Author's Notes: Okay, I glanced back at the first chapter (after, erm,
forgetting about it for three months). Blech...do any of you realize how
POORLY that was written? I certainly feel embarassed. Of course, while
writing it (about a billion years ago) I thought it was great! But I was,
what? Eleven going on twelve? Now, re-reading it, I wonder how anybody
could stand the HORRIFIC (Barney was scary, THAT was HORRIFIC) grammar,
spelling, and overall flow of the first chapter. ANYways, I wrote this one
a bit better (I hope). Happy reading, all. ^_^
*********
I want to scream. I doubt my day can get any worse. My science teacher fixes me with a fierce glare, her lips rapidly thinning with each passing second.
"Miss Peacecraft,"--at this every eye averts me total attention. It's like this, having a Vice Foreign Minister for a sister and all. People constantly turn their heads, immediately thinking of Relena. Such is the burden of sharing a last name--"are you daydreaming or are you just particularly rebellious today?" the teacher queries.
I sink a little into my seat. "My apologies, Mrs. Sayumi," I say timidly, sweetly polite as is necessary--everybody expects you to be polite when your sister is Vice Foreign Minister. "I promise to pay better attention." You know, I don't believe I've ever kept a promise to a teacher.
Old habits die hard, I declare mentally, as the teacher reluctantly but eventually goes back to instructing the class, and my mind fades away, far, far away, to speculate the problems in my life...
*********
With a despairing sigh, I load my books and materials into my locker. School was over five minutes ago, but it feels like it's still going on. For me, anyway.
After glancing at my watch, I suppress the urge to growl lowly. It seems I've been doing that a lot lately. Quickly shuffling to avoid the thronging masses of students that fill the hallway, I close my eyes. But as it stands, and as I shall discover in a hurry, that brief period is enough to have repercussions.
Suddenly, something hits me, and my footing escapes me. I meet the floor, butt-first. Ouch. I can already reason I'm going to be quite, quite sore there tomorrow.
"Hey!" My blue eyes dart to the form towering over me indifferently, and I feel a heavy weight drop like lead to my gut. I gasp, "You again!" A grunt answers. Then he offers a hand. Irritated, I bat it aside. "I don't need your help!" I'm a little miffed at the encounter. Hiiro has a way of sneaking up on me, however I won't admit it to him.
I stand up, brushing myself off. It is a moment before I notice him still standing there, staring at me. For some unknown reason, those azure-blue eyes give me the chills.
"What--what do you--well why are you still standing there!" I can't help but blurt, much to my displeasure having nothing more smooth to say.
As if in retaliation, or perhaps he is equally miffed, he brushes past me. All I feel is the gentle breeze on my shoulder.
Strange emotions--wild, irrational, spontaneous emotions, emotions I've never felt before--drive me to do things and say things I do not normally do or say. Even if I am the one to take the blame, for not being careful, I think I'll blame him. Because he doesn't talk, he doesn't care, and I'm in a bad mood! Somewhat exhilarated, I whirl around on my heel, determined to prove myself to this--this--this jerk! If I were Relena, I wouldn't waste my time GAZING at him, I'd take up perfectly good time THROWING THINGS AT HIM!
"Listen, buster, I am NOT in the mood to play your games today! How DARE you walk away!"
I grab his shoulder, not particularly knowing what I am doing, and in the rush of movement he is facing me, my wrist firmly, almost painfully, in his hand. "...."
"Itai...let go," I demand none too happily, attempting to twist free. But seeing as how it is hurting me, I stop. Okay, now it's really getting uncomfortable! I want him to let go so badly! "Let go!" In a burst of courage, I wrench my arm, and then, as he obediently obliges me, scream. Again the floor fails to save my derriere from certain doom.
This time, it's a pitiful whimper which escapes my lips. For a while, I just sit here, silently fuming. My chin is touching my chest. I refuse to look at him. I wish he'd walk away, or something. My day is all but soiled utterly. Remembering the time, I breathe deeply, bringing my watch to my face dispiritedly. It's ten past three--just when my play practice is beginning. Without me.
But two hands hoist me up. I would be grateful, except I know who helped me.
"You're late," I hear a velvet voice point out. I still don't look at him.
"I know that much!" I snap. I regret snapping, but he deserves it. Wait a second... "How--how--how did you...?"
Finally, I raise my head. The small--and by small I mean virtually microscopic--smile playing across his lips grows a little--well, a little smirkier, so to speak. "Better get going," he admonishes, and walks down the hallway. He weaves through the crowd, and soon he disappears. Only the chocolate-brown mop of hair is visible, bobbing over the heads, until that, too, is gone.
"Oh! Someday I'll get him!" I tenderly rub my hip and head for the auditorium, where my Drama Club is having its casting call. I'm not sure for what play--maybe Romeo and Juliet?--but I want a fairly large part. Practically all hope of that is trampled, though. They've probably already assigned roles...
Then I realize something...didn't Hiiro go in this direction? With a sinking feeling I conclude my suspicions. Well, at least I know Hiiro isn't in the Drama Club. Sighing relievedly, I reach and tidy my slightly disheveled hair, and smooth the wrinkles in my skirt.
190 B--the auditorium. Or so the door indicates. I ascend the steps, nearing the light at the top. The top of the steps give way to a grand room, with ample space for three thousand people. Straight ahead, the stage is busy. People scurry about, some stage crew members carting racks of costumes, other auditioners reading over their scrips, hastily memorizing last-minute lines of the parts they hope to get.
One person is shouting commands. The director, no doubt. The stage is so far away, I barely distinguish the person's features. When I do, I am not surprised. The director (more like slave driver) is none other than Minako Aino.
She has an impeccable record. She's the best of the best. Every play in the past under her strict whip has been successful. I've heard that tickets are sold out a week in advance. I gulp.
If I'm to be in her play, I have to be exceptionally good. I have to know my lines by heart. Good thing I memorized all of Shakespeare's more popular plays in my Sophmore year. But what if we do something like Cinderella, or Snow White?
Reaching the stage, which is risen five feet from the floor, I search for a kind eye. I'm overly nervous. I spot my best friend, Ami Mizuno, preparing the Midieval sets. "Robert, could you lift that beam a bit higher? Great. That's perfect!" I see her smile warmly at the boy on the ladder. I survey everything idly. I have to admire her work. The stage looks so--so real!
"Oi! Ami-chan!" I greet, waving from a distance.
She looks up from reading her blue-prints for the sets and grins, teasing playfully, "Hi, Usagi-chan. Late as usual?"
I am brought back to the memory of a smirking Hiiro and cross my arms. "No! Just some jerk held me up, that's all."
"Oh?" She studies me, tentatively interested. "Who?" Kind, sweet Ami. Always willing to lend me an understanding ear. Some of the dark blotches marring my day fade.
I reply, ridding my thoughts of Hiiro Yui, "Nobody, not really. Ami-chan, you're doing a fantastic job!" I change the subject to what I had come over to discuss.
"Really? Arigato, Usagi-chan!" She hugs me. "I was so worried the curtains would constrast too severely against the starry backround. And then there was the balcony where Romeo--"
"So we are doing Romeo and Juliet?"
Jarred from her explanation, the black-haired, blue-eyed girl blinks. "Oh, yes. Usagi-chan, you didn't know that?" Right now Ami-chan's hair seems blue. When I was in fourth grade, I wished my hair was so black it could be considered blue.
"Uh...no?" I admit sheepishly. "But I figured it'd be a Shakespearean play! Honest! And you know I know most of them word-for-word!" At this Ami giggles.
"Alright, whatever you say, Usagi-chan. But now I really should get back to work. Thanks again for your support!" I can guess her mind is already devoted completely to her task, as her head bows back to the huge blue- prints, easily four feet in length and width.
I suppose I should get in line for the audition. A girl stands center- stage, striking dramatic poses--after all, this is Drama Club, and what could be more dramatic than one of Shakespeare's plays?--and singing. Loudly. Off-tune.
I watch as all my competition whisper excitedly, off to one side in a sort of group. Another one of my best friends, Molly Kanton, is practicing vocals and her lines by the deep scarlet curtains, which stretch to the ceiling, their luscious folds swaying at the touch of passing people.
"Molly-chan, what's up?"
"Oh hi, Usagi-chan!" Like Ami, her papers are forgotten while we chat amiably.
"What part are you going for, Usagi-chan?" she questions after a while.
"I...don't know. What part should I go out for?"
"Oh, Usagi-chan, honestly! Juliet, of course! You're, like, the only person here who knows her lines perfectly! And you're a wonderful actress! I'm so jealous!" Molly exclaims in one breath, grinning. She elbows me in the ribs lightly. "So, how 'bout it?"
"I--well, that is to say--Molly, I don't know. Are you sure?"
"YES!"
We both burst out laughing. Our peels of giggles subside, gradually, as a sweet, melodious voice--a voice that can be underlaid with steel and as unmerciful as a shark when provoked--over the magnifying power of a microphone says, "All auditioners please join your respective groups. Possible Romeos to my right, possible Juliets to my left, and the shorter, but still just as important, roles near the back. Stage crew, none of you are first-timers, so you know what to do. And remember, minna-chan, there are no such things as small parts, only small actors!" Minako's beaming face shows above the microphone. "Now, let's begin, shall we?"
Everyone nods mutely (save the stage crew and the people who have worked alongside Minako Aino in previous plays, who return her smile), stunned at the bubbly girl's enthusiasm.
"Okay, then!" Still grinning widely, the blonde slaps her hands together, rubbing them vigorously. "Who wants to go first?" There is the gleam of partial insanity in her cornflower-blue eyes. I see it even from fifteen feet away. There is the embarassed shuffling of feet on the wooden floor of the stage, and a few people cough. Some even appear about ready to step forward, but none take the initiative.
"...Alright, people," Minako begins, frowning, "we'll never get this play done at this rate. I want good strong actors and actresses in my play. I don't want mice. Now, let's see..."
Her eyes sweep the expanse of hushed people, and pause. Whilst I try to view the person she is looking at, she says, smiling, "Ah! Hiiro, come here."
My heart freezes. I observe the crowd part to allow a lean form passage. He walks briskly forward to where Minako is.
"Well, Hiiro! I think you'd make a perfect Romeo! Hmm..."
Murmers of, "Wow, he does look like a Romeo, doesn't he?" and "Ohhh, he's so fine!" buzz up in a frenzy. Girls are pointing, and guys are scowling, grudgingly agreeing to Hiiro's resemblance to a good Romeo. Minako's skillful hands make fast work of his attire. One of the costume coordinators, Yayume Sao, brings out three old-fashioned white shirts that were common to folk in Shakespeare's time. She orders that he slip one on, and I grimace when more girls swoon.
Even Molly swoons beside me. All I want to do is die. Hiiro is in Drama Club! I still can't get over the shock. Another part of me loathes him to the very core for ruining everything.
Now Hiiro is handed a script. Aha! A thought occurs to me..
I feel hopeful and, dare I say it, boastful. He probably doesn't know any of the lines for Romeo's part! And if he does, he isn't be capable of acting! He's so cold and distant and aloof, how can he act at all? I secretly grin.
But my heart plummets to my feet as he hands the script right back to the person, shaking his head. Hiiro drops to one knee in front of Minako, taking her hand within his own. His eyes soften, and the frown-lines on his face relax, becoming less noticable. I realize his entire demeanor is warmer.
And he recites, perfectly, exactly as that vague figure in every girl's dream has recited them before, the words Romeo spoke to Juliet, "What light through yonder window breaks..." I turn from the sight, blocking the sound. He knows the lines, he can act...it's not fair! It isn't, it isn't, it isn't!
He finishes. Minako nods, smiling. "Well, ladies, I think we've just found our Romeo. And you can get up now, Hiiro, you're making me blush." Indeed, her cheeks were stained pink.
I grip the curtains, pleading to some higher being, while Minako gives Hiiro a few directions on how to stand. "Face the crowd, now. Expression, expression! And speak loudly!" She snaps her fingers, motioning for Yayume. "Bring me that cape." In a moment she has it pinned expertly to his uniform. "There!" I can tell she's pleased, but her eyebrows knit together. "No, no...this position just seems...wrong. Hmm. Aha! Usagi!"
Jumping back in startlement, I feel the butterflies spring to life in my chest, fluttering, fluttering...fluttering...
"Y--yes?" A sudden sense of foreboding steals my heart.
She grins, and I wonder how anyone can possibly smile so wide. I also wonder how she knows my name. "Come here, please." I think I'm taking slow steps, prolonging whatever bad thing is most certainly going to happen, but too quickly am I beside her. "What is it you--"
"Now Usagi," she interrupts, "I want you to cling to Hiiro. Hiiro, you wrap your arms around her waist. And look...happy. No, better yet, look sexy."
"Me?" I ask.
"Me?" Hiiro asks behind me.
"Both of you."
I go sick inside. I can't just stand here, I reason with myself. But she wants me to get publicly, or at least appear publicly, intimate with Hiiro Yui! It's absurd!
But two masculine arms ambrace me without my consent. It dawns on me that I can scarcely breathe, as he draws nearer. His hot breath tickles my cheek. My heart is beating something fierce. Slowly I am turned around to face him. The stage lights are burning hot against my neck. My palms are moist. He is coming closer...
Then he whispers surreptitiously near my ear, "Lean into me."
All I can do is obey, mechanically. My fuzzy mind focuses enough to realize I am actually holding Hiiro Yui, and vice versa, for the whole Drama Club to witness. I...I don't know what to feel.
"Okay! Perfect!" Minako shouts after an eternity. "We have the two leading roles for the play. Who wants to go next?"
I think I'm going to faint...
*********
I want to scream. I doubt my day can get any worse. My science teacher fixes me with a fierce glare, her lips rapidly thinning with each passing second.
"Miss Peacecraft,"--at this every eye averts me total attention. It's like this, having a Vice Foreign Minister for a sister and all. People constantly turn their heads, immediately thinking of Relena. Such is the burden of sharing a last name--"are you daydreaming or are you just particularly rebellious today?" the teacher queries.
I sink a little into my seat. "My apologies, Mrs. Sayumi," I say timidly, sweetly polite as is necessary--everybody expects you to be polite when your sister is Vice Foreign Minister. "I promise to pay better attention." You know, I don't believe I've ever kept a promise to a teacher.
Old habits die hard, I declare mentally, as the teacher reluctantly but eventually goes back to instructing the class, and my mind fades away, far, far away, to speculate the problems in my life...
*********
With a despairing sigh, I load my books and materials into my locker. School was over five minutes ago, but it feels like it's still going on. For me, anyway.
After glancing at my watch, I suppress the urge to growl lowly. It seems I've been doing that a lot lately. Quickly shuffling to avoid the thronging masses of students that fill the hallway, I close my eyes. But as it stands, and as I shall discover in a hurry, that brief period is enough to have repercussions.
Suddenly, something hits me, and my footing escapes me. I meet the floor, butt-first. Ouch. I can already reason I'm going to be quite, quite sore there tomorrow.
"Hey!" My blue eyes dart to the form towering over me indifferently, and I feel a heavy weight drop like lead to my gut. I gasp, "You again!" A grunt answers. Then he offers a hand. Irritated, I bat it aside. "I don't need your help!" I'm a little miffed at the encounter. Hiiro has a way of sneaking up on me, however I won't admit it to him.
I stand up, brushing myself off. It is a moment before I notice him still standing there, staring at me. For some unknown reason, those azure-blue eyes give me the chills.
"What--what do you--well why are you still standing there!" I can't help but blurt, much to my displeasure having nothing more smooth to say.
As if in retaliation, or perhaps he is equally miffed, he brushes past me. All I feel is the gentle breeze on my shoulder.
Strange emotions--wild, irrational, spontaneous emotions, emotions I've never felt before--drive me to do things and say things I do not normally do or say. Even if I am the one to take the blame, for not being careful, I think I'll blame him. Because he doesn't talk, he doesn't care, and I'm in a bad mood! Somewhat exhilarated, I whirl around on my heel, determined to prove myself to this--this--this jerk! If I were Relena, I wouldn't waste my time GAZING at him, I'd take up perfectly good time THROWING THINGS AT HIM!
"Listen, buster, I am NOT in the mood to play your games today! How DARE you walk away!"
I grab his shoulder, not particularly knowing what I am doing, and in the rush of movement he is facing me, my wrist firmly, almost painfully, in his hand. "...."
"Itai...let go," I demand none too happily, attempting to twist free. But seeing as how it is hurting me, I stop. Okay, now it's really getting uncomfortable! I want him to let go so badly! "Let go!" In a burst of courage, I wrench my arm, and then, as he obediently obliges me, scream. Again the floor fails to save my derriere from certain doom.
This time, it's a pitiful whimper which escapes my lips. For a while, I just sit here, silently fuming. My chin is touching my chest. I refuse to look at him. I wish he'd walk away, or something. My day is all but soiled utterly. Remembering the time, I breathe deeply, bringing my watch to my face dispiritedly. It's ten past three--just when my play practice is beginning. Without me.
But two hands hoist me up. I would be grateful, except I know who helped me.
"You're late," I hear a velvet voice point out. I still don't look at him.
"I know that much!" I snap. I regret snapping, but he deserves it. Wait a second... "How--how--how did you...?"
Finally, I raise my head. The small--and by small I mean virtually microscopic--smile playing across his lips grows a little--well, a little smirkier, so to speak. "Better get going," he admonishes, and walks down the hallway. He weaves through the crowd, and soon he disappears. Only the chocolate-brown mop of hair is visible, bobbing over the heads, until that, too, is gone.
"Oh! Someday I'll get him!" I tenderly rub my hip and head for the auditorium, where my Drama Club is having its casting call. I'm not sure for what play--maybe Romeo and Juliet?--but I want a fairly large part. Practically all hope of that is trampled, though. They've probably already assigned roles...
Then I realize something...didn't Hiiro go in this direction? With a sinking feeling I conclude my suspicions. Well, at least I know Hiiro isn't in the Drama Club. Sighing relievedly, I reach and tidy my slightly disheveled hair, and smooth the wrinkles in my skirt.
190 B--the auditorium. Or so the door indicates. I ascend the steps, nearing the light at the top. The top of the steps give way to a grand room, with ample space for three thousand people. Straight ahead, the stage is busy. People scurry about, some stage crew members carting racks of costumes, other auditioners reading over their scrips, hastily memorizing last-minute lines of the parts they hope to get.
One person is shouting commands. The director, no doubt. The stage is so far away, I barely distinguish the person's features. When I do, I am not surprised. The director (more like slave driver) is none other than Minako Aino.
She has an impeccable record. She's the best of the best. Every play in the past under her strict whip has been successful. I've heard that tickets are sold out a week in advance. I gulp.
If I'm to be in her play, I have to be exceptionally good. I have to know my lines by heart. Good thing I memorized all of Shakespeare's more popular plays in my Sophmore year. But what if we do something like Cinderella, or Snow White?
Reaching the stage, which is risen five feet from the floor, I search for a kind eye. I'm overly nervous. I spot my best friend, Ami Mizuno, preparing the Midieval sets. "Robert, could you lift that beam a bit higher? Great. That's perfect!" I see her smile warmly at the boy on the ladder. I survey everything idly. I have to admire her work. The stage looks so--so real!
"Oi! Ami-chan!" I greet, waving from a distance.
She looks up from reading her blue-prints for the sets and grins, teasing playfully, "Hi, Usagi-chan. Late as usual?"
I am brought back to the memory of a smirking Hiiro and cross my arms. "No! Just some jerk held me up, that's all."
"Oh?" She studies me, tentatively interested. "Who?" Kind, sweet Ami. Always willing to lend me an understanding ear. Some of the dark blotches marring my day fade.
I reply, ridding my thoughts of Hiiro Yui, "Nobody, not really. Ami-chan, you're doing a fantastic job!" I change the subject to what I had come over to discuss.
"Really? Arigato, Usagi-chan!" She hugs me. "I was so worried the curtains would constrast too severely against the starry backround. And then there was the balcony where Romeo--"
"So we are doing Romeo and Juliet?"
Jarred from her explanation, the black-haired, blue-eyed girl blinks. "Oh, yes. Usagi-chan, you didn't know that?" Right now Ami-chan's hair seems blue. When I was in fourth grade, I wished my hair was so black it could be considered blue.
"Uh...no?" I admit sheepishly. "But I figured it'd be a Shakespearean play! Honest! And you know I know most of them word-for-word!" At this Ami giggles.
"Alright, whatever you say, Usagi-chan. But now I really should get back to work. Thanks again for your support!" I can guess her mind is already devoted completely to her task, as her head bows back to the huge blue- prints, easily four feet in length and width.
I suppose I should get in line for the audition. A girl stands center- stage, striking dramatic poses--after all, this is Drama Club, and what could be more dramatic than one of Shakespeare's plays?--and singing. Loudly. Off-tune.
I watch as all my competition whisper excitedly, off to one side in a sort of group. Another one of my best friends, Molly Kanton, is practicing vocals and her lines by the deep scarlet curtains, which stretch to the ceiling, their luscious folds swaying at the touch of passing people.
"Molly-chan, what's up?"
"Oh hi, Usagi-chan!" Like Ami, her papers are forgotten while we chat amiably.
"What part are you going for, Usagi-chan?" she questions after a while.
"I...don't know. What part should I go out for?"
"Oh, Usagi-chan, honestly! Juliet, of course! You're, like, the only person here who knows her lines perfectly! And you're a wonderful actress! I'm so jealous!" Molly exclaims in one breath, grinning. She elbows me in the ribs lightly. "So, how 'bout it?"
"I--well, that is to say--Molly, I don't know. Are you sure?"
"YES!"
We both burst out laughing. Our peels of giggles subside, gradually, as a sweet, melodious voice--a voice that can be underlaid with steel and as unmerciful as a shark when provoked--over the magnifying power of a microphone says, "All auditioners please join your respective groups. Possible Romeos to my right, possible Juliets to my left, and the shorter, but still just as important, roles near the back. Stage crew, none of you are first-timers, so you know what to do. And remember, minna-chan, there are no such things as small parts, only small actors!" Minako's beaming face shows above the microphone. "Now, let's begin, shall we?"
Everyone nods mutely (save the stage crew and the people who have worked alongside Minako Aino in previous plays, who return her smile), stunned at the bubbly girl's enthusiasm.
"Okay, then!" Still grinning widely, the blonde slaps her hands together, rubbing them vigorously. "Who wants to go first?" There is the gleam of partial insanity in her cornflower-blue eyes. I see it even from fifteen feet away. There is the embarassed shuffling of feet on the wooden floor of the stage, and a few people cough. Some even appear about ready to step forward, but none take the initiative.
"...Alright, people," Minako begins, frowning, "we'll never get this play done at this rate. I want good strong actors and actresses in my play. I don't want mice. Now, let's see..."
Her eyes sweep the expanse of hushed people, and pause. Whilst I try to view the person she is looking at, she says, smiling, "Ah! Hiiro, come here."
My heart freezes. I observe the crowd part to allow a lean form passage. He walks briskly forward to where Minako is.
"Well, Hiiro! I think you'd make a perfect Romeo! Hmm..."
Murmers of, "Wow, he does look like a Romeo, doesn't he?" and "Ohhh, he's so fine!" buzz up in a frenzy. Girls are pointing, and guys are scowling, grudgingly agreeing to Hiiro's resemblance to a good Romeo. Minako's skillful hands make fast work of his attire. One of the costume coordinators, Yayume Sao, brings out three old-fashioned white shirts that were common to folk in Shakespeare's time. She orders that he slip one on, and I grimace when more girls swoon.
Even Molly swoons beside me. All I want to do is die. Hiiro is in Drama Club! I still can't get over the shock. Another part of me loathes him to the very core for ruining everything.
Now Hiiro is handed a script. Aha! A thought occurs to me..
I feel hopeful and, dare I say it, boastful. He probably doesn't know any of the lines for Romeo's part! And if he does, he isn't be capable of acting! He's so cold and distant and aloof, how can he act at all? I secretly grin.
But my heart plummets to my feet as he hands the script right back to the person, shaking his head. Hiiro drops to one knee in front of Minako, taking her hand within his own. His eyes soften, and the frown-lines on his face relax, becoming less noticable. I realize his entire demeanor is warmer.
And he recites, perfectly, exactly as that vague figure in every girl's dream has recited them before, the words Romeo spoke to Juliet, "What light through yonder window breaks..." I turn from the sight, blocking the sound. He knows the lines, he can act...it's not fair! It isn't, it isn't, it isn't!
He finishes. Minako nods, smiling. "Well, ladies, I think we've just found our Romeo. And you can get up now, Hiiro, you're making me blush." Indeed, her cheeks were stained pink.
I grip the curtains, pleading to some higher being, while Minako gives Hiiro a few directions on how to stand. "Face the crowd, now. Expression, expression! And speak loudly!" She snaps her fingers, motioning for Yayume. "Bring me that cape." In a moment she has it pinned expertly to his uniform. "There!" I can tell she's pleased, but her eyebrows knit together. "No, no...this position just seems...wrong. Hmm. Aha! Usagi!"
Jumping back in startlement, I feel the butterflies spring to life in my chest, fluttering, fluttering...fluttering...
"Y--yes?" A sudden sense of foreboding steals my heart.
She grins, and I wonder how anyone can possibly smile so wide. I also wonder how she knows my name. "Come here, please." I think I'm taking slow steps, prolonging whatever bad thing is most certainly going to happen, but too quickly am I beside her. "What is it you--"
"Now Usagi," she interrupts, "I want you to cling to Hiiro. Hiiro, you wrap your arms around her waist. And look...happy. No, better yet, look sexy."
"Me?" I ask.
"Me?" Hiiro asks behind me.
"Both of you."
I go sick inside. I can't just stand here, I reason with myself. But she wants me to get publicly, or at least appear publicly, intimate with Hiiro Yui! It's absurd!
But two masculine arms ambrace me without my consent. It dawns on me that I can scarcely breathe, as he draws nearer. His hot breath tickles my cheek. My heart is beating something fierce. Slowly I am turned around to face him. The stage lights are burning hot against my neck. My palms are moist. He is coming closer...
Then he whispers surreptitiously near my ear, "Lean into me."
All I can do is obey, mechanically. My fuzzy mind focuses enough to realize I am actually holding Hiiro Yui, and vice versa, for the whole Drama Club to witness. I...I don't know what to feel.
"Okay! Perfect!" Minako shouts after an eternity. "We have the two leading roles for the play. Who wants to go next?"
I think I'm going to faint...