"This weekend, I will be preparing for the Spring Ball next week." Tamaki rested his elbows on the table, interlacing his fingers underneath his chin as he smiled at her. "I'll be practising my dancing and picking out my suit," he explained. Some might think it not 'manly,' to be interested in fashion and presentation, but he considered it part of being a gentleman to be well-groomed and skilled.

"Are you coming to the ball on Friday?" He straightened in his seat, a light of excitement in his features.

~~~

Mimori was gasping for air, fanning her mouth with her hand as if it would help. This was absolutely terrible! Tears were still streaming down her face as Kaoru gave her a glass of cold water. Taking it in hand, she gulped it down eagerly. When it was finished, the spice was still strong in her mouth. She was panting slightly, trying to cool down the fire, soft whimpers escaping her mouth.

That wasn't any normal spiced tea. That was... Behind Kaoru, she saw Hikaru, something present in his expression that wasn't entirely apologetic. This had happened before to her, although not with spice. Was this bullying all over again, because she wasn't 'properly,' Japanese? Was this some sick trick of theirs?  Of course she wasn't accepted by them - or, at least, Hikaru. Maybe she was just speculating. She didn't know what to think of this. He hadn't ever seemed to really like her.

Mimori would probably feel the burn for a couple of days, if her mouth was any sign. The tears now were starting to stop, although now they were more from pain than anything. "W-why?"