happenstance

i. drama rama

In life, humans are bound to face uncertainties. Everywhere one goes, a time will come when they would have to make decisions, in which, the impact of each varies according to fate. This dynamic alone implies that fate has the upper hand in everything.

The hand in question, though, is currently pushing Hirai Nami to her limits. She can feel the desire to amputate raging inside of her as she grips the synthetic sword tighter, drops of sweat manifesting despite being in an air-conditioned room. Nami bites her lip from breaking out in incoherent mutters, the very habit she is prohibited from doing in acts during theatre class.

Multiple pairs of eyes are pinned on her as they await for her line. Nami takes in a deep breath to reclaim her focus, eager to get all of this done and coop herself up for the rest of the day. She opens her mouth to utter her designated pleas, whimpering beforehand to add effect.

"My beloved, if thou do not cease the war, my life has no cause to prolong. I shall die with the noble hearts of our people." The raven haired girl cries out, positioning the tip of the styrofoam at the center of her heart. Little bubbles burst out from the act, an inevitable outcome -- one she had countless times complained -- from cheap materials.

"Cut!" A rough voice booms out, reinvigorating the life of the ones present. Slackened shoulders stiffen up and drooping eyes turn wide. The balding man shakes his head in disapproval at the scene, irked by the uncooperative nature of his students.

"You people do not understand. Theatre has always been deeply embedded in literature. I do not get the benefit of removing this class from the course's list of subjects, nor do I get your lack of enthusiasm." He clicks his tongue, glaring at whoever is in his sight. The fatigued Nami is no exception, though she can catch a flicker of sympathy in his eyes when they reach hers. Perhaps it is because her scenes are a lot, and problems always occur in hers, which leads to countless one-more-times.

It is unfortunate that sympathy is nothing she wants to take part in at the moment. Nami only longs for rest these days, the unnecessary hours wearing her out - making her doubt her resolute choice before. "Is this what I signed up for?" She thought, losing her focus every minute she isn't told to get off the stage and get some rest.

"Mock-up team! What are you doing? Why can I see dust from way up here? What kind of styrofoam did you pick up?" He continues on, unfazed by the looks full of hatred from those around. His speech resumes while everything else comes to a halt, well - everything that is in his control, anyway.

Nami smirks at the victory she would not witness as her eyes roll back, legs losing energy the moment her system shuts down.

"Oh my God- Nami fainted!"

𓆡𓆡𓆡

"Should I wake her up?" A timid voice question, poking at the bundled up human with hesitation. She retracts her hand upon contact and reels at how high her patient's temperature is.

"Gosh, she's in luck Kai is here today. Else you'd discharge her because you couldn't wait to haul your ass out of here." Another unfamiliar voice sasses with a snicker, the shuffling of footsteps ensues as another presence is made known. The dormant girl lies awake for more input, unwilling to alert the ones present of her consciousness. Nami keeps her eyes closed to lull herself back to sleep, seizing the chance to rest although her plan seems far-fetched. Her body just won't cooperate.

"It's not wrong to have fun in college. You are missing out on a lot, not having a boyfriend and stuff." The first voice counters, traces of annoyance clear in her words.

A chuckle rings out, "risking your grades for your good-for-nothing boyfriend? I will pass."

Nami listens in with enthusiasm, eager to see where this would go. She even has the hopes that their bickering will lull her to sleep. Mentally, she crosses her fingers with expectations, until they are loosened by the next sentence of an ice-cold bucket:

"The patient has woken up."

"How the hell?"

Nami keeps her eyes shut, although her mind is on overdrive. Did she unconsciously open her eyes to peek at the heated scene? She cannot remember their faces, though, so that must not be the case. She ruminates on what to do, the choices coming forward in her mind would all result in her embarrassment.

"Who is the bitch that snitches on me anyway? Sounds like a guy." She muses, recalling their conversation. Could he be Kai?

"I must have been mistaken." The guy, she assumes as Kai, coughs out. "Nothing is wrong here though. I will take my leave then."

The stunned girls immediately race to the front of the male, scrambling to put out their hurdles. "You see, Kai..."

"I have a date with my boyfriend-"

"You're a top student, I cannot miss studying for the scholarship interview-"

The two glare at each other before being back in character, shoving their puppy eyes right in their superior's face.

"Oh of course." Kai smiles. "You two are familiar with my deal, right?"

"50 dollars per patient?" Their voices drift off, their misery palpable even to the currently immobile Nami's ears.

"You know I take meticulous care of my clients, right? Not a word about this to the authorities. In fact, they won't even know you flunked your tasks." He grins, the joy on his face creeping the previously desperate duo out.

"I have three.."

"I have two. I'll take what I can get. You'll cover me until morning, right?" The one with studying duties speaks up, fishing out a singular note from her pocket. "$100?"

"Good math." The businessman smirks, welcoming good fortune.

The other girl watches the smooth exchange with great envy, glaring at her clocked out enemy. She grips her coat before yelling out, "I am in too!"

"I will pay you $100 too. $50 will be on my boyfriend." She clears her throat, smoothing her coat to maintain dignity, even if it is just on the outside. "How about it?"

Kai glances at the ceiling, humming in thought. "I normally do not take deposits. But today.." he glances at the person on the bed, smirking. His eyes lighten up with mischief.

"I guess it is your lucky day."