The Little Things - Seravy
Part 7 - The Suzushiro Conspiracy (Part 2)   

NOTE:

Kyoto-ben – Shizuru uses a very polite form of the Kyoto accent

Ookini – Kyoto accent for “thank you”

Bubuzuke – Kyoto accent version of ochazuke which is rice with tea

Onna – woman (bubuzuke onna is what Haruka calls Shizuru)

Chadou – tea ceremony

Kadou – flower arrangement

Chabouzu – tea boy. Haruka’s nickname for Reito

Ikezu ya wa – Kyoto accent for “meanie” or “such a tease” and Shindou Naomi pulls it off with the most sexy and seductive VA

MADS: Mad Addiction to Devastating Sauces. The consumption of heavy western foods (i.e. pizza, potato chips, pasta. Fried chicken is especially effective) topped with all imaginable sauces (i.e. Ketchup, mustard, vinegar, sour cream. Mayonnaise is a must) in large quantities before the intended target. The mere sight of the consumption process shall induce sickness and nausea marked by blue and green face colour. Only one victim is ever known to be subjected to this torture (hint: Kyoto council president). On one occasion, MADS had even sent the subject running to the washroom, emptying her stomach. WARNING! Please use at your own discretion as the abnormal calorie count is fatal to human beings whose initials are not K.N.

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What had she done!

Although Haruka hadn’t looked away, she never could recall what exactly happened in that split moment. The fence had rattled a quick chime as it caught the ball’s fierce momentum… behind her. The service was a fault but the receiver had swung her racket so the return was good.

15-40

Haruka immediately looked towards her opponent, searching for proof to support what she suspected was retaliation. What greeted her though was that same clueless smile, obliviously waving to some nameless fanatic fan. What was that then? A mere stroke of luck? With disbelief and the annoying prompting of the crowd, Haruka delivered an investigating serve. The ball came back to her at a sharp left.

And it didn’t stop there. Her serves were all coming back to haunt her every time she sent it over. Even though she had long lost track of the score, the loud fervent cheers that had erupted around told her that the score was now 45-40. Match point.

A loud explosion of “AH Fujino-sama!” and its other variations erupted from all four sides of the tennis court. Seconds ago, she was winning 0-40 and now they were tied at one in a round of three matches.

Haruka shook her head defiantly to clear the misty fog that had clouded her head and smirked. The numbness that had threatened to take her over was evaporating quickly like boiling water. Just as she thought: that pathetic playing was nothing but an act to lower her guard down and ambush her in a moment’s hesitation. How dare that woman try to use her sympathetic heart as an advantage! Haruka had to admit that it was a good although sneaky plan. Fujino Shizuru almost had her but it’ll take more than just childish deception to defeat the great Suzushiro Haruka.

Adjusting her grip, Haruka ensured that her feet were shoulder-width apart, reflexes ready for anything that came its way. It was Fujino Shizuru’s turn to serve. She didn’t know what sort of surprise lay ahead but Haruka was going to conquer it.

The underhand serve disappointed her but that was until her racket made direct contact with the ball. It was solid, confident and powerful, able to rival the hits that her US professional trainer was capable of delivering. Now, she knew for certain that her lost within the second match was not some fluke. She was officially battling Fujino Shizuru. No doubt that it was the magic of DOG and her persevering spirit that had completely changed that bubuzuke onna’s mind.

Haruka returned the next strike, eyes blazing for the next one as they exchanged blows. Every shot zipped by not a fraction above the net, maximizing its angle and velocity. Haruka found herself working harder and harder as the hits increased in speed and power. At this point, she wasn’t even aiming, focused on reaching the ball and slamming those hits as hard and fierce as they came.

She had to admit that it was a bit of luck, but one of her hits had reached a brusque corner in the lower left court. The ball slid by Fujino Shizuru’s defenses to claim her first point of the match.

Even Haruka herself had trouble believing it. 0-15 and she had done it with that bubuzuke onna fighting back. One of those shots even made that woman take three---THREE!---full steps to return. A burst of joy dashed through her body, mingled so interchangeably with the hard pumping within her chest.

It was a shame that Fujino Shizuru couldn’t serve overhand but these basic forehands and backhands were doing their job just fine. The next one initiated the clash for the next point. Haruka returned it with the same fervor to prove her opponent right for accepting her challenge. Before she could consider her next move though, the ball was immediately placed back onto her side of the court to the right. Haruka dashed towards it at full speed. Her legs felt like they were on fire, the balls of her feet pivoting with such speed that they burned as she ran towards the opposite side of the court.

Lady luck smiled at her once again as another of her shots seized the next point, pushing the score to 0-30. But now was not the time to celebrate… not until she had claimed complete victory.

Once Haruka settled into her stance along the service line, those furious hits started its downpour once again, raining down heavily. She expected nothing less from the council president. As much as Haruka wanted to initiate other tactics, the blinding speed and pace of the game had locked all her attention onto the movement of the ball. All she could to do was focus on her returns, a position which Fujino Shizuru was wedged in as well. It was all about patience and accuracy… a struggle in which the council president lost first.

Shizuru had hit the ball a notch too hard, sending her return well pass the white lines that encircled their skirmish. Haruka swallowed to wet her dry mouth as she declared another well-earned point through endurance and perseverance. Her entire body was screaming with heat and adrenaline. It even pained her to breath, a dilemma that Fujino Shizuru was experiencing as well no doubt… even worst perhaps. After all, the bubuzuke onna was the first to err, not her.

Haruka stole a glance at her rival. Right across, she could see the council president, so easily recognizable by that unique hair colour, walking off to one of those white plastic chairs leaning against the fence. Setting down her racket, Fujino Shizuru accepted a towel that was offered from her right, mouthing what looked like “ookini”. From the left, a cup of something—tea, most probably—was passed to her in which that woman accepted as well with a smile. Inokawa Ren, the dark-haired tennis club head, came over from her match as well and began chatting with her rival. Something wasn’t right. It took her mind some adjusting before it was able to process the scene before her eyes.

“What do you think you’re doing, Fujino?” yelled Haruka, despite her weak lungs at the moment. It made her livid with red anger to see that woman defile the sanctity of their silent pact by insignificant and random dilly-dallying. That bubuzuke onna wasn’t thinking of backing out now, was she?

After taking a leisure sip, Fujino Shizuru finally spoke to pacify the fuming executive board director.

“You won’t mind if I take a break, do you, Suzushiro-san? I feel a little winded,” came the annoying Kyoto voice that suddenly sounded not so annoying.

Winded! Without a second’s delay, Haruka responded.

“Of course not! You just take your time and drink your tea!”

A smile was delivered her way… a grateful one that hid immense fatigue while trying to come up with some sort of last-minute plan against her no doubt.

‘Hah! Having a hard time keeping up, eh, Fujino!’ laughed Haruka to herself, ‘Too bad all the womanizing tea-boys and bubuzuke in the world won’t save you this time!’

Haruka strode off the court in compilation, taking a seat herself on a chair similar to her opponent’s. Although she’d like to mimic Fujino Shizuru’s seemingly placid appearance, she found herself practically falling into the white plastic chair. Her legs that were so grateful for the luxury immediately lay limp. Every inch of her skin felt like it was on fire as her breathing attacked her relentlessly for more oxygen. Even her brain refused to cooperate as it pounded loudly. Sweat was practically drizzling from her pores, especially with the action abruptly halted.

Haruka tried fanning her skirt but that did little good except to bring her attention to her heavy left arm. She hoped that bubuzuke onna would finish tea time soon. This seat was getting mighty comfortable.

Noticing that she was still holding onto her racket, Haruka tried releasing it to a side and found herself incapable of such an act. Her hand felt somewhat glued onto the racket. It took a conscious effort to command her fingers. The racket finally fell away to reveal the true source of the muggy texture she felt around the handle. Aside from her sweat, two of her many blisters from her intensive training were scuffed open. The bleeding seemed to have stopped though as she noted a dull red colour that was smeared over half her palm

Haruka gingerly moved her fingers to get the circulation in them going again. They felt stiff and foreign after being wrapped around the racket handle for so long. She poked her palm and the raw pain felt staggering. Haruka turned it away and let her vision lay elsewhere.

As usual, Fujino Shizuru held her smile graciously, a gentle smile painting her face. Haruka did note her rival's deepened breathing but either than that, that woman showed no signs of her own pains. Once again, she expected nothing less from her rival who was always so proficient at hiding her every thought, even under extreme fatigue. One could only guess at what lay behind that smile although Haruka knew she was getting close... closer than anybody had ever gotten.

Finally, after finishing her cup of tea, the little crowd that had gathered around Fujino Shizuru dissipated and the council president stood up, picking up her racket that was leaning off by her side. Haruka took it as the signal of resumption.

One more! Just ONE more and she’ll reign victorious over Fujino Shizuru. All she had to do was continue her vicious attacks, answer every one of those shots and everything shall be set!

The first steps were difficult though as her body dragged with heaviness. It was the simple thought of her triumph that kept Haruka moving. Her breathing still hadn’t recovered its normal pace but that was something she’d have to cope with. If Fujino Shizuru could do it, so could she. Once the match got going, Haruka knew she’d be unstoppable.

Taking one last glance before the start of their match, Haruka noted the casual consistency that Fujino Shizuru displayed. It could fool others but not her. Haruka wasn’t going to get psyched out so easily. She’ll bring out the truth behind that bubuzuke smile soon enough.

Haruka took her place on the service line. Her rival gave the ball a couple of bounces before the toss. This time, though, the ball flew high into the air, well above that head of chestnut hair. Haruka immediately recognized the change and the results were immediate.

Fujino Shizuru’s initial strike took the form of what she claimed to be incapable of. Her feet stayed like fixed leads to the ground as a cool touch brushed along her left calf.

It would had counted too if the ball hadn’t bounced outside of the service box in its furious path.

Haruka knew her mouth was gaping open with bulging eyes that probably looked like they were about to fall out of their sockets. Even the loud raucous cheers that had erupted couldn’t bring her out of this stupor.

Haruka shook her head as her opponent accepted another ball. Smart of that bubuzuke onna to hide her secret weapon for the last. Haruka quickly told herself that she was only surprised. The serve wasn’t that good. The next one shall end this.

Repeating those same movements, Fujino Shizuru’s serve came crashing into her territory. The serve was fast but its route was deadly obvious. Haruka easily moved into place, swinging her racket with commanding domination over her body.

The point of contact came as expected but instead of a complete follow-through, she felt a sharp pain that overtook her efforts. Her racket flung out her hand and hit into the dull green cement. The ball rolled away close by.

30-40.

It suddenly hit her. Once again, she had fallen into another one of those bubuzuke illusions.

Haruka closed her fingers into tight fists despite the pain. Looking ahead, she could see that damned woman once again waving and smiling off to the side in complete disregard of herself. Does Fujino Shizuru expect to sweep her clean by those serves alone! That arrogant tea-sipping shameless woman! Haruka was determined to make her rival pay for her insolence.

Haruka stalked off to retrieve her racket and plopped herself back onto the service line. A Suzushiro never backed down from a challenge.

The next serve came and with a grip as solid as her determination, Haruka returned it with the immense anger she felt inside. She immediately noticed the softened power in comparison to its predecessors. Haruka quickly logged it as sign of fatigue.

She sent the ball back into Fujino Shizuru’s left and the executive board director quickly readied herself as her rival sprinted forward and caught the ball before it even bounced. Haruka knew she was staring once again. Instead of pulling her arm back for a full swing, her rival had tapped the small green sphere with gentle care.

Having gotten so used to the continuous and furious hits, a soft hit like that was the least of her expectations. Its remote location near the net compared to her position at the service line made any attempts simply impossible. The ball rolled away like a malicious tease.

Haruka gritted her teeth in frustration. It was a valid tactic that entirely suited that bubuzuke onna’s nature. What a sneaky shot! She wanted to run over and ring that woman’s neck and she would have too if not for her need to conserve the little energy she had left.

Steadying herself, her readiness prompted the launch of the third serve of this match. Her arm tingled once again from the powerful hit but having expected it this time, Haruka easily ignored it to complete her return.

Her eyes immediately caught Fujino Shizuru making her way towards the net. Did that woman think she could get away with the same trick twice!

Haruka pumped her arms hard as she made a beeline towards the net. The volley came as expected but the moment it touched her racket, the ball seemed to have a mind of its own, rejecting her touch. It proceeded to spin off into the air, slightly to her left against the course which she had set. A split thought occurred to her. Dropvolley with backspin… an upper level technique her teacher had only talked about due to their short training period.

Fujino Shizuru leapt into the air in a flash of movement. The solid sound of contact followed immediately as her opponent swung her racket. The ball echoed a “shuck” resonance as it passed her unmercifully in the form of a humiliating smash.

Once again, Fujino Shizuru was one step ahead of her. Haruka found herself bent on one knee, heaving heavily from the futile sprint she had just made. Fujino Shizuru’s steady form blocked off the sun, towering a shadow over her. That woman hadn’t made a sound as she spun on her heels to return to the service line.

This couldn’t be! That woman should be as tired as she felt, as emptied as she was and yet, that slim and elegant body moved with its usual fluidity and elegance, passing her like on any other casual day.

40 deuce.

Haruka had one more chance to win… one more chance to touch the bottom of this deep pit and finally understand the basic definition of Fujino Shizuru. This was the way she lived. If there was anything unknown, she would plunge in head first to experience it with her own body and conquer it.

What she had plunged into though was beginning to feel like some sort of bottomless quicksand.

Haruka immediately banished that thought. She prided herself on her integrity accompanied by undefeatable courage to face anything. That was why she was here today.

Unlike those other rich spoiled brats, Haruka had action to support her every word, refusing to coerce into that despicable group of self-worshippers. They didn’t understand the responsibility that came with privilege, the need to protect and make this world a better place. Contrary to popular belief, Haruka heard and knew about all the laughter and sniveling comments behind her back. She just chose to ignore it. Her duty was to perform her duties to the best of her abilities. She wasn’t here to please a crowd like a circus clown. This was perhaps the only thing that she and Fujino Shizuru had in common.

That woman had shown her skills and leadership with nothing but results, going about her own pace and doing things her way. When that voice sung into the air with its harmonious Kyoto accent, promises were as good as done, tasks were announced as if completed already.

Despite her seemingly lazy appearance, Fujino Shizuru always delivered with timely perfection. Even when the council suffered a large debt from the previous school years’ overspending, while everybody else panicked, the newly elected council president showed up with a sponsorship proposal. Although all members were unable to fulfill the needed amount of sponsors, Fujino Shizuru went missing a week and returned with five large sponsors that shall last the school at least another two years. When the south gym building was destroyed from some unknown circumstances, Fujino Shizuru had immediately marched out her orders and deployed the council accordingly. By the time she realized it, Haruka became one of those nameless council members carrying out those orders. The panic was subdued within thirty three minutes.

This was the Fujino Shizuru she wanted to win against. Tightening her grip, the blisters on her right hand stung her with uncaringly clearness. One more chance. It wasn’t nearly over yet.

Haruka stood up, her back straightened with pride she held for being herself. Standing just behind the service line, she bent her knees and raised her racket to indicate her determination to win.

The next serve was launched into her side of the court. She returned it with the same ferocity she held for all her shots. Even though her legs protested uncooperatively, Haruka marched them forward towards the net. If she was going to win, the executive board director knew she needed to take over the pace and dominate. She needed to catch Fujino Shizuru by surprise and make the first strike. A hard finishing smash shall deliver the final proclamation.

Just as she prepared for her opponent’s return though, she found her eyes drawn into the air, abruptly halting her sprint forward.

Fujino Shizuru’s return took the form of a lob, sending the ball high. Haruka’s eyeballs rolled to the very back of their sockets as she traced the extreme parabola that stretched to touch the sky.

How dare that woman play her like this! However, Haruka was determined to make that bubuzuke onna pay for this fancy shot. The high lob will give her plenty of time to return the hit and a devastating smash shall be the end of this battle. Still according to plan.

Haruka gritted her teeth as she quickly shuffled back, pulling her right arm towards her shoulder blades, the left one pointing to the sky. With the sun impaling her eyes, blood rushed to the back of her head. It became rather difficult to judge the ball’s position. A little to the back… no no no, more to the front…

Down, down, the tiny speck of light green slowly dropped, visually enlarging in size. At the moment when her instincts screamed out, Haruka released the gathered energy her body had accumulated into this deciding moment.

The lack of contact and the full empty twisting of her body told her that she had missed. Where was the ball? Haruka looked frantically to the left, then to the right, searching for a last minute recovery until her eyes met a pair of curious red. Fujino Shizuru gradually glanced up. Haruka followed suit just in time to catch a glimpse of light green a hair breath’s away from her face. The world went black.

…

….

…..

How was that possible though! Black! She was supposed to be winning against Fujino Shizuru! That was the plan, was it not? Even though her body felt non existent, she willed the air into moving, reflexively swinging her arm for the final hit. She couldn’t lose! She was Suzushiro Haruka, sole successor to the proud lineage her great great grandfather had started.

She was going to win! The world was sucked into light as she screamed to consolidate her existence and ultimate victory.

“DIE! BUBUZUKE ONNA!”

A colourful explosion of pain immediately attacked her, smacking her body back down. The mattress beneath her caught her weight. Haruka looked wildly around the unfamiliar surrounding of white curtains. Where was the tennis court? The people? FUJINO SHIZURU! Her head was pounding, especially her forehead.

“Fujino! The match!” sputtered Haruka as her memory flashed her with the recent events. She tried to push herself up but decided against it when the world took a spin before her eyes. With the adrenaline gone, her body felt heavier than ever, acid-like soreness rooted deeply in every muscle and fiber.

“Yep… she’ll be just fine,” commented Sagisawa-sensei, her voice muffled from the hand over her face. She was checking for additional injuries when that overactive girl suddenly got up and smacked her right in the nose. She should have sedated Suzushiro when she had the chance.

Haruka looked to her right and saw two familiar faces…Yukino and the school nurse.

“What happened?” asked Haruka.

“You collapsed under exhaustion and a mild concussion when the back of your head hit the ground,” explained the school nurse, her nose still punishing her with pain. Thankfully, her eyes have stopped watering.

‘It’s too bad it wasn’t your forehead that took the impact. I’m sure you would have been fine then,’ added Youko to herself. She had heard of what happened and could only sigh and shake her head in exasperation. For this same reason though, she hadn’t mentioned the opened blisters to the executive board director’s brunette friend. Suzushiro Haruka would have preferred it that way.

“You just get plenty of rest and fluids for the next few days,” said the school nurse as padded away to an available bed, “Think I need some too.”

The plastic rings that upheld the white curtains rattled as it was slid closed. Secretly, Haruka was quite thankful for the pain. It kept her from thinking too much.

“Haruka-chan…,” said Yukino, her voice close to a whisper. The poor girl looked like she was about to cry, deep concern caressing her freckled and shy features.

Haruka mustered up a smile. The last thing her second-in-command needed to know was how much her head was killing her and her wanton desire to be alone. Yukino was so fragile, always in need of her protection.

Even though her shoulders ached as she moved, Haruka rested a hand over Yukino’s that were clutching the edge of the bed for dear life. They felt a little cold.

“Never felt better so don’t you worry,” assured Haruka.

Yukino wiped at her eyes and nodded. Guilt was immediately added to the executive board director’s pile of pain.

“May you get me some water, Yukino? I’m a little thirsty,” lied Haruka.

Her friend quickly nodded and dashed off to fulfill her request as if she had been lost in the desert for days. Once she heard the footsteps disappear, Haruka turned her head towards the ceiling. Her smile easily fell away from the heaviness that weighed on the corners of her lips.

It was so quiet and white like the aftermaths of a war declared by surrendering. Her chest felt heavy, the tennis match refusing to leave her head. She had truly given everything, laid herself bare to the very core and yet, Fujino Shizuru... Her mind went blank at that thought although the deep burning in her right hand murmured every detail. What she had determined as a weakness had crushed her best efforts with a little more exertion Fujino Shizuru used for sipping tea. What were her chances of winning now? Haruka tried telling herself that it was only tennis, an insignificant event, a short moment in one’s life but there was no denying in one simple fact.

“I… lost,” whispered Haruka. Only to silence could she admit this. It was always to stillness and the dark that she would confess. She closed her eyes to let everything simply wash over her exhaustion.

The dead tranquility was broken by the sharp shattering of glass.

Some time during her reverie, Yukino had returned. The cup of water which she had wanted now lay shattered on the floor. Her friend smiled before apologizing. With her head held low, Yukino quickly leaned down to pick up the fragments. Even though there were the two of them, it was deafeningly quiet. Haruka bit her lip to let it stay that way.

“It was really close. You would have won too if you had another day to rest after all that training,” replied Yukino. She had never heard her friend say “I lost”.

“The truth is that I lost and I’m not about to give excuses,” said Haruka. Immediately she wanted to take that back as her voice had rung with a louder volume than she had intended. Yukino flinched.

“We’ll get that bubuzke onna next time though!” forced Haruka for some semblance of herself. After all, it was possible to lose with dignity.

“You deserved to win though,” whispered Yukino. It hurt even more that the blonde executive director had said it while assuming that no one was around.

Haruka had thought so too. The fact that she was so certain made this lost the worst of them all. She didn’t know how to respond to Yukino and allowed the silence that had always held her secrets to eat at them both. Much to her own surprise, it was Yukino who spoke first. The sharp shards were abandoned to the floor as the young brunette stood up from the task.

“I thought you were amazing, Haruka-chan. You looked like you were invincible.”

There was an unusual firmness in that soft sandy voice that immediately pulled Haruka’s head up. Her attention was immediately captured by eyes that were waiting for her. Haruka stared with rapture at the magnificent shy smile her childhood friend wore. Absolute confidence and adoration in herself.

The heaviness locked in her chest vanished. Haruka felt stupid to have succumbed to those weak notions even for a moment. That would have been exactly what Fujino Shizuru wanted. Well, she wasn’t going to let that tea-sipping woman have that satisfaction.

She was Suzushiro Haruka. She could lose but she could never be defeated. Defeat only came when one was to give up and descendants of this proud family never gave up. Haruka practically leapt off the bed, flexing her muscles. A little soreness wasn’t going to keep her down. She was the phoenix, destined to rise from the ashes and be reborn? to magnificence that preceded her previous form! ( Haruka stalked me for three days to put in the last line.)

Striding towards her childhood friend, she laid both hands firmly on those fragile shoulders. Without hesitation, she looked straight into Yukino’s eyes, relaying the blasting power she truly felt from inside. Yukino depended on her and she wasn’t going to let her down.

“Yukino! Get ready for plan B!” boomed the executive board director.

“Since when did we have a plan B?” asked Yukino, in confusion. Her friend healed fast but this felt just a little too fast… for anyone other than Suzushiro Haruka. Nothing could keep her Haruka-chan down.

“You need to stop sweating the small details! We must look into the future and push forward until ultimate victory against that bubuzuke onna!” declared Haruka. Punching a fist toward the ceiling, Haruka acknowledged her own strength.

“HOOOOO!”

“Ho…?” repeated Yukino, meekly.

“Come on! Put your entire soul into it!”

Yukino looked to her childhood friend in complete confusion. (Un)Fortunately, Haruka was more than happy to demonstrate her meaning. Oblivious to the other occupant (Youko) within the office, Haruka sucked in a deep breath and bellowed a wholehearted war cry that could rival the mightiest of warrior princesses.

“AIIIIIYIYIYIYIYIYIYIYIYI”

“Aiyiyiyi” followed Yukino weakly under her friend’s insistent and overtly enthusiastic look. She felt quite relieved that no one was present to witness this aside from Sagisawa-sensei who was just a curtain away. The school nurse was also well known for a pair of tight lips.

“Much better,” nodded Haruka with approval.

Turning to face the entire world, she jumped up from the bed and felt her core fueling her with renewed confidence.

“Just you wait bubuzuke onna! You may have won the battle, but the fight has just begun!”

“It’s ‘war’, Haruka-chan,” quipped Yukino.

Haruka shot her second in command a sharp glare.

“Don’t correct me when I’m announcing an ultramatum!”

“Ultimatum.”

Yukino immediately covered her mouth but it was already too late. The infamous Suzushiro rampage was detonated for the third time today.

Yes, today was but a small stumble on this long road of life. Although Haruka would have to add another stroke to Fujino Shizuru’s side of the rival scoreboard, there’ll be a day when those two opposing numbers would equal one another.

Current Score

Fujino Shizuru: 463… Suzushiro Haruka: 2

(In case you were wondering where those two points came from, Haruka did manage to defeat her ultimate rival with her shiny attendance record two years in a row. She’s going for her third consecutive win this year.)

Conspiracy No. 465… Failed

Tennis was one of those sports where students were freed from the mundane and embarrassing bloomers with the choice of any appropriate sports attire; hence her decision to attend P.E. for the duration of tennis. Although Shizuru had nothing against bloomers-- in fact, teenage girls trotting around in them was the only reason she had chosen this subject during course selection-- wearing one herself was truly depressing. This also rang true with that terrible middle school uniform. Fortunately, negotiations with a certain director and her slight “mistake” during purchase had saved her from the fate of being caught in one of those for one full year.

Now, back to today’s tennis class-- She was planning to spend that time leisurely rallying with one of her cute classmates or Inokawa-san, captain of the Tennis Club, who was quite enthusiastic about teaching her the basics of the sport. This third year student reminded her of Natsuki somewhat. Not in terms of appearance but the built body and the outwardly gruff attitude that hid an adorable teenage girl.

Suzushiro Haruka’s appearance changed that plan somewhat but that discrepancy could be easily overlooked. The busty blonde girl could be amusing in small dosages and from the steam that was practically shooting from Haruka’s pores, Shizuru decided to humour her for the class despite her lazy mood. It wouldn’t do to upset her executive board director too much. The simple way in which the current executive board director’s mind operated as well as her affluent background did provide many benefits that no other could provide.

There was that budget follow-up that still needed her approval. Third year students’ graduation was nearing as well. Ah. There was also that insect infestation problem over at the west building science lab that needed immediate attention. At first Shizuru was going to save that task for her vice president but on second thought, the preposition was best suited for the executive board director. It’ll keep the hyper blonde girl busy and off her back for the next week so she may attend to the other issues. Shizuru disliked extra and troublesome chores but what must be done, shall always be done. She’ll think of something else for Reito-san. That boy needed to be reminded of his place from time to time. Perhaps the newly formed “Otaku l33t 3xtr3m3” anime/sci-fi/hacking club that was constantly ‘stalking’ for new members…

That had been her train of thought until her senses, so attuned to that lonesome yet strong aura, caught a flicker of what had been flowing dark blue hair. Perhaps it was the sudden thumping in her chest or the oblivious way in which Natsuki was going to walk by her, her thinking simply stopped. Instincts, which she had tamed and disciplined, took over.

The results were within her last-minute planning but its purpose and overall motivation were something against her better judgment, personal principles and philosophies.

She had succumbed to vanity; an impulsive desire to be nothing but the best before the only person who mattered in her world. She had done it, fully knowing that in no way would it change anything except for Natsuki to take one more ephemeral look at her.

Thankfully, Ophans have been attacking quite frequently for the past two weeks. The unwanted training had given her sufficient arm strength and finesse to deliver on her sudden need to flaunt. Lunch time interaction with the tennis club head had also became unexpectedly useful. The sacrifice of vanity being Suzushiro Haruka just made it all the easier, methodically and politically. Her executive board director was oblivious to the concept of conservation. Shizuru simply had her blonde classmate expend all her energy in the beginning then took away her adrenaline rush at the peak of physical exhaustion. After that, she could play as fancy as she wanted. Simple plan but not something she’d done under any other circumstances.

Shizuru sighed as she made her way through the forest. She was somewhat tired from the exercise but the meeting that awaited her was something she’d conquer the world to attend. Her only regret was the absence of a cup of quality Japanese hot tea.

The dense green came to an end. An open field with a modest slop just outside its skirts sat in the expanse of uninhabited freedom. She breathed in the fresh air, listening to the crisp flow of water that surrounded that rise of soft grass. The island of Fuuka was truly a beauty of nature. Here, she had found many magnificent thinking spots which she now shared with a certain dark-haired girl. This was one of them.

“Ah, my back and shoulders are aching…” complained Shizuru as she sat down on her usual spot on the hill. It wasn’t that she disliked P.E. She enjoyed a moderate amount of exercise like Taichi or aikido but strenuous exercises, in general, simply did not appeal to her.

“That’s what you get for doing nothing but sit around and drink tea all day,” came a low gruff voice beside the council president.

Looking into the sky, the school’s infamous beauty of mystery rested her entire body onto nature’s generous blanket. Kuga Natsuki, Fuuka Academy third year middle school student, had attended the second last class of the day. Not in the mood for more boredom, she had decided to end school early and was on her way to retrieve her motorcycle when a loud explosion of applause and cheers drew her attention. And lo’ and behold, the rare sight of a certain council president within close proximity of a sport aka physical labour.

“How unsympathetic,” sighed Shizuru, tapping her poor shoulders in an attempt to relieve her stiff shoulders.

Natsuki secretly smiled at the gesture. Such a granny… although she never knew granny could play tennis.

“I don’t see why I should be, show off,” retorted Natsuki. She paused and as an afterthought added, “A little on the harsh side, don’t you think?”

Despite all the trouble that the executive board director had put her through in the past, Natsuki couldn’t help but feel a little sympathy for the busty blonde. Suzushiro Haruka was led all over the court like a donkey on a lure of carrot. It was an obvious wear-out tactic but Suzushiro Haruka had taken it obliviously as the Kyoto girl, true to her form, comfortably fed her shot after shot, basically standing in one single spot. The finish looked very good but just slightly… cruel. It felt odd to even put that word anywhere near her patient and gentle friend though.

“Actually, Suzusuhiro-san was the one who was complaining about my poor playing. I was only adhering to her request,” explained Shizuru, “Besides, I can’t lose face before an impressionable underclassman.”

“Your little fan club sure enjoyed the performance,” scoffed Natsuki, injecting a heavy dosage of sarcasm into her words. She could never understand how her friend tolerated those idiotic crowds of buzzing schoolgirls. Little did she know that there truly was a fan club. (FIH!)

“Actually, I meant you.”

Natsuki threw her friend a puzzled look.

“As your sempai, I felt that it was crucial to set a healthy and good example for you to follow.”

“Where else do you think I get my skipping habit from?”

Shizuru tossed her head up in mock indignation.

“Excuse me but my absences are always issued legitimately.”

Natsuki rolled her eyes. The nerve of that Kyoto girl to say that with a straight face!

“If ‘kaicho-sama’ would approve my absence slips, mine would be too.”

“That’d be against school policies,” Shizuru gently refuted in a calm even tone that could rival the most seasoned lawyer.

“Yeah, policies which YOU rewrote.”

“Those changes were unanimously voted upon by the entire council.”

Fuuka Academy Policies No. 76 section 2.2: Absences must be supported with proper legitimate reasons. A doctor’s note, the director’s signature, the council president’s stamp ( --recently inserted) or other legal documents must be provided, otherwise the infraction shall be noted in the student’s file. Three infractions shall be punished with detention.

Natsuki fought the urge to stick her tongue out and wag it at her friend. She had tried that once, long ago, and had learned to never do it again. (Don’t ask.) In its place, Natsuki opted for basic insults.

“You sly, scheming, shameless bi--”

A finger upon her moving lips stopped her. Natsuki jumped at the contact, springing onto her feet. Her head felt light from the sudden rush of blood.

“Such crude words should not be coming from a cute girl like yourself,” winked Shizuru.

Natsuki didn’t know to blush or glare so she simply did both. That combination only widened the smile on the council president’s lips which immediately launched Natsuki into a rant of incoherent phrases. As usual, the insults had none of its intended effect. By the time she had nothing left to say, Shizuru simply paraded her apparent victory with a provocative grin. Her posture remained annoyingly perfect and undisturbed in contrast to her flustered self. She knew it was time to bring out the big guns.

Natsuki turned her back to her current enemy and plopped herself back onto the grass, arms and legs crossed. Although the most effective measure would be MADS (Refer to beginning notes), the needed equipment was not available at the moment so this will have to do for now. She’ll just have to initiate MADS at dinner later… preferably with fried chicken and mayonnaise.

She could hear Shizuru approaching from behind, the grass rustling with disturbed movement. Before her friend could reach her though, Natsuki got up, strode a few feet away, then plopped herself back down in the same position.

“Ikezu ya wa, Natsuki. I was only kidding.”

Natsuki grunted in response, repeating her routine once again when Shizuru’s chin landed on her right shoulder in an attempt to coax her out of her mood.

Three large strides, cross the arms, sit, cross the legs. Silent Treatment Kuga Style. The council president followed her but this time, she sat a good feet away from the girl that refused to face her.

“Forgive me?”

Natsuki could feel the tip of her hoodie being gingerly pulled. The wounded plea in that gentle voice along with apologetic and watering eyes that she knew was caressing her back were the reasons she had her back to Shizuru. The melodic Kyoto intonation certainly wasn’t helping, dusting its usual magic of snowflake guilt around her. Natsuki tightened her crossed arms to chase away her doubts and reaffirm her stance.

As if sensing her hesitation though, the council president closed in for the second move.

“What if I were to stamp your absence slips for three days? Will you forgive me then?”

Natsuki immediately felt herself weaken. Imagine… three days without teachers hounding her back… for three wonderful days, she could be off the executive board black list… three days of justified skipping… 72 hours of non-Suzushiro-Haruka-breathing down her neck Bribery was definitely working. Besides, she deserved the apology after that tease torture. Logically speaking that was. Natsuki stole a peek to indicate her slight interest. Just a little though.

“Although guilt shall torture my fragile and moral soul, I shall take that pain upon myself and approve your absences for three days,” lured Shizuru, again, three fingers raised to emphasize her point.

“So… you’ll stamp my absence slips?” ventured Natsuki, carefully, ignoring the melodrama. This woman was full of surprises. She knew she needed to be careful.

“Yes,” replied Shizuru solemnly, secretly enjoying another one of her friend’s many expressions that only she had had the pleasure of witnessing.

“Three days?” asked Natuki. The dark-haired girl’s eyes were narrowed to questioning slits, lips pursed suspiciously together to test the validity of Shizuru’s offer.

“Three days,” confirmed Shizuru.

Natsuki eyed the gentle open smile. Her Kyoto-senses spied a hint of that unique Fujino something that was lurking behind that light and ‘friendly’ response. This was too easy and from past experience, dealing with Fujino Shizuru was never easy.

“Really?” she inquired again, skepticism rooted deeply in her words.

“Natsuki, being overtly suspicious is a very bad habit.”

Dark brows twitched and deepened to reflect its owner’s current mood. Shizuru chuckled at those cheeks that were puffed out ever so slightly with indignation. Her Natsuki was such a cute little girl.

“But just to rest your suspicions, there is one condition,” added the council president. The quick mischievous flash in those crimson orbs was deftly noted. Natsuki secretly prided herself in catching those little changes on that perfect smiling face. It was the only warning she’d get… although she had yet to figure out an effective method against the schemes that lurked behind those looks.

“I knew there was a catch,” grunted Natsuki, “Name it.”

Modern humans were skeptic creatures of trade. A catch too easy cast doubt while a seemingly fair trade reassured them… And that was when one should strike. Shizuru felt a jovial spark pass through her which she easily hid behind her modest smile.

“You model that dress I bought for you last week and I’ll stamp your next absence slip,” said the council president matter-of-factly.

“WHAT!” screamed Natsuki. A rush of hotness spread through her entire body. Even the tips of her ears couldn’t escape the shock that ran through her. The dress in question was something she had spotted during a shopping trip last week. Shizuru, as usual, was with her. She clearly said she didn’t want it but count on good ol’ Fujino Shizuru to do the opposite. “Just in case you change your mind,” the council president had said despite her protests. It was a pink one piece dress with white laces. It even had a large pink bow in the back.

“Don’t say I didn’t offer,” sighed Shizuru as if her friend had just passed out on the most wonderful and reasonable deal of the century.

Natsuki pointed at the council president accusingly, leaping to her feet once again from the punch of anger that jolted her with energy. She had fallen for it… again! Why couldn’t she ever learn…

“You set me up, Shizuru! This is not fair!”

Her allegations only seemed to fuel the blatant amusement that encompassed the girl from Kyoto.

“A trap is only good if her prey falls into her grasp.”

Natsuki’s chest heaved as she crossed her arms in defiance. Rushes of frustration mocked her from within with no where to go.

“I really don’t like you right now,” grumbled Natsuki.

“But I like you,” came the quick reply which immediately knocked down the younger girl’s stern stance, sending her into another frenzy.

“Shizuru!”

The council president laughed, a hand over her stomach as peals of mirth continued its relentless attack.

“Ah I can never have ripe cherries or apples again for it’d only remind me of my dear Natsuki’s beautiful cheeks.”

Shizuru stood up, wiping the bottom of her skirt free of grass. As she strode by Natsuki, she reached out and took the opportunity to land a swift poke at those unguarded cheeks. The cool touch contrasted immensely with the heat that was practically radiating from Natsuki’s face.

“You must get harassment lawsuits as frequent as spam mail!” retorted Natsuki, hands now covering her face in an attempt to protect her cheeks from further humiliation.

“Hmm… Never noticed any…” said Shizuru, a hand resting thoughtfully under her chin, “They must have been buried under that pile of love letters thanking me for my harassment.”

Natsuki could feel her mouth jittering with the need for some sort of smart comeback. Unfortunately, her head refused to function with clarity after the continuous attacks. The best that she could muster up through clenched teeth was…

“You shameless, scheming, double-crossing bi--”

“Ookini,” interrupted Shizuru, gracefully accepting the compliment being personally paid to her.

Epilogue: After threatening, blackmailing, negotiating (begging), Natsuki was finally able to get her absence slip council president approved, valid for three days… the price? A thorough back massage. Natsuki didn’t doubt for one second that this was her friend’s true objective to begin with. It was rather embarrassing as Shizuru kept emitting these… “weird” noises from her “highly pleasurable” (Shizuru’s own words) administration. Examples of “weird” noises would include “Yesss Right there”, “Mmm… so good” and “Natsuki, you have such talented hands”. Halfway through the door had slid right open to reveal a fuming and blushing Suzushiro Haruka spewing a whole lot of nonsense about ruining the sanctity of the student council room in board daylight. After realizing her mistake, Suzushiro Haruka stormed out with her usual-tag-along-Kikukawa Yukino just behind her. From the satisfied and indulgent smile that the council president wore, Natsuki didn’t doubt for one second that her friend had planned this since the very beginning. That sly, shameless, scheming, double crossing bit-- ahem fox.

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