Meanwhile, back at Satome Gakuen...
"Alright, you guys take a break for a bit." Hyuuga said as he watched his 6 students literally drop to the floor while panting and sweating.
"Hyuuga-sensei... What did we do to make you punish us like this?" Otoya said as he regained his breathe, but still leaning on the wall for support. They were currently at their own practice room, rehearsing for their concert that was to be held that same evening.
"Ittoki! Stop whinning like a whimp!" Hyuuga-sensei said,
"He's right Otoya, you are a professional now, so start acting like one." Tokiya agreed, making Otoya whine more
"But~!" He said but was cut of when the door suddenly opened with a loud bang as Tsukimiya Ringo entered with a plastic bag filled with bottles of water on one hand.
"Konnichiwa~! minna, I bought bottled water for everyone!" He said with a wide smile.
"Ringo-sensei, thank you!" Syo said as he drank the water, finishing it in one gulp.
"You saved us, Rin-chan!" Natsuki said as he finished his own bottle
"Thank you for the water." Cecil and Masato said politely.
"This would have been better if you were a real girl." Ren said, flipping his hair while wearing a teasing smile. Ringo just winked at him.
"I'll take that as a comment, Ren. But before that, Ryuya, the president is calling us." He said as he turned to look at his co-teacher, who nodded as an answer, before leavaing the door, he turned to his students,
"I'll be back, as soon as I get back, we'll start from the top. So for the meantime, take a rest. And don't make any trouble while I'm gone." He warned as he left the door, or rather, dragged by the other teacher.
Just then, Natsuki suddenly stood up, causing everyone to look at him
"Now that I have regained my strength... It's time to hug Syo-chan~~~" He said as he ran towards Syo, while Syo ran away from him.
"S-stop it! stop chasing me!" Syo said as he continued to run,
"Hahaha! Syo-chan you're so cute~!" Natsuki said as he continued to chase after him, everyone in the room were either laughing, amused or minding their own business. Hearing his friend's phrase, however, made him continue to increase his speed, but suddenly ran into one of the shelves, causing every book to fall over him. Everyone rushed to his aid. But some were trying to stifle a laugh.
"Syo-chan, are you okay?" Natsuki said as he looked at Syo, who was lying on the floor and , as crazy as it sounds, had stars spinning around his head.
"Syo-kun! " Otoya said as he ran towards him, with Ren in tow as he chuckled.
"Muchkin, you should look at where you're going." He teased, amused at his comrade's state.
"S-shut up!" Syo said as he regained his strength.
"We better clean this up before Hyuuga-sensei sees this mess." Tokiya said as he started to pick up the books. The others joined. within a few minutes, they managed to put the books back in the right places.
"Well, that's about it- what's this?" Syo said as he noticed a piece of paper n his feet. He leaned on one knee as he picked up the sheet of paper, stiffening when realized what it was. The others noticed his sudden change of mood, so they walked closer to him.
"Syo-kun, what is it? Did you hurt yourself or something?" Otoya asked worriedly, but Syo gave no response. Ren leaned in as he teased him,
"Oi Munchkin, what's wro-..." He suddenly fell silent as his eyes widened and his body stiffened, realizing the reason for his friend's silence. The five others looked at each other before moving to take a look at the paper that caused for their comrade's weird actions. Their eyes widened and they were left speechless as they looked at the familiar hand writing on the piece of paper.
"That's..." Otoya said but could not continue, Natsuki finished instead
"The letter that Haru-chan left for us 2 years ago..." he said as their eyes read the letter, It was two years ago when they first read it. The memory was still fresh in their minds, as if it had only happened yesterday,
2 years ago...
They entered the president's office, each one glaring at the other, after a few minutes of silence, the president called their attention, ending their glaring contest,
at the same time, a knock was heard,
"Come in." The president said, as Ringo, Hyuuga and Tomochika entered the room,
"Tomo-chan...? What are you doing here?" Otoya asked, Suddenly, Tomochika ran up to them and slapped the seven of them hard in the face, surprising all of them, including Ringo and Ryuya.
"Tomo-chan!?" Natsuki said surprised
"What was that for?!" Tokiya and Syo hissed. But they fell silent when she suddenly fell on her knees as she began to sob
"It's all because of you! If you didn't... If you... Then Haruka wouldn't have..." She said as she began to sob. Ringo came to her side and rubbed her back while consoling her. Their attention snapped back to the principal when he suddenly coughed.
"All of you... what if the most important rule in this academy?" He said as he looked at the seven young men in front of him, who avoided their gazes. Tokiya spoke instead, seeing that the others would not speak
"Romance is strictly prohibited among students." He said
"That's right, and all of you, have broken this rule." He said as he watched the seven of them snap their widened eyes back at him.
"So does this mean that..." Syo could not continue
"Starish is going to disband?" Otoya asked.
"And that we will be expelled?" Masato said. It was then when something came into their minds, They were missing one person.
"Wait a minute, where is Haru-chan?" Natsuki asked. They all noticed that Hyuuga, Ringo, and Tomochika avoided their gazes. While the principal leaned on his desk seriously.
"As you all know, Falling in love is prohibited, your punishment was to be fired and kicked out of my school." He said. Tokiya noticed something in his sentence, and decided to voice out his thoughts,
"You said 'was'. you used past tense" He stated, the principal merely nodded, and continued
"That is corrrrect, Mr Ichinose. That was your punishment. However, that punishment was avoided." he said. The seven of them felt relieved, but at the same time, they felt that something was wrong. They all knew that it was a very strict rule, and they had ignored this certain rule. It was impossible that the president would just simply let this violation go. And one was misteriously missing. but the question is...
"Why?" They all asked in unison. for some unknown reason, there was something that made them nervous. The president exhaled as he spoke again.
"Your punishment was canceled. For one condition... and that choice was made by miss Hino herself." He said as they tensed. Could it be that...
"In exchange for the future of Starish, Miss Hino Haruka had quit as the composer and has left the academy. For good." he said. Time froze for them. They could not believe it. Haruka has left... for them? Even thought they were at fault and that she was the only one who did not break the rule... She took the responsibility for them. And... she did not even mention a word to them...
"President! This can't be!" Tokiya said angrily. he was angry at the president and he was angry at his team mates. But he was angry at himself the most. He could not accept the fact that he let the girl who gave him hope when he was about to lose it get hurt.
"You never should have made her leave!" Syo shouted.
"No buts! What's done is done." he said sternly.
"No! If Haruka has left then so will we-" Cecil argued but was cut off when Tomochika suddenly shouted
"WILL ALL OF YOU SHUT UP!? How could you say that when Haruka gave up EVERYTHING just for you!? Are you really that selfish? or just plain stupid? She left for YOU. She sacrificed herself for YOU. It was all for you! It was always about you! And yet, your giving up?! If you really care for her then you would do anything to make her happy! You would aim higher t make her proud! So that she wouldn't regret her decision!" She said as her tears ran down her face. She suddenly got something from her pocket and threw it at their direction.
"HERE! Haruka told me to give that to you before she left! I can't believe she cared so much for a bunch of jerks like you!" She said as she stormed out of the room, slamming the doorwith all her might. They all looked at the familiar hand writing on the envelope that said ' for Starish ' as the picked it up from the carpeted floor of the office. It had the same cute bear sticker as a seal that was also used when she called them for the announcement of who she picked for the graduation audition. They silently stood as they read the letter
Dear everyone,
By the time you read this, I am probably gone.
First, I would like to apologize for everything. I'm sorry for Leaving without a word, I'm sorry for causing all of you to fight, and so much more. But most of all, I'm sorry because I cannot return any of your feelings. You all are very special to and everyone of you have done so many things for me.
Otoya-kun, you were always there for me when I was feeling down, you bring a smile to my crying face. You would never hesitate to do anything to make me smile.
Masato-kun, You lifted me from my misery when I couldn't move my fingers back then. You spent your time to teach me things about the piano when you could have just left me alone.
Ren-kun, you always say that I was beautiful even though there were so many girls that surrounded you who were more beautiful than me.
Natsuki-kun, you said that it was only me who understood you. But it was actually the other way around.
Syo-kun, You understood my feelings of admiring Hayato-sama, just as I understood yours with Hyuuga-sensei
Cecil-kun, You were the one who helped me give birth to this miraculous group of singers.
Tokiya-kun, You were so cold to me from the start. I was very happy when you decided to open up to us. Hayato or Tokiya, it does not matter who you are. You are yourself. Hayato, is only a part of you. His music is your music. I'm just happy that I got to help you to realize
All of you have a great difference in your attitude, and you seem to be the polar opposites of one another. Otoya-kun is someone who trusts people easily while Tokiya-kun is always guarded. Syo-kun is hot-headed while Natsuki-kun has long patience for everyone. Ren-kun has a happy-go-lucky attitude while Masato-kun is very serious in everything he does. Anc cecil-kun differs in everyone's attitued. And yet, you get along with each other very well. And I don't want that bond to broken by something like this.
I know you will object this, that you will say something like quitting Starish if I am not there, If I am not your composer. That you will only sing my songs and only mine. But there is nothing you can do anymore, and my decision is absolute. I beg you to follow what the president says. He knows what is good for you, for Starish.
If you really do feel sorry for me leaving you, then do what I say: Be Happy.
I want you to spread your music and happiness. I want to see you in TV and hear you in the radio. I want all of you to follow the path towards your dreams. To see you shinning just like, no, brighter than the stars.
That is the reason why I have left. I did not leave to runaway, but I left because it is the right choice. In this letter, I will not say goodbye, because I know, that one day, we will meet each other again. And maybe when that time comes, we can go back to the way we were. Back when we were simply happy by just making beautiful music. I pray that that day will come.
I don't think I have said this before but, I love you. All of you. You were like the family that I never had. My brothers who ere always there for me. My saviors that saved me when I needed them. And I still believe that, I will never meet anyone like you again.
Love, Haruka
They all fell to their knees as they silently wept. Sadness, pain, guilt, regret and anger felt in their hearts. Sadness and pain for Haruka's departure, Guilt and regret for causing her to leave, and anger for their own childish and reckless behavior.
If you were to see it with your own eyes, you would feel their pain by just looking at them. I was a heart breaking sight. Hyuuga and Ringo could do nothing but look at them with pity while the principal wore a blank expression.
"The best thing to do right now is to move on and continue Starish." Hyuuga said after clearing his throat, trying to avoid their gazes.
"I agree. This is what Haru-chan wants for you. At least do it for her. Don't let her sacrifice go to waste." Ringo agreed, as he wiped a stray tear, for he too, had grown fond of the girl. The seven of them looked up with tears in their eyes. They wiped them off and looked at each other then nodded.
"Alright. If this is what Haruka wants." Tokiya said.
"That's right! for Haru-chan!" Otoya exclaimed.
"So does this mean that... we're even?" Natsuki asked hesitantly.
"I guess... That is my princess' wish after all " Cecil answered
"I never turn down a request from a lady." Ren said.
"So is that your decision?" The president asked.
"Yes president. Starish will absolutely surpass yours and everyone's expectations. Just like how Haruka wants it to be." Masato answered.
They all looked silently at the letter, reminiscing that painful moment when Ringo and Hyuuga entered without them noticing, for they were to occupied in their own thoughts. They noticed the gloomy aura that surrounded the room as soon as they stepped in, wondering why, but their thoughts were answered when they spoke one by one.
"For Haru-chan eh?" Otoya whispered to himself.
"I was all thanks to Haru-chan that we're here now after all..." Natsuki said
"Even so... Everything would have been much better if the little lamb was here." Ren said.
"Yes, That's true..." Tokiya agreed.
"I guess we owe her a lot. It was enough that she formed Starish, but she also had to give up her own dream for ours..." Syo said.
"Yes. But I'm sure my princess is happy for us." Cecil said
"Yeah, We did what she wanted for us right?" Natsuki said.
"To be happy and spread music..." Masato whispered.
Hyuuga and Ringo looked at each other, completely understanding the situation, but Ringo just gave a knowing smile while Hyuuga rolled his eyes at his companion.
"Ahem." Hyuuga cleared his throat to call their attention, which was a success when then turned their head towards him.
"What are you looking at?" Ringo asked, eventhough they heard everything.
"N-nothing. So, shall we continue practice?" Otoya asked as he kept the letter in a safe place.
"No." Hyuuga-sensei said bluntly, surprising the young men.
"What? Why?" Tokiya asked.
"The concert will be moved to a later date. It's no problem since it has not been announced yet anyway." Hyuuga-sensei said.
"Why is it moved?" Syo asked, putting on his hat that landed on the floor when he slipped.
"Saotome Academy and Another Academy will be sharing forces to do a Charity Concert~!" Ringo said happily.
"That's Interesting, I hope to see more Beautiful Maidens in that Academy." Ren said as he held a rose. Where that came from, they have no Idea.
"What Academy will it be?" Masato asked, ignoring his flirtatious room mate's comment.
"Oh~ It's a wonderful Academy! Right Hyuuga?" Ringo said as he winked at him.
"Yeah." He said. 'So this was what he was planning...' he thought as he shook his head.
"That doesn't answer the question, Tsukimiya-sensei." Tokiya said impatiently. He hated it when they were beating around the bush. just then, a laughter echoed in the room. A familiar one at that.
"I know that irritating laugh." Syo said amusedly as a man wearing a suit and sunglasses appeared from behind the book shelves.
"President! Eavesdropping again...?" Otoya said as he sweat dropped
"Ha Ha Ha Ha! That Academy would be Seiso Academy, Mr. Ichinose." He said as he stood in front of them, answering his students question.
"Seiso..."
"Academy?" They all asked in unison.
"Yes!" He said as the light went off and a screen appeared in front of them. In it, showed a building with a statue of what looked like a fairy in front.
"Ara! Kawaii~ " Natsuki said as he saw the fairy while Syo just slapped at his forehead.
"Seiso Academy is a school that is divided into Two divisions. A General Education Department where the students are focused on mostly Academic and athletic , while the other one is a Musical Department, where everyone who attends it majors in a certain Instrument." He said as the screen changed and showed two students wearing two different uniforms.
"They Gray uniform indicates that you are from a Gen Ed department and the white one for the musical department." He said as the lights went back on and the screen disappeared.
"Seiso... Why does it sound somewhat familiar...?" Syo said as he thought about where he heard it.
'Could they know that She is there?" Hyuuga sensei thought.
"Hmm.. It certainly does seem like we heard it before... ah! I remember! Syo-kun, Does the name 'Tsukimori' ring a bell?" Natsuki said.
"Ah. You're right." He said, remembering why the name Seiso was Familiar.
"Mochi?" Otoya asked. Hearing only the last 2 syllables but also heard it wrong.
"No, not Mochi you idiot. Tsukimori. Len Tsukimori, a violin prodigy that me and Syo-chan met a few times in a few concour contests before." Syo said.
"Tsukimori... that does seems familiar..." Masato said.
"Ah~ You must be talking about his father. Tsukimori-san's father is also a well-known violinist as well as being the owner of a music company. His mother is also the famous pianist Hamai Misa." Natsuki said.
"Ehhhh? Amazing! It's a family of musicians!" Otoya said.
"That may be true but..." Syo said,
"But Tsukimori-san's attitude is the complete opposite of his parents. His parents love and enjoy music with all their hearts but Tsukimori-san sees it as an obligation. He doesn't believe it to be fun. Not to mention that he has a very cold attitude towards everyone. " Natsuki said, reading Syo's mind. He knew well that his little friend wasn't that fond of the other violinist.
"Right. He's an anti-social perfectionist. He's even worse than Tokiya's former attitude towards us." Syo said, frowning as he remembered the cerulean-haired man. But Otoya didn't notice this as he laughed at his room mate, Tokiya, who also frowned at the blonde's comment about his attitude.
"Alright! Enough chitter chatter! Please prepare for tomorrow." Ringo said as he clapped his hands
"Tomorrow?" Cecil asked.
"Yes. Tomorrrrrrow! You will be visiting Seiso Academy to meet the students you will be practicing with. I leave the explanations to you two! Bye bye!" He said as a chopper appeared in front of the window and he jumped towards it. They still heard his farewell when the chopper left.
"So, You will be staying at..." Hyuuga started.
Hino Kahoko's PoV
We were in the middle of lessons when the speaker suddenly gave a screech, followed by President Kira's voice.
"Calling all former Concour participants, as well as Aoi Kaji, Please report to the Meeting room at the music building.
"Kaji, Hino, you are excused." The teacher said
"Eh? Me too?" I heard Kaji-kun ask beside me.
"That's my line. You were on the ensemble at the festival while I wasn't." I said as I stood up. Kaji-kun followed
"Ah, but you still performed. It was also quite a charming performance." He said as we walked towards the music building when I heard someone call us from behind, we turned around and saw Tsuchiura-kun running towards us.
"Hino! Kaji!" He said as he caught up to us.
"Tsuchiura-kun, Any idea why they called us?" I asked, he just shook his head.
"Nope, not a clue actually." He said as we continued to walk.
"Jeez, I'm getting nervous." I said, Kaji-kun and Tsuchiura-kun looked at me and asked at the same time.
"Why?" They simply looked at each other then looked at me again.
"Well... because I might get left out again... Like the last time..." I said as I looked down. I felt someone pat my head, I looked up to see it was Tsuchiura-kun
"Nah, Don't worry about it. You've improved a lot since then." He said.
"You're just saying that to comfort me." I said stubbornly
"Tsuchiura-san is right actually. You really did improve quite a lot since that time." Kaji-kun said as we reached the music room.
"I guess, but I'm still far beyond your level." I said and entered the room.
"Oh, took you long enough." Kanazawa-sensei teased as we entered.
"Hey, don't look at us like that! It's not our fault our building is far." I said as I huffed.
"Yeah yeah, whatever. Now take a sit already. Kira is about to arrive." He said, not bothering to cover the boredom in his voice. We went to take a sit, I sat beside Fuyuumi-chan as she greeted me.
"G-good morning, Kaho-senpai..." She said as she blushed. I was about to greet her back when Kanazawa-sensei suddenly spoke
"Oh, he's here. Good luck guys, especially you Hino." He said as he snickered. I just rolled my eyes at him.
"Good morning, Everyone. I'm sure you all are wondering why I had you called in the middle of classes." He said as he looked around the room, but I gulped when his stare stopped at my direction, but he removed his stare later on and continued.
"The Seiso Academy and another certain school will be sharing forces to do a charity concert." He said.
"this seems interesting, what school will it be?" Yunoki-senpai said as he smiled. I saw a mischievous glint in his eyes. But I focused more on the answer to his question, indeed, what school will it be?
"You will find that out tomorrow, it is the request other school's president to keep their name a secret until tomorrow. Why he did that, it is none of my business. But I want to know if all of you are willing to enter this concert? Once you enter, backing down is not allowed." He said as he took a glimpse of me. Okay, I'm getting confused, why does he keep taking a glimpse of me? And I seem to have a feeling that he's hiding an important detail about this charity concert...? My thoughts were cut off when he said something else
"Also, this will not be a completely classical concert. Half of it, you shall play your instruments, and the other, you will sing. " He said that made Hihara-senpai react.
"Eh? sing?!" He said, surprised. I as well, was quite shocked. Sing? Me?
"I'm sorry for my rudeness but, what does classical music have to do with singing? or rather, why do we have to sing?" Yunoki-senpai said, I looked at everyone and they all seem to be wondering the same thing. Even Shimizu-kun seemed to be more awake than usual.
"I am not obliged to answer that, like I said, once you enter this concert, you are not allowed to back down. I need your answers right now." He said sternly.
"Wait, me too?" Kaji-kun asked.
"Yes, now, Will you join this concert?" He said. We all looked at each other hesitantly. Hihara-senpai broke the silence that was slowly engulfing us.
"Why not? I mean, this is for charity afterall, I may not be good at singing but I'm not that bad at it..." He said as he blushed lightly.
"No, not really. The pitch in your voice says that you can sing pretty well. You just need proper voice training" I blurted out without even thinking. Everyone in the room looked me or rather stared at me for me speech. Why? Why did I have to say that? I mentally smacked my head as I looked down.
"Hino, how did you know that? I mean, what you said was right actually, his pitch for singing is fine but... how?" Kanazawa-sensei asked completely confused, I looked around, aimlessly trying to figure out how to alter everyone's attention, but as I looked at President Kira, He had a certain glint in his eyes. It was like he knew something that they all didn't. I couldn't put my finger on it though.
"Hino-san?" Yunoki-sensei asked, a dangerous glint was forming in his eyes. I felt like a kid that was caught stealing candy from the fridge. I was panicking so much I suddenly blurted out without thinking that,
"I'll join the concert!" I shouted, then covering my mouth after. Yunoki-senpai smirked but quickly wiped it off and said,
"Well, since it is quite rare for something like this to happen, so I guess I'll join in to. Right Hihara?" He said, nudging Hihara-senpai.
"Eh? Ah right! Let's do it! You'll do it? Right Shimizu? Tsuchiura?" He said as he looked at them.
"...yes. It will be... interesting to... hear everyone sing..." Shimizu-kun said.
"I-I agree. I'm I-in.." Fuyuumi said shyly while looking down.
"Ah, but-" Tsuchiura-kun said hesitantly,
"Come on Tsuchiura-kun? It will be fun. Right, Aoi-kun?" I said as I smiled. But I felt that something else was going to happen in this concert. I felt nervous for something that hasn't even happened yet. I shook those thoughts away as I smiled convincingly at him.
"Ah. well, if you're in, then I am too, Hino-san." He said as he blushed. does he have a fever? I don't remember his face being red when we got here...
" Tch. You guys are not giving me a choice are you? Fine. I'll do it. What about Ice cube over there?" He said pertaining to Tsukimori-kun who was silently watching us with a blank face.
"No. It's a waste of time." He said bluntly.
"Oh come on Tsukimori-kun, I'm sure we'll have fun." I said, almost pleadingly. Completely forgetting the incident that happened the other day. I saw his eyebrows twitch and answered bluntly
"No-" He said but was cut off by Tsuchiura-kun.
"What's the matter, Ice cube? Can't sing? Oh well,judging from the coldness of your voice, I'm sure that your voice will scare everyone away anyway, ." Tsuchura-kun said tauntingly. Everyone in the room giggled. Including me, but I guess Tsuchiura-kun planned this to tick Tsukimori-kun off into joining the concert because he suddenly said,
"I'll do the concert." He said, his voice was obviously annoyed, and I could have sworn I saw a vein throbbing on his head. Now that I think about it... He has the same pitch as Natsu- never mind... I saw Tsuchiura-kun smirk victoriously at Tsukimori-kun's annoyed face as they shot each other glares, the air around them being tense. Which was cut off when the principal suddenly coughed, catching all of our attention.
"Then it's final. All of you will join. I have a meeting with the other school's president after this, so Kanazawa will explain the details to you. Tomorrow, you will be meeting the Students from the other school who will be your acquaintances for the upcoming concert. I repeat for the last time, you are not allowed to back down." He said as he left the room.
...Why do I have a bad feeling about this...?
Kira's PoV
"Soooo, Did she agreeeee?" He said as he leaned on the table seriously.
"Yes. She did. Everything I going as you said." I answered
"And they do not know about uss...?" He asked.
"Yes." I said as I sipped my cup of tea.
"Exceleennt! I expect to see her tomorrow theeennn..." He said as he looked at a picture containing seven of my students, particularly, a certain red haired girl.
"See you soon.. Miss Hino..." President Saotome said.
~~~A/N
Hey everyone! Nice to be back!
I hoped you like this chapter! ^_^
and also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEN!
I'm so excited to write the next chapter!
Anyway, please review!
It helps me boost my inspiration to write!
Your support is my life source. lol
Review~3 Here's a little glimpse of the next chapter
coming up: Chapter: Unexpected Reunion
"please fix your selves. The guests should be arriving any minute." President Kira said, just then, loud foot steps were heard. And the door suddenly flew open with a loud bang. Revealing a pink-haired maiden, or so it seems. Everyone gaped at him while he looked around, scanning the room before landing his gaze on her. She felt her blood drain from her face as she recognized the one standing in front of them who wore a big grin on his feminine face.
"Ringo-sensei..."