Disclaimer: Prison School belongs to its original creator Akira Hiramoto and the anime series J.C Staff. Shadowdream30 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, original scenes.
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With Tanabata and Chiyo's birthday fast approaching, everyone prepares for the special occasion. One boy in particular is also preparing a special gift for the amazon teenager. But there is only one problem…
-Hachimitsu- [Matsuri Room]
July 4th (Wednesday)
10:00pm
Matsuri was on his bed with the laptop settled right in front of him with his eyes covered.
[They're closed, right?] Meiko asked from the laptop.
"Yeah. Though I still don't know what this is all about…" Matsuri asked with a curious tone.
The boy could hear Meiko giggling, something that he didn't mind at all, but was still weird coming from the fierce vice president. [Just wait and see.]
Matsuri could feel his heart racing a little. And to add to that, his mushroom was reacting as well. Though he's aware that Meiko doesn't mind one bit about his arousal, he still felt ashamed of himself for reacting in such a way in front of the same girl who disliked males for their perverted ways.
He could hear Meiko humming to herself with a bit of a happy tone.
[Okaaaay…open them.]
Matsuri opened his eyes. He feels his cheeks heats up as he finds Meiko in a completely different attire from her usual Hachimitsu uniform. She was now wearing a light blue yukata, designed with polka-dots on it. All in different colors. One thing he noticed was how the yukata shrinks and holds against her impressive and huge breasts.
[Weeell~? Do you like it?] Meiko said as she grins at the boy's stunned expression.
Matsuri quickly regained his composure, shaking his head before giving his answer. "I-I think you look amazing!"
Meiko smiled brightly at the boy. [Really! T-Thank you! I-I was a little worried if it didn't look good or wasn't my style. B-But I'm glad to hear that you like it…i-it means alot.]
Matsuri offered a smile. "I really think it looks good on you."
"Though, to be honest…you look good in almost anything." He thought to himself with a blush.
[I went shopping with Mari, Hana, Kate, Mitsuko and Risa. To be honest, it was my second time going shopping. I'm…not really used to doing things outside of work. Not only that, to be on a day out with Mari and Hana…it's been a while since we hung out.]
"It will take time to get used to…I'm a little surprised that you went with Kate and the others. Considering what happened between you guys. Especially with Kate." Matsuri said.
Meiko pondered for a moment. [I will admit, it was rather odd being with Kate and all. While she does still have a tongue, she is…at least tolerable. She helped me out with picking out the outfit for Tanabata and Chiyo's birthday.]
"Oh yeah?"
[Of course. We both agree that a yukata would be perfect for the occasion. Plus, I will be performing entertainment for the party.]
Matsuri blinked as he tilted his head with a curious expression. "You're gonna be performing? Like what?"
[Ah. I was going to be performing barrel tossing. Andre offered me to use him as a barrel, but I told myself that I would be using a barrel instead. Besides, he should be hanging out with his friends.] Meiko said.
Matsuri couldn't help but release a nervous laugh. "That's Andre for ya. But it's nice that you're providing entertainment."
Despite the fact that she will be providing entertainment, he noticed how she felt a little disappointed. If anything to note with the pout on her face.
"Meiko?"
[Nothing it's just…I know I agree to do this and all but…another part of me just wanted to spend the day with you.] She said with a pout.
Matsuri blinked at her words. "Y-Your…being really open about this."
[It's true though.] Meiko said as she looked at him with loving eyes. [I still remember our last date with each other at the theatre, you know?]
Matsuri flinched. "I-I'm surprised you still remember?"
[Well…it's just that…I wanted us to continue off from there, Matsuri.]
The boy could feel his heart racing at many miles per hour from just hearing Meiko's words. He could still freshly remember how soft her lips was against his. Her thighs as they sat on top of him. Her rear bottom as it rubs against his special area.
[Matsuri? Matsuri?]
"H-Huh!?"
[You blacked out there. Is everything okay?]
"Y-Yeah. Sorry, got caught off guard there…um…I…I feel the same way." He said as he looks at the screen, right at Meiko. "I wanted to do more with you as well."
Meiko blushed, feeling small beads of sweat pouring against her bare skin. A small smile crept on her lips as she looked at the boy. She leans closer to the screen as her eyes soften. [Looks like someone being bold theirselves.]
Matsuri lightly scratched his cheeks at the mention of him. "U-Um…well…it is true though."
[...hey. You wanna come over?]
Matsuri snaps his head at the teen who held a grin. "W-What?"
[Come on now. We're both awake. I'm still rather restless, so you wanna come over and perhaps…get crazy~.]
Matsuri's cheeks were a fierce red. He could feel both his heart and mushroom reacting in strange ways. And the added fact that Meiko is still wearing her yukata helped him being more aroused than before.
He regained his composure before answering. "S-Sorry, not today."
[Hm?]
"I…I'm doing a little side project of my own. It's…a very secret project."
Meiko blinks at the boy's words. But nonetheless didn't dare poke at it. [Ah. Why didn't you say so? Sorry for the sudden invitation.]
"It's fine. You kind of caught me off guard anyways. But yeah, it's true. I'm working on something…it's a present for you actually."
This caught Meiko's attention. [Really now?]
"Y-Yeah, but I don't want to reveal it until Tanabata, so…if it's alright…can you maybe wait a little?"
Meiko offered a smile. [Hmm. Now I'm very interested. Very well then, I shall wait for your gift then.]
"Thanks. I'm still in the process, but hopefully I'll be done with it by then."
[Very well then,] Meiko said before she yawned and stretched her back. [I guess we should be heading to bed soon.]
"Yeah. I'll see you later then." Matsuri said.
[Yes. Good night, Matsuri.]
On that closing note, they both ended the call.
The boy flips on his back. Looking up at the ceiling with a tired expression.
"I say that I'll get the present done for her by Tanabata…but." His hand reaches across from him and grabs for a piece of paper. Looking at the paper with words written and scribbled out. A disappointed frown graced his lips. "Can I get this done on time…"
-USC New Office Building-
July 5th (Thursday)
3:15pm
Mari and the girls finally saw their first sight of their new office. The once abandoned office that was used by the ASC. Now the whole building looks almost entirely new and even cleaned. The moss that once grew on the walls, the cracks were no more. The metal plates on the ceiling were replaced with clean and new roofing.
Even the inside itself was entirely revamped. The most noticeable part was the room was much bigger in space. Allowing more rooms for Mari and the others to move around. The walls were no longer riddled with a series of cracks and old paint, but were repainted over and fixed. The sink that was old was replaced with a brand new sink. The couches were even replaced with soft cushioning.
Hana sat on the couches with a little bounce. "This is amazing. The couches are way more comfortable to sit on now! Finally, my butt doesn't have to hurt anymore."
Meiko was walking around the spacious room, taking note of everything that was once old and not working, now replaced with new installation. "I'm impressed by how much Yukina went through to change everything in just short days. But how did she manage to make more room for the building?"
Mari sat posed on the couch. "Ah. I believe one of her butlers said that since some of the rooms that accommodated the building were not being used. So they tore down the walls and decided to expand it. Making more rooms for us."
"I see. Rather generous of her to go that far."
Mari pondered for a moment before speaking. "Well, I remember seeing father with a pale look, he mentioned that he received an earful from Yukina's parents. They told him how they were disgusted with how the students were using this room that was not being used. That led them to just completely revamp the entirety of the building."
"And here I thought that she was just some spoiled rich kid. Guess I gave her less credit than she deserved." Hana said with a grin.
"All in all, this room is now more accommodating than it was before. I appreciate the effort Matsuri went through to ask Yukina to help build this room."
"Oh yeah, it was thanks to him to begin with. Where is he anyways?" Hana asked with a curious tone.
Meiko walks over to sit down on the couch, crossing her one leg over the other. "I believe he has something that needs his attention. So for the moment he is preoccupied."
"And you know this, how?" Mari asked with a small smirk gracing her lips.
Meiko's cheeks flushed a faint red. "I was on the call with him last night."
Hana couldn't help but smile at this. Leaning forward with cheeks resting on both of the palms of her hands. "Oh~? And just what were you calling him about?"
Meiko scratched her cheeks a little. "I-I was just showing him my yukata for Tanabata. He thought it was good for me. I-I appreciated his compliment. I thought for a moment he wouldn't like anything."
Mari smiled at her friend. "I told you there was nothing to worry about when it comes to Matsuri. And besides, you had Kate and Hana to help pick it out for you anyways."
Meiko offered a shy small smile with her cheeks reddening. "Yes…by the way, he said he had something for me as well. But he told me to wait until Tanabata."
Hana couldn't help but giggle at this. "Ooh. Does he now? Wonder what it is?"
"Well, I'm not gonna pry too much into what he has for me, but I am curious myself." Meiko said as she had her hand over her heart. Barely able to contain the excitement.
"Either way, it's nice of Matsuri to go through so much for us. It has truly been long since the last time he entered the council. While we hit some bumps on the road, I certainly wasn't expecting myself to freely have an open mind about a boy. I will admit, I was a little worried about Matsuri holding feelings for you and you responding to that. But it's nice to see how caring he is towards you. Not only that, how nobleman he is. What I am trying to say is…I am happy for you both." Mari said with a bright smile.
Meiko could feel her heart pumping at a mile per hour. Her cheeks redden deeper. Feeling small beads of sweat dripping against her skin. A small smile graced her lips before it grew into a brighter smile than Mari.
"T-Thank you, Mari."
"OH THAT'S RIGHT!" Hana exclaimed. "Speaking of Tanabata! Chiyo-chan's birthday also lies on that day! We still should prepare for that!"
"You are right. Have we figured out where we're gonna have it?" Meiko asked.
Mari held a small smile as she leaned on her fist, her cheeks resting upon it. "A perfect Saturday morning, a place where everyone can have fun and enjoy themselves as we cook barbecue…there's only one place for us to hold it."
Meiko and Hana held surprised expressions.
-Rooftop-
Occupying the rooftop, Matsuri was standing in front of the four girls. Etsuko sitting in Tsubaki's lap with her arms over her shoulders. Holding her close. Yukina and Megumi were sitting crisscrossed with their full attention on the boy.
Matsuri was holding a paper in his hand, while trembling a little. He sang out the words…
"Meiko~, a b-bright and loyal friend. Always giving it her all~. Despite being clumsy and worried of failing, s-she doesn't dare falter or give up. Mei-Meiko, always st-standing brave in the face of danger~. W-While scared of losing and n-not being an assistant. I-It doesn't stop her from heading into danger~. M-Meiko~ a bright and brave girl~. Me-Meiko…"
Matsuri stopped there feeling rather nervous. He nervously looked at his friends who gave him rather mixed expressions. Etsuko held a smile on her face but her face was a bit too straightforward. Tsubaki was holding a rather conflicted expression, trying not to eye him or say something. Yukina was the most obvious as she held a rather disgusted expression that didn't help Matsuri's self-esteem one bit. Megumi however, held an unreadable expression.
"Matsuri." Etsuko said with a straight face. "Is that it?"
"U-Um…y-yeah…s-so how was it?"
The four girls glanced amongst each other before looking at the boy.
"Give us a moment, will ya?" Tsubaki said to the boy.
Matsuri nodded with a very anxious feeling.
The girls gathered around in a small circle. Getting a good distance from the boy so that he couldn't hear them. With the occasional looking back at the boy before speaking amongst each other. He swore he could hear some things from their conversation here and there, but that alone is what made him more anxious.
He hears them ending their conversation. With Tsubaki, Etsuko and Yukina staying back. Megumi was the only one who walked up to the boy with a straight face. She looks right at Matsuri, immediately making him uncomfortable with the way she didn't express anything.
She rested her hand on the boy's shoulder. "Matsuri."
"Y-Yeah…"
"...you suck."
"Y-Yeah, I thought so. So what sucked about it?" Matsuri said feeling a little defeated.
"Everything." Megumi bluntly said. Causing the boy to flinch. "The lyrics were too bad but they were cringe as hell. Not terrible but too cheesy for even Meiko's taste. You were barely giving out a singing voice, stumbling upon words after word. Plus…you just suck at being a songwriter and should never do it again."
Matsuri didn't say anything as he stood there looking at Megumi with a straight face. Before he turned around and walked a couple of distances away from the group. He stopped before dropping to his knee and laying on his side with a defeated whimper.
"Aaaaaaaand just like that, he's down for the count." Tsubaki said with a blunt expression.
Etsuko was a little worried for her friend before speaking to Megumi. "H-Hey, don't you think you were going too far."
Megumi looks at the small girl. "I was just giving out my opinion. That's all."
"Verily, but that opinion of yours was rather…shall we say…effective." Yukina said, taking note of the boy's expression.
Etsuko runs up towards the defeated boy. She patted the boy's side. "Hey come on Matsuri. It wasn't that bad…it was just a little…you know…n-not up to standard."
"Though I would admit it was rather cheesy as Megumi calls it." Yukina said.
"Thank you."
"BOTH OF YOU ARE NOT HELPING!"
Matsuri sighs to himself before speaking. "It's fine Etsuko, they're being honest and I would rather if they did. But…it would be nice if they were a little nicer with their criticism."
Megumi shrugged. "I was being honest. And let's face it, you do seriously suck at singing."
Matsuri groaned a little. Lifting himself up from the ground as he looks at the paper. "I'm trying to come up with a song for Meiko before Tanabata. But as you can see…it's harder than it looks."
Etsuko looks over his shoulder straight at the paper. "I mean, it's really not that bad. Maybe it needs some adjustment here and there and possibly build your self-esteem while we're at it."
Matsuri scratched his head with a frustrated groan. "I'm not much of a song writer anyways. At least nowhere near as good as Mari."
"Oh yeah?" Megumi asked. "Can Mari sing?"
"I haven't heard her sing, but Meiko shared the song that Mari made for her back when they were in elementary school. I actually tried taking inspiration from her verse, but…well you know how that turned out."
Tsubaki pondered for a moment. "Is that even allowed? You know, taking something from the original and putting it on your own. What is it, like copyright and all that shit?"
"I mean, it's not like I'm publishing the song or anything. And besides, there is such a thing as remixes and all." Matsuri said. He leaned back on his hand. "Just coming up with the lyrics is difficult enough. I want to convey my feelings to Meiko and not have it come off so…half-assed."
Etsuko looks at the paper before looking at the boy. "How long were you working on this?"
Matsuri pondered for a moment. "It was actually after the sports festival. I've been working on it nonstop."
The girls looked at the one boy with a disbelieving expression.
"What?" Matsuri said with a curious tone.
"You've been working on the song nonstop?" Tsubaki asked.
"I took breaks."
"A break or some breaks?" Yukina said with a blank expression. Looking at the boy with her hands on her hips.
Matsuri blinked, looking the other way with an embarrassed expression. "I took breaks."
Yukina narrowed her eyes on the boy. "I'm gonna take the answer as, you only took one break. That's it."
Matsuri groaned under his breath with a heavy blush.
"Yeah, that's definitely what Matsuri would pull." Megumi said.
"Sorry but…it's just that…I really do want to make this special for Meiko. I want to convey my feelings towards her. What makes her special to me, for everything she did for me when I entered the school. I don't want to botch this for her."
The four girls look at the boy with surprised expressions. Hearing the boy's goal and why he wants to do this. They couldn't help but glance at each other. Tsubaki, Yukina and Megumi were unsure of what to do.
"Well, I can see why and I wish I can help but…" Tsubaki looks the other way with an embarrassed expression. "I'm not much of a singer."
"Same here. I can't exactly get behind the lyrics." Megumi said.
Both Tsubaki and Megumi look at the ninja student who looks between the two. "Can I help you two?"
"You're the rich girl here. Coming from a wealthy family who happen to be a bunch of damn ninjas in modern times. I imagine someone like you would know how to sing."
Yukina pouted. "Of course I don't know how to sing. It's not in my area."
Megumi and Yukina exchanged at each other before looking at the girl. "Seriously? That's first."
"Excuse you, but I think you guys believe that I'm some sort of Mary Sue rich character. Please, if I was, I would've gone miles over all of you. But I am not." Yukina said as she crossed her arms under her bosom.
"Gee, what a friend you are." Tsubaki said.
The three took notice of the small girl and made a small laugh. "Fufufu~. It looks like once again, I, Etsuko Kamishoya, must come to my friend's aid in his most desperate time."
Yukina gave a blunt expression to the girl. "Why do I feel like you were just making fun of me there?"
Etsuko ignores the teen as she spins towards Matsuri. She grabs both of Matsuri's cheeks and hugs him close to her chest. The boy's face flushed red from the girl's affection.
"You poor soul. Rest your soul at ease as I will guide you down the path to revive your inspiration. And achieve your quest to capture Meiko's heart!"
"H-Huh? How?"
"Fufufu~. You don't worry about your little head about that. I have the perfect plaaaan~." She said with a cherry voice.
Yukina could only groan in annoyance. "This is going to be a long day of utter nonsenses."
-Classroom-
Matsuri and the other girls were sitting on chairs that were placed in the front row with all the chairs behind them. The four were clueless on what was going on or why they were even here. The only thing they could clue in was that Etsuko had something in plan for today that could end in disaster.
"Ugh. Why am I even here again?" Yukina said with an annoyed look.
"Because Etsuko wants all of us here for her…lesson I guess." Megumi said with a unsure expression.
"But why me though? It's not like I'm the one who needs help with singing or what not?"
"You mind as well want to count us. Geez, this is such a pain in the ass." Tsubaki said as she scratched her head with a groan.
Matsuri was on the same boat as the other as he looked up front. He sees a white board up front with the title in cap:
WELCOME TO MUSIC LESSON CLASS
Matsuri could only sigh to himself. "Sometimes I feel like she just likes to have fun…"
*WHAM!*
The four look towards the door where it opened up. Their expression immediately fell when they saw who emerged from the door. Etsuko closes the door and walks up to the podium, her heels clacking against the floor. The small first year was dressed once again in an unusual outfit.
This time she was dressed in a long red shoulder cut dress that revealed her chest which were melon bread stuffed in her chest to puff up her bust. She even had some melon bread against her rear to give her a more of an hourglass figure. She wore white glove.
She turns around and turns around and faces them with her fist against her hips. "Hello class! And welcome to my class! For this special session, we're going to be learning about singinnnnnnng~!"
Yukina groaned to herself. "This is truly gonna be a long day. I feel I need to just go home and go to bed early."
Reacting too late, she was hit in the forehead with a piece of chalk.
"No speaking in class while I'm speaking." Etsuko said with a smile. "And you will address me as sensei. Understand?"
Yukina struggled to rise up from her position and sat up straight. Rubbing her forehead. "Little twerp…"
Tsubaki raised her hand. "Um…sensei? I have a question?"
"Yes?"
"The hell is this all about?" She said as blunt as she could be.
"Fufufu~. This class is to teach Matsuri and all of you the art of singing."
"Hold on! Who the hell said I signed up for this!? I thought this was only for Matsuri!?" Tsubaki said as she stood up from her seat.
"Because I thought it would be more fun to show you all the lessons of singing. Come on, just give it a chance, you guys may find it fun at the end of the day. By the end of this class you all will be singing to your heart conteeeent~." She said with a sing-song voice.
Tsubaki, Megumi and Yukina's cheeks flushed red. Already thinking of the idea of them singing in public with everyone watching them with weird expressions on their faces.
"H-HOLD ON A MINUTE-"
"Okay, class is starting now!" She completely ignores Tsubaki's plea as she taps on the board. "The lesson when it comes to singing a song. You need to sing it from your heart!"
Matsuri blinked. "Sing it…from my heart?"
"Of course~! Singing from your heart is the most important part about singing! Your feelings for Meiko lies within your heart. What makes her special to you? What do you like about her? So on and so forth."
Yukina pondered for a moment. "Hmm…rather cheesy if you ask me, but Et-*ahem* sensei does make a point. If you're making a song for the person you love, the song should be a laid out blueprint about what you love about her."
Matsuri pondered for a moment before having a dejected expression. "I…there are many things I love about her. But I can never put them in exact words or even sing them. And even if I can sing them…I'm…not exactly a singing person either ways. I just don't have the confidence."
The boy flinched when he felt a cold finger poking his nose. He leans back against his chair, looking right at Etsuko who gave him a reassuring smile. "That's what this class is for. I'm gonna be teaching how to sing from your heart. And building confidence in yourself."
Matsuri blushed a little. "But I don't know where to start?"
"I'll show you…"
Etsuko rushes back outside before bringing back something inside. The four could not see what it was as it was under a blanket, covering its identity.
"Oh for goodness sake, what is that? Did you go and kidnap someone?" Yukina asked.
"OF COURSE NOT! I'M NOT A CRIMINAL!" Etsuko yelled.
"Then what is it?" Tsubaki asked with a scared expression.
Etsuko wasted no time as she grabbed onto the sheet and swiped it off the figure. As if their day couldn't get any weirder. The figure that is under the sheet was a mannequin that looked like Meiko. Dressed with the female Hachimitsu uniform, being in similar style to how Meiko dresses herself as. But for her asset the mannequin got a pair of balloons to represent her boobs and a pair of glasses and a gray wig.
Matsuri and the others had similar reactions.
"Just what is this?" Yukina asked.
"Fufufu~! Part of the lesson. Matsuri, as I mentioned before, you should be singing from your heart. What makes Meiko truly special to you? And basically anything else. Demostratioooon~."
"Please stop singing." Yukina said as she rubbed her forehead.
"Nooooooo~."
Etsuko claps her hand.
*Click!*
The lights turn out. Confusing all four of them.
"The hell?"
A lone light centered on Etsuko who held a microphone in her hand.
"Oh dear, I feel I can't handle Etsuko's antics anymore."
A music started in the background.
Etsuko took a step forward.
"This one…is my one and only true love…Meiko Shiraki."
"Oh god no." Tsubaki muttered as she covered her hand.
Meiko~. You're so cool.
Etsuko leans close to the mannequin. Her body pushed up against it.
And with my charm we're gonna ruuule~.
Meiko~! Understaaand~!
I'm gonna looove you till the very eeend~!
Etsuko got on the floor and started to roll around it.
Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko
Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko
She rolled on her back and hugged the mic close to her mouth.
I LOOOVE YOUUU~! OH~!
Etsuko got up as she started to throw her leg around the mannequin waist and hugged it close.
Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko
Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko
I LOOOVE YOUUU~! OOOHH~!
Etsuko then had her back against the mannequin, rubbing her butt up and down on its side.
The boys, the council and teachers too. A 6 feet tall kaiju couldn't keep me from you~!
Meiko~! At the end of the line~!
I'll make you miiine~! OOOH~!
Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko
Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko, Meiko
I LOOOVE~! OOOOH~!
MEIKOOO~! MEIKOO~! MEIKOOOOO~! MEIKOOOOOOOOOOO~!
The lights came back on.
Etsuko stood up with her hands on her hip. A small smile on her face. "And that's how it is done."
The four just sat down with mixed expressions. Yukina pinched the bridge of her brows. Tsubaki covered her face with a groan added to it. Megumi just looked at the girl with just blank expressions. Matsuri's face was just flushed deep red, looking at the girl who stood there proud with her head held up high.
Tsubaki wiped her face down with her hand as she looked at the girl. "I just don't understand you."
"You see the point I'm trying to make?" Etsuko said.
"No, unsurprisingly enough." Yukina said.
Etsuko rolled her eyes. "In order to truly sing, you must listen to your heart."
"What does that even mean?" Matsuri asked.
Etsuko jumps off of the podium and walks up to the boy. She puts her hand to his chest. "In order to make a song for Meiko, you must understand what your true feelings are for Meiko."
"Ah, you mentioned that before. What makes Meiko special to me and all that?"
"That's right!" She said with a bright smile. "Now speak, what makes her special to you?"
Matsuri pondered for a moment. "Well…there are many things that make Meiko truly special to me…she's strong, loyal to her friends and brave."
Megumi scratched her chin pondering for a moment. "But aren't those when she's at work. How about when she's not at work?"
Matsuri stopped for a moment before speaking. "I…she's kind…despite her rough exterior, deep down she can be friendly. She's diligent, warm and when she smiles…it's like looking at a sun rising over the horizon. When she laughs or makes a giggle, she can be really cute. She is unwavering and never gives up…I…that's what I like about her as a person."
The girl looks at the boy with surprised expressions. He held that much feeling for her. It was rather impressive and sweet coming from the boy.
Etsuko had small tears in her eyes. "That's…WRONG!"
"HUH!? IT'S WRONG!?"
"Sure! She's all that to you! But what about the juicier stuff!"
Matsuri blinked. "U-Um…I don't know what you mean?"
Etsuko leaned towards him with a smile. "Come on, I'm talking about her body of course~."
Matsuri's face turned deep red. "WHY THE HELL WOULD I DO THAT!?"
"It's written all over your face! Come on, lay out the juicy stuff!"
Tsubaki bonks Etsuko on her head, causing the small girl to rub her head. "Hey! Focus will you!"
"And I got a question, Matsuri is trying to write a short song. Not a long song or anything. Or not even a perverted song about her body." Yukina said.
Etsuko pouted for a moment. "Fine. And to answer your question, I'm not aiming for the song to be super long. We're aiming to convey his true feelings for her…in song verse."
"I thought you guys said my song was stupid." Matsuri said with a pout.
"Actually, I said that." Megumi pointed out with a blunt expression. "But yeah, your song is pretty stupid."
"I mean, it was…dumb. But it wasn't too dumb. We just need to reach inside your inner self and release it if we're gonna make the perfect song for Meiko."
Matsuri held an expression for a moment before it deflated. Showing signs of defeat. "I don't know…I'm not as creative or artistic as you are. I just don't think I can do it."
"You don't have to be creative to be a good singer or write a song. You just need to find what makes Meiko truly special to you and shout those feelings out. Like Yukina for example."
Yukina looks at the girl with a stern glare. "I'm sorry, but why are you including me in this?"
"She acts like a spoiled princess ninja, but deep down she's really just a normal girl with a very nasty attitude."
Yukina huffed as she looked the other way.
"Now then," Etsuko said as she pats her hand on Matsuri's chest. "Give it a try."
Matsuri stopped for a moment…pondered really hard for a moment. He considers calming down by breathing slowly. He tried to sing…
Meiko…I-um…I…Meiko my beloved…I-
"Gah!" Matsuri clutched his face with frustration. "I just can't!"
"Maybe you're trying too hard…" Megumi said with a ponder.
"I don't know but…it just feels like something is holding me back." Matsuri said with a defeated tone. "I don't know if I can even do it. I have my feelings for Meiko laid out in front of me but…I have this voice in the back of my head that keeps saying things like…'you're not good enough for her' or 'she's way out of your league' just the usual negative stuff."
Tsubaki and the others held worried looks on their faces.
"Hey Matsuri, are you really that worried about disappointing Meiko." Tsubaki asked.
"Well think about it," Matsuri said with a bit of a panic before he calmed down. "I see Meiko as a jewel. She's just…amazing in every way. Then there's me, I'm not a diamond, nor anything remarkable. I'm just-"
"CHUDO CHOP!"
*Whack!*
"OW!"
"TELL THOSE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS TO SHOVE IT AND EAT IT!"
"Huh!?"
Etsuko leaned towards the boy with a glare. "Don't listen to what your bum self has to say! Only listen to yourself!"
"I mean, that's easier said than done, but I don't know if I can even do it."
"Hold on," Yukina said as she crossed her leg over the other. "I feel like we're taking this a little step too far. How about we approach this issue another way? You know, one step at a time."
"She's right. While Etsuko does have the right idea, we need to remember, this is Matsuri we're dealing with here." Megumi said.
Etsuko crossed her arms across her chest with a groan. "Yeah, you are right. Okay then, first thing first. Let go with just some simple toning here and there. Oh, and you guys will be joining as well."
"Damn it!" Tsubaki cursed herself.
Etsuko stood tall in front of them all with a proud smile. "Alright now, how about we start with some simple toning. Oh and if any of you, get it wrong. I'll give you a good flick on the forehead."
"Oh for goodness sake." Yukina said as she rolled her eyes.
Yukina reacted too late as she felt her forehead being flicked causing her to yelp.
"Like I said, misbehave and I give you a flick!" Etsuko said with a wink.
"Little twerp."
"Now then." She cleared her throat and prepared herself. "Laaaaaaaa~! Now Tsubaki."
"Why me…" Tsubaki groaned before calming herself. "L-La-laaaaaa-OW!"
Etsuko flicked her forehead. "Come on, with feelings!"
"L-Laaaaaaa~!" Tsubaki toned out with a nearly good
"Good! Now Yukina!"
"Laaaaaaaaaa~!" She sang in a melody-like voice.
"Show off. Megumi!"
Megumi rolled her eyes with flushed cheeks. "L-Laaaaaaaaa~!"
"Yeah that right! Okay Matsuri! Go for it!"
Matsuri took a breath before giving it a shot. He gave out a soft tone. "Laaaaaaaaaaa~."
"There! Right there! That's your voice! Now channel that voice and let out your voice!" Etsuko said with passion.
Matsuri took a breath before singing.
Meiko is like a precious jewel th-that um…uh…
"Don't stop! Keep going! Come on!"
Matsuri started to feel a heavy pressure weighing down on his body. But he kept going.
M-Meiko, a precious jewel within the rough~.
A bright, cheerful, a strong willed…um…s-she
"UGH!" Matsuri screamed in frustration as he dropped to the floor with hands pushing against his cheeks. "I…I don't know why…I just can't go with it!"
The small girl became rather worried for her friend in his distress state. Dropping to her knee, she leans towards the boy. "H-Hey, no need to push yourself that hard."
Megumi kneels down and rests her hand on Matsuri's back. "You alright?"
The boy took a deep breath. "No…no matter how hard I try…it just feels like something is pulling me back. I try to ignore it, I really do…but it just keeps getting louder and louder. It almost feels…feel like…"
Matsuri stops himself as his eyes grow wide.
"Matsuri?" Etsuko asked.
"I remember…" The group listens to the boy. "During my time here…before I told you guys about Yoshimiya's death. I always had these negative thoughts…they keep on telling me how I wasn't worthy of redemption…"
Yukina narrowed her eyes. "I see, so you still have some doubts within you?"
"Not much of my past. I already know what I did and there's no changing from that…but this one is more related to Meiko."
"I see now. So you're saying that your negative side is keeping you from making this song, right?" Tsubaki asked the boy who nodded. The delinquent then pumped her fist in the air with a growl. "Then how about you tell your negative side to shove it before he receives a good punch from you!"
"How are you even supposed to threaten something that is non-existence…unless you can imagine it." Megumi asked.
Yukina pondered hard on this. "My goodness Matsuri, I know you have self-esteem issues, but this is rather much, do you think?"
"Sorry, but…the back of my mind just keeps pulling me back. I really want to make this special for Meiko, to show what I love about her. To me, Meiko is like a diamond that shines above me…I can't think of anything that makes me special like her…"
Matsuri got up from the sitting position and slowly walked up in front of the classroom with a defeated expression…
Meiko~. She is a diamond in the sky.
Accomplishing many hurdles~.
A brief image of Meiko appears in front of him. A good distance between them as Matsuri tries to reach out for her.
But when I try to reach for her or try to stand near her.
Those negative voices get louder and louder. Pulling me back~.
A mass glob of dark strings wrapped around each of Matsuri limbs. Pulling him back, putting more distance between him and Meiko. He struggles to break free from his prison.
I see her still shining. I try to run to her and hold her haaands~.
But this pain is within my heart~! Gets worse every time! Growing louder and louder~!
Matsuri clutches his chest with both his hands. Feeling the pain in his heart. He looks up, darkness begins to surround him.
The walls close around me~! I try to break free! But no matter how hard I try it's no use!
I look around me…I don't see that diamond in the skyyy~. Nor the path in front of me…
Matsuri drops to his feet and hugs himself. Letting the darkness close around him.
All I seeee~...is nothing…hearing nothing…nothing…
As Matsuri sat alone in the darkness. He hears a faint familiar voice.
Pick yourself up~.
Pick up~! Pick yourself up riiight now~!
He lifts his head as he looks ahead of the darkness. A small ball of light floats towards him.
Don't go doubting you~! Remove those voices in your heart~! Don't let those voices guide you~!
Only then till you see….
The orb floats in front of the boy. Matsuri cautiously reaches out for the orb. As he touches the orb, the darkness around became a little brighter. The orb that was once in front of him, turned into someone familiar. Etsuko looks at the boy with a bright smile, holding his hand.
That's your a diamond that you were seeking fooor~!
A bright shine glowed from Etsuko's heart. The ray of light pushes back the darkness, evaporating it with little effort. The blue sky emerges once more. Finding themselves standing on top of water in an endless sea. Matsuri's eyes sparkled as he looked around him. As if he was awakened from his depression.
Etsuko pulls his hand close to her, giving him a warm smile.
Hey Matsuri~! Don't doubt yourself~! Tell your heart that the future will be okaaaay~!
Etsuko spins him around with a playful manner. Her smile isn't fading away, smiling brightly at him. She then stops as she hugs him close. Causing the boy to flush a little.
Don't sit there in defeat~! Hear your heart! Don't give up right now~! Only be you~!
Till then you'll see! That you are that diamond that you seek~!
All you need to do is to answer that call in your heart~!
Etsuko gently pushes him away from her but still holds his hands.
Before he knew it, he found Tsubaki setting her hands on his shoulders. Giving the boy a reassuring smile.
Hey Matsuri! Don't go dying on me~!
Yukina moves next to Matsuri with a smile.
Remember to clear your mind! Let yourself go! Don't get under streeeess~!
You have no one to prove but yourself! Don't compare yourself!
Megumi comes up from behind, giving Matsuri a playful ruffle of his hair.
Remember to only be yourself~! Under all that rough! Is a diamond that shines bright!
All you need to do is to answer that call in your heart~!
Matsuri felt his heart bumping a little. A small shine glowed from his chest. Etsuko placed her hand over his chest.
Hey Matsuri~. You say you're not enough. You say you're not a diamond.
But deep within you~...
Etsuko looks up at the boy with tears in her eyes. But her smile remained.
Is a diamond that shines just as bright…all you need to do…is to answer that call~.
Matsuri took a deep breath before exhaling. He held both his hands close to his heart. He can feel it pumping a little faster.
These voices get louder~.
Those voices get louder, everytime I doubt myself.
I'll admit I lost myself~.
A small smile graced his lips as a single tear rolled down his cheeks.
Everything will be fine, as long as I don't doubt myself. Only be you~!
Remember the hurdles you overcome. Look how far I got.
Pick up. Pick yourself up right now~.
Only then…I'll see that I am that diamond that I wanted to be~!
The glow grew brighter and brighter! Until a diamond flew in front of him. The boy gave a small but warm smile.
"Everything will be fine…the future is a mystery. But I know we can get through it…everything…will be fine~."
He extends his hand towards the diamond that floats in front of him. Clasping it in his hand before hugging it close to him. Before he knew it, the light grew brighter and brighter. Until everything went white.
Matsuri slowly opens his eyes, finding himself surrounded by his friends. Etsuko, Tsubaki, Yukina and Megumi all gave him a hug. Surrounding him with warmth and comfort.
Matsuri gave a sigh. "Thanks guys…you really are the bestest friends I could ask for."
Tsubaki, Yukina and Megumi removed themself from the boy. But Etsuko remained close to the boy, giving him a warm smile.
"Like we told you before, if you're ever feeling down or can't take it anymore…we're always here to hear you out. We know your weak spot ve~ry well. No matter how many times you fail, I will never be disappointed in you. We'll all be there for you. One step at a time."
Matsuri's smile grew brighter. "Thank you…"
"You know," Yukina spoke. "Sometimes I forget that Etsuko has a sensible side to herself."
"Trust me, you'll forget it more than often with the way she acts." Tsubaki said.
"That is true." Megumi agreed.
"THE HELL IS THAT SUPPOSE TO MEAN!?" Etsuko yelled as she pushed her face up towards Yukina. "I CAN BE SENSITIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE FEELINGS! UNLIKE YOU OJOU-SAN!"
"I BEG YOUR PARDON! DON'T YOU DARE GO COMPARING YOURSELF TO ME! WE ARE ON COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LEVELS!"
Etsuko was about to give another yell. But stops herself, taking a deep breath before spinning on her heels. Facing the other way with her arms crossed under her chest.
"You're right, we are on different levels," She said, causing the girl to blink curiously. "I can be just charming and mature in my own way. Instead of being a stuck up rich girl who can't even swim."
Before Etsuko could even react, she found her head being crushed under the pressure of a really peeved Yukina.
"OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!"
"My, my. It looks like the small little runt would like to die~."
"I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! PLEASE LET GO OF ME!"
"H-Hey! Yukina! Calm down!" Matsuri panicked.
"Calm down would ya! Put her down!" Tsubaki tries to get her to let go.
All Megumi could do was to give a sigh, wondering how she found herself with a group like this.
As the group were busy with Yukina, they were unaware that Takamoto and Suzumei were secretly watching from the doorway.
"Looks like there's nothing to worry about." Takamoto said with a smile.
"I'm glad that Matsuri found some friends. Granted I thought that the USC or the boys would be his only friends here at the school." Suzumei said.
"Well, either way, it's nice to see that he found himself a group to be around with. A rather peculiar group, but at this school, I shouldn't be surprised."
Takamoto pushes herself off the wall and stretches her back out before walking away from the spot. Suzumei caught up with the nurse.
"So hey, did you get all that you need for the party?"
"Yeah I did. Usano was clear on what he wants for Chiyo's party. We even got to the spot where we'll have the party."
"Oh yeah? Where?"
"Not gonna say. I Would rather if you wait and see until Saturday."
The two teachers walked away while chatting with each other. Ending on the near perfect day.
-Omake- [Deer vs. Chairman]
All of the students watched from the sideline. Looking out the window wearing the same expressions on their faces. All of the female students looked onward with sparkles in their eyes while some had their phones.
Walking down in the hallways, Mari and Kate took notice of the commotion. Seeing many of the students gathering by the window.
"Oh, and just what is going on here?" Kate asked.
Mari became curious with the similar question in mind. She spots a familiar figure standing with a group of students by the window.
"Chiyo…" Mari called out.
Chiyo blinks before she turns around, seeing Mari and Kate walking over to her. "Oh! Hey guys."
"What's with the commotion?" Mari asked.
"Look down by the courtyard. By the grass."
Mari and Kate followed where she was pointing at and were shocked by all disbelief.
Over by the field, a lone brown deer was busy eating away at the grass he was standing on. The deer appears at average height, sporting dark brown fur. And had reasonable size antlers.
While the girls were gushing and being amazed at the sight of the deer. Mari and Kate were left stunned by its appearance.
"A…deet?" Kate asked.
"Now how did a deer appear here, I wonder." Mari asked with a pondering thought.
"Not sure. But it looks cute though. I mean look at it."
The deer raises its head up. Giving the student an innocent look. All of the females gave out a gush.
"Well…I'll admit, he is cute." Kate said with a bit of a blush. "But I don't think this deer should be on schoolground."
"I highly advise you to stay where you're at." Mari said as she clears her throat. "I'll go and get Meiko and Hana."
"No need." Takamoto comes up from behind, surprising them both.
"Takamoto-sensei?" Chiyo asked.
"Mado is a pretty strong and aggressive deer. So I highly advise you to stay put where you're at."
"Mado…wait. Is that the deer's name?" Mari asked.
"Yes. He usually comes here on his own accord. Besides, both him and Usano put on a good show." She said with a hint of a smile.
"W-Wait…what do you mean by-"
"Farther!?" Mari is snapped out of her conversation with Takamoto when she hears Chiyo calling out to their father.
Mari looks from Chiyo towards what she was looking at.
Entering in the courtyard, she spots the man already, slowly walking up to the deer who stopped eating as he looks at the man who looks at him angrily.
"Hey! Isn't that the Chairman?"
"What's he doing?"
Mari looks onward with a baffled expression. "What is that man doing, this time?"
"You'll see."
Usano walks up to the deer who gave the chairman an unreadable expression. But the chairman gave it a firm glare with a serious face.
"So. You've returned my old…friend!" He spoke to Mado. "It's been months since you last came back to Hachimitsu, treating this school as your own personal ground. This is a school where students come to learn, socialize, and become better adults in life. And you come here as you…please!"
"..." Mado just looked at him with an unreadable expression.
Mari and the others couldn't help but watch the scene with baffled expressions.
"So am I guessing that these guys are like arch enemies or something?" Kate asked.
Takamoto gave a chuckle. "You could say that. To me it's more like their fated rivals."
"H-Huh?"
"Just keep watching."
Mado just ignores him as he keeps on eating away at the grass. Usano gave a sigh.
"You're not making this any easier. I'm telling you to leave this place or I-"
*WHAM!*
Out of nowhere, the deer uses its back legs and hits him straight in the stomach. Usano's body was sent flying a good distance in the air before his back hits against the floor. The students were all shocked.
"FATHER!?" Both Mari and Chiyo said with worried looks on their faces.
"I-Is he alright!? M-Maybe I should get Risa and Meiko to-"
"It's alright." Takamoto said as she kept her eyes on the scene. "Look."
The three look to see Usano slowly getting up. Dusting himself off. He looks at the deer who looks back at him. "I understand you don't wish to leave, but let's settle this in a peaceful manner shall we."
Usano reached for something in his pocket and brought out a biscuit. Extending it out to Mado.
"Consider this a peace…offering!"
Mado leans near the biscuit sniffing at it with caution. The students look closely at the scene, wondering what will happen next. Only for Mado ram right into his stomach. Sending him flying a good distance before he falls onto the ground.
"FATHER NOOO!"
"I-I see what you mean by Mado being aggressive." Kate said.
Usano once again got up from his position, dusting himself off once more. He sighs to himself. "I see, so it war you want, isn't it…well…"
Usano grabs his jacket and removes it off of him. Revealing that he was wearing body armor around his torso. Shocking everyone.
"A BODY ARMOR!?" Chiyo yelled.
"Has he always been wearing that?" Kate asked.
Usano spread his legs apart and prepared to fight. Mado did the same as he stood his ground. Lowering his head as he prepares to attack. The two stood there in place. The two then launch at each other. Both Usano and Mado clashed with each other. Usano got a good grip on the deer, wrapping his hand around his front body. Mado was practically standing on both of his hind legs, pushing Usano back. But the chairman stood his ground, attempting to push the deer back.
All of the students watched the struggle between the deer and the chairman. Usano was giving it his all as he was able to push the deer back.
"Don't think for a moment that you will get the upper hand! Now prepare yourself as I will-"
*Crack!*
A loud crack sound was heard. Usano stopped struggling, his face became straight, looking forward into space. The students around them were looking around, wondering what was that noise they just heard. Until they noticed something was off. Usano was not moving a single inch.
Usano slowly released his grip and fell to the ground. Mado did nothing as he just went back to enjoying himself.
"F-Father?" Chiyo said with a concerned look.
"I-Is he alright?" Kate asked.
"He's fine…he just threw out his back." Takamoto said with a slight chuckle.
Mari sighs to herself. "I swear, I just don't know what to do with that man."
Usano laid on the ground with an expression that shows defeat. "You win this round. For…now!"
Mado just went back to minding its own business, not paying mind to Usano. Meanwhile the students just recorded the entire scene between the two.
….
And that's a wrap! Matsuri, with the help from his friends, has done some self-reflection that have stopped him from making a song. Now he's more than ready to make a song that would capture Meiko's heart. Tanabata (and Chiyo's birthday) grows closer and closer…
This chapter was something. A rather different storytelling this time around. I'm not a songwriter or anything, but I wanted to try something new with the story and add some musical notes to this chapter. Matsuri's musical number was more of him doubting that he is still not worthy of being near Meiko, but Etsuko and the others convince him otherwise. Despite Matsuri's development from previous chapters, he has come far, but there was still doubt within his heart, describing Meiko as a diamond. However, it only took for Etsuko and the others to tell him that he is more than what he is. Of the hurdles he overcomes, he's a diamond his own way.
Once again, we have another chapter dedicated to my original characters. While the Prison School characters made their brief appearance, this chapter was more centered on my characters this time around. And let's be real here, I think it was long overdue for these five to hang out with each other.
We are coming close to the end of the Tanabata arc, only two more chapters to go before we are officially done with this story arc. And after that, we enter the final stretch as we have four more story arcs to go. Only then we'll be done with this story.
This story has been going strong for a good 2 years now. And Maiden Heart Crusader has turned 1 year old as well. Again, what started out as a hobby, turned into a side project that I'm proud to have come this far. There are some of you that asked me what will happen in the future when this story is done. It's a little too early to answer that question, so for now, I want to just focus on finishing this story before I think of anything else.
By the way, there are a good number of you that immediately spotted that 'Meiko' song reference sung by Etsuko. XD
As always, thank you for reading. Stay safe (please be safe) and leave a review for feedback and I will see you all in the next chapter.
