Disclaimer: Do not own anything recognizable, just this plot/prompt idea – Thanks!
"Random Subject Prompts"
Chapters 020: Iori Asahina
Anime: Brothers Conflict
Prompt: Kissing booth
Chapter Warnings:
Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and added this series of one-shots to their Favorites list :)
KH*IA*KH*IA
Bright Centrair Private Academy
The school's festival was practically around the corner, so all of the students were scrambling to get everything done and ready. Most classes were doing the classics, like haunted houses, maid and/or butler cafés, and takoyaki food stalls. Iori Asahina's class, meanwhile, had decided on a giant maze that, if the customer made it out within a certain timeframe, would get a prize at the exit.
But Iori wasn't too concerned about their project getting finished. Everything had been measured, cut, painted, and prepped. All that was left was putting the finished product up, and doing a test run to make sure the walls were secure and the passages wide enough for the customers to walk through. Iori had been in charge of the blueprints, so he was confident the design was as flawless as possible.
Casually walking down the busy hallways, Iori tucked his hands into his pockets as he glanced around. A small smile twitched at the corners of his lips. Everyone was working so hard and diligently. For some, like himself, this would be his last year of school festivals, so they had to make it count. Putting the extra effort into their attractions served as a memorable time for them that would hopefully last for a lifetime.
Speaking of making things last for a lifetime, he thought. Hazel eyes caught sight of the one person he'd been seeking in all of the surrounding madness and excitement. His gaze softened as he continued to stare at one particular senior he'd grown fond of over the years.
Kagome Higurashi. Despite a rough middle school life, she'd risen from the ashes like a fiery phoenix to improve her grades and pass the entrance exam to the prestigious academy with flying colors. With her pale, smooth skin, and dark raven tresses, she was considered the school's Madonna. Her amethyst eyes were unique and soulful, while her impressive archery skills had landed her a spot as the youngest Archery Captain. She was the epitome of the phrase 'beauty and brains.' She was also kind and sweet-natured; however, if provoked, she was known to scare the living hell out of her attacker. Her dual personality traits made her very sought after and popular with both males and females. Iori couldn't help but admire her.
And want her with an intensity that almost frightened him.
Normally, he would've been more aggressive – in subtle ways, of course – when it came to his feelings for Kagome. But he hadn't, and the reason had been simple.
She had a boyfriend.
Akitoki Houjo, Iori believed his name was. Houjo went to another school but that hadn't stopped him from stopping by the academy to visit Kagome and take her out on afterschool dates. Iori even had the 'pleasure' of meeting Houjo a few times when a group of students would plan a get-together to spend time outside of school settings, and Kagome would bring him along for quality time. Houjo's family also owned a small but popular medicinal shop, and he was constantly gifting Kagome with remedies meant for her 'various ailments.'
Iori almost scoffed at the thought. Kagome was one of the healthiest people he had ever met. What sort of 'ailments' could she possibly have? And it was obvious she didn't have them anymore. Middle school had been a long time ago, and she hadn't missed one day of school or club activities – as he should know, because he'd made sure to catch a glimpse of her every day.
It wasn't stalking, he mentally assured himself. He was just… concerned. He didn't want anything to happen to Kagome, plain and simple. The students would probably all descend into chaos if she missed a single day of classes, that's all. Him included. He had gotten so used to her presence. He wouldn't be able to function normally without seeing her.
He sighed, knowing he was doomed and hopeless when it came to that young woman. He had accepted his fate long ago, and there was no point in changing it.
"Iori-kun," Kagome called out, voice happy. Iori instantly looked back at the raven haired beauty, polite smile in place. And if he straightened his posture, shoulders back, it was only to make sure his appearance was as 'prince-like' as people often admired him for.
"Kagome-chan," he greeted back, with a nod of acknowledgement.
She stepped right in front of him, a respectable distance away. Her head cocked to the side, like a curious puppy. "I'm surprised you're here. How are the preparations for your class going?"
"We're just about finished. All that's left is the set up and test run."
"That's great! I heard your class was doing a maze. That sounds like so much fun," she beamed, eyes sparkling. "I bet you're the one who did the design, right?"
Iori chuckled modestly. "You know me too well, Kagome-chan. Will you come by to visit me on the day of the school festival?" He purposely worded his question that way, wanting to subtly push her in the direction he wanted.
Not seeming to get the hint, she laughed lightly. "Of course I'll come by to see you and your class, Iori-kun," she answered. "I'm really excited about this year's festival. Everyone is working so hard, and the decorations look amazing."
"They do," he agreed. "I'm curious, though. I haven't heard what your class will be doing." He raised a curious eyebrow, waiting for a response. It then nearly disappeared into his hairline when a blush colored his companion's cheeks and she could no longer meet his gaze. "Kagome-chan?"
She shuffled on her feet, fingers nervously picking at her skirt's hem. The way she worried her bottom lip with her teeth was too fascinating.
"Promise me you won't laugh," she softly said.
Utterly curious now, he nodded. "Yes. Of course. I won't laugh at you."
Her gaze reluctantly lifted to meet his once more. "Since this is our last year, everyone decided to go all-out…" She trailed off for a second then determinedly continued. "Because of that, everyone wanted to… Well…" Her cheeks flushed an even darker shade of red if possible. "My class is doing a kissing booth!" she finally blurted out, slamming her eyes closed as she waited for him to break out into hysterics.
But Iori just stood there, completely stunned.
What?
His Kagome was doing… a kissing booth? A kissing booth?
As in, she would have to kiss complete strangers for a few measly dollars?
No, his mind raged. Hell no. There was no way he would allow that! Boyfriend or not, Kagome was his, damn it, and there was no way she would be involved in a kissing booth. Not even over his dead body!
"I…" For the first time, Iori had no words to say. What could he say? "I… That's… different."
"I know," Kagome practically wailed, more embarrassed than anything. She also seemed unaware of the inner turmoil she'd caused him. "It's completely insane! But everyone said it would be a great gimmick, especially since there are so many students who admire me and want to see me before the school year is over. It'll be one of their last chances." Her hands covered her face. "I didn't even know I was popular! Why? I'm not anything special."
The last snapped Iori out of his surprise. Smiling gently, he pried her hands down and away from her face. "That's not true," he soothingly said. "You're definitely special, Kagome-chan. It shouldn't have to be said." Or demonstrated with a kissing booth, he mentally added, brow twitching in annoyance.
"But still," she whimpered, "I'm so embarrassed. I know I'm going to screw up on the day of the festival. I'll be too nervous."
"You'll do better than you think. And I'm sure Houjo," he grimaced at the name, "will be there to support you."
Kagome dropped her gaze to the ground, but not out of embarrassment this time. Waves of sadness practically buffered against him, and he was instantly alert. What's this? Was there (finally) trouble in paradise?
"About that…" she said hesitantly. "Um, you see, we broke up."
Iori did his best to mold his features into a sympathetic look instead of the smug grin he wanted to reveal. "Oh? I'm sorry to hear that. If you don't mind my asking, when did this happen?" he politely inquired, using his best 'you can tell me anything' voice.
"About a month ago." Her eyes visibly drooped, and she suddenly appeared like a kicked puppy. He wanted to wrap his arms around her but knew he couldn't. At least, not yet.
He cautiously asked, "Was it because he found out about the kissing booth?" Jealousy and irrational possessiveness would be good motives to break up with someone, especially when they were as popular as Kagome was. And although Iori didn't like the thought of her kissing others that weren't him, it still wouldn't have been enough to end their relationship.
The raven haired beauty scuffed the toe of her shoe against the ground. "Well, yeah, but it was more than that," she answered. "I applied for universities in the states. Akitoki didn't like that we'd be separated so far, especially since we're already going to different high schools. He wanted me to apply to Tokyo University, where he's going. But…"
"You want to follow your own path," Iori finished, knowing exactly how that felt. His family was supportive, and they would never hold him back from going to the University of his dreams. He'd made it clear he was going to the mainland after graduation, and they had accepted that with praise and remarks about visiting home whenever he could.
Kagome nodded, smiling. "Yes. There's so much I want to do. Going to a University in the states might be what I need to get there."
On impulse, he grabbed one of her hands to hold within his own. His eyes and smile were warm as he gazed at her. "I support you, Kagome-chan, no matter what you choose." Especially if it led her one step closer to him. "What school are you most interested in?"
"It sounds almost like a cliché, but I want to go to New York. I already got my acceptance letter, so I'm really excited." The way she beamed at her post-graduation plans said it all.
Iori smiled. What a coincidence. He'd just received his acceptance letter to New York as well.
And now he just had to dismantle that damned kissing booth, and everything would be almost perfect for what he needed to do next.
Capturing Kagome's heart had never been easier, and he knew another opportunity like this one would never come around again. He'd have to strike while the iron was still hot, as the saying went.
He was, after all, willing to risk it all to love her.
KH*IA*KH*IA
Day of the Festival
So, he hadn't actually been able to dismantle the kissing booth – nor stop its completion – but that didn't discourage Iori. In fact, it only made him more determined than ever to gain Kagome's attention and, hopefully, affections. Without the boyfriend blocking his intentions, he felt confident in attracting the one girl he couldn't have.
Currently, Iori was making his way to Kagome's classroom. His classmates were doing the finishing touches to the maze, so his attention wasn't exactly needed but he couldn't dally either. He was on a mission, one he was determined to accomplish before he got dragged away when the festival started and guests started piling in. His own relatives – those who were free today, anyway – would also be in attendance, and they no doubt would wish to spend time with him.
Reaching his target location, Iori took a silent, deep breath. Then, so as to not over think his actions, abruptly slid the door open and entered like he owned the place.
Murmuring voices instantly stopped, curious and surprised glances on his person, but his hazel eyes were locked onto the raven haired beauty he'd come to see. His normally jovial and polite expression was gone, replaced by one of intense determination.
"Iori-kun?" Kagome questioned just as surprised as her fellow classmates. She was seated behind the booth they'd constructed for the event, making final adjustments to make sure it didn't collapse or was too high. The giant, glass collection jar was placed to the side, painted with hearts and lip imprints to make it clear what its use was for. "What are you doing here?"
Iori marched forward until he stood right in front of her. Casually reaching into his pocket, he extracted a couple of bills and slid it towards her. Hazel remained locked with amethyst, even as the latter widened in understanding.
"Iori-kun…?" she whispered.
When he finally spoke, his voice came out low and husky. "I believe this is sufficient enough funds for what I want." With that, he leaned forward to slant his lips against hers. She froze for a second but melted in the next, and he inwardly smirked at his victory.
She was sweet, like he'd always imagined, but she had a spice that was distinctly 'Kagome.' He could easily get addicted to her taste, if he wasn't already. As it was, he didn't want the kiss to end. But it was inevitable; they both needed to breath, and they currently had an audience.
Iori broke the contact reluctantly, enjoying how she licked her lips afterwards to savor his taste as he was sure to savor hers for the rest of the day until he could kiss her again.
"I wasn't going to be okay with you kissing other guys unless I was the first and last," he told her honestly. The grin that curved his mouth was quite devilish. "So, expect me to be back when the day is over, Kagome-chan. I'm not letting you go after this."
Kagome blushed, but a pleased smile had appeared on her near-angelic features. "Iori-kun," she giggled, "I was only supposed to kiss the customers on the cheek, not on the mouth."