Page 42 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“I’d love that,” Kimiko whispered, then offered an earnest message.You’ve made me glad our paths have crossed.
After classes finished up for the day, Kimiko made the rounds with Hanoo and Sosuke, checking and double-checking their preparations. Once they were sure everything was as ready as it could be, she offered to report to Ms. Reeves in the faculty offices. Mostly so she could talk to her in private.
“Thank you, Kimiko.” Her teacher smiled knowingly and asked, “Was there something else?”
Grateful for the opening, she blurted, “I’m wondering about Eloquence Starmark.”
“He’ll return to classes next week.”
“Afterthe festival.”
“Itisa shame.” Ms. Reeves nodded, then nodded again. “Would you like to bring him some of the festival treats the class has prepared? I’m sure he’d appreciate the gesture.”
“Shouldn’t it be Isla? She’s his partner.”
The woman asked, “Who is the one who came to me because she wanted to make sure a classmate wasn’t left out? And if you don’t mind my saying so, I have an idea that you’re especially fond of this festival.”
“All of my memories of the Star Festival are good.” Kimiko took a posture of acceptance.
Ms. Reeves nodded approvingly. “Fill some of those tiered boxes and wrap them up. Are you familiar with the Starmark compound?”
Kimiko laughed a little. It was a silly question. The whole world was familiar with the Starmark compound.
TWENTY
Starry Gifts
Kimiko didn’t exactly gawk, but she felt a little like a tourist in her own city. The gates that appeared on television so often looked even bigger in person. Thick enough that knocking would be pointless. Heavy enough that opening them would be impossible.
Still, she wanted to get closer, to stand in the same place where so many press conferences had been held. The doors showed beautiful craftsmanship—carved wood, its fine grain so smooth, it looked oiled. Kimiko caressed the silken surface with her fingertips and immediately felt the trip and tickle of wards.
With the click of a latch, a door beside the gate opened a few centimeters. Was this an invitation to enter?
“Hello?”
Nothing.
Pushing the door wider, she peered inside. “Pardon my intrusion,” she tentatively called, closing the door behind her. It was like stepping into a forest. She hadn’t realized there were so many trees this close to the road. Then again, this had been the home of an Amaranthine clan for centuries, and they were famous for their nature preserves and wildlife habitats. She caught the faint and familiar rattle of leaves and followed the sound to a large camphor tree alongside the path. Perhaps a younger sibling to their shrine’s grand specimen?
The wide road that began at the big front gates vanished into woods. It was clear of snow, which heaped up on either side, so she couldn’t tell if there were trails or benches or garden beds. These woods must be lovely in summer. “Hello?” she called again.
Oh, well. She supposed they’d send someone after her eventually, and then she could explain her errand. But she’d barely taken two steps when she encountered a guard dog. A very small, chubby-cheeked guard dog. She recognized him, of course. Even without the ears, he was Harmonious Starmark in miniature.
Kimiko bowed and addressed him seriously. “Peace, young sir. Are you the gate guard?”
He looked between her and the door, which he must have opened. “Tenma coming?”
“Did you think I was him? I’m sorry to disappoint you.” She showed her palms. “I know Tenma-kun since we’re classmates. I was hoping to speak to Eloquence. Is he here?”
“Bruvver busy.”
A large Kith stepped into the open. The dog’s auburn fur had been brushed to the sort of high gloss one expected in show dogs. His ears drooped like a setter’s or a spaniel’s, and his eyes were the exact same copper as the little boy’s.
Kimiko bowed again. “I go to school with Eloquence Starmark. He’s been absent, so I brought him a gift for the upcoming festival.”
The Kith sat, and the little boy trotted forward. “Who you?”
“I’m Kimiko.” Setting down her bag, she knelt on the path so he could reach her palms. “May I ask your name?”
