants that he had placed on top. Lifting up the lid of the washer, he wandered off to the vending machine that contained the detergents. As he swiped his card on the machine and punched his selection, Kurumu sauntered over to the hamper and started sorting clothes into different washers.
"I don't know what else we can do for her."
"Shirayuki?"
"Yea. She's still in an unwanted engagement and expected to take over a position she doesn't want."
She sighed as he came up behind her, setting the small detergent bottles on the washer before hugging her from behind. She closed her eyes, leaning back into his simmering desire.
"You can't fix everything, Kurumu. This might be something that she has to sort out with her family."
"She's worried that the next time she sees her family, they will try to have her get married."
He let his hands drift up to squeeze her breasts. It was much better feeling this with desire behind it. He breathed deeply, relaxing against her.
"She needs to talk with Umizake. I know she might not like that, but maybe the two of them could put off this engagement for a couple years."
Kurumu moaned slightly as his fingers massaged the fabric over her sore nipples. She glanced off at the door, noting how dark it was outside.
"I wasn't supposed to tell you about him."
"Why not?"
"I don't know. Mizore might have a small crush on you."
He chuckled, sliding his hands down to grab the hem of her shirt. He tugged it up, but she clasped her hands over his.
"I'm not wearing a bra."
"I know."
She mulled over the situation. Having sex here was an exciting thought as she had dreamed about this, but she was worried of exposure. She laughed at the thought of having peed around the corner only a couple weeks ago without any similar concerns.
"What's wrong?"
"Just thinking I would sense anyone watching."
Tsukune chuckled.
"Well, I wasn't going to leave you fully naked. Put the shirt on."
Kurumu glanced at the shirt he had set aside. Relaxing her hands, she lifted her arms up so that he could tug her shirt up over her head. As he tossed the garment into the washer, she grabbed the dress shirt he had set aside. She slung it over her shoulders, noting the sleeves were long but she could roll them back.
He was back to sorting clothes in the washers, tossing his own dress shirt in. She could see black tendrils stretching down his shoulder and chest on the side he had been bitten.
"Your mark is getting worse."
He chuckled as he finished sorting the hamper. He patted his shoulder without wincing.
"My neck hurts, but this is fine. I'll be sure to let you guys know if this starts hurting too."
Kurumu managed a smile, grabbing the sleep pants and holding them up.
"What do you plan to do with this?"
"I'm going to change into that while you remove the rest of your clothes."
Kurumu could feel the swell of lust turned upon her as she handed the pajamas over. Her hands drifted to the denim shorts, unfastening them. They were so snug on her that her panties came off as she tried to wiggle out of them.
"Are you planning to do something naughty with me?"
"Yes."
She glanced up as she finally stepped out of her shorts. Holding her shorts to her belly, she watched as he slipped into his sleep pants, his body clearly prepared to make good on his promise.
"Why are you so aroused? We've done laundry so many times together."
"And I have thought about having sex with you so many times in this room because of that."
Kurumu glanced out the glass door as he stepped in close, his hands gingerly touching her waist.
"You know… some things are better as dreams."
"Hmm?"
"It's too public."
"Won't you notice if someone sees us?"
"I'll notice if they notice. If they come around the corner, they could hold the door open before realizing we're in here."
"I guess it's a good thing I don't last that long."
Tsukune chuckled, taking the shorts from her and placing them in the washer while tossing her panties in the other. He lowered the two lids before stalking off to retrieve the coins to operate them.
Kurumu sighed, watching his back. She grabbed the side of the washer, scooting back up on it. While the shirt was long, it felt strained underneath her. She freed it up, but she was not thrilled with this cool, metallic surface pressed to her butt. She wondered if he was tall enough to do her up here without it being obvious to an onlooker. Regarding the darkness outside, she absently fastened some of the buttons to reduce her exposure.
With realization, she smirked as he walked back with the coins. No chance. These things were as high as her apartment's counters and they had already determined that was not fun. She could feel his anticipation as he sunk the coins in the slot before starting up the adjacent washer. He sidled over between her thighs, reaching beside her to drop the coins in the other slot.
"You know we can't do this."
He chuckled as he pushed in the other coins and pushed the start button. She was much higher than he was, but her breasts were the perfect height for kissing. He sighed as he touched the shirt.
"Why'd you button it up?"
She smiled, touching his hands to discourage him from undressing her.
"Because we can't do this."
He let go of the shirt to drift his arms about her waist. He tugged her forward.
"I think I need you down."
She knew from past experience that it was not fun trying to have sex standing up. She was too short for him to get her from the front and bending over was more comfortable if she was down on all fours. She glanced out the glass door with a groan.
"Can we take this to a corner?"
"I think I can hold you up."
Kurumu giggled, resting her head atop his.
"Since when? You can't hold me."
"I probably can hold you long enough."
Kurumu smirked, aware how quick this could be. She supposed she could try shifting her weight. It was much easier to do that with her wings out, but she might be able to manage it.
"Okay. I'm going to put all my weight on your shoulders and hips."
"Sure. Lift up so I can get my hands beneath you."
She did as he asked and he pulled her off the dryer. He staggered a bit, but she pressed in tightly against him, crossing her ankles behind his waist. He grunted as he shifted back, pressing the small of her back against the washer. He was about to drop her.
Snuggling up higher, she pressed her cheek on the top of his head as she poured her weight into her wrists and ankles. She clasped her hands behind his neck and he staggered back from the sudden shift. He stepped back from the dryer, breathing heavily.
"What did you do?"
"I put my weight behind you."
He chuckled.
"It feels like I'm wearing a heavy backpack."
"Am I that heavy?"
"No."
His breath was warm against her as he let go for a moment. He shifted beneath her, intent on freeing himself. She knew he would fulfill this fantasy soon.
Someone was watching.
The slight sugary sensation made her whimper. A girl was watching. Why was a girl hanging out by the boys' dorm this hour of the night? That made no sense.
Before she could voice a protest, she felt him inside her. And then she was too scared to say anything, not wanting to ruin this for him. She could only cling to him tightly and hope it would be over soon.