Instability:
~Things're Shaking Up!

 

Keiko couldn't get the disturbing image out of her mind.

Disturbing didn't even begin to describe it. Kakeru was downright frightening last night.

Keiko was scared. Like, a serious scared. She was afraid to be left alone in the music hall with him.

But surely Obari-sama wouldn't allow an emotionally unstable student roam free in his school!

Keiko's body went stiff as it dawned on her. Of course! It made perfect sense! That's why Obari payed such close attention to him! It was pity!

Keiko smugly smiled to herself. Naturally. Kakeru and Obari-sama would never...never ever, in a million years--!

Keiko's step became more lively as she neared the music hall. Her second day of work would have to be easier than yesterday's first.

Kakeru was already playing his usual depressing tune when Keiko walked in. He looked up to her, as though to acknowledge her entrance.

Keiko still looked at him when he returned to his music. He seemed perfectly normal...aloof, cold, snotty...what happened?

It doesn't make sense...Keiko looked away from him, and silently set down her briefcase. Usually people in your position find someone...to get some sort of help.

Keiko walked over to Ken's office, and saw a note taped on the wall. She plucked it off,and read it: "Be back in a minute. Start filing the papers I left on the filing cabinet."

Keiko crumbled the paper in her hand, and shoved it in her pocket. She walked over to the file cabinet. She rested her hands on it, and felt the cold metal against the warm surface of her skin. She looked at the papers and files neatly stacked on the top. She gently touched the first paper on the stack.

Just last night, those papers were strewn across the floor. It was as though they were never touched...like it never happened.

She picked up a stack of papers, and began to distribute them in each of the students' files.

Kakeru finished a flawless performance of that song heard in the darkness, and moved on to play the romantic piece Keiko heard for the first time yesterday. She glanced over her shoulder, and saw Kakeru once again in a peaceful state. Maybe his violin music was the only thing that could soothe him. You saw no traces of anger or bitterness on his face anywhere as he played. It was truely amazing.

Keiko noticed that she was staring. She turned back around, and continued filing papers. Keiko, you're as subtle as an ox.

Ken walked into the hall, giving Kakeru a thumbs up.

Kakeru smiled back, and continued playing.

Keiko saw everything. What is this?! How could Kakeru be so happy?! Either he resolved whatever was troubling him (which Keiko found highly unlikely), or Kakeru belonged on the drama team!

"Lookin' good..." Ken walked up next to Keiko, and inspected the awards. He came across the empty space where the glass violin statuette previously rested. He noticed its abscence. "Hey! Where's your first award, Kakeru!"

Keiko gulped, and Kakeru stopped playing.

Kakeru opened his mouth to speak, but cut Keiko off.

"Oh my gosh! I was about to tell you about that!" Keiko spoke up. Idiot! What are you doing?! You suck at lying!

Kakeru blinked, his eyes wide and curious.

"The shelf was loose, and it fell out while I was cleaning!" Keiko fibbed flawlessly. "I'm so sorry, Kakeru-san! I didn't know it was yours!"

Kakeru swallowed, and quietly spoke. "I-it isn't a big deal..."

"I'll work longer to pay it off!" Keiko offered. Are you crazy?! Covering for him?! Her mind screamed.

Ken ran his fingers through his buzz cut. "As long as Kakeru doesn't mind."

Keiko quickly turned to Kakeru. Please don't blow this!

Kakeru's eyes widened a bit, and he turned to his music stand, avoiding eyecontact with either KEn or Keiko. His mouth barely moved as he muttered, "I don't mind."

Ken whistled. "That's a relief."

Keiko's stiff shoulders relaxed.

"Well, if that's settled, I'll be back in my office for a bit." Ken paced into his office slowly. Before entering his office, Ken turned around. "Hey, Kakeru."

Kakeru looked up from his music. "Hmm?" A light pink tint was on his defining cheekbones.

Ken gave him a thumbs up again. "You're rockin' pal."

Kakeru smiled, and the tint on the tips of his cheeks brightened. "Thanks."

Keiko blinked, observing what she saw.

Ken walked into his office, and shut the door behind him.

Kakeru's smile remained on his face as he sorted through some of his music. His eyes moved around quickly, and they glanced over once to Keiko, and then back to the music he was shuffling through. His smile suddenly vanished,and he ceased his shuffling. He looked back to Keiko, this time lifting his head. "What ar eyou looking at?" His brow furrowed in confusion.

Keiko gasped,and tightly gripped her papers. "Nothing! I--I just--it was an accident!"

"I suppose you expect me to thank you?" Kakeru looked back to his music.

"That would be nice..." Keiko peeped below her breath as she nervously smiled.

"You were spying on me again!" Kakeru looked back up, this time his eyes ablaze with fury. "Last night!"

Keiko felt her hip bump the file cabinet as she backed into it. "It was an accident! Honest!" Her heart pounded, afraid that he might do something harmful.

Kakeru glared at her for a long moment, a frown tugging at his face. His entire face seemed to quiver with anger.

Keiko held onto the papers she was moments ago filing. She swallowed, anticipating the worst. She quickly glanced over to the door of Ken's office, and prayed that he'd be out soon.

Kakeru looked over towards Ken's office at Keiko's action, but immediately went back to her. "Just don't think that I'm indebted to you in any way."

Keiko looked to Kakeru, who didn't look away until they made eye-contact for a final time.

 

"Al-RIGHT! Nice one, Anji!" Aika shouted from the bleachers.

"Nice what? Nice what?!" Naoki asked her fawning companion.

"Nothing, don't worry about it." Aika blew Naoki off completely, keeping her eye on the courts.

Naoki held up the Polaroid of Keiko and Otaru. "Are we going to show this to Anji, Aika-chan?"

"Later, Naoki-chan..." Aika inched to the edge of her bench, and fade fists.

"But Aika-chan...!" Naoki began to look a wee bit fretful. "They're on my bed!"

Aika sighed, and took the Polaroid. "Naoki-chan, I can't do that to my best friend of almost six years! Where's your sense of loyalty?!"

Naoki gave Aika a saddened look. "But..."

"No 'buts'." Aika waved the Polaroid. "So what if she was mocking us, and invading our privacy! We must be good freinds and forgive her transgressions!"

"Whoo, it's getting hot again...!" Keiko unbuckled her winter uniform's collar,and peeled it off. She looked to Otaru, who sat in front of her in the bleachers. She neatly folded it, and draped it over Otaru's shoulder.

Otaru looked behind him, and Keiko leapt over the bench to take a seat next to him.

Otaru spun back around, and saw Keiko lean back on the bench's back. She propped her feet up on the bleacher in front of her.

"It's almost over, y'know." Otaru smiled, resting his arms on the back of the bench.

Keiko smiled, and closed one eye. "Since you put it that way, I'll be on my way!"

She jumped up, and Otaru grabbed her forearm.

"I didn't mean it like that!" Otaru nervously smiled.

Keiko grinned, and rolled her eyes. "I was just yanking your chain, Otaru." She sat back down, and pinched his cheek. "I would never weave you all awone!" she teased in a baby voice.

Otaru smiled, wincing a bit. "If you weren't my friend, I wouldn't tolerate this."

Keiko let go of his face, and back away overdramatically. "Oh, Otaru-chan! I didn't know I was hurting you!" she gave him over-dramatically teary eyes.

Otaru gave Keiko an amused smile, and rubbed his cheek. "Are you sure you shouldn't join the drama club?"

Keiko adjusted her glasses and stated matter-of-factly, "Even if I did, I have previous engagements I must attend to."

Otaru looked back to the courts, and once again relaxed in his seat. "How is that going,anyway?"

"As good as it could be, I guess." Keiko watched her brother walked over to his water bottle to cool down. "Don't you ever get bored out here? Every day it's the same thing--warm up, stretch, hit the ball for twenty minutes or so, cool down, friends go ballistic..."

Otaru turned his head to Keiko a wee bit, and rose an eyebrow.

"...my friends go ballistic. He waves to them..."

At this statement, Anji spotted Aika and Naoki on the bleaches, and made a victory V.

"...they squeal like lovesick poodles..."

"WAI!" the two girls squeaked.

"...practice over." Keiko pushed up her glasses with two fingers.

Otaru took a deep, slow breath. "Noisy solitude."

"Huh?" Keiko turned to Otaru, and blinked, eager to hear more.

"I like having time to think." Otaru kept his eyes on the horizon as the sun began to lower a little.

The April breeze began to blow faintly.

Keiko remained silent, hoping Otaru would say more.

"...and it gets lonely in the dorm room." Otaru sighed. His hair gently whipped his face, and he squinted jsut a bit to stand the glare of the sun.

Keiko looked back to the courts, and bluntly said, "I wish I could help your loneliness."

Otaru turned his head, and looked at Keiko. "You already are."

Keiko blushed a little bit, but remained facing the courts.

Anji looked up to Keiko. He grinned cutely, shining his pearly whites, and waved cutely at Keiko.

Keiko glared down at him, and waved. Her face sent him the message that he butter not be implying anything. Her thoughts were along the line of "What's that supposed t'mean?".

A pair of hands rested on Keiko's shoulders.

Keiko looked straight up, and saw Aika looking down at her.

"Hi Kei-chan!" Aika leaned on Keiko's shoulders playfully.

"What do you want?" Keiko calmly (but politely) asked.

Aika smiled cutely.

Naoki rested her hands on her knees, and bent down to examine Otaru. "You're healing well, Otaru-san!"

Otaru nervously smiled, and looked to Keiko for assistance.

"You're taking us out for milkshakes!" Aika took Keiko's arm, and pulled her up.

The slightest brush of Aika's arm against Keiko's chest made the pain explode in her bosom. Keiko let out a quiet yelp that only Aika heard.

Aika came close, and whispered, "Hey, are you alright?"

"Please, don't touch me." Keiko whimpered, and gave Aika a pleading look.

Aika blinked, and gently let go. She gave Keiko a seriously concerned look, but was interrupted by Otaru.

"Why must we take you out for milkshakes?" Otaru aimed the question at Aika.

Aika whipped out the photograph. "`Cause if you don't, I'll show this..." she slowly displayed it to both Unicorn Academy students. "...to Anji."

Keiko grimaced. Otaru frowned.

"So?" Otaru asked.

Keiko quickly blurted. "Vanilla or chocolate?!"

 

 

Otaru looked miserable sitting in a booth with both girls across from him.

Keiko sipped her malt through her straw, and stared sideways at Otaru. "You sure you don't want one? My treat."

Otaru blushed, and buried his tight fists into his lap. "I don't...I don't like milkshakes."

Keiko laughed, and gave him a hard slap on the back. "Oh, come on! Who could honestly not like milkshakes?!"

Keiko couldn't lie to herself. It was making her sick to see Otaru react to her best friends like this. Yeah, they're girls. Yeah, so what if they're cute?! Surely he didn't act like this everytime he laid his eyes on a cute girl!

Otaur sighed. "Alright. Maybe it'll ease my stomach."

Naoki perked up. "Tummy-ache?"

Otaru gave Naoki a confused look, and Keiko urged him out of his seat.

As Otaru went to get his milkshake, Keiko leaned over the table, and hissed at Aika, "You are going to pay for this!"

Aika finished her last sip of milkshake, and gave Keiko an aloof stare. "Should've thought of that before sneaking your boy-friend into our dorm room."

"And before sitting on my bed!" Naoki gave Keiko a scolding look. "I couldn't sleep in it! I had to strip it down, I was so horrified!"

"It's not like we were in it, Naoki-chan." Keiko peered over her glasses.

Naoki blushed, and sipped her strawberry shake.

Aika laughed. "Naoki-chan, your face is great!"

"Keiko-chan shouldn't say such things." Naoki whimpered.

Otaru walked back with a vanilla malt, and sat back down next to Keiko. "Why are you so afraid of showing the photo to Amuro-kun, anyway? I bet he'll get a kick out of it."

Keiko immediately shot Aika and Naoki a panicked look, and Aika quickly dove in with an answer.

"Anji's a real disciplinary buff." Aika said with her most convincing straight face.

"Really?" Otaru sat back, and blinked. "Amuro-kun never struck me as being a stickler to the rules."

"Yeah, well..." Keiko said with a weak laugh. She leaned forward onto the table,and took her straw. "The Amuro family is full of surprises, I tell ya..."

Aika frowned as she noticed Keiko moping behind her drink. Her best friend was looking ascance at Otaru. It suddenly dawned on Aika. She wants to tell him. She looked to Otaru, who was telling them about the sister of one of the drama club members.

"...and she'd always play the parts of the old men! She once did a role in one of our plays, she was so convincing!" Otaru was looking to the bright-eyed Naoki.

"How nifty!" Naoki smiled, "What's her name?"

"Oh, I dunno. It was during my Freshman year. She's graduated and gone now." Otaru was completely oblivious to Keiko next to him, who was slowly regaining herself.

Keiko-chan, you just dug your grave deeper, didn't you? Aika felt sorry that Keiko was in the position she was in. She looked down at her watch, and her eyes widened when she saw the hour. "OH NO! FOURTY-FIVE MINUTES UNTIL CURFEW!!!"

"WHAAAAAAT?!" the other three students gawked.

All four stood stimutaneously, both Aika and Keiko yelping a quick "Crap!" before grabbing their briefcases.

They turned to eachother, and Keiko make a quick scolding to Aika.

"Girls shouldn't say such words." she grinned.

Aika sent her a glare. "And boys shouldn't say such things int he presence of girls."

Keiko's face went blank at that.

Otaru folded his arms, and winked. "Sharp."

Aika waved. "Thanks for the shake." She and Naoki both rushed out.

"Wait-!" Keiko grabbed Aika's vest loop, and Aika remained.

Aika yelped, and looked over her shoulder. "I'm gonna be late!"

"Aren't you forgetting something, sweetie?" Keiko rose an eyebrow, and extended an open palm.

Aika paused. Her eyes lit up, and she pulled the Polaroid out of her vest pocket. "I guess you've earned it."

"You guess." Keiko repeated, and snatched it away. "You can go." She released Aika.

Aika straightened her vest,and she ran out with Naoki. "Let's go, Naoki-chan!"

"Mmh!" Naoki followed.

Keiko looked at the photo, and debated with herself if she should trash it or not.

"Sempai! Thirty minutes!" Otaru pointed to his wrist to indicate the time.

Keiko dropped it in her briefcase, and threw it over her shoulder.

"We'll make it if we run." Otaru took his briefcase.

Keiko nodded, not knowing what a task in itself that would be.

 

She was wheezing by the time they reached the gate.

Otaru whiped his brow, and looked down to Keiko, whose arms were practically dragging on the floor.

Keiko leaned against the cement wall next to the gate, and caught her breath. "I can't...take...another...step...!"

Otaru folded his arms. "You're not inside yet."

"Just a minute." Keiko panted.

"You only have two."

Keiko jerked her face up. It was red and flushed. With extreme effort, she managed to struggle into the campus grounds of TUA.

The moment she was inside, she sat down on the grass lining the sidewalk, and fell back onto it.

Otaru joined her on the lawn,and stared up at the sky. "I never noticed it getting dark outside."

Keiko rolled onto her side. Stretching out like they were doing now gave some temporary relief to her chest. She could wait to take off her uniform and bandages once she got inside. The pain was unbearable.

Otaru silently turned his head to look at Keiko.

"Why didn't you notice?" Keiko asked.

Otaru rolled onto his side, and propped himself up on an elbow. "Our backs faced the window."

Keiko blinked and rolled on her back again. "That's right." She looked up to the star-filled skies. "That's right." She repeated.

Otaru got on his stomach, and looked at Keiko. "Are you ready to go in yet?"

"Nah. Go in without me."

Otaru stood,and looked down at Keiko. "You wanna be alone?"

"Hey, why not?" Keiko shrugged.

Otaru shrugged back. "Well, then, g'night."

"`Night." Keiko watched Otaru walk off to their dorm. Even if they were on opposite sides of the building, it was nice to have Otaru nearby. She looked back to the sky, and paused for a rare moment of relative peace. For a brief instant, she forgot she was even on the boy's campus.

It ended soon, though.

The landscape lights flickered on, and blinded Keiko for a minute. She quickly sat up and stood. She rubbed her eyes, ad stumbled back to her room.

Anji was sitting at his desk, working on a class assignment. He looked up as Keiko entered. "You're back late."

Keiko waved a hand in front of her face to brush Anji off, and tossed her briefcase on her desk chair.

The contents spilled out on the chair, but Keiko couldn't care less. She began to get out her pajama shirt, and a towel. Her bath stuff was in a clear ziploc bag, and she happily hummed to herself as she made her way to the door.

Anji walked up to Keiko's desk chair. He began to pick up her belongings, and stuff them in her bag.

"You're such a neat freak." Keiko untied her hair and shook her head. "Ah..." she ruffled her hair, and shook her head again. "My hair can't take much more of this." She waited for her brother to answer with a snappy remark. She grew concerned when he brother didn't say a word. "Anji?" She turned around, and saw Anji with one knee on the floor. A nervous grimace spread across her face when a chunk of his face was blocked the the back of a Polaroid.

"What...is this?" Anji's voice was low, and almost sinister.

Keiko gulped. "What's what?"

Anji looked up to her with a dark glare (which seemingly runs in the family...). He flipped the photo around. "This." He paused. "What is this?"

Keiko forced a grin on her face. "Oh, that?!" She laughed.

Anji kept his eyes on the photo as he stood. He walked a few steps towards Keiko.

"GET OUT!!" he bellowed, extending an arm towards the hallway.

"I was about to!" Keiko backed away nervously. "Gotta shower!"

"Oh, no!" Anji shook his head. "OUT! NOW!" he clutched one of the pillows on Keiko's bed, and hurled it at her.

"Ow!" Keiko caught it, and it hit her chest. Her face burned in reaction to the pain. "What?! A-Anji!!!"

"You sleep OUTSIDE!" Anji shoved her out of the room, and slammed the door shut.

"Anjiiiii! Noooo!" Keiko pounded the door with both fists. "Open uuuuup!" She whined.

"Maybe after sleeping in the hall, you'll prefer a boy's bed over a girl's bed!" Anji's muffled voice came through the door.

"Anjiiiii!!" Keiko pounded on the door again,and slid down to the floor. "Why?!" she began to cry.

"Do you comprehend at all how you could've destroyed yourself if you got caught over there?!" Anji yelled back.

Keiko was too furious to think. She leaned her back against the door, and folded her arms against her--OWWW!!!!--oh, cripes, her chest--!! She couldn't sleep in the hall without being wrapped! She was wearing the Spring uniform, she'd break the buttons on the shirt!!! Black might work, but white certainly doesn't!

She began to think evil towards her brother. He put her in this position just so he could enjoy bossing her around! Of course! He must love being able to boss her around, he does it so much!!!

She began to draw the attention of passersby to herself, although she certainly didn't intend it. She shot a sharp glare to anyone who dared to slow down anywhere near her. How DARE Anji make her suffer complete and total humiliation!!

And WHY?! How could she possibly deserve this?!

The halls were soon emptying. Keiko looked up at the hallway clock, and observed that it was very near time for lights out. Surely Anji would let her in once the lights were out.

The flourescent lights flickered off as she finished that thought. She leaned back against the door, and tilted her head back. "Okay, you can let me back in now."

"Forget it." came Anji's reply.

Keiko grimaced, and leaned on her knees. "You're not going to make me sleep this way."

"Fine. Undo yourself. Try not to get caught."

Keiko sighed, and layed down flat on the lfoor. Anji wasn't going to let her in. She stared at the ceiling. What was the big deal, anyway? She wouldn't have gotten caught! And if she did, she would've--! ...well, hmm...well, she didn't get caught! So why'd that matter?!

...well, if she did, she could've been suspended. Both she and Otaru could've gotten in big trouble.

...oh, and Otaru...he would have found out. Another bad scenario.

Geez, were there any good ways to break the news?

A lie is a lie...Keiko thought, taking off her glasses. She slid them in her breast pock--OW! The glasses poked her again. Her chest was feeling so sore and tender, how would she get to sleep?

Or, how would she wake up? Was she going to be sore in the morning...oh! Was she going to be sore!

I guess Anji's looking out for me...Keiko closed her eyes. She began to breathe deeply. But this still sucks...I'm gonna be so sore when I wake up! She wanted to cry at the thought of the tragic fate awaiting her in the morning.

 

Even if he knew he was right, Anji felt bad for kicking his sister out of their room. She deserved it, he knew that. But that didn't help him sleep any better.

He tried to fully wake up the next morning. He was always an early riser, usually awake by the time the newspaper arrived.

...newspaper...hmm. Anji wondered in Gohei was through with all of the gay articles yet. Sure, Staci was cute, but he hated all of the places she took him. He went along with her, of course. More people could see them that way. As a couple.

Anji lay still in his bed, and stared at the ceiling. What was he thinking? What made him ever think that Keiko could solve the mystery of the music hall? Perhaps it was her connection with all of the Phoenix School students?

It seemed to him that absolutely nothing had been accomplished. All accusations thus far have been a stretch, and there have been too many risks for one week's time.

 

Keiko was asleep at the door of the room. Her right arm was resting across her stomach, and her left arm was on the floor, her hand holding her glasses.

She had managed to fall asleep on the hard floor of the hallway. Her shirt was wrinkled and buttoned all the way to her neck. The pillow Anji threw at her before kicking her out had managed to slip out from underneath her during the night.

The students walking in the hallways paid little attention to her as they headed to the gym and library to attend to their early morning activities.

They were all residents of the dorm, and they got a good look at Fujishige the night before. It was the students who were just entering the dorm that were not expecting to see Keiko sleeping in the hallway.

Kakeru was going to have an early practice before breakfast, and he saw the slump of a student in the not-too-far distance. His brow furrowed in a perplexed manner, and he squinted, trying to see if it was a student, or a bag of luggage.

The violinist walked over, and it soon because clear the what he saw was indeed the long-haired, four-eyed menace. He looked to the clock, and then gave Keiko a rough kick in the upper ribs.

Keiko let out a loud cry as she jumped awake. This startled Kakeru, and he drew his foot back.

Keiko moaned painfully as she gripped her arms over her chest, and scrunched up to a fetal position.

Keiko's chest was unbelieveably sore, and the kick in the breast area brought tears to her eyes.

Kakeru blinked, a little stunned at the reaction he received.

Keiko remained helpless on the floor, appearing to be in a serious amount of pain.

Keiko's eyes struggled open, and with tears brimming her eyes, she saw the fuzzy blur of two feet. She rolled on her side to face the door, and squinted her eyes shut. The tears ran over the bridge of her nose, and down her cheekbones onto the floor. The pain throbbed with every heartbeat. "Please go away!" she begged in a broken-up voice.

Kakeru stood there in silence, his mouth hanging open a bit. He didn't know what to make of the situation. Why was Fujishige--?

"GO NOW, PLEASE!" Keiko rose her voice, and scrunched herself up tighter.

Kakeru took a step back, and taking a final glance over his shoulder to the broken-up Kei, he ran back to the music hall.

 

Anji stiffened in his bed. Was that Keiko? He sat up, and walked over to the doorway. At opening the door, he saw his sister curled up on the floor, tears streaming down her flushed face.

"Kei!" Anji hit his knees, and helped Keiko sit up.

Keiko held in her cries pretty well this time. As Anji led her back into their room, she whimpered, "It hurts!"

"Yeah, hold on..." Anji let Keiko sit on his bed. "You need to get dressed."

Keiko lowered her head, and shook it. "No. No, never! I never want to see them again!"

Anji got out a clean uniform shirt, and took it off the hanger. "C'mon." He held the shirt open, and sat next to Keiko on the bed.

Keiko shrugged lower, and hugged her arms tighter.

Anji rested the shirt on Keiko's shoulders, and stood. He walked out of the room.

Keiko stared at her knees, and tried to focus without her glasses. She closed her eyes again, and tears began to fall on her pants.

Anji walked back in, a washcloth in one hand, Keiko's glasses in the other. He once again sat down next to Keiko, and brought the washcloth to her face. "This'll wake you up." he said.

Keiko dodged the washcloth unrelentlessly.

Anji kept pressing on to wah his little sister's face. He let out a short laugh. "Sit still, will you?"

"Anji--!" Keiko fell into Anji's arms, and cried.

Anji rested a hand on the back of Keiko's head, and held her as she cried.

"I'm sorry, Anji! I'm sorry!" she cried, and buried her face into Anji's pajama shirt. "I'll never do it again!"

Anji softly smiled. "Can I wash your face now?"

Keiko sat up, and took the cloth. "I can do it myself..." she hiccuped, and ran the wet cloth over her face.

Anji smiled, and picked up the shirt he draped over Keiko's shoulders. "Get dressed."

Keiko groggily nodded, and began to unbutton her shirt.

Anji stood up, and went to get a pair of pants for Keiko.

Keiko looked down at her bandages. "Anji..."

Anji turned around. "Hmm?"

Keiko pointed to her bust. "Just for today...could I borrow one of your shirts?"

"...." Anji turned to their closet, and took down one of his shirts. He tossed it over to her. "Just today."

Keiko caught it, and put it on. She undid the pants she wore the previous night, and put on the clean ones Anji set out for her. She snatched her glasses from Anji, and picked up her hairbrush and rubber-band, and walked across to the bathroom.

She pulled her hair back, and walked into a stall. She unbuttoned her shirt. She knew Anji wouldn't approve of this, but there was no possibility she could function if her chest throbbed all day like it did this morning. She unpinned her bandage, and loosened it considerably.

She buttoned up her shirt, and walked out of the stall. She looked in the mirror. It bunched a little bit at the breast, but the shirt was large enough, it covered it up pretty well.

And no one seemed to notice it, either. Keiko observed this as she looked around the bathroom.

...then again, the guys all looked totally stoned. She'd be lucky if any one of them noticed she was wearing clothes at all at this early hour.

She was finally beginning to wake up. Sure, it wasn't as comfortable as, say, perhaps a bra, but, man, did it feel good after a full night of sleeping fully wrapped. If she could get past Anji, she could fool anyone.

Keiko walked in to find Anji fully dressed and reading the paper. She walked to her desk, and began to pack her briefcase. Once she latched it shut, she stood up straight, and searched her desk for where Anji could've possibly put the picture.

"It's on my desk." Anji called from behind the paper.

Keiko looked at Anji, and walked across the room to Anji's desk. "You remind me of Dad when you do that."

"What, when I punish you?"

"No!" Keiko snapped, searching his desk. "When you talk to me through the paper."

Anji lowered the paper. "Dad doesn't do that."

"Yes he does! It drives Mom crazy." Keiko found the photo, and smiled. Found it! She picked it up, and took it over to her desk.

"You look horrible in that photo, by the way." Anji said.

"Thanks." Keiko ignored him, and propped it up against her desk lamp.

"Not attached to it, huh?" Anji asked.

"What do you mean?" Keiko turned to him.

"Usually you'd scream at me if I said that." Anji lifted up his paper again.

Keiko blinked, and Anji straightened up.

"Hey! A co-ed project is in the works?! Rock on!" Anji cheered.

Keiko felt her stomach rumble. She picked up her briefcase. "I'm starving. See ya."

"Yeah." Anji answered behind the paper.

Keiko tossed her ponytail behind her shoulder, and walked out. She glanced at the music hall as she passed it, and wondered if Kakeru was still practicing. She didn't stop, and headed to the cafeteria.

 

Breakfast was quick and eventless. Keiko ate alone, and didn't spend much time wondering where Otaru was. She'd see him by first period.

And she was right! He was there early, too! He beat her there, at least.

Tomohazu was late, though. That gave Jiro enough time to bug her again about joining a club.

"C'mon, Fujishige! Even your best friend is in one!" Jiro sat on Otaru's desk and yanked Otaru forward to his side, as though to emphasize his point.

"Jiro-kun..." Otaru grunted, "If you don't mind..."

Jiro let go of Otaru, and walked to Keiko's desk. He leaned forward on her desk, and dove directly into her "personal space", if you will.

"Is there a reason you don't want to join anything?" Jiro asked in a low voice.

Just to annoy the daylights outta you...Keiko thought, but didn't say anything.

Tomohazu finally walked in.

"Kanzaki-kun, please take your seat." he ordered.

Jiro looked up, and looked back to Keiko briefly before walked back to his desk.

Class went well, Keiko thought. But Otaru was a bit...well, distracting. He would, on occasion, squirm in his seat.

Keiko acted discreet, but every now and then, she'd glance down at her chest, just to make sure nothing was coming loose or bunching of and anything of the sort.

What was bugging Otaru?! He couldn't sit still!

As first period ended, and Keiko got up to go to her English class, she shot Otaru a curious look, which he returned with a sheepish one.

Keiko wished she could stay and ask Otaru what was bugging him, but time was running short, and she had to make it to class. Standing in the hallway twice in a week would not be good.

She felt Kakeru's eyes on her all through English class. She scooted up straight in her desk chair, and tried to ignore it. But it made the hair on her arms stand up on end. She finally gained the nerve to turn to look at him. Staring straight back always made people stop looking at you. She furrowed her brow, and turned to look at him.

Keiko stared at him, and she wouldn't look away! She began to blush as they stared straight at eachother.

I just got myself in an awkward situation...Keiko gulped, and continued to look at him.

Kakeru was unwavering. He was almost like a statue!

Keiko tore away from the stare, and turned to the blackboard. He's really trying to weird me out...

Luckily, third period was drawing near. That meant no more Kakeru until sixth period!

Katsuhiko was already in the classroom when she got there. She quickly took a seat. By the looks on the students' faces...her Sensei was not having a good day.

She looked to Otaru, who was frantically searching through his notebook for something. She furrowed her brow, and leaned towards Otaru. "What's the matter?"

"This doesn't look good." Otaru quietly said to Keiko. "I can't find my assignment."

Keiko nervously smiled. "Uh-oh. Well, you've a few minutes before third period starts."

Otaru nodded. "I don't think I'd make it back in time."

"What's the worst that could happen?" Keiko replied.

Otaru gave Keiko a "look".

As long as it's not me in my underwear...Keiko remembered Anji's warning from their first day.

"The clock's ticking." Keiko said.

Otaru looked at the clock on the wall, and stood.

Keiko watched Otaru leave the room in a hurry, and suddenly grinned. I should've brought my camera. She held in her giggles, and leaned back on her chair. She watched the clock as the seconds ticked by. Poor, poor Otaru-chan...I sure hope you don't freeze through third period...

"Time to begin." Katsuhiko opened up a notebook, and adjusted a set of spectacles on the bridge of his nose.

Otaru dashed in a split-second too late.

Keiko sat up. Just missed.

Katsuhiko turned to the doorway, and looked to Otaru.

Some classmates snickered. Katsuhiko's reputation was famous around the school. It was pretty obvious what was about to occur. It seemed natural that the victim of the Senior class would be the first to suffer Katsuhiko's wrath.

"Please leave your clothes on my desk and take a seat, Chinen-kun." Katsuhiko casually ordered.

"Y-yessir." Otaru peeped, and walked over to the teacher's desk.

Katsuhiko's stern face prevented any laughter from erupting from the class.

Keiko kept her eyes on her notebook, trying to think of something to write down. She blushed a bit, terribly embarrassed for her friend. She looked up a bit to look at him.

He didn't seem bothered in the least by it. Odd...Keiko thought.

Then again, it wasn't as thought his body was anything to be ashamed of. He wasn't like Anji or anything, but he was built well.

Keiko went back to her assignment pad, and a bit of muttering arose. She noticed this, and Katsuhiko cleared his throat.

The class went silent, and this aroused Keiko's suspicion. She watched Otaru walk to his desk, and he sat down. He set his assignment on his desk, and turned to reach down for his textbook. That's when Keiko saw it. Below his neck, between his shoulderblades...there was a huge bruise, so black, it make Keiko almost choke in surprise.

Otaru looked to Keiko, and smiled. "Found it." he quietly whispered.

Keiko forced a smile on her face, and gently nodded. She turned back to her assignment.

She didn't know what to make of it. It could've been an accident. She discreetly glanced over to Otaru again while Katsuhiko reviewed the class. She saw another bruise very similar to the first one just below his ribs.

The pencil she held in her hand broke in two. It wasn't an accident! Someone was beating on Otaru again!

"Fujishige-kun." Katsuhiko called on Keiko.

Keiko snapped to attention. "Sir?"

Katsuhiko had a look on his face that Keiko couldn't read. This made Keiko nervous. She remembered her loose bandage. There was no way to hide if...

Katsuhiko turned to another student. "Ishikawa-kun."

Keiko blinked in confusion. W...what just happened?

Keiko had to exercise some serious self-control durinig the remainder of the period. There couldn't be a worse day for Katsuhiko to reprimand her. But there couldn't have been a worse day for Otaru to show up with bruises, either!

Pressure was piling sky-high today. She felt uneasy. Now she was beginning to hope school would be overwith soon.

Keiko glanced over at Otaru again. She winced as she saw another bruise on his collarbone. She looked back to her desk, and the words on her assignment pad began to blur. She drew in a breath, and blinked her tears back. Now was not the time to be a crybaby.

Class ended soon enough...Keiko kept her eyes on her briefcase as everyone headed to lunch, including the clothed Otaru.

"It was an intelligent sacrifice." Katsuhiko told Otaru. "I would've done the same for a good grade."

"Yes, sir." Otaru fastened his last shirt button, and turned to Keiko. "Sempai."

Keiko looked up. Clothed, Otaru looked perfect. His boyish face was flawless, and he looked happy and healthy.

Real happy...

"Fujishige-kun." Katushiko stood at his desk.

Otaru looked surprised at the teacher's actions.

Keiko's eyes widened, and Katsuhiko cleared his throat.

Otaru looked to Katsuhiko, and then Keiko. He drifted to the doorway, and gently said. "I'll save you a seat..."

After Otaru left, Katsuhiko walked out from behind his desk, and rubbed his mustache. "I'm sure that in Spain, you're not used to such means of discipline."

"Th-that's not a problem..." Keiko fastened her briefcase shut.

"I realize that. The bruises were enough to make my stomach turn, and I worked in the police force." Katsuhiko walked up the aisle next to Keiko.

Keiko's head lowered in reply.

"A man's duty is to protect and provide for the ones he loves." Katsuhiko stated bluntly.

Keiko looked up to him, her eyes brimming with tears.

"And to do that, he must first learn to protect himself." Katsuhiko turned back towards his desk.

"Yes, sir." Keiko stood, and pulled her briefcase off of her desk.

"Oh, yes..." Katsuhiko looked over his shoulder, a glint of mischief in his gray eyes. "If you wish to observe the male form, might I recommend the swim team?"

Keiko stiffened up. "I-I'm not gay, sir!"

"I never said you were." Katsuhiko lightly added as he sat back at his desk.

Keiko paused for a moment, and then left immediately to meet up with Otaru.

 

Otaru and Keiko ate outside that day, to admire the fine Spring weather.

Otaru noticed how Keiko was scrunched up against the wall. "Hey..."

Keiko coldly glared at Otaru.

Otaru's eyes widened, and he scooted back a bit. "Ouch. What'd Katsuhiko say to you?"

Keiko closed her eyes and crumpled up the wrapper from her sandwich. She stood, and walked over to the trashcan.

Otaru blankly watched her stand, and scrambled up to follow her. "Sempai! What's wrong?"

Keiko turned around, and stared at Otaru.

"...?" Otaru waited for Keiko to say something.

Keiko silently held up two fingers, and she lightly jabbed Otaru in the collarbone, where she earlier saw the bruise.

"Ah!" Otaru winced, and grabbed his collarbone.

Keiko stared at him with an angry face. "...."

Otaru stared back, writhing in pain.

"Just when the heck was I going to find out about this, huh?!" Keiko paused. I'm not suppossed t'do this...

Otaru paused as Keiko grinned impishly, and slugged him in the shoulder.

She laughed loudly. "What'd you do this time?!"

"Ow!" Otaru yelped, and held his arm. "Gee, Sempai! I think you gave me another bruise!"

"Sorry, sorry..." Keiko casually said. "You wuss, you sure bruise easily." She began to walk, and Otaru followed her.

"Did you hear about the co-ed project in the works?" Otaru asked.

"Yeah. Anji mentioned it this morning." Keiko folded her arms at the thought of females.

"They're doing it early this year." Otaru grinned. "It looks like Nimai-san and Jiro-kun are really productive together."

Keiko nodded, almost suspiciously. "Looks that way."

"That's one thing I must give credit to Nimai-san for." Otaru held up a finger. "I think she compliments Jiro-kun much more nicely than Toseki-san."

Keiko nodded, and Otaru went on.

"...Toseki-san was more independent. Which can be good, but when it comes to co-ed projects, being overly independent can slow things down." Otaru continued. "Toseki-san was most productive on her own."

"Perhaps." Keiko wanted to cringe at the thought of Mai. If there was a co-ed project, no doubt she'd find Keiko. Can I really blame her...? Keiko smugly smiled. I feel sorry for her...almost. She has rotten taste in guys.

"What's so funny?" Otaru asked the smirking Keiko.

"Just thinking about that loser who plays the violin." Keiko put her hands into her pockets. "That guy is queer."

Otaru blinked. "You sure?"

"I'm pretty sure." Keiko casually replied. "That, or he is easily flattered by older men."

Otaru folded his arms, and shrugged. "He could just be shy."

Keiko snorted a laugh. "That guy is anything but shy! You haven't seen him talk to me."

"I dunno, you seem to bring out the loud part of everyone." Otaru said.

Keiko shot him a glare.

Otaru flashed his most sincere smile. "It was a compliment, not an insult!"

Keiko gave him a skeptical look.

"Honest!"

Keiko looked towards the dorms. "Well, his loud side is not something I want to bring out. It's not a pretty thing."

Keiko began to wonder if she was saying too much. She really didn't want to get into the details with Otaru just yet.

Otaru nodded, and let it rest. "PE next?"

"Yup." Keiko frowned. She hated PE, and her bust was going to make it worse.

"Look on the bright side. None of that in Senior year." Otaru elbowed her.

Keiko winced. Man, that hurt!! She stumbled a bit, but made an effort not to grab the afflicted area.

Otaru's eyes widened. "Hey..."

"I'm fine!" Keiko gruffly snapped.

Otaru quickly shut his mouth.

"Lunch period's almost over. I'm making a head-start to the gym." Keiko lowered her head, and dismissed herself from Otaru's audience.

 

I just need to get past today...just past today...Keiko buttoned up Anji's shirt on her frame. Please, just today...she pulled at any areas grabbing at her bust. She looked up as she approached the music hall doorway.

She took a deep breath, and opened the door and walked in--

--straight into Ken.

She slammed her chest right up against his--and it hurt!

"Hey, Fujishige!" Ken greeted Keiko, whose face was turning a bit pale.

If my chest is hit one more time...! Keiko's eyes stung.

"I'm heading out for the night." Ken walked past her. "The list of things t'do is on my desk."

"You're heading out?!" Keiko exclaimed.

Ken turned around. "Yeah, my work is done!"

"...but---!"

"It's okay, dude. I trust ya." Ken began to walk away.

Keiko paused, and walked into the music hall. But that means I'll be alone with Kakeru all afternoon...

The room was empty as she entered it. "...huh?" She looked around. No music stand...no violin...

...no Kakeru?!

Keiko smiled, and unbuttoned her shirt's top two buttons. In that case...! She happily strutted into Ken's office.

She found the list on his desk. She picked it up, and scanned it over. There was nothing too big. Move chairs, file papers, sweep...

"I guess I'll start with the papers..." Keiko tossed the list on the desk, and walked back.

"...." Keiko froze int he doorway as she opened it.

Kakeru stopped, and looked at her as he walked across the room.

Keiko grumbled as she walked over to the file cabinets.

"What'd I do now?" Kakeru asked as he opened up his violin case.

Keiko ignored Kakeru, and filed papers. He deserved a blow to the groin for what he did this morning.

Kakeru looked over at Keiko, and watched her. He remembered the incidents that took place that morning. He set up a music stand, and paged through his music. "Any requests?"

Keiko paused, and glared down at her papers. She looked over her shoulder. "Yeah. Shut up!"

Kakeru frowned, and snapped back, "What the heck has gotten you riled up?!"

"I guess your charms are contagious!" Keiko turned completely around. "How d'you like the taste of your own medicine?!"

Kakeru picked up his violin, and clutched his bow. "Can't a guy try to have a peaceful conversation anymore?!"

"Obviously, you can't." Keiko calmly insulted.

Kakeru clenched his teeth in frustration, and turned to his music stand. "Oh, FORGET IT!"

"That's good. You go on and play, Kakeru-chan." Keiko mocked, and turned back to her filing. "That's one thing you can do quietly."

Kakeru set down his bow and violin, and angrily paced over to Keiko. He grabbed the back of her collar.

Keiko was so shocked, she didn't have time to react. Her head spun as Kakeru spun her around, and pinned her up against the wall by her collar.

She ignored the quick rap made by her head against the wall.

"You listen, Fujishige, and you listen good." Kakeru breathed heavily, and stared straight into Keiko's wide eyes. "I will not repeat myself."

Keiko felt her bandage loosen.

"You saw how upset I can get. If you insist on provoking me, I will not promise I will exercise self-control."

Keiko glared at him, and coldly said, "Let go of me."

Kakeru released her slowly, and she slapped away one of his hands.

"If you ever touch me again, I will make it my life purpose to bring you misery and pain for as long as you are in my company." Keiko stood up straight, and dug her index finger into his chest. "I'm not the least bit afraid of you, pal, let me make that clear."

Kakeru didn't look intimidated in the slightest, but didn't argue back.

Keiko put down her finger, and walked past him. She pulled a bit at her shirt, to try to loosen it.

She carefully conducted her chores, keeping a close eye on Kakeru. He didn't seem at peace while playing today. Keiko wondered if she shook him up too much...

Keiko pulled out the broom as Kakeru began to pile up his hseet music. She piled up chairs to clear the floor. She glanced over to Kakeru. So he's leaving early. Good. Keiko thought as she piled up the two chairs on top of another pair.

Kakeru looked to her as she reached for the next set. The set she just stacked began to slide. "Ah--!"

Keiko turned around, and jumped away from the chairs as they fell. "Yeep!" she cried.

Kakeru paused, and blinked. Yeep?

Keiko quickly bent down and picked up the chairs. Kakeru set his papers on top of his violin case.

"Stupid chairs can never stay still..." Keiko muttered to herself.

Kakeru picked up his music stand, and walked towards the wall to put it away.

Keiko made a grunt as she lifted two more chairs up.

Kakeru instinctively looked over to Keiko as he walked. His eyes fell on a gaping spot on her shirt, where the beige bandage was clearly exposed.

His eyes grew wide, and his pupils got small. His breath ceased, and his grip released on the music stand. It fell on his foot, which snapped him back to attention. He yelped, and looked down to his foot. The music stand clattered on the floor, and Kakeru's unafflicted foot caught beneath the stand.

Keiko set down the chairs, and looked over to Kakeru as he cried out and tripped over the music stand.

Kakeru's face was planted in the floor beneath him, and he was still.

Keiko blinked, and walked over to Kakeru. She crouched down next to him, resting her arms on her knees.

"How'd you do that?" Keiko calmly asked.

Kakeru grunted, and pushed himself up. His face was flushed, but he still faced the floor.

"W-w-what the HELL are you doing the boy's school?!!!" Kakeru screamed at the top of his lungs.

Keiko shot up, and backed away a few steps. "....!"

Kakeru wiped his chin with his sleeve, and darkly looked up to Keiko.

This isn't possible! Keiko thought. There's no way Kakeru could have found me out!!

 

End Episode Eight

Go on to Episode Nine

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