Chapter 16: Otonokizaka
I don't own the characters or anything about this fiction except the plot and some OC's.
"So how about we explore it this time, Dia?" Mari proposed as they stood outside the school's gate. "Last time we went here, we only stood outside. I think it would be allowed under the impression that my cousin was scouting the school to transfer here."
"It might work but we have a problem with that." The black-haired woman responded. "Leone-san is a guy, it would be weird for him to enter an all-girls school."
"Oh right. I'll just say that I am your relative, Kurosawa-san. It won't work with Mari-sama or Miss Michelle since I looked like a Japanese person." Honoka smiled brightly because she wanted to see the inside of the school.
"We can also leave those two guys outside here to guard too." She waved towards the almost non-existing 'brothers' of hers.
"No, that would also be a problem. We don't look alike to be cousins or anything close to that." The black-haired woman responded.
"What's the problem here?" A cheery voice came from behind them. The four women turned back to see an orange-haired woman standing behind them. Her long hair was flowing from her back and her chartreuse eyes were full of curiosity looking at them. She was wearing a red jersey with a white shirt under and red running pants paired with running shoes.
"Who might you be, Miss?" Dia asked skeptically towards the beautiful stranger in front of them. The woman in front of them seems older than her and Mari but younger than their ginger-haired companion.
"Oh, I am a part-time teacher at this school. How about you girls?" The energetic orange-haired woman walked towards them closer and stopped in front of Honoka whose eyes were widely staring at her.
"We want to check out this school because my cousin here," Mari answered the woman's inquiries and pulled Michelle to her side, "Wants to transfer here~."
"I see! How about you two?" The woman asked the black-haired woman and the ginger-haired man in front of them.
"I am accompanying her." Dia pointed at the older blonde woman beside her.
"And, I am accompanying her." Honoka pointed at Michelle and gave her head a little pat.
"Hm, I see. Well, maybe I can give you in for a tour? It seems I am a little early for our club meeting today." The orange-haired woman stepped in front of the opened gate.
"Wouldn't it be a bother?" The black-haired woman asked in concern since they were strangers. Though as she said this, they were already following the orange-haired woman.
"Mn~! It's fine!" The woman gave them a wide toothy grin. "Oh yeah. Let me introduce myself, I am Hoshizora Rin, the trainer for the track and field here."
"Ehhhh-?!" Dia exclaimed when she heard it. She quickly grabbed the other woman's hand and introduced herself in a hurry.
"I am Kurosawa Dia! I'm a huge fan of µ's! Oh my god, I can't believe I am meeting another one of the legends here! You are the most athletic member of µ's and also one of the most in-demand physical trainers in the whole city! Please give me your autograph!" All of a sudden, the black-haired woman also produced a set of an autograph board and a pen.
'Was she always ready for this?' Honoka couldn't help but think about it.
"I heard about you! You're one of Eli-chan's junior! Hello, nice to meet you!" Rin said as she gave her signature to Dia. Once that was over, Dia shivers in bliss from the side that made Michelle and Honoka look at her in a deadpanned stare.
"Ayase-san was also a member of µ's, right? Why was she like that earlier?" Michelle couldn't help but ask her older cousin.
"It's like she was already used to Eli-chan's presence. It was the same reaction when she first saw Eli-chan and Nozomi-chan though~." The older blonde answered her before walking towards her exhilarated lover and shaking her back to the mortal world.
Rin laughed at them from the side and said in a happy tone, "You girls are interesting. So how about you all, what's your name?"
"I am Michelle Ricci, I am pleased to meet you, Hoshizora-san." The youngest of them bowed towards the orange-haired woman.
"Shiny~! I am Ohara Mari, Michelle's cousin, and Dia's lover." Mari gave out her hand and Rin shook it as a greeting.
The orange-haired woman looked at the quiet young man by the side. The man looked at her with a happy expression but Rin could feel a tinge of fear from him.
"I am Ross Leone, Miss Michelle's servant." Honoka introduced herself in her disguise and walked towards Rin. She gave out a hand and waited for the orange-haired woman to take it. Once she did, Honoka lowered her body and gave a kiss on the top of Rin's hand. "It was a pleasure to meet such a beautiful woman in my lifetime." She finished it with a beautiful soft smile.
Everyone was silently staring at the two before the youngest of them gave herself a facepalm. Dia looked flabbergasted while Mari was looking at the situation like she was very amused by it. The older blonde Italian was right in the sense that interesting things seem to follow the ginger-haired woman. 'She's like Chikacchi in that regard.'
"Eh?!...Uhm…" Rin was looking at 'Ross' with a flustered expression. Her cheeks were hot and her heart skipped a beat for a moment there. She already had a lover but she was still weak against those compliments. Rin can now have the confidence in her looks but sometimes things like this happen and her brain would short-circuit itself.
"STOP! STOP! STOP!" Dia, in a flash, was between Rin and Honoka. She pulled the 'man' cheeks and scolded her. "Can you not taint every living being with your flirt? First, Eli-sama and now Hoshizora-sama? Have some respect for the Legends, you!"
"It hwurts, Kurosawa-san!" Honoka complained and when the black-haired woman released her cheeks, she gave them a pout. "I was just being friendly and giving Hoshizora-san here an honest compliment."
"Your shamelessness has no bounds. No one here would believe that statement. Really. We need to correct the meaning of the word friendly in your vocabulary because there seems to be something wrong with it." Dia gave out intense glare and heaved out an aggrieved sigh. She looked tired interacting with Honoka.
"Um." Rin disturbs the two which made all of them look at her. She scratched her cheek and looked at Honoka before turning away with a shy expression. "Thanks for the compliment, Leone-san but I already have a fiancée whom I love very much."
"Un! Congratulations! That's great for you!" Honoka sincerely said with a wide grin and a thumbs up. She was watching her old friend with a warm look in her eyes because she was happy for her and Hanayo.
Rin was shocked for a moment before giving out a laugh. She was thinking that 'Ross' would be upset but it was completely the opposite. The 'man' was just playing around. "Thanks, Leone-san."
"I can't take this guy." Dia gave out a tired sigh and to think that it was just morning yet and she already expended so much energy.
"Now that the theatre was done, I am so excited to enter~!" Mari clapped her hand and held on Dia's arm, pulling her inside the school.
The two lovers entered first and Michelle, with Honoka by her side, followed next. Rin watched them for a moment before shaking her head and trailed after the group.
Hoshizora Rin was leading their group of five inside the high school. She had only met these women for just a while and she became interested in them especially the lean young man that goes under the name of 'Ross Leone.'
She couldn't explain why but her chartreuse eyes always followed the ginger-haired man. She was doing it subconsciously and she felt like she could trust him. He kind of reminds her about their late friend.
Rin had been watching 'Ross' interact with the people around him. His ginger hair and his bright blue eyes were like a dead ringer of her. The way how he was so cheery and how he smiled at them only makes her heart clench for something familiar. He was calmer and taller like she probably would have been if she had the chance to grow up with them.
The orange-haired woman also observed how 'Ross' looked at the whole school. His blue eyes became softer as they walked through the halls. Rin had also guided them through the Archery Hall. The man's face showing an expression that made Rin's heart heavy. Instinctively, she knew that this man wasn't simple.
From her time as a physical trainer, the orange-haired woman knew that 'Ross's body looked lean but it was tight full of muscles. The way he carried himself also looked relaxed but from Rin's guess, he was like a coiled spring, ready to move anytime. She had seen this from retired soldiers or bodyguards that once came to her for some help in rehabilitation.
Rin was still looking at 'Ross' when they reached the Alpaca shed. The three women walked towards the fence while the ginger-haired man just stayed back in a distance. Blue eyes met the chartreuse ones and the man flashed back a charming smile at Rin. The orange-haired woman flushed at being caught in her staring and followed the other women to the shed.
"One of the prides of our school! This is the Alpaca shed of the Otonokizaka High School. In our time, there were only two of them and my fiancée was the one who took care of them. Right now, the adults that you can see in there are the two alpaca's children." Rin explained to the others about the animals inside of the shed. There were three adults and two older ones staying quietly by the corner cuddling.
Once the orange-haired woman came close to the fence, the two older alpacas stood up and stride towards her. Rin gave out a fond laugh before petting the white one while the brown one was glaring at the strange visitors beside the woman.
"They are cute right? These two have been with us since the creation of the µ's and have watched us graduate." Rin informed them as the two blondes' eyes were shining as they stare at the animals inside the shed.
"Wow! It's the first time I've seen one! They look so adorable! We can touch them right?" Michelle asked the orange-haired woman excitedly.
"Yep! Just stay away from the older brown one, he's kind of protective of them." Rin gave them a thumbs up and looked at the aforementioned alpaca who was still glaring at the three women.
"Oh~! Look at them, Dia! They are just so fluffy!" Mari pets the other younger alpaca that came near them. Her yellow eyes were bright as she stared at the animal she was fluffing. "We should take care of one at home!"
"That's a bad idea, Mari-san! Where do you intend to take care of them?" The black-haired woman was staring vigilantly at the oldest brown one who was still glaring at them.
"In your apartment, of course~!" The older blonde answered as if it was already decided.
"Huh?! There are so many things wrong with that suggestion of yours, Mari-san! My apartment cannot accommodate an animal of that size and I don't even think that it's safe to take care of such an animal." Dia answered in an incredulous tone and came forward to pull back her lover from the dangerous animal.
The black-haired woman stepped closer to the young alpacas but she pulled back when all of a sudden the oldest brown alpaca came charging at them with a screeching noise.
"Oh, no! Kurosawa-san! Ohara-san!" Rin walked closer to the women, planning to intersect the animal but she was pulled back by the white alpaca who bit on her jersey's sleeves.
Watching the charging brown alpaca, Dia closed her eyes while she took Mari into her arms in an act to protect her. The screeching sound suddenly quietened and the black-haired woman felt nothing happened so she opened her eyes.
"Yosh~! Yosh~! Who is a good boy?" A warm low voice was heard which made Dia turn back to the shed. In front of the brown alpaca was 'Ross' who was caressing the fur of the animal who kept brushing its neck on his hands. The animal looked satisfied and even the white one came over to have its petting session.
Rin was shocked about the animal's reaction towards the ginger-haired bodyguard. The older brown alpaca was very wary of strangers but 'Ross' just tamed them in an instant. She just watched the young man outreached his hands slowly towards the alpaca who took a sniff and brushed his face on the person's hand.
"Oh~! Ross-kun, I didn't know that you can tame alpacas just like that." Mari commented as she watched the alpacas flood over the ginger-haired bodyguard.
"It's one of my greatest secret, Mari-sama." 'Ross' gave the older blonde a wink with a smile before turning back 'his' attention on the animals.
"That's quite true. His charm even works on animals. Back at home, the guard dogs always flood over 'Ross' and I heard a rumor that he was once found sleeping in a dog pile with the enemy's guard dogs after an assignment." Michelle sighed in exasperation beside her cousin.
"That's absurd." Dia crossed her arms while she looked at the ginger-haired 'man' in disbelief. Beside her, the older blonde laughed in amusement as she also accompanied her lover in watching 'Ross'.
"That's why I said that it was just a rumor. You just never know with this person." The youngest of them remarked as they looked at her 'pet'.
"Hey." Rin walked towards the ginger-haired man who faced her with a curious smile.
"Yes? What is it, Hoshizora-san?" 'Ross' turned his body to give the orange-haired woman all of his attention.
"Do you know the name Kousaka Honoka?" Rin tentatively asked the bodyguard with her heart racing. She really couldn't help but ask the man because she felt that he was somewhat related to their late leader.
It was just a moment but Rin felt that she stumbled upon something. Because once the man heard the name, he showed an expressionless face and it made Rin nervous. His bright blue eyes turned blank as he looked at the orange-haired woman's face. Quickly, it turned back to his usual expression which was a bright smiling face.
"…Of course, I know of her. Every fan of µ's knows of her. She's the leader, right?" 'Ross' answered and placed his hands inside his jacket's pocket. "Though I have to say, she's my least favorite of the nine. She's the leader though she doesn't contribute to the group. She's kind of selfish and she didn't think how her actions affected the group. I mean, I heard about the rumor that she once tried to quit because-"
"Shut up, nya! Don't talk about Honoka-chan like you know her!" Rin exclaimed with her hands clenched on her side. Her chartreuse eyes were glaring at the ginger-haired man. She was really angry when 'Ross' started to criticize her late friend that even her former tic came out. He can't possibly be related to their former leader especially since he can talk like that about her.
"Sorry, it seems I talked too much." Blue eyes softened when faced by the angry but also sad expression of the orange-haired woman. Unseen by others, his fists were clenching inside his pockets. The other girls were still quiet behind them and the oldest alpacas came towards Rin to comfort her. The orange-haired woman just patted them and turned her back to the group.
"Come on, let's just finish this tour. I still have a meeting to attend." Her voice was kind of empty and tired.
Dia glared at the ginger-haired bodyguard intensely as they passed by 'Ross'. Mari was beside her, holding her hand while trying to placate her irritated lover.
'Ross' gave out a sigh and Michelle walked beside 'him' as they also followed the orange-haired woman. The 'man' abruptly yelped when 'his' charge pinched his side.
"You are an idiot." The young teen whispered by 'his' side. The ginger-haired 'man' brushed his hand on the back of his head and released another sigh.
"Yeah, I know." 'He' whispered back in a weary tone.
Kousaka Honoka couldn't still believe that she was once again inside her former high school building. They were walking inside the school halls and the ginger-haired woman felt nostalgia running through her veins as they passed over her former classrooms.
She remembered the times when she was still with her childhood friends. How she formed their school idol group. How they tried to give fliers for their first concert and how they tried to recruit more members. How they would sometimes film in the halls for their MV and how much fun she had at those times.
Rin was still explaining things to them but she was also ignoring Honoka now. Her focus was only on Dia and the others who were excited about learning about the µ's history in them.
The ginger-haired woman's heart was tight because of her old friend's reaction towards her. It hurt her to hurt Rin but still, she couldn't do anything about it…No, she wouldn't do anything about it.
Honoka knew that the orange-haired woman had a hunch about her identity, especially with her staring. It might be wrong but she needs to dissuade Rin from any more thoughts about her. She was thinking about her safety because her current identity has a lot of enemies as of now and she still hasn't taken back her former identity. She was unwilling to drag her old friends for more trouble and danger.
Their group passed through the music room and Honoka could see in her mind's eye the silhouette of a certain crimson-haired pianist. She could still remember the first time she heard her old friend sing and play. Her heart warmed from the memory and while Honoka was focused on reminiscing, a certain orange-haired woman was watching her.
They reached the auditorium and Rin excitedly explained that it was the place where their lives were held. She also explained how this was the place where the members of the µ's first gathered. Dia was excitedly looking around and Mari accompanied her in her exploration.
Michelle stood by her ginger-haired bodyguard's side and held her hand in comfort. Honoka's eyes were tearing up and she was luckily hidden by the auditorium's darkness. She can see the shadows on their group performance. The feelings were coming back to her in a rush.
The first concert, she also wanted to tear up in how they have no audience and how she became exhilarated when Hanayo entered the auditorium. On how she danced and sang beside her closest friends for their lives, she could still remember the happiness she felt inside and how comfortable she was. Like in those times, she found a place where she belonged and one that she could call her second home.
It was also the place where she confirmed her feelings for both her childhood friends. After she affirmed that she still wanted to be a school idol, Honoka found out that in taking a step towards the future she wanted-no needed Kotori and Umi by her side.
And standing in the same place once more, Honoka's heart still yearned for their presence to be by her side. Her body was filled with yearning to see them once more and stay by their side but she knew that it was still impossible which hurts her heart even more.
The group once more moved towards another place and this place was also very close to Honoka's heart. The familiar set of stairs as they climbed up to the rooftop. She wanted to run on the steps and towards the door but she controlled herself. Michelle's hand clutching hers helped remind Honoka of her present identity.
As they opened the door, the bright morning sun basked over the rooftop. A large space was in front of the five and one by one, they entered the area. A cool wind breeze passed through them as they stood.
"This is the place where we practiced a lot back in the days," Rin said towards the group but she was also unfocused as she stared fondly in the area.
Honoka felt like she had gone back in time as she stood in place. In her ears, she could hear Eli's clapping and counting also their laughter through the times when they play around. In her eyes, she could see the nine of them practicing their dance moves and also see the times where they just goof around. And by her side, she could feel the Kotori and Umi's presence which she knew was impossible.
A hand touched Honoka's back that brought her mind to the present. She knew that it was Michelle as the younger woman also leaned her head on her back.
"Are you okay, Rossa?" Michelle asked her quietly and her other hand went towards Honoka's hand. The ginger-haired woman gave out a smile so warm that if the younger teen had seen it, it would've made her tear up.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Honoka squeezed the blonde teen's hand. Her tone was so warm that it reminded Michelle of the time when she was young and the older woman would cuddle her in their afternoon naps.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Michelle." Honoka turned and smiled down on the younger teen before patting her on the head.
After the tour ended, the five went down to the gate entrance. Rin stood in front of the four visitors.
"So, did you have fun? Would you like to enroll in this school, Ricci-san?" The orange-haired woman asked the group but her eyes were looking at the younger blonde.
"Yes! I liked this school! Still, I'll think about it and will have to ask my father if I can transfer in Japan." Michelle answered back in a bright smile.
"Ahhh~! The tour was a bliss mainly because it was given by you, Hoshizora-san! I found out so many things about µ's today." Dia was vibrating in happiness and beside her, Mari was laughing at her lover's reaction.
"It was really fun~! I got to see such cute animals earlier, thanks for that!" The older blonde stated as she held Dia's arm in her grasp.
'Ross' walked towards the orange-haired woman. "Sorry about earlier, Hoshizora-san. I spoke too much."
"Ah, sorry too about my reaction. We…Our leader is just a sore spot for us." Rin sheepishly smiled and gave out her hands. "Friends?"
Blue eyes were widened in shock. Well, 'he' didn't expect it and nor was the people around them. Rin wanted to give the 'man' another chance. Even though 'he' made her mad earlier, she still felt that 'he' was a good person especially in how 'he' treated the people around him.
"…Okay, friends." The ginger-haired 'man' shook her hands with a happy grin. He let go and headed for Michelle's side.
"Okay! Bye, you guys! Let's meet again!" Rin energetically waved her hands to the four. Dia and Michelle bowed politely while Mari and 'Ross' were also waving back at her. The orange-haired woman turned back to the school building for her club meeting.
"Oh yeah, Hoshizora-san!" The ginger-haired bodyguard called towards her which made Rin turned back.
"Your tic was cute, nya!" 'Ross' yelled at the orange-haired woman and laughed at the flushed face of Rin.
A/N: This was long. I wanted to cut it but I just continued it because of the location.