Spring Comes

My Face Is Flushed Because You're Here

"This is delicious!" Tohru said, eating the breakfast of rice, datemaki, steamed vegetables, salted salmon, and miso soup that Yayoi had cooked for everyone.

"Yes, it's almost as good as Miss Honda's," Yuki said.

"Really? I think it's better," Tohru said.

"We're both good," Yayoi said with a smile.

"At least you remembered not to put any leeks on anything," Kyo said.

"You're welcome," Yayoi told him, picking up a datemaki with her chopsticks.

"Do you plan on staying here for the rest of the holiday?" Yuki asked Yayoi. "I'm sure Shigure won't mind."

"That is a possibility," Yayoi said. "I do have room to stay for a few days, but it would probably be best if I was back at my friend's house by the end of the holidays so I could go back to school with her, since Shigure doesn't have a car.

"I guess that would be okay," Kyo grumbled.

"How do you feel about it, Tohru?" Yayoi asked.

"No problem. You're welcome to share my room," Tohru said.

Yayoi smiled at her.

"Oh! I forgot to ask," Tohru said, perking up. "Are you by any chance another member of the zodiac?" She looked so excited by the prospect, that Yayoi felt bad to disappoint her.

"Sorry, but I'm just ordinary," Yayoi said, smiling apologetically. "Still want me to stay?"

"Of course!" Tohru said.

—∞—

With that decided, Yayoi called and let Sara and her parents know the situation. She didn't want to interrupt the Kurosaki's New Year's Day schedule, so she wouldn't let them come drop her stuff off and left to retrieve three days of clothing and toiletries from their house herself. When Yayoi returned to the house, everyone was asleep under the kotatsu, so she quietly joined them.

The three days she spent with Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo were peaceful, even with the boys' arguments. It was a fun house filled with light, and Yayoi knew Tohru was mostly to thank for that. She was grateful for Tohru and thanked her for being there. Tohru just blushed and tried to play down her part in it, but Yayoi knew better. She knew something about the darkness Yuki and Kyo and the other zodiacs were dealing with. She hoped Tohru would be good for them.

On the third evening, the phone rang, and Tohru answered then called for Yayoi to come over and take it from her.

"Hello?" Yayoi said.

"You sneaky girl, coming when I'm not there," Shigure teased. "I hear you're leaving already tomorrow? Avoiding me like that, you're so hurtful!"

"It's not like that," Yayoi said. "I was hoping to at least see you, Momiji, and Hatori before I went back to school."

"You put the most important person last, Yayoi-chan," Shigure said slyly. "Don't worry. Both Momiji and Hatori are coming to visit to tomorrow, if you'll still be there."

"Of course I will," Yayoi said, grinning. "Thanks, Shii-chan!"

"Aw, you must be happy. You haven't called me that cutely in a while," Shigure said. "You're going to make Hatori jealous if you keep that up."

"Very funny, Shigure," Yayoi said jadedly. She knew there was no way that would happen. "I'll see you tomorrow. I brought back enough Shiroi Koibito cookies for everyone, so look forward to it."

"I will. You're such a thoughtful girl," Shigure said, smiling. "If only Hatori weren't so dense, then you could—"

"Don't poke that bear," Yayoi said, lowering her voice. "And keep your voice down. What if someone heard?"