My first gig with the guys was finally coming up this weekend. We were hard at practice, preparing ourselves for the day. It also turned out the dance fell on the day directly after. 'Talk about adding on the pressure.' I sighed to myself. I did my best to stay calm. Now was not the time to collapse under all the stress, after all I have been through much much worse. This is nothing. 'I have yet to ask him... I better do it soon.' I still wasn't sure how to go about asking him to be my date. I thought about the direct approach but I hadn't built up the courage to just go ask. 'I don't even know if he would be interested...' My fear of rejection was what scared me most. I didn't know what I'd do if he turned me down.
With our break finished, we once again resumed practice. I was still getting used to singing alongside Eisuke. It was exciting and nerve-wracking all at once. The lyrics he has me sing is simply beautiful. He really has a hidden talent with his scriptwriting. Today he has me singing a really catchy song. We've been practicing it for some time now. It's more difficult than what I'm used to but I'm always up for the challenge; after all I need to spread my wings if I wish to keep on growing.
"Ready?" Eisuke asked and everyone answered with a 'yes' and a nod. Music filled the room. I stood by Eisuke's side, waiting for my cue to start. Eisuke was up first, it wasn't long before I sang right along with him. Our voices perfectly harmonized, creating the perfect rhythm. I let my feelings flow from within, putting all my concentration onto the song. I didn't want to fall behind, not even for a second, I put so much heart into the song and feeling into my voice that there was no way I was going to let myself fall behind.
"Whew." With the song over I took a few minutes to catch my breath. "Good job. You really do have a beautiful voice." Eisuke said, his praise caught me off guard and I stumbled momentarily, "O-Oh, thanks." A faint blush spread across my cheeks as I quickly bowed my head in hopes of hiding it.
Then, the doors to the room suddenly slammed opened. I whirled around to see Kat striding up to us, her eyes locked on Eisuke. He was her target of affection. 'What does she want now?' I inwardly rolled my eyes, I knew it could only mean one thing - trouble. Kat marched right up to Eisuke, a superficial grin plastered on her face. She didn't even once look my way, it was like I didn't even exist.
"Hello, Eisuke." Kat greeted him with her superfluous smile. She seemed to really be putting it on strong. "Is something wrong?" Eisuke asked, he didn't seem to be at all bothered by how Kat was looking at him. Kat giggled and shook her head, "I have something I want to ask you." She said with a overly sickeningly sweet voice. 'Wait. She isn't...' I started to inwardly panic as I waited to hear what the sneaky Kat had to say. "This sunday there is a dance being held at my college. I'd like you to come as my date." Kat asked with the sweetest smile she could muster, blinking her eyelashes a few times for added effect. 'No...!' I held my breath. I could feel the fear growing inside of me. I carefully studied Eisuke's face. His expression was hard to read, he stared at her silently for a few moments before finally answering.
"I'm not interested in going to some dance. Ask someone else." His cold, blunt reply left Kat flabbergasted, she couldn't believe she of all people was rejected. "But... You can't just turn me down! Don't you know who I am?!" She exclaimed, it looked like she had lost her cool as she was now glaring at Eisuke. However, Eisuke remained calm. He narrowed his eyes as he stared at her directly, a smirk playing on his lips, "Is that a threat?" He asked coolly but didn't let her reply before he continued, he leaned foward and was just inches from her face, "Let me ask you, do you know WHO I am?" He asked, confidently. Kat seemed to be thrown for a loop. She didn't know how to deal with him, "No. I don't need to know! Uggh. I don't want to go out with you any longer. I didn't realize you were such a jerk!" She screamed and in a huff turned around and quickly marched towards the exit, slamming the door closed behind her.
'Hahaha. Eisuke showed her. Thank goodness she's gone. ...But, does he really feel that way? Does he really not want to go to the dance?' I couldn't help but worry. It only made it harder to get the courage to ask him. I was still completely lost in my thoughts when I felt a all too familiar pain on my cheek, "Ow! Would ya stop doing that?!" I glared at him, showing my displeasure. "Hahaha. You should thank me. I'm doing you a favor by bringing you back to reality. Who knows, maybe one day you will get lost up there forever." Eisuke said, lightly tapping me on the forehead while smirking.
I furrowed my brows and swatted his hands away. I began to pout, "Stop making fun of me." I whined, puffing up my cheeks. "Are you trying to make them easier to grab?" Eisuke poked my puffed up cheeks like they were his plaything. I immediately released the air and turned away from him in defiance, "You are a bully. Don't touch me." I was purposely being difficult but Eisuke looked like he was enjoying himself. 'Honestly. Am I really that exciting to him? ...Hah, though I hate to admit it, I actually like it when he pays attention to me.'
I looked at Eisuke from the corner of my eye, he really did look like he was in a pleasant mood. 'Maybe this is my chance...' I know he just turned down Kat. Honestly, I was expecting him to be in a foul mood after that horrid exchange but it was the complete opposite. He went straight to teasing me and acted like it never happened. The other guys had already vanished back into the living quarters. It was just the two of us alone in the wide open room, It kind of made me uncomfortable... But I just had to ask. Maybe he would reply differently to me? I hoped so.
I took in a deep breath, mustering up all my courage, I turned around to look at him with determination in my eyes, "Eisuke." I said his name meaningfully. It seemed to have caught his attention that I had something Important to ask, "What is it?" His expression grew more serious as his eyes focused squarely on me. Seeing his intense gaze made me flinch but I knew I couldn't back down and so I steeled myself even further, "I want you to come with me to the dance!" I shouted at the top of my lungs, scaring myself. 'Ahhh! I didn't mean to yell at him... Stupid, stupid me!' I mentally slapped myself and could feel myself getting a little hot after that poor display. It's no way to ask someone out that's for sure.
A surprise look briefly flashed over his face before relaxing into an expression that was void of emotion; It made it extremely difficult to judge how he felt. "I'm not interested. You should know that." He coldly replied, pursing his lips he turned away. I couldn't put my finger on it but he didn't look to be completely honest with his feelings. But it still hurt to hear him reject me so openly. 'I thought he'd say yes to me...' It really did hurt. It was like a big blow to my self esteem. I was completely crushed. My chest felt like it was being squeezed as I stood there in front of Eisuke speechless and on the verge if tears. "I see... Fine. I don't need you. I'll find someone else!" My voice was cold, etched with the pain of his rejection. I was cruel with my speech but I didn't care. It must have been a shock to Eisuke to hear me speak so harshly as he quickly looked back at me but I had already stormed off, completely missing the pained expression on his face.
...
After that I refused to speak to Eisuke outside of practice. It only made everything more difficult but I didn't care at this point. I was so upset. But then It occurred to me how I had earlier rejected his feelings. I never stopped to think of how ge might have felt. ...He still supported me even after that. I must have hurt him but he never held it against me... 'I can't keep being angry like this. If that is what he wishes then I shall abide by it just as he did mine. I can't be selfish.' Finally coming to terms with it I felt more at peace with myself. Good thing too, because the gig was today! My pent up emotions might have relflected in my voice and it could have been disaterous. This was my first gig where I would sing. I wanted to do my best.
I nervously stood between the guys as I waited for us to be called to the stage. I seemed to be the only one nervous as the others looked cool as cucumbers. "I wish I had your strength." I absentmindedly spoke and the guys all turned to me, "Nervous? You'll be fine." Soryu said. "We will be right there with you." Ota added. "Yeah! No worries!" Baba smiled. "Believe in yourself." Mamoru said. I felt so moved by their words, I could feel their strength within, I knew I wasn't alone. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder, I looked up to see Eisuke looking down at me with a kind but serious gaze, "You are not alone. We are in this together. Let's show them what we got." Eisuke tried to encourage me with his words. The feeling growing inside of me... I never felt this way when I preformed with Crystal Love. I always felt fear and worried would happen if I made a mistake. But here... I could feel the strength of all of them inside. I was no longer nervous. I was now ready to do my best!
"Presenting Tres Spades!" Ariana had just introduced us and we immediately made our way out to the stage. We all waved as we ran to our places. 'This is it... Right. I can do this!' Everyone had gathered at their designated instruments while Eisuke and I took centre stage.
"Huh..." I jumped when I felt something touch my hand. I glanced down to see that Eisuke had taken hold of it. Surprise evident on my face. "Don't worry. I'm right here." Eisuke softly whispered to me before giving me a small nod. With determination written all over his face we were ready to give them our all.
We had now gotten underway. We remained holding hands the whole way. Eisuke and I sang the same catchy song we had been practicing for several weeks now. The audience seemed to be fully immersed in the song as some danced along in their seats. I was able to sing confidently with Eisuke by my side. He gave me the courage I needed to get through this. I was so grateful for his support.
The song finally came to a close. I held my breath awaiting for the crowds response. I couldn't help but worry and feared the worse. As we bowed our heads, one by one the auditorium began to clap and soon there was an overwhelming amount of people applauding us and cheering. I was struck speechless, frozen by shock as my eyes wandered around seeing everyone cheering for me, for us.
"Wow. They like us." I mumbled in surprise. "No. They love us." Eisuke corrected. He also looked pleasantly surprised at the outcome and genuinely happy. We all made our way off the stage in high spirits. All the guys couldn't believe the crowds reaction.
"I think that was our best performance yet." Baba said. "I agree." Ota nodded with a happy smile. "It's because of Elli." Soryu stated and everyone turned to me. "Really? I don't think I did that much..." I timidly replied, feeling shy under their curious gazes. "I think so too." Eisuke suddenly spoke, he seemed sure of it more than anyone. "But... That was my first performance." I shyly answered, too nervous to look at anyone, I kept my eyes on the floor below. "Heh. Did you not hear people calling our names? It seemed the crowd loved us together. It was a pleasant surprise." Eisuke said, looking proud as he stared at me. It only served to make me feel even more embarrassed.
"What...? They did..." I could feel my cheeks growing hotter by the second. "Looks like Eisuke was right. Having Elli join was a smart choice." Baba said. "Yeah. We might actually get somewhere with her in the team!" Ota said, excitedly. Everyone was thrilled by the results of our first performance with me and hoped to go far with me at their side. While I was also happy, I could also feel the added pressure of having so many depending on me. I didn't want to let any one down. I promised to work even harder so I can live up to their expectations.
'If things keep going well we really might get recognized one day. And then I'll find my sister! ...Though we only have under three years to do it. I hope we can achieve our dreams by then. We musnt give up. Even if our chances may seem slim now if we give up before we even tried than we will never know what could have been. I've come too far to let anything stop me. I will be seeing this all the way through. You can count on that.'
...
It was the night of the ball. I was still feeling down on myself after my rejection. I didn't even feel like going. What was the point of going by myself? I'd just be a laughing stock. I didn't want to upset Joelle but I just didn't have any interest in going. I planned to just spend the night in front of the television sprawled out on the lounge with my arms behind my head watching tv and forget all about the ball. Or so I thought...
"Elli? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the masquerade ball?" Baba had just waltzed into the the living room, looking surprised to see me lazing on the couch. "I'm not going." I curtly replied, keeping my eyes glued on the screen. "What do you mean you aren't going?" Ota popped out from behind Baba, looking at me with curiosity. "Its as I said. I'm. Not. Goooing!" I exaggerate the point in hopes they'd get the message but they continued to persist.
Baba strode right up to me, "Don't be such a sour puss. C'mon, go get ready." He tried to lift me from the couch but I wriggled free of his grip, "I said I'm not going!" I shouted angrily and the both of them shrugged, "She sure has a temper." Baba grinned in a playful manner as if this was a game. "Fiesty. But we promised Eis-" Baba quickly covered Ota's mouth with his hand cutting Ota off. Ota looked shocked but calmed down when Baba looked at him meaningfully in the eyes, Ota seemed to understand.
'What is going on here...?' I couldn't figure out what the heck was going on. They were acting so shady, I knew they were up to something. Catching me off guard, Ota and Baba had surrounded me from both sides and forcibly dragged me to my bedroom.
"What are you doing!? I told you to leave me alone!" I shouted at the two of them in disgust but they just brushed it off. "Get dressed." Baba said, his eyes focused on my bed behind me. 'Huh?' I slowly turned my head around and was surprised to see a beautiful dress laid out on my bed. As I was focused on the dress the door had closed leaving me alone in the room.
"What is their plan?" I was at a complete loss. I wondered how such a gorgeous dress had come to be on my bed. Eisuke wasn't seen all day and besides he had no interest in joining me. 'Was it Ota and Baba...?' I thought about it but couldn't come up with an answer. Deciding It was useless, I sighed in resignation and ambled up to my bed to get a closer look at the dress.
"Wow. It's beautiful." It was even more stunning up close. A gorgeous midnight gown that glittered under the light. It even had a matching raven black mask fitted with diamonds. "This must have cost a fortune... Should I even be wearing something like this?" As I hesitated I could hear Baba and Ota outside asking if I was finished. I knew I had no choice. They wouldn't let me out if I didn't. I picked up the dress from my bed, It was silky smooth, it was nice to touch.
I immediately stripped of my clothes and worked my way into the dress. Once I had it on I gazed at myself in the mirror in awe. It fitted me perfectly and did well to accent my curves. "Wow. Whoever picked this knew what they were doing." It only furthered my curiosity seeing how perfectly the dress fit my body.
The door then slammed opened and an excited Baba and Ota stepped in. Though I couldn't understand why they were so happy... They carefully studied me before breaking out into a smile, "You look stunning. The way it clings to your body makes me want to take you for myself." Baba teased. Ota elbowed him in the side, "Shhh. She's not yours." Ota chided him and Baba pouted, pretending to be hurt. I couldn't help but smile a little from their little scene.
"You really are something in that dress. It really suits you." Looking carefully at me Ota complimented me. It made me feel a little embarrassed but also happy. "Thanks." I slightly bowed. "Right. It's time to do your makeup." Ota said in and in instant he had pulled out all kinds of tools needed to do me up. "Huh? You will do my makeup?" I cocked my head. "That's right. Your hair too." Ota said in a confident tone. "Don't worry. He knows what he is doing." Baba assured me.
Ota sat me on the bed and immediately begun work on transforming me from the everday girl to a princess out of a fairytale.
"Is this really me?" I couldn't believe that it was me in the mirror looking back at myself. My hair was up half up in a small knot while the rest flowed out over my shoulders in half curls. My fringe covered slightly curled besides my eyes as it perfectly sat on my cheeks. Even my makeup up was a step above the usual. Ota really was a professional.
"You look wonderful." Baba said with a smile. Ota looked proud with his work, "Indeed she does. Nothing is impossible when I'm involved."
"Why though... Why are you two doing this?" I asked what was on my mind. "Because we felt like it." Ota shrugged, completely brushing off the question while Baba pretended he didn't hear. "You better get going. Don't forget your mask." Baba handed me my mask and I quickly put it on. "Perfect. A perfect vision of loveliness." Ota said, holding his hands out in front of him in a frame like he was testing me out for a photo. "You are embarrassing me..." I protested.
"Haha. You are even lovelier with the red hue on your cheeks." Baba chuckled and I quickly covered my face with my hands.
"Hurry up. You need to go. The ball will be starting and you have to still walk there." Ota said, trying to hurry me from the room. I nodded my head and hurried from the room. When I got to the door Baba called out for me to stop.
"What? I need to go." I said. Baba looked at my feet, "You are forgetting something." I looked down at my feet and gasped, "My shoes!" Baba smiled at my reaction. I looked up to see him holding a pair of heels in his hand, "These are for you." He handed me the heels. "Thanks." I smiled and quickly put them on. I felt a little unsteady in them, it wasn't everyday I wore heels. Now wasn't the time to worry about that though, I had the ball to attend.
...
With the night sky above, and only the moon and the stars lighting the way, I made my way to the college grounds on my unsteady feet.
"Why am I even going? I don't understand why I am dressed like this... What is their plan? I don't get it..." I questioned their motives but still nothing come to mind. "Hmm..." I recalled seeing neither Mamoru or Soryu through the whole ordeal just earlier. 'Where were they, I wonder?' The more I thought about it the more I decided Mamoru was probably just sleeping in his room. Soryu though... He is unpredictable. I don't know what he is thinking half the time. And Eisuke hadn't been seen all day. 'He really was against the dance after all...' I hung my shoulders feeling deflated. I held on to the tiniest bit of hope he would change his mind but instead he made sure I wouldn't see him at all today.
It made me sad to think about it so I tried my best not to. Instead I was going to try to enjoy myself at the dance. It would be my first and last. Besides, I'm wearing a mask, no one will be able to recognize me. Maybe for once in my life I'll be treated on equal grounds to everyone else instead of being shunned and looked down upon.
The college had finally come into view. I could hear the thumping of music coming from within. "It seems they have already started." I picked up my pace a little, doing my best to walk in these awful heels; I just wanted to rip them off my feet but alas I knew I had to wear them until the dance was over. The dance that had put the college into a frenzy all week was now under way. I had no idea what to expect as I took my first step inside to the unknown.