AN: Longer chapter this time! Hope you like it! Oh, and thank you NotAfraidToFly, Apple of Eris, and sobasicallyme, for taking the time to review and liking this story as much as I love writing it! And thanks to those who faved and followed, you guys are awesome too!
I'm honestly proud of this one so read away!
Chapter 4: Great Expectactions
School hasn't even ended yet.
It's still the first fucking day, and already I want to go home. Back to America. With mom. And Tia.
It's bad enough I have to share the same classroom with Sargent Mc Asshole in glasses. That should've been fine! At least I can easily avoid him and pretend he never existed. Even better, my introductory speech made it perfectly clear that he should do the same. And he did, to my great relief. So the rest of the day should've flowed steady like the Nile River.
Except it didn't.
Only ten minutes till the end of lunch, and I didn't even bother touching the food Kunio made for me. I couldn't bring myself to eat; I'd end up sick if I try. I decided to hide outside, under the tree's shadow. In the distance behind me, I hear other students conversing with themselves as they eat their lunches. Thankfully they were nowhere near my hiding spot, making me unnoticeable.
I glanced down at the flyer I held firmly, its edges crumpled by the harsh grip in my fingers. For some reason, as I ran to hide here, I couldn't bring myself to throw it away no matter how much I really wanted to. The bold letters of the flyer glare up at me mockingly to a point where I desperately wanted to crumple it up, burn it to ashes, and send its remains to the fiery pits of hell. Instead, all I do is damage the edges further, me staring at it like an idiot thinking something will magically change.
Stupid Junichi. Honestly what the fuck was he thinking?
In reality, it's not even his fault.
20 minutes prior…
Before I attended class, Jun asked me to wait inside my classroom when lunch starts so he could pick me up and we'd the tour around school. The first half of lectures were done and most people filed out to eat their lunches elsewhere. No one stopped to greet me, but I could hear them talk amongst themselves about me in hushed whispers. It's almost like my old school, which is perfect.
I was left to my own devices, which was staring aimlessly out the window watching students stroll around campus, my mouth on an applesauce pouch. Class wasn't bad so far, history will be a bit of a problem though, and my Japanese literature skills aren't as potent compared to me speaking it. I just know studying to catch up will take some years from my life, but if I want to own up to my promise I made with my dad and go to Paris, what choice do I have?
"That new girl huh?"
"Did you see the way she smiled at us? It was terrifying!"
"I know! I feel queasy going near her..."
"Are you kidding? I have to sit next to her!"
"Who does she think she is anyway? That because she's from America she can talk down to us like we're peasants?"
Haha. Wow.
"Shhh! Shut up, she might hear you!"
Waaay too late buddy. I mean seriously I think the whole class can hear you.
"Pssh! So what? She's all talk! What can she do?"
I yawned. Ah well, I got nothing to brag about. Just a few years of martial arts training sessions from one of my dad's bandmates. You know, thinking back to the incident which brought me here, I probably wouldn't have survived that calamity if it weren't for him.
"Hari-chan!"
My ears perked at the familiar voice. I sighed and stood up, slinging my bag over my shoulder.
"About time Usagi-chan! How long were you going to make me wait?"
Junichi laughed sheepishly at the door. The remaining students were silent as I made my way over to him. they were probably wondering what sort of relationship we have and/or amazed that I knew anyone in this school. Dunno. Don't care.
"I just had to do some things."
"I read high levels of suspicion."
"There's just something I want to show at the end of the tour. Nothing bad at all."
"That's what they all say. Plus your smile's not making it better."
"Just trust me Hari-chan," he whined.
I rolled my eyes, but gave a nod and followed him down the halls.
So Jun lead me around campus, showing me where things are. Karasuno High was quite larger than it appeared at first glance, mostly because of the wide expanse of courts and fields for sports activities.
"So clubs is a thing here huh? Like a major thing?"
"It's a requirement for students to participate in clubs to boost social interactions. So yeah it kind of is a major thing, but it's mostly because what would be extracurricular classes in the US, such as art and music, are instead after school clubs."
I hummed. "So I have to choose a club. Fantastic."
Jun looked at me. "Wanna see my club?"
There was something about that gleaming shimmer in his eyes that made me cautious. Suspicion levels have risen again, but I shrugged. As he happily lead the way to his club, I concluded that it must be what he wanted to show me. But it's just a club. What's so special about it?
I noticed we were in a district for third years and Jun made his way to one particular classroom to his right. I could hear faint music playing inside. Jun opened the door and stepped in.
"Hey guys! I-"
An eraser landed on his head with a thud. Clouds of powdery chalk residue poof all around him, making a mess of his clothes and hair. My cousin froze stiffly. Someone burst into laughter.
"See? I told you he'd walk right into it! Someone owes me ice cream~"
Another person groaned. "I can't believe he fell for that. He never falls for that."
"I told you, when Kenta-chan gets hyped, he loses himself completely!"
There were three people in the room. Two of them were conversing while the third sat silently, watching the spectacle.
The mastermind behind the prank was a guy with maroon colored hair and flashy brown eyes. His uniform was neat with almost no wrinkles, but has on a weird yellow tie with multi-colored polka dots. He was stuffing his face with his bento lunch while laughing his ass off at Jun's bemused expression.
Standing in the middle was a girl. Her sandy blond hair was wavy and so long it reached beyond her lower back. An intricate headband crowned her head and her emerald green eyes looked at the world questioningly. Despite wearing the same uniform as every other girl, her small frame made her look like a doll. Also it tuned out the music I heard earlier came from her. In her hands, she held a keytar. She appeared to be testing some notes in a music sheet on a desk in front of her.
The final person lounged back on a teacher's desk table, one leg propped over the other. He was huge and bulky and looked like someone who can enter a boxing ring and win the championship. Black dreadlocks peaked out from underneath his bandana and he had a relaxed demeanor despite his aggressive appearance. A pen was tucked behind his ear while another rests in his fingers. Around him were piles of music sheets. I noticed him staring at me intently and I tried not to let it bother me, focusing my attention somewhere else.
"Hiroki…"
The maroon head jumped at Jun's voice.
"What did I say about pulling any funny business…"
Hiroki began to sweat. "Aw come on Kenta-chan. It was just a harmless prank."
"Hiroki-san, you may be my senpai, but there is only so much I can tolerate from you…"
The boy shrieked and hid behind the girl holding her keytar. It's pointless since his larger frame was still visible.
"H-H-Hold up Kenta-chan! Pranks are supposed to be funny! You're supposed to be laughing! Masami-chan, back me up here!"
"If you die I won't have to buy you ice cream though," Masami says with wonder.
"H-How can you say that to your senpai?!" Hiroki was in tears and turned to the bulky guy on the teacher's desk. "Takeo-kun say something!"
The guy blinked once, scrunched up his nose, and said, "I'm not entitled to clean your messes you immature ape."
The maroon boy made a choked sound as if he was struck by arrows through his chest and was found on his hands and knees in a corner, moaning dramatically about how he gets no respect.
"Wow. Some club Jun. I can see why you're so prideful of it," I teased lazily.
Jun huffed and whipped the chalk powder off his uniform and hair. "Don't mind Hiroki-san. If he wasn't so talented, we wouldn't need him."
Another arrow through the chest and Hiroki collapsed on the ground.
"I have such terrible kouhai…" he sobbed.
"You have no one but yourself to blame," Takeo muttered. He turned to me. "We're usually more professional than this. Welcome. Junichi told us a lot about you."
I groaned inwardly. "Oh really- ahh!?"
The sandy blond girl popped in front of me, her emerald eyes sparkly as she took in my appearance.
"Wooaaa, you look so cool. How did you get away with dressing like that? Dress codes are usually strict here."
I took a step back. She's small but my god she's overwhelming!
"Um… by not caring?"
She gasped and had her hands to her cheeks in awe. "How awesome! A rebel!"
"Uhhh…"
"Oi oi!" Somehow, the maroon head was brought back from the dead and is also stepping in my personal bubble. "Is it true you're the daughter of Alix Thompson? The lead guitarist in the band, Raining in Space?"
My eyebrows shot up. They know about that too? I glare at Jun.
"T-They found out through Scott, I swear!" He stammered, raising his hands in defense. "You know how he likes to boast about how his dad is related to yours, so of course that would get out!"
"Dude I am such a huge fan of Raining in Space!" the boy continued. "I have all their albums! And Alix is such a guitar wizard! They say he has God's Hands, because his fingers move so fast you can barely see them!"
"Ben Blaze is my favorite," says Masami, cheeks flushed. "He has a nice singing voice. And he's close friends with Alix."
"Kenta-chan says you also play the guitar right? That's awesome! Then you must be as good as your father right?"
"That's enough!" Jun grabbed the two by the collar and pulled them back. "Takeo-san just said we're professional! You call this professional? Introduce yourselves properly!"
"S-Sorry Kenta-chan."
"Sorry Kenta-kun…"
The maroon boy with the ridiculous tie went first. "Greetings! My name is Saru Hiroki, second year in Karasuno High! That means I'm your senpai!"
"He's also known as Karasuno's troublemaking chimp," says Takeo.
"Why do you say that like it's a bad thing?" Hiroki pouted.
"Because almost no one can stand you."
"Not true! I bring laughter and joy to every student. I am the beckon that holds Karasuno's happiness!"
"You also piss off every teacher and got suspended for filling the vice principal's office with water balloons last year."
"You really did that?" I asked astounded.
Hiroki huffed triumphantly. "One of my greatest projects ever! Filled them all the way to the ceiling undetected. And they said it couldn't be done! Sure I got suspended and had to clean up the mess, but the look on that old man's face as he was pummeled by water balloons was worth it!"
"And since that day he instructed all the teachers to watch Hiroki-san closely, like a monkey on a leash," said Masami.
"Don't say it like that!"
"Hi. My name is Orabella Masami. I'm a first year."
"Why are you ignoring me?!"
She looked up at me with sparkles in her eyes again. "You're very pretty."
I jolt back in absolute shock, utterly bewildered.
Wh… what?
WHAT?!
Me?
PRETTY?!
Well I'm not hideous, but when did anyone ever call me pretty?! Mom and dad call me beautiful sometimes yes, but others mostly throw insults at me and I actually find them flattering (I am a wierdo like that). Those who find me attractive think along the lines of 'dangerously sexy' or 'badass hottie'. Even Tia never calls me pretty, because pretty is something you use to describe sweet and proper girls. I am neither of those things!
I tried to wrap my head around what that girl just said, when I almost flipped my shit not seeing the bulky guy in dreads stand near me and the others.
"And I am Kazuhiko Takeo, third year. Pleased to finally meet you," he said softly, knowing that he spooked me. He stood even taller than that guy in glasses, by an inch or two at most.
"Um… Harriet Thompson. Nice to see you all I guess," I say awkwardly. I have never felt so uncomfortable before. I don't know how to act around these people. "So… what kind of club is this? Are you a band or something?"
"Sort of," says Jun, smiling while rubbing his neck. "We just explore and create music in many ways possible using a variety of instruments. It's like a science experiment; mixing different things together and see if they work."
He scavenged through the messy papers of music sheets until he picked up a flyer. He handed it to me. I took it and read the bold gigantic letters splayed at the center of the paper.
"The Unlimited Sound Club," I read lowly to myself.
"It's nothing fancy. This club just became official recently this year, so it's not popular."
"But it is a nice idea!" Hiroki claimed. "I was getting bored participating in orchestra every year since middle school. Feels great to do something fun, crazy, and challenging for once!"
Masami nodds in agreement. "You can do anything you want without any restrictions or guidelines. You're free to come up with whatever you put your mind to and out of anything you want to use."
"It'll be like combining ice cream and fries!" Hiroki added. "It may not look or sound appealing, but you forget all about it once you taste it. That's what we are!"
"It's all Junichi's idea," Takeo finally spoke. "This club wouldn't exist if it weren't for him."
"Takeo-san you're giving me too much credit," Jun whined, embarrassed.
"It's the truth."
"He's right, that's why you're our president Kenta-chan~," Hiroki sang as he hugged my cousin from behind.
"I'm still mad at you senpai…" Jun muttered in the second year's arms. He shook the blush of his face and eyed me determinedly. "You should join us Hari-chan!"
"Yeah, you'll fit in perfectly!" Hiroki followed. "Kenta-chan told us how amazing you are with the guitar. Plus, you're Alix Thompson's daughter! That must mean you have the fingers of a goddess- Ow!"
Takeo smacked his head.
"Whether if you do or don't we'd still like to have you with us. We would like a skilled guitar player."
I tried hard, really, reaallly hard, to keep a straight face as all the eyes were on me. All of them were giving me expectant hopeful looks, even Jun. I clenched every muscle in my body to stop myself from shaking. I forced my breathing to remain calm as my heart rate pounded in my chest and my palms began to sweat. Once I felt everything was in check (at least to the best of my ability) I grinned.
"Nah, not interested but thanks anyway."
I refused to face them directly when they all visibly deflated.
"What?! Why not?!" Hiroki screeched, clearly disheartened and already developing tears. "You don't like our club?"
"I never said that."
He released Jun and stepped forward. "Then why won't you join?! You love music don't you?!"
I gave him and the others a piercing look with a sardonic smile. Hiroki stood rigid, his lips clenched tight. The others remain silent.
"I used to. Now, not so much. Sorry to disappoint." I bowed. "I hope this club does well."
I straightened up and made my way out, not giving them a chance to reply. My pace down the hall was brisk. I don't know why I'm walking so fast, I just felt the need to get away. As far away from there as possible.
"Hari-chan!"
My feet managed to stop on their own even though I had the urge to run. They refused to obey me. Hurried footsteps came closer from behind. I remained where I stood, refusing to look back. Silence stretched between us for a while.
"I don't understand," I heard him say. "I thought that once I showed you this club, I believed… well, that you'd tease me about it first, but then come to really like it."
…
"Back in America, you've always said you wanted to achieve greater than your dad, that you wanted to become something the whole world could remember. When I heard you play for the very first time, I really believed you could."
…
"Hiroki, Masami, Takeo, myself as well; we all have a similar dream. That's why I made this club. I know that if we combine our talents and our ambitions together, we can easily achieve that. I was really hoping that you'd be a part of it."
I breathed in deeply, then exhaled slowly. My eyes focused on nothing in particular and body felt weightless.
"Jun… all those things I said… that was three years ago. A lot has happened after that, while you were away. I learned a lot too. What I said to you then… that was just a foolish kid spouting bullshit, her head to high in the clouds she failed to realize it until it was too late. She came crashing down to earth so hard she couldn't pick herself back up."
Saying this hurt immensely, but I could only imagine how Jun must be feeling. I didn't dare look to see.
"I'm not telling you to stop," I continued. "I'm sure you and your friends will do great. Just don't expect anything from me." I chuckled. There was no humor in it. "I can't even remember the last time I laid my hands on that thing. Sorry Junichi… I think I disappointed you the most."
My feet finally decided to listen to me. I bolted, ignoring my cousin's desperate calls. My eyes stung as I paid zero attention to where I was going. All I recall was somehow finding my way outside, meanwhile roughly bumping into someone (this person felt like a brick wall). I sent my halfhearted apology without glance their way before continuing off.
And that is my oh so wonderful tale on how everything went to shit. I anticipated my first day of school to be an undelightful experience, but I underestimated the deities' up there controlling my life. Now I just need to figure out what I've done to deserve this mess.
Unlimited Sound. I reread the club name over and over in my head as I stared at the flyer. I was surprised Junichi created this group. When I first met him years ago, he never seemed all that interested in music. Being surrounded by it constantly thanks to his family's business made him grow accustomed to it, and thus not finding it all that special.
So what changed?
As I tried to wrack my brain on Jun's sudden passionate interest, an object swooped passed me, bounced on the grass and rolled to a complete stop near the bushes.
It was a volleyball.
"Ahhh, where did it roll off to… there you are!"
I was caught off guard by the familiar head of bright orange hair chasing after the ball. I watched silently as he stood in my field of vision, picking it up. Right, I forgot he also attends Karasuno. What was his name again?
"Hinata?"
I wasn't meant to say it out loud, but I didn't regret it. He never noticed me at all, so I was treated to the delight of seeing him jump out of his skin. The ball slipped from his fingers, making the most adorable noise I've ever heard. The boy's head snapped to my direction and he immediately went from spooked to surprised.
"Hari-chan?"
"That's my name. Glad you remembered."
I winked. He blushed and quickly scrambled for his ball.
"Whatcha doing anyway? Tossing the ball around like a baby seal."
He had the volleyball between his palms while trying not to make eye contact with me. Aw, he's embarrassed!
"I'm trying to work on my receives. I suck at it, so I'm practicing to get better."
"Oh. So you're in the volleyball team or something?"
"Yup. I play middle blocker, but one day I'll become the Ace! Just like the Little Giant!"
"The… Little Giant?"
He nodded, grinning so wide I thought he'd split his face. "Yeah! He's short like me, but he became Karasuno's Ace. Because of him, the team even made it to Nationals. No matter how tall his opponents were, he was able to spike through them like gyah! and smack!" Then he tries to recreate what he saw by doing hand motions and sound effects. It was terrible. He goes on and on about how great this Little Giant was, how excited he was to get enrolled in Karasuno, and how one day he too will go to nationals. As I quietly listed, I found that something about his enthusiasm… felt familiar.
And then something clicked in my brain. My eyes flashed.
I see my nine year old self at home in the living room, up way past my curfew hours to see Raining in Space perform live on television. Five members armed with their weapon of choice. In my eyes they looked like ancient knights ready for battle; not with violence, but with sound. Together they break the silent barrier and filled the air with noise, their lyrics used to paint the white canvas and create the world they envisioned, allowing their listeners to see it.
Every time I watched them perform, I felt like I was there amongst the crowd. I wouldn't be screaming or hollering along with them, jumping and bouncing around like a dedicated fan. I would just stand there and listen, consuming as much of the song as I could until I felt lightheaded. It's like a spell you can't pull yourself out of, because you really don't want to. You want to remain like this forever, not wanting the harsh world of reality to pull you back.
I stare up at each of the band members as they play in perfect sync, but my eyes would always travel to my dad. Alix Thompson. The lead guitarist. The man with God's Fingers. Like everyone else, I admire him. Even more, I aspire to be just like him. To play notes in a melody that would catch people's ears. To have fingers as swift and quick as his on the strings while not missing a single note. To be on that stage and cast that same spell on people like he and his crew did on me. I wanted it all.
How ironic.
I laughed. Me, a fifteen year old girl now living in Japan, a girl who has no idea what to do with her life as she sits there and listens to a boy she barely knows act like a reincarnation of her past self, unintentionally reminding her why that little nine year old wanted to play music so much in the first place.
I couldn't stop laughing. All of it was just so ironic.
"O-Oi. What's so funny? You think I won't do it? I'll show you! I'll show you all! I will become the Ace and spike my way to Nationals! I may be short but I can jump!"
"No no, that's not it!" I shake my head while trying calm myself.
"Then why are you laughing?" he said in a pouty face. "Did I say something funny?"
"It's not what you said," I explained with a wide grin. "It's everything you did."
I only managed to confuse him more.
"Huh?"
I shake my head again. "Don't worry about it. Anyway, I can guarantee you that the Little Giant wasn't always the Little Giant. Every famous person started off somewhere. So what am I saying?" I pointed two fingers at him, eye locked to his sharply. "I'm saying that you'll work your way up there kiddo, not now but soon. You'll outshine anyone that comes your way!"
Hinata stared at me, taken aback. But then he just glowed, immensely. His eyes brightened and glistened, like a light bulb or better yet, the Sun.
He bows. "T-Thank you Harri-chan! I'll do my best!"
I arched a brow. "Hey now, don't get all teary-eyed from a few words of wisdom."
"I'm not!"
He failed to back up his claim by wiping the wetness in his eyes with his sleeves. I guess something brought him down earlier or he's just super emotional.
"By the way, what are you doing way out here anyway?"
I shrugged. "Nothing much. Just chillin."
The school bells rang. Hinata and I said our goodbyes before I watched him hurry away to get to his class. I was about to do the same until I realized two things that made me freeze still.
Number one, I just imitated my dad in order to lift the boy's spirits. That two finger action and famous quote was what he replied to me when I was little, when I declared wanting to grow up to be like him. It was enough to make be blush in shame.
Number two, I lost my phone. It wasn't in my pockets nor was it in my bag. I searched the grassy area. No luck. I had to retrace my steps, but I blindly ran my way here so there was no way for me to recall where I've been!
So I searched the school campus the best I could. Halfway, my stomach caved in to painful cramps so I stopped to eat my untouched food. I ended up feeling sick for shoving it down too fast and had to run to the nearest bathroom.
Because of the whole fiasco, I returned to class twenty minutes late. I was too bitter and pissed off to care. I stepped in, feeling I could literally breathe fire at any moment. I guess that's the reason why the teacher let me off easy, other than me being a new student and all. There were very little fucks I gave.
I breezed through the rest of class lectures, half listening to what was said. I had my face squished to the wood most of the time as I lazily scribbled down notes. I could've sworn I felt eyes on me every now and then. I wasn't annoyed enough to check though. I was too focused on the many ways Kunio might kill me for losing my phone on the first day of school.
The final bell was pure bliss to my senses. School is done. I can finally go home. I packed my stuff as moved as quickly as the other students. Making my way towards the gates, I wondered if I should stop and wait for Jun. I didn't feel like facing him, but I didn't want to be rude either. I stood aimlessly at the gates, contemplating on what I should do. Should I stay or should I go?
The Clash pun unintended.
"Thompson-san!"
Needless to say I was surprised to hear someone calling me. I turn to see a boy jog towards me. I knit my brows together as he takes a moment to catch his breath, hands on his knees.
"Um, do I know you?"
My low voice made him tense and bolt up straight. My eyes instantly took notice of the freckles doting his face.
"Um n-no, but we are classmates!" He chucked nervously, his body visibly shaking. He doesn't seem like the type of guy who'd sneakily try something. He appears mostly fragile and shy. Makes me think he was dared to talk to me. "I'm T-Tadashi Yamaguchi. Welcome to Japan!"
"Thanks." Was all I said, my tone flat. I have nothing against the fellow, I just wished he get to the point.
Luckily, he managed to pick it up and quickly fished through his pocket.
"I-I was just wondering… could this be yours by any chance?"
I sucked in my breath once he held out the object in his hand.
"My phone!" I exclaimed happily, eyes glistening and close to tears as I had it back in my palms. "Now Kunio won't kill me after all! Thank you so much Yamaguchi!"
I could tell he was stunned a bit, not expecting my bubbly attitude, but he smiled shyly and rubbed the back of his head.
"It's no trouble, but it wasn't me who found it. My friend Tsukishima said you dropped it right after you bumped into him. Apparently, you ran too fast for him to give it back to you."
"Oh." I replayed the memory of crashing into someone who felt like a brick wall after I met the Unlimited Sound Club. I never got to see his face though. So his name is Tsukishima. I suddenly felt embarrassed.
"Well, give him my thanks will you? I'll even treat him to something if he's willing to accept. It can be anything." It's only right after all the trouble I caused.
Yamaguchi, again, looked surprised, not expecting my nice offer either. But he brightened with a smile and nodded enthusiastically.
"Don't worry, I'll tell him. Have a nice day Thompson-san!" He bowed and skipped back into campus.
Why do I get the feeling I just said something I'll soon regret? Oh well, I'll dwell on it later.
I activated my cellphone and saw a text message. It's from Jun and it's quite recent. I opened it.
I have a club meeting today so don't worry about waiting for me at the gate. You can go on ahead. I'll be home soon.
I sighed. Well, that's one less thing to worry about. I left the school grounds alone and strolled to the nearest bus stop which was a few blocks away. Every step I took, my chest got heavier and breathing felt like a chore.
I wonder… if Jun is mad at me. If so, don't blame him.
I hate myself just as much.
AN: And TBC! I hope there isn't already an existing band named Raining in Space, because this was something I completely made up while trying to think of a name that sounded cool (at least to me). Hope this chapter wasn't confusing and that you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for more! Some feedback is always appreciated!
