Chatters can be heard from the academy ground early that Monday morning. The chatters mostly came from the female students. Not just excited chatters that can be heard, there were also moanings and complaints for those who were not ready or those who are yet to have a date for the dance.
In the mists of the busy atmosphere, a certain red haired girl can be seen running across the academy ground. It was none other than Kahoko herself. She was obviously late for something.
Kahoko: (running) Oh no! I can't believe I'm late! I already promised Nami that I'll meet her at her class before school starts.
Kahoko reached Nami's class in the nick of time. Nami was already waiting for her by the doorway. Kahoko gulped out of nervousness when she saw her anxious expression. Nami can be a little intimidating when she's mad.
Kahoko: H-hello there N-Nami. Sorry I'm l-late.
Nami: (frowning)Where were you? I've been waiting here by the doorway for half an hour now.
Kahoko: (bowing) Sorry! I woke up late you see. I was still dazed at what had happened last night.
Kahoko had told her Shouko, Nami, Nao and Mio what had happened to her last night. Shouko was happy for her, Mio, of course, kept on screaming in delight , Nao apologized for Mio's behavior yet she said she was happy for Kahoko as well. And Nami, well, as expected , kept on pressing her to tell more about it. Kahoko had managed to avoid her questions though.
She smiled when she remembered the moment Len asked her to the dance. How humble and meek looking he was. It was completely different than his usual cool and collected attitude.
Nami: (waving her hands in front of Kahoko) Hello? You're spacing out on me.
Kahoko: (snapped back to reality) Huh? Oh sorry.
Nami scowled but decided to let it drop. She glanced at her watch and saw that she still have 15 minutes left before class starts. She looked at Kahoko with an impatient expression.
Nami: Anyhoo, you do know that we have to meet Shouko at the boutique she mentioned after school right? Together with Mio and Nao?
Kahoko: Yup. I won't be practicing after school today either.
Nami: Good. I already discussed this with Mio and Nao. I want you meet me at the school gate right after school for our little shopping trip.
Kahoko: Sure. I understand.
Nami: Shouko said she'll meet us at the boutique around 4.30. That's 30 minutes after school hours. We should be there by then.
Kahoko: Right. It'll only take about 20 minutes or so to get there from here. We'll only have to wait for her for 10 minutes. It's not so long.
Nami: Great then. You better get going. Class will start soon.
Kahoko: Shoot! And I got Math on the first period too. (groaned)
Nami: Yup, and you know how strict your Math teacher can be. (smiling)
Kahoko: Oh you bet I do. See ya! (running off)
Nami: Sure. Don't be late!
Kahoko: I won't!
Meanwhile, back at the music department, Kazuki sat gloomily at his usual seat in class. He seemed to be staring at nothing in particular and the usual wide smile was absent on his face. He sighed constantly, too.
Azuma, who was busy reading a classical novel, seemed to notice something was amiss. The class was unusually quiet. Too quiet. Then, he noticed that Kazuki wasn't busy chatting with one of his classmates like he usually does while waiting for the teacher to arrive.
He warily closed his novel and walked over to Kazuki's place. Kazuki immediately looked up.
Azuma: My, don't you look gloomy today. Something wrong?
Kazuki: Oh, nothing's wrong. I'm fine. (trying his best to smile)
Azuma just raised his eyebrow.
Kazuki: Really, I am.
Azuma: (sigh) Kazuki, my friend, must I point to you that you are terrible liar?
Kazuki chuckled half heartedly. He knew very well that he can't fool him that easily.
Kazuki: You figured it out, huh?
Azuma: You don't fool anybody in this class.
Kazuki: Yeah, I know.
Azuma: Is there something wrong?
Kazuki: It' not something I can discuss. (frowning)
Azuma: (smiling kindly) Well, okay then. But if you need any help, just tell me.
But as he started to walk away, Kazuki spoke.
Kazuki: (looking down) So, have you heard about Kahoko?
At hearing the sound of Kahoko's name, Azuma grew interested. He didn't turn around but began to ask.
Azuma: What about her?
Kazuki: Kahoko's going to the dance with... Len.
Azuma abruptly turned around. He was surprised but he managed to keep his tone light.
Azuma: Well, isn't that a surprise. I never knew Len had it in him. (smiling)
Kazuki: (sounding sad) Yeah, me neither. And I was hoping I could ask her too.
Azuma: Huh?
Kazuki: Well, actually, I was planning to ask her to the dance, you see. I tried once but I got so nervous, I can't hardly get the words out.
Kazuki winced at that memory. Azuma, on the other hand, smiled in sympathy.
Kazuki: Anyway, I wanted to try again that weekend but I found out from one of her friends, Mio, I think, that she's already going with...Len.
Azuma: Well, I don't know what to say. I wish I can help you but...
Kazuki: It's okay. But still...I already prepared my tux too. Just in case things go my way.
Azuma: Kazuki, (putting his hand on his shoulder) the best advise I could ever give you is not to think about it too much. You can still come to the dance. I heard that not all girls had been asked yet. You still have time.
Kazuki: Thanks but I'm not the type of guy that go out with some random girl I don't even know.(brushing his hand away) I don't want to talk about it anymore.
Azuma: Okay then. I gotta go back to my seat. I think the teacher's coming.
Kazuki: Sure.
Finally, the final bell rang. Students rushed out of their classes and headed out of the academy. Some music students stayed behind to practice. One of them is of course, Len.
Kahoko was seen running through the hallway. Instead of heading out of the academy, she made her way to one of the practice rooms. Not to practice, but to retrieve back the note book she forgot. She passed Len on the way. Len didn't say anything but managed to flash her a tiny smile which Kahoko returned.
After retrieving back her book, she headed outside. Nami, Nao and Mio were already waiting for her at the academy gate.
Kahoko: Sorry I'm late!
Nami: Oh you're not late at all. We just arrived her anyway.
Mio: Yup. Now let's go! We shouldn't keep Shouko waiting.
Nao: She's right you know.
Kahoko: Okay then. Let's go.
Nami: Um.
While they walked, they talked about the dance. They talked about their dates and what dresses they planned to buy. However, Mio, Nao and Kahoko noticed that Nami seemed to avoid the topic about their dates. Finally, Mio asked Nami a question that made her stop in her tracks.
Mio: So, Nami, who's YOUR date?
Nami: (stopped walking) Well, I... uh
Kahoko: Yeah, you never mentioned about your date.
Nao: Kahoko's going with Len, Moi and I will be going with two second years in the gen ed building, how about you?
Nami stayed silent. Finally she gave them a straightforward answer.
Nami: (kept on walking but not facing them) I don't have one yet.
"WHAT?!" said the three girls in unison.
Nami: Oh c'mon. Why are you being so surprised about? It's no big deal.
Mio: (shaking her head) Of course it's a big deal! In fact it's a huge deal!
Kahoko: But then, you seemed to be excited about the dance. Usually girls in your situation will be utterly depressed.
Nami: Hah! I'm not gonna let such a small matter bring ME down! After all, isn't it a journalist's job to attend every possible occasion held? With or without dates.
Nao: Yeah but...
Nami: Don't worry about it you guys. I'll be fine. Hey look! (pointing towards a shop) There's Shouko now! She's rather early. Well, we better hurry! (running towards Shouko)
Kahoko: Wait up!
They spent the whole evening shopping. It was pretty crowded when they went inside the boutique. Most of them are girls from their academy. It was so crowded that they had a hard time shopping with all the pushing and pulling. Not to mention the crowded atmosphere. So in the end, they decided to go to the mall instead.
The girls took especially long when it comes to choosing dresses, shoes and accessories. Kahoko prefer something nice and comfortable to wear in, Mio wants something that has a nice colour, Shouko wants something conservative while both Nami and Nao just prefer those that are nice, simple and practical.
They finally finished shopping at around 7 pm. They decided to have dinner at a food court before they head home. Nami, who was tired from all that shopping, slumped at the nearby bench. She stretched herself and continued to sit there for a while.
Nami: Man, my feet are aching. I don't think I can walk for a while.
Kahoko: I know what you mean.
Mio: But I have to say, it was worth it. Look at all the things we bought.
Shouko: W-we managed to f-find all the t-things we need f-for the dance.
Nao: I say, that was one heck of a shopping trip. And boy, am I hungry! Let's go to the food court already. I'm starving.
Kahoko chuckled at her behavior. It's true, they've been shopping for a while now. In fact, she's pretty hungry herself.
Kahoko: Sure. Nami, you're coming?
Nami: You girls go ahead. I'm still pretty tired.
Shouko: Y-you sure, Nami?
Nami: Yup.
Nao: If you insist, then. Let's go!
Kahoko, Mio, Shouko: Sure!
Meanwhile....
" I said, that tux is nice, mother. I like it,"
Len grumbled. He had told his parents about what had happened between him and Kahoko. As expected, they were happy for him. In fact, his mother had been so happy, she insisted on coming back home to help him prepare. Len had told her it wasn't necessary, however, she won't listen. His parents had arrived that afternoon.
Now, Len was stuck in his parents' room trying on different tuxes that his mother had bought for him. After several tries, Misa Hamai was still not satisfied.
Misa Hamai: (frowning) I don't know. It looks nice and all but there's something missing. I just can't put my finger on it. Oh well, try this one next dear. (showing him another tux
Len: (sighs) Yes, mother. (thinking) How long will this go on?
While Len was busy trying on the tuxes, Kazuki was taking a stroll in the mall. He had nothing to do that evening and was bored. So he decided to take a look around the mall to pass his time. He wanted to go to the park so that he could clear his mind but it's a bit too late for that. The park would be dark and the only ones that will be there are couples and lovers. He would feel awkward going there alone. And so, he went to second nearest place to his house, the mall.
He had been strolling in the mall for 30 minutes now. He looked at all the shops and even bought a few snacks. However, he was beginning to feel bored. As he was about to head out, he spotted Kahoko at one of the food courts. A smile instantly lit up his face.
Kahoko was busy chatting with Shouko and her other friends. Shouko listened intently. Mio was looking at the necklace she bought. Nao just continued eating. Kazuki saw Nami approaching them. He was about to do the same when he overheard their conversation. (author: he was 3 tables away from them by the way but the girls didn't notice him.)
Kahoko: (waving) Nami! Hey, over here!
Nami: (sat down) I rested enough and I got my enough energy to walk home. And a round more around the mall. Just in case.
Nao: (chuckled) Oh don't worry. We'll be heading home as soon as we finished our dinner.
Shouko: (shoving a plate of pasta towards Nami) H-here. We bought it for you. Actually, M-Mio did. She paid for it.
Nami: Mmmm... pasta. You shouldn't have.
Mio: Oh it's no big deal.
Nami: But still, at least let me pay you back. (taking a bite then swallowed) And judging by the great taste, it's gotta be expensive.
Mio: No, not at all. It only costs 1500 yen. ($15.00)
Nami: (surprised) No way! That cheap?
Kahoko: Jeez Nami. Just because it's good doesn't mean it's expensive.
Everyone except Nami nodded their heads in agreement including Kazuki. (author: Hey, this is KAZUKI we're talking about. Anything about food, he'll surely get interested.)
Nao: Anyway, so.... have you find anyone?
Nami: (confused) Eh? What do you mean?
Nao: (smiling slyly) You know, boys. any of them you saw got you interested?
Any normal girl would have turn red hearing that question. However, Nami just wore a poker face, acting as if she didn't hear her. Kazuki, however...
Nami: I don't know what you're talking about.
Kazuki: (thinking, flushed) She doesn't mean me, does she?
Kahoko: Oh c'mon, Nami. I know you said you're fine without a date but still at least try to find one. You still have time.
Kazuki: (thinking) Eh? Nami doesn't have a date yet? Maybe the guys are avoiding her. Or maybe her questions.
Nami folded her arms across her chest. She looked pretty upset. Kahoko regretted what she had said.
Kahoko: Sorry. If I offend you.
At this, Nami seem to soften a bit.
Nami: Ah, don't worry about it. Is just that I'm not the type of girl that go out with some random guy I don't even know.
Kazuki was surprised. Ha said almost the exact same thing this morning.
Kahoko: Oh, I see. I understand.
Shouko: Me too. I u-understand your feelings.
Nami: Great. Thanks you guys for showing your concern. But I'm really okay.
Mio: If you insist.
Kahoko: (glancing at her watch) Oh shoot! It's getting late. I better go. You mind if I head off first?
Nao: Nope, not at all. In fact, I think we should all go home now.
Mio: Yeah, I finished my dinner anyway.
Shouko: me too. But Nami still haven't f-finished hers.
Everyone looked at Nami.
Nami: (waving dismissively) You girls can go without me. Don't worry about me.
Kahoko: You sure?
Nami: Yup I'm sure. Besides, it would be a waste to NOT finish this after you all took the trouble to buy it for me. Plus, it's too good to waste. (smiling)
Everyone chuckled.
Kahoko: Okay then. See you tomorrow. Oh and you're still going to the saloon with us on the day of the dance?
Nami: Wouldn't miss for the world.
The girls waved goodbye and left. Kazuki hid himself when the four girls got nearer to him. After they left, Kazuki made his way towards Nami. After hearing their conversation, he was determined to ask her to the dance for both his and Nami's sake.
Nami looked up when she saw him approaching. She waved to him. He just smiled back.
Nami: Hey Kazuki. What are you doing here?
Kazuki: Just thought I take a stroll. I happened to pass by so I thought I'd say hello.
Nami: Did you see Kahoko and the others along the way?
Kazuki: Uh...no. (lied) I guess I missed them. (eyeing the pasta) Hey, that looks good.
Nami: It is. Mio bought it for me. Want some? I'll feed you.
Nami had said that as a joke but Kazuki got the wrong idea. He immediately turned 10 shades of red. Nami noticed this and chuckled.
Nami: Relax. I was just kidding.
Kazuki: Uh right. I knew that.
Nami: (raised an eyebrow) Sure you did.
Kazuki: Anyway, (trying to change the subject) that's a lot of things you bought there.
Nami: It's for the dance. You know, dresses and stuff.
Kazuki: (surprised) I thought you're not going.
Nami: Huh?
Kazuki: (starting to feel awkward) That is uh... I heard it from your friends that you're not going.
Nami: Oh. Actually, I am going. But I'm going alone. Just me and the girls.
Kazuki: But... don't you think it's better if you go with a date?
Nami: Why do you care? (suddenly offended) Why is everyone so uptight about the whole date thing? I'm fine by myself.
Kazuki: Okay okay. Sorry if I offend you.
Nami: It's okay. It's my fault for loosing my temper anyway.
Kazuki: But still, it would be better if you go out with someone. Someone nice, someone you know very well...
Nami: What are you talking about-
Then, she realized what was going. A smile crept up her face.
Nami: Oh I get it. You're asking me to the dance are you?
Kazuki was shocked. How did she find that out? Was it really that obvious? Instead of protesting, he merely nodded his head.
Nami: (smiled) Hah, I knew it! But still, you could have done better than that.
Kazuki: Sorry, I just don't know how to say that's all. So uh... what's your answer?
Nami: (pretending to think) Hmm... Before I answer, let me ask you something.
Kazuki: What is it?
Nami: Are you doing this out of pity?
Kazuki: No, not at all. I really wanted to ask you. (thinking) Actually, I wanted to ask Kahoko but...
Nami: Well then, I'm glad to hear that. Because I detest pity dates.
Kazuki: So your answer is...
Nami: Yes. I'll go to the dance with you.
Kazuki: Great. (smiling) I'll see you at the dance then. Or do you want me to pick you up?
Nami: No, I'm fine. I already asked my mom to send me there anyway.
Kazuki: All right then. (glancing at his watch) Oh shoot! I didn't realize it was late! I'll miss my favorite show soon. See you! (running off)
Nami: See you. That Kazuki, he'll never change.
Nami finished her food and headed home, secretly smiling to herself.
Author: Hey! I got good news. The next chapter will be the last one so you'll finally know how the story ends. I will not be writing anymore stories next year as I'll be very busy with school so... I'm gonna miss you all, readers! But don't worry, I'll start writing again if I have time. By the way, some of the guesses that was given to me was pretty good. One of them managed to get the right answer that is Nami. (the answer I mean)
Anyway, as usual, I want you to review the story. But on the last chapter, I want you all to leave a special review about the whole of my story. You're gonna have to wait for quite a while if you want to hear from me again. Anyway, please review!