Chapter 7

Aruna also sent her own message to Misoka the following next morning that received during breakfast with the group.

"Oh a love note." Nozomu teased as it was handled to Misoka.

Dearest Misoka,

We never got to discuss the event of today. I'm sure you have a list of things provided by the palace to do today. If I'm needed for anything I will be at stage three to prepare for my performance today but the play is in the afternoon so I will be unavailable during that time. I'll prepare for the meeting right after wards.

Sincerely,

Aruna Togashi

'Well at least she's considerate. She must be embarrassed about last night.' Misoka thought as he folded the note into his jean pocket.

"So lover boy gets to excused from our responsibilities today?" Mitsuru grumbled as he stuffed rice into his mouth.

"Actually today is a free day for all of you. There's nothing of note going on until the closing ceremony tomorrow." Oboro informed them from head of the table.

"Awesome! I heard here's an archery contest today and lessons afterward." Akira said popping out his tails and wagging them.

"Oh that sounds cool." Mahiru pipped up as the conversation turned towards the options for the day.

"Are you going to go see her perform again?" Nozomu whispered.

"Maybe yes, maybe no." Misoka replied as he finished his meal.

'Little brat.' Nozomu thought rolling his eyes at his friend's vagueness.

The whole group went to go enjoy to competition and were still mobbed on the way there. "Hey isn't that the guy from the first night we were here?" Akira asked pointing to a tall man with black hair in the line of the archers.

"Yeah, I think it is. His name was Akoshi if I remember correctly." Nozomu replied as they sat in the bleachers.

They were sitting for more than a few minutes when Akoshi approached them. He bowed as he addressed them. "Your graces thank you for coming to watch us."

"We're really looking forward to the competition." Mahiru said said smiling at him as Mitsuru grabbed her hand.

Akoshi smiled back at her and said "It's an open competition it not too late for any of you to join us. Show off your skills." His eyes slide to Misoka. "Any challenger is welcomed but it's not going to be easy. Each round is pretty cut throat."

"Is that true? Well we never turn out a challenge." Mitsuru said glaring at Akoshi.

Akoshi ignored him and continue to stare at Misoka as he said. "Then pleased come sign up. The more the merrier. But know I haven't lost a competition in years." He walked off not waiting for a reply.

"What was that about?" Mahiru asked.

"He was challenging Misoka more than any of us and Mitsuru's big mouth might have just signed a check he can't cash." Nozomu explained crossing his arms over his chest.

"But why?" Mahiru asked still not getting it.

"He probably has a thing for Aruna and is jealous of Misoka's position. Can he challenge you like this?" Nozomu asked turning towards Misoka.

"It wasn't an official challenge. There's a bit more involved in that. I think this might be more of an ego boost to him. I don't wish to indulge him." Misoka explained not getting up.

"So you're really going to let that jerk just challenge you and not accept it?" Mitsuru snapped.

"It's about picking your battles and this is not a fight worth the effort. If you want to try and out do the pompous fool you can go sign up but I haven't picked up a bow in years and would most likely be eliminated in the first round. Archery is one the biggest sports of the Lunar people. It's taken very seriously." Misoka explained feeling his patience running thin.

"Oh really? Well I don't care if I'm eliminated I think it would be fun to try." Akira said breaking the tension and headed off to sign up. Mitsuru got up and slowly followed his friend.

"If the engagement is challenged where does that leave you?" Nozomu whispered as the first round of the competition began.

"That's a very loaded question, challenges aren't common but not rare neither but given the complication of the situation I don't think a challenge would even be considered. One of us has to consent to the challenge for it to even be legitimate. I refuse to gamble with my life and it seems Aruna dedicated to following through." Misoka explained.

"Misoka I've been meaning to ask how you feel about Aruna." Mahiru asked leaning forward to look around Nozomu.

"I thought I've made that clear." Misoka replied also leaning forward.

"You've made your situation clear but not your feelings. How does being with Aruna make you feel?" Mahiru asked trying to clarify things.

"Well it's not just his feelings, what about hers?" Nozomu contested.

"It seems obvious to me. She seems crazy about you. Have you guys not seen it?" Mahiru asked looking actually stunned. "Next time you see her take a real look at her. She just always seems happy around you." She continued.

'I think he got a real look at her last night.' Nozomu thought then began to laugh.

"What? What's so funny?" Mahiru asked looking confused at the sudden fit of laughter.

"Don't you dare say a thing." Misoka grumbled as he began to blush thinking of how he saw all of her last night.

"It's nothing Princess, I assure you." Nozomu coughed trying to control his laughter.

Akira and Mitsuru of course were eliminated in the first round.

"That was fun. You guys should have joined us." Akira said as he sat back down in his seat. Mitsuru also looked happy as he silently took his place beside Mahiru.

"Akira have you noticed anything about Aruna when it comes to Misoka? Like how she looks at him?" Mahiru asked determined to prove her point.

"Well I don't know about a look but when we was talking to her yesterday she seemed really eager for everything that lays ahead, like she looking forward to the future. So I wouldn't say she doesn't dislike anyone of us. That could be a start." Akira answered.

"You guys can be so clueless." Mahiru sighed deciding to drop the subject.

They watched to the end of the competition which to their surprise Akoshi actually won.

"So he's not all talk then." Mitsuru grumbled as they got up to leave with everyone else.

"You said there's lessons after this, did you want to stay for those?" Mahiru asked as they filed down the stairs.

"Not if they're from that guy. Let's go do something else." Akira said over his shoulder.

As they exited the arena they ran into Chimako who was out of breath.

"Oh thank god I found you guys. I've been looking all over. I can't find Aruna and neither can the rest of the acting troupe. Can you guys come help us?" She quickly asked.

"Where could she have gone?" Misoka asked as they chased after Chimako.

"They apparently went on break and she never came back, I went looking for you thinking she was with you." Chimako huffed out.

"We haven't seen her all morning. Could she have decided to skip the rest of practice?" Nozomu asked.

"No, that's not like her at all. In case you haven't noticed she's responsible almost to a fault. I'm just hoping nothing bad has happened. She's been getting some threatening notes lately." Chimako said leading them towards stage 3.

As they arrived they were greeted by a group of people on stage including Aruna. Aruna today was wearing black ballet work out gear which just empathize her smallness. She almost looked like a child compared to the man was talking to.

"You're back!" Chimako exclaimed leaving everyone in the dust as she raced to the stage.

"Yes, I'm sorry to worry you but I had something I just couldn't avoid." Aruna gasped out as Chimako tightly hugged her.

"So this was a false alarm?" Akira asked as everyone stopped to catch their breaths.

"Um yeah kinda. I didn't mean to make everyone worry." Aruna said turning towards the Bandit group.

"Well we're going to rest before the play, try not to disappear again." Someone in the acting group as they started to leave the stage.

"Okay Hakkai. Sorry again." Aruna said waving at them. "The play is in a few hours but you guys don't have to hang out here. Please go back to your day. I'm sorry you got dragged into this." Aruna said jumping off the stage, down towards them.

"I'm sorry for overacting but it's really not like her to disappear without a word." Chimako said bowing to the group.

"You gave us quite the scare but it's fine. I'm glad it's all okay." Mahiru said waving off the bow.

"Well why don't we go get some lunch then guys. Did you two eat yet?" Akira asked.

"Oh yes that what the break was for earlier but thank you." Aruna said.

"Well let's go then I'm starving." Mitsuru said heading towards the exit.

"So where did you disappear to that could cause such a ruckus." Misoka asked staying behind.

"It was nowhere really, I just got caught up with something and time got away from me." Aruna said taking a seat in a nearby row.

"Aruna tell us the truth. I told them about the notes." Chimako said seating backwards in a seat on her knees to face Aruna.

"Ugh Chimako, why? I said I could handle it on my own and I did. There really is no need to worry about it." Aruna said.

"Please tell us the truth, I can see that you're trembling and your voice is weak. You're scared. What happened?" Misoka asked sitting beside her.

Aruna took a deep shaking sigh. "It was scary, I don't like confrontation much and fan girls can be so insane. Those notes were from Akoshi's fan club. Three of them cornered me earlier when I went to go get some food. They didn't touch me but the threats were just so terrifying to hear in person. To see such sweet faces twisted in envy. They won't listen to me when I say I have no interest in him. He's just another actor to me."

"Thank god you're unharmed. I believe you when you say he's just a colleague to you." Misoka said placing his hand on hers that rested on the armrest. Aruna smiled at this simple gesture.

"Thank you, I'm glad you do." Aruna sighed as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I'm going to make you also get some food." Chimako said getting up from her seat and heading for the exit. 'Those lovebirds need some alone time.' Chimako thought as she left.

Misoka leaned his head on to hers and enjoyed the quiet of the moment. "Akoshi did unofficial challenge me earlier today." He said after several minutes.

"He didn't?! What did you do?" Aruna asked not moving.

"I didn't accept it and just watched the competition. He's a talented archer." Misoka replied.

"I bet that drove him nuts. He hates inaction. He's very childish in that way. If I was dancing with him tonight I would step on his toes for that." Aruna chuckled.

"What are you performing tonight?" Misoka asked.

"Swan Princess but it's closer to the ballet than the musical but we kept the songs of course. Hakkai is the Prince tonight and I'm Odile tonight." Aruna replied as she yawned and closed her eyes.

"Odile? Not Odette?" Misoka asked curiously.

"Nope, that's Mizuki tonight. I can't always be the princess." Aruna mumbled as she dozed off.

'I can't believe she fell asleep.' Misoka thought as he let Aruna dozed on his shoulder. 'I guess she's comfortable around me then.' Misoka let her nap until he heard her cast members returning. "Aruna you need to get up." Misoka whispered as he gently shook her.

Aruna opened her eyes, realizing where she was popped her head off his shoulder, she blushed as she muttered "Sorry I didn't mean to fall asleep on you."

"It's alright all the excitement from the last few days must been getting to you." Misoka said smiling at her.

'Damn, it he's cute when he smiles.' She thought. "I should go get ready. Please enjoy the show. I'll see you afterward." She said as she got up and headed towards the stage.

'We only have a few hours left.' Misoka thought as he watched her disappear behind stage.