My new Neighbor's an Idol!?

Stumbling out of the Gate

Ishi groggily woke up in the morning. Today was to be the big day that everyone but him was looking forward to. He groaned as his hand searched around to disable his alarm. This was going to be the longest day of his life. Outside of the sports section, he'd normally not do that many important tasks. Well, except for the acting in the play bit. Thankfully he didn't have to suffer long during that part of his life. At least, that's what he believed since the memory was fuzzy.

As he got out of bed, there was a knocking on his window. It was by Rinse, obviously. So this was a rather unpleasant start to his day as he went up to the girl. She had also just gotten up, her night gown still worn. The sun was rising at this time, and he got to see the sparkles of her outfit. She truly lived up to her name about being one of the most beautiful girls in school. Perhaps in this moment, the most.

"Good morning." She greeted him. "Looks like today's about to be real special, isn't it?"

"That's one way to look at it." He responded with much less enthusiasm as her. They got themselves prepared for the day and headed out with Koto and Youna. The four of them walked down the road, which felt very different than usual. Probably because it didn't have the usual hustle and bustle of adults, who were most likely already working hard so that they could head to their children's respective festivals.

"I'm so excited for the play." Koto said as they rode the train. "I didn't think I'd enjoy practicing as much as I did."

"Yeah, it seems like that Oizumi girl is a hard worker." That girl really was an interesting character to him. His cousin would spend a lot of time at school with her so that they wouldn't mess up their lines. Ishi only hoped that what he had planned for them wouldn't end up ruining things. Not that he was worried about them. "What about you, Youna. You've been pretty quiet this morning." That wasn't anything unusual, but at least he could coax out a response.

"I'm fine." She responded quickly, as if there was a timer to his question. "I'm just thinking about stuff, that's all." They sat in silence after she said that. Everyone else assumed she was going to mention what she was talking about.

"You going to elaborate?" He asked.

"It's fine." She repeated. "Just don't worry about it." Seeing her face, it was clear that she was gravely concerned about it. However, it was impossible for them to get it out of her. Youna was very distant this morning.

They arrived at the school. Unlike the usual business they'd do in the morning, the group was to head to where the rest of the students were going to. That being outside where there was a stand for the principle to give a speech from to begin the event.

"Koto, go join your class." This was where the first year was going to be separated from the group. That wasn't the end of that, as Ishi took his spot with their class. Rinse and Youna had a different location to come to because of their responsibilities with the culture festival. "I guess I'll see you two after we get changed into our gym uniforms." Then the boy laid back into his seat. For once ever since Rinse moved in, he was free and on his own. Now was the time for him to tune out the usual speeches and get a little bit of rest.

"Ahh, there you two are." It was the other class rep, Arigo, who greeted them as they got to side of the stage. "Hanada, are you ready for the student's introduction speech?"

"Speech?" It was needed to be explained to Rinse that after the student council president's speech. That there would also be one to represent the third years, since they were the ones going on their 'farewell' festival. Traditionally, it was performed by the class representative of 3-1, who this year was Youna.

"I-I'm s-sure I'm r-r-ready." Youna answered. Her tone made it very clear that she wasn't, even if there were some papers in her hands to help her maintain things in order. The girl couldn't control her knees shaking, or her arm having goosebumps. "I've... Pr-practiced it."