Azure: Hey guys! What's up? I decided to do this little format to well… make the intro less boring.
Honoka: It might not work out.
Azure: Aren't you supposed to be the optimistic one?
Honoka: Yes, but I'm also a giant tease.
Azure: Yeah sure. Here's some candy now be quiet.
Honoka: Candy! *Nom Nom* *spits it out* Hey! What was in that!?
Azure: Red Bean Paste. :)
Honoka: Not funny.
Azure: Yes it was now on to the chapter.
Chapter 6: Preparations:
The four of us decide to start the girls training this weekend, however Honoka had additional ideas without our consent. We were now in the Student Council Room yet again at the request of Honoka, but she didn't tell us why. I stood in the back since I was still a little ticked off about yesterday, while the girls approach Eli and Nozomi-sempai. Honoka handed a slip of paper.
"What is it now?" Eli said annoyed.
"Wow early in the morning and still with an attitude. Not very befitting of a President now is it?" I said just loud enough to hear.
"You're one to talk." She countered.
"Fair enough." I replied.
"Eli!" Nozomi exclaimed gaining the blonds attention. "No fighting please." She said in a calm manner.
"You too Taku-kun. Please don't cause trouble, ok?" Kotori asked.
I sighed. "Alright. I'm sorry for my tone Eli." I said with a bow.
"I-I'm sorry as well Takuto." Eli said returning the apology.
"Good. Now how can we help you today?" Nozomi asked.
"We would like the use the auditorium after school on the day of the welcome party." Honoka said.
"Um Honoka what are you doing?" I asked her.
"We're gonna put on a live show." She answered cheerfully.
"We're gonna what!?" Umi, Kotori, and I said in unison.
"You heard me we're going perform our debut on that day." She answered enthusiastically.
"I'm not sure we're ready." Kotori said nervously. Well no crap you 3 haven't had one practice session yet. Whatever goes through Honoka's mind, I may never know.
"What are you talking about? Of course we are." Honoka argued.
"Kotori's right! We're not exactly stage ready." Umi stated objectively.
"Excuse me, are you ready or not?" Eli asked annoyed at our indecisiveness.
"We're totally ready." Honoka told her.
"Because the Opening Ceremony isn't just for fun and games." Eli said.
"Well they did only come here to ask for permission." Nozomi interjected. "And since they're not even an official club; the student council has no right to give certain opinions on their request."
"Well no, but…" Eli paused. "Very well you may use the auditorium."
The girls grew wide smiles on their faces and we walked out the room. Honoka jumped for joy while the rest of us were both happy and annoyed. Happy that we have a stage for our first performance, but annoyed since Honoka took it upon herself to do so and we only had a month to prepare. I was about to follow the girls back to class, but Nozomi opened the room door and waved for me to come back in. I shrugged my shoulders and followed after I let the girls I'll be there soon. As I walked in I notice Eli was trying to avoid eye contact.
"Do you mind if we talk for a minute?" She asked me with her head turned.
"Sure, as soon as you look at me and ask." I told her.
She turned her head and I could see that her eyes were filled with regret. I pulled up a chair and sat on the opposite side of her.
"Was that so hard?" I said giving a sly smile.
She tilted her head down. "I'm sorry." She said in a soft tone.
"Huh?" I asked bewildered.
"I'm sorry for my actions yesterday." She repeated. "My tone and mannerism were completely uncalled for."
I sighed. If she can apologize I owe her the same respect at least. "I'm sorry as well. I was already a bit on edge yesterday and I took it out on you. I apologize for that." I said.
"Why were you on edge if you don't mind me asking?" She asked.
"Remember how I told you there was a reason I took a year off from school because of personal reasons?" she nodded. "Well let's just my past is still haunting me and it isn't really becoming any easier to deal with." I informed.
"I see." She said. Her face took on a soften expression.
"Stop right there." I said. She looked at me confused. "I don't want you feeling sorry for me. My personal issues are mine to deal with and worry about."
"If you say so." She said. "Anyway on to the actual topic at hand. Why are you all forming a school idol group?"
"I pretty sure we said this already; we want to keep the school open." I said.
"I mean why school idols? Why not something more traditional like petitions?" She asked.
"Those never work that's why." I said, and before she could countered I continued. "And Honoka decided on idols because she was inspired by the school idols of UTX."
"That isn't her concern. She should focus on the rest of her school life." Eli stated.
"Eli. Just because it's not something we should burden ourselves with doesn't mean we should do nothing. We're doing this for our underclassman and for the school we love." I said.
"Takuto…" She said in a low tone.
"I understand you feel that you want to save the school, but not in the way we're going at it. So how about you do things you're way and we do things our way? As long as we don't hinder the other there shouldn't be any problems, right Nozomi-sempai?" I asked Nozomi who has been silently listening the entire time.
"Seems like a fair and interesting idea." She agreed. "Well that being said I think you have class to get to."
"Right. I'll see you later." I said. I walked to the door and opened it, but before I left I had one last to say. "Eli, there are 3 people that I met since coming here that makes me want to do this. Honoka, my childhood friend who's had my back since elementary, a freshman named Maki, who even though might not admit it would love to have underclassman, and you the person who opened up a new path in my life and gave me something to strive for. Don't forget one of the reasons you asked me to come to this school." And with that I left.
Eli's POV:
Great. Thanks to him saying that I feel bad at trying to oppose their actions. However that doesn't change the fact that trying to bring school idols here won't guarantee more students.
"He's quite straightforward and expressive. Now I know why you've taken an interest in him." Nozomi stated.
I could feel my face heating up. "W-what are you talking about!?" I yelled. "It's not like that at all!"
"Oh Eli you're so cute when you're embarrass." She teased.
I could feel the redness increasing on my face. I took a deep breath to calm down. Knowing Nozomi she'll keep teasing me if I allow her so I decided to change the subject.
I cleared my throat. "Anyway on to a different matter. Why were you so quick to take their side?" I asked finding her actions suspicious.
Nozomi walked toward the window and opened it. "It's what they guided me to do. The cards I mean." She answered.
I had no idea what she was talking about. Then I looked down on the table and saw her stack of tarot cards. Suddenly there was a large gust of wind and the cards were sent flying with the sun arcana being slapped against the wall.
"The cards are compelling me to do so!" She exclaimed.
Honoka's POV:
Umi and I were hanging outside for our breaks between classes under the tree in the courtyard. I was munching on some bread while Umi started to talk.
"I said not to mention the school idol stuff or it will be harder to get what we need." She said.
"Yeah but why?" I asked her with my mouth filled with bread.
"What's with all the bread anyway?" She asked.
"When your family runs a Japanese sweets shop this is a rare treat." I told her.
She sighed. "You know it's not even lunch yet right? You'll get fat."
"Yeah." I said not paying attention and munching on my bread.
Just a group of girls from our class walked up to us.
"Hey! We saw the bulletin board are you girls really gonna become school idols?" one of them asked.
Sweet my idea worked! We got recognition now.
"Umi I really was surprised you decided to join as well." One of the other girls spoke up.
"Did you post something on the bulletin board?" Umi asked me.
"Mhmm. About the concert." I said with a smile.
"Well we wish you guys luck. Later." The girls said and walked off.
"Bye and thanks." I said waving good-bye. "See Umi? We already have fans. Was this a great idea or what?" I asked her. But she didn't respond in fact she wasn't behind me anymore. "Umi? Umi, where'd you go?" I asked aloud. Then I saw her enter the school. Oops I may have made Umi mad again. I followed her inside and up the stairs. I finally caught up to her.
"Umi?" I called out.
"I can't believe you sometimes. You are far too carefree; you know that?" she said in an annoyed tone. "We only have a month to get ready and we haven't started practice yet. We agreed with Taku's plan to start practicing this weekend; so please don't cause trouble for him after all he just got back."
I stopped in my tracks when she said that. She took noticed and stopped as well.
"Honoka are you ok?" She asked me in a worried tone.
"About Taku-kun, do you think he's been acting a bit strange?" I asked her.
"What do you mean?" She asked now looking at me with curious eyes.
"I'm not sure really but…" I paused and looked out the hallway window. "I feel like he's trying to hide something from us."
"So you picked up on that too. I did find it odd that he was trying so hard to keep us busy to avoid asking what he's been up to all these years." She said also looking out the window. "He must have his reasons he'll talk when he's ready." I looked at her shocked. She turned to me and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
I smiled at her. "I just thought it's odd that you wouldn't press him for answer. Normally you hate when people aren't honest with themselves. Are you perhaps trying to get on Taku-kun's good side? Huh? Huh?" I teased her.
Her face went red, which gave me my answer. "W-what!? O-of c-course n-not!" She shouted gaining stares from passing by students. "What about you?" she asked me with a smirk. "It's odd for you to pick up on someone's actions. Have you've been paying extra close attention to Taku I wonder?"
Now it was my turn to be embarrass. Umi knows how to hit a weak spot. After all she knows I had a small crush on Taku-kun, but never pursued it. "W-well I…um…" I stuttered.
"I knew it. You still have a thing for him." She teased. "Though you may want to hurry up and tell him. After all this is mainly a girl school and Taku is the type of guy to win a girl's heart without even intending to, given his personality. Someone else may just get to him first, like me or even Kotori." She finished with a wink.
"Wait Kotori too!?" I asked shocked.
"Well yeah. Think about it. It was just us 4 all the time, and it was only you that hinted at her true feelings without really saying it. Kotori and I were just too shy to do anything." She said reluctantly. "However now we won't hide it anymore, but we won't make it a competition either. I'm just saying if we get a shot don't be surprise if we take it." She declared.
"Well in the end it's his choice, but that's something we can talk about latter. For now let's get back and see what Taku-kun and Kotori-chan are up to." I said marching on ahead. Umi just shrugged and followed me. We walked into and notice Kotori-chan drawing in her notebook and Taku-kun staring out the window as if lost in thought.
I walked over to them and tapped Taku-kun on the shoulder. "Hey Taku-kun!" I said.
He turned and smiled. "Hey Honoka. What's up?"
"Is something on your mind? You were staring out the window pretty intently." I said.
"Huh? Oh I was just thinking of a way to get Kotori to let me see her drawings." He said and looked towards Kotori-chan.
"I told you I didn't want you to see till it was done and the others came back." Kotori-chan retorted.
"You're a really nosy person eh Taku?" Umi teased.
"Do I look like Honoka to you?" He said smirking at me.
"Hey!" I shouted. I could feel the heat raise to my face from anger and embarrassment.
He just laughed it off. "I'm just messing with you Honoka. You know I love ya."
My face lit up like a Christmas tree. "L-l-love m-m-me? You love me?" I stammered.
He gave me a confused look. "Yeah of course. Just like how I love Umi and Kotori too. The 3 of you are very important to me. Why does that sound so surprising?" He asked.
I shook my head furiously. "No it's not surprising. Not at all." I said and then look down. Of course that's what he meant I'm important to him. What Umi-chan said earlier is getting to me.
"O…k… Anyway so Kotori how's the design coming?" He asked.
"It's done. Here it is." Kotori-chan said turning over her notebook. It was a drawing of me in a very cute pink dress.
I smiled at the amazing drawing. "Kotori-chan that outfit is so cute." I complimented her.
"Really? Thanks Honoka-chan." She smile.
"Um Kotori?" Umi spoke up sounding nervous. Kotori and I look at her curiously. "What is that long part here?" She said as she pointed to the legs on the picture.
"That's our legs." Kotori answered.
""We're going to wear short skirts and show our bare legs?" She asked. The she started staring at her legs and fidget.
"It's all good!" I said landing on her lap and looking up at her. She jumped back. "And besides your legs aren't that chunky Umi." I told her.
"You're one to talk." She yelled back.
I looked down at patted my legs. "Hmm… Hey Taku-kun what do you think?" I asked him.
"Yeah I'm not going to stare at your legs." He answered.
"Aww why not? We need your opinion as well." I pouted.
Just then the classroom door opened. It was Ren-kun.
"Oh there you are bro." He said directing his attention to Taku-kun.
"Yo Ren. What's up?" he responded.
"The guy's and I could use your help. Our laptops are kinda malfunctioning so I thought you could help." He said.
"Sure I'll see what I can do. Sorry girls I'll be back as soon as possible." Taku-kun said as he left.
"Well back to where we were…" Umi said. "We need a name for our group."
We started brainstorming, but couldn't come up with anything. So we decided to leave it to the students. After that we needed to start training. Unfortunately the field and gym were filled with people so we couldn't practice there. Our last opinion was the roof. We were about to start when it dawned on us all that we didn't have a song or dance. This is going to be a bit harder than I thought.
Takuto's POV:
Well at least those guys can work now. I wonder what the girls are up to. As I turned the corner I saw the girl from the A-RISE video back at UTX. I looked towards what she was staring at. It was a poster asking to give the girls a name for their group. This just screams Honoka. However is that girl interested in joining? I walked up to her.
"Hey there." I greeted.
She jumped completely startled. "Y-yes?" She asked shaking.
"Woah easy I'm not gonna hurt you or anything. I'm Takuto. And you are?" I asked.
"I-I'm Hanayo Koizumi." She answered.
"Nice to meet you Hanayo. Are you interested in school idols?" I asked.
"Y-yeah a lot actually." She was still nervous.
"Cool. Well if you want to join or help us out in anyway drop on by the second year class. We'll welcome you with open arms. See ya." I said waving good-bye to look for the girls.
I found them with Umi scorning Honoka for not being prepared and Kotori trying to calm everyone down. I intervened and after getting everyone to chill we headed home for the day. Kotori called to tell me the 3 of them were planning on discussing plans for the group. I couldn't go because I had to help Mom with some chores around the house for an interview to get a promotion. Later that night Kotori called to tell me Umi will write the lyrics while they try to get Maki to compose the song, and that Umi will be in charge of the training schedule.
Oh boy Umi is gonna run them ragged. Getting Maki to help may be difficult. Well I guess it won't hurt to try. I just hope we're fully prepared for the welcoming ceremony.
Azure: AND DONE! Oh and I'M SO SO SO SO SORRY for the late update. I just started working and my schedule is almost completely night shift and since I do most of my writing at night it doesn't go well.
Honoka: Every thought about writing during the day?
Azure: Yeah I try it just doesn't work out for me. So to put it blunt the story isn't going on hold or hiatus just updates may be longer than usual. Again I apologize because there are quite a few of you still enjoying this fic and I will do my best to upload as much as possible.
Honoka: Hope it works out.
Azure: Yep. Well as always follow, review, favorite or whatever I can't force you. This has been Azure and I hope you all have a pleasant day.