*BALLROOM - HOTEL OHARA - SHINJUKU - TOKYO*
Shit! I'm late!
The preparations ran so late! And it had to be the day Maki invited me to a ball!
She said it's a formal party and that I should dress formally, but I've never even been to a ball before.
Sure there was that junior prom me and Ayu went to, and Mia's sister's wedding, and that party back in January...
But nothing like this!
Of course it had to be a Hotel Ohara, but luckily for me I couldn't see any sign of...well...her, anywhere.
But I could see Maki waiting for me!
AKI: "Maki!"
MAKI: "You're late."
I bowed my head.
AKI: "I'm so sorry!"
MAKI: "Geez. I can't believe you kept me waiting so long! My Papa was trying to pair me up with all of these potential suitors... It was annoying stalling for time..."
ACK! Man, I feel bad... I should have been more careful with time, but I've been constantly off my feet all day (even during a damn relaxation tournament!), all I can do is wipe the sweat out of my eyes and-
Huh? Wait, wh-wh-wh...
AKI: "Whoa!"
MAKI: "What?"
I've spent all this time apologizing and making excuses that I completely ignored what Maki is wearing!
All I can say is...
...Wow.
Maki looks gorgeous in that dress.
MAKI: "Don't just stare at me. If you have something to say, say it."
AKI: "U-Umm..."
Damn it, why am I getting so nervous suddenly? I never have trouble speaking to her... So why now of all times?!
If I have something to say to her, I should be brutally honest as always!
AKI: "You look absolutely stunning."
MAKI: "Wh-What?!"
AKI: "I mean it. You're so pretty, I was speechless."
MAKI: "Oh, shush! Stop trying to embarrass me. This conversation is over!"
Was I being rude or something? I was just telling the truth about how good she looks...
AKI: "I always knew you'd look good in a dress! Sure, I may be some diplomat's son, but I look like a commoner compared to you. You're so classy, Maki."
MAKI: "Not really. I just happened to be born and raised in this environment."
AKI: "But there's something about the way you carry yourself. You have an air about you. I don't think you got all that from your parents.
I think that dress looks so good on you because YOU'RE an amazing person!"
MAKI: "Hmm. Well, if you say so. I'll accept your compliment.
Anyway, would you like to join me for a dance? That's what this party is for, after all."
AKI: "Eh? A dance?! Um... I don't dance... I'll just watch. The only dancing I've ever done is at festivals, anyway. At that's only when I've been overwhelmed by school idol performances..."
MAKI: "Tsk, tsk. Is that any way for my escort to be talking?"
AKI: "E-Escort?!"
MAKI: "Yeah, you're my escort for the evening."
Guess she doesn't know the other meaning behind male escort, but I don't want to taint her mind...
AKI: "Uhh, but..."
I frantically surveyed the scene of the party, it was full of rich people wearing suits and sipping multicolored drinks, eating food that I can't physically pronounce without spitting.
MAKI: "Come on. No one here knows you except for me."
AKI: "Even so... It's embarrassing to dance so openly... I'm not good..."
MAKI: "I won't laugh, no matter how terrible you might be."
The pressure was getting to me, I looked down at my feet as the fear started to set in.
Maybe my family are well-off, but I'm in no way refined. I feel very out of place at a party like this...
AKI: "But Maki, I... Huh?!"
Maki grabbed both of my hands and stared straight into my eyes.
MAKI: "Look at me. Listen. I want you to be my partner. I've been looking forward to this for quite a while, so hurry up and dance with me!"
AKI: "?!"
She was looking forward to dancing with...someone like me? But why?
I thought even the idea of suggesting something like that would make Maki yell at me and turn away in disgust.
But here she is at a party full of high class people just like her, and she's treating me like I'm one of them.
She really wants to dance with me...
And I can't let her down.
AKI: "...Okay, Maki. Lead the way."
MAKI: *Giggle*
Maki led me to an available space on the ballroom dancefloor. Once again, she held both of my hands and started to gently sway. In that moment with Maki, she had calmed my nerves, and it felt like the other party guests were invisible to me...
...like we were the only two people left in the world.
MAKI: "It's okay if you've never danced like this before, just follow my steps, okay?" *Wink*
AKI: "O-Okay."
MAKI: "Start by stepping in a square pattern..."
...
*ONE SONG LATER*
I followed Maki's steps to the end of the song. As the next song started to play, I started to open up a little more.
MAKI: "Huh?"
Like something within me had kicked into action, I pulled Maki close and tilted her backwards.
MAKI: "Wh-Whoa!"
Then we started to break the square pattern and I took the lead, twirling her around before pulling her back in.
MAKI: "?!"
...
*ANOTHER SONG LATER*
Eventually we got to the end of the song. The realization suddenly came to me of what had just happened and how I had broken the steps Maki taught me.
AKI: "Oh! S-Sorry, I didn't mean to-"
MAKI: "No, it's okay. You've...done this before, haven't you?"
AKI: *Chuckle* "Maybe I have?"
As the next song started to play, we continued to dance together.
MAKI: "So tell me, where did you learn to dance like this?"
AKI: "Middle school, I guess..."
MAKI: "Middle school?"
AKI: "Yeah, it was in preparation for my junior prom. Me and Ayu went together."
MAKI: "Oh... Right..."
AKI: "Guess those lessons back then finally came back to me."
MAKI: "Sure. *Sigh* She's always five steps ahead..."
AKI: "Huh? What was that? I'm always five steps ahead? I can slow down for you if you'd like."
MAKI: "What? No, no, don't worry about it, I'm just rambling to myself..."
AKI: "I see. Is something up?"
MAKI: "No, just..."
Maki stared into my eyes once again.
MAKI: "...don't take your eyes off of me for a second, you got that? Tonight is our night."
Someone looks determined.
*Chuckle* I never knew Maki loved dancing so much! I guess she doesn't want me to let her down or something!
So, I won't disappoint her.
...
*MEANWHILE, ACROSS THE BALLROOM*
MRS. NISHIKINO: "Wow, would you look at that? I guess she found someone after all."
MR. NISHIKINO: "Hm..."
MRS. NISHIKINO: "Is something wrong with him?"
MR. NISHIKINO: "No, I can already tell by his appearance that he's from a distinguished family. The resemblance is there."
MRS. NISHIKINO: "Oh, so he's worthy to you?"
MR. NISHIKINO: "More than. His lineage speaks for itself and the union of our families will be great someday.
I'm disappointed with myself that I ever underestimated my little princess..."
MRS. NISHIKINO: "She gets her smarts from her father."
MR. NISHIKINO: "And her good looks from her mother."
MRS. NISHIKINO: *Giggle*
...
*HOTEL ROOM - HOTEL OHARA - SHINJUKU - TOKYO*
Phew... It's getting pretty late, and the party is over.
I didn't know that each guest got their own hotel room, it's impressive!
Like, I opened one of the closet doors and inside was a fully stocked candy bar. And I'm just like...THIS is complementary?!
Man, I could get used to living like this!
Oh, it also comes with complementary...um... Stuff I shouldn't say...
So, naturally since the party is over I took off the suit and put on the complimentary robe.
Out of the impressive candy selection, I chose some Hi-Chew's and Sakuma Drops, kicked my feet up on the bed and started to watch some television.
There were news reports of more scandals breaking out in the idol scene and there were even questions as to if there is any hope for the future of the industry.
That asshole Kamijou provided a comment saying that they take the responsibility of their personnel practices seriously as Golden Calf, and that it is certain companies giving the rest of the world the wrong idea about the industry.
Ugh, I hate him with a burning passion, but the guy knows how to handle PR and turn things to his advantage, I'll give him that, he's experienced.
But soon, he'll get a taste of something he's never experienced before...
Defeat.
Then Uncle Oda can-
Wait a second...
Uncle Oda! I still haven't thanked him for everything he's done for me so far!
Whenever I give him a call he always answers the phone, he's a reliable nice guy, after all.
Compared to Kamijou, he's the complete opposite.
Kamijou is cruel and sadistic.
Oda is kind and caring.
Guess Golden Calf maintains its balance through them being at the top of the company.
But if we knock Kamijou off his pedestal, then Uncle Oda can take over. Then Golden Calf can finally be free of corruption!
*RIIING*
I gave Uncle Oda a call.
ODA: "Aki, my boy!"
AKI: *Chuckle* "What's up, Uncle Oda?"
ODA: "Oh I was just signing some papers for the company. The young master has me working overtime again... Sometimes the arthritis in my hands makes writing a difficult task."
AKI: "I'm sorry to hear that... But I have a proposal for you."
ODA: "Oh?"
AKI: "I'm not asking you to help with something, but rather, I'd like to thank you for all you've done for me."
ODA: "You do? Oh, there's no need for that, Aki boy, I'm always happy to help!"
AKI: "No, really, I insist! You see, tomorrow is our School Idol Club's next live show, I'd love for you to attend as a guest of honor."
ODA: "You'd really do that for me? Wow, you really are a saint, Aki! Making a poor old man like me a guest of honor...it's enough to bring a tear of joy to my eyes."
AKI: "What do you say? Will you be at Nijigasaki tomorrow?"
ODA: "Of course, Aki my boy! I can't wait to see you."
AKI: "Great! Can you meet me in the clubroom when you're ready? I'll be there to greet you.
O-Oh, you wouldn't know where it is though, right?"
ODA: "Don't worry Aki, I've been inside many places in my time. I'll always find my way inside, don't worry about that."
AKI: "That's a relief. I'll see you tomorrow. Good luck with the papers."
ODA: "Goodbye, Aki."
*HANG UP*
I hung up the phone. I'm glad that Uncle Oda will be able to attend tomorrow's live show.
I'm getting excited just thinking about it! I'll get to show him just how talented the School Idol Club are!
But for now, I guess I can kick back and relax in this hotel room.
Hm... Tomorrow morning is the party at Otonokizaka...
In that case I should probably check out early tomorrow and head back home to change into my uniform.
Oh! I still haven't told Ayu about it!
*RIIING*
I gave her a call.
AKI: "Ayu!"
AYUMU: "Hey, Aki, um... Are you okay? You didn't come home today..."
AKI: "Oh, don't worry about it. Believe it or not, I'm staying at a luxury hotel in Shinjuku tonight."
AYUMU: "Sh-Shinjuku?! Wh-Why are you in your underwear?!"
AKI: "Relax, it's not Kabukicho. Maki actually invited me to attend a ball tonight, so I tagged along."
AYUMU: "Wow, that sounds nice."
AKI: "Yeah, we danced together through the night."
AYUMU: "Oh, I see..."
AKI: "Throughout it all, I couldn't help but be reminded of our time dancing together at our junior prom."
AYUMU: "You remember that?"
AKI: *Chuckle* "Of course I do! It's a precious memory of mine, after all."
AYUMU: *Giggle* "Usually I'm the one bringing up our past memories. It feels nice to know that you care about stuff like that."
AKI: "Why wouldn't I? I cherish every moment I get to spend with my childhood friend!
In fact, I'd love to show you just how much I care. Could you meet me at Otonokizaka tomorrow?"
AYUMU: "Oh? Sure, I can do that!"
AKI: "Fantastic! Speaking of which, did you read the article Eli wrote about you?"
AYUMU: "Yes, I've just finished reading it. I had no idea how much she thinks I'm a hard worker..."
AKI: "That's because you ARE a hard worker, Ayu. You always have been, and it's something I've always loved about you."
AYUMU: "Loved?"
AKI: "Yeah! It's qualities like that about you that make you yourself. I love having you as a..."
AYUMU: "...Huh?"
What the hell? Why am I so hesitant all of a sudden to finish this sentence?!
She's my childhood friend damn it... I shouldn't have a problem telling her she's my friend, but...
No, I'm not doubting our friendship or anything. It just feels a little different calling her a friend now...
Maybe I've changed?
AKI: "...as a childhood friend!"
AYUMU: "R-Right... Me too."
AKI: "Anyway, I'll let you get some sleep. Remember to be at Otonokizaka tomorrow, got it?"
AYUMU: "Got it. Goodnight."
AKI: "Goodnight."
...
...
...
Hm?
AKI: "Huh? Are you still on the line?"
AYUMU: "Yeah. I'm finding it hard to hang up for some reason..."
AKI: "Guess that makes two of us..."
AYUMU: "Saying goodbye to each other always hurts, doesn't it?"
AKI: "It's always been that way, ever since we were kids. Every time I have to say goodbye to you, I feel sad."
AYUMU: "So... How about to tell me about your day?"
...
*ONE EXPLAINATION LATER*
AYUMU: "Ahaha, so that's what happened."
AKI: "Yeah, I was so flustered... Oh no! It's so late!"
AYUMU: "Time flies when you're chatting on the phone, doesn't it? We'd better get to bed, since we're hanging out tomorrow."
AKI: "Yeah. Okay, let's hang up on three."
AYUMU: "Sure. One, two..."
AKI, AYUMU: "........."
AYUMU: *Giggle* "You hang up first!"
AKI: "No, you hang up, Ayu!"
AKI, AYUMU: "Pffft, hahaha!"
AYUMU: "Hey, why don't we just keep talking until we doze off?"
AKI: "Yeah, let's do that."
AYUMU: *Giggle* "This feels like it might let me keep talking to you in my dreams."
AKI: "Yeah. I'd love to be able to see your dreams, Ayu."
AYUMU: "Really? *Giggle* That makes me so happy."
AKI: "Yeah. That way I could talk to you forever."
AYUMU: "Yes, I'd love to be able to see you even in my dreams.
Hey, do you remember when I stayed over at your house when we were fifth graders in elementary school?"
AKI: "When you were so sleepy that you got into my bed?"
AYUMU: "Exactly. Honestly, I wasn't even sleepy. I just felt lonely sleeping alone, so I crawled into bed with you."
AKI: "Yeah, I know."
AYUMU: "You knew?!"
AKI: *Laugh* Of course I knew! We were always together, after all."
AYUMU: "Goodness... Ugh, that's sooo embarrassing..."
AKI: "Really? I thought it was really cute. Maybe you'd like to get in bed with me again?"
AYUMU: "Ugh, stop teasing me!"
AKI: "Hahaha! Okay, okay, I'll stop!"
AYUMU: *Giggle* "I'm really glad that you remember that.
It's nice talking on the phone like this, but nothing beats talking in person.
How about I stay over at your place sometime soon then?"
AKI: "Sounds like a plan!"
*KNOCK* *KNOCK*
AYUMU: "Hm? Everything okay?"
AKI: "Oh, I'm getting a knock at the door, I should hang up. See you tomorrow, Ayu."
AYUMU: "G-Goodnight..."
*HANG UP*
Who is knocking at this time of night?
Did they get the wrong room or something? I don't think room service delivers this late.
I opened the door to reveal a very familiar face.
AKI: "Maki?!"
MAKI: "Hey..."
AKI: "Wh-Why are you in your under-"
MAKI: "Save it, just... There was nothing left for me to wear but this robe, okay?! You're in the same boat."
Her figure is pretty amazing...
ST-STOP IT! NOT NOW!
This could be serious!
AKI: "Are you okay? Did you get the wrong room or something?"
MAKI: "Well, my room was next door... I'm fine... I'm...actually very fine. Like, for the first time in a while I feel like everything is going to be okay."
AKI: "Whoa, that's good to hear."
MAKI: "Mom and Dad told me that they'll stop looking for suitors for me, they think that I know what I'm doing with things so they're giving me more freedom."
AKI: "Really? I'm so happy to hear that!"
MAKI: "It's thanks to you, y'know?"
AKI: "Me?"
MAKI: "Yeah... You know, tonight was amazing. So..."
*HUG*
Out of nowhere, Maki threw her arms around me and hugged me. She rested her head against my bare chest and caught me completely off-guard.
MAKI: "...I just wanted to say thank you."
What's with her so suddenly?
I don't get it.