A:N - Hmm, I don't really have anything to say except that I won't be updating for the next seven days. But I do hope that you still continue to support me.T~T

Disclaimer : Nurarihyon no Mago belongs to Shiibashi-sensei!

Disillusioned Flower

The last class for today has officially ended. Initially, l had thought that I was going to find it boring, but thankfully(or maybe not), Kiyotsugo and the rest of his self-proclaimed squad- which entails with me being included whether I like it or not- spiced up the whole class with his yokai talk and anything just random - totally ousting our teacher behind. With them around, I always find myself laughing, even if it's only for a moment. Humans really are fun people to be with, no wonder why Rikuo's attachment to them is something that can't be broken.

I let out a small sigh and look at my surroundings, observing my classmates go around in the room. Some have no intention of leaving yet, they are the ones who sit lazily at their seats and talk. Others are preparing their things, while others are already leaving.

Kiyotsugo and the others are nowhere to be seen as they have already left moments ago. They are going to visit Rikuo- who had already gone home wih Kana earlier. They asked me to go with them but I had to refuse. Unlike Kana and Yura, the rest of the Kiyo Cross Squad are still oblivious of Rikuo's yokai heritage, as well as mine and Aotabu. However, that isn't the reason why I have declined to go with them, neither with the reason that I'm not yet comfortable with seeing Kana and Rikuo together eventhough I have already come on terms with that.

"Oikawa-san, we'll go ahead."

"Yeah, take care." I smile at my two classmates who wave goodbye at me before they disappear at the mouth of the door.

' I guess I better hurry too.'

I gather my own things and stuff them into my bag before I walk out of the room and out of the school. However, instead of taking the route that leads to the Nura house, I choose the one that opposes it, the path that leads to the shopping galore of the town.

:

The night that has taken over the Ukiyoe town is already too deep. I haven't expected that looking for a replacement for Rikuo's broken glasses would be that hard. I almost gave up as I could not find anything that resembled his old one. However, after seeing a fiery red one with silver linings and how it greatly reminds me of Rikuo, I decided it was the right thing to get. My purse almost got swept off with its content but that didn't bother me at all. A money has no worth for a yokai like me.

Way back then, Rikuo only wore his glasses to disguise himself so that no one would suspect that he's actually a yokai but along the way, he learned to like the way it props against the bridge of his nose. And maybe, if I'm not being masochist enough, it has something to do with Kana's comment on how the glasses suits him well.

Walking along the deserted pavement of the street in going back to the Nura's house, I halt to a stop at the sudden realization that suddenly strikes me. Hesitation and uncertainty starts to settle at the back of my mind.

Maybe, I got too excited at the prospect of giving Rikuo a new glasses that I it did not cross to me the possibility that Kana will also do the same for Rikuo. If that is true, then I don't have the right to give this to Rikuo anymore. I tighten my grip on the box I am holding, the box that contains my present for Rikuo. A decision comes into my mind.

" Waka can use this temporarily until Kana buys him a new one."

That way, I can still hold true to my resolution. I put the box inside my pocket and my feet starts to move forward again. Only a few more minutes and I'll arrive at the house soon.

Entering the gate, I spot Kubinashi and Kejorou involved in a conversation with the each other while walking at a slow pace. At the same instant, their movements stop as they stare at my direction.

" Oi, Tsurara!" Kejorou, in her elegant way, shouts as she walks towards me. Kubinashi follows behind her, a frown marring his beautiful face.

" Where did you go huh, Tsurara? I was made to cook dinner because you weren't here. Do you know how hard it has been for me?" Kunbinashi starts, still with a frown plastered on his face, clearly emphasizing that he wasn't the bit least pleased with it. Horrified at my irresponsibility, I bow my head at them and profusely apologized.

" I'm really sorry Kubinashi, Kejo-'

" Hey stop that Tsurara." Kejourou interrupts, a sigh leaving her lips. "Just ignore Kubinashi's whining. Actually, I wish you would do that again since it's really fun bossing Kubinashi around the kitchen."

" I'm not whining! I'm complaining! And it's only you who enjoyed that!"

" It's just the same and please, just shut up." Kejorou glares at Kunbinashi, making him shut his mouth although he gives her a defying glare. These two, they really are a cute couple." What are you smiling at Tsurara?"

Almost immediately, I violently shake my head at Kejorou's suspicious eyes fixated at me. Really, I can't tell her what had gone through my mind. I could still vividly remember what she did to Aotabu who told her out of the blue to just go and kiss Kubinashi and I don't have any intention of putting myself in the same situation as Aotabu. I don't know why Kejorou is abhorred at such thought but it's best not get a taste of her wrath right now.

" No it's nothing. I'm just uh- thinking how lucky I am to have you guys as my friends. "

" Yeah, I already know how great I am, you don't have to say it anymore." Kejorou flips her long midnight hair for an added effect. Kubinashi 's frown deepens even more at Kejorou's action. He mutters with annoyance." We're being too disillusioned here, aren't we?"

Kejorou ignores him. She leans her head closer to me and remarks. " Back to Kubinashi's question Tsurara. Where did you go? I'm just curious. It's the first time that you went out by yourself this long. Ao told us that you could have committed seppuku."

" Seppuku? What the heck is he talking about? I'm not out of my mind to do something that absurd."

" But you've been doing it already."

" Huh?"

" Oh, nothing." Kejorou withdraws her head back and laughs a little too smooth for my comfort. " So then, you still haven't answered my question."

I shift uncomfortably on my feet on the ground. What should I do? Should I tell them the truth? But I'm not yet sure if I can give my present to Rikuo at all." Oh that, I just bought something though I can't tell you what it is. I'm sorry."

To my confusion, Kejorou's face brightens up. As for Kubinashi, his expression only worsens. " What's the crap with that I'm sorry? If you-'

Kubinashi isn't able to finish his threat-I'm bound to think that it's what it really is- when Kejorou wraps her long hair all over Kubinashi's face. The neckless yokai, to his shock, thrashes his head wildly accompanied by muffled curses although it proves to be useless with Kejorou's firm restrain on his head.

" Uh, Kejorou, you're not planning on suffocating him right?"

" Now that you've said that, I guess that's not a bad idea at all."

Kubinashi must have heard what Kejouro had said when his body suddenly moves and charges to retrieve his head back. Kejorou laughs, raising Kubinashi's head a little higher so that he won't be able to reach it. They are acting childish and it's really cute to look at but I just hope that this won't turn into a bloody situation where Kubinashi would suddenly decide to use his cat cradle or he would really die of suffocation.

" You can go now Tsurara. " Kejorou motions me to go on ahead, all the while foiling Kubinashi's attempt of retrieving his head back. She's really into bullying Kubinashi that much.

" Okay, but you must really let go of Kubinashi's head Kejourou." I say in a disapproving tone before I leave the two of them alone. Passing by the pond, I stop there as Kappa's head emerges out. We talk for a while and once done, Kappa sinks back into the pond and I continue my way into the household.

Älong the corridor, I bump into Wakana, Rikuo's mother, and I made an apology to her. Being the kind mistress that she is, she just smiles at me and says that it is okay. Relieved, I excuse myself at her and goes straight into my room. I leave my bag behind and change back into my yokai form. Moments later, I find myself standing in front of Rikuo's room.

I expel out a breath, putting myself at ease, before I knock on the wooden door." Waka."

I wait for a while. No answer. I knock again.

" Waka."

No answer yet.

Is he sleeping already? Or has he gone out for his night patrol? Or maybe, what if he doesn't want to be disturbed tonight? With these thoughts in mind, I turn around with a heavy feet.

" Waka!"

I nearly had a heart attack when Rikuo's breathtakingly handsome face blocked my view, and a dangerously close one at that. Only a hairbreadth of space separates his face from mine. I back against the door immediately, my heart thumping hard against my chest like it wants to break free of the ribs that encloses it. " Don't you dare do that again Waka! You gave me a shock! "

Rikuo grins, as if finding pleasure at my reaction that I impulsively hit him a little too hard on his shoulder.

" Ouch." Rikuo winces as he straightens his back. In the full height of his night form, I feel so small of myself as he towers right above me. " You sure have gone violent Tsurara."

Horrified, yet again, at my rash action and Rikuo's dry comment, I made an attempt to bow in apology when he suddenly speaks, stopping me from doing so.

" I'm just joking. You always take things seriously. " He chuckles, the sound sending a tingling sensation all over my body. " Anyway, what brought you here? Do you need something?" He inquires lightly, his eyes never leaving my face. Feeling a little uncomfortable at his stare, I look down below the wooden floor.

" I - uh- I ha- I uh -'

Great. Now I'm stuttering. Scratch that, I cannot even form a coherent sentence.

" Huh? You what?"

I tried again.

" I - uh-" Damn it. I couldn't say it afterall." I- I just want to see if you're feeling okay now Waka."

" How would you know if you're not even looking at me." To my surprise, he touches my chin and lifts it up so that my gaze locks with his own." Now, do I look fine to you or not?"

Once again, thank you for the lovely replies! Love you all. T~T

And oh yeah, is there anyone willing to help me out with my story? I'm having a hard time with the right words to use and how to lay out the idea. I'd really appreciate it if ever. :v

Shizuhara89 - oh, no worries. i don't mind you bashing kana, that saves me trouble from doing it myself. xD. Just kidding. But I do think that it's not Kana's fault that Rikuo is giving her attention. I mean they are childhood friends and all to start with. I just hope that it just stay as it is since I will really be depressed if Rikuo ends up with Kana(although Kana will die way too early for yokai standards).
A happy ending? Hmm, depends on what you guys want. I have a vague idea already but it can change. And oh, this fic is focused on Tsurara and Rikuo pairing although I'm only having Tsurara's POV in here. There will definitely be some angsty scene for the Tsura x Rik couple awaiting.
Make Kana suffer? It might or might not happen. :v

Dragowolf - I agree with you on that. ANgst makes a story really interesting. Have you read the manhwa 100% perfect girl? Angst is really well used in there. Beautiful piece of work. Anyway, here's an update. Hope you like it too. :D

Alias69 - now that you said, I guees you're right. Alittle bit of OOCness is inevitable, besides I'm much more motivated to write with this kind of character. It's just awe inspiring. :v. Well,I hope you don't get tired of feeling Tsurara's pain with the next chapters since I just love putting her into an angsty situation. xD

fate-star - so yeah, here I go, writing as I please. xD. just as you said, it works out good.
oh really? i'll be sure to look forward to it! Hmm, I'm leaning more to otome x rihan pairing. i find too little of that here but for wakana and rihan, yes you're right, there are many fics about them coming out. T.T -just kidding with the emoticon. :v

akira - i'll take your word. xD. i'll be sure to keep this up.

Aoi Hana9 - awh, hearing compliments makes me feel really flattered. I just hope I don't disappoint you with how the story will turn out in the futre. T.T
Hmm, about Rikuo and Tsurara, i wonder what makes you entertain the thought that it might be impossible for Rikuo to end up with Tsurara. I'm not saying anything since I don't want to spoil you guys(oh wait, I already did?) Ah
Oh yeah, thanks for pointing out the grammar mistakes. I'm not just good enough at it but still, I'm glad you understand the idea I'm trying to convey. :D

Veraozao - Oh Aotabu is just a brute i guess. He's not used to stuffs like that and well, he has his reasons. :v
About your question whether Rikuo notices Tsurara's strange behaviour, we'll see to that.

for your chapter 1 comment - we're on the same boat. my favorite couple too is tsurara and rikuo! Also I agree with you, Rikuo should marry a yokai to preserve his bloodline. It will be such a waste if the Nura's lineage will cease to exist. They're too good looking to just disappear!
Ah please no worries. I found no erros in your writing. Smooch(xD)

ELISA - That's what I think about Kana too. She's just a mere human and logically, thtere's nothing she can do against a yokai enemy. I prefer it too if she just remain a friend for Rikuo, it's for the best. Tsurara is still the best partner for Rikuo!

Straight Guy - I'm sure I'll be able to update once a week though it depends on your reactions. I'm receiving such lovely comments from you guys so I'm really motivated to write right now. But oh, we have our midterm this week so I'll be putting up chapter 4 next Sunday( exactly one week. xD).

Shuuen - Who's gonna kill kana? Tsurara? Me? or You? xD. Just kidding. I think it will be an epic twist on the plot if Kana suddenly dies by Rikuo's hands. :v
Owh, have you read chapter 2 now?

Login - I totally understand what you feel. I actually feel that way about my favorte fics. And oh, no worries I understand you. To straighten things out, I'm a certified Tsurara fan and I don't have the least intention of turning Tsurara into some kind of a bitch. I love her so much. T.T.
But since this is an angsty story, Tsurara's going through pain is inevitable. :D

Konyaku Jellyfish - Lol. I'm not going to taint my hands just for Kana. No way. Just kidding! :DDv Don't worry Kana and Rikuo will have a fair share of their suffering too.