Chapter 10: The Disturbing Melody

To Tokiya, the recording test was hardly the most challenging of activities. It was starting fresh that was difficult for him. He was here to write songs that would reignite his love of music, songs that represented him. But, who was he again? As much as he knew was that he was a perfectionist who liked intricate things. His composing partner finished their song in good time, giving him plenty of opportunity to work on the lyrics. And that's what he did, when he wasn't working or in class. In the end, he wrote lyrics that fit the song. Lyrics that were up to his standards and that would also be appealing to general listeners. It was done, and he didn't give it much more thought. He had to focus on his other work, and with each performance as HAYATO he felt himself slipping back into character, only to be depressed afterwards. Once, he had been excited by a crowd, excited about spreading his song. How had it gone wrong? The days passed at Saotome Academy and Tokiya felt no closer to his dreams. He was here to become a new person, but nothing had changed. So, that was how the recording contest came quickly.

As he waited for his turn, Tokiya watched other students on the TV screens throughout the school. Some were good, others were terrible. None were as well written as he believed his to be. Then, a familiar face showed up on the monitor. It was her, the girl that Tokiya had been stumped by not once but twice. He remembered her name - Ittoki Otomi. She was unbelievably cheerful, and unbelievably annoying. She smiled brightly even as getting ready to sing, even though she seemed slightly nervous. He fully planned on turning away from the performance, he had already interacted with her more than he wanted to. But then, the song stopped him. It wasn't especially excellent, it had plenty of problems with both the composition and lyrics. But...something about the performance made it impossible to look away. It was...warm, inviting, joyful. It was the kind of performance, he realized as if her had been struck in the chest, he hoped he would be able to do. She looked so happy, all traces of nervousness gone. Why? Why had he lost what she had? That hopeful kid who wanted nothing more to spread her song was what he had once been. It was a painful reminder of why he was at Saotome Academy. He needed space, fresh air. He went outside quickly, but without drawing attention to himself. It didn't help, the image of the redhead and the sound her song were playing on loop in his head.

By the lake, he couldn't help but feel melancholy, more than that, he just wanted her out of his head. She had been annoying before, with her weird introduction and yelling in the practice rooms. She had asked him how to write a song and then started drifting off as he told her. That was his mistake, even trying to engage. But now...he felt as if he couldn't stand to see her, a bright reminder of how shadowy he felt.

It took time, and looking at his work schedule, to refocus and get the song out of his mind. And he recorded his song with confidence, feeling as though it was close to perfect. Satisfied, he didn't think about it again until the results were posted a week later.

That couldn't be his score. It was terrible, he couldn't accept it. It was impossible, his song had no obvious flaws, nothing that would warrant a score like that. He searched for his teacher, trying not to let panic take over.

"Hyuga-sensei." He called out, spotting his large teacher's back. The actor responded without turning around at first.

"Are you dissatisfied with your score?" Hyuga Ryuya asked.

"I cannot accept such a low score." Tokiya answered coolly, "I know I sang perfectly. I did everything according to the music."

"Yes, you're right. But you were missing the most important thing." The teacher turned and walked back to Tokiya, reaching his hand out and poking his chest, "Heart. When it comes to heart, the new song of that HAYATO you despise is better. At this rate, you'll have to drop out of S Class." He smiled mockingly, and Tokiya felt his blood boil. In addition to anger, he was shocked. Dropping out of S class? That wasn't something that happened. "Sorry, I can't lie." The dark blonde said, turning and leaving with confidence that he always carried. Tokiya wanted to get out of there, he was externally calm but internally tense. That was when he saw the girl with pink hair he'd met the other night - the one who was a fan of HAYATO. When she saw him, she stopped and bowed.

"Um, I'm sorry for offending you the other day." She said meekly. Tokiya was more frustrated with his situation then with her, but he ended up speaking with annoyance.

"What good will apologizing do now?"

"What?" She asked.

"Are you trying to win my favor, so you can meet my brother?" He asked, it had happened more than he thought it would since his time here, people asking about meeting his brother. He was tired of it, and most weren't even fans. It only made sense for this girl to be thinking that too.

"No, I would never..." She began.

"Don't bother." He said, dying to get away from everyone at this school. He walked away without looking back or giving any more thought to the pinkette.

He wouldn't bother interacting with her, or anyone at this school. He would focus on achieving whatever it was that would make Hyuga recognize his talent and keep him in S Class. He would perform with heart, he just had to find out how.