Empty Promises

|7| Playing My Cards Right

A/N: Recommend reading: Up to chapter 51

"You did a good job with the lead," I complimented, though my voice lacked any genuine emotion.

"Oh, Ikari." Fuyuko smirked as she approached me. "I'm surprised they even allowed you backstage."

"Is that so?" I arched an eyebrow. "And here I thought it was you who arranged all this," I mused.

"Why would I do that for you?" She scoffed and looked down at me in superiority.

"I don't know." I simply shrugged. "I thought you wanted to rub it in my face, like you always do whenever I don't get the role."

"Please Hanami," she chuckled, "if I had to keep track of all your failed auditions, I would lose my mind. There are just so many of them." She pouted mockingly.

"You're right." I sighed sadly. "I should just give up on my dream."

"I'm glad I was able to help you in that decision." She smirked, "it was time you finally listened."

"Of course I would listen to you Fuyuko." I innocently nodded my head. "There's so much I need to learn from you. I mean," I chuckled, "you're such a great actress that you don't even have to audition to get the role!"

Fuyuko's smile faltered, her lips parted as she stared at me in shock, a glint of fear flashing through her eyes.

"Would you look at that?" I said innocently. "Auditions? Who needs them when you're Fuyuko?" I chuckled. "You know? It would make a beautiful headline in the school's newspaper."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she simply said as she pretended not to be fazed by this.

"Oh I think you do." I smiled. "I even have proof."

"Like what?" She scoffed.

"No one at the drama club saw you audition."

"Oh Hanami, that's not enough," she booped my nose, a smile of superiority tugging the corners of her lips. "No one will believe you."

"They will." I smirked, her smile faltering. "I can spread rumours just as easy as you can. I'm practically a model student, and if you don't believe me, just look up last term's ranking. People will easily listen to me because they're getting tired of you and your attitude." I frowned. "You keep bullying people, no wonder your friends snitch on you," I chuckled, this last attack seeming to hit a nerve.

"What do you want, Ikari?" She seethed, her eyes narrowing.

"Did I say you could interrupt me?" I arched an eyebrow in superiority.

Surprisingly enough, it worked and she shut up without complaining.

"Look Fuyuko, I only ask for two things. One, leave me the hell alone." I smiled, "two, get me the next lead role. Else, I'll tell everyone just how wretched you are," I laughed. "And don't even try to turn this on me. Rui already knows the truth and he won't hesitate to defend... oh right, his girlfriend," I snickered, knowing fully well this would bother her. "Now move," I ordered, my voice full of venom as my eyes darkened.

And with that, I brushed past her without even sparing a glance as I forcefully bumped my shoulder against hers and left the room.

As soon as I opened the doors, my frown was immediately replaced by a big triumphant smile. I continued grinning as I easily made my way to the gates where Rui would be waiting for me.

'I can't believe it worked! I can't believe she bought it!' I chuckled and gave myself a mental pat on the back.

If only she knew I was just bluffing. If only she knew they were all empty threats.

Sure I had ranked second in the whole grade but I was far from a model student. It wasn't until I was dating Rui that people started acknowledging me so I highly doubt they would believe my truth over Fuyuko's. The only thing I had going for me was the fact that I was becoming more and more popular lately but that was about it.

I was also pretty sure Rui wouldn't intervene if Fuyuko decided to turn on me. He had already made it clear that he had no interest in our feud and wanted me to learn how to fend for myself.

So, I used the few resources I had and played my cards right. I made Fuyuko believe I was a bigger threat than I actually was and used all those appearances to my advantage.

'So this was what Rui meant when he said appearances were key,' I chuckled.

Although, as happy as I was, what I just did did make me feel a bit guilty and somewhat dishonest. But, I didn't pay it much mind since it was a one time thing and it wasn't like she didn't deserve it.