Chapter 6

                                    

                                          
It was a peaceful afternoon, and the Momobami household was just as silent, which made sense as their property was lavish yet only a few people resided in its walls. 
                          
Clad in her black kimono, Kirari took a sip of her tea as she sat in their spacious living room, reading through one of the notebooks she got from one of their many bookshelves. 
                          
The school year had just ended, granting Hyakkaou Academy's student council president ample time to rest before the new school year would roll around.
                          
She subconsciously let go of a small giggle as she thought about the hectic events that transpired throughout the year: Saotome Mary, the Full Bloom society, and of course...
                          
"Lady Kirari, here are the snacks you requested from kitchen staff."
                          
...how Mibuomi Aoi, heir of the ever so influential Mibuomi clan, planned to oust her but ended up serving under instead.
                          
Aoi, who was dressed neatly in a kimono issued by the Momobami clan, placed a tray with an array of snacks on the coffee table in front of Kirari.
                          
The gray-haired woman had a glint of mischief in her eyes as she flipped through the pages of the notebook and settled into the couch she was sitting on.
                          
"Reading my Life Plan again?" Aoi asked.
                          
Kirari only giggled once more, "I just find it amusing how your family basically sold you out with no remorse."
                          
"I've been here for almost a month now, and you still find that funny?" Aoi scoffed.
                          
"I suppose."
                          
A few moments of silence passed.
                          
Aoi only continued to stand, darting his eyes nervously, as if he was trying to decide what to do next.
                          
"Oh? You still have something else to say?"
                          
The Hyakkaou alumni cleared his throat, "You see, I would like to make a deal."
                          
He looked at Kirari straight in the eye, trying to not let her intimidate him.
                          
Kirari slowly closed the notebook she was reading then placed it on the coffee table, along with the cup of tea she was drinking, giving Aoi her full attention. 
                          
"How bold of you to say that, Mibuomi. Especially with the position you're in," she paused. "But no matter, carry on."
                          
"You see," Aoi replied. "My little sister is transferring to Hyakkaou."
                          
This piqued the Momobami heir's interest, "Ah, is she going to try to kick me out as well?"
                          
"No, no," Aoi replied without missing a beat. "She's my complete opposite, she'll most likely keep a low profile."
                          
"That's unfortunate, then. She sounds quite boring. Why should I feel the need to concern myself with her?"
                          
"I beg to differ."
                          
Kirari raised an eyebrow, "How so?"
                          
"She's the complete opposite of you as well, and I know for a fact you're fascinated in people you can't understand."
                          
"...continue."
                          
"What I'm trying to ask of you is, can you keep an eye on her in Hyakkaou?"
                          
Kirari crossed her arms as she pondered over Aoi's sudden request, "How unexpected."
                          
"Please," Aoi replied, his voice now wavering a bit. "You're the only connection to Hyakkaou I have, now that everyone hates me there. She's honest to a fault and sheltered and... and I just don't know what'll happen to her once she steps inside Hyakkaou."