Author's Notes: Ooooohh (*≧▽≦) yeah! The semi-filler arc! The cultural festival! ╰(✧∇✧╰) Finally! Yeah? A breather! Though I'm so sorry to tell you that it's only the first part... （ﾉ｡≧◇≦）ﾉ It got so long that I needed to split it and the next chapter is going to be even longer. No worries, I'll post it as soon as I can.
I'm really happy and nervous in posting this chapter as some of you are looking forward to it. φ(〃∇〃 ))) I plan to start with the last couple's development, you know who, and of course to tie the loose ends for Ichiru and Hanabusa using this festival. Of course, it can't be finished without some fun though the real fluff and stuff will really start on the next chapter but please bear with me, ne~! (Though I personally like it because of Anne's blunder.) (*≧▽≦)
Anyway, a few warnings please. 」(￣▽￣」) I have NEVER played shōgi in my entire life. Hell, I haven't even seen the board in real life Σ（ﾟдﾟlll） so please forgive me if I made a mistake regarding that, not that I did put in anything game specific but for game etiquette and such, because I only know it's a lot like chess ≡≡≡≡φ(＾∇＾*) and I only know the phrase 'checkmate' or 'check' which I used here.
And again, I'm so sorry that it took this long! I finished this chapter like two months ago but I planned to post it with all the other chapters Σ（ﾟдﾟlll） but I'm currently training for a job I applied to four months ago, they finally called me and I'm currently adjusting. 」(￣▽￣」) Hopefully, I'll get used to the job real quick and not collapse every time I go back home so I can resume writing. Please don't worry, I've already started writing the next chapter! Aja~! （ﾉ｡≧◇≦）ﾉ
To ms. Annerloy, I know I said I'll post it with all the others but I found two months is too long without an update so I'll post this chapter already. (*≧▽≦) I'll do my best to post the next ones soon! 」(￣▽￣」)
(づ￣ ³￣)づ So there it is, I guess. Anyway, the real juicy parts will be in the next chapter but I still hope you'll like this chapter!
I did my best and I hope my best is good enough. （ﾉ｡≧◇≦）ﾉ LOL.
（ﾉ｡≧◇≦）ﾉ That and a Happy Valentines Day to all of you! （ﾉ｡≧◇≦）ﾉ
Anyway, ｡(*^▽^*)ゞ please enjoy~!
(≧∇≦) … (〜￣▽￣)〜 ….. *:.. o(≧▽≦)o ..:*….. (〜￣▽￣)〜… (≧∇≦)
Chapter 21
Game and Romance
This is extremely stupid, he bitterly thought as he made his move. Everything is just so ridiculous that he's even surprised that he allowed himself to get tangled in such a ludicrous idea. He internally grimaced as lilac eyes glanced at his opponent who seemed to have forgotten that they were currently having a shōgi match and true enough, he found the student, a male second year, stupidly gaping at him. He sighed. How many does this make it? He gritted his teeth. Treating him like a damn woman! He wanted to throw the shōgi board on his ugly mug to remind him again that he's Zero Kiryū, a damn prefect with solid muscles and well-functioning male genitalia.
He glared at his senpai and to his infinite annoyance; the stupid man just blushed even more.
What the fuck is happening? Damn it! Did he mention that this is stupid?
He was about to bark at their challenger to get a move on already when another pale hand jostled the dreaming idiot out of his trance. He watched in quiet amazement as his twin smiled charmingly as he reached out for his arm, "Senpai, it's your turn."
The poor man flushed even more, if that was possible as he'll be combusting next if he goes even redder than he already is, "E-eh? A-ahh, m-my bad." He nervously sputtered before he moved one of his pieces without any thought that made Zero shake his head.
What a pathetic move. The silverette sighed internally as he took his turn. He didn't even need to think deeply into it, he already knew the inevitable, "Check." he announced unfeelingly.
Only then did the competitor managed to refocus his attention as he studied the board and after confirming his lost, he graciously admitted his defeat.
"Please come challenge us again." Ichiru invited as he bid the player farewell with an incredibly gorgeous smile that made the poor student stumble quite painfully on his way out.
"Don't ever come back here again." the hunter viciously muttered under his breath as his twin waved at the flushed challenger who fortunately didn't hear him as he was busy straightening himself from his fall.
Zero then looked suspiciously at his twin. He's been marveling at his brother's antics since earlier. How can he pull that off? He wondered. It's weird and creepy, not that it didn't suit Ichiru. Oh no, it suited him so perfectly it was scary and that was what made it creepy in Zero's opinion. And for someone who was vehemently against this idea as well, he seems to be enjoying himself. Too much, in fact.
Though to be honest, Zero was a bit thankful for Ichiru's suspicious acts as it came extremely useful in the face of very capable challengers, namely from their shōgi club. He can't remember how many times he was in the brink of losing when his brother would make subtle touches in the guise of sweetly offering tea and snacks making those previous opponents lose their head and make the stupidest mistake known to the history of shōgi matches.
See? Stupid, right?
"Good job, Kiryū-san, Ichiru-kun!" Kageyama's cheerful face peered inside their small chamber. "Take a break first. We'll send the next player after fifteen minutes."
"Thanks, pres." Ichiru replied while Zero only grunted his acknowledgement.
"Good work both of you!" Yuki exclaimed, coming from the preparation area with another tray of hot tea and snacks for them.
Zero loudly groaned as he tried to relieve his stress. He's uncomfortable, a bit hungry, pissed as hell, and has been feeling unsettled inside for some unknown reason. Maybe because this is the stupidest thing he has ever done. It even surpassed that one time when he let himself wear a 'family' shirt the chairman insisted they all wear during a 'family' vacation in which he even suffered a full month of whining before relenting. He sighed. He knew grumbling about it now wasn't doing him any good but he can't help but be exasperated. He would have definitely taken any task other than this to enjoy his youth. Why must it be the cultural festival anyway? Why not the sport's festival? Test of courage? Or that freaking field trip? Then he remembered his beloved daughter and the reason he complied. He sighed again, too defeated to even think anymore.
"How many are still waiting?" Ichiru curiously asked as he took a taiyaki.
Yuki peeked outside their small quarter, seemingly counting the remaining challengers, "Huh, wow." She muttered, "Err, 20 more…"
"What?!" the twins yelled in exasperation. Fuck, weren't there only 10 before that last match and it wasn't even that long. Damn it!
"Well…" Yuki started, her eyes still surveying the hopeful individuals falling in line, "There're some previous challengers who came back."
"What the hell?" Zero frowned, "Are they crazy? They'll waste their time and money just to have their ass kicked again?" Why would anyone come back to this shitty place? He'd rather enjoy eating yakisoba and takoyaki if he can. Those dumbasses.
Yuki and Ichiru only shook their head at the oblivious hunter. They've been prefects for a long time so he really should have known just how far beauty can drive anyone into doing anything. They sighed. Well, Zero's problems lies in his inability to recognize his own good-looks.
The heaven shall hate thee, you colossal moron. Yuki smirked. Ah, is this the face that… that… geez, she can't remember… sent straight men astray? Oh well, that was more appropriate anyway. She snickered to herself.
Ichiru stared at his weird adopted-sister who's wearing a highly dubious smirk on her pretty face as she no doubt thought of something moronic. So that's how to ruin a beauty… He shook his head before sighing in exhaustion. He's already tired of this game. Admittedly, it's amusing when their challengers, the majority of them were male, would get flustered at the single stroke of his hand and a simple smile on his lips but it's tiring. And now, knowing that there are 20 more unlucky bastards waiting to see them, he just got even more tired. There's only so much even the benevolent him can put up with.
Why can't they just enjoy the festival like normal people? Eat! Hit on girls! Go to the horror booth! Buy souvenirs! Or watch the play! Don't come here! The younger Kiryū internally grumbled. He can of course see why they're piling up like bananas in a plantation. They want to hurry since it's first come first serve. It'll be over once someone finally defeated them and sweep them off their feet. He snorted. Like that was possible. His nii-san here was like an avenging death god because of overwhelming irritation and with him to distract capable opponents, they're unbeatable.
So really, they should just enjoy their time at their leisure. Even outside guests are waiting in line to play against them which was a pitiful waste of time. Ichiru suddenly wondered if the visitors who played the game were informed that they're just cross-dressing bishōnens. Poor guys.
His pity for those oblivious and hopeful creatures was soon forgotten as he indulged himself during their well-deserved break. The silver twins ate as many confectionaries as they can while sitting in a much more comfortable and careless manner, wondering when the tedious job will finally end so they can be free and work on forgetting the nightmare of cross-dressing. If one fucking soul even harped on it afterwards, there'll be hell to pay. Though, considering the smitten looks of pure adoration from all their opponents so far, it should be fine.
They already lost track of the time but they knew they already defeated quite a lot. Just a few more… Just a few more… Just a few fucking more… they both internally chanted to give themselves strength and patience to finish the festival and the torture.
"Ichiru-kun, Kiryū-san, we'll continue now, okay?" the class president quietly announced after their break. The silverettes only nodded before resuming formal sitting position and awaited the next challenger.
"When I heard the Kiryū twins are cross-dressing, I didn't fucking expect this."
Zero and Ichiru were frozen on their seats as an unwelcomed visitor entered their small chamber, unable to utter a single sound as two pairs of horrified amethysts found a pair of haughty hazel orbs. The older Kiryū cursed as he grinded his teeth and balled his fists while the younger twin immediately hunched down to bury his blushing face on the make-shift stage while willing the heavens to take him right now. Zero glared even more when his new opponent sat down, as he flashed him an irritating smirk that grated his nerves like nothing else did, his ash-brown mane swung with him as he moved.
What a clusterfuck.
"Fuck you, Kaito. What are you doing here?" Zero ferociously asked through his clenched teeth, already expecting some annoying retorts and crude remarks.
"Is that anyway to talk to your patron, Zero-chan?" Kaito replied in an aggravating tone that almost made Zero flip the table on his arrogant mug.
"Go. Away." the silverette pronounced viciously, the taut string holding his thinning patience already in danger of snapping.
"Oya, is this what your class does? Cheat your customers off their money?" Kaito said in a cool tone, still unaffected by the look of pure murder in his kohai's eyes.
Zero didn't say anything before fixing his burning scrutiny on his shōgi pieces; he needed to finish this game as fast as he can so he can kick this damn bastard out of here. He can't believe the idea that something like this may happen never crossed his mind. He thought that as long as Kaname isn't here then he'll be able to survive anyone else seeing him in his humiliation. He completely forgot this other bastard that cannot be allowed to see them like this. Damn belated. He's sure that this asshole won't let them live it out any time soon. Fucking great.
"Oi, Ichiru-chan, how long do you want to freaking kiss the floor?" Kaito turned to the other twin whose face was still hidden from him even when the game already started. Hey, hey, don't take away the fun!
Ichiru eventually removed himself from his slumped position but only to glower at their insensitive and rude senpai. How did this person managed to become an instructor? He's heartless!
"Just shut up and play the game, Kaito." He hissed. This shitty asshole.
"Easy now, lassie. You wouldn't want to ruin your make-up." Kaito snickered, enjoying the freaking hilarious moment.
Ichiru scrunched his eyes close, willing away the irritating sight of Kaito and his infernal smirk, while gripping a handful fabric of his kimono to assemble his diminishing patience. He might just take out his katana and accidentally slash the annoying bastard. But if that happened, that wouldn't be his fault. This moron is clearly inviting the trouble.
He repeatedly breathed deeply to calm himself before opening his eyes and directing it to his brother. Zero looked even more murderous than earlier as he moved his pawns, his silver-lavender eyes burned with such determination to kick the older hunter out. Do your best, nii-san!
The twins would have been contented with the heated silence surrounding them but of course, the demon in the name of Takamiya Kaito just wouldn't rest until guns were fired and blood was shed because he's a walking catalyst to the end of all mankind. Damn it. He wouldn't be satisfied until everyone around him finally ripped their faces out in irritation. What a total jerk.
"I have to say, I didn't know you two had it in you to dress like hussies."
And the jackass continued to taunt. Really, what did his daughter see in this annoying dumbass? Zero will wonder about that for all eternity.
"Girls, girls, don't get your panties in a wad." Kaito continued sarcastically when they didn't reply, "Really, no retort? Meh, you guys must really be sprouting vaginas under th-," a decorative fan that hit him square on the face disrupted any more taunts.
Zero just gave the older hunter a glower before taking his turn while his twin straightened himself from his throwing stance, taking a sip of his tea afterwards as if nothing happened.
"Oi Ichiru, that freaking hurt!"
"You really waited in line just to fucking mock us?"
"Waited? Please." Kaito snorted, irritating the twins further, as he massaged his forehead, "Like this great sensei will be forced to waste his time. There are certain privileges a handsome and popular teacher like me can get."
The Kiryū twins looked at the ash-brown haired hunter like he'd grown two horns and a pig snout.
"Idiot." Zero muttered under his breath.
Ichiru contended himself with silently insulting their senpai. Geez, he's like a disease.
Kaito scoffed at the two unbelieving silverettes, "'ye of little faith," he said in a sagely tone, "you'll be surprised to know what a dish I am."
"Did you come here for a reason?" the older silverette irately asked, ignoring his claim.
"Nah, I just had some free time."
"So you came here to lose?"
Kaito snorted, "Zero, my boy. The word 'lose' is not in my awesome vocabulary." Ridiculous child. he thought as he took his turn.
"'s that so?" Zero studied the board, "I find that hard to believe," then made his move, "check."
There was a brief silence that ensued wherein the brunette closely examined the shōgi board. The older Kiryū gave his senpai a hard look he only reserves for the stupidest morons while his twin shook in quiet laughter, trying to rein his glee lest he uncontrollably roll on the floor. Yeah, in your face! You arrogant bastard!
"You cheated."
"Like hell."
Kaito crossed his arms in front of him, suspicious hazel orbs still on the shōgi pieces, unwilling to admit defeat but the better man in him prevailed and so he just let out a gruff sigh, "Well, you're lucky I go easy on pitiful brats."
"What did you say, loser?"
Kaito continued as if the silverette didn't speak, "I'll give you this match, Zero, seeing you're both too unlucky already." Smirking brown eyes found the scowling courtesans. He's intending to use this particular material to tease them as much as he can. So what's a little game of shōgi anyway? Between them, he's still the winner for today since he have this mocking material against the two that is sure to annoy them to death for indefinitely, "Well, I'll just get out of here before I catch both of your stupidity." Kaito snickered as he shook his head, earning him another vicious glare from the twins.
Zero gritted his teeth, "Bastard. Don't treat us like idiots. We're not stupid."
"Oh yeah? Prove it." The rogue teacher provoked, "What's one plus one?"
Is he fucking with me? Zero thought but still complied together with Ichiru. "Nii (two)!" stretching their lips wide in a heartfelt answer.
They were then frozen when a sudden flash of a camera blinded them. The twins gaped at a nodding Kaito who inspected the photo he just took, "Okay, see you then, lassies. Good luck!"
"W-wait! Kaito! Hey, you asshole! Come-," Zero shouted at the hunter's back who wasn't fazed and didn't even glance back. That bastard!
"What happened?" Yuki inquired as she peeked from the front only to be welcomed by the sight of a blushing Zero whose one arm was still stretched forward as if calling his lover back with his mouth hanging open and a groaning bright red Ichiru whose back was hunched in deep grief and mortification, "Did… Takamiya-sensei do anything to you?"
No one provided an answer as the angry older Kiryū harshly palmed his face while his lamenting twin groaned even more loudly as if for good measure, just in case the shitty heavens didn't hear him the first time.
That fucking asshole. That shitty bastard. He's going to kill him and if he ever dared show that to anyone else, he's going to freaking cut out his balls. He didn't even want to know what his sensei's expression will be once he saw that. Shit! He needed to steal and crush that camera to a million pieces! Zero thought furiously.
"Err, Zero?" Yuki cautiously inquired, tiptoeing at the scary expression on his handsome face, careful not to further irritate him, "We're going to send in the new challenger, alright?"
The silverettes both glared but didn't say anything to stop it and so the short brunette hesitatingly sent in the unfortunate player who'll undoubtedly be the receiver of the Kiryū twins' wrath.
Their class didn't know what their Takamiya-sensei did to the silver prefects but they got increasingly curious as it wasn't even an hour and the twins already defeated eleven opponents in astonishing speed.
One Kaseumi smirked gleefully at their booming business and judging by the growing line of awaiting challengers, the busy preparation room and continuous flow of visitors; it seems like his wish to finally be able to dance with his true love, Souen Ruka-sama, is no longer a pipe dream.
Oh, he could cry in joy!
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"Here you go."
"Thanks!" one cute and very happy Akira smiled as he gratefully took a nice smelling grilled dried squid on a stick from a blushing Day class student who's tending their class' booth while his twin handed over the payment for their purchase.
Kohaku immediately dragged his munching twin from the stall since the female students seem to be in danger of cooing them for they no doubt reminded them of a very much admired Night class student. An exhausted sigh escaped from pouty lips while contemplating having to do a swift evasion from almost every booth tended by female students. "Let's search for masks, Akira."
"It's fine, it's fine. You're being paranoid again, Haku." The boisterous kid quickly dismissed the idea as he continued to bite his squid, "Let them look. We mustn't deprive anyone of chichiue's beauty."
"You just want to get more freebies." Reddish orbs narrowed accusingly at his twin before looking down on the bag of other treats they bought. They've been given some extras in most of the stalls they visited and he felt bad about it since they're very capable of paying for them. He sighed.
"There's that too." Akira admitted, smirking, "But really Haku, there's nothing wrong with it. It was not like we conned them in to giving those to us."
Smiling so dazzlingly at them knowing full well of its effects is the same as conning them. Kohaku thought dryly. "Still, they cannot make any profit if you just take without paying."
"Okay, alright. Fine. We'll just politely refuse them. Happy? But we're not going to wear masks. This is not a matsuri, this is the Cross Academy's cultural festival! Okay? Okay? Lighten up will you, Mr. Straight-lace." The little rogue grudgingly accepted as he rolled his eyes to which his brother merely raised a judging eyebrow. Really, his twin is such a worry wart. If Haku said it like that, of course, even he will feel guilty as well at his ready acceptance of those free gifts, he thought while petulantly filling his cheeks with air. "Ah, I want to eat some dango." He muttered off-handedly, suddenly craving something sweet, successfully redirecting their conversation elsewhere while he stared at his half-eaten squid.
"Bear with it for a while. We can't go to otou-chan's class because he might see us and nee-chan will undoubtedly spot us there." Haku dully reminded him as they continued to browse each stall for the next attraction.
Their beloved, crazy older sister will surely be spying on the happenings in their father's class, waiting for the exciting moments that will surely come, somewhere around the perimeter. They knew she'll insist on doing it, which was why they immediately took Akira's blood pill which hid their presences to avoid being dragged once again in her undying schemes.
Heavy sighs escaped from the brunettes as they thought of the same thing.
"Yeah, I know… I don't know why she wanted to record it herself when we even planted hidden cameras all over the room already… Nee-chan just can't rest about it, can she?" Akira sighed again before taking another bite of his squid.
"Nee-chan's the type who wants to do things herself as to not miss a single detail. She'll surely want to record aunt Yuki's and Ichiji's romance as well." Kohaku supplied absentmindedly as he looked around at the other booths that might interest them, "She won't rest unless she did it herself. Well, leave her to her own devices. She'll emerge from whatever vegetation she tangled herself in once she's had enough."
Akira merely nodded in assent as he finished his food. Oh well, since he's not being forced under a bush today, he can definitely forgive his sister for her stalking. They'll just forget about it and enjoy the festival, "Oooh, Haku, want to try that?" he pointed at a target shooting game near them.
"It should be fine."
They were almost upon the small booth when large hands grasping their little heads stopped their tracks. They didn't even need to turn around to know it was a certain ash-brown haired hunter arresting their movements.
"Oi brats. What do you think you're doing?" a terse voice resounded overhead.
"Ara, Kaito-jiichan, it's a surprise to see you here." Kohaku greeted monotonously, turning slowly at the tall hunter, unfazed by the frown decorating his handsome face while his twin beamed at him.
"Hiya Kaito-jiichan! Enjoying the festival too?"
"What's wrong with you two? Why don't you have a presence?" Kaito immediately interrogated without beating around the bush, dark brows creased severely over hazel eyes as he regarded the twins. How can he not feel their normally monstrous auras? He would have never spotted them had they not the only quaint sight inside the academy for it's rare to see unattended children in this crowd.
"Oh, that. Don't worry about it jiichan." The younger twin carelessly supplied, "We didn't want to be spotted by nee-chan so we took my blood pill."
"Blood pill…" he distractedly echoed, deep in thought. He heard that before. It's a variant of those damn blood stones that are made by purebloods which contain certain properties of their power or their unique ability. Huh. 'course these brats can do it too. He only heard about what that other kid can do about their time but he kinda missed questioning the headmaster regarding these other children. "Yours?"
"Yup!" Akira declared proudly. "We drank something that can hide our presence."
"Convenient." He muttered. And fucking powerful, to be able to hide those mighty auras. He let out a gruff sigh before letting go of their head and squatting in front of them, "And why are you two awake at this freaking hour? You said you're hiding from your sister?" he wasn't able to stop a smirk from appearing, "Pretty heartless of you two, don't cha think?"
The little boisterous devil's face contorted to that of a pained and wronged expression that didn't deceive the hunter one bit, "But… but… you don't understand how annoying nee-chan can be, jiichan… Ah, what do I do with all these pain?" he lamented as if he didn't just uttered outrageous words against his sister.
The little rogue's unconvincing tone and expression only made the hunter snort while the other brat gave his twin a quiet look that spoke a million insults, "Oh yeah? Why? What horrendous things had she done to you two?"
Sorrow was immediately replaced by a conspiratorial grin as Akira jumped at the opportunity to cause some chaos. "Well, you see jiichan. Nee-chan lo-mph!"
Shocked and questioning burgundy orbs met quiet and warning burgundy orbs as the twins stared at each other after Kohaku blocked his brother's attempt to play a prank on their elder sister by covering his mischievous mouth.
What are you doing, Haku?!
You can thank me later, moron.
"Ignore this little imp's nonsense, Kaito-jiichan. There was really no particular reason why we're hiding from our honorable sister. It's just that my brother and I felt like venturing in this cheery festival without adult supervision." Kohaku quietly supplied, sporting a listless expression that betrayed nothing of the truth, "Please forgive us if we caused you any inconvenience with our selfishness."
"Heh?" Kaito's smirk didn't diminish one bit even after such a convincing act since the other brat already let out the curious fact about the little princess. But seeing as this calm and collected kid, who seem to really take after a certain annoyingly expressionless pureblood king, didn't look like he'll forsake his sister and tell him anything, he just decided to give up asking. It's not like he's really interested about her antics. No siree. "Yeah, fine. Whatever." The hunter finally straightened himself, "Just don't freaking cause a problem, got that? Or I'll hunt you." He mildly warned.
"Hai, jiichan!"
"Of course, Kaito-jiichan. I'll be sure to look after my brother."
Akira awarded his twin with a scowl before turning to the tall light haired man, "Oh, take this jiichan. As a 'thank you'. It's the same pills that we consumed." he took out a small bottle from his stone's dimension, careful to cover it so normal humans won't see something being conjured out of nowhere, and flashed him a big grin before whispering, "By the way, we would really appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone, like otou-chan and nee-chan, that you saw us here today. Alright, jiichan?"
What's this? A bribe? Kaito thought with a frown when the twins suddenly run away as if the devil himself was chasing them, "Oi, wait!" The hunter called out to the two retreating brats but gave up when they only gave him a slight wave of their hands.
What the hell? Brown eyes then found the small bottle with red pills inside. Will this seriously hide his presence? Does this even work on hunters? He asked himself and, even against his better judgment, took one and swallowed it experimentally.
He waited for painful agony to course through him but nothing happened. He frowned. He still didn't know if the damn thing worked but he at least know now that it wasn't toxic. Hmmm, well, how can he test it out?
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Fiery and focus lilac eyes accompanying somber and downcast lilac eyes in the face of two amazingly gorgeous silverettes continued to seduce male and female guests and students to visit the now famous traditional café of a freshman class. Long lines can be seen in the corridor as these expectant new and repeat challengers talked about the rumors and truths of these two courtesans' beauty.
There were some, most were male second years, who only came to mock the two infuriating prefects who repeatedly thwarted their attempts to be near the beauties of the Night class like Ruka-chan and Rima-tan but were left speechless in the face of stunning Venuses. The Earth-shattering visions caused them no small amount of dangerous rapid heartbeats and confusion. Whereas in the case of the female population, other than the want to eat the delicious confectionaries and look at the superb designs and props that were incredibly genuine, elegant and quite unlike all the previous booths they've been into, they merely wanted to see and perhaps make fun of the cross-dressing students and how the famous male prefects fared, only to be struck speechless at how defeated their own looks were compared to the elegance and allure of those two men. But instead of pure vehemence at the unfairness of it, though admittedly they can't help but feel a little bitter, they only turned even joyous as they watch the beauties' effects on male challengers, feeling giddy every time another blushing male opponent emerge from the small chamber.
Everyone who heard of it wanted to see the much fussed about attraction and game. Students and guests, those who were confident in their skills and those who have never even seen a shōgi board in their life, all waited for their turn causing those who didn't know to be curious as well.
The long line of customers caused much joy to all the students belonging to Yuki's class except perhaps the two silverettes who were forced to take on all these curious and admiring individuals.
He's going to fucking explode any moment now. He swore internally as he took his turn, ignoring the sighs and simper from the female freshman in front of him, focusing on defeating her as fast as possible. Really, he's sick of everything. The attention, the admiration, sighs, giggles, stares, glances and those freaking compliments from their opponents. When is this going to end? Even his brother seemed to be having a hard time keeping up with his genteel act. When will the evening come? Why is still just early afternoon?! Time, hurry up!
Heavy sighs escaped from identical lips once their latest opponent left their little space after just one more glance back. They want another break, perhaps one that will last an hour or two or forever. Isn't it unfair that they need to engage with this mess for the whole day when their other classmates have rotational shifts so they can look around? Well, not like they can really complain about it when they had ten days of lazing around, so this might be fair. Oh hell. It made them want to be exemplary model students who will participate in every damn class activities in the future. This is the last time that they'll be tricked into doing something so stupid.
Their internal promises were abruptly cut when their class president's voice rang from outside their small quarter, "K-Kiryū-santachi, we-we'll be sending in the next challenger."
Both frowned at the small quiver in Kageyama's voice and only then just realized the loud collective murmurs around them. Ichiru was about to stand up to take a peek outside when their newest opponent presented himself before them. The hand that held the fabric screen up revealed a handsome visage graced by a pair of smiling garnets, sharp eyebrows, elegant nose, pink lips and creamy complexion. The unmistakable white Night class uniform was beautifully illuminated by the glory of the early afternoon sun.
But of course, since Zero and the world are official nemesis, it's already been decided that such an embarrassment can't go unseen by Kuran Kaname, the one person Zero wished and wished never to ever know of him dressing up as a woman.
The world stood still as the king of the vampire world sat down properly in front of his shell-shocked lover who seemed to still contemplate what kind of nightmare he was seeing before him. It made him smile. The pureblood took the twins' apparent stupefied states to quietly assess the never before seen appearance of his petrified hunter. Hard rubies drank the sight before him. Kaname planned on surprising Zero but he was the one surprised instead. He knew about it, of course, but it didn't stop the overwhelming astonishment and the rush of desire that instantly filled him at the striking spectacle of the ravishing beauty. He was simply astounded. He also can't help the small bitterness at the realization that countless people had already seen and admired Zero like this. Hmmm, he really should have come sooner.
No words were exchanged for a while as the hunter held Kaname spellbound, at the same time, Zero was stunned senseless by the vampire king whilst Ichiru merely darted his lilac orbs between the two, all the while trying not to laugh at the horrific turn of events.
Zero didn't know who to blame for the mayhem. His class who thought of the ridiculous idea? Yuki who kept it all from them? The chairman who approved of this nonsense? His own weakness at accepting the fucked up arrangement? Kaname who adamantly wants to kill him with humiliation? Or his shitty fate that's been obviously played by the heavens? Anyway, he needed an outlet because he won't accept the 'shit happens' as a reason. He needs to freaking shoot someone today.
"I assure you, it was merely by chance that I heard about this interesting class activity." Kaname smiled at the glowering silverette once he caught wind of his annoyance through their bond.
"Yeah, right." Zero glared at him. The awareness that started to kick in after being frozen stimulated countless feelings and realizations that inevitably produced a hot flush to cover his entire body, accompanied by the wild party in his chest. Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!
"I was just about to talk to the chairman regarding tonight's event when I caught sight of the long line in front of your class. I'm afraid curiosity got the better of me this time." He further supplied to his chagrined lover. "It was certainly unexpected but I can now see what the fuss was all about."
Zero growled as he clenched his teeth and tightly gripped his kimono. He can feel his face heat up by the second. Fuck. He cursed, feeling both anger and disappointment at being seen in this ridiculous appearance even after convincing himself that this bastard will never find out.
"Shit." He muttered as he averted his gaze from the teasing eyes and aggravating smirk from the annoying pureblood, "Why didn't Yuki warn us?"
"Ah, please don't blame her. The line was too long, you see, she must have missed it and I would have waited patiently but those kind people let me go first. I was already in front of her before she noticed."
Amethyst orbs narrowed in suspicion and disbelief. Yeah, he knew of this bastard's sneaky nature. Kaname can be behind or beside his victim already without anyone noticing. That's really possible but somehow he just can't believe that this fucking mess was not deliberate, "Bastard." Zero cursed one last time before he readied his pieces to start the most troublesome and no doubt the hardest match of all. "What the fuck are you looking at? Focus on the board. We're starting!"
"Please don't worry about me. I assure you I have all intentions of winning." And I will. Others can no longer be allowed the privilege of this sight.
"Fuck you." Zero snarled. I'm going to defeat you, you bastard.
Ichiru wished he brought popcorn. This is the most hilarious situation that happened today. It's even better than any romantic-comedy movies that he was forced to watch with Yuki. Never mind that his brother is currently miserable. It's just that nothing beats his fierce expression ruined by the deep crimson painting his cheeks. Cute nii-san. He smiled while sipping his tea as he comfortably watched the players whose expressions couldn't be more in contrast from one another.
The match of the century continued without much interaction from the three occupants of the small chamber as Zero concentrated on his pieces, Kaname fixated on his hunter, and Ichiru divided his attention on the game, the snacks and the funny look of his brother.
Despite how it seemed, Kaname's thoughts, desires and feelings stirred unimaginable chaos in his mind which mercifully didn't seeped outside his exterior as his calm teasing expression remained intact to mildly annoy his adorable lover. Inconspicuous glances drank the wondrous sight before him.
Russet eyes slyly trailed the long thin fingers that moved a pawn to the beautiful line of his kimono clad arm, up that slender white neck, then to the incredibly gorgeous blushing face normally veiled by his silky silver hair that is currently covered by a silver wig and now, free of any obstruction, made his enchanting lilac orbs even more stunning and eye-catching. It took his breath away.
'I knew he'd be beautiful but I didn't expect this.'
And he's even more beautiful now that those ever so defiant eyes display a complex mix of embarrassment, petulance, anger and pure determination to defeat him. Something akin to pride swelled inside the pureblood. No matter what, his little spitfire wouldn't just go down without a fight, would he? Ah, but he can't let himself fail now and this is a game he will surely win. At all cost.
Zero frowned at the board as he studied the possible outcomes that each move will result to. Isn't he in a dangerous position now? How come it became like this? Where the fuck did he go wrong? He clicked his tongue before finally making a move that he believed was the safest when his fingers froze around the piece as he realize his moronic mistake. For a minute, he seriously contemplated breaking etiquette and put the damn piece back to its previous location. Oh hell. He risked a glanced at Kaname only to be greeted by an inappropriate smile. Damn it.
A tense moment passed in which a few more pieces were moved before a smooth velvety voice announced Zero's doom, "Check."
The hunter growled while scrutinizing the board closely, trying to find a responding move that might just remove the check to his freaking king, only to swallow when he found none. He knew it was already a lost cause but he can't seem to find the voice to admit it. He squared his jaw, his mouth seemingly adamant in denying the bastard the delight of accepting his loss, only to be betrayed by his brother who rang the bell signaling a challenger's victory.
Zero couldn't even bring himself to care about the sudden commotion outside as he stared at the traitor he once thought was his twin brother. The renegade's guiltless amethyst orbs calmly met accusing amethyst orbs.
"Nii-san, a loss is a loss. Man up and admit defeat." This earned Ichiru a seraphic smile full of gratitude from the pureblood.
"Damn it, Ichiru. I-," Zero's fierce rant was interrupted when a hand captured his pale wrist which forced him on his feet.
"I thank you, Ichiru. I wish you good luck on the next challenges. We'll see you at the banquet then." Kaname pleasantly remarked as he pulled closer his captured prize who kept trying to wrestle himself free from his grasp.
"Damn it! Let go!"
"Sure thing, senpai." Ichiru smiled widely at the comical look of agitation from his brother, which they blissfully ignored, compared to the brunette's calm and pleased demeanor.
The hand he's waving as he bid his struggling twin goodbye froze when the realization of his torture's commencement suddenly resounded deep in his mind. Oh fuck. It's his turn. Oh shit. And there're lots of them remaining. Damn!
Senpai, give me back my brother!
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"Fufu, really now. Father was really too impatient. Even after we repeatedly told him it's better to wait until the late afternoon."
A certain princess mumbled while training her large video camera towards the pureblood with a struggling beauty in his arms. She smiled with no hint of discomfort even in her position on the forest floor, surrounded by the leaves and thin branches of the large bush she was under, slumped on her stomach. Much too focus on her endeavor to worry about her appearance or the location.
Anne sighed, "There was no way otou-chan would have lost to those men. Chichiue was just too worried." She muttered in a soft tone and despite her words, there was no hint of resentment in her countenance, only affection and fondness. Oh, this is such a great spot! Lavender eyes looked away from the peephole of the recorder to thank the heavens for such an advantageous location that enabled her to catch the wonderful way her father took her otou-chan's hand. It was quite hard to find an elevated and well-concealed place in the academy that offers such a clear view of that specific classroom.
Really, going to this time and being able to witness these exchanges before her was one of the best things that happened to her. How many children get to see their own parents' budding romance bloom before their very eyes? Certainly none but them!
Fits of giggles erupted from the jolly princess as her gaze fell on the small screen of her most trusted companion for it displayed her father carrying his mate in his arms in bridal style to stop the latter's attempts in running away. Truly a beautiful couple. She sighed as she continued to watch through the feed. Ah, cameras are one of men's greatest inventions! She internally declared. It's infinitely much better than her two unfaithful brothers who disappeared even after knowing she'll want some assistance in her schemes. Really now, those two! People will start to think that she's been forcing them do anything highly inappropriate. Well, she must admit that it's quite questionab-… No! No! No! This is for the sake of immortalizing their parent's romance! Isn't it something noble? She nodded to herself.
"Oh, there's aunty and Takuji." She mumbled, directing her camera to the couple seated in one of the tables after her fathers disappeared to somewhere her lens can't follow. Well, she needed to go on-location then. She wondered where her chichiue will take her otou-chan. Hopefully it'll be somewhere she can sp- observe them freely.
She wriggled out of her current position, smearing her beautiful dress with dried dirt in the process, and crawled backwards in all fours to finally emerge out of the bush. She moved slowly, careful not to break the camera she's holding on one of her hands. She was almost out, feeling her butt and back free from the pressure of the plants above her, and slowly but surely went out of her hiding place.
A sigh escaped from bow-shaped lips when the little princess finally extracted herself from under the large vegetation and was shaking her head in an attempt to remove the leaves that got stuck in her long silken hair when she caught an image in her peripheral vision. She abruptly halted any wild movements and blinked. She could have sworn she saw… Her heart instantly hammered in her chest as she collected what courage she have against mortification and slowly turned her pretty head around.
For sure, she's never been more horrified until this very moment.
Lilac eyes gaped with disbelief as she beheld her one and only giving her a quiet look while squatting behind her. He is sitting on his heels with his elbows on his upturned knees, his jaw resting snuggly at the back of his folded fingers. His beautiful hazel orbs trained on the chibi princess as if he's watching an unknowing cat caught in the act of stealing a fish.
'K-Kaito-san!'
Why didn't she sense him?! They stared at each other for a quiet moment. The tiny pureblood still slumped on soft grass with her big amethyst orbs displaying unveiled embarrassment and humiliation, with few leaves and twigs sticking out of her messy dark brown strands to further erase the elegant image she tried hard to imprint in his mind, unable to utter a word of explanation for her highly dubious actions nor for the convicting video camera that was still on her numb hands. A hot blush filled her from her noble toes to the tips of her royal hair as her lips continued to hang open in surprise.
The hunter merely watched the young princess in her evident struggle, hard put in not showing his mirth at her amusing expressions, for he knew well what must be going through her mind. How funny. The little royal was obviously unsettled. He didn't know what demon possessed him but he just can't find it in him to put her at ease. He wanted to tease her until she cry and see more of that unmasked and sincere expression. She's beautiful in her adult form but she's simply adorable in this.
After a few minutes, however, he finally felt pity on her. Well, it will not do to have that hilarious expression permanent on her pretty face or his kohai will have his head, "Wha'cha doing brat?"
And as if the entire heavens suddenly conspired against her, Anne squeaked like a dying rabbit caught in an accident in reply. No, no, no! Get your act together, you shameless woman! Anne berated herself as she struggled for composure, gathering all her remaining wits to try and salvage her beautiful image in his mind that she's been trying to create. She was about to speak as elegantly as she can when the hunter, who she didn't notice was already shaking at the hilarity of her reaction, suddenly burst out laughing.
"What was that, brat? You okay?" he asked in between laughs.
She gaped this time. Drinking in his laugh and recognizing the timbre and pitch and his every movement. From the way his shoulders shook to the way he tried to hold himself up. She recalled that familiar way his hazel eyes crinkled in euphoria which in turn drew a faint wistful smile on her face. He's really unchanging, isn't he?
When Kaito was finally able to rein his glee to look down at the funny little princess, who he expected would be pouting petulantly by now, he was surprised to be welcomed by a serene smile instead. His laughter completely died in his throat when he saw a woman's regard in him. Again, those eyes. Soft lavenders holding so much affection unbefitting of a child and should never be directed towards a full grown man. Really, what's with this child? She'd better be not looking at everyone with such eyes or she'll cause an uproar and much confusion. Good thing it was him since he'll never make such a mistake.
He internally shook himself and coughed once to ward off the awkward air that was starting to hover over them, "Well, sorry about that, kid." He supplied in his normal voice, totally unaffected by innocent charms, "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone your secret hobby."
At this, Anne instantly remembered what happened. Oh no! Kaito-san just saw her doing her Family Romance Collection Scene Gathering! Oh, how ruined she must be. She lamented internally as her mind raced to rectify the situation, "I assure you this doesn't usually happen." She hastily supplied, "I'm merely desperate at the moment but I definitely, definitely don't crawl under such vegetation for fun. As you know, my hobbies are extremely normal ones like playing the piano and embroidery. Yes, those incredibly elegant and graceful occupations. I don't normally engage myself with such unladylike diversions. Definitely not." Why does it feel like she's only digging her own grave deeper?
Kaito merely looked at the child in amusement, a smirk adamantly forming in his lips as her words reawakened his mirth, "Yeah, nice try, kid." He replied once she was finished giving excuses, chortling internally at the expression of disappointment and defeat in her features, "It's okay, you know. Who even said you need to have such elegant hobbies just because you're wearing a dress?"
Anne felt indignant, "But really, Kaito-san. I do play the piano and make embroideries as a pastime." With some tea and biscuits, she wanted to add but felt she'll only look more like an idiotic child. Oh, how can she rectify such a situation? Heavens above, give me back my good reputation! "This rarely happens, please believe me…"
"Yeah, yeah, okay. I believe you." The hunter relented, finally feeling mercy for the princess, "Why were you even there in the first place?"
A soft gasp escaped from small pink lips once she realized that she'll only be furthering such bad reviews of her behavior should her favorite hunter learned of her stalking… scratch that… suspicious… oh no, not that… highly unique tendencies. Yes. Her thoughts raced as she attempted to conjure a reasonable excuse or at least divert his attention entirely, "Oh, ah, uhm, well, certainly an interesting questi-, no! please-," she wasn't able to finish when he suddenly tilted his head up to look at the other side of the bush.
"Oh, I see." Kaito smirked as he caught a glimpse of the view she must have been looking at earlier and found a certain blond and brunette couple happily chatting away in a familiar traditional Japanese café and with the recording device she's holding, he finally understood, "Having aspirations to be a paparazzi, eh?"
Amethyst orbs vehemently trained their scrutiny at the invisible imps taunting her for such a blunder, fiercely avoiding the amber ones she knew was looking at her, internally willing mother nature to swallow her whole that she may become fertilizer and be a better help to the world. Her stupidity is certain to be a catalyst for something horrifying and possibly dangerous in the future. Surely, she just disgraced the noble name of her father at her shameful actions. She's worse than Akira! She thought in full remorse.
This is such a grievous day indeed. And to think that she could have used it better for her own advantage but she foolishly missed it!
She didn't know which fact to lament more; The fact that she was caught in such an embarrassing situation or the fact that she wasn't able to use this perfect occasion to get closer to the hunter? But she can't help it. She's been saving her remaining blood pills so they can still continue attending the Night class. Oh, what a tragedy! And to think that she's been trying to charm him with her exquisite beauty (Let's not be hypocritical, since she inherited much from her parents, she knows she's beautiful.) and mature grace! She thought she was having at least a little success but now…
She just showed him a child.
Goodness! Really, how could she err in such important matters!
She just proved herself a brat! Ohhh! Is this the punishment for all her schemes? Why? It was but an innocent diversion with an intention to bring couples closer together. And so what if she found it very entertaining? She's still doing something for the sake of her parents' and uncles' romances! She was in the middle of severe criticism of herself when her castigation was interrupted by a gentle hand on her hair. She looked up to find the amused but kind hazel regards on her that she knew so well.
"Hey, it's okay." Kaito sincerely assured. He can't help but want to ease her self-hate. Crying is still fun when it's because of something trivial but self-depreciation should never be administered and endured by anyone. Her lilac eyes must only be allowed happiness and petulance but never hatred. "I'm just playing with you, brat. You're too damn serious, lighten up will you?" he spoke while playfully ruffling her hair.
Anne managed a smile at this. Ah, he's really the same no matter what timeframe. She felt extremely happy at that thought as she satisfied her heart with the image of a still squatting Kaito-san with his jaw resting on one hand while the other continued to ruffle her hair, a familiar soft smile on his lips.
Ne, Kaito-san, will you be mine in the future?
She could only hope and do her best but she still continue to chant her wish. There's no harm in asking the heavens' favor as an extra for a better chance. Right?
The little princess was already content with just staying in such a position, even when she knew that her dress must be unsightly with her hair full of dead leaves and small sprigs, as long as the hunter's hand was still on her but alas, as all scenes have endings, so was this moment.
"Better get up already, brat. Don't you have to prepare for that ball?"
"Indeed Kaito-san." She resignedly agreed as the hunter helped her stand, "So, shall I see you at the evening banquet?"
"Yeah, sure brat."
Kaito didn't know why he said that when he already decided that he won't attend that ridiculous nonsense. His tongue just slipped but he didn't know how to take back that mistake in the face of a joyful smile.
Oh well, someone do need to look after the vamps anyway.
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