Chapter 5
" Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Yoku Irasshaimash'ta!" The female emcee on–stage greeted her audience cheerfully, addressing them with an arm raised up and a bright smile fixed on her face to welcome the mass of energetic students gathered before her for this year's contest of talent in song and music, traditionally held annually at the Kanagawa Geijutsu Kaikan. "Wow! What a crowd we have here tonight!"
The throng of blue, white, green, red and yellow-clad junior high teens cheered aloud and whistled in response to her warm greetings.
For a public person such as herself, there is nothing more fulfilling than effectively energizing the crowd before the showdown begins. She smiled broadly at that.
" I know," she raised a hand to still the students, "I know you're all excited and just aching to see your best bets in the main event. Frankly, so am I. However, we don't wanna rush everything now, do we? So firstly, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to inform you of the rules and mechanics of this competition…"
She unrolled a two-foot long paper.
* * *
Everyone was practically running from all directions at the backstage pacing in and out of the dressing room whilst shouting last minute instructions to anyone, yet pertaining to no one in particular. Clothes flew here and there, and the final sound check of instruments added up to the chaos taking place behind the red draped curtains.
The stage manager was trying his best to appease the contestants from their blaring voices but was having a hard time since their rackets easily drowned his own shout of warnings. In-charge or not, anyone would really have a hard time in keeping students from five different schools to pipe down.
Right in the middle of this entire hullabaloo was Yuri who was softly strumming the strings of her guitar, half-aware of the big commotion happening around her. She then stopped and set aside her instrument, now trying to clear her mind off something.
"Hey, Yuri, all set?"
She looked up and saw Yoshihiro beside her. "Yeah…if I stop feeling so nervous..."
He simply grinned. "Nervous? You? You look hardly like it."
Yuri stuck out a tongue at him. "In case you didn't notice, Yoshihiro-kun, what you're seeing right now is a façade. I'm a nervous wreck!" To prove her point, she showed him a panicked expression of her face.
Yoshihiro made a faint laugh. "Daijobu ne, Yuri," he said, giving her an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You can do this. I know you can."
"Thanks. How could I forget? I am from Shoyo after all."
"That's the spirit!"
"Ok, everyone, places!" They heard the stage manager shouting.
Yuri took the strap of her guitar and slung it over her shoulder. It's time.
* * *
One category went after the other, each performer better than the previous one. The contestants continue to wow the audience with their talents from harmonious blends of voices singing classic or contemporary songs to the sweet and overwhelming tunes of the piano.
When announced of the Guitar Solo Category, everyone began to chatter excitedly, with some already cheering aloud. After the emcee's brief introduction of the first contestant, the shouts of applause grew more voluble, especially when the audience suddenly familiarized the piece he began to play coming from that of the legendary Jimi Hendrix, one of history's well-known and most influential guitar icons ever.
The second contestant was a senior from Takeishi Junior High School. A blue-eyed beauty wearing a three-piece ensemble made of black, synthetic leather -- an outfit that undoubtedly grabbed every eye's attention. Knee-high stiletto-heeled boots; an extremely short hipster skirt; and a body-hugging top expertly cut from the midsection, sleeves and front consequently revealing toned shoulders, abdominals, and the deepest cleavage anyone as ever seen.
Takano, Nagano and Hanagata were almost drooling at the bare sight of her along with the rest of the male species in the audience…
…excluding Fujima Kenji.
Being the only person from the onlookers who had an opposite reaction upon seeing the scantily-clad girl, he wore a detached and bored expression on his face.
Her performance was as loud as the first. However, Kenji noticed that there was more wielding to the little dance she had choreographed to accompany her fancy guitar playing rather than playing itself. Maybe to compensate for her lack of real talent, he added thoughtfully. She may have the look and attitude of a rock star, with wild pink hair and all. Nevertheless, any critic, a natural one such as Fujima, should know better than be impressed by this girl's poor attempt of getting a high mark from showing the less significant than what should be of the essence. Ignoring the performer, he turned to the program he had on hand.
Hajime Yuri, Shoyo Junior High School, it said. That brought a slight smile on his face.
" And now presenting the reigning champion -- Kitamura Junior High School's Kurosawa Kei!"
The deafening cheers nearly sent Fujima flying off his seat causing him to crumple the booklet he was holding. It grew even louder when an explosive sound boomed from the huge, towering speakers situated at each side of the stage as white mist began pouring out of the smoke machines placed right below the platform. Laser lights added color to the scene as it cut through the smoke-filled stage, making the introduction a real dramatic spectacle.
Suddenly, a strident otherworldly trill was heard as the smoke died down, then a rapid twang from Kurosawa's electric guitar immediately followed.
The audience continued to roar and scream, with some already acting as if they are in a rock concert instead of being in an ordinary inter-school music competition. With the loud and blaring music coming from the guitar, who wouldn't be keyed up?
Fujima was already covering his ears from the combined sounds of the guitar and the crowd. It reminded him of the time where the next-door neighbor's stereo was booming out Korn loud enough to shatter every window within the ten-mile radius of his neighborhood.
His parents kept on complaining about it and while he liked hard-core music, he was irked, too, since it disrupted his time to study for the midterms at that time.
Fujima saw that Takano and Nagano were slam dancing and Hanagata was doing a rough imitation of the guitarist, complete with head banging and arm swinging.
He slid down on his seat, ears still covered, absolutely embarrassed for his three friends. " Uso." He muttered through gritted teeth.
The judges were also following the best of the music with one of them rhythmically tapping her pen on the table. They seem to be entertained; though their faces remained impassive.
* * *
Yuri stood in awe as she watched Kurosawa perform from the backstage. Her left hand tightened its grasp on the red curtain when, again, the crowd reacted wildly to his remarkable guitar playing.
" Sugoi wa…Kei-kun…" A bead of cold sweat that accrued above her brows escaped and trailed down her temples. Yuri didn't expect that the nervousness she'd been trying to contain for the past hour and fifteen minutes would grow worse. She scolded herself for watching. So much as she wanted to now, she cannot keep her eyes off him. He's just so darn good.
Kurosawa Kei, IJH Guitar Solo Champion. She began a brief run-down of her mental notes about him. A senior from Kitamura Junior High School -- smart, nice and popular. They say that he's a natural talent. Quoting from sensei: 'a rare breed of artistry.' He got hold of his title exactly one year ago from an undefeated champion for two years. He was a sophomore then. Like me.
A weak and uneasy smile curved up her lips after an abrupt thought of hope. Could it be possible…for history to repeat itself today?
Just then, Yuri realized that every performer who walked in and out of that stage was way more experienced than she was. It may be true, in Kurosawa's case, that last year's participation was his first in the IJH, but he already competed and won several times in Tokyo before, making him more than qualified to be carrying his title now, much less defending it. Not to mention that each act she witnessed got more flamboyant and glitzy than the other did, starting from the first 'Jimi Hendrix' contestant.
Suddenly feeling like a lost child surrounded by absolute strangers in a big city, she also felt that the encouraging words Yoshihiro told her awhile back was beginning to fade. And fear was starting to get the best of her.
Then it struck her like lightning. " I'm…I'm going to lose…"
No! I shouldn't be scared! She yelled at herself. I have to be strong! I can't let the school down…I can't let Kenji down…!
Her mind suddenly drifted to Fujima, thinking if he was really here in the Kanagawa Geijutsu Kaikan waiting for her to perform. She hoped that he was, because a childish part of her wanted to impress him real badly. Why? She has yet to know.
" Excuse me, Hajime-san." The stage manager's voice jolted her out of her thoughts. She looked at him half-inquiringly, half-expectantly.
" You're next after fifteen minutes. Is there anything that I can do?"
Yuri stared at him, puzzled. He then gave her a wry smile. " I'm in-charge of the effects you're going to use during your performance. I was just asking if you would need some special lights."
Realizing what he was talking about, she shook her head. The manager stared at her. "Smoke effects?"
When she shook her head for the second time, the older man was frowning at her. " Lasers?"
" No." She smiled at him timidly.
" Explosions?"
" Iya." Then she thought for a moment and added. " Well…you could provide me a stool and a spotlight if that's alright, Watanabe-san."
The stage manager was stupefied. All she wanted was a footstool and a spotlight? What does this girl have in mind? He wondered. On the bright side, he didn't have to run to the technical crew and get a tongue-lashing for telling them what to do at the last minute for the nth time. This girl from Shoyo lightened his work for the night and he was more than grateful for that.
He grinned at her. " Sure, that's fine with me."
" Domo arigato." She smiled back at him.
* * *
Deafening ovations and hoots followed Kurosawa as he exited the stage. Even the emcee was applauding as she stood to face the audience once more. "Now that is what I call a musical experience!" She exclaimed enthrallingly, her eyes wide and bright. Without further ado, she quickly flipped to her next little cue card on hand and read. " And last but definitely not the least -- let us all welcome Shoyo Junior High's Hajime Yuri!"
Fujima's head snapped up upon mention of Yuri's name.
The crowd clapped and shouted, greatly expecting another impressive performance from the last contestant.
Disappointment ensued in an instant when they saw a timid-looking girl with frameless glasses on under the spotlight. Her dark hair was neatly pinned in a barrette, the simple light green dress she wore clung loosely on her torso, and her skirt hem was clipped behind her knees to keep it from hanging as she sat there in mid-stage on a footstool holding an acoustic guitar in her arms. Annoyed whispers and jeers began to fill the hall.
" Oh you gotta to be kidding!"
" Who's she? A folk singer or something?"
" Nanda! No laser show?!"
" An acoustic guitar? Oh puh-leeze!"
" This ain't no country show, girl! Go home and take that banjo with you!"
The last statement started a spontaneous surge of laughter among the audience.
For a not normally hot-tempered person, Fujima was beginning to lose his cool. Each insult against Yuri was like fuel to his temper. He had this sudden urge to get up from his seat and give them a piece of his mind, or maybe stuff their faces in. How could they judge her already when they haven't seen what she can do?
He rested his gaze on her, trying his best to stifle his anger. C'mon, show 'em your stuff! He silently encouraged.
" Ike, Yuri-chan!" Maya yelled from the audience.
" You can do it, Yuri!" Yoshihiro followed after.
Well, at least there are still some people supporting her.
Under the vivid spotlight, the agitated Yuri sees nothing but darkness in front of her. Just when she expected to be confronted by a sea of countless faces, there seem to be no one in sight. Her heart was drumming apprehensively -- the only audible sound pounding madly in her ears. Nothing else matters now, not even the insults and ridicules coming from the audience, or the shouts of encouragement from her friends and club members.
So the rumors were true, Yuri realized. When one is on-stage, all you see is blackness. She felt a chill crept up her spine. The feeling of remoteness from the backstage never left her until now. Her eyes moved rapidly, in hopes that it would be in contact with at least one. There was none. She was alone.
Unconsciously, she began to look for him. Kenji...just one sign please…
As if an answer…
" Ganbatte, Yuri!" Fujima shouted from the bleachers. He was standing with his hands cupped around his mouth.
Yuri felt that something opened within her, making her feel spirited and alive. She can do this. She can.
" What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hanagata snapped at him, abruptly pulling him down to his seat.
" Yeah, what are you trying to do embarrass us?!" Takano seconded.
Nagano gave him a look of disapproval.
And what do you call your behavior a few minutes ago?! Fujima wanted to say but bit his tongue. Knowing his friends, the four of them would only end up arguing the entire time they are in this concert hall. He remained silent instead and fixed his gaze at the stage.
Yuri closed her eyes and took a deep breath. And another. And another, until it became a steady tempo. It was like using her respiration as an 'improvised' metronome, counting the right beat to start. She can already feel her muscles easing.
Her left hand glided smoothly on the guitar neck towards the head, feeling the coiled metallic strings as it ran beneath her fingertips. Midway, her fingers positioned to an awkward F on the 12th fret. With a pick in place between her right thumb and index fingers, she began to play.
Her first chords were quite audible but slow. It sounded like she was playing for herself and not for the whole crowd. The audience was still whispering, some were complaining and most even heckled.
" Oh this is so exciting." Nagano muttered flatly slouching down on his seat.
" Good grief, what kind of girl did you choose Kenji? Not only is she unattractive, she's also boring!" Takano groaned.
" Will you two shut up? You're too noisy." Fujima just said.
Upon seeing his best friend's intense eyes, Hanagata kept his mouth fastened. He knew when not to mess with him.
In the midst of the sounds of people complaining and groaning, Yuri's string-picking tempo gradually increased.
" O-Oro?" Takano blinked, cutting off his grumbling.
" Hm?" Slowly, Hanagata leaned forward on his seat, surprised at the sudden change in cadence.
Nagano stopped shifting restlessly on his seat and looked at the stage, bug-eyed. Fujima was frowning slightly at the sudden change of beat.
Even the audience began to shut up and listen.
As Yuri kept on playing, the tempo kept on escalating. Her left hand was now shifting rapidly in position from the upper frets to the lower bounds of the 10th fret, her expression exhibiting deep concentration. Each crossed face now bore a premature sign of amazement. And their expressions were dynamic everytime they would sense an increase in rhythm. They were hardly bored anymore.
When she reached the fastest part of the piece, everyone in the audience was now gaping at her. Their faces frozen in silent screams. Yuri stopped, letting the last sharp note linger inside the hall a little bit longer. For effect.
As the walls absorbed the note, Yuri inhaled deeply on the microphone, deliberately making herself heard as part of her unique performance. She exhaled audibly as well. Anyone watching her this way may find her little gimmick rather odd. Combining the natural rhythm of breathing and her manner of play is truly genuine. Kurosawa Kei, who was watching from the backstage, found her music highly appealing.
Opening her eyes, Yuri clicked on a switch located just below her guitar bridge and started to pick on the strings once more. Her guitar now emitted a crisp, electronic sound not unheard of. It was the same, distinct sound one would usually hear coming from an electric guitar. Soft murmurs of 'ooh's and 'ah's were clearly perceived from the audience.
" Su-Sugoi…" Nagano remarked in bedazzlement.
Fujima was totally floored. He knew from subtle inquiries about her that she is a good guitarist. Everyone speaks highly of her wherever he goes.
But he didn't expect that she would be this good. No, good is an understatement. She's incredible! No, she's…oh what was he thinking? No words are appropriate to describe what he was seeing right now. This girl has pure talent.
Was this the same girl he was trying to make a fool out of? This talented, gifted and beautiful girl?
On the other hand, the judges were quiet all the same, but there was the sudden look of unspeakable interest in their eyes. One of them, who were wearing a pair of wire-rimmed glasses, pushed his megane up his nose. He eyes her with skepticism and delight, at the same time.
The experience was emotionally accelerating for Yuri. She felt that she was flying, getting higher and higher as she kept on strumming her guitar. It was always like this whenever she plays, feeling the music taking over her, soaring high… With one final stroke on the strings, she reached out towards the sky…
Then it was over. She looked at the audience, which by now have their eyes and mouths wide open.
Silence filled the entire hall.
A few seconds passed before cheers erupted from the audience, starting with the Shoyo students seated at the front. The rest of the spectators followed until nothing but shouts, applause and whistles would be heard inside the large, vast hall.
When the hullabaloo lingered and eventually died down, the judges then began to tally Yuri's score. Then the emcee announced it a few minutes later. Out of the eight judges, seven gave her a perfect ten while the eighth one gave her a 9.5.
It was still a ten, regardless of the last score given to her and that was proven when the viewers began to yell, drowning out the rest of the speaker's words.
* * *
The emcee smiled a thank you to one of the judges who gave her the envelope. " Ok, the moment we've all been waiting for -- the winners. So I'll spare you guys the agony and let's get to it!" She opened the envelope and began to announce the winners of each category, with some special mentions of some of the contestants.
Shouts began to amplify as the winners of the guitar solo category were announced. Third place went to Takeishi and second place went to Bijutsu Junior High.
" And this year's champion is…"
The crowd began to chatter excitedly, with some of them shouting.
" Is…"
The squeals and shrieks increased in volume.
" Is…"
" Announce the damn winner already!" Takano barked heedlessly.
The emcee smiled at them. " This year's champion is -- Hajime Yuri from Shoyo Junior High School!"
Beginning with Shoyo, the shouts and cheers spread all over the arts hall making the entire place shake and vibrate.
" She won…" Fujima said faintly. " Yuri won! She did it!" He added in a much louder voice. He felt completely happy for her as he watched her receiving a trophy and a large bouquet of roses.
Several seats below him, Maya was practically crying on her seat, making such a racket shouting congratulations and on how happy she is that her friend won. " That's my best friend people! That's my best friend!" She cried, " All those days and nights I've been with you practicing has paid off!"
" YA-TA!" Yoshihiro cheered.
Meanwhile, Yuri was smiling wryly at her friends below the stage. " Yare, yare." She murmured when she saw Maya still shouting her heart out. Her fellow contestants coming from the backstage greeted a simple 'congratulations'. Kurosawa didn't mind showing what a good sport he is and shook her hand.
Even with the program over, people continued cheering for the winners, especially the new champion of the Guitar Solo Category. The students of Shoyo Junior High, most of them music club members ran towards the stage and gathered around Yuri.
" Yuri!" A strong rugged male voice shouted.
Yuri's face lighted up at the sight of the tall, handsome, black-haired guy in a maroon polo shirt and a pair of cream-colored slacks, carrying an even larger bouquet of flowers. " Hisashi!" She rushed towards him.
" Hey…I never realized that she's dating Takeishi's shooting guard." Takano said when he saw Mitsui giving Yuri an enthusiastic and bone crushing hug.
Nagano was furious upon seeing the scene below. " What! I don't believe this!" He protested. " How could that be possible?! I was positive that she's single!"
" Maybe you overlooked that little fact."
" Are you trying to say that I'm unreliable?!"
" No, Mitsuru. What I'm trying to say is that maybe you missed out on something."
"Temero!"
Takano held his both hands up. " Hey, buddy, that's ok. We all make mistakes sometimes."
" I never make mistakes in my research!"
He held his hands a little higher. " Ok. Ok. Fine, you don't. Jeez, why are so worked up anyway?" Takano muttered the last statement under his breath.
Fujima hardly cared about the bickering pair beside him. All he cared about was the way Mitsui was holding Yuri's hand and how he was making tiny caresses on it with his thumb. All he cared was the way she looked at him, the way her eyes sparkling behind her glasses as her lips curled into a sweet smile. The way he was looking at her, the way her body was leaning slightly against his…
It was like no one else was there except Mitsui, Yuri and him.
" Kenji?" Hanagata called out. He frowned when he didn't get any answer from him. Following his friend's gaze, his eyes widened.
Why would the tender displays of affection between Yuri and Mitsui matter a lot to him?
Why would he care so much when all she is to him is an instrument to win a bet?
Why was he acting like a…like a…
An inner voice filled the blank for him. His head snapped back at Fujima Kenji.
" No…way…!" Hanagata's lips moved but nothing came out, "No…freaking…way…!"
Author's note:
The other side of the coin, Yuri's side that is and the continuation of Fujima's unpleasant experience every time he sees Yuri and Mitsui together. Hmm, a Fujima-Mitsui rivalry…why not? NYAHAHAHAHAHA!!
Writing this chapter was the total opposite of the previous one, since I was really inspired at that time I wrote this.
Arigato again for lain (my Beta Reader and best friend) especially for lending me her brother's tape of Steve Vai. You're right; he's a GOD (guitar god that is)!
Also lots of thank you's for all the people who reviewed this fic. I'm happy that you all like my work. This is the first time I'm writing a multiple-chapter story and was able to continue. Your support counts a lot! You people are my inspiration!
Slam Dunk is not mine though I wish I could get some of their characters…