Sirimiri ; ODAJIMA YUKEN

Chapter 18

Honoka

A FEW WEEKS LATER

I breathed nervously as I peeked behind the curtain, looking over at the reserved chair in the very front. I frowned as the person it was for hadn't arrived yet.

"He still isn't here yet?" I looked back as Kaori-chan walked over to me, worried as well. I shook my head in response, sighing sadly.

"Maybe he got caught up in traffic. He'll be here." Kaori comforted as I nodded, unsure as I looked out once more.

Still wasn't here.

It was the day of the spring recital and it was only a few more minutes until showtime. I caught my brother's look and he looked at the seat beside him before turning back to me and shaking his head.

Yuken has been MIA a lot these days. He's been missing dates and hasn't been answering his phone as much and when we do have time to talk, it's usually rushed and just really unfeeling conversations.

I heard from Shojii-kun that Yuken was often MIA at Housen as well and when he was there, he was always in a bad mood and often took out his anger during sparring practice.

Sparring and fighting matches within any gang within and near the Oya district was normal. It was a way for the boys to let out steam or in Fujio's case: to break the ice and form new relationships with your supposed rivals.

Housen was no exception, I myself watched from time to time but I had never heard

The stage manager called for the dancers to line up, and I took my place as the music started. The enchanting melody of Tchaikovsky's composition filled the air, and I breathed deeply, trying to find my center amidst the whirlwind of emotions.

With my eyes closed, I slowly felt the curtains being pulled back and the lights glowed brightly, focusing on me. I took another deep breath before opening my eyes. I looked to the audience who oohed and awed at me. I smiled to myself as I took a moment to look at my costume as I went into position.

The exquisite costume, meticulously crafted to perfection, transformed me into the very essence of Odette, the Swan Princess. The delicate, snow-white tutu flowed gracefully around my waist, adorned with intricate embroidery of delicate sakura blossoms. Each petal seemed to flutter like a gentle breeze, a tribute to my Japanese heritage seamlessly woven into the timeless tale of "Swan Lake." The bodice of the costume hugged my form like a second skin, embellished with shimmering crystals that caught the light, resembling the twinkling stars that guided Odette's heart. The neckline traced an elegant curve, hinting at the vulnerability and grace of the Swan Princess.

The faux swan feathers that adorned my shoulders cascaded down my back like a silken waterfall, fluttering with every movement, emulating the ethereal quality of Odette's transformation from swan to woman. Each feather was carefully hand-painted with delicate shades of silver and blue, reflecting the moonlit night that witnessed her sorrow and longing. My arms were encased in translucent sleeves, evoking the image of gossamer wings, a symbol of Odette's yearning to be free from the sorcerer's spell. As I extended my arms, they seemed to stretch like a swan in flight, reaching towards the heavens with a poignant elegance.

The skirt of the tutu, crafted from layers of tulle and organza, created a sense of fluidity with each movement. As I took my first tentative steps, the delicate layers floated around me like a cloud, embodying the grace and purity of Odette's swan form.

The final touch, a delicate tiara perched upon my head, glimmered like a crown of moonlight. It held the essence of Odette's regal spirit, a symbol of the hope that bloomed within her heart even in the darkest of times.