Chapter Text
"A Records annual battle of the bands! For the first time, UA Records will be accepting solo entries! Fight to earn a record deal with the nation's leading label!"Kyouka scanned the vibrantly colored flyer taped to the convenient store'' window. UA Records hosted this competition in her hometown every year. She had attended the live shows with her parents ever since she was a little girl. ~Solo entries are allowed now?..maybe I should apply..~ She let her mind wander for a moment before forcing herself back to reality. It was her dream to perform her music at an event like this, but she had more pressing matters. Kyouka's parents ran a record store, and as of late, the business had been rocky. As much as she wanted to prove herself at the competition, she would never forgive herself if her absence cost her parents their store. With a sigh, she tore her eyes away from the flyer and continued on her way. Maybe next year.
~~~
Momo tightened her jacket around her as a brisk September breeze whipped at her rosy cheeks. On a day like today, most would have chosen to drive or take a train. she, however, welcomed the chill. Normally a summer person, Momo always enjoyed the first few weeks of fall; It meant returning to school. She hadn'’ seen her friends in months and couldn'’ wait to catch up with them. Momo quickened her pace excitedly.
As she entered the building, Momo was met with a rush of warm air, and she suddenly remembered why she was a summer person. Fall was lovely, and she was thrilled to be back to school, but the consistent warmth of the summer months were definitely missed. Momo pulled out her phone to check the time. She still had a few minutes till class started. A smile stretched across her face as she saw Ochako approaching the same classroom.
"Ochako! Is this your class as well?"A short brunette turned around and squealed happily. She wrapped her arms around the taller girl, not even processing the question.
"Momo! I missed you so much!"Ochako beamed, thrilled to Momo, who happily accepted her friends embrace.
"How was your summer? Did you and Mina survive while I was gone?"Momo had spent her summer traveling with her parents. She had loved her time spent in Europe but was envious of her friends back at home, who had the entire summer to mingle.
"Barely!," Ochako giggled. "think I lost at least three layers of skin to sunburns from the pool! You and Mina are so lucky that you tan instead!"The two exchanged stories of their summer adventures whilst waiting for class to begin. Mina, their spunky pink haired friend, walked into class seconds before the bell rang. She tried to hide the fact that she was clearly out of breath. Ochako stifled a giggle and poked her side as she took a seat next to her.
"Running late I see!"
"I have a reputation to uphold, thank you very much!" Momo smiled to herself. She definitely missed these two.
A few more stragglers scurried in, followed by a very enthusiastic teacher. Momo recognized him from previous years. Mr. Aizawa had dark circles beneath his eyes, and unruly hair tied back in a messy bun. His rugged looks and apathetic personality were always popular with the girls in his classes. Momo could recognize his attractive traits but found him not to be her type. Mina, however, appeared to be entranced. Even Ochako seemed to be a little smitten. She rolled her eyes.
The three had been best friends since middle school. Momo couldn'’ recall how the friendship started, only that it felt like it was always there. She would do absolutely anything for those girls. Mina was the most outgoing. She loved to stand out in a crowd, and always played around with crazy hairstyles and bright colors. As of lately, she seemed to settle down a bit, sticking to a fluffy pink bob. Mina was confident and flirty. She always managed to find trouble, and never failed to talk her way out. Ochako, on the other hand, was far more reserved. She was still rather friendly and was well liked, but she definitely was tamer than her colorful friend. Most often, she would stay out of any conflict. However, Ochako was known for her competitive nature, and could easily get fired up if the situation called for it. Ochako was loyal and kind. Her girl-next-door aura earned her a great deal of attention from the opposite sex.
Mr. Aizawa finished his lecture rather quickly and announced that he would be taking a nap, and asked that they keep a moderately low volume. The class, stunned at first by this unusual teaching method, soon moved around the room to mingle with one another.
Most of her classmates had been in classes with Momo previously, so there were few that she didn'' recognize. One face, however, did catch her eye. He looked so familiar... But she couldn't figure out why.