Ch. 35: Evolution Forever

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Reiji rushed into the living room, holding a CD. "Minna!" He cried, out of breath. "Hurry! Listen to this!"
Ranmaru look at the CD, popped it into the nearest CD player and we listened.
A song of STARISH. A song that would surpass ours.
The song finished, and silence echoed within our ears.
"Rearrangement." I said suddenly. "Let's rearrange my song. We'll practice and see where it leads us..."
Camus nodded. "That's reasonable."
"Especially if we want to win." Ai said.
"Now, to the office." Reiji said.
"The office?!" We cried, running after him.
"Mmmhhh!" He called over his shoulder. "Come on!"

***

No. No. No. No. No.
Was all I could think.
We had decided we needed a different place to practice, so Shining ha rented us a nice practice room in the heart of Tokyo.
Shining had allowed STARISH to compete in the Triple S.
As we practiced and danced and listened, all I could think about was the Triple S and my rearrangement. If it was a rearrangement, it needed a new title too.
The music stopped.
Ai leaned against the wall.
Camus was actually sweating.
Ranmaru was drinking so much, water dribbled down his chin.
Reiji had several towels on him.
I was laying on several towels pouring water onto my face.
"She still doesn't know, does she?" Ranmaru asked.
"No." We answered.
"I'll call her and tell her to come over." Reiji said.

Nanami walked in all sheepish and innocence.
"Kohai-chan." Reiji said.
"Hai? Did you need me to help with anything?"
"Actually, you're dismissed." I answered.
"Nani?" She asked.
"________ has written a song worthy of us." Ai said. "Your song is no longer needed."
She nodded. "H-hai."
"That's all." Camus said. "Dismissed."
I smirked. It felt good to banish her away like that. That's right. Stay away from me and my group, Nanami.

***

We were all crowded around Ai's laptop as I finished off the rearrangement.
I looked at them hopefully as they listened to it.
"Dō?" I asked.
Camus nodded, Ai nodded, Ranmaru glanced at me, and Reiji beamed.
I smiled back at them.
"Shall we practice some more, then?" I suggested.
Ai leaned down and kissed me. "With your arrangement and composition, there's no way we'd be outshone."
I blushed. "Arigato."
He kissed me once more.
"Are we going to practice or do we have to leave and leave you two to have-" Ranamru started, but I punched his arm.
"Urusai." I said, face red.
And we practiced and practiced and practiced.
Camus looked as if he took a walk through rain... Which was rare.
Ranmaru and Ai were actually out of breath... Which was also rare.
Reiji was out of energy... Which was extremely rare.
I was all of the above.
"We're amazing." I said.
They all looked at me.
"It's nothing. It's just that... We've all evolved! Camus and Ran-Ran, you two are actually nicer. Reiji, you've seemed even more open. And, Ai... You understand more than ever."
They smiled. "And, _________, you've improved in everything. You almost seem perfect."
I smiled. "I love you all."
Silence. Not an awkward one, but a comforting one.
Suddenly I had it. "Evolution... Forever!" I cried.
"Eh?" They asked.
"It's the title of our rearrangement!" I cried.
"Genius." They all said.
I winked. "I know."
"And conceited."
"I know that, too."

*time skip*

Silver bangles on either of my wrists, black overall skirt, a 3/4 sleeved white blouse, a blue and red tie, and black knee high black boots. My hair was pulled back in a half ponytail bun with a small bow headband.
I looked at myself.
This was it. I can do this.
We were going first. I was probably late.
I rushed to the place right behind the stage.
The boys were already standing behind the curtain.
"Osoi!" They snapped.
"Men, gomen, go!" I said, trying to imitate Reiji.
I stepped into the center.
The MC described us each. Reiji and I were giggling fits. What kind of descriptions were those?!
We were elbowed by our group mates and became silent.
Time for our turn.
From start to finish, it was perfect and kept my heart beating quickly.
The audience cheered.
I felt like I was on cloud 9.

It's almost done guys!!😞😧😢😭😭
It's already ending!!! I hope they make another season!!! Just next week's ep and we're done with season 3!! I'm both excited and sad!!
So anyway, comment and vote! And did I make your heart go Doki~Doki~?
And I'm gonna try this new signature thing at the end.
So...
☆〜 Chai

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