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October 28th.
“Sayaka?~”
Sayaka turned her head, her attention immediately falling over the silver-haired woman sitting by the large, vintage love seat in front of the humming aquarium. The soft blue light from the massive structure fought against the morning sun that shone through the large windows on the Student Council lounge, bathing everything in a clash of warm and cold light, including the pale skin and soft locks of hair of the President. The Autumn weather was nice enough to leave the large windows ajar, the sounds of leaves rustling near campus, the soft breeze a nice refresher for the large room.
The President was smiling softly at her, a twinkle in her eyes that made Sayaka squirm a bit on her feet. This softer smile, the one that she had seen more and more after confessing her love was still surreal. Holding a fresh cup of steaming tea, she padded her way over the President’s seat, eyes trapped under the magnetic gaze Kirari sported. The President nodded her thank you, inviting Sayaka to sit by her.
She complied, breath stuck on her throat. Keeping a respectable amount of distance between them, she accommodated herself, both feet on the ground, the hem of her skirt pulled to cover her knees. She kept her hands folded on her lap, hesitant to rise and face Kirari straight on. However, soft fingertips touched her chin, Kirari tugging at it using her free hand. Sayaka gulped at the mischievous glint of icy blue eyes and the small curl on blue-tinted lips.
“Sayaka, I want to play something.”
“And what would that be, President?”
If there was something Sayaka had learned from herself over the past two years, is that she was hopeless trying to deny anything to Kirari. Even if she could muster all her might, and tried to resist, she wasn’t sure she could find it in herself to refuse against this smile. Honest joy was something people rarely saw from the Student Council President. She would treasure every single moment of it. Yet, a game with the President usually meant a gamble, which she was more likely to lose than not -Yumeko could attest to that-.
“It is almost the thirty-first of this month and I believe we should honor some traditions regarding All Hallow’s Eve. We have introduced some Western jamboree throughout the year. We already have the Academy decorated with a variety of Halloween paraphernalia, and we are holding a costume party this year.”
“Ah, I’m afraid I’m not quite interested in Halloween. Honestly, I’m not a big follower of Western traditions…”
“That’s precisely what expected you to say. And I thought of a game that might change your perspective.”
It was simply unfair how easily her resolve shifted as she lost herself in cerulean blue. If Sayaka didn’t know any better, the slight pout on Kirari’s lips may be anything more than a way to persuade her.
“I- uh, very well. What do you wish to play, President?”
Kirari shuffled, moving closer to her while holding steady her cup of tea. Her lips pressed into the rim, avoiding the liquid to slush, the delicate porcelain stained with light blue lipstick. The President was all too aware of how her Secretary froze beside her. Setting her cup on its saucer, she turned towards Sayaka, a teasing stare just enough to make a deep shade of red dust over Sayaka’s cheeks.“Sayaka, trick or treat?”
Oh no.
The games with the President were enough to have her stomach churning and her nerves on edge, always tiptoeing around a gamble that she could win but never actually did. Always falling short by her extreme logic. This would be no exception, and Kirari with a promise of a trick on her hands was something Sayaka might not be able to survive with her pride untouched. Why from all the games she could play with her, she had to choose the one thing Sayaka had no way to decipher!?
“Aah, President, I don’t have any sweets with me right now!” Her voice was pitchy, eyes wide open, shaking her head, “And it’s not even the thirty-first today! Isn’t it better just to wait for the day of the festivities?”
“Oh, but it would be more amusing to play today. Say, to provide you with a warm-up before the celebration. All in view of appreciating this cultural experience. Now,” Kirari’s lips pulled taut, her Cheshire kind of smile sharp against her pale skin, “I believe you do have something sweet to offer me today.”
Kirari shifted again, rising and sinking on the loveseat with practiced ease, letting no air between them. Black stocking grazed against tattersall fabric as she rearranged herself, body twisting further to face the Secretary directly. Lifting her hand slowly, a dainty finger bumped Sayaka’s forehead softly, “Is right under your nose, really.”
The Secretary all but jumped away from the President’s touch, cornering herself against the armrest of the love seat. Her skin was burning, the heat reaching her neck and ears, the soft breeze of air filling the room not being enough to cool her down. In between the light of the aquarium, the radiant sun, and her fervent blush, she didn’t want to picture the image she was projecting right now.
“I-I… I, umm, I really don’t have anything to give you right now. But! I could go fetch something from the cafeteria! You could just tell me what would you lik-...” The President hummed, head cocking to the side and a hand reaching to touch her chin, “How unfortunate,” she cooed, “I guess this means I’m obliged to trick you.”
“What!? That is not fair! It’s not Halloween yet!”
“Oh, so are you challenging me? That’s quite fascinating.”
Sayaka, once again, found herself fidgeting before the jaws of a shark. Kirari seemed quite interested in this development, and Sayaka really tried to weigh her options. Confront Kirari further and see what she could say to refute her. Or concede and prepare herself for whatever Kirari might have in store.
Honestly, they both knew what Sayaka would do.
“N-no, you may proceed with your trick.”
The President stood and Sayaka braced herself, closing her eyes and her body tingling expectantly. Her hands began to sweat, fingers curled in themselves tense and white-knuckled. She could only hope whatever Kirari planned would not be too tragic for her dignity.
The soft steps walking away from her called her attention, Kirari moving toward the door.
“Very well, I hope you are ready.” The President called over her shoulder, making a beckoning sign with her finger, “Now, come, we have a busy day today.”
With that, she opened the doors to the room and exited.
“W-Wait! President!”
-
Ironically, most of her morning she had accompanied Kirari to several meetings, one after the other. Without much time in between, the hours had withered for both of them fairly quickly. The President, in her usual fashion, allowed Sayaka to carry on with the most administrative points during the meetings, giving her input only in final decisions, to then dismiss everyone with little to no care.
The Secretary watched Kirari’s every move. She wasn’t using her phone or the tablet in which she usually doodled on while bored during long sessions of work which meant she couldn’t have contacted anyone throughout the morning to set something up. Their schedule had been packed, barely leaving time to rearrange the Student Council Room to receive the attendants of meetings or to relocate to where their meeting was. The President, on her part, behaved completely in character, cold eyes impassive against people who displeased her, making idle conversation with her in their breaks, speaking over meeting attendants to comment on something she might think was interesting or funny with her Secretary, not really minding tedious student club businesses.
And even so, nothing could placate the jitters in Sayaka’s stomach.
“Such a dull morning, nothing really exciting about listening to student clubs and administrative asking for favors.”
The President reclined her head against her hand, lightly tapping her nails against the head of the table. They were finally back to the Council Room, having wrapped up the last appointment with a few minutes to spare. Sayaka gathered the last paperwork she needed to file, swiftly placing it on a binder in her desk, her back turned to the President. “Meetings are over for the day, should I look over the arrangement for your lunch?”
“My lunch? Are you not going to join me?”
Well, Sayaka’s heart made a summersault against her ribcage, her hands flailing a bit in a sad attempt to keep her cool while the President could not look at her face.
“O-Of course! If you would like so.”
“There’s nothing I’d like more.”
How was she not supposed to go weak on the knees when Kirari spoke to her like that? She turned on her heel, beaming, already making plans of what food to cater to the Council Room.
“And, if you will so kindly allow me, I’ll arrange our lunch.”
Her hesitation should have been evident, as Kirari looked at her knowingly, placing her finger to her blue-tinted lips. “Now, now, let me spoil you for once, Sayaka.” She tutted, winking. Tapping quickly on the screen of her phone, the bing that popped on the room indicated the swift answer.
“It should be here in minutes. By now, would you care for some tea?”
Sayaka immediately jumped to action, preparing everything to set the tea without the President even asking for it. The silence was comfortable, the minutes passing by until the doors of the Student Council room were pushed open.
Sayaka turned, as she waited for the water to boil. She squinted her eyes, “Huh? Yomozuki-san? What are you doing here?”
“Oiii, good afternoon, Sayaka-chan!”
Runa strutted inside the Student Council, hands in her overside bunny hoodie, lollypop stuck obnoxiously inside her mouth. She left at the doorstep a shaking housepet, who pushed a food cart. The Secretary made a gesture for him to enter as well, the boy bowing curtly and hurrying inside.
“Left my Switch charger somewhere and I can’t find it! So I thought to stop by and check around. I ran into this dweeb on his way here, being a ball of nerves! So much for good service, eh buddy?”
The housepet just shrunk, his grip on the cart making tight, not daring to see any one of the Council members in the eye.
“So eh, Sayaka-chan, lunch with the President? Who thought you had it in you!”
“Yomuzuki-san!” Sayaka she raised her voice, scolding the older girl while trying not to get flustered. It didn’t help that Kirari giggled from her seat.
“Now, now, Runa. We wouldn’t want to disturb Sayaka, would we?”
Runa snickered, pulling the lollypop out of her mouth, walking to the foot of the table. For her part Sayaka walked toward the house pet, chin held high ignoring Runa. “Your services will no longer be required, you may leave.” She dismissed the house pet, who squirreled away as fast as he could.
Sayaka took the cart herself, bringing it a couple of feet away from the table, arranging the tray to serve the plates.
“So chivalrous of you, Sayaka. I could do that myself.” Kirari smiled at her, Sayaka feeling herself smile as well.
“Is the least that I can do.”
She pulled the food cover-up. And the contents burst at her.
She squeaked, arms swinging every which way, closing her eyes as she tried to shield her face. Something thick and slimy bathed her, covering her hands and arms. Strings dripped out of her skin and blazer, sliding and plopping onto the floor. She shivered as she took a closer inspection. Her stomach churned.
“WORMS!”
Her arms shook violently, trying to jerk out of herself the worms that covered her. Her voice was high pitched as she wailed, disgusted enough not to care about her poise.
“Oh my, Runa, you certainty outdid herself!”
Kirari giggled, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. Sayaka whipped her head to glance at the President, mirth bathing her expression. The Secretary understood immediately what was happening. She had been tricked.
“Pr-President!” She still was wagging and skipping in place, trying desperately to free herself from the slime, “Why, I hate worms!”
“Nya hahaha! Don’t you like gummies, Sayaka-chan?”
Sayaka stopped, her frenzy dulling at the words registered in her brain, subduing her struggle as she watched again at whatever covered her. Licorice gummy worms stuck to her in what appeared to be some sugary slime. She looked at the people beside her, perfectly untouched, laughing. Runa cackled holding her belly with her free hand, the other had left the lollypop and held a full fist of licorice gummy worms, covered in the same foul looking slime. Sayaka ire blazed, a murderous desire to rip Yomozuki's hoodie in two invading her. A hand landed on her shoulder as she was about to snap, mindfully not touching the slime. The gleeful expression of the President melted her.
“You did not get mad over a tiny, harmless joke, did you?” Kirari ran her other hand through her braid, picking at a gummy stuck there, making the Secretary shudder, “Runa was only a message notice since yesterday for this little jest, and only acted on my behalf. You don’t happen to be mad at me?”
Sayaka really, really wanted to be mad. She bit her lips, Kirari only giggling at her expression.
“Now, about lunch…”
--
October 29th.
“Good morning, Sa-ya-ka.”
“Ah! President!”
It was early in the morning, and Sayaka had just gotten to the Council Room to start her day. She was always the first to arrive there, giving herself a head start before the other members joined the early briefing with the President. Usually, her time was spent checking emails, sorting any paperwork required for the day, revising the President’s schedule, and finally, preparing tea.
Today, the Student President was already at her seat by the table, hands neatly folded over it, looking quite satisfied with herself at startling her secretary. “In the spirit of these days, I thought about surprising you. I didn’t spook you too badly again, have I now?”
"No, President,” Sayaka breathed, trying to calm her racing heart as if Kirari could hear it from the distance, “I just wasn’t expecting you to be here.”
She walked inside, setting her bag on the desk she used. Kirari followed her every move from her spot, perfect straight posture only changing by the movement on her neck. Sayaka knew what was going to happen. She could see it written all across the beguiled expression on the President’s beautiful features. She wanted to play with Sayaka again, this early in the morning , to see if she would offer any treats today.
This time, Sayaka was ready.
She spent part of her late afternoon (after chasing Runa around skeleton filled halls in vengeance) researching for sweets she could offer to Kirari. A particular set of chocolates caught her attention. The web page announced it as Chocolate Alchemy Truffles, from Vosges-Haute. A box of 17 truffles, all different and exotic flavors. Each chocolate, as well, was designed after a planet or one of the natural elements. Sayaka considered there would be no other set of sweets that might appeal more to Kirari’s marvel.
She had made a few calls, pulled some strings, and after a pricey rush delivery, got a set on her hands before the day was finished.
“President?” she called from her spot.
The woman hummed in acknowledgment, an excited look that made Sayaka think she could actually read her mind.
“...You want to play again today, don’t you?”
Kirari seemed ecstatic, “My, you are getting inescapably good at predicting my movements, Sayaka. Outstanding, really.”
With a soft scratch of her chair, Kirari pushed it back and stood gracefully, almost floating the space between her and the Secretary. Sayaka felt the air leave her lungs as the silver-hair woman got closer, an easy smirk on her face that made Sayaka’s mouth go completely dry.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Oh, I wonder… So, Sayaka, trick, or treat?”
“Treat!”
The girl moved deftly to reach for her bag, seeking for the package inside. With shaky hands, she presented the box to the President.
Kirari took the package and examined it all over. A round box, with a kaleidoscopic effect to its print in expensive material shining in vibrant shades of iridescent purples, oranges, and blues. Alchemy symbols and stars, surrounded by mirrored images of leopards and purple flowers were embedded in it. As she opened the box, she saw delicate pieces of chocolate lined in a circle, a square and a triangle, very alike a star chart.
Sayaka watched intently as Kirari read the description of each flavor on the lid, before taking one of the bigger pieces of chocolate and biting into it.
“Oh my, these are exceptional. Never have I tasted chocolate like this.”
Sayaka’s hands flew to her chest, fists closed as she tried to suppress her excitement. Kirari seemed quite pleased, tasting the treat with diligence. Glancing again at the other girl, she seemed lost in thought. The President reached her hand with the bitten chocolate towards Sayaka, “This one is quite appetizing, would you care to try it?”
Sayaka wasn't sure if there was a darker shade of red for her to blush. She gaped, slightly, racking her brain for something to say. The President hadn’t waited for an answer, pressing the chocolate and the tips of her fingers against her parted lips. Her body reacted, slowly opening her mouth, receiving the velvety chocolate against her tongue. Warm fingers barely ghosted over her mouth. Indeed, the chocolate was something else, but her line of thought was far away, drowned in icy blue eyes that stared at her delighted.
“So, what do you think?”
Sayaka blinked rapidly, trying to regain her bearings. She could still taste the sweetness of Amaretto blended nicely against milk chocolate and almond cream. There was something tart as well, enhancing its flavor.
Wait, was it apricot?
“I was certainly not expecting to find such colorful flavors on chocolate.” Kirari filled the silence, “I may have to buy some boxes for my dear sister.”
She closed the lid, pretending not to eye the still stunned woman in front of her.
“These are so exquisite,” the President breathed, tilting her head, “it almost pains me to have to trick you today.”
Wait.
“What!? President, I gave you a treat!”
“And as lovely as this was, it wasn’t what I was looking for.”
Sayaka stared, dumbfounded, “President, I don’t think that’s how Trick or Treating works.”
“Is it not? If I recall correctly, one of the possible origins for Trick and Treating might be Celtic festivities which observed spirits and souls of the dead. They came back to the world of the living and would only be appeased by food or drinks.” Kirari licked the remnants of chocolate from her fingertips, eyes stately focussed on Sayaka, “One would think then that to make a deal with a devil, you may have to offer what the devil is seeking for, yes?”
Oh, a devil she was.
“Then tell me, what is it that you want?”
“I could tell you, but why would I if you can guess. That beautiful mind of yours hopefully can find the right answer.”
Kirari stroked the bangs on Sayaka's forehead, fingers brushing onto a lock of hair.
“I will give you a hint,” the President leaned forward, bending slightly at her waist. Hand delicately moving behind her, holding the chocolate box at her back. Her face invaded the near proximity of Sayaka’s, the Secretary being able to feel her soft breath. Aquamarine eyes faltered, flicking down for a second before returning to lock themselves against dark eyes, “What I want is something very close to me, and tastes like the candy I just ate.”
Sayaka was inhaling no air, trying to fight the intoxicating aroma of sandalwood and mint that Kirari’s skin seemed to project. Her mind went blank, a strangled sound on her throat, no hope of words coming out as long as the President was so near to her.
Her mouth gawked like a fish.
Kirari, once again, turned her sight back down, watching her then with hooded eyes through snowy eyelashes, “Hmmm, maybe you can ponder about it a while longer.” As she moved back, she puckered her lips, “By now, I will have to plan how may I trick you today.”
“Can you just… do something right now? To claim your trick?”
Something wild flashed on Kirari’s features, as close as she was she could see her eyes darkening. Her smile morphed into something more… wolfish.
“The offer is appreciated, but I guess you know I find no value on the easy road.”
-
Sayaka roamed the halls of the academy with uneasy steps.
She had been on high alert the majority of the day, flinching at the mere sight of a shadow moving too quickly. Her muscles were tense, a constant thought of fight or flight drowning her. It was almost the end of the day and her classes had been normal, her study breaks tranquil, her every moment with the President quite pleasing. Not a thing had been out of the ordinary and that made her worry. The President was a woman of her word, and she was set on tricking Sayaka. Which meant that at any giving moment something was bound to happen. Knowing Kirari, something drastic.
She headed to the Council Room, her classes over for the day. She had some work to catch up on before heading home, and she had to verify the President wasn’t in need of anything else.
Besides tricking her, that is.
She reached the doors of the Student Council Room and pushed them open.
“MY HEAD IS ALWAYS IN THE CLOUDS, CLASSES, CHATTING, LUNCHTIME EVERYWHERE. EVERYTHING GOES OUT THE OTHER EAR, I JUST WANNA KNOW ONE THING, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ME?”
Sayaka leaped backward, getting herself as far away from the strident sound as she could, squawking undignified. She stumbled, her feet losing their footing. Sayaka prepared herself for impact against the cold hard floor, but instead, her back hit a soft body, arms swiftly wrapping around her to break her fall.
A melodic laugh resounded behind her, a steady grip warm around her waist.
“Oh my, that worked quite perfectly! You could not time it more perfectly, Yumemi. Thank you.” The President had materialized out of thin air, holding her Secretary up against her.
“No problem, I’m always ready for an impromptu performance.” Under her sweet pout and peace sign, anyone who knew her could see the outline of her sarcasm, “Mainly if this is of service for our Student Council President.”
Yumemi stood there, with her full Idol look, a couple of enormous speakers behind her. Her starry eyes clashed with the snarl that wanted to paint on her face. Sayaka composed herself, trying to stop shaking at being spooked once more. Seeing the despicable expression of Yumemite (combined with her newfound anger toward the girl that had spooked her), she tried to march forward against the idol. The arms around her didn’t budge, keeping her in place.
“I have to say that’s one of my favorite songs. How did the rhythm go?”
Kirari started humming the song, awfully offbeat. Sayaka glanced at her, still trapped. She was aware that both the President and the Vice President had a musical background, Kirari favoring string and drum instruments, which made her highly skilled at following a rhythm. She also happened to really like that song, sometimes playing it on repeat while riding on one of the private cars that drove her and Sayaka.
A growl called her attention, Sayaka whipping her head to see Yumemi’s twitching face.
“President, with all due respect, the rhythm of the chorus doesn’t go like that! It goes like this!”
She started again singing the song, this time without the backup of the music.
“Impressive, really.”
“Seriously?” Yumemite asked, baffled at Kirar.
“The song really falls flat without the musical arrangement. It’s truly magical the effect edition has over pop music.”
Yumemite stopped dead in her tracks, her jaw falling slack.
Sayaka bit her lips trying not to smile at the quip against the idol-
Meanwhile, finally aware of how close she was to the President, she wiggled herself out the soft embrace, not without feeling (most likely imagine) how Kirari’s hands seemed to chase after her.
“Your services are no longer required Yumemi, you are dismissed.”
With that, Kirari’s attention turned only to Sayaka, ignoring the fuming singer.
“I can’t help thinking that frighting you is quite entertaining, Sayaka. I might even say I’m looking forward to doing it again tomorrow if you don’t comply.”
-
Ririka blinked a couple of times, trying to clear her eyes from the spilled liquid that bathed her face. She had tried to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate in the Council Lounge. Yumemite was in the Room, but she was shielded by ridiculously large speakers set by the entrance, so she chanced on the ego of the idol and her ability to blend into the background near one of her sister’s large aquariums to have a moment to herself as she smelled the wholesome aroma coming from her mug.
It would be a few minutes before Kirari got there to fetch her belongings and for both of them to head back to the manor. So, she intended to relax a moment to end a very uneventful day.
She heard the door creak open and then a loud sound startled her, causing her to flinch violently. The liquid in her mug flew in every direction, staining her uniform on her collar and blazer, and splashing her face with the lukewarm liquid. She heard the painful screech of someone she assumed was Igarashi-san and the telltale laughter of her sister. She sighed, setting down the mug and wiping her face with the back of her hand. She’ll have to dry clean her uniform, probably using her spare blazer tomorrow.
Some rustling came from the hallway, a loud voice like Yumemite’s promising sweet murder, and what seemed to be the buzz of Igarashi-san taser. Kirari strolled slowly inside the Council room, giggling slightly.
“Are you ready to leave, Ririka?” Kirari asked, her wallet in hand as she dug around its contents. Taking a moment to behold a metallic blue card in between her fingers, she then raised her sight, taking a look at her sister, “Oh, what happened?”
“Russian Roulette of Love happened,” she deadpanned, “what was that about?”
“I asked Sayaka for Trick or Treat. I’m afraid she didn’t deliver.”
“...It’s October 29th, sister.”
“Hum, Sayaka said the same thing yesterday. But there is no fun in waiting. This is my chance to get something I want.”
Ririka cocked an eyebrow, she had a very bad feeling about this, “You always get what you want, Kirari.”
Her sister smiled maliciously, storing the card again and placing her wallet on her bag, “Precisely. Nevertheless, we should go. I’m sure you’ll appreciate a change of clothes. I think Sayaka has already stop threatening Yumemi, we can make our exit now”
Ririka stood up, not bothering with the empty mug left on the table. She’d ask Igarashi-san to request the room to be properly cleaned. She would let her handle the mess. It was her fault after all.
Or maybe it was Kirari’s. All the same, it was the Secretary’s responsibility.
--
October 30th.
“Hello?”
“Good morning, Vice President, I hope you are doing well."
“Uh, yes Igarashi-san, thank you.”
“That’s absolutely nice to hear.”
“...is there any matter to call me this early?”
“Ah yes! Of course, I didn’t mean to bother you. I just wanted to ask about the orchards in your state. Does the President still tend to some of the trees?”
“...Um… Yes, she does, why are you asking?”
“Do you know if the President likes peaches?”
“Are you seriou-... YOU know she does, she likes peaches a lot, she eats them quite often but-”
“Great! Thanks, Vice President!”
“ Hold on. Is this about Kirari trick or treating you?”
“I- uh, yes.”
“Igarashi-san, I don’t think you understand what Kirari’s trying here. My sister is-”
“Pardon me Vice President, but I have an errand to run. Thanks for your help. I’ll see you soon!”
“Sayaka-san, wait, I-”
-
Something close to Kirari, and that tasted like the chocolate that she ate.
Sayaka was sure she had cracked the code. The small box in her hands today contained 6 peach nerikiri . Beautifully crafted in a small shop outside town, the mochi paste had hints of apricot essence, the filling sweet bean and peach jelly. She knew firsthand of the peach orchards in the Momobami state, probably those being the origin of the twins’ last name. Nerikiri also happened to be a delicatessen always associated with tea, one of Kirari’s favorite parts of the day. The wagashi would go perfectly with the new ginger lemongrass she had wanted to try from her last acquisition.
This had to be it, right? Something peach flavored, like the chocolate, to accompany something dear to Kirari?
A heavy feeling rested in her gut. She was running out of ideas and she was about to have a heart attack. Having abashed herself two days in a row had her mind reeling. Why, oh why the President liked messing with her so much?
Today the President would be arriving after lunch period, the Vice President and her having a late meeting regarding the Clan. Probably that was the reason the Vice President had been so curt during their call in the morning. But Sayaka needed help and she didn’t know who else to resort to. Honestly, she was metaphorically biting her nails, not exactly sure she would pull through another of the President’s harmless jokes.
Her morning was oddly calm, the other members of the Council had little to no report, which concluded the early briefing fairly quickly. She took that to her advantage, reviewing with the vendors every detail for tomorrow’s costume party. Beverages, food, music, and varieté were properly confirmed. Dancers, stewards, and actors that would be hidden throughout Hyakkaou to scare innocent students were properly identified and listed, for them to get access granted to the Academy.
Overall, everything seemed on track.
Her first four periods were slow, her advanced classes not really picking up today. Most of the teachers knew students were too distracted with the festivities' gambling and the upcoming celebration. She spent her lunch with Runa in the cafeteria, the girl still mocking her for confusing gummy worms with real ones. Sayaka chastised her, still sore about the blond’s prank.
With her fifth period off, she could meet the President to inform her about the early briefing and the successful verification for tomorrow’s preparations. She confidently opened the doors to the Council Room Lounge, Kirari was still not permitted to trick her for the day, so she was fairly confident the action would be safe. The doors budged easily and there were no humongous speakers nor a wannabe idol to receive her. She padded inside, finding Kirari in front of fluorescent aquariums.
“Good afternoon, President.”
“Ah, Sayaka,” The President looked over her shoulder, her face illuminated by the soft cerulean light, “I was waiting for you. Hopefully, your morning was uneventful?”
With an impending scare looming over her? Sure.
Once again, Kirari seemed to be able to read her mind, as her smile painted quickly on her lips. “Perhaps my absence this morning gave you a stress-free start for your day.”
Sayaka flinched, raising the palms of her hands in front of her, moving them from side to side rapidly, “No! You are not a source of stress, President!”
“My, so glad to hear that, Sayaka.”
The President turned her head once again toward her aquarium, watching intently the Arowana swimming about it. The Secretary walked up to her, “Everything went well with your meeting?” Sakaya inquired, her glance directed at the President instead of the impressive fish.
“As far as a meeting with old, valueless people can go I suppose. Nothing you have to worry your pretty head about.”
The Secretary’s breath hitched, Kirari made no comment, for once. The moments in silence with the President had stopped being awkward. The familiarity with them grew every day, and even when Sayaka felt her stomach flutter and her ears ringing, this silence where she could get control of herself was valued. Kirari side-stepped closer to her, impassive, eyes still glued over her Arowana. Her hand brushed slightly against Sayaka’s.
“Trick, or treat, Sayaka?”
Well, nothing good lasted forever.
Sayaka clumsily reached for the paper-wrapped box on her bag, still slung over her shoulder, and pushed it to the President’s hands. Blue-nailed fingers tore the paper softly. The nerikiri had a fuzzy look to them, perfectly mimetic to actual peaches. Once again, Kirari reached for one of them, studying it. Her eyes shone with something inscrutable, and in her soul, Sayaka was sure she finally got it right.
Blue lips wrapped around the tea cake, an appreciative purr the only sound coming from her. “I hope you care to accompany me for tea this afternoon, Sayaka. Eating these by myself seems rather selfish.” Popping the rest of the cake inside her mouth, she walked away from the aquarium to store the sweets' box, “I might even put on my best behavior. Even though I can make no promises for your trick afterward.”
Sayaka was sure she was going to faint.
“President, why can’t you just tell me what you want?” The whine in her voice could not be helped, as her shoulders slupmed. This was it, her grand idea. And it was rendered incorrect once again. Comprehending Kirari came across as an impossible task for her, the President had told her so in a field of lilies.
“I won’t kill the thrill of the chase, Sayaka.” freehand coming to rest a finger on her lips, “there is still tomorrow, after all.”
The insides of Sayaka's cheeks protested as she bit at them, trying to control her facial expression. “Would you at least give me a final clue?”
“I can tell you this: even though I’m rather fond of these gifts you have bought me, what I want can be given for free. And, greedily,” Kirari kept her back facing her, “is something I wish is only mine to receive.”
The rest of the day passed by in a flash, and before she knew it she was again at the Council Room Lounge. Kirari sat by the loveseat, a book in her hands.
“Were your afternoon classes satisfactory?” Kirari asked without looking up.
“Regular, at most. Everyone is just so excited about tomorrow nobody is really trying today.”
The President giggled in acknowledgment of the distaste of the younger girl, setting her book aside, “Perhaps it is ludicrous of me to think you’ll get to like the celebration. Would you like some tea?”
Sayaka’s eyes narrowed. At this time of the day, nothing had happened yet. No gummy vermin, no loud noises, no skeletons jumping at her. Tea? Yeah, not going to trust it.
“If it gives you any peace of mind, I haven’t set the kettle. You can check for yourself over today’s beverage.”
So she did, she checked the kettle, the teacups, the strainer. All the assortments of leaves seemed in order. The water was clean. She peeked around every couple of minutes just guard her six. Taking a breath, she deemed the situation secure.
“One could feel hurt that you don’t trust me enough to enjoy a tranquil tea mid-afternoon.” Given the fact that she had been the target of tricks this week, she disagreed.
The nerikiri were sublime. The soft, smooth mochi-like exterior melted as soon it entered the mouth, the saccharine taste of peaches and sweet beans playing against each other.
Sayaka made a mental note to keep the contact handy, as Kirari hummed softly and closed her eyes with each bite, deeply enjoying the treat.
“Such a delightful wagashi for today’s tea. Thank you, Sayaka.” Kirari rose from her seat, gathering the disposed plates and teacups before Sayaka could snap out of her daze, flustered at the appreciation shown by the President. Leaving everything in a small cabinet with tableware for maintenance to clean after, Kirar walked to stand in front of her Secretary.
“I’m afraid I have to retire for the day, my family affairs have not been solved quite yet. I’ll see you tomorrow, Sayaka. Oh! A driver would be delivering your costume for tomorrow’s party by the evening, they’ll be presenting at the Igarashi residence around 8 pm.”
Sayaka's senses returned to her in a slam. First, at the reminder that she was supposed to wear a costume tomorrow, a costume chosen by and matched to the President’s , but also…
“Wait, you haven’t pulled any prank on me today.”
Kirari smiled and shrugged, lifting her hands daintily at her sides, “Maybe I’m showing mercy, I’m a box full of surprises after all.”
With that, she left quietly. Sayaka remained at her seat, frowning at the sudden change of attitude from the President. Her thoughts stopped at a ping on her telephone.
Ikishima: Yo, I fucked something up, get your ass to the Basement.
Ikishima: Move
Midari texting her saying she had fucked something up was no strange occurrence. Most likely, she was struggling with some paperwork she had to submit. A couple of times it had been to try to gamble with her. And there was that one time that Sayaka found Midari with a hand chained to a chair, shirt skew, no skirt, and her eye patch missing.
She tried not to think about that one.
Sayaka easily found the door of the room Midari used as her headquarters. Knocking, she awaited to be allowed in. When no answer came, she prepared herself to find Midari once again in some state of suspicious disarray and turned the handle to pushed the door open. She frowned, there was a huge wood box, with the word Caution on the center of the room, hazardously left there. The wood boards looked old, nails poking out of them, a strong smell of moss reeking out of it.
Her face twisted, nose scrunching as she inhaled. Midari had probably injured herself with the box. Or did something with the box she shouldn’t have done. Why was she friends with her again?
“Midari?”
She turned around, inspecting the room, but there was no one in sight. A muffled sound invaded the space, a happy-go-lucky humming on the background. The tune picked up speed with each passing beat. Sayaka folded her arms, pensive. She knew the melody, the sounds of metallic keys of a music box. The music grew louder and faster, and Sayaka squinted as she realized where the sound came from: It came from the box. She came closer, her eyes traveling against the package, intrigued.
She knew that song… What was-
Pop Goes The Weasel, that was the song!
Why was it familiar? As she stood barely a couple of feet away, the music grew too fast and very loud. A faint memory came to mind.
A doll popping out of a box.
“BAM!”
Midari busted from the wooden contraption, lid flying to the side as the woman punched it, making Sayaka scream. Moving fast enough to be a blur, the girl leaped from her hiding spot dressed in a ragged Harlequin suit, red and black, torn in every which way on her sleeves and pants. She pointed Sayaka with her gun, clicking as she cocked it. Not wasting time, she pulled the trigger.
Sayaka folded into herself, not quite sure what benefit that would bring against a possible gunshot. There was always a slight chance with Midari. However, the hammer never acted. She peeked through her closed eyes to see a flag reading BOOM right on her face.
Midari wheezed, holding with her free hand her head as she cackled, “You should see your fucking face right now! You were about to shit your pants!”
When her wits returned to her body, Sayaka made a decision. She was going to kill Midari.
She was already planning how to find where the real gun might have been stored when static cut through the room, "That was quite a fright, Midari. A remarkable performance.”
What? She would recognize that voice in her sleep, and so did Midari, as it interrupted through her laugh. “Did you see? She almost dropped dead!” Sayaka followed Midari’s line of sight, catching a camera pointing right at them. Was the President watching this?
“Oh, certainly. I've never heard Sayaka scream so loud." A soft chuckled could be perceived, and as Sayaka's hands shook as a groan escaped her lips, the Secretary tried to be furious at both Kirari and Midari. She succeeded only in one.
"Just an artistic note Midari, next time, spare the gun.”
Midari gulped, the ice in the voice of the President palpable. At least that meant she thought Midari took it a bit far? Yes? Trying to regain her breath and regular heartbeat, Sayaka wondered where the President stood watching this.
“Hopefully this wasn’t too much, Sayaka. I assure you, tomorrow I'll make it up to you.”
-
The day was over. Midari had let her go without any fuzz after being reminded who was the one calling the shots. Sayaka made her way quickly to her getabako, tired and aching to go home. As she reached her locker, something called her attention.
A teal post-it imprinted with a blue kiss was pasted on her shoes. The girl blinked several times. Startled.
That was the President’s lipstick. That was a kiss. On her belongings. Something so simple yet... It clicked.
Oh.
-
“What are you doing?”
“The dirty work for my sister.”
“And you have to do it because…?” Mary, in all her intelligence, was confused as Ririka rubbed blue lipstick off from her face, after kissing a freaking post-it.
“My sister is an idiot.”
“Right, hey, no arguing about that. But, humor me?”
Ririka sighed, rolling her eyes so hard Mary feared they might get stuck to the back of her head. “Because she is an idiot. And Sayaka is an idiot as well.”
“That… really didn’t say much to me.”
“Doesn’t matter, there," she pasted the post-it on the getabako, "all done here. Hopefully, this is enough to end this nonsense. Let’s go.”
Mary followed this oddly impelled Ririka, confused. What on Earth was Igarashi gonna do with a post-it with blue lipstick?”
--
October 31st.
This was it, it was Halloween.
Sayaka pulled at the fluffy hem of her dress, trying to cover up a bit more of her thighs. She should really stop saying yes to everything Kirari wanted, as the Secretary was not sure how she let herself be convinced to wear matching costumes. Even more so, to dress up as a mouse and a cat.
Kirari picked for her a rather flattering costume, cute if she had to admit. The dress was a soft shade of brown, in fuzzy velvet. The heart neckline of the bodice and the off-the-shoulder sleeves complimented her frame nicely, making soft lines against her chest. The skirt flared out on her hips, in an A-line, finished with fluffy taupe fur that brushed above her knees. The same fur adorned the top of her legwarmers, her feet clad on small heels. Her hair was in its usual braid, frizzy round ears on the top of her head. The tip of her nose was painted with a black triangle, soft pink gloss on her lips.
She stood awkwardly by a large table with an assortment of beverages, the Council having an exclusive section for themselves among the other students of Hyakkaou. The other members were already there, mainly chatting with each other or their plus one. Runa, in her costume of that horribly cursed doll with orange hair, scars and a knife, talked with her amicably, teasing her every now and then about how the President would spend the night chasing after her. On the other side of the table, Midari was trying to spike one of the punch fountains and Yuriko was hastily trying to avoid her from doing so. Midari had opted to wear her harlequin costume from yesterday, while Yuriko had chosen a traditional depiction of Kuchisake-onna.
Far from them, Yumemi and Saori wore cosplay-like dresses of Princess Peach and Daisy from Super Mario, the assistant running the presentation schedule Yumemi had for the night.
“My, my, Sayaka. You look so good I could eat you up.”
Her eyes opened as wide as they could, completely halted in place, a squeak left her lips before she could stop it. She was not registering Runa laughing hard and pointing directly at her face. Slowly, she spun, to receive an eyeful of Kirari in her cat costume. A silvery-gray bodysuit hugged her taut, the fabric the same material as Sayaka’s dress. The collar of the bodysuit was covered on silver fur, very much like the President’s hair. The neckline plunged a bit low on Kirari’s chest. She had forgone her usual braids, hair pulled back on a sleek ponytail. Cat ears color-matched perfectly with her hair attached to the top of her head, a frizzy cat tail standing up in an elegant S fastened around her waist.
The gift of word flew out of the window for Sayaka, short-circuiting at the sight of the President in all her cat glory. With how hot she felt all over, she wouldn’t be surprised steam was surging out of her ears.
“Is there an issue, Sayaka? Cat got your tongue, perhaps?”
Mirth pulled on blue-tinted lips, the amusement on her eyes dancing under the lights of the room. Kirari looked beautiful and Sayaka remembered why she could never deny anything to her beloved President.
“I-, umm, I… You also, ah, look good, President.”
“Why thank you. I was wondering if the suit was not to your liking.” Quite the contrary, actually.
Kirari walked closer to her, looking down. Her boots gave her a couple more inches over Sayaka. “Pardon my tardiness, my sister and I had a disagreement regarding her outfit for the night.” she rolled her eyes, “Ririka has this No-Face Ghost suit that she uses for all costumes events we attend. I told her it was unacceptable for a party like tonight’s and advised her to use something different. However, I might have made matters worse.”
Sayaka peeked curiously around, trying to spot the Vice President.
She quickly found Saotome Mary, her bright blond hair giving her away. She stood by one of the couches in the VIP area, wearing a black short dress and a pointy hat. The broom on her hand complimented the witch look she sported. Next to her…
Oh, Sayaka understood Kirari’s frustration. A figure covered by a white, long sheet stood by Mary. The “ghost” was unmistakably the Vice President, as her signature mask was fastened around where her face would be. Saotome looked slightly annoyed at her partner’s election of costume, but all the same, remained with her.
The Secretary tried to avoid giggling at the ridiculous sight, the girl was perfectly covered from head to toe, just her white flats peeking under the blanket.
Kirari scowled slightly at her twin, “She is doing this to hurt me, really.”
Sayaka agreed with that, “Maybe next time, allow her to wear the No-Ghost costume.”
Kirari gave her an irritated look, which made Sayaka only laugh more. At the sound, Kirari's lips curled up. “My demise tickles your joy?”
“Mine tickles yours, so why not vice-versa?”
Kirari’s smile broadened, “You are not holding back resentment for harmless tricks these days, are you?”
“I made a fool out of myself because of them.”
“But you looked cute while at it.”
Sayaka didn’t think her face would ever be the same with the number of times she had flushed bright red in four days. The color might permanently stay there, for all she knew. The sensation of being lightheaded got stronger. She toyed with her fingers, trying to keep herself grounded. Kirari’s eyes studied her, eyes traveling around as if she was studying a work of art.
“Say,” she breathed, cocking her head against her fingers, her free hand cupping her elbow, “All Hallow’s Eve was the actual date for Trick or Treating. I surely like the idea of collecting my treat for today. Or to play one last trick.”
Sayaka bit her lip. She thought of blue-lipstick on a post-it. Of peach-flavored chocolates. Of something she could give for free. It was now or never.
“Ok, one last game.”
Kirari looked quite pleased, “Trick or treat, Sa-ya-ka~?”
Sucking a big gulp of air, she grabbed Kirari’s wrist and pulled her in the direction of the door. She ignored the surprised expression of the President as she all but dragged her outside the main zone and the auditorium. She was laser-focused, marching without turning back. If she did, she would chicken out. And so help her she was not about to lose one more time. They reached the exit of the main room, leading to an empty hall. Sayaka freed Kirari’s wrist and faced her when they were far enough for nobody to bother them.
Once again, that wolfish expression returned to the President’s features. Her pupils were partially blown, which cemented the butterflies that fluttered around Sayaka's stomach. Mustering all the resolve she had in herself, she vowed to take on this gamble. This was her all in.
“Treat.”
She gave a step forward, closing the distance between them. Inhaling deep, she rocked to the balls of her feet and guided her hands to hold Kirari’s face. She pushed herself against her, skin boiling and eyes shut, pressing her face to Kirari’s without much thought. The movement was clumsy, and far less masterful than what she would have preferred. Noses bumped together, Sayaka stopping to recalculate and adjust the angle until her lips grazed blue ones in a kiss.
Kirari stood still for a couple of seconds, sending panic through Sayaka’s body as this might be the wrong answer once again. And this time, if it was wrong, there was no way to see the President in the eye ever again. Being constantly reminded of a particular mistake like this might as well banish her from the Council.
Hands landed on her hips, gripping her tightly, and Kirari's lips melted into Sayaka’s with a soft sigh. Sayaka gasped, pressing more intently.
After these few days, the Secretary might have to get herself a checkup with a cardiologist, the way her heart seemed to want to explode was completely worth it as Kirari kissed her back.
As they parted, the dazed look on Kirari made Sayaka feel a bit cheeky.
“That” Kirari purred, hunger in her eyes, licking her lips, “is truly a wonderful treat.”
“So, I got it right this time?”
“Fourth time's the charm.”
The President held her in place, not allowing her to separate her body from hers. Sayaka’s hands left her cheeks to rest in her shoulders. She looked down, bashful, “If you wanted me to kiss you, you could just have said so, you know?”
“And where would the fun be on that? This was far more entertaining.”
Sayaka sighed, a resigned chuckle escaping her. Even this side of Kirari Sayaka loved. The President hooked her finger under her chin, “Let me make it up to you for the last couple of days.”
As her lips found hers once more, Sayaka thought Halloween wasn’t all that bad.
-