Chapter Thirty-Five: Dancing, Advice and Someone Familar
I hope you enjoy this chapter! Someone will be returning and some drama will unfold!
Do enjoy!
Ichigo swallowed heavily as she made her way to the auditorium, a bag of changing clothes in her hands.
It was the first day for training and the redhead was told to go to the school's performing auditorium where the others would be waiting for her.
The building was fairly tall and it had a set of marble steps with matching pillars that supported the shade of the roof. There were three sets of double doors that lead inside.
Ichigo sighed as she opened the doors, feeling the coldness of the inside. Though it was much nicer inside compared to the nippy winds outside.
The auditorium had the structure of a theatre. There was a large stage on the back wall with long red curtains. There were plush velvet seats and large white lights glowing gently.
As Ichigo made her way towards the stage, she noticed some familiar figures on the row before the stage. They were conversing and exchanging what looked like papers.
"Ichigo-san!"
The redhead jumped as she looked over to see Retasu bouncing up to her, in her cute braids and glasses. "I'm so glad you could make it! Zakuro-sama and Pai-sama are ready to begin. Kisshu-san is on his way."
Ichigo nodded as Retasu led her to the front row where Zakuro and Pai were, both exchanging looks of silent mystery. Aoyama was sitting on the edge of the stage, observing them.
Upon seeing the redhead, they turned and greeted her warmly. "At last, our princess has arrived. Now all we need is our prince." Zakuro said as she looked at the stack of papers in her hands. "Retasu, would you be so kind as to help Ichigo-san change into her training clothes?" Pai ordered solemly as he looked down at the shy bookworm. Retasu blushed heavily before nodding, "Come with me Ichigo-san. We'll get you changed and ready while we wait for Kisshu-san."
"W-Wait-!"
*5 minutes later*
Ichigo examined the practice dress that Retasu had put on her. It was a fair shade of pearly pink with a white ribbon on the chest. The cut was fair, exposing her shoulders lightly as well as her pale collarbone. The skirt was fairly long, reaching a few inches above her ankle. The sleeves reached between her shoulder and elbow, little white lace trimmed the edges. Ichigo had been given plain pink flats to walk in. Her red hair was neatly combed into neat pigtails that curled lightly at the ends.
Ichigo was lead back to the stage where Pai and Zakuro had come up and were checking the lighting and position of the tape for practicing.
It was then that Ichigo noticed Kisshu standing on the stage too, in his practice clothing as well. He was looking over the papers Pai had in his hands, comparing notes or something...
His outfit consisted of dark loose pants with a dark green button-up. The shirt complemented his pale ski and it made his golden eyes pop. The sleeves were loose and reached his wrists, the bottom of the shirt ended at his waist.
On his feet were small black sneakers.
Ichigo's eyes with his and he immediately smiled, "Don't you look cute, princess~"
The redhead blushed as she looked at her dainty feet, unsure of how to reply.
A clapping of hands caught everyone's attention. Zakuro handed her papers to Pai, "It's time to begin your first dance training session. Everyone but Ichigo and Kisshu, would you please leave the stage? Do take a seat in the first few rows please."
Retasu, Pai and Aoyama calmly exited the stage and made their way to the rows of plush seats. Zakuro remained on the stage and approached the couple. "Now, I will have to train Aono in a few hours so we must be efficient with our time. We will go over ceremony positions on a later date, but here we must get a strong start on the dance. It is the most complicated test."
Zakuro pat them both on the shoulder, "Now let's begin!"
*Two hours later*
Ichigo licked her lips as she watched where her feet went, being sure to not step on Kisshu's toes. Kisshu did the same but not as hesitantly as his partner. He was gentle and loose in his movements, exactly how he was supposed to be. Kisshu was leading and was slow but firm in his movements with Ichigo. His left hand was on Ichigo's waist and his other was holding Ichigo's left hand while her free hand was on his arm.
The dance itself was a mix of waltz and tango. The steady pattern was that of waltz but there was passionate movement that was overly elegant. The two twirled on the stage as the others followed with their eyes.
Zakuro was standing nearby, counting steadily to the two to follow. "One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three." she said cooly, her dark eyes following the two. Their movement and patterns were good but there was something holding Ichigo back. Her eyes were often on her feet, most likely to try and prevent mistakes-
"Ah!"
Ichigo squeaked as she lost her footing and fell out of the pattern. Kisshu kept a firm grip on her arms to stop her from falling over, "Ichigo-"
Zakuro sighed, placing her fingers on her forehead. This was another mistake due to Ichigo's looking at her feet as she danced. This was the only mistake she had made but it occurred several times. "Ichigo. You need to look up and make eye contact-"
"That's not enough." came a deep voice.
Zakuro and the couple turned to see Pai walking I the stage towards them. He had a cold look on his face, his fists lightly clenched at his side.
Approaching the couple, his eyes narrowed at Ichigo. "You have made the mistake of looking away from your partner. You think that looking at your feet while you dance will help prevent mistakes?"
His eyes narrowed at the redhead, who nodded slowly.
"Well that is incorrect. Looking at your feet brings your attention away from the dance and will cause you to fall. When dancing with a partner, you must make eye contact and know the steps."
Placing his hands on his hips, he watched as Ichigo let go of Kisshu to look at him straight on. Retasu and Aoyama watched silently in the seats while Zakuro stared at them.
"If you know the steps completely, which you obviously do, you should be able to dance while making contact with your partner. I can guarantee that you won't trip."
Ichigo swallowed the lump in her throat as she took in all the advice he had given her. It did make sense and it seemed easy enough. They had been practicing and the dance had simple steps to follow...
"Yes. Thank you for the advice." she said genuinely before bowing.
Turning back to Kisshu, she was about to take his hand to try again but something pulled at her.
Her hair became loose as the pigtails fell from the ribbons, flowing down elegantly, surprising everyone.
Turning back, she noticed Pai holding her ribbons, he had an approving face on. "Your hair looks good down... I believe it will look good let down for the competition."
Ichigo blushed as she heard Kisshu chuckle before he grabbed her hand. "Good idea Nii-san."
The two continued to dance, Ichigo following Pai's advice. True to his word, she did not trip or fall out of the pattern. The others gasped at the improvement, surprise evident in their eyes.
Retasu held a hand to her chest, "Such an amazing pair." she whispered.
Aoyama smiled, "I believe we made a good choice..."
The couple continued to dance elegantly across the stage, their feet moving smoothly under them.
"Fujiwara!"
The peace shattered as Ichigo and Kisshu stopped dancing, everyone looked toward the doors where he voice had come from.
Walking towards the stage was Tsubaki, a smirk on her face. She had her uniform on and her hair was pulled into a ponytail tied by a red ribbon.
"I'm here for my training session... " she hissed as she placed her hands on her hips, glaring at the sight of her opponents on stage.
Zakuro sighed, her patience growing thin with this girl. Without looking at the spoiled girl, she said rather calmly, "Alright. Retasu will help you with practice clothing while we wait for Ryuuji-san."
Tsubaki huffed as Retasu got up and began to lead her. "My dearest Ryuuji is behind me. He has my practice clothing. Ryuuji~!" she called in a sickening tone.
A boy stepped out of the shadows wearing a Scolaire uniform and he had two bags on his shoulders.
Ichigo's brown eyes widened as she looked a him, he locked eyes with her too and he gasped. He dropped the bags as he looked at Ichigo. His sea-blue eyes widened.
"Maid-chan?"
"T-Takuma-san?"
Ooh! Semi-cliffhanger!
I told you someone was returning!
Note: Takuma Ryuuji was the boy at the festival who have Ichigo the rose. (Chapter 28)!
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Ciao!