I hope everyone reading enjoys this, it took longer than I wanted it to take, mainly due to my own procrastination and being easily distracted. But it's here now so even though I know not a lot of people read this story it still makes me happy to write it. I'm not entirely sure about the ending, but I wanted to get it done and posted. This will not be a single shot, this might be a two-shot or even more, but it will be more than this one chapter, just not next. Not a lot of romancy stuff exactly, but not everything can be. Shutting up now, please read and enjoy, if you do please comment or something.
"Alright so we are all in agreement," Isogai addressed the rest of Class 3-E from Koro-Sensei's desk, Kataoka at his side looking miserable. Everyone in class save a few nodded or raised their hands, Ritsu even texted him her agreement, "alright then, this year for the school play we are doing a gender bent version of Romeo and Juliet," he announced, not quite believing that he had said those words out loud. Isogai would have preferred to do something like Faust as Karma suggested. That however had been vetoed since everyone agreed that not only were there not enough roles for the whole class to perform, but Karma as Mephistopheles was too a terrifying notion. But if that was what the class wanted to do he wasn't going to argue. After all, when Nakamura made the suggestion everyone was on board, except for Kataoka and Nagisa, they probably knew what was coming.
"Well than that's everything for right now," Isogai said shaking his head. He knew that the play was going to turn out embarrassing for everyone involved. Luckily there were so few female characters and Juliet was practically spoken for, maybe he would draw the short straw and get the Nurse or Lady Capulet, but he could deal with that. "Talk amongst yourselves when you have free time today and at the end of the day we will vote on who are going to play what role," and with that Isogai and Kataoka who looked far more depressed returned to their seats so Koro-Sensei could start the days lesson.
The day went on like any other for the most part, math and science early then P.E. with Karasuma Sensei, followed by lunch.
The classroom was abuzz with talk of the play and who should play what parts. Isogai ate with Maehara and Kataoka, but the atmosphere was tense and the womanizer was the only one making conversation. "So I was with this girl Reina last weekend, and I must say I picked a winner. She's gorgeous, smart, funny, sweet, and best of all she doesn't go to this school so there's none of that Class-E bullshit to put up with," Maehara said more out loud than to either of them. It was an odd sort of friendship the three of them had, after all more girls had probably asked one of them out than all of Classes D and C combine. Noticing that neither of his companions was in the mood to talk Maehara just separated his chopsticks with a loud snap and dug into his bento that a girl he didn't know the name of made for him. "Alright fine, we can eat lunch quietly. I'm not gonna go through the trouble of entertaining you two with my tales of romance if you're not even gonna pretend to listen."
"Sorry Maehara, it's just that there are other things on my mind," Isogai said sincerely. Even if he didn't want to hear another story about his friend's latest conquest the ikemen felt bad about not only half listening to his best friend. After all he didn't have anything to worry about, he was more staying quite for Kataoka's sake.
"Yeah, sorry," Kataoka said after a pause. Hers was less sincere, but still had some genuineness to it.
Maehara stopped putting and just let out sigh and kept eating. "It's cool," he said through a mouthful of rice, "I mean, we're all nervous about not wanting to get picked for the play. I mean, it is one thing to want to perform a play like Romeo and Juliet, but to do it in drag is another thing. It's lucky that there are so few girl roles in it though so the chance of actually having to go on stage is low for the boys," he said methodically.
"Especially with Nagisa in our class," Isogai said finding himself drawn into the conversation even though it went against his better judgment, "he's practically guaranteed to be voted in as Juliet." The three of them looked over to ambiguous 'boy,' who was eating lunch with Sugino and Karma, he looked nervous at the mass of girls who were gathered in a huddle of whispers on the other side of the classroom. Apparently he was thinking the same thing since he had barely touched his lunch.
"While I on the other hand am practically a shoe in to play Romeo, I know," Kataoka said bringing the two boys back to their little group. She was obviously trying to hide how frustrated she was with the whole having to play a guy thing, but she wasn't doing a very good job.
She looked so miserable that Isogai had to try to cheer her up, "well I mean even if it is inevitable, I'm sure you're going to be a great Romeo." The second the words left his mouth he knew he had made a mistake.
"Dude," Maehara just shook his head wondering how the smooth ikemen of Class 3-E could say something so stupid.
"Really, you think I'd be great at playing a guy," Kataoka said giving him the falsest sweet smile and fluttering her eyelashes in a deadly manner. Kataoka's dark feelings emanated from her like miasma and Isogai knew he was facing a monster far more dangerous than any test or octopus like sensei. "Is it because I look and act so masculine?"
"No, of course not," Isogai said stumbling over his words, "it's just that you are great in anything you do and if you put your mind to it I can easily see you carrying yourself in a princely manner."
"Not helping yourself," Maehara said adding commentary.
"I know," Isogai said wincing in resignation. Kataoka's negative aura could be felt now and it frightened him.
Kataoka fumed and just stared at Isogai intently as if wondering what evil thing she would do to punish him. Surprisingly enough though, instead of lashing out with the skills she learned from their assassin training and her natural athleticism, she walked away from the two of them without a word and joined the cluster of girls.
"Well that's not going to end well for you," Maehara said putting his hand on Isogai's shoulder in condolence.
And once again Isogai simply repeated, "I know."
After lunch it was foreign languages with Bitch Sensei and ending the day was Koro-Sensei's social studies lesson, Isogai's best subject so it seemed like it would end on a better note even if Kataoka still hadn't said a word to him. There was only one thing to do before leaving the classroom for the day and that was to get the final votes. Kataoka collected the papers everyone handed in and counted the boy votes while Isogai wrote all the names on the blackboard and counted the girl votes. "…Finally, Kayano will be playing the role of Benvolio, Kanzaki will be playing the role of Tybalt, Okuda will be playing Mercutio, and Kataoka will be playing the lead Romeo," Isogai said finishing as quickly as he could because he didn't want to prolong Kataoka's embarrassment longer than he had to. He wasn't sure if any of the roles beyond Kataoka fit the actors, but he wasn't going to say anything, after all the class had spoken.
However it turned out that Kataoka didn't look at all upset after hearing the news, in fact she had a rather disturbing grin on her face as she replaced him and addressed the class while Isogai moved to the blackboard. "While we only have four roles for the boys, I'm sure they will do a fantastic job," she said giving everyone a sweet smile that made Isogai nervous. "Karma will be playing the role of the Nurse, Maehara will be playing the role of Lady Capulet, and Nagisa will be playing the role of Rosaline," she said happily and Isogai paused with his writing.
"Wha," he said, Isogai knew he had heard Kataoka correctly, but he couldn't believe it.
"That's correct Isogai, Nagisa is playing Rosaline," Kataoka said, her voice dripping with that false sweetness. "And finally," she said continuing to address the class, "or very own class president Isogai will be playing the role of Juliet. Congratulations," she said to him, just how sincere she was abundantly clear on her face.
"I'm Juliet," Isogai asked, more surprised than anything. "I would have thought that… another person would have been the first choice," he said slipping. He didn't want to call Nagisa out in front of the whole class after all. The other boy looked just as surprised as anyone else who didn't vote for Isogai, but he also looked relieved. After all sure he was playing a girl still, but if it wasn't the lead it wouldn't be nearly as bad.
"Yeah I know we were all thinking that Nagisa would be Juliet, simply because dressing in drag is his thing," Nakamura, who put the idea for the play before the class and was chose to direct it, said.
"That's not true," Nagisa said exasperated, no one listened though.
"But then we thought about it a bit when we were discussing who to vote for and we realized that if Nagisa were to play Juliet than the logical choice for Romeo would be Karma," Nakamura continued as if Nagisa hadn't said anything. Several girls nodded, someone even said out loud that they would make a cute couple. "Since this is a genderbent Romeo and Juliet though we couldn't have that, and if there wasn't gonna be a kiss between the classes OTP than what's the point in making Nagisa Parade around in a big fancy dress. I mean I would enjoy it," she admitted, "but it would be less of a treat for the whole class." The whole time as she spoke Nagisa had an odd look on his face, like he wanted to argue, but at the same he didn't want to draw Nakamura's attention.
"That's why we decided to make Nagisa Rosaline, that way we all get to see him in drag but he doesn't have to kiss someone who isn't the class OPT," Nakamura went on as if it was the most logical thing in the world.
"Does Rosaline even have any lines? I mean isn't she more of a device than an actual character," Isogai asked trying to get out of the situation he was inevitably forced into.
"That was brought up," Kataoka said a bit testily, "we will simply add a scene or two to flesh out her character, it doesn't have to be a complete clone of the story or it wouldn't be fun for anyone."
"Yeah don't worry about it Isogai, I'm sure I'll think of something if only to get our trap into a dress on stage," Nakamura assured him, even though that was not what he was worried about. "Besides," she continued, "we want our Juliet to be something special, don't get me wrong, Nagisa is one of the prettiest girls in school, but let's face it, when you put him in girls clothes you can see him being a bit of a tramp," Nakamura said.
"The hell," Nagisa spat out, actually deciding that this was worth speaking up over, but he was ignored as Nakamura continued.
"We need our Juliet to be someone who is something more than just a mere girl in Shakespearian Italy, we need her to be something great," Nakamura said now standing up on her desk as if it was a soapbox. "Of course she needs to be pretty, but she also needs to radiate an air of strength as well as beauty, grace as well as carrying a maidenly innocence. And tell me, who fits that role better than our very own Ikemen?"
"W-well," Isogai started to say not exactly sure how to argue against her.
"Oh calm down Isogai," Kataoka said, the smile never leaving her face, "it won't be so bad and I'm sure you're going to make a lovely Juliet."
That sealed any arguments he was going to make, after all he had said the same to comfort her, how could he back away now. "Well than," Isogai said through his teeth, how could I refuse such an honor."
"Great, I think that's it then," Kataoka said addressing the class, "tomorrow we will decide on the other jobs that don't require an actor or an actress and we will be doing other brainstorming related to the play. Have a good night," she said and every shuffled out of the classroom. While she normally walked home with Isogai and a few others, today she gravitated to some of the other girls in the class. Nakamura was there talking about the play with Kayano and Okuda about the play and what they were looking forward too. Hinata and Hinano were talking with Kanzaki about how she would be great on stage while the class Madonna only shook her head saying she'll be lucky to make it on stage without fainting of fright.
"Wasn't Isogai's face something," Nakamura commented to the group, "I don't think he saw it coming in a million years." They all let out a giggle remembering his shock, "it's too bad we won't get our yaoi scenes but at least we got to help out our girl Kataoka here," she said as she wrapped her arm around the class rep.
They all laughed Kataoka among them, "thank you girls, I mean I know he was trying to help, but when Isogai tried to make me feel better he said all the wrong things. I just wanted to get him back so he would know how it feels," she said happily.
"No problem," Nakamura said, "we are always willing to help out one of our girls get revenge and her man. Not to mention that he was already going to be one of the top choices to be our Juliet once Nagisa was out of the running. He's one of the prettiest boys in class and being our ikemen he would put all his will into the play so he would be a good actor like everything else he does."
"Still, I just wanted to thank you guys for doing me a favor and-," Kataoka started to give the others her heartfelt thanks before she realized what Nakamura had said. "What!"
"Well yeah," Nakamura said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "I mean Romeo and Juliet, the most well-known romantic play ever performed by middle schoolers, it's kind of obvious why you wanted him to be your Juliet."
"It's not like that," Kataoka protested red in the face, "I just wanted to get back at him for what he said!"
"Get back at him, or get with him," Nakamura teased.
"There's no reason to be ashamed Kataoka," Okuma said, "after all it's a bold strategy, but you are one of the class leaders, strategy is your business. I only wish we could all be so bold with the boys we like," she sighed, her mind drifting to a certain psychopath she was enamored with.
"Yeah, I mean we all thought about doing something like this with one of our crushes, don't feel bad because you were brave enough to carry it out," Kayano said giving the class rep an encouraging smile.
"I didn't do it so that I could romance him or anything," Kataoka protested, "I just wanted revenge that's all."
"So you don't have a crush on Isogai," Nakamura asked slyly, everyone present already knew the answer, Nakamura just wanted Kataoka to come out and say it.
"Well," Kataoka said rubbing the back of her head, as if she didn't want to talk about it, which she really didn't. "I wouldn't say that exactly, I mean it is Isogai after all, you can't really deny that he's at least good looking. And athletic, and really sweet when he isn't being an idiot," she continued dreamily as before snapping out of it. "Maybe I have feelings for him, but it's not like most of the girls in the main building don't feeling the same," she admitted to herself as she hung her head.
"Well yeah," Nakamura admitted before throwing her arms around Kataoka in support, "but most of those girls are bitches, and practically every one of the girls who want to date Isogai also want to date you," Nakamura shouted in an attempt to be encouraging. "And that's before they see you dressed up in your Romeo costume. Actually now that I think about it, when the cultural festival comes around we could do a maid/butler café. We get Kataoka dressed as a butler and Isogai dressed like a maid we'll be rich. Also we can force Nagisa into a maid costume its brilliant," she said pumping her fist in excitement. "Actually do you think Isogai would sell better as a butler or a cross-dressing maid, I mean Nagisa definitely has to go in drag, but our male rep could get a lot of girls excited in a fancy butler uniform. Plus if he is dressed like a butler we could have some fake yaoi scenes with him in butler Kataoka. Two of the most desired students at the school, one bishonen, the other bishoujo, dressed like butlers talking about serving their masters that would drive the customers wild," she said losing herself in her daydream and getting excited herself.
"Nakamura," Kayano said gently breaking the eccentric girl out of her delusion, "you're getting off track. We are trying to make Kataoka feel better about her crush on Isogai," she wanted to help her friend and Nakamura drifting off on a tangent wouldn't help anyone. Not to mention she was starting to get a nosebleed from the picture Nakamura was painting for them.
"Right," Nakamura said getting back on track and clearing her throat. "Kataoka, you have something all those other girls in the main build don't, a lot of things actually. You're pretty, you're nice, hell you're the smartest girl in school. But the big thing that you have and all those other bitches in the main building don't, is opportunity," Nakamura said gravely.
"What do you mean," Kataoka said, "do you mean that I have a chance because we're both in Class E and we see each other every day, because that isn't much to go on."
"Well yes, that's true, but I meant the play," Nakamura said looking Kataoka in the eye and placing both hands on the other girl's shoulders. "You are playing Romeo to his Juliet, think about it; the pageantry, the heat of the moment, the magic of the theatre, being on stage together and the kisses. Seriously, it's something someone with a crush on Isogai would kill for and you have the opportunity drop into your lap."
Kataoka was quiet though and they started to wonder what was she was thinking, "Kataoka," Kanzaki said cautiously.
"Are you alright," Hinano asked, following her lead.
"I-I forgot about the kiss," Kataoka said louder than she wanted. Slapping her forehead in frustration, "I can't believe it, I was so blinded by trying to get back at Isogai that I completely forgot about the kiss.
"Well which one," Nakamura asked not reading the context of what Kataoka was saying.
"Nakamura," Hinata said elbowing her gently.
"What, there are a couple of them," Nakamura said defending herself.
"How am I going to kiss him," Kataoka asked more aloud than to any of them, "especially now that I got my petty revenge. He must be so angry with me how will we be able to kiss each other on stage in front of all everyone if he can't stand the sight of me?"
"Come on Kataoka," Okuma said trying to calm her down, "there's no way Isogai would hate you ever, especially over something like this. I mean he doesn't hate the five virtuosos of Class A and they tried to blackmail him and hurt the boys of our class. He wouldn't hate you over a little thing like dressing like a girl for the school play."
"Not to mention that even if he was mad at you, I doubt he would refuse a chance to kiss you. Actually I doubt that there's a person in this school who would refuse to kiss you of all people if you had to do it in front of their grandmother that you ran over," Hinata added thinking about it.
"Listen," Nakamura said once again putting her arm around Kataoka, "Isogai is not going to mind this little revenge thing of yours, he's too nice and you're too nice to stay mad at. The play isn't for a month anyway so there's plenty of time to worry about it so worry later."
"Not to mention that just because you're going to kiss your Juliet doesn't mean that's the whole play," Kayano added.
"That's right," Kanzaki said, "like killing me, trust me it's gonna be hard, I'm tougher than I look," she said flexing her slender arms to show off the muscles that didn't exist.
Everybody laughed at that, even Kataoka, "thanks guys," she said when they eventually stopped. She decided to take their advice; there would be a lot of embarrassing moments between getting fitted for costumes and rehearsals, she didn't need to get all worked up yet. Besides, maybe the kiss they had to do… wouldn't be that bad.