Interview with the Yokai

Chapter 8

" Sorry Beni-chan, but you weren't listening to anyone, don't worry the Tanahashi-san situation will work itself out," Yayaka said placing her hand on Benihime's. The rest of the lunch was far less dramatic, with the group talking about the day's lessons so far and staying off of the topic of Shoji's bruised face.

. . . . .

Shoji was in Noriko's room, studying with her had become part of his daily routine. It was nice to have been able to make it back to the dorms after school without a fight breaking out. Shoji wondered what Noriko thought of the last two days, she had been the one doing the fighting after all. Noriko was sitting down across from Shoji, she was wearing a pair of sweatpants and a wrestling tee shirt, that was more low cut than what she would regularly wear. In fact, now that Shoji paid a little more attention, Noriko was dressed differently than usual. The sweat pants she wore were more stylish and form fitting, highlighting the curves of her hips. She was also wearing lip gloss on her lips, Shoji also smelled a sweet perfume he had never noticed her wearing. " Your perfume smells really nice Noriko-san."

" Thank you Shoji-san, I hope it isn't too strong?," Noriko said looking up at him.

" No it smells really nice. It must be nice to be able to relax today, after all the excitement of the last two days," Shoji said.

" I didn't much like fighting Benihime-san, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy beating Tanahashi-san, Tanto-san, and Kobe-san. Those three needed to be taught a lesson, they can't just pick on people they think will say anything or do anything," Noriko said in a serious tone, bullying being a topic close to her heart.

" Where you ever bullied Noriko-san?," Shoji asked wondering if that was the source of her seriousness on the topic.

" Me bullied? No, I'm strong even for an oni, if anyone tried, they'd be sorry," Noriko said laughing.

" You just seem to be so passionate about it," Shoji said.

" When I was young, I hated that oni's were thought of as monsters and brutes, so I guess I became the opposite of a monster and I'm always looking to help people. I'm not so insecure now, I don't put that much value into what others think of me, but I can't stand seeing people be picked on. I really wish I could show the rest of the school just how unworthy Tanahashi-san was of being idolized," Noriko said, she really did not like Tanahashi, a feeling that Shoji and the rest of the yokai girls shared.

" I'm just glad you've been there to save me, I really do owe you Noriko-chan. Are you sure there isn't anything I can do to repay you?," Shoji asked. He didn't mind being indebted to Noriko, but he really wanted to do something for her.

" I wouldn't be much of a friend if I went around expecting my friends to pay me back. Fighting against Tanahashi-san, Tanto-san, and Kobe-san, is like swatting nats to be honest, it was trying harder to not hurt them too bad than to actually hurt them," Noriko said having another good laugh, that Shoji joined in on.

" Even if we're friends, it's ok to ask for something. Benihime-san is a friend and she's been making me bento's as thanks. Mari-san even asked her for a fish dinner," Shoji said, trying to make Noriko see his point.

" Yes Benihime-san is making you bentos because she wants to thank you," Noriko said with a bit of sarcasm in her voice. Shoji realized that Noriko might be viewing Benihime as a rival, he needed to be more careful with his words. " Mari-chan will never miss an opportunity to have someone give her fish or milk."

" Yea she asked me to buy her milk at dinner, I thought that was weird," Shoji said scratching his head.

" It means she thinks you're enough of a friend that she can bug you for treats. You'll have to learn to say no to her or else she'll have you buying her milk everyday," Noriko said laughing.