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“Hmph,” Arashi uttered, puffing her cheeks full of air as she looked in the mirror, lightly dragging a makeup brush across her skin.
“How does this look?” She asked, despite the fact that no one else was in the room. HiMERU had left early in the morning and hadn’t returned yet and Tetora was called for by Chiaki a couple hours ago, probably for something unit related.
There was a knock on the door accompanied by a familiar voice.
“Is it okay for me to come in?” Ryusei Black spoke.
“Of course it is, this is your dorm too. You’ve the same rights as I do,” Arashi answered, fiddling with the eyeshadow palettes on the table.
“Yeah I know, but it wouldn’t be very manly to walk in on a lady while she’s getting ready,” Tetora replied, opening the door just enough to slide inside.
“Then I appreciate your chivalry,” she exchanged a small smile.
“And uh, you look really nice,” he commented sheepishly, scratching the back of his head with his left hand.
“Was I talking to myself that loudly?” Arashi exclaimed, her eyes growing twice their size.
“No you weren’t loud at all. I didn’t hear you at all actually, but I know you ask yourself that when you do your makeup so I thought I should give you the assurance,” he answered, the hand formerly nested in his hair now in the shape of a slightly raised fist.
“That’s very sweet of you, Tetora-kun.” He returned her smile for a moment before it fell away.
“Are you okay?” He inquired, tilting his head a bit to the side. “You look kinda sad.”
“No I’m not sad it’s just, I’m a bit...conflicted.”
“About what? I...if you don’t mind me asking that is,” he said, a tint of nervousness in his voice .
“I’m not sure what I should wear,” she boiled her inner conflict to its simplest level, but there was more to it than mere indecisiveness.
“Well I’m sure whatever you pick you’ll look amazing in.” That compliment gathered a small smile from the Knight.
“I know but… What would other people think if I showed up to the dance in…” she trailed off “In a dress.”
“I think they’d think you look nice!” Tetora answered, projecting enthusiasm. “Or at least I hope they would. But even if they don’t, that doesn’t really matter. Does it? As long as you like how you look, that’s what’s important, right?”
“I wish it were that simple, but people from outside the agencies will be there. That’s what I’m worried about.”
“Ah...Wait, didn’t Saesuga-senpai say that outside photos wouldn’t be allowed?”
“Oh, I actually think you’re right. And that makes sense for him to do. It’s the only way he’d let something like this happen.”
“Then you don’t have anything to worry about, right?” Tetora said, eyes gleaming optimistically. “This dress that you’re so eager to wear, what’s it look like? If I could see it.”
“Oh of course, I’d be happy to show you it,” Naru smiled with her eyes slightly shut, getting up from her makeshift makeup station and moving towards her closet. “I didn’t tell Mika-chan I’d be wearing a dress though and I think he was getting something for me.”
“Did he ask you what you were wearing?”
She nodded a response.
“I said I would be wearing blue, which still holds up since I made sure the suit and dress were as close to the same color I could get.”
“Woah, you did a really great job color matching. They practically look the same! How did you manage to do that?” Tetora questioned curiously.
“I went to a handful of fabric stores and found the color at the fifth store I visited. Right when I was about to throw in the towel too,” she chuckled, pulling the dress out from the back of the closet and holding it in front of her muscular frame.
“Fabric...You made that?” The younger asked, receiving a nod as response. “You did such a nice job! You make stuff about as well as Taishou does.”
“I wouldn’t say it’s as good as anything he can produce,” she chuckled. “I certainly made an attempt though. It might be on the simpler side but I’m happy with how it turned out.”
It was an a-line form dress in a pastel blue color, a sheer layer of sapphire blue sitting on top from the waist down. A thick solid strip of the same pastel fabric made up a belt sitting at the hip, presumably to hide some of the skirt’s stitchwork. Dark blue faceted beads of various shapes and sizes dazzled the belt and the neckline.
“You should be happy, it looks great! I didn’t know you could sew.”
“I couldn’t for a long time, but a couple months ago Mika-chan started teaching me some of the basics. It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be, and the Craftmonster club room has all the tools a seamstress could dream of.”
“I heard that Itsuki-senpai is in charge of the club’s budget so I’m not surprised,” Tetora replied. “He seems like the kind of person to settle for nothing but the best.”
“That’s Itsuki-senpai to the tee, but it’s probably for the best since he makes all of Valkyrie’s outfits for stage performances. Having a wardrobe malfunction on stage wouldn’t be good for anyone and higher quality material can help avoid that,” Arashi half theorized and half stated with authority. “Oh Tetora-kun, were you going to change?” She asked, he still donning his casual black shirt and tan pants.
“Yeah you’re right, I am. And you need to change too,” Tetora commented. “You change in here and I’ll take my things to the floor bathroom and change in a stall there.”
“No you really don’t need to do that. It doesn’t sound very comfortable, or clean for that matter,” Arashi insisted otherwise. “I’ll step out for a few minutes and you crack the door back open when you’re done.”
“Oh okay then, but I won’t take long. I promise!”
Arashi nodded before leaving the dorm.
A couple of minutes before a creaking sound vibrated from the door, expanding from a small crack to fully open. Tetora stood in a standard black suit with a white short, a dash of color at the neck.
“A purple bowtie with black polka dots, that’s adorable. I’m a bit surprised you didn’t go for a standard black tie. After all, you are Ryusei Black,” Arashi said, fawning over the outfit choice of her junior.
“Yeah I was going to at first but solid black is kind of boring so I got this one instead. Everyone else is wearing color so why can’t I?”
“Everyone else?” Arashi cocked her head to the side.
“Yeah! Taichou suggested that we wear matching suits and wear our respective colored tie, but a black tie with a black suit is too boring to me,” Tetora explained, pointing to his neckwear. ”The group photos are going to look so nice, I can't wait.” Excitement was exuding from his small body in waves. It’s true that Tetora was easy to excite, like a young puppy exploring a new room, but he seldom got into this state. “Oh, I should step out now,” he changed the subject, that agreement of theirs having slipped his mind for a moment. Arashi gave him a small smile as he slid out the door.
“Hmm, no wonder why I felt like I was forgetting something,” Naru muttered to herself as she pawed through her jewelry box. “I suppose silver will have to work,” she concluded, pulling out her standard earring studs, a triplet of silver bangles, and a drop dangle necklace.
“Yes, this will work,” she affirmed with a look in the mirror, fiddling with the necklace chain.
“Wow Narukami-senpai, you really do know how to bring an outfit together,’ Tetora observed upon the door’s opening. A flash of blush appeared in her cheeks.
“Were you going to be leaving with anyone in particular?”
The young Ryusei shook his head. “Nope, just gonna be with the other Ryuseitai members and have a fun time. I heard there’s gonna be a disco ball. That sounds so cool!” He elaborated. “Hakaze-senpai was being really weird about it though. He hounded me for days trying to put me with some girl’s sister but that felt really weird.”
“Haha that’s right. His little ‘matchmaker’ stand in the dorm’s common rooms,” Arashi laughed at the memory. “Each time he set up shop he was chased out by an angry Hasumi-senpai or Saesuga-senpai.”
The couple of weeks leading up to this dance were eventful to say the least. Not holding the same level of drama as past DreFes, but certainly weirder. Kaoru selling himself as a matchmaker to anyone and everyone, the few idols who did have romantic inclinations towards others on campus awkwardly trying to make them known. Then there was whatever one would call that stunt Rei pulled shortly after the dance was announced. It could be described as a fake “promposal” directed towards Kaoru. It was too over dramatic to be a serious endeavor, since he’s always come off as more cool and collected, plus he seemed pleased to see Kaoru as flustered as he was, practically running away from his senior. He even let out his standard laugh when Hakaze was out of sight. Maybe it’s not a coincidence that his poor excuse of a matchmaking service set up shop the very next day.
“Were you going to meet up with Kagehira-senpai somewhere or just at the bus?” Tetora returned.
“Just at the bus.”
While a number of idols did have the ability to drive, half of them were still high school students who did not, so to avoid the logistical nightmare that would have been carpooling, they rented a bus for the night instead. Definitely easier than trying to keep track of where a dozen or so cars are at any given moment.
The luxury travel bus was parked behind the dorm buildings so the walk wasn’t far. The pair were among the last to show up, the bus mostly boarded while a few people stood towards the outskirts. Of note were the members of Ryuseitai waiting on their fifth part to join them and Mika frantically looking around like a lost puppy. He always seemed a bit uneasy whenever Shu jets off to France, especially at times when a lot of things are happening.
“Mika-chan you look so flattering in that dark blue. You should wear it more often,” Arashi extended him a compliment. “I’ve seen Itsuki-senpai in it too. Perhaps Valkyrie should change its outfit color from red to blue. I’m sure that would surprise the audience.”
“Ye...Yeah, Oshi-san helped me pick it out. Said sumthin’ ‘bout it compliment’ ma eyes,” Mika stuttered out.
“Are you okay?” Naru asked, noticing his out of character stuttering.
“Y-yeah. Just a bit nervous is all,” he replied, it obvious from his tone of voice. “You look really nice in that blue too... And you’re wearin a dress.”
“Yes I am, I hope that’s not a problem,” Arashi said, sounding a bit nervous herself.
“‘Course it is! I wasn’ complainin’ or nothin’. You look really pretty,” Mika replied, his cheeks taking on a blush red color.
“Huh…” he muttered under his breath, stepping closer to Naru like he was observing something. “I saw summa those beads lyin’ ‘round the craft room. Did ya make that dress yerself?” The nervousness in his eyes was replaced with a fascinated glimmer. She nodded with a smile stretched across her lips.
“It’s a bit on the simpler side but I put everything you taught me to good use,” she commented, moving her feet under her skirt as she flashed a handful of different poses. Mika gave a couple of light claps, like he had just witnessed a mini fashion show. The gift bag hanging from his waist beat up against his leg with each clap.
“Naru-chan is such a good model,” he complimented. “Oh, I have sumthin for ya,” he changed the subject, sliding the bag from his wrist down his hand then extended it out to his date. “I hope it fits ya well and matches yer dress.”
Arashi was quick to accept the favor and just as so to unravel its contents. Inside a clear plastic container sat a flower corsage, composed of light and dark blue carnations surrounded by other leafy foliage and some baby’s breath. A swath of white ribbon on the bottom tied everything together.
“Mika-chan it looks beautiful. Thank you so much,” she turned the box every which way before cracking it open and sliding it onto her bare wrist.
“I’m glad ya like it, and it looks nice on ye,” Mika blushed yet again, scratching the back of his neck lightly.
“I didn’t think to bring anything for you. I’m sorry,” Arashi apologized, feeling a wave of selfishness from receiving a gift but having nothing to return.
“It’s a’ight, seein’ yer smile is enough for me,” Mika smiled. He really was just the sweetest sometimes.
“Alright you lovebirds, we’re leaving soon,” a familiar mid-toned voice erupted. It was Izumi in a very pale blue suit, dark blue handkerchief in his breast pocket, not looking away from his phone as he spoke.
“Is he alright? He doesn’t look too happy,” Mika asked, seeing the sullen look on Izumi’s face.
“He’s fine, just upset that Makoto-kun didn’t accept his invitation,” Arashi answered, having beared witness to the rejection. It’s surprising that he hasn’t taken the hint that Makoto doesn’t like him, and he can’t be faulted for that either considering what Izumi’s put him through.
“Is Ritsu-chan already on the bus?” Arashi asked her ultimate, noticing he wasn’t by Izumi’s side like usual. He nodded.
“Among the first to board. He read that the seats were comfortable for long trips and was eager to test them out. Suou’s with him.”
“And Ou-sama’s driving himself to the venue with his sister as his guest so we’re all accounted for,” she spoke out before grabbing Mika's hand in her own, walking towards the bus at a quickened pace. She had abdicated the responsibilities of unit leader years ago, immediately after she had been given them after Knights’ Requiem, but she couldn’t help herself but take on more motherly rolls every now and then.
When the trio had boarded the bus, Keito was making his way up and down the aisle, taking a headcount with a clipboard in hand. Despite there not being any kind of enforced seating order, everyone naturally gravitated towards sitting among their units. In contrast though, Knights and Undead spread themselves thin across the back of the bus, Ritsu in the last aisle leaning up against the side, Tsukasa behind him as he tried to ward off Rei. Adonis and Koga shared a row, Adonis on the outside attempting to aid Tsukasa’s cause. Izumi, in the row ahead of his unitmates, was oblivious to the conflict behind him, attention consumed by his phone. Mika and Naru sat closer to Ryuseitai than the other Knights’ members.
“Mika-chan, was Itsuki-senpai’s trip to France a planned one or…” Naru trailed off, not sure of the best way to phrase her thoughts.
“It was planned months ago,” Mika was quick to answer. “He seemed kinda sad ‘bout not bein’ able to make it. Not really sure why though, this doesn’t feel like something he’d like. Maybe he had new outfits he wanted to show off,” Mika added, brainstorming his Oshi’s motivations.
“That could be it. He’s always been one to make the world his stage,” Arashi agreed with her boyfriend’s conclusion.
“Di-did I tell ya about how nice ye look?” Mika asked his own question, changing the subject.
“Yes you have but I appreciate the reminder,” she answered, bits of pink reappearing in her cheeks.
The time to the venue felt like forever and no time at all, everyone enveloped in their own conversations to pass the time. As the bus pulled into the parking lot, a handful of other cars could be seen spread around the pavement. The lack of vehicles from “outsiders” was a bit surprising. Despite being given the “okay”, albeit with stipulations, hardly anyone took advantage of the rare offer. Perhaps it’s merely a reflection of how all encompassing life as an idol is. Having strong friendships with colleagues in the industry comes at the cost of any bonds detached from business. Those who did manage it were either utilizing some kind of magic or were very lucky.
“Hey Ruka-chan, don’t run off like that!” A different yet equally familiar voice called out. It was actually pretty cute to see Leo with his younger sister, and how the ginger truly adored her. She slowed to a stop and Leo swung his arm forward to grab her wrist. She gave him an apologetic look.
“Oh hi Naru!” He called to his unit mate as she passed.
“Hi Leo-kun!” She stopped and returned his greeting. Mika stopped in tow.
“Your dress looks really nice, Naru-senpai,” Ruka spoke, adapting to her older brother’s appellations.
“Aw thank you, Ruka-chan. Yours looks really nice too,” Arashi returned, not bothering to correct how Ruka had addressed her.
The doors to enter the venue were lined with security as well as unit upon unit of small portable safes.
“Hey, we should get a group unit photo before we have to put our phones away,” Chiaki suggested, the air carrying his baritone voice far. Without further instruction, the five of them got into a standard hero formation before realizing something was missing.
“Narukami-senpai, would you be able to take a picture for us?” Tetora called out a request. Arashi gave a smile and walked towards them, Mika following close behind. Once the two of them were over there, they had phones coming at them from all angles, thankfully all color coded. In a silent agreement, Arashi took up 3 and Mika 2.
“Say Cheese!” The two said in unison, followed by a barrage of camera clicks. They gave small bows and thank you’s at the return of their phones.
The inside of the venue was decorated simply, only a couple large props near the back wall, bushels of balloons taped along the walls, flower vases as centerpieces at the tables, and the disco ball hanging from the ceiling to fragment the light. The hired photographer’s station was set up closer to the front. Green screen, lights, lighting umbrella, the whole nine yards. An arrangement that felt oddly homey to Arashi.
“Have ya ever done shoots like this fer yourself and not a job?” Mika asked his company, eyes glimmering with wonder.
“Not yet,” she answered before grabbing his hand and leading him closer to the photo station. “Should check this off before it gets busy later,” she added, Mika nodding slightly in agreement.
“What should I do?” Whenever I get photos, Oshi-san is giving instructions,” he said, standing frozen in place.
“You can do whatever you want. I’ll follow your lead,” Naru offered to him, an instruction of sorts on its own. She wasn’t sure if she’d just made a mistake. Mika’s always had some anxiety around decision making, given the limited agency he had in his youth combined with Shu’s controlling nature at times. Bit by bit he’s been improving though, and this felt like enough of a low stress situation to get space to practice. He also had his own keen eye for the arts and this was simply another outlet for that.
“Hmm, what if I…” He trailed off on his initial thought before taking to using himself as a doll to explain poses to Arashi. Again, not surprised he had adapted that style of instruction from Shu, since he sometimes had difficulty properly conveying his thoughts and ideas with words. After all, a picture is worth 1,000 of them. The first photo took some time to get ready for but the further into the shoot they got, the more confident Mika was in his own ideas. This was admittedly atypical for a shoot, since either a separate director or the photographer themselves would be giving directions but this one seems to be keenly aware of the audience he’s serving.
“You did great, Mika-chan. I’m sure the photos will look great,” Arashi praised his work, pulling out a hint of blush from his cheeks. “Looks like the disco ball is up and going, let’s go dance some,” she gave another suggestion, her hands finding a place back on Mika’s wrist, semi-dragging him towards the dance floor. His shoes squeeked against the floor. Arashi’s arm raised up before returning to her side when the slack was tightened too much to handle. Mika’s arms were up, hands cupped around his ears.
“Are you okay?” She asked, even though the obvious answer was no. “What’s wrong?” She quickly followed up but got no response, only the sight of her partner starting to retreat further into himself. Was this some kind of anxiety attack? What could have caused it?
“Come on, let’s get you outside to someplace quieter,” Arashi suggested even though she carried it out like an order. Once they got away from the noise, Mika’s hands dropped from his ears to his waist but he was still visibly shaken by something.
“Are you okay now?” She repeated her earlier question, getting a short nod in response. “Was there something specific that happened or was it just random?” She elaborated. Mika stayed silent, staring at his shoes in the grass. “I’m just trying to help, not judge you.” Her fingers touched his chin to lift his gaze to meet hers.
“I’m used to loud places, kinda have to be cuz concerts are loud, but something felt different just now and I got a bit overwhelmed. Don’t really know why…” He answered, struggling to explain these sudden feelings.
“It’s okay, things like this happen sometimes,” Naru replied, wrapping her arms around his abdomen to pull him into a hug.
The weather outside was temperate, a cozy warm with the faintest breeze at their backs.
“Naru-chan, you can go back in if ya want and be with yer friends,” Mika offered in a soft tone. She shook her head.
“They have each other, and what kind of person, let alone girlfriend, would I be if I left you out here alone?” She countered. She knew he was just trying to be kind, but there was no need for it to be at his own expense. “I’d rather be out here with you anyway.”
“Ya mean it?”
Arashi nodded with a smile. “Of course I do. You mean a lot to me.”
She paused for a moment.
“Oh, you can still hear the music from out here. It might just have been too loud for you. A bit too loud for me too actually,” she observed.
“So it’s better for you out here too?” Mika asked, still a bit guilty about his anxiety, even though it was out of his control.
“Yeah it is. Being with you makes everything better, and this is like our own private moment.”
Almost like the deejay was aware of this event occurring outside of their view, the high tempo electronic music gave way to a ballad intended for a slow dance.
“Do you-” Arashi stopped mid question, quickly getting an answer to what she was going to ask. So he did know how to slow dance.
“A few years ago Oshi-san gave me lessons on a buncha different dance styles since he thought it was something I should know,” Mika elaborated. “Unless you wanted to-”
“No this is fine,” she cut him off. “This is perfect.”