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It was all Tsuzura's fault. Really.
She remembered the time when she was in her first year of high school, a new student that was gaining popularity with her gambling skills. But even though she was popular, nobody really knows the blonde well, except for her childhood friend.
Tsuzura couldn't stay still as she remembered that today was her dear friend's birthday. So she had it herself to arrange a little something for her dear Mary. After classes, and when they both got inside the Literature club room, Mary noticed her fidgeting.
"Tsuzura?" The blonde was blunt at her question, only looking at her with concern as if today wasn't her birthday. But Tsuzura didn't want that, she had to change that.
She wanted everyone to know Mary's birthday, she wanted her friend to be appreciated.
She was hiding her gift in her back as she stepped forward, her cheeks inflamed from embarrassment. Her three friends waiting in silence.
“M-Mary-chan...Happy Birthday…!” but her words were cut off as she stepped on uneven ground, making her miss her step.
Multiple gasps were heard, but Tsuzura could only listen to her frantic heartbeat and the arms that surrounded her, preventing her fall. The only problem was the heat surrounding her face and the unfamiliar soft press of something on her lips. Her eyes widened in realization.
She was suddenly aware of the shocked golden eyes that were staring at her. Her lilac ones did the same.
“I-I…!” she stuttered. The arms that embraced her slowly loosened as she stepped back. She and Mary were still not breaking eye contact.
“W-What…” Mary was helplessly opening and closing her mouth. That impromptu kiss really caught her off guard. Tsuzura was about to explain the situation, heck, she was near in tears. But then her jaw dropped when she saw Kurumi suddenly creeped behind the blonde and simultaneously embraced and kissed her on the cheek.
“W-What…!?” Mary quickly escaped Kurumi’s hug and quickly rubbed her cheek where the kiss was located. “What’s wrong with you people!?” Her face was full bloomed in red.
“Aw, Mary why didn’t you say that today is your birthday?” Kurumi pouted, expressing her sadness. “Don’t worry, Tsuzura-chan was only doing the tradition here in Hyakkaou!”
“...tradition?” Tsuzura could hear the confusion in Yukimi's voice. She, too, was confused with what Kurumi said but she’s only focusing on Mary’s face that was still blushing. Tsuzura lowered her gaze until she could stare at her own shoes. Oh she had done it. She kissed her crush. Although it was accidental, it didn’t fail to bring butterflies across her stomach.
“A what?” Mary yelped.
“This is Hyakkaou’s way of celebrating someone’s birthday, right Tsuzura-chan?” Kurumi winked at the girl in question and Mary felt like she was missing something important.
Tsuzura was forever grateful to Kurumi after that. She saved her from the embarrassment of explaining everything to Mary and maybe the possibility of change in their friendship. So she nodded her head, so determined that Mary accepted their bizarre actions. But she guessed it was alright, it was Hyakkaou after all. Tsuzura was also thankful that the blonde didn’t turn her head to their oldest friend who also didn’t know what they’re saying.
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When Mary thought that her problems would stop there, oh boy how she was wrong. So, so wrong.
News of Mary’s birthday being today escalated throughout the whole academy. Suddenly, her peaceful day was now bombarded with birthday greetings and sudden...hugs and kisses coming from nowhere.
...and a big ‘what the hell’ was when she figured that all of those hugs and kisses were coming from women. Only women.
That was suspicious. Mary was almost certain there was foul play involved, especially when Aoi came and greeted her and was about to step forward in her space and she was ready to kick his nuts for even trying this shit with her when the guy was pulled back as long tresses of hair gripped his neck making him choke his saliva.
Mary stared in shock as Sakura Miharutaki pulled Aoi harshly away from Mary. She was again reminded that they weren’t engaged anymore...and that Sakura really, really hated Aoi’s guts now.
“Are you alright, Saotome-san?” came Sakura’s question after she dealt with Aoi’s body.
“Y-Yeah...I can perfectly take him on, you know…” the blonde lowly said, scratching her cheek as they developed an awkward aura between each other.
“Hmm, I don’t doubt that…” Sakura glanced at the blonde before smirking lightly. Then, she was reminded why she was here after all…
“So...today’s your birthday.” It wasn’t even a question, it was more like a statement.
“A-Ah yeah…” Mary cleared her throat. Oh wow, why was the air suddenly so hot?
The blonde closed her eyes when she heard footsteps heading towards her. It was like reflex now as she knew a kiss is on the way.
But she would always hide her lips after the Tsuzura and Kurumi fiasco, that’s why the women after them could only kiss her everywhere in her face but her lips.
Smooch. She bit her lip when she felt the soft press of lips in her forehead.
“...Be careful, Saotome-san...and Happy Birthday.”
Footsteps slowly left as Mary opened her eyes to a silent hallway. Oh how she wished the day would end.
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But there were times when she liked to get kisses. Especially towards the girls she knew wouldn’t even dare dream about it. Someone like Sado Mikura who Mary cornered and demanded she have her birthday kisses.
“This is outrageous, Saotome!” Mikura yelled but she was trapped against the blonde and a wall. Mary was gloating and she loved to see the red hue that was painted in Mikura’s scowling face.
“Here, here,” Mary cheekily pointed at her cheek, smugly smiling at the red haired girl.
“If! If I kissed you…” the girl stated. Mary listened as she leaned closer. “You wouldn’t demand a kiss from Juraku-sama?”
Mary bit back a laugh. As if she would like a kiss from that woman! No, hell no!
“I wouldn’t even dream to be near her,” she snickered. “Trust me. You can have that sadist to yourself.”
“...Alright then.”
“Eh? Really-” but her words were cut off as she suddenly felt a small peck that was placed in her nose.
They both stopped to stare at one another. Mary’s wish came true. She saw how Mikura’s face blossomed red but she didn’t expect the blush that would also rise from herself.
“O-Okay, cool…”
“D-Don’t...even bother me after this.”
“Absolutely.”
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“Stop right there, Saotome Mary!” a shout resonated at the almost empty classroom as Mary was about to step outside. She was about to follow Tsuzura because the girl was uncharacteristically avoiding her the whole day.
She turned around to see her classmate and the girl who challenged her on her first day in the academy. Aiura Kokoro.
Mary raised an eyebrow. What does this girl want?
She tilted her head to the side when she came across Kokoro’s face that was slightly red.
“...What do you want?” Mary said bluntly as she crossed her arms. With girls like Kokoro, Mary learned to be straightforward and blunt.
“Tsk, I really don’t like you.” Kokoro scowled.
“The feeling is mutual,” Mary shrugged, not caring if she was rude. Kokoro started it!
The shorter girl bit her lip to stop flinging insults to the blonde, she was here for a different reason. “Tsk…”
“Hurry it up,” Mary urged, checking her nails halfheartedly.
“You’re really insufferable,” Kokoro commented. But when Mary thought that she was done, the girl stepped forward and pressed a light kiss against her jaw. “You’re rude and arrogant but... thanks for standing up for me that time… ” she whispered against Mary’s ear.
“That’s all,” Kokoro leaned back and absentmindedly fixed her uniform. “Happy Birthday.” she followed as an afterthought.
Just when Mary thought that her day wouldn’t get weirder, here she was struck with a weirder one.
She stared at the ceiling as the girl left the classroom, making Mary alone with her thoughts.
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“Happy Birthday, Saotome-chan!” Two identical voices greeted her from behind making Mary turn around.
“Ougatou twins?” The blonde raised her hand to wave but was pushed back as the twins simultaneously hugged her from both sides. Soon, Mary squirmed as she felt two big smooches in both of her cheeks.
“Still contemplating about joining the softball team?” Naoko asked the blonde, gripping her arm.
“Aw, Saotome-chan don’t worry we have three days off when it’s New Year to be with your family!” Houko added.
Mary sweatdropped. “...is that it?”
“Yes!” The twins replied happily.
“I think…” The blonde subtly took a step back, one by one. “I’m still thinking about it. Hehe…”
“Aw, don’t take so long, Saotome-chan,” Houko pouted.
“Your body screams athleticism, don’t waste it!” Naoko added.
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“Did Hanatemari kiss you yet, Saotome-san?” Mary was about to answer Nadeshiko when a finger prevented her from opening her lips. “Of course she did, it’s Hanatemari-san after all…”
Nadeshiko Rurichou, the self proclaimed rival of Tsuzura Hanatemari when it comes to playing piano, frowned as she thought of things to one up her rival. She brightened as she thought of something.
“Where did she kiss you!?” Nadeshiko advanced towards the blonde, gripping her arms while waiting for the answer.
“H-Huh!?” Mary spluttered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
But as Nadeshiko saw the healthy blush on Mary’s face, her mouth formed an ‘o’.
“Damn, of course, it’s Hanatemari-san after all, of course she kissed Saotome-san in the lips…” Nadeshiko nodded solemnly.
“What are you saying!?”
“Shush, I’m thinking of something here, Saotome-san.”
“Aha!” Mary became alert but she was late as she felt something land between her lip and cheek. Damn Nadeshiko Rurichou kissed her in the corner of her mouth!
“That way I could kiss both of your cheek and lips!” The older girl exclaimed. “Take that Hanatemari-san!”
The girl happily waved at Mary before leaving the blonde standing still in the lockers.
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“Oh, Mary~” the girl in question felt a shiver run down her spine. She turned around a corner but her breath got stuck in her throat as she saw someone ahead.
“Fuck!” She cursed her luck. She was wandering around the academy looking for Tsuzura when she felt a bad presence following her.
There was no escaping now. Her back was currently pressed in a wall, she vaguely noted that from all the routes she maneuvered just to shake this creature off of her, she unknowingly led herself in a dead-end. “Oh Tsuzura when I get my hands on you…” she gritted her teeth.
She was doomed.
Sachiko Juraku neared her while holding something and smiling that creepy smile that never failed to make Mary shiver.
“Happy Birthday, Mary,” Sachiko said, bringing the collar up while gazing at the blonde. “This is my gift-”
“No freaking way!” Mary was freaking out and bracing herself for something to clump in her neck. She was ready for her fate. As soon as Sachiko wore the collar to her, she would push the woman off of her and run for her life. She would even beg Kirari to get the collar off of her even if there was a price to pay.
But as she was waiting, nothing really happened. The only thing that Mary heard was the little sigh that was followed by a lingering kiss in her throat.
“E-Eeek!” Mary was caught off guard. Her throat constricted as she gulped.
Sachiko leaned down to her and said lowly, “I’ll not force you, but I’ll be waiting for the day you will willingly wear this, Mary…”
“See you…” and she was gone.
“Damned woman!” Mary cupped her mouth, stabilizing her breath. “As if I’ll wear your stupid collar!”
“Don’t test me Sachiko Juraku, or I’ll force you to wear that thing for me!”
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Mary was beyond tired. All day long she was dodging and accepting hugs and kisses from people. She was finally going home when she got a text from Tsuzura that she left first without her. That damned girl, Mary swore she would pay for this.
But as she was walking she heard hushed footsteps from behind. She acted early, she turned around and slapped the hell out of that person.
“Ow!” her nervousness vanished as she saw the hunched form of Yukimi. Mary sighed, relieved.
“What the hell was that, Yukimi-san!?” Mary demanded. Her senpai only squirmed as they both sat on a bench.
“I was just trying to give you a birthday kiss…” the older girl replied, rubbing her cheek that was slapped.
“Though, I don’t really understand that,” as Yukimi continued, Mary listened carefully. “Last time I heard, Hyakkaou doesn’t have that kind of tradition…”
“...eh?” Mary dumbly said.
“Really!” Yukimi raised her hand as if swearing to tell the truth and only the truth. “I was really confused about what Kurumi-san said back there...and Tsuzura also agreed with her…”
“So I don’t know if they’re just talking nonsense or I’m just not that updated with the happenings within the academy…”
“...”
“Saotome-san…?” Yukimi wondered why her friend wasn’t responding and as soon as she looked beside her she sweatdropped.
“...eh?”
Mary Saotome was busily gritting her teeth and formulating death plans against her two friends Kurumi and Tsuzura.
She was certain it was all Kurumi’s bullshit.
And thus it became a tradition.
In the present time, Mary was now a second year high school student in Hyakkaou Academy. And just her luck, today was the dreaded day.
Her freaking birthday.
She was wearing a red scarf to hide her face and blonde hair, but as unfortunate as she was, Mary was the only blonde student in the academy. And her face was pretty well known now.
It was lunch time when she ninja-escaped her classroom as she knew Yumeko winded up knowing about the tradition. Heck, maybe Suzui was the one who dished it to her. Fucking hell…
Her first kiss of the day was courtesy of none other than Itsuki herself. As soon as Mary got inside the academy’s premises, the first year surprised her as Itsuki waited at the gate then greeted her with a happy birthday and kissed her in front of the thousands of students who were also walking by.
Mary remembered the wet feeling in her cheek. Ugh, Itsuki laid a very wet kiss like a dog! So gross…
Here she was now, hiding herself until classes return as students diligently did the so called tradition from a year ago. No wonder they were only doing that to Mary! It wasn’t a Hyakkaou tradition but a tradition nonetheless that Tsuzura and Kurumi created. Now, it was the Mary tradition that the students, mostly women, kept around and the blonde doomly knew that this will keep up until she graduates.
By far, She had received numerous greetings and hugs and kisses from females, the ones she wasn’t fast enough to dodge and the ones who caught her off guard. Like the ones Runa Yomozuki gave and Kirari’s! Freaking Kirari! Oh how the girl beside her glared daggers at Mary when the President leaned and kissed her in the ear whispering, “My sister is a little bit slow today, forgive her.”
“It’s only for the sake of school spirit, Sayaka,” Kirari husked near her secretary’s ear. “Hee hee!”
When the two left was the only time Mary got to breathe properly. She sighed, this day was bringing pretty much traumatic events to her. Kidding.
Lunch period was over soon and she was getting ready to walk swiftly to her class when two voices collided and stopped her in her tracks.
“Mary-san!”
“M-Mary!”
The blonde gulped as her blood ran cold. As she turned, she saw two girls staring each other down.
“...”
“...”
‘This is it!’ Mary thought as the two girls were still busy glaring at each other. She would quietly escape and run the hell out from here. But as she took a step backward, a shiver ran down her spine.
“Mary...don’t you dare escape.”
“As if we’re willing to let you go, Mary-san…”
“Uh,” She bundled her scarf tighter to her face. “Mary? Who’s Mary? I don’t know anyone named Mary Saotome…?”
“...We can see your blonde hair…”
“Uh-huh.”
“What the,” Mary angrily swatted the scarf off from her face. “You both are now being civilized with each other when earlier you’re both tearing each other telepathically!”
The two girls, Ririka Momobami and Yumeko Jabami, just shrugged as they jogged closer to the blonde. “Happy Birthday Mary/Mary-san!” They both greeted her.
“Ah! I’m so excited!” Yumeko exclaimed. A huge blush rained down her face. “I get to kiss Mary-san to my heart’s content!”
“M-Mary…!” She turned around when Ririka called her. Poor girl was blushing so madly.
“W-Wait guys! We still have classes…!” Mary reminded her two friends but the two girls were still advancing towards her. Soon, Mary could only sigh as she was captured from behind by Yumeko and in the front by Ririka.
“Dammit,” The blonde blushed up a storm. “Dammit all!”
Because of her idiocracy, her lips were captured by the silver haired beauty when she was in the middle of cursing Kurumi’s name. Mary could taste the chapstick of Ririka.
Hmm, peaches…
“Aw, don’t hog all the fun, Ririka-san!” Mary didn’t know what happened next as she was pulled around and a new set of lips replaced Ririka’s.
She tasted the sweet flavor of Yumeko’s lip gloss. Strawberry.
And once again, Mary was pulled into the deep trenches of Yumeko and Ririka and she didn’t know how to swim up again. She was drowning, this feeling. Her feelings towards the two...
They were euphoric.
As Gold met Black and Blue, Mary guessed birthday kisses were fine after all...
“YURIFICATION! YURIFICATION! YURIFICATION!”
“Quiet down, Sumeragi-san. We’ll be caught before we know it.”
“You can’t order me around, Kaichou! I’m not in the student council anymore~"