Chapter 3:
Audition Results

The wind blew, making the leaves of a nearby maple tree rustle. It was a pleasant afternoon. The sky was fair. The sun was covered with clouds, so as the soil would not be scorched. Most students that were dismissed early could be seen lazing under the trees or walking leisurely.

Haruka was leaning against the wall of the auditorium. Her eyes were closed, her head bowed. She crossed her arms over her chest. Her hair was whipping against her face.

The results of the auditions would be announced in a short while. Soon, she would know if she the opportunity would be opened… the opportunity to be with her… to get to know her better…

"Um… are you here for the results of the audition?" a gentle voice asked. Haruka opened her eyes and raised her gaze. Standing in front of her was a girl with long brown hair. She was looking at Haruka with mild interest.

"Yeah…" Haruka held out a hand for the other to shake. "Ten'ou Haruka."

"Subarashii Makoto." She shook Haruka's hand. She stared at the handsome blonde a little too long. "Er…Nice to meet you."

"Same here." Haruka smiled, illuminating her features. "Are you here for the results too?"

"Iie," said the brunette, casually running a hand through her hair. "I'm just here to meet with a friend."

"Sou…" muttered the blonde.

"Makoto-chan!" called another girl. Haruka looked at the direction of the voice, only to see Michiru approaching them.

"Mi-chan!" cried Makoto rather indignantly. "What took you so long?"

"I forgot to tell you that I'm on cleaning duty," explained the other, who glanced slightly at Haruka's direction. Haruka merely stared at her.

"So, why are we here again?" asked the brunette to her friend.

"Itazura-kun asked us to help him with the results, remember?" replied the aqua-haired girl.

"Oh, yeah…" said Makoto, her face thoughtful. "So, shall we?"

Michiru pushed the double doors and entered the auditorium. Before Makoto went after her friend, she winked at Haruka, saying, "Well then, we'll be seeing you later."

Inside the auditorium was Shinobu, scribbling on his clipboard. He did not notice the two girls that entered and were now standing on either side of him. When he was done, he stretched his arms, raising them and the clipboard above his head so as to admire his handiwork.

"There!" he announced. He turned his head side to side, looking at his two friends in surprise. "When did you guys arrive?"

"Oh, a few minutes or so," answered Makoto airily, subconsciously running a hand through her hair.

"You could've at least prodded me…," muttered the redhead.

"So, have you come up with the results?" Michiru asked gently, but curiously. She wanted to know if a certain blonde got the part of Joushin Jiyuu, without hinting her friends of her slight crush.

"Yeah… all of them except Joushin," said Shinobu carelessly.

"What? You haven't decided yet?" asked Makoto a bit too loud.

"Well," the redhead turned to Michiru. "I resolved to let Kaiou-san make that decision." He grinned mischievously. "Who know, maybe she'll pick someone she actually fancies."

Michiru could only roll her eyes.

It was three-thirty. Haruka went in the auditorium, followed shortly by other students. The hall was fairly bright. Three figures were standing on the stage, one of which was the red-haired director. The other was the brunette who greeted her earlier. The last one was an elegant girl, with her aqua hair flowing to her shoulders.

"…Michiru…" she whispered to herself. Shaking out of her trance, she looked around her. Most of the boys waiting were also staring at the stage, as if a goddess had suddenly appeared before their eyes.

"Okay, everyone!" rang Shinobu's amplified voice as he tried to catch the attention of the small crowd. "We've finally came to a decision! Results are as follows…"

Haruka didn't hear what came next. Her attention was still focused onto Michiru, who was whispering something to Makoto.

"…and that concludes it," said the redhead. A few groans from disappointed students were heard. But there was something missing…

"Wait a minute," asked a hopeful freshman. "Who plays Joushin Jiyuu?"

"Um… w-well…" the director stammered as he gazed uncertainly at his friends. Makoto went to Shinobu and took the clipboard from him. She flipped through a few pages then went to the microphone.

"Please wait one moment…" She continued to flip pages. "…ah… Joushin Jiyuu will be played by…"

Everyone, eager to know who the lucky guy was, hanged on to her every word. She glanced at Michiru hesitantly. The other nodded her head, to make her go on. She faced the crowd again.

"…Ten'ou Haruka, Section 2-C…"

Haruka's eyes widened in surprise. Sure, she did audition for the part, but she never actually expected to get it… the role of the partner of Michiru's character…

"So, that's that," said Shinobu, assuming his more formal nature. "The chosen actors please stay behind."

As everybody started to leave, Haruka felt something strange from behind her. She turned around, only to see her male peers glaring jealously at her. She grinned nervously at them before facing the stage again.

Shinobu beckoned them to come nearer to the stage. When everyone was there, he started something he calls a speech.

"So, you have been chosen to actors for the school play… my play," Shinobu addressed them, a bit too harshly to make a point that messing up could have terrible consequences. "I expect the best from each of you… Everyday rehearsals start tomorrow, four to seven o'clock." He suddenly grinned, showing his more cheerful side. "That's all for today, see you guys tomorrow!"

Haruka made a confused face at the director, whose sudden change of mood startled everyone.

"Ehe… you'll get used to that," chuckled Shinobu.