Chapter 12: Social Issues

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews. This chapter is going to be fairly short, but I hope you'll find it good nonetheless.


The exams were over, and it was now the evening of the talent show. Hitsugaya Toushirou was busy preparing himself when the doorbell rang. Smoothing his shirt, the boy answered the door. It was Hinamori in a blouse and a navy blue skirt.

"Do I look okay?" Hinamori asked, her fingers twitching slightly.

"Yeah, but stay calm," Hitsugaya said, smiling.

"Thanks, I think you look good, too!" Hinamori smiled. "Come to think of it, what piece are you playing?"

"That's for me to know and you to find out," the boy answered evasively and Hinamori pouted. "Come on, let's go or we'll be late for the talent show." Hinamori nodded and the two started at a leisure pace up the street. Not much was said along the way, for both teenagers were nervous.

When Hinamori and Hitsugaya entered the assembly hall where the talent show was to take place, a dazzling sight met their eyes. People chatted and students rushed about. Babies and infants occasionally cried in their mothers' arms. On the stage to the far right was a Sauter piano. Smaller instruments and music stands were tactfully hidden in the wings, and a microphone was placed in the middle of the stage. It was obvious that singing of some sort was up first.

"Hey, over here!" Hitsugaya led Hinamori to a well-hidden room where all the performers were. They were just in time, for at that moment the M.C. came on and began the introduction. After that the talent show began.

One by one, people left the room to perform while the others sat in total silence, going over their performances in their heads. At last Hitsugaya was left in the room by himself. From what he had heard, Hinamori had done well, continuing even when she'd made mistakes. Now it was his turn. Taking a deep breath, the pianist opened the door and stepped into the spotlight, bowing as the people clapped. It had been a long time since he had played in front of a large audience. Naming his piece, Hitsugaya seated himself at the piano and began to play.

His audience was entranced; he could tell by the way they were silent. The boy began to enjoy himself as his fingers ran up and down the keyboard, playing scales. Then he thought about Hinamori and how she should win the prize. At the same time he recalled her telling him she really wanted to win the prize to treat him, and they would go to Osaka together. Oh well. Hitsugaya finished his piece with a neat chord and bowed once more as the crowd applauded, whistling. He exited the stage and was sent into another room where everyone else waited.

"Sugoi, Hitsugaya-kun!" Hinamori praised. "Which piece was that then?"

"Minute Waltz by Chopin," the pianist answered somewhat smoothly, trying to hide his blush. "And I did make quite a few mistakes."

"That's why I'm going to get first place," Daisuke said, coming up from behind the pair. Hinamori cowered, afraid that Daisuke would beat her again. Hitsugaya narrowed his eyes and glared at the intruder. The room turned cold. Hitsugaya was about to reply when a voice interrupted, booming through the speakers.

"We have three winners! In third place in Hinamori Momo, who played Sonatina in C Major by Mozart!" the audience applauded loudly. Hitsugaya and Daisuke glared at each other.

"In second place we have Daisuke Katashi who played Bagatelle Number Nine by Tcherepnin!" more applause. Daisuke scowled, then his lips curved upwards in a sneer. "Looks like you didn't even get into the top three!" he said.

"And, in first place…Hitsugaya Toushirou, who played the famous Minute Waltz by Chopin! Could the three winners please come out and bow?"

The audience cheered louder than ever as the three students came out and bowed. Hitsugaya, however, felt something was wrong. Daisuke seemed to be emitting a strange reiatsu…

The pianist leapt away in time as a clawed hand shot out at the place where his own wrist had been. Hitsugaya's eyes widened as the truth hit him, and the audience gasped.

"You…" the boy whispered furiously. Daisuke lifted his head. His eyes glowed yellow, and he grinned.

"Despak," Daisuke ordered, and a huge wave only visible to one with a strong reiatsu came his way. Hitsugaya dodged, and teachers came and surrounded Daisuke. But the boy was too quick, for he had run out of the assembly hall. All was quiet, and Hitsugaya was glad that nobody had seen a boy with glowing eyes and a huge wave, just an upset boy who didn't get first prize. Hitsugaya walked over to Hinamori, who was shaking. She had obviously seen everything.

"Are you ok?" he whispered, and the girl nodded weakly.

Nothing more was said until Hitsugaya had claimed his prize and the two had exited the assembly hall. He had a feeling that Hinamori and he wouldn't be going to Osaka after this.

With Daisuke

The boy ran as fast as he could. How could he have lost his temper like that? And in front of Hinamori, too! From the way she had been frightened, Daisuke could tell that she'd witnessed it all. What a pity Hitsugaya had seen his Despak…

The boy was so immersed in his thoughts that he didn't see Aizen-sensei until he bumped into him.

"Gomen nasai," Daisuke mumbled, but the teacher only beckoned for his student to follow. Confused, Daisuke obeyed. The two walked into a dark classroom, and Aizen shut the door after him. That done, teacher and student both took a seat.

"I've heard of your problems with Hitsugaya Toushirou and Hinamori Momo," Aizen-sensei started. "Please explain."

"I'm sorry, but I really like Hinamori-chan-"

"Say it from your point of view, emotions and all," the teacher interrupted, waving his hand.

The boy gulped. What was Aizen-sensei now? Some freaking school councillor?

"Sorry if I say anything offensive," Daisuke continued. "But Hitsugaya seems like such a goody-goody! He has practically everything-clothes, money, popularity, good looks, talent…Hinamori!

Aizen-sensei remained silent, so the boy went on.

"It's so unfair! What does Hinamori see in that baka? Even Despak, my secret weapon, won't work! Or rather, I don't want to use it on Hinamori…

"Don't worry, Daisuke-kun," Aizen-sensei said soothingly. "I'll help you get over this."

"Really? How?" Daisuke wondered how his teacher could know about such private affairs.

"Don't worry, just sit back and relax," Aizen-sensei repeated, smiling evilly. Daisuke felt his eyelids begin to droop.

No, this can't be!" he thought. I have to…resist…

Then all was black.


A/N: Thanks for reading! As it's the second last chapter, please review!

Japanese Dictionary:

Sugoi: That's great

-chan,-san,-kun: -chan is addressed towards girls (or kids) who are around the same age as the speaker. –kun is the same, but for boys (or kids). –san is the polite form for both genders, and it is used for all ages.

Reiatsu: Spiritual energy

Sensei: Teacher (e.g. 'Aizen-sensei' literally 'Teacher Aizen')

Gomen nasai: Sorry

Baka: Idiot