Feral Desideratum
Stage Three
The next day, the classroom bustled with students, who were all hyped because of the Literature Festival the Writing Club announced they would be holding. Two plays, one was 'Romeo and Juliet' while the other was 'Sleeping Beauty', were going to be shown and the auditions were open to anyone interested. The girls, as usual, were giggling about it, but they were talking about something else that seemed to be the most important: the leading man.
Each of them gave their opinion on who should be Romeo and Prince Philip. Mostly names of popular boys in the campus were mentioned, though in their minds a similar person was being pictured, and he was sitting in his table reading a novel and still looking extremely beautiful.
"I wonder if Hiwatari-kun's going to audition," said Aya Tsuzuki. "He's an incredible actor, and since he's so well-rounded and smart he can probably handle both roles without any effort at all,"
"You have a point," agreed Miki Naode. "He has the looks, too. I'm sure that if he gets accepted, the line for the audition of Juliet and Princess Aurora would be as long as that of one of a record store during a famous singer's new album release,"
"Good morning," greeted Risa Harada, the younger twin. "Why are you all looking at Hiwatari-kun and smiling like that?"
"We were discussing the eligible candidates for the leading roles in the two plays," replied Rui Daiji. "A.k.a. Hiwatari-kun over there,"
"Are you talking about the plays?" asked Riku Harada, the older twin. "I heard the members of the Writing Club have been after him for ages, and the festival's really some ploy to get him involved with them. He keeps on declining, you see,"
"He must be very picky with these kinds of activities," said Miki. "His excuse two years ago was that he didn't like his fellow co-actors,"
"Well that's a pretty professional way to get out of the play," said Aya. "When's the audition going to start?"
"Let's see," Rui took out a flyer and read. "The audition's two days from now. It'll take place in the gym, and it's during lunchtime and after classes,"
"Goodie!" exclaimed Risa. "I'm auditioning. Who knows? Maybe Hiwatari-kun will change his mind if I'm his leading lady," She gave a wink and giggled. The girls could only smile back at her.
"Hey look," Miki pointed at the direction of Satoshi. "Have those two always been so friendly towards each other?" They all looked. Satoshi had abandoned his book and was talking away merrily with Daisuke, who had just arrived with his backpack still on him.
"They're the perfect pair, don't you think?" Aya asked, her eyes sparkling. The other four looked at her in disgust, knowing that she was a big fan of boy on boy action. They sighed and ignored her, going back to their conversation. Riku, however, kept her eyes on Daisuke and Satoshi. They did seem more open with each other, having ignored one another for the past two days. What had happened?
The last class was PE. The teacher gave a short introduction on table tennis before they went out of the classroom and into the sports hall. The boys and girls were separated first so that there would be 'fair competition'. The latter half of the two-hour class would join the two groups again.
Satoshi and Daisuke had been challenged in two different tables, though their backs were facing each other. Satoshi, who was a natural in every sport, was doing great in beating his opponents to a pulp. Several students had gathered around his table to watch. Unfortunately for the redhead, he was having a hard time just handling the paddle. He kept on missing the ball, forgetting that he should let it bounce once on the table, and striking too hard. No matter how hard he tried he simply couldn't control himself. When he snarled in frustration, Satoshi heard him and paused his match for a while.
"It's like this," instructed Satoshi softly. He was behind Daisuke, helping him position himself the right way. "You don't hold the handle with all your fingers. Leave the index finger at the back of the paddle so you can gain more control. And always," He placed a hand at the side of Daisuke's hip and made him go to the other side. "Follow your opponent. If he's at your right, then go to your left. You see if you were on the same half of the table you'd be in the same place. And if you're not sure where he's going to go next, stay in the middle," He pushed him back on his previous position.
Daisuke smiled up at him. "Mm! I understand now, Hiwatari-kun. Thank you for teaching me,"
"You're welcome," said Satoshi. "Now show me what you've learned. I can't let you have that practical test until I see that you're good enough,"
Nodding, Daisuke raised a thumbs-up to his partner. He waited for the serve, and keeping in mind all of Satoshi's directions, he concentrated on the ball, stepped to the right once, and hit it. It bounced on the table hard and went past his opponent. The students cheered, and so did Daisuke.
"I did it!" he said happily. "I did it, Hiwatari-kun!"
Satoshi gave him a small grin. "Yes, yes. My eyes never deceive me. Expect that sensei will give you a high grade later on," He patted Daisuke on the head as though giving him a reward. Then he went back to his own game.
Daisuke admired him in silence. He remembered what happened last night, when he and Satoshi nearly made out in the museum. It made him blush to think that the Commander had already seen him naked. Satoshi, being the gentleman that he was, had accompanied Daisuke home until they were at the front door. Daisuke found himself being drawn to the loveliness that was Satoshi, but he made no attempt to hug him whatsoever. They said their goodbyes, and Satoshi was off.
Going back to reality, Daisuke began to play with another classmate. The smile on his face was hard to erase.
It was time to go home, and everyone had taken a shower and had changed back into their uniforms. The Harada twins were about to get Riku's bike and leave when Risa ran to some of the boys. Riku had no choice but to follow her extroverted sister.
"What? They've gone ahead of us?" Riku heard Risa ask. "He promised me he would treat me to ice cream today," She faced her twin. "Daisuke and Hiwatari-kun's so-called friendship is definitely becoming an item. Let's go," She pulled Riku her bike out of the school gate. She was puffing her cheeks up.
"Calm down, will you?" said Riku, letting herself out of Risa's monstrous grip and taking her bicycle. "What's your problem, huh? You're getting Niwa and Hiwatari-kun totally wrong. And you're just using Niwa to your advantage,"
"He was the one who offered first," argued Risa. "I only said yes because he looked so happy at that time. I couldn't let him down. But still! He shouldn't make a girl expect something he can't fulfill in the first place!" They passed by the park with Riku still pushing her bike. She felt someone suddenly tug on his shirt, and she fell into the bushes. It was her sister, and she covered Riku's mouth and shushed her. "Don't make a sound! I'll prove to you that Daisuke and Hiwatari-kun are more than friends. Take a look," She pushed the bushes aside a little, and the two of them stared at the ice cream stand not far from where they were hiding. Riku saw two people buying, and her eyes grew.
One had blue hair and the other had red. One was tall and the other was short.
Satoshi and Daisuke! Riku realized in her head. She watched as Satoshi paid for the ice cream, and what was even more curious was the fact that they had bought only one. Daisuke seemed to have not noticed quickly enough and turned a dark red when Satoshi licked the sweet delight. They went away, leaving the spying twins open-mouthed and shocked, especially Riku.
"I told you, Riku!" said Risa as she went out of the bushes blushing. She had not prepared herself for that type of scene. "Daisuke didn't treat me to ice cream because… because he had Hiwatari-kun to do that for him! Augh! I was right all along!"
Riku stood her bicycle upright and went home without saying a word. She had no idea why her heart was beating so fast inside her chest.
"I'm home!" said Daisuke happily when he entered the kitchen. Of course being the Phantom Thief himself, he had to train everyday, which meant there were always traps prepare just for him every time he arrived. That afternoon he had ran past huge flamethrowers shooting liquid fire from every direction, gotten out of a hole filled with water and wild piranhas, and escaped from a rotating spiked metal wheel ready to chop him in half vertically. Danger aside, nothing could spoil his day, for his relationship with Satoshi was getting better and better.
"Another wonderful job, Dai-chan!" his mother congratulated him, giving him another bear hug. "And it's not just for today. We thought Satoshi had caught you last night when you didn't come home at once, but you were successful in bringing the Providence Choker anyway. Keep it up, alright?"
"Yes mom!" replied Daisuke. He ran up to his room, threw his bag on the chair, and climbed up to his bed where he lay down while hugging his pillow. The thought of sharing an ice cream with Satoshi sent an excited chill up his spine. Usually, only lovers did that when they went on dates. But he and Satoshi? They didn't talk about that subject, avoided it as much as possible. Neither has or was going to propose. May it have been pride or plain awkwardness that prevented them from speaking up, they were uncertain of it. Nonetheless, they were content with what they already had.
'I'm still confused,' said Dark inside him, startling Daisuke. 'You had him last night. I gave you the chance to screw him good. I'm telling you he was more than willing to comply. How come the both of you are still virgins?"
Daisuke blushed. The taste of Satoshi was intoxicating and awakened his senses, but it wasn't what he truly wanted. Satoshi was more than some sex toy for him. He was someone that needed love more than anything, and Daisuke knew he had to give him just that, though not entirely in sexual terms.
"I don't want him to think that I'm only after his body," answered Dark innocently. "There's something so unique about him that I really like. I don't know what it is, though. These days I can't stop thinking about him, and being with him in school always gives me butterflies in my stomach. Dark, do you think I look up to Satoshi more than just a mentor? I mean, is it possible that I'm…" He paused.
'That you're in love with him?' continued Dark. 'You're lurking in dangerous waters, Daisuke. Satoshi still has Krad like you still have me. The fact that Krad and I have been rivals for centuries can't be changed. In some way, you and Satoshi are rivals as well. You're bound to be hurt in the end, either by each other or by other people's protests. Unless the two of you can fight for what you believe in, then you can't be more than friends, which by the way is also not very healthy in your case,'
"So you're saying that Satoshi and I… are never going to be together," said Daisuke sadly. "Is it always going to be like this, Dark? They say that you can't always have what you want, but what if you never get what you want? Would it be justified if I complain now?"
'Daisuke…' Dark said, pitying his young Tamer.
Daisuke cried himself to sleep that night. His wonderful day had been spoiled.
Yumi Akihara, the head of the Writing Club, adjusted her glasses and looked up with a huge grin on her chubby face. She imagined that there would be plenty of people lining up for the auditions, but never in her dreams did she see the line extending until the school gate. They were mostly girls, all after the role of either main lady characters, or if they were lucky they would get both.
Yesterday's campaign for the play auditions had been a success. Not only did the club mention that the scripts included kissing scenes, but also word spread that Satoshi Hiwatari had accepted the leading roles. That alone was a sufficient reason for the main female roles to be run after. Yumi felt like gloating to the whole world, but audition had started and she had to pay close attention. The plays were additional grades for the club and the participants, and it required a good cast.
The first one to audition was a curly-haired girl named Raiken Shinto. She sang a piece she had written and arranged using lines from the script, and the people there were so moved by her performance they even clapped for her. The only problem was, even when she talked her voice remained very pitchy and distracting. Yumi crossed her out but assigned her as musical director instead.
The next one was Sakura Takashi. She was a tall and beautiful girl, and everyone admired her curvaceous body. Yumi had to wipe her glasses so she could see clearly. Sakura had changed into a wonderful sparkly gown she designed herself. She walked across the stage, waving to the people and turning around so the skirt would twirl with her. However, she didn't know how to act or sing, and Yumi thought she'd make a perfect costume designer.
Another hopeful who ended up as a crewmember was a tiny girl named Maiko Fude. She was good in acting and could sing well, but she suddenly asked Yumi to make her the head of the props committee. The club head asked why she wanted the job when she could be onstage and receive applauds, and she confessed that she had stage fright and couldn't handle really large crowds. She also said that she was a member of the Arts Club and ever since she'd heard about the plays she had been sketching out her ideas for backdrops and even the invitations. After seeing her works, Yumi gave her the job.
"Good luck, Risa," Her friends told her before she went up on stage with no script in hand. She went to the center of the stage. The spotlight was on her.
"Hello. I'm Risa Harada, and I'm here to audition for the role of Princess Aurora," She cleared her throat, lay down on the wooden floor, and began. She pretended to sleep at first then slowly opened her eyes. "Oh… How long have I been asleep? I can't remember clearly but I feel as though I have been sleeping forever!" She sat up. " Who are you, my kind sir? Are you…? Oh my prince! You have been appearing in my most beautiful dreams. Now I know. I have tried so many times to wake up so that I may find you and tell you how I really feel, but I would always find myself still in slumber. I had become afraid, afraid that you and I would never meet. Here you are right in front of me, and I couldn't be happier. Oh prince!" Risa stood up and gave a bow. They gave her a standing ovation. She gleamed at them as she approached Yumi.
"Well done, Harada-san!" Yumi said. "Very well done. I'm going to list you as one of my favorites. I haven't decided yet, you see. There are so many great actresses out there, and you happen to be one of them. I'll tell you if you got the part after the auditions. Is that okay?"
"Oh, yes. Thank you so much," Risa bowed in respect. "I'll be going now," She climbed down the small steps, her friends commenting on her good performance. At that very moment she was sure she was going to get the part.
So why did she feel so strange all of a sudden?
It was a scorching hot day. Daisuke, who had volunteered to help in bringing in the materials needed for the plays, found a faucet and washed his face with the cool clear water. The feeling was so good he stayed there for a few more minutes, splashing his neck and washing his arms. He heard Maiko call for all the helpers, and so he turned the water off and went inside the gym. The plays weren't due for six more weeks, but the hardworking props men and their leader had begun their work. There was no time to lose, they said, and a delay would mean a lot of trouble for them, and a lot of extra work for Daisuke and a few of his classmates.
The auditions were only half-finished, as more girls became instant actresses and singers. The male parts were finished being appointed, and as expected Satoshi was both Romeo and Prince Philip. Daisuke had congratulated him right after, though he only smiled and went home early. The redhead wondered what was wrong, but they both had too many things to finish to have the chance to dwell into a conversation.
After school, the weekend had officially started and almost every student had somewhere to go to. On the contrary, Daisuke ran home as soon as the bell rang and did all his homework. He wanted to be free for Saturday and Sunday just in case something came up. One more problem was left in his Math assignment when his mom called him and told him he had a phone call. He went downstairs to take it.
"Hello?" he said. "May I ask who this is?"
"You don't have to be so polite, Niwa," said the caller in a deep voice. "It's me, Satoshi,"
"Hiwatari-kun!" Daisuke almost cried out. He looked around to make sure no one was listening, and blushed. It was the first time Satoshi called him, and he never even gave his number. What did he want?
"Niwa, are you still there?"
"Um, yes!" the smaller boy replied, panic in his voice. "W-where did you get this number?"
"I got it from Harada Riku-san," the Commander replied coolly. "She has a class directory. I lost mine days ago. Anyway, I called to ask a favor from you, if you don't mind, that is,"
"I'd be glad to do you a favor, Hiwatari-kun," said Daisuke. "Just tell me what you need and I'll see what I can do," While he waited for a reply, Daisuke thought how different Satoshi's voice sounded on the phone. It sounded so much more on the tenor side, not that it was deep enough in real life. It had a wonderful attribute added to it. Daisuke couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"It's about the play," began Satoshi. "I only took the parts because my father told me I could use the exposure in school," Daisuke laughed in his mind, thinking that the Commander had enough exposure to win as the next president. "Now, I haven't told this to anyone, but I'm not really comfortable when it comes to women. I don't get along with them, I just don't. So here's what I've been thinking. Since I can't develop chemistry between a girl and I, I figured I could do a better job with another male. However, since I don't socialize with a lot of people in general, I've picked you to help me get through this,"
"How am I supposed to do that?" inquired Daisuke, innocent once more.
"I need you to dress up as a girl on Monday and audition for the two main female roles," answered Satoshi. "You're going to be my Juliet and Princess Aurora, Niwa-kun,"
Daisuke's grandfather saw his grandson's nose bleeding while still on the phone.
"Must be a girl agreeing to date him," he said to himself with a grin. "I'm glad we raised him to mature normally. I better tell his mother about this,"
Author's Note: Haha! Does this chapter have a weird ending or what? Well I suddenly thought of cross-dressing, which I enjoy so much when I'm watching anime. The next installment shall contain the real "action", if you know what I mean. (Wink, wink) As usual, I will publish it in a week, though everyday I'm itching to update early. Thank you for reading and waiting and giving me reviews. I always look forward to your comments.
