Chapter 2: Little Red Riding Hood

Days went on and before anyone knew it, it was Saturday, the day of the big dance. Typically, Japanese schools didn't celebrate western holidays like Halloween, or dances for that matter, but it was just one of the perks of attending a private school that had a number of western investors and trustees. There was also a point in time when the school hosted a number of foreign exchange students, but as of late they'd been lacking in diversity. Despite this issue, the school's administration made it a point to continue celebrating major Japanese and western holidays in hopes that cultural exchange attracted more foreigners with deep pockets.

Due to her heritage, Kagome especially liked Halloween because it made her feel closer to her deceased father and grandmother. Mr. Higurashi had spoken fondly about the holiday when he was alive and told Kagome what it was like to celebrate it abroad. From what she could remember, it always sounded like fun. And although she never had the opportunity to meet her father's mother or visit her home country, Kagome still felt a vague connection to western holidays and events. Not to mention, she was like most girls and liked dressing up.

Kagome had enjoyed the past school dances she attended with her friends, but she was more nervous this time around since there was an actual prospect of her dancing instead of twiddling her thumbs on the sidelines. Hojo had asked her to go with him after all. She wasn't sure if she even liked him in that way, but she didn't want to hurt his feelings. Secretly she cursed her inexperience because it often brought on these awkward situations she preferred to avoid.

Speaking of awkward situations, Kagome hadn't seen much of Kouga after his first day. He hadn't even been present at P.E. class since Monday's relay race. She almost wondered if she had imagined him, but her friends' constant talk of him assured her that he was in fact very real. She wasn't sure why she was so concerned about his whereabouts, but his disappearance piqued her intrigue.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on her door, "Kagome."

She hopped off her bed and ran to open the door, knowing fully well who would be knocking so early in the morning, "Hi mom!"

Mrs. Higurashi smiled down at her daughter, "You need to get ready for school young lady."

Kagome playfully rolled her eyes and did a salute, "Will do mam."

Her mother laughed, "Don't act as if I'm a ruthless dictator after I've done you a favor," she said while she revealed a package behind her back.

Kagome looked down and saw the very costume she had wanted, surprised that her mother was actually able to get it for her on such short notice. The model on the front wore a simple long sleeved, white and red Lolita looking dress that came along with a matching red hooded cape and woven basket. Looking at it closer, Kagome quickly regretted her choice. The outfit wasn't revealing or anything like that, but as a person who wasn't keen on attracting too much attention, the color practically screamed 'look at me!'

Mrs. Higurashi grabbed her daughters hands and placed the package in between them, "Take it Kagome, don't stand here gawking at it."

Kagome looked up at her mother and bit her lip, "Do you think this is okay for me to wear?"

Her mother's eyes softened, knowing just what the issue was, "I wouldn't have gotten it if I didn't think it was appropriate. Don't worry so much, you'll look beautiful in it," Kagome opened her mouth to object but Mrs. Higurashi interrupted her before she said a word, "It's not nearly as bad as those cosplaying girls in Harajuku… Though, I'm not sure your father would approve of you dressing up as a fairytale that demonizes the animals he swore to protect."

"Mom!" Kagome cried, suddenly extra self-conscious of her pick.

Mrs. Higurashi laughed, "I'm kidding! Don't be so sensitive."

Kagome sighed in defeat, "I have to get ready."

Her mother nodded in understanding and closed the door behind her. She silently hoped to herself that Kagome would come out of her shell soon. Meanwhile, Kagome remained in her room and prepared herself for the day until it was time for her to set out for school. For some reason she was strangely optimistic and looked forward to enjoying this weekend. It would be her last one as a fourteen year old after all. She could only wonder how this year would be different from her last.


The school day went by in a blur. Everyone could barely contain their excitement. They were very lucky to have time to unwind from their hard studying. Upon hearing the last period bell, the students of Asano Junior High rushed to clean up their classrooms so they could get ready for their Halloween celebration and upcoming weekend.

Kagome was entrusted with the task of gathering water so her classroom could be mopped. She hadn't expected to see anyone on her way to the bathroom, but she noticed the very boy she had been thinking about earlier lingering in the hallway.

"Kouga!" she accidently called out.

He turned around and waved when he saw who it was, "Hey Kagome."

She briskly walked over, "Where have you been?"

Kouga smirked at her and leaned back on the wall with his arms crossed, "Missed me that much, huh?"

Kagome pouted and blushed at his suggestion, "Really. Where have you been? I haven't seen you all week after the relay race."

Kouga mulled over his next words carefully; questioning whether he should tell her the truth and ruin the surprise. It was hard for him to keep things from her. He decided against it and grabbed hold of her hand, pulling her closer so she could hear what he was about to say, "Don't tell anyone," he whispered.

Kagome's eyes widened, dreading that he was going to tell her something bad had happened. But she nodded at him as a gesture to continue.

"I've been helping with organizing the dance," he finally said.

Kagome looked up at him in underwhelmed confusion, "That's it?"

He laughed while she snatched her hand away, "I don't understand-"

"I was excused from P.E. to help out with a very special project," he explained coyly.

"Oh…" she said unsure of what to say next.

"They needed help. You'll see later today," he reassured.

Kagome slowly smiled, "Fine. I'll see you later then. Good luck on whatever your secret project is."

"Thanks." He said and stared at her like he wanted to say something else.

But it never came out and Kagome felt weird standing there in silence, "Um… I have to go fetch this water. See you Kouga!" she said and continued on her mission.

When Kagome returned to her classroom she was bombarded by her friends and antsy classmates.

"What took so long Higurashi?" one guy hollered from the other side of the room.

Kagome blushed, "Sorry everyone."

"We should've known better than to send Kagome," Eri teased and grabbed the bucket from her.

"Yeah, what happened out there? Got lost daydreaming again?" Yuka asked.

"No!" Kagome cried and fiddled with her fingers, "Actually, I bumped into Kouga out there."

"Again?" Ayumi asked incredulously as she dipped the mop into the bucket, "You really need to be careful when you walk Kagome."

Kagome threw her head back and groaned, "Not literally! I just saw him is all. We talked for a minute." The trio stopped what they were doing at that point and looked at the poor girl.

"What? Where has that hottie been?" Eri asked.

Kagome replayed his word in her head. 'Don't tell anyone,' she heard him say in her head. She shook it off and looked up at the girls waiting for her to answer, "He didn't really say, but I guess he's been busy."

"Hmm… what a mysterious guy," Yuka thought out loud.

"Agreed," Ayumi nodded, "he's got such a bad boy vibe about him. Already skipping out on class. You should steer clear of him Kagome."

"Oh don't be such a goody two-shoes!" Yuka turned towards Ayumi and threw a rag at her playfully.

The four girls laughed and threw their cleaning rags at each other. Yuka had lifted her wet mop to try and block their advances, when one of their classmates yelled at them for horsing around. They silently giggled amongst themselves while they returned to their tasks.

In no time, the classroom was spick and span. Shortly after they finished cleaning, they received approval from their last period teacher and were at last free to enjoy their day. Kagome and her friends rushed over to the locker room to get changed.

"Today is going to be so much fun!" Ayumi said excitedly as they entered the room.

"I can't wait to see all of your costumes." Kagome added.

"Now I wish we had picked a common theme." Eri whined.

"We can always do that next year." Yuka replied.

"If we're lucky to all get accepted into the same school!" Eri cried.

Kagome sighed, "Can we not discuss entrance exams right now?"

Ayumi nodded and turned towards Kagome, "And they call me the buzzkill."

"You're right. Today's our day to party!" Eri said as she jumped up and down.

"Girls, let's change. You all take forever to get ready as it is." Kagome whined and dug through her backpack to get her costume out.

Eri flipped her hair, "I'm going to be the cutest witch you've ever seen."

"Argh, not if you all take a gander at I!" Yuka said while she opened her locker and to show off her pirate getup.

Ayumi giggled, "I guess I'll just be the fairy godmother for you ladies."

Kagome smiled at her friends' silliness. She didn't have any witty Little Red Riding Hood banter prepared for them. Her mind was too preoccupied with thinking of ways to avoid Hojo's advances tonight. She dressed in silence while she thought of possible hiding spots.

"Wow, Kagome! You look adorable!" Ayumi said and clapped her hands together in approval.

"Thanks. It's not too much right?" Kagome asked, turning towards them while she tied the cape around her neck.

Yuka and Eri both gave her thumbs up, "You look amazing!"

"You all do too," Kagome said happily.

And she meant it. Her friends definitely chose costumes that fit their personalities. Eri in an orange and black slim fitting dress and witch hat; Kagome hoped her friend wouldn't get in trouble for wearing a dress so short, while Yuka and Ayumi chose much safer options. Yuka with a brown and tan pants and shirt combo, pirate hat and sword, and Ayumi with a floor length shiny blue dress and white fairy wings.

"I wouldn't have thought you'd pick an outfit like that," Eri said to Kagome, "but I'm so proud of you! You look hot. Red sure is your color!"

They laughed at how flustered and red their shy friend got and started heading outside the locker room. The dance was taking place inside the basketball gym, and it would only take them a few minutes to walk there.

Unfortunately Ayumi insisted they stop to take pictures of themselves along with their classmates. She insisted they would want to remember these moments later in life, especially since many of them would go their separate ways after commencement. Kagome hadn't minded at first, but grew tired of the overly long photoshoot. She was dying to know what exactly Kouga had helped organize. His gruff appearance didn't scream that of a thoughtful party planner with school spirit. Eventually she became brave enough to break away from her group without them noticing. She raised her hood and held her basket close as if that would prevent people from recognizing her.

Kagome entered the gym and was surprised to find it already crowded with costumed teenagers. 'I really need to tell the girls that they take too long to get ready. Everybody is already here!' she thought to herself while she scanned the dimly lit gym. The décor was similar to how it had been years prior, outfitted with fog machines, strobe lights, spider webs and streamers. It wasn't anything spectacular but Kagome smiled to herself knowing this would be the last time she'd experience something like this.

She walked further into the gym, taking tentative steps and somewhat worrying that it was a bad idea for her to go off on her own. It was difficult to identify her peers in the dark, but she continued on, feigning confidence the best she could. To Kagome's relief, people weren't paying attention to her. She cut through a few dancing crowds until she reached the very back of the gym, where a small stage was set up with instruments and microphones.

'I wonder where Hojo and Kouga are.' Kagome thought to herself while she positioned her basket directly in front of her.

"Higurashi!" she heard a male voice call.

Kagome turned around already knowing who she would find. She forced a smile while he approached her, "Hi Hojo."

The love struck boy rushed over to her with a smile plastered on his face, "I've been looking all over for you Higurashi. You never called."

Kagome looked up at him with big eyes, "Oh, I forgot," she lied, "so much studying this week. I'm so sorry, it totally slipped my mind."

He laughed it off, "It's fine. I'm glad to see you're here. You look nice."

"So do you," Kagome said trying to return the compliment, "um, are you supposed to be a lumberjack?" She asked gesturing to his overalls and fake axe.

Hojo smiled bashfully, "You don't get it? Woodcutter, Little Red Riding Hood…"

Kagome tilted her head to the side in confusion, "How did you kn-"

"I asked Ayumi what you planned to dress up as since I hadn't heard from you. I figured since you said you'd go with me if you found your costume, it'd be good if we at least matched. " Hojo explained.

"Oh, the Woodcutter." Kagome repeated once she understood his choice of attire and what he was insinuating. She was shocked at how forward he was being, she didn't think he'd go as far as wanting matched couple's costumes.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked Kagome while he glanced over to their classmates who were having a good time.

Kagome shook her head, "I'm not much of a dancer-" she started to explain but was cut off by Hojo grabbing one of her hands.

"Don't worry, I can show you!" he said enthusiastically and began dragging her towards the crowd.

Kagome was about to object further, but as if on cue to save her, the music that had been playing was suddenly cut off by the static of a microphone.

"Oooooooooooooooowhoo!"

Hojo released Kagome's hand and turned towards the direction of the stage. Kagome followed suit and took a few steps in front of him, squinting her eyes in attempt to make out the figures who were on stage. The haunting howl sounded a bit too realistic in her opinion, but it was quickly followed by the strumming of guitars and light drumming.

It only took her a moment to recognize the haunting melody of the song being played. 'Is that?' she asked herself silently.

"Who's that I see walkin' in these woods?
Why it's Little Red Riding Hood."

At that very instant Kagome felt as if everyone's eyes were focused on her. Especially Hojo's, who she felt was staring holes into the back of her hear, but she didn't dare turn to face him. Her eyes stayed fixed on the stage while she tried her best to ignore the unwanted attention. She walked forward so she could get a better view of person who had singled her out.

"Hey there Little Red Riding Hood,
You sure are lookin' good,
You're everything a big bad wolf could want."

Kagome was captivated by the mysterious person's voice. It was deep and sent shivers down her spine. She cursed the dark lighting in the gym and took a few more steps. From what she could see, there were three boys on stage, each with an instrument in hand.

"Listen to me!"

"Little Red Riding Hood,

I don't think little big girls should,

Go walking in these spooky old woods alone."

Kagome only stopped once she was directly in front of the stage. Craning her neck upwards, the first thing she noticed were furry brown wolf ears.

"Ah-ooooooooooh!"

"What big eyes you have,

The kind of eyes that drive wolves mad,"

It was at that moment Kagome's eyes scanned downwards and made contact with the singer's. Pale blue meeting sapphire. A gasp escaped her mouth.

"So just to see that you don't get chased,

I think I ought to walk with you for a ways."

"What full lips you have,

They're sure to lure someone bad,

Kagome blushed furiously, but she didn't look away. She couldn't look away. Kouga's performance was simply mesmerizing. And being so close to the stage, it was easy to forget about everyone else in the room. It almost felt as if he was singing just for her.

So until you get to Grandma's place,

I think you ought to walk with me and be safe."

Kagome forced her eyes to look away from his. She noticed he had fake fangs on and still managed to sound so good. She allowed her eyes to wander down further, his hands were strumming a guitar. It fascinated her how easy he made it look.

"I'm gonna keep my sheep suit on,

Until I'm sure that you've been shown,

That I can be trusted walking with you alone."

"Ah-ooooooooooh!"

"Little Red Riding Hood,

I'd like to hold you if I could,

But you might think I'm a big bad wolf so I won't."

Kagome took a moment to try and figure out who were the other boys on stage. The one on the drums seemed to have really pale hair that was spiked up, while the other boy on the bass looked like he had a dark buzz cut.

"Ah-ooooooooooh!"

"What a big heart I have,

The better to love you with,

Little Red Riding Hood,

Even bad wolves can be good."

Kouga stared at Kagome intensely. Seeing her eyes wander towards his bandmates made him take a step forward. The movement successfully earned her attention once more. He couldn't help but smile for a moment, only Kagome could get distracted while being serenaded. The other girls in the crowd were eating it all up and he could sense their jealousy, but none of it mattered because his heart was already spoken for.

"I'll try to be satisfied,

Just to walk close by your side,

Maybe you'll see things my way,

Before we get to Grandma's place."

Kagome continued to blush while she watched. The look Kouga gave her made her heart pound in her chest. What was he doing to her? She was never the boy crazy type before. But then again, she'd never had someone of the opposite sex show her so much affection until recently.

"Little Red Riding Hood,

You sure are lookin' good,

You're everything that a big bad wolf could want."

The trio eased up on the notes while the song came to an end. With a final howl, Kouga let his guitar drop and leapt off the stage. Landing directly beside the girl that served as his muse. His swift movements made Kagome jump back, causing her hood to fall down enough to reveal her face.

Kouga smirked at seeing her startled eyes and rosy cheeks, "Hey."

Kagome's mouth opened but she couldn't bring herself to say a word. The boy before her was an enigma, it was hard to believe he was even real sometimes. He was like teen girl's fantasy come true. She didn't understand why he insisted on being near her. She was just an average girl, or at least she thought so.

Kouga continued to look at her while his audience gave him a round of applause.

She shook her head and whispered, "That song."

"Yes?" he prompted.

"My father loved that song," she finally said.

Kouga raised his eyebrow and nodded his head, "Did he now?"

"Yes, he used to sing it all the time when I was little," she briefly explained looking at the boy before her intensely.

Kagome was going to say more on the subject but saw groups of excited students approaching on each side of her peripheral vision. She turned her head and saw Hojo making his way over with a frown. 'Well that's new, I've never seen him like that before,' Kagome thought to herself.

"Higurashi?" he asked unsure of what to say.

Kagome looked towards Kouga, who also seemed to be frowning in Hojo's direction, but instead of questioning him about it she returned her attention to Hojo. "I thought you were right behind me… Wasn't that a nice musical number?"

"Very," the auburn haired boy said while glancing between the pair. Kouga seemed intent on being close to Kagome despite the number of girls giggling behind him, vying for his attention. Hojo was a lot of things, but an idiot he was not. He could tell the boy across from him had strong feelings for the girl he was supposed to be on a date with.

"The big bad wolf, huh?" Hojo questioned.

Kouga returned a devilish grin, "The one and only."

"What a coincidence," Kagome remarked in attempt to lessen the tension. She was truly shocked at his tone, it was almost like he was accusing them of having this planned.

Another student band took the stage and began playing their music cover of 'The Monster Mash.' The crowds surrounding the trio dispersed a bit while they alternated between watching the new performance and dancing.

"Care to dance, Higurashi?" Hojo asked again, extending his hand with a smile that contradicted his prior response.

Kagome bit her lip, unsure of what she should do. But she couldn't lie to him any longer. Kouga was watching the whole exchange. She didn't know why his opinion mattered to her so much, but it just did. She didn't want him to see her dancing with Hojo.

So she opted for the truth and shook her head. Hojo's mood instantly deflated at the very clear rejection.

"I can take a hint," the auburn haired boy said and turned to leave the pair alone. He'd be a fool to remain in their presence when the chemistry between the two was thick in the air.

"Hojo, wait-" Kagome cried, feeling she owed him an explanation, but he continued to walk away.

Kouga put a hand on her shoulder and she looked up at him, "Don't, you really hurt his pride. You'll have to give him some time to get over it."

"I didn't mean to-" Kagome started to say, but a lump formed in her throat and tears began to well in the corner of her eyes.

Kouga felt conflicted at her reaction, but he knew how she was. She was sensitive and cared for others' feelings. So instead of asking the girl if she actually liked the stupid woodcutter, he simply pulled her into a hug and whispered in her ear that everything would be okay, 'This girl is going to be the death of me…' he thought to himself.

Kagome recovered rather quickly and pulled away with blushing cheeks. She mumbled a thank you and was about to leave when Kouga's bandmates arrived.

"We killed it Kouga!" the one with the pale hair said patting his companion's back.

"I'd say it was one of our better sets," remarked the one with a buzz cut.

Kagome glanced at the two arrivals. She'd never seen them at the school before. Their tan skin stuck out just as much as Kouga's.

Kouga saw her looking at them curiously, "These are my cousins," he explained pointing at each of them, "the school was desperate for another music act. I told Mr. Ai that I was alright with a guitar, but showing up so last minute we couldn't find anyone to play with me. They were cool enough to let me perform with these two doofuses."

"Hey!" the insulted pair cried indignantly.

Kagome giggled, "Well it's nice to meet you both."

"And it's nice to see that Kouga found a good girl like you," the pale spiky haired one say.

"Shut up you bonehead," Kouga warned. He turned to Kagome, "Sorry to leave you hanging like this but I got to get rid of these two. Administration's not keen on letting outsiders stay here to party."

"Uh huh," she nodded, "I understand. Great show guys, I hope to see some more soon."

"Oh you will," the buzz cut one said before getting a slap behind his head being ushered off.

Kagome turned around and saw her friends not far. Just as she expected they were watching closely and gossiping away. 'Oh they won't let me hear the end of this.' She walked over to them and offered a weak smile.

"What was that?" Eri asked enthusiastically.

"It was Kouga performing," she said simply.

"Duh! But everything after that, we saw it. He sang for you and you totally shot Hojo down. Do you two have a secret thing going on?" Yuka asked suspiciously.

Kagome rolled her eyes, "Of course not. He's just very friendly. Might be even more so than Hojo," she said and instantly felt guilty at discussing the boy whose heart she obviously broke.

"I'll say," Ayumi added, "I have to hand it to him, that was pretty romantic."

"Where'd lover boy go," Eri asked looking around the gym, "and who were those hot musicians with him?"

"Those were his cousins-" Kagome began, "I didn't get their names. Sorry. But he went to escort them out. I don't know if he's coming back."

Eri groaned, "I guess looks just run in his family! You've gotta hook me up."

"I don't even know them. I'm not exactly a matchmaker," Kagome frowned at the suggestion.

"Nugungaga sseulmo (Korean: Someone is useless)," Eri mumbled.

"Hey! Don't curse me in a foreign language," Kagome said crossing her arms, knowing fully well her friend was issuing an insult at her refusal.

"She doesn't mean it," Ayumi said locking arms with Kagome. She often had to act as peacemaker. "Let's just enjoy the rest of the night."

And they did. The four girls ate snacks and talked with their classmates. They even sang and danced to the songs they were familiar with. Kagome ended up enjoying herself more than she originally anticipated. The dance was actually so much fun that they lost track of time, and before they knew it, it was over.

Sweaty and tired, the young teens exited the gym and were herded towards the main entrance. The crowd quickly dwindled down since many of the students were within walking distance from their homes. Kagome silently envied them, not looking forward to her long commute. Her mother was attending her brother's soccer game which was currently taking place at a school far away, her grandfather on the other hand just didn't know how to drive and wasn't going to bother taking an hour long train ride to meet her.

"Do you want to spend the night at my house?" Yuka offered.

Kagome shook her head but smiled at her friend's offer, "No, that's alright. I'll just change into my uniform and will be on my way."

"But it's so late," Ayumi protested.

"I'll be fine," Kagome assured.

She walked up the steps to the school and put her hand on the door knob. She gave it a pull and was alarmed when it wouldn't budge. She pulled a few more times before a dreaded knot formed in her stomach. "You've got to be kidding me," she mumbled.

"It's locked?" Eri asked as she watched her friend struggle to open it and finally admit defeat.

Kagome's shoulder's sagged and she descended down the stairs once more. "Is the offer still available?" she asked Yuka.

"No!" Yuka said seriously, but broke into a laugh after seeing Kagome's terrified expression, "Of course it is!"

Relieved that she had somewhere to go, she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, "Good because I refuse to get on the train like this."

"I don't know why, you could just say you're on your way to grandpa's house with a basket of goodies," Eri teased.

Kagome huffed and pushed past them, eager to get to Yuka's house. The autumn chill was getting to her. Their group started to walk and only made it to the end of the block before a car horn beeped and a deep voice asked if they needed a ride.

"Back off pervert!" Yuka yelled, but her face dropped when she realized who she was talking to.

Kouga chuckled from the driver's side, "A simple no would've sufficed."

"Sorry Yuuta!" she called back, completely red in the face.

"Yeah we don't mean to be a bother," Eri said sweetly.

"It's no problem at all," he replied.

"We all live nearby, it's Kagome who's the farthest. She needs a ride the most out of all of us," Yuka said.

Kagome blushed at being put on the spot again. The idea of her alone in Kouga's car was intimidating.

He sensed her discomfort but smiled before speaking again, "It's really okay. I don't mind. I'd feel better knowing you all got home safe."

"Wow, what a gentleman. I'm fairly surprised." Ayumi said before taking a step to open the back car door. She, Eri and Yuka shuffled in leaving no room for their friend dressed all in red.

Kagome sighed, knowing just what they were playing at and got inside the passenger's side and mumbled her thanks. She was feeling a bit tense after their last interaction, though she wasn't exactly sure why. Not to mention having the added pressure of her nosey friends being up close and personal.

"Thank you Yuuta!" Eri, Yuka and Ayumi chimed in unison once they settled into their seats.

"Really ladies, you can just call me Kouga," he said offering them a pearly white grin in the rear-view mirror before he started driving, "so where to first?"

"If you drive down three blocks and make a right, you'll be at my house," Ayumi said happily.

"And I live in Minami-Aoyama, right on Minato-Ku. Do you know where that is?" Eri asked.

Kagome looked back at her friend in disbelief, "He's not a cab service you know-"

Kouga's chuckle interrupted the rest of her statement and earned a glance from the blue eyed girl, "You look the type to live in the fashion district."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean? I hope that's a compliment!" Eri cried.

Kouga smiled, "If you want it to be," he gestured his head towards Yuka and Kagome while he drove, "and you two?"

"I live in Bunkyo-Ku, not far from the Tokyo Dome," Yuka replied.

"Setagaya-Ku…" Kagome hesitated to say, "But I was planning on staying at Yuka's."

"Yeah, but that was when we didn't think you'd get a ride home tonight," Yuka piped up.

Kagome's eye twitched at being exposed by her friend's loud mouth, "Yeah I guess."

Kouga whistled at the awkward tension he felt directed at the short haired brunette girl, "Setagaya. That's far, how's the commute?"

"An hour by train, but by bus or car it can range anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, if I'm lucky. That never happens during rush hour though," Kagome said nonchalantly.

"That sounds like a lot," Kouga replied.

"Where do you live?" Kagome asked curiously.

Looking at Kouga's face, he looked a little bashful before he responded, "Azabu-Ku."

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?" all four girls cried in shock, and struggled greatly to pull their jaws off the floor.

"You talk about me? Your family must be stinking rich!" Eri gasped dramatically.

"That explains the nice fancy car," Ayumi said to herself, but loud enough for them to hear.

"You don't have to be rich, and a Toyota is hardly a fancy car!" Kouga defended.

"Your parents must be ambassadors, that would explain why you're driving even though you aren't eighteen," Eri said suspiciously.

"What? No!" Kouga sputtered, cursing himself for being so careless with a minor detail such as the legal driving age, "I- I have my ways."

"Mmhmm," Ayumi skeptically replied, "you can stop here. My apartment building is right only a few doors down."

Kouga pulled over on the street to let the curly haired girl out of the car, "You'll be alright walking the rest of the way?"

Ayumi stepped out of the car and popped her head through the window before returning a smile, "Of course I'll be alright- thank you for the ride. See you later girls!" she said taking a step back on the sidewalk and waving farewell before the car started moving again.

"Maybe I should just stay with Yuka, my place is a really out of your way-" Kagome began to say.

"Nonsense, Little Red," Kouga said in a teasing tone.

"Are you two dating?" Eri asked before Yuka could say whether or not the blue eyed girl could stay in her home.

"Eri!" Kagome screeched.

Kouga laughed, "Nope. Kind of soon for that don't you think?"

Kagome couldn't sink further in the chair if she tried. She turned her head to the window to hide her facial expression.

"So why make a show and serenade her if you aren't trying to make her your girlfriend!" Yuka asked in a tone that sounded a lot like she was yelling.

"Well how could I resist," Kouga said making Kagome's ears perk up, "she was the only Little Red Riding Hood there, and so close to the stage too. Like what a coincidence," he said, echoing Kagome's words with a smirk.

"You didn't know she planned on wearing this costume?" Eri asked searching his body language for any sign of deception.

"How could I? I'm still new here, and not exactly in your circle… I hope you didn't mind, Kagome," he said glancing at her and then putting his eyes back on the road.

"Not at all," she lied and closed her eyes.

To be honest, she did mind. He kept toying with her emotions, being sweet one moment and pulling away all nonchalantly the next. It almost felt like he just enjoyed riling her up. Did he like her more than a friend or not? She wasn't sure which to believe, or why the answer mattered so much to her. But she didn't express these concerns to him. It had been a long night and exhaustion was beginning to hit her. The motion of the car was lulling her to sleep while she tried to ignore her friends' interrogation of the poor boy.

"So Kouga, how about you hook me up with one of your cute cousins? Are they single?" Was the last thing Kagome heard before the world went black.


"Kagome… Kagome…" her blue eyes opened while someone shook her shoulder a little more vigorously, "Kagome?"

"Where- where am I?" she asked groggily.

"You're home. Yuka gave me your address. You didn't wake up when I dropped her off at Bunkyo," Kouga said.

Kagome sat up quickly after hearing that, but was suddenly pulled back by her car seat.

"Oh my gosh!"

Kouga laughed, "It's alright, you made it here alright."

"I'm sorry you had to make this long drive," she said looking down at nothing in particular.

He squeezed her shoulder softly in reassurance, "Don't worry about it. I'm glad to know you got home safe. That red outfit of yours would've attracted all the creeps tonight; plus you're cute when you sleep," he said with a wink.

Kagome gasped and held her cheeks in embarrassment, "You don't mean that."

"I do," he smiled, "but maybe not as cute as when you're awake and not drooling."

Her eyes widened while she brushed a hand to the corners of her mouth, and there were bits of moisture gathered just like he said. Her face turned so red and hot that for a second she wondered if it could explode.

"Um… thanks Kouga, I got to get going," she said quickly and fumbled with her seatbelt before stumbling out his car onto to the pavement.

After closing the car door, she flinched at hearing the sound of the other one close as well. She looked back and saw Kouga walking over to her from his side.

'What is he doing?' she panicked.

Kouga saw the mortification in her eyes and couldn't help but chuckle. "Might as well make sure you walk with me and be safe, Little Red." he joked.

Realization dawned on her that he was referring to the song he sung earlier. She turned and started walking towards the shrine, "Haha, okay I get it- you were able to change out of your costume. If you call wearing furry ears and fangs a costume that is."

"Oh look who's being mean now?" he teased.

"So you admit that you've been mean to me this whole time?" she asked curiously.

"Nah, you'd know for sure if I was," he said jokingly while he placed his hands behind his head.

"How do you know that song anyway?" she went on to ask.

They stopped in front of the large tree her family called the 'Goshinboku' or the God Tree/Sacred Tree. Kagome faced him, expecting a reply.

"Somebody sang it to me a long time ago. Inspired me to take up the guitar," he said looking her straight in the eye, "how do you know it?"

"It was my father's favorite song. He played it all the time when he was alive. It was sort of like an anthem for him, he studied wolves," she said with a sad expression.

Kouga grabbed hold of her hand, "I'm sorry for your loss…"

"It happened a long time ago," she said while she shook her head.

He pulled back his hand, "So wolves huh- how'd that happen? We don't have any of those here really. Not anymore at least."

"His mother, my grandma was from the United States. Where she came from there's plenty of them there. I don't know how it happened, but my father fell in love with them somehow and was always disappointed that wolves went extinct here in Japan," Kagome explained.

"So he liked wildlife?" he asked.

"Uh huh," she nodded and smiled softly while she got lost in her memories momentarily, "he loved the outdoors. He even took my mom and I on camping trips… Caring for wildlife was his career, but he specialized in wolves. From what my mother tells me, he was working on a program to reintroduce them here."

Kouga smiled at the girl while she reminisced and waited for her to finish before he spoke agains. "That's really interesting. And now you live in this shrine?"

"Yeah, my mom moved us here after my dad died. She was pregnant with my brother, so you know- she couldn't just take care of us on her own," Kagome said, "grandpa was the only one who really had space for us."

Kouga nodded his head in understanding, "That was really nice of him. I'm glad he did that for you guys."

"Look at me rambling, it's late. I should let you go-" she began.

"I'm in no rush," he said smiling a smile so sweet that she couldn't fight returning one of her own.

And they spent the rest of that night talking and enjoying each other's company, and they remained that way at until her mother's car went by, signaling that she had returned with Souta. Kouga took his leave right before Mrs. Higurashi finished parking her car. Kagome was almost sad at his departure. She hadn't thought she could get so comfortable with him that'd she'd reveal deeply personal details about herself.

Walking to the front door of her house, she couldn't help but laugh to herself how funny it would have looked to people that they stayed outside together for as long as they did. Little Red Riding Hood out at night speaking to the big bad wolf without a care in the world. Who would believe that?