The next day, Tsuna skipped school to spend time with Iemitsu. There was something I noticed. Tsuna was different around Iemitsu. His movements were clumsier than usual. In general, he was more unbalanced, even idiotic than usual. Mama didn't seem to notice, but she never notices anything. The dolls figured things out and didn't like it. The house was drenched in a filthy stench.
"Yona, come here!" I heard mama say excitingly. I walked downstairs and saw her holding a pamphlet.
"What's that?" I asked.
"You have been invited to audition at the Nightingale Academy for the Arts." That's the school Yukine and the rest go to. I took the pamphlet from her.
"Only top students in the audition and test will receive free tuition until graduation?!" I said with shock. Mama hugged me and started to jump with excitement.
"It's tomorrow. Are you going to go?"
"Of course! My friends go to the same school."
"You'll have to prepare. Does the pamphlet say anything about what the audition will be like?" I looked at the information.
"No. It just says to be prepared and I need a reference."
"I can ask your instructor to come by."
"That's okay, mama. I know who to go to. I'll be back."
At Kazuma's house, I interrupted Kyoya's sparring. "Yona?" Father and son questioned. I handed Kazuma the pamphlet. He let out a whistle. "Not many can go there."
"Can I get a reference from you?" I asked him.
"Of course. I'll have Kyoya drop it off later today. How does that sound?"
"As long as I get before tomorrow, I'll be happy. By the way, that man is here."
"That might explain the attack."
"Did you figure anything out about those men?" I asked him.
"They're from Italy. I don't know if they're associated with him or not." Kyoya looked between us, confused to who and what we were talking about.
"An enemy is an enemy. It doesn't matter whose side they're on. I'm just curious."
"If I find anything out, I'll let you know."
"He's only here to investigate his missing men. He didn't come for a vacation at all." I said with disgust.
"Did you overhear him?"
"No. Aya told me." Kazuma smiled.
"Does he know of their existence?"
"He only thinks they're creepy dolls. Little does he know they're weapons."
"Your dolls are weapons?" Kyoya asked me. We ignored him.
"Will he kill you?"
"He'd have to make it look like an accident to get away with it. If I do die, know it was not an accident." Kazuma's smile turned maddening.
"I'll keep that in mind. You should get home and monitor him. If you want security cameras, I'll be happy to provide them."
"Who needs technology when you have my skills."
The next day, I got dressed in black shorts, white t-shirt, white thigh-high tights and my red heeled shoes. I put a dark blue cardigan over and walked downstairs with my bass. Mama was cooking breakfast while Iemitsu and Tsuna were already eating.
"Good morning, Yona. I see you're ready. Come eat." I sat down and a plate of food was put in front of me. I quickly ate.
"Why are you eating so quickly?" Iemitsu asked.
"None of your business."
"Yona is auditioning for a spot at Nightingale academy." Mama said.
"None of my business? It is my business. That's my money you'll be spending on tuition. Do you even know how much it is? Are you even that good to even get in? You've only been playing the bass for just over a year." Iemitsu said in an outburst. Tsuna was taken back by the shout and almost choked. I rolled my eyes. "Don't give me attitude. I work my ass off to provide for this family. You can go to a regular middle school like everyone else." I stopped eating and stood up. "Don't you dare go, Yona."
"What'll you do, Iemitsu?" I challenged him. He was hesitating to speak. I got my bass and put my shoes on. "I'm leaving."
"Be safe, Yona." Mama said. She didn't even wish me good luck. Was it because of Iemitsu? She was happy until that outburst. Did she not want to go against him? Was she afraid of him?
When I got to the school, I saw a lot of students in uniforms and new students in their elementary school uniforms. They were all different. "What are you doing here?" I looked and saw Ayumu wearing the same uniform as Yukine and Sayo.
"I got an invite to audition."
"I see. Well, you'll need all the luck you can get." Ayumu wasn't being mean to me for once. This was character development!
"Thank you, Nakamura. I see you've gotten in. Congratulations." I said with a smile.
"Thank you. It's to be expected."
"Yona?!" I heard Yukine and Sayo shout. They ran over to us. "What are you doing here?" Sayo asked.
"I got an invite to audition. I'll get a full ride if I'm in the top."
"That's great! I hope you get in. You and Ayumu will be in the same class."
"Plus, we'll all see you every day!" Sayo said with her arms in the air.
"The competition is tough. You'll really need to impress the committee. There's more people auditioning this year." Yukine said. I suddenly felt like I was suffocating. Would I even be able to do it? Ayumu smacked my face.
"Nakamura?" I questioned.
"You'll be fine. Despite our differences, I acknowledge your skills as a bassist. Even though your technique isn't there, you make up in passion. So, what if you don't get in? It's not the end of the world. You're still with us."
"Ayumu…" Yukine said with disbelief. This was the first time Ayumu has been this nice to me. I almost thought I was dreaming.
"Let's go, Yona. You need to register." Ayumu took me by my hand and walked me over to a table near the doors.
"Nakamura? Didn't you audition yesterday?" The woman asked.
"I did. I'm helping a bandmate register." They looked at me.
"Welcome to Nightingale Academy. Here's the paperwork. If you have any questions, go ahead and ask." She handed me a clipboard with a few pieces of paper.
"Thank you." I took the clipboard and a pen. The three brought me to a bench so I could fill it out.
"Do you have a reference?" Ayumu asked.
"I do."
"What about a song to play?"
"Do I play a solo or the bass part to a song?" I asked Ayumu.
"Normally, most bassists play a solo, but do whatever makes you comfortable." I nodded.
"What about the test?" I asked her.
"That's after the audition." I filled everything I could.
"You have a weird last name." Sayo said.
"Kurosawa? It's my mom's maiden name."
"Huh? What about your dad?" Ayumu asked.
"My real dad disappeared somewhere. I don't like my step-dad and I refuse to take his name."
"Is he a bad person?" She asked.
"We just don't like each other. I put up with him only because he makes my mom happy."
When I was done, I gave the woman the clipboard and my reference. The woman filled out some more paperwork before handing it to a student. She then gave me a huge name tag with six numbers on it. "Here. This will help judges distinguish who you are. You may head into the auditorium whenever you're ready."
"Thank you." I turned to the three. "I'm going now."
"Good luck, Yona."
"Kick ass!"
"Don't disappoint us." I couldn't help but smile.
"I'll do my best." I walked inside and saw Aki.
"Yona?"
"I'm here to audition."
"Follow me. I'll bring you to the stage." I followed Aki to a door that was propped open. "It seems like no one is in there. Go break a leg. I'll be cheering you on from here." I took three deep breaths before walking onto the stage. The stage was the only thing lit up. I saw a long table on the ground with seven people. Yukine's dad was one of them.
"Hello." I said. They looked at me and wrote something down.
"Your reference isn't from a school or a music instructor. Why is that?" A woman asked with judging eyes.
"I got the invitation yesterday. My karate instructor was the only one available."
"You do realize we could throw that out, correct?"
"A reference is still a reference. Unless it was specified on the invitation, any reference has to be accepted." I replied.
"And what school did you go to?" A man asked.
"I was homeschooled."
"And what made you want to go to school again?" He asked again.
"It'd be nice to interact with kids my age." I answered without hesitation.
"Who's your music instructor? You have it blank on your paperwork." Another man said.
"I don't have one. I'm self-taught." Some of them didn't seem to like my answer.
"How long have you been playing the bass?"
"Just over a year." That took them by surprise.
"And do you think you can beat out others that have been playing for much, much longer?" A woman asked. She seemed almost appalled.
"Experience doesn't always equate to how good someone is." I replied. Two people shook their head.
"What song will you be playing? Twinkle little star?" Some of them laughed. Yukine's dad was the only one that didn't make any sort of reaction. I took a step back.
"What song will you play for us, Yona?" He asked me.
"Kurenai."
"The old song from the 80's?"
"Yes." I took my bass out and plugged it into the amp. "May I make a comment before I start?" I asked.
"Go ahead."
"You shouldn't mock someone because of their lack of experience. It's extremely unprofessional, don't you think? It honestly sickens me." I said with a cold voice. The select people froze in their seats. "May I begin?"
"Go ahead."
Yukine, Sayo, and Ayumu went inside to sneak into the auditorium. They ran into Aki on the way. "Hey, did you see Yona?"
"We did. Don't you want to see her audition?" Yukine asked.
"That's exactly where I was going." The four went on their way and snuck into the auditorium through a back door. The room was tense, but Yona didn't seem too bothered.
"Kei?" Aki questioned. Kei was already sitting in the very back.
"Sit." They all sat down. The committee kept pushing Yona.
"What the hell are they doing?" Aki questioned.
"They're trying to break her." Kei said.
"What song will you be playing? Twinkle little star?" The committee started laughing. It was pissing Ayumu off. Yona was a damn good bassist.
"They're mocking her…" Sayo said with disbelief.
"What song will you play for us, Yona?" Yukine heard her dad and smiled. He'll put his staff in line.
"Kurenai." Yona replied. Did Yona actually know that song? The five looked at each other. She got her bass out and ready. "May I make a comment before I start?" She asked.
"Go ahead."
"You shouldn't mock someone because of their lack of experience. It's extremely unprofessional, don't you think? It honestly sickens me." She said with a cold voice. The room went deadly silent. "May I begin?"
"Go ahead." Ayumu couldn't help but like Yona's attitude. She didn't care if they were professionals. She gave them what they deserved.
Yona took a deep breath before she started playing. They watched as Yona perfectly executed the song despite a few weird hand movements. It surprised everyone, especially the band.
"She's never played like that before." Yukine said with awe. Yona's hand kept going up and down the bass. She even stopped when there was a solo for another instrument. Even the silence was timed perfectly. When she hit her last note, it left the five in the back with chills. Sayo was fighting to not outburst into an applause.
"I'm done." Yona said awkwardly.
"Cute." The five said at once.
"Come back when you're applying to high school and get yourself an instructor. It's obvious you have no skill." One of them said. Yona didn't react.
"You seem like you have passion, but you don't show it." Another said.
"I think she did just fine." A man said.
"I think I can speak for all of us. Listen, Yona, you might have played well, but it just isn't enough. You didn't have that spark."
"And what is this spark you speak of?" Yona asked.
"Passion for your instrument."
"We're sorry, but please leave."
So, this was the type of people they were. I hung my head low. I performed as best as I could. The song is difficult with an entire band and by yourself, you need to have perfect tempo. I gave a small sigh and unplugged my bass. I tried my best and my best wasn't enough. I looked at my right hand and saw how calloused my fingers were and shook my head.
"Bullshit!" I looked out into the audience. Who was that? Ayumu walked over to the committee with the rest of the band. What were they doing here?
"Students are forbidden from coming into the auditorium when there is an audition." A woman spat.
"Why are you so biased towards her? Is it because she hasn't been playing for so long? Huh?!" Ayumu spat angrily at the committee.
"It's okay, Nakamura. I was already rejected." I said.
"Shut up! You might not look like it, but you're absolutely destroyed." She was right.
"Even though she's only been playing for a year, she has played the bass long enough where it equals out to three years." Kei said. Why were they all sticking up for me? I didn't get it.
"She didn't even do any techniques correctly." A man pointed out.
"Sure, but that's what happens when someone is self-taught."
"We already rejected her. Why are you five sticking up for someone like her?"
We all saw smoke rise from Ayumu. She was getting ready to blow. "Someone like her? Someone like her?!" Ayumu shouted. "She may not have the money to come here, but she has enough passion and skill to be here!"
"She didn't show that she has passion."
"Even if she did, she doesn't have a credible reference." Yukine's dad started to clap.
"Dad?" We were all confused. He stood up, still clapping.
"That was a wonderful performance! I haven't seen anyone else like you, Yona."
"Sir?!" The staff said with shock.
"I would be honored if you accepted my invitation to become a Nightingale student." We were all confused. I tilted my head. "You show no fear in front of authority and believe in yourself. No one has the gull to perform such a difficult song without an entire band to keep track of the beat. You looked at your hand and saw the hard work you've put in. You only thought about getting better, correct?" I nodded. "Then it's decided. You, Yona Kurosawa, will become a student at my academy."
"Don't I need to take a test?" I asked him.
"You do, but I already got into contact with your instructor. He gave me a lengthy reference full of how much of a genius you are."
"I'm really confused."
Yukine's dad walked onto stage and handed me a folder. "This is your official welcome."
"What about tuition?"
"It's covered. With your grades and commitment to music, you'll fit in just fine." He said in a gentle voice.
"Are you doing this because of Yukine?"
"No. I did this because you deserve to be here." I smiled widely.
"Thank you, sir."
"It's my pleasure." The rest of the committee were flabbergasted.
"Sir!"
"She already has the folder. It'd be a shame to take it away. You'd also be fired." He laughed at his words. I packed my bass up and went outside where the five were waiting for me.
"Congratulations!" They all yelled.
"Thank you." I looked at Ayumu. "Thank you for sticking up for me. It really means a lot."
"I couldn't sit by and let them tarnish your playing. The way you played sent chills down my spine." Ayumu said.
"Yeah. You've been holding back on us." Aki said with a pout.
"I'm sorry. That was the first song I saw a concert version of on the TV. I saw the bass and fell in love."
"You really are cute."
"Yona." I turned and saw Iemitsu. My mood instantly soured.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to get you before you auditioned."
"Why?" I asked.
"I won't have you spending the money I'm working hard for to go to this academy." I saw Ayumu start to get angry.
"It's too late. I already auditioned." Iemitsu let out a large sigh.
"Why, Yona? Why do you always do the opposite of what I tell you?" I rolled my eyes.
"I'll fund it myself."
"With what job? You're only a kid."
"Considering the admission for me is free, I'll have to work a lot." He looked at me with disbelief.
"You got a full ride?"
"Yes, now leave. You're not wanted here." He gave me a slight glare before leaving.
"Was that your step-dad?" Ayumu asked.
"Unfortunately."
"He seems like an ass." Aki said.
"He's only like that to me. Well, should we go celebrate? Nakamura also got in the academy too."
"You need to get your uniform first and then we can go celebrate." Ayumu said before dragging me back inside. She brought me to the main office. "We're here to get my friend a uniform. She'll be attending the upcoming school year." Ayumu said.
"What are your sizes?" The woman asked. Once I told her, she handed me my uniform which was bagged.
"Go change." Ayumu said.
"O-okay." I went into the bathroom and changed into the uniform I'd be wearing. It was a red plaid skirt with a white button up shirt underneath a beige blazer. In between those two layers was a blue vest. The upper park of the collar was red to match the skirt. The lines on the cuffs, collar, and pockets were lined with a dark blue fabric. The blazer was held together by two buttons. Instead of wearing a tie like Ayumu, I decided to get a ribbon. Since it's our first year in middle school, our ties and ribbons were blue colored. Every year, we'd get a new colored ribbon or tie.
I walked out from the bathroom and was met with Sayo's coos. "Stand next to Ayumu. We need a picture."
"The uniform looks good on you." Ayumu commented.
"Thank you."
"Those red heals of yours are starting to become your signature." Yukine said.
"What do you mean?"
"You always wear them and you make them look good with any outfit. We'll have to incorporate them into your costume for the band." Kei said.
"That sounds good." When we went outside, Sayo pushed Ayumu and I in front of a cheery blossom tree.
"Smile!" The two of us smiled and once the picture was taken, we looked at it.
"It looks good." I said.
"I'll tell my mom to print it off. It's just a good picture." Sayo said.
"Are you done, Sayo? I'm hungry." Aki said.
"Me too. Let's get moving, ladies."
"Sayo's always full energy." I commented dryly.
"We're not cut out for that energy level." Ayumu said.
"I don't think anyone but Sayo is cut out." She snickered.
"You're right. By the way, you can call me by my name."
"Really? Why?"
"You gained my respect back there. I thought you were a complete pushover, but you really let those jerks have it."
"They deserved it."
"Actually, I have a feeling you're secretly scary. I like it."
On our way to the live house, I saw Kazuma. He saw me and smiled. "The uniform looks good on you, Yona. Congratulations."
"Thank you, Kazuma." He walked away.
"You know him?" Kei asked.
"He's my karate instructor." He paled.
"You didn't tell us that Hibari was teaching you."
"He was also my reference."
"No wonder the committee didn't like you." We looked at Kei with confusion. "Most of the staff hate the Hibari family because they're strict with taxes."
"He's not a bad person. As long as you're not breaking the law, you won't have a run in with them."
"I'll have to tell dad about that. He'll have a field day firing those idiots." Yukine said.
"Why would he be fine with that?" Ayumu asked.
"He's been trying to find a reason to fire some of the staff. Now, he'll have something to look into. We'll finally be free from assholes."
"Any asshole away makes for a better day." I said with a satisfied smile.
"I didn't know you were a poet, Yona."