Author's Notes:Oh great! (*≧▽≦) The preparation for the cultural festival! I think many of you have already figured it out and for those that maybe disappointed with such an ordinary idea, I'm so sorry _:(´□`」 ∠):_ ! But really, I've been wanting to write something like this for a very long time! Ψ( ﾟ∀ﾟ)Ψ It's my interest and I plan to write a story with this idea as the main focus …..φ(〃∇〃 ))). This particular Japanese culture and history is just plainly fascinating! ≡≡≡≡φ(＾∇＾*)
anyway, I'm really sorry for the shoujo-ish idea 」(￣▽￣」) . I hope, even though some of you may not be into it, that you'll still like it! ヾ(*´∀｀*)ﾉ
By the way, the details will all be for your convenience. We don't expect Zero to know much about ancient female clothing. Right?
(▰˘v˘▰) The cultural Festival will be on my next update! ｏ（Ｕ・ω・）⊃
。（＞ω＜。） I sincerely wish you'll enjoy it! ╰(✧∇✧╰)
(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)
Chapter 20
Overture
"Quick Zero! Hurry!" the female prefect excitedly exclaimed as she dragged her companion while their other female classmates took hold of a still sleepy Ichiru.
"What the hell Yuki, there's still more than an hour before the start!" the grouchy older silverette grumbled in annoyance. He was kicked out of bed by Yuki so early in the morning even when he just went to sleep no more than three hours ago because they were busy heightening the security after some vampires got inside the academy. He felt he barely rested at all.
"There are lots to be done, Zero. Remember you're going to be in a costume today. It… err… will take a long time to put on so come on. You can sleep while we put it on you." The short prefect supplied while still effortlessly dragging her best friend in one of the empty classroom where his attire awaits. Thank goodness to her vampire strength. It's now so easy to tow along the towering hunter with her. She gleefully snickered.
"Wakaba-san, Cross-san, I'll leave Kiryū-san to you two." Tachibana-san, their class' vice-president, called out to them before pushing a half-asleep Ichiru inside a different classroom followed by Suzuki-san who'll help her with Ichiru's garments.
They looked back at the group as they disappeared in to the other room and Zero had to wonder, "Why are there separate rooms needed?"
Both girls looked at each other for a brief moment which the silverette failed to catch before Wakaba Sayori answered, "It's to make sure no interruptions are made when we prepare. The other boys are changing in a different room as well." She provided calmly. She of course left out that all the other guys in their class get to change together in another room as they're fully aware what they're getting into.
They just decided that it's better not to give the Kiryū twins a chance to advice each other against the class' plans should one of them find out. Even the full length mirrors are covered until the preparations are done. She felt that such precautions were a bit too much but the whole class agreed. It'll be bad if the Kiryū twins found out and decided to run away. She felt guilty for tricking the twins and honestly do not know how all will play out for even after they manage to dress them, if they decided to hide away and not do their part, hardly anyone can stand up to them though Yuki seems to have a final hidden weapon set aside based on her confident and joyful expression. Hopefully it will be enough.
They entered the room where everything they'll need were pre-arranged but still covered in white cloth, again so the unknowing victim will remain clueless, and Sayori grabbed a red silken under-robe with a white cord that can be used to tie it close and handed it to Zero who looked at it skeptically.
"Kiryū-san, please take off your clothes and put this on."
"Why?" the silverette asked as he frowned at the items given to him.
"Well, you wouldn't want us to undress you ourselves, right?" she innocently answered.
"No, I mean, why is it red? And silk?" he also wanted to add that it's too thin. He'll freeze to death before he can even scare anyone. And isn't it supposed to be white? He's starting to be confused.
"Well…" Yuki tried to make an excuse but none came into her mind. Thankfully, Sayori was able to save her.
"Well, you'll know once we're finished. We're going all out with this Kiryū-san. Please don't worry and leave the rest to us. It's better to close your eyes and attempt to rest since you'll need presence of mind later on."
"Huh." was all the hunter could utter. Is the prize really worth it? He mused as he shook his head. It's crazy what these people will do just to be able to get near and dance with the Night class at some flashy evening ball. How ridiculous but he didn't say anything or ask anymore question as it may irritate the normally sweet tempered girl. He has this feeling it will a terrifying thing to behold so he did as he was told and made for the partition already set up for him.
Afterwards, he stood in the middle of the room and let the two girls do what they were task to do but was surprised when Yuki suddenly covered his eyes with a cloth. "What the-, Yuki!"
"This is important too, Zero." She explained seriously.
"It's to make sure that no debris… you know, like… like glitters and such, will go into your eyes." Sayori offered to ease his mind though she internally apologized for all the lies she said. "I think… it will also help you… rest." your mind, you'll be happier that way, she guiltily thought further.
Zero could only sigh in surrender. Everyone is being ridiculous. He still felt that the two girls were too suspicious but he let it go for what can a sweet and innocent looking girl together with a harmless idiot, albeit powerful, scheme and do against him? So he resignedly stood still and let his mind wander to even more important matters instead and tuned out the two workers – it was a skill he developed with years of practice to ignore three troublesome creatures who were more likely to spout out nonsense rather than anything sensible through the course of their entire life.
His mind flew to their crazy president. That bastard. He squared his jaw at the recollection of his threat. He has no doubt that he'll go through with it, that sick asshole. He'll even touch his brother and his sensei. His master… they weren't able to get a hold of him just yet…
It can't be… That bitch wouldn't touch him until after he knew he'll never give up his child so surely… surely… Toga-sensei should be safe…
Zero deeply contemplated as he convinced himself. He was so immersed with his thoughts that he didn't register what his other two companions were talking about.
"Whew, this is hard."
"Indeed, that's why there are two of us."
He's worried. After explaining everything that has passed in that damnable library, the chairman immediately attempted to contact the raven haired hunter but for some reason, the call wouldn't connect. This caused a great deal of apprehension. Sensei said something about the president giving him a complicated mission. Zero balled his fists. That rotten bitch. He wouldn't dare. No matter what, his sensei is one of the best hunters in the association's history and if that greedy bastard still has any sense and brain cells left, he wouldn't touch such a prized hunter…
He wouldn't…
At least, not yet…
"I can't believe you managed to borrow all of these. These look expensive."
"Eh? Ah… ha ha… well, the chairman… well, he has a lot of weird things you know…"
"I think it's admirable. Look, there's even a koshimaki though we didn't use it, all of these looks genuine. I don't believe it's costume anymore."
"Well, it's the chairman…"
There's also that bastard pureblood, Rido. They haven't heard or seen a single appearance just yet and while that's something to be thankful for, they can't help but worry more. It's just not possible for him to keep quiet.
No.
He's definitely planning something and clearly just waiting for the right opportunity…
But what exactly?
"Yori-chan, remember not to tie it too tight, okay? Definitely not tight, okay?"
"Why?"
"Err… because Zero… Zero has a delicate stomach! He… he easily gets s-stomach ache…"
"Hmmm, I didn't think you'll get stomach ache just with this but I understand. I won't make it too tight, just enough to hold the robes."
The others were convinced that it will happen during that winter solstice or whatever but even then, they can't be too sure. They've already been invaded twice but both accidents were not initiated by that demonic vampire. Or so they claimed…
"Whew! It's looks heavy!"
"Hopefully, Kiryū-san will be able move."
"Don't worry about Zero. He's not only a man, he's also a vam-… *cough* *cough* a prefect! He's also a prefect! So he has lots… lots… lots of… exercise! Yeah, that's it."
"Is that so?"
Those photographs from the vampires who claimed to be journalists turned out to be only about him and the children. Nothing about the images suggested any relation with Rido nor will it be something that will be helpful to him in anyway. What he needed to know about him and the children, he already got when he possessed his own son and that idiot pureblood, Toma, swore that he didn't come by anyone's order but his own.
Stupid curiosity.
And he got his ass handed to him inside his own castle because of that… Kaname said he didn't do any excessive damage but it's that bastard we're talking about so little things could turn out ridiculously huge but not that he cared anyway. It was that brat's fault for taking more than he can chew.
Really, they can't keep to themselves, can they? Stupid, the lot of them.
He sighed.
"Wow! We're finally finished! Just the hair and we're good to go! Whew! Well, just on time."
"Hmmmm, that's five robes in total but he's still standing still… Can he not feel the weight?"
"Eh? Well, it's Zero. When he wants to ignore someone, he ignores them well. Did you know that Ichiru and I even managed to doodle on his face once when he pretended we didn't exist? *a laugh* Yeah, then afterwards, we were condemned to a week of chairman's cooking… We didn't do it again…"
"Well, Yuki-chan, I suggest you prepare for the worse. I don't think you'll be punished by horrible cooking this time."
"…" "I'll manage. I have some back up this time."
"….. I'll also pray for you. Just in case."
He vaguely felt an arm guiding him to sit down and he was already nicely seated before he even realized that he has moved. He was feeling confused as he felt like he's wearing even more than what he normally wears during winter. It's incredibly warm and the fabric seem soft and comfortable though his middle, shoulder and arms felt heavy but before he could even ask anything about it, Sayori spoke.
"Kiryū-san? We're almost finished. We just need to add your head… err… gear. So just relax okay?"
He must have nodded but he can't be too sure for after a long time standing, the realization of the sudden heaviness of his body, his prematurely cut sleep, the warmth caused by the generous garment covering his skin, stress and the silence of the room drove him to a peaceful nap. He's so comfortable despite his position and his attire that he can't even remember why he's there in the first place.
He didn't know how long he slept. He just woke up by Yuki's delighted exclamations and admiring sighs from Sayori. He belatedly register that they already took off the covering around his eyes though when he made a move to straighten his head from its bowed position, he felt almost dizzy at the sudden weight that attacked him.
"What the-?" he asked in confusion. He reached back to feel his head but with the action, he then caught a glimpse of his attire and registered the heavy weight of what appeared to be kimonos burdening his shoulders and arms which arrested his movements. His eyes widened as he looked carefully at his sleeves. He's definitely seeing kimonos and fancy ones at that.
Zero stood up, flabbergasted as he slowly realized what he must be wearing, the true weight of his garments and head now fully dawning on him as he looked around. His gaze passed through the two nervous looking girls, and was caught by the full length mirror, judging by the size and shape, still covered by a white cloth. He immediately went towards it, unmindful of the burden as even though the overlapping kimonos were heavy, it's still nothing against his vampire strength.
He snatched the obscuring cloth and froze at the reflection of a bewildered beauty in an Oiran's garb looking back at him. He blankly reached out to touch the mirror and to his horror, so did the vision. His jaw dropped in shock as he fully grasp that he's truly the one in the reflection.
He also understood why it was so heavy. Basing on the number of collars he can see, he's wearing about five layers of kimono with the uchikake and his hair, apparently covered by the same colored wig of silver, was arranged in a bizarre and flashy hairstyle of a courtesan which also looks like a pin cushion with the many black kanzashis he's wearing.
There are six hirauchi hairpins in the front, three at each side preceded by an ogi-birakanzashi in both sides. There are also six more hairpins sticking out at the lower back, and four more, two red tama kanzashi in the left side and two hirauchi at the right sticking vertically at the top back of his head, just after two ornate black kushi combs.
He's wearing a black uchikake brocaded with silken threads of red and gold for the humungous flowers with narrow green leaves which were all connected by a bronze colored branch where all the flowers bloomed. There were also scattered petals littered near the red colored hem guard.
Under the uchikake lies an autumn red kimono with black lining tied by a yellowish obi. The kimono was decorated by several white and pale pink colored tsubakis bundled together near the collar and hem while the heavy obi was in pale straw, embroidered with white long-tailed cranes perched in light brown branches where many small pale red flowers grow.
He was left speechless as he observed the details. It's enough to blind him. He was red faced and was readying to bellow the infernal name of the little imp who dared trick him when a repulsed yell from the room next to his erupted followed by several exclamations and shouts punctuated by a clamor and slamming of a door and some running. A moment later, another blushing, shocked and panicked silver haired beauty threw open the door of their room.
"N-n-nii-san?" asked the new arrival who sounded very much like Ichiru but with evident disbelief in his voice,
"Ichiru," Zero breathlessly uttered.
Any other words were interrupted by a loud, "Ichiru-kun, wait!" from Tachibana which forced Ichiru to close the door rather violently behind him before locking it safely shut.
Once inside, he was able to observe his brother fully and notice the layers of kimono he's wearing. They put him in kimonos with varying shades of blue and violet based on the collars he can see. The fourth one was with an iridescent color of violet shades as it was black to dark purple from the hem that goes lighter to lavender and lilac until it reached the shoulder which was already white. It was filled with fluttering falling pinkish white flowers and petals from the abundant bundle from the stem branching out from the right shoulder.
It was tied closed by a large obi in gold making the embroidered image of a soaring dragon also in gold almost indistinguishable. It has black scales and claws lined with the same gold color, the horns in rust and fire in blood red, surrounded by lilac and grey clouds.
The uchikake covering was of light blue brocaded with two large golden phoenixes, one flying through the left side of the kimono through one sleeve while the other sings from the lower branch near the dull orange guard hem to the right, with red eyes and trails of flame, and being surrounded by coral colored and bronze flowers.
He's also wearing the same ridiculous hairstyle with the same kanzashi arrangement but with an extra pair of longer ogi-birakanzashi at the back. By the looks of it, he's also feeling the great weight of this regalia and at this, Zero finally remembered his voice.
"Yuki!" Zero finally shouted at last and repeated, though with some hysteria, by the younger Kiryū.
There were loud knocks outside their door as the twins slowly stalked towards the nervous prefect. "Wait! I can explain!" she pleaded as she held out her hands to calm the two silverettes.
"Yuki-chan," Sayori glanced nervously at the three of them.
"Ichiru-kun, please open up!" shrieked their vice-president outside as she continued to knock on the door.
"What will we do?" Sayori asked again despite the distracting noise of their classmates.
"Ichiru-kun, you forgot your geta!" shouted Suzuki from outside.
"Err," Yuki closed her eyes to take a deep breath before looking at her two furious brothers now towering over them. She swallowed, "Can you go outside first and calm those two outside, Yori-chan? I'll talk to Zero and Ichiru." She smiled as she turned to her best friend. There's still a chance that she'll be maimed really badly but she did ready herself for this moment so she can only try and with about ninety-five percent chance of success, she's only a little bit worried.
"Are you sure?"
"Yup," she nodded for reassurance.
Sayori looked at her then to the seething silverettes before sighing, "Okay," afterwards, she went outside to explain to her classmates what happened and to give them some privacy.
After the door closed behind the petite girl, Ichiru promptly exploded in rage, "What the hell, Yuki!? You said we're doing a horror café!"
"I didn't say anything about a horror café! I told you it will be horrifying AND a café. I was right!" Yuki immediately defended to which the younger silverette groaned in frustration.
"Why didn't you even tell us?!" this time, it was Zero.
"There's nothing you could have done. The whole class was in it. Even I didn't know until it was decided... I just thought… you'll be… happier… if you didn't… you know, know…" she explained haltingly.
The hunter growled. Of all the -! "You should have at least warned us! Then we could have made arrangements to be in the preparation team instead!"
"They wouldn't agree anyway! Everything was centered with you cross-dressing to attract customers to the café. All the guys just became collateral damage in doing the same to make sure you two wouldn't complain!" and Yuki thought that was very perceptive of their president. Clearly the desire to dance with Ruka Souen has done wonders with his conniving mind. "So if it will make you feel better, all the male in our class will cross-dress as well."
No, it didn't make them feel better. They feel definitely cheated. They weren't informed! Surely, they can still make an appeal somehow. "Fuck this, I'm not doing something so ridiculous!" the older silverette finally declared as he made a step towards the door to get their class president, Ichiru followed.
"Oh, forgive me!"
"Ha?!" the twins chorused. 'Forgive me?' The hell?
The twins turned back at the sound of lamentation to find Yuki dramatically sprawled on the floor, a hand supporting her leaning body while the other was balled on top of her chest. Her long dark brown hair covered most of her face so only her quivering lips were in sight. It painted a classic woman in tragedy.
"I'm so sorry," the brunette continued in a more solemn tone, "I'm worthless, I'm sorry." She didn't look at the twins to see them exchange skeptical looks but instead continued in a slow theatrical manner, "You said you wanted him to enjoy his high school life… You gave up all your powers to see it done… you even risked your budding life to make it possible… and prayed for his happiness every night…" Zero's eyebrow twitched as realization of the meaning dawned upon him, "I'm so sorry Anne-chan, I couldn't protect your wish!" she cried out before fully collapsing on the floor in mock bawl leaving the two silverette with very unsettled expressions.
After a while, Zero finally spoke through gritted teeth, "Yuki, don't…"
"Why? It's true! Anne-chan wants you to participate in these kind of events! She even lost all her remaining energy just for that! Zero, how could you even waste all of that for something so simple as not wanting to wear women's clothing? Will you really dishonor your own daughter's wishes like that? For which she even risked her life!"
He didn't say anything. For the love of God, why? Of all the times he asked for this pipsqueak to have some sense, will it appear when she's harassing him?! The silverette hunter huffed many times to calm his frustration but to no avail. He really wanted to punch something right now. He growled for the last time and after an incredibly heavy sigh, he turned to Yuki, "I won't forget this." He threatened menacingly before turning towards the door.
"Eh? What? N-n-nii-san, you're… you're going to do it?" Ichiru asked frantically and paled even more as he saw the dark look of resignation in his brother's expression and victorious glee in Yuki's eyes, "N-no, I care about you and Anne-chan but her wish only concerns y-,"
Zero cut off his brother by gripping both his shoulders almost painfully as he leaned forward to look straight in his eyes before voicing in a hollow tone, "If I'm going to do it, so will you."
"N-no, nii-san spare m-,"
"It's our duty as students from our class. What man runs away from duty?" he asked rhetorically as he dragged his twin with him.
"You didn't even think those minutes ago!" Ichiru countered but all his whining fell on deaf ears as he was imprisoned by his brother's strong grip.
"Why? Didn't you already crossed-dress and pranced around once?" the hunter also added in the same dead tone when he remembered his brother's prank.
"T-that was… you were… we were fighting! It was just to piss you off! This is different!" Ichiru retaliated. That was once, with just a wig, not a whole courtesan's regalia! But his brother was relentless, not even sparing him a glance.
They were almost at the door when the hunter turned at the smiling pureblood again, "Yuki, you didn't tell Kaname, right?" he asked dangerously as he glared at her.
"What? No! I didn't! I didn't! I promise! I didn't tell nii-sama as well as Aido-senpai!" she added when she turned to the sobbing Ichiru. I didn't need to. I know my niece shan't fail me!
Zero only glared at her one last time before proceeding outside the room.
Yuki followed, a bit troubled at the clearly displeased look of Zero and cheated look from Ichiru though mostly pleased with her success, as they let in their waiting classmates.
I win!
After making sure that everything was ready with their attire wherein a heated argument of whether they can apply make-up on the twins erupted and was vehemently disagreed to ("I'll crush you!") and grudgingly accepted by the girls ("Well, they're paler than the make-up powder anyway…"), they then headed to their classroom. Zero ignored the astonished and admiring expressions of the other students while Ichiru did his best to hide his face with a decorative fan he was provided with, his other hand carrying his koma-geta ("Who the fuck can even walk with these?!"). They're both walking barefooted which was a good thing for Ichiru as he can barely even walk straight with the robes and headdress weighing him down, he didn't need those towers to make his life even more miserable.
Once they entered their room, they were amazed at the decorations made. Ichiru instantly felt like a fool. If only he made it a point to wander inside their room even once then he surely would have figured that they weren't doing anything remotely scary as the whole room was littered with tables covered by simple maple red colored tablecloths and partitioned by several folding screens of varying designs of autumn. Each table has a small vase containing either red hibiscuses or white camellias at the center.
The left part of the room where cream curtains hung to cover their would-be kitchen and preparation area was preceded by a peculiar looking cubicle. In front of the center of the curtains was an elevated, about fifteen inches high, square wooden stage only big enough to house three to four people. It's barricaded by two identical looking Japanese six-paneled folding screens with maple wood frames at each side and was painted with rows of red maple trees and fluttering red leaves. The center front is covered by a fabric screen. Almost the entirety was of a simple straw colored hard fabric but was framed by rust colored padded silk.
Yuki moved towards it and pulled a cord that had the fabric screen rolling up, it revealed the inside of the small cubicle which contains an antique looking shōgi board on top of one of the two chabudai (short-legged table) and around it were three dull coral zabutons.
"Where did you all get this?" Ichiru asked in amazement. It's hard to believe that they were able to buy or rent all of this with their meager class budget as everything looks genuine and classy. And now that he thinks about it, even what they're wearing seems very expensive and not like those used in cosplay conventions or photo studios.
"Huh? Aren't all of these the chai-,"
Tachibana began but was abruptly cut by Yuki, "Ahh! Aren't we such a resourceful class? Kind hearted people everywhere!" she exclaimed dramatically which made the girls frown though the twins completely missed it as they continued to look around.
Any further questions were forgotten at the arrival of the rest of their class. Zero turned to see admiring looks from their other female classmates and stunned expression from the male who were all wearing colorful furisodes with varying designs and cheap looking wigs, some with incredibly loud colors of pink or purple that may have been used for cosplay purposes, pulled up in a bun held by ornamental hair chopsticks.
Zero was exasperated and pissed off. He immediately went for their bespectacled president who was left gaping at the twins and grabbed the collar of his mint green kimono, "What the fuck?! Why are you wearing normal kimono while Ichiru and I are stuck with this?!" he bellowed, successfully shaking his classmates from their trance.
"Ah, ah, please Kiryū-kun. Let me explain." Kageyama Kaseumi pleaded, a bit frightened.
The silverette unhand him and waited as their president fixed his kimono and his brown wig in place again. "Well, Kiryū-kun, as you well know, each class will compete to be the best in aspects like who was most visited, most popular and one with the most profit and for us to win in any of those categories, we needed something unique. A-and as you may already know, a cross-dressing café had been done by many already so we needed to have something different!" he explained in a would be happy tone though the glare Zero gave him immediately deflated any more attempts to brighten things up, "Well, so… we thought we'll add a little game in our shop, you know… and that's where you and Ichiru-kun will come in. See, people can pay to challenge you in a game of shōgi other than just coming here to have some tea and confectionaries."
"Huh."
"And with that, we won't have much to lose! As long as you can beat all the challengers and attract customers by the need to see you, or players who just wanted to gaze at you two then surely, we'll have more profit than the others!" and surely, the awaiting challengers will also be forced to buy drinks and snacks as they wait their turn. Their president smirked, the thought made him increasingly positive.
Zero stepped back at the now disgustingly happy schemer. To gaze? At us? What the fuck? He thought suspiciously, still unconvinced while Yuki and Ichiru chortled quietly behind him.
"And what if we lose?"
He looked around when he felt everyone in their class stiffened at the question, suddenly finding something significant on the floor or wall, even their president stood frozen. He exchanged looks with a confused Ichiru before turning to the female prefect currently observing her shoes with fierce interest, not daring to meet his eyes.
"Yu-ki," he pronounced viciously. He narrowed his gaze as she visibly flinched.
"What? Why me?"
"Just answer. What will happen if I lose?" the hunter asked darkly.
She darted her eyes around as she answered, "Eh? Well then, Ichiru will play next…"
"And?" he asked and towered over her but she didn't continue.
"Well Kiryū-san, you'll have to spend the rest of the day with that person. The same goes for Ichiru-kun if he were to lose." Sayori finished in a calm and informative tone. After all those lies, they deserve the truth.
"What?!" the twins yelled in chorus.
"Who the hell thought of that?!" Ichiru asked, exasperated.
Zero was incredulous, "Was that even allowed as a prize?" wasn't every booth and games in need of the Student council's approval? Why did they allow this?!
"The chairman allowed it. Class 1-D is even doing a host club." Sayori supplied again.
"That hare-brain idiot! I'll pulverize him!" the hunter growled as he went for the door but he was intercepted by the rest of the class and further slowed down by Yuki who dove to hug his silk covered legs.
"Kiryū-kun, wait!"
"Please, Kiryū-san."
"Wait Zero, kill him later! It's almost time! We're going to start soon! Later please! I'll even help you!" the brunette begged as she tightened her hold, "Just remember Anne-chan and them! It could be a good bed time story in the future you know!"
Like hell will he even mention this nightmare to his children ever. He sighed harshly, "Arrgh! Fine, let go of me already!"
The whole class sighed in relief when the silverette relented and turned towards the cubicle. They didn't know what that was about but they're thankful that it worked in convincing the prefect.
Zero grudgingly went inside the small chamber all the while muttering profanities about senseless ideas and bumbling idiots, followed by Ichiru, while Yuki neatly arranged their unused getas outside before finally lowering the fabric screen again to hide them from the public's eyes.
Yuki hummed as she went to work. This small room was a great idea. That cunning president, he made sure that the people who wanted to see Zero and Ichiru will actually be forced to pay and play the game. This will be fun!
"Well, since they can't see us, I don't think many will actually challenge us." Zero commented as he watched the screen unfold in front of them.
"Nii-san…" Ichiru sighed, "I don't think so."
"Why?"
"Didn't you see the poster they just pinned up?" the younger silverette hunched his back as he spoke. He caught a glimpse of a large blown up photograph in between two wall hanging tapestries, depicting a temple's view in the fall and the other of a river in the mountains in the same season. The added image was of a silver-haired oiran, her face was partially covered by a decorative fan, making only her tantalizing reddish-lavender eyes exposed and teasing anyone who'll look to try and reveal the rest. God, this is going to be a long day, he grimaced internally.
"What poster?"
"Poster?" Yuki asked as she went inside the game area through the curtains of their 'kitchen' to bring them a tray of hot tea in a white porcelain dobin teapot with two small porcelain Japanese teacups and a plate of strawberry daifukus. "Oh, you mean this?" she guessed as she handed them a photograph, just returned to her by their president, from her pocket after setting the tray down.
Zero was wide eyed as he stared at the image of a silver-haired beauty. "I-Ichiru, you…" he spoke accusingly as he turned to his brother.
"No! That's not me!" the younger Kiryū immediately denied, "It was just edited!"
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, you two are so arrogant," Yuki sighed as she shook her head in mock disappointment, "Don't think that you two are the only silver haired, lilac eyed male students anymore in this school."
The silverettes frowned at each other in confusion for a second before they finally realized.
"Nao!" Zero breathed in shock as he comprehended her words. How dare they?! Even his son! He would have erupted in rage but Yuki was quick to escape so he was left in exasperation as he stared at the photograph while Ichiru quietly sipped his tea, only looking at his brother from time to time.
Ichiru wanted to comment something positive about it like 'he's cute' or 'he looks just like you' but decided against it. It might have the opposite of the desired effect so he kept his mouth shut.
The older silverette was only diverted from his silent plans to torture the midget prefect when Wakaba Sayori peered inside their small space, "Kiryū-san, Ichiru-kun, please just stay here. We'll be starting soon. We're just going to attend the opening ceremony but someone will be left here so please don't hesitate to ask if you want more tea or snacks, okay?"
The twins only nodded as they listened to their classmates gather outside to proceed to the gym.
"They're trying to bribe us, aren't they?" Ichiru asked conversationally after everyone else was gone. His brother only scowled in reply, clearly not in the mood for pleasantries. "Well, this is a small welcomed relief. Have some nii-san. It's quite delicious. This is clearly from Yamaguchi-san's place." He added as he offered the daifuku he guessed was made by their classmate whose family owns a traditional Japanese confectionery. "They're clearly giving it their all." He commented as he stared at the antique looking tea set, wondering who among their classmates own something so expensive and generous enough to let it be borrowed as a prop. It will be a tragedy if they accidentally break it.
"This is stupid," Zero muttered, still pissed as hell though he took Ichiru in his offer and had some daifuku. He still didn't have breakfast so he's quite hungry.
The younger silverette hummed in agreement, "Well, everyone is pretty desperate since the prize this time for the overall number one class will be able to sit with the Night class during the evening banquet." He explained as he ate some more, "Since we're in this already, might as well do a good job. We only need to win nii-san and it's shōgi. You're great at it." Ichiru was more worried about himself. True, he's better than average but he'll definitely lose against their school's shōgi club members. Hopefully, they're not into such challenges. Or that it will be Zero's match as he has a decent chance against them. Oh yeah, he need not worry, Zero needs to lose first before his torture began which is unlikely for coupled with his twin's natural prowess in shōgi was this current avenging state, it will be hard for him to lose. As long as Zero wins, he can continue to pig out on the tea and snacks and silently enjoy the show. That thought made him relax even further.
The day is finally starting to turn up for them. Or for him, at least.
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"Chairman sure is taking his sweet time, huh?"
It's already been more than half an hour since the opening ceremony started and they're growing bored. Ichiru already managed to pester Suoh-san with several requests of different snacks that they managed to eat everything in the menu (manjū, daifuku, dango, mochi and taiyaki). They're considerably full and were enjoying the fragrant tea when their classmates filed inside their room.
"Whew, about time. Still awake nii-san?" Ichiru turned to ask his brother who's been silent for a while now, his eyes closed and seated formally. He's been wondering how his brother can stay still in that position for a long time without his feet killing him.
"What do you think?"
"Easy now nii-san. You can pour your anger to your challengers soon enough," the younger Kiryū replied smoothly, totally carefree. He has already forgotten their misfortune after eating through the menu. Better take advantage of it, right? So he's in a better mood despite the weight of his clothes and head accessories, "Brighten up, okay? Isn't that the whole reason why you agreed? To enjoy your youth?"
Zero sighed, defeated. His twin was right. Everything annoyed him so far but he might as well try and loosen up like Ichiru, who seems comfortable enough to enjoy sipping his tea, so that he can give some justice to his children being trap longer in this time. "Yeah, I guess..." He also felt bad for his reaction after observing just how much effort his class put into this. Though this is still stupid and ludicrous. Still, he resigned himself to his fate. It's just one day of humiliation. He'll just eat as many strawberry daifuku as he can as consolation.
"Zero? Ichiru?" Yuki called out to them. She was relieved when she felt their auras still where she left them. She was half-expecting them to run away by now but she should have known better than to doubt her brothers for no matter how annoyed Zero is, he will never go back on his words once he made a decision and Ichiru always keeps his promises and both has always been kind enough not to ruin something especially if they can see the effort others has given to it like the occasional chairman's tea party or the yearly twins' birthday celebration.
She smiled as she peered inside the small room where the silverettes are drinking tea, "Here, breakfast." she handed them two slim, elongated black bento boxes containing onigiris. Kohaku-kun gave her three boxes for their breakfast when he informed her of her brother's message. She looked at the twins solemnly as they opened the boxes and started to eat. She should feel guilty, really she should, but it's being overpowered by glee. I'm just fulfilling requests, I believe in you two.
"What are you grinning at?" Zero asked suspiciously, "Did you put anything in these?" as he eyed the rice ball he's been eating. It's delicious so that can't be it.
"Oh no, I'm just… you know… dazzled by your beauty." She answered haltingly, amazed that it actually sounded teasingly instead of uncertainly, and laughed when both glared at her. "Why? It's true! You guys are gorgeous!" she added sincerely though she already expected such fine results given how handsome they are.
"Whatever, just go away before I flip this table on you," the hunter just turned his head as he dismissed the pureblood. He acted unaffected by the compliment but his embarrassment must have been obvious as Yuki giggled one last time before leaving.
"You probably don't want to know but I think I should still tell you. You're blushing, nii-san," Ichiru mentioned nonchalantly as he continued his meal. He would have teased his brother more but not when he's in a reachable, closed space with only himself as the lone recipient of his brother's wrath. Maybe next time, when he's also not looking like an oiran just like his twin.
"Shut up."
Ichiru only smiled.
A few moments later, when the cheerful buzz outside got louder and cheerier as guests increasingly pile inside Cross Academy and their male classmates in colorful furisodes chorused an enthusiastic "irrashaimase~!", they knew the game has begun.
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