Page 9 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
Kimiko had to lean to one side to see the short boy. A male phoenix stood behind him, both arms wrapped securely around his slender shoulders. Even though he wore the standard human uniform, the boy didn’t look remotely uneasy in the Amaranthine’s embrace.
Ms. Reeves glanced at her class list. “And you are…?”
“Akira Hajime, and this is my best friend Suuzu Farroost. We’ve been rooming together since middle school, so we’ve already made peace.”
“Do you want to broaden your experience by trading partners?”
Immediately, Suuzu’s hold tightened, and his eyes narrowed.
Akira’s grin was apologetic. “We’d rather stick together, sensei.”
“So I see.” The woman offered peaceable signs. “Relax, Suuzu. Your friendship with Akira isexactlythe sort of camaraderie we’re trying to encourage. You may consider yourself the first pair. Once we have a few more, I’ll ask that our students of reaver descent present themselves for consideration.”
Kimiko watched in fascination as the Amaranthine considered their options. Some hung back, allowing the wolves, dog, and bear to have first choice. She knew this wasn’t any kind of hierarchy. Rather their sense of smell was keenest, so their needs were more particular.
An uneasy titter came from one side of the room, where a wolf clansman slowly wove between tables. He nodded politely to a couple of girls before offering his hand to a wide-eyed boy.
Ms. Reeves kept right on talking, her voice a calm backdrop to these activities. “Reavers, let your potential partners know your designation. I see most of you are undecided. That’s fine. Your classmates may be the key to uncovering your unique aptitudes.”
A soft gasp came from a table near Kimiko’s perch. A burly young male with a crest from one of the bear clans had cornered the smallest girl in the class. She seemed to be trembling, which surprised Kimiko. Hadn’t these people appliedknowingthey’d be in close contact with Amaranthine?
“My name is Brev.” He crouched, balancing on the balls of his feet, clawed hands hanging loosely across his knees. “Will you tell me your name?”
Kimiko couldn’t hear what the girl mumbled, but the bear with his shock of golden-brown hair smiled softly and joined her at the table.
If only finding suitable marriage applicants were half so simple.
Kimiko glanced around to check on Ploom, but the short boy suddenly stepped up and thrust out his hand. “Are you the sort who likes to be picked instead of doing her own picking? Because if you wait much longer, you won’thavea choice.”
Sliding from the sill, she realized he was right. Only two or three other reavers had yet to join a pair. “I suppose I do tend to wait and see.”
“Akira Hajime,” he reminded.
And when she accepted his handclasp, he held on.
SIX
Forming a Triad
“What do you say? Want to be our reaver?” And without giving her a chance to respond, he launched into a list of reasons they didn’tneedan intermediary.
She looked him over while she heard him out.
Akira was several centimeters shorter than Kimiko. He’d been quick to make himself comfortable—top button undone, sleeves rolled up, hands in pockets. Not that they stayed there. He gestured a lot with them and tended to go up on tiptoe when making a point. It all gave him a buoyant, enthusiastic air.
Kimiko liked him. But this decision—like so many others—wasn’t truly hers to make. Bracing herself for disappointment, she sought Suuzu’s gaze.
Unlike his friend, the phoenix gave away very little. His reserve was imposing, and this close, Kimiko could actually sense a little of the strength he held in check. Suuzu was only a shade taller than she was and very slender. Brown skin, a hooked nose, and black hair that showed signs of product and combing … and a lack of cooperation. Kimiko hoped her smile wouldn’t be misunderstood, but she couldn’t help cheering on those rebel curls. They softened the intimidating young male’s strict demeanor.
Akira rocked back and forth on his heels. “Do you have a name?”
“Kimiko Miyabe.” She belatedly offered her palms. “Do you think we can get along, Suuzu Farroost?”
“You do not offend my eyes, nor do you offend my senses.” His hands settled over hers, hot and dry. “In truth, I did not notice you.”
“Suuzu!” Akira punched his friend’s arm and hissed, “She’s a girl!Andshe’s a reaver. Even I know that’s kinda rude.”
Akira was worried about her feminine sensibilities? This was the first time any guy had ever tried to defend her honor. Hardly necessary, but kind of cute.
