The Pact

We begin with a beautiful song, the tale of a young girl who lost her lover to another. Her torment and sadness was heavy as she reached out, for the pain in her chest was too much to bear.

The boy leaned over the metal railing at the side of the road. The winter night’s chill bit down on his bare skin hard, and the warm tears soon lost their heat while rolling off his cheek, falling as the rain around him. Each drop was a memory that hit him like a truck. His auburn hair sagged and the ice cold rain fell from the tips, his winter jacket had done next to nothing to save him from the cold and damp. But it was such a beautiful view, the glistening pools of water, the trees swaying and the night sky filled with distant stars.

He heard footsteps and when he looked, the girl standing there seemed like a mirage. She was wearing her uniform, the white and purple of Hosokai High School, her bag in her hands behind her legs. Her hair was displaced by the wind.

She had ran to this spot, under the bus stop to hide away from the rain. Her uniform was soaked and it was clear her umbrella had turned inside out and had run away from her a few streets ago. Now, she sat on the bench, took her shoes off and tried to drain the moisture from her stockings, all that had built up from rushing through the puddles and backed up drains.

Sure enough, their eyes met. He looked away, his face painted in a deep red fluster. She looked on inquisitively as she was sure she had seen tears in his eyes, something he had noticed. The sleeve of his coat deleted the evidence.

No sooner had he looked away, had she stood beside him in the rain. She said something to him but he couldn't recall the words, only the feeling they brought. The street light illuminated her face and she smiled at him brightly.

*-*-*

The song reached its climax, the singer bellowed out her pain… but halfway into the last note, her voice faded out and that of another faded in. It was far from the smooth beauty of hers, more like nails on a chalkboard. The singer held the microphone close with rivers of tears falling down his cheeks, he hit the high note… with an ear bursting screech. The boys in the room winced in pain and covered their ears. He was satisfied he had nailed it, the girl on the tv lowered her mic and the song ended.

The singer sat down, wiping his brow as if he had finished a days work, “Ahhh, nothing’s better than a bit of karaoke to soothe heartache”

The tall one, with dark hair they call the football freak, ace of the football team, Miyamura, checked his ears “I think my ears are bleeding”.

“Natsuki, You sounded like a drowned cat being swung about by its tail.” This one was Sengoku, the brains of the group

Miyamura looked over at the silent one, still in that dream from before “Yo, Usui? You okay?”

Usui snapped into reality. “Huh? Oh, yeah. Sorry, I was in my own world”

“Aren’t you lucky, missing that torture”

“Oi!” Natsuki snapped “You guys’re supposed to be making me feel better!”

“I just wanna know why of all songs you chose a Saki song? You’re ruining her rep by association” Sengoku scowled.

“Ah shut it. Here comes the score.”

The two listeners glance over at their friend; it wasn't a regular occurrence seeing him so out of it.

The screen lit up and calculated the score for the performance. it stopped at 60pts… out of 500

*-*-*

The boys were on the move, Natsuki led the way, stomping down the street. “Stupid machine, my broken heart is worth more than 60 points!!” He screamed.

Usui went to chase him, “Oi! Natsuki! Wait up!”

“Leave him to it, Usui. He’ll have gotten over it in the morning”.

“But…”

Miyamura and Sengoku look a little worried, remembering their usually happy go lucky friend, seemingly swimming in his own mind.

“What was that back there Usui? Something on your mind?” Sengoku asked.

“Back there?”

“Yeah, not like you to be so quiet.” Miyamura added.

He saw the dream again. But he put on a brave face, a fake smile. “Aha, just a little tired is all. I didn't turn my phone off until it was late”

The two didn't look all too convinced but didn’t bring it back up.

Miyamura wrapped his arm around Usui’s shoulders “Mmm? No no, Usui, a boy your age shouldn't be watching videos like that”

“Moron.” He gave him a dark glare and walked a little faster.

Miyamura stopped in his tracks with a single tear in his eye “Moron??”

They continued on with their nighttime excursion, enjoying the festivities and each other’s company.

*-*-*

This all came about from our assembly a few weeks ago.

The hall was filled with everyone, staff and students alike. The Principal was an older gentleman, he had been in control of this fine establishment for over 30 years, seen politicians and aristocrats walk through the halls and told them all where they stood… sadly, his once fearsome visage had become that of a withered old man. Yet they stood at his beck and call.

“Good morning. To you third years, on the first step of your future. To you second years, still discovering who you are. To you first years, wondering what this old crone is blabbering about.”

“You see, this is my 30th year at this school. These old bones are failing me, and I grow weary. So I will be stepping down after this term.”

The students chatter away, the old man was something of a legend of the school, he had taught their parents and for some, their parent’s parents. His legacy was a storied one.

“There has never been a dull moment in my tenure here, and it is in moments like this I remember the faces of my students, their journeys bring me happiness.”

“Being a student in this day and age is difficult. For you third years, our country demands perfection from you, you need to know how to fly before you can walk. I want to celebrate the time you have left here, and make lifelong memories. Therefore, the school will host an event at the end of the year, The Rose Ball.”

“It’s not mandatory, however it is a night for you to blow off some steam. This will be held after final exams. We have already spoken to a former student of mine that is head chef at the five star restaurant Kinako. Music will be provided by current student and idol sensation Sawamura Saki, however we also want any bands and singers, third year or not, to have the opportunity to show their talent, an audition will be held in a few months.”

“Above all else, it will be a time for you to remember what it is you fight for. Every teacher on this stage has regrets, this old man has more than he would like. If I can be an inspiration to you, and tell you to leave your final year with us with no regrets… that’ll be one less on my list.”

The old man certainly had a way with words. The students saw their futures, what they aimed for, what they longed for. And it gave them hope. Natsuki saw himself on a tropical island swimming in money. Miyamura was scoring the winning goal for Japan in the World Cup Final. Sengoku was holding Sawamura Saki in his arms.

Usui saw his dream again, his face scrunched up and his fist balled. Something that Sengoku noticed.

“Give your all, and achieve what you wish for, whether it be good grades, life long friendships, or love. Our school’s words, Birthplace of Excellence, is about you and the lives you will lead… make sure its a good one!”

*-*-*

Usui’s alarm sounded and he struggled with the urge to find a heavy object and use it to smash the bringer of pain to pieces. But, alas, the pain was to come. He stumbled to his feet, and stretched out as he peered out the window, the early morning frost was enough to make a grown man cry. The pyjamas from last night would do for now, what’s the point getting dressed just to get changed again an hour later?

Out he walked, yawning and rubbing his eyes. This was the living room, fully renovated and kitted out with high tech pcs and a huge tv. The leather couch was an import from Turin, showing a bit of wear and tear but it still retained its comfort. The glass table was occupied by Miyamura who had splayed out textbooks and drafts of notes he had made, messed up, got mad at and scrunched up. Rather than concentrating though, his pen rested on his ear and his hands covered his face as if it’d brought him to tears.

Natsuki was to Usui’s immediate right, sprawled out on a few backup chairs they had. His wrist lay on his forehead and there were empty tablet packs scattered around his seating arrangement. Usui had heard a strange noise when he was still in his room, it was now clear it was just Natsuki complaining.

Sengoku was the only one that didn’t look dead. He was drinking coffee at the kitchen table, one earbud in one out. His focus shifted to Usui when he heard the door open but he soon returned to his pc.

Usui followed his usual routine, a quick coffee-

“Yo, Usui. Hit me up, my head’s spinning”.

“It’s your own fault for staying out so late.” Water in the kettle and on it goes. He grabbed another cup from the side.

“I’ll be honest, I don’t remember anything past the karaoke”

Miyamura was looking for a reason to not concentrate. “We went to get food, you got us kicked out. We started heading home and you ran away. After that, I think I remember you stumbling in at 3”

“what time’s it now?” He asked.

“8.” Sengoku added

“8? That time already? I think I might sleep a little more… Thank god it’s Saturday…”

“uhhh… Natsuki… it’s Tuesday”

His eyes bolted open

“Class starts in an hour”

At the speed of a thunderbolt, Natsuki jumped up and ran for his room. The quick movement caused another jolt, this time from his head, so he changed direction to grab a box of painkillers and continued on his rampage to change

Usui took a glance at the time on Sengoku’s pc while taking a swig of his coffee. It was 7AM. He seemed as though he understood, “Wonder how long before he notices.” He joked.

He took another glance at Sengoku’s pc, it was an interview from a few days ago with some of the rising stars of the idol industry. The next to take the mic was one they call Sawasa, the idol taking Japan by storm and spreading her influence like wildfire. She was cute, really cute. Her blonde hair that faded to pink at the ends flowed like gold, and her natural beauty captured the audience’s hearts. She wasn’t dressed for such a formal event, she preferred the comfort, and yet that made her more endearing. Her short black shirt hung from one shoulder, and her arms were decorated with bangles and bracelets of black leather, gems and gold. It was still cold outside, but she toughed it out with a white skirt and black sandals.

The girls that were in the hot seat before her struggled to keep their calm, stuttering and missing questions, but she was already a professional at such a young age, smiling warmly and relaxing as if she were talking to friends.

Usui glanced over again when the girl named Sawasa appeared, laughing loudly.

“Am I crazy or does she seem familiar?”

Sengoku didn’t take his eyes off the screen. “She should, she’s from our school. “

“and I work for NASA”

“I’m not lying. Sawamura Saki, class 3-B. I guess you haven’t met her yet since she’s always on tour and you only started last year.”

Usui stared blankly

Sengoku glanced at Usui who now seemed a little perplexed, “Do you not remember when teach announced the Rose Ball? Sawasa is gonna be there.”

Usui finally caught on, after remembering the name announced at assembly.

“Wait… THAT’S Saki?!”

“Yep.” He watched her a little more and his face got redder and redder. “What I wouldn’t do to go out with her…” he didn’t realise that he said that out loud.

Natsuki popped his head around the door. “Bout as much chance of that as Mya-chan acing his tests!”

OI! He jumped up and ran after Natsuki.

*-*-*

They had set off. Natsuki had thrown his uniform on, looking like he had been hit by a tornado. He was throwing back painkillers for the migraine and complaining with each step. Sengoku had switched to his oversized headset connected to his phone. Little attention was paid to the path ahead, though the others were used to the occasional fall from him. It was Miyamura who’s focus had caught their attention. He was skimming through small notes he had jotted down. It did seem strange in the morning, for someone like Miyamura to be studying, but not so unthinkable as to see him studying still! Usui was staring at him, confused at what he was seeing. Unfortunately for Miyamura, the attention was annoying.

“What?!” He snapped.

“Nothing, just not used to the group’s airhead studying.”

“Yeah, what’s the deal with that? You finally get kicked off the team? Need to start using that walnut you call a brain?” Natsuki added.

Miyamura did not answer, nail vs head… critical hit, and Natsuki noticed.

“No way… Holy hell! They’re actually doing it?! Bout time”

“Bite me”

“Now now, there’s gotta be some explanation. I thought you did well on your last test, right?” Usui asked.

“Uhhh… well, I did say I just missed out…”

“Exactly”

“I only missed out by 200 points”

They stopped walking. Natsuki explodes into laughter, so much so it knocks him to the ground and brings him to tears

“IT WAS OUT OF 200! WHAT, DID YOU FORGET HOW TO SPELL YOUR NAME?!” Usui exploded.

Natsuki continued to cry out, so much so it started hurting his head.

“Oi! This is serious! If I cant up my grades before the final I’m off the team! We’ll lose without me!”

“I feel sorry for your teammates.” Usui said.

*-*-*

Now finally at school, Sengoku took off his headphones as they reached ever closer to the school gates. There seemed to be some sort of commotion inside, so loud that even with his headphones he could hear.

Past the high, monolithic wall, stood a crowd of screeching students. They stood at the base of the steps into the building, looking up… Sengoku froze in place. The others took another step before they realised what was going on.

Sawasa, or, Sawamura Saki. Hosokai High School student turned national icon and the owner of the fastest growing fan base in the idol community, period. She was here, wearing the school colours, waving to her adoring fans.

“Can’t say I expected that…” Natsuki commented.

“Oh, yeah I think Kai mentioned something about it.”

Natsuki looked at Miyamura, “You didn’t think of letting us know?”

Usui looked over at Sengoku, he hadn’t said a word yet, mouth agape and shaking slightly, “You okay? Sengoku?”

He didn’t reply, but his gaze grew distressed, Usui looked back up, and stood facing the idol, was the most popular guy in school, Tanizaki Hiro.

No matter where this man was, a horde of girls followed. He was kind, driven, athletic, the life of the party and above all else, a certified 10 (as reported by his fan club). There have been sightings of gang violence, and not that of the Iwao gangs, instead fought between the Hiro and Miyamura clans, with neither of the two figureheads knowing.

What was he doing here? It could only lead to trouble. He seemed to step back hesitantly after he announced her name, as if he was in the middle of an internal war whether to run away or take the shot.

“I hear that you will be taking part in the Rose Ball”

“Yep, I’m working on some new songs just for it. I’ll need to find a good place to get a dress, after that I’m all set!”

“That’s good, I’ll take it that means you will be there to celebrate with us as well, not just to perform”

“mhm, I’ll need to check with sensei to see how long I’m on for, but I should be able to enjoy the show, why?”

“Oh, I just wanted to make sure, it wouldn’t be fair for you to be the only one left out”

“What the hell is he doing?” Usui asked.

Sengoku saw the signs no one else did at that moment

“Say, do you happen to have a partner? For the dance I mean.”

She got a little bashful, “Actually, no. No one has asked me yet”

“This can’t be happening… I, I’ve gotta stop this!” Sengoku cried out, but his body betrayed him, he stood petrified. Tears started to well, forming from frustration and desperation together

Hiro steadied himself, clenching his fist at his side. Down he dropped into a courteous bow.

Sengoku could feel his heart rip apart as he read Hiro’s words before he spoke them

“Be my partner at the Rose Ball!”

Absolutely everyone, students, teachers, hell even the ants on the ground felt his words hit, instantly grabbing their attention.

“In front of the whole school?!” Miyamura recoiled.

“The hell is he thinking? If she says no-“

“Sure” she answered with a smile, like she was being asked if she could help carry some textbooks. The sudden request was out of left field, her cheery answer? Out of this world, and the audience made it known.

The two chatted a little and Saki scurried away before her fans could surround her with congratulations or questions.

The crowd dispersed after a while, spending their time before class whispering and making rumours.

Sengoku dropped to his knees, his eyes still open wide, shock practically written on his face.

*-*-*

Classes had ended. While Miyamura headed off for practice, Sengoku and Usui went home. Due to the recent gang activity in the area, the school had set up a buddy system where roommates would pair up and walk home together. Natsuki drew the unlucky straw and had to wait around for the football ace. He acted like it was a pain, but it was a chance to get some peace and quiet. His favourite pastime was to open the window next to him, feel the breeze, watch the clouds, and catch some z’s. There were a few others around but most had the luxury of punctual roommates.

His eyes opened after a long snooze, happy his migraine seemed to have settled, leaving only a fuzzy feeling, like steel wool in his skull. He checked the time on his phone, and it informed him that Miyamura was getting carried away.

“Seriously? C’mon Kyo, I wanna go home!” He muttered.

The orange glow of the setting sun illuminated the sparsely occupied classroom and all the students waiting for their not so considerate friends during their not so convenient clubs. The door opened and Natsuki looked over, hoping that Miyamura would appear but he was left disappointed.

He waited a few minutes more but still no Miyamoron was found. With a huff, he got up and away from his seat. The classroom at the end of the hall looked over the pitch, maybe looking there he could see the Maradona wannabe and hopefully give him a look Oni would shudder at seeing.

It was strange though, the further he walked the more he heard music. He kept walking, wondering where it was coming from. Whoever it was, big trouble was in their future, regardless of school ending over an hour ago, there were still students studying and working hard, music was not permitted. Natsuki learned that the hard way back in his second year when he decided to bring in a small speaker that wound up in the river not far from the field. “Seems fun isn’t permitted either” he thought to himself on the walk home.

Further and further he got, finally reaching the classroom at the end of the hall. Must be the students waiting for their roommates, it wasn’t fun sitting around, counting each second. Tentatively he opened the sliding door.

It was a vast emptiness. All the chairs and desks had been shifted to a corner. The glow bounced off the floor, it’s beautiful colour had made the room feel warm despite the fact it was winter. In the centre, was a dancer.

She spun elegantly, every move was gentle but conveyed a pain from her heart. This was the dance, nay, the performance of a young woman entrenched with sadness, looking for her road in life. Natsuki was experiencing something he never had, speechlessness. The arts were not his cup of tea. He barely listened to music, only enough to impress (or kill) at karaoke. Paintings were an abstract too far, and on the rare occasion he read, it was the latest pages of manga.

As her pirouette came to an end, he got a glance at her face. Beautiful, and yet… familiar?

“Do I know her? Someone from middle school maybe? I don’t think so. Maybe someone I met at a mixer a while back? Possibly, but I’d remember a girl like that… I’d remember her turning me down.” Natsuki explained to himself.

As he had opened the door she peered over. She scowled, annoyed she had been interrupted. Due to the unforeseen invasion of her personal studio, she decided to take a break, she strolled over to the row of desks and grabbed her half bottle of water to rehydrate. She took a seat on one of the desks, keeping her eyes on Natsuki, her stare seemed to pressure Natsuki to hurry up and leave. He simply bowed to her awkwardly and scanned the field from the window.

Sure enough, there was Miyamura, taking free kicks… from the spread of balls behind the net, quite a few free kicks.

“Really?” He grumbled, “God damn it Kyo, that’s it if you’re still not done when I get down there Imma use you for target practice”

He turned around again, practically jogging to the door to avoid anymore time in that room, it was awkward enough already. As he was leaving he glanced over at her, she scowled, and he walked even quicker.

*-*-*

Natsuki and Miyamura had returned, they hadn’t spoken a word on their way back. Usui and Sengoku were filled in on the day’s events. All four sat facing the tv, slumped into their chairs.

“C’mon Sengoku. It wasn’t that bad, so you missed your chance? I’m sure we could have Miyamura set us up with a mixer, give it a few goes and bam! Dates for the dance” Usui tried to sound hopeful.

Uhh, sorry Usui. With my grades how they are now, I can’t spend time on mixers. I just can’t waste my time right now” Miyamura explained.

Oh, right, sorry. Forgot about that.”

“Is this really that big of a deal though? I mean they’ve threatened to kick you off the team plenty of times. Why’s it such a worry now?” Natsuki queried.

Miyamura stopped and hung his head. His tone was deflated, “It’s our last year. And ever since I signed up, all I’ve dreamt of is holding up the trophy with the guys.”

The others felt for him, but they weren’t quite sure how to express it.

What makes it worse is that there’s gonna be a scout at the final. If I’m not playing consistently, I’ll lose my spot… I’ll miss my big shot.”

“I’m guessing that’d be bad?”

“You remember Takafumi? Captain last year, played at the back, was the pride of the team. That scout, the very same one, saw his last match. Now? He’s being fast tracked to the J-League and rumour has it there’s a couple of teams in Europe that are interested. If I miss that game, I’m missing a once in a lifetime deal, I’m missing out on the final chapter of our team.”

Once again, they sat in silence and sadness.

“So, Principal. Our goals are going down the drain and it’s barely been two days. Sengoku’s love life is as abysmal as always. Kyo is an idiot, and Usui’s fallen for the disappearing girl.” Natsuki explained.

“First of all, ow, no need for the personal attack.” Sengoku said. “Second… What's your big plan? You play the drifter role well, without a care in the world”.

Natsuki sat with his feet on the wall and his arms behind his head. “Dunno, never really thought of it. I guess, just being rich?”

“That’s everyone’s wish dingus.” Miyamura said.

“Well, other than that there isn’t much else.”

“Must be nice, not having a care in the world.”

Natsuki clicked his tongue, “I’ll be sappy this once, but if you mention this ever again I’ll tell everyone your deepest darkest secrets, and trust me, I know em.”

“Fire away.”

“If I look in my future, the only thing I want more than anything, is for us to still be doing this. Still sitting around and talking about pointless stuff cause we’re morons. “

Usui sat up, “Natsuki…”

“Yep… you really don’t suit sappy.” Sengoku joked.

The four crack up and chuckle between themselves.

Natsuki sat up properly. “If it means that much to you, I’ll help. I’ll do what I can… cause you guys are like, like brothers to me.”

“Thanks… really, thanks. But this is something I’ve gotta do” Miyamura responded.

Sengoku concurred “Yeah, what good would it do for you to fight all my battles?”.

“When I first met that girl, my world was in pieces. My sister put herself in intensive care, my family were fighting. It felt like my world was splitting in two… and yet in the void, she stood smiling, pushing me forward. I don’t care if it takes me all year. I will find her and tell her how I feel. But I can’t do it alone, none of us can. I didn’t mention it to any of you because I was scared of seeing her again, only for her to not remember me. But it doesn’t matter, If I just leave it, I know for a fact I’ll regret it. And Sengoku, I think that’s the same for you.” Usui said.

“I’ve been in love with her before I even started at Hosokai. The day we got our results I went to watch my favourite band play. But there she was on the corner of the street, being passed by, while she sang her heart out. So pure, powerful yet timid. That was her first ever show. Even now thinking of her with anyone else kills me. Call me a loser, but she’s everything to me.”

They sat on the ground for a while, searching for the next thing to say.

…

The words of their principal echoed in their memories “...leave this school with no regrets…”

…

Usui stood with a sigh

“Asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s realising you are in over your head, it’s being smart. At the end of this year, Miyamura will be the biggest prodigy in Japanese football, Sawamura Saki will know Sengoku’s feelings for her. I’ll find that girl, and I will make her fall for me. And we will move forward in our lives, without regrets, together.”

Each one looked to their leader.

“We will form a pact. Achieve our dreams before school ends