{Writers note: Hello everyone. It's Nobody. It has been way too long so if I write in a different rhythm or something feels off, I genuinely apologize. Now that that's done with, back to the story!)
{PS: this chapter is going to include many links of songs for the karaoke competition. Of course we don't own anything}
Every student who was gonna enter the karaoke competition was in their own heads. Well, almost every. You could look around and see small groups of "friends" glaring at each other. As non participating students took their seats, Kuro and Shiko met in front of the different backstage changing rooms. Shiko had little makeup, a little doll like with lightly visible pastel pinks and lilacs around. She looked very pretty and everything matched lovely with her hair. She was wearing a poofy and lacy white dress. Despite it being controversial for her to wear pants. She wasn't doing so. Kuro had black eye dip liner for a difference as he didn't see makeup as something gender specific. They had both gotten so comfortable with each other that they didn't feel any star shock from seeing each other the way they were and they were simply focused on the competition. Zero had already gone up, explained how things would go down and taken a seat at front with the judges. The judges were him and Yami. Students started going up and singing their own things. There was still some time for our Kuro and Shiko.
Kuro: You're going to be alright... We practiced well but no matter what happens, try to have fun. Okay..? he says in a comforting voice
Shiko takes a deep breath and nods. Triple trouble pass by them without saying anything. Nagisa looks at Shiko up and down and smirks as if looking down on her while they pass. Shiko lightly slaps her cheeks from both sides and goes up to the corner of the backstage to see who does what. And right now. It's Haru's turn. Aiko joins Shiko's side and starts watching. Zero looks at his brother on stage, rolls his eyes and crosses his arms to watch what he expects will be a clowns show
Haru's Song starts playing: "Fancy Toys" by Riell - https://youtu.be/9O40bcWkQvU
Most of the school knows Haru. Because he knows most of the school, has almost everyone number and is known as the funny guy who you don't want to get on the wrong side of. Despite the original song being sang by a woman. Haru holds the mic confidently and starts singing it with a smirk and an... attitude. It seems like he's singing most words while staring directly at Zero's eyes
Haru: "We've all seen the people like you. Everybody's on the pay roll, spoiled since a day old. We've all seen the people like you."
Zero rolls his eyes again and clicks his tongue. From where the students are sitting. They don't notice the annoyance in the eyes of the student council president, famous for his fake smiles
Haru: "Oh you're a trust fund baby, Mommy's boy. You replace 'em when you break 'em like they're fancy toys." He starts walking a little closer to the judges side of the stage, looking into Zero's eyes
"Silver spoon and golden coins. You do not have friends you just have fancy toys."
Zero let's out a big annoyed sigh and starts tapping his fingers on the table in front of them. Haru takes a few steps back, closes the mic and starts dancing to the music where there aren't any words. The students watching actually loosen up a little. They start cheering as Haru dances. Probably looking cooler than any other time he joked around with anyone. He opens the mic every time a lyric comes. Aiko and Shiko look at each other in surprise. Even with the practice they did, they hadn't seen Haru like this before. The songs continued and Haru again looked at Zero with a line
"We've all met the people like you. We're pushed to the sidelines whenever you want play time. Rules were never meant for you." As the song kept going, you could see from the side backstage that every time Haru said "mommy's boy", Zero's eye would twitch. When the song was over, the students cheered. Zero lifted his hand and everyone settled down.
Zero: That was- amusing!~ Considering the excitement from the students. We have to let you pass this round. At least you weren't as pathetic or boring as the people before!~ he says with a fake, neutral tone, trying to keep his "smile".
Next! Haru bows quickly, sticks his tongue out to Zero, winks at the crowd and exists. Next is Aiko. Kuro joins Shiko as Aiko leaves by Haru who was going into the back stage side. She looks in thought. Haru looks back at her from the side
Haru: Is she okay...? He whispers to Shiko. Shiko takes a breather and slowly nods. Kuro puts his hand on Haru's shoulder
Kuro: She's most likely just nervous. She'll be okay. You know she's a tough cookie to crack. You on the other hand might have overcooked your not-so-loveable brother. he says quietly with a light smirk as Haru giggles, feels proud, puts his arm around Kuro's shoulder and starts watching the stage. Shiko lightly giggles.
Aiko's Song Starts playing: "Why do you Love Me" by Lawrence - https://youtu.be/5wdYJTKoKnM
She takes her place on stage, takes a deep breath, lightly taps her foot and starts singing with a neutral expression. Again, her voice not especially special, but not half bad. She glances at Haru back stage now and then while singing some sentences
Aiko: "There's gotta be. A lot that's wrong with you. To wanna be with me. It's kinda sweet... when we-"
Haru looks at Kuro, a little confused and whispers
Haru: I don't remember her practicing this? You think she's talking about me..?
Kuro hushes Haru and points at Aiko with his eyes and head as if saying "just watch"
Aiko starts walking around as she sings and looks at Haru with a blue smile while singing some lyrics. You could see the students bopping their heads now and then all throughout the song as it slowly comes to an end
Aiko: "Why do you, why do you, why do you love me?" Song ends. Few people applauds. Zero takes his mic and speaks
Zero: Though that wasn't bad, it was- boring. You are as worth a while as you look. Why would one love you indeed? Now Ta-Ta~ Get out. he says with a fake smile. He had had been saying similar things to multiple contestants before as expected. Aiko's eye twitches. She put down the mic, pulls a middle finger on Zero and rushes off back stage without saying anything. Few students whisper around.
Haru quickly follows Aiko further into the back to talk as Kuro and Shiko look behind at them
Kuro: He can handle this. After a few seconds of silence, Shiko hums in agreement and Lucy from tripple trouble approaches. She fake bumps into Shiko
Lucy: "Oops. Didn't see you there, Shiro-Chan. She walks past them and on stage
Lucy's Song Starts playing: "Redemption" by Besomorph & Coopex, ft. Riell - https://youtu.be/vg2kjAf0aYI
She confidently starts singing with a flirty aura around her
Lucy: "You say I make you nervous, a tragedy; I'm a beautiful disaster, a reckoning. You wonder how I got this way... You think I'm someone to be saved... Someone to clean up and tame- Oh something's never change, never change... oh..."
The song flows and ends without anyone noticing. Erika gets next to Kuro and Shiko without saying anything to them and looks at Lucy. She sounded pretty good. Better than the first half of the students that came on. So to nobodies surprise...
Zero: Wonderful!~ Nicely done and we'll be seeing you round two!~ You make me think maybe this Karaoke thing wasn't a waste of time after all!~ Lucy smirks, Erika sighs from the back, Shiko glances at her and she looks back with a "what r u looking at?." Expression. So she looks away and back at the stage
Can't wait to see Nagisa later too!~ Zero says with an annoying smirk
The students cheer a little. Zero waves with his fingers to see Lucy out. She clicks her tongue, puts the mic on the stand and walks away, backstage. Through Kuro, Shiko and Erika; then further back
Erika: Now I'll show everyone how it's actually done. Erika says with a focused voice lightly and walks on stage. Shiko looks at Kuro and speaks silently
Shiko: I can't help but feel everyone is a little more stressed than we expected....?- Kuro puts his hand on Shiko's shoulder
Kuro: Even so, a little change of pace will be good... he smiles lightly.
Erika gets to the middle of the stage, holds the mic confidently and looks at the students with a light smirk
Erika's Song Starts playing: "NASA's Fake" by Raffaella - https://youtu.be/wh-7B4OjyjU
She walks around as she sings and her voice is surprisingly wonderful, it sounds like she's really enjoying singing. Shiko's eyes sparkle as she looks at her. Erika's smile and expressions for once doesn't feel fake. She looks real and like she really needed this.
Erika: "I've got so many problems, i can't solve, I can't stop 'em. So I'm gonna- go- gonna drop 'em. Off at home, with my mama. Jesus Christ! Gimme a break. Is there a pill I can take...? I've got so many problem....." as she continues you start to notice some of the students watching start to clap along to the beat. Shiko whispers to Kuro
Shiko: She looks so passionate... I never saw her so... natural...? Kuro hums in agreement
Kuro: Well she has been overshadowed by Nagisa and doing her dirty work for a while... If you talk to her, maybe she can come around and be less- harmful... You have a truth serum effects on some people. he lightly smirks and looks at Shiko with the corner of his eye. Shiko takes a deep breath and nods, she smiles ever so slightly
Erika: "I'm feeling cross 'cause my therapist just said that I've changed... Like the bitch can see my brain- We both know she's getting paid. And I pray to Gød that my "Best friend" she does air quotes will stop sharing her pain. Look, we've all got problems, babe
Sorry but you're being vain."
Nagisa approaches Kuro and Shiko from the back. Kuro scoots next to Shiko more so Nagisa doesn't. She gets next to Kuro
Nagisa: She's pretty good isn't she!~ Certainly ups the competition!~ she smirks at Shiko. Kuro rolls his eyes and fake smiles lightly at Nagisa
Kuro: You're aware this is a high school karaoke competition right? Not "The Voice". Aren't you being a little unnecessarily competitive? Nagisa giggles and puts her hand on Kuro's shoulder
Nagisa: You know I love to win Kuro-kun!~ She looks over at Shiko and back at him
You're next aren't you? I'll keep your little doll here company when you're gone~ She looks at Shiko up and down. Kuro pushes Nagisa's hand away from his shoulder and looks at Shiko
Kuro: Will you be okay...? Shiko looks at him and hesitantly nods. Kuro nods back once to give an okay as Erika's song slowly comes to an end. Students applaud and when they're done, Zero speaks
Zero: That- was surprisingly good. He looks down at a paper and back up at Erika with a big fake smile. Erika, congratulations on the first ever memorable thing you've done alone since you entered the school. You're onto the next round. Next!
Erika let's out a sigh. Puts mic on stand, fake smiles with two peace signs next to her cheeks at the students and rushes backstage towards Nagisa, Shiko and Kuro. She glares at Shiko.
Shiko: I'm gonna crush you. Every round. She says with a bothered voice and looks at Nagisa
Nagisa: Not bad~ Now go kill time until you're up again or I come to you she pats Erika's back as she walks off. Shiko looks at Kuro and makes two determined fists
Shiko: You got this...! She says with a light voice and smile. Nagisa clicks her tongue and rolls her eyes
Kuro gets on stage and a few students cheer and boo knowing who he is. Zero let's out a lightly annoyed sigh. Kuro takes the mic
Kuro: To whoever boo-ed, they say booing is applause from ghosts. Thank you and enjoy. He smirks lightly, Shiko lightly giggles under her breath and Zero rolls his eyes as the music begins while a few people cheers
Kuro's Song Starts playing: "Yellow" by Yoh Kamiyama - https://youtu.be/nqsRcsJB_7c
The students tap or clap along to the beat and some who know it sing alone. Shiko also lightly claps along. Nagisa doesn't bother with her and just watches Kuro. Unlike what some people did. Kuro doesn't seem to be singing any lyrics to any specific people in general. He just taps his feet, sings and now and then walks around
Kuro: "Motometsudzukeru kachi kachi kachi semaru byoushin. Motto maite gou fukaku natte- Shimai ni wa tenchi ga sakasama ni naru Nande? doushite? hora kasunda toumei..."
-{Close Enough Translation: "Continue to seek that Worth, worth, worth. As the second hand approaches. Roll it more 'till it's deep. Eventually, both Heaven and Earth will go upside down. Why? How come? See, it all got blurred and transparent")-
Slowly the song comes to an end and some students cheer. Zero opens his mic, annoyed
Zero: Though it pains me to say this since you're so problematic- you're onto the next round. He lightly smiles so his voice doesn't sound too annoyed Next.
Kuro salutes students with two fingers from his forehead and goes back stage to the side. He looks at Nagisa then back at Shiko
Kuro: Did she say anything to annoy you?. Shiko lightly giggles and shakes her head no
Nagisa: Ugh. She rolls her eyes, annoyed. Kuro ignores her and looks into Shiko's eyes and holds her shoulders
Kuro: You're up next. You've got this. Our practices were in way more stressful situations than a bunch of strangers. You're gonna be alright.
Shiko takes a deep breath and nods, looking up at him. She'd been working on her stage fright little by little after all and she really wanted to be able to pull this off. Her nerves eise after another deep breath and Kuro let's her go
Nagisa: Break a leg, doll. She says in an annoying voice, obviously meaning it literally. Shiko ignores her and walks on stage.
Zero from the judge table glances at Kuro and back at Shiko on stage in her doll attire, he lets out a laugh like breather that makes it seem like he's expecting a failure. Few people from the students start whispering around, still not knowing what kind of person Shiko Kagome really is. She looks at the crowed, hesitant. Feels her body warm up. Feels the whispers in the whole conference hall echoing and getting anxious. Zero giggles and opens her mic.
Zero: You ready? Doll?. He says in an amused voice
Shiko nervously looks around and sees Haru recording near the front in the crowd. She looks at the camera and then back towards the way she came but sees Kuro making two fists and mouthing "you got this.". She takes another breather and looks at Zero. She nods, puts one hand up on the side like she's hanging there and the other similar but holding the mic.
Shiko's Song Starts playing: "Show & Tell" by Melanie Martinez - https://youtu.be/Xf8nS1fxXLM
Shiko starts moving to the music in a doll like way and start singing when it's time
Shiko: "You pull me by my hair. So I don't go nowhere. Tell me you love me but you treat me like I'm never there. You say the cruelest words... and yes they break my heart. 'Cause I'm over here working my ass off..." The students seem focused on her. A few whisper, many people look impressed. Haru tries to keep the camera still despite being excited about this. Shiko puts emphasis on all the write words, making sure the students notice the meaning
"Why is it... so hard to see..? (Why...?) If I cut myself I would- bleed.... (Kill me....) I'm just like you you're like me... imperfect. and human. Are we..?" Kuro glances at Nagisa with the corner of his eye and mouths the next few words as Shiko sings it from the back, Nagisa looks at Kuro
"Show. And. Tell."
Nagisa's eyes open a little bit, Kuro looks back at the stage. Nagisa looks a bit annoyed but continues watching. Shiko keeps moving doll like as she sings. She has the entire crowd zoned out and doesn't look into anyone's eye to avoid getting nervous
"I'm on display to all you fuckers to see. Show. And. Tell. Harsh words until you get a pic- with- me- Buy. And. Sell..... like I'm a product to society.... Art. Don't. Sell..... unless you've fucked every authority...." Shiko never got used to swearing much. So swearing in front of a huge crowd of students that are mostly all bullies would be something huge. Especially right after her stage fright got a little better. But whenever she doesn't sing, she takes another deep breath and keeps zoning people out
Little by little, the song comes to an end. After a few seconds of silence, most the students start applauding. Kuro clenches a first like "Yes." Shiko stands up straight, looks at all the students that look like they enjoyed it. Her eyes sparkle and get a little teary
Shiko: "I did it..... only the first song.. but I did it! I didn't mess up, it went- great....!!"
Zero lifts his hand so students settle down and it takes a bit before they finally do. A few seconds again pass in silence before he speaks in a normal speaking voice. Not especially excited
Zero: As most the students who know you know you due to a show & tell, this song and "show" you put on was- interesting. Didn't expect anything from you. Let alone for you to swear in a song. Few seconds pass again as nobody says anything. Shiko does not make direct eye contact with Zero or Yami. She looks a bit below them, on their table. Zero sighs
Shiko Kagome. Few seconds again pass without him saying anything as a few people from the students murmur between each other See you next round. He points to the side so Shiko exits
Shiko looks extremely excited and bows to thank Zero and the students. She happily rushes to the back side to where Kuro and Nagisa is, doesn't even pay attention to Nagisa and hugs Kuro, out of breath a bit, as if she was in an adrenaline rush. Kuro's eyes widen and he just stands there, he looks down at Shiko, at Nagisa and hesitantly puts his arms around her. Nagisa looks annoyed as hell like she's boiling up. Shiko suddenly realizes what she's doing and let's go, face completely red. She looks up at Kuro to see him also slightly pink and looking a bit surprised, she looks at Nagisa's pissed face and gets the urge to apologize before Kuro says-
Kuro: You.... Did great... heh.. he averts his eyes. It's now Nagisa's turn to sing
Nagisa: Ugh. Now it's my time to shine. Step aside doll. She pushes Shiko a bit back and flips her hair before coming on stage. Kuro rolls his eyes and looks at Shiko who's face is slowly taking a normal color
Kuro: You alright...? He lowers his face a bit to her level, Shiko slowly shakes her head yes and smiles brightly
Shiko: I'm... so happy we decided to do this... it was so exciting...! It felt great...! She really looks happy from the heart, despite her song being such a move. Kuro lightly smiles and pats Shiko's head, he slowly looks on stage and then, so does Shiko
Students cheer and Zero looks relieved as Nagisa takes her place and her song slowly starts as students cheer her on. She puts on a big smirk
Nagisa's Song Starts playing: "Mad Hatter" by Melanie Martinez - https://youtu.be/ofI80QESvTc
Nagisa: "My friends don't walk, they run. Skinny dip in rabbit holes for fun. Popping, popping, balloons with guns. Getting high of helium" She walks around the stage while singing, some students sing parts they know, so many looking extremely excited and cheering for Nagisa. The song flows as she sometimes puts on that innocent looking fake, fake smile while other times smirking up a storm
"I'm nuts! Baby, I'm mad. The craziest friend. That you've ever had. You think I'm psycho, you think I'm gone. Tell the psychiatrist something is wrong." Kuro looks over at Shiko watching Nagisa, she looks focused but entertained. He whispers to her
Kuro: This is by the same artist your first song was in. Are you feeling okay...? Shiko looks at Kuro, a bit confused
Shiko: Mhm....? Shouldn't I be...? I don't think it has anything to do with me...? Even if it does, I can't deny she sounds good... and confident. I sang what I wanted to. I don't worry If I'll make it to the end or not much... Kuro smiles lightly with an open mouth, a little surprised I-Is that weird...? She asks with a little hesitation, Kuro shakes his head no and ruffles Shiko's hair
Kuro: It's not weird... You're just- reasonable. And lovely... heh.. he looks back at the stage with a light smile caused by Shiko as Shiko gets a little pink, she takes a deep breath, puts her hand on her heartbeat and also looks back at the stage
Nagisa: "You think I'm crazy~ You think I'm- gone- So what if I'm crazy?~ All the best people are." She looks in the eyes of the students from one side of the conference hall to the other, as many people as she can see in the dark that is. She points at them
"And I think you're crazy too. I know you're gone~ That's probably the reason... that we get along." She turns around, walks around, looks around and continues singing with a smirk until the song eventually ends.
The students start cheering and applauding. She closes the mic and smiles "innocently". Zero doesn't stop the students but eventually Nagisa raises her hand and does that herself. She smirks.
THIS, is your queen bee of the school. After this competition is over and I win, all my crazy people will rule!~ Thank youuuu school system!~
Most the room applauds, Kuro and Shiko from the side look at each other, a bit bothered now. They look back on stage as the hall slowly settles down. Zero smirks at Nagisa in a "you did good." Kind of way and puts on a huge fake smile before speaking
Zero: THAT! Was wonderful!~ Easily passing this round of course and wouldn't expect anything less from you~ he giggles lightly, Kuro rolls his eyes and clicks his tongue. Shiko puts her hand on his back to tell him it'll be okay, Kuro looks at her and takes a breather. He nods in a way saying "alright..."
Round 2 will begin in half an hour. Students proceeding to round 2 are... he looks down to his paper and reads
UNfortunately, -Haruka Tetsu!.
-Lucy Greenstone!
-Erika Natalia Josephine
A little silence and sigh is heard from Zero as he says; -Kurosaki Kaito
He continues to read normally
-Shiko Kagome
AND, the queen bee, -Nagisa Yamaguchi!!
Students cheer and she sends a kiss to the crowed who settle down after 30 seconds or so
See you all in half an hour!~ the lights all open as Nagisa walks backstage with a big cutesy smile, she gets by Kuro and Shiko, Shiko takes a deep breath and turns to her
Shiko: Y-You sounded great... Nagisa looks at Shiko, looks her up and down and let's out a breather like laugh like she's underestimating her, Kuro puts his hand on Shiko's back for support
S-see you next round ...? Nagisa points her palm at her
Nagisa: Save it. Bitch. She looks at Kuro and back at her You're lucky your guard dog here is so great at managing your doll strings. She says in a bitchy voice, Kuro quickly replies
Kuro: Watch your mouth. He says seriously and takes a step closer to Nagisa. She looks up at him and lightly smirks
Nagisa: Or what?. Kuro's expression doesn't change as a few seconds pass in silence, Shiko slowly looks down
Hmh. I might have lost my chance to play you as my pawn but I'm going to make you regret humiliating me. She puts emphasis on every word One way. Or another. I'll make you lose hope. In everyone you believe in. Kuro smirks lightly
Kuro: I wonder why "villains" always give away there plans. Where is the surprise?~ he loses expression again I didn't do anything. Whatever befalls on you, remember it's your own fault and you have nobody true in your life that could back your up. A few seconds pass in silence again. After a gulp, Shiko decides to open her mouth and speak
Shiko: W-We don't have long...(!) she says hesitantly. Kuro and Nagisa look at her. Nagisa looks really annoyed
Nagisa: Hmph!. You might wanna check on little-big Miss. Piggy. Hope you aren't late to get ready after that. Not. She flips her hair in Shiko's face and stomps away. Kuro and Shiko look at each other with their eyes slightly wide and exclaim at the same time-
Kuro & Shiko: Aiko...!
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