"Too bad Noe, Sekime and Nakatsu were stuck in a group with the two cutest guys. No one gave them a second look when we were around. Right, Ashiya?"
"Right." Ashiya deadpanned then brightened "The Onsen at the hot springs was incredible. I didn't know futons were that puffy."
"The day in Otaru was the first time I saw the horizon, too bad we couldn't spend more time."
"That was the first time we were able to talk and Nakatsu still managed to interrupt. Nakatsu kept me from sitting next to Sano on the bus ride to Otaru and I wasted sitting next to him on the ride back to Saporro by falling asleep on him. Why do I keep sleeping on him?"
"He didn't mind it at all, trust me on that. The guys were right about it being a gourmet tour. But that didn't make up for St. Blossom staying in the same hotel."
"I thought you liked Julia after she complimented you."
"It isn't that I don't like her, I mean she really does hate Nanba after all, but she looked interested in Sano and even checked out Dr. Umeda. What will you do if she starts talking to Sano?"
"Oh no, Julia knows I like him. Did you see the doctor's bright red ankle length coat?"
"From like 5km away and with black fur trim, where did he find that thing?"
"Did you bring any pictures?"
"Sorry Kadoma, here's some. Everyone took a lot."
"I still have to get a copy of the one Rio took of me and Sano."
"Ask her for a copy of the shot she took of Nanba standing by the boulder."
"The one with Nakatsu sitting on the rock and Sano standing behind them? Sure. Oh hey, guess who likes Rio."
"Half the class? She was too cute wearing a yukata with her hair up in braids."
"Noe. I think it's sweet."
"Yes, right up until the doctor kills him. Talk about protective older brothers."
"That reminds me Kadoma, what did your brother say about you and Kujo?"
"My older brother made Captain of the Karate team this year so they exchanged the standard promise to take care of me and threat of bodily harm if I'm hurt."
"Can he really do anything if Kujo breaks your heart?"
Shotaro recalled her brother's last competition "Not unless both of my older brothers take him at once. He hasn't kissed me yet although he indicated that he wants to and it's making me wonder how he really feels."
"Maybe it's because of what I overheard in the laundry room. A couple of guys were talking about how you get extra attention because you're small and weak and someone suggested he might be bullying you." Nakao didn't sound concerned.
"I know how that is, Nakatsu thought Sano was bullying me when I first arrived."
"Now he's questioning Sano's sexual orientation, he isn't even sure about himself."
"Since when?"
"A rumor started the evening Sano sheltered you with his coat while he was still wearing it and don't look at me like I started it. Apparently Nakatsu wasn't the only one who noticed the two of you at the edge of the park watching the city lights."
"I can't be anything more than Sano's friend because he thinks I'm a guy. At least Kujo knows that Kadoma's a girl and likes her enough not to blow her cover."
"But if Tennoji gets the idea he's bullying me he may lose his position and that could affect his standing."
"You have to admit Kujo does intimidation very well." Nakao looked at Kadoma expecting agreement.
"What are you going to do about Sano?" Kadoma had enough of that subject.
"If anything could be done, Julia would have tried getting us together instead of giving up as soon as we got back."
"She probably gave up because of the way Sano interfered when those two stupid high school girls dumped their drinks on you." Nakao frowned at the memory.
"You're still angry about the way that group of girls shoved you aside to take pictures with Minami, aren't you? He smiled for the camera no matter which girl was next to him." Ashiya frowned thoughtfully. "Do you really think he chased Julia to Hakodate and back simply because of her blonde curls?"
Kadoma agreed "Players shy away from real relationships, but don't you think it's odd for a responsible dorm head to be so shallow?" She handed the photos back.
A knock on the door interrupted and Kadoma answered it.
Kujo narrowed his eyes at the other two in the room. "There's a special meeting for certain members of the Karate club."
Kadoma instantly bowed at the waist "Sir, yes sir." She apologized to Nakao and Ashiya for leaving so abruptly then locked the door while they headed to the outside stairwell.
Surprisingly Kujo headed down the hallway which was a rather roundabout way to get to the dojo. She followed him anyway and was puzzled when he pushed open the roof access door because the sign clearly stated it was for maintenance personnel only. She noticed the latch was taped over as he closed the door quietly behind them.
"I apologize for the deception in bringing you here. To avoid being the subject of gossip we must be somewhere less than romantic. Do you mind, my Sho-kun?"
"Itsuki sir, there are worse places than the roof."
"I won't wash your back after the club meetings for a while." He ran his fingers through her hair.
"Itsuki sir, may I ask if this has anything to do with some boy thinking that you're a bully?"
"Because you have a compact body and are polite it is an easy assumption for others to make."
"Especially when you look something like an ancient samurai warrior" Kadoma lowered her lashes when he held her face in both palms.
He studied her sweet face for a moment then buried his hands in her hair and made her toes curl.
"Nakao, can't you do something about this?" Honda gestured to the dorm leader on the couch in the lounge.
"You're the only one he might listen to." Nakamura crossed his arms in frustration at the non-gamer monopolizing their space.
"Good evening, Minami-senpai." How was she supposed to kick him out so they could kill simulated soldiers? Nakao certainly didn't want him to leave.
"Oh good, you can help me with this." Minami tilted his head toward the screen to indicate his dilemma.
A dating sim, no surprise there, but how did he let the guy get in this situation? "Are you trying to recreate Julia giving you a bloody nose?"
"It's always 'game over'."
"Minami-senpai, have your ever punched someone? What would that person have to do to make you love them?" Why chase someone who doesn't want you? What do I have to do?
He leaned back realizing he did everything wrong in Hokkaido "So it's over."
"Did you really want her to be your girlfriend?" Please say no, please say no.
He was interested in her because she's blonde and didn't throw herself at him like most women did. Julia was a challenge, but a girlfriend? Minami handed to controller to Nakao because even if she responded to him in Hokkaido he wasn't going to miss her when she goes back to America. "The only girl I ever missed was the one who dumped me in middle school. It's possible I made a mistake with Julia from the beginning."