Palette! And Shades

Chapter 5

“Woah! Out of seven hundred plus participants- only fifteen passed- and you are one of those people! I couldn’t be prouder, I'm so happy!” Camie cried as they looked at the results posted that hot Tuesday afternoon- and Suzuka, together with Shiro looked ecstatic more than anyone else.

However, Camie, deep inside herself was a feeling she never wanted to feel. She don’t know what it was- but she was certain that it was something she already felt before-

“We’ll treat you later so come to the music room with us for now.” Shiro said and held her hands.

“What? Is that okay?” Camie asked, but what she really wanted to say was [No please. You’ll just suffocate me.]

“Yes! It’s public today because they will present us to the student body- and we will give you the front seat!”

[I hate you. I hate both of you.]

She was supposed to protest- or shout at them for being insensitive- but she just smiled at them and let herself be dragged by the couple of people that took her hands.

And she really got the front seat- the best spot for anyone wanting to watch- but the worst one for someone like Camie because it offered her a good view of all the people that reminded her of hersel-

No. You aren’t the person you were before. stop.

That was what she thought when a familiar voice took the podium and started talking. It was the person she dreaded to see- it was the voice that threatened her to come back to who she was before-

“Welcome! Thank you for coming! I now present to you our freshmen band which is yet to be named. Please expect great things from them and please expect that I will give my best in raising them.”

It was the same words Murase said the moment he fought for her petty group when it was on the brink of disbandment. He was the only one that fought for them- but she still left even if he insisted- or even begged her. She didn’t want to look up to him anymore. She hated his determination. She hated his passion.

The people on the mini stage in that room were met with the applause from the people that filled it. Despite having failed the audition, they still supported them without hard feelings.

“How are you Camie? Long time no see.”

Her thoughts were interrupted- and her eyes went wide. He heard the chair on her left make a noise that sent shivers on her spine. She knew that presence- that calm, soothing presence that tells everyone that it’s going to be fine.

“I- y-you got the wrong person, sir.” Camie replied and tried changing her voice so it wouldn’t resemble hers, but the sudden laugh made her look at the person who sat next to her.

“I don’t think so.” Murase said, his eyes were sad, while a tinge of tear was lurking his eyes. “How are you Camie? Why didn’t you audition?”

It was no use trying to pretend and Camie, in an instant knew it. She looked down at her trembling hands and sighed. “I’ve been fine sir. How about you?”

“I’ve been fine as well- you see, I am so happy to be training these people but it was s hard because I used to train a girl idol grou-“

“That doesn’t exist anymore.” Camie continued for him and clenched her fist.

“That doesn’t exist anymore- but the members I cherish the most are still out there, you know?” Murase said and Camie hated the comfort she got in his tone. “Say, why don’t you give me a second chance?”

“I’m sorry sir but I don’t think I’m in place to accept your offer after what I did to her.” Camie said, determined to reject him.

“So you turned away from music because of what happened before.”

“Yes. So please. Don’t rub any more salt on my open wound.” Camie said and held her hands. “I destroyed her and now she doesn’t want to sing anymore.”

“Are you sure about that?” Murase said, drawing Camie’s attention to him.

“What do you mean, sir?” Camie asked, her irises dilated.

“She’s enrolled in this school, right? And you know it because you probably saw her name on the list or saw her walking around with that massive hair of hers. Guess what- I saw her in the music room, though I am not sure whether or not she played the piano or sang there- but seeing her in a music room is a plus, right?” Murase told her, and Camie’s eyes sparkled with joy.

“That’s nice.” She said and smiled at herself. However, seeing the passionate people in front of her made her feel like she wanted to vomit. They were disgusting in her eyes.

“Think about coming back to my teaching. I’m willing to let go of everything I found here to train you guys again. To set the biggest mistake of my life- letting you go astray- right.” He said and stood up to go to the stage and adjourn the event as Suzuka and Shiro prodded to her and there she was again, showing her fake smile.

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