Natsuki's POV
"Oneechan?" I heard Alyssa call.
"What?"
"That's my slippers you're wearing. May I have it back?" Alyssa answered while pointing at my feet; indeed, this is her bunny slipper I wear.
"Oh? Sorry, I didn't see it. Here."
"What's the matter? You've been spacing out lately." She asked while staring at me worriedly.
"No need to worry; I'm just tired from practicing." I lied, making efforts to avoid eye contact with her.
"No! Whatever you are thinking right now is more important than your upcoming performance."
"No, Alyssa, it's just that I'm nervous."
"Oneechan, do you think I will buy that bullshit? Is it about Shizu-nee?" Alyssa asked.
"I need space to think about myself." I slowly walked away.
I don't understand this anymore; I thought I was strong enough to make her mine, but why did I become like this? The night I saw her, she was surprised to see me on their front porch; why did I feel like I wasn't the one she was waiting to see at that door?
"No matter how much space you need, if you're like that, then it's your loss. That's not the mindset of the Natsuki I know," she said out of nowhere.
I stopped walking.
"The Natsuki I know is that even though she already knew she didn't stand a chance, she still doesn't give up. Natsuki knew she would become a loser if she stopped reaching whatever she wanted."
"I'm sorry, but I'm not the Natsuki you know anymore, Alyssa." I continued walking away.
Why would I force myself when the person I want to spend the rest of my life with is now looking at someone else?
"What the hell are you doing?" Mai asked confusedly.
"You play the piano," I demanded her while pointing at the piano.
"Are you out of your mind? You know I can't play the piano well. You can make Alyssa play the piano instead." Mai answered while pointing at the grand piano in front of her.
"I guess." I sighed while walking towards the door.
"Natsuki, I know how excellent a person you are; you prove to the world that even without talent, you can still shine on your own. Just be yourself; you don't have to pretend you're strong. It is still acceptable to let your weakness out occasionally and use it to become stronger." Mai suddenly quoted.
"This time, I'm on the verge of breaking down; what should I do then?" I asked her without facing her; I just stared at the ground.
"You are Natsuki; I know someday you'll find the answer to your question."
"Kuga Natsuki," I whispered to myself as if thinking about what kind of a person I am.
"Dominate the stage? Are you out of your mind?" Alyssa asked loudly.
"No matter how I think about it, my mind can't process the information you just blurted out, Natsuki," Miyu said.
"Yeah. I guess me dominating the stage is weird."
"No! It's not that! It's something new, and I like the idea." Alyssa answered while smirking.
"Well, it's not like I can do the full 3 hours performing; let the other students take part, but we'll dominate the stage."
"WE?" they both asked simultaneously, dumbfoundedly looking at me.
"Yeah, you expect me to perform alone? Hell-to-the-no! The four of us will do!"
"Don't tell me you'll drag the other three."
"OF COURSE!" I fist-pumped the air as if I were all fired up.
"The hell with that plan!" Nao reacted differently after hearing about my plan.
"Wait, Nao! I mean, we're not the type of a person to suddenly take the stage, but I think this will make the other people see us the other way around, not just as the troublemaker of Fuuka Academy." Chie explained to calm Nao.
We were at Chie's place hanging out when I suddenly got the idea of us performing on stage.
"I don't care what others think about me, but the idea of us singing and dancing on the stage for the sake of this mutt here is kind of hard to understand," Nao answered.
"I'm not doing this for the academy or so. I'm doing this for myself and the decisions I'll make. You know, making sure we'll mark down the history of Fuuka Academy. Making memories together while we can." I said, grinning.
"You mean- Oi, don't tell me!"
"Natsuki!"
"Yeah, I've made up my mind. I've been fighting destiny since then, but if destiny will do its part, all I can do is trust its works."
"That's so lame, especially when it came from you," Nao commented and turned around.
"What do you guys think?" I asked for the last time.
"We'll do it! If that is what you want, we'll hit the stage." the three answered together.
"Thank you, guys."
"Only if you treat our meals every day."
"The Kruger will indeed donate a huge amount of money for the upcoming foundation day, but what you guys are requesting right now is nearly impossible." Yukino calmly stated.
"Of course, it will! If we make a plan!" Mai said.
"Manpower, we'll do the effects manually. Of course, we must buy some of the equipment."
"It's true, but how can we improve manpower?"
"Make it open to all classes willing to volunteer," I answered.
"That'll do, but it will ruin the surprise."
"Yukino, we won't be using the stage for a rehearsal. Let the guys feel the beat."
"I'm worried about that kind of plan, but let's see how it works. Let's see if your proposal will be approved. I will contact you guys if it's approved so we can start the preparation; I expect it will take almost a month for the preparation itself, so if we work earlier, we will meet the deadline." Yukino calmly said as she grabbed the papers and left the room.
"Thank you, Yukino! You're the best." I blurted out.
Shizuru's POV
"It's been a week since the last time I heard about Natsuki," Reito asks out of nowhere.
We were sitting here in Student Council Room after the long meeting regarding the funds for the upcoming program. Sure, we still have lots of work to do. I hate working.
"You're right; I should've checked on her later," I answered after I took a sip of my tea.
"You still have a workload to do. Let the brats wander around." Haruka blurted.
"It's so strange that you finally let Natsuki and the gang wander around, knowing they're capable of wrecking the academy anytime," I answered.
"It's not that I permitted them to walk around and do the wrecking. I just heard from Yukino that they're changing the program. I guess they take the foundation day program seriously to take control of everything suddenly." Haruka explained without any wrong words.
"Who let them take control of the program?" Reito asked, visibly scared of the outcome of the program.
"I did. I know it's not my right to decide about whoever takes control of the program, knowing you're all full on your sleeves because of workloads; I feel we should trust them." She answered, full of resolve. This Haruka in front of us is strange.
"Haruka, as a President, I let everyone lead themselves in any situation for them to gain experience, but I hope this will be the last time you decide without us knowing," I said with my voice full of authority; how come she pass the responsibility to the gang without consulting me, the Student Council President?
Is she disrespecting our positions as President and Vice President? After all, we're talking about Foundation Day; it is the main event of Fuuka Academy.
"Sure! This day will be the last time and the only time I let people other than Yukino put my trust on. You'll understand my judgment when the right time comes, Fujino." Haruka smiled bitterly and left the room without looking at us.
This Haruka is strange.
Natsuki's POV
After Yukino informed us about Haruka's approved plan, I initially needed clarification since the decision wasn't from Shizuru itself. I just assumed Haruka would do the rest of convincing Shizuru to let us take control of the situation.
We've been practicing for a week now, and as expected, we never get the choreography on the first try, but we'll do our best to make the concert successful. Performing on stage differs from our talent, but Mai and Alyssa encouraged us to continue, and Miyu and the others helped us.
"Good news, guys! The stage is almost over, so we can start our rehearsal there next week!" Yukino suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
"I thought we won't spoil the surprise for other students?" Mai asked.
"Of course, we can't afford to spoil the surprise; that's why Yukino suggested placing the concert in the gymnasium; the whole area is covered, and there's no way you see it from the outside unless you entered the gym," Chie answered.
"That's absurd," Mai commented.
"After all, we have limited funds; if we build a concert stage, it will immediately drain our funds. The clubs are willing to lend us equipment and gladly offer us some help. Let them work on the stage preparations, and the least we can do right now is give them the performance that'll make their efforts worth it." I explained further.
"Sounds fun!" they answered in unison.
We continued our practice after, and my body started aching.
Shizuru, I'm sorry.
Alyssa's POV
Natsuki made up her mind; I know that sounds ridiculous, but she thought of it thoroughly. Natsuki's plan to pursue Shizuru sounds silly, but she bet every single luck left herself. If this plan won't work, then it's over for them to be together. I'm unsure if I ever want Shizuru to be with my sister, but Natsuki's smile never fades whenever I see them together. I saw Natsuki's genuine smile; I couldn't afford to lose that for the rest of her life.
Shizuru is so hard to read, I've known her ever since my sister fell on her, but something about Shizuru makes me wonder why I can't read her thoughts. Of course, I had seen her worried about Natsuki before, but not behind her mask. I know there's something about her that she doesn't want everyone to know or to see.
Shizuru's POV
I'm pissed.
I'm fucking pissed, and I want to kill Natsuki right now.
Yeah, you heard me cussing.
It's been over a week since I last talked to her; I didn't even have the time to answer her correctly! I don't see her as a woman or something to accept her feelings immediately.
We're best friends, and she took her distance from me without hearing my reply. The two of us becoming distant is something I can hardly accept. The fact that she beat me to it left my pride a blank spot forever. Natsuki, you little shit!
"Oya? The President is visibly pissed off right now; I wonder what's the reason why she's pissed.?" Reito entered the Student Council Room, smirking.
"It's a 'Who' Kanzaki-san. Natsuki has rejected her calls for a week now. Natsuki even moved to another apartment, refusing to see Shizuru." Natsu calmly answered Reito.
"You know, Shizuru, in your position as President, even your power as a Fujino can track Natsuki's whereabouts. Why not do it right away?" Reito suggested.
"She's avoiding me! From the moment she slipped her confession, she distanced herself! I'm at the point of seeing you two simply breathing makes me more pissed." I answered.
"Relax, Shizuru, we're not Natsuki to buy your cravings. Is it your time of the month already?" Reito said, shrugging.
"Mind your own business Reito before I strangle you to death," I answered, knowing what he meant.
"I wonder how Natsuki deals with your mood swings? Sure, Natsuki is an extraordinary high school girl." He commented before walking out of the room. Reito knew he couldn't handle me when I was in a foul mood.
"At least bring me Sencha!" I shouted loud enough for Reito to hear. I need tea right now.
It is true that whenever I am annoyed because of my red flag, Natsuki will automatically buy me the foods that I crave; I will be dealing with this alone from now on. Damn you, Natsuki!
"What confession are you talking about earlier?"
Oh, fuck! I forgot Natsu's in the same room too.
"Nothing," I answered. We stayed silent for a few moments until Reito brought me the tea I wanted. I thanked Reito and ordered them to begone my sight.
I want my peace back.
If only Natsuki is here to entertain me.
Natsuki's POV
"Achooo!" I sneezed in the middle of Mai's solo.
"Curse you! You ruined my concentration! How dare you, Natsuki!" Mai barked at me.
"I'm sorry, okay? Hey, we mastered everything now; why don't we take a day off and continue after that? My body is asking for a rest already."
"Since we're at 87% done with our preparation and still have two weeks before the event, why don't we rest for two days? After that, we will continue the rehearsal on the stage together with the staff." Yukino suggested.
"That sounds fantastic, Yukino!" Both Chie and Nao shouted in happiness while cheering for Yukino.
"I guess that's fine. I was about to ditch you tomorrow to rest." I said, smirking.
"That's mean, Natsuki! To think this idea comes from you!" Mai pouted.
"Even though we take our rest, that doesn't mean you won't practice your part; I'm afraid you will forget everything," Alyssa said worriedly.
"Don't worry, Alyssa, I won't forget everything we practice," Chie reassured.
"Hey, what day is it today?" I asked Miyu, who silently watched Nao and Chie.
"13th." She replied.
"Oh! Okay, see you later, guys; I still have to do something."
Shizuru's POV
I came out of the ladies' room and headed back to the Student Council Room, so glad that the school canceled the classes; otherwise, it'll kill me to sit all day bearing their existence. Yes! At times like this, and no one feeds me, I despise everyone that exists.
Reito ensured no Council member entered the room, especially Haruka, as I was in a foul mood all day.
I was about to slide the door open of the Council Room when someone from the inside opened it first, and then my world stopped; there, standing in front of me, was the owner of the one and only Emerald eyes that I adore. Natsuki.
"Yo!" She greeted me with a peace sign while grinning.
"You're still alive, huh?" I asked angrily. If today were my ordinary day, I would be happy seeing Natsuki, but No, she chose this day to pop up.
"Mood swings, I see~" she just smirked and slowly walked inside to let me in the room.
"Damn you."
"Did you take a painkiller?" She asked while looking at me intensely.
"I did."
"I bought you chocolates, chips, and boba" She put everything on the table before turning around and looking outside the window.
"Thank you, you don't know how much I wanted these all day," I commented, then proceeded to sip my boba.
"Shizuru, would you be there?" She asked.
"Pardon?"
"I asked if you would be watching the concert."
"Of course I will. I'll be there."
"Good."
"Where were you? I was calling you nonstop, but you never answered my calls."
"Just wandering around." She answered and put her hands inside her pockets.
"Natsuki-"
"I better go now, Shizuru; I still have to do something."
She didn't even let me finish my words.
"So strange of you to leave me here alone," I whispered to the wind as I watched Natsuki vanish.
Natsuki somehow changed.
[A/N]: sorry for the delay. I'm having a hard time right now. This chapter is unedited like the previous chapters. Please bear with the error for now.
Sencha is a steamed green tea made from small-leaf Camellia sinensis (tea bushes). Japanese sencha tends to have a refreshing flavor that can be described as vegetal, green, seaweedy, or grassy. Flavors vary with different types of sencha and how they are brewed.
Feel free to message if you see any errors or grammatically error. Thank You for your understanding.