Kagome checked herself in the mirror of her office for what felt like the hundredth time. It was the day of the gallery, and she'd managed to align it with a school-wide theme day, most of the students dressed up in dresses and button-up shirts.
She was sporting a sapphire cocktail dress, which had been collecting dust in the back of her closet since Sango's bachelorette party. She'd forgone the usual low-hung, slinky ensemble most of the other women had worn, as she'd fallen in love with the natural waistline and flared skirt on sight.
Sango said she'd ended up with the most free drinks that night anyway.
Brushing off her sleeves, she did a slight twirl. It really did look better with curled hair, and she'd been sure to follow Kimiko's instructions, wanting to impress—well, everyone.
It was a bald-faced lie, but until she came across the elusive art teacher, she was sticking to it. Another twirl was interrupted by the bell, and she sighed. She was a grown woman, yet she was still preening like any of the students in the school before meeting up with their crush. For all she knew, the session at Kimiko's salon had just been a generous gift from a hair fanatic who was horrified at her fried dead-ends.
Pursing her lips, she flipped the curls over her shoulder. This wasn't about Taisho. Sango and the girls had been begging her to stop straightening her hair for years, and now she didn't have to spend so much time on it in the morning.
Plus, truth be told, she loved how she looked. If Taisho liked it as well, that was merely a coincidence—and a bonus.
Giving herself a confident nod in the mirror, she exited her office, her strides purposeful as she headed toward the classroom set aside for the gallery. The students immediately ambushed her, some not even recognizing her as she entered the room.
Whistles and compliments filled the air, some bold enough to give her some terrible albeit creative pick-up lines. Kagome couldn't keep herself from laughing, unable to even chastise them as she thanked them for their kind words.
Shippou gave her a suspicious look, and she raised an expectant eyebrow. "Did you get a boyfriend, Higurashi-sensei?" The group collectively groaned as she sighed.
"Are you trying for the high score in detentions?"
"She's allowed to dress up for herself, stupid!"
"Plus, we're all wearing fancy stuff today."
Shippou waved his hands as his friends ganged up on him. "I was only asking because Taisho-sensei's tie is the same colour!" Kagome started, eyes widening. There was no way—
"You are supposed to be standing by your creations to answer any inquiries the other students have," a deep voice cut in, causing some of them to blanch and the rest to scatter. Kagome slowly turned around, her eyes glued to the tie around Taisho's neck.
It was the same shade as her dress.
Heat crept up the back of her neck as her gaze slowly slid up to his face. His hands flexed as he stared at her, eyes unblinking as the first round of classes made their way into the room, the chatter building as the current class showed off their hard work and process.
"A minute of your time, Higurashi-sensei?" he murmured, making his way to the attached office. She bit her lip but followed, jerking slightly as the closer shut behind them. "I take it the session went well?"
She nodded, then sucked in a calming breath. "Thank you for the advice. And everything else. Kimiko—your mother was wonderful."
"She takes her work very seriously." He was too close, at least too close for her to be able to think straight, but she didn't step away—not even when he reached out and thumbed one of her curls. "As I thought, it suits you."
It sounded different coming from him instead of the students, and she bit the inside of her cheek. "She mentioned you've got a talent for hair as well."
"It is not so much a talent as a hobby."
"She said you might be able to give me some pointers, too."
He raised an eyebrow, his expression going blank. "Is that all you require?"
Kagome stepped closer. His nostrils flared as she traced the design on his tie. "Is that all you're offering?" His eyes flickered to the door behind her, and she took her chance, tugging on his tie to brush her lips against his. His hand slid into her hair and around her neck, but he kept the kiss light, and for that, she was grateful.
"I had thought fraternizing with employees was frowned upon," he said, thumb teasing her lower lip.
"I won't tell if you won't," she said, breaking out into a mischievous smile. "Besides, after this week, you won't be teaching here anymore."
"I will not be able to wait that long." His tone sent shivers cascading down her spine.
"You'll have to wait until after school, at least," she replied, backing up to save them both from temptation.
"Considering we are both already dressed for it, I assume dinner is not out of the question."
She breathed a sigh of relief, unable to stop herself from stealing another quick kiss before her hand was on the doorknob. "Dinner sound lovely."
"I will make sure all classes have their supplies put away on time then," he muttered, following her back into the gallery.
"See that you do." Her lips still tingled, and she itched to see if he tasted as good as he smelled, but at least now she had something to look forward to at the end of the day.
She'd have to send Hojo another get-well gift.