Kurumu followed Yukari out of suite 413 which belonged to the vampire sisters. She nestled the strap of her schoolbag into the valley of her bosom, holding a white pouch of chocolates tied with a blue ribbon in her other hand. She contemplated putting the pouch in the pocket of her open school jacket as Kokoa drifted out of the suite. The younger sister was wearing the sweater vest.
"Should we check on Mizore?"
Yukari huffed, adjusting the strap of her satchel to be on top of her schoolbag's strap. Her satchel was stuffed with dozens of white pouches similar to the one in Kurumu's hand. Kokoa had a half dozen of her own stowed away in her schoolbag. They had been up late last night, preparing these gifts. Yukari and Rubi had even slept over, though the older witch had already left for work.
"I'd rather not. It is a day for lovers and we might be interrupting something."
Kurumu smirked as Moka bounded out. The vampire was wearing her green school jacket over her white school blouse. As usual, Moka had left the top buttons of her blouse undone to display the black, leather choker. The vampire closed the door with her key in hand.
"What happened to your chocolates?"
Moka pushed her key into the lock, turning the deadbolt into place.
"I put it in my schoolbag."
"Well don't give him your bento by mistake."
Moka turned about with flush cheeks, pocketing her key.
"I'm not that nervous."
"Let's get this over with."
Kokoa stalked off, prompting them to follow.
Only two units were occupied in this particular building. After getting pregnant, Lady Hineri had moved into the single suite next door. These windowless, two story buildings had twelve units each, six facing the forest this clearing had been carved out from. Black iron stairs were built into the sides of these simple structures, leading up to the larger corner units.
Mizore was the only occupant in the nearest, identical apartment building, living in 402 which was a single unit. Umizake had moved in with her, still waiting on an official approval from the school. Since they were engaged and had parental consent, his request form should get authorized.
A landing was above Lady Hineri's suite with a stair coming down near the commissary's front corner. The single story structure stood in the center of this clearing. They passed through the gap between the end of the stairs and the commissary, heading towards the trail which led out of the clearing. The glass double doors of the commissary directly faced this trail.
The building with the stair coming down near the other front corner of the commissary was the one that Lady Hineri had moved out of. Many of the third years in the track and volleyball programs lived in those suites with every unit being occupied. Some of those units were homes for the girls from Aranoiji which included Lady Hineri and her roommate on the tennis team.
The last building in this clearing which could be seen over the commissary was the one with Kurumu's suite. She lived in 323 which was the upper level, single suite facing the forest. Both of the corner units beside her were vacant but every other unit was occupied. Yukari had lived in 317, the other upper single unit, but had traded rooms with Chouda right before summer break to have room for Rubi.
Just as they were about to leave the clearing, the door to the upper corner unit 304 opened. A buxom girl with wavy, burgundy curls hopped out, wearing the sweater vest. That was Haneru Ashiri, former volleyball team captain. Nicknamed Bouncy Bunny, the gyokuto from Aranoiji was quite popular.
The girl with the glossy black hair following Haneru out was Ine Ginko. Ine paused to lock up the door as Haneru bounded down the stairs. The tanuki was also on the volleyball team and from Aranoiji.
Kurumu followed her friends down the trail cutting through the woods. There were four track girls further down this trail. The tallest of those girls with the short, feathered black locks was Uchiyama's sister, Hokori. The other tall girl with the dark brown hair was her roommate, Yamanaka Otoha. Yamanaka was a tengu from Koutoukumo.
The other pair were about Moka's height. Those identical girls with the charcoal tresses plagued with cowlicks were the Samurakami sisters. Saeko was the older sister, having a more buxom body than Atae whom would be the next track team captain. Both girls were holding their bento boxes along with pink bags that likely contained chocolates for friends or crushes. The tanuki sisters were from Aserutani.
"Do you think any girls will confess today?"
"I'm just giving him chocolates! I don't plan to ask him out."
Kurumu snickered at Moka's quick denial. She clutched her pouch of chocolates against her breast.
"I wasn't talking about you."
"You were thinking about it."
Kurumu gasped theatrically.
"Have you drank enough of my blood to read minds?!"
Yukari cackled and Kokoa smirked. Moka blushed with a shake of her head.
"I don't need your powers to know what you're thinking."
"When was the last time she took your blood?"
Kurumu shrugged at Kokoa's inquiry.
"Not recently. I think the last time was in Hong Kong."
"If you're not interested in taking her blood, just renounce your claim on her."
"Absolutely not!"
Kokoa frowned at her sister's refusal.
"It's dumb that you marked her when she pledged her life to me."
"You took that pledge after I marked her."
"Compensation for saving your boyfriend's life."
"He's not my boyfriend!"
Kurumu chuckled softly as they arrived at the junction of the trails. Three paths cut through the woods to clearings similar to the one they had left. The wider trail on the right cut over to the main path which went from the clearing about Kurai dining hall to the main school gate. The older track girls were several paces down that trail but were looking over their shoulders at Moka's outburst.
Moka blushed, realizing her loud denial had caught the attention of several third years. There was also a quartet of forgettable guys nearing the juncture from the trail cutting to the left. Moka shook her head, quickly passing by her sister to be first down the wider trail.
"I don't even know if he'll accept my chocolates."
Kokoa huffed, keeping a few steps ahead of Kurumu and Yukari.
"I told you what I saw in your future. It will be fine."
"That doesn't mean he won't pitch them the moment he can."
Kurumu sighed at Moka's pessimism, absently fussing with her strap.
"He's not going to do that."
"Though it would be understandable. He was put in the infirmary the last time."
Kurumu shot Yukari a chastising look.
"That wasn't her fault. Making pumpkin flavored chocolate from an actual pumpkin was a mistake."
"While the spice packets worked better, I still don't know if mixing the flavors of pumpkin and chocolate was a good choice."
"It's not like the lemon chocolates we made are that much better."
Yukari shot her a mischievous look.
"They would have been if you had added some of your juices to the mix."
"I'm not about to risk any of my friends getting addicted to my spit over something this trivial."
"I wasn't talking about your saliva."
Kurumu blushed as she sensed Yukari's thoughts of her squirting abilities. Some of her body fluids had a much higher concentration of the opiate her body naturally produced.
"You are too young to be having those thoughts!"
Yukari snickered, keeping up with Kurumu's slightly longer stride.
"Are you sure that he's going to accept my chocolates? I don't have to say anything specific."
Kokoa sighed at Moka's concerns as they steadily drew closer to the end of this trail where the track girls were turning to the left.
"Whatever you most likely will say works. It's not like I can hear your words or thoughts when I look into your probable futures."
"I know but I'm just worried."
"At least he will take it. I can't say the same for what I saw in my future through Kurumu's eyes."
Kurumu managed a smile at Kokoa's tone.
"I'm sure that Nagisa will take your chocolates just like the other girls."
"Despite her trying to poison her friends with wasabi flavored chocolate."
Kokoa huffed at Yukari, straightening her shoulders.
"Only people with a mature taste can appreciate such delicacy."
"I'll stick with being a kid then."
Kurumu giggled, agreeing with Yukari's sentiment. She had tried one of Kokoa's chocolates which had almost brought her to tears.
"Have faith, Kokoa. You don't need to wait for us to join you at lunch to give your chocolates."
Kokoa sighed heavily as they reached the end of the trail. They headed left on the main school path.
"That is not what I'm worried about."
Kurumu frowned, wondering what was bothering Kokoa. But she held back her curiosity, not wanting to accidentally invade her friend's thoughts.
It was not long down this trail before the woods started thinning on the left. Not too far off the trail was a pond which was also close to where Kurumu had first introduced herself to Tsukune. Ten months ago.
"This Valentine's Day is going to be much better than my last one."
"What happened on your last one?"
"Takada broke up with me."
"The guy you charmed into being your boyfriend?"
Kurumu pouted at Yukari, wishing she could deny that.
"He was the most popular guy of my grade in Kengamine. He even taught me how to fly."
Yukari made a dismissive sound and hand gesture without slowing down. They continued down the trail in relative silence. The four track girls had reached the point where the trail split up. The path curving to the right would continue to the school while the other trail cut through the woods and ended at a bike path connecting the school to the outskirts of Mononoke.
Kurumu sighed once they reached the intersection, drifting right to follow their seniors. This atmosphere hardly felt right for Valentine's Day. Kokoa seemed resigned about whatever she had seen in her future and Moka acted like Tsukune would only take her chocolates out of pity.
"I'm glad that we made chocolates for all of our friends."
Yukari huffed with a shake of her head.
"Your friends. I'll be spending all of my free time before the bell rings distributing these chocolates."
"Don't act like Satsuki, Nerume and Juri aren't your friends too."
"Those three aren't an issue. It's having to run to every other homeroom that will be a bother."
"You could give Moka the chocolates for our friends in class eleven."
"No, it's fine. I'll probably have to be with her when she gives her chocolate to Tsukune."
"You wouldn't mind?"
Yukari brightened up at Moka's hopeful tone.
"Of course not. I have to give her chocolates to Tora, Ms. Tobuyoku and Ms. Hanetsume anyways."
Kurumu resisted the urge to scold Yukari over not classifying those girls as friends. It was not a surprise, considering Yukari was reluctant to even refer to Mizore as a friend. The only reason Kana and Tora had Yukari's stamp of approval was because those two were in the newspaper club.
The trail gradually curved to the right with the woods on the left thinning as they neared the school. The start of the perimeter wall that marked the end of the forest was visible. This was close to where they had set up the table to distribute their first school paper.
"I forgot to ask but are you guys still handing out papers tomorrow morning?"
"We still don't have approval from the student council."
Kurumu gasped at Yukari's admission.
"You don't?! Has Ginei given them a copy?!"
"He had lunch with the student council yesterday."
Kurumu frowned as the seniors ahead of them started walking by the first of the four boards flanking the path which the school used to post exam scores.
"Mikomi didn't approve it on the spot?"
"Ms. Sawayaka probably wants to read it first."
"We should find out today at the club meeting."
Yukari snorted at Moka's remark.
"Assuming he shows up for it."
"He didn't show up yesterday?"
Moka laughed, fidgeting with the strap of her schoolbag.
"He did but he's very busy. He is helping out with the yearbook photos."
"He showed up only a few minutes before you did. It was a very awkward hour since Moka is afraid to talk to Tsukune and he seems content to be quiet."
"It's not like you or Tora are talking much with him."
"We don't have problems chatting with him. There just wasn't any club matters to talk about yesterday. And none of us are going to bring up this issue between you two."
The group fell into an uncomfortable silence. As they neared the first board, the seniors ahead of them were only a few steps shy of the open main gate spanning the break in the perimeter wall.
"Two of our seniors had yearbook pictures yesterday but they didn't miss choir practice."
"Ginei said they almost had two homerooms finished when the school day ended. Your seniors must have been in one of those homerooms."
Kurumu nodded, taking in a deep breath of the brisk morning air.
"Well I'm sure that you'll have your approval today. Are you guys having a sleepover tonight?"
"No reason to. Since the printing room is operational, we can print and fold all of our papers tonight and leave them here. We'll probably meet up early tomorrow morning."
"Did Ginei say whom would get stuck with that duty?"
"In the few minutes he was around yesterday, he got a few volunteers. Tsukune is going to handle this with Kana and Tora. Technically Ginei and Ms. Hajihachi will be helping but I've seen how they are."
Kurumu smirked, recalling the last time she had been on campus in the printing room. While Sonoda and Kurumu had folded up fliers for the cultural festival, Ginei had slipped off into the teacher's lounge with Hajihachi to fool around. That whole evening had been one awkward encounter after another, walking in on several students engaging in sexual acts.
"Are you planning to give your chocolates before you pick up your announcements?"
Kurumu grinned as they passed through the open gate. There was a short walk up a slight incline to the main doors for the school.
"I think that I'll chat with Mrs. Senda first. There is the chance that Nijiro isn't here yet."
"Doubtful."
Kurumu giggled, supposing Yukari would be right. Nijiro was quite serious about his academics.
The central building of Yokai Academy looked more like a mansion than a place of learning. The ground level had a larger footprint than the second floor. A black roof with dormers sloped down to the front and sides from the white railing of a second floor balcony that had no access to Kurumu's knowledge. Moka was already at the main door, holding it open for her sister to pass through.
Not wanting to trouble the vampire, Kurumu quickened her step to hurry through the door. The large genkan on the other side had nine aisles formed by the shoe shelves. She turned right, heading towards the first door to the teachers' lounge. Ignoring that, she turned left in the last aisle flanking the wall.
"Someone is in a hurry."
Kurumu stopped at the end of the aisle, sticking her tongue out at Yukari. She bent down, setting her pouch of chocolates aside before unbuckling her Mary Janes. The witch sauntered over to join her, arriving before Kurumu had both shoes off.
"I know that you had fun making all of those chocolates."
Yukari shrugged, wiggling out of her loafers as Kurumu traded her Mary Janes for her slippers.
"I suppose so. It doesn't hurt that I got to sleep with my Moka."
Kurumu snickered, supposing Yukari would say that. Donning her slippers, she picked up her pouch of chocolates and stepped up into the main lobby.
"I'll see you in class."
Yukari made a dismissive sound as Kurumu pranced over to the other door for the teachers' lounge.
In seconds she had the door drawn aside and had ducked into the adjacent room, catching the attention of her advisor. Mrs. Senda was sporting a long sleeved, peach blouse and ruffled, chocolate brown skirt. The woman grinned at her approach, snatching up a sheet from her desk.
"I have announcements for you, though there isn't much new from yesterday. Just a reminder for the students to bring back their lunch trays and dispose of their garbage. The cleaning staff would rather not find these things in all different places around the campus after school hours."
Kurumu snickered, taking the sheet. They were often scolded over this but there was not enough room in the cafeteria and not enough time.
"I got a question for you. I was wondering if you knew when Mr. Saiyama retired."
Mrs. Senda frowned, pushing her glasses higher up the bridge of her nose.
"Mr. Saiyama? The former physics teacher?"
"Yea. He was my mother's physics teacher."
Mrs. Senda smiled softly, leaning back in her cushioned chair.
"Mr. Saiyama and Ms. Tenrai both resigned in protest over taking back the prefectural school status. I don't know what happened to Ms. Tenrai, but Mr. Saiyama teaches at the junior high in Touboe."
"So that's why Ms. Yoshino and Ms. Rin were brought on in 89."
"Mhm. The school also lost four gym teachers that year but for different reasons. Two quit because they didn't feel comfortable with becoming coaches for sports. It's not like they were hired on to be coaches and they made that clear while I was still here."
Kurumu nodded, recalling that Mrs. Senda had graduated a year ahead of her mother.
"What about the other two?"
"Those two decided to get married and start a family. I heard from Mr. Hirata that they both teach in the junior high in Uchimori where their oldest is enrolled."
Kurumu's spirits lifted at the positive news.
"That's cool. Is their child coming to Yokai Academy?"
Mrs. Senda shrugged, turning in her chair to resume jotting notes on a pad.
"Maybe. I think he has one more year in junior high though. I'd have to ask Mr. Hirata. He knows the couple better than I."
Kurumu shifted the announcement sheet into the same one holding her chocolates.
"Hey. If you don't mind me asking, do you know why Mr. Yokei left the school?"
Mrs. Senda chuckled, making a shooing gesture with her hand holding the pen.
"That's a personal issue, Ms. Kurono. I'm not going to say anything about my coworkers that they might not want discussed. You can try asking him yourself."
"Is it something bad?"
"Run along, Ms. Kurono."
Pouting, Kurumu retreated to the door. She drew it open, slipping out into the lobby. She suspected that his departure might have been a scandal but there was a chance that Mrs. Senda was just being polite. Some issues like the death of a close family member might not be something a colleague should share.
With her mood slightly soured, Kurumu walked away from the lounge, ignoring the central stair. Yukari and Mrs. Senda were right. She should just ask this guy if she really wanted to know. He was from her mother's graduation class so she did have other things she could discuss with him. She just needed a day that Mr. Hakuru was not trying to use every minute of his lab period.
Kurumu wandered down the hall, approaching her classroom wing. Nijiro was in class eleven so his homeroom was on the courtyard side. Firming her resolve, she quickened her step.
Kurumu turned into the wing, sticking close to the right side of the hall. The first open door she passed by was for class twelve, Ginei's homeroom. The werewolf was probably not here but she had no desire to risk delaying her plans. She moved briskly towards the next two doors, the farther one being the front door for class eleven. Clutching her pouch of chocolates to her breast, she hurried to her destination.
Stepping through the open front door, the first thing she noticed was Nijiro. He was seated at the front row desk closest to the door. She felt his eyes upon her which came with a hint of desire.
"Kurumu?"
She giggled at his confusion, glancing at the many vacant desks within the room. Ikeda from choir was seated in the front row with the window on one side and Yasumono of the kimono club on the other. The next desk by the windows was vacant but the middle row one had been claimed by Sonoda Kamoko. The girl with the layered, black hair had a pink bag held by a green bow resting on her desk.
"It's Valentine's Day, silly. Of course I would bring you this."
Kurumu quickly shifted the announcement sheets to her free hand as he got up from his desk. With a grin, she presented him the white pouch of chocolates. He smiled warmly, taking the offering.
"Of course. I really shouldn't be surprised."
She glanced away from him as he tugged open the pouch. Sitting behind Sonoda was Miyamoto Haiji. There had been a time that Kurumu would have suspected that gift on Sonoda's desk was meant for Miyamoto. But Sonoda had renewed her relationship with Megumareta Yudai. He was Miyamoto's childhood friend and had joined his karate club.
"Mmm. Lemon."
Kurumu grinned, returning her attention to Nijiro as he chewed upon one of her chocolate squares.
"Yukari's idea. I think they turned out well."
Nijiro chuckled, keeping the square in his hand as he set the pouch on his desk.
"I agree. Are you running off to do the morning announcements?"
Kurumu glanced at the clock on the wall above the chalkboard behind them. She turned a smile on him, noting several guys seated in the desks behind Nijiro. The guy with the peppered locks was the younger Borohata from the baseball team. The shaggy, dark haired guy next to Borohata was Hatsura whom was also on the baseball team. The other guy with the wild ashen locks and snaggletooth grin was Tsuiseki Shohei. The okami was from Morihochou and played on the basketball team.
"I would like to ask something but we have an audience."
"Shall we step out into the hall?"
"No need."
Kurumu set the announcement sheet on his desk. She held her hands out, causing him to frown.
"What's this?"
"Hold my hands, silly."
He popped the square into his mouth before acquiescing to her instructions. She grinned wide as she reached out with her thoughts.
'You still want me, right?'
"Of course."
She giggled, squeezing his hands.
'No need to speak. Just think clear and precise.'
He paused with a swirl of incomplete thoughts.
"I'm afraid that will take some practice."
'Can I spend the night with you?'
She sent the request with her memories of him making passionate love to her. He staggered with a huge increase of desire for her body. He licked his lips, speaking softly with his thoughts muddled by a strong urge to repeat that experience.
"So that's how it feels for you."
Kurumu squeezed his hands, trying to reign his mind back in but enjoying this unbridled lust he harbored for her. It was so much better than how restrained and reserved he behaved around her. She breathed in deep, feeling her body moisten with the hope of him letting loose upon her.
'Can I spend the night with you?'
Nijiro chuckled in embarrassment with the glaze over his periwinkle eyes dispersing.
"I guess if you come prepared. Do you want to leave school together or meet up in the dining hall?"
Kurumu pouted as he voiced their plans to the curious onlookers.
"We can have dinner together."
She cocked her head with a smile, adding a thought to her vocal statement.
'And I can be dessert.'
He shivered with lecherous thoughts. Sucking in a breath, he squeezed her hands.
"It's going to be difficult getting through the day with that image."
She giggled, stepping in close so that the swell of her bosom touched his jacket.
"Can I have a kiss before I go?"
Nijiro grinned at her, relaxing his grip on her hands which she allowed. His hands drifted to her waist.
"Don't get too carried away. Your kisses can be potent and I don't want to miss first period."
Kurumu smirked, lifting up on her toes. That would be an impossible thing to do when every guy in the room was wanting to be in his shoes. As their lips touched, she tried not to drown in their desire.
Mrs. Takizawa closed her portfolio with a firm sound. The grinning history teacher was garbed in a short sleeved, lavender blouse and black capris.
"I should let you out early this time. Any complaints?"
Most students responded by putting away their notebooks.
"Mrs. Takizawa. Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu opened up her schoolbag which hung on the hooks of her desk, stuffing her notebook inside.
"You were in the same graduation class as Mr. Yokei. Did he know my mother?"
Mrs. Takizawa chuckled, clutching her portfolio against her bosom. Senyou and Shouhei walked in front of the teacher's podium, making their way to the open front door.
"I'm sure that he knows about her but I can't say if the two ever talked. He was in my last homeroom ran by Ms. Kurihara and your mother was taught by the other group of teachers. It's unlikely that their paths crossed that year."
Kurumu nodded as more of her classmates exited the room.
"What about the other years?"
"Well he wasn't in my other homerooms so I doubt that he had any meaningful interactions with your mother our first year. You would have to ask him about his second year."
"Which I have already told her to do."
Kurumu pouted at Yukari's tone as Mrs. Takizawa smiled softly.
"I will tell him about your interest. Have a good afternoon, ladies."
Kurumu echoed Yukari's response as the teacher started for the door. Her mother had been in the same homeroom as Mrs. Takizawa and Mizore's mother during their first year of high school.
"What was that all about?"
Kurumu glanced over her shoulder, smiling at Nerume's inquisitive expression. Satsuki was lingering near the unsteady girl whom had just woken up.
"Mr. Yokei went to high school with my mother."
Satsuki snorted as Kumiko drifted over to join them.
"That much was obvious."
"Are you ever going to have lunch with Chisa again?"
Nerume pouted as Kumiko and Satsuki started their retreat down the aisle towards the back.
"I can't do that. I would starve to death waiting in line."
Kurumu smirked, noting that the trio of boys in the back had already departed.
"Guess my friendship chocolates weren't enough."
"Filling my heart and stomach are two different things."
"Hurry up, runt, or we're leaving you behind."
"Hold your horses."
Abe chuckled from nearby as Nerume shuffled to the back where Satsuki and Kumiko waited.
"I still think this is unfair how you treat us."
Kurumu rolled her eyes as she turned in her desk to face the grinning kirin.
"I'm not giving friendship chocolates out to guys."
Yukari snorted, getting up from her desk while resting the strap of her white satchel on her shoulder.
"We made enough chocolates as is."
"This is sexist cruelty."
"I'll show you cruelty. I can put you down in charge of cleanup duty every day next week."
Abe clucked his tongue. Shaking his head, he stalked off.
"It was a mistake making a grade schooler our class rep."
"Not helping your chances to avoid that fate."
Kurumu giggled as Abe exited through the open front door. The rest of their classmates were gone. She took in a deep breath and sighed, noting the duty roster written on the board. It was exactly how Yukari had said it would be. Nerume had taken Deshi's place as Satsuki's partner and would have cleanup duty today. Hazumi and Madosuki had tomorrow while Kumiko was with Endo the day after that.
"Ready to go?"
Kurumu sounded an affirmative as she stood up. She walked alongside Yukari to the back of the class, heading out the open back door seconds later.
There was some chatter in the hallway because they were not the only class out early. Asuka was waiting by the front door to class four. Her class one had Mr. Hakuru's chemistry lab this hour. It felt a little unfair that he had let Asuka's class out early since he had taken Kurumu's class to the bell.
The lunch bell sounded before the reached Asuka's location. Just as they were about to reach the blond, the door to class three opened and Mr. Nagamushi stepped out. The dark haired teacher had on a pair of sunglasses which matched the black suit and tie he had on.
"отличный полдень. Увидимся, девочки, после обеда."
That was not what he actually said but his English may as well be Russian to her. She mirrored his smile and nodded as they passed by him.
"Hey, Kurumu!"
Kurumu gave Asuka a genuine grin as she stopped by the blond, causing Yukari to stop with a frown.
"Hey, Asuka. Waiting for Taijin?"
The front door to class four opened in answer with Mrs. Sunao stepping out.
"Her and the others. Can you eat with us today?"
"Nope. I'm with Milady's friends today."
"Can we go before this hallway gets too crowded?"
Kurumu laughed at Yukari's protest, taking a hesitant step down the hall.
"I'll talk with you in home ec."
Asuka shouted her approval with that, causing Kurumu to giggle. Yukari looked at her with a grimace, shaking her head as they made their way to the crossover with stairs going down in both directions. A few students slipped out the back door of class four, joining them on that short walk.
In seconds they turned at the crossover between the back doors of classes five and eight. Kurumu spied Moka stepping out of class eleven with Kiki and Michiko. Raising her hand, Kurumu called out to her.
"Must you do that?"
Kurumu grinned at Yukari's grumbling as they arrived at the back door to class eight. She saw Moka return the gesture as Yukari opened the back door.
"I'm waiting inside so you don't embarrass me further."
Kurumu smirked, lingering by the door as Yukari left the hallway. The front door to class nine opened up with Nagisa and Kokoa stepping out seconds later. The pair walked by Moka, exchanging a brief greeting as Umizake drifted out the open back door of class nine which was close to Kurumu.
"Hey, Umizake."
He nodded without comment, walking by her and along the crossover. Her eyes followed him, noting that Mizore was by the stair with Tora and Tsukune. Asuka was also near them, having been joined by Taijin, Suzume and Hatoko.
"Didn't expect you two to get here early?"
Kurumu grinned as Moka arrived. She watched Kiki and Michiko walk by with the intent to join the impatient Asuka by the stairs.
"Yea. Got let out early."
"Should we set up?"
Kurumu sounded an affirmative as Moka headed inside the classroom. Kurumu noticed that Kokoa and Nagisa had been joined by Ishiko and were heading back this direction. Grinning, Kurumu sauntered into the empty class eight.
Yukari had already put her white satchel on the front row desk in the center of the room and was pulling out the white and periwinkle bentos. Moka drifted over to the other side of the desk, grabbing the chair.
"I don't think they used the front row desks."
"We have no idea what their seating arrangement is now. Just push six desks together."
Kurumu chuckled, knowing that would be enough as she sashayed over to the pair.
"I heard from Yukari that your chocolate giving this morning went well."
Moka managed a smile as she dragged the chair around to Yukari's side.
"I guess. At least he ate one before he threw them away."
Yukari huffed, taking the chair from Moka. The witch sat down on it before putting her satchel on the floor, scooting up to the desk.
"We saw him do no such thing."
"It didn't look like he enjoyed my chocolates."
Kurumu smirked, grabbing the second row center desk and pushing it to Yukari's desk.
"He wouldn't throw them away, Moka. Stop tormenting yourself."
Moka sighed, reaching over to the adjacent front row desk to drag it over.
"He wasn't holding them just now."
Kurumu shrugged, stepping back to fetch the abandoned chair.
"Maybe he doesn't want to take your chocolates to lunch with him."
"Or he's thrown them away."
Yukari sighed dramatically.
"Or he ate them! Sheesh!"
Kurumu giggled, agreeing that this attitude was annoying. She seized another second row desk, pushing it to join the others.
"I can't say that I saw Mizore with the chocolates I made for her either. You don't see me accusing her of throwing hers away."
Moka grimaced as Kurumu paused her efforts to move a chair out of the way before pushing the desk flush against the other. The vampire drifted behind Yukari to fetch the front row desk on the other side.
"I suppose that you're right."
Kurumu grinned, placing the chair on Yukari's side of the desks. She sauntered over to fetch the chair belonging to the desk she had just moved.
"It's good that Tsukune is eating with Tora today. I should probably have a lunch with the PSC later on this week. I haven't done that since school officially resumed."
"You eat with too many different people as is."
Kurumu made her way to the second row desk behind the one Moka had just moved. The vampire was moving its chair to Yukari's side. Kurumu dragged the desk over as Moka sat down on Yukari's left.
"Did you change up your duty roster like we talked about?"
Moka smiled apologetically as Kurumu pushed the desk against hers.
"It didn't feel right. Everybody knows that I already assigned myself with Aori and Hayate for today."
Kurumu nodded, wandering back to fetch the chair.
"But this tribute thing might bother Yubikiri. You probably should talk to her."
"And I think you're making too much of that. As popular as my Moka is, most students won't share their personal troubles with her."
Kurumu pouted, placing the chair.
"I just think that she should let Yubikiri know that she's willing to help."
"Kurumu's heart is in the right place. But I don't want to draw unwanted attention to her."
Kurumu sighed at Moka's decision. Shaking her head, she wandered off to fetch chairs for the sides of the arrangement they had made.
"I'm a little curious what Tsukune did with his duty roster. They did have a casualty over the cultural festival nonsense so it can't be the same."
Yukari sighed dramatically as Kurumu returned with two chairs.
"Since you can't help but stop and chat with every girl you see in the hallway, I saw that their duty roster written on the board. For today he assigned Tora with Shirayuki. He had himself listed tomorrow with Mr. Yamabato and Ms. Goto."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully as she went to fetch two more chairs.
"I think that's slightly different. He used to have Kamitsuku with Yamazaru."
"No. He had Mr. Yamazaru with Mr. Hedoyami. Mr. Yamabato was with Mr. Takurami."
Kurumu smirked as she brought two chairs over to finish the arrangement. Hedoyami was the casualty of his classroom. And she had no intention of challenging Yukari's memory over Tsukune's duty roster after the summer. It was more likely that she was the one remembering it wrong.
"Well then he probably has Takurami with Yamazaru now."
Yukari made a note of agreement, taking off the top lid of her bento. As Kurumu sat down in the chair on Yukari's right, Moka opened up the faded pink bento with the red heart pattern that Yukari had prepared for her. Kurumu frowned, not recalling the vampire having it in the hallway.
"Did you give your bento back to Yukari?"
Moka frowned at Kurumu as she took out a small black tumbler from the bento.
"No. Why?"
Kurumu shook her head, thinking her observation skills were lacking. She took the lid off her periwinkle bento, regarding the little tumbler filled with natto. She sighed, taking it out before the chopsticks.
"I can't believe that you're forcing us to eat natto."
"It's my first attempt so bear with me. I can only hope that it turns out as good as the blend you served us at the Shuzen Estate."
Kurumu grimaced, stirring the smelly mixture up. She contemplated pouring it out over the rice but that might ruin the entire meal. At least the steamed carrots would be good.
"Actually good. Better than what Kurumu makes."
Yukari puffed up with pride as Moka took another wad into her mouth.
"Well I am a genius. Give me a few more tries and it will be better than any natto you have ever had."
"I don't know about that, but I certainly approve. I bet Kokoa would even like it."
Kurumu huffed, wondering if she should even care to get better at making a meal she hated to eat. She set the tumbler aside.
"Should we get our drinks now?"
Yukari wagged her chopsticks at Kurumu as Moka scraped the remaining natto out of her tumbler.
"It's your turn to fetch the drinks."
"I don't mind that if you give me the money."
"What happened to all that cash you made from selling your body?"
Kurumu coughed up a laugh as Yukari picked up her tumbler of natto.
"Okay. First. I didn't sell my body. Second. I didn't think to bring that with me today."
"I still can't believe you let Ms. Uboku sell comics with your likeness to the town's porn shop."
Kurumu pouted at Moka's offhand remark.
"Iko did that without my permission. And how do you even know about this? Did Yukari tell you?"
Yukari snorted, swallowing down her first wad of natto.
"Don't blame me. Kana could never keep your deviant behavior a secret."
"It was the first thing she talked about while we were waiting for Ginei."
Kurumu grimaced, dreading her next encounter with Tora.
"How did Tora take the news?"
Moka sighed heavily, lifting up her chopsticks laden with rice.
"You should be more worried about what your boyfriend will think. He'll probably find out about this before the end of the week."
Kurumu flinched, knowing how quickly gossip could spread.
"Well… I am going to have dinner with him tonight."
"Does Kokoa know about this?"
"You two can manage one meal without me. Let me have dinner with my boyfriend."
"Considering it might be your last."
Kurumu pouted at Yukari's nonchalant tone.
"It's not like I was posing for photographs."
Yukari broke out in giggles, covering her mouth.
"You two would get expelled for that. At least with a comic you can claim that it isn't really you."
"Are you still going to get those drinks?"
Kurumu sighed heavily, setting her chopsticks aside as she scooted her chair back.
"Yea. What do the two of you want?"
"Tomato juice."
"Green tea."
Kurumu nodded, getting up as Moka fished around in her jacket's pocket. She wandered over to the vampire's side, arriving as Moka pulled several coins out. She murmured her thanks, taking the coins. In seconds she was back out into the hall.
She sighed, clutching the coins to her bosom as she made her way down the hall with a slight jog. As much as she wanted to ignore this situation, she knew that she had to tell Nijiro tonight. Probably before they had sex but then he might only be okay with this situation because he wanted the sex. He might be more genuine how he felt about this without that burden. Or he might feel used if she told him after.
He should just break up with her already. She was not worth the embarrassment she was causing him.
"I really don't want to get dumped again on Valentine's Day."
She sighed, finally reaching the end of the hall. She turned right, heading towards the pair of vending machines pushed up against the wall. The nearest machine had the drinks. She stopped in front of it, glancing over the selections.
"I need something sweet today."
Kurumu pushed coins into the slot, pressing the button for fruit punch once she had enough. She heard the can tumble down to the bin but made no move to retrieve it. She pushed more coins in, spying the tomato juice brand she often saw Moka with.
Not wanting to risk the cans damaging each other, she leaned down to push the flap of the bin in. She held the flap in place as she pushed the button for the tomato juice. The can tumbled down and hit the back of the flap. She withdrew her hand, letting the can fall into the bin as she put more coins in.
She repeated this process one more time for the green tea. Once it hit the back of the flap. She pulled her fruit juice and Moka's tomato juice cans out of the bin before letting go of the flap to let the tea fall into the bin. She reached in one last time to add the tea to the cans at her bosom.
There was no fast way to return with her wares. She had a fistful of leftover coins and three cans against her bosom. She drifted over to the far balcony, walking as quickly as she dared back to class eight.
She had just passed the first door of class ten when she saw Hikari and Hotaru crest the top of the stairs with their lunch trays. Right behind them was Kaimura and a short, buxom girl with vibrant, maroon hair. That was Akiyama Ume from their homeroom. Akiyama had gone to junior high with Suzume and had joined the Acupuncture club that her older brother was part of.
The four girls slipped through the open back door before Kurumu passed the next set of doors for classes nine and ten. By the time Kurumu entered their homeroom, the four girls had already settled in at their makeshift table. Akiyama was at the side of the desk that Kurumu was using with Kaimura beside her. Hikari was sharing Kaimura's desk while Hotaru was across from Yukari.
"I'm guessing that the gym hour won't be as long this time."
Hotaru glanced over her shoulder as Kurumu approached. The sylph grinned, watching Kurumu sashay over to Moka's side, handing off the tomato juice.
"Naw. We just had someone keeping a choice spot in the lunch line."
Kurumu laughed, surrendering the tea can to Yukari.
"What do you mean by that?"
Kaimura waved her chopsticks dismissively as she opened her white Styrofoam lunch box.
"I wasn't in the mood for gym today."
Kurumu nodded, settling down in her chair. She flashed Hikari a grin.
"Did Kokoa give you girls her chocolates?"
Hikari sounded an affirmative as Hotaru grinned mischievously.
"I even got a kiss."
Hikari's pistachio eyes widened and she backhanded the sylph's arm.
"Don't lie. She only hugged us."
Hotaru snickered, gesturing at the other two.
"She also gave these two chocolates this morning."
Kurumu nodded, picking up her tumbler of natto.
"And here I was worried that she would wait to do this at lunch while I was around."
"I also expected that. I thought that was what she was checking your future for."
Moka chuckled, popping the top of her tomato juice. Her bento was already closed up and moved aside.
"I thought that too but she showed up between classes to give Ishiko her chocolates."
"She better have given Nagisa her chocolates by now. It will just be awkward for Nagisa to get them at lunch if she knows Kokoa gave chocolates to other girls."
"Yea. Giving chocolates can be rough. Timing is everything."
Kurumu frowned at Kaimura's resigned tone.
"What do you mean?"
Kaimura forced a smile as she poked at her meal.
"I tried giving Mr. Kaiketsu chocolates last hour. I had gym next and I knew that he had biology. He wasn't happy about my attempt to keep him from going to his lab."
Kurumu disliked that explanation. She pushed her desire for truth with her words.
"What exactly happened?"
Kaimura grimaced, paying more attention to the meal she was tenderizing.
"He thought that I wanted to talk about the drummer. I didn't even know that guy was dead."
"That's not your fault."
"Yea, well, I tried showing him the chocolates I made for him and he just smacked them out of my hands. He stomped off and told me to leave him alone. So that's why I skipped gym."
Akiyama sighed, touching Kaimura's arm.
"Yea. I had a feeling he turned you down."
"I should have talked to Murata first. At least then I would have known about the drummer."
Kurumu forced a smile, doubting that would have changed much in this scenario.
"Did you make chocolates for Murata?"
Kaimura laughed, looking up from her meal for the first time. Her amethyst eyes were slightly red.
"I can't be giving a guy chocolates. It might give him the wrong idea."
Kurumu frowned, hearing her own logic thrown back at her.
"There are friendship chocolates."
Kaimura cocked her head, favoring her a dubious look.
"Did you make any guys friendship chocolates?"
"Well I have a boyfriend."
Kaimura drawled out a sound of disbelief before returning her attention to her lunch.
"Hopefully he just needs time. But if things haven't changed by summer, I'll give up on this."
Kurumu managed a smile, deciding it was time to eat. She hoped that Kaimura's future love life was more palatable than this natto.
"I think that is enough singing for today."
Kurumu giggled, lowering the music sheet for Sakura. This song was familiar but she had never known the words. She must have heard it before she had moved to Hino in the fourth grade. There had been no choir in the Kengamine schools and the school for the village of Hino had been very small.
"You may help yourselves to the treats I brought for Ms. Bouzuki's birthday."
Their choir instructor gestured to a table stocked with baked goods. This included two cakes covered in white icing and strawberries which had been cut up into sixteen squares. It was the same scale of party Mrs. Tomarigi had thrown for Saiwakami earlier this month.
"But leave some for Ms. Kichida and Ms. Tadayo. They should be here eventually."
"I'll set aside plates for them."
The choir teacher smiled at Hotaru's reassurance. The white blouse with puffy, short sleeves had a very low cut, flaunting Mrs. Tomarigi's creamy cleavage. Her black pencil skirt hugged the voluptuous curves of her hips and derriere.
"Please do so, Ms. Tadayo. Help keep the girls in order, Ms. Saiwakami."
The younger Tadayo sister stepped off the riser, hurrying over to the table which was pushed against the corridor wall close to one of the doors.
"You're first, Ms. Bouzuki. Followed by Ms. Dakuhime and then Ms. Noboto. Remain in the order that we would leave a performance."
The flush Kanari stalked over to the table where Hotaru was already setting up a plate for her sister. The other front row girls lined up behind her as instructed, holding sheets of music in their hands. Kurumu drifted slowly on the heels of Yokumoto, stopping once she reached the line. She glanced at Akushita behind her, offering a slight smile as she waited.
The two missing third years were from class eight which would be the last group getting their yearbook portraits done. Four of their seniors had photos tomorrow, though it would not be an issue for the two undines from class nine. Saiwakami might be late as she was in class eleven while Sakibarai might miss the whole practice since she was in class twelve.
"Don't forget the drinks in the cooler below the table."
Kanari chirped a note, setting aside her plate. The birthday girl leaned down to lift up the cooler's lid.
"Someone should smack that ass."
Kurumu snickered at Umou's quiet sentiment, shuffling closer to the table. Umou was behind Akushita and ahead of Chousei. Kurumu wagged her sheet of music with her eyes upon Okimune.
"Are you going on a Valentine's date with Shiname?"
"I could try asking."
"I still can't believe you gave him chocolates you bought from the school store."
Okimune waved a dismissive hand at Yanagisawa's comment.
"I only have a microwave in my suite. It would have been a disaster trying to make him chocolate."
"It's not like you don't have access to an oven. Your cousin would have let you use hers."
Okimune shrugged nonchalantly at Yanagisawa's remarks. The look on Kawano's face betrayed her similar feelings on this matter.
"Nureto was fine with what I gave him."
Both undines flinched at the use of his first name. Kurumu giggled nervously as she stepped up to the table, taking a thin, white paper plate.
"Well I'm also a little disappointed in my big sister."
Okimune clucked her tongue as Kurumu moved a slice of cake with a whole strawberry on top of it onto her plate. The glowering from the older undines had not diminished at all.
"I'm still the same age as you."
Kurumu giggled, scooting aside to grab a clear plastic fork.
"That's right. Your birthday is in March."
"Mhm. On the sixth."
Kurumu grinned, adding two black sesame cookies to her plate.
"Guess we have one more party like this coming up."
"This time it will be on the correct day. Last year it fell on the weekend so we had the party on Monday."
Kurumu nodded, grabbing a can of tea out of the white cooler. She stacked her plate on top of her sheet music, picking both up as she drifted away from the table.
"I'm going to chat with Mrs. Tomarigi."
"Have fun."
Kurumu stalked off, noticing that Kanari was sitting on the riser with her plate in her lap. Dakuhime and Yokumoto were seated to the right of her.
"I really liked the Itsuki Lullaby."
Mrs. Tomarigi grinned when Kurumu stopped by the music stand.
"It's a nice song but needs a flutist to get the most out of it."
"I don't think the band has a shortage of flutists."
"Quite true. I would love to do it if someone from the band was willing to help us out. That song would allow us to use three different groups. Most of these songs just use two."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, thinking of the other seven songs they had practiced.
"I liked Hamabe no Uta."
"We did that one last year. The girls might want to do it again."
Kurumu smiled, recalling the concert the choir had put on last September.
"Why don't you do any of the songs you did at the last concert?"
"That concert was for fun, Ms. Kurono. This is a competition with judges and awards. We can't be doing any songs from the radio even if they are popular."
"Is my sister giving you trouble?"
Kurumu smirked as Okimune wandered over to her side with a can in one hand and a plate in the other.
"I'm just asking about which songs we might do for the concert."
"We'll probably end up doing Akatonbo again. Half the girls love that song."
"I guess that explains why they sing it so well. I feel lost most of the time."
"Which is why I encourage the girls to have choir as their elective. We practice all of these songs."
"Speaking of lost, somebody needs to rescue Ms. Ikeda."
Mrs. Tomarigi gasped at Okimune's comment, turning to regard the brunette at the piano.
"Oh my. You can get in line, Ms. Ikeda."
Kurumu giggled as the brunette flashed a gracious smile before getting up. Ikeda pranced over to the end of the line where the older harpies were making their plates. Kurumu let out a content sigh.
"What was the third song you did last year?"
"That would be Mi Yo Ta. We were judged harshly on that piece so we won't be doing it this year."
Okimune snickered, trying to stuff her can into her jacket pocket.
"Half of the schools will stick with easy compositions."
"So very true. I would like you girls to give Koujou no Tsuki a chance this year."
"We won't win doing that song."
"What do you even win?"
Okimune smirked at Kurumu's query.
"The school gets a trophy if we somehow place in the top three."
"We can, Ms. Okimune. It would also be a nice thing to mention to prospect students."
The fact that Yokai Academy was the prefectural school was enough incentive to come here over the alternatives. Not many students came to Yokai Academy for the prestige of a sport or club.
"We should do Hitori this time. The other girls seem to like that one."
Mrs. Tomarigi smiled thinly at Okimune.
"We will vote on the songs. Now go have a seat somewhere and enjoy Ms. Bouzuki's party."
Kurumu took the hint, wandering over to the riser which most of the girls were using since the choir room lacked chairs. She frowned when Okimune nudged her shoulder with her own.
"Hey. You got a visitor."
Kurumu followed the direction of Okimune's nod, spotting Kokoa and their eyes met. The vampire made a beckoning gesture, lingering in the open hallway door farthest away from the table.
"I guess practice must have let out early."
"I'll watch your stuff."
Kurumu thanked Okimune as the girl sat down on the riser. Kurumu handed over her plate and can, thanking Okimune again before trotting off. She crossed the empty room quickly to meet her visitor.
"Hey, Kokoa. Short practice?"
"No. I didn't have practice on Valentine's Day."
Kurumu frowned, stopping shy of the vampire.
"But I thought that you were going to give your third years the last of your chocolates."
Kokoa rolled her eyes, adjusting her grip on the strap of her schoolbag.
"I only told you that because you'd be obnoxious with the truth. My last pouch is for Haiji."
Kurumu grinned broadly, crossing her arms below her bosom.
"Oh? Being nice to your big brother."
"Yes. And you're coming with me just like I saw in my visions."
"This was never about Nagisa."
"Shut up. Get your things."
Kurumu smirked, planning to tease Kokoa all the way to the dojo.
"Fine. But I need to hug the birthday girl first."
"Do what you must."
Kurumu grinned, skipping away from the vampire. She hurried around the riser, stopping in front of Kanari and holding her arms out.
"Sorry, Kanari. Milady requires my presence. Can I give the birthday girl a hug?"
Kanari frowned, setting aside her plate.
"You're leaving?"
"I guess so. She wants me to grab my things."
"Do you want your cake?"
Kurumu smirked at Okimune.
"Oh, I'm going to have something much better than cake tonight."
Kanari stood up, wrapping her arms about Kurumu's torso.
"Have a good Valentine's date with Mr. Amesuki."
Kurumu returned the embrace, breathing the girl in.
"Mhm. You have an awesome birthday."
They squeezed at about the same time, causing them both to giggle. They drew back to arms' length and Kurumu peered into Kanari's honey eyes.
"Keep Umou out of trouble."
"Impossible."
"See you tomorrow."
Kurumu pranced away, stopping at the corridor wall where she had left her schoolbag. Snatching it up, she hurried over to Kokoa. The vampire nodded, retreating from the room. Kurumu followed her out, catching up with the vampire shortly after the first door of Mr. Katai's chemistry lab.
"I thought you had a fencing tournament in March."
"We do."
"And you're not having practice?"
Kokoa shrugged as they passed by the other door of the lab. She drifted left, heading towards the stairs.
"I don't make the decisions about club activities."
Kurumu frowned, following her friend. They passed by another new set of vending machines pushed up against the wall shared with Mr. Yokei's chemistry lab. In seconds they were starting down the stairs.
"Isn't this next tournament in Arukasa?"
Kokoa nodded, arriving at the landing and turning about. She started down the next flight.
"It's held on that first weekend of spring break. I'll call Ms. Fukuda to pick me up when it's over."
"I hope that you aren't expecting me to tag along for this."
"I already know that you have some silly plan to spend the break with your boyfriend. Have you made him aware of that yet?"
Kurumu pouted, arriving at the bottom of the stairs with Kokoa. There was another set of vending machines down here. This hall went off to the left, passing by the serving line, cafeteria and library before it met up with the third year wing.
"He should know. I've told Manami about this."
Kokoa huffed with a shake of her head. The vampire headed towards the short passage flanking the stair. At the end was an exterior door.
"You need to share your plans with him. I've already talked to Ms. Takaku about allowing Moka to come with me to this tournament."
Kurumu hurried after Kokoa as the vampire pushed the door open and stalked out. She hesitated only a moment, deciding to just walk outside in her school slippers.
"I can talk to him tonight. I already told you I was going to have dinner with him."
Kokoa slowed her step, glancing at Kurumu with a displeased look.
"And I didn't give you permission."
"Oh, come on. Do you want me making proper plans with him or not?"
"Do whatever you want."
The tone made Kurumu feel uneasy as they walked alongside the school.
"Is something wrong?"
"If you say anything about Haiji, I'm going home."
"I didn't say-"
"Do you want me giving him chocolates or not?"
Kurumu shuddered when Kokoa pushed out a threatening aura. She adjusted her strap on her shoulder, lacking anything to say at the moment. They continued walking steadily towards the athletics fields. She could see the black fencing that encompassed the track and soccer field. To the left of it was the higher fencing for the tennis courts.
"Will Moka be able to go with you to Arukasa? She was exiled by your father."
"She can stay with Ms. Fukuda or Kahlua when I go to the Estate. We'll work out the exact details after I get our coach's approval."
Kurumu nodded as they drew closer to the end of the school building.
"One of you needs to respond to your father's letter this week."
"Yea. He will want to see Moka. Unofficially. Maybe in Arukasa. Let us worry about that."
Kurumu smiled thinly, supposing she had her own plans to figure out. She glanced at the huge gap in the fencing between the two small buildings near the track and soccer field. The crew had already cleared out the mangled remains of the old bleachers and had staked out their work area.
Coach Kibashiro of the track team had canceled practice for the rest of the year but the soccer team was still doing drills with their new coach. A familiar quartet of girls were sitting on the sidelines, watching the young men practice. The girl with the short, tapered, mahogany locks was Uchikawa Akari and she was sitting beside her childhood friend, Nozomi. Akari was the representative of class eight.
The girl with the shaggy, dark gray hair which failed to reach her shoulders was Matsudera Nikki. She was also in class eight and had joined the track team with Akari and Nozomi. The okami was from Ashikantai and was crushing on Fumusuna Touma, a third year on the soccer team from Morihochou.
The last girl of the group was Kiba Enoko. The inugami was the only long haired one of the group with black tresses touching the grass where she sat. She was also from Ashikantai and had recently joined the track team, having lost interest in the badminton club her cousin was taking over.
"Do you think Nikki gave chocolates to Fumusuna?"
"Why should I care?"
Kurumu pouted at Kokoa's dismissal.
"Because she's a friend."
"Not my friend."
Kurumu sighed as they became close enough to hear the grunts of the boys sprinting about the field. She drifted left, following Kokoa's path to the open space between the track field fence and the tennis court fencing. The whistle drew her attention to Coach Yaisoku whom was garbed in gray sweat pants and a matching sweatshirt which stretched over her swollen abdomen.
The tennis team was practicing with their new pairs. One of the mixed pairs were cousins, having the same oily black hair though the girl's was longer in a short tail. The girl, Ogawa, had an older brother whom was thicker but shorter than the guy, Ageda.
The other mixed pair had a more elegant air about them. The girl was Kazehime and she was cousins with Arashimideru from Tsukune's homeroom. Both had gone to junior high in Uchimori. Kazehime had her silver hair pulled up in a high ponytail with her bangs cut across her brow in the hime style.
The guy with the long, greenish blond bangs and the braided rat tail was Kanri. He had been a bit gruff and abrasive in his interview for Kurumu's article about the tennis team.
As they start passing through the gap, Kurumu noted the male doubles were playing on the next court over. The duo with the glossy black hair plagued with cowlicks was Shigeki and Tawamuru. Both second years were from Aranoiji. Tawamuru had a younger brother that Madosuki was crushing on, though she had not made chocolates for the young man in class five.
The other pair included Okimune's boyfriend, Shiname Nureto. Shiname had his cornflower blue hair styled in a faux hawk. His partner was Soratani Soyo, the Silent Prince. Soratani had his short, platinum locks trimmed close and neat. True to his nickname, he rarely spoke to anyone.
The rest of the team were sitting up in the bleachers, socializing and watching the doubles play. Kurumu did not see Sorotani's cousin, Genzaimuta Kumori. The two had been a mixed pair but had split up after the cultural festival fiasco. Apparently the two had crossed a line that Genzaimuta could not accept.
"Did the tennis team ever decide whom would be their doubles next year?"
"Don't know. I can ask Nagisa tomorrow."
Kurumu disliked the silence as they approached the two baseball fields. The boys were only set up on the one farthest from them and it looked like they were packing up their equipment. They drifted to the left, intent on walking around the curved fencing that defined the outfield.
Her attention settled on a tall guy with ink black hair. That was Kitamori Airashi, a kirin from Watasora. He was the former team captain, playing first base. He had started dating Kakeru back in July and their parents had met in October. There was even talk of the two marrying after she graduated.
"Do you think Chisa gave chocolates to her boyfriend?"
"Who is Chisa?"
"Kakeru from class one. She's on the track team. Nerume's friend."
"Then ask her."
Kurumu sighed at the gruff response, regarding the scoreboard in the center of the curved fencing.
"Nerume doesn't even know if Chisa made chocolates."
"Not everyone has access to a stove, Kurumu. None of my girls gave me chocolate."
"But they made chocolate with you over the weekend. That should count."
"I guess. It was weird being the only girl giving out friendship chocolates today."
Kurumu giggled, having heard the same sentiment from Yukari.
"Yea. That's the problem with being in a boarding school."
Kokoa did not respond, forcing another stretch of uncomfortable silence. Kurumu fussed with the strap of her schoolbag, worrying over her slippers as they continued around the fence. Up ahead was the trail that cut through the woods to a parking lot which flanked the dojos for the karate and judo clubs.
"This will be a wasted trip if he isn't there."
"He was there in your future. I'm not stupid. The karate club has that Chubu invitational this weekend. I'm surprised that Haiji is practicing alone."
Kurumu gasped with wide eyes, slowing her step for only a moment.
"That was this weekend?!"
"Yes. You wrote about it in your article."
Kurumu pouted, quickly catching up to the vampire to walk alongside her.
"That's not true. I never put the exact dates of tournaments."
Kokoa grimaced, glancing away.
"I might have asked Mr. Uneri in Moka's homeroom about the exact date."
Kurumu snickered as the distance between them and the edge of the woods diminished.
"When did this happen?"
"I'm serious, Kurumu. I don't need you teasing me about him right now."
Kurumu sighed in frustration as they entered the woods. After another annoying stretch of silence, she appreciated the surroundings.
"Hard to believe that it's been over three months since I last walked down this trail. Not since I wrote the article for his karate club."
Kokoa nodded thoughtfully, maintaining her steady pace.
"Same for me. We came this way to see Hikari's parents off on the last day of the cultural festival."
Kurumu laughed abruptly, thinking about the other adventure they had on this trail.
"I wonder what would happen if we had Yukari whip us up another batch of those growth candies."
"I'd rather not talk about that."
Kurumu pouted at Kokoa's grumpy behavior.
"Aren't you a little curious how you would look eight years from now? You might not believe it but I was somehow even more gorgeous than I am now."
That earned her a smirk from Kokoa.
"I guess you have something to look forward to."
Kurumu giggled, placing a hand on the back of her head and posturing.
"I think you mean Nijiro has something to look forward to."
Kokoa snickered, turning her attention back to the trail.
"I suppose it would be interesting. It would be nice if I was a little taller."
"And here I thought you had ceased your aspirations to look as sexy as your sisters."
"I said taller. I've already got Akua beat in most physical aspects. If I get her in height too, it's over."
"I hope that you don't want that just to make fun of your sister."
Kokoa smiled wistfully.
"I can't say that the new look has lived up to my hopes. Everybody treats me differently."
"That's not true."
Kokoa sighed, kicking a rock off the trail.
"I suppose. Ishiko hasn't treated me any differently. But Hikari somehow became even more timid. And Nagisa refuses to kiss me."
She sighed even heavier.
"And Hotaru is somehow more amorous."
"Is that a problem?"
Kokoa grimaced, keeping her gaze averted.
"I don't know what to do with her. Like if I somehow became a guy, that idiot would be down to make babies with me. She's that stupid."
Kurumu snickered at the thought.
"She loves you. You should cherish that."
"I didn't earn that."
"You don't have to earn love."
Kokoa threw her a condescending look.
"How can you appreciate something you've done nothing for? I earned every second of affection I got from my mother. I did everything I could to prove that I loved her."
Kokoa turned her attention back to the trail.
"And I was rewarded. She gave me her blood and that made me who I am today."
Kurumu sighed, recalling a conversation with Mrs. Shuzen.
"Kokoa. That was a gift. Don't fool yourself into thinking you earned or deserved this. Your mother was going to give you her last drop regardless of what you did."
"I don't believe that."
Kurumu knew there was no way of proving her beliefs without abusing her powers.
"Your mother loved you and your sisters. Unconditionally. But it was on her terms."
"I guess so. Sounds a lot like Hotaru."
They walked the remaining distance without another word. The back sides of the two dojos reared up on either side of the trail, becoming more visible through the thinning woods. The left one was for the judo club while the right one was for karate. Both dojos were identical, lacking indoor plumbing.
They soon arrived at the gravel parking lot, drifting right. In seconds they were up on the wooden porch preceding the double door entrance. Kurumu drew the portal aside, allowing Kokoa to enter first. The vampire only paused a moment to step out of her loafers.
"Hello?"
Kurumu parted with her slippers, prancing in after her friend. The main room was empty but a man with feathered, chocolate locks poked his head out of the office. That was Miwa Kumoi, second year gym instructor and karate club advisor.
"I don't know what you girls are here for but my club doesn't have practice today."
Kurumu giggled, prancing over to Kokoa's side.
"Kokoa tells me that you have a competition this weekend."
"We do but I'm not going to make my guys practice on Valentine's Day."
"We're here for Mr. Miyamoto."
Miwa sighed in relief, stepping out of his office. He was garbed in a white tee and black track pants.
"Then maybe you can talk that dummy into leaving. That knucklehead showed up just like he did last year despite knowing that practice was canceled. He's training in the private room."
Miwa thumbed in the direction of a door not far from his office. Kokoa nodded, heading for the door. Kurumu slowly moved to follow, favoring the teacher a grin.
"So did you get any chocolates from Ms. Kurohane?"
Miwa smirked at her.
"I have a date with Emi that I will be late for if you don't get that idiot out so I can lock up."
"Kurumu!"
Kokoa hissed, beckoning to her with one hand in the door's inset. Kurumu smiled at the teacher.
"I hope you have a lovely date tonight."
Kurumu pranced over to Kokoa. The vampire sighed with a shake of her head, drawing the door open. The grunts and brisk movements of the young man within became more audible. Kokoa entered first, opening up her schoolbag at her side as Kurumu closed the door behind them.
"Haiji! I got something for you!"
Miyamoto stumbled in the middle of his routine, turning sharply to regard them. He was barefoot and garbed in his usual white gi with the black sash. His ashen gray locks were dripping with sweat.
"What are you here for?"
"It's Valentine's Day. What do you think?"
Kurumu could see him shudder as Kokoa stalked over to him. He looked away as Kokoa tugged a pouch of chocolates free from the depths of her schoolbag.
"I can't accept that."
Kokoa stood resolutely, holding the pouch out to him.
"Yea. I saw my future so I already knew that you wouldn't take them. I want to know why."
Kurumu touched her breast more out of habit than actual pain. It had not even crossed her mind that this would fail. Yet Kokoa was pushing forward despite knowing it would.
"Answer me, Haiji. Is it because I'm not your perfect little sister with this body?"
Miyamoto flinched as she brandished that pouch at him.
"Kokoa. Please understand."
"That's why I'm here, moron. I want to know why you won't take these! No matter what time of the day I did it. You always refused. So I picked a time where it would just be you, me and Kurumu."
Miyamoto swallowed as the air became thick with Kokoa's emotion.
"I don't deserve it."
"Yea. I guess so. Kurumu just lectured me over not deserving and earning stuff. So it's a gift, okay. You can take a gift. Or am I not good enough for you?"
"It's not about you. I wouldn't take chocolates from anyone."
Kokoa shot to him in a moment, smacking his chest with the pouch. She glared up at him.
"Why not?! Are you allergic or something?!"
"Hina."
Kokoa staggered back, dropping the pouch on the floor at his feet.
"What?"
He swallowed but would not look at Kokoa.
"I can't, Kokoa. I can't betray Hina."
Kokoa's fury renewed with her fists clenched.
"Betray her? What does this have to do with betrayal?"
"Hina died giving me a Valentine's Day card, Kokoa. I can't."
Kokoa shook her head, backing away from him.
"You can't be serious. Are you still blaming yourself for her death?"
He took in a steadying breath.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but I have no right to take that."
Kokoa retreated another step.
"You're a fool, Haiji. A stubborn fool."
Kokoa turned on her heel and darted to the door in the blink of an eye. She threw the door open with force, causing Kurumu to flinch.
"Kokoa-"
Before she could say anything else, the vampire ran off. Kurumu shivered, clutching the strap of her schoolbag. There was no way she could catch Kokoa unless the vampire wanted to be caught. She turned her gaze back upon the young man, hanging his head.
"Miyamoto. When Hina gave you that card, do you think she wanted that to be your last?"
Miyamoto's gaze drifted to the pouch of chocolates on the floor.
"I can't, Ms. Kurono. I can't let that go."
Kurumu sighed, turning to the door. She walked away from him.
"Hina would have never wanted this for you."
And as Kurumu left that room, she knew that she was not going to make it to her date tonight.
