"Morning, Ms. Kurono!"
Herikuda Yoko waved energetically as she stepped away from the door to suite 313 below Yukari's suite. The third year had curly sable locks with crimson highlights. The former fashion club president from Juri's junior high had won the popularity contest Ginei had put together last July.
Emerging from the suite behind the influential senior were two more third years from the junior high in Kabashita. The girl with the silky black hair brushing against the swell of her bosom was Seinou Hanii, former president of the karaoke club. The other girl with the waist long, cornflower blue tresses was Denshou Hakaru, former president of the ikebana club. Denshou was also Juri's cousin.
"Morning, Ms. Herikuda. Did you guys have a sleepover?"
Herikuda giggled, walking over to where Kurumu's group waited near the corner of the commissary.
"Obviously. Looks like you did too."
Yukari huffed, fixing the strap of her white satchel to rest perfectly on top of the strap of her schoolbag.
"Kurumu just invites herself over every morning for a free breakfast."
Chouda giggled softly, nodding at the short witch.
"So do I and I'm always grateful for it."
The last two girls stepping out of suite 313 were the ones living there. Both were on the track team and had attended Juri's junior high. The girl with the long, golden hair was Shiruba Yumie. She was a class representative and a top ten student. The girl locking the door was Horie Fumiyo. Horie had shadowy dark hair which was cut short in the style of a bowl tapering to the front. The quiet girl was also a class representative and was the valedictorian.
"You're out here earlier than I would expect."
Kurumu smirked at Herikuda whom lived alone in suite 314 below Chouda's suite.
"We leave when Yukari tells us to. Regardless of how early it is."
"It's the day of exams. It only makes sense to show up early."
Herikuda giggled at Yukari's comment.
"Fumiyo had the same idea."
"I'm guessing that you were studying."
Herikuda smirked at Kurumu, turning slightly as the other girls sauntered over to join her.
"You could say that I was tutoring those blessed with lesser intellects."
Denshou regarded Herikuda's smug look with indifference.
"Still talking nonsense."
Seinou giggled, placing a hand on her roommate's shoulder.
"She only invited us over to stroke her ego."
Herikuda pouted but the amusement remained in her ruby eyes.
"That's not true at all. Studying is more fun with more people around."
Shiruba snickered as she gestured at the pair from suite 315.
"I think our friends know you better than you know yourself."
Herikuda clucked her tongue and turned about dismissively.
"No sense dallying about here. Walk with us."
Kurumu chuckled, doubting they could refuse that order. She turned and fell in step with the older girl with the rest of their friends following suit. Like Kurumu, they were all dressed in school jackets with the red bows as their collars. Rubi was the only exception, wearing a black lace jacket over a black tube top with black slacks. They walked purposefully, quickly reaching the trail leading out of this clearing.
"So, Ms. Kurono. Have you been keeping out of trouble?"
Kurumu laughed nervously, wondering if word of her deeds from yesterday had already spread.
"Nothing too crazy."
"Only something that has her in detention for the rest of the school year."
"Oh my. What has she done now?"
"She used her powers on Ms. Morisato."
Denshou perked up at Yukari's explanation.
"On Juri? What happened?"
Yukari sighed dramatically, walking between Rubi and Chouda.
"I wasn't there but they called me into the office with this delinquent and Ms. Hineri. Apparently she made Ms. Morisato wet herself in front of a small group of my classmates."
Shiruba and Seinou both giggled as Denshou looked confused.
"How could she do that?"
"I'm also curious. I know of some monsters that can wield aura and can literally scare the piss out of you, but that tends to work on everyone in the vicinity."
"A succubus is a telepath, Ms. Herikuda. She must have given Ms. Morisato a command to do it."
Kurumu sighed at Yukari's explanation.
"It was an impulsive moment."
Shiruba quelled her mirth, grinning with flush cheeks.
"I wasn't aware that a succubus could do that."
Denshou nodded emphatically, walking between Shiruba and Seinou.
"Same here. All of the stories about succubus involve charming men to do their bidding."
"But we know that her powers are not limited to gender. She admitted to using an illusion to make us all believe that she was dating Mr. Aono for months."
Seinou gasped in response to Horie's statement.
"That's true! I was there when she made the big announcement in gym."
"I was too but I never thought about it that way."
Herikuda snickered at Shiruba's confession.
"And you call yourself a model student."
"Oh hush. You knew about Ms. Kurono's ruse as well."
They had already reached the small clearing where all the trails combined. Turning right, they started down the wider trail which would take them to the main school path.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Kurono, but I still don't understand why you would do that to my cousin."
Kurumu sighed heavily, walking alongside Herikuda. She glanced at the confused third year whom was a few steps behind Yukari, Rubi and Chouda. The quiet Horie appeared content to walk in the back.
"Juri was mad at me because I reported Uboku Iko to the faculty. Maybe you don't know, but Iko sold a lewd comic to the local porn shop that had a character with my likeness in it."
"My cousin did mention that a few weeks ago."
Herikuda snickered, shaking her head.
"Which she just told us about last night. Hakaru has been holding out on us."
"That's not the kind of gossip I would feel good about spreading."
Herikuda bumped her shoulder against Kurumu's.
"So did Ms. Uboku get in trouble for this stunt?"
"She wasn't being completely honest with her club so Ms. Sano kicked her out. She's also going to be serving detention for the rest of the year."
"Sounds like the two of you will have plenty of time to talk this out then."
Kurumu smiled thinly, worrying over what Iko might say.
"Do you think she'll be as mad at me as Juri was?"
"Ms. Uboku was never the confrontational sort. She hates being in the spotlight. She'll probably just keep her head down and hope that nobody notices she is there."
That made Kurumu feel a little better.
"Should I apologize to her?"
"If you want to. She might even apologize to you."
"Will you be in detention today?"
Kurumu let out a short laugh, glancing back at Denshou.
"No. They aren't having detention during exams. It will be the last two weeks."
Denshou nodded thoughtfully.
"I still don't know how Juri being mad at you justifies embarrassing her like that."
"It's not justified, Hakaru. She's getting in trouble for it."
"But she must have rationalized it somehow."
Kurumu pouted at Denshou.
"It's not like I put that much thought into it."
"Ms. Morisato was trying to provoke Kurumu all day long. She was pretending to be mute."
The girls giggled at Yukari's explanation as Denshou's frown deepened.
"Why would she do that?"
"Because she sort of knows how my powers work. She was trying to convince the teachers that I was using my powers on her to get me in trouble. She even wrote on the board that I should be expelled."
"Maybe she just needs some time to cool off."
Kurumu sighed, shaking her head. She could already see the end of this trail.
"You have no idea how poorly your cousin thinks of me."
Yukari huffed in a pompous manner.
"Well I think you're stupid. You could have charmed her but you wanted a fight."
"I didn't want a fight."
"Sure you did. You decided to expose her instead of using your charm to smooth things over."
Kurumu sighed, lacking the energy to argue this a second time this morning.
"That's also breaking the rules, Yukari."
Herikuda giggled as they neared the intersection with the main school path.
"But if you had done that, you wouldn't be in detention. If you're going to break school rules, you should at least do it without getting caught."
"A model student shouldn't be saying such irresponsible things to her juniors."
Herikuda huffed at Shiruba's playful admonishment.
"I'm only speaking common sense."
Upon reaching the end of this trail, they turned left, heading towards the school.
"I don't know why you think you can't be friends with Juri again."
Kurumu groaned at Denshou's persistence.
"Because she isn't my friend. I saw how she viewed me in her memories."
"You saw her memories?"
"I was in her mind and saw her memories. It's almost a daily thing for her to badmouth me to Miho."
"But that's like normal behavior. Girls often make fun of their friends behind their backs."
Kurumu looked at Herikuda in disbelief.
"She calls me a whore."
"So? I've been called a whore by friends before."
"It's not a joke to her. She literally believes that I am a whore."
"Why does that matter?"
Kurumu pouted at Herikuda's dismissal.
"You don't understand. Seeing memories isn't like a movie where you view and hear things from the perspective of a camera. I know the thoughts and experience the feelings of the person as if they are my own. Juri doesn't like me as a person. She only tolerates being around me for laughs."
"So she thinks you're a whore. Big deal. It doesn't matter what one girl thinks."
"That's not the point. How can I be friends with someone whom despises me?"
"She's right, Yoko. If Hakaru's cousin thinks that poorly of Ms. Kurono, there really is no way for the two of them to make up."
Denshou frowned at Shiruba.
"Maybe she could apologize?"
Kurumu huffed, recalling Juri's feelings.
"No. Juri has probably felt this way about me since the first week of school. That's why she swapped gym lockers with Moka. She's never been a true friend."
"I don't envy you, Ms. Kurono. I'd be scared to find out what my friends truly think about me."
"Nothing that we don't say to your face."
Seinou pouted at Shiruba.
"Hopefully not that bad."
Shiruba grinned, fixing the strap of her schoolbag on her shoulder.
"I think Ms. Kurono needs to worry more about how Ms. Morisato will retaliate."
"My cousin won't do that."
"Of course she will. You think detention will satisfy her when she wanted expulsion?"
Denshou wrung her hands.
"I'm sure that Juri will calm down after exams."
"She'll probably start spreading more rumors about Kurumu to girls she normally doesn't gossip with."
Herikuda snorted at Shiruba's remark.
"Ms. Kurono doesn't need to worry about someone badmouthing her."
"Are you forgetting how rough your first year of junior high was?"
"I think I handled that situation admirably."
Kurumu frowned at the exchange.
"What situation?"
"Just some stuck up tennin on a quest to sully my sister's reputation and I got dragged into it."
"She's downplaying things. She often cried over the mean things said about her."
Herikuda gasped at Horie's first contribution to the discussion.
"You traitor!"
Shiruba giggled, wagging a finger at her.
"And it was your sister that put a stop to it. You didn't handle anything."
"My sister only lessened her vile. I still had to put up with that treatment for years."
"Ms. Kinenkou graduated your first year and went to Mimori High. You only dealt with her sharp tongue for a few months."
Herikuda huffed at Shiruba's correction.
"Say what you will. It hardly matters. Little Juri lacks the conviction to carry out a long grudge."
"You're probably right about that. I can't see her doing this for weeks."
Kurumu grimaced as they neared the point where the path split up. She hoped that Denshou was right about Juri. If they ended up in the same homeroom, Juri might prolong this out of spite.
They kept to the right, favoring the path which would take them to the main school gate. They walked a short stretch in silence which bothered Kurumu.
"What are your plans after graduation, Ms. Denshou?"
"Hakaru got a letter of recommendation for the International University of Japan."
Denshou frowned at Herikuda's quick response.
"I can speak for myself."
Kurumu giggled along with the other girls.
"That's good news. What about you, Ms. Seinou?"
Seinou smiled softly with a shake of her head.
"Unfortunately I didn't do well enough to get accepted into any public universities. And unlike Hakaru, I don't qualify for Fairy Tale's Happily Ever After program."
"I'm just relieved that I won't have to go back to living with my parents. Not that I don't like my parents, but there isn't much to do in Okataiyou."
Seinou laughed under her breath.
"Yea. I'll try to find a job in town and work from my parents' home. Once I save enough money, I should be able to move to the city and get a better job."
"Are you going to register with the Fairy Tale matchmaking service?"
"Heavens no, Ms. Kurono. Maybe if I'm still single in a decade, I'll give that a shot. Right now my focus will be getting out of Okataiyou."
"Where do you plan to move?"
"Wherever I can find a job. Any human city would be better than our rustic village."
"I'm hoping that she moves close to me. I've been with Hanii for years."
"If I can get a job and afford a place, I'll be there in a heartbeat."
Kurumu smiled softly as the girls started chatting about their college aspirations. Three were going to Kanto Gakuen University and Chouda was going to England. Herikuda inquired about the future of the other film club seniors but Chouda had no clue what Kirameku and Hatsutori had planned. Neither had bothered to take the college entrance exams.
Kurumu felt nostalgic as they passed by the spot where she had first handed out newspapers with the club. She spied the boards up ahead, knowing the top hundred students of each grade would have their exam scores posted on them next Monday.
"Hey, Yukari. I forgot to mention that I spoke with Ginei last night at the study session."
"What about it?"
"I was just curious if you finished your article about the town."
"I finished the first draft last night."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully as the other girls continued chatting about other things.
"And you know about the sleepover on Saturday?"
"Yes, Kurumu. He told us about that yesterday at the club meeting."
"Is Moka done with her article?"
"She wasn't as of last meeting. She was going to finish her first draft last night."
Herikuda giggled as they neared the first of the four boards.
"Has Ms. Akashiya found herself a new club yet?"
Kurumu smiled, offering a shrug.
"Not officially. She's had several offers but I think she's leaning towards the softball team."
"My Moka intends to wait until club recruitment week to make her final decision on that matter."
"That makes sense. It's not like she needs to register with a club before then."
It was not long before they turned right and passed through the open school gate. Kurumu quickened her step to reach the door first, holding it open for the others.
Once inside, the third years drifted over to the aisles on the left while Kurumu followed Rubi and Yukari to the right. The older witch stopped at the start of the aisle to change her shoes. Kurumu passed her by, walking quickly to catch up to Yukari. Kurumu passed by the shorter witch, stopping in front of her cubby at the end of the aisle. She tugged her slippers out, dropping them on the floor.
"I'm going to stop in the teachers' lounge to see if Mrs. Senda is here."
Yukari frowned as Kurumu stepped out of her school loafers.
"What for?"
Kurumu leaned down to quickly put on her slippers as Yukari started changing her footwear.
"Things Ginei told me about last night. I'll see you in class."
Snatching up her school loafers, Kurumu stuffed them into her cubby. She stepped up onto the flooring of the main foyer, walking briskly to the next door on her right.
She reached the door in seconds, opening it just enough to slip through before closing it behind her. She quickly spied Mrs. Senda sitting at the nearest cubicle. The teacher was garbed in a pastel blue blouse and a long, black skirt.
"Morning, Mrs. Senda."
The woman turned in her seat and looked up at her with surprise in her eyes behind glasses.
"Ms. Kurono. We don't have morning announcements."
"I know. I'm a little surprised to see you here."
Mrs. Senda smiled softly as Kurumu approached.
"I figured that I could get started on grading my exams right away."
"But the math exam is first. The science test won't be over until lunch."
Mrs. Senda smirked at her mild protest.
"I was told about your latest misadventure with Ms. Morisato. And here I just got you out of detention for your involvement with Ms. Doronuma's outburst."
Kurumu pouted at the woman's amusement.
"This is as much Juri's fault as mine. She was trying to get me in trouble all day."
"You should have taken your grievances to the faculty instead of taking matters into your own hands."
Kurumu sulked, having been told something similar by Mrs. Takizawa.
"I still think Juri should have got in trouble too."
"From what I heard, you punished her more than enough. So what brings you here this morning?"
Kurumu managed a smile as she toyed with the strap of her schoolbag.
"I talked to Ginei last night. He let me know that he reserved the Kasahara Kokka on the Sunday evening after graduation for Mrs. Takizawa's retirement and birthday party."
"That's news to me."
"I thought so. He admitted that he hadn't told Mrs. Takizawa about it yet. I figured that you could spread the word around."
"Does he intend for this party to be a surprise?"
"Not exactly. He told her that he was going to do it. He just hasn't told her where and when. I felt like I should tell you in case you had more plans than drinking at Sumeragi tomorrow night."
"Nope. Her schedule should be free."
Kurumu grinned, backing away a step.
"Well that was the only thing I wanted to say."
"Did you ever get to speak with Mr. Fujita?"
Kurumu's grin broadened and she nodded vehemently.
"Yes. We actually spent a lot of time together yesterday. I learned a lot about my mother and him."
The woman chuckled, turning back to the sheets on her desk.
"That's good to hear. I'd feel bad if he had not kept his word after what you did for him at the pool."
"You heard about that?"
"Right after hearing about your scuffle with Ms. Morisato. Hopefully exams will keep you out of trouble for the rest of the week."
Feeling scolded, Kurumu left the room.
"Time. Put your pencils down and pass your exams forward."
Kurumu sighed, complying with the instructions from Mrs. Sunao.
"Please make sure that your name is on the exam."
Mrs. Sunao had noticed one of the algebra exams lacking a name after collecting them. Endo was flush from the reminder as she passed her exam up to Ichiboku. The diminutive literature teacher in front of Senyou's desk was wearing a textured gray blazer over a periwinkle blouse with a black pencil skirt.
"Kurumu."
Kurumu nodded at Nerume's prompting, taking the exam from the girl. The chemistry exam had been tougher than she had expected. Stacking her exam on top of Nerume's, Kurumu passed them up to Yukari. Mr. Hakuru should have spent more time discussing the exam than doing labs.
"Remember that the lunch is two hours long."
Mrs. Sunao paused to collect exams from Shouhei before moving over to Ichida.
"If you have an exam for your elective, it will start at two in the room of your elective. You should take all of your belongings with you when you leave for lunch."
Mrs. Sunao stopped to take the exams from Wanibuchi.
"Any questions?"
Kurumu murmured her understanding along with her peers as the tiny woman returned to the podium.
"Then you may leave once the bell sounds. Have a good rest of your day."
Abe snickered as the teacher gathered her things at the podium.
"Whom all here actually has an afternoon exam?"
Kurumu smiled, reaching over to pull her schoolbag off her desk hooks.
"Yukari's computer class has an exam."
"So does my business class."
Abe grinned at Ichida's declaration, turning his attention on Kurumu.
"No baking exam for your home economics class?"
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at him as the bell sounded. Juri hopped out of her seat, hefting the strap of her schoolbag up onto her shoulder. Without a word, the brunette walked by Kumiko whom was wearing a standard school uniform. Juri almost beat Wanibuchi to the door, pausing only for him to open it.
"That girl has issues."
Kurumu glanced at Satsuki whom was also dressed in normal school attire. She forced a smile upon the nekomusume whom had slacks on. Satsuki never wore the school skirt.
"I guess not talking to me is better than what she was doing yesterday."
"If she isn't happy that you got detention, than she can go fuck herself."
Kurumu sighed, opening her schoolbag to put her mechanical pencil away.
"She wanted me expelled."
"She acted like a moron. If she had been pulling that shit with me, I would have decked her."
Nerume giggled, getting up from her chair.
"No you wouldn't. You never fought back in junior high."
Satsuki glared at Nerume as she stood up.
"You don't know everything that happened in junior high. I had my fair share of time in detention."
"Hardly something that a member of the PSC should be bragging about."
Satsuki snorted at Kumiko's remark. She strolled down the aisle to join the standing jorougumo.
"I'm not bragging. It's not like I won half of those fights."
"I'm just glad that the kitchen is still making lunches for the PSC. These exams have made me famished."
Satsuki smirked as Nerume shuffled over to join them. The trio started for the door.
"You're always hungry."
"I have a high metabolism."
Kurumu laughed softly as the trio left the room. She glanced about, noting some of her classmates were taking their time.
"No hurry to get in the lunch line?"
Abe chuckled, shaking his head.
"I'm actually thinking of going home. Maybe pick up some snacks from the school store."
Hazumi nodded as she stood up with Madosuki at her side.
"Same here. I could probably hold out for dinner."
"See you tomorrow, Kurono."
Kurumu murmured a farewell while holding her schoolbag in her lap. She watched as the rest of her classmates departed, leaving her alone in the room with Yukari.
"Are you ready to go?"
"We're in the courtyard today, right?"
Kurumu sounded an affirmative, getting up from her seat when Yukari slipped off hers. She hefted her schoolbag strap up over her head, letting it dangle against her hip.
"We should walk around the school to avoid any trouble."
Kurumu smiled, waiting for Yukari to pick up both her white satchel and schoolbag.
"Would you be interested in having a study sleepover tonight with Kokoa and Moka?"
Yukari secured both of her bags before starting the walk to the front door. Kurumu followed her.
"I don't have any problems with that. Are you still having issues sleeping in your own room?"
Kurumu pouted as they exited the classroom, turning right to walk by the doors to class one.
"Not really. But it does help when Sumire leaves the wall open."
"I had trouble sleeping when I was alone in that room. I was calling my parents every night. That was why I figured out how her spell got around the barrier so quickly."
Kurumu frowned as they reached the end of the hall, turning left to walk towards the main entrance.
"I don't remember you ever mentioning that."
"It's not like you are that perceptive of a person. You were far too obsessed with Tsukune and your own problems to notice anything else."
Kurumu pouted, thinking that judgment was harsh.
"Hold on. I didn't even live in my suite until June. How would I have noticed that?"
Yukari sighed dramatically.
"I did mislead you. I told you that I was only calling twice a week because I didn't want you to make fun of me. It is kind of childish to be scared of being alone."
Kurumu smiled as they passed by the door to the broadcasting room. The main foyer opened up on their right with the chandelier hanging over the center of the large room.
"Would you have problems sleeping alone without Rubi?"
"I don't think so. But confirming that is not a good reason to kick Rubi out."
Kurumu chuckled as they passed into the hall which would take them to the other wing.
"Since we're going this way, I should stop by the library."
"Did my Moka agree to pay for your mother's yearbooks?"
"No. I'm going to get the free digital copies."
"Good. That was the obvious choice. I don't know why you bothered my Moka over this."
Kurumu smiled thinly as they neared the opening to the other wing on their left. Ahead of them was a set of vending machines with a stairway down beyond it.
"I just wanted to make sure that I was making the right choice. I was already leaning in that direction even before I was told that my spring break plans would require getting a hotel and scuba gear. It's not like I want to keep borrowing money from them."
Yukari huffed as they turned left into the elective hallway.
"Borrowing implies that you have an intent to pay them back."
Kurumu grimaced, as they walked along the left side of the hallway above the third year classrooms. The next six classrooms on her left were vacant while the first three classrooms on her right were used for the business elective. The fourth room was for the health and wellness elective while the fifth room was the disciplinary room where she would be serving detention.
The classroom doors on her left had signs discouraging entry. A construction crew was fitting these rooms with the wiring for the new PA system. The decision to update the PA system had come after the initial remodel of this wing. The third year classrooms would have to be redone over spring break.
"Rubi thinks we may have our new homeroom assignments on the day before graduation."
Kurumu blinked in surprise as they passed by the crossover going over to the disciplinary room. The next door on the right side was for the infirmary.
"What makes her think that?"
"Rubi should be at the speakers' offices with Mrs. Hagimoto again. She spent all of yesterday contacting parents to get approval for electives and living arrangements."
Mrs. Hagimoto was the woman in charge of the admissions office. It made sense for her to be involved in verifying the forms the students had turned in last Monday.
"They are doing this before our exam results?"
"Students don't get held back, Kurumu. It's more likely a failing student would get asked to leave."
They passed by the crossover that was in line with the opening of the bathrooms on the other side of the hall. The next door on the left had been removed. Yellow tape barred entry into the sewing room which was being remodeled.
"How long will contacting all of the parents take?"
Yukari shrugged nonchalantly.
"No idea. Even with them only needing to contact the parents of first and second years, they have over five hundred students. I got the impression last night that Rubi didn't even get fifty done."
Kurumu laughed as they closed in on the last crossover which was near the other sewing room door. Across the hall was one of the doors for the first year computer lab.
"That doesn't sound like they can get that done before graduation."
"If Grandfather wants it done, it will happen even if they don't finish. They will be grouping students by their respective junior highs. They can sort out the electives and living arrangements afterwards."
Kurumu guessed that made sense as they passed by the other taped up opening for the sewing room. The next door on her left was for the third year computer lab while the doors on the other side of the hall were for the second year computer lab. They were almost to the end of this hall.
"I feel a little guilty that I didn't ask Rubi about her work."
"It's not surprising. You're more interested in getting her to go on a date with Lord Inazuma."
Kurumu laughed as they neared the end of the last opening. There was another door on the left after the computer lab which was probably for a storage room of sorts. They turned right, heading towards the vending machine which preceded a stairway down.
"I think introducing Rubi to someone else is better than leaving her with the false hope that she might somehow end up with Tsukune."
Yukari came to a stop in front of the vending machine, fishing coins out of her jacket pocket.
"We don't know anything about this new Fairy Tale prefectural officer of Niigata."
"He seems like a nice guy."
Yukari snorted, dumping coins into the slot.
"What do you want to drink?"
"I'm fine with green tea today."
Yukari nodded, pushing the button for the green tea. A can tumbled noisily into the chute.
"Carry the drinks for me."
Kurumu sounded an affirmative, leaning down to fish her hand into the bin. She fetched the can out as Yukari dropped coins in for her own drink.
"Are you going to have classes in your computer elective next week?"
Yukari pushed the button for a lemon tea, causing another can to drop out of the machine.
"We will at least have it on Monday to get our exam results back."
Once Kurumu had the other can, Yukari started for the stairs, prompting Kurumu to follow.
"I don't know what Mr. Karatsuki has planned for the rest of the week."
Kurumu nodded, thinking the construction crew might do the computer labs next if the elective teachers ended their classes early. They headed down the stairs, reaching the landing in seconds. Turning about, they started down the second flight with the sound of students carrying to them.
"Do you think we could be in the same homeroom again?"
Yukari snorted as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"I don't have any say in that."
They passed by the vending machines. The hall to the third year classrooms opened up on their left.
"You could always ask your grandfather."
"If I had that kind of influence, I would demand to be in the same class as my beloved."
Kurumu smirked, thinking Yukari's father would have something to say about that. The opening for the bathrooms was coming up on their right with the library not much further up ahead.
"I suppose you're right. But it would be nice if we could be in the same homeroom."
"I concede that it would be comforting to have a familiar face. I'll see what Grandfather is willing to do."
Kurumu regarded the third years in the line ahead of them, thinking about how these students would all graduate soon. Most she would never see again.
"Here is your stop."
"I'll be right back."
As Yukari sounded an acknowledgment, Kurumu slid open the library door. She ducked inside, taking note of the librarian at her central desk. Ms. Bakudai was wearing a rich blue blouse with a ruffled black skirt that reached the base of her chair. Her attention was fixed on the book in her hands.
"Ms. Bakudai."
Her hissed word caught the woman's attention. The librarian frowned.
"I thought I made it clear that no drinks were to be brought into the library."
Kurumu flinched, holding a can in each hand. She smiled apologetically as she approached.
"I'm sorry. I was only dropping by to tell you that I'm going to go with the digital copies."
Ms. Bakudai nodded, glancing back at the pages of her book.
"A wise decision, Ms. Kurono. You may go."
Kurumu laughed softly, keeping her volume in check.
"You said that I could get those before the new yearbooks came out. When exactly is that?"
The librarian let out an exaggerated sigh.
"I can't give you an exact date, Ms. Kurono. I would advise you to check in with me around the third week of the next school year. Things should be somewhat settled down by then."
Kurumu smiled, thinking that was after the initial club recruitment.
"Do you think you'll get new members for your literature club?"
Ms. Bakudai kept her attention upon her book.
"If you wish to socialize, Ms. Kurono, I would advise you to stop by after your lunch. Take those drinks out of my library."
Kurumu managed a smile, guessing she had as much of an answer as she needed right now.
"Okay. Have a good day, Ms. Bakudai."
The librarian made a dismissive sound as Kurumu turned about. Kurumu hurried back to the door which she had left open. Slipping out into the hallway, she closed the door behind her.
"What did she say?"
Kurumu smirked at Yukari's intrigued look. She started walking down the hall.
"To take my drinks out of the library."
Yukari cackled, following on her heels.
"I meant about the yearbooks."
"She said to check back with her during the third week of the next school year for an update."
Yukari snickered as they drifted over to the left side of the hall.
"She should know better than to put something that far out into the future. You'll probably forget."
"I won't forget that."
When the cafeteria seating area opened up to the right of them, the glass doors to the interior courtyard started on their left. Kurumu moved to the first door, holding it open as she looked at the third years.
"Will you miss any of our third years, Yukari?"
Yukari paused in the doorway, glancing over the throng of students. She shrugged, continuing outside.
"Sumire was the only one I really got to know."
Kurumu smiled, following after the witch as the door closed behind her.
"What about the seniors whom we walked to school with this morning?"
Yukari shrugged nonchalantly.
"I would have liked to have known them better but things were very crazy this year. I appreciated their help in teaching me how to use makeup."
Kurumu grinned, wishing they had enjoyed more of those moments.
"Yea. Maybe next year won't be as difficult."
"Kurono!"
Satsuki waved from a section of grass where half of their Wednesday lunch group was seated. Nerume was already wolfing down her meal next to the nekomusume. Mizore was resting up against Umizake, looking exhausted as he fed her morsels from his meal.
As they approached the group, Kurumu's eyes drifted to the massive, ancient tree standing alone in this courtyard. The sight of the tree brought unpleasant memories to her.
Kano Nagare. That was the name of a young man whom had gone to junior high with her in Kengamine. He had followed her to Yokai Academy without her realizing it. He had blackmailed her and had licked her in places that only lovers were allowed to touch. His paralyzing gas had prevented her from resisting and she had not understood her own powers well enough to avoid his carnal agenda. The faculty had sent him home after the altercation. She wondered if he was still alive, considering the whole town of Kengamine had been burned down by Kahlua to get rid of the Fairy Tale region commander living there.
"Where is your mind?"
Kurumu smiled, turning her attention back to Yukari as the witch knelt in the grass.
"Just unpleasant thoughts."
"What took the two of you so long to get here?"
"We just stopped by the library to ask Ms. Bakudai a question."
"Kurumu. Could you sit by me?"
Mizore beckoned to her, having sat up to be apart from her lover.
"Sure. Give me a second."
Kurumu hunkered down, setting both tea cans on the ground. Grabbing her schoolbag strap, she hefted it up over her head and set it aside. Free of her things, Kurumu crawled over to Mizore's side.
"Are you expecting me to bring your bento over to you?"
Before Kurumu could address Yukari's indignant query, Mizore wrapped her arms about Kurumu's torso. Kurumu shivered when the snow girl nuzzled up against her with the temperature about her dropping rapidly. She could see her breath as the snow girl gave her a firm squeeze.
"Mizore?"
"I missed you."
Kurumu laughed with an involuntary shudder. She awkwardly reached around for the girl's shoulder, lowering her head to make eye contact. But Mizore's eyes were closed as she snuggled against Kurumu.
"What's wrong?"
"She's been a little depressed since she didn't see you over the weekend like she usually does."
Kurumu looked up at Umizake as he scooted closer to them.
"But she's usually latched to you during our double dates."
"I know. I can't quite say why she suddenly got depressed. I couldn't get her out of bed on Sunday."
"I missed her so much."
Umizake placed a hand on top of Mizore's purple locks.
"Mizore. Calm your emotions. We don't have the incense or berries to make your friends comfortable around your cold."
Kurumu smiled, knowing there were methods to make people more resistant to a snow girl's chill. She lowered her hand from Mizore's shoulder to rub the snow girl's side.
"I'm not going anywhere. Do you want to go to a study session tonight with Yukari and me?"
"You're inviting her?"
Kurumu shot Yukari a pleading look as the witch came over with the periwinkle bento.
"It will be fine, Yukari. It's not like we all get together that often."
Yukari sighed dramatically, presenting the bento to Kurumu. Kurumu smiled graciously, taking it with her free hand. The witch shook her head as she stalked off.
"Fine. It's more up to my Moka than me anyways."
"We will both attend this study session if Ms. Akashiya permits it."
Kurumu grinned at Umizake's declaration, feeling the temperature rise slightly.
"I'm sure that she'll be happy to have us all over."
Satsuki snorted, gesturing at Kurumu with her chopsticks.
"How do you plan to eat with her glued to your side?"
Kurumu laughed, withdrawing her hand from Mizore's side.
"I can probably manage if she loosens her grip."
Yukari grumbled as she came back over with Kurumu's can of tea.
"I don't get why she's so clingy. She had lunch with you last Wednesday."
Mizore whimpered, lifting her head from Kurumu's side as Yukari stalked off.
"That wasn't enough."
"Let her go, Mizore. You need to finish your meal."
Satsuki smirked at his instructions.
"Are you going to continue feeding her like a baby?"
Umizake chuckled as Mizore reluctantly relinquished her hold on Kurumu.
"It's surprisingly fun."
"Can I hold you after the meal?"
Kurumu laughed at the innocent request. She looked at Umizake whom shrugged.
"I guess that's fine. It's not like I have anything going on after lunch."
Yukari huffed indignantly as she pulled the top off of her white bento with the red bird and blue rose.
"Most of us present don't."
"I have gym which hopefully won't take long. Would you watch over Mizore while she waits for me?"
Kurumu grinned, nodding as he fished a chunk of meat out of his box.
"I'd be happy to. Moka and Kokoa both have the gym exam so we can all leave together."
"Well if you're sticking around for that, at least wait for my computer exam to be over."
Kurumu giggled as she tugged the top of the periwinkle bento off.
"We will, Yukari. Are the two of you staying on campus?"
"Nope. I only stuck around since I knew we would get our lunch fast."
Nerume nodded at Satsuki's remark, chewing a mouthful.
"Yea. We're going home to study for tomorrow's exams."
Kurumu nodded, thinking about the four girls whom had yet to arrive. Three of them had fourth period gym and seventh period electives. That meant they would go home right after lunch. Nozomi was the only one with a sixth period elective but the art elective was not having an exam.
"Will the shop elective have classes next week?"
"Nope. Yesterday was final inventory. We get study hall for the rest of the year."
Kurumu breathed in deep and shivered. She glanced over as Umizake daintily placed a morsel in Mizore's mouth. She felt a little jealous as she fetched her chopsticks from her bento.
"It is going to be boring with no electives or gym going on."
Yukari snorted, chewing a mouthful of food. She swallowed, wagging her chopsticks at Kurumu.
"It's no different than how things were after the cultural festival."
Kurumu chuckled, supposing that was true. The school year was coming to an end.
"I hope next year is better."
"Would it be okay if we kissed?"
Kurumu laughed as Mizore continued to snuggle against her. Her literature arts notebook rested on the black low table behind the vampire sisters' pink couch. A bowl burning incense was placed in the center of the table, giving everyone resistance to the lower temperature caused by Mizore's amorous state.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"I wasn't aware that you turned down kisses."
Kurumu pouted at Yukari whom sat on her right next to Moka at the table with their backs to the couch. Kokoa was with Nagisa across the table from Kurumu while Umizake sat on the other side of Mizore. The last person at the table was Ishiko. While they were all still dressed from school, Umizake was the only one still wearing his school jacket.
"If I started kissing her, she'd get too dazed to study."
Nagisa giggled, looking over her notes.
"I don't think she's getting any studying done as is."
"I'm wondering if Shirayuki has become addicted."
Kurumu frowned at Kokoa whom was more focused on her study materials.
"But I haven't been kissing her."
"Don't get defensive. I was talking about her baby."
Yukari nodded at Kokoa's statement.
"That is possible. It's not like we ever confirmed that it was safe for her to have this baby."
Mizore loosened her grip, turning her sapphire eyes upon the small witch.
"I just remembered our last kiss and wanted to try it again."
"And you have a fiancé for that activity."
Kurumu giggled at Mizore's pout to Yukari's reminder.
"She's right, Mizore. I don't want to make Umizake jealous."
The serious expression on his face chased her mirth away.
"Is this a serious health concern?"
Kurumu bit her lip, having no informed answer for him.
"It's an opiate that succubi produce."
"Maybe you shouldn't be clinging to her."
Moka sighed at Nagisa's remark.
"Kurumu isn't the issue here. Mizore has a little succubus in her womb."
"Though we have no idea how much opiate that baby is making. It's probably enough to make Shirayuki want more, explaining her current behavior."
Mizore sighed at Yukari's explanation. The snow girl released Kurumu, scooting closer to Umizake.
"I was just lonely."
"But you have been attached to her ever since lunch."
Mizore answered his remark with an embrace. The snow girl rubbed her head against his chest.
"I'm sorry. I'll try harder to study."
Kurumu smiled softly as he began to caress the girl in his arms. She felt envious, wishing Nijiro would be more affectionate in their relationship.
"Should we have her checked out at the hospital?"
Yukari made a thoughtful sound as Nagisa and the vampire sisters exchanged looks.
"It's a drug addiction. I don't know what a hospital could do."
Moka shrugged at her sister.
"There might be some medicines that can reduce cravings."
"Isn't part of the reason why she is dating Mr. Amesuki is because undines are resistant?"
"That is because of how well undines hydrate their bodies. They can flush the drug out."
Umizake nodded at Yukari's explanation.
"So someone like me would be immune?"
"I wouldn't say that you are immune but you could keep the level of opiate in your system low enough to not be impaired."
"You should focus on keeping Shirayuki hydrated. I wouldn't rely on the local hospital having medicines for drug addiction."
Moka frowned at her sister.
"That doesn't mean he should avoid taking her there. She is pregnant. It might be a good idea to have a doctor check on Hatsue."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully.
"Can you schedule an appointment in the hospital without being held prisoner there for days?"
"Of course they can. You used to have appointments with Ms. Sasayaki."
Kurumu smiled softly, recalling the chemistry teacher whom had helped her so much at the start of the school year. The woman had supposedly been forced to resign over keeping Tsukune's status as a human secret. Kurumu had started to suspect there had been more to it than that.
"Do you want a drink or a kiss?"
Mizore lifted her head up at his proposition. She cocked her head with a pleased smile.
"Kiss me."
Kurumu felt frustrated when Umizake kissed the snow girl deeply. She immediately thought about Nijiro and how he almost never kissed her like that. While she understood that her kiss could be debilitating, he never gave her innocent pecks in public. She had to initiate everything.
The last time they had kissed had been on the Saturday before Yukari's birthday. They had enjoyed two rounds of sex in her room but he had gone home. The last time they had actually slept together like proper lovers had been the day after Chouda's birthday back in January.
She sighed, thinking about the new development with his parents. His father had made it clear at the start that he was fine with them dating but would never approve of their marriage. And now with his mother also opposing the relationship, she knew that her spring break plans with Nijiro were probably a bad idea. But Kurumu hoped that showing up would prove to his mother that she was serious.
Nijiro wanted her to confirm if this trip would happen so that he could warn his parents. She had to give him an answer tomorrow.
"Will Ms. Shuzen be at the school tomorrow?"
Kokoa glanced up at her and shrugged.
"Most likely. I doubt teachers take exams home to grade them."
"But she only has to grade exams for the four homerooms that she teaches. She might be finished."
Yukari's remark made Kurumu wonder if her concerns about Mrs. Unsei being unable to attend the teachers' drinking party on Saturday had been irrational.
"How much time do you think it takes to grade an exam?"
"Most of our tests are multiple choice which makes grading them fast. Even at a leisurely pace, grading ten exams an hour should be possible."
"But that's like ten hours."
"More like nine. None of the classrooms have a full twenty five students. And math was the first exam. If Ms. Shuzen started grading right away, she could be finished today."
"I doubt that Ms. Shuzen would try to grade all of the exams today. I agree with my sister that she'll most likely be at school tomorrow."
Yukari pouted at Moka's affirmation.
"What are you wanting with Ms. Shuzen?"
Kurumu smiled softly, glancing at her notebook.
"I was just thinking that I should ask if she had managed to reserve that hotel for me."
"She never promised to do that. But I did write to Father last night about the Disney trip and your spring break plans. He'll probably send his response with Akua next weekend."
Kurumu grimaced, wondering if she should tell Nijiro it would be fine before knowing that for certain.
"I'm probably worrying over nothing."
"If your plans don't work out, let me know. I'm sure that you could stay with me over the break."
"You could also stay with me."
Umizake chuckled at Mizore's offer.
"I think you and I will have too many family matters to address over the break. Ms. Kurono would have a more enjoyable time with Ms. Sendou."
Yukari huffed, jotting something in her notebook.
"I doubt that. We live in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do. At least in Yukimura she would have access to her grandmother and Shirayuki's family."
"Fair point. Let us know what you decide."
Kurumu smiled, supposing she should be content with that. Nijiro had reassured her that her friends would give her a place to stay if her spring break plans with him failed to work out. She glanced at her notebook, thinking it was time to take a break.
"Shall I start dinner?"
"Is it already seven?"
Yukari huffed at Nagisa's query.
"No. Kurumu just lacks the attention span to properly study."
Kurumu pouted, gesturing at her notebook.
"Neither of these subjects have been that difficult for me. I almost got nineties on both practice exams."
"You should strive for perfection."
"Whatever, Yukari. As long as I don't have retakes, I'm satisfied."
"If you're that bored, you can start dinner."
Kurumu smirked at Kokoa before getting to her feet.
"Thank you, Milady. May I also make breakfast for you tomorrow morning?"
Moka snickered, making a shooing gesture.
"You're not spending the night."
Kurumu pouted as she sauntered away from the table.
"I'm only asking out of concern for Milady's health."
"My cooking isn't bad."
Kokoa chuckled as Kurumu reached the refrigerator.
"I won't oppose you stopping by in the morning if you want."
"You can make your own breakfast if you're going to talk like that."
"I wasn't the one practicing to be Tsukune's wife."
"I wasn't practicing to be his wife!"
Kurumu giggled, opening the refrigerator. She felt disappointed that her sleepover request was denied but she was happy that they were together. They were just missing Tsukune and Rubi. Rubi was likely on her way back from the speakers' offices while Tsukune had gone home after his lunch with the PSC.
Kurumu tugged out two plastic containers, setting both aside before closing the refrigerator. Snatching up the containers, she strolled over to the counter beside the stove. Lifting up on her toes, she opened the cupboard to fetch the skillet. Lowering back on her feet, she placed the skillet on the stove.
"Does anyone know what Tsukune is planning to do over the break?"
Kurumu wandered back over to the refrigerator, opening up the cabinet beside it. She pulled out the vegetable oil and rice. She set the rice bag by the rice cooker which was next to the microwave.
"I honestly don't know."
"Some wife you'll make."
"Shut up!"
Kurumu giggled as she returned to the stove with the open vegetable oil bottle. She dumped some oil into the skillet to cover the surface before twisting the cap back on. Setting the bottle aside, she turned on the stove burner.
"We know that he will be going to his cousin's graduation with his mother."
"Yea, but he should be back for the last week of school. I guess I'll ask him what his spring break plans are during our weekend club meeting."
Kurumu smirked, dumping all of the sliced onions out of the container into the skillet. She was glad that Moka had sliced this up since she hated cutting onions.
"Is he not sleeping over with the rest of you?"
"When has he ever?"
Kurumu giggled at Moka's annoyed tone. She opened a nearby drawer to pull out a wooden spatula. She stirred the onions about in the oil, grabbing hold of the skillet's handle.
"You'll have to tell him that we picked the day after his mother's birthday for our Disney Trip."
"Yea. Do you think he's staying here with his mother for the whole break?"
"Where else could he go?"
Yukari huffed at Kokoa's rhetorical question.
"He probably has guy friends."
Kurumu contemplated that as she waited for the onions to glaze over. While Tsukune did get along with several guys in the dormitory, she could not see him leaving his mother to spend the break with them.
"Moka's right. He probably will stay here."
Deciding not to watch this skillet, Kurumu stalked back to the refrigerator. She tugged it open, looking about for the other items she needed. She pulled a chunk of ginger and four carrots out of the crisper drawer. Shutting the refrigerator, she opened the nearby cabinet. It took her a moment to locate the bag of garlic. She retrieved four cloves from the bag and eight gold potatoes from another bag.
"You're spending tomorrow night with me."
Nagisa giggled at Kokoa's declaration.
"Why am I doing this?"
"Because I'm taking your blood."
Kurumu snickered as she walked back to the counter by the stove. She moved the container filled with chicken chunks aside before setting down the things she had gathered up. Glancing at the skillet to make sure the onions were fine, she lifted up on her toes to fetch the cutting board and grater. Having both in hand, she lowered back on the flat of her feet.
"Are you forgetting that we have an English exam the next morning?"
"I'll take your blood right before we turn in. You'll be fine."
Shaking her head, Kurumu opened the drawer to pull out a chef's knife.
"Have you developed any permanent powers from all of this blood you take from your friends?"
Kokoa snorted as Kurumu started grating the ginger.
"It's a long process, Kurumu. I haven't taken blood from any of my girls more than ten times as of yet."
"It must be more than that. You've done it at least once a month and you started this back in late June."
"Maybe this will be the tenth time?"
"I would swear that we did it twice one of the months. Your mother told you to slow down."
"Well it can't be more than twelve times. And that's not enough to develop any permanent powers."
Kurumu chuckled as she finished grinding up the ginger. She grabbed one of the cloves, condemning it to the same fate while keeping an eye on the skillet.
"You seem to have adapted some of Ishiko's powers."
"I guess that's true. Her blood must be more compatible with mine."
Kurumu grinned, glancing over her shoulder. Ishiko was dutifully studying. Shaking her head, she turned back to her task. It only took seconds to finish the first clove so she grabbed the next one.
"Does Milady have any plans for her big brother's birthday next Friday?"
"No. I spoke briefly with him during lunch before joining my fencing team. His club plans to have a party for him in the dojo that afternoon. I insinuated that I might be inclined to attend this event."
Kurumu snickered, finishing another clove. She grabbed the last one, sentencing it to death by grater.
"How kind of you."
"It is kind. That moron has a knack for embarrassing me."
Kurumu smiled, finishing the last clove. Setting the grater aside, she picked up the cutting board and chef's knife. She held it over the skillet, scraping the chunks on top of the browning onions. Once the cutting board was clear, she set both aside. Grabbing the spatula, she stirred the contents of the skillet.
"If Milady has no objections, I would like to attend this party."
"Do what you want. I have no place to tell people to not go to his birthday party."
Moka laughed at Kokoa's response.
"In that case, I will also attend. He helped us a lot when it really mattered."
Yukari huffed indignantly.
"I have no desire to be around that loli lover."
"I will go if Aoi wants us to."
Umizake laughed softly.
"We should go. He did help us save the world."
Yukari sighed dramatically.
"When you put it that way, I almost feel obligated to attend."
"Nobody is forcing you, brat."
"You're the only brat here."
Kurumu giggled at the banter, dumping the chicken out of the container. She hoped this curry would be as enjoyable as the company.