MPK: So I've finally gotten to listen to most of the new songs from Starish's solo best albums and...Otoya's "I am here" broooooo~! Especially Ai to Yoberu Ki no Shita de~! It's the saddest thing I've ever heard him sing! He even hinted at his depression and I~! I love my boi, what else can I even say?
P.S. - If you aren't playing Shining Live for the music and the URs, what are ya doin'? What are ya even doin'?
"OOH, KASAKURA-CHAN! YOU FRUSTRATE ME SO!"
"Yes, Ringo-sensei."
"Being in class is important! Paying attention to lectures is important!"
"Yes, Ringo-sensei."
"All I ask is for your attendance, attention, and participation in school daily! You are here to learn! What will it take to get it through your pretty little head?! Huh!?"
"..."
"GRRRRRRR!" Ringo-sensei bit his handkerchief, pulling on the ends of it. "Ah mou! What am I going to do with you!?" He slammed the desk. "Well...at least you placed in the Pair vs Pair contest." Ringo's face suddenly lit up with a smile.
'That's right...the contest...' I thought to myself. '...I never found out the results.'
"I'm proud of your progress at Saotome Academy, KaSakura-chan. Musicwise definitely, but the attitude could use a bit more work though." Sensei sat back in his desk chair. "Honestly, when your persona begins to match your musical ability, you'll be an amazing idol. I truly believe that." He smiled with satisfaction. "Now. As punishment for missing classes this week...ah. Is there even a point to assigning you all detention at this point? It never seems to help any of you!" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ugh, and it's too close to the school trip to give you a new assignment."
"School trip?" I perked my head up at the new information.
Ringo waved me off, "You'll find out about it in detail soon enough." He muttered, still in his own thoughts. "Tell you what KaSakura-chan, serve detention tomorrow. Then after the trip, I'll give you your alternative assignment and catch you up on the lectures you missed."
"...okay."
Ringo-sensei puffed his cheeks at my dead tone of voice. "Child! You are so lucky I like you!" He squeezed my cheeks in his hand, "I don't go easy on just anyone! You should know that by now!" He slapped my left cheek, "The school trip is too important for any student to miss, so we have to work around it. I won't let my precious student fall behind, but I DEFINITELY won't let you fail! Even if you plan to secretly quit or something after graduation! WHICH BETTER NOT HAPPEN!" He screamed in my face.
"Yes, Sensei! Yes, Sensei!" I told him.
Ringo crept close to me as if to see if I was lying. "Um-hmmmmmmm." I swallowed hard, his glare not lightening as he pulled back to an appropriate length again. "I'm keeping my eye on you, KaSakura-chan." He let me go and I massaged my face. "Remember, you're under my watch until graduation, Melody. I'm going to make sure you pass! No ifs, ands, or buts! Do I make myself clear!?"
"Yes, Ringo-sensei. Very clear."
Sensei sat back once more. He folded his arms, "Good. Meet me back here after classes today." He looked down, "Oh dear, I almost forgot." Ringo pulled a box from under his desk. "This was supposed to go...urrr..." Sensei looked to me, "...To the supply closet! Please take this there. Then you're free to go to dinner." I bowed respectfully, accepting the heavy cargo. Then I left the pink-haired male to silently grade his stack of papers.
"A-tisket a-tasket, a green, and yellow basket." Oh my way down the hallway, I tried to figure out which supply closet Ringo-sensei wanted this large brown box of things in. He does realize that this campus is huge, doesn't he? Since there wasn't one on the A-class side, I figured there would be one on the S-class side. Someone was already rummaging through it when I found it. So I stood there and patiently waited. In a matter of minutes, I grew annoyed as the person's head never popped up. "Oi. You comin' up for air anytime soon?" The person froze, "I just want to set this really heavy material down. So if you don't mind for a few sec~" A dark-haired bluenette swung is head toward me before I could get closer. "T-Tokiya?"
Well. This was awkward.
By this point, I still hadn't apologized to Ichinose Tokiya. In fact, I hadn't spoken to him or anyone outside the A-class since my evening "escapade". So the last thing I expected was to be almost nose to nose with the guy I practically assaulted days earlier. I was stunned with shock as I reeled back in surprise. "I'm s~" I stopped myself, "I'll come back lat~er!"
"Matte, Mel~!" My right foot caught the back of my left foot and I fell backward. In a panic, I dropped the box and it landed on my left foot right as I caught myself.
"aH!" The sudden pain triggered me to trip again and I continued to fall.
Tokiya caught my waist in time and fell on his left arm. "Ite!" He yelled in pain.
"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry! I'm so~" I sat up so fast that we bumped foreheads.
"Ahhhhhh!" We both winced, stunned. "Mou..." For a second, Tokiya's childish nature was showing as he massaged his bruised areas. But with a shake of his head, he was stoic once more. Ignoring me, Tokiya silently gathered the things that had fallen out of the box.
"Uh, here. Let me~"
"I got it." He said bluntly sliding the box closer to him. I frowned and stood up away from him. Of course, he was mad at me. And I don't ever expect him to not be again.
"Ichi? You good?" Ren peered out of the door to one of the S-class classrooms. "I heard something fall~Ah! Lady!" Ren glided outside the room without a care for the dark bluenette on the ground. He kissed my right hand. "I've missed seeing your face. What brings you around here? Isn't it close to dinnertime?"
I lightly dust off the strawberry blonde's uniform vest. He was covered in chalk, so I assumed he had just been clapping erasers. "I could say the same to you. This is the dirtiest I've ever seen you, Ren."
"Ah. Please give me a second, Lady. It's been a while since I've heard your sweet voice utter my name. A shiver went down my spine." Tokiya rolled his eyes before standing with the box of supplies.
He closed the closet door, "Ren, I'm putting the last of the supplies away in the classroom."
"Oh sure, thanks." Ren approved.
"W-wait. Those were meant to go into storage~" With hard eyebrows, Tokiya silently pointed to a pink sticky note on the side of the box. It was a message from Ringo-sensei to Hyuga-sensei to use the boxes contents at will. He then turned his back on us and disappeared inside the classroom.
"So I was in the wrong...again." I huffed, depressed.
"That guy always has to be right," Ren told me, before eyeing my saddened expression. Ren looked at the side of the classroom and then pretended to whisper to me. "You know...he's miserable."
"He is?" I asked.
"1000%." Ren said, "After he finished scolding Serena, Aruhi, and Tsubasa about before, he went back to doing the whole "loner" thing that he was doing before we all got along." I glanced at Tokiya through the doorway as he was putting away a small pile of books on a shelf. Ren peeked in with me, "He's disappeared during lunchtime to avoid sitting with us at lunch and he doesn't even sit near your A-class friends during classes. And god forbid he speak to anyone outside of school. He even refuses to entertain any of his fangirls. The little lambs don't deserve that." Ren then shouted inside, "Would it kill him to be a gentleman sometimes? Honestly!" Tokiya froze hearing him, but then only continued what he was doing. Ren tsked.
"It's my fault." I leaned against the door frame on the outside the classroom. "Because of what I did to him, he's hurt, just like before we met again. I don't expect him to ever speak to me again...I wouldn't."
"...That's funny. Because I don't think that at all." I looked up at Ren, "I don't think he's back to the way he was before, not all the way anyway. He's miserable and keeping to himself again, but it was way worse before. I think he's sad, but not because of what you did to him. He knows you were angry, and he certainly knows how you can get."
"But Ren! I tried to~"
"For as long as I've known Ichi, or rather, known of him...I've realized that when he gets upset he doesn't cry or act out like any normal human being, he only becomes more secluded. If he was like before, he would be throwing attitude your way just like you used to do his way." Ren's face turned serious. "Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying what you did is excused. I'm just saying, that's not why he's upset with you." Ren leaned on the opposite side of the doorframe from me with his arms folded. "He's not angry, but upset. Upset at not that you assaulted him, but rather that...you didn't believe him."
"...I was too worked up in the moment." I squeezed my eyes shut, "After graduation...I'm going to see someone."
"You should. And maybe he should too." Ren closed his eyes huffing out of frustration. "It's funny, really. He can get horrible reviews, bad grades, and even be demoted from the S-class. And yet, Ichi only becomes this much of a mess when it's you, Lady." Ren's bang fell away from his face as he leaned his head toward me. "You should see his face when he's on good terms with you. There's kind of an unusual brightness in his demeanor that he exudes when he knows you're on his side. It's obvious to anyone around him." The blue-eyed ladies man smiled. "You're more potent than you realize, Lady. You have that effect on everyone it seems."
"But him a lot in particular." Ren's smile dropped. "He's depressed by the fact that you two can't get along."
"Masa." Masato instinctively pulled me toward him further from Ren, who had been leaning closer to me.
"I'm here to bring you to the dining hall, KaSakura-chan."
"Of course it'd be you, the time I'd finally speak with the Lady alone." Ren pouted to himself. He swung a rose in my direction with devilish eyes. Where does he keep those, seriously? "Shall we go then, Lady~?" Masato attempted to swat the rose out of his hand when I stopped him.
"Ren's right, Masa." This time I accepted the rose, pulling it close to me. "The flower doesn't deserve that." Ren blushed but hid it with a hand. Masato lowered his arm reluctantly agreeing.
"Ren-san, we should get going before..." Tokiya stopped mid-sentence as he entered the hallway with us. I suppose he was surprised that I was still here and that Masato had joined us. "...the cafeteria closes."
A smile formed on Masato's lips, "Ah. Ichinose. Hello."
"Ah, Hijirikawa-san...Good evening..." Tokiya shyly responded. It was obvious that he didn't want to talk, but he didn't want to be rude either.
I raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Is this a new ship? MasaToki?"
Ren rubbed his chin, "Maybe...Maybe."
"It seems you both are heading there as well..." Masato then looked to me in sudden realization. His eyes closed as his smile widened. He had a plan. Masato had a plan. That's not good... "Let us all go then. Come, KaSakura-chan." The bluenette said placing his hands on Tokiya's shoulders so that he couldn't escape.
"Right..." I muttered with a sweatdrop.
"Let's go." Masato spoke sharply in Ren's direction as he pushed his bluenette brethren down the hallway against his will. Ren only sighed in response. He shut the door to the classroom and followed along behind us.
"Oya Oya Oya? Is it Karaoke Night in here?"
"You've got to be kidding me..."
Masato's fingers curled, "I can't leave them alone for 5 MINUTES!"
After quickly compiling some sandwiches from the cafeteria area, we reached the seating area of the dining hall. Crowded af, we found our friends' tables completely surrounded by students...And for the most insane reason. Tsubasa and Syo were standing on top of the tables, water bottles in hand, belting out Grenade by Bruno Mars. Natsuki accompanied the two on his viola and Otoya filmed with Syo's video camera below them. Tomo was screaming along with the lyrics and Haruka followed the crowd as they clapped along on beat.
Tsubasa:
I'd catch a grenade for ya
Throw my hand on a blade for ya
I'd jump in front of a train for ya
You know I'd do anything for ya
Syo: I would go through all this pain
Tsubasa: Take a bullet straight through my brain
Syo: Yes, I would die for ya, baby
Tsubasa x Syo: But you won't do the same!
I looked toward the dining hall doors wondering why there weren't teachers or security officers stopping the commotion. S-class students were posted by every entrance and exit inside. We could hear the banging of adults on the other sides. "They've even thought of security measures..."
Ren placed his hands on his hips, "That's Ochibi for you. I bet he paid them to keep the adults out."
Syo: If my body was on fire! Ooh, you'd watch me burn down in flames!
Tsubasa: You said you loved me
Syo: You're a liar
Tsubasa: 'Cause you never~
Syo: Ever~
Tsubasa x Syo: Ever did, baby!
Completely peeved, Masato removed his grip on Tokiya and made his way through the crowd to most likely shut them down. "You two! Stop this at once!" Syo panicked after seeing Masato's face. So Tsubasa practically took on the rest of the song and all while keeping Masato at bay.
Tsubasa:
But darling, I'd still catch a grenade for ya~!
Throw my hand on a blade for ya~!
I'd jump in front of a train for ya~!
You know I'd do anything for ya~! OWOWOWOWOOWO~
Masato lunged for the salt and pepper-haired male. Tsubasa not only dodged all the bluenette's advances but ended up grabbing him by the back of the head. Pulling him close, Tsubasa serenaded the poor boy. Masato couldn't escape if he wanted two because of the crowd encircling them in screams of "Kya!"s.
Tsubasa:
I would go through all this pain!
*tapping forehead* Take a bullet straight through my brain~!
Yes, I would die for you, baby~
But you won't do the same!
"Otoya zoom in! Hurry!" Syo shouted at the redhead. Otoya looked as uncomfortable as he could get as he moved closer to the bromance action.
Tsubasa slid his hand across the side of Masato's face. The bluenette was bright red, a cross between amazed and repulsed. Amazed as in he didn't think Tsubasa would dare be so bold and so repulsed that it was taking everything in him to not sock the boy in the face. "No, you won't do the same~You wouldn't do the saaaaaame~Ooh, you never do the same~No, no, no, noooo!" Tsubasa ended by kissing Masato on the tip of his nose, which made the fangirls faint. Masato froze, only stutters escaping his throat. He had stopped functioning. Anyone in the room that knew Masato felt for him that moment.
I sweatdropped with my chicken sandwich, "You can't make this up."
"You really can't." Tokiya and I exchanged glances before turning away from each other. Everyone could feel the tension between us.
Tsubasa jumped off the table and was immediately surrounded by girls. His popularity had really skyrocketed since joining the S-class. "Alright, everyone. Break it up! The show's over~" Once Ren had his laugh, he politely shooed away the remaining students. When everyone was seated again, Syo signaled to the students at the doors to reopen them. The teachers and guards piled into the room flustered at the fact everything was back to normal. Otoya and Natsuki brought the separated tables back together and we all sat down together awkwardly. "Honestly Tsubasa, I didn't know you could sing that well." Ren said to him.
"Nah, it's not that Jinguji-senpai," Tsubasa spoke modestly. "It's just that I'm better with English that's all. So how about it, Minna? I say, once we graduate, we all should go karaoke-ing! What do you think?" Everyone turned away from the boy. "Do you guys not like me or something!?"
"Karaoke sounds like a great idea, Tsubasa-kun." Ren defended, patting his back. "But with these guys? That's a different story."
"Aw shucks Ren-kun! You know you love us!" Natsuki said with a smile. He placed his violin inside of its case.
"Nacchan's right. Also singing without the stress of getting graded on it sounds like a much better time~" I added.
Tsubasa pouted, "...Why couldn't you defend me like that, KaSakura-senpai?" I sweatdropped.
"Karaoke does sound nice doesn't it?"
"AH! RINGO-SENSEI!?" Tsubasa jumped to his left. "WHAT are you wearing!?"
"Being a little scandalous today are we, Ringo-sensei?" Ren looked to the side.
"What this old thing?" Ringo-sensei spun around. He was wearing a short bright red dress that showed off his knees. "Just a little number gifted to me, I just decided to wear today!" Some of us looked away uncomfortably. "Anyway, like I was saying! Karaoke sounds good, but doesn't an island resort sound better?"
"An island resort?" We all asked in unison.
"Yes!" Ringo pulled out a mic from behind his back. The sharp sound deafened us for several seconds. "Everyone listen up! I'm interrupting your dinner for a very special announcement! The long-awaited annual summer camp is officially happening next week! YAY!" There's a bunch of gasps in the crowd. He stands up on our table and we all instinctively back away. "This year we shall be heading to~bapbapbada! The Headmaster's private island! The blue sea...white sands! Waves breaking onto the shore amongst a melody of sweet winds!" Ringo-sensei saw Otoya daydreaming about it and tapped his nose with a spoon. Otoya blinked profusely and we snickered. "But! Don't get carried away my dear students! Vacation now, but when we come back, the real fight begins! Your true hour of destiny!" All of our faces hardened at his serious tone of voice. "That's right. It'll be time to decide the pairings of your graduation audition!"
"Graduation..."
"...audition." We all took a breath.
"Amongst idols course and composer course students, pairs will be formed. Together you'll at last walk the path towards your dream debut!" Ringo-sensei winked in an anime girl like pose.
"I'm sure some of you have already decided who you're going to pair with!" Most of us jumped as Hyuga-sensei's voiced boomed throughout the dining hall. He approached our table at Ringo's side, speaking so loudly that he didn't need a mic. "But for those who haven't...during this camp is the time to find your perfect partner for your pair! Choose wisely!"
"And choose carefully!" Hyuga was barely prepared when Ringo jumped into his arms playfully. Ringo kicked his legs up and down in Hyuga's princess-like hold. "It's important! And remember! Though you should know it all ready, falling in love is still absolutely forbidden!" Prompting Hyuga to put him down, Ringo stood straight and tall with his hands on his hips. "Got all that, everyone!?" Students echoed "Yes, Sensei!" throughout the area. "Good. I knew I could count on everyone! So! Pack your bags now because we're leaving soon! A southern island resort awaits us all!" With a clap to let us all know he was done, Ringo pulled Hyuga all the way out of the dining hall like they hadn't even come in the first place.
"An island resort! We're vacationing on an island resort!" Tomo exclaimed excitedly. She high-fived Otoya with both hands.
Tsubasa lifted his sunglasses, "Who knew the Headmaster would have a private island, let alone allow his students on it...either way, I'm stoked for sure. It's freaking beautiful out here."
"I could definitely get some great footage out here!" Syo went off to film every inch he could get to.
"And I'll help!" Natsuki followed him.
Everyone was spread out in loud conversation as soon as we landed. We ogled everything from the special hut-like cabins to the luxurious treetop cabanas by the ocean side. The resort's seaside air was definitely a change from the gas-filled city of Tokyo. "Listen up everyone!" Hyuga-sensei yelled loudly gaining everyone's attention. We all stopped in place, "Before you all run off and do whatever, listen carefully! Keep in mind, the purpose of this summer camp is to decide on your graduation audition pairs! Now is the time to be deciding if who you want to audition with is really the partner for you~!"
Ringo pushed Hyuga away, "~I'll be praying for you all to find the perfect match! Now let's hit the beach already! Ne, Minna?!" He spun around in his new yellow sundress that was more an appropriate length.
"Ah!? Ringo!?" Hyuga-sensei is flustered as he is dragged by his collar toward a cabana. Suddenly the two men jump after being bombarded by a hilariously dressed fire dancer. "Ah! No way~Shining!?"
"WELCOME TO THIS ISLAND! LOVED BY THE GODDESSES OF MUSIC, THE MUSES!" Ringo jumped behind Hyuga instinctively as Shining shouted. "Dareeeeee be touched by the mysterious wind of this land and inspiration will come bubbling uppppp!" Hyuga pushed Ringo's white sun hat out of his face. "Let's go everyone~Explore this legendary island over music and loveeeeeee~!" Shining unexpectedly threw away his fire pole and grabbed Hyuga and Ringo. He then carried them single-handedly to one of the piers and jumped off it with the two of them screaming. Everyone laughed at the Headmaster's antics.
"Well, you heard the Headmaster! Let's get to our cabins and lay down our stuff, so we can have some fun in the sun!" Tomo yelled with a fist in the air.
"This place certainly is a paradise on Earth." I spoke allowed to myself, "There's almost something...magical about it."
Otoya tapped my shoulder, "The others want to play a volleyball game later. Are you in?"
I smiled, "Sure thing~"
"Come on, Mel!" Tomo yelled already at our resort suite. Haruka pulled on my arm.
"Right right. I'm coming!" I winked at Otoya, "Save us a place?"
"Gotcha~Then we'll be heading off." Masato, Natsuki, and Otoya ushered the other boys towards their temporary living quarters. Then us girls headed off to our own.
The cabin was spacious with a wide ocean view. The girls and I spent an hour or so inside just relaxing on the outdoor deck. Eventually, we changed into our beachwear. I wore my black two-piece under a white crochet cover-up and Haruka wore her orange and white swimsuit under a long yellow top. Tomo didn't cover up nearly as much, only hiding her red, white, and blue bikini under a sporty skirt that was part of the set. After taking some time to admire each other's wears, we sat back down and shared some drinks from a food cabana nearby.
As we laughed at a dumb conversation we were having, there was a knock at the door. "Excuse me!" The voice said faintly from outside. With my hairbrush stroking my ends, I exited the deck and opened the front door. My smile flattened slightly upon seeing a distraught looking male. "KaSakura-chan."
"Masato-kun?" I dropped my brushing arm to my side as he caught his breath. "What's wrong? You look...really worried."
Without warning, Masato dropped to his knees making me jump. "I'M SORRY!" His yelling alerted the girls on the deck. "But please!" The bluenette pleads with puppy dog eyes, "I want you!"
"HUH!?"
A few moments later...
"Ah...so this is what he meant..."
"WhAT do yOu MeaN this is what he meant, Haru!? Don't just play this off!" I pick up the brooding bluenette by his blue and white jacket collar, shaking him, "Masa, how could you let this happen!?"
Masa held up his hands in surrender, "I'm really sorry, KaSakura-chan!"
"Well, it's not his fault...sort of." Tomo tried to defend.
"You shut it!" I pointed at her. She jumped in a defensive pose. "There's no excuse for this!"
Tokiya pinched the bridge of his nose, "This is going to be a long game."
"Now now, KaSakura-senpai." Tsubasa approached with his hands in his white swimming trunks. "All is fair in love and a lottery~!" He can't even say the full sentence before bursting into laughter. "AhHahaha! You guys are so screwed!"
I released Masato to comprehend the situation before me. Just hours ago, Otoya had told me about a volleyball game happening later today. Somehow, in the short span of time between then and now, Ren had managed to piss off Masato so much, that he was peer-pressured into agreeing to a random lottery for picking teams. And the teams could not have come out any worse.
"He was all like, "Ren I challenge yoU!" with the voice crack and everything. And then they took turns rolling for teammates and~AhHaha!" Syo joined Tsubasa in laughter. Masato returned to sitting on the ground with his arms around his knees. "He could have not drawn a worse team!"
Syo was right. He, Otoya, Tsubasa, and Ren were all on one side of the court. Tomo, Tokiya, Masato and I, were the team on the other end. Ren's team was full of the most athletic people perhaps in the entire school.
"Normally I would argue not to underestimate me...or rather us, but after looking again at the odds..." Tomo deadpanned with dead eyes, "Things look pretty grim don't they?"
"Why isn't Natsuki playing!?" I yelled at Syo from our end of the court.
"The most hilarious thing. He found a bird he made friends with not too long ago, and promised to build a sandcastle with him!" Tomo and I smacked our foreheads.
"And you haven't heard the worst part yet." We turned to a grim-faced Tokiya, who clearly did not want to be here. "Masato has never played once in his life." My and Tomo's faces darkened.
"Ichinose-san, please don't speak so negatively too!" Masato begged, grabbing Tokiya's leg. "You're my only hope!"
Tokiya held out an arm away from his folded one in Masato's direction, "Please refrain from looking at me. I do not yet forgive your childish antics for landing us in this mess. And involving me in it." It was very rare for Masato to openly pout, but even his angry dark bluenette friend was able to visibly put a damper on Masato's mood. Masato was upset and Tokiya just let him cry.
Honestly, so did we though.
Tokiya, Tomo, and I ended up in a huddle away from Masato, "So we're playing against the most athletic guys in school, all with a noob handicap?"
"What are we going to do?" Not to mention Tokiya and I aren't communicating at this point. Everything we were saying to each other was being translated through Tomo, to her irritation. Not only was our team quote on quote "weaker", but it was also dysfunctional.
"I mean..." Tomo placed her hands on her hips, "It is just a game...we might as well throw...it's hopeless."
"WHAT!?" Masato scurried across the sand to us on his knees. "But I can't lose to HIM!"
Tokiya pushed the bluenette's face back with a hand, "You should have thought about that before you carelessly declared war." Masato visibly pouted in Tokiya's grip.
I frowned, "Do we not have time to quickly teach him anything?"
"Are you kidding? We're supposed to be starting now."
"I didn't ask for your attitude."
"I'm merely stating the facts. It wasn't with attitude for your information."
Tomo uncomfortably frowned in between both of our angry stares directed at her, "Okay. I've had enough of this." She pushed us together, "If you're going to argue, at least look at each other while doing it!" We both instinctively looked away. "Better yet, can you guys just try to get along?! At least for right now!? We have bigger problems here!"
"It's best if we call a temporary truce then," Tokiya stated bluntly.
I frowned, "...Fine."
"Shake on it!"
We growled in unison, "NO."
"Hey! Do you just want to cancel this match? Cause' you guys are taking a while!"
"N-No o-ones canceling anything!" Masato yelled.
"Well hurry up!" Tsubasa yelled back.
"I guess it's up to me. I have no choice." Tokiya mutters to himself. He suddenly sighed loudly. The bluenette held up a hand. "I want a representative from your team to meet up with me and the referee!"
"Heh?"
"A representative?"
Syo blinked, "Interesting. I'll do it." With volleyball in arms, he walked over to Haruka, the appointed referee to wait.
I grabbed Tokiya's arm, "Wait, Tokiya! What are you doing?!"
"There's only one way to play this now. We have to do whatever it takes to win, for Masato's sake." The fact he didn't look at me in the eye told me whatever he had in mind was not going to be good. I reluctantly released the dark-haired bluenette and he jogged over to talk with Syo and Haruka.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS!? YOU'RE SO ON!" Syo yelled moments later. Syo laughed as loud as he could before running over to his teammates. "Everyone listen up! The stakes have risen!"
"Stakes?"
"We were playing for stakes?!"
"Ah! How interesting!" Suddenly Natsuki appeared next to Haruka, a bird on his right shoulders. "Since the game hasn't started yet, I will referee with Haru-chan to make things fairer!"
"Natsuki, wtf?"
"I thought you were going to build a sandcastle!"
"Tweet and I concluded that watching the volleyball game would be more fun!" All of us sweatdropped, "Now! The stakes are that the winning team and the referees will receive a kiss from Melody-chan!"
"HUH!?"
"WHAT!?"
"A KISS!?"
"Wait, Natsuki! No one mentioned the referees~"
"SYO-CHAN THE RULES ARE FINAL!" Syo sweatdropped again, "Now is everyone ready!?"
"ICHINOSE TOKIYA YOU BASTARD! I OUGHT TO SLUG YOU!"
"I understand that. But please refrain from doing so until after the game." Tomo held me back from going wild on the boy. Tokiya stretched practically ignoring me. "Motivation, check."
"Tokiya! How could you suggest such a thing without KaSakura's consent?!" Masato attempted to defend me.
"What? You don't want a kiss from Melody?"
"T-T-T-That's~!"
"Hmm? I didn't catch your answer." Tokiya leaned towards Masato, "I guess if you don't accept Melody's kiss, Ren will happily oblige her. If that's what you want."
Masato was suddenly on his feet, standing straight too. "We will win this match." It was like he hadn't been pouting for the last 15 minutes.
"That's what I thought." Tokiya massaged his shoulders, "Masato, the game is simple. Get it over the net. Don't let the ball drop."
"Hai."
"~One hand, both hands, or your head. No feet. Understand?"
"Hai!"
Tokiya cracked his knuckles. "Alright, let's get this over with." Tokiya seemed to develop a burning passion almost similar to Masato's blue firey aura.
"Time out! If we're going to do this right, Masato needs to be in the front with me...are you okay with that?" Tokiya looked to me with a sharp glare that said ACCEPT without him actually saying it. With a sweatdrop, I only nodded to Tomo, and she sighed. "Okay. Serve when you're ready!"
With everyone fired up about the sakes, the game was close. Each team was at each other's necks for points. Despite Masato not understanding the concept of the game, our team was holding our own well. Tomo had powerful serves, and Tokiya had some pretty good saves himself. Masato and I were really there just for the setups...regardless it was enough! Our team was coordinating and it was working!
"Enough!" Masato suddenly shouted. All of us snapped out of our individual focus modes to pay attention to Masato. He held onto the volleyball after it landed on our side of the court. "Now is a good time as any. Look. I appreciate all of you setting up this game just for us, but it's time to really settle the score."
"You took the words right out of my mouth." Ren stood up straight from his previous playing position. "To think that now the Lady's kiss is on the line...Man, you've really got my blood boiling~" We all noticed the fiery orange blaze surrounding Ren's aura. Ren pointed dramatically, "HIJIRIKAWA! Fight me like a man!"
Matching his aura, Masato points back, "One final SHOWDOWN! ONE V ONE!"
"Fine! Saa! COME!" Everyone took that as a cue to exit the court. Once all of us were on the sidelines. Natsuki takes the ball from Masato and walks between the two rivals.
"A final battle between men. We'll allow it!" Masato and Ren glared menacingly at one another.
"Has Masato forgotten that he still doesn't know how to play?" Otoya sweatdropped.
"It's not completely decided...right?" Tomo asked. "What do you think, Tokiya-kun?"
"Pfft. Don't underestimate a man on a mission." Tokiya sneered. He believed in his friend. "Hijirikawa-san! Just win!"
"Of course! I won't let KaSakura-chan down!"
"Lady, watch me!"
"Make it a good clean fight! First to five! Here we go!" Natsuki held the ball over his head. "3! 2! 1! Starto!" he flung the ball straight upward and ran off the court. The two boys watched as the volleyball reached its peak and start its downwards descent. They readied to make the jump.
"Here it comes!"
Masato and Ren jump off of the sand. Ren was .14 seconds faster and was able to touch the ball with his fingertips first. It's enough to secure the first point, the ball slamming behind Masato inside the lines. Masato turned to look behind him.
"1-0!" Haruka shouted.
"Didn't you hear what Ichi-kun said?" Ren asked, eyes hidden behind his strawberry blonde bangs. They flung out of the way as he stood back up. The anger on his face was apparent, "Don't underestimate a man on a mission. Do you think you're the only hero here? If you think the spotlight is yours alone, think again!"
"Tch!"
"Yikes." Tsubasa cringed, "Masato is a goner. Ren's got this in the bag!"
"Even though Ren said hero, why does he also sound like a villain?" Syo asked. The rest of us shrug.
"It's just the first point! Shake it off!" Tokiya yelled in Masato's direction.
Otoya sweatdropped, "You're really fired up about this matchup aren't you?"
"WE WON'T LOSE!" Tokiya yelled in Otoya's face. Otoya shrunk back in fear. "He won't lose! I won't let him!" Tokiya cupped his hands around his mouth, facing the game again. "Hear that Hijirikawa-san! If you lose I'll never forgive you! And neither will Melody!"
"I understand!" Masato said readying up. Ren served first. Masato bumped the ball up and then smacked it as hard as he could to Ren's side. Ren doesn't even bother going for it, letting the ball hit the sand. "Alright!"
Natsuki shouted, "2-0!"
"HUH?!"
"Hijirikawa-san! The ball has to stay inside the lines to count! Stay focused!" Masato scratched his neck in embarrassment.
"Are you stupid?" Ren laughed harshly. "This will be an easy victory."
"Don't DARE count me out yet!" Masato fired back.
"Or what?" Ren served again. Masato slapped the ball back over but Ren gets the perfect angle in which Masato can't leap in time to hit it back. "Like I said. Can't even admit when you're in the wrong can you?"
"3-0!" Masato kneeled on the ground gritting his teeth.
"HIJIRIKAWA-SAN! Don't let our help go to waste!" Tokiya shouted so fired up he was acting out of character, "Can we call a timeout!?"
Otoya and Tsubasa hold Tokiya back from jumping on the court. "No! You can't solely call a timeout!"
"Dammit!"
"Tell you what, Hijirikawa. Agree to forfeit now and I will let you out of this before you embarrass yourself in front of the Lady any further! Haha!"
"Yup. Still sounds like a villain."
"Masato! Don't give up you hear me!? Don't give up!" Tokiya continued shouting words of encouragement through the palms of his hands.
"Tokiya will you chill before you explode?" I said to him and sighed.
"I want to root for Ren because he's good and we're on the same team." Otoya's lips folded, "But Masato is my friend too~" He held his head.
"Yeah. The complete underdog." Tsubasa turned to me, "What about you KaSakura-senpai? Who are you rooting for?" I put a curled finger to my chin. "They are technically playing for you, you know."
"Well, Masa got us into this whole unnecessary mess in the first place. For that reason alone I should be rooting for Ren." Masato visibly dropped to all fours on the court. Ren spun the ball in his hand.
"So? Are you finally giving up?"
"I...I~!"
"But," I stepped forward, "Ren wins everything. I want Masato to win for a change." I cupped my hands mimicking Tokiya, "Masato-kun! Please don't give up! Even if you lose I'll hold my faith in you to the end!"
Tokiya dropped his hands, "It took you long enough. I felt like I was the only one here."
"Well, you could have just told us to cheer with you instead of acting like a fool."
"WHat!? Are you kidding me?!" I laughed at his frustration.
"Let me be clearer." I started to shout, "KICK HIS AZZ, MASATO!"
"I-I'll never give in!" Masato stood back on his feet. He kicked his sandals off, burying his feet in the sand. "Especially now when KaSakura is on my side!" Masato yelled, "Lookout Ren! The real showdown begins now!"
"How dare you steal the Lady away...Now I really won't show you mercy!" Ren quickened his speed in serving, hoping to get the ball past Masato for an easy point. But...
"3-1!" Natsuki lifted his hand towards Masato's side of the court.
Masato's smiled in triumph, "Didn't you hear what "Ichi-kun" said? The ball has to stay inside the lines to count!"
Ren gritted his teeth, "Oh...It's ON!"
"3-2!"
The battle heated up even more.
"4-2!"
The possessions were quicker, but the rounds were getting longer.
"4-3!"
Ren's strikes were flawlessly hitting the ball over in one go, but Masato's strategy of bumping the ball and then hitting it over was working for him.
"4-4!" Haruka shouted. The two boys take a second to breathe.
Syo tapped the tall blonde, "Natsuki, are we treating this as a deuce or not?"
"No. The next point wins!"
"You heard him, you guys! Matchpoint!"
"The last round is worth 2 points! Good luck!" Masato served the ball one final time.
"Go Ren!"
"You can do it Masato!"
The point was long. Ren and Masato lunged for the ball back and forth, tumbling and rolling across the sand to catch it. Neither one would let up.
Around five minutes later they were still at it, both their determination strong. Their yelling and groaning was steady. But then, one of them gets an advantage by pure luck. Ren's hair tie fell off after his last bump, his long locks falling all over his face. He quickly brushed what he could over his ear, but Masato saw the opening and took it.
"Take that!" After setting himself up, Masato got closer to the net and struck the ball over to Ren's side. Not ready because of the different pace of serve, Ren went for the ball with one hand and smacked it up but tripped. The ball doesn't gain enough force and it fell back down on Ren's side.
"6-4!"
"...I won." Masato breathed.
Ren fell back onto the sand, "...You won."
"YES!"
"ALRIGHT!"
"Yay Masato!" Everyone who was holding back cheers let them out at once.
"Damn, was everyone on Hijirikawa's side?"
Tsubasa helped up the strawberry blonde, "Not exactly. But ya can't help but cheer for the underdog right?"
"That was so close." Tokiya held his chest, back to his stoic demeanor.
"It was." I slunk down on my knees, "Finally this is over."
"Now the winning team and referees can collect their prize!"
"Heh?" I am suddenly lifted in the air by Natsuki before I can think straight. "AH!? WAIT WAIT WAIT! NO! PLEASE!"
"Natsuki put her down!" Everyone yelled at their own speeds.
"Shinomiya-san." Natsuki stood in place and faced Masato. I froze with my arms in front of my face. "It's okay. Don't make KaSakura do something she doesn't want."
"Now hold on a second." I prompted Natsuki to set me down. "I never said that I wouldn't...Natsuki just startled me is all..." I approached Masato shyly. I pulled on his jacket sleeve. He was hesitant but he would lean down to meet me. "Good job, Masa. Chu~" Masato's face was bright red when I leaned back from kissing his cheek. He and Ren both fainted at the same time. Some other students who had begun watching the game tended to them.
"Ah! Masa!"
"AH! Ren!"
"Ah! She's really doing it!?"
"Nooooooo! I want KaSakura-chan's kisses too! Waaaaaaah!"
I reluctantly continued the trail of quick pecks on the cheek. "Chu!" One for Natsuki, "Chu~" One for Haruka, "Chu!" One for Tomo.
"Yay! A kiss from Mel! Arigato!" Tomo exclaimed. I nodded and sighed.
"And one more!" Tokiya was pushed in front of me by Natsuki who had snuck behind him. Masato, who has awakened, held his shoulders in place so that he couldn't move away.
"Thank you for helping Ichinose. Please accept your reward on my behalf."
"T-This isn't really necessary."
I placed my hands on my hips, "I mean, after all, this escalated because of you. I should slug you like I said I would."
"See? Really isn't necessary." Masato's grip was firm.
"But you won't, will you KaSakura-chan?" I visibly pouted, "Come on KaSakura, just one more~"
Tokiya's glance caught mine before looking away as I stepped up. "I guess..." I waited for Tokiya to lean his head down. He reluctantly did so, turning his head away from me. I grabbed one of his cheeks with one hand and went to kiss the other one.
"You could pre~tend..."
"Chu~!" I just went for it.
"..."
"..."
"Hey! I want to go surfing now! Ren! You promised to teach me!"
"Yeah yeah, that was before I got my heartbroken."
"Heh? Keep your promise!" Otoya whined, "Here that everyone! We're moving down to the shore! Everyone started to move in that direction.
Masato who had turned away for a split second turned back to Tokiya. "What do you say, Ichinose? Are we going to follow them or..." Masato noticed Tokiya's rosy cheeks. "Ah, are you both okay?"
Tokiya blinked several times before standing straight again. "Oh, uh...yeah I guess."
"...you sure?" Masato turned to me. I was blushing too probably.
"Yeah~I think I'm going to stay with the girls though..." I brushed a hand through my hair trying to hide my nervousness from Masato.
"Oh, okay KaSakura. Thanks again." Masato bowed politely, thanking me for playing in the game and for the kiss reward. "We'll head off first then. Come on Ichinose-kun~" Masato jogged away with the other students.
Tokiya looked to me shyly through his bangs. I looked back at him.
At the exact moment that went to I kiss Tokiya's cheek, he had turned to face me. So...instead of kissing his cheek...I caught the side of his lips instead.
Did that count as an actual kiss?
"I-It was an accident...you know." Tokiya muttered.
"...Sure it was." I looked in another direction, "You're always trying to embarrass me."
Tokiya moved back in front of my gaze. "It was!" He quieted his voice after shouting, "I didn't plan that. Honest."
"Pfft. Just like my song." I had said it aloud unconsciously and Tokiya had heard me. I covered my mouth. Tokiya's shy expression contorted in a sad one.
"Yes." He told me flatly. "Believe it or not, yes Melody."
"Shite. I didn't mean~" Tokiya turned away from me. "Wait! I didn't mean to say~"
"Mel! We're going to check out the other cabana's now." Tomo called to me.
I looked back at her, "I'm coming!" In that short time, Tokiya had moved further away from me. I reached out toward him. "Tokiya, wait!"
But he didn't.
"Mel! Wake up!"
"...Five more minutes, Mom."
"Melody! Come on!" Tomo shook me, "I'm not your mom wake up!" I rubbed my eyes to see her and Haruka standing over me. "What happened now?"
"There's a ghost in the room." I pushed whoever the hell whispered in my ear and rolled off the bed in fear. Syo turned on his cell phone light, "BOO!"
"SCREW YOU SYO! SCREW YOU!"
"Shh! You'll wake the neighboring students!"
"You are...you are such!" I tried my best to compose myself. "WHAT are you DOING here?" I asked through gritted teeth.
"We're gonna go ghost hunting." Tomo gave him a light smack. "Sike. We're meeting at the campfire on the shore. Just some late-night group fun stuff. You're invited."
I slunk back into bed and pulled the cover-up, "Count me out then."
"Oh come on! You have to come!" Syo tugged on me.
"Syo be serious please." Tomo urged him, "Tell her what's going on already."
"Fine. I'm continuing the dare challenges from my Youtube channel since it did well. I need as many people as possible to participate." Syo dragged me out of bed.
"Can't you do it without meeee?"
"No! Come on! Guys help me!" Tomo and Haruka helped Syo drag my sleepy body out of the cabin and down the path.
"We're on vacation Mel! It'll be fun."
"Didn't you tell me that you wanted to participate in the first place?"
"I did but it's sooo lateeeee!"
"Keep it down! We don't want to get caught!"
"Why are we always doing things we could be getting caught for is the real question?"
"Beats me." My head snapped to my left.
"Tokiya-kun, Masato-kun. Just in time." Tokiya instinctively looked away from me. "Help us get Melody to the spot."
"Is she hurt?" Masato asked Syo worriedly. He waved him off.
"No, just lazy."
"Then do it yourself. You're the one that wants her there." Tokiya folded his arms and started to walk away.
"Don't be rude Ichinose!" Masato scolded.
"I'd be willing to go if Masa-kun carried me there!" I said in a childish voice. Tokiya stopped in place.
Masato slinked back nervously, "T-That's~" Before he could get it out, Tokiya backtracked and grabbed me around the waist slinging me onto his shoulder. "Huh!? Ichinose?!"
"Let's hurry and get this over with." Tokiya grumbled carrying me against my will. I fought against his grip but he ignored me, carrying me all the way to the campfire.
He sat me down in front of the others and they held me back from going to slap him. "Welcome to the party, KaSakura-chan." Tsubasa said holding onto me.
"So, is this everyone?"
"Everyone risking to help you tonight. We're really not allowed to be out at night, you know." Tomo told Syo. But he waved her off.
"Alright! Let's get the ball rolling then!" Everyone sat together in a circle around the fire. "I've already done my intro for the recording, so all that left are the dares!" Syo held up a fedora of his. "So this is how it's going down. Natsuki and I wrote down a bunch of dares my subscribers left in the comments of my last vid. Everyone has to do at least one. There are single-person dares and dares involving more than one person. If you get a dare and fail or refuse to do it...Nacchan!"
We all follow Syo's eyes as Natsuki stood with a dripping wet towel. "You'll be forced to endure a light whipping by this wet towel!"
"Interesting," Ren said aloud. "This will be fun to see play out."
"One last thing! If it's a challenge in which you win or lose, the loser has to go stand in the ocean barefoot for 20 seconds!" Syo exclaimed.
"Damn. These rules are elaborate aren't they?" I whispered.
"Yeah!" Otoya who was sitting next to me agreed. "But it sounds like a lot of fun!"
"Okay, there should be just enough for each of us." Syo mixed the dares in the hat. "Ren, since you spoke first, why don't you start us off?"
"Don't mind if I do."
Masato rolled his eyes, "I hope one day his boldness will get the best of him."
"And I hope this game makes you suffer. I still don't forgive you for stealing the Lady's kiss from me." Ren pulled out a slip of paper and began to read. "'Take off your shirt and place it on the head of the person of the same gender who you would date. Don't forget to explain why.'...Oya?" Ren took a second to process.
"Of course he'd get that dare," Syo muttered. He took the paper from Ren. "Yeah, all the dares have a slight kick to them, so don't be so surprised. It also reads that the person you choose has to keep it on their head for the rest of the game. So choose wisely!" Syo said playfully.
"Well, this is awkward. But I'll do my best." Ren skillfully slid off his white short-sleeved button-down shirt. "Hmm. Who to choose..." He stood up and looked around at all the guys in the circle. "Who would I date?" Ren's eyes jumped to Tokiya who had leaned up to roast a marshmallow. Ren smiled devilishly and placed the thin piece of cloth over Tokiya's head. Tokiya sighed in acceptance. "I pick Ichi!"
"Oh god why?" Escaped his lips.
"Because I feel out of the other guys here, that you and I would get along the most." Ren reasoned.
"Am I the only one here who believes that this would not work out at all?" About everyone in the circle agreed with Tokiya.
"But Ichi~" Ren grabbed his chin. "Just because it wouldn't work, doesn't mean I wouldn't want to try." Tokiya choked at Ren's flirting.
"Tokiya-kun, you've been chosen!" Natsuki pointed, "You can't remove the shirt for the rest of the game! If you do, you'll face a punishment!"
Tokiya pinched the bridge of his nose, "How bothersome."
"Let's see!" Syo turned to me. "Let's take turns between girls and boys. Melody, you're my next victim!"
"Oh, good grief." I stood up and reached into the fedora without argument. I wished to get it over with quickly. "Oh, this isn't so bad. 'Choose one player to whisper a question to. They have to whisper back a legitimate answer. If not, they get a penalty.'"
"Okay okay. So we're getting the easier ones out of the way it seems." Syo said, "Go on Melody, ask anyone anything. And they have to answer~" I looked around the circle. The group was just made of the regular crew. I couldn't think of anything off the top of my head I wanted to honestly know.
"Ah! Am I too late?!" Aruhi appeared behind me. So I moved out of her way. No! You're fine! Just take a seat anywhere."
Tsubasa patted the seat next to him, "We're in the middle of KaSakura-senpai's dare~"
"Tsubasa-kun." I went with a safe option. "I choose you." I knew what to ask.
"Oh? Senpai?" Tsubasa stood up, "This is unexpected." Tsubasa and I left the circle.
"Aw? You guys are doing it all the way over there? Boo!"
"Please don't say it like that."
"That just sounds wrong."
"You're the ones with the dirty minds!"
"Okay." Tsubasa leaned over to let me whisper in his ear. "You and Aruhi look close. Why aren't the two of you going out?" Tsubasa's eyes widened.
"What a question." Tsubasa whispered back, "But I'm actually waiting for you to ask me out, Senp~ai! Aiaiaiaiai! Ouch!"
"Syo! Natsuki! Tsubasa isn't cooperating!"
"OOH! Penalty! Penalty!" The circle started chanting with Syo. "Penalty! Penalty! Penalty!"
"Alright alright! I'll give her a better answer!" Tsubasa turned back to me. I wasn't joking you kno~Okay okay! Jeez." Tsubasa leaned closer. "Aruhi and I can't be friends? She and I are childhood friends, after all, remember? We don't see each other that way!"
"But then why are you with Serena then? You're childhood friends too. And it doesn't seem like you really like her like that either."
Tsubasa's eyes darkened, "But that's not what you asked. Is it?" My eyes widened. "Try again next time. Senpai." Tsubasa's voice made a chill run down my spine as went back to the circle.
"Well, KaSa-chan?" Syo asked me. I smirked.
"Never got a legit response." Tsubasa whipped his head back at me.
"HUH!?"
Natsuki appeared behind the salt and pepper haired male, "PENALTY! PENALTY! PENALTY!" He whipped the towel before Tsubasa could protest. Tsubasa almost knocked over the tripod the video camera was on in his attempt to dodge him.
Syo stood closer to me, "Did he really not?" He asked with eyes lowered.
"He did. Sort of. But I know you want the content."
"My girl~" Syo high-fived me.
Tsubasa massaged his legs in his seat, "SENPAI! I'LL REMEMBER THIS! MARK MY WORDS!" Syo and I laughed maniacally.
"Alright! Whose next! A boy this time!" Syo looked to his right, "Otoya! Buddy! Pick your poison!"
Otoya leaned away from the fedora being pushed in front of him. "O-Okay..." He grabbed a slip and read, "Oh. 'Choose one player to give me a "blank"-second piggyback ride.'"
"Ooh. So he's got the first time challenge." Syo spoke up, "With the time challenges, we up the ante by 10 seconds after each one! So depending on when you get it! Since Otoya got the first one, he gets to have a 10-second ride!"
"...Field day..." Masato suddenly paled as Otoya's ruby eyes flicked to his sapphire ones. "Revenge from field day!"
"No."
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Yes! Yes Yes Yes Yes! Finally revenge from field day!" Otoya exclaimed hopping up, "Masato Please!"
"No!"
Natsuki leaned over with the towel, "Penalty?" Masato leaned away from him.
"What happened on field day?"
"You guys don't remember? Back in May!?" We shook our heads, "During the wheelbarrow contest they made me the wheelbarrow! And I agreed only if Masato would give me a piggyback ride in return and he never did!" Otoya bounced up and down. "Let me ride you!"
"NO!"
"Better say yes Masato. Or you'll be whipped!" Masato inched closer away from Natsuki.
"Fine!" He stood up. "Ten seconds!" The bluenette squatted with his arms out. "I get to count!"
"Don't go slow!"
"Fine!"
"Yay!"
"3, 2, 1!" Masato lifted Otoya on his back and ran around sporadically. Otoya squealed like a child. "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10!" After yelling "10", Masato let Otoya fall like a hot potato. "Now get away from me!"
"No fair! You counted so fast!"
"No take-backs." Masato sat back down with his arms folded.
"Alright, who's next?"
"Tomo-chan!" Syo pointed, "Come on up here girl!"
"Alright!" Tomo exclaimed, "I'm excited~" She reached her hand in pulling one out, "'Choose one player to wheelbarrow you for "blank" seconds'. Wow, I was not expecting that. But I am up for the challenge!"
"That's the spirit."
"So that's 20 seconds right?" Syo nodded, "Now, to choose someone who won't look up my skirt..."
"I take offense to that."
"Me too!"
"Just about the entire circle does."
"Melody!" My head flung to hers. "Be my driver!"
"Oh jeez, okay." I stood up, dusting off the wrinkles of my cover-up.
Tomo got in a planking position, "Don't you dare look!"
"I won't!" I yelled back at her, grabbing her ankles.
"Hey hey! Are you ready?" Syo asked, "20 seconds...and go!"
For the allotted time, I walked Tomo all over the sand in random directions. Tomo continuously cried out that her palms were bruising and I was struggling to keep her upright. "Mel! Pick one way to go!"
"I'm sorry! You're just too heavy!"
"What was that!?"
"And time!" I dropped Tomo like a hot potato and started panting. Tomo yelled in surprise.
"I really hate to say it...but maybe it's a height thing." I tried to explain.
"Yeah right!" She massaged her bum before going back to her seat.
"Alright! Next victim!"
"You aren't even trying to pretend anymore are you..."
"How about you go next? Huh, Ochibi-chan?"
"DOn't call me that." Syo picked up the fedora again. "And fine, if that's how you want it. Fair is fair!" The smaller blonde looked away as he picked. "Okay, this one! Aw, it's a baby dare~"
"I call hax!"
"Me too."
"Are you really resorting to cheating, Syo-chan?"
"Nuh-uh! Don't even do that! You all saw me pick! I even closed my eyes!"
"Whatever cheater."
Syo growled before reading the slip of paper, "It says, 'Teach one player a new skill.' Oh okay, that is easy. I can do something simple." Syo looked around the circle. "Na-na-mi! Hello! I choose you!"
"Don't you dare abuse the little lamb, Ochibi."
"Oh hush!" Syo told him while pulling Haruka to him. "Okay! About how flexible are you?"
"Um...I don't know..." Haruka muttered worriedly. "Not very I guess..."
"Alright. I was gonna try teaching you a backflip, but we can try a cartwheel instead!"
"I can try that!"
"Okay!"
Syo quickly demonstrated what a cartwheel looked like, then it was Haruka's turn to try. Halfway through the motion, she was freaking out.
"Ah~Kurusu-san! Everything is spinning! I can't!" She flipped back onto her knees.
"Syo, it sounds like you're failing you challenge LOL." Tsubasa mocked, actually spelling out the letters.
Natsuki started to stand up, "Punishment?"
"Punishment!"
"Punishment!"
"Pun-ish-ment!"
"Now wait, hold on!" Syo pleaded with the group, "She's almost got it! You're just scared of falling over Nanami-chan, but I'm right here with you I promise! Don't give up!"
"Okay. Okay!" Haruka swallowed and stood up. She tilted over into a handstand position and panicked, "AH! KURUSU-SAN!"
"I gotcha I gotcha!" Syo held her feet, "You're almost there just keep going! To your feet." Seeing Haruka struggling, Syo gave her a light push into the rest of the motion. She landed on her feet and he held her steady. "See?! It's not so bad anymore is it?!"
"Ah! I did it!" Haruka clapped, "Thank you so much! Kurusu-san!"
"...Isn't helping her...sort of cheating too?"
"...I don't think it should count...she seems so happy."
"...I agree."
"Aww! Haru-chan is so cuteeeeee!"
Syo sat Haruka down gently, "Ah-ha! It is done! If anyone else wants me to teach them anything ever, $69.99 per class~!"
"Boo!" Ren and I bawled our slips of paper and threw them at the S class blonde.
"Oh, whatever! Don't be jealous!" Syo flinched grabbing the hat. "Next, another girl~Ar-uh-hi~" Aruhi wasn't paying attention, lost in her thoughts it seemed. Syo snuck up behind her. "BOO!"
"Ahhhhhh!" Aruhi held her hands over her head. I rolled my eyes. He didn't even try to do it discreetly and she still jumped.
"You're next! Pick a challenge!" Aruhi reached into the fedora like there was a vat of snakes inside.
"Umm...it says, 'Sit on one player's lap for 3 dares.' Eeeeeh!?"
"Big Oop." Syo mocked holding a hand to his lips. "Before anyone says anything, let me reclarify that I didn't make up these dares! My comment section did! This game is all about luck!"
Without much thought, Aruhi chose the safest option. "Tomochika-chan, do you mind~"
"Not at all! Shame on Syo for keeping this dare in!" Tomo stuck a tongue out in his direction.
Syo gave her one back, "Come on. You wouldn't be saying that if it was two boys doing it..."
"That's true." Tomo concurred.
"Next boy!" Syo crept around the outside of the circle, "TSUBASA!"
"YES!" Tsubasa sat back, "Dude! Don't do me like that!"
"The poison is yours for the taking!" Tsubasa rolled his eyes and just picked the slip of paper that was sticking out. "Ooh. Not reaching in? You might regret that~" Syo quickly pulled away the fedora before he could switch his paper.
"Damn. What have you done to me?"
"Nothing! It's all up to fate now!"
"Tch." Tsubasa unfolded the paper, "Challenge one player to a best of 3 rock-paper-scissors. The loser gets splashed by a bucket of seawater!'"
"AND the loser punishment! By default!" Natsuki yelled, "To the ocean they go!" He stood up in excitement.
Syo pointed the video camera in the salt and pepper haired boy's face, "Alright Tsubasa, pick your challenger! We're about to make this dramatic as hell!"
Tsubasa started to sweat, "Such high stakes...But big bets! I can beat anyone here!"
"Oya?" Ren asked, "Even if they have help?"
"Damn right! My abilities are uncanny!" Ren smirked.
"Let's make things interesting~" He walked over to Tomo and Aruhi. "A team of three?"
"If you'll all take the punishments!" Tsubasa pointed dramatically.
"Ren-san! What are you thinking?" Ren whispered something to Tomo. "Oh...Okay!" She then filled Aruhi in. Tomo held her shoulders after getting her compliance. "You're opponent will be Aruhi-chan then!"
Tsubasa began to pale, "W-What? What's going on here?"
"If you can beat Aruhi-chan with your eyes closed, we'll take the punishment." Ren smiled devilishly.
"I-I can...It doesn't matter!" His facade was crumbling.
"Alright then. First one! Hands out!" We all leaned in to see. Tsubasa closed his eyes. "Rock Paper~Scissors!"
"One point Tsubasa!" Tsubasa started to open his eyes, but Ren covered them with his hands. "Ah, ah ah. Not till it's over."
"Oh come on! I'm scared now! This isn't right!"
"Why? Aruhi's your only contender. And you're up by one already..." Ren told him, "It's just up to fate~"
"Your voice sounds too devilish! I know you've done something!"
"Rock Paper!"
"Aaaaahhhh!" Tsubasa's hand shook and Ren laughed.
"~Scissors! One point Aruhi!"
"What joke are you playing!? What is happening!?" We all started to snicker, wanting to laugh out loud. "People are starting to laugh! What's so funny!? What are ya'll laughing at!?" Tsubasa panicked squirming around in Ren's hold.
"Come on Bakki! This is for all the marbles! I believe in you!" Ren shouted at him, "Rock Paper~"
"REN-SENPAI!"
"Scissors!...Ah. The little lady has beaten you."
"Huh!?" Ren released him. "What?! How!? No way!"
"Punishment time!" Without warning, Tsubasa is splashed with a bucket of seawater.
"AAAAAAAHH!" He screamed, shivering instantaneously, "It's cold!"
"Haha!"
"Now into the water, you go!" Natsuki picked up the poor soul and ran out to the shore.
"Stop this violation! I demand to know what happened! This is a trick I just know it! HELP ME AAAH!" Natsuki sets him down barefoot in the ocean. "It's so cold! Help me PLEASE!"
"20 seconds! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5~" At the end of the count, Natsuki draped a towel over him, pulling him away and replacing his flip flops. Tsubasa was left shaking, curled up closest to the campfire.
"That was...absolutely HILARIOUS." Syo laughed and we all joined him.
Ren flipped his bangs away from his eyes, "Anything to spice up your video, Ochibi-chan."
"But in all honesty...Ren, you deserve punishment too."
"That's fine. I'm not a big baby, like Bakki here. I accept on the ladies' behalf."
"W-what d-did y-you d-do t-to m-me?" Tsubasa stuttered uncontrollably.
After shaking his head in disapproval, Tokiya crossed his arms and explained, "Aruhi-chan never put a hand out at all."
"W-WHAT!?"
"Gomen, Tsubasa-kun!" Aruhi whined.
"But we made you think she was! Your reactions were hilarious, Tsubasa-kun! Haha!" Tomo exclaimed in between laughs.
"I-I knew it! Y-Ya'll t-tricked m-me!" The poor male cried. Tsubasa was out of commission for sure.
Ren gave a signature wink, "You've just been pranked! Bakki!"
"Famous last words!" Syo suddenly exclaimed. Ren didn't have enough time to turn around before he is whipped by wet towels on both sides. "Punishment time!" Both blondes whacked the barechested strawberry blonde for at least 10 seconds. Ren fell to his knees afterward.
"Was it worth it?" Masato asked with one eye open.
Ren gripped a fist, "...Yes."
"Alright! Things have really kicked up!" Syo grabbed the fedora again, "Haruka! You're the last girl to choose!"
"I really hope, that doesn't happen to me..." Haruka picked, "'Challenge one player to a race! The loser gets slapped by a wet towel!' Oh no~"
"Then that means..."
"Plus loser's punishment! By default!" Syo and Natsuki yelled in unison. "Haru-chan! Choose your challenger!"
"Oh no...oh no!" Everyone looked in a different direction, not wanting to go through anything similar to what Tsubasa did. This made Haruka panic, "What should I do!?"
"Nanami, anyone you choose has to do it! Or they face regular punishment! There's a wet towel whipping regardless!" Syo laughed maniacally.
"In theory...wouldn't be better...to just decline the challenge?" Tokiya muttered aloud in thought, "That way the loser doesn't have to stand in the ocean..."
"Are you volunteering? Tokiya-kun!" Tokiya's eyes widened.
"On the contrary! I'm volunteering you, Shinomiya-san!" Tokiya pointed dramatically, "You're the only one left that hasn't participated in a dare yet!"
"That is true..." Ren agreed, catching his shirt before it fell off of Tokiya's head. "Careful Ichi. You don't want to face punishment too...Trust me."
"Ah, you are right, Tokiya-kun." Natsuki thought for a moment, "Okay! If Haru-chan chooses me! I will gladly accept the challenge!"
"Are you mental, Nacchan!?" Otoya asked him, "The loser gets a wet towel and has to stand in the ocean!"
"That's right. And Haru isn't very fast of a runner..." I trailed off. "Dude, just forfeit. For your sake and Nanami's."
Natsuki's frowned, "Hmm. I'll do whatever Haru-chan feels is best. Would you like me to forfeit on your behalf, Haru-chan?" He asked her.
Haruka deflated, "Ah...I don't want to let you down though, Shinomiya-san!"
"Then let's race!"
"Natsuki!"
"Nacchan!"
"Shinomiya-san!"
"Oop. Looks like his mind's already made up." In the blink of an eye, Haruka and Natsuki were all the way by the shore. Syo pointed the camera at them, "Alright! To the first tree and back! READY! GO!" Natsuki and Haruka were neck and neck as they zoomed across the sand. At the entrance to the forest, they turned around at different speeds. By then, it was obvious that Natsuki was letting Haruka win, by slowing down.
"Aw...Natsuki..."
"Nacchan..."
"Shinomiya..."
"And stop! Haruka wins!" Haruka, out of breath, sat down panting heavily. It was obvious she had tried her best.
"See Haru-chan? It's always a fair chance." Natsuki panted. Otoya and Ren ready the towels behind him.
"For this, I respect you much more, Shinomi."
"Yeah. Take this whipping like a trooper! King!" Otoya practically cried for Natsuki as he's attacked. Otoya dropped to his knees, "That didn't feel good at all!" He whined after it was over.
"It really didn't...but to the ocean, I go!" Natsuki exclaimed running to the shore barefoot. "1, 2, 3~" He counted aloud, shivering in the cold water. We all gave him a silent salute as he returned after 20 seconds. "Oh don't mind me. It really isn't as bad as you make it out to be." His actions contradicted his words as he sat closer to the fire than before.
"Ah, I hate to do this to you, Natsuki...but if you want you can go next...just to get it out the way..."
"Syo!"
"Don't Syo me! He did it to himself!"
"It's fine! Of course, I'll go next!" Natsuki wrapped tightly in his warm towel, picked the next dare. "Ooh, it's getting empty isn't it?" The taller blonde pulled one from what was left. "'Challenge one player to a staring contest! The loser stands in the water for blank seconds!' Ooh~it's a time dare so after the ante, that's...30 seconds...and plus the loser's punishment...that's..."
"Practically a full minute in the ocean..." Everyone once again froze up, not wanting to participate. "These dares are getting harsh!" No one including Natsuki wanted to volunteer anyone.
Finally, Syo sighed loudly, "I'm not scared!" We all looked to him, realizing he was the perfect one for this challenge. "I'll take you on!"
Natsuki gave a big smile, "You're on then!"
"I don't even need to sit!" Syo crouched on his knees to face Natsuki. Eyes closed he asked, "Ready!?"
"Yes!"
"Then...Go!" Both had strong determination as their eyes flew open. Feeling bad for the already punished Natsuki, everyone was rooting for him to win. Wanting to make Syo lose, everyone else in the circle was doing what they could to make Syo blink. Ren blew in Syo's ear, "Stop!" Syo flicked him away. Tomo reached a hand close and snapped near his eyes, "Staaaaawp!" These little gestures made Natsuki smile. Finally, I snuck up behind Syo and clapped loudly into both of his ears. "AAH!" Syo blinked immediately. I hid behind Masato. "Masato, how could you!?"
"HUH!? That was NOT me!" Before anyone could call me out, Tokiya cupped his hands and yelled...
"Punishment!"
"Punishment! Punishment! Pun-ish-ment!" The group chanted as Otoya and Ren dragged the small blonde to the ocean.
"Oh, I see how it is! I'll make you guys regret this someday!"
"Punishment time!" For 50 seconds, Syo was made to stand in the cold ocean water barefoot. He squealed like a schoolgirl. When it was over he quickly replaced his footwear and dashed back to the fire.
"The crashing of the waves is the worst part!" He yelled in shivers.
"I'm so glad he got his just deserts."
"Shut up!" Syo yelled. He pointed to the fedora, "There are only two people left! And I know for a fact the last one is a time dare!" He pointed to his left, "So, Tokiya! Masato! One of you is doing a 40-second dare!" Tokiya and Masato's faces darkened. They looked at each other intently.
Masato bit his lip, "It is all up to fate isn't it?" He reached into the fedora and pulled out both dares. "Ah, this feels like the time dare...I will bite the bullet for you, Ichinose."
"My hero." Tokiya cried a single tear. Nosily, he leaned in to see Masato's dare after taking his own. His sad expression morphed into a devilish one. "...perhaps that was for the best, Hijirikawa-san!"
Masato even smiled cruelly, "No. It definitely was." They high-fived in victory.
Syo cringed, "Oh no...Masato actually got the last time dare?!"
"What?"
"Why is that bad?"
"What is the 40-second dare?!"
Masato directed an evil gaze at Otoya, "'Choose one player to tickle for "blank" seconds.' Thanks to the ante, that's 40. Full. Seconds." Otoya turned to stone.
"If you can't endure it for the allotted time Otoya, you receive the failing penalty, not the loser's one." Tokiya pointed out. As Masato crept closer to Otoya, Otoya stood and inched away.
"C-Can't I f-forfeit?!" He screeched.
"I won't let you!" Otoya ran around the circle for dear life as Masato chased him. After a few loops, Tokiya tripped Otoya with a foot, allowing Masato to catch him in his grasp.
"Tokiya! How could you!?"
"I have a laundry list of reasons I could give you. But today I use the fact that Hijirikawa-san won't rest until he gets justice."
"He's right Ikki." Ren trapped Otoya by his arms. "Just take it like a man~It'll make good footage too."
"No...PLEASE NO!"
"1,2,~!"
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" We all either cringed or laughed as Otoya got tortured by both the male scions.
"You just had to get revenge from field day! Take what you deserve!"
"I-It w-aaasss justttt a gammmme! Masa pleeeeease stawpppppp!" Masato was relentless despite the redhead's cries.
"39, 40! And stop!" The males let Otoya drop and the redhead rolled all over the sand dramatically.
"The tingling~It won't stopppp!" He cried.
Tokiya rolled his eyes as Otoya brushed against his seat. "You'll get over it."
"Okay, Tokiya~You're the last dare! Once you complete the dare, you can remove Ren's shirt for your head and the game will be officially over!"
"Thank goodness." Tokiya unfolded his slip of paper, "Surely it can't be bad...we've definitely seen the worse...right?" He waited on Syo for his approval. "...Why are you zooming in on my face?"
"Don't mind me. Read your dare, Tokiya~" Tokiya grimaced.
"Oh no..." Tokiya cautiously peered at the dare out of one eye, "'Choose one player to confess to!? For one full minute, you are in love with the player who you must fill with praises.'...Syo."
"Yeah, technically this is also a time dare. But since the time is specified, we won't up the ante for you...But only if you give us a good performance! Ahahaha!" Syo laughed manically, "Pick a person you confess to, Tokiya!"
Tokiya buried his face in his hand under stress, "On one hand this a simple task...on the other, it's quite an embarrassing one."
"Don't worry Ichinose-kun! Whomever you choose, we know it's all jokes in the end!" Tomo encouraged.
"I guess." Tokiya peeked from his hand. For a second, I thought his gaze had fallen on me, or he could have been looking past me in thought. Either way, he suddenly let out a loud sigh. "I guess it can't be helped." He turned to his right. "Thinking logically, you're the only one that hasn't been chosen for a dare, so it should be you...Ren."
The campfire danced in Ren's eyes as he stared back at Tokiya with interest. "Seems only fitting, when I chose you for my dare. It came back full circle...Alright, give me what you've got. Time start."
Tokiya pinched the bridge of his nose seeming to swallow his self-pride. He kneeled down in front of Ren. "Ren. No...Jinguji-sama..." Tokiya bit his lip, "There's something I must tell you..." Ren started to verbally play along, but Tokiya covered his mouth. "No. You must let me speak first. I have so much that I've wanted to say to you." Ren closed his mouth and Tokiya continued on, "I...for the longest time...have admired you. For months I've been swayed by your beauty~" Tokiya's words started to speed up in tangent form. The faster he talked, the more emotional he got. "My beautiful love, you are my sunrise and sunset. You are my world and you have been since the first time I saw you from afar! My heart leaped in my chest and the vision of you made me catch my breath! Your hair, lightly blowing in the breeze, and the sun, bouncing off your face, making your eyes sparkle like stars in the midnight sky! I felt love the first time I looked at you, and my world became a beautiful place to live in!"
"This drama queen..."
"I love it!"
Ren held a hand over his lips to hide his laugh, and maybe a blush as well? "Oya...yayaya~"
Ren's shirt, draped over Tokiya's face, creating a dramatic shadow, "Oh, my love! My beautiful beautiful love! Lay your gallant gaze upon me once more and make me the happiest man in the world! I love you! So, please! I won't let you leave my side for eternity!" He grabbed Ren's chin and brought him close, "I promise...if you do...I'll do everything to make you happy. My beauty love." Their noses touched ever so slightly. Suddenly Tokiya abruptly released Ren. He pulled off the white button-up from his head and let it fall on the strawberry blonde. "Surely that is enough."
Syo leaned on Natsuki, "More than enough."
He turned towards him, "Huh?"
"Tokiya..." Otoya muttered, "You went on for a whole 5 minutes."
"I've never seen someone ramble on like that for so long!"
"Actually I have...I'm used to it by now..."
"Otoya, you poor thing."
"Huh? HUUUUUUUUH!?" Tokiya screeched, "NONE OF YOU STOPPED ME!?"
"Why? It made some good content~" Syo said lackadaisically, "At first I thought it was going to be boring...but when you started unconsciously hyping yourself up, no one could stop you!"
"And I was enjoying it honestly. I thought I'd be less into it since you went with a guy's approach, but I swooned nonetheless." Ren admitted, "I don't regret my decision in choosing you to date at all. I know you'd show me a good time Ichi, via any gender~" Tokiya's face grew as red as a tomato.
Tokiya hmphed with folded arms, "It never specified to romance you as a female. Be satisfied, the game is over now." He stood up abruptly. A large blush stayed apparent on his pale cheeks. "I'm retiring for the night now. That is enough humiliation for one night I think."
"You're telling us..." Tsubasa, who could finally speak a full sentence properly again agreed. "This was kinda fun though."
Ren chuckled, "Yeah, 10/10, would do it again."
"I'm glad to hear it." Syo grinned, "I have enough footage, so I guess I'll let you guys off the hook tonight. 'Dares on the beach' night is officially over!"
"Thank goodness." Masato took a breath of relief.
I chuckled. I had actually had a good time, unlike what I believed I would. It was obvious that everyone in the circle felt the same way, regardless of the suffering they endured. All expect Tokiya, who seemed visibly, personally offended by his last dare. I patted the sulking dark bluenette's shoulder out of habit, "You'll be just fine. The rest of us survived, so so will you." Tokiya ended up looking back down at me. His sullen dark blues eyes were once again peering into my soul without much effort. Out of guilt, I turned away first, not knowing what to say. I could hear Tokiya's clenched fist tighten out of frustration. With a sigh, I mustered up the courage to start a new conversation. Or rather, another apology. A deeper, sincerer one.
"Toki~"
"Ichinose-san, wait! Ah! He left without me..." Before I could even form a sentence, Tokiya walked away before anyone could stop him.
MPK: I got a little lazy by the end, so part of Tokiya's dare speech is a self-modified version of a love confession from WriteExpress called Beautiful Love. But aside from that, I just decided to write a beach episode just cause I was feelin' it. Cecil's song chapter is next!