Disclaimer: I do not own POT
AUTHOR ALERT! Sorry for taking it down but that was the raw version - anyway for this one it is important to understand the layout. It will be my first time writing it in script and it is harder to understand. My suggestion is write down or photocopy the list under train violinist and so you can easily refer and understand who was who... Also the brackets under the name suggest their behavior and is not actually published on the poster. Thank you for trying to read this chappie, I personally am a novice in this one! = D Thanks from Snowrider14!
Chapter 26: Fuji Syuusuke
I want to tell her that she one of the most important things in my life that I can't do without.
Throughout the Seigaku halls, there was excitement in the air as the whole school was abuzz when it was announced that this year the Seigaku tennis club was going to do a play or drama for the school festival. Not only that, but Fuji was assigned to write the script for it. Everyone knows that everything Fuji does is flawless and some people argued that Fuji had said that it will be a romantic play. What people did know was that Fuji had completed the script 4 months before the school play and had the auditions for the female parts in the play. Girls lined up and it went all the way out of the school hall towards the canteen yet only 5 girls were selected to play the part of the girls in the play. The girls came back confirming the play to be a romantic play but that was because the parts they played contained romance.
As the school festival rolled in, no one had any idea what they were about to do and it was amazing that despite how hard everyone tries to figure out the theme or storyline of the play, everyone kept their mouths shut and no one ever saw them practice. Posters were up on Monday a week before the school festival and all it had on the front was the title and the list of actors in the play and their roles. It went like this
~Train Violinist~
Characters: Played by Characters: Played by
Toshio Higa: Syuusuke Fuji (Truthful emotional) Ai Yamaguchi : Sakuno Ryuuzaki
Chris McFarland: Kunimitsu Tezuka (Rich sentimental man) Madeline McFarland: Tomoko Osakada
Jiro Higa: Sadaharu Inui (Cool smart) Maiko Arai: Minori Kobayashi
Naburo Sato: Ryoma Echizen (Angry talks a lot) Ran Sakamoto: Miwa Ito
Yuuya Sakamoto: Takashi Kawamura (Sociable outgoing) Eri Sato: Hana Suzuki
Hisashi Koga: Takeshi Momoshiro (Shy and with few words to say)
Satoshi Itou: Syuuchiro Oishi (Violent harsh man)
Aki Itou: Kikumaru Eiji (Sad depressed melancholy man)
Toshiro Yamaguchi: Kaoru Kaidoh (Kind hearted friend)
COMING SOON: 8th December 2012, 1: 30pm and 9th December 2012, 1: 30pm
Everyone looked at it was excited of the characters acting in the play, they all marked their calendars waiting for the day of play and no one ever thought that it was one of the best plays in 20 years… this is how the story went…
Have you ever recalled a moment where you walked past a violinist that played in the train station? His hands were cold and yet he still played that same melancholy song that haunts your long train journey home? No. No one pays attention but perhaps the moment someone does pay attention, they fall in love… will that ever happen? Surely not? But it did…
At the Train Station
Ryoma: OI! Hurry up Toshio, or we are leaving you behind!
(Toshio turns around from talking to a bunch of swooning girls)
Fuji: (smiles) Alright, alright… No need to be so angry Naburo-kun.
Naburo swings his bag around to hit Toshio on the head but Toshio ducked and avoided the bag with a laugh as they made their way further into the train station.
Ryoma: You always make us miss our train you bastard! Every time! Because of those swooning girls… it makes me sick. (Naburo spat those words out)
Fuji: Oh yeah, Aniki. (Toshio turns to his brother Jiro)
Jiro was walking next to Toshio with a bag swung over his shoulder. Girls sighed at him wherever they went but Jiro ignores them and turns to look at Toshio blank faced
Fuji: Tomorrow do you have soccer? Mother says that she is going hot springs tonight and won't be back until tomorrow night, so we have to buy our own food.
Inui: Sure.
Someone pulls Jiro's bag causing him to bend backwards, Jiro turns his head boredly to look at the girl standing behind him with a frown on her face as she yelled
Hana: Jiro Higa! You have soccer tomorrow! You are not bailing out on training!
Toshio seems pretty surprised as he looked at his brother
Fuji: Why did you say you didn't have soccer practice?
Hana: (huffed) Because your brother has a serious brother complex! Oh please, your brother isn't going to get kidnapped halfway home, I'd bet he'd be the one doing the kidnapping.
Jiro casts an eye at Toshio for a moment and they seemed to share an understanding with one another before Jiro answers
Inui: Sato-san, can you let go of my bag?
Eri Sato looked at the way they were so close and removed her hands quickly and her cheeks turned pink as she said
Hana: (Stuttering) J…ju…just make…make sure you go! O…or I'll… I'll… Pound you!
With that Eri runs away, Naburo, Jiro and Toshio watched as she ran away from them
Fuji: (Sly smile) She likes you Aniki.
Jiro was still watching her run simply answered
Inui: I know.
Ryoma: You two lady killers, as if the school hasn't heard about you two enough. The two handsome Higa brothers, if one doesn't take your heart, the other is bound to do so.
Fuji: That was my slogan.
Ryoma: You arrogant bastard. Let me hit your face just once, and I'll set the score right.
Toshio continued to smile as Jiro tagged along behind them watching the two of them and Naburo keen on landing a hit on Toshio's face. Just as they were about to leave and Naburo complaining about something else, a slow and melancholy sound pierced their ears and Toshio turned to look. A violinist playing a sad tune…
Ryoma: Hurry it up Toshio or we will miss our second train, then I will really bash your pretty face!
Toshio was just about to turn when a girl stepped out amongst the hustle bustle crowd, the way her hair fell past her shoulders and framing her face, the slight tilt of a smile on her pink lips as she slowly stretched her palm out and coins fell from her hands. The violinist smiled back at her and continued to play there was a slight cheer from the melancholy music he was playing as she slowly straighten up her back. lights fade, only two lights one for Fuji and the other for Sakuno Crowds walk pass Toshio and the girl, but Toshio felt himself stunned or surprised when she turned to look at him. Their eyes met and Toshio attempted a smile he always used but it seemed that in her eyes there was confusion… 3rd beam of light for Tezuka A man stepped out from among the crowd and stood next to the girl
Tezuka: Ai, let's go.
The girl turned to the boy next to her and smiled at him as she nodded and they disappeared into the crowd before Toshio could say another word scene relights, showing the whole stage and Naburo grabbed him by the scruff of his collar
Ryoma: What is wrong with you getting on a train on time? No more looking at girls… seriously it is like both of you make it your task to get all the girls in the world. Besides you should forget about that girl… she's off limits.
Toshio, Naburo and Jiro made it into the train on time when Toshio turned to ask
Fuji: Why is she off limits? I know that school uniform, it is from St. Mary Catholic School… That is just a few blocks away from our own.
Ryoma: (sighed) You just don't get it. That might be the case but she belongs to the guy you saw beside her. Chris McFarland, the McFarland family are one of the richest family names in Japan… she is off limits.
Jiro who had been watching the exchange normally hadn't said anything but placed a hand on Toshio's shoulder and nodded as if to affirm that it was no point to chase after her. Scene darkens and all that was left was Fuji
Fuji: What I wanted to know was why did she seem so confused when she saw the smile on my face? People usually would smile back but she seemed curious or even to the extent of not believing that I was smiling… To top it off, she had a smile so sweet that I could tell it was sincere and from the bottom of her heart… somehow, I can't seem to shake her out of my mind…
-Change Scene (Scene 2)-
Ryoma: And so… I bet you that is what happened earlier in the canteen today….
Toshio looked around the train station, it was packed as usual and the sounds of trains can be heard from the distance
Fuji: Aa… you could be right…
Ryoma: (look angry) Toshio! What is the matter with you? The moment we stepped into the train station, all you've been doing is looking around.
Toshio smiled before shaking his head and they made their way into the train, just seconds away from missing the train as Toshio slipped between the doors and into the train, all he could do was look at the lone violinist playing the violin still seated there.
Ryoma: Look, it seems that according to this magazine that there is a gym that is having a discount on fitness training lessons…
At that point Naburo seemed to be talking but not heard as Toshio continued to look out the window when he turned to look at the other side when he saw the adjacent train… the girl he had seen just yesterday stepped into the train and looked up, looking right at him. Light fades, just the two of them have beams of light, a little light on Tezuka Without warning, Toshio moved towards the other side of the train to gain a closer look at her. She had by then turned around and there clear as day Tezuka has own beam of light she was smiling at the boy she was with yesterday…
Fuji: Who is that girl? Why does that smile constantly get to me… ?
Ryoma comes back into the lime light as the darkness is once again filled with light and everyone in the train can be seen
Ryoma: What happened Toshio? One moment you were standing next to me, the next moment you weren't.
Toshio turned to look at Naburo for a moment, debating should he ask the question when he went for it for the sake of knowing
Fuji: Naburo, who is the girl that Chris McFarland is dating?
Ryoma: (Frowns) Again with the girl? Toshio, like I said yesterday… she is off limits.
Fuji: (Smiles) I know, just curious about her that's all.
Ryoma: (Sighs) Ai Yamaguchi, normal average girl… I think. She is a little well off, her family owns a few hot springs but nothing fancy. Apparently everyone in their school always ask the same question. Why did Chris McFarland choose her? Suppose no one had an answer to that question… Look, that is all I am going to say about her… on the other hand this magazine…
Naburo goes on about the magazine in silent film plays as Toshio looked distracted but still listening to his friend half-heartedly while thinking of something else. Naburo exits the train and waves good bye before Toshio was finally left to think about the things he was thinking of, aloud.
Fuji: … Ai Yamaguchi… there is something strange about her. It is as if she had nothing to hide under her face, it was a complete mask of honesty…
Toshio got off at his train station and stood there watching as the train slowly shut it's doors and chugged itself away from the station and Toshio merely watched it
Fuji: Everyone born into this world were given one suitcase, a million masks for us to become someone else during a certain time other times, putting on a different mask in front of someone else… this is a way of life that had always been the same and hadn't changed… though usually I could tell when individuals have masks, for instance…
Toshio bumped into a girl who was acting like a tomboy with her friends
Fuji: Oh! I apologize… are you alright?
The girl blushes and plays with the hem of her skirt like she was girlier than all her friends standing there as she nodded and smiled at Toshio coyly. Toshio then walks past her walk towards the front of the stage, light fades out, only leaving Fuji with a beam of light
Fuji: The girl who clearly had a mask on which shows a tough girl, completely melted away when she talked to me… the way she meekly tilts her head a little and those red tinges were though she had been complimented. If it weren't the fact that I had taken note of her earlier behavior, I would've thought she was a soft spoken lady with feminine behaviors.
light comes back on, shows a row of shops Fuji turns around to walk amongst the shops
Fuji: I prided myself to be able to put myself in other people's shoes and expect or read them like an open book… yet I find it hard to read someone who seemed to have their feelings on their sleeves. For me who is used to others constantly hiding who they are, I had finally met a girl who wears her heart on her sleeve… it is like the moment when someone is really thirsty for water but wasn't sure that the drink in the bottle of water presented to them wondering if it contained poison, yet you want it so much.
Toshio stood outside of the supermarket with his arms crossed just as Jiro came running up to him, his face barely showing exhaustion and met up with Toshio who stood there
Inui: Did you finish shopping?
Fuji: Yeah.
Jiro looked at Toshio seriously as though trying to read what is the inner most thoughts in Toshio's head but Toshio seemed to have seen that and threw a smile at Jiro
Fuji: (waving it away) I am alright Aniki… Let's just go.
Jiro nodded and walked alongside Toshio pre-recorded voice of Fuji plays through the speakers
Fuji: There is a reason why Aniki gets so worried… it has been years since the event and even now, Aniki makes it his business to make sure that I hadn't had any break downs because of the event. I appreciate Aniki's presence because it helps me feel better, however I have to stop relying on my Aniki or making him worry about my situation, therefore I have to make sure he doesn't know how much it affects me.
Inner monologue stops Eri Sato breaks the companionable silence
Hana: JIIIIRROOOO HHHIIIGGGAAA! (screaming)
Fuji: (smiles at Eri sato) Why hello Eri-chan.
People around them especially girls started to glare at Eri who looked uncomfortable just as Jiro remained silent as they stood there being in the spot light
Hana: Drop it Higa-ototou! You knew that doing that makes your fan club people hate me.
Fuji: (smiles even wider) Aa… but you don't mind if Aniki's fan club people hate you?
Jiro work to Toshio's benefit looked at Eri Sato with a lifted eyebrow, Eri Sato went pink in the face.
Hana: (stuttering) Th…th…that's different! Higa-senpai and I are on the same team… that's why… You are distracting me from scolding your brother!
Eri Sato turned to Jiro who didn't blink when she turned around suddenly to glare at him and poked his chest
Hana: You! How dare you spend half an hour on the field and then suddenly throw the towel in saying that you are going home? Your brother isn't 6 anymore! He can look after himself!
Fuji: (turns and stood beside Eri Sato and said with a teasing smile) Yeah Aniki!
Jiro at this point who had remained expressionless looked at his brother for a long moment before looking back at Sato
Inui: (Frowning) Sato-san, what I do or my personal decisions have nothing to do with you.
Eri Sato's eyes widened in shock and she took two weak steps backwards as she couldn't look at Jiro completely. She looked down at her shoes and responded
Hana: (soft and slow)… You're right… I am… Sorry!
With that, Eri Sato left with fresh tears down her cheeks, Jiro watched her with a frown on his face and Toshio could read his brother's expression a little better than Eri Sato could when she left them there Toshio said
Fuji: Aniki, you made her cry…
Inui: (Still watching) It is the truth.
Jiro then turned away and began to walk as Toshio walked alongside his brother pass the supermarket
Fuji: Aniki, I don't want you to sacrifice your life for me. You obviously cared about how Eri-chan felt… like Eri-chan said, I am old enough to look after myself.
Jiro stopped short and turned around to look at Toshio who took a surprised step back
Inui: Until your face stop telling lies, you will always be my top priority.
-End Scene-
-Start Scene 3 –
In class Toshio was simply looking down at his notebook and twiddling his pen in between his fingers. Students filled the similar seats and his friend Naburo was seated right next to him apparently asleep as they ran an internal monologue
Fuji: It has been a month since I first saw Ai Yamaguchi, ever since the moment I saw her with the violinist I notice her as she walks pass me, though she would look at me with those curious innocent eyes but never once did she leave Chris McFarland's side. To be honest, I really wanted to talk to her but seeing as the constant advice I've got from others were to ignore her. Usually I am not one who would pay attention to others thus my obedience to the advice deemed me a coward… Afraid of her but fascinated at the same time. Naburo even thinks it is an obsession and Aniki was getting a little worried. Yet, could someone truly tear their eyes away from her?
Sensei: SATO NABURO! HIGA TOSHIO!
Naburo jerked away, looking around in alarm and surprise and it made Toshio blink in surprise being addressed so loudly that it jerked him out of his inner thoughts, they both looked at the teacher who seemed to be very displeased about the way they had behaved and she sat there tapping her foot and looking at the two of them equally
Sensei: We were just discussing about the joint school formal event, seeing as how you two had, had nothing to really contribute to the discussion, I see no problem volunteering you two into the committee representative students organizing this event.
Ryoma: But Sensei!
Sensei: No buts. Of the top three classes of our school we were told to select 2 representatives from each class and so for our class, you two will be it. You will meet with the other committee students in the hall before heading over to St. Mary Catholic School to meet up with their representatives today. End of story! Class dismissed.
Sensei walks out of class and Naburo turned to the rather stunned Toshio and hissed at him
Ryoma: Did you plan this?!
Fuji: (turns to look at Naburo) No… but I believe this might be my chance…
Ryoma: (starts shaking his head) Toshio, you seriously have to stop obsessing about Ai Yamaguchi… you are starting to make me worry.
Fuji: …It isn't obsession but curiosity. Once I understand it… I will stop.
Naburo smacks his face but continues on looking extremely agitated and Toshio turned away to talk to a student but everything fell silent scene darkens
Student St. Mary: And here is the council room… Have a nice day. (bow and leaves)
Toshio, Naburo and a few of the students entered the room and there in front of them was Chris McFarland seated on the couch with Ai Yamaguchi next to him with his hand behind her back resting against the armchair. A few other characters were seated talking.
Kawamura: And then… the guy just fell backwards and hit the mllion dollar vase! How silly was that?
The group laughs as the guy seemed to be providing some sort of joke that they couldn't understand or perhaps came in at the wrong time. The person telling the joke turned around to notice the new individuals in the room and smiled
Kawamura: Oh! You all must be the students from the school a few blocks off from us… come in! come in! Nice to meet you, I am Sakamoto Yuuya. This here is Koga Hisashi,
Momoshiro: (waves sheepishly)
Kawamura: Yamaguchi Toshiro… (gestures to another man who sat next to Ai Yamaguchi)
Kaidoh: (waves and shows a pleasant smile and nod)
Tezuka: I am Chris McFarland and this is my fiancée and girlfriend Yamaguchi Ai, and Toshiro's sister.
Tomoko: And I am Chris's little sister Madeline McFarland! Let's get along well!
Toshio's group for what it was worth smiled and took turns introducing themselves.
Fuji: I am Higa Toshio.
Ryoma: Sato Naburo.
Tezuka: Have a seat, we will begin the meeting.
Everyone took their seats on the opposite side of the St. Mary Catholic school students, they looked uncomfortable in the environment but the McFarland siblings and the rest of them seemed quite comfortable and were unaware of the whole situation.
Kawamura: We were thinking to hold a masquerade ball for this year… imagine! Dimmed lights and everyone hidden behind their masks with no idea who is who… should take the edge off getting to know people.
Sakamoto looked very excited as he looked at the rest of the students within the committee, so far of the students from his school seemed to agree and most of the students from the other school agreed. Naburo seemed to object a little to the idea
Ryoma: But that is way past our budget for this event…
Tezuka: Our budget should take care of any extra costs that your budget cannot afford. As for the event, Hotel Shore Delights should be a good location. The ballroom there should be able to fit our two schools just fine…
Naburo leaned closer to Toshio who was watching them with the same pleasant smile on his face.
Ryoma: (whisper loudly) I hate that man's arrogance.
Kaidoh: Hisashi and I could handle the catering services and the menu choice.
Kawamura: Leave the decoration and plan development to me!
Tomoko: Music is my forte, leave that to me.
The students from St. Mary Catholic school seemed to have all individually signed up for their own parts in the whole event but Naburo was grinding his teeth in annoyance, everyone else seemed to feel a little left out when Toshio raised his hand
Fuji: Sorry to butt into the whole planning, but this is supposedly a joint school committee and as a member I think we are all entitled to our own opinions.
Kawamura: Sure!
Fuji: (smiles) Thank you. Even though the ballroom would hold much magic over the whole event serving as a masquerade but how about we deviate from the norm a little. Something that would agree with our budget and still make the masquerade ball an event that will be hard to forgotten.
Tezuka: What is your implication and suggestion?
Fuji: Keeping things simple. Such as making it in the garden…
Tomoko & Kawamura: Oh!
Ryoma: Yeah! There is a huge garden located in the further part of the city which isn't too far for any of us to commute to! But to book an event there might be a little tough…
Tezuka: … It won't be. I can arrange for that to happen.
Kawamura: I can see the event! The lights, the way certain things can be done! It might be better!
Students started to volunteer in which parts of the event they wanted to be involved in, Toshio secretly waited to see what Ai Yamaguchi wanted to volunteer for and he would take the chance to talk to her if she had chosen to be away from her honey.
Sakuno: I think I want to help with the site decoration.
Tezuka: (Doesn't look like he want it but he pulled on a calm face) You sure Ai?
Sakuno: (turns to smile at Chris) Yes. I believe that you could single handedly handle the selection of the site and the security.
Ryoma: I want to work on the site and the security! Toshio! Let's do that.
Fuji: Aa… but I prefer the decorations.
Naburo looked like he wanted to say something but held his tongue and turned away.
Ryoma: Oh well.
Kawamura: Why everything is set! Now we just need to split into our designated groups and start on the work! I think it is best that tomorrow when we have another meeting we go our own ways! Distracting to talk over plans and have to fight to be heard no?
Tezuka: (Frowns) Very well. Committee Dismissed.
-End Scene-
- Scene 4 –
Kawamura: So I was thinking that we would need to have a floor map of the place and pulled one up. Also after that we need to know what we have to do with the lighting as well as defining the zones as certain parts such as food and mingling area and the dance, where the musicians should place in terms of stages and audio setting. I should talk to Madeline about that before we get into any nitty gritty details about the music setting. Otherwise anything else we can come up with to make it the best. Speaking of which… Who is doing the advertising again for the event?
Sakuno: I think Chris said that once he had managed to arrange the location and a few other minor details his team will get down to it.
Sakamoto seemed very pleased and started going on about other things that he had planned for the whole event and in the basic way to say it he was very gung-ho about the whole event when Toshio who conveniently sat next to Ai Yamaguchi thought it be nice to strike up a conversation
Fuji: (smiles) Is Sakamoto-san always like this with everything?
Ai Yamaguchi turned Toshio who was talking to her, she seemed very shy to answer the question but said with a nod of her head.
Sakuno: (shy smile) Sakamoto-senpai loves social events and he makes it his priority to make it the best event. Sakamoto-san holds the reputation for the best party organizer in all of St. Mary Catholic students, everyone personally wants an invite to his party.
Fuji: Sounds like a very enthusiastic man (chuckles a little).
Ai Yamaguchi watches him for a full minute as if she was deliberating on asking him a personal question when suddenly she heard Sakamoto say
Kawamura: Oi-ya Oi-ya! Ai-chan! No cheating~!
At that point, Ai Yamaguchi seemed to have made up her mind and refused to say anything more and perceived by Toshio turned and said with a smile
Fuji: Saa… we were simply discussing about Sakamoto-san, I haven't even asked for a number yet.
At that point, Sakamoto who was smiling that they were talking about him suddenly dropped the smile as he turned to look at Ai who seemed to look a little surprised and looked at Toshio with wide eyes as though the two of them were surprised. The room fallen into silence but it seems that Toshio was not fazed by that silence, one came to break that silence and that was Madeline McFarland
Tomoko: Hey, Hey! Ai-chan, my brother needs to suddenly leave for a business meeting.
Ai without another word got up and bowed at the rest
Sakuno: Excuse me (exits the stage).
Sakamoto who was frozen for a few minutes shook it off as he turned around and restarted energetically as everyone volunteered to do certain things for the event. The way Sakamoto watched Toshio seemed to be out of curiosity and weariness and there was something about the way he had blatantly claimed something that wasn't his.
Kawamura: That just about closes our discussion for today!
Members of their team started to empty out onto the hallway but fortunately it seems that Toshio had stayed behind knowing that Sakamoto had wanted to talk to him. Sakamoto placed notes down onto the table and released a sigh before loosening his tie.
Kawamura: I ask if it was just a joke but I think even if it is, please take my advice and not joke about it in front of Chris… he isn't the type to accept those jokes lightly.
Fuji: (smiled) Well if they are very much in love, I would not pose much of a threat wouldn't I?
Kawamura: (Walking to the end of the stage) Chris isn't the type to care to what degree your threat to him will be. His motto is, once seen the threat, he will eliminate. There is another thing, as you would've noticed… Ai Yamaguchi devotes herself to Chris… things that needed not to be said any more than it is blatantly obvious.
Fuji: … that she loves Chris McFarland?
Kawamura: (Turns to leave) You would know that it is more than that…
Toshio was left in the room all alone to think about what had been said.
Fuji: It was simply a joke, yet it seems that whenever I bring up or approach Ai Yamaguchi… it seems everyone fears for my safety. I felt intrigued about her and it was simply just innocent teasing had they needed to be so sensitive?
Sakuno: Sorry…! Had the meeting already end?
Just in time, Ai Yamaguchi walks into the room looking extremely puzzled as to the sudden emptiness in the room and the lacking of all the members except Toshio who stood there.
Fuji: Yeah, don't worry. I am sure that you can talk to Sakamoto-san about the organizing and you may choose what you might like to organize.
Sakuno: Thank you, I will…
There was a form of silence that filled the air between them as though again she was thinking of something and wondering if she should bring it up, Toshio who seemed to stand there waited patiently with the smile on his face.
Sakuno: Ano… thank you.
Fuji: (smiles) For what?
Sakuno: (Looks at Toshio) For trying to ease the tension and for trying to shift the perspective… you were trying to make it look like it was your fault more than it was mine…
Fuji: (blinks in surprise) … I have really nothing to say about the whole issue.
Sakuno: You're welcome.
With this Ai Yamaguchi turns to leave the room, leaving Toshio standing there blanked face and shocked.
Fuji: That was the first time someone read my inner intentions so clearly without much indication of anything… all at once I found my eyes following her leaving figure for a different reason than the one before.
Scene plays where they all met and fixed the whole event to make it the best, Ai and Toshio were both working on the lighting, they talked a little and smiled at one another from time to time- scene then replaced as the sky dimmed and night was about to fall when Ai and Toshio stood there
Sakuno: According to the engineer… it should work.
Fuji: (smile and nodding) Let's see what is behind button number 1!
The trees lit up one by one in a fashion apparently they turned and watched appreciatively.
Sakuno: It looks beautiful. (Clasp hands in joy and anticipation)
Fuji: They are…
They watched in silence for a few minutes before Toshio turned to look at Ai who was admiring opening with the same happy smile on her face as she looked at the decorated lights. She turned around to look at him for a full minute
Sakuno: Um… Do you mind if I asked a question Higa-senpai?
Fuji: (Shakes his head) No, Please go ahead.
Sakuno: Why do you always smile even when your eyes aren't smiling?
Toshio's smile fade for a moment, it was as though whatever Yamaguchi could see in his eyes were coming out on his face but he was quick to recover as he thought for a long time.
Fuji: Was that why you always look at me with those curious eyes? (He steps closer)
Sakuno: (Embarrassed and takes a step back) Um… because… I don't know… It seems like your eyes were asking someone to save you…
Whole stage blacks out
Sakuno: ?eh? The light went out… (fading voice)
Fuji: How she discovered how I felt just looking at my eyes makes me shocked, afraid… threatened that someone aside from my brother could see my fears and my true feelings. The darkness couldn't have a better timing for god knows what expression I felt on my face...
One beam of light showing the Toshio holding Ai's hand
Sakuno: …? Higa-senpai?
Fuji: …sorry. But I hope you don't mind… (he pulls Ai into his embrace and holds her tight)
Sakuno: (Shocked face attempts to push him away) H…hi…Higa-senpai?
Fuji: …It is just… I hate dark and large spaces.
Ai slowly moved away but she took his hand in hers.
Sakuno: I am right here… We will find a way out. (She felt around the ground for something when she lifted up something)
A beam of light came from the item that Ai held in her hand as she turned it at Toshio who shielded himself from the light but Ai smiled at him as she guided him into a better and brightly lit place. A strong heartbeat played as the stage darkens and a lot of people filled the place with masks and ballroom type of clothes. Everyone was whispering and giggling to one another as people took to dancing a little and others simply continued to laugh. Chris stepped into the limelight and lifted his hand to have his taken by Ai Yamaguchi with a lovely violet dress with golden trimmings while Toshio entered the scene in blue tux and a silver trimming.
Fuji: For the first time, I realized why I couldn't turn my eyes away from her…
Ai and Chris waltzed around and around as Ai smiled and Chris smiled back at her as they talked about things in silence as Fuji continued on as he walked from side to side
Fuji: The reason why when she smiles, I feel that I can no longer draw my eyes away from her. The moment she turns to look at me, I feel the rushing of the blood through my veins so fast I could hear nothing but the beating of my heart and perhaps the sound of her voice.
Chris spins Ai out of his arms, she laughed and the dancers circle them as they only had eyes for one another
Fuji: However, the longing wouldn't stop. I thought meeting her, getting to know her would just affirm that she was just like everyone else but I was wrong.
Toshio took the main stage right in front of everyone else as he looked out and far
Fuji: She saw me for all the simplicity… she didn't second doubt my intentions and see through it all as though I hadn't really tried hiding it from her. She saw me for who I am, she didn't run from me and even when I was my weakest… somehow I was drawn to her and to know that I am in love with her… isn't enough for me, but can I reach out and take someone so precious and wonderful for my own?
Chris walked off to talk to some friends as Ai stood there alone when Toshio appeared. Jiro Higa was nearby. Naburo was next to Jiro… Sakamoto was talking to Chris and Madeline who were laughing. Hisashi Koga walked up to join them with Yamaguchi Toshiro. Ai was just about to join them when Toshio appeared in front of her so she stopped and smiled politely at him.
Fuji: Would you mind dancing with me?
Sakuno: (turns to look at Chris still talking and unaware, Nods) Sure.
Toshio easily swept her into a dance, her dress swishing around as he took her hand and guided her through as they danced.
Fuji: Yamaguchi-san, do you really love Chris McFarland?
Sakuno: (Surprised, tone sound affectionate) Yes… I really do.
Jiro's eyes widened when he saw his brother and Ai Yamaguchi, he nudged Naburo who almost dropped his drink. On the other end, Ai's group noticed and Chris looks angry, his fists clenching as he glared. Toshio was guided her well and pulling her close at some occasions as he said
Fuji: Is that the whole truth? Or is there something he holds against you?
Sakuno: No! Chris means the world to me… he saved my life… I loved him ever since. Why do you ask such questions…
Fuji: (pulls her into his embrace) I have to apologize first to answer the question.
Toshio and Ai turns fully around so to only see Toshio's back from the stage as his head seemed to bend down. Chris marched across the room and pulled Ai away from Toshio and glared at the man in full anger. Jiro and Naburo rushed to Toshio's aid when they heard Chris said
Tezuka: …Explain yourself! (Holding Ai in his own embrace glaring at Toshio)
Fuji: It is as you've seen. I'm in love with Ai Yamaguchi and I intend to steal her away from you, Chris McFarland.
Ryoma: He… he is just joking McFarland-san!
Tezuka: I do not care if he is joking, if you realized the true consequence of saying such words you better prepare for what will come against you.
Scene flashes 1
Sakuno: Why do you not understand that I love Chris McFarland?
Fuji: It isn't because I can't see but it is the matter is that I can no longer ignore the feelings I have.
Scene Flashes 2
Tezuka: Satoshi Itou… I hear that you bear a grudge against Higa Toshio am I not right?
Oishi: …Hi…ga T…o..shio… (say it in anger and spits) That man is someone I want to murder with my two hands!
Tezuka: (smirks) It seems he is trying to steal away my girlfriend and is proving to be quite a nuisance. I want you to get rid of him for me and I will make sure you aren't charged for hurting the man. I don't want him dead… I want him badly hurt.
Oishi: That bastard stole Aniki's sweetheart! Aki never recovered and now to hear that he is doing the same thing to other girls makes me sick… you have my word that he will be badly damaged!
Scene flashes 3
Sakuno: What happened? Why did Toshio-senpai become like this?
Inui: … What happened to my brother usually isn't anyone's business… but my brother changed because of you, I will tell you. It happened when Toshio was 5 years old…
Scene Flashes 4
Oishi: GIVE UP! You've ruined so many people's lives! You took my Aniki's love and now you wish to break up a happy couple!
Fuji: (spits out the blood) I admit that in my past I have done much to repent for, but! I won't give up on Ai Yamaguchi, even if you kill me now… that fact will remain a fact!
Scene Flashes 5
Sakuno: (Cries) I love you Chris but to know that it was you who did that to Toshio-senpai… that wasn't who I fell in love with.
Tezuka: (Grips her shoulders) Ai! Can't you see what he has done? Toshio Higa has managed to drive a wedge between us!
Scene flashes 6
Sakuno: I don't know what to do… I am very confused… aniki…
Kaidoh: To love two different men for two different reasons is not uncommon… Just look deep within your heart to choose because… I am sure that you know who you really love… just know that no matter what, you have my support whole heartedly.
Scene Flashes 7
Tomoko: I know I am meant to love Yuuya-kun, but… even when I close my eyes… All I can see is your face… Jiro Higa. I am in love with you Higa-senpai… Even when I don't wish it to be…
Inui: … Madeline. (takes her hand in his)
Scene Flashes 8
Sakuno: (Sigh) I will tell you the reason why I love Chris, Toshio-senpai, all I want is for you to understand… everything that happened was not out of pity but I had a true reason behind it…
Scene Flashes 9
Sakuno: I've ask for the two of you to come here together so to let you know that in my heart I already chosen… and so… the person I really want to be with is…
End-
Fuji announced joyfully at the ending of the whole performance
"A lot of the story and plot line really actually belonged to my personal experience and that the person I meant this drama to is in this very hall… Thank you for the inspiration and I hope everyone enjoyed the story."
Word spread throughout the halls wondering what the case was truly and what wasn't? They knew that whatever happened between the time of being beaten up, that was fictional but the drama had the whole school buzzing about who was it meant for, and what in the story was the truth and which was the lie and it left them thinking about it the whole time even after the drama and sadly no one could answer that question.
To be Continued
Snowrider14 Signing out!