Hi, again. Thank you for still coming :) Chichay, glad to know you like those dramas :D and thank you *grin*, you're very welcome ;) Deguchi, near climax hehe ;D hope you'll like this one :) Chiqinna, don't worry Kuu will ;) About Mana, no she doesn't, neither do other presidents bcause Academy matters usually only Ray as student representative knows, the issue is basically secret to other students until the Academy decides so, why Mana knows about it you'll know later ;) Rufy SaeYuki, sorry for making you sad :( you'll know it here but briefly Ray only knows about the plan but she doesn't know about their id until Nami revealed it to her, at first she didn't like the 'boys' remember? :) And she has met Nami before they enter Academy and Nami intrigued her. I hope these answer your question :) For other questions you'll find it, you're welcome ;) AceLey, sorry for making you cry :'( the truth always hurts, but every thing has reason :) hope this one can enlighten you ;) maskmichi, sorry :( you're welcome, hope you'll like this :) oh, thanks for favoring btw :) AaronMaks, thanks hope you'll like this one ;) crosteks, happy Halloween too, of course I'll be happy to know what readers think about the story but don't worry knowing you're still there reading this makes me happy too :) GB and have great day too ;)
Okay, your update. I don't own Mendol, all mistakes are mine.
Chapter 21
Nami lifted fist to wipe tear off face. But unlucky for her the tear wouldn't stop. It kept falling down from her eyes. 'Why…why did she do this to me? Was everything just a lie?' She wanted to scream out the questions.
Her eyes blurred with tear, and lungs burned from running. She stumbled over rock and fell onto ground. A pain from her leg wasn't worth the pain from a betrayal. She clenched her fists, gripping grasses, letting out sobs.
Marilyn sensei was looking for her room key inside bag when she heard sobs. She saw a student sitting on ground at formal garden. She quickly ran toward the student. "Are you alright?" She was surprised to see Kai. "Kai, what happened? Are you alright?" When Kai cried louder she took his arm, pulling him up. "Come."
Nami put her uniform jacket suit on sofa beside her before grabbing tissue to wipe nose. She was in living room of Marilyn sensei's house. The Academy also provided residence for teachers and employees. She looked over at the room. It had simple decoration with set of sofas and upright piano. She smiled a little seeing the instrument.
"You find something funny?" Marilyn sensei approached sofa. She put a cup of tea down on coffee table.
"Thank you," Nami said. After sipping the beverage, she pointed toward the piano. "Is that yours?"
"Yes, from my father. It's old but really has beautiful sound. You can try sometimes," Marilyn sensei said while putting first aid box on coffee table. "Fighting will get you expelled from Academy."
"I'm sorry." Nami put the cup on table and let Marilyn sensei treat her wound. "I promise it won't happen again."
Marilyn sensei let out a chuckle while putting bandage over wound at the corner of Kai's lips. "It will heal swelling, and yes I hope it won't." She smiled and closed the box.
"Thank you," Nami said, looking down at hands on lap.
"What's wrong?" Marilyn sensei asked. "I won't mind listening a word or two, well if you don't either of course."
Nami pursed lips. "I just find out that my friend and…the person I trust lied to me."
Marilyn sensei rubbed Kai's back gently. "It must upset you. That's why you fight, with Riku and Kuu?"
Nami nodded head. She bit lips, wondering whether she should ask Marilyn sensei. "Kuu said that…Persona is formed to help Academy getting sponsor."
Marilyn sensei pursed her lips, sighing. "So it's true," she said, rather to herself.
Nami turned to the teacher, confused.
"You know we have financial problem lately, and Principal and Committee are trying to find solution, which is getting more sponsor. When Principal told me about Persona I have actually thought it's one of their plans." She then turned to Kai. "I can understand if you feel being used by Academy."
"It's just…complicated," Nami said, breathing out a sigh. If only she could tell Marilyn sensei that they were girls, disguise as boys to get ticket to Music Ten audition. Now think about it they were using the Academy as well. 'Wait, does it mean we're doing the same thing? I'm getting confused now'
"Is the important person, you trust, is Ray?" Marilyn sensei guessed.
The question broke Nami's realization. "Uh, yes."
"That's why you're so upset." Marilyn sensei offered a smile when Kai nodded shyly. "I don't mean taking sides, but, perhaps you can't blame her." When Kai looked at her, she continued. "If there's something she treasures in this world, I would say this Academy."
"She does?" Nami asked.
Marilyn sensei nodded. "I still remember the day when Madame Principal brought her to this Academy, four years ago. She started from second year, actually. Principal happened to find her at street dance."
Nami's eyes widened slightly. "Street dance?"
"Yes, street dance. She had no family and lived in system since she was a child. Principal decided to take her and since then this Academy was like her home."
Nami moved gaze back to hands on lap. She didn't know that; Ray never mentioned it.
"She's a complicated girl back then, well even now, you may have noticed that," Marilyn sensei said and smiled at her student. Kai smiled back shyly. "She didn't speak to anyone, even me her teacher. She wouldn't let anyone get close to her, and it made other students choose to stay away from her. Except Shizuru."
"They are best friends," Nami said.
"Yes, they are. Thanks to Shizuru's persistence, I must say. It slowly changed Ray, and little by little she began to open up to other people, though still limited." Marilyn sensei chuckled. "Also her love to dance and music changed her."
Nami smiled in agreement. She had seen Ray's love for dance and music.
"She has no interest in anyone indeed, but she values other people talent, I could see it." Marilyn said, turning to Kai. "That perhaps makes her to agree with Committee plans. She doesn't want all talented students here to lose their chance to learn, including you."
The room was dark and quiet. The only sound was from clock ticking the minutes away. Nami took a glance at the sleeping body on the other bed. Asahi had fallen asleep already. Tonight she stayed in Asahi's room since she was still angry at Hinata. After letting out small sigh, she looked back at ceiling. Her talk with Marilyn sensei decreased her anger. Now as it decreased she could think more clearly. Anyone in her shoes would react the way she did. They used her talent to make money. 'But, isn't that how entertainment business works? Sell one's talent and get money; that is entertainment business' She nodded head slightly. 'Still selling one's talent without telling them isn't good' She once again nodded.
"This is frustrating," she groaned but then took a glance at the Asahi. Luckily she didn't wake the girl. She pulled blanket up, rolling to lie on side. Her mind then went to her ex-girlfriend. She was still mad at Ray- a little. But she also felt guilty. She shouldn't raise a hand to Ray. She drew right hand out blanket and looked at it in regret. She clenched fist, sighing.
She then remembered what Marilyn sensei told her about Ray's story. Lately, after their break up, she realized that there were still many things she didn't know about the girl. But again she never thought would fall for Ray. The girl kept coming to her- annoyed her at first -and slowly the feeling bloomed inside her. Perhaps that was how love worked; it just came in unexpected way and time. She pulled corner of lips up at the thought.
'Ray'
Now after calming down she could understand why Ray chose the way. As Ray said she had no choice; she was only a mediator not the one who made decision. The thought increased the guilty inside her. She needed to talk with Ray. After making up her mind she tried to sleep.
It felt like only few hours she slept when knock on door awoke her. It was still six in the morning. She drew blanket over head, snuggling down in bed. But the annoying knock didn't stop.
"Jiroo…shu'emup…"
"I'm not Jiro san," Nami mumbled back. When the fourth knock came she pushed blanket off. Reluctantly she got out, approaching door. She unlocked the door, pulling it open.
"Good morning!"
Nami's half-open eyes widened as she saw the person. It was Hinata, smiling ear to ear.
"Good morning Kai, how is…" Before Hinata could finish her question the door was slammed close in her face. She took phone out.
'First plan, failed *crying face*'
She sent to Nanako.
"Who's it?" Asahi asked, still inside bed.
"Crazy boy," Nami replied, climbing up to her bed.
Half an hour later she pushed body up, leaving bed. She went straight to bathroom and finally it hit her. She didn't have change and uniform. She cursed inwardly, leaving bathroom. "Asahi, time to wake up, or you'll get late."
She grabbed doorknob to open the door. The other person standing outside room startled her. "What are you doing here? I'm still…"
"I bring your uniforms, and stuff," Hinata answered, showing the folded uniforms and toothbrush. "I thought you'll need it."
Nami eyed the grinning boy-clad girl before her for a moment before taking her stuff. "I'm still angry at you."
"I know," Hinata said to a closed-door. She then took her phone.
'Second plan, worked *grinning face*'
Nami and Asahi entered dining room. Many students were inside already. Just when they were about to walk toward School of Music table, Hinata and Tatsuya approached them.
"This way aniki," Tatsuya said, stretching hand out to lead his anikis.
"Make a way please!" Hinata shouted to other students.
"Are you idiot? This is unnecessary," Nami said to Hinata.
"And embarrassing," Asahi added, lowering head to avoid gazes from other students.
"Don't say that aniki," Hinata said. "For today I will be your…servant, yes servant. Have a sit."
Asahi pressed lips together to hold back a laugh. She was mad at Hinata for lying to them, but now the girl and her antic drove her anger away. "Thanks Tachin," she said when Tatsuya pulled a chair for her. "Now you better get back to your table."
Tatsuya gave a bow before leaving.
"You're so dead after this," Nami said to Hinata while avoiding glances from other students.
"I will give my life for Master only," Hinata replied.
Nami lifted an eyebrow as Hinata did a bow. She heard giggles from Asahi and Nanako. After rolling eyes she looked down at her meal. At least she didn't need to line up for her breakfast. But her grin vanished when Marie took a chair beside her.
"Morning darling," Marie greeted Kai. "What happened to your face?"
'Why do you care?' But Nami didn't say it out. "Just a fight," she answered. Marie took her chin, leaning closer. "I'm fine," she added in annoyance.
"But it must be hurt, be careful next time, okay? Don't make me worried." Marie caressed his jaw.
'I want to puke' Nami rolled eyes mentally. She looked aside when Shizuru started breakfast time. She noticed student representative chair was empty. 'Where's Ray?'
"I wonder why student representative isn't here. Do you know something?" Marie asked.
"How would I know? It's not my concern," Nami replied.
Marie flashed a smile, bringing bread to mouth.
Nami knew the girl just wanted to make her say it. She gripped butter knife, turning to Hinata who sat in front of her. 'Do something. You're my servant, right?' She gave subtle nod toward Marie.
Hinata got the hint. She reached jacket suit pocket, taking out pills. Actually it was candies. "Your medicine, Kai sama."
"Medicine?" Marie looked down at pills on Kai's plate. "You have ill?"
"My Master has influenza and doctor says he needs to drink this medicine," Hinata answered Marie, grinning inwardly at the girl's widened-eyes.
"You have influenza?" Marie asked Kai.
Although at moment Nami wanted to glare at Hinata but she decided to play along. "Yes," she replied. She rubbed nose, letting out fake sneeze.
"Oh my careless, I forgot to bring mask," Hinata said, hands up to head, making panicked face. "Now the virus must be flying around here."
Marie quickly rose from chair, leaving table.
They waited until Marie left the room and burst into laugh.
After breakfast they headed to School of Music building.
"That's so funny," Asahi said while holding belly, laughing.
"Did you see her face?" Nami burst into laugh.
Asahi wiped tear from eyes. "You're cool Kuu. I can't stop laughing."
Hinata wriggled her brows, beaming. "I am."
"Well, I must say that's brilliant," Nami agreed.
Hinata rubbed the back of head. "I'm really sorry for lying. I don't say you forgive me now, but I just want you guys to know that I still want to be your friend," she said.
Nami didn't reply and watched as Hinata and Nanako walked away. Asahi nudged her arm. "I know. Kuu wait," she called.
"Yes?"
"You're my servant for today, right?" Nami said, handing bag to Hinata.
"Aye captain." Hinata grinned, following her 'Master'.
"Everything settled then," Asahi said to Nanako. They laughed at the two.
After school Nami, Asahi and Hinata followed Marilyn sensei to main building.
"I wonder why she wants to meet us," Asahi whispered.
Nami shrugged shoulders but honestly she had a feeling what it was about. Marilyn sensei knocked Principal office door before opening it for them.
"Madame Principal, they are here," Marilyn sensei said.
Nami was surprised to see Ray inside room. Ray seemed to be surprised as well. She then noticed some men in suits beside Madame Principal.
"You are Persona, right? Finally I can meet you."
Nami got confused when one of the men approaching them. Marilyn sensei gave small nod and they bowed. "Yes, sir."
"This is Mr. Sarukawa, CEO of Academy, and president of Sarukawa's Production," Principal explained.
"I've heard about you three from Madame Principal and seen your performance at festival. I really look forward to see your debut," Mr. Sarukawa said. He patted the shortest boy's shoulder and leaned to whisper. "And perhaps you can convince Ray to join too."
Nami knitted brows. 'What does that mean?'
"Well, we must leave. Thank you for the time Madame Principal."
Nami stepped aside as Academy CEO and the other men approached door, Ray followed behind them. The girl didn't turn to look at her. 'You told her to do so, remember?' she told herself.
"Have a sit," Principal said.
They sat down on sofa opposite from Principal. Marilyn sensei excused herself, leaving them alone.
"You must be wondering why I summon you here," Principal said. "It was me, who planned all of this, but please listen until I finish."
They nodded.
"When I saw your audition, the three of you, I've known it immediately. These three girls are what I need, Academy needs. But don't take it wrong, this is not just about making money," Principal said. She rose from chair, approaching window. "You three surely have amazing talent, individually. But then I thought what if they are being in a group." She turned to the three. "Maybe you didn't realize it, when you become a group you complete each other. Wakamatsu Asahi," she said, pointing a finger toward the tallest girl. "Your singing is really great, but you have no confident to sing alone." She then turned to the next girl. "Otawa Hinata, although your dancing is magnificent and eccentric, in good way, but it's unstable. You need other people to lead you." And then to the last girl. "Between the three of you, I can see Riku takes the leadership. But you, Kawachi Nami, you are the brain. You have talent of composing music, although I bet you never realized it until you enter this Academy, and get friends."
They looked down, digesting Madame Principal's words.
Principal sat back on sofa. "But unfortunately, I can't just drag you in to Academy. It left me with one choice." After a breath she added. "I will let you to decide. If you want to quit from Academy, there is nothing I can do."
Nami took a deep breath. All her problems would be solved if she quit. But it also meant she wouldn't be able to learn music, sing and dance with Asahi and Hinata. And she wouldn't be able to meet Ray. 'What should I choose?'
"I will give you time to think," Principal said.
"I am staying," Nami said. Asahi and Hinata turned to her and she continued. "Whatever the reason is, still I can't deny that I enjoy my school life here. I can learn music, get many friends. Finally I could find the place where I belong to."
Asahi smiled, nodding. "Then me too," she said and turned to Principal. "I'm staying."
"Looks like I have no choice," Hinata said and chuckled when her friends looked at her with eyebrow up. "If they stay, then me too. Best friends stick together."
"That's a relief," Principal said. "About Indie music you can reject the offer…"
"No," Nami stopped the Principal. "We will do it. After all we still need this Academy."
Asahi and Hinata nodded in agreement.
Principal smiled wider. "I really appreciate it."
"But," Asahi said. After a breath she continued. "We have condition."
"Condition," Principal said, brows up slightly. "What is it?"
Ray turned her laptop off, taking her china. She poured tea into the cup before walking to window. She had little time until dinner. She watched from office window as students of three schools headed for dorms. She wondered if Nami was among the students. She wanted to meet Nami to apologize, but her duty kept her busy. To tell the truth, she didn't have courage to meet the girl. She also worried since Nami had bruise on face when she came the other day. She wondered what had happened to her. 'What should I do? I miss Nami' Suddenly a pair of arms encircled her waist, startling her.
"Is he out there? You can see him?"
The familiar voice calmed Ray. "I thought you have practice today," she said before taking a sip of her beverage. She felt chin on shoulder and soon after soft sigh followed. "What is it?"
"What is it what?" Shizuru asked.
"Tell me what happened."
Shizuru pursed her lips. "He rejected me."
Ray stifled a chuckle.
"You can laugh, I know you will."
"No, I'm sorry."
"He said he just wanted to be friends," Shizuru said, leaning head against her best friend's. "Only friend."
Ray pulled corners of lips up slightly at Shizuru's gloomy face. "So, the flirty and player Manabe Shizuru finally falls for someone."
"I didn't say that I'm falling for him," Shizuru replied.
"Then what are you doing here, weeping?" Ray chuckled when the other girl pushed lips out.
Shizuru put chin back on Ray's shoulder. "And what about you? I met Riku and looks like they had fight."
"They fight?" Ray asked and felt Shizuru's nod. "That's why he has bruise."
"You meet him?"
Ray nodded. "He's mad at me, really mad," she said. Shizuru turned to look at her and she could feel her confused gaze. "It's something relates to Academy."
"I know you're keeping something from us. Well, it's your duty." Shizuru turned gaze back to window, tightening her hug. "Agghh,"
At the heavy sigh Ray giggled. "What?"
Shizuru pressed lips together. "If I were a boy I'd have you as girlfriend."
Ray let out small laugh.
"Seriously, we'll make a perfect couple."
"Thank god you're not," Ray said while looking at her only friend. "You aren't my type anyway."
"That's rude." Shizuru made pouting face but then laughed. "But I'm glad too. Besides, I don't think can compete him. Hey, do you think he could see us here?"
"Why?" Ray asked. When the girl had mischievous smirk on face she shook head. "No, don't ever think about it."
"Why not? It works before."
"Shizuru," Ray warned her crazy best friend, trying to release herself. Shizuru leaned to kiss her cheek. But before she could pull away from the hug a thud sound got her attention.
They turned around to find Akira and Jiro at doorway, mouths agape. Books scattered on floor before them.
"W-what are you two doing?" Akira looked at Ray, turned to Shizuru, and back to his partner. "She's trying to kiss you."
"Ara, they caught us Ray."
Ray rolled eyes, pushing Shizuru's arms. She cocked head at the grinning girl, walking back to desk to continue her work.
Shizuru approached the still stunned boys. She stood beside Akira, taking his shoulder. "Just saying, she's my ex."
"What!?" Akira dropped his jaw, shocked.
Shizuru gave light pat to the boy. "Let's go." She grabbed Jiro to leave. When she felt glance from Jiro, she stopped. "What?"
"Is that for real? You two…she's your ex?" Jiro asked, shocked as well for he never noticed it.
Shizuru rolled eyes, facing the boy. "My ex-roommate, you know that. Seriously, you boys are really boring."
"Poor Akira, he really thought the other way," Jiro said, taking glance at office room.
"Not my problem." Shizuru giggled and continued to walk. "By the way, do you have partner yet?"
"For ball? No," Jiro said.
"Really? You're famous violinist. I bet girls won't say no if you ask them."
Jiro smiled sheepishly. "You think so?"
Shizuru suddenly halted. "Or, you come with me," she said, folding arms.
"Come with you?" Jiro asked; couldn't believe his ears. "You mean come together? As partner?"
Shizuru nodded.
"That's…wait, what about Riku? I thought you'll come with him."
"Well, I changed my mind. I want to go with you," Shizuru said and gave her flirty wink. "What do you say, will you come with me?"
Jiro nodded, grinning widely. "Sure."
Ray drew her cardigan sweater close to warm her body from the chilly air. She held a book in hand while the other hand was holding vacuum flask filled with her favorite beverage. The drink would keep her warm. After school she decided to have reading time at her usual place. Today Akira asked her help for ball preparation. Sadly, Akira would be her partner again for this year. Weeks ago she had expected it would be Kai.
She halted as she found someone sitting at her favorite place. "Do we have meeting here? I don't remember Shizuru mention it."
"There is something I want to talk with you," Mana said.
Ray approached the girl, sitting beside her. "If you want to ask about the issue, you have mistaken person. You should ask Principal not me."
Mana turned to the girl. "You know I can't do that."
"Then you're wasting your time because I have no answer for your curiosities," Ray said and was surprised when the girl took her arm.
"Yes, you do. I know you."
Ray lifted an eyebrow at the girl who was still holding her arm, earnestly looking at her.
In the meantime, Nami was walking across ground toward student representative garden. She shoved hands into her running pants pocket. 'What should I say? What if she's mad at me?' She bit lower lip. "Maybe this isn't good." She turned around to head back to dorm but after some steps she halted. "No, I need to talk with her. You can do it Nami, yossh!"
After gathering courage, she walked off. As she approached the garden she heard voices. She recognized Ray's voice. The other person is… 'Mana san?'
She quickly ran to hide behind hedge as the president girl left the garden. 'What was she doing there with Ray?' She then left her hiding place. She chewed her lower lip, wondering if she should go to other side. She decided it was better not showing herself. She sat down over grass, folding legs. Suddenly her mouth went dry from nervousness. 'Now or never Nami' She inhaled. "Ray, are you there?"
The boyish voice stopped Ray's reading. She closed her book. "Kai?"
"Hey," Nami said, licking her lips. "Uh, did I disturb you?"
"No, it's alright. What are you doing here?"
Nami took a long breath. Before she could say something Ray continued.
"I'm sorry, I really am," Ray said. She moved gaze to hands on lap. "You're right, I shouldn't do this. It makes me just like them." Her lips curled up slightly in a bitter smile. "Using people talent to make money."
"Honestly it pissed me, moreover it was you, of all people," Nami said and added quickly. "But I'm not angry anymore." She looked down, rubbing palms. "Marilyn sensei told me how important this Academy to you."
"She did?"
"Yeah," Nami replied. "I'm sorry for blowing a gasket, and saying such thing."
"I would do the same," Ray replied. She knew it very well for it was exactly what she did when she found out that the woman who had brought her into Academy, the one who gave her home, was using her. "So, it means you forgive me?"
"If you forgive me as well," Nami said. When a giggle replied her, she turned her head. "What's funny?"
"I'd never be able to hate you, you know."
The honest words threw Nami's guard off. She closed her slightly open mouth. "Oh, thanks, I mean, thank you for…for forgiving me,"
Ray stifled a chuckle. "Did I make you speechless?"
Nami once again looked at hedge, rolling eyes. "No," she lied and heard small laugh from the girl. She couldn't help a smile. "By the way, the ball is next Friday."
"It is."
"Are you coming?"
"Maybe."
"Maybe?" Nami knitted her brows. The girl hummed. "With…Akira san?"
The question made Ray smile. "How about you? You will come with your…girlfriend?"
At the mention of her fake-girlfriend, Nami pushed lips out. "I hope for my Romeo with silver mask actually, but unfortunately he won't come."
Ray laughed. "I know you're gay."
"Hey," Nami said. "I'm not gay."
"Oh, you are," Ray teased.
"No, I'm not."
"Yes."
"No." Nami turned her body to face hedge. "Well, maybe," she said and joined in Ray's laugh.
After that silence fell upon them.
"It's dinner. I should get going."
"Someone's afraid of his girlfriend."
"Stop it," Nami said and rose to feet. "You're not coming?"
"Will you feed me?"
"Ray," Nami said to the laughing girl on the other side. "See you tomorrow." She then turned around to leave.
"Kai,"
Nami stopped. "Yes?"
"Thanks."
Nami smiled, although the other girl couldn't see it. "Have good reading time Ray," she said. She shoved hands into pants pockets, leaving the garden with happy mood. She took a glance behind, smiling wider.
Ray couldn't wipe grin from face. She laid body down over grass, letting out small chuckle.
Final bell rang, announcing the end of school. Nami rose from chair together with her classmates, giving a bow toward teacher. After the teacher left she sat back. She was clearing her desk when basketball team boys walked in. "Guys, what's up?"
"Aniki," Tatsuya greeted before sitting over a desk next to Kai's. "Just want to know if you guys get partner yet. Well, aniki has already," he said to Kai and caught paper ball from him. "How about you guys?" he asked Kuu and Riku.
"Do we have to?" Asahi asked.
"That's the rule. You can't come alone," Tatsuya answered.
Asahi sighed. She wasn't sure if she could ask a girl to come with her. Actually there was a girl but unfortunately she was taken already. "Haven't got one yet."
Hinata nodded in agreement. She straightened up when she realized something. She swiftly turned to the girl sitting next to her. "Nana chan, will you come with me to ball? Pleeeease."
Nanako grimaced. "Actually..."
"What, you have already?" Hinata leaned closer. The girl nodded slightly. "What about me?"
"But I can ask him to look for another girl, and go with you," Nanako said. She couldn't resist Kuu's pouting face.
"Really?" Hinata cheered up. When Nanako nodded she pulled the girl into hug. "Thanks Nana chan!"
"Looks like I'm going alone," Asahi said with sigh. She looked aside when she noticed murmurs from the other side of the room. Some girls were chatting and glancing toward them. And then a girl left the group, walking toward her.
"Riku san,"
Asahi looked up at a girl with long wavy hair. "Yes?"
"Will you come to ball with me?"
Asahi glanced at the others. They gave thumbs up, encouraging her. "Uh, yes," she replied.
The girl smiled happily, turning on heel, walking back toward her friends.
"Someone got a partner finally," Hinata teased. She caught crunched paper from Asahi.
Finally the ball came. They were standing in front of Academy hall, watching hundreds of St. Mary's Academy students dressing in tuxedo and dress. Only high school students were allowed to attend the ball. Nevertheless, students of junior high school- in uniform -also came to see their seniors.
"How do I look?" Nami looked down at her outfits. Tonight she wore tuxedo- grey jacket suit with black lapel, silver waistcoat and matched color of bow tie, and black pants for bottom. Asahi and Hinata also wore the same tuxedo. "I look stupid."
"No, you don't. You look absolutely handsome Kai," Asahi said while helping Hinata with her tie. "Finished."
"Thanks," Hinata said to Asahi and turned to Nami. "My designer is the best. I bet she will stun to see you in tux."
Nami smiled a little at the thought but it soon vanished as she realized that her partner was another girl.
Asahi noticed sigh of disappointment from the shortest girl and gave light pat. She turned around when she noticed her partner approaching. "Hi, you look beautiful in that dress," she said to her classmate who wore black dress. The girl smiled shyly. "Let's go inside," she said, turning to Nami and Hinata. "Guys, see you later."
After Asahi left with her partner, Nami and Hinata waited for their partner.
Nami nudged Hinata. "Your partner," she said. But her gaze then caught president of School of Theatre who walked next to Nanako.
Hinata turned around and was stunned to see the girl. She had seen Nanako in dress before yet it still astonished her.
"It's not good?" Nanako looked down at her blue dress.
"No, no I mean, it's really good, nice, on you," Hinata said, stunned. She had noticed that blue was Nanako's favorite color. "You look beautiful in blue."
Nanako tucked hair behind ear, blushing slightly. "Really?"
Hinata nodded, offering an arm. "Shall we?"
Nanako giggled, taking the arm.
"Sorry brother, going first," Hinata said to Nami.
Nami pushed lower lip out at Hinata before smiling at Nanako. 'Hinata you better realize it soon' She shook her head, watching the two. "Wait, why did she come with Mana san?"
"Because they are cousin."
At the voice Nami turned around, but the word got her attention. "Cousin?"
"You don't know? Well, very few know that they are cousin actually," Marie replied. "You look handsome tonight. Let's go inside darling." She took Kai's arm.
Nami reluctantly let the girl hold her arm. They headed to hall but her mind was kept by the fact that Nanako was Mana's cousin. 'Nanako's family name is Fujiwara' She slapped head mentally for not noticing it.
Students and teachers of three schools filled the hall. Nami looked around her, hoping to see Ray but couldn't find the girl. She spotted Madame Principal, Mr. Sarukawa and some men she believed as committee members. There were also foreigners with them.
"Don't worry she is coming too," Marie said. "The King and Queen will be the last."
Nami could only clench her jaw as she saw smirk on the girl's face. Suddenly students started to squeal as MC announced appearance of their King and Queen. She moved gaze toward main entrance. But due to her shortness she couldn't see them. Finally she could see the pair as they approached center of the hall. She couldn't help staring at Ray.
Ray wore elegant strapless red dress. The floor-length dress fitted the girl's slender body perfectly. Ray's usually straight hair was curly and pulled up in one side.
Nami was stunned by the sight.
"They make a perfect pair, don't you think?"
Nami tried her best not to pull arm off and leave the girl. Although she didn't want to admit but Marie was right. Akira looked incredibly handsome with white tuxedo, red waistcoat and red tie matching Ray's dress. She unconsciously took deep breath as jealousy invaded her.
"The King and Queen will do the first dance," Marie said, smiling as she noticed the jealousy.
Nami closed her eyes in annoyance. She really didn't need the narration, particularly from the girl. She opened her eyes when center lights turn off and the MC boy spoke up.
"…and the lucky pair for tonight is…"
Nami closed her eyes as suddenly she was under spotlight. Squeals from other students caused her to open eyes. Everyone was looking at them, some in surprise, and some in disappointment. Two months ago they had performed together as a couple at Academy festival but tonight they paired with another person.
"We are the lucky pair darling," Marie said. She placed the other hand on Kai's arm, walking off.
Nami tried not to look at Ray. But again, she couldn't avoid the girl. Slowly she brought gaze up. Ray seemed to be surprised as well. Her heart beat faster with each step. Her eyes glued to the girl in red dress as they approached the pair.
Nami inhaled and turned to face her fake-girlfriend. Marie had small smile on face. The girl stepped closer and put hand on her shoulder. She then took the girl's other hand. She stepped out as music played on. For her surprise the girl could do dance. After some steps they spun around. She couldn't help stealing glance at Ray.
"I'm here and you're looking at another girl? I can feel jealous too, you know," Marie whispered in Kai's ear.
Nami clenched her jaw but tried to suppress her annoyance. Akira spun Ray around and their eyes met. Those eyes which could see into her soul were looking at her. As she couldn't bear the guilty, Nami spun around, bringing her partner with her. At moment she felt like a jerk that she was using the move to make the person who had taught it to her jealous.
Ray could only swallow a breath as she watched Nami dancing with another girl. It should be her. She turned to her partner when Akira spun their bodies around. She offered a smile at him but her eyes once again looked for another person. Shizuru said everything would be alright again, but she didn't feel it will. Honestly she didn't know how to turn thing back as before.
Marie slowed her step as it came to an end. She had noticed that Ray would take glance toward them now and then. She moved hand to Kai's jaw. "Kiss me."
Nami jerked head up, surprised. "What?"
"I said kiss me," Marie said, leaning to kiss Kai's lips. But before she could kiss Kai, he released her, stepping back. "Kai,"
"Do whatever you want. But you'll get nothing from me," Nami said.
Now everyone was looking at them in confusion.
Marie took a step closer. "In case you forget we have a deal, or you want me to reveal your secret, and make her lose her position and reputation?" She smirked but it vanished as she looked into Kai's eyes. There was something different in them.
"I will do it myself."
So, you'll have to wait until next ;)
AaronMaks, thanks for Romeo and Juliet, borrow it ;D
Thank you for reading, see you again :)