"He's mine."
"He's mine."
"He's mine."
Chapter 14: Reunion and Rivalry
Akira: go to my room
Akira: now
Akira dropped her phone as she groaned in frustration. The toilet paper she used to block the open wound was damp with blood.
Akira stood up and limped to the drawer where she keeps her medical supplies. The guitarist fumbled through the contents of the drawer, fishing out a small bag of plasters.
But to her dismay, the plasters were tiny, more suited for small cuts, which in Akira's case, is not helpful in the slightest.
At that moment, her doorbell sounded.
Akira got up slowly, walking to the door and opening it to reveal Sachi and Ayame.
"Akira, it's eleven p.m" Ayame groaned, "What the hell is it?"
"A-Ayame, S-Sachi," Akira teared up, embracing her best friends in a tight hug.
"Eh?" Sachi said, a little shocked, "What's wrong Akira?"
"She fucking did not," Ayame growled under her breath. Sachi had rushed out of the room to get a larger bandage for Akira.
"She's dangerous," Akira said seriously, "Maeda-senpai can't possibly be with that bitch."
Ayame glanced at the guitarist sadly and said, "Well, he is. She's clearly crazy too, maybe Maeda isn't the right person for you."
Akira breathed in angrily and said, "No. I'm not letting that bitch think she's got me."
"She's a yandere times like- a thousand," Ayame replied, "It's better if you don't waste your time on-"
"We're gonna take up that record studio's offer," Akira said, her voice emulating a sense of finality.
Ayame sighed. Once Akira has her mind on something, or someone, she isn't going to go back.
Sachi rushed into the dorm immediately. Akira told Sachi about her plan while treating Akira's wound.
The bassist and drummer looked at each other and sighed, they can only imagine what drama was to ensue.
Saturday Night, Campus Cafeteria
Yui, Ui and Azusa were dining at the cafeteria. Ritsu hung around there too, since Mio had to go to the Library to do a project.
Ritsu had brought some cake from her
brother's birthday earlier that day.
"Yeah, I'm starting to feel the University burnout," the drummer sighed, slumping on the table.
"Ricchan, you were the one who was so confident about your class schedule," Yui pointed out, mouth full of cake.
Ritsu glared at Yui and said, "And how the hell do you look more relaxed then I do?!"
"Hehe," Yui replied, "Ui feeds me with yummy snacks to keep me going."
Ritsu looked at Ui and said, "Tsk, I wish I had you as a sister, Ui. Or a roommate. Mio-tan always depends on my cooking… that girl."
Azusa narrowed her eyes and said, "Mio-senpai told me you volunteered to cook everyday."
Ritsu laughed sheepishly and replied, "Heheh, oh yeah, I did. Hell, this cafeteria is becoming more foreign to me."
"The food here is pretty great," Yui says with food in her mouth, her eyes shining.
"Yui-senpai don't talk with food in your mouth or you'll choke," Azusa scolded, "Ugh, you have potato on your chin."
The younger guitarist took out a handkerchief to wipe Yui's mouth.
Ui nodded at Azusa in what appears to be approval.
"W-what," Azusa stuttered.
"Oh nothing," Ui smiled, "Just that I rest easy knowing you can take care of my Onee-chan."
Azusa blushed and replied hastily, "She had potato in her mouth… I had no choice but to wipe it for her. It's not like I wanted to-"
"Classic Tsundere," Ritsu laughed silently.
"Shut up!" Azusa snapped.
"You two doing well with your part time gigs?" Ritsu asked.
Yui swallowed before answering, "Yeah, the bosses there are quite nice to us. I just wished the toilet looked cleaner "
"Oh," Ritsu replied, "The allowance my parents gave is running short and I want to start looking for a job soon."
After an hour, Ritsu went back to her apartment, immediately noticing Mio sleeping on the dining table in the dark, with the light of her laptop shining on her face.
"Holy shit Mio," Ritsu said, walking up to Mio and shaking her awake, "Get up sleepy ass, I got cake."
Mio made a whining noise. Ritsu raised her eyebrows.
"She's been working hard," the drummer thought.
With great effort, Ritsu dragged Mio to her bed, tucking her in. The bassist curled up in her mattress, muttering something under her breath.
"Sleep-talking? She's like a grade schooler," Ritsu smiled to herself. The drummer stared at Mio's resting face for a few moments, before catching herself and looking away, blushing slightly.
Friday Evening, Light Music Clubroom
Houkago Tea Time and Onna Gumi were in the clubroom, practising their bands' respective songs.
Yui finished strumming the last chord of Kira Kira Days. Onna Gumi applauds lightly.
"You know," Ayame said, "Kira Kira Days might be a hard song to play in a rhythm game."
"I can see that happening," Ritsu grinned, twirling her drumsticks.
"Guys," Akira said, getting the attention of HTT, "I want to make a small announcement… Onna Gumi will be going for the record company thing after all."
HTT emitted sounds of excitement, Yui hugged Akira, saying, "That's so cool Akira-chan! But what made you want to do it."
Ayame opened her mouth to reply, only for Akira and Sachi to glare at her. Ayame shut her mouth.
"Just a feeling," Sachi piped up.
"Good luck," Mugi said, "The expectations of the company might be quite a lot to handle, but I believe you can do it!"
"Thanks," Onna Gumi replied, with Sachi and Ayame's voice being less than enthusiastic.
After leaving the clubroom, Ritsu caught up with Ayame.
"Yo Ayame," Ritsu called out to the blonde.
"Ricchan," Ayame smiled, "What's up?"
"That thing about the studio… I sense it's something to do with the Maeda guy, amirite?" Ritsu asked, curiosity shining in her eyes.
Ayame looked at Ritsu, nodding her head.
"She's so damn stubborn it's killing me," Ayame sighed, "But when she has her mind on something, she ain't going back."
Ritsu let out a small laugh, "Sounds just like Yui."
Ayame and Ritsu turned around to a panting Mio.
"Eh? Mio?" Ritsu said, "You alri-"
SMACK*
"OW WHAT WAS THAT FOR-" Ritsu yelped.
"Baka! Shut up, it's nearly eight o'clock!" Mio panted, still tired from running up to the drummers, "I told you to slow down but you wouldn't listen."
"Well excuse me for wanting to get some tea on Maeda and Akira," Ritsu retorted, somewhat playfully.
Ayame narrowed her eyes slightly at the bickering duo.
"Maybe we can talk about this somewhere else?" Ayame suggested after noticing a security guard walking up to them.
The three girls scurried away.
"Wanna stay over at our apartment?" Ritsu asked Ayame while running.
"Sure," Ayame grinned.
"Guys, wait up!" Mio panted.
Ritsu turned on her feet and took Mio's hand, to which the latter blushed.
The three girls arrived at the apartment, all of them breathing heavily. It had started raining right after they exited the campus, and there was almost no shelter from the nearby bus stop to the apartment building.
"Uh, y-you can let go of m-my hand now," Mio muttered as Ritsu was dangling through her sling bag for the keycard.
Ritsu's cheeks flushed a deep red as she hastily spluttered, "Eh?! Sorry I forgot about that!"
Ritsu and Mio let go of each other's hands swiftly, both turning away, blushing.
"Should I leave…?" Ayame giggled.
The childhood friends blushed further as Ritsu let themselves into the room.
"So she still hasn't given up on Maeda huh," Mio sighed, slurping on instant ramen Ritsu cooked for the three of them.
Ayame rolled her eyes, "Sadly no. If I'm being honest, her drama was funny at first, but after knowing that this Yuki bitch isn't messing around, Akira might get herself into deep shit."
"Yuki… Yuki," Mio said, seemingly in thought, "Does she have blonde hair and does she dress up in expensive looking clothes?"
Ayame blinked at Mio, "Yeah! That's her! Wait did Ricchan show you the picture I sent."
Mio shook her head, "No. She's in my class."
"Really?" Ritsu said in surprise, walking up to Mio with her own bowl of noodles, "What's she like?"
Mio rested her chin on her hand and replied, "She's one of the popular ones, always having her gang of girls with her. I never actually approached her, she kinda scares me."
Ritsu laughed, "Ooh, Mio-chan is scared of her?"
Mio was about to retort when Ayame spoke up, "Oh! I found her Instagram account!"
Ritsu and Mio leaned towards Ayame's phone, showing an Instagram account filled mostly with photos of Yuki, and sometimes with Maeda. From the posts, it was immediately realised that Yuki was a rich girl, with Yuki's house, or well mansion, showing up in a lot of the posts, as well as her fathers rather expensive looking car. Yup. She was an Ojou.
"All the more reason we shouldn't mess with her," Ayame said, "I learnt from all my Korean Dramas never ever to mess with the rich bitch."
"Yeah," Ritsu agreed, "Plus, she has her own little gang of cronies. She seems like the type that will make your life hell."
Mio placed a hand on Ayame's thigh and said, "You better watch out for Akira. God knows what else Yuki is capable of, seeing that she's crazy enough to use a knife on Akira."
Ayame nodded. She didn't want Akira to do this. What was so good about that Maeda guy anyway? To Ayame, he's just a dense, good looking guy who cannot read the room. Plus, his tastes in women are… questionable.
After finishing the noodles, Mio laid out a futon on the floor, offering Ayame her bed, with Ritsu intervening and telling Ayame to sleep on hers so Mio could rest well.
"You sure you feel comfortable?" Mio asked, looking at Ritsu in her futon.
Ritsu smiled slightly, "We have a guest over, it should be fine."
"I can sleep on the floor instead of you," Mio argued, "It's okay, really."
Ayame giggled at the childhood friends bickering, and smiled sadly to herself. How she wishes Akira would just drop Maeda all together, so that she, Sachi and Akira could finally spend a conversation without Maeda being brought up.
The three continued talking into the night, Ayame being happy with finally being able to talk about normal things in conversation.
Bzzzzzzzzzzt
Bzzzzzzzzzzt
"Ritsu the buzzer is ringing," Mio groaned sleepily.
"Mmm," Ritsu grumbled, getting up to see who was downstairs.
The drummer looked at the clock, which displayed "12:30 p.m" and went to the screen next to the door, rubbing her eyes to see the person more clearly. Akira and Sachi were looking into the camera.
Ritsu pressed the speaker button and said, "Akira, Sachi, I assume you're here for Ayame?"
Akira nodded, replying, "Yeah, we're heading to Writing Destinies."
"She'll be happy to hear that," Ritsu replied sarcastically.
After much convincing, Ritsu managed to get Ayame downstairs, with the latter protesting.
Upon returning to the apartment and closing the door behind her, the buzzer sounded once again.
Ritsu groaned, turning to the mini-screen to see the faces of Yui, Azusa, Mugi, Jun and Ui.
The drummer pressed the speaker button and said, "Yes?"
"Ricchan, are you and Mio-chan done? We're waiting for you downstairs!" Yui said.
"Why…?" Ritsu asked dryly.
"So we can meet Azunyan's Light Music Club!"
Ritsu facepalmed. Right. They were gonna do that.
"Give us five minutes," Ritsu said, before heading to her room to wake Mio up.
Ritsu pulled Mio's blanket away from it's user and said loudly, "Mio! Wake up, they're waiting for us downstairs!"
Mio replied with a groan before walking to the bathroom to change.
After they dressed up, the childhood friends rushed downstairs, apologising to the others before heading to a nearby train station.
The band (plus Ui and Jun) headed to a neat looking cafe serving cake and tea, with Mugi's eyes shining in awe at how well kept the place looked.
The group sat at a long table, placing their orders.
"This place looks expensive," Azusa said worriedly, frantically searching the menu for the cheapest items.
"It's okay Azusa-chan," Mugi smiled, "I'll be paying for your orders.
Azusa raised her eyebrows and protested, "Oh no, senpai, I couldn't possibly let you-"
Jun interrupted Azusa, saying, "Ooh in that case I'll have some macarons, this fancy looking coffee, ooh and-"
"Mind showing some decency?" Azusa scolded through gritted teeth. Jun, however, wasn't the only one placing expensive orders.
Yui was ogling at the delicious looking cakes and beverages, with Ui trying to calm her down. While Mio was debating with Ritsu whether a cake or two would make the former gain weight.
"Sure is chaotic huh?" Mugi giggled. Azusa laughed half-heartedly. If anything, the pig tailed guitarist pitied the intimidated waiter taking their orders.
After the waiter left with the orders, Sumire and Nao arrived at the cafe. Azusa, Jun and Ui got up to embrace their kouhais.
"Oh my, it's been so long," Sumire smiled at her senpais.
"It's only been a few months but yes, we missed you guys so much," Ui replied, hugging her kouhais happily.
Sumire felt another pair of arms wrap around her. Mugi was hugging Sumire tightly.
"Su~mire," Mugi greeted the younger girl happily.
"Tsumugi-Ojousama…" Sumire smiled back, "I missed you."
After all the introductions were done, the waiter brought the food and drinks to the group's table, with the group having fun talking with Sumire and Nao. But eventually, the topic shifted to the disbandment of the Sakurakago Light Music Club.
"Yeahhh no one was joining," Nao said sadly, "Guess people just weren't interested in the club."
"But how's that possible?" Yui asked, saddened by the club's fate, "The Oba-Chan next door told me the club is well liked by the neighbourhood!"
Azusa buried her face in her hands. "This is all my fault," Azusa said, voice shaking, "I didn't impress a lot of people when I was the president did I?"
Yui widened her eyes at Azusa's statement, replying, "I'm sure that's not it! Ui told me you guys were awesome."
"But if I tried harder, then maybe more people would have been convinced to join!" Azusa said, tears evidently about to stream down her eyes.
"What about the recruitment video we made?" Ritsu piped up.
"People didn't think the club was serious," Nao said, shaking her head, "It's fine, Sumire and I moved on. The going home club isn't bad."
The conversation eventually went back to more light hearted topics, like telling the high schoolers how College life was like.
"Let's hear each other play sometime!" Yui grinned at the high schoolers.
"We'll be looking forward to it," Sumire smiles.
While the other group had their fun, Akira, Sachi and Ayame were at the "Writing Destinies" studio.
Maeda noticed Onna Gumi walking into the building, and went up to the band to greet them.
"Ah Akira, girls, nice to see you changed your mind," Maeda smiled warmly, "But you do have my number, you could have called in advance. The president is currently in a meeting."
Sachi and Ayame glared at Akira, who mouthed a 'sorry'. After a long wait, Onna Gumi met with the CEO, Itsuo.
It was agreed that Maeda would be placed as the band's manager, which made Ayame and Sachi internally groan.
"Remember, you are free to use the facilities," Itsuo reminded them, "Go give it your all!"
And so the three-women band headed to their studio, which had really, really expensive amps and a computer for them to mix their songs.
"All right girls, let's play something!" Akira said, punching the air.
"She has no idea what she's doing," Ayame and Sachi thought to themselves.
After playing a list of their songs, Maeda applauded the trio but had a suggestion.
"Bravo girls!" Maeda said, clapping, making Akira blush, "I just want to say though, do you guys have any less edgy songs."
"Edgy?" Sachi said, confused, "Are our songs like that?"
"To the general audience it may appear that way," Maeda said, stroking his chin, "Can you guys maybe play something more cutesy? Not that there's anything wrong with your style, but I just want to see what we can work with."
The trio looked at each other in confusion and slight offence but nodded.
"What about one of Houkago Tea Time's songs?" Sachi suggested.
Ayame grinned, "Yeah! Fuwa Fuwa Time is really, really cutesy and catchy, right Akira?"
Akira swallowed. She hate HTT's songs, not because of how they sound, but how each of their songs become a new earworm in her head for weeks.
Akira sighed, "Fine."
Fuwa Fuwa Time~
Fuwa Fuwa Time~
And as Akira finished the last chords, Maeda bursts into applause.
"Good job girls!" Maeda complimented, "This proves that you can make cutesy work, so perhaps expand your genre of songs, that way you can appeal to a variety of audiences."
Ayame and Sachi looked impressed. Maeda did know his stuff. Akira was still in shock hearing Maeda compliment her, or well, the band.
"Cutesy?" Akira said, "Of course! I'll work on that immediately."
Just then, the door to the studio opened to reveal-
"Satan's Spawn," Ayame whispered to the other two. Yuki frolicked into the room, a very fake smile planted on her sharp face.
"Maeda-chan!" Yuki squealed, hugging the man aggressively, "It's time you walk me home!"
"Of course! Forgive me, I didn't notice the time…" Maeda replied before turning to the trio, "See you girls tomorrow!"
"You go on ahead Mae-chan," Yuki said sweetly, "you have to get your bag, I wanna talk to Akira-tan here…"
Maeda nodded, before waving another goodbye to Akira.
As the door shut, Yuki's smile inverted immediately as she faced Sachi and Ayame.
"Get out," Yuki said dangerously, "I want to talk to Akira here."
Ayame scowled and retorted, "Knowing you, we're staying right here. We wouldn't want you pulling out a knife again would we?"
Yuki scowled darkened as she ignored Ayame, turning to Akira, saying, "I have already given you a warning Wada, I am capable of things of which you have no idea."
"You're dangerous," Akira spat, "I wouldn't let Maeda-senpai be with filth like you."
"He loves me-"
"Does he though," Akira laughed, "How much did you have to pay him to get him to even look at you?"
Yuki's face contorted in rage, raising a fist to strike Akira. As Yuki swung her arm towards the guitarist, Sachi grabbed hold of the former's arm.
"Don't you dare hurt her again," Sachi snarled at Yuki, who jerked her arm away from the taller girl.
Yuki laughed an annoying high laugh pitched.
"You guys have no idea what you're getting yourselves into," Yuki growled, "Watch your fucking backs, I'll make sure you three never make it big."
And with that, the Ojou left, slamming the door on her way out.
Ayame and Sachi looked at Akira, who was shaking in anger. Akira looked at the other girls before snarling, "No way in hell are backing down. We'll show her. We'll show her that Onna Gumi will make it big! I'll show her she doesn't deserve Maeda-senpai!"
Ayame and Sachi looked at each other before hugging Akira.
"Yeah! We'll show that bitch!" Ayame grinned.
"We need to report her to someone," Sachi said seriously, "She's dangerous."
"I know," Akira replied, "But I want to give her the absolute feeling of failure and bring out her true colours to everyone."
Ayame and Sachi looked sceptical but agreed. All three of them hated Yuki. All three of them wanted to make her feel horrible. They wanted to defeat her.
Ui, Yui and Azusa were walking back to their dorms, returning from their day out.
"Hey Onee-chan," Ui said, looking at her phone, "That Komi series you like so much has an anime on Netflix!"
"Really?" Yui said, "I'm gonna watch it later!"
"Yui-senpai," Azusa scolded, "We have to wake up early for our job tomorrow, remember?"
Yui pouted, "Azunyan is so mean."
"It's for your own good," Azusa huffed, "You're a mess when you're sleepy."
Yui continued pouting and turned her head away from Azusa, earning a scowl from Azusa. Ui smiled at the duo before whispering to Azusa, "How bout you take her out for a drink after your shift tomorrow?"
Azusa blushed deeply but couldn't say no.
"Uh, Yui-senpai, if you sleep early," Azusa began, clearly nervous, "I'll take you out for a drink tomorrow?"
Yui looked at Azusa before glomping her, saying, "Azunyan asked me on a da~ate."
Azusa blushed furiously, "It's not like that!"
Maeda and Yuki were walking home, hand in hand, with Maeda's other hand holding up his phone.
"Mae-chan," Yuki said sweetly, "Do you love me?"
Maeda was scrolling through his phone, only answering after a few moments. "Mmhmm," Maeda answered, clearly more interested in his Twitter feed.
"Thank you sweetie," Yuki grinned, "By the way, I talked with your boss earlier about my friends and I joining the company."
Maeda looked up from his phone, a little surprised at what Yuki just said.
"You're joining the company?" Maeda asked, "I didn't know you were in a band."
Yuki turned on her feet, bopping Maeda on his nose.
"No silly," Yuki smiled, "Writing Destinies covers has a variety of entertainment groups. My group will be training to be idols!"
"Idols?" Maeda said, confused, "But the company doesn't have trainers."
Yuki smiled, "Oh don't you worry about small things like that. I managed to convince Mr. Itsuo to provide some trainers."
"Convince" was an understatement. At this moment, Itsuo was frantically calling up idol trainers willing to help out, to avoid what Yuki calls "the full wrath of her father's influence."
Maeda stood still for a while, thinking. Writing Destinies wasn't ready for idols yet. They were a new company and only had facilities for bands as of now.
"You coming babe?" Yuki said, smiling at Maeda sweetly.
"Yes," Maeda answers, continuing to walk with his girlfriend.
Damn, sorry this took so long. I was caught up in some unexpected stuff in school. I'll try to get the next chapter up as soon as possible. Bye for now!
