Chapter 5: Decisions, Decisions

The student council only met on Mondays and Wednesdays, so the next time Kagome had to go in was on Wednesday. Everyone had already arrived except Rin, who had told Kagome at lunch she might be late. It seemed most people in the council came in pairs; Ginta and Hakkaku, Ayame and Koga, and now Hojo waited to walk down with her each day. It was a friendly gesture, but she didn't want him taking anything the wrong way...

When Rin finally came hurrying in ten minutes late, they all sat down in the front row and turned their attention to Hojo at the front of the room, white board marker in hand. "Now that we are almost through January, we need to discuss the dance coming up at the end of March." He wrote Spring Dance on the board and shifted his gaze to Kagome. "We have four dances a year, like most schools. Homecoming, the winter dance, the spring dance, and Prom."

"My school did that too," Kagome commented, nodding her head.

"Oh good, so you're familiar with the set up. Ginta and Hakkaku are in charge of dances, so I'll let you two have the floor."

He handed the marker off to Ginta, who replaced him in front of the white board. Hakkaku stood next to him.

"Let's brainstorm some ideas first," Ginta told everyone, looking around the room. "We need a better theme this year. Our Rainbow theme last year ended up being a bust."

Kagome raised an eyebrow. Rainbow theme? Who had come up with that?

"I think we should do something romantic," Ayame suggested. "Something for couples. Like A Night in Paris or Famous Couples. It would be so fun!"

Rin scrunched up her nose. "Yeah, but then everyone without dates would feel awkward. I think it should be a broader theme so people can go with friends too, if they want."

Ayame frowned. "What do you suggest then?"

The dark haired girl thought a moment. "I dunno. Something exciting, but hasn't been done yet."

Kagome had an idea, but didn't know if anyone would go for it or not. It was kind of a popular theme. But she figured there was no harm in laying it out on the table. "What about a masqurade ball?" she said slowly, waiting to gauge people's reaction. "I know it's common, but it could be fun. Everyone could wear masks and dress up in gowns and suits from the Renaissance Era. And then there could be contest for the best dressed couple."

It was silent for awhile and Kagome quickly wished she could take it back. Was it really that bad?

"I like it," Koga suddenly piped in, a slow grin spreading across his face. "It's interesting. We've never done anything like it before. People will actually want to come this time."

"I think it's a great idea!" Rin said, smiling as well. "Good thinking Kagome."

Kagome looked at her desk in embarrassment and relief. So they didn't hate it after all. Ginta wrote down her idea and looked around the room again. "Any more suggestions?"

When no one said anything, he smiled and circled Masqurade Ball. "This will be our theme then!" He looked pleased, like everyone else in the room except Ayame. She just looked a little torn.

Kagome couldn't believe they were actually going to use her idea. They discussed the time and date, what kind of decorations they should use, and various other dance related subjects until five o'clock rolled around. Then Hojo was saying, "Good work everyone! See you all on Monday." And everyone was telling Kagome how excited they were about the dance now, and that they would see her later. She just smiled and nodded, a little overwhelmed by how well she was already doing on the council.

Finally, the only ones left in the room were Hojo, Ayame and Koga. Ayame was pulling her bag over her shoulder and looking at Koga. "Come on, let's go already! Stop dawdling."

Koga was writing something on a piece of paper. "You don't always have to wait for me ya know."

Ayame huffed and said, "Well I want to. But it's getting late!"

"Then go on without me."

She stood there a moment, as if considering whether to stay or go, than finally sighed and left the room. As soon as she was gone, Koga stood up and collected his things, rolling his eyes towards Kagome. "Sometimes I just need a breather."

Kagome laughed. "She really likes you though. Are you two dating?"

"No," Koga replied, curling his lip. "She's a handful. I need someone calmer, more down to earth." He had come up beside her now, leaning against a desk and peering at her through his sky blue eyes. Kagome felt a blush rising in her cheeks and quickly grabbed her books. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Hojo slowly erasing the board, as if waiting for something. He was glancing at her and Koga every so often.

"Well, I really need to be going. I'll see you guys tomorrow," she said nervously, backing out of the room and heading down the hallway. It was so weird how two boys already seemed to be taking such an interest in her. At her old school, guys had rarely talked to her except about school work.

She hurried home before soft snowflakes began falling, and walked into a sight she thought she would never see - InuYasha doing homework at the kitchen table. She set her books down across from him and peered at him curiously. He looked up and scowled. "What?"

"Oh...nothing, you're just doing...homework."

"Yeah, what of it?" InuYasha leaned back in his chair and rolled his pencil between his thumb and index finger. "I don't wanna fail geometry like last year."

Kagome sat down and beamed. "I took that last year. I didn't pass with flying colors or anything but I understood a lot of the concepts. Want any help?"

InuYasha looked surprised at her offer but shrugged and said, "Sure."

So for the next hour, Kagome helped InuYasha through the different angles and formulas. She would occassionally look at him through the corner of her eye as he was working on a problem. He was rough around the edges, but maybe he had a soft side too. Maybe he had a kind heart, maybe-

"Arrgh!" he exclaimed, snapping his pencil in two and making Kagome jump. He threw one piece across the table. "I don't understand this problem!"

"Or maybe not," Kagome whispered under her breath, standing to get a new pencil.

When she looked at the clock, she couldn't believe it was already 6. "I have to start dinner!" she said in exasperation, opening the pantry to see what she could rummage up.

As InuYasha fumed over his homework (eventually slamming his book shut and going upstairs), Kagome prepared ham and grilled cheese sandwiches. It wasn't the best meal she could make but she was too tired to really care. It had been a long day and she had a ton of homework.

When she called InuYasha back down for dinner, he seemed a little calmer than when he had left the room. He still ate his food in silence though, but Kagome was grateful for the opportunity to just relax. When they were finished, she washed the dishes and as she was heading upstairs, she heard, "Kagome."

Turning, she saw InuYasha looking at her, a little embarrassed. "Yes?"

He didn't say anything for a moment, but then blurted, "Thanks." When her eyes widened in surprise, he quickly added, "For helping me. With my homework."

Her expression softened and she replied, "Oh...your welcome. Let me know if you need anymore help." And when she was in her room, she fell onto her bed and stared at the ceiling. He had actually thanked her! She had to admit it was a surprise. But a nice one. It was sweet of him.

xXxXx

There was a car coming towards her at a rapid speed, but it was as though her feet were rooted to the spot. The road was icy and everything seemed bright and hazy...and suddenly her parents were in front of her, smiling. Kagome tried to scream at them to move out of the way but nothing came out. The car was getting closer and closer-

"Kagome."

-and the driver was saying her name, but how did he know her name? Why wouldn't he slow down? He was about to hit them! He was about to-

"Kagome!"

Suddenly, she was being shaken awake and her eyes flew open to meet InuYasha's. He was hovering above her face, looking a little nervous and worried, and dull sunlight was streaming through her window. She looked around and saw she was in her room, in her bed, and it had all been a dream. No, it had been a nightmare...she realized she was trembling. Then her attention snapped back to InuYasha.

"What...why are you in my room?" she asked slowly, trying to shake some of the fogginess of sleep out of her. She started to sit up in bed before realizing her choice in sleepwear the night before, and with a squeal she quickly grabbed the covers and pulled them to her chin. "Wait, just get out! You know not to come in here without permission!"

InuYasha stepped back and frowned, folding his arms. "Well you were screaming and when I came in you were flailing around so I tried to wake you up. And you hit me!"

Kagome blinked and suddenly noticed the slight reddness on his left cheek. "Oh...well, sorry, but you still should have knocked first."

"Feh...like you would have heard. You slept through your alarm."

"What?" Kagome looked at her clock and yelped. "It's 7:15! Why didn't you wake me up sooner?" She momentarily forgot her outfit and sprinted to the bathroom, while InuYasha let out an "Aagh!" and looked at the floor, slightly blushing.

"And I also just wanted to tell you I can't give you a ride home. Miroku's finally back from his trip and we're going to his house after school."

"Mmm?" Kagome mumbled through a mouth full of toothpaste. "Kay." She was in too much of a hurry to ask questions.

Once she was dressed and downstairs, Kagome gathered her things and shoved a handful of cereal in her mouth. She sighed and made a mental note to get on-the-go breakfast foods for mornings like these.

"Hurry up!" she heard InuYasha grumble from the entryway.

When they got to school, Kagome took her seat behind Sango and immediately noticed the distressed mood her friend seemed to be in. "Sango? What's wrong?" she asked gently.

Sango looked at her with a mixture of annoyance and exasperation. "He's back."

"What? Who's back?" Kagome furrowed her brow in confusion. As if to answer her question, a voice from behind them said, "Ah. My dear Sango. You are looking as radiant as-"

"Save it, perv," Sango snapped, turning to face the front of the room.

Kagome twisted in her seat to find herself looking at a tall man with a small ponytail at the nape of his neck, and a pleasant smile on his face. His eyes brightened when he saw her. "Oh, hello. I don't believe we've met. My name is Miroku." He took Kagome's hand and kissed it. She blushed wildly and gave a nervous giggle. "Are you one of my Sango's friends?"

"I-"

"I'm not your Sango!" she heard her friend exclaim. "And yeah, she's my friend, so lay off!"

Miroku's smile widened. "She's so happy to have me back she doesn't know what to do with herself."

"Oh, so you must be InuYasha's friend," Kagome said. She wished she could take it back when Miroku and Sango both looked at her with curious glances. "I mean, uh, so I've heard."

"Yes, we've been friends for ages it seems," Miroku replied. "He looks to me for wisdom and advice with the ladies, you see. I've always had a way with them."

"You can say that again," InuYasha muttered, falling into his seat and rolling his eyes.

"Ah, InuYasha!" Miroku said happily, clasping his friend's shoulder. "Good to see you!"

"Yeah, yeah."

The warning bell rang and more students began filing in. Miroku took the desk behind InuYasha's and leaned over to whisper in his friend's ear. Kagome couldn't help but listen.

"Hey, word is Shiori is planning to ask you out," he said in a low voice.

InuYasha turned his head slightly and raised his eyebrows. "Really?"

"Yeah, I would go for it! She's really cute." Miroku had a little gleam in his eye. InuYasha shrugged and faced the front again.

Kagome stared at her desk and bit her thumb nail. Who was Shiori? Was she really interested in InuYasha? Why was it bothering her?

The last bell rang and class began. But during second break, a girl with beautiful silvery hair (almost the same shade as InuYasha's) and violet eyes approached his desk. She cleared her throat nervously and shuffled her feet. "Hey InuYasha."

InuYasha looked at her and then at Miroku, who winked. "Hey."

"I was um...I was wondering if you were free this Saturday?" the girl asked, blushing and folding her hands together. She must have been Shiori.

InuYasha didn't say anything for a little while, and Kagome wondered if it was just her imagination but it looked as though he glanced at her, if only for a fleeting second. Then he said, "Yeah, I'm free. Why, what's up?"

Shiori's face brightened. "Oh, well I was thinking we could get something to eat. And then maybe go to the park?" She looked so hopeful.

"Yeah, that's cool."

"Okay! Meet me at the park around noon?"

"Sounds good."

Shiori almost skipped backed to her friends, who looked as though they had been eagarly waiting for her to come back. Numerous squeals and giggles came from their group and Kagome chewed on her lip. Miroku was patting InuYasha's shoulder. "Nicely done."

InuYasha looked at Kagome, who quickly pretended to be writing something in her notebook. He didn't say anything, but she felt as though he wanted to. What was this weird feeling? He could date whoever he wanted. Why would she care? Shiori seemed like a sweet girl...probably better than some girls he had dated. So why was she suddenly so annoyed?

Kagome looked down at what she had been scribbling and nearly gasped. She had written InuYasha's name. That was all. Just his name. She quickly erased it and set her pencil down. This was ridiculous...