Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Genkai
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It was the start of the second week of the new school year and already groups of friends were being formed. Some kids were reconnecting with those they hadn't seen over the short summer break while others were just trying to adjust to a new environment, either having transferred from a local junior high or from another high school. The school day had concluded with students either going to their clubs or to their part-time jobs, the only means to excuse a student from participating in a school club. The drama club was held on the third floor of the large private school and was located across from the sprawling two level library that spanning the second and third floors of the school.

For Kosuke Uede, the drama club would be a welcome change. For the past two years he had worked as a server at a local bakery and during his first year, he was part of the musical club. Drama was an interesting choice for the violinist but he thought it would be more fun than working for his final year at school. Kosuke hoped this would be a fun challenge, plus he knew his friend Sho had also signed up, which made it all the more appealing to the dark haired teen. Though his parents supported their son's club selection, they emphasized the need to remember to make time for practice and school and everything else. It was a reminder that life would also require a delicate balance of mental and physical prowess, but mostly mental.

As the first meeting of the drama club progressed, the club's president went over the basic rules and overview for the long year ahead of them. It was explained they would be tasked to put on small scale performances throughout the year for different festivals and celebrations and that they would need to think of something to prepare leading up to their break in December. Most of the club members were excited about the prospect but Kosuke wondered if he could just provide the live music and not be tasked with painting sets or anything. Already he had assumed he wouldn't be a major role in any stage production but he was sure Sho would want a bigger role.

Mina Kawa on the other hand, was eager to do something big and theatrical on stage in front of everyone. She was imagining an extravagant set perhaps set in a fictional realm. Her mind was sprinting, getting far ahead of the president who had moved onto the rules and how students would behave with one another. The school itself was well known and as such, the students were always expected to behave respectfully and with clear responsibility. Mina glanced around the spare classroom which she knew was used for a small third year class. It was plain, unremarkable. But all classrooms were small and cozy, as class sizes were kept under 15 students to allow for teachers to reach all their students and not let anyone fall through the cracks, so to speak.

She spotted a few familiar faces from her own small class. She saw Kosuke Uede, Tsubaki Kaneko and even Sho Fujimoto. It was somewhat of a relief to see those she knew, she spotted a few nervous looking first years and offered them a wide reassuring smile, though it didn't seem to do anything for them. Mina was disappointed to hear that their first meeting wouldn't involve any improv exercises or anything, as the president explained instead, they would all be invited to his home tomorrow night for a more relaxed dinner. The president was a fourth year like Mina, but in another class. He seemed really passionate about drama and that made Mina place even more faith in him.

The club was dismissed as everyone signed in and listened their cell phone and home addressed while the president of the club handed out fliers which gave instructions to the dinner tomorrow night and that parents of students were welcome to also attend. Mina hopped up and signed the sheet before taking an offered flier. The home seemed to be in the mountain part of Sendai, where larger homes resided. She folded it up and slipped it into her backpack and headed out into the hallway where other students had gathered to discuss the information given.

Kosuke flagged down Sho as they headed out into the hallway. Normally a club could run for an hour or more but their club had only lasted twenty minutes. It was somewhat of a relief for the light brown haired male as he walked with Sho toward the stairs. "Sounds like they're taking this club pretty seriously." It was a given, the school was very structured and highly regarded. "I can't believe the president wants to have us over for dinner tomorrow...it's a little intimidating, don't you think?" Kosuke looked to Sho, still not sure if he was going to go or not, suddenly feeling out of his depth.

Spotting the boys, Mina gave a small smirk and moved around the small crowd of first and second years, to where Sho and Kosuke were lurking. Mina had been torn between drama and baseball but decided to try something different, something unexpected. Mina had high hopes for the drama club and knew a lot of people would be looking to them provided impeccable entertainment. Part of her wondered if the president would be open to them making a script themselves, which she would happily pitch idea for. "He sounds really cool, I hear he's the top of his class, probably in the top three in the whole school." Mina spoke up, placing her hands on her hips. "He's also easy on the eyes." That comment made Kosuke roll his own eyes.

Mina glanced over and motioned for Tsubaki who looked a little lost.

"So have you guys tackled the math homework yet?" Kosuke asked.

"Oh yeah, I was doing that during lunch, not too bad."

"Speak for yourself." Kosuke sighed and looked to the others.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Aalakrys
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“Ah, today is the day for clubs to meet,” Tsubaki Kaneko said merrily as she read a notice posted in the hallway on the way into school that morning. She had been a team player on many committees – such as fundraisers for a cause or making decorations for an event – but never in a club. Being her final year, she decided she would try out the drama club. She’d met with the club president last week and humbly requested to join since she’d heard the student who did most of the props and backdrops graduated. He’d told her that she’d have to act, at least in a small part, if she wanted to join. After the weekend spent deciding, she came into school confident.

Sho Fujimoto though was a little more interested in actually participating. His father sighed and shook his head when Sho announced his decision to his family over the weekend. He tried to convince Sho that universities for technology have no use for actors. He then tried to convince Sho to talk to the club president about doing the lighting and sound. After muttering that he’d do that, Sho felt a little less enthusiastic.

Tsubaki had arrived to the meeting spot early and settled to the side, as was her habit. She was by no means shy, but did not like being in the center of a group. In her earlier years, she had always been one to be called on by the teacher. That led her to discovering that other children did not like that so much. After a few less than friendly experiences, she became less vocal in classes. When the twins were born, she learned that sometimes helping others made people happier and nicer to her. She applied that to school and the teasing finally stopped after she helped a few students with their homework.

She had been thinking that over as she watched younger students filter in. She was beginning to wonder if anyone from her class would be in this when bright red disheveled hair caught her attention as Sho Fujimoto entered looking at his phone. He looked up briefly to take a seat near some of the younger students, then flipped the phone closed as he started cheerfully greeting them. After a friendly wave up to her, which she returned with a small smile, the younger students started talking animatedly to him. Kosuke Uede entered shortly before the club president, followed a little behind by Mina Kawa. She’d known Kosuke from her class, but she’d known Mina Kawa for a long time. They were not close, but they had attended the same school since entering public education.

When the flyers were handed out, Sho tucked one in his pocket on his way out the door. He’d been back on his phone after saying goodbye to the younger students, caught up in reading about stage equipment when he heard his friend call out. He turned to see Kosuke coming after him and waited. Kosuke’s question made him laugh a little. “Don’t worry, my friend. I’ll be there to protect you from the scary club president.”

With that, he patted Kosuke on the back teasingly, smiling just as broad as ever. Sho was notorious for never being serious and always having a joke. That was when Mina joined the boys, spouting off her opinion. Sho saw Kosuke roll his eyes and he elbowed his friend lightly. “Don’t go discouraging her from true love this year – besides, seeing it unfold would be entertaining since Mr. Scary President has a girlfriend. You’d be terrified of her if he scares you, Kosuke. But … it’s as they say … like minded people fit together.”

He’d said the last bit in a sigh of mock tragedy as Tsubaki Kaneko joined up with them. Catching the end of Sho’s ridiculousness - also typical for him - Tsubaki was grateful for Kosuke’s change of subject. Kindly, she said. “If you use the example problem’s formula, it works for most of the others. Some require breaking down the problem first though.”

“Ugh, we’ve been at school all day – let’s talk about something to eat!” Sho suggested after his complaint, then his eyes lit up. “A new onigiri place opened nearby. We should stop by.”
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Genkai
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Mina gave a scoff at Sho's lovey dovey comment though the idea has crossed her mind, albeit briefly. Still, it would be fun to snag a boyfriend for the last academic lap around the school's curriculum, so to speak. Her fleeting hopes were dashed all the same when Sho went on to explain how the club president in fact had a girlfriend. "Oh." She sighed flatly, not quite thrilled with the bubble being burst but it at least allowed her to turn her attention away from their fellow senior. If someone had a girlfriend, they were totally off limits. Some girls liked a challenge and didn't care but that wasn't Mina's style by any means. She would respect two people in love. "Oh well." She quickly got off the subject, waving a quick dismissive hand.

Upon Tsubaki's appearance, Kosuke gave an understanding nod. He was fairly confident with the math itself but he wanted to ensure his approach was correct or it would be quite a bit of time wasted, going about the homework improperly. "I see, I suspect some of the issues I spotted require a bit of fiddling to make it work." Kosuke surmised. Mina sighed and looked around, like Sho she wanted to change the topic. "I feel like you're always hungry, Sho." Kosuke sighed as they four began to head down the stairs. "Your stomach may as well be a bottomless pit." Kosuke smirked lightly as they turned and headed down the next flight of stairs.

"Mmm or a black hole!" Mina spoke up cheekily, prodding Sho in the back of the head before they all settled on the first floor of the school.

"A new onigiri place?" Kosuke was still mulling over the idea.

"Oooh I heard about it too, it beats hitting the convenience store and finding pickled plum is all that's left." Mina spoke up, pointing out how their timing to get of school meant most of the good things were sold out or a little stale. "I heard they can make one with ramen broth and a soft boiled egg in the middle. Sounds sooo good." Her eyes lit up as she began to imagine the perk of visiting an onigir shop, as it meant things could be made to order and one wouldn't need to worry about missing out on one they had their heart set on.

The small group headed out the two double doors and into the large courtyard which had a large lush green lawn leading out toward the metal gates. They walked down the middle stone pathway and Kosuke tugged on his red tie, loosening it slightly. "Now you're starting to drool, Mina." He sighed softly as they crossed through the gate and down the sidewalk so Sho could lead the way. Hanging back, he glanced to Tsubaki, a bit surprised to see her in the drama club. "What made you sign up for drama?" He asked her, deciding to just voice his curiosity rather than let it have a chance to eat at him.

In the back of his mind, he was already thinking about the upcoming competition and knew it would be tough to manage drama and practice but he was hoping that drama would let him have an outlet of sorts. He enjoyed feeling the emotions found in music but he also knew emotion and conveying it, were at the very root of acting, be it drama or comedy. Though he knew it might be rude to question her motives, as his own were a little debatable. "I mean, I think it's great that you are." He tried to explain without wanting to offend the blond. "It's our last year so we should make it count, not hold back." He considered.

Glancing over her shoulder at Kosuke and Tsubaki, she slipped her hands behind her head, lacing her fingers together. Though she had been around Tsubaki and Sho since starting high school, they hadn't had many interactions outside of group projects or social assignments. Still, she was happy to make friends and a little ashamed how it had to take a silly happenstance like drama club to bring them together. She looked to Sho, "Those two might want to sit on the sidelines but something tells me you and I might be center stage." She felt safe declaring her theory. "Oh by the way, since this was your idea, I think that means you're treating us?" She teased Sho as they stopped at a crosswalk.
Hidden 7 yrs ago 7 yrs ago Post by Aalakrys
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Tsubaki smiled softly to Kosuke in return, but Sho’s comment had moved the conversation on to food. She herself realized that she had not eaten since breakfast this morning, using lunch time to speak with the economics teacher about her mother – they had been friends, so she’d promised an update when school started back up. As the two more rambunctious members of their small group prodded (Mina) and swatted (Sho) at each other, she tried to not make her stomach grumble.

Sho had pulled his hand back to his side after shooing at Mina, the other still holding onto the strap of his school bag. Kosuke sounded like he was considering stopping by the new place, and Mina was fantasizing so it was pretty much a done deal. Sho looked to Tsubaki. “How about it?”

“Okay. I prefer just plain tuna in my onigiri, though.” She said shyly as she tucked some hair behind her ear, looking over to Mina with a smile. “Kawa-san’s tastes are much more adventurous.”

Sho laughed when his friend also poked fun at Mina, pulling ahead to lead the group to the small shop. He was always adventuring downtown, and always had the news of events going on or new shops opening. Usually he’d drag Kosuke around with him when he didn’t have practice, but most times he would go it alone.

Tsubaki, on the other hand, rarely visited downtown frequently – she often had to keep an eye on her siblings on days her mother was too tired – so, she hung back to follow. She was surprised when Kosuke walked in pace with her, but continued to walk as if they had been friends for a long time. She was often comfortable with people in this way. He, however, made her feel a little nervous. His question and then subsequent follow-up explanation made her smile once more as she glanced at him. “I’ve never been in a club before – I’ve always been part of committees for decorating and fundraising. The president’s friend who graduated last year put the idea in my head.”

She walked for a couple of paces with her hands still clasped at her front, bag hanging from her shoulder comfortably before she asked him the same question. “What about you, Uede-san?”

Thanks to Sho’s wandering downtown on his own so often, he found he’d outpaced them in his usual step. He remembered he had people following him for once though and slowed. It was an odd feeling, to have people with him in a group as he went downtown – usually it was just him and on occasion Kosuke. Now there was two girls joining them – girls he’d known for a while, but not personally. Tsubaki had always been more on the quiet side, patient and calm – almost a wallflower. Mina, on the other hand, was just as outgoing as he was. They’d bumped heads when they first started high school – both wanting to be the leader of groups. Eventually they decided that they could not work in the same group, but could coordinate teams together well.

Mina called from behind him, distracting his thoughts ironically with the same idea he’d been getting towards. She’d been lucky she’d asked her second question to get a rise out of him, because there is no telling what he would have said. He dramatically sighed and hung his head, then cast a long-suffering look to Kosuke. “Can you believe this girl?”

Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Genkai
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Tsubaki had flipped the question around after she addressed with sweet simplicity. "Ahh well I wanted to be more social for my last year. I spent the last two years working part-time so I thought I should use this last year to have some fun and maybe provide a bit of musical inspiration to the drama club." He smiled to her. Kosuke was hoping this final year of high school would be a smooth one, but would also be his year to shine as a violinist. He was ready for more responsibilities and to juggle them all with ease. He couldn't help but want to stretch his ambitious reach a little further each day.

Mina gave a loud laugh as Sho gave a heavy sigh to her assumption. "Oh come on!" Mina shouted extra loud to draw the gaze a few people around them. "Be a gentleman for once!" She teased him. Kosuke shook his head at the pair and gave a sympathetic look to Tsubaki who also had to endure the loud company of the group. "Don't be mean. Be niiiiice." Mina laughed and nudged Sho, trying to egg him on. Of course she would love him to treat her but she could also pay for herself if need be. She just wanted to see if she could get Sho to treat the gang. "How 'bout this Sho-Sho, each outing one of us picks a place to check out and treats the gang? That's right, this has gotta be a tradition now." She said.

"A tradition?" Kosuke tilted his head, not sure if he followed her enthusiastic logic. If he could consider it logic. Still, he sounded like a fun way to get them to hang out, outside of school and the club. "I suppose I could get behind that idea..." Of course he was sure they would end up finding a lot of cheap places to eat but it could be fun seeing more of the area with folks his own age, instead of other violinists who happened to be a bit younger than him, as he was on the outer edge of musicians in his age bracket. "What about you?" He was about to see what Tsubaki thought when they finally arrived at the shop in question.

Without waiting, Mina hurried inside and looked at the handwritten menu. There were specials and the option to create your own rice ball. She licked her lips and swung her head back over her shoulder, giving Sho a doe eyed look. If he didn't want to pay for all of them, she understood, she had put him on the spot and she had honestly been joking. But then a sudden idea had struck her and she wondered if that would be something he might be interested in doing. "I could pick the next spot." She offered, further implying she'd like him to treat the group. Mina thought the ramen onigiri looked good while Kosuke was eyeing one with picked plums, carrots and ginger. It looked refreshing.
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Aalakrys
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“You must be very passionate about your music, Uede-san.” Tsubaki had said in her soft tone when Kosuke told her of his decision to leave his job to play for the drama club. “I will still work at my parents’ bakery part-time, but it will not interfere with my work for the drama club.”

Mina’s laugh pulled Tsubaki’s gaze from Kosuke at her side. She herself giggled at the sight when the guy beside her shook his head. Tsubaki thought Mina’s behavior typical for the girl that she’d known of for many years. In a way, she wished that she was as comfortable around people as Mina. But, then again, she’d adjusted her demeanor at a young age to not be disliked. She leaned over to stage whisper to Kosuke, her eyes on Sho. “I would feel bad for Fujimoto-san, but I think he enjoys the attention despite his complaints.”

“What kind of guy likes being hassled for a free meal, eh?” Sho said he ran a hand through his hair in mock frustration, glaring at Mina for just a moment before the smile split his face at her suggestion of making this a tradition. He was about to say that he couldn’t handle being pestered by a girl he wasn’t dating for food on a regular basis when Kosuke surprised him by not entirely committing, but showing interest. Sho dramatically hung his head, but lifted it when the same question was proposed to Tsubaki.

She seemed to consider it for a little bit, tapping a finger against her cheek as her eyes looked upward in thought. Of course she’d just been drawing it out, as her face too stretched into a small smile and she nodded. “It sounds like fun.”

When Mina dashed inside, Sho shoved his hands into his pockets and trudged off behind her, letting the door swing in his wake. Tsubaki caught it and held it open for Kosuke in a friendly gesture. Once inside the small shop, Tsubaki marveled at the place, appreciating the quaint décor and adorable designs on the menu of little cartoon onigiri. When Mina pressed Sho for an answer, her eyes shifted to the red-head. With a sigh, he averted his gaze and begrudgingly said. “Alright, alright.”

Though his tone said one thing, he had smiled. He liked the idea of hanging out downtown with a group of people on a regular basis. It would be a nice change for his last year of high school. “Let’s eat!”
Hidden 7 yrs ago Post by Genkai
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"Thank you, Kaneko-san." Kosuke bowed his head slightly as he entered the small cafe upon Tsubaki graciously holding the door open for him. She was sweet girl though most students at their school were well behaved, he considered some of them acted that way because it was expected. That some used politeness as a mask of sorts, with girls like Tsubaki and Mina, seemed nice without it seeming fake or sneaky in some kind of way. Soon it wa agreed upon that they would alternate treating each other during various outings. It sounded like a strange proposal but coming from Mina, it made sense. But it gave them all a chance to catch up and that sounded like a delightful way to spend time in Kosuke's mind. "Thanks Sho-kun." Kosuke smiled warmly at his friend.

Mina looked to Tsubaki as they all began to figure out which rice ball they would get. "They all look so good huh?" She commented to the brown eyed girl. "I already know what I want." She declared and tilted her head towards the blond. "What about you?" Mina had to assume she would pick something not so bold or out of the ordinary but she was sure whatever Tsubaki decided upon, would be yummy. Kosuke on the other hand, had already decided and had taken out his phone to text his parents that he would be delayed in getting home since he was out with his friends. His parents were supportive of their son's extracurricular activities, even the ones that didn't pertain to music.

Stepping over to Sho who was to be stuck with the bill for this particular outing, Kosuke slipped his phone back in his pocket and looked to his friend. "If you'd like I can split the bill with you." He offered, knowing it wasn't really necessary to offer but Kosuke offered because he was that kind of a guy but also to poke fun a little, just a little at Sho who enjoyed making a dramatic huff even when it wasn't really true. Kosuke was certain the drama club would be an excellent fit for Sho as well as Mina but for him and Tsubaki? It would be a different experience.

Meanwhile Mina was already beginning to think about where she would take the group on their next outing. She was thinking of a crepe place or perhaps a candy store or even a place with okonomiyaki and dumplings. The possibilities seemed endless and were already beginning to make her mouth water. But she had to remind herself what was in front of her right now. And it would be light and delicious. "I wonder if Sho-kun would let us get drinks too." She pondered aloud, playfully using a more casual tone in regards to Sho, knowing it might ruffle his feathers if he overheard her.
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