"Should I zip up?"

Yukari snorted, hefting her satchel up by its strap to rest on her shoulder. The witch's school jacket was zipped up with a red bow tied at her collar.

"Can you?"

Kurumu giggled, stepping into her shoes as Rubi opened the door. She felt for the zipper at the of her school jacket, fishing the end into the groove on the other side.

"Of course I can. These jackets were special ordered."

Demonstrating her claim, Kurumu pulled up the zipper. The jacket smoothly closed over the lower black buttons of her fancy white blouse. She moved the strap of her schoolbag aside as she guided the zipper over the swell of her massive bosom. The zipper reached its end shy of the frilly collar.

"It's still obvious that isn't a standard school blouse."

Kurumu tucked her collar as much as she could beneath the flaps of her jacket while she drifted through the open door to join Rubi out on the landing. The older witch had on a loose, indigo blouse with long sleeves and a wide, pleated collar that pushed the limits of faculty acceptable attire since it bared so much of her shoulders. Her brown, ruffled skirt almost reached her ankles. After breakfast, Yukari had spent a few minutes putting makeup on the older witch to make her even more stunning.

"You used to wear white blouses to school that weren't standard school issue."

Yukari huffed, stepping into the entry as Chouda wiggled on her school loafers. The sylph also had on the green school jacket and red bow.

"I was purposefully testing the dress code to see what I could get away with."

Kurumu smiled, recalling how Yukari had worn a blatant witch's hat and cape for the first month.

"You were such a rebel in the beginning."

"It was my first time being around other people."

Kurumu stepped down two steps when Chouda wandered out onto the landing. A few seconds later, Yukari exited the suite. The witch closed the door, pulling her keys out of her pocket.

"You should have done your laundry last night."

Kurumu shrugged, descending more steps as Yukari locked up.

"I completely forgot about it."

"How did you not notice when you grabbed your pajamas last night?"

"I was a little preoccupied, Yukari."

"You were worrying over nothing. None of us think that your mother is a murderer."

"But that would be disturbing news."

Kurumu nodded at Chouda's sentiment as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Yea and it bothers me that Nijiro didn't stand up for me. He's more concerned about public opinion than the actual truth. It's nice that he was willing to walk me home but we didn't really talk."

"I'm surprised that he hasn't broken up with you yet."

"He's not using me for sex, Yukari. We didn't even kiss last night."

Yukari walked off in the direction of the gap between the bottom of the stairs and the corner of the commissary, prompting them to follow.

"I'm going to visit my Moka this morning."

"That's fine with me. I have no reason to leave this early for school."

"As my perpetual guest, you are in no position to complain about when we leave."

Kurumu pouted as they turned right, walking in front of the commissary.

"Rubi doesn't mind that I'm staying over."

"It is nice being held. It's been years since someone shared my bed."

Yukari snorted, having already heard about Rubi's nostalgia for Lady Oyakata.

"This completely defeats the purpose of Kurumu being kicked out."

"I don't think there was much of a purpose."

Yukari stopped at the far corner of the commissary, turning about while wagging a finger.

"You were supposed to get used to living on your own. But you haven't even slept in your own room these last four nights."

"I didn't mind sharing my bed. Ms. Toujou is right about how nice it is to be held."

"You're lucky she didn't suffocate you."

Kurumu giggled as they lingered at the corner. She glanced over her shoulder at the sound of a door opening. The elegant duo of Bousui and Shikikawa exited their suite.

"I haven't even spoken with Moka or Kokoa since lunch last Tuesday."

"It's unlikely that my Moka is ready to depart. If you two want to head to school without us, you may."

"I don't mind either way."

Chouda smiled at Rubi's remark, bowing her head slightly.

"I'll see you after school then."

When Chouda started walking away, Rubi hurried to the sylph's side. Yukari turned about, resuming her walk to Moka's door. Kurumu followed the witch, glancing at the door to Lady Hineri's suite.

"I wonder how Lady Hineri is doing?"

"You could ask her sister."

Kurumu sighed as they arrived at Moka's suite. Yukari immediately knocked on the door.

"Kumiko isn't very open about what is going on with her sister."

"You could try asking Mr. Tashikana."

"He got kicked off campus."

"But not out of his suite. You know where he lives."

Kurumu conceded that as Yukari knocked on the door a second time. Before she could respond, she heard the deadbolt drawn back. Yukari quickly stepped back as the door swung out.

"Good morning."

Kurumu was mildly surprised at their greeter. Ishiko's dark hair was a scraggly mess. Her goggles dangled against her red bow from a thick black band about her neck. Her school jacket was zipped up.

"Morning, Ishiko. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Kokoa wanted my bodily fluids."

Yukari shook her head, slipping by the gnome to enter the suite.

"Must you phrase it like that?"

"I'm more surprised that she said it right."

"Morning, my beloved."

Kurumu entered the suite to the sound of Moka's giggles. The silver haired vampire was tending the stove while wearing her black chemise with a pair of gray sleep pants. As Yukari stepped out of her school loafers, Ishiko closed the door behind them.

"Morning, Yukari. I'm almost finished with breakfast."

Kurumu smiled, resting her hands on top of the half wall as she glanced about the room. Kokoa was seated at the low table behind the pink couch. The younger sister was wearing her school blouse and skirt. Her school jacket was draped over the back of the couch.

"I'm surprised that you still aren't in bed."

Moka huffed, moving eggs about in the skillet with a spatula.

"I don't sleep in that often."

"Nothing that a little splash of water to the face doesn't fix."

Moka grimaced, turning off the burner.

"You could have just woken me up like a normal person."

"It's the most effective way to get you out of bed."

Kurumu snickered as Moka hefted the skillet off the burner, bringing it over to the three plates set out on the counter. The vampire shook her head as she scooted the scrambled eggs onto the first plate.

"Keep it up and I won't make you breakfast."

"That's fine. A dining hall breakfast is more palatable than the charcoal you've been serving."

Moka snorted as she scooted the remaining eggs onto the second plate. She stalked over to the rice cooker, putting the skillet and spatula in the sink as she passed it by.

"Doesn't really matter when you drench everything in karashi."

Moka glanced at the rice cooker before opening the refrigerator, fetching the yellow karashi bottle. She placed it by the rice cooker before returning to the plates.

"How was your picture day?"

Moka smirked, picking up the two plates with eggs. She returned to the rice cooker, setting the plates down. She opened the rice cooker and began portioning out the rice.

"I think it was fine. Ginei was being a nuisance."

"I heard from Yukari that you decided on an article."

Moka paused before putting rice on the second plate.

"I did and Ginei was okay with it. Personal articles aren't always the best subjects, but I really wanted to do an article on my mothers. Honor them both."

Kurumu smiled as Moka finished putting rice on the second plate. The vampire came back to fetch the empty plate, taking it back to the rice cooker. Kurumu frowned as Moka scooped rice onto the plate.

"You didn't put any eggs on that plate."

"Ishiko is allergic to eggs."

Kurumu laughed, having forgotten about eggs being a common allergy among gnomes. She noted that Ishiko had knelt down at the table with Yukari beside her.

"Do you need any help?"

"I'm almost finished."

Moka pranced over to the table with two of the plates. She handed one across to Ishiko before giving the other to Kokoa. The vampire darted back to the counter, pulling a drawer open to fetch the chopsticks.

"Yukari didn't know if you had rescheduled that date with Tsukune."

Moka shrugged, moving over to the stove to grab the kettle. She poured the contents out into the three tumblers already set out.

"I invited him to our Sunday flying session after church. I wouldn't call it a date since I suggested bringing his mother along."

"Are you going to church?"

Moka made a thoughtful sound as she finished her task. She returned the kettle to the stove.

"I should. Maybe we can invite Tora over for the night to make up for last week."

"I will accompany you to this church. See what it is like."

Moka smirked at Yukari's announcement. Picking up two of the tumblers and two sets of chopsticks, she returned to the table.

"You are more than welcome to come with but don't expect too much. Did either of you want tea?"

Yukari and Kurumu both shook their heads as Moka handed off drinks and chopsticks to the other two. The vampire nodded, wandering back to the rice cooker to fetch the karashi and her own plate.

"Did you mention the exile to him?"

"Yes. The school is working with him and his mother on covering his tuition. Lord Sendou was going to give Tsukune a free education but Mrs. Aono stubbornly refused that."

Kokoa thanked Moka for the karashi as the vampire set her plate on the table. Moka returned to the counter to fetch her tumbler and chopsticks.

"It's good to hear that isn't a problem."

Moka sounded an agreement, picking up her things and heading back to the table. The vampire knelt down as the others started to eat.

"Yukari mentioned that you had a dinner planned with Mr. Yokei. How did that turn out?"

"It was okay. He has a lovely wife and two little boys."

"Did you find out anything new about your mother?"

Kurumu mulled over the value of sharing the rumors about her mother.

"Only a rumor that I want to talk to Ms. Nekonome about."

"You mean Mrs. Takizawa."

Kurumu smirked at Yukari's correction. She was thankful that Yukari was keeping quiet about the rumor.

"Yea. I also found out that Mr. Yokei was dating Ms. Bakudai for at least a year before they broke up."

"Is that why he left Yokai Academy?"

Kurumu grinned, sharing a look with Yukari.

"No. He left the school because of his wife."

"Whom was a top student. He got her pregnant during her last year of high school and her parents were mad. She was going to miss her graduation anyways so those two eloped."

Moka glanced at Yukari with a polite smile.

"Sounds like we shouldn't be spreading that around the school."

"I'm not going to tell anyone about it. Kurumu is the one with the big mouth."

"I'm not going to blab about this to any of the girls in our homeroom. It's none of their business."

"Yukari said that Ms. Bakudai was going to get you a price for making copies of the three yearbooks with your mother in them."

Kurumu grinned at Moka's change of subject.

"Yes. I did get scanned copies of her homeroom but I would like the whole yearbook."

"Let me know if you need any help buying those."

Moka's offer made Kurumu's heart feel warm.

"Thank you. I'll ask Ms. Bakudai when she will have those prices."

"Hopefully you don't require my presence. I intend to have lunch with my Moka."

"I can manage that on my own."

Kurumu smiled, leaning against the half wall as the others enjoyed their meal. It did not take Ishiko too long to finish her rice, pushing her empty plate to the center of the table. The gnome quaffed down her tea and thanked Moka for the meal.

"The assembly for voting on the lunch hour changes is tomorrow."

Kokoa nodded, placing her empty plate on top of Ishiko's.

"Both of my seniors won't be there. They have campus exams."

"Both? Don't you have three?"

Kokoa shrugged, taking a drink from her tumbler.

"Ms. Fukuda didn't get accepted at any of the schools she applied for. She has no issues looking human so she's going to try getting work in the city."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, recalling the quiet brunette as Ishiko moved away from the table.

"Didn't she qualify for the Happily Ever After program?"

"She fell a little short but finished in the top fifty."

"Could you do dishes while I get dressed?"

Kokoa huffed at Moka, setting aside her tumbler.

"I'm not risking getting my uniform wet."

Moka sighed, scooting around the last morsels on her plate.

"Could you put away the karashi and table?"

Kokoa nodded, grabbing the karashi as she stood up. She wandered over to the refrigerator, opening it up to put the karashi away. Closing the door, she sauntered back to the couch to retrieve her jacket.

"Next Friday is Yukari's birthday."

Kokoa snorted at Kurumu as she slipped on her jacket.

"What about it?"

Kurumu smiled as Moka stacked her plate on the others, putting the tumblers and chopsticks on top.

"I was just curious if Moka has made any plans."

Moka chuckled, picking up the pile of dishes. She wandered over to the sink, unloading her burden.

"Hopefully she isn't expecting a romantic, candlelit dinner."

Moka turned on the faucet, grabbing a sponge. She started with the chopsticks.

"My parents will be here so we can't do anything on Friday night. If you have no objection, I would like to spend Thursday night here."

"I suppose that is fine if Kokoa has no objection."

"I don't care if the brat wants to spend the night."

Yukari huffed, stepping out of the way as Kokoa pushed the table along the floor.

"You're the only brat here."

Kokoa made a dismissive sound as she continued her chore. Ishiko wandered over to join Kurumu in the entry with her schoolbag strap resting upon her narrow shoulder.

"Oh! I forgot to mention that I can't do that concert article. My parents are going to be here the whole weekend so I traded articles with Tora."

Kurumu frowned at Yukari's admission as the witch wandered over to join her.

"Is Chouda still doing the pictures?"

"I have no idea. We just swapped articles yesterday."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, thinking she could ask Chouda about this tonight.

"That isn't a school blouse."

Kurumu smiled at Moka's remark as the vampire added the plates to the dishwasher rack.

"I forgot to do laundry last night."

Moka chuckled, going back to the sink to scrub the skillet.

"Sounds like someone had too much fun with her dinner date."

"We didn't do anything sexual."

"I know. I would smell that if you had."

Kurumu smirked, glancing about the room. Kokoa had picked up her schoolbag and Yukari was slipping on her shoes. Kurumu eased off the half wall as Moka turned off the water. The vampire added the skillet and spatula to the dishwasher before opening the cabinet beneath the sink to fetch the soap.

"Do you think we have time to visit with Mizore?"

Moka closed up the dishwasher and spun the dials to set the machine in motion.

"Aren't you having lunch with her today?"

"I am but I haven't spoken with Mizore since last weekend."

"You spoke with her on picture day."

Moka giggled at Yukari's remark, drying her hands on her sleep pants.

"I'm going to get dressed. I'll be right back."

Kurumu nodded as Moka stalked off. She turned her full attention upon Yukari.

"I barely spoke to Mizore that day. It's not like we are in a hurry."

"You can chat with her during lunch. Now scoot."

Kurumu smirked at Yukari's shooing gesture. She opened the door, drifting outside of the suite. The witch followed her out while the others donned their school shoes.

"I am not looking forward to this morning."

Kurumu frowned as Ishiko and Kokoa joined them outside.

"Is something wrong?"

"Just something that I saw in Ishiko's eyes. You better not make fun of me today. I'm not in the mood."

"What's going to happen?"

"Nothing important. Moka! We are waiting on you!"

Kokoa fished her keys out of her jacket pocket, grabbing hold of the door.

"I should get gems."

"You mean earrings?"

Ishiko nodded, fixing her goggles over her eyes. She gestured at Kurumu.

"Those are sapphires."

"Yea. Do you have a favorite gemstone?"

"I like diamonds. Pure. Unblemished."

"Sounds like your girlfriend has expensive tastes."

"Ishiko isn't my girlfriend."

Kurumu smirked, hearing the closet door shut and Moka moving about inside the suite. A few moments later, Moka came into view with her school jacket zipped up and her school blouse collar left open to bare the black choker. The vampire held the strap of her schoolbag as she stepped into her loafers.

"Sorry for the wait. I didn't expect you two to stop by."

Kokoa huffed, closing and locking the door.

"Not like you would have got out of bed any faster."

Moka grumbled, starting off at a brisk pace which prompted them all to follow. They reached the start of the trail leading out of the clearing in seconds. Kurumu breathed in the brisk morning air, thinking about their discussion over breakfast.

"Those fancy school jackets Ms. Herikuda wanted got approved by Yukari's grandfather. Rubi says that they might be available as early as the start of next school year."

Moka smirked at Kurumu, shaking her head.

"I'll help you buy those yearbooks. If you are wanting a fancy jacket, you'll have to ask Kokoa."

"I wasn't asking for one. I was letting you know about them."

Moka made a doubtful sound as they continued down the trail.

"I wonder if those new school jackets would make me look more mature."

Kokoa snorted at Yukari's musing.

"They're jackets. Not stilts."

"I'm aware of that. It's not like being taller makes you look mature. Kurumu is one of the shortest girls of our grade and nobody would call her physically immature."

Kurumu smiled softly, recalling how Yukari had looked with those growth candies.

"In four or five years, you'll probably be taller than me."

"I hope it doesn't take that long."

Kurumu chuckled and the group fell into silence. They walked the rest of the trail with only the sounds of the forest and the murmur of conversations from other students walking the trails.

They reached the point where the trails converged, following the five blue robed kendo third years down the path to the main school trail. The blond guy with the golden braid on his right shoulder was Kogane Hiji, former captain of the club. The weird guy with the mask over his face was Hamanaka.

The tallest member of this group was Tokeru Tetsu. Like his younger brother, the salamander had short magenta curls gracing his scalp. The guy with the jet black, feathered crew cut was the older Ijouyama brother. The last member short, rugged sepia locks was Saiban Kou. His little sister would be attending Yokai Academy next year. He was from Aranoiji and had helped Lady Hineri on some occasions.

"Will you be doing morning announcements next week?"

Kurumu shrugged at Kokoa's question.

"I have no idea. I'll have to ask Mrs. Senda on Monday morning what she expects from me."

"Is Rubi going to have her picture taken today with the faculty?"

Kurumu grinned at Moka's inquiry.

"Yea. You should have seen how pretty she was with Yukari's makeup."

Yukari puffed up with pride.

"Rubi has always been pretty. It was fun picking colors to match her attire."

"I wonder how much time it will take to do the whole faculty."

Moka laughed at Kurumu's musing.

"It's not the whole faculty. According to Ginei, they've already done all of the homeroom, science and gym teachers. All that's left are the administration staff and the instructors for the electives."

"They already did the science teachers?"

Moka nodded and Kurumu pondered over that revelation.

"That still sounds like a lot."

"It's less than fifty people. But it still might end up being a busy day if they have a bunch of retakes."

Kurumu mulled that over, wondering how many students were doing that.

"I hope that Mrs. Sunao allows us to go home early. It's Friday and I want to check my mail. I might have a response from Kabuki."

"And you need to do your laundry."

Kurumu snorted at Yukari.

"I don't need to do that right away. I can hang out with you guys."

"I have a date with Kakuta Mitsuyo."

"Whom is that?"

"An author Ms. Bakudai recommended to me. She let me borrow Ms. Kakuta's prized work, Woman on the Other Shore. I want to be able to return it on Monday."

"You have all weekend to read that book."

"I refuse to be your source of entertainment for the evening. Go bother someone else."

Kurumu pouted, supposing she could hang out with Chouda. It was not much longer of a walk before they turned left on the main school path. Kurumu sighed as the silence persisted.

"Nijiro mentioned yesterday that we will be selecting our roommates and electives next week. Should I try to get a roommate?"

Yukari snickered, keeping up with Moka's stride.

"Considering how you can't be alone, you should try asking around."

"I doubt any of you would want to share a suite with me."

"I think it would be best if I stayed with my sister."

"Yea. Maybe you could ask one of my girls. Would you want a roommate?"

Ishiko shrugged at Kokoa's prompting.

"I'm fine with a love child."

Kurumu smirked, shaking her head.

"You meant partner."

"Would they allow Ishiko to live in the suites without a good reason?"

Kokoa shrugged at Moka.

"I have no idea. That's a question for the brat's grandfather."

"I'm not a brat!"

"Maybe Kurumu could live in the dorms."

Kurumu shook her head vehemently at Kokoa's suggestion.

"Absolutely not. I have way too much stuff for a dorm room."

"You practically fit everything in your hamper."

"I have lots of kitchen things, Kokoa. Not that you've ever seen my kitchen."

Kokoa nodded thoughtfully as they passed by the thinnest stretch of woods near the pond.

"What about you?"

Yukari huffed indignantly.

"I'm not living with Kurumu. Somebody needs to look after Rubi."

"Isn't Rubi old enough to look after herself?"

"Kurumu is old enough to live by herself. Besides. Rubi has already suggested to my grandfather to put Kurumu in Ms. Chouda's single suite. This dummy clearly forgot."

Kurumu smiled apologetically.

"It was just a random thought. It slipped my mind that Rubi was going to do that for me."

"As expected. Are you going to take choir as your elective like your choir instructor suggested?"

"Yea. I'm guessing that you and Kokoa will stay in the computer program."

"May as well though I worry over how current our program is."

"Nagisa has also brought up concerns about the curriculum. She was toying with the idea of dropping out of it to take home economics."

"That's what I'm going to sign up for next year. I need more cooking practice."

"You certainly need it."

Moka stuck her tongue out at Kokoa, causing Kurumu to smile.

"Are you going to take the construction trades elective?"

Ishiko nodded at her inquiry.

"It's fun making things."

Kurumu nodded, having nothing else to say. She listened to the vampire sisters and Yukari chat about the computer program without any real interest in the topic. While she had a laptop, she had not turned the thing on since she had quit the newspaper club. She smiled softly, letting her thoughts wander.

She wished mommy had told her something about those high school years. While she could lay some blame on herself for not asking, it made her question if there were reasons why mommy wanted to forget those years. Mommy had left all of those albums with Grandma Yumekawa. Mommy had kept nothing but the ribbon in Kurumu's hair which she still had no way of knowing if it really was a present from her father. Maybe mommy did have something to do with the death of that Kunai guy.

She also worried about Nijiro. As bad as it was that she had posed for a dirty comic, she felt like there was something else going on. It took much restraint to not delve into his mind and find out what exactly was the problem. But if she had to cross that line, this relationship was over. She had to trust him. He would eventually tell her everything.

"Kokoa!"

Miyamoto's familiar voice pulled her out of her reverie. The tengu waved at them, standing at the first of the four boards flanking the trail. He was garbed in proper school attire. Kokoa sighed heavily when he started trotting towards them.

"This fool better not say something that ruins my day."

"Do you want us to stick around?"

Kokoa shrugged at her sister's query.

"It makes no difference. I knew that this dummy would be here."

Kurumu giggled, realizing this was what Kokoa had warned her about. The young man stopped short of the vampire sisters, bowing deeply.

"I deeply apologize for refusing your gift."

Kokoa huffed, walking by him without breaking stride.

"It's none of my business if you want to be miserable the rest of your life."

Miyamoto recognized her passage, quickly righting himself to catch up and walk alongside her.

"If you had presented me such a token of your affection any other day, I would have accepted them."

"Those were friendship chocolates, moron. I wasn't being affectionate."

Miyamoto chuckled softly, nodding at Moka whom deliberately slowed to let the two walk alone.

"Again. I am sorry. I won't reject any kindness you bestow upon me from here on out."

"You're going to have to wait a whole year before I make chocolates for you again."

Miyamoto laughed nervously as they reached the boards flanking the trail.

"Surely that can't be the only day you take pity on me."

Kokoa sighed heavily. She regarded him with flush cheeks.

"How did you do at your tournament?"

Miyamoto grinned broadly, thumbing his chest.

"I won the whole thing. Still undefeated in official tournaments."

Kokoa forced a smile as they neared the open school gate.

"I suppose that deserves some sort of reward. I will eat lunch with you in the cafeteria."

Miyamoto clapped his fist into his palm, bowing his head slightly.

"I humbly accept your company."

Kokoa thrust a finger at him.

"You should be grateful. It's a great sacrifice of my reputation to be seen with a degenerate like you."

Miyamoto frowned as they crossed through the open gate.

"Does that mean no head pats or spoon feeding?"

Kokoa blushed darker.

"Absolutely not!"

Kurumu breathed in deep, clutching her periwinkle bento against her bosom. She drew open the door to the library stepping inside. The sounds of the students lined up in the cafeteria diminished the moment she closed the door. With a nervous smile, Kurumu approached the librarian behind the central desk.

"Ms. Bakudai?"

The woman looked up from the book she had in her hands. The librarian had on a chocolate dress which buttoned up from her waist to the flaps of a dress shirt collar of the same color. The thick cuffs at the end of her long sleeves also buttoned up like a dress shirt.

"I was wondering when you would have that price for those yearbooks."

Ms. Bakudai smiled thinly.

"I can't use the speakers to contact this company, Ms. Kurono. The request will have to be done through the mail system which means we won't have an answer before next Friday at the soonest. Check back in with me on the Monday after that."

Kurumu nodded, supposing that was a good enough answer. She swallowed nervously as the librarian resumed reading her book.

"Um… I did have dinner with Mr. Yokei's family the other night. He mentioned that the two of you dated for over a year."

Ms. Bakudai sighed, lowering her book again.

"Why would he bring that up?"

"His wife brought it up."

The librarian regarded her with a stern expression.

"I was young and he took advantage of me. No man had ever shown any interest in me before so I made a mistake. He did the same thing to Midori."

Kurumu resisted the urge to argue without knowing any facts.

"His wife does want to see you."

"Fine. I'll stop by their place tomorrow morning. They are in Mr. Miwa's suite, right?"

Kurumu nodded, having told the librarian this the other night.

"What about tomorrow's assembly?"

"The assembly has nothing to do with me, Ms. Kurono. And since Mr. Yokei should be here, I will have plenty of time alone with Midori."

Kurumu shivered, dreading this other subject she wanted to ask about. She had been worrying most of the morning over Ms. Bakudai's reaction.

"There is one other thing. Did you know about this rumor of my mother possibly killing that Kunai guy?"

Ms. Bakudai snorted, lifting her book up as her eyes regarded the page.

"Of course I knew about that."

An uneasy silence followed as the librarian resumed reading her book. Kurumu's heart fluttered when Ms. Bakudai turned a page. She glanced back at the door, wondering if she should leave. Steeling her nerves, she pushed her desire to know the truth.

"Do you believe that my mother killed him?"

Ms. Bakudai rolled her eyes, lowering her book again. She looked at Kurumu in a way that made Kurumu feel unwelcome. Kurumu backed away a step, holding her bento against her bosom.

"I didn't know your mother, Ms. Kurono. I only know that she ran off with her best friend's husband. I also didn't know Elder Kunai's grandson. He had a reputation of using his grandfather's name to justify his poor behavior. It's quite possible that he tried raping your mother and got killed for it."

Kurumu nodded, swallowing thickly.

"Okay. Sorry for bothering you."

"You are better off asking your mother's classmates on this matter, Ms. Kurono. I was only thirteen when Elder Kunai's grandson was killed. I don't have real answers for you."

"Thank you, Ms. Bakudai."

The librarian resumed her reading, prompting Kurumu to leave. She slipped back out into the noisy hall, closing the door behind her. Clutching the bento to her bosom, she strode purposefully towards where the third year line merged with the other one.

Guys always took notice of her. Their appreciation of her looks dispelled all of the anxiety she had built up over this encounter with Ms. Bakudai. It had not been as horrible as she had imagined. But Mr. Yokei was right about how unpleasant the librarian was.

The guys gave her no trouble, letting her though the line with murmured apologies. Akari's group was not here, meaning Nozomi must have joined them. Wondering if she would be last to the gathering, she started down the second year hallway at a brisk pace.

The lunch line still stretched beyond both doors for the home economics room. Kurumu felt sorry for Suzume and Hatoko whom were all the way at the end of the line. As Ikazuchi and Yougan were only a little ahead of the girls, it was obvious that Mr. Nagamushi's English lecture would run long today.

Kurumu felt in the pocket of her jacket for the change Yukari had given her. She pulled the yen out as she reached the end of the hall. She turned and stopped in front of the vending machine, pushing coins into the slot. Each one fell into the machine with a notable clink.

Kurumu pushed the button for the yuzu juice, causing a can to tumble into the receptacle below. Stuffing the rest of the change into her pocket, she bent down and pushed her hand into the bin. She pulled the chilled can out, straightening up. With her bento in her other hand, Kurumu made her way into the small passage flanking the stairs up to the first year classrooms.

Pinching the can to her bosom, she freed a hand to open the door. She slipped outside, seeing only three of today's lunch group seated in the grass. Satsuki and Nerume were sitting by each other, enjoying the prepared meals reserved for the PSC. Mizore was sitting away from the pair, absently caressing her belly. One prepared tray rested in the grass by her thigh.

"You finally made it."

Kurumu smirked at Satsuki's greeting. She strolled over to the group, kneeling down.

"It didn't take that long. Akari's group isn't even here yet."

Satsuki grinned as Kurumu tugged the lid off of her bento box.

"Looks like you survived your encounter with the scary librarian."

"It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be."

"Did you get your answers?"

Kurumu shrugged, pulling out the chopsticks.

"I won't know anything for at least a week. I'll check again on the Monday after Yukari's birthday."

"I can't believe that runt will only be twelve in a week."

Kurumu grinned, chewing down her first morsel. She glanced at Mizore, thinking about the lunch line.

"How did you get that PSC lunch so quickly when your classmates are at the back of the line?"

Mizore smiled softly, continuing to caress her abdomen.

"Aoi got this for himself."

"Where is he?"

"Fetching something sweet for me."

Kurumu smiled, regarding the snow girl. Mizore had such a content, peaceful air about her.

"Almost sixteen weeks. I was born at eighteen."

Mizore laughed, withdrawing her hand. She reached over to pick up her can of tea.

"I don't think this little girl is as eager as you were to get out into this world."

Kurumu snickered, taking the time to chew down another mouthful.

"Well I was born six weeks earlier than the average."

"I was there when Ms. Shao told us about that."

Kurumu smiled, recalling the succubus from Hong Kong.

"Eight more weeks. That isn't that far out in the future."

Nerume made a thoughtful sound, lifting her head up from her lunch.

"That's like the end of April."

Mizore nodded, taking a sip from her can.

"Give or take two weeks."

"And here comes the rest of our group."

Kurumu glanced at the door while chewing on her next mouthful. As Satsuki had stated, Akari's group was striding towards them. All four girls had a tray in hand with at least one entrée box and a drink.

"You're just in time for talk about when Mizore will give birth."

Akari chuckled, stopping shy of them. She knelt down in the grass which prompted the other three girls to follow her example.

"You must be hoping that she's born around your birthday."

Nozomi snickered, shaking her head as she moved her can of juice to the grass by her thigh.

"Not from what I've heard."

Nikki frowned, pushing her chopsticks out of the cellophane wrapper.

"But she got pregnant during the cultural festival. That should be a summer baby."

Kiba snorted, opening her entrée box.

"That's assuming Shirayuki has a nine month pregnancy. Some races don't."

Nozomi nodded as she freed her chopsticks.

"She told me that her baby girl will be here before June."

Akari cocked her head thoughtfully.

"That's a rather quick pregnancy."

Mizore sighed softly, resting her free hand on her belly.

"It depends on the father."

Kurumu smirked, glancing at Nerume. The kirin also smirked, promptly stuffing her mouth. Kurumu took in a deep breath, regarding Akari's group.

"Did Nikki go on that double date last weekend?"

Nikki sighed, stirring up the contents of her entrée box.

"It was okay but I didn't even get kissed."

"It was your first date."

Nikki pouted at Akari.

"He graduates in less than a month."

Nozomi snickered, hefting a huge wad of teriyaki noodles up.

"It's not like you are breaking up after he graduates."

Nikki groaned as Nozomi stuffed her mouth.

"I know. But I would like things to be more intimate before this becomes long distance."

Kurumu swallowed down another morsel, giggling at Nikki's complaints.

"Double dates are always tame. I never get to do anything naughty with Nijiro while Mizore is around."

"I wouldn't stop you."

Kurumu smirked, seizing a steamed carrot with her chopsticks since she had already exhausted all of the rolled omelets. She wagged the vegetable at Mizore.

"While you might be in your own little world, I wouldn't say the same thing about Umizake."

"Where is Mr. Umizake?"

"Getting his princess some junk food."

Mizore clucked her tongue at Satsuki's answer.

"Ice cream isn't junk food."

Kurumu chewed down the vegetable, savoring the taste. She wagged her chopsticks at Nikki.

"Maybe you should try going on a date alone with him."

Nikki took the time to chew and swallow down her mouthful before letting out a sigh.

"Too late for that. We already agreed to do another double date after tomorrow's assembly."

"Then try for the next weekend."

Nikki sounded an affirmative as she chewed on her next mouthful. It only took a few more moments for Kurumu to finish the rest of her bento meal. She placed the chopsticks inside, closing the box. As she set it aside to grab her can of yuzu juice, the door by the stair opened. She grinned as Umizake emerged.

"You're spoiling your fiancée."

Umizake strolled towards them without responding to her remark. Kurumu grinned as he knelt down beside Mizore, holding a half liter of vanilla ice cream in his hands.

"Are you going to spoon feed her again?"

Umizake chuckled softly when Mizore leaned against his side.

"I might. How have you been, Ms. Kurono?"

"Doing well. Have you been practicing your lines to be her prince?"

Umizake smirked, taking off the lid of the ice cream container.

"The drama club hasn't been meeting because their stage is always in use."

Kurumu almost asked what he meant when she remembered the yearbook pictures. She laughed at her lapse of memory, lifting up the tab of her yuzu can to open it.

"The two of you must have lots of free time."

He chuckled, spooning out a huge dollop of whiteness.

"The PSC isn't too demanding so I spend most of my time studying while she writes her stories."

He presented the spoonful to Mizore. The snow girl opened her mouth, letting him put it in.

"Do you have a story ready for his next paper?"

Mizore nodded, swallowing down.

"I already have two for Ginei to pick from. They are more in line with what he wants me to write."

"It's not like your life is all doom and gloom, Shirayuki. It's almost sickening to see how happy you are."

Mizore sighed at Satsuki's remark. She opened her mouth, letting Umizake put another spoonful in.

"I'm happy for Mizore. She deserves to be happy."

Satsuki groaned at Nerume's comment.

"I wasn't meaning it like that. I was just thinking that she shouldn't complain that her writing matches how her life is now."

"I don't know how the two of you can live together. Studying and writing aren't good activities to keep my hands occupied."

"You'd be popping out puppies within a year."

Umizake chuckled as Nikki pouted at Kiba. He presented another spoonful to Mizore.

"I'm not that innocent, Ms. Matsudera. My studying includes her body."

Mizore sighed, nuzzling her cheek against his chest.

"You molest me too much."

"Only because you enjoy it."

Kurumu grinned, holding her half empty can against her bosom. She regarded Akari's group.

"We'll be picking our electives next week. What will you guys sign up for?"

Akari nodded, swallowing down her mouthful.

"Nozomi and I are going to try to get home economics again."

"Yea. No way do we want to get stuck in art for another year."

Nerume giggled, setting aside an empty box.

"Chisa feels the same way. We're hoping to both have home economics together next year."

"You're all being silly, taking a class that you will pick up naturally in life."

Nozomi smirked, gesturing at Satsuki with her chopsticks.

"Are you going to play with the boys another year?"

"The construction trades elective is taught by Ms. Idatsu. That sounds like a lot more fun than cooking, sewing and gardening."

Kurumu took another swig. She swirled it about her mouth before swallowing the citrus liquid down.

"Ishiko is taking that course next year."

Satsuki nodded, opening her can of tea.

"That's cool. Maybe we'll actually be in the same class this time."

"I assume that you will be taking the choir elective."

Kurumu grinned at Akari.

"Yea. I need to get more practice in formal singing."

"I'll list choir as an alternative again but I'd rather take home economics."

Kurumu nodded at Nikki's remark, glancing at Kiba.

"Didn't Kiba already take home economics?"

"I did and I'm not taking it again. I might give that culture class a try."

"I'll be doing that."

Kurumu frowned at Mizore's announcement.

"But you didn't finish home economics."

"It's not a prerequisite for the culture class, Ms. Kurono."

Mizore smiled at Akari's input.

"I'll be fine without the full class."

Kurumu smiled, figuring that Umizake would continue in the computer program. She took another sip from her can, having very little left. She watched Umizake put another spoonful of ice cream into the snow girl's mouth. She wished that Nijiro would pamper her like that.

"Mizore. Have you been talking with Moka?"

Mizore held a hand up to stop Umizake from putting another spoonful in her face.

"No more than I was before."

Kurumu nodded as Mizore lowered her hand. The snow girl opened her mouth for another spoonful.

"I hoped that we would all be closer after saving the world. But it seems like we are just drifting apart."

"I'm not avoiding Moka."

Kurumu sighed, thinking Mizore was missing her point.

"I haven't told many people about this but I'm not living with Moka and Kokoa. They had me move all of my stuff out last weekend."

"What did you do?"

Kurumu rolled her eyes at Satsuki's query.

"Why must it be something that I did?"

"Because you are a troublemaker."

Nerume laughed nervously at Satsuki's quick reply.

"What happened?"

Kurumu downed the last of her drink. She sighed, holding the empty can against her bosom.

"I don't really know. Moka and Kokoa are both trying to find themselves. Both of them have spent years living how they were told to live. Now they don't have a mother to make those decisions for them."

"Isn't that the same for you?"

Kurumu smiled at Nozomi, shaking her head.

"Not really. My mother gave me so much freedom. Moka and Kokoa are just not used to this."

"What does that have to do with them kicking you out?"

Kurumu frowned at Satsuki.

"It's my charm, Satsuki. I have a way of influencing people without meaning to. Moka doesn't want me making her into someone else."

"That's kind of weird."

Kurumu sighed, thinking she was just confusing everyone.

"I don't know. Yukari seems determined to get me in a single suite again but I'd rather not live alone."

"Yea but she wants you in the suite next to hers. Doesn't she have those magic doors connecting her suite with the next one?"

When Kurumu nodded at Satsuki's question, Nerume brightened up.

"Then you won't really be alone."

Kurumu smiled, supposing that was true. It still felt like they were drifting apart.

"This will be our last lunch out here."

Nozomi nodded at Akari's remark.

"Yea. Sounds like we will be stuck to the courtyard, cafeteria and gymnasiums for the rest of the year."

"Better get used to that as there is no way the lunch hour changes aren't passing."

Nikki snickered at Kiba's certainty.

"No kidding. It seems like the lunch line has been much worse than it was before the cultural festival."

"There are a lot more third years in line this past month. It's like none of them are making their own meals or stopping in the school store."

Umizake chuckled at Akari's observation.

"The selection of perishables at the school store isn't as good as it was."

Nikki held up her can of tea.

"To change."

Kurumu held her empty can up, smiling softly when the others took a drink.

"To change."

"I'm surprised that you weren't sent home."

Kurumu pouted at Moka's amused tone. She walked alongside the vampire with Kokoa slightly ahead of them on the trail leading to the clearing about the commissary. Yukari had stayed behind at the school, intending to walk home with Rubi when the faculty pictures were finished.

"Not a single teacher commented on my blouse not being the standard school one."

"Were you wearing that jacket zipped up the whole day?"

Kurumu sighed, fussing with the strap of her schoolbag across her torso.

"Only up to the lunch hour. Some of my classmates noticed, but they like to tease me over everything."

Moka chuckled as they entered the clearing with the double doors to the commissary ahead of them.

"The faculty is far too lenient about the dress code."

Kurumu huffed, gesturing at the vampire.

"You're not one to talk, always wearing that choker."

Moka smiled softly, absently touching the black leather.

"I should stop wearing this."

Kokoa snorted, tugging her lunch card out of her pocket as they neared the commissary doors.

"People will make a big deal out of it when you do."

Kurumu shared a laugh with Moka, unable to deny that as Kokoa's card triggered the sensor to open the doors for them. They strolled inside.

"Thank goodness you are here!"

Kurumu flinched at the unexpected greeting from the man behind the counter. The swarthy man with black hair and frantic, dark eyes was Mr. You. He had on a long sleeved, black polo with a pair of khakis. The agitated attendant gestured in the direction of the mailboxes.

"There is a crazy woman speaking gibberish inside my store! I could only understand that she wanted you, Ms. Akashiya."

Kokoa snickered when she walked around the counter, shaking her head. Kurumu hurried to join the little sister and gasped upon seeing the object of Mr. You's concerns.

Standing by the mailboxes was a young woman with shoulder length, ebony locks held up in two dog tails near her ears. Shuzen Akua had on the sleeveless indigo cheongsam with golden trim which she had been wearing when Kurumu had first met Moka's eldest sister. Akua's dark eyes had a deep purple hue similar to Nerume's.

"Akua!"

Moka rushed by them, causing Akua to tense up. Moka immediately wrapped the shorter girl up in an embrace. Akua shivered but returned the embrace. Her body relaxed as she closed her eyes.

"Father could have just sent us a letter."

Akua pulled back to arms' length, favoring Kokoa a scowl.

"Delivering it in person was Father's special gift to me."

Kurumu frowned at the remark in Cantonese. She looked at Kokoa.

"What does she mean by special gift?"

"Prefer not speak in Japanese. Pervert man no need know my business."

Moka laughed, releasing Akua. She stepped aside, gesturing at her sister.

"This isn't something to be ashamed of. Akua's birthday was earlier this week."

Kurumu gasped, vaguely recalling Akua's birthday had been in February.

"What day was it?"

"Same day as Nagisa's. All twos which makes it easy to remember."

Akua huffed, crossing her arms below the subtle swell of her bosom.

"Surprise you remember."

Kokoa crossed her arms, deliberately lifting her more ample bosom displayed within her open jacket.

"I wanted to know everything about the older sisters I admired so much. Unlike some heartless sister whom only cared about herself."

Akua scowled, brandishing a finger at Kokoa.

"You born one year and three days after Moka."

"Figures you would only know it because it was close to Moka's. What about Kahlua's birthday?"

"You only remember mine since you always second best."

Kokoa smirked with confidence.

"You don't know her birthday."

Kurumu laughed nervously, stepping up to Kokoa and touching her arm.

"How old is Akua now?"

"Twenty four and she doesn't look a day over fourteen."

"You want a fight?!"

Kokoa grinned, staring directly at Akua's emotion filled eyes.

"That could be fun."

Moka stepped between her sisters, shaking her head.

"Kokoa. You still haven't learned Tsukune's counter to Akua's dimensional blade."

"I want fight this Tsukune again. His victory not count since it was fake battle."

Kokoa lowered her arms to her sides, grinning wide.

"I have an idea. Since I don't have any serious plans for tomorrow, how about we spend the whole day training with Tsukune? I've been meaning to ask him to teach me that technique for weeks now."

Akua's eyes flickered with delight as a smile touched her lips.

"Sound good. I show you his technique no match for mine."

"Fine. I doubt that Tsukune has anything better to do with his time."

Moka laughed nervously, holding a hand out to each of her sisters.

"Hold on. Tsukune might want to do something else with his Saturday since he's already spending most of Sunday with me."

"I not accept him as your lover!"

Moka flinched at Akua's fury. Once the initial shock subsided, she blushed and shook her head.

"He's not my lover. I'm just hanging out with him on Sunday. He's even bringing his mother."

"You meet with his mother?"

Moka waved her hand in a placating manner.

"It's nothing serious. Several girls are going to be hanging out with us."

"I will meet his mother. Hang out Sunday with you."

"Don't you have to go back home?"

Akua scowled at Kokoa.

"I have time. Driver pick me up Sunday night at nine."

Kokoa nodded thoughtfully.

"Then I have a proposition. I bring Tsukune to you after tomorrow's assembly and we spend the whole day training with him. Unless Moka has any complaints, you can spend Sunday with her."

Moka sighed, lowering her hands.

"I don't mind if she comes along with us. As I said before, it's an outing with a bunch of friends. Tora and Yukari will both be there."

"And me."

Kokoa smirked when Kurumu held up her hand.

"I don't know if Akua can handle being around so many people. She tends to be a loner."

"I fine with crowds. But want Moka with us tomorrow."

Kokoa shrugged at her sister's demand.

"I don't have an issue with that. Do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

"It might be fun training with the three of you. But we still don't know if Tsukune will want to do this."

Kokoa straightened her shoulders in defiance.

"He is in no position to refuse. This is a birthday request from our precious sister."

Akua's lips turned up in a devilish grin.

"Yes. Call it a gift."

Kurumu smiled, wondering if she should invite herself to this outing. She quickly pushed this musing aside. She had to spend tomorrow with Nijiro even if it ended up being just another double date with Umizake and Mizore. There would be no date with him next weekend because of the concert.

"Can I sleep over at your place today and tomorrow?"

"What for?"

Kurumu pouted at Kokoa's question.

"Because your sister is in town. We could celebrate her birthday."

"True. I should try making her a cake."

"And here I thought I was the one trying to kill her."

Moka pouted at Kokoa.

"It won't be bad!"

"Why do you need to spend both nights? Are you that desperate to be out of your place?"

Kurumu grimaced, glancing away from Kokoa.

"I guess we could just do tomorrow night."

"Thought she live with you."

Kokoa smirked at Akua's confusion.

"We had her go back to living in her own place. But she has issues being alone."

Akua regarded Kurumu with a look of disappointment.

"Too old to be so childish."

"Your body is too old to be so childish."

Akua scowled at Kokoa. She leaned over, reaching her hand into a bag near her feet. The vampire pulled out a letter, presenting it to Moka.

"This letter from Father. He make reservation at hotel in Iromori for you during spring break."

Moka frowned, taking the letter.

"Is Kahlua not able to take us in?"

"She and her lover far too busy with Fairy Tale matters to be reliable. Not see either of them since Father had first family meeting."

"I suppose that will be fine."

Moka smiled, handing the letter over to Kokoa. Kokoa took the letter and promptly opened it, taking the folded sheet out. She undid the folds, glancing over the words.

"How goes the babysitting? You are helping out with those four little girls, right?"

Akua grimaced at Kurumu's questions.

"I leave that to Lady Tara and Lady Rena. I have no patience for those kids."

Kurumu smirked. It was good to hear that those two were back at the estate.

"What about Mr. Nagi?"

"He drives Father around. Always come home late. Often after dinner. They both busy rebuilding family."

Kurumu nodded, glancing at Kokoa whom was still reading the letter.

"Did your father ever contact Lord Yoshiro's third son, Mr. Yuusei?"

"How you know about that?"

Moka laughed at Akua's suspicious glare.

"Kurumu asked Shuzen Kuzu, a teacher working here. She's Lord Uniki's sister."

Akua nodded thoughtfully.

"Lord Yuusei agree to take his father's place. Will be sworn in as elder at next family meeting. Uncle Iroki will also challenge father for Head of Family."

Kokoa switched the top sheet with the next one in the stack.

"Did you meet Uncle Iroki?"

"No. Uncle not come to any family meetings."

"So you don't know if he is a threat to Father."

Akua shrugged indifferently at her sister's remark.

"Not care if Father dies. No different than stranger."

"You shouldn't say that."

Akua regarded Kurumu with cold eyes.

"No family wants a weak leader. Would challenge him myself if elders allowed it."

"Well for my sake, I hope that Father wins. I'd rather remain in exile than get pulled back into family politics by an uncle I haven't seen in over a decade."

"Fair point. This one should thank me for taking Eldest Daughter. Father would give it to her if I refused."

Kokoa smirked, lowering the letter.

"Thank you, Akua. Have fun being the family prize."

"I no prize."

Kokoa snickered, glancing back at the letter.

"You said it. Not me."

Akua frowned in confusion. Kurumu smiled softly, having no interest in explaining it to Akua.

"Father is going to settle on a council of six family elders instead of eight. He hopes to beat some sense into Uncle Iroki next weekend. Uncle Iroki should take the fifth seat, assuming Father doesn't kill him."

"Or get himself killed."

Kokoa smiled thinly at Akua.

"Are you planning to attend this family meeting?"

"As Eldest Daughter, I expected."

"Then I can look into your future and see what will most likely happen."

Kurumu shivered, hoping that Kokoa would see a preferable future.

"You said fifth. Whom is father getting to take the sixth?"

Kokoa shrugged at Moka's query.

"He isn't sure of that yet. He wants to bring fresh blood in. Combine with a smaller house that doesn't have much prospects for growth. He might even look to a foreign country."

Moka smirked as Kokoa turned to the next page in the letter.

"Is he trying to find a husband for you?"

"I don't think so. We need to tell him about Mr. Kaneshiro."

"Mr. Kaneshiro? Whom is this?"

Moka smiled at Akua's concern.

"A young man that Kokoa has given blood to."

"A lover?"

Kokoa snorted, shaking her head as she regarded the letter.

"No. Mr. Kaneshiro still needs a third donor to safely transition into becoming a vampire and maybe even a fourth. If Father is bringing in new blood, Mr. Kaneshiro could be included in that deal."

Akua nodded with a contemplative look.

"Is he valuable?"

"A top student. Pursuing a law degree. Our family might have use for him."

"I'll inform Father of this Mr. Kaneshiro."

"Yes. I'll also mention him in our next letter."

Kurumu grimaced, disliking how they were talking about Kaneshiro like he was property.

"I should check my mail."

"No need."

Akua grabbed the bag she had pulled the letter out of. She hefted it up and presented it to Kurumu. Frowning in confusing, Kurumu took the bag and glanced inside. The corner of her lips turned up in a smile when she noticed the three yunomi inside the bag. Each was a different color.

"Which ones did you get?"

"Not know. Kahlua left two of them with Lady Tara while I was training."

Kurumu smirked, tugging out the beige one. It had a red ring broken into three pieces. At the center of each piece was the head of an arrow with the central point aimed at the center of the ring. She would have to ask Yukari which prefecture this was for.

She pulled out the red yunomi next. On the side of it was four yellow circles. Each circle had a line cutting to its red center. Each circle also had a point which was connected to the points of the other circles in the center of the pattern. She glanced it over before carefully putting it back in the bag.

"Which two did she get me?"

"The white and blue one."

Kurumu pulled out the last yunomi. It was blue with a white design of five continuous loops in the shape of a flower or a star. She nodded, putting it back inside the bag which also had a letter.

"Where did the red one come from?"

"That driver gave me along with letter."

Kurumu tugged the letter out and grinned at the name of the sender. She turned her grin upon Moka.

"That munchkin wrote back to me. We'll soon find out if she ends her written sentences with huh?"

"She's not going to do that."

Kurumu chuckled, dropping the letter in the bag. She brought it up to her bosom and smiled.

"I guess we don't have anything else to do here."

"The summer!"

Kurumu frowned at Akua's sudden statement.

"What about the summer?"

"Kahlua's birthday. It in summer."

Kokoa smirked, shaking her head.

"Couldn't you at least have guessed the month?"

"I only live one year with you. Unfair advantage."

Moka smiled softly.

"She does have a point. Kahlua's birthday is the first of July."

"Was right!"

Kokoa huffed, turning about. She started walking off, prompting the rest of them to follow.

"If you don't have anything better to do, would you join me for dinner?"

Kurumu frowned at Kokoa's offer as the vampire triggered the sensor to open the doors. She followed Kokoa outside as Mr. You thanked them for their patronage.

"You mean make dinner?"

"I meant the dining hall. I understand if you want to put those away first."

"I can make dinner in our suite."

Kokoa paused, favoring Moka a dubious look. She then turned her eyes upon Akua.

"We should all eat in the dining hall to avoid compromising our training session tomorrow."

"My cooking isn't that bad."

Kurumu laughed at Akua's bewildered expression. She suspected that she would be quite entertained this evening before she did her laundry.