Keep It Together (OHSHC/Hikaru Love Story)

Chapter 22

I had never actually been in Science Room #3 until having to help Nekozawa, but I discovered just how great of a meeting place it was for the Black Magick Club and him. Each science room had dark room capabilities that blocked out all light from the outside. When it was lit with candles, it wasn't too bad in there. I had managed to not bump into things, after all.

On the other hand, over the three days we were working with him, I was a bit skeptical of the lessons Renge was giving Nekozawa. "Your golden locks glow in the candlelight. Your skin like ivory. Your smile, mysterious as a flower illuminated by the moonlight. Such beauty, it's as if... you're a cursed wax doll, shrouded in darkness and filled with malevolence!" he ended sinisterly.

Renge immediately hit him and shouted, "No way! You've got it all wrong, numbskull! Who told you to say something like that? How many times do I have to tell you? You're not allowed to use occult terms!"

He apologized, "I'm really sorry, but my vocabulary is a bit limited without those words."

"You're not allowed to talk back to me, either! You got it? A princely character would never try to come up with a sissy excuse like that!" she raged, continuing to hit him.

"Renge!" I gasped, rushing over to Nekozawa and helping him up.

Renge pulled out pictures and explained, "Remember: it's okay to have a dark side. Some girls like that. Cute, fruity, male characters always go over well with young girls. However, referencing anything related to the occult is out of the question! Mori, go ahead and add that to the board."

"'Wax... doll'," Mori repeated as he wrote it on the blackboard gradually filling up with words Nekozawa wasn't allowed to say.

Kyoya commented, "Looks like Renge is really on top of things."

Honey agreed, "Yeah, she's on a roll!"

Hikaru voiced my doubts, "But I'm not sure the lines she's feeding him are appropriate to use on his sister."

I reminded Nekozawa, "You don't have to use every line she gave you, alright?"

"You're just going to sit and watch, Boss?" Kaoru asked. It was strange for Tamaki to be so alienated from the process.

"Of course. I don't wanna end up with a curse on me. Besides, Katashi looks like me doesn't mind getting cursed," Tamaki shrugged. I glared at him, wishing I had a bit of help.

"Okay, it seems that you've memorized most of your new character lines. I think it's about time we moved on. Are you ready, Nekozawa?" Renge grinned evilly.

Nekozawa begged, "Oh, please no! It's too soon! I can't handle it, yet!"

I rushed, "Really, Renge. This is assez for today. We should try to do this tomorrow."