Episode eight was so good I just had to write something for it.

Takes place during episode 8


Reina took pride in her ability remain calm at all times. She didn't get nervous for performances, was unbothered when talking to other people, and for the most part stayed cool and collected. The only thing that bothered her was when people didn't take music seriously. That, and one other thing. Kumiko had been on her mind recently, distracting her from her trumpet playing.

The other girl seemed to be everywhere; in the hallway, at the doors, on the subway, and sitting with Shuichi on the bank of the river. She re-entered Reina's life with a splash, sending waves through it. Something about her snagged Reina's attention. She'd seemed so underwhelming in middle school, at least up until their falling out.

Maybe it was her personality that drew Reina to her. The way she kept people just the right distance away, bluntly addressing the outside world. The challenge of getting closer to her was so tempting, Reina just had to try it. She found Kumiko fascinating.

The Agata festival, an event on the coming weekend, would be a prefect chance to spend time with Kumiko. All she had to do was ask. The only problem was, Reina wasn't sure if Kumiko would say yes. The other girl had been acting skittish around Reina, barely talking to her at all. Kumiko also spent a lot of time with her fellow first years. Reina would need to get her alone to ask the question, which might prove difficult.

The other problem was Shuichi. From what Reina could see, he was definitely interested in dating Kumiko. He was always watching her and following her to the subway. Reina was doing the same thing, but that's beside the point. If Reina wanted Kumiko to meet with her the day of the festival, she would need to beat Shuichi to the punch. It seemed like Kumiko might be interested in him back, though Reina wasn't sure she believed it.

For the next few days Reina tried to get Kumiko alone without being too obvious about it. Unfortunately Kumiko was always with other people. Each day she left with the tuba and bass players, all going home together. Reina didn't want to talk to them; they didn't interest her. She saw her on the subway with Shuichi, laughing about something that happened in sectionals that day. He noticed Reina watching, and she looked away abruptly.

So she waited, and by Friday had just about given up. Kumiko had been blushing at Shuichi earlier, and signaled for him to follow her out into the hall. Reina told herself that it wasn't any of her business, but after a few minutes decided to go out there anyway.

When Kumiko grabbed her wrist and announced that they'd be going to the festival together, Reina couldn't believe her good luck. Based on Kumiko's expression, she hadn't been expecting this happy coincidence. Her voice stuttered to a halt, staring at Reina dumbly. Shuichi left to talk to the tuba player while the two girls stood in silence as others walked by.

This was it. Reina had the perfect opportunity to ask Kumiko to the festival. They both went back to put their instruments away and left the school together. The sun was already setting when they reached the entrance.

"So, where and when do we meet?" Reina tried to keep it cool, acting smooth for Kumiko. "We're going to the festival, right?"

Just like that, she'd asked the question she wanted to all week. Kumiko nodded numbly, and the pair arranged a time and place to meet. Reina managed to keep the grin off her face until they parted.

Kumiko was just so fascinating.