Lucky Music: Moe Café
Chapter 2: First Day
Their early morning breakfast had just ended, leaving the girls ready for the upcoming day. Akira came out of her room with happiness bouncing in every step she took. Beyond the smile was the noticeable and new school uniform she branded. Swinging her backpack onto her shoulder, she waved off Patricia and Konata. "See ya! I'm going to school!" She excitedly squealed. "Good luck and have fun Akira!" Patricia said, instantly returning to the thin paperwork on the kitchen table.
Konata only raised one hand up from behind the couch. "I agree. Have a good day at school!" With their well wishes, Akira was off, walking the short distance between the new apartment called "home" and the new school blocks away. The footsteps echoed back into the room where Konata began to lift the back of her hair, wrapping a yellow bow along the roots. Swinging the new ponytail to and fro, she could tell it was perfect. "I think I've grown a bit."
Patricia started to carry her pencil in between her lips by the tip, thinking about what to write on the papers before her. Konata's statement had hardly reached her ears. "Hmm? Did you say something?"
"Yeah. I think I might have grown a little taller. Isn't that strange? Shouldn't I stop growing by now?" Konata asked, staring at her legs. "Just measure yourself. I think I packed measuring tape in my suitcase. And don't forget to write a few song ideas or something," Patricia reminded. Her pencil was now between her thumb and finger, pointing at the blue haired otaku. "I'm trying to do as much as I can before I go to school in an hour."
"Don't worry, I already got a few ideas. I just need to write them down. I hope the album sells well," Konata mumbled, pulling a seat at the kitchen table. "What do we need, like, 7 songs for it? That seems like a lot for us newbies."
"As long as we can make it work, it'll be wonderful right?" Patricia cheered. Konata could only smile and respond with a thumbs-up. "I wonder how Akira is going to do at school today. Especially since it's her first day there," muttered Konata, resting her head on her arms.
"Akira is really happy though so I guess it doesn't matter. Ever since we got here she's been happier. She smiles so much more than before."
"I think she can thank you for that Konata," grinned Patricia. The blonde jotted down a few more lyrics before saying anything else. "I'm confident she will be fine because of you."
"So flattering so early," Konata grinned. "I didn't do that much for her…oh! I better check my updates for the online classes. I just wished Kagami was here for me to copy off of, then again colleges form more anti-cheating methods every single day…"
Walking down the surprisingly spacious hallway towards her room, Konata slipped past the opened door and plopped down into her chair at the computer. It was already on so all she had to do was move the mouse and the colors returned to the monitor. A strange icon flashed on her mail toolbar. "What's this? A video email trying to connect?" The second she realized who could have sent it she clicked it. Kagami's face immediately popped onto the screen. "Kagamin!"
"O-oh!! Konata! G-good morning!" the tsundere nervously replied, already blushing at the sudden appearance of her lover. Konata devilishly grinned as she moved closer to the camera lodged atop her laptop. "Good morning Kagamin. I've missed you."
"I…miss you too Konata."
"So, where's my striptease? The instructions I left with the camera were clear enough, no?" Konata monotonously stated.
"I'm not doing something so risky online, especially when people can hack and record you without warning," protested the pig tailed girl. Konata understood, it was only a joke. "You say you won't do it online, does that me and I get a live-action private show?" Konata slyly asked, moving closer to the camera. Kagami could feel the glee oozing to her screen. "I'll…think about it," Kagami blushed. "But enough about that, how was your move?"
"It was great. There's more than enough room for all three of us, Miyuki just arrived too. Got lost on her first day, we had to help her," Konata cheerily shrugged. "But that's all part of being cute. And Akira seems a lot happier now, she still has a few problems to work out but…I'm really proud of the change she's made."
"And I'm proud of you for helping her," Kagami replied. "I like your ponytail too."
"And I thank you for talking to me after you come out of the shower. You have that steamed, relaxed, radiant look I like. I also like those little bags under your eyes when you've just woke up. Rough first day?" Konata asked.
"Not really if you ignore the hell I had to go through just trying to find a vacant internet café. All the computers and wifi connections were shut down at the dorms," Kagami noted. "By the time I gave up and came back they were turned on and I was too tired."
"Same with me, we were too busy with all sorts of stuff. We talked to the band manager and picked out costumes and now we need to make songs for the first album," Konata informed. The otaku could easily see the worried curl in Kagami's brow. Something was on her mind. "Hey Konata, could I see the costume you're going to wear when you sing? I know it seems really insecure but-"
"No need to worry Kagami. I'm not wearing anything too revealing. My flat body is yours to mangle," Konata grinned. "Besides, we can't wear what we originally planned yet. The company wants us to pay for costumes since we're new and we can't afford it right now so we're forced to wear brand name clothing as advertisement. But you know, there's still one thing I won't ever take off."
Raising her hand to the camera, Konata showed off the ring on her finger. "Our promise ring…" Kagami sweetly said. "I'm glad you still have it."
"I wouldn't toss it aside. Besides, the only thing that could get this off my fingers is another ring, and you know exactly what that's for don't you, honey?" Kagami began to choke on her own spit, unable to recover from Konata's bold statement. "Don't think so far ahead Konata…though…it really wouldn't be too far…"
"The shower water is too hot if you turn it too far," Tsukasa said as she rubbed her shoulders, stepping out of the steamy bathroom with only a towel to veil her body. Kagami quickly turned around. "Tsukasa, you better-"
The towel slipped off. "Whoops," the naïve girl casually said, bending down and wrapping it over her again. "Good morning Tsukasa. Now I've seen both Hiiragi twins naked," Konata grinned. A spine-tingling sensation crawled down Tsukasa's back at the sound of the voice. Turning towards the computer, she could see Konata staring back at her.
"W-why is Konata in the computer?!"
"Idiot. I was trying to warn you. I got a camera for the computer so I can talk to Konata. You just pranced in here, getting naked and laughing it off," Kagami grunted. "And you better not be enjoying yourself Konata."
"I can't help myself. Tsukasa might be legal now but she's still loli meat to me," Konata teased. "But Kagami, I'm glad to see Tsukasa's with you. I knew you'd get lonely by yourself or with a stranger."
"I can take care of myself," Kagami replied, twirling her finger around a curl of hair before leaning back. "Besides, I would at least have you to talk to…"
"Admit it, you would have been lonely," Konata continued. "I want to hear you confess your emotions to me!"
"Be quiet. I would have been fine."
"Come on. Just let it all out and say how much you've missed me. I miss you tons. Just wanna squeeze you through the screen." Konata's fingers began to curl like a claw ready to grope. "Well," Kagami smiled. "Unfortunately we're out of time, my class is going to start soon so I'll talk to you later."
"Fiend! Don't turn the video off. Your loli wife demands it!"
Kagami pressed the off button, shutting down the camera. A victorious grin curved onto her face, knowing Konata couldn't make her confess today. "She already knows I'm lonely without her or Tsukasa." The otaku stared blankly at the vanished window where Kagami's face used to be only seconds ago. "She really hates to admit that kind of stuff, doesn't she? Ooh! That gives me an idea for a song!" She then pulled one of the thin drawers at the desk and took out a handful of paper. "What should I call it? 'My Hiding Tsundere'? 'Sexy Bunny'? What inspiration from my distant honey!"
"Konata?" Patricia called out, knocking on the door before coming in.
"Patty? Don't worry, I'm working on the music right now."
"Oh no. It's not about that. I just wanted to tell you to pick up Akira from school today while I go grocery shopping. I gotta fill up the fridge."
"No problem. I planned to anyway."
Relaxed and stiff, Akira stood before the two story school behind the cement gates before her. It was difficult to pinpoint when she stopped attending school, sometimes she would even forget if she was supposed to be in middle or high school. A few boys ran by her, talking about the latest episode of Tenten Hero Drama.
Otaku Helper: This show is nonexistent, please don't look for it. You will only find NejixTenten fanfics from Naruto.
"I almost forgot, these are the immature years aren't they?" Akira sighed. Yet her smile refused to leave. Taking her first step past the gates, she was now on school ground. Down the halls the occasional glance was shot at her. Did people recognize her already? She never really thought Lucky Channel or any of her other jobs really hit the high marks in ratings anyway. The salmon headed girl prayed for freedom from that life. Besides, she left it behind once she came to Tokyo with Konata.
"Here it is," Akira said in relief, slowly sliding the door open. The classroom was half empty, perfect for allowing her to choose the right seat. A seat close to the middle would be choice. No matter what, garnering attention was outlawed to herself. Picking a seat towards the right of the class, she gently placed her backpack onto the floor. It was a matter of minutes before class would start but shivers already took over. Without noticing, a bright eyed girl took a seat next to her. Akira could feel the blank stare directed at her already. "Why is she looking at me so much? What's this chick's problem?"
Her plain brown hair in miniature ponytails only emphasized the brightness on her round face. Those eyes nearly gleamed, almost unnaturally. "W-what are you looking at?" Akira asked, holding back her anger. The girl flinched, not realizing how long she h ad looking. "It's…your hair. It's pretty."
"My…hair? Thanks…" Akira mumbled, turning away in a light blush. "Yours isn't too bad either."
"My name's Koyomi."
"I'm Akira."
With every seat filled, the class quickly begun, starting with introductions. Pointing to the first student at the right most corner, the teacher planned to do it desk by desk. Failing to pay attention to her classmates, she could only focus on what she would say. What could she say? Up until now life was pretty hellish and all she did was work on shows. "Akira," the teacher called out, adjusting her glasses.
"Huh? Oh, my turn?" Akira muttered, returning focus to the class around her. They expected an introduction, some expected something else. "My name is Akira Kogami and I'm-"
"BYE-NEE!!" cheered a group of boys, flashing the familiar two-finger wave. Silent, she stood there, staring blankly at them. The trademark from her last show, what did this mean? She resisted every fiber in her being from not fussing at them, biting her lip to hold in the anger. "They're making fun of me!"
The teacher stood quietly in view, not knowing what to make of the situation. The only noticeable sight was Akira's bizarre expression between anger and resignation. "Actually…I don't like to talk about that show. I just want to be a normal kid from now," Akira smiled, faking a chuckle. "I don't want to be an actor for a while."
"I sure wish I had such a easy job," one of the boys said, practically ranting to her about it. "Yell at me and make money. I wouldn't even come to school."
"Well….lots of people want to take a break from that sort of life, right?" Akira smiled again, clenching her fist.
"Nah, that's just stupid. I would rather be a star."
"You mind saying that again?!" Akira grunted. Her foot moved further away from her desk. If he said something to even slightly offend her she would attack.
"O-okay class, that's enough," the teacher said. "Akira, I personally welcome you back to school and hope you have a wonderful year with us. I'm sure everyone in class would love to know you better as a person." Akira accepted the persuasion. Pushing her anger aside, she ignored the boys' ignorance and sat back down. Then again, it wasn't their fault for not knowing about her life. They were innocent of that.
"Are you okay Akira?" Koyomi asked.
"I'm fine. Thanks for asking."
Chiming loudly, the bells officially signaled the students' lunch break. "At long last!" Akira grinned. "I get to eat!" Light yet firm, Akira's bento box was brand new. She never needed one before but now that she attended school it was essential. Sliding it on the desk, she opened it as if it were a treasure chest. "Wow!" Koyomi said in awe. "Your lunch looks a billion times better than mine!"
"It's nothing," Akira grinned. "My mom…Konata, a friend of mine, taught me how to cook. She's a lot better than me."
"Wow, maybe you could teach me sometimes. My parents always ask me to cook but they know how bad I am. Then again they work so much they can barely cook for themselves anyway…"
"Sounds rough," Akira sympathized. "I'll…teach you some time then. I can't teach ya a lot but I know some basic foods you can-"
"BYE-NEE!" the boys cheered from the doorway, accompanied by the two finger sign.
"What the hell?" Akira mumbled. "Hey, could you please not do that in front of me? I hate that. It reminds me of that stupid show."
"Maybe if you do for us we'll stop," one boy said, clearly the leader of the pack.
"Nah, make her say some lines from the show or tell her to scratch her crotch like she does on the show!" another suggested.
"What the hell?! You guys messing with me?!" Akira growled. "Just quit it." Koyomi quietly scooted back.
Clapping started among the boys, a rather malicious applaud. "There it is! The badness! Cuss for us! God damn superstar, who wants to come back to school anyway? Dumbass!" Akira's face dropped in utter shock. "They must want to die!" "I aint' doing no tricks for you! I'm not some stinking dog!"
"We just want to see some acting! What's your beef superstar? Not getting paid?"
Akira slammed her fist against the desk. "What the fuck?!" She pushed her desk aside and ran towards the leader. "You got some bone to pick with me asshole?"
"Look, she's treating me like Minoru! 'Sorry sensei! I'm just trying to do my job! I'm not upstaging you by any means!'" the boy imitated. The others laughed it off. Akira found a new opening to attack.
"I know why you're making fun of me, you're jealous because of your poor ass families right? I got money and you don't. That's why you have to settle for learning because no one wants to see your ugly mugs on television," she chuckled. Koyomi listened carefully. The leader came closer, his breath coming down onto Akira.
"What did you say?"
"Poor people are always the same. Can't stand to see someone better than you. No talent, no good looks, nothing of value to society. You guys are. Just. Jealous." Victory was hers. Suddenly a smirk wiped across the boys face. "They only good looks I'm getting…" he muttered.
A boy from behind gripped onto her skirt and dropped it to the ground. "Is at those panties!" Completely caught off guard, Akira felt a flush come over her face. The memories, the memories were pouring back in. This what the directors and producers did to her. This is what they did when she had to anything to get the role, the job. Anything. Before running down the hall, the boys attacked back with another "BYE-NEE!!"
Dropping to the floor, Akira grabbed her skirt and instantly rushed back up to her hips. The only thought now was to get them, no matter what. Charging down the hall, her prey's laughter only fueled her.
Whoever she could grab was doomed. Reaching out for their collars, she got the leader. "You want to laugh?! Laugh at this bastard!" she yelled. He never had time to dodge, the fist flew to fast. Akira didn't notice but a dent in the wall formed from the impact. She didn't stop. "You want to laugh?! Is it funny now?! All that bye-nee shit! Is it funny now?!" The beatings didn't stop, the blows kept coming. Until she saw blood from somewhere on his face, she wouldn't be satisfied. The tears weren't enough, the sobbing and pleads for mercy were to no avail in stopping her wrath.
Something pulled her back, sweeping her off her feet. One of the male teachers wrapped his arms over hers. Wiggling for freedom, she wanted to finish the job. The homeroom teacher quickly came to the scene, noticing the crying, bleeding boy against the wall. "Oh my god! Akira, what did you do?!"
Koyomi saw it too, following the entire scene as it played out. The expression of terror on her face was the only thing that stopped Akira from trying to break free. Her anger quickly eroded as she looked at the boy whose face was reddened and bruised. "What did I just do?" she asked herself.
"Konata, a phone call from the school," Patricia called out, holding the phone until the otaku came running to it from her distant room.
"Hello? This is Konata speaking," Konata greeted.
"Yes, this is the principal. Are you Akira's guardian? She told us to call you," he said.
"Y-yes, sort of. What's wrong? Did something happen to Akira?"
"She got into a fight and I'm suspending her for the rest of the day. I would like to talk to you about the incident. If it's not too much trouble, could you please come down here and pick her up?"
"Sure thing. Patricia, I gotta go get Akira. I'm taking the car," Konata said, grabbing the keys. She hurriedly slipped into her shoes and unlocked the apartment door.
"Konata? What happened? Is Akira okay?"
"She got into a fight at school."
"Really? Are you going to punish her?"
"Depends. Akira…she's a little sensitive so, she might have a reason for doing it. At the least, I might have to scold her," Konata said, not welcoming even the image of such a scene. Closing the door, she ran down the hall and took the elevator. Whatever was fastest was the method to go. Hopping into the car, she drove off towards the school, drifting into a parking space in front of the entrance. Entering the building, she didn't waste second to notice the cold air or echoing footsteps.
Following the map, she found the principal's office quickly, seeing Akira through the door's window. She hugged her knees, hiding her face from the world. "Akira?" Konata asked, opening the door lightly. The girl peeked from behind her knees. "Konata?"
Konata walked over to the chair, kneeling down on the ground before the girl. Her fingers glided across her pink hair. "Akira? Are you okay?"
"I will explain that," the principal said, inviting the both of them into the office.
The principal explained the situation, how the teachers had to hold Akira back, how the boy was beaten but recovering now in the nurse's office, and how the school was being merciful to Akira. "Since it's her first day, we will only suspend her for today."
"But what about Akira's side of the story?" Konata asked.
"Excuse me?"
"Akira's side of the story. I'm sure she must have been provoked or maybe she was being teased."
"Whatever the motivation, that doesn't justify her actions," the principal said, rejecting anything past that. Konata didn't want to fall into an argument, it would only worsen Akira's current ordeal. "Come on Akira, let's talk in the hallway." Akira nodded, following Konata out of the room. Konata wrapped her fingers around Akira's hand as they stepped out of the warm office and into the empty hallway. "Akira, what happened?"
"I…I was just minding my own business but those boys…those stupid punks just kept teasing me about the god damn Lucky Channel," Akira said, hiccupping and sobbing through her explanation. Konata wiped away the water slipping from Akira's eyes. "They pulled down my skirt and wouldn't stop bothering me. I told them to stop so many times but…they just kept going! I…I lost it and had to beat the crap out of one of them! I just had to! It…it brought so many bad memories about the studios…but…no one understands!"
Immediately, Konata wrapped her arms around Akira. "Shh. Shh. I do. Akira, just relax. I'm here now. We can go home."
"I don't want to come back here! This school sucks! Everyone sucks! I just can't escape anymore!"
"Stop talking like that. Akira, you're coming back tomorrow. You wanted this. You can't quit when it gets hard. You took all those years of punishment and pressure. You're stronger than you think and when you feel like nothing is going well I want you to come home and tell me everything, call me from school or just walk in and hug me and cry or whatever you feel like. You can find a reason to come back."
"Um…excuse me…" a soft voice squeaked. Konata turned back to see Koyomi standing there with shivers in her legs and water in her eyes. "Is Akira going to be okay?"
"Yes. I'm going to take her home. Are you her friend?"
"Y-yes."
"Akira scared you didn't she? When she beat up that kid?"
"Um…a little."
"Yet you came to her anyway? To check up on her? Well, well Akira, looks like you got one reason to come back huh?" Konata smiled, patting her on the pack. Akira chuckled. "Yeah…I guess so."
Author's Note: Back on schedule! And don't worry about Koyomi being an OC, she won't play too much of a role. It's just that Akira should have at least one friend at school right? And friends need names. But man these are some chunky chapters I've been typing yet my skill has yet to reach the skill I want! It's always so easy to read other people's works and see why it's so great and what makes it so good but when I read my own work I can't seem to point out any new problems.
Author: My Lucky Star folder of images and random media expands daily! I am a true Lucky Star fanatic!
Otaku Helper: The OVA comes out in a few days!
Author: Yes! Yes! YES!! Excitement is violently pumping through my heart! The MMORPG scenes, the girls in frog suits, the interaction with every character, the camping, the cosplays, the dog, the possible chance that some yuri between Konata and Kagami will at least be hinted at! That's it! My heart is going to fast!
OH: Mine too! I'm so excited! Isn't that...author? Author? Why aren't you speaking?
A:...