Page 76 of Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal
“A mischief of monkeys?”
“I’ll order a hammock installed in your room. I do hope you’re not afraid of heights.”
Tenma’s gaze drifted upward. “Not … especially?”
“Good.” Goh chucked him under the chin. “Packs nestle; tribes tangle.”
THIRTY-TWO
Fourth Anniversary
Akira stuffed his hands deeper into his pockets and smiled. He didn’t mind the bite in the air so much, seeing how Suuzu enjoyed getting out of doors. His friend might crave the safety and order of their dorm room, but he seemed equally attracted to the vast and changing sky. Peach and coral burned through clouds caught by the setting sun.
Kinda pretty.
Funny how he’d never given much thought to this stuff before. But Suuzu never seemed to get enough of two things—sky or sea. How long had it been since he went flying? Or trekked to a seaside place? Probably not since they were at Stately House—weeks ago.
“Say, everyone, is it okay if we stop in here?” asked Kimiko, hands pressed pleadingly. “I’ll be quick!”
“Certainly,” Suuzu murmured. “No need for haste.”
A convenience store. Not one of the big-name chain stores, but a pokey little place that looked like it had been in business since the granny behind the counter was their age. Kimi had a thing for little shops and seemed to know every single one in Keishi.
Akira rummaged through his pockets for change. “Want something, Isla? My treat.”
She poked through the change in his palm. Slim pickings. But she matched his grin and suggested, “Split a steamed bun with me?”
“Pork or red bean?” he quizzed, even though he already knew the answer.
Isla simply winked.
Akira ambled over to the counter to order the sweet bun. Finding Suuzu at his elbow, he asked, “Want one?”
The phoenix passed him more coins than necessary, so Akira bought four to share out.
A soft squeal of delight came from two aisles over, where they found Kimi crouched before the candy section, stacks of chocolate bars teetering. Eyes alight, she exclaimed, “They’re in! A whole line of designs to celebrate the Emergence!”
The fourth anniversary was next week, the weeklong holiday coinciding with the Lunar New Year.
Akira dropped down beside her, checking out her haul. “Clan crests are definitely a classy way to go. Is it just the Five?”
“No!” Kimi laughed softly. “I’ve found eleven different designs in this box, but I heard there will be forty all together. Not sure how I’m going to afford them all.”
“That’s a cinch,” said Akira. “All you have to do is acquaint your betrothed with the Valentine’s Day tradition. Then he can shower you with chocolates.”
To Akira’s amusement, she actually considered it. But only for a moment.
“I couldn’t do that. Most of the fun is in finding them myself.”
“That might be difficult.” Isla pointed to the small print on a nearby sign. “Some designs are only available regionally.”
Kimiko groaned. “Train fare, too?”
“Probably not,” Akira cautioned. “The school is keeping close tabs on everyone, and Sensei is keeping even closer tabs on you. Or did you forget the security detail at your place?”
Her face fell.
Suuzu helped her gather up her stack, carrying them to the counter.
