"Ms. Kurono!"
Kurumu grinned, seeing Yotaku and Nyuuwa waiting at the school gate up ahead. Yotaku waved happily with a bright smile on her face. She and her companion were wearing school jackets but only Nyuuwa had troubled herself with tying the bow below her collar.
"That girl is too excited for the morning."
Kurumu smirked, glancing over her shoulder at the vampire sisters. Moka was wearing the school jacket with the red bow tied at her collar while Kokoa was sporting the sleeveless sweater vest. Kokoa had her thick, silver hair pulled back in a ponytail while Moka's hair was unbound, spilling down her back.
"Better than walking to school half asleep."
"I haven't had issues with waking up in months."
Kurumu smiled softly, guessing that was true. She absently toyed with the strap of her schoolbag which was nestled in the valley of her bosom. Her curves were fully defined by the sleeveless vest worn over her school blouse. She had not worn the red bow but had put her hair up with her purple lace ribbon.
"I'm going ahead."
Yukari made a dismissive sound, walking alongside her. The witch had on the full, proper school uniform just like Moka. Having prepared bento boxes for lunch, Yukari had her white satchel with her schoolbag.
Kurumu kicked her feet up into a jog, passing by the remaining boards flanking the school trail. It only took a few seconds for her to reach her juniors. Yotaku chuckled softly, turning on her heel and walking through the gate.
"Morning, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu grinned, walking with Nyuuwa through the gate a few steps behind Yotaku.
"Morning."
"I didn't see Ms. Toujou with you."
"She's staying in Mononoke for the rest of the week."
"Did something go wrong with the hospital visit?"
Kurumu laughed at Nyuuwa's concern, waving her hand dismissively.
"Not at all. You could say that she ended her birthday with a climax."
Yotaku giggled, arriving at the door ahead of them. The girl turned with a smile as she opened it.
"I confronted Hebihana last night before going to bed."
Kurumu frowned, stopping at the open doorway.
"I didn't ask you to do that."
"I had to find out why she hates you. She claims that you stole her sister's boyfriend."
Kurumu laughed in disbelief. Shaking her head, she crossed the threshold.
"I didn't go to school with a Hebihana."
"But you were stealing boyfriends?"
Kurumu pouted, stopping shy of the rows of shoe shelves with Nyuuwa at her side.
"I wasn't stealing any boyfriends! The only boyfriend I had in junior high was Takada. Every girl my age admired him but he was single when I snatched him up."
"She says you had every guy in school under your charm."
Kurumu grimaced at Yotaku's claim, knowing that was true. She had spent the latter half of her eighth grade year with that conquest in mind, though she had done that to spite the girls talking poorly about her. By the time she turned fifteen, every guy in junior high had confessed to her.
"I had dozens of admirers but only one boyfriend."
"Maybe you stole her boyfriend on accident?"
Kurumu scowled at Nyuuwa's suggestion. Shaking her head, she started down the aisle.
"I'm changing my shoes."
The other girls thankfully went to do the same, leaving Kurumu in peace. She made her way to her shoe cubby, taking out her slippers. Dropping them on the floor, Kurumu stepped out of her school loafers. She bent over, putting on her slippers. Picking up her loafers, she stuffed them in her cubby. Kurumu stepped up into the main foyer, wandering out to the center below the chandelier.
Kurumu thought back to her junior high years in Kengamine. While that village had been home to Sankei High, the prefectural school of Tottori, it had not possessed a large population. There had been less than a hundred students in the junior high with her graduating class not even breaking thirty. She knew all of her persecutors' names. Hebihana had not been among those bitches.
She swallowed thickly, realizing that most of those girls were dead. Kahlua had slaughtered over ninety percent of the population during her mission to kill the Fairy Tale region commander residing there. As this had happened in the middle of the school year, there was a good chance that Hebihana's sister was among the casualties if she had been in town.
"Accident or not, she totally hates your guts."
Kurumu sighed as Yotaku strolled over to her a few steps ahead of Nyuuwa.
"I genuinely don't know a Hebihana."
"Well she knows you and she's heard from some other girls that you are up to your old tricks. Did you charm a whole bunch of students last year into believing you had a relationship with Mr. Aono?"
Kurumu grimaced, turning on her heel. She slowly started for the door to the teachers' lounge.
"That was just me coping. I wasn't happy with Tsukune and Moka being a couple back then."
"Were you trying to steal him away from Ms. Akashiya?"
Kurumu pouted when they reached the door. She paused, opening it for them.
"I was not stealing him!"
"That sounds like Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu sighed at Mrs. Senda's amused voice. She gestured for the younger girls to head inside.
"Hebihana's sister must have been in high school."
Yotaku followed Nyuuwa into the lounge but stopped on the other side of the door.
"Were you charming high school boys?"
Kurumu grumbled, shuffling into the lounge. Mrs. Senda was at her desk with her chair turned to face them. The lady had on a long sleeved, white dress shirt with a long black skirt.
"I don't think so. I did start charming guys when I was a second year so some did graduate junior high but I didn't keep contact with any of them. The one time I did go to the high school was for a basketball game and I was told never to come back because I was charming the referees."
"You were charming the referees?"
Kurumu scowled at Yotaku.
"I wasn't. The point I was making was that I was never at the high school to use my powers. And the only guy I hung out with outside of school was Takada."
Mrs. Senda chuckled softly, adjusting her glasses on her freckled nose.
"Sounds like you have troubles."
"When don't I?"
"Unfortunately I have to add another. I just got bad news."
Kurumu glanced up, noticing that Ms. Kiyomizu was walking towards her down the aisle between the teachers' workstations. The teacher was sporting a long sleeved, deep blue blouse with black slacks.
"Did Doronuma suddenly withdraw his club application?"
The physics teacher laughed.
"Thankfully not. There was another report made against you in regards to breaking school rules."
"It was actually made back on Monday but Mrs. Senda wanted to speak to me first."
Kurumu sighed at the remark from Ms. Kiyomizu.
"Is this about me using my powers at the town meeting?"
"No, but it is something that you supposedly did over the weekend."
"There was a claim that you were on a date with Mr. Amesuki on Saturday."
Kurumu snorted, knowing this was Manami being a brat again.
"I spent most of my weekend with Ms. Kiyomizu."
"Which I was aware of. I just wanted to confirm that was true before bringing this to your attention."
"Someone is trying to get you in trouble?"
Kurumu sighed at Yotaku's confusion.
"It's Nijiro's sister. She's blaming me for her parents' decision to get a divorce."
"That's personal information that shouldn't be shared."
Kurumu huffed at Mrs. Senda's reproach.
"She's being petty. How many of these false reports are you going to entertain?"
"This is only the first one."
"The last one was fake."
"You admitted that you were on a date with him."
"Before the Welcoming Ceremony! She claimed that date was on the weekend."
"But the rules aren't new, Ms. Kurono. Even if it was before the ceremony, it was a violation."
Kurumu scowled at Mrs. Senda.
"Those rules only apply during the school year. That date was during the school break."
"But you were in Mononoke."
"So what?! Are you telling me that girls like Tokori and Mikomi are always subject to the school rules because they live in town?"
Mrs. Senda sighed heavily, shaking her head.
"I'm not going to argue with you. Both of us agree that Ms. Amesuki falsified this last report."
"Are you going to do something about it?"
"I will call her to the office after the morning announcements."
"She should be punished the same as I would have been."
"You want her in detention?"
"If that is what you would have done to me, then yes. It's the only way she'll stop."
Mrs. Senda glanced to Ms. Kiyomizu whom offered a nonchalant shrug.
"I agree with that logic."
"But this technically is Ms. Amesuki's first offense."
"An offense that would have put two students in detention since we treated her first report as valid. If she wants to make another claim against her brother, she better have physical proof."
"Isn't that excessive?"
"Excessive would be expelling her after making several false reports. Since we know we can't trust her word at face value, it would be a chore investigating any future reports of bad behavior made by her. I don't want that hassle and neither do you."
Mrs. Senda nodded thoughtfully.
"Fair point. The rest of the week in detention and actual proof of rule breaking in the future."
Yotaku chuckled softly.
"For a popular girl, you've made several enemies."
Kurumu wished she could deny that.
Kurumu sighed, tuning out the coexistence lecture being given by Ms. Atsumoto. The salamander was wearing a yellow blouse with black slacks and was rambling about stuff that should be common sense. This was stupid. Did humans have classes that helped races integrate with other races?
Nothing special had happened today. Her five core subjects were all gearing up for Friday tests. Friday would be a short day with the first years having their assessments. The periods would be handled just like they had been done for the club showcase. No gym. No electives. No silly coexistence class.
The Doronuma siblings had joined her table again in the cafeteria. Shin had filled out an application for the music club since his sister's club had not acquired any new members. He figured he could spend a year learning the drums and maybe transition to the guitar if they found a drummer next year. He had been really impressed by Kaiketsu, the lead guitarist and president of the club. Shin had wanted it to be very clear that he was not doing this for his sister.
Koike had suggested for Kurumu to wear her PSC uniform tomorrow. Sabaku was going to request for a Thursday night meal at the Kurai dining hall with Ms. Kiyomizu. Koike would know for certain tomorrow but felt things would be better if Kurumu was already dressed for the occasion.
Kusamoto had confirmed that she was joining the Sadou club with Onodera and Kumatani. Kurumu had been happy to hear that and hoped the three of them enjoyed their time in the club.
Coach Yaisoku had gotten her wish as the instructors had been going over the rules of tennis today. For the next two weeks, the girls would be out on the tennis courts while the boys would be gathered on the baseball fields.
The sound of the bell snapped Kurumu out of her reverie. Ms. Atsumoto laughed, closing her notebook.
"That's it for the day. Dismiss the class, Ms. Sendou."
"Stand."
Kurumu and all of her peers got out of their desks as Yukari commanded.
"Bow."
Kurumu leaned forward in unison with the others.
"Dismissed. Mr. Musousaki and Mr. Burumoto have cleanup duty today."
Burumoto frowned as everybody started packing up their things.
"What do you mean? It should be Umizake and his woman's turn."
"Are you seriously demanding for the pregnant girl to do your job?"
Burumoto sat down, turning his frown upon Yakuza.
"It's her turn."
"Her turn was Monday."
Burumoto grumbled at Musousaki's statement as their teacher exited the classroom.
"I doubt anybody cleaned this room Monday or yesterday."
"Quit whining and help."
"Moka!"
Yukari shot from desk, diving into Moka's arms as the silver haired vampire entered their room. Moka laughed, caressing Yukari's dark locks.
"Careful, Yukari. We might get reported."
Yukari huffed, drawing back to arms' length.
"They would only be jealous of our love."
"You got here fast."
Moka grinned at Kana as the blond shouldered her schoolbag.
"Since Mr. Hiramatsu was letting us have a study hall, we got out before the final bell."
Kana grinned, strolling over as Yukari released the vampire.
"Did you win your election?"
"Nope. I lost."
Yukari gasped when Moka patted her head.
"How could you lose to Ms. Hiboshi?"
"Half of my class went to junior high with her and missing the last three days of school certainly did me no favors. Most felt that I needed more time."
"How are you doing?"
Moka smiled at Touzoku as the girl sauntered over to Kana's side.
"Feeling better."
"I'm sorry for what happened to Mr. Aono."
"It will be fine. The class let me take a vice role."
"I get it. You want to keep busy."
"What are you going to do now?"
Moka breathed in deep at Touzoku's question.
"I believe that I should turn in my application for the softball team."
"I'll come with you. Let me get my things."
Moka nodded as Yukari darted back to her desk.
Kurumu hefted her schoolbag strap up over her head to rest on her far shoulder. She sashayed around Yukari as other girls gathered around the vampire to offer their condolences.
"Ms. Kurono."
Umizake's voice caused her to turn about. The young man nodded while his fiancée leaned against him.
"We are heading home now."
"Okay. See you tonight."
Kurumu watched Umizake steer the snow girl down the aisle flanking the windows towards the back of the classroom. Turning her attention back to Moka, she shuffled over as Kana and her friends departed.
"What are you doing with Mizore tonight?"
Kurumu smiled at Moka's sudden interest. The remaining Aserutani girls took the question as a cue to leave. Kurumu decided to wait for them all to clear out before answering.
"I might have dinner. Let you have some alone time with Yukari."
Moka snorted as Yukari returned with her white satchel and schoolbag.
"It's not like we'll be alone. Her mother probably won't leave before dinner."
Yukari sighed heavily, fixing the straps of her baggage upon her shoulder.
"That really depends on Father. He will be mad if she casts that spell in her condition so I can only hope that he gets back from his job soon."
"Are you going to spend the night with her?"
Moka smiled softly, draping an arm over Yukari's shoulder. She tugged the witch closer.
"I should. I am taking her blood."
"You could take more."
"Don't be silly."
Kurumu giggled, noting that only the two guys on cleanup duty were left in the classroom.
"Maybe I'll come over. Check out Mrs. Sendou's yearbooks."
"You can do that another night."
Kurumu snickered, having expected that response from Yukari. She stalked around the pair, making a point to tousle Yukari's locks as she passed.
"Don't get too naughty, Yukari."
"You are in no position to lecture me on proper behavior."
Kurumu continued to snicker, passing through the open doorway. The hall was still bustling with activity. She made it to the nearest flight of stairs in seconds, starting up while keeping to the side for the first years whom were coming down. The descending guys certainly noticed her curves and she could feel their gazes shift when they were below her with hopes of glimpsing her panties. Silly boys.
She arrived at the crossover between the back doors of classes three and ten. Turning right, she headed over to that balcony. Dakuhime and Yokumoto were already beyond the classrooms, stopping by the first door to the choir room. The pair slipped inside as Kurumu walked along the balcony at a steady pace.
The attention of guys sated her core, causing her thoughts to drift to Nijiro. He had not eaten lunch with the math club today. He had been with Manami, hopefully discussing why Manami had been called to the office this morning. Kurumu felt guilty that his absence had been a relief. He probably would have asked about Rubi's birthday party and that would have made her think about kissing Tsukune. Obviously she could just not talk about that, considering Nijiro thought Tsukune was dead.
Was keeping secrets the same as lying?
Kurumu drew open the choir room and was greeted with the buzz of several conversations. She closed the door behind her, taking note of Mrs. Tomarigi. The choir teacher was over by the piano, chatting with Tadayo, Ikeda and Maruyuchi. The buttons of her pink blouse were strained from the girth of her bosom. A black pencil skirt hugged the curves of her waist and hips.
"Ms. Kurono!"
Kanari beckoned to her, standing in front of the riser. The blond was surrounded by the other harpies and two new girls. The shorter one was about the same height as Utachi and Zuri. She had soft brown eyes and chestnut tresses spilling across her shoulders with the tips resting on the swell of her ample bosom. The other was slightly taller than Oso, making her the tallest. She had golden eyes and oily black curls which were short and feathered along the sides.
Taking a cursory glance at the other girls chatting in their own groups, Kurumu hauled her bag up over her head and set it down against the wall. Okimune was busy with the girls from Chirasu while Chousei was conversing with two first years. Recalling that she had questions for Kanari, Kurumu sauntered over to the harpies whom she had not seen since last Wednesday.
"I heard about what happened to Mr. Aono."
"Terrible news. I can't believe a member of the faculty gunned him down."
Kurumu forced a smile at Zuri's remark.
"Yea. Hopefully Fairy Tale finds that guy soon."
"How are you holding up?"
Kurumu sighed at Kanari's concern.
"Keeping busy. Rubi had her birthday party yesterday."
"Rubi?"
"Ms. Toujou. The older witch living with Yukari."
Kanari's honey eyes lit up with recognition.
"Yes! Ms. Toujou. How old is she now?"
"Twenty one. Ginei had a small party in town for her. It was nice. Yukari's mother baked her a cake."
"I'm so sorry for your loss."
Kurumu managed a smile as other girls echoed Kanari's sentiment.
"Thanks. I'm trying not to think too much about it."
"I know you probably don't need more bad news but Kisurusu and Morisato were talking shit about you during gym ever since school started back up. It even broke out into a fight today. Just ask Chousei."
Kurumu frowned at Utachi's revelation.
"Chousei!"
Her sharp call caught the attention of Chousei and the two girls with her.
"Was there a fight in gym over me today?"
The twin tailed girl grimaced, sauntering over to their group.
"Yea. Shindou and Hanetsume both got detention for it."
Kurumu was mildly confused over Asuka getting in trouble but she could easily understand Hatoko. The tengu had roughed up Juri before.
"What happened?"
"Morisato was running her mouth like she always does."
The girl with the fine, chestnut tresses nodded vehemently at Utachi's claim.
"That bitch has been that way for years. It was only a matter of time before somebody kicked her ass."
Kurumu chuckled softly, gesturing at the girl.
"I don't believe we've been introduced."
Oso stepped forward with warmth in her lavender eyes. She placed her hand on the new girl's shoulder.
"This is Nakumori Kisa. And she is Hanamura Ai. Both of these girls are from Kabashita."
"Harpies if you couldn't tell."
Nakumori huffed at the clarification from the blond beside Chousei.
"You have a problem with that?"
"I was only letting Ms. Kurono know."
"Which is against the rules."
The blond pouted at the quick remark from the girl with the shoulder length, midnight blue hair. Her bangs were cut in the hime style.
"Half of us went to junior high together. It's not like our true forms are secrets at this point."
Kurumu smiled, having no clue what true forms these two had. She honestly was having trouble recalling their names and was reluctant to ask for a reintroduction.
"Did all of the girls from your junior high join the choir?"
The blond smiled, shaking her head.
"Of course not. I think four or five didn't because they don't have choir as their elective."
"It's six. Ms. Kisaki, Ms. Takurami, Ms. Miura, Ms. Suzunari, Ms. Tanisaki and Ms. Koda."
Kurumu nodded as the other girl rattled off her absent peers.
"I'm familiar with Takurami. I heard that she joined the astronomy club."
The blond grinned with sincerity in her powder blue eyes.
"Ms. Miura and Ms. Suzunari both took band as their elective so I'm sure that they joined band."
"Tanisaki is a bitch like Morisato."
Chousei pouted at Nakumori.
"Don't say that."
"It's the truth. She hates any girl with bigger tits than her."
The tall Hanamura giggled, covering her smile.
"That's pretty much every girl."
"Tanisaki and Koda both have choir as their elective but I hope they don't join this club."
"Koda is nice."
Nakumori snorted at the blond.
"She's dumb as dirt."
"That's an amusing insult coming from you."
Nakumori scowled at the other girl.
"You got something to say, Kyoushin?"
"Ms. Koda is smarter than you. That's an undeniable fact."
"That girl would buy bottled water."
"You can buy bottled water."
"Doesn't mean you should."
Zuri giggled, gesturing at the girls with Chousei.
"You girls must also have that gym period. What exactly is Morisato saying about Kurono?"
Kyoushin shrugged indifferently.
"Just that Ms. Kurono slept around to get extra votes in a popularity contest the school held last year."
Kurumu scowled at the ridiculousness of that claim.
"That's stupid. Nobody cared about that contest."
"She claims that you were trying to beat Ms. Herikuda but failed."
"I hope you don't believe that nonsense."
"I think it is none of my business. Unless this somehow causes me trouble, it matters not."
"Yup. That's classic Kyoushin."
"That is how most people should carry themselves, Ms. Nakumori."
The blond laughed nervously, glancing at Chousei.
"You are obviously pretty enough that you could get away with it but Akiko reassures me that you have only been involved with Mr. Amesuki and Mr. Aono."
"The latter being just a crush."
Kurumu smiled at Chousei's quick clarification. She turned her eyes upon her former classmate.
"And Juri was spreading this garbage all of last week?"
"I didn't want to bring it up since we have Kisurusu in our class. I was worried you would cause a scene."
Kurumu sighed, supposing that was fair.
"I wonder if this was part of the reason why so few people checked out my club. Were they like going table to table in the cafeteria badmouthing me?"
"I'm pretty sure it was just locker room talk with Tanisaki and Koda."
Utachi nodded at Chousei's quick answer.
"Yea. I only heard the occasional barb during gym. I don't think she was trying to ruin your club."
Nakumori huffed indignantly.
"Wouldn't put it beneath her."
"True. Ms. Morisato has been saying these foul things all spring break. She was adamant that Ms. Kisaki and I keep away from you."
"And yet here you are."
Kyoushin shrugged at Nakumori's amusement.
"I prefer my own truth."
Kurumu breathed in deep, wondering if she should pay Juri a visit. She had hoped that girl would leave her alone with them being in different lunch groups but it was clear that Juri was incapable of that.
"So you two had choir as your elective. I'm surprised that I didn't meet you last week."
"We weren't sure which club we wanted."
Oso laughed at Nakumori's dismissive remark.
"Technically they still haven't filled out applications to join."
"We'll take care of it tonight."
Kurumu nodded, thinking she should confront Juri.
"Kanari. Would you mind if I spent the night at your place?"
Kanari blushed, glancing at Zuri.
"Um. If that's okay with Zuri."
"I don't mind but we don't have anything special in our room to do. We're both broke."
"I have lots of music."
Kurumu grinned at Kanari. She had always been curious about Kanari's CD collection.
"Then I'll have dinner with you guys. I just have to stop by my place first to get clothes and let Mrs. Shirayuki know not to expect me."
"You were going to have dinner with Ms. Shirayuki?"
"I'm lazy and don't want to cook for myself."
As the girls giggled at her response, a discordant sound blared from the piano. Mrs. Tomarigi grinned when she had their attention, clapping her hands.
"I think we have spent enough time on chatter. Our seniors will be handing out our songs for today."
Kurumu smiled as Tadayo and Maruyuchi moved about the room, giving slips of paper to the girls. She bumped her shoulder against Kanari.
"Hey. There is one more thing I have to ask."
"What is it?"
Kurumu grinned, taking a slip of paper from their club president with the short, carrot curls.
"Whom did you pick to be your class representative?"
Kurumu ran her fingers through Kanari's silken tresses, lying on her side in the harpy's embrace. The two futons had been spread out in the middle of dorm room 323 which the harpies shared. She was nestled between the girls with the bedding beneath them. Judging by the sound of their breathing, both of her companions were already asleep.
Kanari was wearing a silk, sky blue camisole with matching shorts while Zuri was making do with only a white, soft shirt. Having exhausted her stock of chemises, Kurumu had on her powder blue, corduroy tank top with her navy, cotton shorts.
Kurumu smiled, feeling Kanari's hot breath on her breasts. While this experience was nothing new, this was the first time someone had actually gone to sleep in this position. This closeness made Kurumu feel loved which she craved after sleeping alone for so many nights.
Kurumu had no real explanation for why she was so fond of Kanari. It was not like this lovely girl was in her closest set of friends. Before joining the choir, she had barely interacted with the adorable harpy. It had all just started with a simple embrace after the fall choir performance which had resulted in walking home while holding hands. Kanari had always been receptive to physical comfort from Kurumu which Kanari's harpy friends often teased her about since she was not that way with them.
Joining the choir harpies for dinner had been a good decision. While the food was not as good as what Yukari or Mizore's mother would make, the conversation had been livelier. Oso was no longer worried about Ijouyama abandoning her. The new couple had met up over the weekend and had blown off both days of the club showcase. Noboto had eagerly added that her friend had been having unprotected sex at his place since Ijouyama lived alone in suite 723.
It sounded like Kagami would take over as class representative and Ontoriki would help her. Kurumu had been curious if Ontoriki had taken the job to be closer to Ichida but Zuri had no idea if those two were still an unofficial couple. As far as Zuri knew, Ontoriki had not spoken with Ichida since the welcoming ceremony. Zuri was toying with the idea of talking to the boys during lunch tomorrow since Ontoriki was too nervous to get answers from Ichida herself.
After the early dinner, Kurumu had stopped by her place to pick up her PSC uniform for tomorrow and switch her attire. She had also visited Mizore to inform her about the change in plans. The snow girl had been too tired to care, promising to see her tomorrow.
Kurumu's schoolbag was over by Kanari's CD tower. The harpy had over thirty CDs, admitting she had brought most of her albums to school. She favored pop music by female singers, comprising over two thirds of her collection. They had listened to three of her favorite albums before turning off the light.
Taking in a deep breath, Kurumu decided it was time. She stilled her fingers in Kanari's hair, closing her eyes. Focusing her thoughts, she slipped into her own consciousness. She opened her eyes, having much better vision now. She carefully extracted herself from Kanari's grasp, getting up from the bedding in a cautious manner so as not to disturb her companions.
Once on her feet, Kurumu padded over to the alcove between the closet and the door where she had left her loafers. She stealthily turned the deadbolt back, easing the door open. She slipped out of the dorm room which put her near the end of the corridor. To her left was the door for the stairway.
Turning right, Kurumu passed by the door to 321. Utachi was sharing that room with Chousei. A short way down the corridor on her left was another pair of doors for 324 and 322. The closer room belonged to the karaoke girls, Fujihara and Gizamimi. The other room was where Dakuhime resided with her friend, Yokumoto. Natsudera and Akushita, the last choir girls in their grade, were partnered up in 319.
Strolling by the doors for 319 and 317 on the right, Kurumu wondered whom else lived in this wing. The school had arranged students by communities when assigning homerooms, but dorm rooms seemed to have been assigned by clubs. Kochimaru and Shinayaka were living up in 404 to be closer to the other girls in the gymnastics and volleyball programs.
After the paired doors for 320 and 318 was a small stretch of hall before the last two pairs of doors that flanked this corridor. She could already see the gap in the wall at the end of this hallway which was for the common bathroom. She quickened her step, reaching the elevator lobby in seconds. Drifting right, she cut over to the start of the corridor running down the other wing.
The first pair of doors Kurumu walked by were on the left. These belonged to 312 and 310. She recalled that Hasegawa was living alone in 309 as she passed by that door which came after 311 on her right. Her destination would be 307 according to Utachi whom had also mentioned that the gorgon cousins lived in one of these nearby rooms. It was either 305 or 308 since Doronuma was in 306 with Usabara.
Kurumu walked by the even numbered doors on her left before coming to a stop at 307. Steeling her nerves, she opened the door and slipped inside. She eased the door shut behind her, stepping over the loafers inside the entry alcove.
One bed was ahead of her in the room's corner. Floral reliefs had been chiseled into the glossy black finish of the rounded framing at the ends. A black comforter was drawn over a mattress with dark green sheets and pillows. The black tresses of a girl was visible among those pillows.
Another bed stood in the far corner. The polished white framing of that bed included a row of delicate and intricate dowels between thick posts with rounded sections etched out. A soft pink comforter was paired with lavender sheets. The golden hair among the pillows belonged to Kisurusu.
There was a desk on that far wall between the beds. This desk and chair had the same black finish as Juri's bed. The floral pattern was scoured into the drawers and the solid back of the chair. A digital clock rested on the smooth surface.
There was another desk between the foot of the white bed and the closet to her left. This one was a rich chestnut hue with a matching stool that was pushed under the writing surface. Portraits were propped up on the desk along with some books.
Kurumu had never been in this room before but everything was as Juri remembered it to be. As Kurumu drifted closer to Juri's bed, her connection to the girl strengthened. Sitting down on the mattress, she reached over to toy with Juri's locks. She grabbed the thick blanket, drawing the hem down to expose the brunette's face.
Juri's mind was preoccupied with a nonsensical dream. It was scattered and incoherent. Not something Kurumu could work with. She would have to pull the girl out of that.
Leaning in, Kurumu placed her lips against Juri's cheek. The gentle kiss was enough to make Juri's eyelids flutter. Sitting back upright, Kurumu moved her hand to caress the sprite's cheek.
Juri grumbled as her daisy green eyes opened. She focused her gaze upon Kurumu, showing no sign of understanding. Suddenly the girl jerked upright with a cry, scooting to the far corner of the bed. With Kurumu's weight holding down the blankets, the sprite's attire was revealed. It was long sleeved, plaid shirt that buttoned up with matching sleep pants. Black and dark green were the prevalent colors.
"Why are you here?!"
Kurumu smiled, bringing her hands together in her lap.
"Paying you a visit."
Juri's eyes filled with confusion.
"How did you get in here?"
"Through the door."
Juri's attention shifted to the door as her mind fumbled over that response.
"Did Miho forget to lock it?"
"It would have made no difference."
Juri scowled, getting her feet under her. The sprite hopped off the bed, walking around Kurumu before making her way to the door.
"You better not have broken your way in."
"Your door is fine."
Juri arrived in the alcove, inspecting the door. Confirming the integrity, she shook her head.
"I swear that airhead would forget her panties if I didn't remind her."
Kurumu smirked, reviewing Juri's most recent memories.
"Don't be silly. You haven't had to do that once."
Juri huffed, opening the door and gesturing out.
"Whatever. Get out of my room."
Kurumu favored the girl a sidelong glance with her smug grin.
"No. I haven't finished my business with you."
"We have nothing to discuss. Now get your slutty ass off my bed."
Kurumu sighed, turning her attention to Kisurusu's form beneath the blankets.
"Why don't you make me?"
"Enough with your games. Somebody get this bitch out of my room!"
Kurumu snorted at Juri's shout down the corridor.
"Don't you think that's inconsiderate, considering how late it is?"
"You're the one trespassing. Now get out!"
Kurumu turned a cold gaze upon the furious girl.
"Scream all you like. Nobody is waking up without my permission."
Juri's ire rapidly evaporated. Concern crept into her being.
"What have you done?"
"I'm more interested in what you have done. I would like it to stop."
Juri scowled, stalking over to Kisurusu's bed with purpose. She grabbed the tennin and shook vigorously.
"Wake up, Miho! Help me get this trash out of here!"
Kisurusu gave no response to the rough treatment, resulting in another round of shaking.
"Miho! Get up!"
"You don't have the talent to bring her out of that slumber."
Juri whirled upon her.
"What did you do to her?"
Kurumu pushed up onto her feet, cocking her head.
"I haven't done anything. Most of her misconceptions about me are your doing."
Juri's features twisted in a range of emotions. She gestured at the open door.
"Get out of my room."
"This isn't your room."
Juri huffed, stomping back over to the door.
"I don't have time for this. I'm getting Ms. Takahashi."
Kurumu chuckled as the sprite left on a quest to fetch the housemother. Knowing that would fail, she sauntered over to Kisurusu's bed. She turned and sat upon the mattress, reaching over to caress the bangs away from Kisurusu's face.
Her proximity made it easier to peek into the girl's dreams. Kisurusu was in a carriage being drawn by pink unicorns to the prince's ball. The tennin was garbed in an exquisite ballroom gown riddled with lace and jewelry. She eagerly hoped that Masahiko would recognize her in such noble attire.
Doubting she had any use of such a silly dream, Kurumu leaned over to place a kiss on Kisurusu's cheek. The tennin groaned as her fair eyes fluttered open. Kurumu drew back, hearing a gasp from the doorway that demanded her attention.
"That's sexual assault!"
Kurumu snorted at Juri's indignation.
"I thought you were busy getting the housemother."
Juri scowled, gesturing back through the open door.
"What did you do to the elevator?"
Kurumu smirked, feeling the tennin stir beneath the covers beside her.
"I didn't feel like making more than one floor."
"What is going on?"
Kisurusu sat up, rubbing the back of her slender hand against her eyes. She had on a pink, sleeveless nightgown with a conservative collar lined with white lace.
"Kurumu has invaded our room!"
Kurumu huffed, standing up.
"Nonsense. The two of you are my guests."
Juri snarled, lunging towards Kurumu. She stopped shy, thrusting a finger in Kurumu's face.
"You are breaking school rules! I'll have you expelled for this!"
Kurumu snorted, knowing that she could make these two forget this intrusion.
"I want you to stop spreading lies about me. I should have realized that you had not ceased your stupid antics by the way Kisurusu was behaving in choir."
"Because you're a bad person."
Kurumu shot Kisurusu a look of annoyance.
"You don't even know me."
The girl clenched her fists about the hem of her blanket as a firm look settled in her fair eyes.
"I know that you turned in Iko for selling that comic you agreed to pose for and that you made Juri pee herself in front of your classmates."
"You know damn well that was in retaliation! The both of you came up with that stupid plot to act like I was doing something to Juri to get me in trouble with the school!"
"Doesn't change what you did!"
Kurumu snarled at Juri.
"You wanted a reaction! Don't cry that you got one!"
"You also convinced Ms. Hanetsume that Juri was spreading the truth about her grandfather being her father when it was you whom told everyone first."
Kurumu shot Kisurusu an angry glare.
"I did no such thing."
"Bullshit! You aired her dirty laundry in front of everyone!"
Kurumu scowled, wagging a finger at Juri.
"It was only in front of her friends. I wasn't telling random strangers about it."
"But you made Ms. Hanetsume beat Juri up."
Kurumu turned on Kisurusu, feeling frustrated.
"Who told you about it? It wasn't me."
Kisurusu faltered, glancing at Juri.
"Juri but that's normal. We've always been friends."
"This happened back in October. When did Juri tell you about it?"
"Why does that matter?"
Kurumu huffed at Juri.
"Because I want her to think. I already know that you didn't break this news to her before your tantrum about Iko. You started talking about my misdeeds in your crusade to get me expelled and Hatoko kicked your ass for it. I had nothing to do with her actions."
There was a short pause of tense silence.
"You let that girl across the hall threaten Naomi over not forgiving her rapist."
The firm tone in Kisurusu's voice bothered Kurumu. The tennin fully believed that statement was true. While Kurumu could try to explain that was a misunderstanding, she was tired of indulging in their litany of complaints over her behavior.
"Does Ikarashi know that you dream about him?"
Kisurusu flinched, glancing aside.
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Ikarashi Masahiko was the prince at the ball you were eager to attend."
"So you do have a thing for Masahiko."
Kisurusu shook her head vehemently.
"Of course not! He's like my little brother!"
Kurumu favored the girl a smug grin as she crossed her arms below her bosom.
"A little brother whom you've masturbated to at least a dozen times since winter break."
"He's your cousin."
Kisurusu whimpered, turning a pleading look upon Juri.
"It's not true! She's making that up!"
"I could give you a recent memory of her wanton behavior."
Juri curtly shook her head at Kurumu's offer.
"No thanks. I've always known that she liked him more than she should."
"You're lying! I don't feel that way about my cousin!"
Kurumu hardened her gaze, reviewing Kisurusu's lewd fantasies.
"You actually regret living with Juri since you can't play with yourself as often as you like."
"You're the only whore here!"
The moment that insult left Kisurusu's lips, Kurumu shot both girls an experience of self gratification from this weekend. Both girls turned flush though Kisurusu's arousal was mixed with embarrassment. The blond hung her head and started to cry.
"It's not true."
Juri sighed, glancing away.
"I'm not surprised. I've never believed that you were only interested in the love lives of others."
"Why would you do that?"
"Because you have no business calling me a whore while behaving like that."
Kisurusu whimpered, looking up at Kurumu.
"But it's just a harmless fantasy. It's not like I could ever pursue a relationship with Masahiko."
"You could if you weren't such a coward."
"Their parents would never allow it."
Kurumu huffed at Juri's protest.
"It's not like anyone lives with their parents after they get married."
Kisurusu sniffled, wiping her eyes.
"He'd never agree to it."
"As long as he cared for you, I could easily turn that affection into the passionate love you hope for."
Kisurusu swallowed, regarding Kurumu with mixed emotions.
"You're a very bad person."
Kurumu shrugged indifferently.
"I never said that I would do that. But now that Juri knows the truth, you won't have to hide it."
"I would rather not listen to her panting and squirming beneath her sheets."
Kisurusu whined, turning her attention to her disappointed roommate.
"Don't you ever do that?"
"Very seldom, Miho. And I'm certainly not thinking of a guy."
"Juri, the pure maiden."
Juri scowled at Kurumu's mocking tone.
"Fuck off! And get out of our room!"
Kurumu snickered, deciding it was time to end this charade.
"I've already told you. This is my room and you are my guests."
They were suddenly inside Kurumu's suite. Kisurusu was now on Kurumu's new bedding while Kurumu and Juri stood in the middle of the room. The startled sprite looked about frantically.
"How did you-"
"Both of you were sleeping and I invited you into my dream."
Juri regarded her with concern, backing away to the counter.
"What do you want?"
"I want you to stop talking about me."
"I barely do that."
Kurumu snorted at the denial.
"I think getting your ass beaten in gym today says otherwise."
"Because you charmed-"
"I didn't charm Hatoko into doing anything. Juri knows this."
"I know that you can charm girls so it isn't impossible."
Kurumu rolled her eyes at Juri's accusation.
"Do I need to bring up your memories of the last few weeks to prove that you are going out of your way to talk shit about me? I've already heard about it from Chousei, Utachi and Kyoushin."
Juri shivered but straightened up soon afterwards. She lifted her head defiantly.
"So what? I'm not breaking any rules."
"Following the rules doesn't make you a good person."
"Maybe not, but I won't be expelled like your dumb ass."
Kurumu snorted, rolling her eyes.
"What makes you think that I will get expelled over this?"
"If you keep breaking the rules, they will have to."
Kurumu smirked, cocking her head.
"What are you going to do? Report that you had a dream with me in it?"
Juri paused and nodded.
"Yea. Miho and I both can't be having the same dream."
"You really are stupid. I can erase memories. Why should I let Kisurusu remember this?"
"You're the stupid one. What is the point of confronting us if you don't want us to remember it?"
Kurumu hesitated to respond, recognizing her error.
"It would still be your word against mine."
"We don't have a history of abusing our powers against other students. The worst that might happen is the faculty chooses not to believe us."
"Yea. You should just let us go."
Kurumu glanced at Kisurusu as the blond got out of her bed.
"Why should I? You both want to be my enemies so I should treat you as such."
"Grow up, Kurumu. I never had to be your friend."
Kurumu grumbled, weighing her options.
"Yukari made it sound like I could just make you be nicer but that would require there being something genuine inside you. You think poorly about everybody, including your own parents."
"Are you planning to brainwash us?"
Kurumu snorted at Kisurusu.
"I could do it to you simple enough. You have genuine attachments to family and friends. Amusingly not Juri but that's because you are aware of how duplicitous she is."
"I will report you if Miho suddenly adores you in the morning."
Kurumu sighed, guessing her options were limited. She had truly hoped to find something in Juri's mind that she could have used if the stubborn girl refused.
"I believe the only option left is torture."
Juri laughed, crossing her arms.
"As if you could do that."
"I'm quite capable of it, Juri. Yukari already said that I could give you the memory of her rape."
Kisurusu trembled, shaking her head.
"I don't want that."
"You wouldn't dare."
Kurumu regarded Juri coldly.
"Why not? You are going out of your way to cause trouble for me. This is only fair."
Juri faltered with a look of uncertainty.
"I would report you."
"Doesn't matter. You wouldn't be able to prove it. Both of you will dream of being raped every single night until you stop talking trash about me."
Juri swallowed, glancing at her whimpering roommate.
"You'd never get away with it."
"Why not? My word against yours."
"You're going to give us details of her rape! Even the teachers will realize it was you!"
Kurumu paused, supposing Yukari's rape was too risky. When she had given that memory to Tensai, she had also given it to Ms. Kurihara. She shivered as she contemplated the other memories at her disposal.
"Juri. What makes you think that Yukari's is the only rape I experienced?"
"You've experienced more?"
Kurumu glanced at Kisurusu, offering a slight smile.
"Yes. Most are aware of Sakamori's kidnapping but none of the teachers know the details."
"What difference does that make? The teachers probably know that you took those memories away just like you did with Sendou."
Kisurusu nodded meekly.
"They would know we got the details from you."
"Then how about Mizore's rape? The school isn't even aware of that one."
Juri faltered for a moment. She shook her head, looking at Kurumu in defiance.
"She's your friend. It's the same thing."
"You would still have to prove it was me and not the two of you corroborating a story to frame me."
"Could you live with yourself after doing something like that?"
Kurumu regarded Juri with a flat expression.
"I'm supposedly a bad person. Shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"It's rape, Kurumu. How does talking shit about you justify raping us?"
Kurumu steeled her nerves as more unpleasant memories circulated her consciousness.
"I'm just sharing memories so that you understand what you were accusing Huang of. All he did was touch your tits but I've experienced a lot worse."
Juri scowled at Kurumu's mention of the young heir of the Huang family in Hong Kong.
"You might not care about having your tits grabbed, but I do! Besides. It's not like any of these tragic memories are yours. Don't patronize me!"
Kurumu shuddered, recalling her own oral rape which had happened almost a year ago.
"I never told you about Kano Nagare."
"Who is that?"
"He was in class ten for about a month. He was from my junior high."
Kisurusu gasped, pounding her tiny fist in her palm.
"I've heard this name before. That new girl in our club mentioned him. She said that Ms. Kurono must have charmed him into leaving our school so her past would not catch up with her."
Juri laughed abruptly, nodding.
"Oh, Ms. Hebihana. That girl hates your guts."
"She has told us all about your promiscuous behavior in junior high."
Kurumu grimaced, deciding not to talk more about her grievances with Nagare.
"I bet the two of you just agreed with everything she said."
"Why not? It's exactly what I've seen."
Kurumu scowled at Juri.
"I've never met this Hebihana or the older sister she claims that I wronged."
"Wronged? I think sleeping with her sister's boyfriend is more than just wronged."
"I was a virgin!"
"You've never acted like a virgin for as long as I've known you."
"Wasn't Mr. Kano just another one of your many boyfriends?"
"No! He fucking raped me!"
"Why should we believe that?"
Kurumu grimaced at Juri.
"I can give you that memory if you insist."
Juri took in a deep breath, cocking her head.
"You really are a stupid whore."
"Fuck you!"
"Many girls attempt suicide after being raped. Are you going to admit to murder if Miho can't take it?"
"Hold on. If she is being honest here, I don't want that trauma."
Kisurusu's quick interjection prevented Kurumu from making another impulsive mistake. She often felt regret over giving Tensai the memory of Yukari's rape. She had been reckless back then as she had never felt suicidal after her own experience. She had buried those dark emotions beneath her obsession for Tsukune. She had no idea how these girls would respond to these memories.
"You're right. As much as I think you deserve this, I don't want to share that with you."
Juri regarded her smugly.
"That's what I thought. Now let us out of your dream."
Kurumu clenched her teeth, feeling like she had lost. She could erase this dream to avoid being reported but they would continue badmouthing her. It was not like she cared being reported, considering they would still have trouble proving her wrongdoing.
"It would have to be worth it."
"You can't keep us here forever."
An idea crossed her mind. She would not get away with it, but it would be funny.
"That's true but we do have all night."
