The Weekend...
Finally, today's the day. I think we all deserved this break, especially after all that we've done for this school. I know that summer vacation is just around the corner, but there are still finals to worry about. Oh well, that's something to worry about some other time. Now, I just want to have a nice, relaxing day off with my friends.
Maybe I should give my folks a call, I haven't talked to them in a while and I don't want them to worry too much. I pull my phone from my pocket and dial my mother's number, guess I should be thankful that she at least knows how to use one...most of the time.
"...Hello? Elijah?"
I smile hearing my mother's voice on the other end of the line. "Hey, Mom. How's it going?"
"I think I'm the one who should be asking you that, your father and I haven't heard from you in a long time."
I roll my eyes. "Mom, I literally called you last week."
"Doesn't matter, I love you and want to hear more from you. Is that really so much to ask for?"
"No, I guess not. But to answer your question, everything has been going...relatively well. I've had a few hiccups here and there, but my friends were there to help me out."
"Oh? And what might've been these 'few hiccups' you mention?"
I internally sigh, I knew she would ask...and I know she probably won't like the answer. "Well... You know my club that I told you about?"
"The Newspaper Club, yes you have."
"Well, me and my friends have been tackling a lot of stories in the last week. First, there was a peeping tom that turned out to be our own club president...long story. Then there was the art teacher who turned girls she took as 'models' into stone for her own sick, twisted pleasure. After that, we had to meet our deadline, but there was this creepy slug monster that was harassing Kurumu so I had to take care of that. Then after our deadline, Tuskune and I had to deal with a predator teacher who was after our new friend."
"...Oh, my,"
That's an understatement. "Was Yokai Academy like this when you were here, Mom? Because I don't know how you graduated if this is what you had to deal with on a weekly basis."
"...No, it was never like this."
...Why did she say that like she was worried? Was Yokai Academy's system entirely different than what it is now? If that's so, what changed? "...Mom?"
"...Sorry, sweetie, lost my train of thought there for a moment. Well, I'm sorry you and your friends had to deal with all of that, but at least your summer vacation is coming up soon."
"Actually, that reminds me. I won't be coming home for the first few weeks of summer vacation. My club is taking a trip to the human world for our newspaper. Is...that okay?"
"Well, as long as you believe it's safe. I trust your judgment. But just in case, I can send you a fresh supply of tarot cards in case you happen to run into any danger."
I squint my eyes in confusion. "Why would I need protection from humans? And any other monster we could encounter wouldn't be too much of a threat."
"...Just in case. Please, sweetie, trust me."
"...Well, alright. If you say so." I really don't know where this is coming from, but I know better than to question my mom's logic.
"But onto a better note," She says. "You said you have a new friend?"
"Yeah. Her name's Mizore Shirayuki, and she's a Snow Fairy. We met her earlier in the week, she was..." Okay, I can't just straight up tell my mom that she stalked me and Tsukune. "...interested in our paper, especially mine and Tsukune's articles. She's really sweet, kinda shy, and just pleasant to be around."
"Well well," I can practically hear her large grin in her voice. "sounds like my son has a little crush on a snow fairy."
"Mom! Seriously? I mean, she's cute and all, but I don't think I like her that way."
"I know, I'm just teasing. Besides, from how you wrote about the other one in your past letters, I have a good idea of who it is you really like. What was her name again? Oh! It's Kurumu, right?"
"...Huh? What are you talking about?" Why would she say that...and why is my heart beating so fast?
My mom giggles on the other side of the phone. "You'll figure it out sooner or later, she may claim to be the human's destined one, but you never know... Bye, sweetie! love you!" She hangs up, leaving me more confused than I already am.
"...What was that all about? And...what does she know about succubi's 'destined one' business?"
I lean against the bus stop sign, thinking back to all that's happened in the last few days. It's nice that there's a total of six of us now, it's a lucky number. Plus it evens us out. But then again, I still have to watch three of the girls fight over Tsukune's attention and love. Mizore sometimes tries to get closer to me. It's flattering, but I don't even know if I like her that way or not...or even-
"Elijah!"
I'm brought off my train of thought as I hear Tsukune call my name. Perfect, he and Moka are right on time. Everyone already knew that Preternatural Street was a little too far from the Academy to simply walk to with a group, so we decided to meet up at the bus stop since the driver provided transportation for students and Yokai Academy faculty and staff who wished to go. I naturally was the first to arrive so I had a nice, peaceful, and quiet moment of peace while I waited for the other five.
"Took you long enough," I say with a smirk, "I was beginning to feel like I've been forgotten."
"Well, a girl has to look her best on a day out," Moka says as she twirls around in her white sundress, her beige coat complimenting her look.
This gesture makes the human next to her blush as he can't help but stare in awe at the vampire girl. "Don't drool too much there, Tsukune."
"H-Huh? Oh...sorry, Moka."
She blushes just as much as he does, giggling at his embarrassment. "It's alright..."
"Don't think your flattery will be enough to win Tsukune's heart, Moka Akashiya..." The gentle voice brought my attention to a nearby tree, where a lavender-colored hair girl peeks out from behind. "All flaunt and nothing to show for it, where's the real effort?"
"Well, good morning to you too, Mizore," I say. I've kinda gotten used to her habit of just hiding in random places and spying on us, but Tsukune and I made sure that she knew that we were not okay with her stalking us to the point of freezing our dorm rooms. She was a little sad, but I think she understood.
The Snow Fairy comes from her hiding spot, offering me a small smile in return. "Good morning, Elijah. At least the vampire hasn't stolen your heart, the only possible obstacle in my path for you is the oversized succubus. Unless...you're still open to me having you bo-"
"No."
"Well, there was no harm in asking..."
"Hey, losers!" I know that voice. "Ready to get started?!"
"Because I know I am!" Yukari shouts as she follows close behind Kurumu
I chuckle at their enthusiasm. "Ready as I'll ever be...kuru..."
Now I feel underdressed in my dark-gray Skillet zip-up jacket. I've only ever seen Kurumu in her usual school uniform, never in such a casual getup. I never thought she could look so...pretty in a short-sleeved white blouse. Not to mention that her pink skirt compliments her usual headband so well.
"Elijah? You okay?" She asks me, snapping me out of my gaze.
"Oh, yeah. I'm fine..."
"Enough gawking!" Thank God for the young witch, I couldn't stand it if this got any more awkward. "We're supposed to be having fun today!"
"She's right," Tsukune agrees. "Let's just focus on having a good time, everyone."
At least the bus ride was short and the driver was less talkative. I still have no idea what his deal is...or where his loyalties lie. I really need to stop thinking so much, this is supposed to be a fun-filled outing with my friends. I think I'll just go with the flow for today and not overthink every little thing.
Preternatural Street. The only shopping area remote near the Academy. It's got markets, stores, a movie theater, everything. Too bad they don't have a McDonald's, what I wouldn't give for some nuggets right about now. Ah, now this is more like it, thinking of food rather than what's the next monster that's gonna try and take us on.
This place is usually swarming with couples or just loud and obnoxious groups, that's why I rarely come here. And when I do, it's only for essential things such as food, toilet paper, and school supplies. I'm glad my mom remembered that I would need money to spend on such essentials, otherwise, I'd have to rely on begging.
"So, where do you guys wanna go first?" Tsukune asks the group.
"I wanna see what clothes they have in store!"
"Me too!"
Well, at least we know what Moka and Kurumu want to do. I should've known this would happen, even my mother isn't safe from the trap that is clothes shopping. That woman can be too fascinated by humans sometimes. Personally, I want to see what kind of movies they have in their theater. I've always been fascinated by how humans can create such vast and entertaining stories for our very eyes to witness. Ever since I was a kid, my dad would always sit me down in front of our television and play many different movies for me, he even got my mom to join us sometimes.
"Elijah, what do you want to do?"
"Huh?" Right, we're supposed to be having a conversation. "Well, we don't have to do it immediately, but I want to see what films they have in the theater here," I answer Moka.
"They have a theater?" Mizore asks.
"Apparently so," Yukari answers. "I read that back when the movie theater was first popular in the human world, Yokai Academy wanted monsters to experience it too! They also say it's a great idea to see what some humans can be like. In fact, even some monsters have made some movies and the humans don't even realize!"
"What, what?!" Tsukune looks at the young witch in shock. "Really?!"
"It's true," I say, remembering something that Tsukune would consider mind-blowing. "You know the Harry Potter books and movies, right?"
"...No way."
I smirk. "Yep. They were written by a real witch, and nearly every cast member was a wizard or a witch. My mother loved them as I was a kid, though she did think the names of the spells were ridiculous, especially that one."
"Ridiculous!" Yukari points her wand at me, laughing at her own gesture. "Is there even a real spell like that?"
I shrug. "I'm not too sure, I'd have to ask my mother. But I know that the 'eat slugs' one is definitely one...that poor kid."
"Eww!" Kurumu gags. "A kid actually had to do that?!"
"Okay, okay," Moka interrupts our conversation. "How about we just go shopping first, then after a while we see what the theater has to offer."
We all unanimously agree. Well, the girls agree, but I know for a fact that Tsukune and I are just gonna spend the next few hours watching them try on different outfits. But at least it's better than being in class or harassed by some new prick or bitch we run into...okay, Mizore turned out alright, but that was different!
Shop after shop after shop, but the four had finally settled on a store that tickled their fancies. On a better note, it even has a men's section so Tsukune and I won't completely die of boredom. But then again, maybe I should browse what they have. All I have for casual wear is just long-sleeved shirts, jackets, and jeans. Taking a break from my music, I decide to indulge myself to see what I can find in this store.
Shirts...shirts...and more fucking shirts... How in the hell do girls spend hours looking at clothes? I feel like I've searched the entire men's clothing section and I didn't think much of anything I found.
"Hey, Elijah," And apparently, neither did Tsukune. "You've looked through everything too, huh?"
I nod. "Yep. How do you think the girls do this so easily?"
"No idea," Tsukune shrugs. "Maybe they don't think about it too much and just try on the first thing they see?"
"Hmm..." That's...probably a bad idea since I'm sure both of us have the fashion sense of an average middle-schooler. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained. "Let's give it a shot."
"Seriously?"
"We got all the time in the day, so why not?"
"...Fair point."
The both of us browse the men's section once again. Only this time, we just don't think and pick. I ended up picking a gray button-down cardigan while Tsukune picked out a green shirt with a palm tree design. It reminds me of the shirts most overweight guys wear in casinos. We put them on. The cardigan I picked isn't exactly uncomfortable, but it's a little too warm for me. Tsukune seems to like the shirt he picked, but he also doesn't seem to be so sure himself.
"Well, I think mine's cool...for a vacation."
I try to nod enthusiastically. "Yeah, and mine's okay...for something to burn."
"We're not good at this, are we?"
"Nope. Not in the slightest."
"Please, guys..." Our attention is brought to...great, the girls found us and are not doing a good job at holding back their laughter. "Don't tell me you're actually gonna buy those."
Way to make your laughter subtle, Kuru. "How in the hell do you guys do it?"
"Do what?" Moka asks.
"Try on clothes for hours and manage to pick the ones that fit you best." Tsukune answers.
The four of them look at each other in confusion. Before long, they're whispering to each other...I'm no expert, but this could be bad for us. When they're done, each of them crosses their arms and looks at us with a knowing smirk.
"Well then..." Kurumu starts.
"Since you boys no nothing about fashion..." Yukari continues.
"We'll just have to take matters into our own hands..." Mizore giggles.
"...Oh, no."
"You don't mean..."
"That's right!" Moka confirms our worries. "We're gonna pick out clothes for you guys!"
"...Why do I have to witness this?" I hear Inner Moka from the Rosary.
The rules were pretty simple. Each girl would pick out an outfit for Tsukune and me to try on, and whichever outfit Tsukune picked the most, they'd be the one to sit next to him when we head over to the movie theater. But to make it fair, I would sit next to him as well so no other girl could. I asked them what I would get if I picked one of their outfits and they said I would get the same thing to make it fair. The girls were okay with it, especially Mizore since she has a thing for me and Tsukune...I still don't know how that's possible. The me part, that is. But...I'm kinda glad that Kurumu didn't dislike the idea of sitting next to me. But why do I like the idea now that I'm thinking about it?
"Alright!" Yukari shouts. "First up, my outfit! Come on out, boys!"
"Do we really have to do this?"
"We can always settle the sitting arrangements with rock-paper-scissors!"
"Come on, you two! This'll be fun!"
Hearing Moka's heartfelt enthusiasm...and seeing that Tsukune and I have already put on the clothes, we step out of the dressing room. For Yukari's pick, she started off strong by picking a tuxedo. The only difference is our ties, Tukune's was red while mine is blue. I have to admit, I feel pretty cool, but why would either of us pick this to wear on our day off?
"So, what do you think?"
"Hubba! Hubba! Well, aren't you two such fine gentlemen!" I can't help but feel...happy with Kurumu's reaction. Then again, she could be just talking more about Tsukune.
"You two look ready for our future wedding, now all I need is my dress to make it complete."
"Who says you're going to marry them?!" Kurumu shouts angrily.
"...Oh, wow." Despite the bickering, all Moka could do was turn red at the sight of the boy she likes in a tuxedo.
"Hehe... How do I look?" Tsukune shyly asks the vampire.
I smirk, resting my arm on the boy's shoulder. "I can't wait for the wedding," I whisper.
"Huh?!" he looks to me, beyond confused.
"And also, I get dibs on best man."
"Anyways," Yukari grabs our attention once again. "What do you guys think?"
"Well," I start. "It's nice for special occasions."
"But not for casual outings." Tsukune finishes my opinion.
"Yukari, did you just want to see them in tuxedos?"
"..." The young witch looks down at her feet after Moka's question. "...Maybe."
"...Next!" I say as I drag Tsukune back to the dressing rooms.
"Guess that means I'm next..." Mizore softly says. "I chose this because it's usually traditional in my family. So I hope you think Elijah and Tsukune will look lovely. Regardless, I think they'll look amazing."
"..." I couldn't help but feel the genuity in her voice. She must've thought really hard about this, but we face the same issue as Yukari's choice. What Mizore picked for us is not really a casual outfit.
Five minutes later...
"You guys can come out now."
Tsukune and I step out again, this time wearing Japanese Men's traditional kimonos. For Tsukune, his is a silk linen blend in the color of sky blue with a white floral pattern. As for mine, it's made more with hemp and silk in the color of dark gray with a blue floral pattern. I personally think it looks nice, but I have no idea how people walk around in these setta sandals.
"What do you guys think?"
"First off, there's the same issue with Yukari's pick, Mizore," I say.
"It's a nice choice, but we wouldn't wear these on our day off."
"So..." The Snow Fairy looks at us with a sad pout. "You won't pick mine?"
"It's not like that!" Tsukune reassures her. "We just want to see what everyone else picked first."
"Right, then afterward, we'll decide, okay?"
"...Fine, but I'm still buying them for you regardless."
"Huh? You don't have to do that for us, Mizore."
"Yeah," Tsukune adds. "This is just for fun after all."
The snow fairy smirks at us. "Think of it as an early anniversary present for my future lover."
"Hey!" Kurumu and Moka yell.
Great, now they're gonna argue again.
Two minutes later...
To avoid the rising catfight, Tsukune and I went back inside the dressing room for our next outfit. For Moka's choice of clothing, she actually picked one for a casual day out rather than some extravagant outfit the first two girls picked. For Tsukune, she picked a white, short-sleeved, button-down shirt with classic blue jeans. For me, it was a little different. Moka picked out a white Jacobite ghillie shirt with a black vest to go with it, along with some dark gray jeans. It's not exactly what I would see myself wearing, but I think it's cool. I just wish I could button the vest. Damn me for having a wide shoulder length.
"Come on out already, you two!" The vampire calls for us.
We step outside, and while Tsukune seems happy with Moka's pick, I feel a little uneasy having their eyes on me in this outfit. I can only imagine what Kurumu could've possibly picked for us. "So...how do we look?"
"You guys look great!"
"Yeah," Kurumu agrees." Even I gotta admit that Moka made a good choice. Then again, I think you look handsome no matter what you're wearing, Tsukune!"
"Uh...thanks?"
"..."
"Still not as good as mine, but acceptable," Mizore says.
"Agreed! Time for the final outfit!" Yukari triumphantly says.
"Alright, then." Tsukune and I head back into the dressing room for the last time. For Kurumu's...oh, God...
Ten minutes later...
Kurumu...
"What's taking them so long?" Moka asks in worry.
"No idea. Hey! What's taking you guys so long?!" The young witch shouts.
"Uh...Well..."
"I feel ridiculous!" Elijah shouts.
"...Huh?" Kurumu perks her head up at Elijah's words. Was my pick really that bad? Why...does that hurt a little?
"What's wrong?" Mizore asks. "Don't tell me that the succubus made the worst choice. I should've known, all boobs and no brain."
"Hey!" Kurumu grits her teeth. "What's that supposed to mean?!"
"Do I really have to explain?"
"Guys!" The vampire yells at the both of them before they get into another fight. "That's enough," She leans over to next to the curtain, whispering. "Tsukune, is Elijah alright?"
"I'm...not so sure," The boy whispers back. "I think he's...self-conscious about the outfit Kurumu picked out for him."
"Really? Elijah of all people?"
"Come on guys..." Mizore pleads. "You don't wanna be in there all day."
"If you don't come out, I'll drop a washtub in there on top of both of you!"
"We're coming," Tsukune steps out, revealing the Succubi's pick. Kurumu went for a casual summer look, giving Tsukune a pair of white denim shorts and a dark blue button-up short-sleeved shirt. "This is really comfortable, nice choice, Kurumu. Kurumu?"
"...Elijah?" She calls for the boy who hasn't come out of the dressing room.
"..."
What could I have done wrong? "...Please come out, I don't think you'll look that bad. We promise."
"...Fine." Elijah steps out, bearing an embarrassed expression as he has his arms crossed. Not in an angry way, more in a way to...hide himself. For the Succubi's outfit choice for Elijah, she also went for a summer look for him with light blue jeans with light tears in the legs and a tight sleeveless black shirt. "..."
"You look great, Elijah!" Moka says with enthusiasm.
"Yeah!" Yukari agrees. "You look like someone who's ready to tear someone a new one!"
"Reminds me of how a bad boy might look..." Mizore says with a faint blush.
"..."
"What's wrong?" Kurumu asks.
"...Nothing." Whatever was coming over Elijah, he seemed to shrug it off for now. "Thanks for picking this for me, Kuru. It's...nice."
"...Oh," The Succubus looks away, thinking to herself in worry. He likes it, but...why did he sound so embarrassed? He looks great!
"Anyway," Elijah continues. 'Tsukune, which outfit did you like the most?"
"Oh, right." The boy remembered about their little contest for seat arrangements. He thinks for a moment, he doesn't want to hurt the other girl's feelings, but he also really wants to sit with a specific girl. "Well, all of your outfits were great, first of all. I appreciate you guys doing this for us. But...I like Moka's choice."
"No!"
"Unacceptable..."
"..." He... didn't pick mine.
"Yay!" Despite the others, Moka was very happy with Tsukune's choice. Now she can sit next to him at the theater. The vampire happily hops in place as the human boy looks to Elijah.
"So, who's did you like best?"
"..."
"...Elijah?" Don't tell me that...he didn't like mine either. I really think he looks great.
"..umu's" Elijah mutters.
"Huh?" The Succubus looks up.
"...I said I like Kurumu's." He says more loudly.
"...Really?" She says in slight shock.
"...Yes," The magic boy looks away with a faint blush.
"..." He...likes it. Kurumu couldn't help but smile as she looked away with a blush too.
"Well then," Tsukune says, bringing everyone's attention back. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way, how about we head on over to the theater?"
Everyone agrees with him, nodding as they prepare to leave. As the boys were changing back into their normal clothes, Moka brought up the idea of buying the outfits they brought for them. They all seemed to love the idea...until Yukari saw how much the tuxedos would cost.
"I'm sorry, HOW MUCH?!"
Elijah
Well, at least I got some new clothes out of that whole ordeal. I hate how self-conscious I get sometimes, just makes me hate myself even when I know I'm not that bad-looking. I'm just glad no one pressed on why I was feeling that way. Now, we can just enjoy our time here at the movies.
The theater here is a little small, but thankfully not as busy as one would think. They play all kinds of movies from newer ones coming out to older ones humans consider to be 'classics'. My father would show me these classics such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, The Lord of the Rings, and so many more. Ah, those were the days. My mother was fascinated by animated films. Despite being a powerful witch, she also had a passion for drawing. Even though most animated films today are produced by computers, she absolutely loved the hand-drawn Disney films when I was growing up. She was absolutely astonished with how much time it had to take for each scene to be drawn and somehow look amazing when it was finished.
"So, what do you guys want to see?"
"I'm not sure," Yukari looks over to me. "Elijah, you probably know more about human films than we do, so what do you think?"
Well, you're not wrong. But Tsukuen here knows a lot more than you guys think... "Let's see..."
Man, they've got quite the options for this week. I see that they're going with some of the classic Disney films. The Lion King... Oliver and Company... Hercules... They even have some that I've never seen before. James and the Giant Peach... Pocahontas... That movie kinda disturbs me now that I know the actual story of it. Actually, that's how most fairy tales are. "Oh, shit..." No way... "They're playing Homeward Bound?"
Kurumu tilts her head. "What's that one about?"
"Oh, it's about two dogs and a cat embarking on an incredible journey through the rugged wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains to reach home and their beloved owners."
"Aww!" Moka smiles. "That sounds so adorable, I love animals!"
"I never had a pet before, but I love cats."
"I don't really understand the idea of pets, but I think it sounds like a good movie."
"I think I remember seeing that one as a kid."
Yukari tilts her head. "You've seen human movies, Tsukune."
Shit. Come on dude, make up a good excuse. "Oh, uh, yeah! My parents found movies interesting, so I always saw a lot of them growing up." Tsukune scratched the back of his head nervously.
"Oh, so like Elijah, huh?" Mizore asks the boy.
"Yeah!"
Alright, time to move on. "Well then, all in favor of Homeward Bound?"
"Sounds good to me."
"Doggies!"
"Mmm."
"Let's go!"
Once we're inside, we take our seats in the front row. Nothing better than being close to the big screen. well, not the rows directly below the screen, just the first row of the theater seating. Since Tsukune picked Moka's outfit, they sit beside each other and I sit next to Tsukune to avoid any issues with the others. Kurumu takes her spot next to me, but I notice she's shivering.
"You cold?" I whisper.
She nods. "A little, the air conditioning is crazy in here! Or did the Snow Skank do this?!"
"First of all, don't call her that. Second, this is how it is with most theaters, plus it's a little warm outside."
"Well, it's ridiculous! And besides, why do you care what I call her? Don't tell me you got a crush on her."
"Because it's mean to call our friends names like that and Mizore is a sweet girl."
"Hmph," Kurumu crosses her arms in annoyance. "She better stay out of my way with Tsukune...or..."
I didn't quite hear the last thing she said. "What was that?"
"I said I'm still cold!" She pouts at me with her cheeks slightly pink.
I sigh, not believing that I'm about to do this. I unzip my jacket, carefully taking it off. "Here," I hand it over to her, but she looks at me, confused.
"You're giving me your jacket?"
I nod. "You're cold, so just take it."
"..." The succubus is a little hesitant, but she reluctantly takes my offer. Carefully putting in on as soon as the opening of the movie begins. "...Thank you."
"No worries," I say with a small smile.
"I'm gonna miss you so much," Peter hugs his best friend, Shadow close before he has to go away for a while.
"I know. I know you're sad. I wish I knew why." The wise and old golden retriever responds. Shadow could always sense his boy's feelings but not always what he was saying, he just wished he could know how to make him feel better. That's his purpose as his dog.
"We'll be back to visit next week, okay? I promise."
"What's wrong?"
Right as the family started to load into the car, I feel...something warm and soft on my left shoulder. When I turn to see what it is, I find...Kurumu laying her head on my shoulder.
"What are you doing?" I whisper. Before she could give me an answer, I looked to my right and saw... "Oh, right..." Just like when we studied together, Kurumu is taking advantage of the situation to try and make Tsukune jealous as he's with Moka. Honestly, this is getting ridiculous. Either Tsukune needs to man up and say upright that he's not interested or Kurumu needs to get over this whole 'destined one' stuff. I don't even think that Tsukune is the one for her. Wait, why am I even concerned about this? It's not like I...
...Do I?
"..." Deciding that I shouldn't think too much right now, I play along with Kurumu's little scheme and lay my head against hers. This surprises her a little as I feel her head shift enough to where she looks at me out of the corner of her eye.
"W-What are you doing?"
"What's that thing you're always telling me? 'Don't think about it too much.'"
"...Right,"
I don't exactly know why, but I'm starting to get an idea... I think... I think I have a crush on Kurumu. But if that's the case, how is that even possible? She spends all her time fawning over Tsukune, how can I start liking a girl that has no romantic interest in me? I mean...
"Hey, are you okay?"
"Please...help me..." The girl weakly says.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm...so faint..."
"Here," I reach my hand down to her. "Let me help you. Can you stand?"
"I..." The girl looks up at me, revealing her beautiful violet eyes. "Thank you...so much."
She really does have beautiful eyes...
"Uh, Kurumu, what are you-"
"Shh! Just play along."
"What do you...oh." I figured it out. Kurumu is just trying to get Tsukune jealous or simply making herself look more appealing compared to a more polite and focused Moka. I don't mind when she uses me for her stupid love triangle schemes, hell, last week she held onto my arm for an entire lunchtime while I was eating with Tsukune and Moka. It was...nice, but at the same time, I felt like a fancy purse being lugged around. "You know, doing this won't get the guy's attention."
The succubus quietly scoffs "And what makes you say that?"
"Maybe instead of flaunting...this," I gesture to...all of her. "maybe you should start working on this." I tap my temple with my pencil.
"Are you calling me dumb?!" Kurumu shouts in a whisper.
"Do I need to talk about your quiz scores...again?"
She simply just looks away. "Point taken." The girl then tugs on my arm. "Will you...help me?"
I smile. "I offered, didn't I?"
She laughs softly, which I found...nice to hear. "Fair point."
The two of us began our quiz. I find myself looking over at Kurumu as she does the same but toward Tsukune. It's strange, just like at lunch, this feels...nice. Even if her attention is on the human boy to our left.
Even when her attention is not entirely on me, it's...nice to be around her so much.
"What are those?"
"Oh, these? They're my earbuds. I use them to listen to my music on my phone."
Even more curious, Kurumu looks at my phone with sparkling eyes. "I've heard about these in the human world! They let you do all sorts of things, right? Wait, you listen to music with this? Can you show me?" Kurumu asks like a kid in a toy store.
I chuckle. "Sure." I hand her my left earbud since I hear better in my right. "Put this in your left ear, and I'll pick a song for you to hear." She follows my direction as I begin to scroll through my playlist. I don't have many options since the academy still hasn't gotten any internet yet, so she'll be listening to some songs I have downloaded onto my phone. "Let's see...no, no, aha! Here's a good one."
We haven't done it in a while, but I love it whenever we just listen to my playlist together...
"And..." Kurumu approaches us boys. "Moka not sinking your fangs into you, Tsukune, would be a good thing, but still you can't go. And Elijah, who else would I listen to music with? You can't leave either!"
I look to the Succubus, smirking. "I didn't think you'd miss me that much."
She pouts, hitting me in my left arm. "Don't think about it too much, dummy." She laughs, but I can't help but see a slight touch of pink on her cheeks.
"Don't worry, you can't get rid of me that easily."
Kurumu...would've hated it if I left. And I would've too.
"Dummy..."
"Wha- Woah!" I couldn't register what Kurumu said before she pounced on me, hugging me. Normally, I wouldn't mind, but she's half-naked wearing that yellow two-piece. I can feel my face burning...
"Don't scare me like that..."
"..." I got too cocky this time. I know she cares, but I never knew it was to this extent. But what even happened? All I remember is blacking out when I got pulled in. I look over to the mermaid's mangled body, she's alive, but only just about. Who fucked her up? Moka's go-to thing is a roundhouse kick, but she's covered in scratch marks... Wait a minute... "Kurumu..."
...She saved my life. That thought alone makes my heart flutter faster than a hummingbird's wings. Is this what it's like to have a crush? Do I...have a crush on Kurumu? But how do I know for sure? Maybe I should ask Tsukune, he's obviously got a thing for Moka and I obviously can't ask Kurumu, Mizore would just tell me to stalk her and there's no way I'd ask Yukari for advice. She's smart, but she can be immature about this kind of thing. So whenever I get the chance, I need to ask Tsukune for advice...the irony of it all.
"Jamie! Jamie my boy!"
Damn, I was so caught up in my own emotions that I didn't even realize that the movie was almost over. Alright, enough of these thoughts, time to see if I can make it through this without crying. I can do this...probably. As for the others, even Tsukune, they started sniffling as soon as Chance came over the hill and ran to his family. Sassy soon followed after, now all that's left is...oh boy. I'm an adult, I can handle this...I'm okay.
"...Peter."
"Shadow!"
"Oh, Peter. I worried about you so..."
Aaaaand here come the tears. How can a movie I've seen so many times make me cry every single goddamn time? I'm too focused on watching my childhood play for the thousandth time to even feel something warm and soft take hold of my left hand.
"Wow, I didn't think a dog movie could make me cry so much," Moka says as we leave the theater, wiping her tears away.
"That was really good!" Yukari adds. "I almost thought Shadow wouldn't make it home."
"I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much from a human-made film. But...I kinda liked it."
"It was even better than I remember, nice job picking the movie...Elijah?" Tsukune tilts his head in confusion.
"What?" That's when the feeling of something warm and soft resides in my hand. This something...was Kurumu's hand, her fingers interlocking with mine. "...Uh."
"Oh!" I guess she didn't even realize it either, but she pulls it away as soon as reality hits her. How long were we like that? "I was just cold!"
"But aren't you wearing a jacket, Elijah's to be specific?" Moka asks her.
"So what? Gotta problem?" Kurumu retorts, causing Moka to raise her hands in defense.
"N-No! I was just asking!"
"Are you planning on stealing my Elijah away from me again, Succubus?"
"Regardless," I try to ease the growing tension and avoid any awkward questions. "It's getting late, how about we get back to the dorms?"
The group unanimously agrees with me and we make our way through the slowly dying down mall area back to the bus stop. On the way, I feel a small tug on my shirt. Noticing the blue-haired Succubus looking at me with a shy expression.
"What's wrong?" I ask, ignoring my pounding heart as best as I can.
"N-Nothing, just..." Kurumu looks away from me as we walk, but I notice the faint blush on her cheeks. "I had fun today...with you..."
"..."
"...you guys," She adds the last part.
"...Yeah," I smile. Despite my confused feelings, I'll never doubt that I just like being with Kurumu so much. "...Me too."