Chapter 2:
Infatuation or Love?
"Your name and section?" asked a boy with brick-red hair. They were inside the auditorium, where the school play audition would be held.
"Ten'ou Haruka, 2-C" The red-haired director scribbled the information on his clipboard.
"Hmm…Have you read at least some of the script?" he asked without averting his gaze from the clipboard.
"Yeah," replied Haruka.
"And, which part will you be auditioning for?"
"Joushin Jiyuu"
"Hmm…" More scribbling. "Okay. Show me what you got."
Haruka went up the stage without a script. The director looked up, his face questioning.
"Don't you need a script?"
"I have… memorized a part," mumbled Haruka, somewhat uncertain.
"Suit yourself," the director shrugged.
Haruka braced herself. She internalized the character, the part, the emotion… Now, all she needs now is to put those into words and actions. Simple.
Michiru pushed the double doors of the auditorium. It was dimly lit except for the areas near the stage. The director was seated midway from the entrance to the stage. Acting upfront was the familiar blonde from yesterday morning.
"…the one story I couldn't write…" the blonde spoke, full of emotion. "… the one emotion I couldn't capture in words… not until now…"
Michiru stared at the one acting, making her pulse speed up. Her heart still pounding, she slowly approached the director.
"Anou…" Michiru started. The director glanced at her.
"Ah, Kaiou-san! You made it," exclaimed the director, beaming at her.
"Erm… about the part," began Michiru, waving the script she was holding. "I don't think I…"
"Don't tell me my favorite actress is backing out!" interrupted the redhead. He kneeled before her. "Please, I need you in my play."
"But, Itazura-kun… there's a kissing scene!" interjected the aqua-haired girl. "You know I don't do…"
"PLEASE! I'll do anything," Itazura Shinobu begged. "I'll edit that scene if you want. I'll even let you choose your partner," he thought for a moment. "…as long as he's a good actor!"
Michiru rolled her eyes, which fell upon the blonde standing on the stage. She looked at the kneeling director. His eyes resembled that of a puppy imploring to be bought. Cute, if an actual puppy was doing it; but quite irritating if he was doing it… irritating, yet effective.
"All right," Michiru finally said.
"Yatta!" The redhead jumped for joy. "Thanks, Kaiou-san."
"Just make sure my partner is not a maniac like you," she replied dully, her eyes narrowed.
"Sure! I'll find you a partner that's not a maniac like…" The boy's eyes widened in realization. "HEY!"
"Just kidding," beamed Michiru.
"Anou… Itazura-san…"
Michiru turned around, and her heart skipped a beat. It was the handsome blonde from yesterday morning, standing a little distance from her, and looking at her carefully. She felt her face go red. She couldn't help admiring the blonde's angelic face, cool ambiance, sturdy physique…
It's just simply too admirable.
"Ah, Ten'ou-san," said Itazura. "That was brilliant. Results will be announced here tomorrow at three-thirty."
"Hmm…" Haruka nodded slightly, but her attention was on the aqua-haired girl looking at her.
"That's Kaiou Michiru from 2-A," said the redhead, sensing where Haruka's attention was. "I believe you've heard of her."
"Was she the one who acted as Juliet last year?" asked Haruka, to confirm her speculation.
"One and only," replied the other. "She's going to act as Hareta Ai in my play."
"Really?" said Haruka, a little surprised. "Sou… I guess I'll be going now"
She started to leave the auditorium, her face slightly warm. She passed Michiru without saying a word. Even with her back to her, she knew that the others were somewhat confused.
That night, in her room, Haruka was lying on her back with her arms spread across the bed. Her eyes were closed. She was lost in thought of Michiru. Lost in her hair… in her eyes… her face… her beauty…
"Kaiou Michiru…" she whispered to herself. Whenever she imagined her, a warm feeling tingled in her chest. It was a strange feeling, like when you drink something warm in a cool day. It was soothing… comforting… like you could almost fly without wings… without restraint…
"Why… do I feel this way?"
