The Spider Lily Turns into a Chrysanthemum

Ichimaku: Chapter 2

The shower had been running for less than two minutes when the bedroom door opened. Shouma had abandoned the blue upholstered chair in favor of Yoshino’s bed, where he lay comfortably across the covers with one arm tucked behind his head and his phone held above his face. He barely acknowledged the sound of the door, assuming whoever had entered would either announce themselves or leave once they realized Yoshino was occupied.
“Well, aren’t you indulging yourself again.”
Shouma recognized Tsubaki’s voice immediately. He continued scrolling through his phone, making no effort to sit up or acknowledge her presence. “You’re a disgusting peeping Tom.”
“How rude.” Tsubaki closed the door behind her, apparently unbothered by the insult. She still wore the lavender dress she’d chosen for the trip to Kyoto, although she’d taken considerably more care with her appearance since arriving at Renji’s house. Her hair was neatly arranged, her makeup immaculate, and her heels clicked lightly against the floor as she crossed the room. She stopped beside the bed and examined Shouma with an amused expression.
“I’m not the one lying on Yoshino’s bed wearing cologne that’ll permeate her covers.”
His thumb stopped moving across the screen.
Tsubaki noticed immediately. Her smile widened. “It’s almost like you want her to think about you.”
Shouma lowered his phone and slowly turned his head toward her. “I swear, the only reason no one’s scarred your face is because you have Renji.”
“I don’t think Renji would appreciate hearing you say that about me,” she replied pleasantly.
“Then go tell him.”
“Oh, I won’t.” Tsubaki crossed the room and settled elegantly into the chair he’d abandoned, smoothing the lavender fabric over her knees before crossing one leg over the other. “I don’t need anyone to save me. Besides, watching you get irritated is far too entertaining.”
Shouma gave her an unimpressed look. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
Rather than answer, Tsubaki leaned back and examined him with the leisurely curiosity of someone who had all afternoon to entertain herself. Shouma knew that expression well enough to recognize trouble. Tsubaki rarely visited anyone without a reason, and when she approached him with that particular smile, the conversation almost inevitably became an exercise in testing his patience.
Before she could continue, a sudden crash came from the bathroom.
Both of them turned toward the closed door.
“Ah, fuck!”
Shouma was upright before Tsubaki had even uncrossed her legs, his phone forgotten beside him. He had already taken a step toward the bathroom when Yoshino’s voice rang out over the running water.
“I’M OKAY! I JUST DROPPED MY SHAMPOO!”
He stopped, listened for another moment, and returned to the edge of the bed with a quiet exhale.
Tsubaki watched the entire exchange without speaking. Her eyes moved from the bathroom door to Shouma, and a knowing smile gradually appeared.
“I wonder what stops you.”
Shouma looked at her. “From what?”
“Going into that bathroom and making her yours.”
His expression hardened immediately.
Tsubaki continued before he could respond, her tone remaining conversational despite the deliberate provocation. “Yoshino is precious to me. You know that. But I must admit, I’d be interested to see how she’d react if the man she thinks of as a brother suddenly came on to her.”
Shouma stared at her, his jaw tightening. “Watch your mouth.”
“Oh, don’t look at me like that.” Tsubaki tilted her head, studying him with open amusement. “You’re a pest, Shouma. An ill-mannered, thoroughly unpleasant pest, and you’re certainly far below my high-ranking blood.”
“What’s your fucking point?”
“But Renji chose you.”
That made him pause.
Tsubaki rested her hands neatly in her lap. “Whatever my personal opinion of you may be, Renji trusts you. He respects your abilities, and more importantly, he’s comfortable having you around Yoshino. I happen to value his judgment, even when I find his choices questionable.”
Shouma turned his gaze toward the window, his eyes narrowing. He had never particularly cared whether Tsubaki approved of him, but he disliked the implication that Yoshino’s trust was merely an extension of Renji’s authority.
“Yoshino isn’t a plaything,” he replied coldly. “And I’d never disrespect her.”
He looked back at Tsubaki. “So what’s your fucking point?”
“The point,” she said, drawing out the words with deliberate patience, “is that you’re apathetic.”
Shouma stared at her for another moment before standing. He crossed toward the window, apparently deciding that looking outside would be more productive than continuing the conversation.
“You’re practically a walking corpse unless Renji gives you an order or Yoshino happens to be around,” Tsubaki continued. “You spend your time doing whatever you’re told, wandering off by yourself, or staring at people as though their existence is a personal inconvenience.”
Shouma opened the window, allowing a breeze to enter the room.
“Outside of those two people, you have absolutely nothing that seems to interest you. No enthusiasm, no ambition beyond whatever responsibility someone hands you. Just a terribly boring, empty soul.”
He reached into his pocket and retrieved a cigarette.
Tsubaki watched as he placed it between his lips and lit it, taking a slow drag before leaning toward the open window to exhale. The smoke disappeared into the afternoon air.
“Oh,” she remarked. “She doesn’t like that.”
“Shut up.”
Tsubaki smiled, thoroughly satisfied. She had finally managed to irritate him enough to provoke a reaction, and the fact that he had chosen to smoke in Yoshino’s bedroom gave her another opportunity to entertain herself.
“And now,” she murmured, almost to herself, “let’s see if this works.”
Shouma glanced over his shoulder. “What?”
The bathroom door opened before she could answer.
“TSUBAKI!”
Yoshino emerged with a towel wrapped securely around herself, her freshly washed hair falling in damp waves down her back. She stopped when she spotted Tsubaki sitting near the bed, her face immediately brightening.
Tsubaki’s entire demeanor transformed. “My sweet girl!”
“Ahhh! I missed you!” Yoshino hurried across the room and threw her arms around her, laughing as Tsubaki rose to embrace her. For a moment, the two held each other tightly, Tsubaki smoothing a hand affectionately over Yoshino’s wet hair while Yoshino grinned against her shoulder.
Then Yoshino pulled away, remembering the dress waiting in her closet.
“But also—” She turned abruptly and marched toward the closet, retrieving the ivory garment Tsubaki had arranged for her. “You did not have to buy me this.”
“Oh, but I absolutely did.” Tsubaki approached her and ran her fingertips lightly over the patterned fabric. “Look at it, Yoshino. The colors are perfect for you, especially with your hair. I knew the moment I saw it that you had to wear it for tonight.”
Yoshino held the dress against herself, examining the elaborate floral and bird motifs once more. “I mean, I love it. Seriously, it’s gorgeous.” She looked at Tsubaki with an expression of exasperated affection. “But you spent way too much money.”
“I know.”
“Tsubaki!”
“What?” She smiled innocently. “You deserve beautiful things.”
Yoshino sighed, unable to argue with someone who had apparently decided that acknowledging the expense was a perfectly reasonable response to being scolded.
“And speaking of beautiful things…” Tsubaki walked toward the bedroom door and retrieved a shopping bag she’d left behind it. “I ordered something else to go with the dress.”
Yoshino watched her suspiciously. “What else?”
“Matching underwear, of course.”
Yoshino stared. “You did what?”
Tsubaki reached into the bag and produced a delicate red lace bra with matching underwear, holding the set up for Yoshino’s inspection as though she were presenting another perfectly ordinary accessory.
“You can’t wear just anything underneath a dress like that. Here you go.”
She extended the lingerie toward Yoshino, but as she did, the garments slipped from her fingers. Or rather, they appeared to slip. With a suspiciously well-directed flick of her wrist, the red lace sailed across the room toward the open window.
Shouma reacted instinctively, reaching out with his left hand and catching the garments before they could fall. Then he looked down. Red lace hung from his fingers. His cigarette remained in his right hand.
For several seconds, he stood completely still, apparently considering how he’d managed to become involved in the situation despite having made every effort to ignore Tsubaki.
She covered her mouth with one hand. “Oops. My mistake.”
Shouma slowly turned his head toward her. Tsubaki smiled sweetly.
Yoshino looked between them, her eyes moving from the lingerie dangling in Shouma’s hand to the cigarette held between the fingers of his other.
“HEY!”
Shouma looked at her.
“What did I say about smoking inside?”
His attention immediately shifted away from the lace. “I was blowing it out the window.”
“I don’t care! You’re still smoking in my room!”
“The window’s open.”
“Shouma!”
He glanced toward Tsubaki, who was watching the exchange with barely concealed delight. The entire situation had her fingerprints all over it, and he knew perfectly well that she’d been waiting for Yoshino to notice the cigarette.
Without arguing further, he extinguished it and walked into the bathroom to dispose of the remains. When he returned, he held the lingerie out toward Yoshino, his expression once again composed. “Here.”
Yoshino’s face turned bright red. She snatched the garments from his hand and immediately pointed toward the bed. “Turn around and wait for me.”
Shouma complied without comment, taking a seat on the edge of the mattress with his back toward her and Tsubaki. He rested his elbows on his knees and looked toward the opposite wall while Yoshino hurried to finish dressing.
Tsubaki watched him for a moment, apparently disappointed that he had recovered his composure so quickly. Then she turned her attention to Yoshino, her expression softening.
“Here, darling. Let me help you.”
Yoshino stepped into the ivory dress and carefully pulled the fabric into place, adjusting the bodice before turning her back toward Tsubaki. The structured waist fitted closely, while the skirt fell in elegant folds around her legs. She gathered her damp hair over one shoulder, exposing the zipper running down the back.
“You’ll have to zip it for me,” she said.
“Of course.”
Tsubaki took hold of the zipper and began drawing it upward, smoothing the fabric as she worked. Halfway through, she paused and glanced toward Shouma. “Unless, of course, you’d prefer Shouma to do it.”
He didn’t turn around. “Tsubaki, stop playing games. I’m pretty sure Renji wants us downstairs by now.”
Yoshino shook her head, accustomed to the constant antagonism between them. “Yeah, Tsubaki. We should hurry before Gramps blows a fuse.”
Tsubaki finished fastening the dress and adjusted the neckline, checking that the patterned fabric sat properly against Yoshino’s shoulders.
“It’s my fault,” Yoshino continued. “I should’ve set an alarm before taking that nap.”
“You were tired.”
“I was stupid. I knew everyone was waiting downstairs.”
“You were tired,” Tsubaki repeated firmly, brushing an imaginary crease from the skirt. “You’d barely slept, and you needed the rest. Renji can survive waiting a little longer.”
Yoshino laughed. “You say that now.”
Tsubaki stepped back to admire the finished outfit, her expression brightening with satisfaction. “There. Beautiful. Now, you’re right about one thing. I should probably go downstairs and calm my sweet Renji before he starts demanding explanations.”
“Good luck with that.”
“I have my ways.”
“I’m sure you do.”
Tsubaki walked toward the bedroom door, pausing with her hand on the handle. “I’ll tell him you’ll be down in five minutes.”
She opened the door, and the noise from downstairs immediately spilled into the room. Yoshino could distinguish dozens of overlapping conversations, bursts of laughter, music, and the occasional raised voice attempting to be heard above the crowd. Judging by the volume alone, considerably more people had gathered than she’d expected.
She stared toward the hallway. “Tsubaki.”
Tsubaki looked back.
“How many people did you invite?”
A perfectly innocent smile appeared on her face. “You have five minutes. Shouma, finish her hair.”
Before Yoshino could demand an actual answer, Tsubaki disappeared into the hallway and closed the door behind her. Yoshino stared after her for several seconds before releasing an exasperated sigh.
“Yoshino, sit.”
She turned toward Shouma, who had already moved to the edge of the bed. He gestured toward the space in front of him, and Yoshino crossed the room without hesitation. They had followed this routine countless times growing up, particularly whenever she wanted her hair arranged in a style she couldn’t manage herself.
She settled onto her knees on the carpet with her back toward him, gathering the damp length of her hair over one shoulder before letting it fall down her back. Shouma reached for the brush she’d left nearby and began working through the ends, holding each section securely to avoid pulling against her scalp. Once the remaining tangles were gone, he moved higher, brushing from the roots until her hair fell smoothly between his fingers.
Yoshino relaxed almost immediately, enjoying the familiar sensation.
“You know, I’ve always wondered why you never pursued doing hair.”
“No.”
She laughed. “I didn’t even finish!”
“I know where you’re going.”
“I’m serious, Shouma. You’ve always been ridiculously good at it.”
He separated another section, continuing to brush without looking up. “It’s not that hard.”
“That’s easy for you to say. You do everyone’s hair. Half the clan doesn’t even need a barber anymore because they come to you.”
“That’s an exaggeration.”
“Not by much.”
Shouma reached for a comb and began separating her hair into smaller sections, his fingers moving with practiced precision. “I have other things to do.”
“Like what?”
“Things.”
Yoshino rolled her eyes. “Wow. Very specific.”
“Besides, doing it full-time would bore me.” He gathered a section near her temple, twisting it neatly before securing it with a pin. “No thanks.”
“Okay, fine. I’m just saying you’re talented as hell.”
Shouma didn’t answer, concentrating on the next section of hair. Yoshino couldn’t see the small smile that appeared as he worked.
He had learned to style her hair years ago, partly because she frequently asked him to help and partly because he’d discovered he had a natural talent for it. Her hair was thick, smooth, and long enough to accommodate almost any arrangement she wanted, although she occasionally requested styles that required considerably more patience than she possessed herself. He’d learned how to work through tangles without hurting her, how to secure pins so they wouldn’t slip, and which sections needed to be left loose around her face.
Yoshino had always praised him for it, usually with the same enthusiastic exaggeration she applied to anything she particularly enjoyed. He pretended to find the attention unnecessary, but he appreciated that she continued asking him to do her hair even after spending so much time away. He gathered the remaining length and arranged it into an elegant updo, leaving a few loose strands to frame her face. The style complemented the structured neckline of her dress without appearing overly elaborate. After securing the final pin, he checked the arrangement from both sides and gently adjusted one section near her temple.
“All right. I’m done.”
Yoshino immediately stood and hurried toward the mirror. Her eyes widened as she turned her head from one side to the other, examining the arrangement from several angles.
“Yay! I look so cool!”
Shouma set the brush aside and watched her from the bed, amused by her enthusiasm.
“You’re the best!” she exclaimed, lifting a hand to examine the pinned sections without disturbing them. “Seriously, Shouma, this looks amazing.”
He gave a small shrug, although his attention had already moved to the rest of her outfit.
The dress suited her exceptionally well. Its fitted waist emphasized her figure, while the ivory fabric and richly colored patterns complemented her hair. The elaborate design might have looked excessive on someone else, but Yoshino carried it naturally, her confidence making the unusual combination appear entirely appropriate.
Shouma looked away before she could catch him staring.
“You look great.”
Yoshino smiled at him through the mirror. “Thanks!”
He stood and slipped his phone into his pocket. “Put your shoes on so we can go downstairs.”
“Right.”
Yoshino returned to the closet, where a pair of heels had been placed beneath the dress. She picked one up and examined it, immediately recognizing the distinctive red sole.
She stared at the shoe for a moment.
“Of course they’re Louboutins.”
Shouma glanced toward her. “What?”
“Nothing. Just Tsubaki being Tsubaki.” Yoshino sat on the edge of the bed and slipped on the first heel, examining the height with a doubtful expression. “Well, these are going to hurt.”
“You don’t have to wear them.”
“Yes, I do.”
“No, you don’t.”
She ignored him and put on the second shoe before carefully rising to her feet.
Her left ankle immediately rolled.
“Whoa—!”
Shouma moved before she could lose her balance, catching her securely by the arm and waist. Yoshino grabbed his shoulder, steadying herself against him while she looked down at the offending shoes.
“Yeah. Okay. No.” She grimaced. “These are exactly as bad as I thought.”
“Then wear something else.” Shouma kept one hand against her arm until he was certain she could stand without falling. “You don’t need those. They’re not good for you.”
“Yeah, but…” Yoshino turned toward the mirror, examining the completed outfit. The heels added height, and matched the elegance of the design perfectly. She tilted her head, admiring the effect despite the discomfort. “I really want Tsubaki and Gramps to see me like this.”
Shouma raised an eyebrow.
“Look at me, Shouma. I look great.”
He sighed. “Yes, you do.”
Yoshino smiled brightly, apparently satisfied with his agreement.
“But how are you going to walk?”
Her answer was immediate. She hooked her arm through his and leaned comfortably against his side. “Uh, you’ll be escorting me. Duh.”
Shouma looked down at their linked arms. “All night?”
“Yes!”
“Yoshino.”
“What? You do it every time anyway.”
“Yeah, but not like this.”
She tightened her grip, entirely unconcerned by his objection. “Oh, come on. We’re practically attached at the hip.”
Shouma leaned his head back and looked toward the ceiling. “I wouldn’t put it like that.”
“Well, regardless, I’m wearing these.” She looked up at him with a cheerful smile. “And you’ll be leading me around. It’ll be great.” He stared at her. Yoshino stared back, clearly prepared to argue for as long as necessary.
Shouma had known her long enough to recognize when further discussion would accomplish absolutely nothing. Once Yoshino made up her mind about an outfit, particularly one she was excited to wear, convincing her otherwise required considerably more patience than he was willing to expend.
He shook his head. “Fine. I can’t fight you on it.” He adjusted his arm so she could hold it properly. “Let’s go.”
Yoshino smiled triumphantly and followed him toward the bedroom door. Shouma opened it, allowing the noise from downstairs to reach them at full volume. Music played beneath the overlapping conversations, and the occasional burst of laughter rose above the crowd. Yoshino glanced down the hallway toward the staircase, then lowered her gaze to the narrow heels beneath her dress.
She tightened her grip on Shouma’s arm. “Don’t let me eat shit in front of everyone.”
“I won’t.” He glanced down at her, the faintest trace of amusement appearing in his expression. “I’m not going anywhere. Just don’t have me driving you from one city to another at three in the morning like last time. The boss was pissed.”
Yoshino laughed, remembering the incident well enough to understand his complaint. “No promises.”
“Yoshino.”
“I’m kidding!”
“Sure you are.”
She grinned and took a careful step forward. Shouma matched her pace, keeping his arm steady beneath hers as they approached the staircase. He slowed whenever she needed to adjust her footing, allowing her to find her balance before continuing.
Together, they headed downstairs to the celebration awaiting her.

CHAPTER 3 ->