"Wake up, ladies!"

Kurumu groaned when the darkness behind her eyes brightened considerably. The flashing lights of the cameras vanished as her dream of modeling dissipated. Instead of standing in front of photographers, she was lying on her back with a warm body pressed against her side. A soft futon was beneath her and a heavy blanket was pulled up to the swell of her bosom.

"Get dressed quickly or we will be late for breakfast."

Kurumu breathed in deep as her eyes fluttered open. Her left hand felt numb, resting against Nerume's back. The kirin was using Kurumu's arm as a pillow. Her other hand rested atop the sheet near the bulge made by Nerume's arm draped across Kurumu's belly. She could feel Nerume's warm breath against her left breast which was barely inside the confines of her gray tank top.

"Are you girls going to start moving or do I need to douse you with water?"

Familiar with that threat, Kurumu turned on her side as she wiggled her arm out from beneath Nerume. Kneeling upright caused the heavy black sheet to fall behind her, baring most of her companion. The grumbling kirin was dressed in a cerulean, spaghetti string tank top and white cotton shorts.

"Come on, Nerume. Get up."

Kurumu stood up, absently fixing her black cotton shorts. She turned about, noting that Satsuki had also gotten to her feet. The nekomusume had slept in a pink, spaghetti string tank top and white cotton shorts with a pink dot pattern. Satsuki scratched her sienna locks while shuffling over to her schoolbag.

"What time is it?"

"Six fifteen."

Ms. Kiyomizu had answered from the doorway. The woman had on a pastel green blouse with pleated short sleeves. The collar was a thick white hem and was dangerously low, betraying quite the view. Her long black skirt hugged her hips and knees but flared out at her calves.

Kurumu nodded, leaning over to pick up the blanket. She hauled it up into her arms, intending to fold it.

"Don't worry about putting away the bedding. Just get dressed. I can tidy up the room later."

Kurumu frowned, dropping the blanket beside the whimpering kirin.

"Are you sure?"

"We should be outside in less than ten minutes. I'm going to get a glass of water for Ms. Genzouyaki. Whether she drinks it or wears it depends on if she is awake when I return."

Satsuki snickered as the woman strolled out of sight. The girl had already removed her top, revealing her perky breasts. She freed the rest of her clothes from her schoolbag before fluffing out her white bra.

"You better get dressed, brat."

Kurumu giggled, stumbling over to her schoolbag which rested against the wall next to Nerume's. She grabbed the hem of her tank top, tugging the garment over her head as she knelt down. She dropped it aside, pulling her schoolbag closer. She opened it up, retrieving her red lingerie.

"This is weird. I'm now looking at things and thinking about what they are called in English."

Kurumu smirked as she slung on her red lace bra like a jacket. She brought the cups together to fish the hooks through the front clasps.

"That's just vocabulary. I actually learned Cantonese to the point that I can think in that language. There isn't a translating step."

Fixing her breasts to rest comfortably inside the cups, Kurumu grabbed her blouse and thrust her arms through the sleeves.

"That was crazy when you and Shirayuki were speaking Chinese fluently."

Satsuki finished zipping up her PSC jacket over a white tee shirt. She stood up, pulling down her shorts as Kurumu buttoned up her own blouse.

"Even with this new vocabulary, I could never carry on a conversation in English like that."

"I probably could manage if we were talking real slow."

As Kurumu stood up to remove her shorts, Ms. Kiyomizu returned. The woman moved briskly across the room with a glass of water in hand. Before Kurumu could think to voice a warning, the teacher upended the glass on Nerume's head.

Nerume sat up with a curse, looking about wildly. Her eyes focused on her antagonist and she pouted.

"Why did you do that?"

"Because you need to get dressed or we won't have time for breakfast."

Nerume groaned, slowly getting up on her feet.

"Can I at least use the restroom first?"

"Yes but we must hurry. Knowing Akatsuki, she's already turned on her stove."

Kurumu frowned as the teacher retreated from the room with Nerume shuffling after her.

"Who is Akatsuki?"

Satsuki shrugged before pulling her black slacks up over her white briefs.

Guessing Satsuki would not have the answer, Kurumu tugged her shorts down to her ankles and stepped out of them. She snatched up her red thong, shaking her head as she stepped into the flimsy garment.

"I still can't believe you packed my thong when I have other options."

"You said red lingerie."

"It might surprise you, but I don't wear my thongs that often. The last time was before Christmas."

"It is White Day."

Kurumu smirked, snatching up her skirt.

"That means he's supposed to do something for me. Not the other way around."

"Whatever. I'm going to pee."

Kurumu nodded as Satsuki left the room. She tightened up her skirt, recalling last night. After a quick dinner from Meals to Go, Kurumu had dived into Ms. Kiyomizu's mind to experience learning English through the teacher's eyes. Ms. Kiyomizu had never used the language outside of a school environment but she had reassured them that this would be good enough for taking tests.

"You better not be napping on the toilet."

"I'm not!"

Kurumu giggled at the exchange, pulling on her socks one at a time. With that finished, she gathered up her clothes from yesterday and stuffed them into her schoolbag. She heard the toilet flush as she grabbed her school jacket. She slipped her arms into the sleeves.

Thinking she should use the toilet too, Kurumu checked her jacket's pockets to confirm her keys, lunch card and phone were all present. Satisfied with the results, she seized the strap of her schoolbag and hauled it up as she got back to her feet. She rested the strap on her shoulder as she turned about.

Kurumu grinned as Nerume pranced back into the room. It was rare to see the kirin with her hair down.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Mhm. Sleeping with you is always awesome."

Kurumu giggled as Nerume knelt by her schoolbag near Kurumu's feet.

"It's nice sleeping with you too. You're body temp is much higher than anyone else I've slept with."

"It saddens me to think you sleep around so much."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out as the kirin pulled her clothes out of her schoolbag.

"I'm going to use the toilet. See you in a bit."

Nerume sounded an affirmative as Kurumu sashayed across the room. She slipped out of the bedroom into a short hall. On her right was the door to the bathroom. The door on the left was open, revealing another bedroom which was even emptier than theirs.

Kurumu drifted to the end of the hall, noting the short passage on her right which ended at the suite's entrance. The open space on her left was the living room which was devoid of any furniture. The teacher did not even own a dining room table. They had eaten their takeout meal on the kitchen counter.

On the other side of this corridor wall was the kitchen and dining areas. Kurumu could see the side of the refrigerator that stood at the end of the counter.

"Do you own any pots and pans?"

Ms. Kiyomizu strolled into view, holding a glass.

"I have a kettle. Not much reason to have anything else."

Kurumu snickered, thinking she owned more things for her own suite's kitchen which she never used.

"Do you always eat out?"

"I have a microwave."

Kurumu was about to comment on that when she heard the toilet flush.

"I'm going to use the bathroom real quick."

"Fine. Hopefully Ms. Genzouyaki is getting dressed."

Kurumu giggled, hearing the bathroom door open.

"She was when I last checked."

Once Satsuki had wandered out, Kurumu darted inside the bathroom, closing the door. The sink with a mirror over it was directly across the room from her. To one side of the sink was an opaque glass door, leading to a bathing area. The toilet was tucked in the corner on the other side of the sink.

A half wall divided the toilet from the washing machine pushed up against the wall on Kurumu's right with a dryer next to it. Thinking about how barren Ms. Kiyomizu's kitchen was, Kurumu assumed these had come with the apartment. She set her schoolbag down in front of the washer before turning about. Reaching under her skirt, she pulled her thongs down to her knees as she sat on the toilet seat.

Making certain that her skirt was clear of the seat, Kurumu emptied her bladder. She sighed with relief, glancing at the toilet roll mounted to the side of this small space.

It was White Day. Nijiro would get her a gift but he probably had no plan to spend the night with her. If she mentioned wearing a thong, he might be okay with a quick fuck but that was not what she wanted.

Tearing off a square from the roll, she reached under her skirt and dabbed herself dry. Dropping the paper into the bowl, she stood up and pulled her thong back up. Turning about, she pushed down the chrome lever to flush the toilet. She snatched up the strap of her schoolbag, leaving the toilet lid up.

Hauling her schoolbag strap up onto her shoulder, she walked over to the sink. She quickly rinsed her hands in the porcelain basin with cold water. Drying her hands on her skirt, she hurried over to the bathroom door. She tugged it open, stepping out into the corridor.

"The others are already waiting for us outside."

Kurumu nodded at Ms. Kiyomizu, prancing down the hallway to where she had left her school loafers. The door had been left open with Satsuki and Nerume waiting out by the front gate at the end of the small enclosed yard each of these suites possessed. She paused to slip her feet into her loafers.

"How did you end up living by yourself in a suite with two bedrooms?"

"I was living with Ms. Tachibana until she retired three years ago."

Ms. Tachibana had been a second year history teacher back when Kurumu's mother had been a student. With her loafers on, Kurumu drifted outside.

"Did Ms. Tachibana live by herself?"

Ms. Kiyomizu shook her head, adjusting the strap of her black purse as she closed the door. As her keys were already in hand, she promptly locked her door.

"She lived with Ms. Rouzeki. They were hired together in 82."

"Whom is Ms. Rouzeki?"

Ms. Kiyomizu gestured for Kurumu to get moving. Kurumu smiled contritely, acquiescing to the teacher's prompting. Satsuki was holding the gate open with Nerume lingering on the other side.

"She was a gym teacher and the track coach until she got married and subsequently pregnant. She had to retire the year after I was hired on."

"Who are you talking about?"

Kurumu laughed at Satsuki's confusion as she passed through the gate to join Nerume.

"Ms. Rouzeki. She apparently was one of the gym teachers whom stayed when Yokai Academy started participating in high school sports."

Satsuki nodded, drifting over to Kurumu while Ms. Kiyomizu made certain that the gate was secured. These gates were flanked by brick columns. One column had the pull down box for the mail while the other had a white intercom box to speak with the tenant. The tenants could push a button to release the magnetic seal holding these gates in place.

Kurumu glanced about the courtyard. These eight buildings for faculty housing were identical. Each of these single story structures had four suites. The two middle suites had two bedrooms while the end units only had one. Ms. Hitori lived in 501 while the ladies in 502 were Ms. Uchikawa and Ms. Kibashiro.

"Come along, ladies."

Ms. Kiyomizu gestured for them as she made her way over to the adjacent front gate for 504. The teacher paused and pushed the intercom button.

"What are you doing?"

"We are getting breakfast."

The intercom crackled as a voice carried out.

"Is that you Hori?"

"Yes, and I have three students with me. Hopefully you don't mind."

"No trouble at all! Come in! Come in!"

A buzz prompted Ms. Kiyomizu to tug open the gate. She gestured for them to enter the yard.

"I guess this is Akatsuki."

Kurumu giggled at Satsuki's remark, still drawing a blank on the name. The only Akatsuki she could think of was Mrs. Anagume's husband.

A pang of guilt touched Kurumu's heart when the door opened for them. Standing in a long sleeved, mint blouse and dark green, pleated skirt was Ms. Kuwabara whom had taught them English back when their classes had been held in the study rooms of Baratoge. The second year teacher had vibrant, carnation pink hair which touched her shoulders and bright baby blue eyes.

"Shut the door for me, Hori. I have to add more portions to the skillet."

The woman retreated down the hall as Kurumu stepped up onto the small porch that preceded the front doors of these suites. She could smell the sizzling meat as she crossed the threshold on Nerume's heels. The kirin was blatantly sniffing the air.

"Something smells good."

Ms. Kuwabara laughed from the kitchen as they removed their shoes.

"I'm pleased to hear that. Usually I only have Hori over and she tends to be stingy with compliments. I'll make something quick for you girls."

"What is it?"

"Beans, sausage, eggs and biscuits."

Kurumu moved forward with Nerume to give space for Satsuki and Ms. Kiyomizu to enter.

"No rice?"

"Beans will fill you up just as surely as rice. Take a seat at the table."

The first thing Kurumu noticed upon reaching the end of the hall was how feminine the furniture was. The couch and two armchairs were pink with white framing. The low table was bleached white and so was the entertainment stand which held up a silver framed television.

"What were you girls doing over at Hori's place?"

Kurumu grinned as the question drew her attention to the woman tending the stove. She drifted over to a white table flanked by six white chairs which Nerume had already claimed the nearest one. The chairs had fancy sculpted framing with pink cushions tied to the spade shaped seats. She tugged back the chair next to Nerume, settling down as Satsuki strolled around the corner.

"We were studying English."

"Really? I could have helped."

"It slipped my mind, Akatsuki."

Satsuki snickered, moving around the table to claim the chair across from Nerume.

"Or rather we slipped into hers."

Kurumu and Nerume shared a giggle as Ms. Kiyomizu wandered into view.

"I should have mentioned the possibility of having guests before we left work yesterday."

Ms. Kuwabara waved her spatula dismissively as her colleague joined her at the kitchen counter.

"It's no big deal. I hope you don't object to me serving the girls first?"

"Your place, your rules."

"I bet you girls are excited for today."

Satsuki huffed, crossing her arms below her bosom.

"Not really. We are retaking our English exam."

"Silly girl. You must know that it's White Day."

Kurumu snickered, slipping the strap of her schoolbag off her shoulder to set it down on the floor.

"She knows that."

"I didn't give any boys chocolates so there isn't any reason for me to get a White Day gift."

Nerume sighed heavily.

"Same for me. I'd be surprised if any guy gave me a gift today."

"Cheer up, girls. You still might have a secret admirer."

Satsuki snorted, gesturing at Kurumu.

"Kurono is the only one with a boyfriend."

"Then she must be expecting a gift."

Kurumu smiled, feeling guilty over having a boyfriend while the others were alone.

"I'm sure that it won't be anything too fancy. Nijiro is a practical person."

"Do you have a boyfriend, Ms. Kuwabara?"

The teacher sighed elegantly as she moved things about in her skillet.

"Unfortunately not yet. One day I will find a special someone. But for now, I am content with teaching young students the fun of learning a new language."

"What about you?"

Ms. Kiyomizu scoffed at Nerume's query.

"I lost interest in the pursuit of love centuries ago."

"Oh come now, Hori. You're not that old."

The teacher sighed, relaxing back on her palms against the counter.

"This body isn't old but my mind is ancient."

Ms. Kuwabara made a sound of disappointment. Shaking her head, she turned the burner down before moving around her colleague to open up her refrigerator.

"There you go again, acting like you've been around since the dawn of time."

Kurumu smiled as the woman removed a carton of eggs and some milk. Not many knew the truth about Ms. Kiyomizu's true form. She watched as Ms. Kuwabara returned to the stove.

"Kurono. The school days will be short next week. We need to get you fitted for a PSC uniform."

"Oh? You are recruiting a girl whom seems to be in detention a lot recently?"

"The PSC could benefit from having someone like her."

"Are you getting her the sleeveless jacket?"

"No, Ms. Unari. The one you have on is the style I prefer. We can do this next Monday."

Kurumu hesitated to agree, thinking there was something else she had to do.

"Can't. Sumire is leaving on Monday. Would next Tuesday be fine?"

"Tuesday is fine with me."

Kurumu nodded, returning her attention on the teachers. Her thoughts wandered back to her earlier curiosity about Ms. Kiyomizu's living conditions. She frowned as a new question popped into her head.

"If Ms. Tachibana lived with Ms. Rouzeki during your first year of employment, where did you live?"

Ms. Kuwabara laughed brightly as Ms. Kiyomizu remained impassive.

"You might not believe this, but silly Hori was living in her car."

"No way!"

"It's not difficult to live in your car."

"I must confess that she pulled it off without any of us being the wiser. When we were brought on, they said that one of us would have to make alternative living arrangements. Hori made it sound like she had that already taken care of, allowing Nabiki and me to have the vacant suites."

"Whom is Nabiki?"

"Ms. Komeshita."

Kurumu nodded, suspecting she would have remembered if she had put more thought into it. The first year English teacher in charge of the ikebana club had been hired at the same time.

"If this dummy had told us the truth about living in her car, Nabiki or myself would have gladly shared our suite with her."

"I didn't know either of you when I was hired on. I had no desire to impose on a complete stranger."

"I still can't believe you lived in your car."

Ms. Kiyomizu turned her attention upon Satsuki.

"It isn't hard. You eat out every meal. You do your laundry at the laundromat. And as a teacher, I had access to showers so I didn't need to bother with the local bathing house."

Kurumu giggled, thinking the lack of a toilet might be an issue for some people.

"How did you guys find out that she was living in her car?"

"That was Ms. Inukai's doing. Caught Hori taking a shower on campus before school began. She didn't even try lying about why she needed to shower here."

"I didn't want to trouble anyone."

Ms. Kuwabara laughed with genuine mirth.

"So you've said many times. Now grab me some plates so I can start serving these girls breakfast."


"May I help you?"

Upon hearing Mrs. Takizawa's query, Kurumu looked at the door where Kokoa stood with Nagisa. The vampire had left her thick, silver tresses down, making her resemblance to Moka even more apparent. Like Nagisa and Yukari, Kokoa was wearing her school jacket with the red bow tied at her collar. Her bangs were held out of her eyes by her mother's diamond encrusted, golden cross barrette.

"I was hoping that you would let Ms. Kurono and Ms. Sendou out early."

Mrs. Takizawa glanced at the clock above the chalkboard. She was wearing a short sleeved denim jacket over a mauve blouse. A long denim skirt completed her ensemble. The big Yano and short Nakai were by her desk, getting assistance with English. Both guys had signed up for tomorrow's retake.

"I don't know if I should be letting them out this early."

"You let Morisato out early."

Mrs. Takizawa turned a placating smile in Satsuki's direction.

"I let her go to the bathroom. She was supposed to return."

Abe snickered, brazenly sketching a bare breasted woman in his notebook.

"That girl doesn't want to be around Kurono."

"If we weren't taking attendance, I suspect that Ms. Morisato would have stayed home this week."

Kurumu sighed at Ichida's solemn remark, wishing Juri would just get over this already.

"She's probably having lunch with Kisurusu and Fujino. Her friends have fourth period gym."

"Can we wait here until you feel comfortable dismissing your class?"

Mrs. Takizawa sighed at Kokoa's request.

"Don't you have your own class, Ms. Shuzen?"

"I talked Mr. Hirojima into letting us out early. He doesn't feel comfortable helping our class with English so it was just a study hall."

"And Kokoa doesn't like helping our peers whom are struggling with that subject."

"It's not like you were helping."

Nagisa giggled, toying with the short braid over her right ear.

"I'm not the one whom wanted to be class representative."

Mrs. Takizawa sighed theatrically.

"I suppose that I can let my class go early if they don't need my help. Just remember that other teachers might be having class so keep the volume in the hallway down."

Before the history teacher could finish her sentence, several students hastily stuffed their notebooks away. Wanibuchi and Yakihara were already out the door before Kurumu opened up her schoolbag.

"I didn't see you yesterday. Do you have any retakes?"

Kurumu grinned as Kokoa wandered over to Yukari's desk. She quickly stuffed her notebook into her schoolbag next to yesterday's clothes.

"I decided to retake my English exam since my score was under sixty. Nerume and Satsuki are taking it with me right after lunch."

Satsuki nodded, getting up on her feet.

"Yea. I've never been this fired up over taking an exam before."

Yukari huffed indignantly.

"Those three spent the night at Ms. Kiyomizu's place, studying for their exam."

A slight smirk crossed Kokoa's lips.

"So are you fluent in English now?"

Kurumu slipped out of her seat, shaking her head.

"Ms. Kiyomizu isn't fluent in English. But I still feel good about this exam."

"Wake up, runt. We can go to lunch."

Nerume grumbled incoherently as Satsuki shook her by the shoulder. The kirin had been sprawled over her desk since the middle of third period with Mr. Hakuru whom had just held a study hall. Her head was turned so that her offside ponytail was not squashed on her desktop as she napped.

"I understand that Ms. Kurono will soon become a member of the PSC."

Kokoa glanced at Kumiko whom had stood up from her desk.

"Really? How many clubs do you plan to join?"

Kurumu laughed, waving a hand dismissively.

"It's just as an auxiliary member since my grades are barely above the cut off."

"The same could be said about Ms. Unari yet she is a fully fledged member."

Kurumu had no rebuttal for Kumiko. She glanced at Yukari whom was still writing in her notebook.

"Come on, Yukari. Kokoa is waiting for you."

Yukari grumbled, setting aside her mechanical pencil.

"What does she need me for?"

"How many bento boxes did you prepare today?"

Yukari sighed dramatically, leaning over to grab the strap of her white satchel on the floor.

"Just one for myself and this dummy here. My Moka said she didn't need me to make her a bento."

Kokoa nodded, turning her gaze upon Kurumu. The crimson in her emerald eyes had diminished even more to the point that it was barely notable.

"Give your bento to Nagisa. While Moka's cooking won't kill her, I see no reason to torture her with it."

Nagisa giggled, making a dismissive gesture.

"That isn't necessary."

"I would gladly try out a bento made by Ms. Akashiya."

Kokoa glared at Abe whom had stood up. Most of the guys had already left the class with just the two by Mrs. Takizawa remaining. Endo was lingering indecisively while Hazumi continued to help Madosuki with her English vocabulary.

"Get lost, you meaningless extra."

Abe frowned, tucking his notebook with the lewd sketches underneath his arm.

"That's a bit rude."

Kokoa pushed out her threatening aura for just a moment, causing Kurumu to shudder. Abe laughed nervously, quickly making his way up the aisle.

"Yea. I should get my lunch."

"We should also go."

Madosuki nodded vehemently as Hazumi hastily packed up her things.

"Yea. We can study while we eat."

"You shouldn't be using your powers on other students, Ms. Shuzen."

Kokoa scowled at Kumiko.

"That was barely anything."

"What just happened?"

Kurumu giggled at the drowsy inquiry.

"It's nothing Nerume. And I don't mind swapping my bento. I'm curious if Moka's cooking has improved."

"Her cooking is fine. Her sister has no sense of taste."

"Her cooking is bland. We can wait for her over by the front door of her homeroom."

Kurumu nodded as Yukari got up from her desk. Once the witch had retrieved her schoolbag and white satchel, Kurumu followed Yukari over to the door behind Kokoa and Nagisa.

"I'm a little surprised that you didn't go get Moka first."

"Moka has Mr. Hino this period and he's busy administering his algebra retake."

Kokoa gestured down the hall as they exited the classroom.

"We didn't have a substitute for Mr. Katai during second period, which meant as class representative, I was in charge. If Moka has the same situation, she won't dismiss her class until she hears the bell."

Kurumu noticed that Umizake was lingering by the back door to class three. With Mr. Nagamushi being their teacher for this hour, it was unlikely that class three would be let out before the bell. The tall guy had on the standard PSC attire.

"Hey, Umizake. Are you giving Mizore her White Day gift?"

He nodded as Kurumu came to a stop by him, causing her three companions to wait on the crossover between the back doors of classes three and ten.

"I gave it to her this morning."

"What did you get her?"

"That Nightmare CD that just came out."

"Must you chat with him?"

Kurumu giggled at Yukari's protest.

"I'll see you later then."

He echoed that sentiment as she departed. They made their way along the crossover, turning right upon reaching the other side of the hall.

"We were just told to keep it down in the hall and you had to socialize with someone standing outside of a class that we all know is in session."

Kurumu pouted at Yukari as they reached their destination.

"It's not like I get to chat with him that often."

"You'll have lunch with him and Shirayuki tomorrow."

Kurumu had no response for that as they waited for the bell by the door of Moka's homeroom.

"You need to come over to my place tonight. I want to have a sleepover with Ishiko. I might have my other girls there if Nagisa agrees to attend."

"I'm not going to watch you take another girl's blood."

"Fine. It will just be Ishiko then."

Kurumu smiled softly, knowing Kokoa was upset with that decision.

"Will I be able to sleepover?"

"Yes. And bring a maid outfit. You will be serving us dinner and breakfast."

"As you wish, Milady."

"I'll meet you in the main foyer after fencing practice."

Kurumu nodded, thinking she could hang out a little with Iko again like she had yesterday.

"Where did you guys decide to have lunch?"

"In the practice gym. I just wish they had tables in there."

Kurumu grinned, knowing that this lunch situation would change soon.

"I heard that we'll be in new homerooms and trying out the new lunch schedule next week."

"And since we won't be doing gym or electives next week, all of our days will end at two."

Kurumu smirked at Yukari's addition.

"How many parents of first years did Rubi get in contact with yesterday?"

"About the same as any other day."

Rubi was averaging about forty a day. It felt like the witch could do better than that with her spending the whole day at the speakers' office but Rubi was only counting her successes.

"When do you think Rubi will finish?"

"Before spring break."

Kokoa sighed, absently toying with her ribbon.

"I just hope that the faculty honors my request for my sister and I to be in a different lunch groups."

"But you already know that you've been approved to live together."

"Which means I'll be spending enough time with her as is. If I'm in the same lunch group, then I can't compete against her when our next Sports Day happens."

Kurumu and Nagisa giggled as Yukari shook her head.

"That is the dumbest reason to request being in a different lunch group."

"I don't want any sass from you."

"My grandfather will have students grouped by their communities."

"Which doesn't apply to me or my sister. We're not from this prefecture so we could be assigned to any classroom to even out numbers."

Kurumu smiled wistfully.

"It would be nice if all of the out of prefecture students were grouped together."

"I don't want to be in the same homeroom as this brat."

Yukari huffed at Kokoa's declaration.

"The feeling is mutual."

"Our little lunch group will most likely disband."

Attention shifted to Nagisa whom blushed when she realized they were all looking at her.

"Just think about it. All of us are from different communities."

Kurumu felt a little sad when she realized that was true.

"Yea. I think most of the groups I have lunch with will end."

"No need fretting over that before we see our new homeroom assignments."

Kurumu smiled at Yukari's remark, agreeing that was for the best. If she thought too much about this, she would start getting depressed.

After a long stretch of silence, the bell finally sounded. A few seconds later the door was drawn open by a tall guy with maroon hair and emerald eyes. A guy with his cyan hair styled in a feathered crew cut exited next, followed by the dark haired Uchiyama. He offered a brief greeting before walking off.

"Hurry up, Moka."

Kurumu smirked at Kokoa's urging as Ishiko drifted out to join them. The gnome had her thick goggles worn over her eyes.

"I'll be there in a second."

Kurumu brightened up when Michiko and Kiki exited the classroom.

"Hey, Michiko. Did you get your White Day gift from Noboru yet?"

Michiko paused with a shake of her head.

"Naw. Thinks he waiting for after school."

"He might surprise you at lunch."

Michiko made a dismissive sound as she resumed her journey. Kiki effortlessly kept up with the taller girl, nearing their classmates whom were using the back door instead.

"I'll see you after lunch."

Kurumu's attention was drawn back to Moka whom was parting with Aori and Hayate. Aori was slightly taller than the band girl and had her sky blue hair fluffed like dog tails over her ears. The track girl and Hayate both murmured their farewells before departing.

"We should grab our drinks."

Nobody protested Yukari's suggestion as she stalked off towards the nearest vending machine which was around the corner by class one. Kokoa followed with Ishiko and Nagisa by her sides. Kurumu fell in step with Moka, noting the taller vampire had left her school jacket open. Her collar was undone, betraying her pale neck which lacked the black collar that had once held the rosary.

"Didn't see you yesterday. Yukari says you finished your article."

"I did. Did you have any retakes?"

"Nothing mandatory but I'm retaking my English exam after lunch."

"We have quite a few wanting to retake the English exam."

Kurumu smiled as they reached the end of the hall. They drifted to the right where Yukari was already closing in on the vending machine.

"How many of your classmates had an algebra retake with Mr. Hino?"

"Just three of the guys."

"I'm assuming you want your usual tomato juice."

Moka grinned as Yukari fed coins into the machine.

"Yes, please."

Yukari promptly pushed the button, causing a can to tumble into the bin.

"What drink did you want today, Kurumu?"

"Fruit passion."

"Come get my Moka's drink for her."

Kurumu sounded an affirmative, moving around Kokoa's group as Yukari put more coins in. She hunkered down, pushing the flap back with her hand. She pulled out the warm can as Yukari pushed the button for the fruit passion. Kurumu waited for the can to finish its descent before retrieving it.

"I'm in the mood for coffee."

Kurumu snickered at Yukari's declaration. She wandered back to Moka, handing off the tomato juice can.

"Someone is trying to act mature."

"I'm simply in the mood for something hot that isn't too sweet."

Kokoa nodded thoughtfully as the witch made her selection.

"Maybe I should get a coffee."

Nagisa smirked, reaching over to mess with Kokoa's hair.

"I recall someone despising the bitter taste of coffee."

Kokoa frowned, stepping out of Nagisa's reach.

"That was before my growth spurt. My taste buds might have matured."

Nagisa drawled out a note of disbelief, stepping up to the machine as Yukari retrieved her drink. The undine fished some coins out of her jacket pocket.

"I'm just going to stick to my lemon tea. Do you need one of us to buy you a drink, Ms. Fukai?"

"I like the sky."

Kurumu snickered at the slight blunder, knowing the gnome had actually said that would be nice.

"What would you like?"

"Why do you drink Kokoa?"

Nagisa giggled, selecting her drink. The can tumbled into the bin below.

"I'll let you handle her."

Kokoa nodded, moving over to the machine as Nagisa bent over to fetch her tea.

"I'll just get her a coffee."

"Did Mr. Amesuki give you a White Day gift?"

Kurumu glanced at Moka, sensing concern.

"Not yet but I know that he was planning to."

"I guess that's fine. It sounded like Michiko hasn't got one either."

Kurumu suspected there was something more to this.

"Is this about Tsukune?"

Moka grimaced, glancing aside.

"Why are guys so secretive with their White Day gifts? Every girl that made chocolates on Valentine's didn't wait for the end of school."

Kurumu smirked, thumbing at Kokoa as the girl fished a coffee can out of the bin.

"Not Kokoa. She waited until after school to give chocolates to Miyamoto."

Kokoa huffed, handing the can off to Ishiko. She started feeding more coins into the machine.

"I would have given it to him earlier if I had seen him accept it."

"Okay but I'm sure that some girls were too shy to hand out chocolates right away."

Moka sighed as Kokoa retrieved her coffee can.

"Maybe you're right. There still is a lot more to this day."

Kokoa huffed as she started walking in the direction of the nearest stair, prompting everyone to follow.

"I could always check your future if you're that worried."

Moka shook her head as they started down the stairs.

"I'd rather not know."

It did not take long for them to reach the ground floor. They turned left at the start of the second year hall, making their way to the cafeteria. Kurumu sighed, seeing the students at the end of the lunch line. Even without the fourth period gym students, the line stretched to the back doors of seven and eight.

"This day has been so long. Four hours of study hall. It's sad that the highlight of my day is going to be my exam retake after lunch."

"And you have detention after that."

Kurumu grumbled at Yukari's addition as they passed by the empty second year classrooms.

"Which is stupid. Iko isn't even mad at me. Juri was just using this as an excuse to vent her frustrations with me over not reporting Huang for groping her while in your body."

"I've never fully trusted Ms. Morisato."

Kurumu grimaced at Yukari's remark.

"I'd rather not talk about Juri. How is your fencing practice going?"

"Good. I'm better now that I can see how my opponent will react."

"You shouldn't abuse your powers like that."

"It's not like I'm doing it intentionally. Even with the limiter, I catch glimpses of the most likely future in other people's eyes. It's frankly annoying."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully as they steadily approached the back of the line.

"Do you think you'll win your spring break tournament in Arukasa?"

"Coach Takaku believes I will. We'll be leaving campus at two on Friday."

"That's before the Umishiro bus."

Kokoa nodded at Nagisa's remark.

"Yea. Two of our third years aren't coming. Ms. Tadashiguchi will but she isn't going to compete. Her parents are picking her up at the Fukuoka airport."

"Is the rest of your team coming back to campus?"

"Some of them are. Ms. Udetama is going home from the tournament just like us."

"Kurumu!"

Nijiro had stepped slightly out of line near the first door to Ms. Yumeito's lab. He waved with a hand holding a thin square wrapped in blue paper.

"Looks like your man has a gift."

Kurumu quickened her pace, reaching her boyfriend in seconds. Her heart swelled up with joy as he presented a square wrapped in blue paper with a snowflake pattern. She daintily took the gift out of his hand. She suspected that it was a CD but it felt too thick for just one.

"Do you want me to open it now?"

"Sure. I'll hold your juice."

Kurumu giggled, surrendering the can so she could use both hands. She quickly tore through the paper, revealing a pair of CDs. One was pink with several figures holding hands in a circle. The other had a graphic of a smiling white house sitting on a sphere with a blue sky and white clouds in the background. Neither CD had the name of the artist or the album on the front cover.

"Are these both Yuzu albums?"

"Those are Going and Home, two compilation albums that came out last summer. The two songs that you liked were on different albums so I decided to get both."

Kurumu giggled, guessing it would end up that way. She held the CDs against her bosom.

"Thank you. When did you get them?"

"Mr. Umizake and I had coordinated a little rendezvous during our last date. We met up in the dining hall around lunch on Sunday before making the quick run to the CD store."

Kurumu grinned, holding her hand out. He took the hint and returned her juice can.

"I'm glad that you bought me both but you could have just got one."

"Those two CDs were still cheaper than the swimsuit they bought you."

"You don't need to compete with them."

"I know. Looks like you'll be enjoying your lunch with Ms. Akashiya and Ms. Sendou."

Kurumu grinned, turning to look at her friends whom had gathered about.

"Yea. Thanks again for the gift. Do you think I could visit you after my English retake?"

"You have to retake an exam?"

Kurumu laughed at his sudden serious expression.

"No. But it was less than sixty so I wanted to. I'm only going to have study halls for my last two periods. I can probably get out of class to hang out for a bit."

"I still have my computer class. While it's tempting to skip last period, we really shouldn't."

As her hands were full, Kurumu stepped in close to him. He tensed up when she rested her head on his shoulder. He voiced her name with confusion as his thoughts flooded into her. He was concerned with how this looked to the others in the line.

'I am wearing a thong today.'

His thoughts quickly turned lecherous as she stepped back with a smirk. While she did prefer the idea of him spending the night, she was not going to let this gift go unrewarded.

"It will be fine."

He laughed sheepishly with flush cheeks. His sexual thoughts poured out from him, filling her core so scrumptiously. It was much better than the inexperienced longing she felt from other guys.

"I'll make something work if you show up."

Nijiro gestured at the line, stepping away from her.

"I should get back in line. Assuming they will let me."

Kurumu turned her attention upon the guys standing in line.

"Please let my boyfriend back in line."

The big guys chuckled, beckoning to Nijiro. The young man voiced his gratitude as he rejoined the line.

"Can we finally get going?"

Kurumu laughed at Yukari's protest. She nodded, walking down the hall.

"What did you do to change his mind?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about."

Moka huffed as they reached the end of the hall, turning right.

"Don't play dumb. I know that you can send your thoughts."

"It was nice of him to get these CDs for me. We should listen to them tonight."

"Let us through."

Kurumu giggled as the students parted under Kokoa's gruff demand. She followed the vampire to the other side of the line. There was no line of third years mixing in since they were here so late.

"Which two songs was he talking about?"

Kurumu grinned at Nagisa as they started up the center aisle of the cafeteria seating area.

"Flightless bird and Bridge of Glory."

"I've heard of Bridge of Glory."

"I'm not surprised. Watakoma is the one that suggested I listen to this band."

"Well I only know about that one song."

"And I only know two. But these are compilation albums so I might know more."

When they turned right at the small break between tables giving a clear passage to the first set of doors leading into the practice gym, a familiar figure barred their path. Miyamoto Haiji was wearing his usual karate gi with the black belt. His ashen gray locks were rugged and short as he regarded Kokoa with sky blue eyes. He stiffly bowed, holding a flexible package wrapped in black paper.

"Please accept this gift from me."

Kokoa sighed, glancing at Nagisa.

"Should I come up with some stupid reason why I can't accept White Day gifts?"

Nagisa snickered, gesturing at the misshapen gift.

"Just take it and hope that it isn't lingerie."

Miyamoto gasped, straightening up.

"I would never!"

Kokoa swiped the package out of his hands, shaking her head as she handed her coffee to Nagisa.

"May as well find out what sort of gift this dummy thought was appropriate for me."

"It's probably a dress."

Miyamoto chuckled at Nagisa's guess as Kokoa tore off the wrapping paper.

"I would never be so presumptuous as to pick out clothes for a girl."

Kokoa shook a white cloth free of the black paper, holding it up.

"You got me a karate gi."

Miyamoto grinned, thumbing his chest.

"That's a gift from the heart, Kokoa. I would like to formally request that you join my club."

"Denied."

Miyamoto laughed when she held the gi out to him.

"Don't be so hasty."

Kokoa sighed, bringing the garment back to her chest.

"What am I supposed to do with a karate gi?"

Miyamoto rubbed the back of his neck with a pained expression.

"You could keep it. Maybe wear it for training?"

Kokoa draped the garment over her arm, gesturing at Nagisa whom promptly returned the coffee can.

"I suppose I can do that."

Miyamoto suddenly bowed deeply.

"I am sorry, Kokoa. I really had no idea what sort of gift you would like."

"You could have just bought me a CD like Kurumu's boyfriend did."

Miyamoto straightened back up with a frown.

"I don't know what kind of music you like."

Nagisa snickered, placing a hand on Kokoa's shoulder.

"Neither does she. You could have bought her anything."

"Oh shut up. Could you move aside? I want to join my friends in the gym."

"Of course. Will I see you at the party on Friday?"

Kokoa huffed as he stepped out of the way. She walked towards the door to the practice gym.

"I suppose that I could grace you with my presence."

Kokoa paused at the door as Nagisa opened it for her, glancing over her shoulder.

"Thanks Haiji. At least you tried."

Kurumu giggled as the vampire entered the practice gym. She hurried to catch up to Kokoa.

"What sort of gift did you get your big brother for his birthday?"

"You'll find out when he does!"

"Kokoa!"

Antai Hotaru waved enthusiastically, sitting with a group in the center of the gym. The sylph's beige locks were styled in an updo similar to what Kurumu did when she was wearing her lace ribbon. The girl sitting beside Hotaru was Akegawa Hikari. The salamander had her short, cherry curls pushed away from her eyes with a black hairband. Both of these girls from first year class eight were in the gymnastics club.

The other two girls of this group were also from class eight. The salamander with the long, magma red tresses was Kaimura Yuko. The last girl had vibrant, maroon tresses and a buxom figure. That was the Akiyama Ume whom had modeled for Iko's first comic.

"Took you long enough."

Kurumu smirked at the grinning sylph as they neared the group. She could see that the girls had already stacked up their trays with all of their empty containers on top.

"We had a brief delay because of Kokoa's big brother."

Kokoa huffed, sitting down beside Hikari.

"We spent much more time with your boyfriend."

"Is that a karate gi?"

Kokoa sighed at Hikari's confused expression.

"Miyamoto's idea of an appropriate White Day gift."

Hotaru snickered as Kurumu settled down on the other side of the sylph.

"What a weirdo. What did your boyfriend get you?"

Kurumu held out the CDs as the others sat down in the group.

"Two albums from Yuzu."

"Never heard of them."

Kurumu chuckled as Yukari and Moka opened up their satchels with their bento boxes.

"Considering you only listen to girl singers, I'm not surprised."

"Can I see?"

Kurumu set her juice can down, ignoring Kaimura's request. She opened up the pink CD, tugging out the paper. She glanced through the track listing.

"Bridge of Glory is the first song on this CD. It has fourteen other songs that I don't recognize."

"Are those the new compilation albums?"

Kurumu nodded, putting the paper back into the CD case before closing it up.

"That's what Nijiro said. Are you a fan?"

"Not really but Bridge of Glory was a pretty popular song during my last year of junior high."

"I'd probably know it if I listened to it."

Hikari smiled sheepishly at Hotaru's remark.

"I wish I was more familiar with what was popular in music."

Kurumu grinned, opening up the other CD. She pulled out the track listing, glancing down the names of the songs. Flightless bird was the second to last song.

"I only recognize two of these thirty songs."

"Sounds like you need to familiarize yourself with them."

Kurumu wholeheartedly agreed with Kaimura's sentiment.


Kurumu rapped the back of her hand on the door to Moka's suite. She stepped back, smoothing out the black velvet fabric which stretched over the curve of her bosom. While this long sleeved maid outfit was stuffier than the other one, she was in a sensual mood. The heavy pleated skirt section of this garment hid a curve hugging interior. She was not wearing any lingerie.

Satisfied with the adjustments, she lowered her hand to join her other one which held her schoolbag. The sun had already set by the time she had left the school with Kokoa but it was not that dark in the clearing. The moon was almost full without a cloud in the sky. Her quick detour to her room to change into her maid outfit and get fresh clothes for tomorrow could not have taken that long.

Nijiro had promised to spend tomorrow night with her. While it had been a little frustrating to not fulfill the impulsive fantasy of having sex on school grounds, she had yielded to his logic. Even if the guys she shared detention with failed to smell it on her, Moka definitely would. The imminent lecture would be more tolerable after a night filled with passion compared to a brief encounter in a school restroom.

Kurumu was about to knock again when she heard the deadbolt drawn back. She grinned as the door was pushed out towards her, revealing Moka. The vampire had parted with her jacket but was still dressed in her school blouse and skirt. Holding her schoolbag, Kurumu bowed her head in deference.

"Kurono Kurumu reporting for duty."

"You could have changed here."

Kurumu giggled, entering when Moka gestured for her to do so. She stepped over the threshold, quickly parting with her school loafers.

"I'd rather not carry around my schoolbag full of dirty clothes for another day."

Moka huffed, closing and locking the door.

"You could have just left your dirty clothes here."

Kurumu made a dismissive sound as she wandered further into the suite. Nothing had really changed since the last time she had been inside here. The low table had been left out behind the couch.

"Did you bring those CDs?"

"Yes, Milady. Shall I put them in?"

Kokoa sounded an affirmative as Kurumu moved over to the bed. The vampire was lying on the couch, holding Ishiko close with one arm while her free right hand stroked through Ishiko's coarse locks. The gnome had her left arm draped across Kokoa's torso. Ishiko's goggles rested on the floor nearby. Her school blouse collar had been drawn back, baring a neck which was graced with fang marks.

Kurumu smirked, setting her schoolbag on the bed. She opened it up, taking out her new CDs which were on top of her fresh clothes along with her phone charger.

"I see that you've already drained Ishiko."

"Yes. Dinner will help her recover."

Kurumu pranced over to Moka's karaoke machine with her CDs in hand. Placing the pink CD on top of the device, she pressed the button which kicked out the disc tray. She opened up the other CD case, taking out the CD to place it in the tray.

"Shall I start cooking right away?"

"Not yet. We have another guest coming."

Kurumu pressed a different button to spin the tray around. She snatched up the pink CD, opening it as she put the other CD case on the karaoke machine. She freed the other CD, placing it in the tray. Setting the pink CD case on top of the other one, she pushed the button to close up the machine. She pushed the button to shuffle the discs back to the first CD before pressing a different button to start the music.

"Managed to convince one of your girls to come along after all?"

"It doesn't feel much like a sleepover with just Ishiko here."

"But you know how Nagisa feels about this."

Kokoa continued to lovingly caress Ishiko's face. Her head was slightly propped up by the couch cushion nearest the bed. Normally they would sleep with their heads on the other side of the couch.

"Yea. I wish Hikari would have come. I can't deal with Hotaru without her around."

"Whom is this guest you are expecting?"

"You'll see soon enough."

Kurumu glanced at Moka whom had drifted over to the back of the couch.

"Do you know whom else she invited?"

"This is the first she's mentioned it."

Kurumu wondered if it had been a mistake to start the CD. She was unable to appreciate the music with this conversation going on.

"I'm guessing that you had a short club meeting today."

Moka sighed in clear frustration.

"Yea. Ginei only stuck around long enough to confirm that our final paper was approved."

"Are you handing out the paper tomorrow?"

Moka shot her a quieting glare with turquoise eyes tinged with crimson.

"No. Ginei had a date with Ms. Hajihachi tonight since it is White Day. Tsukune, Kana and Tora will be folding the papers tomorrow night."

Kurumu flinched, suspecting that she already knew the answer.

"Did Tsukune say anything to you today?"

"No. He didn't. White Day is for couples which we clearly are not."

"I'm not a couple with Haiji."

Moka scowled at her sister.

"Tsukune is my blood claim. You would think having a bond like that would mean something but I guess not. Every girl in a relationship that I know about got a gift. Chirimi came back from lunch wearing a silver necklace with a dove pendant and Mr. Noboru stopped by last period to give Michiko a scarf."

Chirimi was in an arranged marriage with her cousin whom was a second year on the baseball team. He was the one showing up for class two in Ms. Genzaimuta's absence.

"Maybe Tsukune was too broke to buy you a gift?"

"I have half a mind to call off the Disney Trip."

"That's not yours to call off. That was Tsukune's promise to Rubi."

Moka whirled on her sister.

"Fine! You can go by yourself!"

Kokoa sighed as she continued to run her fingers through Ishiko's hair.

"Hopefully not. It would be nice if one of my girls could go."

Kurumu smiled uneasily, recalling the conversation during lunch. None of Kokoa's girls were certain that they could come, needing to talk to their parents first. With Yukari volunteering to use her magic to take them all back to her home, it was mostly an issue of the other girls getting to the theme park. It was not like Tokyo Disneyland was close and Ishiko's parents were the only ones that had a vehicle.

"All of them want to go. They just don't know how soon they could get there by train."

Moka snorted, crossing her arms below her bosom.

"Or if they could even afford the train tickets."

"You have to come, Moka. There is no way Akua will be okay with you not going."

"Why should I be around a guy that doesn't even like me? At this point, the only reason why I don't quit the stupid newspaper club is because of Yukari."

A firm knock drew Kurumu's attention to the door.

"It's about time he got here. Answer the door, Kurumu."

Kurumu suddenly realized whom the mystery guest was. Grinning, she hurried over to the door. Turning back the deadbolt, she twisted the knob as she pushed the door out.

Standing on the other side was Tsukune. He was still dressed in school clothes. He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I'm hoping that Moka is here."

Kurumu nodded, beckoning for him to enter.

"You knew about this?"

Tsukune strolled inside, allowing Kurumu to close the door.

"I can see the future, Moka. I saw this in Kurumu's eyes when we walked home."

Moka let out an exasperated sigh.

"You could have said something."

"Making Ishiko feel loved was more important than dealing with your insecurities."

Kurumu giggled, gesturing at Tsukune.

"You can remove your shoes. Stay for dinner."

Moka threw her a scathing look.

"He doesn't need to eat here."

Tsukune flinched.

"I'm sorry. Did I interrupt something?"

Moka sighed heavily, relaxing her shoulders.

"No. I'm just frustrated. My sister let me go on a rant about how you ignored me on White Day despite knowing that you would show up."

"In my defense, I only realized that you would stop by less than an hour ago. I saw it in Kurumu's eyes."

Tsukune chuckled nervously, lingering in the entryway with Kurumu.

"You must realize what my gift is then."

Kurumu frowned, realizing that his hands were empty.

"Is it in your pocket?"

Tsukune laughed, shaking his head.

"No. I would like to officially challenge Moka to a proper fight."

Kurumu held her breath as her heart slowed. Moka had turned flush from his declaration.

"Are you challenging for my hand in marriage?"

This time Tsukune blushed. He glanced aside, absently touching his collar.

"I don't know if I'm allowed to do that. Don't we need a witness like your father?"

Kokoa sat up from the couch, draping her arms over the back.

"It is preferred that a parent witnesses such a challenge but a family elder can stand in."

Tsukune grinned, turning his gaze upon Moka. This time it was Moka whom averted her gaze.

"Can you accept this challenge as my right to be your boyfriend?"

"That's not a thing."

"Afraid that you will lose?"

Moka turned a scowl upon her sister.

"This challenge would mean nothing."

"It's the best that I can give you, Moka. I want to show you that I'm serious about us."

Moka shuddered, finally turning her eyes upon him.

"Are you sure that you want to do this?"

Tsukune nodded with a firm look in his soft brown eyes.

"I've thought a lot about this. While my mother believes that we should be independent before making such decisions, I've realized that I have no desire to be independent from you. I made a promise to your mother that I would take care of you. And I will do that, regardless of what you decide to do."

Moka clenched her fists as her expression hardened.

"I can take care of myself."

"I didn't say that you couldn't. I want to make your life easier, Moka."

"What if I don't want you?"

Tsukune paused with a dubious look.

"You wouldn't be this upset about me not getting you a White Day gift if that was the case."

Moka pushed out a threatening aura as she wagged a finger at him.

"You are my blood claim. That makes you mine. Not the other way around."

Tsukune smiled softly.

"This is my choice, Moka. You can either accept or refuse my challenge."

Moka's lip quivered as the intensity in her eyes faltered.

"This is no game, Tsukune. If you lose, I will quit the newspaper club and take your blood whenever I feel like it. You are not to ever speak to me again unless you want a rematch."

The calm in his eyes made Kurumu uneasy.

"I accept those terms. You should change into something easier to fight in."

Moka smirked, crossing her arms below her bosom.

"I could say the same to you."

Tsukune took in a deep breath, cocking his head.

"No need. You won't land a single hit."

Moka huffed, lowering her arms to her sides.

"Now you are insulting me."

"It's just a fact, Moka. It was clear when we trained with Akua. You don't have her speed."

Moka's expression faltered.

"I was holding back."

"So was I."

His curt response seemed to strengthen Moka's resolve. The vampire stared confidently at him.

"I will be fine fighting as is."

Kokoa pushed off the back of the couch, standing up straight.

"You'll need me to properly officiate the match. Look after Ishiko for me."

Kurumu frowned as Kokoa started towards the entryway.

"Can't I watch the fight?"

"I would actually prefer that she does."

Kokoa sighed at his remark. Her arrival prompted Kurumu and Tsukune to back up.

"Fine. I guess this won't take long."

Moka huffed, walking over to join them as Kokoa put on her shoes.

"Don't forget that I'm a Shinso vampire. Unless I let him beat me, this won't be quick."

Tsukune chuckled, opening the door.

"I think my chances of ending this quickly are rather high."

As he drifted outside, Kurumu realized that she should get her shoes back on. She leaned down and tugged them over to her feet as Kokoa wandered out.

"He is way too confident, considering he didn't win a single sparring match less than three weeks ago."

Kurumu smiled as she slipped her shoes on at the same time as Moka.

"Are you happy that he's challenging you?"

Moka grimaced as they both straightened up.

"We'll see how serious he is."

Kurumu let Moka exit first, closing the door behind them. The moonlight was strong enough that she could see Tsukune clearly.

"Will that field be okay?"

Kokoa nodded, walking towards the empty space behind the commissary which was between Kurumu's building and Mizore's building.

"I fought Akua over there. It will be fine."

Kurumu quickened her step, catching up to Kokoa. She walked alongside the vampire, reaching their destination in seconds. The ground was still torn up from the fight Kokoa had against Akua back in January. Taking in a deep breath, Kurumu appreciated the cool air.

Tsukune walked by them, continuing towards the woods. Moka drifted over to the side, turning her back to the commissary. They waited for Tsukune to turn around.

Kurumu wondered how this fight would be over quickly. When they had spoken last week, Tsukune had said that he would just avoid losing. That conversation had not given her the impression that he would physically harm Moka. Was he actually going to knock Moka out?

"This is a match to determine Moka's relationship status. Are both participants ready?"

Moka and Tsukune both took up fighting stances. They both voiced their readiness.

"Then this fight can begin."

Kurumu's heart fluttered but nothing happened. The two vampires remained in their stances. Seconds became minutes. Moka was close enough to see the annoyance on her face.

"Are you going to come after me?"

Tsukune chuckled, dropping his stance.

"I was honestly hoping that you would make the first move."

"You are the challenger here."

"Fine. I can try this."

Kurumu shuddered from a heavy force pouring out from Tsukune's location. It dropped her to her knees, making it difficult to breath. She recalled this intensity from the time Tsukune had faced Kuyo.

Kokoa touched Kurumu's shoulder, making the burden easier to endure. The vampire watched Tsukune's steady approach with rapt attention.

"That won't be enough."

Kurumu whimpered when another terrifying presence crushed down upon her. This time the source was Moka. The vampire kept up her fighting stance as she glared at Tsukune.

"Your aura lacks conviction, Tsukune. You must earnestly want to do your opponent harm. That's why you couldn't best Akua like this."

Kurumu panted, dreading the day she felt an aura from Tsukune that was fueled with anger.

"Then you leave me no choice."

Kurumu had no idea what happened. One moment Tsukune was in the middle of the field and then he was gone. Moka gasped, covering her chest as the sleeves of her blouse went lax. The thin straps of her crimson bra were visible upon her pale shoulders.

"Forgive me."

Tsukune stood over by the commissary with a swath of white fabric in his hand. He dropped it on the ground as Moka turned about.

"I never fully mastered this technique."

"You tore my blouse off!"

Tsukune smiled apologetically, avoiding looking directly at Moka's state of undress.

"Master Touhou could strip a woman bare without ruining the clothes. He said it was the most effective way of making a female opponent lose the nerve to fight."

Kokoa snickered as Kurumu managed to get back on her feet.

"Figures that old pervert would come up with such a technique."

"You could have warned me that the fight would be like this!"

The mirth in Kokoa's demeanor instantly fled.

"You would have never dodged a real attack at that speed."

Moka shivered, lowering her hands to reveal her crimson lace bra. Her right sleeve drifted down to her elbow. There was barely enough fabric at the shoulder to keep the other sleeve attached.

"I could have-"

"Do you yield?"

Moka scowled, grabbing her right sleeve. She yanked it down her arm, dropping the fabric on the ground. She then did the same with the other sleeve.

"No. I'll just fight like this."

"We can stop."

"Are you surrendering?"

Tsukune laughed nervously, walking about in a wide arc to keep his distance from Moka. It was obvious that he was trying not to look at Moka.

"No. There is too much at stake."

"Good move, Sister. Unlike Master Touhou, Tsukune is too shy to properly fight a scantily clad woman. This tactic is a double edged sword."

"Come on, Tsukune. I dare you to tear my bra off."

The silver vampire poured out a furious presence that nearly brought Kurumu back to her knees.

"I'll try something else first."

Suddenly Tsukune was in Moka's location with no sign of the vampire. In his hands was a pleated skirt.

"You shoved me?!"

Moka was on her feet, looking at Tsukune with wide eyes. A pair of cherry red boyshorts graced her pale hips. It looked like she had also lost her shoes in that last attack.

Tsukune chuckled sheepishly, dropping the skirt.

"If you launch your opponent, it makes it very easy to take off pants or shorts. You have no idea how many times I suffered that embarrassment at Master Touhou's hands."

"But I flipped back and landed on my feet!"

Tsukune smiled at her protest, glancing aside.

"Which is better than what I did the first few times this happened to me."

Moka shivered, taking up her fighting stance.

"You must really want to fight me in my underwear!"

"Well I am trying to get you to surrender without actually hurting you."

"And you think humiliating me is better?!"

"That is why I decided to do this after school with as few people around as possible."

Kurumu snickered despite feeling the fury of Moka's aura intensify.

"What happened to your original idea of fighting her?"

Tsukune turned a sheepish smile upon her, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I don't know how long it would take for Moka to tire out. She is a Shinso vampire so it could take hours. This is probably the fastest way to subdue her."

"I'm not defeated!"

Moka shot at him, delivering a flurry of punches and kicks that Tsukune somehow evaded without any sound of contact. This was almost like watching that fight between Kahlua and Gyokuro but Moka was nowhere near as fast. It was like Tsukune knew where he should be to avoid all of the attacks.

"Just grab her already!"

Taking Kokoa's advice, Tsukune snatched up Moka's right arm. The vampire whipped into a roundhouse kick but he ducked under and yanked down on her arm. With Moka off balance, he swept her planted foot out, causing the vampire to tumble on the ground.

Before Moka could recover, Tsukune rolled her over and pressed down on her. He straddled on top of her back, pinning her arms with his legs. He sat on her head and pressed both of his hands against her back.

"Get off me!"

"It's over, Moka. You can't get up."

Moka struggled with her hands but she had no leverage. She could get her knees up but his hands on her back prevented her from doing much else.

"This isn't fair!"

"I've won. That's all that matters."

"Fight me for real!"

Kokoa sighed, shaking her head as she approached the demeaning spectacle.

"You can't beat him, Moka."

Moka growled and continued to struggle to no avail. Kurumu had never seen Moka in such a pathetic state. It was hard to believe that this was the same Moka whom had fought Kahlua to a draw.

"It can't end like this! I refuse!"

Her last syllable was gasped out when Tsukune applied more pressure with his hands.

"Yield, Moka."

Kokoa snickered at Moka's rasped out refusal, hunkering down beside the pair.

"You had no chance of winning this and you know it. Stop being stubborn."

Moka growled between labored pants, grabbing at his legs. Her fingers pierced his slacks, drawing blood.

"Tricks. Get off. Me."

"I will if you yield."

Moka whimpered, tightening her grip on his legs. She gagged when he pushed down harder.

"He could have knocked you clean out at the start. You weren't ready for this fight."

"Was she even trying to win?"

Tsukune chuckled at Kurumu's query. He kept his hands in place as Kokoa straightened back up.

"I can't really tell. I saw more effort in our last sparring sessions but only because I was playing along."

"You weren't this strong when we faced the fake Gyokuro."

"That was an illusion, Kurumu. We were playing by different rules. You didn't see the fight with Alucard."

That was not entirely true. Kurumu had seen the fight with Kokoa's powers. But she had seen so many probable futures that she had not entirely comprehended the magnitude of Tsukune's strength.

"Moka almost died."

"Yes. Because she couldn't keep up. She needed Tsukune's blood to survive that fight."

Moka wheezed, withdrawing her fingers from Tsukune's bleeding legs.

"Fine. I will yield. On one condition."

"What do you want?"

"Your blood. Once a month."

The vampire gasped in relief the moment Tsukune lifted his hands from her back.

"I can live with that."

Tsukune scooted off her arms and head, allowing Moka some dignity. The flush vampire leaned back on her knees as Tsukune got to his feet. He held his hand down to Moka whom had dirt smeared across her cheek. She regarded it for a moment before taking it, allowing his assistance to stand.

"I want that blood right now."

Tsukune chuckled, letting go of Moka's hand. He looked the scantily clad vampire over, timidly placing his hand against her waist.

"I won't stop you."

Moka stepped in, embracing him as she turned her head to the side of his neck. His hands moved to her back, pulling her in closer as she sank his fangs in. He stiffened for a moment, holding her tightly.

Kurumu watched the embrace which lasted many heartbeats. She thought about Nijiro and longed to share a moment like this with him again. Tomorrow night could not come soon enough.

Moka gasped, finally withdrawing her mouth from his neck. She pulled her head back, wobbling in his arms. Tsukune chuckled, tightening his grip.

"Are you okay?"

"Can we kiss?"

When the couple's lips met, Kurumu could not help but feel a little jealous.