Intoxicating poison

Heian Era, early in the morning

In the sweet March air, everything was still. Only the footsteps of the two young pupils made the dewy leaves tremble.

Everyone agreed that the couple formed by Hyakka and the newcomer, Mao, was rather singular: if Hyakka was small, nervous, ready to yell at the slightest provocation, his companion in adventure was always taciturn and shady. That morning, Mao was asked to accompany him to the flower garden behind the villa, to help him choose a branch of camellias to give to Miss Sana on her birthday.

It hadn't been easy. Hyakka hated to appear fragile and emotional. However, as he hoped, Mao made no comment on his unusual request, nor on his sudden blush. He certainly knew how much he was in love with that girl, as were most of the master's students, including Mao himself, who limited himself to admiring the young lady from a distance and lowering his gaze as she passed.

The other pupils of the master, on the other hand, did nothing but laugh at how small and ugly Hyakka was. Especially Hakubi was one of the most hateful. He was a haughty, attractive boy, characterized by a singular detail: despite his very black hair, he already had white eyebrows.

In his heart, Hyakka was convinced that Mao was the best possible alternative for Miss Sana, because he appeared pure, intelligent and good-looking, just like her; but until it was time to leave her to his friend, he told himself, he wished to express as openly as possible that lively feeling of affection that flooded him.

"Hey, Mao ..."

"Yes, Mr. Hyakka?"

"Do you really think she would like a branch of flowers?"

“The red camellias are her favorite. She loves using them to adorn her hair. "

"Aaaah, you looked at her hair carefully, huh?" Mao blushed. Hyakka smiled, triumphant: it was rare for his imperturbable friend to show his turmoil!

"What the hell are you two doing here?" They didn't notice Hakubi's presence until his call. Hyakka was particularly annoyed. There were many unpleasant and competitive students among them, but that strange guy particularly irritated him. He always seemed to have a sadistic taste in mocking him.

He was hidden behind a hedge, as if he had followed them.

"It doesn't seem to me that access to the garden is prohibited, so what does it matter to you?"

"Do you realize the insolence you show to the teacher by trying to seduce his daughter? As I've always said, you're not up to par with this place, kid. "

Hyakka flared up in an instant.

"Damn! How dare you call me a kid? "

"Come on Hyakka, let’s go."

“Oh yeah Mao, take that brat of your little friend away please. You two make a great couple together ... "

“If our presence is so unwelcome to you, Mr. Hakubi, it is not explained why you followed us. In truth, you repeatedly wander around us. ”At the words of Mao, always so annoyingly unabashed, Hakubi seemed to waver for a moment. If nothing else, he stopped smiling in that mocking way. His sudden inner change did not escape Hyakka, who decided to take advantage of it.

“Hakubi is just envious of Miss Sana's sympathy for us, that's all! He wants to marry her to be the successor of the master despite not having the talent, and despite the fact that he seems to be the only one on whom the charm of Miss Sana has no effect! "

“Miserable idiot! Miss Sana doesn't even notice you’re alive! "

"And how do you know?? Surely it is you who has no hope, hateful as you are! "

Hyakka did not have time to argue further, because a branch of camellia violently lashed his face. Hakubi strode off into the light of the bright morning.

“Mr. Hyakka! Are you fine?"

"Yes, I'm fine ... tsk, that ugly bastard."