The Witch and the Zodiac | Kyo

Chapter 15- Mending

Tohru smiled as she packed the small overnight bag, double-checking everything inside as she thought aloud.

"Hm... I wonder if this is going to be enough? It's only for one night, but if I'm clumsy and spill something, maybe I should bring a second pair of clothes."

She stood in silence for a moment, then zipped up the bag and smiled to herself.

"I'm probably overthinking it. I'm sure this will be fine."

She looked up and stared out of the window in thought.

"Is it really alright to leave Aki-san alone? I know she'll be safe here, but it might be uncomfortable for her to be here alone with three men, especially ones she doesn't know well. She did insist that I go, but I also don't want her to feel lonely or uncomfortable."

Tohru paused and sat on the end of her bed for a moment, slouching slightly.

"And if I were to ask Uo-chan and Hana-chan if Aki-san could come with us, it might also be awkward since they don't know each other."

She sighed and then smiled.

"But she really seemed happy at the idea of making dinner, so I think it will be okay to leave it to her."

She stood and picked up her bag and opened her door to step into the hall.

"Before I go, I should give Hatori-san a call and let him know that she's healed now. I'm sure he'll be relieved that he doesn't have to worry anymore."

Tohru turned and saw Yuki's door open slightly and she knocked and peered inside.

"Sohma-kun?" She stopped and blinked, and Shigure froze and shut the drawer he had been looking inside. "Shigure-san? What are you doing?"

"Ahaha." Shigure scratched his head and laughed. "Well, you see, Aki-chan asked me to find some things for her, and I was sure that I'd seen a few candles in here before. Although I suppose I was wrong."

"Candles?" Tohru smiled and tilted her head slightly.

"Ah. I think Yuki put them in the kitchen. Did she say why she needed them?"

Shigure blinked, then laughed again. "Uh... nope."

"I can get them for her." Tohru smiled. "I'm not sure that Sohma-kun would be happy that you were in his room."

"Ah." Shigure winked and held his finger up to his lips. "It'll be our secret, then."

He stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him with a click.

"Are you about to leave?"

"Oh, not yet." She shook her head. "Uo-chan and Hana-chan are coming to pick me up soon, though."

"Be sure to have lots of fun, Tohru. Otherwise, Yuki and Kyo might worry about you pushing yourself and not taking enough time for yourself."

"O-Okay." Tohru smiled and nodded. "Oh! Shigure-san, could I ask you a favor?"

"A favor?" He touched his chin. "But of course. What kind of quest does the lovely princess have for me?"

"U-Um..." Tohru scratched her cheek lightly. "Could you keep an eye on Aki-san for me? I feel a little guilty leaving her after Hatori-san told me to look after her."

Shigure's eyes sparkled and he chuckled. "Of course. I shall be most attentive to her every need."

"A-Ah" Tohru waved her hand. "What I mean is... make sure she doesn't feel uncomfortable. She doesn't know any of us very well, and being along in a house full of boys might be strange to her..."