A Secret Biological Part of Me

Chapter Sixteen

A month passed for the new year with Ayano and her gang still up to her old ways. Music class became more interesting as Ms. Takahara didn't pressure Aiko to sing at all., even though Aiko was still quiet. 

On the second of February, when Aiko sat at her seat, Ms. Takahara gave her that look as if she was about to expect the expected. Confused, Aiko watched Ms. Takahara as she grabbed stacks of paper and started passing one out to everybody.

"Now class, as you can see, you have been given a project. I wouldn't freak out too much because in this project, you are allowed to work with people." Many female eyes glanced at Hokuto, who ignored the glances as he read the paper. "Anyway, this project will bring out your true singing skills as you have sung in a big chorus. Now, it's time to see how you do without a giant chorus to cover your voice. Don't work with more than 5 people please as I want to make sure every single person from each group has a solo. You may pick your groups and start planning." 

As expected, all the female students except Aiko went over to Hokuto. Ignoring it, Aiko stared down at the sheet. Aiko grabbed a ripped half piece that was laying on the floor and began to try and think of song ideas. As she thought and thought, a shadow suddenly interrupted her thoughts and she looked up, only to see Hokuto with his hands placed on his desk in front of her as he looked down at her.

"Don't have a partner yet, do you?" 

"N-not at all." Aiko replied.

"Mind if I be your partner?" Hokuto asked

"I-I don't mind at all." Aiko replied with a gentle smile.

Hokuto sat next to Aiko as they began to plan. However after 5 minutes of useless ideas, Hokuto grabbed the piece of paper and began writing with Aiko trying to see what he's writing. 

"Why don't we make things somewhat realistic?" Hokuto asked.

"About our own personal lives?" Aiko asked. 

"We may like to be personal but sometimes we can't in order to spread awareness." Hokuto replied. "This song should show that everybody has feelings. no matter what kind of person we are."

"I'm scared but interested." Aiko replied. 

"It may seem scary now Ms. Fujimoto but in the future, you'll be fine."

Aiko sighed as they began to plan out. When class came close to an end, Ms. Takahara approached them with a clipboard in her hands and she then asked if they were a pair. Hokuto nodded once in response. Aiko glanced around, only to notice some of the girls, including Ayano and her gang, staring at Aiko in anger. 

When the bell rang, Aiko walked off with Hokuto to where the cherry blossom tree was and they began to plan more of their song. As they planned, Aiko began to notice that her sister didn't show up at all. She glanced around, hoping Amaya would come running excitedly about something.

"Ms. Fujimoto." said Hokuto, snapping Aiko out of her daze. "Are you okay?" 

"I-I'm fine! My apologizes." Aiko replied.

After school, Aiko went home, only to find her sister no where in the house so she went to Fumiko's room, only to find her reading. 

"Hey mom, where is Amaya?"

"She said she was going to be home late and if she wasn't home at all, that means she is sleeping over a friend's house." 

Just as Fumiko said, Amaya didn't show up for the rest of the day but when the next day came, she wasn't home again, apparently over a friend's house once more. She had texted Fumiko that another friend wanted her to sleepover.