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“Wait...is that her?!”
“It really is!”
“I know this school is prestigious but I never knew she’d be here!”
“I heard she’s really talented”
“Pretty sure she only got in cause of her parents”
Ah
There goes the whispers. They always follow her whenever she goes, though she taught herself not to be swayed by such whispers, she can’t help herself from putting those words into mind.
“Only here because of her parents”
It’s something she heard more often than not. And though some have seen what she really is capable of, most just think she’s living under the shadow of her parents. Both of whom, are highly regarded in the Theatre industry.
Tendou Maya knew the weight of the surname she was passed on. Knew that the moment she was born, she was destined to be on stage. Destined to be someone great. Following in the footsteps of her parents. And that’s why she did. She trained. And trained. And trained. Ninety percent of her life, she gave it all just for training. Even robbing her of her own childhood. But she knew the cost of it. Knew exactly what she needed to sacrifice in order to stand at position zero.
And she did.
“The road to top star is no easy path”
Indeed it wasn’t. Maya could’ve just used her parents’ influence in the industry and just be top star but no. She proved them wrong.
During Seisho’s entrance exams, she shone brighter than anyone else. Left her own audience in the state of awe even after the performance just like what her Father taught her.
And it was in that exact same moment, the whispers disappeared. Because she had proved them wrong. Because in that moment, everyone knew, exactly just what Tendou Maya is capable of.
“Who does she think she is?! Getting all lead roles?! When will they let us have a turn?!”
Ah
They’re back. Maya knew she won’t hear the end of it. She wasn’t prepared they would start again so early. But just by another shrug of the shoulder, she walked pass through those whispering girls ever so graceful and perfect. And as if by a spell, they were all awed by the top star’s presence. Like her royal subjects, in complete reverence and under the mercy of their queen. That is the effect of the presence of Tendou Maya.
Although she got most of the students in her school to bow before her, some just really find it hard to call it quits.
Maya was on her way home when, as exhausted as she is, she was careless enough not to check her own pair of shoes.
The spasm of pain contorted the brunette’s face but she still managed to stifle a whimper.
Slowly lifting up her right foot, she witnessed tiny pools of blood on the sole of her feet. Around five thumbtacks kissed her sole and Maya could only just sigh.
She’ll manage. She’s Tendou Maya.
Or that was what she thought.
The path to top star certainly requires arduous effort but at her current state, even going to the infirmary seem to be equally hard. Not that she minded at all, it’s just that her foot was already killing her and if she doesn’t get the bleeding in check, she might really die from blood loss, worse yet, a tetanus infection.
“Maya?”
Ah
She’s still here.
Her voice was like an angel to Maya. Though any other voice would sound equally the same, Maya just really needs some help right now and who else would come to her aid but her very own partner who practiced with her even after dusk.
“Claudine”
She put her injured foot down albeit, no pressure was applied. Her posture was back to perfection but Claudine knew something was wrong.
“I thought you left earlier than I did.”
Not a question, Maya notices. She demands a proper explanation as to why Maya is still here and Maya will definitely give her that.
“I seem to be, currently, umm...let’s say not in the state...or condition to go home at the moment”
An eyebrow from the blonde’s perfectly shaped face was raised and Maya took it as a signal to explain further. But enough words, it’s easier to show her than explain.
And she did.
The utter shock was definitely not lost in Saijou Claudine’s face. And though she gave Maya an earful from being “careless” she did help her get to the infirmary faster and even treated Maya’s wound herself.
“Maya! You can’t let them do this to you!”
Why was she the one getting frustrated?
“They already have Claudine”
A smile towards the blonde way.
“But! You can’t let them continue this! I know competition is definitely present when it comes to the stage but they have gone too far!”
A sigh escaped Maya’s lips. If she had to admit, this wasn’t the first time this happened. In fact, if she remembered correctly, this was fifth time this week that something happened to her.
“It’s quite alright. Im used to it”
She meant those words she said but somehow, the disappointment hidden behind her voice was not so hidden in Claudine’s ears.
“If you won’t put a stop to this, I will”
Bold move. But no, she doesn’t want Claudine to be involve in any of her affairs. Not because she doesn’t trust her. Heck, she’d trust her with her life. But because she fears that something might happen to Claudine too and that’s one thing she will absolutely not forgive herself for if it were to happen.
“Claudine, no. I am perfectly fine. They’ll stop eventually”
Lies. Maya knows they won’t just stop. They’ll stop at nothing until they see Maya fall and crumble and that’s the truth.
“Do you really even think they’ll stop Maya? Mon Dieu! They even hid your stage costumes! Not once, not twice, but thrice even! If it weren’t for Nana and the others helping out, you’d have to go on stage without a costume on!”
Claudine pinched the bridge of her nose as if preventing a headache from breaking out. She was really getting frustrated with Maya and how calm this girl is.
“That is the price I was more than willing to pay to be top star. I know the sacrifices and the consequences that comes with it”
Although it was for a brief moment, Claudine could’ve sworn Maya’s expression was pained when she said that. But right now, the top star’s is her usual. Of feigned indifference.
“Maya, this isn’t about you being top star anymore. This is about you being...human...for once!”
Human. That’s not something Maya heard often. She was always referred to as a goddess.
“We all know you’re top star Maya, and though I’d hate to admit it, you will always be that way. But please, be human enough to put a stop to these kind of things. It pains me enough to not be able to reach you, how much more if I see you like this more often than not?”
Odd. For some reason, Maya felt like crying. She has cried before but that was during acting. This time, she feels like crying for real. And she didn’t know if it was the way Claudine said it or because she was finally being treated as...normal...it was a new feeling really.
“I don’t know what to say”
Indeed, she was rendered speechless. It was hard enough to bite back a few sobs without speaking how much more if she will speak?
“Then don’t say anything. Just, rely on me once in a while. I mean...I know you’re capable of doing everything but like, I want you to rely on me. You’re my partner and I’ll be stuck with you and you with me whether you like it or not. So...it’s okay if it’s you know....if you would share some of your burden with me. Being top star, and all”
A shrugged from Claudine. Maya wasn’t sure if it was because Claudine said all those with her back facing Maya or if Maya was going crazy in the head now because she suddenly wants to hug her. A big and tight hug even from behind.
And she did.
“Ueh?! Maya?!”
Taken by surprise, the blonde tried to take a look at the top star’s face but to no avail because the said top star buried her face in Claudine’s golden locks from behind.
“You’re not supposed to be standing up! Sit back down!”
The French girl tried to take Maya’s arms off around neck but the latter’s grip was stronger but not strong enough to choke Claudine though.
“Would you...”
She spoke
“Would you still be....by my side....even if I wasn’t entirely normal?”
More of a mutter really but it wasn’t silent enough for Claudine not to hear.
“Maya, since when were you normal?”
A slight chuckle left Claudine’s mouth but Maya’s tightened grip told her Maya was serious in asking.
“Of course”
There it is. The only words that mattered. It was music in Maya’s ears and she’s sure a tear just escaped her eye.
“You’ll be dragged for quite a while into messes like this”
Maya warned
“I don’t care”
“They’ll come after you too”
“Then let them”
“You’ll be in a lot of pain and frustration”
“So be it”
“You’re....you’re serious?”
It takes Maya a lot of effort not to currently look at the blonde’s face, not when she herself was a mess and she quite liked hugging Claudine from behind.
“I am”
Maya leaned her head towards Claudine who gladly returned the gesture.
“Why?”
Claudine held Maya’s arm and took it off around her neck so she can face Maya and though the height difference was slightly irritating, Claudine shrugged it off and said
“Because there’s no place I’d rather be in this world than by your side.....Come what may...”
It was Claudine’s turn to hug Maya now. The latter seemed to return it too fast and probably too tight if it were anyone else she was hugging.
“With you by my side, I can conquer the world. And I won’t let anything happen to you ever again. I promise”
“......”
Silence as an answer.
“Maya?”
Claudine made a move to break the hug but Maya swiftly hugged her again and buried her face in the French’s chest. Weird enough, Claudine’s chest started to feel a little damp.
“Maya? Oh my God Maya, are you crying?!”
Her hugged got tighter, a sign towards Claudine not to break the hug or she won’t hear the end of it.
“Thank you...”
Claudine could only laugh at Maya’s cute reaction but hugged her back again anyway.
“You’re welcome”