Hello. Please accept my sincere apology for the long delay. I actually forgot how the plot of this story should go, so do let me know if there are any disconnected parts from the previous chapters. Hope you'll enjoy the chapter. Please do read and review.
Chapter 3 Play by the rules
Tension – That intangible erratic feeling coursing through my body, unfiltered emotion reverberating inside of me, this uncontrollable sensation overwhelming me whenever I stood onstage, in front of the large crowd, the ocean of voices all mingling into one, echoing out my name. How ironic were their joyous chants to my own conflicting rollercoaster ride of emotions. It was an exhilarating yet terrifying moment being the center of everyone's attention, a blissful yet daunting experience all at the same time.
Fear – That little monster that slowly crept its way up crippling my body from doing anything other than listening to my own heartbeat as it thumped loudly against my ribcage. All the spotlights at full beam were turned on to me and yet I felt coldness inside of me. I urged my body to move as I awkwardly hooked on my guitar, placing my left hand on the fret board and my right hand on the microphone. I faced the crowd with nothing but trepidation. I was way too stiff, too tensed, too pressured. I felt like I could not do it.
But then I saw you looking straight at me. One genuine encouraging smile from you already made me feel more confident, that you had my back and you would never leave my side. Your presence was enough to overcome any anxiousness surrounding me, any fear creeping up on me, any doubts lingering in my head. I could be myself as long as you were there. I could perform my best with your unfailing support. You were my strength.
After the performance, there you were on the side of the stage, waiting patiently for me with your open arms, a warm smile on your handsome face, your striking emerald gems glinting with pride and enthusiasm. I grinned inwardly as I excitedly rushed towards you.
I ran and ran and ran. However, as if in slow motion, it felt as if the faster I ran, the farther you were getting away. Alarmed, I increased my speed even more to catch up with you, extending out my arm to reach you and just when I thought I held your hand, I touched nothing but thin air. I stopped, breathless, speechless and unbelieving. That was when I look straight ahead and saw a shadow of you slowly dissipating. 'No, this couldn't be', I thought to myself. Distraught and frightened, I called on your name over and over again begging on my knees, arms outstretched, 'No, please… don't leave me… please… stay… I don't want to be alone… don't…'
"Natsuki!"
Intense emerald eyes suddenly opened as she stared straight to concerned amethyst gems closely hovering over her. Acting on pure instinct, her hand automatically shot up connecting to the soft lump in front that was the cheek of her roommate. Few seconds of deafening silence passed by as both flat mates absorbed what had just transpired. As slowly as a sloth moved, the orange-haired girl gradually faced her, one cheek bulging and soon turning tomato red. The concern that was prominent earlier was now replaced by multiple popping angry veins, a vicious smile on her lips coupled by the sharpest dagger eyes shooting directly at her.
Natsuki, who suddenly felt more awake due to the stinging sensation in her hand, blinked her confused emerald eyes several times, absorbing what she just did. The heck!… did I just slap her? One look from her roommate told everything she needed to know. Oh crap!
"KUGAAAA!" Mai instantly grabbed a pillow and slammed it multiple times at Natsuki who quickly raised her arms in defense, wrestling with the inhumane strength steaming off from the angered flat mate.
"S-sorry! It's your fault you know," Her voice muffled, Natsuki, still under the pillow attack, struggled to remove the offending object on her face. However, Mai all the more increased the intensity and volume of smashing the pillow on her as she spoke in gritted teeth "How" another pillow slam "did" another blow "it" another jab "become" another attack "my" another smash "fault!?" one final hit "IDIOT!"
Panting from the pillow fight, she recklessly threw the pillow away in favor of caressing her now-reddening cheek as she glared menacingly at the smirking raven-haired woman who seated herself on the bed, fixing her messy midnight blue hair.
"I'm sorry, that was unintentional." She tried to coo her enraged friend whose amethyst orbs never fail to throw intimidating look her way. "You're face is just waaaaaay too close to my liking, ya'know." She scratched her still messy bed head as she replayed the memory in her mind.
"I thought you're gonna kiss me or something." She mumbled almost inaudibly as her cheeks flushed.
Mai snorted loudly, her wide eyes roaming over her flat mate in disbelief. She knocked on Natsuki's head a few times only to be swatted by the annoyed roommate. Heaving a deep sigh, she offered her a pitiful smile. "I underestimated you, Natsuki Kuga. Not only are you a blockhead but also a lunatic." Mai shook her head as she crossed her arms, gazing sympathetically at her. "Dream on, but I will never fall for you!"
"Shut up!" Natsuki crossed her arms across her chest, her cheeks flushing more out of embarrassment than anything else. Mai, noticing the usual snobbish aura coming back to her friend, let the subject drop and focused on the more important matter at hand.
"So?" Mai inquired as she stood up and sat on the chair facing her assailant, her face now turned serious.
"So what?" Natsuki shoved her midnight blue hair as she eyed her roommate in askance.
Mai regarded her silently as she slowly spoke. "You were crying."
The moment those words were out in the open, Natsuki suddenly felt constricted as everything came back to her in a flash. One moment she was enjoying her performance with her father in the crowd and the next, she was chasing a flitting shadow from the past. As quickly as that dream hit her, she instantly blocked her mind from reminiscing further. It was hurtful enough that such dream felt nightmarishly real. Blinking back tears that threaten to overflow any minute, she let her midnight blue curtain hid her face as she sighed deeply.
"A thing from the past. Not that it matters anymore." She laughed it off, yet quite bitterly, as she hugged her knees, burying her face from further scrutiny.
Mai could feel the silent yet intense plea from her flat mate to drop the issue. She could sense the unbearable pain that flickered on Natsuki's face as she recalled her dream, more like a nightmare, in this case. She wanted to comfort her, to hug her, to give her assurance that she has her – that she was not alone.
However, she did not want to break the steely façade the girl had put on. From the little time she had known this woman, vulnerability was the one thing she hated the most. Vulnerability equaled weakness and with weakness came pity. And pity was something she did not want her to feel. And so she did what she knew was best. She stood up and clasped her on her shoulder firmly, the action itself spoke volumes of what was left unsaid.
Natsuki unconsciously leaned on the comforting hand and was grateful for the warmth radiating off of it. She thought that it had been a while since she had had this horrendous dream that hounded her even at her waking moment. Something must have triggered this past to subconsciously remember about it. As if on cue, a familiar voice spoke at the back of her mind, 'I want you to join the band.'
Clicking her tongue in annoyance, she again sighed in defeat. This is her fault – Shizuru Fujino.
-x-
Earlier that day…
Natsuki angrily stomped back and forth outside the Student Council Office, hands balled into fists, as she shook her head in frustration. After the incident in the cafeteria, the Kaichou politely yet firmly requested both Natsuki and Mai to meet her in the SC Office after 1pm. She immediately paled knowing what was to come was something not so fun….at all. Detention!? The heck!
Mai, who was leaning against the wall, a few feet away from her friend, could only sigh deeply. She did not expect the worst to come on the first day of her roommate. Sure, she would expect some trouble knowing Natsuki's nature, but to come across with the Kaichou, received a phone call from the Student Council Office and to make things even worse than it was, her roommate was in for detention. This girl sure is a walking disaster! She thought to herself with another sigh.
Seconds turned into minutes and the fuming raven-haired girl still continued pacing back and forth like an angry bull.
"Will you give me a break and stop what you're doing? You're making me dizzy!" The busty woman complained as she slightly massaged her temples, little angry veins starting to pop on her forehead.
"What! I'm not even doing anything, woman!" Natsuki defensively answered as she huffed and crossed her arms on her chest, settling to tapping her foot irritably. Mai could only roll her eyes as she tried to ignore the increasing sound of the nonstop foot tapping. Hopeless, annoying little brat! Tsk!
Few seconds ticked by and Natsuki's growing anxiety increased tenfold. She had the urge of coming up with an escape plan, anything that would save herself from shame and get away from detention. Instinctively, her brain conjured wonderful scenarios in her brilliant mind all pointing to the fact that she should run while she could.
She discreetly peeked at her friend whose eyes were closed as of that moment, as if in deep thought. Smirking to herself, she silently inched her way further, her eyes never leaving her busty friend, only to face-bump with the now opened door of SC Office. What the crap!
"Ara! I am so sorry. I didn't see you there. Are you alright?" Shizuru managed to compose herself in time and offered her a sincere apology despite the growing amusement at the now-enraged puppy, who was rubbing her sore nose while glaring at her. The Kaichou thought that if looks could kill, she might have ended up in infirmary by now. Nonetheless, she could barely contain her enjoyment seeing the annoyed yet embarrassed reaction of the raven-haired girl. Hm… a very expressive woman! So cute!
However, Natsuki's attention shifted to Mai who had seen what had just happened and was now blatantly laughing out loud, her eyes watering from so much hilarity. "What are you doing, Kuga? Saying hello to the door?" She held her stomach, as she tried to control her fits of giggles.
Despite the sharp dagger eyes being thrown her way, it did little to no effect to shut up the busty woman. "Are you done now, woman? Happy?" Natsuki inquired sarcastically, her eyebrow rising in the process while flicking her long midnight hair. Stupid Mai!
It took Mai few more seconds to regain her composure and cease laughing. "Sorry Nats…. It's just that, you are fun…ny!" Mai smirked as she wiped the remaining tears of joy from her amethyst eyes. She then slowly walked over to both of them, offering a not-so-apologetic grin to her infuriated roommate as she passed by. Don't bite!
As the three of them settled inside the SC Office, the Kaichou courteously offered them anything to drink to which Natsuki not-so-discreetly declined with a big fat 'no'. Mai nudged her off-handedly as if saying 'Mind your manners, you dumb mutt!'. Natsuki ignored her and settled to standing on the far side of the room, arms across her chest. Mai offered the Kaichou a sheepish grin ashamed of her friend's behavior as she gratefully accepted the steaming cup of green tea. Shizuru smiled pleasantly and went to sit herself behind her desk.
"Thank you for patiently wait~" She was cut-off when the raven-haired beauty spoke in a harsh manner, earning both of their attention. Mai's eyes widened in shock, she almost spilled her tea whereas Shizuru pursed her lips in a thin smile, and her patience suddenly put on the line.
In fact, very rare was her patience being tested as everyone simply adored her, everyone listened to her and everyone followed her. It was as if Shizuru was the law that almost everyone abided by. Unfortunately, there was a saying that there's always an exception to the rule and it wasn't difficult to figure out who – Natsuki Kuga.
"Cut the crap and just give me my verdict! I want outta here." She stared defiantly at those piercing crimson eyes, wavering only slightly, but trying her best to look more intimidating. Natsuki was never the one to follow rule and never the one to back down. Who cares if she's the Kaichou! Being the hard-headed pup that she was, she maintained her dagger eyes, daring the Kaichou to make a move. However, her expression turned into shock as the intense red orbs suddenly twinkled in delight.
"Very well Ms. Kuga, as you wish." Shizuru dropped the cup of tea on her desk as she folded her hands under her chin, her scarlet eyes zoning in on those smug-looking emerald orbs. "This university prides itself to having strict disciplinary measures in order to ensure the future of our students. Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. Through discipline comes freedom." Shizuru's lips slightly curved upwards as she saw the faltering aura of the rebellious beauty, as if digesting her words of wisdom.
Knowing she gained the full attention of both, she continued. "Unfortunately, your actions had tantamount to abuse of freedom. We never tolerate these misconducts and therefore impose more stringent policies to ensure compliance." Natsuki could only gulp in panic as her mind raced to million possibilities of what the 'more stringent policies' could be. Her terrified, puppy-look expression all the more ignited the amusement of the Kaichou who was desperately restraining herself to giggle.
"Given the cutting of morning classes on your first day, your detention requires that you perform 150 hours of community service, which is to be performed in this school." Both Mai and Natsuki dropped their mouth in shock. "You will be required to attend the Student Council meetings and your attendance will be strictly monitored. You are required to log your hours of service and I will personally sign them." Natsuki's eyes were as big as saucers and her mouth suddenly felt too heavy to close. She glared at the Kaichou as if saying 'You can't be serious'. Much to her chagrin, Shizuru's crimson gems glinted with pleasure as if saying 'Watch me'.
"On top of that, as the Kaichou of this university, should I find any odd behavior or irregularity in performing these duties I am rightfully allowed to increase the number of hours of your community service as I deemed fit. Is that understood?" Shizuru smiled sweetly opposite to the increasing foul mood of the raven-haired beauty whose brows furrowed cutely.
She glanced at her friend helplessly but even Mai was gaping like a deer in the headlights. She never knew these policies ever existed and suddenly felt grateful she never cut classes.
Natsuki was silent for a moment, contemplating on her next move as she pouted every so often. Meanwhile, the Kaichou smirked to herself as she gracefully sipped her tea. Mai could only feel sorry for her roommate, as she settled to finishing the remaining tea on her cup.
Glancing back at Mai, her friend simply shrugged dejectedly with a sympathetic smile on her pretty face. She then glanced at the ever-composed Kaichou, taking her calm demeanor and mischievous glint as something unusual. She critically pondered both their actions and reactions, trying to connect the dots inside her head.
Hmm…How come Mai does not know such detention rules even exist? And it's not like I bully someone to deserve this kind of punishment. I simply cut classes and that was due to force majeure! It's not like I intentionally and deliberately cut classes! Duh! Which can only mean one thing – there are no rules to begin with. Tsk. This creepy woman, I got you!
Letting out a wicked laugh, she immediately gained the attention of the two heads – Mai looking confused and Shizuru raising her eyebrow in amusement. "Unfortunately, I don't believe any of your crap!" Natsuki's steely gaze was unwavering and challenging. "You are just imposing some stupid policies that are non-existent! I bet you just want me to play by your own rules. I'm sorry to disappoint, but I, Natsuki Kuga, make my own rules." Natsuki's bold statement left the brunette speechless for a second. Ara ara ara… this woman…
Smirking conceitedly like a detective who learned her suspect's tricks, she stared straight at the brunette, jabbing a finger at her. "I dare you to prove the existence of this policy of yours." Mai's jaws had already dropped on the floor, trying to process and absorb what her good friend was implying. What the heck, Natsuki! Have you gone insane!?
"Earth to Natsuki!" Mai called over, trying to break the growing tension between the two. However, both just ignored her as the two intensely stared at each other.
Shizuru slowly put down her cup as she stood up and leaned in front of her desk, arms folded across her chest, facing the arrogant rebel beauty. Her posture suddenly turned from friendly to intimidating. "Ara. I would assume your words of accusation plainly question my authority which is a direct insult to the Student Council's competence." She forced herself to look serious to match the weight of her words.
Natsuki took a step forward, leaving very little distance between the two of them, as she leveled her face towards the Kaichou, her stance mirroring the brunette's intimidating aura. "So what if I am, Ka-i-chou?" Her eyebrows raised in askance, a daring grin visible on her face. Make a move!
"Natsuki!" Mai butted in much louder this time, her words laced with alarm and worry. Tension filled the atmosphere as Mai felt sandwiched between two colliding rocks. She quickly stood up and was about to pull her friend when the Kaichou's lips curved upwards, her delicate hands slowly clapping.
"Ara! Interesting!" Shizuru exclaimed as she clasped her hands. Every moment with this rebel beauty only increased her enthusiasm to know more about her. This woman was always full of surprises which both intrigued and amused her.
"I'll take it a compliment." Natsuki responded, never missing a beat.
"Hm…And what do I get for proving this policy to you?" The brunette inquired playfully as she brought her index finger on her chin, as if contemplating what she would demand in return.
"Do you even have to ask?" The rebel rolled her eyes, as if her question was the dumbest thing she'd ever heard. "Of course, I'll abide by your 'so-called school rules'. But…." She trailed off, waiting for two scarlet eyes to meet her intense emerald orbs. "If I win, meaning, you suck to prove anything, you get to play by my rules." Natsuki unconsciously licked her dry lips almost seductively causing the brunette to irresistibly stare at those luscious lips with excitement. Self-control, Shizuru, she reprimanded herself. Recollecting herself, she focused on the matter at hand.
"Ara, don't you think the deal is just in your favor?" Shizuru challenged inquisitively. "If I win, you only get to follow the school rules. However, if you win, I, the Kaichou, will be at your complete disposal." She rephrased the deal to get her meaning across the rebel beauty. "On top of it, you challenging my authority should also come with a consequence, don't you think so?" The Kaichou beamed at her which only increased her annoyance towards the brunette.
Natsuki snorted derisively. "As if you'll win. But fine… let's make you happy…." She raised her brows mischievously towards the brunette. "for a little bit…." Then a mocking smile glazed on her pretty face. "So what do you propose then?"
Shizuru contemplated for a while before she responded. "If I win, you must follow the school rules and…" It was now her turn to wait for the emerald eyes to settle on her own intense ones. "grant me three wishes."
"Challenge accepted." Natsuki responded overconfidently. I know I will win this. I just know it.
Meanwhile, Mai just shook her head as she watched the banter between the two. Trouble!
-x-
The band had agreed to meet in the music room early the following morning to rehearse the list of songs they would play for the upcoming charity concert. All members except the Kaichou were already present, doing their basic routine of tuning the instruments.
Streaks of sunlight illuminated the room just enough to give a vibrant atmosphere to start the day with. It was spacious enough to have a mini-stage set up housing the drum set at the back, a keyboard on the middle right and guitars on the left, just like how it was during their previous concert. Spare instruments like violins, cello and other bulky ones were seated on the far right side of the room.
Mikoto had already positioned herself at the back, drumsticks on her hands as her right foot hit the pedal sounding the bass drum rhythmically. Meanwhile, her right hand worked on hitting the hi-hat cymbal at the same time her left hand hitting the snare drum, producing a 4/4 beat. The redhead on the other hand was leaning on the table, guitar on her lap, as she busied herself fine tuning. Few minutes had passed by but the brunette was still nowhere to be seen.
Chie sat by the edge of the door, the narrow hallway visible to her, hoping to catch sight of the brunette vocalist. She then glanced back at the blank setting sheet she was holding and produced a pen from her pocket. Gradually, she started writing the order of songs that would be performed, pausing for a bit to contemplate, and then continuing on the arrangement of the lighting, the sound effects as well as the breaks in between. However, she could not shake off the nagging feeling insider her head. Sighing deeply, she stopped mid-way and eyed the other band members with concern. "Hmm…. This is weird."
Nao had removed the electronic tuner placing it safely on the table then retrieved a black guitar pick. She then proceeded to strapping the bass on her shoulder, leveling the instrument to her hand and plucking few strings with the pick. Contented with the sound produced, she turned her attention at the manager then at the drummer, then back at the manager. "Weird what?"
"She's still not here." Chie responded as a matter-of-fact, standing up and stretching her sore fingers.
The drummer overhearing the conversation could not help but offer her two cents. "Missing Tomoe?" The complete shock on Chie's face was priceless that Nao laughed hysterically and walked over to the drummer to give a congratulatory fist bump. Mikoto grinned wickedly, returning the redhead's fist bump as she narrowly escaped a spare drumsticks headed her way, mouthing a 'hey' towards the angry short-haired girl.
"Tch! Funny shorty, really!" Chie snorted, trying her hardest to ignore the boisterous laugh from her dumb band members. "It's the Kaichou, I'm talking about." However, as those words left her mouth, she broke in cold sweat, her face suddenly turned into hard stone, her body instantly became rigid. "Oh crap!"
Both turned their attention to her, small smiles still on their faces. "What is it this time?" Nao questioned uninterestedly returning to her original stage position and re-adjusting the guitar strap.
"What if…." The manager bowed her head in great distress, her hand unconsciously shoving her short dark hair. "what if… someone kidnapped her?" Her intense gaze fell on the two shocked band members; the cat woman dropping her drumsticks while the redhead striking the guitar offbeat.
"Ba-ka!" Both Mikoto and Nao voiced out their thoughts, shaking their heads in disbelief. As if nothing had happened, the two continued on their instrumental part ignoring the drama in front of them.
"Guys, I'm serious!" She flailed her arms frantically. "Imagine, what if this culprit drugged the Kaichou and then kidnapped her?" She slumped on the floor hand on her chest, the other shedding invisible tear. "And…and… she's waiting for us to save her! For me to save her. Oh my Shizuru!" She quickly removed her eyeglasses and covered her face with both her hands, faking a dry sob. In response, the other band members increased their music completely disregarding their dumb manager. Airhead.
Fueled by complete ignorance from the two, she quickly stood up, raising her hand in the air, her eyes now filled with determination. "I will save her!" Imbuing herself with unwanted confidence, she nodded vigorously and headed straight towards the door.
Even before her hand reached the door knob, someone had opened it, revealing the smiling brunette. Instinctively, the manager rushed towards her and gave her a bear hug to which she hesitantly accepted. She could not help but grin when Chie muttered her name worriedly, however, her mind raced as to how this must have looked to the assistant manager behind her. Oopsie.
As Chie got over her initial reaction, it suddenly dawned on her that there were two sharp bullets glaring at her. Blinking a few times, her chocolate brown eyes zoned in to the owner of those sharp-edged ninja stars and her big smile turned into a giant frown. Aoi? What is she doing here?
"I see you're enjoying yourself, huh, C-H-I-E?" The assistant manager angrily crossed her arms on her chest, little angry veins started to pop on her forehead as she impatiently waited for the manager to slowly untangle herself from the brunette.
As her buffering mind gradually process the situation, she sheepishly removed herself from the brunette and offered the most brilliant smile towards the brown-haired girl. "Aoi, honey! I didn't know you're c-coming." She stuttered so badly as she scratched the back of head distractedly, while her cerebrum was working overtime to come up with the most plausible reasoning to her actions. Ugh! Stupid brain! Give me answers! Think!
Silence between the two was ironically deafening that Chie could almost feel every nerves in her body pulsating erratically, her blood skyrocketing to her head and her bones turning into jelly. She attempted another of her killer smile only to fail miserably as Aoi even narrowed her shuriken eyes in contempt.
She felt as if hours passed by but only few torturous seconds too long when the brown-haired girl walked towards her. Every step felt too heavy she could feel the earth tremble as she stood by the door gulping nervously. Like deep roots planted on the soil, her feet were like tied on the spot, too stunned to make a move. Soon enough, Aoi stopped a few meters away from her, eyeing her now-trembling body that screamed 'danger'.
"You are so dead, Chie Harada." Her angry voice carried venom that sent chills to the short-haired girl who fell down on her butt with a thud. With another menacing glance at her scared girlfriend, she stomped her way inside only to stop halfway as she remembered something.
"Oh, and Chie?" She turned sideways towards the slumped manager, her eyes as cold as ice, "the rose you mentioned coming from a fan-suitor?" As Chie's memory reminisced on that specific moment, she glanced back at her girlfriend to continue. "the one with the midnight blue hair, right?" Aoi re-confirmed. As the gears slowly turned inside her head, Chie could only nod, not really following the line of thought. Unless, she talked to that woman?
Her thoughts were answered when the raven-haired girl came forward, a giant smirk visible on her lips while her emerald eyes danced with glee. Natsuki leaned down ever so closely towards the downed manager and whispered almost inaudibly "payback time, police officer Harada". Her mild confusion had turned to a complete shock she could have recited a list of curses inside her head as she glared back at the raven-haired girl. C-R-A-P!
Shizuru watched with great interest the interaction between Natsuki and Chie, secretly wondering how it would have felt to have the raven-haired beauty whisper to her that intimately. Bad thoughts, Shizuru. Self-control, Shizuru! Geez. She admonished herself for her wild imagination and went on her spot in the mini-stage behind her keyboard, plugging it to the amplifier. Meanwhile, Mikoto and Nao were clearly holding back their laughter, but they thought she deserved it for being such a flirty and pervert manager.
Shortly, everyone took in Natsuki's presence, Nao smirking roguishly while Mikoto smiling brilliantly towards the blue-haired woman. Chie dejectedly stood up and settled on the corner, stealing glances towards a certain brown-haired woman who was certainly ignoring her presence. Taking in the silence that settled to everyone, the brunette took this opportunity to introduce the stranger to her band members. She approached the raven-haired girl then faced her band members.
"I believe all of you already know her." The Kaichou briefly glanced to each one who nodded their heads enthusiastically. Then scarlet eyes met glazing emeralds as she continued her speech. "This is Natsuki Kuga, our lead guitarist." The brunette smiled sweetly at Natsuki who seemed embarrassed to be the center of attention. She proceeded to introduce each of her band members with Mikoto stepping forward shaking Natsuki's hand vigorously while Nao greeted her with a slight nod of her head. All the while, Shizuru got all the more amused seeing a quick change in the mood, from a confident taunter to a timidly awkward beauty.
Getting over a little of her depressing temperament, Chie questioned Shizuru how she was able to let the girl agree to be their guitarist. She had waited patiently outside of the SC Office yesterday, hoping to catch the raven-haired beauty and convince her to the band. However, even before she could get close to her, she was already greeted with a death glare that shut her up on the spot.
Natsuki sharply glanced towards the Kaichou, her emerald eyes almost pleading to keep their deal confidential. The last thing she wanted was to be a laughingstock for challenging a Kaichou. Shizuru who seemed to get the message across, raised an eyebrow teasingly then spoke in a seductive accent. "A punishment"
In lightning speed, Natsuki's cheeks reddened at the implication coupled by Nao's hilarious comment of 'masochistic woman'. She then glared menacingly at the brunette who laughed heartily in return, all the more annoying her to no end. Argh! This woman! Why does it sound so wrong? And why the heck am I blushing?
Natsuki quickly turned her gaze on the guitar stand rack situated on the rightmost corner of the room and busied herself to picking an instrument that she would use. A curtain of her hair hid her face as she examined the guitars, almost thankful to mask her flushed face. Taking in few seconds too long until she knew for certain that her face returned to its original shade of color, she picked a dark red electro-acoustic guitar then positioned herself at the back, almost beside the drummer.
"Hey newbie, come closer to Shiz, ya'know, get all the signals and eye contacts right and all." Nao commented then suddenly turned to a teasing mode. "But not too much eye contact 'kay? People might misinterpret… differently." She wiggled her eyebrows at the brunette who simply laugh it off whereas making Natsuki turn to a complete shade of tomato.
"I don't bite." Shizuru teased while winking at her.
"Shut up!" Natsuki blurted instinctively but did make a move to come closer to the brunette. She knew for a fact that the keyboard and guitar both provided the tempo, the flow and rhythm of the music whereas both the drum set and bass guitar served as accompaniment. Without much choice, she ended up positioning herself near the brunette. Stealing a glance at the smiling Kaichou, she could not help but wince at her stupidity for making a bet. Because of her brainless ideas, she ended up even more in too deep trouble.
Shizuru sighed deeply, her voice turning into resignation as her crimson gems settled back to arrogant emeralds. "I'm giving you one last chance to reconsider." She spoke silently as she turned around and sat on her chair, sipping on her tea.
This even more ignited the raven-haired girl to smile triumphantly. The fact that the brunette wanted her to reconsider meant that she was not confident with the deal and resorted to reverse psychology, hoping to cancel the deal. "Afraid much?" She grinned wickedly, as if she had already won their deal.
"Ara, overconfident much?" Shizuru teased back, earning raised eyebrow from the raven-haired beauty. She clasped both her hands under her chin then stared straight at the owner of those emerald eyes twinkling with arrogance.
Meanwhile, Mai just busied herself to another tea, pouring herself a cup from the boiling teapot, hoping to alleviate herself from unnecessary stress caused by her troublemaker friend. She had never come across a person who was brave enough or rather stupid enough to challenge a Kaichou. Stubborn as she was, it was certainly no match to the hardheadedness of her friend. Her thoughts were brought back to reality when Natsuki spoke again.
"I just know what battles to fight and this is one of them." Natsuki paused for a second as she studied the beauty in front of her, amazed at how vibrant and intoxicating those scarlet eyes were, especially when she had the full attention of the brunette. Unconsciously, her eyes dropped to those red lips that seemed both intriguing and inviting. Her thoughts suddenly turned into whirlwind of imagination that left her cheeks brightening with color and her brows furrowed cutely.
Shizuru raised an eyebrow wondering what had caused the rebel beauty to blush, nonetheless, she was not one to complain. It always delighted and entertained her to see the expressive side of this woman. It had only been few days since they met but she felt like there's a binding force that pulls her towards this raven-haired beauty.
Her curiosity sparked the moment their eyes met during the concert, emeralds staring intensely at her. Then came the after party celebration never expecting to see her there. As if her eyes were tricking her, there she was, drinking a glass of wine, contented to be just by herself. She could not deny the little thumping inside her heart, the excitement that coursed through her body, to actually see her up close and in person.
Being the master of her emotions, she first ensured she wore the mask of perfection, removing any hint of enthusiasm and anticipation before she decided to approach the raven-haired beauty. Her stride filled with grace and elegance, she tried her best to ignore the erratic pulsating of her heartbeat as she came close by. Hiding her growing anxiety with gracious smile, she politely asked her if the seat was vacant. Getting no response, she tapped her lightly on the shoulder, only to receive a glare from the shocked, angry beauty.
After that night, she thought their paths would not cross anymore, given the vast area of the university coupled by her busy schedule as a Kaichou and band leader which most of the time tied her to SC Office or to the music room. Until that phone call from the angry blonde woman demanding that she personally talk to this newbie-turned-rascal who got the balls to skip classes. She was inside the SC office, sipping on her tea, trying to calm her aching mind from the loud blonde on the phone, then she quietly asked for the name of this troublemaker, not particularly interested given the loads she already got on hand.
As soon as that specific name was mentioned, she almost dropped the cup she was holding, her mouth pursed tightly to avoid the tea from spilling, her mind processing if her ears had heard the name correctly. "Are you even listening, Bubuzuke woman? I said, it's Natsuki Kuga." The blonde's voice was drowned out as her thoughts suddenly clouded her mind, screaming one thing "It's her!" Whether she hung up the phone or the blonde woman dropped it, she never knew as her lips curved upwards. I will see her. Again.
Without her consciously knowing, she was looking forward to seeing her again, the way those brows furrowed cutely, those snobbish, sometimes glaring emerald eyes, those delicious looking red lips, the way she shoved her perfect midnight curtain of hair and like a complete package, her perfectly toned body. Lastly, that intoxicating husky voice she hoped to hear her name being spoken.
Shaking the flood of thoughts that surged through her mind, all about the woman named Natsuki Kuga, she collated the stacks of paper in front of her and stood up. Just then, her stomach took the chance to growl as she realized that a much-deserved break was needed. Checking her phone, she noticed that Chie, the great gossiper, had sent a viral video in her blog, claiming a real genius had been found. She initially planned to grab lunch outside the university but her curiosity piqued when she played the video that she decided to meet them in their usual spot at the cafeteria.
On her way, she could hear other students talking about this mysterious singer, most of them glancing her way, greeting her with sweet smiles then returning to watching the video again. She could not argue that even she was quite intrigued about this singer-musician. Smirking to herself, she opened the cafeteria glass door and found her band members who as usual was causing ruckus, until her attention shifted to a fast blue blur heading her way. Too late to react, she held her ground and braced herself for the impact.
She bit her lip hard as pain shot through her arm, internally cursing this careless student, however trying her best to maintain her mask of composure, given all eyes were on them, some voicing oohs and ahhs. As her crimson eyes drawn on to this student sprawled on the floor, her shock was remarkable, eyes wide open in disbelief and mouth agape. However, as quickly as the impact had been, her emotions had stormed off replaced by her usual self-composed aura. She extended her good arm towards the woman, only to get a good amount of glare from this angry beauty. Apparently, it had become a frequent occurrence, getting glared at by none other than Natsuki Kuga. And now, here she was, facing this rebel beauty again, but instead of an angry glare, an arrogant glare was thrown her way, coupled by that mocking smile gracing her lips.
"Fine. It's a deal." Shizuru stood up and extended her hand to which the rebel beauty hesitantly considered taking but ended up shaking solidifying their agreement. Natsuki was about to release the other's hand when a firm grip prevented her. Her eyes falling down to their entwined hands then to the brunette who slightly pulled her forwards, just the desk in between them. "a deal I'll make you…" Shizuru seeing the stunned beauty slowly turning into a shade of tomato, came even closer, her head a little too close to the reddening ears of Natsuki and seductively whispered in that alluring accent of hers "regret, Nat-su-ki". The brunette leaned back and winked teasingly at the blushing beauty as she removed their entwined hands.
Natsuki mustered some indistinguishable curses while backtracking as far away from the brunette as possible, annoyed at how easily this woman could get so much reaction from her. The Kaichou took this time to approach the bookshelves stacked with large volume of books of varying sizes then picked the softbound handbook, the cover of which was all-too familiar to miss.
Flipping the book in her hand to a designated page, she faced the raven-haired beauty, her long strides only taking her few seconds to reach her. She handed the handbook towards her, her index finger pointing to a specific section. Natsuki swiftly took it and her emerald eyes started reading that section, her brows furrowing cutely as words sank inside her head. 'The Kaichou's words are infallible. The Kaichou's wish is our command.' The rebel beauty re-read it over and over again as her horror-filled emeralds glanced back at the victorious crimson-eyed brunette. N-O W-A-Y!
"Shame. You should have just taken my offer to back down." Shizuru teased lightly earning a snort from the rebel beauty who returned the handbook and settled to crossing her arms on her chest, glaring indignantly at her.
"Just say what you want…. I want to leave now." Natsuki's voice now carried a tone of resignation nonetheless her posture said otherwise as her glare even intensified hoping to intimidate the brunette who only seemed to enjoy more the reactions she was getting.
"I want you…" Shizuru paused for a bit, overjoyed at the fact that she won the deal with this beautiful stranger. Suddenly a voice echoed inside her head 'to want me… I want you to want me…Natsuki.' As quickly as those sentiments reigned, she forced that thought down and tried to be logical. Disguising her troubled mind with her sweet smile, she cleared her throat then spoke the most reasonable thing to say "I want you to join our band. As lead guitarist, that is."
Thinking back, she could not help but blame everything that had happened to the brunette. Had she not come to her life, things would have been simple and easy. However, she could not deny her increasing interest to know more about this woman, be it just how she was drawn to her music or drawn towards those enticing scarlet eyes, she had yet to find out. For now, she would just suck up the consequence of her actions and go with the flow. Maybe.. along the way, evidence would show up itself that would lead her way to her father. But for now, just suck it up, she thought.