A/N:

As with my other works in the Uta-Pri Universe, I'm uploading the final two chapters for this mini-arc. I would be quite busy in the next few weeks due to my trip to Japan. I hope you guys liked it.

Do check out this manga if you happen to just stumble upon my work. I may be putting some spoilers here, so be warned!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my ramblings here.

Midwinter Dance Party: The Pain and Drama of Not Being with Her

[Part 3/4]

I know I really looked cheesy, but the school directors insisted all the teachers attending the dance must adhere to the strictly formal attire rules. I didn't prepare any clothes until the announcement was made last minute. I kept on expecting the committee will let us where normal attire. In the end, I called one of my buddies to lend me something to wear. He's been doing theatre costume design and lends me one of his previous creations: a superbly cut formal coat and tie.

The clothes fitted me perfectly. It figures that I coincidentally have the same physique as the actor who wore it previously. But when I arrived in school and finished knotting the tie, I found a velvet mask folded in one of the pockets. Raising my eyebrows, I studied the mask before stuffing it back in the pockets.

I wished I never volunteered. The coat and tie brought back some unpleasant memories of my own high school dance. Plus, I never seemed to get so comfortable wearing such. I tend to feel sloppy.

Resisting the urge to yawn loudly, I focused instead, on the principal's speech. Clocking in two hours, the committee is finally wrapping up its program of a short video clip on the school's history, the various activities that was held that year, plus throwing in some performances of dance and live band music before ending it with the principal's speech to thank everyone as he announces the winners of the Mid Winter Dance pageant.

I must say the program was good, though by now, the students are dying to cap the program and spend the remaining two hours dancing and enjoying the live music provided. The local DJ is quite talented.

"…and now, I am pleased to congratulate all of the contestants of the pageant. Even if you are not crowned as the King and Queen of the Dance, please remember that we are all winners here…."

I felt like my stomach was being twisted into knots when I heard the drum roll. Will they call her name? I have not seen her yet during my patrol around the auditorium. I was always being asked to "go over that side" or was requested to "please do cursory checks in classrooms for students who are not supposed to sneak in to" by the senior professors. So when it was finally my turn to patrol the dance floor, I kept on a look out for her. No such luck.

".. and the King of the Midwinter Ball is… Arima Kosei!"

There was a loud whoop! From the middle part of the crowd, where a group of seniors raised their hands and began clapping the shoulders of a tall boy, yelling out their congratulations excitedly. And then Arima Kosei went up the stage to accept the plastic crown and green sash proclaiming his win.

"…Congratulations are in order for…" The principal paused.. I held my breath, half wishing she would win, the other half wishing that she won't. What a cruel and selfish person I am! As a teacher, I wanted her to win, because I feel that she deserves it for the sincerity she displayed during her speech. But as a man- no, as someone who loves her very much still, I am not ready to share her to the world.

"..for Kogure Nao!"

There was a gasp.. and then a short, low-pitch scream. And the crowd began to clap thunderously.

I exhaled, more relieved than I wanted to be. I briefly remembered Ms. Kogure Nao is a junior who is very good in her grades and is quite friendly and outgoing. Not a bad choice, really.

I overheard a couple of sophomores beside me talking.

"Aww. I was kind of hoping that Yosano would win." A girl wearing a blue gown was clapping her hands.

"Yosano is a good candidate, and so is Yuyuka. But personally, Kogure Nao kind of deserves it. She's very active in a lot of clubs." Her male friend replied before grabbing her arm. "C'mon let's get something to drink. I'm thirsty.."

I watch the two melt in the crowd. Amidst the cheering and the loud whistles and catcalls, the live band began to play a rousing tune. And the students began to group together and dance with their friends.

It was then that I saw her. She stood in the middle of the makeshift dance floor, talking amidst the loud music, though I couldn't exactly hear what she is saying above the noisy crowd. She's hugging her friend Yuyuka who seemed relieved like me that she did not win. A boy stood by her side waiting to whisk her away to dance.

Suzume looked exquisite in her strapless gown of deep purple made of floaty chiffon. The stiff, structured upper bodice seemed to mold into her perfectly while baring a modest amount of skin at her neck and shoulders; the belt at her waist is slim and sleek. Her skirt floated down to her feet, deep purple gently fading to light lavender color.

Her hair was swept sideways and held up with pins to make it look like she cut her hair short and curled it like so, reminiscent of old Hollywood actresses sporting those elegant hairstyles. Whoever did her hair and make up has a good eye: by keeping her hair pinned up, she's shown off the gown's design with perfection.

Stunningly gorgeous. I felt several thugs on my heartstrings. This girl deserves the crown. But I am still glad she did not win. Her beauty will be in the spotlight and more people will see how beautiful she really is!

Next to her side, Mamura Daiki stood, wearing an exquisitely formal grey coat and tie. I have to admit, the boy can pull off the formal wear with ease; he looked very much like a fashion model with his impressive height. I stiffened when I saw Mamura place a hand on Suzume's elbow, leaned down to whisper on her ear. Perhaps to ask her to dance because two seconds later, the stood facing each other and began to join the rest of the couples pairing up for a rather slow song.

I felt a lump on my throat, unable to tear my eyes away from them.

They looked so perfect with each other.

I clenched my fist in a fit of jealousy. I loved her first!

But I didn't make a move. I know I still have patrolling duties but how can I leave? My feet seemed rooted at the fringes of the dancefloor, wondering what the hell happened to us.

It was your decision to leave her. A voice inside my head reminded me.

I know that! But still… I bit the inside of my cheek to keep myself from howling with frustration.

If only I can get to her at least once. Feel that bare skin against mine. I thought longingly. My eyes narrowed, drinking into Suzume's beautifully made up face.

Just once. For tonight. I want her.

And a plan began to form inside my head.

A/N: I racked my brains looking for a gown that suits Suzume. And then I saw a photo of Lily Collins wearing that stunningly pretty Elie Saab gown. Gorgeous indeed!

Let me know what you think.