"And stop. Pencils down."
The instructions from Mrs. Takizawa spared Kurumu from second guessing any more of her answers on this history quiz. She set aside her mechanical pencil, regarding the teacher behind the podium. The short haired blond had a pair of glasses resting on her pert nose. A short sleeved white blouse was worn over a sleeveless orange top with burgundy pants hugging her hips.
"Pass your tests forward to the front row."
This was the third quiz Kurumu had taken today in preparation for exams. She was sitting in the middle desk of the second row with her schoolbag dangling off the hooks mounted to the side of the desk. She glanced over her shoulder, holding her hand up to receive the exam from Nerume sitting behind her.
Genzouyaki Nerume had her ebony locks pulled into an offside ponytail favoring her left side. The tiny kirin hailed from Kaigan of the Akita prefecture and had come to Yokai Academy with Unari Satsuki, Mrs. Takizawa's niece. Nerume was part of the newspaper club but had not participated in any meetings or club events since December. She spent more time with the astronomy club she had initially joined.
Satsuki was sitting in the desk to the left of Nerume. The nekomusume had short, fine sienna locks and was wearing the short sleeved, black jacket of the PSC with a pair of black slacks. Satsuki had issues with her family which had inspired her to pick this high school. She had started working at that maid café a few weeks before Hatoko, intending to earn money for her citizenship.
Taking the exam from Nerume, Kurumu placed it atop hers before handing both up to Yukari. The young witch had claimed the front center desk like she had back when there had only been five desks to each row. Now the classrooms had thirty five desks in five rows with smaller aisles between the desks.
To Yukari's left was Kumiko, Lady Hineri's sister. After the conclusion of the softball season, Kumiko had joined the PSC. She proudly wore the PSC attire though she preferred wearing a black skirt over slacks. Her plum locks were trimmed in line with her chin. Kumiko took the stack of exams from the brunette behind her. That was Morisato Juri whom still seemed unaware of Uboku's punishment.
To the right of Yukari was a young man with short, golden brown locks which were naturally feathered. This was Ichida Taka, vice class manager. The tengu was from Hongu of the Okayama prefecture. That community sent students to Yokai Academy often due to Ms. Kurohane's influence. Amusingly none of the four first year guys from Hongu had joined the baseball program. Ichida was in the tennis club and was unofficially dating Ontoriki Ritsu, a harpy from Hankyouta in class five.
This guy with his chestnut tresses pulled into a ponytail sitting on Kurumu's right was Abe Hizume. He was a kirin from Watasora and had joined the baseball club. Sitting behind him was Hazumi Furiko from the track team. Stressing over the test had caused her rabbit ears to push out from her short, charcoal curls. The gyokuto from Aranoiji was at Kurumu's station in home economics class.
Madosuki Yasuko was returning to her desk since she had to get up to hand her exam forward due to there being a vacant desk between her and Shouhei in the front row. Madosuki had her glossy black hair styled in pigtail horns. The tanuki had gone to the junior high in Aranoiji with Hazumi and Hineri. She had joined a leisure club with Tawamuru of class five whom she had been crushing on for years.
The last girl of their homeroom was Endo Eriko. She had shoulder length black hair and had gone to the junior high in Ashikantai despite living in the human city of Shibata. She was in the poetry club and was sitting behind Ichiboku Naoki in the column of desks pushed up against the windows. Ichiboku was easily mistaken for a girl with his curly pink hair and slender physique. He had gone to junior high in Tatekanai and had joined the manga club under the belief that Kana would pick that club.
"Can we head to lunch early?"
The young man that had posed that question was Senyou Nobuyuki. He sat in the front row desk by the window which was closest to the teacher's desk. The okami had shaggy, short charcoal locks and had gone to junior high with Endo. He flashed their teacher a snaggletooth grin as she took exams from him.
"You may after I leave."
The teacher retreated to her podium, passing in front of Shouhei. The young man from Hateshinai had his sky blue locks pulled back in a ponytail. The quiet guy had joined the billiards club.
"We will be going over the answers to this quiz tomorrow. Please be quiet in the hall as other classes may still be in session."
Kurumu smirked, glancing at the clock mounted above the chalkboard behind the history teacher. The lunch bell would ring in less than five minutes. The teacher picked up her portfolio and started for the door. Wanibuchi whom sat in the front row desk closest to the front door was already there, holding the door open for their teacher. The lizardman with rugged, blond hair was part of the bowling club.
"Will you have time to join the commoners for lunch today after your appointment with the librarian?"
Kurumu snickered at Juri's question as she leaned over to stuff her mechanical pencil into her schoolbag.
"I'm eating with Nijiro today. I didn't see him at all this weekend."
Juri sighed dramatically, getting up from her desk.
"I suppose that is fair. You can join us in the courtyard if you change your mind."
Kurumu smiled softly, regarding the huge guy to the side of Juri as he got up from his desk. That guy with the bowl cut was Tandoku. He had gone to junior high with Yakihara whom had been sitting at the desk behind Wanibuchi. Yakihara from the rugby club had his amber hair styled in a pompadour.
Tandoku shuffled towards the door on the heels of Hisakata whom had been sitting at the desk in front of him. Hisakata had his silvery white hair shaved short and had attended the junior high in Machinise. The two guys from the kendo club exited the classroom a second ahead of Senyou.
"Maybe later this week."
Juri snorted, walking off with her hands in the pockets of her school jacket.
"I won't hold my breath."
Kurumu glanced at the back of the classroom, noting that all three of the guys that sat by the back door had already departed. They only had twenty one students so many of these desks were vacant. Taking in a deep breath, Kurumu turned a smile upon Nerume as the kirin staggered to her feet.
"How did you do on the quiz?"
"Should be fine. History is our easiest class."
"You should wait to see your test score before claiming it was easy, runt."
Nerume frowned at Satsuki whom lingered in the aisle beside her.
"I'm not dumb."
"Hurry up you two."
Kumiko beckoned to the pair from the front door as Hazumi and Madosuki exited the room.
"I'll see you guys after lunch."
Satsuki sounded an affirmative as she made her way to Kumiko's location with Nerume at her side. The jorougumo turned about and disappeared into the hall ahead of the duo.
"Here is your bento."
Kurumu smiled when Yukari placed a periwinkle bento with white daisy petals on her desk. Kurumu took the bento before slipping out of her chair.
"Are you going to stick around in here?"
"I will be eating with my Moka. There is no reason for me to leave before the bell sounds."
Thinking that was less than two minutes, Kurumu started off. In moments she exited the classroom.
The chatter of many students filled the hall, carrying up through the openings to the floor below. Most of the classrooms doors were left open, meaning most of the students would be in the notorious lunch line downstairs. Kurumu quickly made her way along this balcony, passing by the first crossover between the back doors of classes three and ten. This crossover had a stair which faced the front entrance.
The bell sounded the official start of lunch when Kurumu reached the next crossover. This one between the back doors of classes five and eight had stairs in both directions. As Kurumu descended the flight facing the cafeteria, she witnessed the door to Mr. Hakuru's chemistry lab open. The poor students of class one were finally being freed of his insane quest to have as many experiments as possible before exams. Yukari was thankful that this chemistry exam would be written, disliking the ones that forced her to rely on the competence of her lab partners.
Kurumu reached the landing and started down the second flight, catching the attention of several guys in the lunch line. Her body instantly detected their lechery, tingling with satisfaction. She was glad that the stair was on this side of the hall away from the lunch line, suspecting these eager boys would try to look up her skirt to see her white lace panties.
Reaching the bottom floor, Kurumu indulged in the attention as she sashayed down the hall. It was nice to be back at Yokai Academy. The flavor of this debauchery was familiar. Comfortable. Safer than the attention she had been subjected to at Doufuushakai. While she did not know all of her admirers by name, she felt confident that none would attack her.
The line of students blocked both doors to Ms. Yumeito's lab before turning right in the next hallway. Kurumu strolled to the end of this hall, immediately spying a familiar trio in this diagonal stretch of line. These first year girls waited at this point where this line merged with the line of third years coming from the other wing. The fourth of their group was Bikiyama Nozomi, an okami girl in class one.
The unofficial leader was Uchikawa Akari. The okami had short, tapered burgundy locks and was a vice manager for class eight. Her aunt had been the health instructor but had been promoted to teach one of the biology classes before the summer break. Akari and Nozomi were both from Morihochou and had gone to the junior high in Watasora. They were both on the track team.
The other two girls of this group had attended the junior high in Ashikantai. Matsudera Nikki was from class eight and was an okami with shaggy, dark hair that failed to reach her shoulders. The track girl had recently started dating a third year okami guy from Morihochou. Kiba Enoko had the longest hair of the group. She was an inugami and had originally joined her cousin's badminton club. Not caring for the club, the girl from class seven had joined the track team before winter break.
"Hey Akari!"
Kurumu bounded over to the trio as they allowed some second years to go ahead of them. Akari smiled politely, nodding at her arrival.
"Hello, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu smirked at the polite greeting. She gestured at Nikki.
"How did your date this weekend turn out?"
Nikki blushed and Kiba grinned with many fangs. She shoved Nikki's shoulder hard enough to cause the taller okami to stagger.
"They were making out."
Nikki scowled, swatting Kiba's tit with the back of her hand.
"We only kissed, you stupid bitch."
Kurumu giggled as the two exchanged halfhearted swats.
"That sounds like progress to me."
"Mhm. She'll be making puppies over spring break."
"Shut up!"
Akari sighed as Nikki grabbed Kiba, trying to wrestle her to the ground.
"We are having a study session tomorrow night in the dining hall."
Kurumu watched as Nikki took Kiba's legs out and ended up on top of her friend. She had asked back on Wednesday if there was going to be a big study session for the exams but the girls had lacked an answer.
"Is this going to be the one with all of the kids from Morihochou?"
"Mhm. The Fumusuna twins felt it would be better to do it right before the exams."
Kurumu smirked as Nikki straddled over Kiba, holding the girl still. The guy she was dating was one of those twins. Touma was on the soccer team while his sister had been the president of the skiing club.
"Maybe I should go. See how well Nikki is getting along with her boyfriend."
Nikki glanced up, nearly losing her grip on the snickering Kiba.
"Nothing is going to happen in a study session. We probably won't even kiss."
"Whining that the dining hall doesn't have any dark corners to bend over in."
"Shut up!"
Kurumu giggled, glancing up at Akari.
"Nozomi should be here soon. I saw her class letting out."
"Will you be joining us today?"
Kurumu shook her head, gesturing for Akari to let her through.
"No, I'm just on my way to the library. See you later."
Kurumu slipped by the girl, making a quick plea for passage to the third year guys in the other line. They let her through with lecherous grins. Kurumu pranced over to the other side of the wall dividing the cafeteria seating area from the serving line.
Kurumu moved purposefully, paying little attention to the students at the cafeteria tables on her left. Most would be students with fourth period gym whom could get to the serving line before the other classes let out. To her right on the other side of the line of third years was a row of glass doors providing access to the enclosed courtyard. Since the cafeteria tables had been claimed by clubs long ago, some students would end up eating there or in the gymnasium now that lunch in classrooms was forbidden.
The moment this became a hall again, Kurumu paused at the first door on her left. Drawing it open, she stepped inside the library. As she closed the door, she immediately spied the librarian sitting at the desk along this wall in the center of the room.
"Afternoon, Ms. Bakudai."
Bakudai Chishiki looked up at Kurumu with annoyance. Her slender face was defined by a large pair of tortoiseshell glasses. A silver chain connecting the legs of the glasses was resting against the nape of the brunette's neck. Her ponytail was secured high with a black ribbon, keeping the end of the tail from reaching her shoulders. A short sleeved, chocolate shirt dress nearly reached her ankles.
"This is a library, Ms. Kurono. Keep your voice down."
Kurumu flinched, holding the bento in her left hand against her bosom as she approached the librarian. She offered the woman an apologetic smile.
"Sorry. I was hoping that you would have news about the yearbooks."
The librarian peered at Kurumu, making her feel uncomfortable as she stopped at the desk.
"I can get the yearbooks with your mother for free if you are okay with them being digital copies."
"Digital copies? You mean I can't get physical ones?"
The librarian rolled her eyes.
"That would cost roughly thirty thousand yen. Do you have that kind of money?"
Kurumu absently reached into her jacket pocket with her right hand, feeling the yen she had bummed off Yukari this morning with her keys.
"I might be able to get that. When would you need the money?"
"Before graduation. I plan to ship the yearbooks and newspapers before spring break. The distributor should be able to get the digital copies back to me before the new yearbooks are finished."
Due to the chaos caused by Lilith's Mirror, Ms. Bakudai was requesting digital records for all of the past school yearbooks and newspapers that had been kept in the library.
"I'm surprised that they would do that for free."
"They aren't doing that for free. I'm paying quite a bit to have that done."
"But you just said that I could have digital copies for free."
"My digital copies will be files on a USB. You do know what a USB is, right?"
Kurumu blushed, knowing that her intelligence was being challenged.
"I know what that is."
"I can copy those files onto another USB. I suppose that I should charge you for a new USB if you don't have one. One of those shouldn't be more than three thousand yen."
Kurumu grinned, thinking that price was easily attainable.
"That's fine by me. I don't have a USB for my laptop."
The librarian cocked her head, regarding Kurumu with curiosity.
"I didn't expect you to own a laptop."
"Moka bought me one for my birthday."
"That was quite generous of her. Since you do own a laptop, I would recommend the digital copy. As long as you have that, you can always have a physical copy printed out at a later date."
Kurumu could not argue with that logic.
"I want to ask my friends what they think before making a decision. Are you going to be in the library while we are taking exams?"
"I will be keeping the usual library hours this week."
Kurumu smiled, drifting over to the other side of the librarian's desk.
"Then I'll see you later."
"Good luck on your exams, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu nodded, making her way to the other library doors. Drawing the door open, she slipped out into the hallway. After closing the door, she started down the hall towards the third year wing, passing by the opening for a pair of bathrooms on her left.
Holding her bento against her bosom, Kurumu hurried her step. Her target destination was the vending machines near the small passage leading to an exterior door. A stair going up to the computer rooms of the elective hall flanked that passage. She felt in her pocket for the yen as she passed by the hall on her right which went to the third year classrooms.
Kurumu pulled the coins out as she arrived at the vending machines. Glancing over the selections, she dropped the coins into the slot. Pushing the button for her yuzu juice caused the can to tumble into the chute below. Leaning down, she pushed the black flap into the bin to fetch her drink.
With her chilled juice can in hand, Kurumu walked briskly back to the cafeteria. The line of third years had diminished substantially in her short stay in the library since the younger students usually let them go first. She passed by the doors to the library before arriving at the cafeteria seating area.
It was mildly surprising that most of the students at the cafeteria tables were still the ones with fourth period gym. An open aisle divided the seating area with two columns of tables on each side of the aisle. It felt like girls sat at the tables near the dividing wall while guys sat at the tables flanking the library.
As Kurumu started up the aisle, the first tables on her left were for the choir. The Tadayo sisters were with Kichida while Kanari, Yokumoto and Akushita sat at the other table. The next two tables on her left belonged to the volleyball team. The second year, Kirisame, was alone at the table against the dividing wall. The undine from Umiman had shoulder length, indigo hair.
The other volleyball table was claimed by three first years from class six whom were all in Kurumu's home economics class. Makiba was the tallest of the trio and had a long, black ponytail. The minotaur had gone to junior high in Atsuen. The shortest of the group was Shinayaka Momiji. Her white spotted curls graced her ample bosom. The gyokuto had gone to the junior high in Aserutani.
The last girl was Meisai Nadako. She had poofy black hair and hailed from Aranoiji. The gyokuto had recently started dating her childhood friend, Hatahana Yuta. He was a second year on the basketball team. Kurumu would have to ask about their weekend, knowing the two had gone on a date.
The next two tables belonged to the tennis teams. The table closer to the aisle was for guys while the other was for girls. They had a third table further up on the other side of the fencing team's table.
Three of the five girls at the fencing club table were seniors. The ginger with the offside ponytail pulled to her left was Kosai Mirai, the salutatorian. The tall, stocky girl with her raven hair styled in multiple shoulder length braids was Tadashiguchi Hokono. The forgettable brunette was Fukuda. Fukuda and Kosai had attended the junior high in Akichi while Tadashiguchi was from the Kagoshima prefecture. The big girl had been accepted by the Okinawa University and would visit Otonashi when she had the time.
The other two girls were Naratoki Izumi and Akebara Azami. Both girls were from Shizukana. Naratoki was a first year in class six and had her honey tresses styled in an updo. Azami had her rust locks pulled in a ponytail with hime cut bangs. Azami was the representative of second year class eight and had a younger sister, Kaori, whom was the representative of first year class twelve. Kaori was also in the fencing club. She also had her rust hair with hime cut bangs but had pigtails instead.
The next two tables belonged to the softball team. None of the first year members were present but the enthusiastic Kashisora Kotori was with the big Chiba girl and three other girls. Kotori had her jet black hair in twin tails and was chatting animatedly with her teammates. One had her charcoal locks shaved short on one side. Another had her inky black tresses styled in a pixie cut. The girl with her platinum tresses pulled into a simple ponytail was Tochimaru, the new team captain.
The track tables came next with the seniors by the wall. The buxom Hirota from Aranoiji was with the Samurakami sisters. Saeko was the older, curvier sister. The tanuki sisters were from Aserutani. Two of the three juniors at the other table were tall girls. Hashimoto was massive while Ikegami was slender. Ikegami and the last girl were both kirin from Watasora. But Miyake Yuniko was tiny just like Nerume. As her name hinted, the white haired girl had a horn sprouting from her forehead.
To Kurumu's right was a break in the tables, making a clear path for the door to the practice gym. She continued walking up the aisle, making her way to the table for the Math club on her left. A lone young man sat at the table presently. That was Takanuma Shigure from first year class eight. He had short dark locks with a greenish hue. She placed her bento on the table, catching his attention.
"Ms. Kurono?"
She smiled at the confusion in his dark green eyes. She put her juice can down as she took her seat.
"I'm eating with Nijiro today."
The guy nodded, turning his attention back to the food on his tray.
As Kurumu took the lid of her bento off, she took note of the occupants of the nearby tables. There were only two tables between her and the four registers that students lined up in to check out their lunches. Both of those tables had been claimed by the auto club whom were all gnomes with glasses. The guy with his dark locks styled in a traditional businessman cut was Doroishi whom had finished high school ranked third. The taller guy beside Doroishi was his roommate, Fumoutochi, whom had finished sixth.
The Kigaru siblings were at the other table. The older sister had her slate gray hair braided to the left. The other girl with her black cherry locks pulled in a short tail was Jarimoto. Kurumu could not recall the name of this other girl with her dull gray tresses pulled in a long tail. The short guy with these girls was Makenuki from first year class five. His older sister, Ritsuki, was representative of second year class ten.
Little Katahara from first year class six was sitting at the computer club table next to the math table. Her inky black hair was pulled into twin tails. Two familiar guys were sitting at the table with her.
It only took three or four minutes to empty the contents of her bento. A few students had joined the nearby computer table like Anko Kaori from first year class four. Her obsidian locks jut out over her ears like handlebars. The girl with her silver hair braided into a bun was Ishikure Iwa. The dark, short haired guy sitting across the table from Ishikure was Ganjou. Both of them were representatives for class ten.
Kurumu smiled at the two guys approaching her as she put away her chopsticks. The taller guy with his short, scarlet hair swept up in a ridge was Akenuma Tsuneo from first year class ten. The other guy with his faint blond hair styled in a crew cut with a high fade was Amesuki Nijiro. Putting the lid back on top of her bento, she waved at him as he closed the remaining distance.
"What are you doing here?"
Kurumu pouted as he took the seat across the table from her. Akenuma sat down beside him.
"I didn't get to see you all weekend."
Akenuma chuckled with amusement in his coral pink eyes, popping the tab of his can of green tea.
"You should be nicer to your girlfriend."
Nijiro sighed, regarding her with periwinkle eyes.
"I suppose you can stay."
Kurumu pouted, deciding to open her can of yuzu juice.
"Did you hear back from your parents?"
Nijiro grimaced, pushing his disposable chopsticks out of a cellophane wrapper.
"I did get a response. They don't want you staying the night in their home."
Kurumu sighed, taking a swig from her drink. She swirled the citrus liquid about before swallowing.
"Guess that means I need to ask Yukari for a place to stay."
"What about staying at our hotel?"
Takanuma laughed. He pushed his empty tray aside, wagging a finger at Akenuma.
"You're just trying to drum up business for your uncle."
"Nothing wrong with that. I could send word to him to reserve a room for you."
"Kurumu doesn't have the money for that."
Akenuma shrugged at Nijiro's protest.
"Maybe he'll let her stay for free."
"Now you're being too generous."
"If the room will be vacant, what difference does it make?"
"It would be wrong for me to stay for free. How much would it cost to reserve a room?"
"I have no idea what my uncle charges."
"Kurumu would need one of his special rooms. She can't breathe underwater."
"Oh! You're right. Uncle probably wouldn't rent those rooms out for free. Those rooms that Fairy Tale officers use are pretty much the only thing that keeps him in business."
Takanuma snickered at Akenuma's remarks.
"Honestly she would have better luck staying at a hotel in Umiman."
"If it was cheaper to stay in Umiman, my uncle would have no business."
Kurumu smiled nervously, swallowing down another mouthful.
"Is there another hotel in Aranami?"
Takanuma snorted, shaking his head.
"No. You're lucky we even have one."
"The place isn't very fancy but it works. If you stayed in Umiman, you would be spending most of your day swimming. Aranami is hours away from Umiman."
"Did your parents say that I couldn't come over?"
Nijiro grimaced as he stirred up the contents of his entrée box with his chopsticks.
"They didn't say that explicitly, but I wouldn't expect them to pay for you to come."
"She isn't going to have much fun in Aranami if she can't breathe underwater."
"There isn't much fun to be had in Aranami even if you can."
Kurumu bit her lip as she considered her options.
"Maybe Kokoa could pay for the hotel."
"You'll also need money for scuba gear. My uncle only has the equipment to refuel oxygen tanks. There is a rental place in Umiman that can set you up. Their tanks have enough air to get you to Aranami."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, lifting the can to her lips. She took a quick sip.
"I thought that Umiman was also underwater."
"Most of it is. The Fairy Tale building and the portal jump station have air."
"Portal jump station?"
Akenuma chuckled, glancing at Nijiro.
"You haven't told your girlfriend much about our world."
"I didn't think it was important. It's not like I plan to stay in that world."
"The portal jump station connects Umiman to the surface. The kids from the Joetsu region communities have one and there's another one to Sado Island where the bus drops us off."
Kurumu nodded, knowing at least three communities in the Joetsu area. Ikinakawa was one of them.
"So I have to go to Umiman if I want to go to Aranami."
"That's the fastest way to get there. All of the kids from Aranami stop there first to drop off our school materials before heading home."
"You drop off your school materials?"
Takanuma snickered at her reaction to Akenuma.
"We can't be taking these clothes underwater, Ms. Kurono. There is a storage facility in Umiman where we leave everything that isn't waterproof."
Kurumu smiled, taking another sip from her juice can.
"Yukari mentioned that some clothes don't survive underwater. You guys do wear something, right?"
Akenuma and Takanuma shared a smirk. Nijiro quickly cleared his throat.
"We wear swimsuits, Kurumu."
"So I'll need to bring swimsuits."
"You could do that but the scuba gear will most likely include a wetsuit."
Takanuma hissed at Nijiro, waving a hand frantically.
"Don't say that."
"Yea. She might save some money on the rental if she doesn't get one."
Kurumu giggled, thinking these two wanted to see her in a swimsuit.
"I'm going to check with Kokoa and see if she can help me afford this trip. I want to see your home."
Nijiro sighed, shaking his head. He poked at his meal which he had yet to start.
"Let me know before the end of this week. I should warn my parents in advance if you are coming."
"You can contact the Fairy Tale office in Umiman to make reservations. They should have his pricing."
Kurumu nodded as a guy with short, pea green locks sat down beside Akenuma. This was Yamashita Fukasa. He was the vice manager of first year class twelve.
"What pricing are we talking about?"
"For my uncle's hotel. Sounds like Ms. Kurono will have to stay there for her spring break visit."
Yamashita frowned as he pushed his chopsticks out of a wrapper.
"What did I miss?"
Nijiro sighed heavily as the two guys chuckled.
"The start of a tempest."
"I need your attention, ladies."
Attention shifted to the woman standing at the station in the center of the home economics room. Hitori Miko was garbed in a yellow blouse and black slacks. Her crimson locks were shaved short about her ears with her tresses in the back held in a ponytail with a black ruffled band. The hazel eyed phoenix was one of the first teachers at Yokai Academy but had worked under a different name.
"I'm going to be doing the final inventory today. I will try to get all of the stations finished so that none of you will have to return to this room tomorrow."
"What room will we be meeting in tomorrow?"
Mizudake Yuri stood at her station which she shared with her fellow second years, Uta Kuriko and Shitchi Hogo. The tennis player was an undine from Ikinakawa and had pink tips to her bluish, wavy locks. Uta had shoulder length, silvery blue tresses and was on the volleyball team. The undine was from Aranami. Shitchi had indigo hair that seemed always in motion. She lived in the single suite below Kurumu.
"Your homeroom, Ms. Mizudake. Your homeroom teachers should be present as home economics is not the only elective that will cease having classes this week."
Kurumu was somewhat aware of this from Mrs. Tomarigi. Her choir instructor had mentioned not having choir this week which would give her more time to make sweets for Okimune's party today.
"Try not to make too much noise as I do inventory."
Ms. Hitori stalked away from her central station, heading for the corner station farthest from Kurumu. That first station had three second years from class one. The tiniest one with the braided rat tail was Toboshi from the drama club. The girl with the cerulean hair in a French braid was Hanahara from the ikebana club. And the last girl with the short, chocolate locks was Karada whom was the new president of the poetry club.
There were sixteen stations in this room but only two were singles. Most were doubles with a black marble topped, wraparound counter built up against partitions dividing each double. An island was placed in the middle of these doubles. The cabinetry wood was all painted black. New windows with a view of the enclosed courtyard were placed over each of the two compartment sinks. Ovens with red circles to indicate the hot spots were placed at the end of each of these counters.
The four girls sharing this double with Kurumu were Asuka, Shinayaka, Meisai and Hazumi. Taijin was over at the other single with Meirowasa Tokori, a local monstrel girl from first year class five. Tokori was wearing the black jacket of the PSC with a pair of black slacks. She had a job at the Mix it Up café and her mother had recently retired from her nursing position to become the new health teacher.
"It's going to be a long time before she gets to us."
Kurumu nodded at Asuka's complaint.
"Yea. Do you think she'd let me go to the school store to see if my new blouses are in?"
Meisai chuckled with a shrug.
"Couldn't hurt to ask."
"How did your date this weekend go?"
"Nothing special happened. I told you before that we're fine with just holding hands."
"That's incredibly boring."
Kurumu laughed at Asuka's complaint.
"Says the girl without a boyfriend. How about you get one instead of living vicariously."
"I'm just biding my time. I'll snatch up a guy right away when I'm ready to."
Kurumu drawled out a note of disbelief. She pushed off the counter, stalking away.
"I'll go see if Ms. Hitori will let me go."
The other girls sounded their understanding as Kurumu made her way across the room. As Kurumu neared her destination, she felt seething anger directed upon her. She glanced at the source, meeting Juri's gaze.
Juri had been casting angry looks at Kurumu all throughout the English lecture. She was standing in the first double station in the corner with the gorgon cousins from first year class four. Tonari was the taller one with the braided copper locks while Orochi had long, oily black tresses nearly touching the floor. Both of these girls whom had gone to the Sanjo area junior high were on Juri's archery team.
The other three girls at their double station were mermaids from Umiman. The Unabara twins were from first year class one. The chatty one was Tarako and her dark green bangs covered her right mint eye. The grumpy one was Haraka with bangs covering her left eye. The other girl with the swirly, short, dark blue hair was Fujinuma from first year class six. All three were in the swimming club.
Kurumu swallowed thickly, glancing at the door to the hall which was near the first station. She stopped shy of the teacher, feeling Juri's eyes burn into her side.
"Um, Ms. Hitori. Can I run to the school store to check on an order?"
The phoenix looked up from the assortment that the girls had set out on the counters and island.
"I suppose that is fine."
"Can I go with her?"
Kurumu flinched as Juri approached. The teacher glanced at the brunette.
"I suppose that you can if the other girls don't mind your absence."
Juri turned to regard the girls at her corner station.
"None of you mind if I go with Kurumu to the store?"
Tonari and Haraka shrugged indifferently while the other girls sounded their indifference.
"You can go but hurry back, Ms. Morisato. I will need you to sign off on your group's inventory."
"Sure. Come on, Kurumu."
Juri stalked by Kurumu, stopping at the door to open it for her. Kurumu smiled meekly, passing through the opening and walking slowly to the center of the hall. She waited for Juri to join her before walking towards the front of the school.
Kurumu's heart fluttered with anxiety as they passed by the closed doors of the second year classrooms. Only two homerooms were having a lecture since half of the second years had electives this period and a third were having gym. The ensuing silence persisted all the way to the end of the hall.
"Iko wanted to talk to you at lunch today. Guess I now know why you've been avoiding us for weeks."
Kurumu flinched as they turned left, heading towards the main entrance.
"It was Nijiro's idea."
"You're such a coward. I don't know why I ever tried being your friend."
"I'm sorry, Juri. Yukari has told me for days that I should have told you about this."
"How could you lie to the faculty like that?"
"I didn't lie!"
Juri shot her a scathing look as they reached the foyer. The girl stopped in her tracks, compelling Kurumu to stay with her.
"You are not a victim. You posed for Iko, knowing exactly what she would do with it."
"That doesn't make what she did right. She lied to her club and sold this comic off campus to avoid any trouble with the school. She knew what she was doing was wrong."
Juri scowled, looking about the room. She gestured at the opening for the bathrooms near the door to the teachers' lounge.
"We should take this discussion in there. This isn't an argument to have in public."
Juri gave Kurumu no chance to protest, stalking off for the opening.
Conceding that some privacy for this topic was desirable, Kurumu followed after the girl. She caught up to Juri as the brunette passed through the opening. They turned right and walked about a wall before a row of stalls greeted them on the left. A long counter sink was mounted to the wall on the right.
Juri whirled about with fire in her eyes as she wagged her finger.
"Listen here, you two faced bitch. You posed for that comic and knew exactly what Iko was going to do with it. You don't get to run to the faculty and pretend to be a victim when you were paid for it."
Kurumu shivered from the fierceness in Juri's tone.
"I returned the money."
"That doesn't matter! You were paid as promised."
Kurumu flinched, supposing Juri had a point.
"Did you see the comic?"
"What does that matter?"
"Because I didn't see the comic before she sold it."
"You knew what would be in it."
Kurumu sucked in a breath to calm her nerves. She looked into Juri's burning eyes.
"If the comic isn't a big deal, then why is Iko in trouble?"
"Don't play dumb with me. It was porn. Of course she would get in trouble when you betrayed her like that. Fucking coward."
Kurumu swallowed thickly.
"Did you see the comic?"
Juri scowled, crossing her arms below her bosom.
"No. I have no desire to see your skank ass naked. You should be in just as much trouble as she is."
Kurumu managed a laugh, thankful for that clarification.
"So you just want me punished. I guess having a dirty comic with my likeness sold to the public isn't punishment enough."
"How is that punishment? You thrive off of guys lusting after your body."
Kurumu bit back her words, wanting to remind Juri that she had goaded her into doing this.
"Do you realize how mad Nijiro is at me over this? I keep thinking that he's going to break up with me."
"Oh big deal. You'll have him replaced in a week."
Kurumu shuddered at the accusation. If having a boyfriend was all that she cared about, she certainly could do that. But she had no desire to replace Nijiro.
"I love Nijiro."
"You mean like you loved Mr. Aono?"
The sarcasm cut into her, leaving Kurumu speechless.
"You got over that guy awfully fast."
Kurumu clenched her fists, shaking her head in denial.
"You're wrong! My friendship with Tsukune is also something that bothers Nijiro."
"So you're just using Mr. Amesuki. He should dump your skank ass, you shameless whore."
Kurumu flinched at that word choice. She had heard that slur so many times in junior high.
"You encouraged me to date Nijiro."
"I never told you to fuck him!"
Kurumu staggered back at the raw hatred funneled into her core. It hurt.
"And you bragged about fucking him. Like it was something that we should all admire you for. What the fuck is wrong with you?"
Kurumu could only shake her head. She had no idea why she had told the other girls about it.
"Were we supposed to be impressed? Any girl can be a whore, Kurumu. Nobody told you to fuck him."
And the answer came to her. She had wanted people to know that she was over Tsukune.
"Having sex in a relationship is normal."
"What makes you think that?"
Kurumu frowned, thinking the answer was obvious.
"Because it's true. If you're not having sex, why would you bother being in a relationship?"
"There are tons of reasons to be in a relationship. But leave it to a succubus to think it's all about sex."
Kurumu scowled at the insult.
"I love Nijiro."
"Says the girl with needs."
Kurumu shivered, having no rebuttal for that.
"Juri. I know relationships are more than sex. I never said that it was only about the sex. But there is no reason to be in a relationship if you are just friends."
Juri regarded her incredulously.
"You don't go on dates with friends, moron. There is a difference between hanging out and dating."
Kurumu rolled her eyes, wondering if this girl had ever been in a relationship before.
"The whole point of dating is to decide whom you will marry, Juri. Do you plan to have a sexless and childless marriage?"
"Don't you turn this around on me, whore! You're a coward and a liar. You lied to the whole school about being in a relationship with Mr. Aono. Though seeing how you are acting now makes me think it wasn't a lie. You probably fucked him and couldn't deal with it when he refused to be your boyfriend."
Kurumu trembled with mixed emotions. Juri was right but the way she had arrived at that conclusion made Kurumu angry and frustrated.
"I'm not a whore."
"Oh please. You enjoy men looking at you. You fucked your new boyfriend within days of getting him. And you posed for a dirty comic. What else could any sane person call you?"
"You pestered me to pose for that comic."
"Because I knew that you would. You like the attention."
Kurumu clenched her fists, peering into Juri's eyes.
"Nijiro was right. You were never my friend. You set me up."
Juri laughed with eyes wide in disbelief.
"I can't believe you. So now I'm the villain?! Poor me. This mean girl is calling my shitty behavior out."
"You were laughing when I was making those poses. It was all funny to you."
"Of course I'm going to laugh when you do something stupid. Friends laugh at each other."
"Friends? You start calling me a whore left and right and want to say you're my friend?"
Juri scowled, gesturing at the mirror above the counter.
"We're in here, aren't we? I could have unloaded on your stupid ass in the classroom. Nobody would have sided with you."
"Or you just don't want to find out if they would."
Juri stepped forward, angrily thumbing her own tit.
"Iko and I went to your mother's viewing. Don't you dare act like we betrayed you. You're the coward that doesn't have the decency to talk to us before crying like a victim to the faculty."
Kurumu refused to acknowledge that as proof of friendship.
"So what? Unsei and Yamadachi also went to my mother's viewing. I don't particularly regard either of those guys my friends."
"Well I guess you have two candidates to fuck after Mr. Amesuki drops you like a bad habit. I'm sure that you can convince one of those guys to feel sorry for you and provide comfort to your skank pussy."
Kurumu smirked slightly, ceasing to care about Juri's opinion.
"This is just like junior high."
"Why am I not surprised? You probably slept around so much that you had to go to Yokai Academy to get away from your shitty reputation."
Kurumu sighed, looking into the fury within Juri's daisy green eyes.
"I was a virgin when I came to Yokai Academy."
"As if. No virgin would brag about having sex."
Kurumu ignored the barb, peering into Juri's thoughts and memories. It only took seconds to learn the truth about Juri's opinion of her. Miho's too for that matter. Both girls thoroughly detested her over the situation with Yubikiri and how dismissive she had been about Huang invading the girls' locker room in Yukari's body. But it went deeper than that. Juri constantly talked down about other girls in their class.
"You only liked having me around to feel better about yourself."
"Once again, trying to attack the messenger because you don't like the message."
Kurumu withdrew her mind, seeing no reason to continue being friends with the brunette.
"I won't apologize to you. Letting Doronuma on the air was Tashikana's call. Not mine. And if you want to turn Huang in for touching your tits while he was in Yukari's body, make another complaint to the faculty. Go ahead. I don't care. I still don't think that was a big deal."
"What are you talking about?"
"I saw your memories. You had your parents report Huang's transgression to the faculty. But since Huang didn't return, you didn't get the justice you wanted."
Juri scowled, clutching her breast.
"He molested me! You all knew about it and didn't say a thing."
Kurumu regarded Juri, recognizing her as a manipulative and deceitful person.
"You lied to your parents about what happened. You made them think it was more than a simple tit grab. That you barely escaped being raped."
Juri backed off a step, shaking her head.
"That isn't true."
"You can't lie to me, Juri. Should I go deeper? Do I want to find out what you were really thinking about me on the day you gave your condolences over losing my mom?"
"Shut up! You wronged Iko and you know it."
Kurumu shrugged, feeling detached from the moment.
"So? You don't care about Iko. You don't even talk to her. You think she's just as bad as I am. A hopeless degenerate whom will never amount to anything."
Juri stumbled back as Kurumu uttered the words that she had spoken to Miho last night.
"Wait. This is what you did to Ms. Hanetsume."
"How do you do it? Look down on everybody. Does Miho know what you truly think about her?"
Juri shivered, averting her eyes.
"It's against the rules to use your powers on another student."
"Yes. You should go to the faculty and cry that you are a victim. This mean girl saw the truth about you and you can't handle it."
Juri scowled, stalking by her.
"Fuck off. You're still a whore!"
Kurumu nodded, making no attempt to stop Juri. The girl walked out of the bathroom and soon her footsteps in the foyer could no longer be heard. Kurumu let out a heavy sigh as her body relaxed.
"The store better have my new blouses."
"Okimune!"
Kurumu grinned, setting aside her schoolbag and plastic bag with her new school blouse on the floor against the wall. Okimune stood in front of the riser with other choir girls whom must have been let out of their last period study hall early. Kurumu pranced over to the girl, holding her arms out.
"Happy birthday!"
Okimune giggled, holding her arms out to accept the embrace. Kurumu squished the girl against her, looking into Okimune's buttermilk eyes. Kurumu withheld the urge to peruse the undine's memories. The revelation about Juri still stung.
"Feels excessive with you doing this just yesterday."
Kurumu laughed, pulling back to arms' length. She glanced at the Tadayo sisters hovering nearby. Korogi was going to graduate so her opinion mattered little. Hotaru could cause her grief as the next president of the choir club, but Kurumu could always quit. Ikeda was unimportant. The only one that might be a big issue is Amatsu. Having an enemy on the student council could make school life difficult.
"I'm trying to improve my mood."
Okimune cocked her head with a frown as she withdrew her hands.
"What's wrong?"
"Just a little fight with someone I thought was a friend."
Okimune nodded with a knowing expression.
"One of those. I talked with Mr. Fujita and he confirmed that he would be having lunch in the printing room tomorrow. I wanted to tell you this in gym but you looked a little out of it."
"Excellent!"
Kurumu glanced at Mrs. Tomarigi whom was hovering by the piano with most of the choir harpies. The only one missing was Utachi whom was hanging out with Chousei, Dakuhime, Yokumoto and Saiwakami. Kurumu knew Kanari adored her. And knowing the reputation of harpies, she highly doubted any of the other harpies would judge her behavior so poorly.
"It looks like we are all here so we can begin."
Mrs. Tomarigi was garbed in a short sleeved, black dress which failed to reach her knees. Black hose swathed her legs down to her black school slippers.
"I want to thank you all for your efforts this weekend. While we may not have been recognized, I know that we did our best."
Kurumu thought about how the choir teacher had kept her maiden name even after marriage because her husband's family rejected their union. That made Kurumu wonder how things were going with Mrs. Tomarigi's brother in law. The karate instructor was dating Ms. Kurohane again.
"For those that might not know, we have a young lady turning seventeen today. So our end of the year party will also be a birthday party."
Kurumu giggled when the teacher gestured in her direction. She was fairly certain that every girl knew about Okimune's birthday by now. It still amazed Kurumu to accept that this lovely girl was only a few months older than her.
"This will be our last meeting this year. I trust that you will use your free time wisely."
Kurumu smirked, glancing at the table pushed up against the wall. It was laden with three cakes and dozens of cookies and snacks. A white cooler rested beneath the table, containing drinks.
"With that said, I'll turn things over to our new club president."
Attention shifted to Hotaru whom smiled nervously.
"Um, yea. I'm thankful for all of the guidance our seniors have provided. I wish we had more time with them but promise to do the best we can next year."
"Get on with the cake!"
Several girls giggled at Saiwakami's shout.
"It only seems fair that Ms. Okimune goes first."
Hotaru gestured at Okimune. The undine grinned, strolling over to the table. Amatsu and Ikeda followed after Okimune which prompted the other girls to start forming a line.
"Don't forget to get a drink from the cooler. And throw away your trash!"
Kurumu giggled at Mrs. Tomarigi's hasty additions. Noting that the harpies were lingering by the piano, Kurumu sauntered over to join them.
"Mrs. Tomarigi."
"Yes, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu smiled as Kanari drifted over to her side.
"I wanted to thank you for taking me in despite how late in the year it was."
"It was my pleasure to have you. I hope that you remembered to list choir as your elective next year."
Kurumu grinned broadly, snaking an arm around Kanari's waist. She pulled the girl to her side.
"I certainly did. Did Mr. Miwa have any luck finding a new place to live?"
The choir teacher frowned.
"My husband isn't moving out."
"I meant his brother. He's been living with your family ever since he gave up his place to Mr. Yokei."
The puzzled expression on Mrs. Tomarigi's face made Kurumu uneasy as she continued her explanation.
"Mr. Yokei needed a place for his family. He told me about this."
Mrs. Tomarigi smiled thinly with her soft blush eyes gaining certainty.
"It appears that you have been misled. I don't know if that was by Mr. Yokei or if he just passed on what Kumoi told him. I wasn't even aware that Mr. Yokei had brought his family."
Karasu cackled, nudging Hayabusa.
"I bet we know where Mr. Miwa is staying."
The choir teacher clucked her tongue, wagging a finger at the third years.
"Don't be spreading gossip, girls. You know how delicate relationships between tengu and harpies can be. Just because Kumoi isn't staying with my family doesn't mean he is staying with someone else."
Karasu and Noboto both favored the teacher smug looks. Oso giggled nervously, gesturing at the line.
"We should all get in line for cake."
"Yes. Run along, girls."
Chuckling, Kurumu turned Kanari about before sauntering over to the end of the line where Kichida and Sakibarai stood. Zuri snickered, following on her heels.
"I heard rumors that Mr. Miwa is sweet on Ms. Kurohane of the softball team."
"Hardly a rumor. It's a fact."
"Mrs. Tomarigi is right though. We shouldn't call too much attention to it."
Karasu sighed at Hayabusa's remark. She gestured at Kurumu when she glanced back at them.
"Hey, Kurono. You look in a better mood."
"Yea. You looked unsettled during gym."
"It's just a girl in class messing with me."
"Probably jealous over how awesome you look in a swimsuit."
Zuri snickered at Karasu's remark as they slowly moved forward with the line.
"I'd feel jealous over that. Luckily I don't have her in gym to crush my ego."
Sakibarai glanced over her shoulder with a scowl.
"That's a dumb thing to get jealous over."
Noboto smirked, cupping her ample bosom.
"Only because you have nothing to compete with."
"I don't need to compete with a stupid whore."
Kurumu pouted at Sakibarai's insult.
"Please don't say things like that."
Sakibarai frowned as she shuffled closer to the table.
"I wasn't talking to you. That dork is in my gym class."
"I was probably called a whore more than my own name during junior high."
A look of uncertainty touched the senior's pistachio eyes.
"That's not my fault."
Zuri stepped up beside Kurumu, crossing her arms below her bosom.
"And it's not Kurumu's fault that she was born a succubus."
"Though it is her fault if she acts poorly."
Kurumu pouted at Kichida's remark.
"I'm not acting poorly."
Sakibarai snorted, stepping up to the table ahead of Kichida. She grabbed a plate.
"Your behavior in Doufuushakai says otherwise. I lost count of how many guys hit on you."
"It was seven which was impressive in a disturbing way. I've never seen any girl get hit on that much."
"That wasn't Kurumu's fault."
Kichida glanced back at Kanari and smiled thinly.
"She's too receptive. She needs to get better at ignoring advances."
"Or chasing them off. You're way too nice to guys whom just want to fuck you."
Kurumu shivered at Sakibarai's remark. The girl bent down to fetch a drink out of the cooler as Kichida started preparing her own plate of sweets.
"Nijiro has complained about me drawing too much attention."
Kanari slipped out of Kurumu's lax grip, offering an apologetic smile.
"You are a little too sociable with complete strangers. I'd never be able to talk to people like that."
"It's called confidence, Kanari."
"Or flirting, Ms. Umou."
Kurumu barely recalled her interactions in Doufuushakai. Most had been just asking for directions.
"I'm not trying to flirt. I don't even remember what I said."
Kanari stepped up to the table, grabbing a paper plate off the stack.
"You should be more focused on other things. Like choir or school."
Kichida straightened up with a drink in hand.
"That certainly would be a start."
"Try not to draw so much attention to yourself."
Kurumu pouted at Sakibarai.
"I'm not doing that on purpose."
Noboto cackled, gesturing at Kurumu as Kanari moved a slice of chocolate cake onto her plate.
"Just look at her. She's going to draw attention even if she was mute."
Sakibarai snorted, stalking off.
"It's called body language. You're just as bad."
Noboto huffed as Kanari moved aside for Kurumu to get a paper plate.
"I've never been hit on by seven guys in one morning. I'd be lucky to get one."
Sighing, Kurumu carefully moved a slice of chocolate cake onto her plate. She shuffled over to a tray of sugar cookies, taking two before moving to the next depleted tray. She snatched up one dango spear, wanting there to be enough for the girls behind her.
After fetching a can of green tea out of the cooler, she gestured in the direction of Kichida.
"Do you mind if we stick with our seniors?"
Kanari nodded, following Kurumu over to the riser where the two older girls had sat down.
"Ms. Kichida is right about your behavior being misconstrued as flirting."
Kichida looked up as they arrived. Sakibarai scowled at them.
"Are you two still gabbing about that?"
"Do you mind if we sit with you?"
Sakibarai grunted and Kichida smiled thinly.
"You may, Ms. Kurono. I certainly wasn't intending to insult you."
Kurumu smiled, thinking that the opinions of two seniors whom she would never see again after today hardly mattered to her.
"I'm not insulted. Just concerned that I'm giving people the wrong impression about me."
Kurumu settled down on the riser next to Kichida, prompting Kanari to sit on her other side.
"Do you have any suggestions for her?"
"I have no experience in this, Ms. Bouzuki. I'm pretty much invisible to guys. Have been my whole life."
"Guys are dumb. They think being nice is flirting. So you can't be nice. You either ignore them or insult them until they leave you alone."
"Maybe you can't be sociable with guys like you are with girls."
Kurumu pouted at Kanari's conclusion.
"I already do that. What more am I supposed to do? Pretend that they don't exist?"
Kichida giggled, opening the tab of her tea.
"I don't have an answer for you. Right now I'm savoring this bittersweet moment."
"What do you mean?"
Kichida sighed with a wistful look.
"It's my last day of choir. Three years and we accomplished nothing."
"You took this way too seriously."
Kichida smirked at Sakibarai.
"You were the one crying on the bus ride home."
"Shut up!"
Kurumu giggled, wielding the clear plastic fork upon her slice of chocolate cake.
"What are the two of you planning to do after graduation?"
Kichida sighed, picking up a cookie from her plate.
"I'll just stay with my parents for now. I shouldn't have too much trouble finding a job in the city."
Kurumu nodded, having heard a few things about her senior yesterday. Kichida's parents lived in Ojiya and she already had her citizenship. Despite that, Kichida had always been in monster schools with her mother claiming to be homeschooling her to avoid suspicions of neglect from humans.
"Is Ms. Sakibarai finally going to share some insight into her personal life?"
Sakibarai snorted, setting aside her empty plate.
"It's none of your business."
"Ama will go back to helping her parents. They run a small diner in Kabashita."
Sakibarai grumbled, picking up her drink.
"I have to go back. Ma is at her wits end trying to juggle taking care of the other kids and work."
"You have siblings?"
"Four. Ama's way older than them so she used to look after her siblings back in junior high. Her oldest brother will be in sixth grade next year."
"They don't need to know that."
Kurumu giggled at Sakibarai's displeasure.
"Why are you so much older than your siblings?"
"Because I was a mistake."
Kichida laughed at the gruff response. She waved a hand in a placating manner.
"That's not true. Your parents have never said anything like that."
"My mom dropped out of high school to have me. They weren't even married. If Grandpa hadn't helped them, they would have never been able to buy that diner."
Kichida smiled thinly throughout Sakibarai's rant.
"They just didn't want to have another child before Ama was in school."
"Whatever. I know the truth because I lived there."
Kurumu smiled softly. She had lived with her mother for years and had a skewed version of the truth.
"What do you plan to do when your siblings get old enough to take care of themselves?"
Sakibarai snorted, picking up her can of tea.
"I don't know. But I'm not in any hurry to make any kittens of my own."
Kanari giggled, holding her drink against her bosom.
"You probably already feel like a mother with you being so much older than your siblings."
"I wouldn't say that."
Kichida smirked at her friend's dismissive remark.
"She'd have to find a guy willing to put up with her attitude first. That could take years."
"Oh shut up. You're not going to find anyone soon either."
Kurumu chuckled, looking over the group. A third of them would graduate. Only two of them were going to college. The rest were going back to their communities without any firm prospects for marriage. That felt so empty to her, causing her mirth to quickly fade.
"I hope you both find someone soon."
"Have a good evening, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu grinned at the dark haired woman behind the counter of the commissary. Mrs. Kurokira bowed slightly at Kurumu's approach. A black and white striped turtleneck was stretched over the woman's slender torso, covering the top hem of her khakis.
"You too, Mrs. Kurokira."
Kurumu reached into her baby blue hamper which contained a small load of laundry. She snatched out her lunch card and keys, raising the card up to trigger the sensor above the door. The glass double doors slid open, allowing her to stroll into the evening without breaking stride. The chilly night air caused her nipples to harden beneath her powder blue, corduroy tank top. Navy cotton shorts graced her hips.
Not in the mood for a dining hall meal after the birthday party sweets, Kurumu had come straight home to do laundry. Even with a small load, the process took almost two hours. It was probably around eight. She sauntered off to the right, planning to pay Moka and Kokoa a visit.
It only took a few seconds to reach the door to suite 413. Aware that none of these doorbells worked, Kurumu knocked on the door and stood clear of the door's swing. She waited patiently, counting her heartbeats up to thirty before knocking louder a second time.
This time she was not to five heartbeats before the deadbolt was drawn back. The door eased open with a silver haired vampire on the other side. Moka smiled politely, still wearing her school blouse and skirt.
"Evening, Kurumu. I saw you were having lunch with your boyfriend today."
Kurumu smiled, hefting her hamper up.
"I did. May I come in?"
"Didn't you do laundry yesterday?"
Kurumu laughed when Moka motioned for her to enter. She shuffled inside, slipping out of her school loafers as Moka closed the door behind her.
"I washed my new school blouses. This hopefully will be the last time I do laundry on a weeknight."
"What brings you here?"
Kurumu grinned at Kokoa whom was looking over the back of the pink couch. The younger sister was also still dressed for school. The Pirates of the Caribbean movie was playing on the large silver screen resting upon an ebony stand that the couch faced. The crate with Kokoa's DVD collection rested on one side of the screen while a stack of CDs was on the other.
"I did have some news and requests to make."
"I'm guessing this is about your boyfriend."
Kurumu quickly took note of the room which was the same as it had been weeks ago. The dishwasher was churning, meaning the vampires had already finished their dinner. The low table that often was behind the couch was now pushed under the bed in the corner of the room. A crimson comforter was drawn over the black sheets and mattress which was supported by ebony wood framing. Sitting among the black pillows was a large, golden brown, stuffed bear sporting a black fedora.
Moka slipped around her, drawing her attention away from the bed. To the other side of the television was Moka's desk which had her family portraits. Moka's red bike rested against the wall between the doors of the two closets.
"That is the bigger thing I wanted to discuss. Nijiro told me that his parents won't let me stay the night."
Moka nodded, strolling over to the back of the couch.
"So you can't spend spring break with him."
"Not exactly. I just can't sleep at their house. Akenuma told me about a hotel his uncle owns."
"Akenuma?"
"He's a first year in class ten from Nijiro's math club. He's friends with Yamashita and Takanuma."
Moka nodded thoughtfully as Kokoa perked up.
"Yamashita. That's the guy that helps Kaori with class twelve."
Kurumu smirked at Kokoa's use of a given name.
"Kaori? I didn't know you were friends with the younger Akebara sister."
"Everybody calls her Kaori to not confuse her with her sister."
Kurumu giggled, resting her hamper on her feet.
"I was wondering if you would help me afford that hotel."
Kokoa snorted, turning her attention back to the movie.
"Not a chance."
Moka chuckled, patting the back of the couch.
"How much did he say it would cost?"
"Akenuma said we could contact the Fairy Tale office in Umiman to get pricing and make reservations."
"An extended hotel stay is going to be way too much money for either of us to help you."
Kurumu smiled thinly at Kokoa's refusal.
"I know that. I was hoping that you could bring this up to your father."
"Kokoa can't just ask something like that without knowing a price."
Kurumu nodded, understanding the reluctance.
"Maybe Ms. Shuzen can check that out for us."
"She's your math teacher. You can ask her."
Kurumu pouted at Kokoa whom was fixated on the movie.
"What reason would she have to listen to me? Please talk to her for me."
"I'll think about it."
Moka smirked at her sister's response. She gestured at Kurumu.
"How did his sister take this news?"
Kurumu flinched, having not even thought about that.
"I haven't told Manami about the situation yet."
Moka frowned, cocking her head.
"Why not? She's in class four, right? Don't the two of you have Coach Kibashiro for gym?"
"We do but I had other thoughts on my mind during gym."
"What could have possibly been more important than this?"
Kurumu grimaced. She was reluctant to air her issues but knew that Moka would hear about it from Yukari at lunch tomorrow if she kept quiet.
"Juri found out about Iko's punishment. She wasn't happy with how I handled the situation."
"That sounds unpleasant."
Kurumu sighed heavily, toying with the rim of her hamper.
"You don't know the half of it. She provoked me so much that I used my powers on her."
"You charmed her?"
"No. I just looked into her memories to see why she was so upset about this. I found out that she often talks shit about me and everybody else to feel better about herself."
Moka nodded thoughtfully.
"I'm sorry to hear that."
Kurumu sighed, recalling Yukari's scolding.
"Yea. I'm a moron. I could have kept quiet but I decided to call Juri out on her fake friendship. So now Juri knows that I used my powers on her and she is threatening to turn me in to the faculty for it."
Kokoa snorted dismissively.
"So what? It's not like you did anything harmful. The most the faculty will do is have you spend a few days in detention."
"Yea. Yukari said pretty much the same thing if I felt like admitting to it."
"What do you mean by that?"
Kurumu smiled thinly at Moka.
"Yukari reminded me that Juri is going to have to prove that I used my powers on her. I can always just deny it if a teacher confronts me over this."
"Maybe you could try fixing this."
"How? I didn't do anything that caused Juri to think so poorly about Nerume or Satsuki. She doesn't even think that highly of Miho whom she talks all of this crap too."
Moka let out a short laugh.
"Never mind then. I didn't realize Ms. Morisato was that shallow."
"I'll walk with you to school. We can chat with Ms. Shuzen before you do the morning announcements."
Kurumu grinned at Kokoa's offer.
"Thank you very much, Milady."
Kokoa made an amused snort.
"How long of a stay are you wanting at this hotel?"
Kurumu paused, mulling that over for a moment. She recalled a request made by Manami's best friend. Watakoma Tarumi from class seven was in gymnastics with Manami.
"Watakoma wants me to be around for her birthday. That's on the first of April."
"Well Haiji's birthday is on a Friday so that means the last day of the month is a Friday."
Kurumu smirked at Kokoa's response.
"Keeping track of your big brother's birthday?"
"Shut up. April first is on a Saturday."
"You probably would want the whole weekend. We could have your favorite bus driver pick you up first thing the next Monday morning."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Moka as Kokoa sighed dramatically.
"We don't know if Father will approve of this. No reason to deal with that guy just yet."
Kurumu smiled, thinking she should make this as comprehensive as possible.
"Akenuma also said that I would have to get some scuba gear. There is a rental place in Umiman that can handle that for me."
"That's the second time you've brought up Umiman. I thought you were going to Aranami."
Kurumu laughed at Moka's confusion.
"The kids from Aranami go through Umiman first. Apparently there is some sort of portal that connects Sado Island to Umiman. So the bus driver drops them off near the portal. They go to Umiman. They stuff everything that isn't waterproof in storage and then they go to Aranami."
"Do you have to pay for storage too?"
Kurumu shrugged, having not thought to ask about that.
"I have no idea. But everything is in Umiman. The Fairy Tale office should be able to answer that."
"We'll just bring that up to Ms. Shuzen tomorrow morning."
Kurumu grinned at Kokoa's statement, feeling more confident that this would all work out.
"Okay. That was the big thing. I also got news from Ms. Bakudai about the older yearbooks. She said that I could get physical copies for thirty thousand yen."
"Each?"
Kurumu frowned at the simple question.
"I didn't clarify. But Yukari thinks I would be a fool to turn down a free digital copy."
"Digital copy?"
"Ms. Bakudai offered to get me the electronic files on a USB. That means I could have the yearbooks on my laptop. It's not quite the same as a physical copy, but probably just as good."
"But I offered to help you pay for those."
"Yea, but I'd rather ask for three thousand yen to cover a USB than thirty or ninety thousand for physical copies. Especially when I just asked for a huge favor. I have no idea how much that will all cost. And if it is only going to be half of spring break, I might even be able to go on the Disney trip."
Moka nodded, remaining silent with a contemplative look for a long moment.
"What are you thinking about?"
Moka smiled, glancing up at Kurumu.
"When we can do that trip to Disney. It will probably be way too crowded towards the end of spring break so we have to do it before Friday. And Monday is probably out if you're still in Aranami."
"What about that Tuesday?"
Kurumu gasped at Kokoa's suggestion. If the first was Saturday, the fourth was Tuesday.
"We can't do it on Tuesday! That's Mrs. Aono's birthday!"
Moka laughed, nodding.
"I didn't even think about that. Tsukune might not want that date."
"Are there any issues doing it on Wednesday?"
Kurumu and Moka exchanged a look. They both shrugged.
"None that come to mind."
"Then I will tell Father to schedule the Disney Trip on Wednesday, April fifth. Maybe with it being that close to the end of spring break, some of my girls can attend."
"Maybe you should let your girls have more time with their families."
"They had an extended winter break. I'm going to ask and that's final. I'm the one writing Father."
Kurumu chuckled, glancing at the dishwasher which continued with its noisy task.
"Well that was all the news I had. I'm guessing neither of you have anything new to share."
Moka smirked, pushing off the couch.
"Nothing that we didn't talk about last night. Ready to go home?"
Kurumu smiled softly, picking up her hamper. She wished that she had a reason to stay.