Of Yokai and Hopeless Romantics

Chapter 12

After an eventful weekend, Benihime felt rejuvenated waking up that Monday morning. The mountain air had done her good and the new feelings starting to develop towards Shige had given her a spring in her step. When she sat down to lunch with her friends, it was a battle to hide her feelings and keep her usually calm exterior.

" Someone looks like a girl in love," Mari said as she pulled up a chair up, a smirk upon her face.

" I am still angry with you Mari-san, so do not test my patience today," Benihime said being curt with her mischievous friend.

" That wasn't a denial, you've been in a good mood since Saturday. I guess you've decided to stay," Yayaka said piling on.

" I have not," Benihime said. If she was being honest, she had been avoiding thinking about the decision she had to make.

" Where are you staying?" Shoji asked.

Benihime informed Shoji about her parent's request.

" I would hate to see you go Benihime-chan," Shoji said. " I can't help but feel I am somewhat responsible for the situation you're in. If I had broken the news about Tanahashi-san to you more tactfully, you wouldn't be in this situation."

It was true that Shoji had broken the news about Keiji cheating to her, in a less than ideal way, but Benihime did not blame him for her own actions. " You did your best to help me Shoji-san, that is all that matters."

" Is there anything I can do? Maybe I can explain to your parents that it was my fault," Shoji asked.

It was moments like those that almost made Benihime feel jealous of Noriko. Shoji's words brought back the night when she had confessed to him. How even when he was turning her down, he still cared enough for her to pick his words carefully and not hurt her feelings. What would the outcome be if she confessed to Shigue? " No that won't be necessary, I am sure that my parents are already well informed about your role in the situation."

" Maybe you should be worried about yourself, her parents are pretty powerful," Mari said.

That earned her a shove from Noriko, " don't try to scare Shoji-kun."

" For what it's worth Benihime-san, I think you should stay. If a situation like last time comes up again, you can depend on me for help," Shoji said.

" By which he means he'll send Noriko-chan out to fight," Mari said.

" Benihime-chan can depend on me, you, and Shoji-kun," Noriko said giving her best friend a stern look.

" Thank you all," Benihime said truly feeling moved by how much her friends cared for her.

When lunch ended and Benihime returned to her desk, she was left thinking of how everyone she knew and cared for in her life was asking her to stay. They were willing to fight for her, yet she still could not bring herself to simply disregard her parent's request. She found herself thinking of Shige, he was rebelling against his father's wishes to pursue his dreams and here she was ready to give up all her dreams, simply because her parents suggested she think about it. Even though she now knew her heart had made up its mind, boyfriend or no boyfriend, whatever may become of her romantic life, she wanted to stay in the Human World. Yet there was still what she owed her parents, they had raised her, loved her, thought her how to control her negative impulses, could she be so brazen to tell them she would rather remain in the Human World than return to the Yokai World with them? They had left the decision to her, but would they be pleased?

All those questions kept going through Benihime's head as she left the Student Council meeting and headed to the student kitchen. She had been a less than helpful Secretary that day, but Yayaka hadn't minded. As she bowed to Tugushi and made her way to her station, Benihime tried to put her worries away.