Youkai Academy

Chapter 24

Mitsukuni shivered, his eyes pinned to Kagome as if in a trance.

The open-air stage went dark, and the whole festival seemed to fall into a hush, straining to hear the next words that would come from her lips. Reiryoku rose up in shimmering hues when a sole spotlight found Kagome; she was glowing.

His heart seized, and his breath froze in his lungs. She was beautiful. But beneath her ethereal appearance was an undeniable pain in her eyes, one that seemed to lay bare her very soul.

Mitsukuni had known Kagome wasn't like other humans for a long time now. She seemed older, wise beyond her years. At times, he almost mistook her for his senior, yet within the same breath, she would act just as he would expect a human of her age.

She always treated him like a child, pampering and doting on him in ways that made him feel special. He couldn't deny that he enjoyed the attention she gave him; it allowed him to have a physical and emotional closeness with her that the others in their group didn't have.

It had been a long journey to accept the childish side of himself and enjoy the things that made him feel fulfilled freely. That was in part thanks to Tamaki and the support of all the Host club members. But now, he found himself resenting his childish appearance because he wanted more. He wanted to be treated as her senior, to be seen as an equal, and most importantly, as a man. And hopefully, he was someone she could open her heart to.

There was a constant tug-of-war between wanting her affection and wanting her respect. And as much as Mitsukuni tried to hide it, deep down, he knew he was falling into a role where she saw him as a kid or brother.

At the jungle pool, Kagome had seen a glimpse of him that was mature, and someone she could depend on, that could protect her. But she hasn't looked at him that way since.

Kagome's secrets and pain served as a barricade, pushing everyone away. Despite this, Mitsukuni longed to know everything about her, becoming the person she could rely on.

Power filled her voice, and the air grew cold, "I wish-" the light cut out, and in the darkness, Kagome stepped off stage. The tension on the stage shifted as Mrs. Higurashi took her place, her presence a calming palm as she finished the story, in which Miko Kagome disappeared with a wish that brought peace to demons and humans alike.

The crowd clapped, signaling the end of the play. "My little girl was amazing!" Tamaki cheered, teary-eyed. "Who knew she was just an actress!" A grin slid across his face, a gleam shining in his eyes. "We should do a play for the club!" He giggled, mind already working on plans for upcoming club events.

"We should go congratulate her!" Mitsukuni suggested cheerfully.

"Agreed!" the twins grinned, in Kaoru's hands a beautiful bouquet of pale pink roses and white lilies appeared in a glimmer of kitsune magic.

"Make me one too, Kao-chan!" Mitsukuni cheered, Tamaki, joining him as they circled the kitsune.

Kaoru pouted, grumbling. "Fine, but you can't have this one." Handing them each a leaf, and with a flare of kitsune magic, each turned into a beautiful bouquet. Mitsukuni's was made of sunflowers and daisies, while Tamaki's was made up of pink peonies and carnations. Even Kyoya asked for some violets, while Takashi asked for dandelions and forget-me-nots.

Mitsukuni cheered, skipping towards the back of the stage to greet Kagome. His nose was buried into the flowers, again amazed at how lifelike a kitsune could make something, though the bouquet was made of magic it smelled and felt like real flowers but with the signature sweet tang of magic. One day both Kaoru and Hikaru would be true masters of their illusions, hiding even the scent of magic.

Rounding the corner, Mitsukuni paused mid-skip. Kagome was wiping at her face; she seemed panicked and distraught. And beside her, crouched down to her level, was Lord Sesshomaru, the two in an intimate conversation. The sight of the powerful daiyoukai, usually so stoic and intimidating, displaying even a hint of tenderness towards Kagome only stoked the embers of Mitsukuni's jealousy, mirroring the one he had felt earlier in the day upon first seeing the Daiyoukai. He clutched the bouquet tighter, the flowers crinkling softly in his grip.

"K'gome-chan!" Mitsukuni's cheerful voice cut through the air as he skipped over to Kagome, wrapping his arms around her waist, effectively putting himself between her and Sesshomaru. His sudden presence brought a startled look to Kagome's face, her teary eyes meeting his as she tried to compose herself.

"K'gome-chan, you were amazing!" Mitsukuni cheered, tilting his head up to beam at her. "These are for you!" He presented the bouquet, his bright eyes seeking her approval.

Kagome's expression softened, her previous tension melting away at Mitsukuni's genuine enthusiasm. She took the flowers with a grateful smile, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears of happiness. "Thank you, Mitsukuni-senpai. You're always so thoughtful."

Sesshomaru's gaze shifted from Mitsukuni to Kagome, then back. "Hn," he hummed. "Kagome," Sesshomaru's voice was a deep rumble, resonant with an authority that demanded attention.

"We'll speak later." Kagome nodded.

His eyes lingered on Kagome for a moment, a silent conversation passing between them before he turned and walked away.

As Sesshomaru's figure disappeared into the shadows, the rest of the Host Club arrived, their enthusiastic chatter filling the space. Tamaki rushed forward, sweeping Kagome into a twirling hug, his eyes sparkling with delight. "You were magnificent, Kagome! Absolutely breathtaking!"

Kagome let out a breathy laugh, her eyes glittering with tears as she hugged Tamaki back. Tamaki continued to spin her around until her laugh erupted like a shout, loud and so unlike the teen. "I'm getting dizzy!" She laughed, eyes pinched tight as she hugged Tamaki's neck.

Tamaki slowed to a stop, helping Kagome stand. She was beaming, hair wild and eyes sparkling. It left all of them breathless, blush spreading across Tamaki's face.

Kaoru stepped forward, presenting his bouquet with a bright hue of blush, his twin joining him. "For our leading lady!" they chorused, their identical grins lighting up their faces.

Kyoya adjusted his glasses, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "An excellent performance, Kagome. You truly brought the story to life."

Takashi handed her the dandelions and forget-me-nots, his deep voice gentle. "Good job, Kagome."

Kagome accepted the flowers, her eyes misting. "Thank you, all of you," Kagome said, her voice thick with emotion. Her hand closing around the necklace hanging around her neck, it looked just like one of the Shikon no Tama replica.