Interview with the Yokai

Chapter 11

Shoji spent that Sunday after a Saturday of revelations, in deep reflection. Shoji felt himself coming to terms with some truths about himself. His interaction with the yokai girls had caused a jolt in him, no longer could he live his life settling. Having been in their presence, having seen their passions about the election and about love, had caused Shoji's own slumbering passions to awaken. None of the girls had been more responsible for this awakening than Noriko, his feelings for her had been the final catalyst. Now Shoji found himself with a new dilemma, he had new found passions, but those passions now demanded actions. If Shoji truly wished to leave behind his old life, to no longer simply settle in his life, but to be master of his life, he could not simply allow Noriko to always be taking the lead.

When Monday rolled around Shoji found all the resolve he had built up on Sunday slowly fading. It wasn't that Shoji was going back on his initial resolve,he felt that it was not enough to simply confess, he wanted Noriko to know the impact her words on Saturday had on him. Shoji could have easily left a note in Noriko's locker or asked to talk to her after class, but Shoji felt neither of those was right. So Shoji went through Monday like any other Monday and after classes were over it was time to do the final interview with the girls. This time they were in the classroom instead of the roof.

" The election is this Saturday, so this will be the last interview I do with all of you as candidates. I think most of our classmates have an idea of who you are, so I want to focus on what each one of your presidencies would be like. Let's start out with the obvious question, we all know what you would do for the Cultural Festival, but what would you do for the class trip that is funded by the festival? Let's start with you Benihime-san," Shoji asked the girls.

" I would go to Kyoto for the class trip. I feel that the historical aspects of the city, being the old capital, along with all the historical sites would make for a trip that is educational, but also filled with beautiful locations," Benihime said. Shoji couldn't help, but think that Benihime in a kimono at one of those historical sites would be a sight to see.

" Kyoto would be educational and it is close, so it's not a far fetched plan," Shoji said. " what is your idea for the class trip Yataka-chan?"

" I want to have a little more fun than Beni-chan, I want to go to Tokyo. Let's all go to the big city, there are all the educational sites we can go to, but we can also have a lot of fun, it's a class trip we should get to loosen up," Yayaka said a smile on her face.

" Tokyo could be expensive, it is the capital and the big city, but that also means big cost. The accommodations, the food, the places that we visit will all be expensive," Shoji said knowing from experience how expensive Tokyo could be.

" We will make enough money from the talent show at the cultural festival that it will all be covered," Yayaka answered completely confident in her words.

" Alright, Mari-san, you are next," Shoji said looking at the girl, who seemed completely bored.

" We'll be going to Okinawa. The island is a completely different environment and culture, I think we could all grow from the exposure," Mari said, her eyes daring Shoji to question her further.

Shoji didn't back down, " traveling from the mainland to Okinawa will be expensive ....,"

" If a talent show will get enough money to take the class to Tokyo, I can get us to Okinawa. I'm not just counting on the Cultural Festival anyway, I will have first year gallery shows, monthly performances at the school's auditorium, and farmers markets, all opportunities to make more money. Does that answer your question?," Mari said ready to start verbally jabbing with Shoji.

" I think now might be a good time to ask Noriko-san what her ideal school trip is," Shoji said not letting himself be baited. Mari returned to looking bored.