A/N: Hooray. Thanks for those who read, followed, favorited and reviewed the first chapter – greatly appreciated you all!
To hookedonreading, high-five! See chapter or the next?
Sorry for the delay – was on vacation. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
-x-
Chapter 2: Mysterious Genius
Natsuki had woken up to a chilly Monday morning as her arm snaked its way towards the bedside table to turn off her alarm clock. It was half past five in the morning as she got up from her bed and stretched her stiff arms and legs while yawning. She tiptoed silently towards their shared bathroom as her roommate was still in dreamland, snoring lightly.
She did her morning routine and quickly changed to her running outfit, a dark blue, sleeveless hoodie and black running shorts. As she got out of the bathroom, she made her way to their small kitchen and grabbed a water bottle in the refrigerator then chugged it down. Feeling hydrated and awake, she went to her bed and retrieved her black running shoes underneath and wore them swiftly. Checking herself in the mirror, she settled to tie her midnight blue hair in a ponytail then slid it in the hole of her black cap. She gazed at her wristwatch then smirked to herself, quarter to six, plenty of time before school.
As she made her way out of their small apartment, she shivered a little due to cold weather, partly because it was still early in the morning and partly because of the outfit she was wearing. However, her attention shifted from the weather to her surroundings – her emerald eyes scanning the stretch of the neighborhood. Everything was foreign to her – the little quiet town, small blocks of traditional houses, the empty streets and the fresh air. It was nowhere near similar to where she grew up. In America, large towering buildings surrounded the city, streets were always filled with loud-honking cars as they got caught in traffic, pollution was thick in the air and people were everywhere to be seen, buzzing and fussing about their daily activities. As memories of her previous home started to flood her, she shook them away and breathed deeply. This would be my new home, she reminded herself. Until things settle down…
She decided to take a left turn and started jogging, familiarizing herself with the street names in her every turn, the locations of mini grocery stores, gas stations and bakery shops that she passed by until she stopped in front of an old music store four blocks away from her apartment. From the outside, she could see the musical instruments on the glass display – a grand piano was sitting in the middle, wind instruments such as flutes, piccolo and saxophones were stacked together, placed on a display stand near the piano while stringed instruments like guitars and violins were hooked on the wall on the other side.
She suddenly felt nostalgic as she remembered the little version of herself, requesting her father to buy her a drum set as her birthday present when she was seven years old. She could still see her mini-version self pulling her father inside a large music store in America. Instead, her father had bought her an acoustic guitar rationalizing that being a guitarist had more opportunity to do solo performances, whereas drummers would usually need accompaniment.
Her father then taught her how to play and from then on, she had fallen in love with music. Until now, she could still clearly remember the singing sessions she had with her father, how her father would compose a song just for her and how they would sing it endlessly until both of them were so happily tired and their voices turned hoarse and throaty.
She could still hear his voice ringing inside her head telling her to create a song from the heart – one that would reach and touch people's hearts. When angels sing, hearts listen, she heard him always speak. Oh how deeply she missed him, how her heart ached agonizingly, how she desperately clung to nothing but hope that she would still see him. But for now, she had to do what she had to. Until things settle down… Blinking back tears that threatened to fall any moment, she brought her cap towards her face then shoved her cold hands inside the front pockets of her sleeveless shirt.
As the sun was shining in all its glory and the once empty streets were now getting packed with people and cars heading for work, she started to retreat and headed towards her apartment.
-x
"Stoooop!" The gray-haired manager's raspy voice reverberated inside the practice room early that morning. "This just sounds so awful! Nao, you're always out of tune." She pointed an accusing finger towards the redhead.
"Idiot! That's because you force me to play this stupid electric guitar. Bass guitar is my forte, stupid." The redhead glared at the grinning manager as she grumpily placed back the electric guitar to its stand in favor of her favorite black bass guitar.
"But I thought guitar is guitar – should all be the same!" The manager pointed out as she grinned wickedly while shrugging off her shoulders.
"No it isn't, airhead. Go ask Mr. Google, Siri or Alexa and learn from them." Nao retorted as she hooked her bass guitar on her shoulder and signaled to the drummer who struck her drumsticks together three times then hit the drum set. The redhead coolly plucked on her bass guitar, clearly showing off towards a certain unimpressed manager. The brunette could only shrug as she placed her hands on the keyboard and followed the beat.
After finishing one song, the redhead offered a humungous mocking smile at the manager. "See that? Oops… That must have shut you up." She put her hand on her lips showing her mouth being fastened with an invisible zipper then blew a giant flying kiss at Chie.
"Woohoo. Nice play." Chie responded sarcastically as she clapped her hands boringly.
"But seriously, we need her. We need… Tomoe back." Her sympathetic gaze slowly fell on the brunette who was wiping little beads of sweat on her forehead with her back hand as she gracefully sipped on her tumbler. Even Nao and Mikoto glanced her way, concern flashing on their faces, as they placed down their instruments and retrieved their water bottles.
They all knew that this sensitive topic was inevitable. And now that it was out in the open, things were getting rather complicated. Between professionalism and self-respect, which should weigh more importance? Between group interest and self-interest, which should be given top priority? Between people's perception and personal opinion, which should matter more? The ironic thing was whatever decision that would be chosen, there would always be conflicting sentiments present, some supporting, others dissenting, some even judging according to their own rules.
Finally, the brunette spoke solemnly, "I may be your band leader but that doesn't mean I will decide for all of you. While I am the one personally involved, unfortunately, everyone is already in too deep. So, to be fair, let's settle this by vote." The three glanced her way in utter surprise as their brows furrowed sincerely. "I want all of you to be honest and speak up your mind." She offered them a small smile. "Who among you wanted Tomoe back, please raise your hand." Her words were voiced in a professional, business-like manner – humorless and cold. After few seconds, two hands rose hesitantly, one from the manager, the other from the drummer. She nodded her head to acknowledge them.
"And I would assume we want otherwise?" She directed her question to the redhead who grinned and thumbs-upped in agreement. "Oh well, I guess, voting does not really do much help." She laughed despite herself.
"Actually, it does. I will change my vote if we cannot find someone before the concert. Sorry Shizzy, I just cannot let this stupid manager force me to play the stupid electric guitar and shame myself to death. I mean, come on – I know everyone agrees that she is such a freaking bastard who only knows how to push people to their limits but I cannot downgrade her skills to nothing. The freak's a genius, I gotta give it to her, though a wicked one. Just saying." The redhead elaborated as she glanced at her band members.
"Your words are always harsh but always a direct hit." The manager complimented her. "We will help and try our luck to find another genius who would not be as merciless and ruthless as the previous one. Anyway, practice dismissed, class will soon start. See you all later for the evening practice." With that, all of them picked up their school bags and headed towards the door.
-x-
It was a fact that Tomoe was already a rising star even before she entered Fuuka Academy, thanks to her father's great influence in the music industry. Being a part-owner of the largest recording studio in Japan, Tom Marguerite, a handsome, middle-aged, blonde man, was certainly a very influential person. He was one of the top bosses deciding the fate of aspiring young artists to fame or doom.
And what could be the best way to maintain his power and status than to invest on his daughter. Thus, he had ensured that little Tomoe would get all the support she would need. In no time, his efforts had certainly paid off as his daughter got featured in many magazines and interviews as a child prodigy with her amazing guitar skills.
However, as her popularity was rising, her grades were fast deteriorating that his father had decided to transfer Tomoe to an unknown university of Fuuka. Initially, they had debated and argued constantly but Tom had the final say and she was forced to follow his father. She was utterly disgusted and furious when she first arrived in Fuuka Academy – the buildings had seen better days, the scrawny students looked as if they all came from poor families and professors lacking an aura of brilliance. She called Fuuka Academy a school for fools, Fools Academy. No wonder most of the time, she was not attending school or cutting classes.
But everything had changed one day. As she entered the classroom and slumped on her chair to take an exam, she saw her classmates getting overtly excited as they clamped together like bees to watch in one of her classmates' phone. The room was filled with squealing voices but when the phone was played, almost everyone watched and listened intently. Tomoe was initially uninterested but when she heard the voice singing and instruments playing, she suddenly got curious and stood up from her chair, marching towards the unsuspecting crowd.
In a blink of an eye, she managed to steal the phone lying on her classmate's desk. Everyone suddenly groaned out loud but she dismissed them with her scary glare. She returned her gaze on the phone and began watching, three figures appeared to be enjoying themselves – a short kid crazily hitting the drum set, a redhead playing bass guitar and the vocalist playing on her keyboard as she sang beautifully. However, much to her disappointment, the video was taken from the side in a partially open window and from that vantage point, she couldn't clearly recognize any of them. She replayed the video and watched again from the start.
"Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you"
Despite the poor video quality, she was surprisingly impressed that the trio could make good music, talented to say the least. They were all in sync and up to beat. The drummer seemed to be randomly hitting drums and cymbals simultaneously but it was amazingly complimented by the bass guitarist with her precise fingering movements across the fingerboard. However, what greatly caught her attention was the angelic yet powerful voice of the vocalist – the pitch was just perfect, hitting the high and low notes flawlessly and the captivating accent – sexy and alluring all at the same time.
"Whoa! I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got y~"
"Aha! Got you pervy!"
The performance was interrupted as the drummer was seen quickly darting her drumsticks towards the filming intruder who sounded to be in pain as she seemed to have fallen backwards with the phone now recording the low wall of the room. Hurried footsteps echoed then a door being slid open could be heard from the background. In the few seconds that followed, the footage showed a worried looking brunette with striking crimson eyes followed by a snickering redhead until it was turned off.
The teal-haired girl backtracked for a few seconds, pausing the video as she stared at the vocalist interestingly while smiling crookedly. From then on, she decided to make the brunette not just an acquaintance but her future lover.
Glancing back at her classmates who looked at her angrily, she held the phone in her hand and asked for the owner until all eyes settled to the seated boyish looking woman wearing eyeglasses glaring madly at her. She walked towards her coolly handing back the phone. However, before she completely let go, she realized she could use this woman and so she asked for her name.
"What's in it for you?" The short-haired girl quickly snatched back her phone a little aggressively. She was annoyed at the fact that one second, the woman looked like she would kill anyone earlier, but now she suddenly looked super friendly and sweet, asking for her name. It was sick and absurd.
"Ah. No need to be hostile." Tomoe raised both her hands in her defense. "After all, you'll be my future manager, our future manager, Miss?" The teal haired girl cocked her head to one side.
Clearly, it appeared as if she was talking nonsense as the boyish woman just rolled her eyes. Tomoe's eyes almost popped in disbelief as her eyebrows twitched. What the heck!? Don't any of these idiots recognize me at all?
However, she knew that she must maintain her coolness if she wanted to use this woman. "Ah… Sorry, where are my manners." She smiled sheepishly. "Of course, I should introduce myself first. Some of you might know me as Tomoe Margo… But my real name is Tomoe Marguerite."
Suddenly, all eyes, as big as saucers, flew towards her direction whereas others' jaws dropped considerably. Some even fainted, if anyone believed. The boyish woman dropped her phone in shock as she stared at the smiling teal haired girl. Recognition only dawned on her as she realized that the new hairstyle and hair color were to blame since she remembered her picture on the magazine as a blonde, long haired woman.
"You're…" The short-haired woman gulped nervously. "T-Tomoe Marguerite? For real?" She stuttered helplessly as she pushed the center of her eyeglasses towards the bridge of her nose, staring blatantly. Her grudge towards the said woman dissipated in no time as she grinned at her giddily while picking up her phone.
Finally having the reaction she was expecting, she extended her hand as she flashed her perfect white teeth, almost swooning the short-haired woman in the process. "Yup. The real Tomoe Marguerite, at your service, Miss?" She raised her eyebrow at her.
"C-Chie… Chie Harada." She muttered as she sheepishly extended her hand and shook Tomoe's. Suddenly, almost all her classmates crowded around them, some eagerly hoping to get a closer look while others trying to get some autograph and still others just getting nosy and curious. In the end, it had a favorable effect the teal-haired girl had wanted – an instant celebrity getting everyone wrapped around her finger.
"Ah, Chie, you just got hired. You're gonna be our manager and you will introduce me to my band members." She announced confidently as she pointed her index finger towards Chie's phone.
"Uhm.. when you mean band members… you mean, these three?" The gray-haired woman clarified as she flipped her phone in hands nervously. Being a manager of a celebrity was like a dream-come-true but recruiting these three seemed to be a great ordeal. While the brunette looked sweet and approachable, the other two bandmates were the opposite – it was as if the word 'trouble' was engraved in bold letters on their foreheads, that she dared not to approach them directly.
"I'm pretty confident that you will find a way to make it happen, right? After all, scouting promising artists would be your job, Miss Manager." She smirked at her clasping Chie's shoulder firmly as if saying 'I leave everything to you'.
"Right…" Chie muttered to herself as she glanced at the retreating figure of the teal-haired woman.
-x-
"Soooo, according to your course schedule, your first class is Literature," The orange-haired girl, followed by the scowling blue-haired girl, was reading on a printed paper given by the registrar as she pushed open the door of the registrar's office.
"That will be in…hmm…" She brought her hand on her chin as she imagined the school campus in her mind. "Well, hoping I'm not mistaken," She offered her a hesitant smile. "It's on the third floor of the Wicker Building – so you see that tall, off-white building over there?" She pointed as she glanced over her shoulder towards her roommate whose emerald eyes followed the direction and nodded glumly.
"That's gonna be it. So, go straight until you pass by the main cafeteria on your left. Turn to a narrow passageway beside the cafeteria then turn right. You won't miss it. On the leftmost corner, you should be able to see a door heading towards the stairs. You got it?" She spun on her heels to face her roommate who looked like a confused, lost puppy.
"I thought we're going to be in the same classes…" She pouted cutely as she took the paper from her flat mate and scanned the schedule again. Mai couldn't help but smile at her as she clapped Natsuki's shoulders.
"Relax, pup. You'll be fine. Go make new friends! Smile!" She encouraged her as they walked towards the hallway intersection. "Funny." Natsuki spoke sarcastically as she scowled even more, tugging grumpily her school bag on her shoulder.
"I'll see you later lunch Miss Grumpy! Don't bite anyone, 'kay?" She waved as she headed towards the opposite building, leaving the blue-haired girl sighing deeply. "Oh by the way," Mai paused to which the blue-haired woman glanced up at her.
She gave her an appraising look, smirking smugly. "You look very appealing in our school uniform. Told ya, you should wear pleated skirts more often. Who knows, you might have your own fan club!" She grinned teasingly at her.
"What are you – a pervert!? Shut up Mai! You're not helping." Natsuki spoke through gritted teeth as she turned redder, giving her a glare. "Gee, can you not take a compliment, Miss Grumpy?" She chortled loudly, earning dagger eyes thrown at her. "But just drop the hoodie. You look best." She winked as she pointed towards Natsuki's hoodie jacket currently concealing her midnight blue hair. "Thanks, but no thanks. This thing helps me to ward off annoying people from talking to me." She even fixed her hoodie to conceal more of her face.
Afterwards, the orange-haired girl proceeded to her own class. With one last look at her disappearing inside the small, shabby-looking building, she glanced at the direction she was supposed to take. Heeding Mai's instruction, she finally reached the third floor of the Wicker Building. She walked slowly along the corridor as she read the number attached on each room door until she finally found her destination – Room 305. Suddenly, she felt her stomach lurch with anxiety. First day was always the most troublesome – introducing her name in front of the class with everyone gawking at her just gave her the creeps.
After few seconds of hesitation, she convinced herself with the inevitable, turned the doorknob and pushed open the door. However, to her surprise, no one was in there. Glancing around, she noted a piece of paper posted on the blackboard and went to read it.
"What crap is this?" She blurted. "Last minute change of room? Ugh!" She collapsed on a chair sloppily as she scrambled to get her phone on her bag. She then clicked on the speed dial and put the phone closer to her ear. "C'mon Mai, pick up the stupid phone! I'm gonna be late!" She muttered to herself while drumming her hand irritably on the desk.
She waited for few more rings when finally she heard Mai's voice and her heart leapt for joy. However, just as her hope sprang quickly, it was completely overturned as she realized that it was just a voicemail. Useless! Annoyed, she dropped the call and put the phone back. "Now what?" she muttered to herself, totally clueless where the Coral Building was.
As she thought of her alternatives, excluding asking random strangers for directions as she thought it looked so dumb and downright stupid, she was left with no choice but to ditch her first class. While the campus looked dilapidated and antiquated matter-of-factly, it was immensely vast. Her guess was she would still be late no matter what. So less the effort, she simply settled to take a stroll around the campus. Who knows, Lady Luck might be on her side and be able to sort out where the new room was.
As she wandered around the campus aimlessly for forty minutes, she was able to cover roughly one-fourth of the whole campus, having ideas somehow on where the facilities were located – cafeteria, computer lab, library, study hall, main conference room. Moving further to the center of the campus, she knew that she should soon be seeing the gymnasium. As she stopped in front of the massive structure, she unconsciously smirked as the memories of the concert last Friday flashed in her mind.
Though she would never admit to her roommate, she did enjoy the concert. While she would not consider herself a hardcore fan of techno music, as she preferred unplugged music more, she nevertheless, appreciated the performance, unconsciously replaying the moment in her mind when the vocalist leapt through the air, singing the chorus wholeheartedly.
She closed her eyes as she recalled the first time she was on stage, performing passionately. She could still hear the loud clapping of the audience as she entered the stage. She could still hear her racing heart thumping so loudly in her ears, feeling the nerves on her body as they rapidly pulsated throughout. Her muscles twitched crazily as she walked towards the center. She suddenly felt her throat dry as she licked her lips nervously. It was a nerve-wracking, brain-freezing moment for her. And yet, she felt an overwhelming intensity of bliss overpowering her wild, unstable feelings.
She remembered seeing her friends and family in the front row, waving at her enthusiastically as they smiled so proudly, giving her two thumbs up. She could still feel the blinding brightness of the spotlight directly on her face as she hung her acoustic guitar on her shoulder, adjusting the microphone near her mouth. It was her first concert that happened five years ago and yet, she felt as if it was just yesterday.
Opening those emerald eyes, she walked around the gymnasium hoping to get inside. However, all doors were locked securely. As her gaze fell on the little room almost adjacent the gymnasium, she curiously sauntered towards it, hoping there might be some kind of a backstage passageway connecting the room to the gymnasium.
As she peered through the glass window, her interest suddenly fell on the musical instruments lying inside. Trying her luck, she turned the doorknob and to her surprise, it budged open. After securing that no one was around, she quickly went inside and gazed interestingly at the varying instruments in the room – keyboard, electric guitars, drum set, beat box and tambourines. She recognized that this must be the band's possessions. Looking further around, she realized there was no passageway whatsoever.
She was about to leave when she saw an old and dusty acoustic guitar in the rightmost corner of the room. Judging from the dust it had accumulated, it wasn't so hard to guess that no one was using it. Almost feeling sorry for the guitar's condition, she went and dusted it.
Acting on pure instinct, she tuned in the guitar and strummed once. Then, she played some guitar chords as she plucked the strings concurrently, glad that the strings were still working. She sat on one of the desk and placed the guitar on her lap. As she glanced over her shoulder towards the door, making sure she had the room only to herself, she sang.
"Saying I love you
Is not the words I want to hear from you
It's not that I want you
Not to say, but if you only knew"
-x-
"Argh… that idiot shorty! I told her to lock the room when she leaves! What was she thinking?" The manager was mumbling to herself as she jogged grouchily towards their practice room.
Chie, Nao and Mikoto were all first-year students with the same class schedules, whereas Shizuru was a sophomore. The three were already inside the room, waiting for their homeroom professor while relentlessly chatting about random things for minutes when out of the blue, the manager asked Mikoto if she had locked the door. Scratching her head sheepishly, she shook her head shyly.
"Idiot, I told you to lock it up!" She scolded the short woman as she stood up.
"Unfortunately, it's always the manager's job to lock the room, can't blame anyone for failing your duties." The redhead butted as she intertwined her hands under her chin, grinning mischievously.
"Ah! Idiots!" Chie groaned loudly as she massaged her temples. "Tell Yukariko-sensei where I am and beg her not to mark me late." She walked out of the room hurrying towards the music room. I will have my ass handed to me, if anything's gone missing!
As she neared the room, her heart dropped seeing the open door of the practice room from afar. However, she stopped in her tracks as she focused on her sense of hearing, as if someone was singing. As she got closer, she was definitely right that whoever left the door open was still inside the room. She could now hear the voice much louder and clearer and she had to admit the female singer had a husky voice, deep and sensual, in a way that made the song irresistibly appealing.
"How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
'Cause I'd already know"
As curiosity got the better of her, she tiptoed ever so quietly, heart in her throat, until she was few inches away from the door then she fished silently for her phone. Taking her chances, she made a quick peek inside. To her utmost delight, the hooded figure was facing the wall of the room, totally unaware of her presence. Being a self-proclaimed genius, she held the phone higher as she pressed the video recorder button, snickering silently.
"What would you do if my heart was torn in two?
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away?
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you"
As she was recording, she realized that the intruder not only had an amazing voice but she got skills playing fingerstyle guitar. The tempo was just right, the chords were played smoothly, the simultaneous plucking of strings, combined with some strumming movements were precisely executed, it was as if the intruder was playing the guitar all her life. Realizing that the intruder was finished with her song, the only question hanging on her head was the mysterious intruder's face. Who is she? How come I never recognize her before?
As a brilliant idea crossed her mind, she chuckled to herself as she planted herself in front of the door and dropping her voice two tones lower than her usual speaking voice, she shouted with authority while still holding the phone, recording continuously.
"Freeze! Police! Hands in the air! Now!" The gray-haired woman managed not to choke on her words as she controlled her laughter from erupting. She could see the shock expression of the intruder who almost jumped in surprise from the booming voice as her shoulders suddenly turned rigid. She watched the intruder slowly rising up as she held the guitar on one hand and raised her other hand.
Immersing herself on her wonderful acting, she continued. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, turn around and face me." Mentally congratulating her brilliant self, she waited for the intruder to face her. However, to her dismay, the figure didn't budge a single bit.
"I said, turn around and face me." She commanded again as she walked cautiously towards the intruder, phone still recording uninterruptedly in her cold, shaking hand.
Being alerted that the said police was coming closer to her, the blue-haired woman was getting alarmingly upset. Her mind raced for probable solutions which included trying to explain her situation to the police officer, thinking of a distraction making way for an escape or doing nothing and let police take custody of her. She felt her stomach twist in knots as her palms turned sweaty. With her judgment clouded by fear and anxiety, she settled to her survival instinct mode.
Watching the figure in the corner of her eye, she waited until the distance between them was terrifyingly close. Then in lightning speed movement, she threw the guitar in full force towards the unsuspecting police who got wide-eyed and tried her best to catch the guitar and at the same time, defend herself from injury.
Seeing the distraction had worked effectively, she mentally cursed herself as she realized the supposed-to-be police officer with a gun was just a student with a stupid phone. Then, as quickly as she could, she dashed towards the exit door, grabbing her school bag on her way out.
Chie managed to save the guitar and herself from injury, thanks to her agile movement. However, she suddenly turned deeply annoyed as her attention shifted on the flying guitar and had not had a glance towards the intruder's face. She quickly placed down the guitar on the desk and hurriedly pressed the stop button on her phone. Not wasting any second, she replayed the video, hoping to catch the figure's face on her phone.
Unfortunately, lady luck wasn't on her side as the video only catch a blur image of the retreating hooded figure. As she played back the video numerous times and pausing intentionally on the blur image, she felt her heart soar in happiness when she zoomed in the still image. There was no mistake! She had the purest, brightest emerald eyes I've ever seen. I have to tell them I've found the next genius!
In her complete bliss, she uploaded the video entitled 'Newest Member of Unsilenced' on her blog and sent almost everyone a message to check out her blog. Being the school's number one gossiper, she proudly lived up to that name, that even the newspaper club provided an editorial section for her gossip news. It was not surprising at all that almost everyone, including the professors, were tuned in to her blog for real-time update.
-x-
The surge of adrenaline rush pumping throughout her body during her encounter with the fake police officer, now left the blue-haired woman feeling winded and light-headed that she decided to completely ditch her morning class in favor of resting. She had ensured to put as much distance away from the gymnasium as possible, scrambling on her feet as she trudged her way back, favoring on spending her remaining time leisurely in library where no one would question her presence.
As she walked her way to the library, she recalled the past events that had just occurred as she calmed down her ailing nerves. In her haste to get away from the police officer coupled by her tensed emotions, she could only vaguely remember that stupid student. All she remembered was the boyish haircut style, but neither the hair color nor the facial features of the acting police officer registered in her memory.
Inside the white library hall, massive bookshelves towering all the way to the high ceiling were arrayed in a specific arrangement which seemed to be only known by the head librarian, Maria Graceburt, who greeted the blue-haired woman with a stern, suspicious look. Gulping nervously, she removed her hoodie jacket revealing the school uniform, then averted her gaze as she walked briskly towards the farthest corner of the hall, away from the head librarian's further scrutiny.
As she darted her eyes left and right, she noted the various collection of books stacked neatly along the stands, covered in dust that had accumulated for a long time. Volumes of hardbound covers about world histories arranged numerically filled the top shelves while softbound publications of different sizes lined the middle and lower shelves. As her eyes roamed around, she noticed few students on her left, sitting in front of small square-size tables, some diligently reading, others fast asleep behind the book covers.
As she continued wandering, her attention shifted to an old signage that precariously hung low from the ceiling. It read 'M sic' which she assumed must be the Music Section as she could already see the hardbound sheet compilations and music books from afar. She headed towards that section, not entirely interested in anything in particular, as she shoved her hands on her pocket. Scanning her eyes on the shelves, she observed that unlike the other sections of the library where dust was filling each and every corner, this area seemed to be well-maintained, if the new books and publications were any clue.
Another thing she noticed was the similarity of the book designs all throughout, having initials of MC written in old English style, as if there was only one publisher for all. Curiously, she randomly picked a softbound music compilation and skimmed to the page about the publisher. However, her curiosity suddenly turned into disgust as she noticed that MC were initials referring to Marguerite Company. Inevitably, a certain teal-haired girl crossed her mind remembering her surname as Marguerite while she unconsciously scrunched her face in revulsion.
"Hmm… no wonder she's a spoiled brat." she muttered to herself as she briefly read the details about the company. Marguerite Company is an affiliate of Windbloom Corporation, the largest recording company in Japan. She skimmed through more pages, glancing at the list of successful artists who debuted under Windbloom management – famous musicians, internationally acclaimed composers, world-famous singers and popular bands. The book was a compilation of famous hits from each artist including a short introduction about the artist's biography. However, she broke in a cold sweat, hands suddenly turned shaky, as she blinked her eyes, ensuring she read it correctly – Satoshi Kruger. Dad?
It was an overwhelming mix of emotions that flickered across her face as she flipped through pages after pages until she reached what she was looking for. Satoshi Kruger, the youngest solo artist to debut at the age of 16, was known as the Soul Prince. He was a singer-musician who composed his own songs that mostly became best-selling hits. Until later in his career, he formed a band named Summer, together with T. M. and S. K. Below shows the lists of their popular songs.
Her mind raced in a speed of light trying to connect the dots, hoping to find connections and be able to link her current situation but everything seemed to be one big puzzle with lots of pieces still missing. However, she felt more hopeful than she had before. Back then, she had started with only one lead – Japan. Go to Japan. The voice kept ringing inside her head as if someone was just speaking to her at the moment. Now, she had narrowed down her search to specificity – Soul Prince. Summer. TM and SK.
Glancing at her watch, she noted that she still had an hour left before lunchtime. She decided to skim through more books published by MC – anything that would give her clues. She instinctively felt as if she was on the right track, though a big chunk of puzzle pieces were still to be in place.
-x-
The school bells rang throughout the campus suggesting lunch break as everyone was on their feet heading towards the main cafeteria. After securing food, most of the students had their phones on their hands, murmuring every few seconds to their friends, as they watched on the little screens curiously.
Mai, worry coating on her pretty face, had been calling her roommate nonstop after she saw a missed call from her earlier and got called into the Student Council Office. She was walking together with her friends, Aoi and Akane, as she redialed on her phone patiently. Having only reached the voicemail as they neared the canteen, she settled to sending her a quick message that she would be waiting for her in the main cafeteria.
Once inside, Mai and her friends quickly got their food placed in trays while the line was still short. After paying, her eyes scanned the area until she saw the familiar cat woman sitting beside the redhead listening intently to the animated manager whose arms were flailing wildly as she spoke. Then, she watched Chie bringing out her phone, tapping furiously at it, then grinned conceitedly as she placed the phone at the table, screen facing the two band members. Obligingly, two heads dropped down at the same time peering at the tiny screen, laughing every so often. Smiling inwardly, she carefully carried her food tray as she headed towards them, with her friends trailing behind her.
"Hi!" She cheerfully greeted them earning three surprised heads looking at her direction. Realizing she must have stunned them, she smiled sheepishly, cheeks suddenly flaming in embarrassment.
"Maiiii!" Mikoto shouted or rather screamed joyfully as her eyes sparkled quite interestingly. However, her eyes trailed to the orange-haired girl's hand, confusion drawing on her face. "Oh. That's weird. I never thought Mai likes the food here. You've even got two of everything." The cat woman always noticed back then that the orange-haired girl always bring her own food that she cooked.
"Ah well. My roommate asked me to eat with her today. I thought of buying lunch for her so she won't have to fall in line." She explained as she placed down her tray on the table with her friends following suit. Then, she gazed at her curiously. "I hope you don't mind?"
"Not at all. Mai's friend is also my friend." The cat woman responded, grinning at Mai who seated beside her.
The redhead could not help but roll her eyes. "How about Mai's girlfriend? Is it also your girlfriend?" Nao asked teasingly, successfully earning two blushing cheeks plus an added glare sent towards her direction.
Meanwhile, Akane seated beside Mai while Aoi gave a quick peck to her girlfriend who seemed twice as blissful as she always had while she sat beside her. Suspiciously, she threw a questioning look at her girlfriend then to the other two on the table, her face clearly speaking for her as if saying 'What did I miss?'.
"I found her!" Chie dramatically stood on her chair while she crossed her arms haughtily, clearly proud of her genius self.
"Who?" All three newcomers mouthed the question at the same time as they glanced up at her.
"Who else – The other genius besides myself!" She jumped down from her chair and retrieved a round portable speaker from her bag. She connected it quickly to her phone as she pressed the Bluetooth button of the speaker, a lopsided grin on her face.
"M 'ladies, may I present to you the newest member of the Unsilenced." She played the video on her phone, turning the volume to its maximum. Everyone, except Mai who politely excused herself to take a call, formed a semi-circle, craning their necks and squinting their eyes towards the small screen, as they listened to the performance then suddenly broke in laughter as they watched Chie pretending to be a police officer. Meanwhile, Mai walked few meters near the entrance hoping to catch a certain blue-haired woman. Soon enough, she saw the familiar scowling face entering the cafeteria and waved for her to come.
"Gosh, where the heck have you been? I got called into SC Office, thanks to you not showing up in any of your classes. I tried to call you but you never answer. Is everything okay?" Mai talked so fast as soon as her roommate came close by.
"Ugh. Tell me about it." Natsuki rolled her eyes as she walked beside her roommate, who peered at her worriedly. "Let me eat first, I'm starving." Mai led the way towards their table. As she reached it, she realized her roommate wasn't following. She was about to search for her roommate when a hand held her arm.
Meanwhile, as Natsuki was trailing behind Mai, she thought she heard a familiar tune but could not put her finger on it as it was partially muffled by the ocean of voices floating inside. However, her heart stopped as her eyes suddenly got glued to one of the cellphones currently playing a video. Her face abruptly drained in color as she felt her head spinning. She was about to follow Mai when she recognized the familiar short-haired woman who, to her chagrin, was letting her friends watch a recording from the phone. Quickly, she hid in one of the corners. Oh no, this isn't happening! Crap!
"Mai! Look at this! Our newest member! Isn't she cool?" Mikoto held the phone towards the orange-haired girl who peered at it curiously. Instantly, her eyes bulged and her jaw dropped as she grabbed the phone from the cat woman's grasp and took a closer look.
"Ahhhhhh!" Mai screeched loudly in surprise, getting everyone's attention.
"Do you, by any chance, know her?" Chie's eyes twinkled in delight as she clasped her hands together under her chin.
"It's…" She stopped midsentence as not too far away, she noticed her roommate frantically flailing her arms in the air while vehemently shaking her head. She noticed her distraught face, her heart going for her, as she couldn't bring herself to speak further.
"It's who Mai?" Mikoto asked innocently, instantly fueling internal conflict inside Mai's head. Should she tell? Should she not?
"Mai? Are you okay?" The cat woman again asked now feeling more anxious getting no response.
Mai gazed at Mikoto then back at her roommate, still undecided what to say. However, the redhead's radar quickly grasped the situation as she followed where those amethyst eyes were glancing over. As she watched the scowling woman crossing her arms, she noted the all-too familiar hooded jacket draped on the shoulder. She swiftly stood up slamming her hand so strongly on the table, successfully gaining everyone's attention, including those in other tables.
"Right! Who else! It's Natsuki Kuga – our newest member!" She shouted as she pointed her finger at the shocked blue-haired woman standing in the corner. Quickly, all eager eyes were trained on her as they stared from head to toe. Mikoto and Chie's jaw dropped as it clicked on their heads what the redhead had spoken.
Natsuki mustered a bunch of curse words under her breath as she face-palmed herself somberly. She could not believe how things were getting out of hand. What's worse, everything was unfolding right in under her nose. She saw Mai coming her way, but she did not want to look like a pathetic wimp crumpling under her friend's assistance.
Quickly, she dashed as fast as she could towards the door, wanting to disappear under those watchful eyes that seemed to track her every movement. She heard Mai calling after her, her voice pleading for her to stop. However, instead of listening, she increased her pace even further, only to suddenly feel a throbbing pain shot through her body as she rammed into something.
With her accelerating speed, the impact was full force, sending the blue-haired woman flying backwards, butt slamming on the floor while her school bag and jacket were thrown on the side. Her face suddenly reddened in embarrassment as everyone 'ooh-ed' and 'ahh-ed'. Mustering her remaining courage, she collected her belongings, again murmuring inaudible curses when a left hand was extended towards her, briefly shutting her up. However, she angrily slapped it away as she stood up by herself.
"Watch where you're looking you foo~" Her words were caught in her throat as she gazed at the offending intruder who was nursing her injured right arm with her left hand, the back of it was splotched with redness. As those melancholic crimson eyes stared at her, she suddenly felt guilty and ashamed of her behavior, she just stood there awkwardly.
"Natsuki, are you alright?" Mai finally reached them, glancing first at her roommate, then to the other. "Oh, Kaichou, your arm looks swollen." She exclaimed as she looked at the bruised skin of the brunette.
"Don't worry Mai." She offered her a small smile then gazed at the blue-haired woman. "I'm sorry I didn't see you coming. I hope you are okay." She smiled sincerely as she tried to meet the averting emerald eyes.
Then, the cat woman followed by Chie came towards them, confused eyes glancing over everyone's faces. "Kaichou, I didn't know you already know Natsuki." Mikoto stated shockingly.
"Of course I know her." Shizuru answered teasingly in a singsong voice. "She is…" The brunette purred making the blue-haired woman glance up at her.
"Our new member!" Mikoto completed with a fist bump in the air.
"In detention." The smiling brunette spoke at the same time.
What the…
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Who's up for ShizNat mash-up song next chap?
