Chapter Text
Higuchi hastily grabbed a hold of her phone as she briskly bolted her way through the door. She had only, just barely, brushed her hair in the spare minutes before leaving her home, and not even enough time to make breakfast (not like she eats it anyways). And unfortunately for her, she had forgotten that Chuuya had made her take a few dance lessons for some upcoming auditions he had been able to snatch up at the last minute. How kind and cruel…
She took a quick pit-stop at a nearby convenience store, where she picked up some onigiri, just enough to make her not feel empty during practice, but not too much to make her feel sluggish afterwards. She looked at the clock on the wall: 7:10. Shit- she could miss the train! She, hurriedly, left immediately after tipping the cashier and struggled through the tough crowds of morning workers and the early rush. Why had Chuuya given her such an early lesson?! He’s so mean! Catching her breath, she looked at the time. 7:19. Normally, her stamina could guide her through this mess but even that was failing her.
She begrudgingly opened up her onigiri. I'll need all the energy I can get at this rate… And immediately started to sprint towards the big station just out of her eyesight. She heaved.
She, once again, looked at the bright screen, which read: 7:27am. I knew I wouldn't be that late… She slowed down her pace as she approached the ticket booth.
“One train ticket for South Yokohama, please” she huffed.
“Of course, have a good day!”
She wheezed while eventually entering the train, on time. No wonder she needs these dance lessons, she's completely out of shape! She squealed. Maybe not out of shape… but more like ‘in need of more practice’.
She opened the door to an empty cart. I swear it was busy this morning, where did everyone go? She gawked. Regardless of her quarry, she sat herself in a seat near the doors, but not too close - to avoid people from easily snatching her bags.
*DING* *DING*
Hm? She looked at her phone again, this time seeing a message from Chuuya.
Chuuya: You're not running late are you?
Higu: I actually made it in time to catch the train, ok. I'm not always late!!
Chuuya: Sure.
Higu: I'm serious?!!
Chuuya: You can believe that all you want.
Chuuya: Anyways, I've got more information about the company you have an audition for later this week.
Chuuya: The company is ‘Port Mafia'. You might have heard of them? They're pretty popular.
Higu: Yea… i've never heard of them (｡· v ·｡) ?
Chuuya: Look online when you've got time.
Chuuya: I'm pretty busy right now so we can talk about it in more detail later.
Higu: ദ്ദി(｡•̀ ,<)~✩‧₊ all good from me, sir!
Higuchi chuckles as she places her phone in her purse. She looks outside the window, not having noticed the train had started moving, who knows how long ago. Nevertheless, she hummed silently in the cart. Suddenly, the train cart halted at a stop. Looking towards the sliding door, she notices a strange man dressed in all black. He stomped his way to the seat right next to hers, being as all the other seats were seemingly occupied. When did that happen?! And had a sour face that she could barely describe.
“Um..” She took a breath. “Are you ok?”
The man looked up in confusion. “What?” He scowled.
Eh?! What's his deal?! “You seemed upset, so I thought I'd ask?” She weakly smiled.
“Why would I tell you anything? Leave me alone.” He turned his head away.
God, what is his problem?! Can a girl try to be kind these days?! “Whatever…” She scoffed.
Despite the dispute, she couldn't help but be curious and peek to see what the rude guy was doing, only to notice the boy scrolling through an article with the title: Port Mafia.
Wait, isn't that the company Chuuya mentioned earlier? “Port Mafia is an Idol company, right?” she pointed out.
He turned his face to glare at the shorter girl. “Didn't I tell you to leave me alone.” He questioned.
“I was curious?” she faintly replied.
He scoffed at her reply. “I was searching to see where they were holding auditions.”
“Oh…” they pondered. “Were you also planning on auditioning then?!” She soon exclaimed. Only loud enough that the two could hear, and to not cause a scene in public.
“Absolutely not. I'm not that type.”
“Hmm… you sure do look it though…”
“What is that supposed to mean?” His voice suddenly swelled..
“Ah! N-nothing!” She stuttered. “I just assumed…”
He took a moment before speaking again. “You're auditioning?”
“Ah, yes! My manager got me a spot not too long ago… He’s also my best friend so-”
“I dont care.”
“R-right! Sorry…” She coughed. “Um… so why were you searching about it then?”
“It's none of your business.”
“Eh?! I just told you I'm auditioning, why not tell me… Unless it's a super secret job opportunity! Huh?!” She squealed.
“None of that sort, I assure you.”
“So it wouldn't be such a problem then? So secretive..” she joked.
He rolled his eyes at the girl's attempts of nosy-ness. “My sister is applying, and I want to make sure it's a good company for her.” He coughed.
“Wasn't so hard was it?” She chuckled. “Hey, Maybe i'll see her on audition day? That would be fun. Is she also as brooding as you are, I wonder?”
“None of that.” He coughed, again.
Higuchi laughs at the reply. “I didn't catch your name, by the way.”
“It's Akutagawa.”
“I'm Higuchi! But you'll probably hear it a lot more in the future!” She smirks.
“How optimistic.” Akutagawa deadpans. “Are you always this stupidly bright?”
She gasps. “Are you always that stupidly rude!” She says, while pouting.
He simply eyerolls to her question, though sharply turning his head towards the loud voice on the intercom. “Next Station, Shin-Yokohama!” Higuchi caught his attention suddenly. “This is my stop! Thanks for the talk, Akutagawa. See you in the future.. maybe? “ She giggled as she waved off.
How weird.
He thought.