Well, I'm bored as of now, so here's the chapter nine.
Thoughts.
Singing = boy
Singing = girl
Singing = both
Enjoy!
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When Seven Hearts Make One
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Ringo-sensei kept his end of the deal and never brought up the piano again, simply beaming at me discreetly as the night reached its final act.
Now back at the academy, everyone was extremely tired and, for once, I actually felt like sleeping. The jetlag and the sudden change of environment put a toll on everyone's energy, so we had agreed to just go to sleep for tonight –we arrived rather late- and meet back up the next day for breakfast.
Stifling a yawn, I finally reached my room after what seemed like forever, pulling my suitcase lazily behind me. However, my fatigue disappeared somewhat when I saw my door. Usually plain white like all the others of the dorms, it was now covered in angry red kanjis that were, to say the least, pretty insulting.
Well, for anyone who isn't me, that is. Bitch, sucker, whore… wow, they're so uncreative. If they really had to do this, couldn't they at least show more imagination?
Deciding to just deal with it tomorrow or something, I entered without a fuss and set my things next to my desk, too tired to unpack right now. However, as I reached my bed, the first thing I saw was the familiar black form of my dear cat.
Wait, cursed cat. Actually a man. Or rather a boy. A prince. A prince boy who was cursed to be a cat.
I hesitated a second, thinking at how crazy all of this was, before remembering the sea shell that had somehow ended in my hands, and that I kept in my pocket ever since.
Well, I can't go more insane anyway, so whatever.
"Cecil?"
Instantly, the cat snapped his turquoise eyes at me, widely awake and the usual intelligent glint in his eyes. I stilled for a second, before sitting next to him carefully, staring, not really knowing what to do.
"Are you really a cursed cat?" I asked seriously.
God, I hope no one's listening at the door or something, or it'll be really awkward.
The animal sat to face me, and nodded.
He fucking nodded.
"Well, that's… okay, right" I couldn't find the right words. "So you really weren't an hallucination, and you're actually a prince cursed into a black cat form. Got that right?"
He nodded yet again, but I couldn't find it in myself to freak out.
"Is there… any way to un-curse you?" I scratched the back of my head, feeling a headache coming.
He just look at me, as if saying 'would-I-be-here-if-I-knew'.
"Right…" I drawled. "Oh, I can't deal with this right now. Let's just work with the usual. Wait, is that why you go hiding every time I come out of the shower? That's so sweet!"
The cat hide himself in the blankets, as if embarrassed, but it only made me laugh as I pulled him out forcefully and hugged him to my chest.
"Whatever happened, I'll help out" I proposed to him, petting his head. "Your words… you gave me your support in one of the most instable moments I ever had in my life. I can't thank you enough for clearing the path for me"
He purred, rubbing his head against my cheek. Both coming to an understanding, I then turned off the lights and closed my eyes, letting myself slip in dreamland.
I woke up barely a few hours later but, used to it, I already felt well rested. Well, as much as I could be, at least. As I took my time to prepare myself for today, though, there was a small 'THUD', like something hitting the floor. Turning around, I saw Kuro, or rather Cecil, that had climbed on top of my shelves and pushed one of the notebooks down.
However, it wasn't any notebook.
Instantly, I grabbed it and snapped it closed, shooting a warning look at the cat.
"This one was hidden for a reason" I said, rather coldly, before softening a little at his frozen state. "Just… don't touch it, alright?"
He meowed in agreement, and I put it back behind all the others with a sigh. This one was empty, saved for the last page, but I couldn't bring myself to read it. It had been one of the few songs I never sang or even played, feeling like it's meaning would be tainted if I did so.
Cracking some bones, I then opened the window for Kuro –I'd call him that way or else, I might call him Cecil before the others, which would lead to a situation I really didn't want to deal with right now.
After that, I went outside for my morning stroll, feeling the fresh air lightly biting my skin as I made my way to the main building. I had my training session with Syo later that day, which put me in a good mood already, but I still had something on my mind that was rather troubling.
Who will I choose to partner with?
All my friends, saved for Haruka, were in the Idol course.
I stopped in my tracks.
Haruka!
I felt kind of stupid by now. She was the only one I'd be able to team up with, her songs were fantastic and we worked really well together. Tomo-chan was partnering with another guy from our class, and I knew that at least Otoya and Ren would ask her to be their partner, if it wasn't already done.
But… I really have no one else…
Deciding to just go with the flow for now, I went to the library to read a little.
"Oh? Tokiya-san?"
At my voice, he raised his eyes from his book and nodded a greeting, before going back to his reading. After a second, I shrugged and sat in front of him, pulling out my own lecture material.
We spent the next half-hour like that, none of us uttering a word. But it was fine. I did missed the silence, sometimes, seeing as it wasn't something I could get often with the others around. They were great and all, but I still liked my personal space, as many would know by now.
"Was Nanami-san the one who wrote your song?"
"Uh?" I looked at him, surprised at the sudden question.
"When you sang, back on the island, for Ringo-sensei's test" he precised, his eyes never leaving his current page. "Was it written by Nanami-san?"
"Yes, it was" I then realized what he was talking about. "She really is an amazing composer. And an amazing friend, too. She found your Heart, didn't she?"
"And she found yours" he turned the page.
"Kind of" I chuckled. "So what, are you going to ask her to be your partner?"
"Are you?"
"You're avoiding the question" I rolled my eyes. "So I'll take it that you're interested, but not convinced yet"
"… you read people quite well" he turned yet another page.
"I tend to do that a lot" I admitted, stretching. "As for your question… well, I'll see when I get there. We still have some time, right?"
He didn't answer, but I knew he heard me. Apparently done with the conversation, he fully went back to his reading, so I did the same, and that was that.
After around twenty minutes or so, the cafeteria started to be filled with other students. As they entered the room, I could already feel the eyes of many weighing on my back. Of course, that wasn't much of a surprise, what with the prodigy drop-out that is Tokiya and myself, the little black sheep of the class.
We sure make a pair to wonder, eh?
"Words are going around" he then said, putting back the book in his bag.
"Words always go around" I remarked, putting mine on the table. "Doesn't make them any truer, though"
At that, a slight smile graced his lips, but it was soon replaced with a frown.
"… you are disliked by many, Arya-san"
"No shit" I deadpanned, propping myself on my elbow. "I have no idea why, though. Maybe because I act like an arrogant asshole half of the time… I never talked to many anyway, so I can't really tell you why they seem to hate my guts, if you're searching for some juicy gossip"
"I'm not" he assured. "I was merely warning you. A bad reputation can bring you to your downfall"
"Oh, I know that alright" I thought back to the years of teaching I had went through younger. "But it doesn't really matter to me right now. We're all students on the same rank, and those who can't keep up try to bring the others down. That's all there is to it"
"… I see"
"Thanks for the warning, though" I then grinned at him as he got up to leave. "Admit it, you're starting to like my wonderful presence, don't you?"
"I find you loud and perfectly annoying" he replied, placing his bag on his shoulder. "However, you are honest to yourself and to others, which is a rare trait that I do appreciate"
I stared at him for a second.
"I don't know if I should feel insulted, but I'll take it as a compliment" I then said. "I have no disillusions. I know I can be a downright bitch when I want to. However, I like myself as I am, so I guess it's too bad for them, uh?"
He turned around and left, but I managed to hear what he added anyway.
"I guess it is"
"Hey, Tokiya-san!" I called.
He slightly turned his head my way.
"I can't wait to hear that Heart of yours" I sent him a thumbs up, and he actually smiled once more, before closing the cafeteria's door behind him.
A few minutes later, though, those doors slammed open and Haruka and Tomo-chan ran to me with wide, horrified eyes. Instantly worried, I got up.
"Who's dead!?"
They blinked for a moment at my question before I understood that, in fact, no one was dead.
"Wait, why are you so pale?" I sat back in my chair. "Did you see the Headmaster pulling some nudist crap or something?"
"Oh my God, Ary…" Tomo-chan groaned, hiding her face behind her hands.
"What?"
"A-Ary, someone has written some awful things on your door!" then exclaimed Haruka. "T-the kanjis-"
"I know, I saw them yesterday" I cut her off, now relieved that it wasn't anything bad. "Don't worry about it"
"Ary, students are talking a lot" Tomochika frowned, going back to serious. "Rumors are spread about you and the rest of the boys, and also your singing and-"
"Wait, wait, let me guess" I cut once more, tapping a finger to my chin. "I sleep with all of them, all my recordings and presentations were lip-synch, I got in here because of money and connection, ect, ect. So what?"
The redhead girl slammed her hands on the table and loomed closer to me.
"This isn't a joke, Ary!" she seemed to grow annoyed. "How can you be so calm about this when they went as far as to vandalize your door!?"
"First of all because it isn't my door, as you put it" I answered calmly. "It's the Academy's. And second of all, it's just words, Tomo-chan. Words can do a lot of things but, if you don't let them affect you, then they're just sounds blabbered by idiots, nothing more"
"I really don't get you" she huffed, letting herself fall on the chair in front of me, Haruka imitating her. "You should talk about this to Ringo-sensei or the Headmaster"
"If I always go to higher authorities for such petty things as primary grade bullying, then I'll never get anywhere, will I?" I remarked. "If you ignore them, they'll get bored and let it go. Don't make a big deal out of it"
"Fine, I won't" she grunted, before poking my forehead. "But if it gets worse, promise you'll at least talk to Ringo-sensei"
"Hai, hai" I rolled my eyes, pushing her finger away.
"I-I'm just glad you're okay, Ary" then said Haruka, smiling a little.
"Of course I am. Now, how about some breakfast? Are the guys joining us yet?"
They instantly followed my lead and changed the subject without another word. They surely didn't forget about it, and would more than probably tell the others, if they didn't already knew, but I really couldn't care less at the moment.
Dealing with bullies is such a drag…
I smiled as Tokiya finished his song. He truly had found it too, and it was all thanks to Haruka once more.
She truly is an amazing person.
Everyone started whispering as he sat back, and I grinned at him.
"Nice one, Tokiya-san. Pretty sure you'll be back in S-Class before the end of the week, don't you think?"
He didn't bother answering, simply nodding and sending me a slight smile. That only worsened all the noise around, and I felt like hitting my head against my desk.
"He smiled at her!"
"Think she got him too?"
"Probably paying to act as her friend"
"Look at that: no talent, no friends, and all the arrogance to back it up"
"Is she really that bad? She never actually talked to us before…"
"She must think she's above everyone else, that's why"
I could feel Haruka's worried eyes on me, but I simply showed her a peace sign.
They're buzzing around like annoying flies, but their words can't reach me. I only have two weaknesses: my friends and my music. They don't have any power over any of them, which is why I'm the strongest in this petty situation.
My grin turn to a smirk, before I turned to look outside, Ringo-sensei's voice in the background as I felt my mind slipping away.
They can't bring me down.
When the bell rang, all students exited the classroom, saved for Arya and her friends. The girl was sleeping once more, but they had gotten too used to her quirks by now to make a fuss about it. However, if the black-haired teen wasn't worried about the current situation, they were. While words weren't affecting her, they were afraid it'd go farther than that. The vandalizing was enough proof of that. But, of course, she wasn't listening to them, stubborn as she was.
Slightly curious despite all, Tokiya lingered behind to hear some of their conversation. He wasn't one to eavesdrop, but Arya's predicament intrigued him. In fact, it was the girl that made him wonder about everything.
She talks big and curses way too much, but she has the talent to back it all up. She's honest, sometimes painfully so, and her quirks are of the strangest I've ever seen. Sleeping whenever and wherever, staying out in the rain without a care in the world, keeping secrets without asking anything in return…
Now, the boy wasn't in love or even slightly inclined to like her that way. However, she had proved many times by now that she was one of the few that he, or anyone really, could trust. People like that didn't come by everyday, and seeing her reputation destroyed by some misplaced teenage jealousy irked him somewhat.
It was Haruka's words that brought back the Heart that was missing… and yet, it was her voice that opened my eyes. I thought I was trapped in the dark, forced to follow a path even though I wanted to stray, and yet these two showed me that there was so much more…
If he had been touched by Haruka's innocence and by the faith and genuine admiration she had in him, the song she had wrote for Arya had touched his very soul. While the shy girl's talent had been as clear as day, the black-haired teen's interpretation had been one of the most shaking he ever experienced. She felt the music, she was the music, and he then understood what Ryuya-sensei meant when he said that he lacked Heart.
That was it. That was what was missing.
So he found it. Being shown the way, he easily took a step forward and found his own passion, deep buried where he never thought he'd find it again.
Shaking his head, he brought back his attention to the current conversation.
"… but she doesn't want us to do anything!" exclaimed Tomochika, exasperated.
"Then we won't" simply said Masato. "Ary is a bright girl. If she doesn't want us to intervene, there surely is a reason"
"Demo…"
"I don't like it either" Otoya sighed, running his hand through his hair. "But if she doesn't want us to make a move, it's probably because she doesn't want us to get in trouble too"
"Aren't we the ones that got her in that position, though?" Natsuki pointed out, his usual warm smile replaced by a slight frown.
"Right…"
Whatever Arya thought, it wasn't because others were jealous of her singing or something like that. It was merely because she so easily became friend with them, who were, in a weird sort of way, considered the elite by the other students. Jealousy, yes, but merely over her unique connections with everyone, nothing else.
"I believe it is merely because she doesn't want to bother with the situation" the words left Tokiya's mouth before he could stop them.
"T-Tokiya?!" exclaimed Otoya, surprised at seeing him still here.
"She told me this morning that she doesn't care about their opinions, for a reputation is of no value while still in the academy, and that she wouldn't change who she was for them" he added, quickly gathering his things. "She isn't aware that it is her connections that brings the trouble, and not the mere envy of talent that she suspects"
"Thought as much" they all sweatdropped a little.
For all her qualities, Arya had many defaults too. If there was one easy to name, it was her ego. While she never boasted, she was talented and she knew it, therefore sometimes giving herself too big of a head to see clearly.
But then again, thought Haruka with a smile. That's what friends are for, right? To watch our back when we strive from our path…
But then, as the black-haired boy left the room, she sighed.
I just hope it won't worsen.
The next day had been rather amusing, to be honest.
Forgetting about the stares weighing on me at each step, which was getting rather annoying, I could see that Haruka was starting to feel the pressure. All day along, she kept trying to avoid the other guys, which latter lead me to understand that all had asked her to become their partner.
Six of them, soon to be seven.
Of course, I had thought about her situation too and, while I felt bad about it, I had decided to be selfish for once and wrote her as my partner too. It wasn't fair from me to worsen the burden of choice already on her shoulders, but I honestly couldn't think about anyone else.
Now that I thought about it, though, she must have received my letter informing her of my decision…
"Ary!"
There she is.
"Yo" I greeted as she arrived next to me, panting.
She had my letter in her hands, and I could clearly feel the stress clouding her very being, which only made me feel worse for the situation I put her in.
"Y-you chose me as your partner" she finally managed to say. "B-but-"
"Let's make one thing clear, Haruka" I looked at her in the eyes. "I'm not the priority"
"… uh?"
"I know you wanted to work with Tokiya-san, which is quite alright with me" I assured. "I chose you because you're the only one in the Composer course that I know, because you're my friend and because together, we make a great team. However, I know that the rest of our little group, saved for Tomo-chan, also asked you. So, don't put me as priority. I had to put a name and if you don't pick me, then it won't be a big deal, okay?"
She looked down, biting her lower lip and, unable to stop myself, I hugged her. She stiffened in my embrace, before hugging back.
"I know you're scared to hurt one of us" I said as she grasped at me like a life buoy. "But don't stress yourself out either, alright? Think about yourself before thinking of us. What do you want to do, Haruka? What do you want to choose?"
She didn't answer, and we stayed like that for a while. Then, I gently pushed her away, and smiled reassuringly at her.
"Try to sleep on that, alright? You'll think clearer after a good night"
"A-alright" she nodded. "Thank you, Ary"
"Don't thank me, I just feel really bad for putting you through this" I admitted with a chuckle.
She laughed a little at that, before waving and going back to her room. I watched her go back to her room to ponder over my words.
I won't be mad if she doesn't choose me, it was an honest though. Sure, I'll be disappointed, but I'm sure I'll be able to find someone else if it comes to it. Or maybe I could convince the Headmaster to let me do both…
When morning came, I found that a letter had been slipped under my door. Curious, and recognizing Haruka's handwriting, I picked it up and ripped it open. I was honestly awaiting a negative answer, all well written with loads of apologies. However, I merely found a demand for me to present myself to the Third Lesson Room at nine in the morning.
She probably sent the same thing to the guys so that we could talk this out once and for all. Not bad, Haruka. But won't it make it harder to choose?
Keeping my thoughts to myself, I quickly changed in my uniform before going out, seeing from the corner of my eye that some kanjis had been added to my collection.
Suspicions. Money. Oh, that one's calling me a "European slut". These are getting better everyday, uh? Geez, don't they have better to do…
I still had an hour before the rendezvous, I went outside to get some fresh air. However, as I walked down the aligned trees, voices echoed farther away.
"… she wasn't there"
"Are you sure?"
"Certain! I checked, she wasn't in her room"
There were two of them, girls with long hair and weird expressions on their faces. They seemed to be plotting something, and I'd be stupid to think they were talking about someone other than me.
I froze for a second.
Okay, I think I need to deflate my ego a bit. For all I know, they're talking about someone el-
"Arya No-Last-Name" sneered the first one.
Okay, they're talking about me.
"She's manipulating Jinguji-san, and all the others too" she pursued. "It's disgusting, really"
"She's not that much either, uh?" added the other, crossing her arms. "But she doesn't seem to care about the rumors we started one bit, so what do we do?"
Now extremely curious, I pulled out my phone and started recording everything that was said. Needless to say, I learned quite a lot with a bit of eavesdropping. Like how they're the ones starting the rumors, or the ones who vandalized my door. They kept trying to come up with the most ridiculous gossips I've ever heard, and it made me laugh more than it made me mad at them, really.
Keep swimming, girls, just keep swimming!
So, it was with a satisfied smirk that I left for the rendezvous with Haruka.
I'll use this later, if it becomes too annoying. Damn, I hate rabid fangirls…
When I got there, all the others were already present. And by that, I meant that Ren was sitting in a corner, already convinced she had chosen him. Masato was behind the piano, not showing any emotion. Otoya seemed kind of worried, Natsuki was just smiling as per usual, Syo wouldn't stop scowling and Tokiya just kept his blank expression.
"Yo!" I greeted, waltzing in.
"Wait!" instantly reacted Syo. "You're the eight person?!"
"Why wouldn't I be?" I raised an eyebrow, resting my back against a wall. "I'm her friend too, you know, and I want to sing her songs as much as any of you"
"Tche" he looked away with a grunt.
I frown at that. While I considered all of us friends, I knew many weren't as close. I mean, Natsuki and Syo were good friends, knowing each other since childhood, and there was this weird rivalry between Ren and Masato. Otoya was friend with pretty much everyone, but Tokiya was kind of alone.
Now that I think about it, this situation could very well destroy the… unique, friendship bonds we forged through all these months.
I didn't want that. They were my friends, all of them, even if they didn't necessarily thought of me the same way.
Yet another of my flaws, I sighed internally in defeat. I get attach to people too quickly.
"Sorry! I just finished!" exclaimed Haruka, suddenly running inside with a bunch of papers in her arms.
"Just finished?" repeated Masato.
The poor girl seemed kind of exhausted, but at the same time so happy… Curious, I came closer as the rest gathered around her. Then, she showed us the papers.
"This!" she answered. "Please take a look at it!"
She handed one to each of us, and I recognized a music sheet. Reading over the notes, my mouth parted agape as realization hit me.
It's a song… for the seven of us!
"It's a song meant for seven people!" she announced. "I want to create a group song! A-all of you chose me to be your partner, and I can't even put in words how happy that makes me, but… then, I had too choose one of you… Even though you all thought sincerely of me… I just couldn't come up with an answer. I'm sorry"
She bowed deeply but, before I could straighten her back, she got up once more.
"But then, I had an idea. What if the seven of you… got together?"
"So you wrote this song because you couldn't choose one of us?" remarked Masato.
"Hey, don't be so harsh" I nudged him a little, frowning at his tone.
"That's not what it was, Hijirikawa-san!" however protested my friend. "Ittoki-kun… Jinguji-san… Syo-kun… Shinomiya-san… Ichinose-san… Ary… It's strange, but I feel like I may never meet anyone else as wonderful as all of you. Please… this dream mustn't end. So, if you sing together, I'm sure it'll warm your hearts and lift your spirits. Then, a miraculous harmony will be born!"
Oh, Haruka… only you could say such cheesy things and actually sound honest.
"I…" Otoya spoke up. "I'll do it. After all, I want to sing Nanami's song!"
"Ittoki-kun…"
"I… when I saw your letter, I felt like the king of the world" admitted Syo. "Because I thought you chose me. But… it wasn't just me… but it's okay. If I can sing your song, I'll go along with it!"
They both smiled at each other.
"To be honest, I was surprised" Natsuki pursued, eying the music sheets. "I never imagined a group number…"
"Out with this!" Syo exclaimed, impatient. "You gonna do this or not?"
"… Please, let me think about it"
"I agree" Masato went to sit on one of the chairs. "I can't give an answer right away"
"What are you talking about!?" replied Otoya. "Nanami wrote a song for us to sing together!"
"I decline"
Everyone turned to Tokiya, kind of startled.
"I've never heard of a graduation audition like this" he announced.
"Demo-"
"Tell me, how is it that you could come up with a plan like this?" he insisted. "Everyone here wanted to be the lone person chosen, and that's because each of us thinks we can sing your songs best"
"But I'm sure that if you sing it together, it'll-"
"Should I lie to my own feelings?"
I shot him a look as he asked, but he ignored me.
"I can't lie to myself"
"Haruka" I called, gaining her attention.
This isn't good, though. If it goes where I think this is going…
"Guys, if we do graduate as a group" I pursued, my frown deepening. "Does that mean we will become a group afterward, engaged at the Shining Entertainment?"
They thought for a moment, and Masato slowly nodded.
"Technically speaking, yes"
Well fuck.
I bowed my head at Haruka, honestly sorry.
"Then I can't go with this plan" I said, apologetic. "I'm sorry. The situation with my parents isn't that bright still. If we came out as a group…"
I trailed off. They knew nothing of the contract, and I had no intention of telling them right now.
"I agree with Ichi" then nodded Ren, gaining their attention before someone could answer me. "I hate turning down a request from you, my lady, but when it comes to choosing, I want to be chosen alone"
Before I could scoff at that, the door slammed open. Startled, I jumped behind Otoya and Natsuki.
"Holy crap, stop popping out at random like that!" I yelled to the Headmaster.
He simply started cackling madly as Ringo-sensei appeared behind him.
"I'm sorry" he said with a smile. "I was so worried about Haru-chan that I reported it to the Headmaster!"
"Sensei…"
"I heard everything" he announced with a few dance steps. "You want to audition as a group. It's a very interesting idea! But… I can't allow it!"
"Why not!?" Otoya tried to protest, but was quickly shut down.
"Do you know the meaning of 'pair'? It's one and one!"
"But-"
"Choosing seven people is too greedy, Miss Nanami!"
"No, it's not about that!" she assured, getting more desperate by the second. "Please, just listen to me!"
"Please, follow the rules" he retorted with a 'tsk'. "You can only choose one person from among many. It may seem cruel, but it's a given… that's how you survive in the industry, nay in life! Therefore, right now, break up this group and choose a partner properly, please! If you don't, you'll all fail!"
He kept on laughing, and I looked down.
Haruka… I'm really sorry.
We had dispersed after that, each going their own way to sort things out. I personally came back to my room, too stressed to deal with the other students and not really wanting to cross path with any of the others right now.
Currently lying on my bed, I kept trying to find a solution, but nothing was coming to my mind, unfortunately. Kuro was next to me, apparently waiting for me to make a move, but I just couldn't decide.
I could tell Haruka was disappointed with my answer. She was probably counting on my support and, would it not have been for my current situation, I would have gone along with it right away. However, there was much more at stake than myself in this.
If we do come out as a group, then it's not only my career that my parents might destroy, but theirs as well. Accepting would have been selfish of me.
But then, another part of me tried to show some reason.
My parents wouldn't know until we graduated. If I showed them what we can do as a group, then maybe they would let me stay…
I scoffed at the ridiculous thought, rolling on my side. As if they'd let that happen.
Am I ready to risk my friend's dreams and ambitions? Damn, I'm scared again… but it's not for me, this time around. If my parents hurt them… I'll never forgive myself. But then what? Should I just forget already? Go back?
My eyes landed on the wall, and I stared for a moment. Those were the Piyo-chan figures and the cat drawn by Natsuki. Next to it was Syo's painting, the one with the sword and the cliff.
Don't run. Fight!
Moving my gaze closer to the window, I saw Masato's calligraphy and Ren's rose, along with his own message.
Passion
Take your chance, Kitten.
Then, my eyes swept across the music on the wall and the flowers all around that had been made by Haruka, Tomo-chan and Otoya.
Hold on…
Growing more and more restless, I turned on my back and stared up ahead, only to find Satsuki's own song looming over me.
Black? White? Why? Why?
My heart shouts and sings,
"Be a color that suits you!"
"Damn it!"
I jumped on my feet, putting on my jacket as I ran out of my room, intent to find Haruka and all the others.
It can't end right here. I won't allow it. As for the rest… I'll tell them everything, and leave the choice to them. In that situation, they're the ones who should decide whether or not they're ready to risk it. But of course, we have to convince the stupid Headmaster fist.
"I'M HERE!"
Everyone jumped at my voice as I crashed into the practice room. I had been lucky enough to find them rather quickly and, from the looks of it, Otoya, Syo, Natsuki and Masato had already agreed to try.
"A-Ary!?"
"Haruka, I'm sorry for sooner" I wheezed out, panting from the mad dash. "I want to do this, I really do. However, I didn't tell you guys everything about my family. I didn't want to burden you with that knowledge but, if we come out as a group, it might end up on your shoulders nowadays"
I straightened and gazed at each of them, smirking.
"However, that can wait. Right now, what's important is to pass this graduation exam, together. If we do manage to convince the Headmaster, then I'll tell you everything and you'll then decided whether or not you want of me, alright?"
"Of course we'd want you, Ary!" instantly assured Otoya.
"I appreciate the thought, but at least wait until I tell you" I shook my head. "But let's forget about that now. We still have to convince Saotome, don't we?"
"Right!"
We all smiled, until Syo looked closer at the music sheet Haruka was holding.
"Eh? These lyrics are incomplete!" he exclaimed.
"I did my best…" Otoya's head dropped.
"Let's all continue working on them, then" smiled Natsuki. "Together!"
"Hai!"
At the end of the day, we were finished. However, when we inquired the Headmaster's location to Ringo-sensei, he had informed us that Saotome was leaving by the heliport for a festival.
We've got to move, and fast.
"You find him, I'll go fetch Ren and Tokiya" I ordered, turning around.
"Ary" Haruka looked down. "They don't want-"
"Trust me, they'll change their mind" I winked at her. "Let's move it!"
Before they could answer, I was already outside, running to find the other two. I knew where I would find Ren already, and headed for the roof. However, when I got there, he wasn't present. Frowning, I climbed on one of the slots to take a better look around, and nearly jumped in victory when I spotted him near the lake, farther away, and Tokiya with him.
Nearly jumped. I'm not suicidal either.
Knowing climbing down would take too much time, I just used the stairs for once before heading as fast as I could to their location.
"REEEEN!" I yelled, making his head turn my way. "TOKIYAAAA!"
But as I reached them, my foot caught in a stupid root and I crashed head first on the ground. Rolling down the little hill, I finally stopped my spinning fall on my back, staring up at the amused and wondering faces of the two, just above me
"Yo" I grinned, making a peace sign.
"Are you alright, Arya-san?" Tokiya helped me up.
"Just a few scratches, nothing big" I assured, dusting my clothes. "But it's not important right now. You've got to come! With Haruka and the others, we wrote the lyrics to her song and we're going to convince the Headmaster but he's about to leave so we've got to move, and fast! Let's go!"
"We said we weren't interested" remarked Ren, twirling a flower in his fingers.
I stared at him, unimpressed.
"Ren, you and I know very well that she's got you whipped. No way you're going to abandon now, of all time. Or did I have too high expectations? And same goes to you, Tokiya. You both don't want to let go, it's kind of obvious you talked big just because your little ego was upset she didn't chose only you, but now that you've calmed down, I'm sure your mind is clearer, isn't it?"
"You refused too, if I recall correctly" Tokiya pointed out with a slight scowl.
"I came back" I waved my hand as if swatting a fly. "And my situation is completely different, something I'll explain after all this madness is dealt with. So, are we going or not? Time's ticking!"
They exchanged a look, before a defeated smile graced Ren's lips.
"Lead the way, Kitten"
"About damn time!"
When we got to the heliport, it was dark and the others were already there, having stopped the Headmaster from going on his helicopter just in time. However, he didn't want to listen.
"… you already know that if you break the rules, you'll all fail!" we heard him say.
"Fail us or not, but do it after you hear the song!" replied Ren, snapping the attention to us.
"Ichinose-san, Jinguji-san… Ary, you did it!" exclaimed Haruka, running to us.
"Don't get the wrong idea" warned the flirt. "Even now, I want you to choose me, my lady-"
I elbowed him in the ribs, shooting a warning glare, and he just smiled down at me.
"I didn't do anything, by the way" I told my friend. "They already knew what they were going to do. I just kept pushing a little, it's all"
"Headmaster!" called Tokiya. "You know of her talent, don't you?"
"If you don't hear it now, you'll regret it for the rest of your life!" I added, a little arrogantly to be honest. "It's your only chance!"
He stared for a moment, before nodding his consent. Relieved, we joined with the others to prepare everything as fast as we could.
Haruka started playing on the little piano that had been brought up.
Come on, let's sing!
Let's sing our dreams! (Let's shout!)
Let's sing to the sky! (Let's go!)
Let's tell a tale that burst forth!
A map of the future! (Yes, yes!)
Let's draw it together!
This revolution! Let's go!
Change the star of love!
Check it out!
The last minute beating of a heart
Love's impulse becoming assertive
Which do you choose, Princess?
It makes my head reel round! 1000% love!
Why? Because I'm overflowing with you!
My heart is agitated, a marvelous rave!
Just you and me, let's make up a constellation nobody's ever seen!
Better than a kiss, let's create a great world out of song!
Come on, let's dance!
Let's dance to our dreams! (Let's shout!)
Let's dance in the sky! (Let's go!)
Too much is just enough!
You ready? (Yes, yes!)
Your one time special life!
This isn't in textbooks!
Change the star of love! Check it out!
Tonight, just you and me, it's 1000% love!
As we ended the song, though incomplete, I felt rather proud as the Headmaster actually kneeled with a awe-stricken expression.
"H-Headmaster!"
He raised an hand, shutting us up effectively. I bit my lower lip, gripping Haruka's hand, kind of nervous by now. I hadn't really thought about it, but that was the moment of truth. Was he going to let us pass as a group?
He'd be crazy not to, though. That was amazing! I've never heard singing like that, and I personally never sang like that either!
"What's the title of this song?" he suddenly asked.
I exchanged a glance with the others.
We didn't choose one, but why the hell is he asking?
He then got back to his feet and headed back to his helicopter as we gaped at him.
Could it be… that we failed?
"Please, wait!" pleaded Haruka.
"I love the song so much, I want to hear it again and again!" he yelled back over the helicopter's noise. "I love it not 100%, but 1000%. The title of this song is 'Maji Love 1000%'! If you think of any other title, too bad, because that's what it is!"
And just like that, the door closer behind him and he left.
I blinked at his sudden departure, unsure about what that meant.
"So… did he accept?" I asked, confused.
"Maji Love 1000%..." muttered Haruka.
"Yes!" cheered Otoya, answering my question. "Haruka, Ary, we did it!"
"With this, we can perform the graduation exam!" added Syo.
"All right! Let's aim for 1000%!" exclaimed Natsuki.
"Hai!"
"Let's do it!"
"Guys, guys, hold on a second!" I put a break, gaining the rest's attention.
"You have to tell us something" recalled Masato.
"Let's go to my room, we'll be better to talk there" I proposed.
We went back to my room, still cheered by our victory. However, I was feeling kind of nervous. Would they accept me nowadays, when they'd knew?
I didn't have the time to ponder over it very long, and everyone settled on the chairs, the couch I had bought a week sooner or my bed. I faced them, twisting my hands while biting my lower lip.
"Alright…" I muttered. "So, you all more or less know about my family's situation, don't you? Well… first of all, my name is Ristukera Arya. Nice to meet you"
There was a moment of silence, before Masato and Ren's eyes widened.
"R-Ristukera!?" repeated Syo, apparently recognizing the name too.
"A-ano… who are they?" asked timidly Haruka.
"It's the greatest talent agency in Europe" answered Tokiya. "They've been trying to go international for a while, now, but with the Shining and Raging agencies, Asia's stage has been unattainable for them"
"Exactly" I confirmed. "But the thing is… they made me sign a contract. Before coming here"
"A contract?" repeated Otoya, frowning. "What kind of contract?"
"The kind that ties me to their agency and takes away any freedom" I drawled. "With it, they could destroy my Idol career before it even starts"
Natsuki nodded in serious understanding.
"That's why you're worried about us coming out as a group, isn't it?" he asked.
"Right" I agreed. "I don't care what they do to me. I know I'll find something. However, if we graduate as a group, then they very well might be able to destroy the lot of us, without me being able to protect any of you. I don't- I didn't think it fair to make the decision by myself. In the end, you're the ones at risks. So, I'm leaving the choice to all of you. Are you ready to gamble on that risk?"
Understanding the seriousness of the situation, they all thought about it, while Haruka merely sent me a sad look. Technically speaking, she didn't have to take part in that decision, but I knew she was worried anyway.
"I say we do it"
At Syo's statement, I blinked, surprised.
"There's a chance that they change their minds, right?" he pointed out.
"Well yeah, but-"
"Then there's no problem" he shrugged.
"Anyhow, I'm sure we'll find a solution before passing" remarked Natsuki. "We've still got a few weeks before the graduation exam"
"They're right!" exclaimed Otoya, pumping his fist in the air. "Plus, you're our friend, Ary, and you're part of the group now. We can't do this without you!"
"Well, it is a song for seven" hummed Ren with a slight smile.
Understanding their positive answer, I then turned to Masato and Tokiya. I wanted the unanimity. If I didn't, then I'd leave by myself and find someone else to partn-
"I agree with Jinguji-san" nodded Tokiya.
"Same" added Masato.
I felt relief wash over me and I laughed a little, letting myself fall on the bed next to Haruka.
"I'm glad, then" I sighed happily.
"So, we're really doing this, uh?" smiled Otoya.
"You bet" I grinned, bumping fists with Syo.
We can do this. Their hands broke through my golden cage and are trying to pull me out. I just need to push through too. There's nothing stopping us, now.
Yeah! So, I'm leaving the angst to the next chapter, lol.
Reviews, pretty please with a cherry on top?