Haruka watched her friends laughing and enjoying themselves around the skating rink. It warmed her from the inside out to see them having such a good time, but she also felt cowardly for sitting off to the side. She tried skating with Natsuki and Syo at her sides, but that ended in a nasty three-way crash. Then Ren and Masato tried to help her, but all they really did was argue about whose teaching techniques were more effective. It was better if she just observed from the sidelines…
Across the rink, Reiji was the only one who noticed her melancholy. He casually skated out of the rink and sat beside her on the bench. "What're you doing all by yourself, Haru-chan?"
The composer glanced up and forced a smile. "I'm just…resting for a moment. That's all."
"You've been resting for a while now," Reiji added, smiling wryly back at her. "If you're embarrassed about the spill you took earlier then you should see Ran-Ran! He's way worse than you are!" He laughed and leaned back on his hands.
Haruka's fake grin faltered and a nervous sigh escaped her.
Reiji's smile flipped into a frown almost immediately. His attempt at a joke only worsened her insecurity. He sat up and put his arm around her shoulders, reassuring her, "Look, what I meant to say was, everyone starts out somewhere. If you don't get up and try every time you fall then you'll never learn, right?"
"People laughed, though. I looked so silly out there," Haruka murmured as her head sagged lower.
"Then laugh with 'em!" exclaimed the older idol, squeezing her shoulders against his. His heart rapidly palpitated when Haruka cast a hopeful glance his way. He felt blood creep into his cheeks because of her unexpected anticipation. "You know, it does look silly when others fall like that! Just laugh it off and get right back up!"
STARISH's composer turned her eyes towards the rink again. Uncertainty flickered in them. "I…I just get so anxious and worked up when people stare at me and…"
"What if we fall together?" Reiji suggested with a widening grin. Wobbling to his feet, he offered Haruka his hand. "Come on, I'll teach you! Ne?"
His enthusiasm and smile were irresistable. Haruka knew that a million girls would kill to receive private lessons of any kind from Reiji. This was too golden an opportunity to pass up.
"Here. Hold my hands, okay?" The older idol twined his fingers around hers. He stood directly behind her as they pushed off together, supporting her clumsy weight with his. They skated two laps around the rink when Reiji decided to praise his student. He leaned over her shoulder and whispered, "See? You're doing great."
Haruka jerked suddenly, her heart racing because of such close contact with the idol. Fear, embarrassment, and adoration churned her stomach. Her legs gave way and she fell backwards into Reiji, causing him to careen out of control in turn. Both hit the polished surface of the rink with a loud thud.
"K-K-Kotobuki-senpai?!" shrieked Haruka, barely able to speak.
They landed in an awkward position; Reiji sprawled on the rink's floor with the cute redhead straddling him above. His legs spread, her sitting on his abdomen like that…
Reiji burst out laughing and held her tightly against his chest, keeping her from getting up.
"W-What are you doing?! People are staring at us!" exclaimed the poor girl trapped in his embrace, flopping around like a beached mermaid.
"Isn't it hilarious how we landed, though?! Pfft! I'd be staring too!"
Haruka narrowed her eyes and stopped floundering for a moment. "Kotobuki-senpai, please…"
Reiji flashed a predatory grin in her direction and cooed, "I don't know if I have the strength to stand again, Haru-chan…I think I hurt my back…" He attempted to rise but faltered and uttered a distinct 'ouch' after. "Would you help me get up?"
"Yes…Just let go of me…" muttered the composer. Her cheeks burned brighter than ever.
Reiji relaxed his arms, allowing Haruka freedom to stand on her knees. She fisted his jacket and pulled as hard as she could. Reiji took full advantage of her 'strength' and pushed his lips into hers briefly, eliciting a gasp.
Haruka's mouth was agape with shock and embarrassment. "S-Senpai?!"
The older idol sprang to his feet after and offered his hand down to her, grinning like a scheming feline. "Ready for another go?"
Notes: Morikubo Showtaro is one of my all-time favorite seiyuu; I'm not exaggerating or anything. He's been in the biz for a while now, and I respect/admire him greatly for his work. Hopefully I'll be able to complete this 30-Day challenge this time. :)
