Of Yokai and Hopeless Romantics

Chapter 18

. . . . .

Benihime made her way to class on Monday morning still in high spirits, not even the nameless love letters in her locker brought her down. Benihime put on a more serious face once classes started, it would not do to lose focus. Her parents might have been pleased with her, but they still expected a lot of her and Benihime planned to keep making them proud. Even with her focus on the lessons, when lunch came around Benihime let herself relax a little. She took her usual seat by Shoji's desk.

" Can you believe it, we have an English test and a History test on Friday," Yayaka complained.

" English must be hard for a girl whose only ever going to need it to say me love you long time," Mari said.

" Come on Mari-chan won't you help me study? You speak five languages," Yayaka said ignoring Mari's insult and pouting.

" I speak seven languages and helping you study isn't my idea of a fun time," Mari said.

" Why don't we all study together," Noriko said. " I could use some help too Mari-chan."

" That's a good idea Noriko-chan," Shoji said. " Me and Noriko study together, but you're free to join, even if Mari-san doesn't want to."

" That sounds like a good idea, the Class President can't go getting low marks on a test," Yayaka said. " You'll join us Beni-chan right?"

" Yes, I can always do with more studying before a test," Benihime said.

" Maybe I'll invite Shige-kun if he won't be too much of a distraction for you," Yayaka said with a sly smile on her face.

" I don't see why he would be," Benihime said not taking Yayaka's bait.

" Maybe we can have her sing him a ballad again," Mari said.

Benihime blushed, why were they ganging up on her?

" So when are you going to confess?" Yayaka asked.

" I have no plans to confess, I am letting my relationship with Shige play out and grow naturally. I am being cautious like Shoji-san suggested," Benihime said.

" That's no fun, you're going for a long courtship," Yayaka said.

" I think it fits Benihime-san perfectly," Noriko said, " There is no need to rush if he cares for you time won't change that."

" We made a contract for one boyfriend, you can't just go dragging your feet now," Mari said.

" I think she should take her time, Shige-san doesn't strike me like the type to rush into things either," Shoji said.

" While I like a man who doesn't rush and takes his time if you both like each other why hold things off? This isn't some tantric exercise," Yayaka said.

" Yea what the walking innuendo said," Mari said. " We have a contract remember I find you a match before the break, you can't go dragging things out."

Benihime wasn't aware that her agreement with Mari was still ongoing. " I spoke to my parents, everything is settled. I thank you for your help, but it is no longer necessary."

" We have a contract, it's over when the time expires or I find you a boyfriend," Mari said sounding quite serious. " You voted for me, that was payment, services will be rendered in full."

" It really is not necessary anymore," Benihime said starting to get frustrated.

" Come on Mari-chan, you're taking things a little too far," Noriko said.

" I don't plan on stopping, By the end of next week you'll have a boyfriend," Mari said. " The plan is already in motion."

Benihime was starting to feel nervous, Mari with a plan was not something you wanted to hear. Yayaka and Inna had warned her, but Mari was right about one thing, Benihime had agreed to this. Her parents had thought her that her word only had value as long as she kept it. She had made an arrangement with Mari, she would honor it. " You are right Mari-san, I did make a contract with you, I will not back out. I will ask of you not to go to extremes like you did in the woods."

" Still going on about that, it worked didn't it?" Mari said. Benihime gave her a nasty look as did Noriko. " Don't worry, this plan doesn't call for anything that extreme."

" Fine, I will hold you to that," Benihime said. As the group returned to their seats after lunch, Benihime found herself enveloped in a feeling of anticipation. Could Mari truly pull it off and would Benihime and Shige be together in two weeks? Benihime was inclined to wait, yet she couldn't help but feel joy at the prospect of Mari's plan working. While she did feel joy, Benihime had to question, was this right? She was letting someone else run her romantic life, shouldn't she be more active, shouldn't she be doing this by her own terms. It was her willingness to simply go along with things, that was partially responsible for her relationship with Keiji. Shige was a better person than Keiji, but Benihime thought she had grown since Keiji, that her confession to Shoji had helped her mature. Yet here she was, sitting back and letting her love life be dictated by another person. It was time for Benihime to grab control of her life again.