Interview with the Yokai

Chapter 12

It was the next day and Shoji was on his way back to the dorms after the school newspaper meeting, no closer to coming up with a way to ask Noriko to be his girlfriend. Shoji was thinking that perhaps he should just take Benihime's advice and just go with a simple confession, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. Noriko had done so much for him, even if she would be happy with a simple confession, Shoji wanted to do something she would not forget. So far the only thought Shoji had was to buy tickets to a New Tokyo Wrestling Council event in Osaka and ask Noriko to go on a date with him.

" You seem to be lost in thought, planning a confession to a certain oni?" Mari asked, causing Shoji to jump, as she had once again snuck up beside him without making the slightest sound.

" Stop sneaking up on me," Shoji told her again knowing she wouldn't listen. " How do you know I'm thinking of confessing to Noriko-san anyway?"

" Let's just say a cold winter breeze blew in my ear letting me know," Mari said with a smile on her face.

" Benihime-san told you! I don't believe you," Shoji said, Benihime never struck him as a gossip, especially when it came to a subject that was so personal.

" You think a hopeless romantic like her wouldn't do some matchmaking? Anyway she thought that you were probably trying to come up with some big plan and that's why I'm here," Mari said putting her arms around Shoji's shoulders. Shoji went stiff instantly, remembering what happened the last time Mari was this close.

" Relax, why so tense it's like you don't trust me," Mari said pulling away from Shoji.

" Last time we talked one on one you left me with the impression, you didn't want me and Noriko-san getting together," Shoji said.

" You are an idiot, I told you to not do something stupid like with Benihime-san, not to be scared of going out with Noriko-chan. Anyway I thought I'd take the more helpful approach this time and help you come up with your plan," Mari said putting on the most innocent look she could muster.

" You actually want to help me with confessing to Noriko-san?" Shoji asked, still not trusting Mari.

" Considering the last two plans you came up with ended with Benihime-san wanting to kill someone, I think you should be more grateful, now let's get to planning," Mari said pulling Shoji off the walkway and into the woods. They walked until they were out of sight and then Mari stopped and looked at Shoji waiting for him to start talking.

Shoji figured that Mari wasn't about to just take no for an answer, she wasn't the type to let someone not accept her help. " There is something that you might be able to help me with. You're Noriko-san's best friend and you're a yokai to, do you know anything I could do that would be have special meaning to Noriko-san?"

" Anything that would have special meaning? You're really trying to give it your all aren't you?" Mari said looking a bit impressed. She stood there thinking for a few seconds, then a smile came across her face, " I think I have something, it's an oni ritual and you'll definitely leave an impression on Noriko-chan."

" What is it," Shoji asked hoping that Mari had thought of something useful.

" Are you willing to break a few school rules?" Mari asked

" Yes" Shoji answered, who cared about a few school rules.

" Are you willing to sneak out of the dorms at night?" Mari asked.

" Yes," Shoji answered hoping he wouldn't regret this.

A huge mischievous smile grew on Mari's face, " then I know exactly what you should do." Mari explained the ritual to Shoji and what they needed to do to prepare for it. Shoji and Mari decided that they would have everything prepared by Friday. This meant that Shoji had four days to get his mind together. Four days to finally take that action he had promised himself to take, to finally cast off his old self. The tsunami in himself had struck, but unlike tsunami's in real life, it had not left behind wreckage, but instead the waves had purified him, taking away all the self-doubt that had held him back. Now Shoji had a clean slate and after reflecting, Mari of all people, had given him the raw material to start building new foundations upon which his new self would rise. A self that was not purposely stunted by insecurities, but rather one that would continue to grow in its height, with no restrictions.