「 A YOKAI? 」| RC9GN

03 • so u think u can stank

"You heard it here peeps, there may be more songs to come. Tune in next time on the next live." She turns off her equipment.

Everyone in the auditorium starts to leave. I saw Bash kicks a trash can over due to his loss. I hope he doesn't hold a grudge.

"It's a bummer the auditions didn't turn out the way it was suppose to due to my idiot brother and his best friend, Sandy. But hey you definitely deserved that win out of all the other acts."

"Gee, thanks Heidi. That's nice of you to say." Ashlynn rubs the back of her neck shyly.

"I see you hanging around those two a lot. You're a sweet girl, please don't turn out like them."

"Don't worry, I won't." I laugh.

"Good. If they give you any trouble, you can always come to me for help." I smile at her kind offer as she turns to leave.

Just then, I was approached by another girl— it was Morgan. "Hey, music girl."

"Uh- yeah?"

"I didn't get the chance to thank you for saving me before when my crew got turned to literal dancing fish."

Saved her? Oh, she probably meant when I saved her from falling off stage.

"Oh, it was nothing. You were in trouble so I had to help is all."

"Don't be modest, you were pretty cool back there. I actually have a favor to ask. Your music is awesome so I was wondering if you'd be okay with making a song for my team's next dance performance." Hands on her hips, she gave me a small smile.

"Oh my god, yes! I-I mean I'd love to. That'd be great." I was feeling giddy on the inside.

"Cool, maybe give me your number so we can make arrangements."

"K-kay." I screamed internally, one of the coolest girls I've seen so far asked for my number! Pulling out my phone, we share our contact details.

"Catch you later, music girl." I waved her goodbye.

"Did Morgan just gave you her number?" I yelp in surprise to see Randy and Howard behind me.

"Oh, yeah. She did." I smiled, showing them the number. "She so cool. She asked me to make a song for her next performance."

"Nice one. Looks like all of us are no longer faceless freshmen. Congrats on winning by the way." Randy says.

"Thanks and um... maybe you guys should go cleanup." It took me a second to realise they were still dressed in their costumes covered in food.

"Yeahh we probably should." Howard says.

"I'll be heading home now, see you guys tomorrow."

"See ya."
"Bye, Ash."

‐ – — — ★ — — – ‐

During my walk back, I received a phone call. My catchy ringtone playing as pull out my phone to see the caller ID. It was dad.

Accepting the call, "Hey, Dad."

"Hey, Kit. Just saw your school's livestream, you were great out there."

I smiled, I knew he would be watching, since I told him about it this morning. "Thanks dad. Say when you coming home later? Maybe I could make something to celebrate the occasion, I even made some new friends other than Randy and Howard."

"That's great but uh... about that. I may be working late so I won't be home til midnight. Sorry..."

My excited mood slowly turns to a frown. "Oh... uh it's fine, Dad. I'll leave your dinner in the fridge when you get back. Don't worry about me, just keep working hard and make sure to take care of yourself."

"I'm so sorry, Kit. I promise I'll make it up to you. I love you."

"Love you too..." I hang up the phone, feeling a bit disappointed. I shake my head, no Ash, you shouldn't feel this way. He's out there working hard for the both of us. The least you could do is keep smiling for him.

But...

he has been coming home late more than usual. Is it cause of the new partnership with McFist Industries?