This is another long post. And as usual I give a small intro for you to complain about, lol. Well this is the first half of the last half of this fic! I'll take this space here to thank all of you who take the time and read this, thank you very much for yours support. This last half or segment of this fic goes with a special dedication. When the last part is published reveal for whom this dedication goes to, but you know who you are-annoying critic, yuri lover, 2 special reader- So with out further ado here it is "Truly a stage of our own: The Last Hurdle".
When Kashiwagi woke up she found herself in Maeda’s bed and
embrace; a warm sensation ran through her body from the tip of her toes to the
last string of her hair. She waited until Maeda moved to release herself gently
then took a deep breath; she quickly undressed herself and hit the shower, as
the warm water slowly touched her body, Kashiwagi held herself while taking a
deep sigh. She couldn’t believe she actually slept with Maeda, not only she
kissed her but actually went as far as sleeping with her in the same bed. With Oshima’s
situation being solved she could selfishly enjoy doing such things with Maeda.
All obstacles were cleared on Maeda’s side, but Kashiwagi still had to pass
through one last major hurdle, how to tell Watanabe she was involved with
Maeda? Kashiwagi knew that just telling her was just calling for disaster to
happen. Even though both were really close, Watanabe had monopolized almost entirely
all of Kashiwagi’s relationships. After the shuffle there was no other person
that could get in Watanabe’s way; Katayama, Oota and Sashihara whom she deemed
to be the influences that kept Kashiwagi away from being “Watanabe owned” were
banished from being mayor power brokers. How would she react to the fact that
there was someone else in Kashiwagi’s live, a person with whom Kashiwagi shared
a common feeling? This bothered her little, the sense of joy and the warmth she
experimented the prior night with Maeda made all those worries seem further
than they really were, she was happy.
She closed the faucet and exited the shower with her usual
confidence to find that Maeda was still sleeping, her face showed an expression
of joy and excitement. Kashiwagi wondered if she was dreaming, if so, was it
with her? She decided to get dressed and then wake sleeping beauty from her
slumber. After getting dressed, she walked up to Maeda’s bed as the latter
turned. She removed Maeda’s sheets and then placed her hand at Maeda’s
shoulders. Maeda immediately woke up and raised her upper body, in the hasty
motion she bumped Kashiwagi. Because of the bump Maeda opened her eyes wide but
didn’t wipe the smile on her face. Kashiwagi on the other hand was still trying
to release herself from the “early greeting bump’ she received, even though she
wanted to complain Maeda’s smile as usual made her smile. Both broke in
laughter after a few seconds, Maeda winked and giggled at Kashiwagi before
directing to the shower. In the privacy of the shower room Maeda let herself
loose, showing her uncontainable excitement. She gazed at her nude body in the
mirror whilst smiling; normally Maeda felt a bit uncomfortable with her small
breasts when she was around the bustier members that use to tease her until one
day when Kashiwagi whispered while smiling as usual in her ear “I think you are
perfect…Acchan”. That gesture caused Maeda to completely fall in love with
Kashiwagi. She took her shower quickly to catch up and get to the breakfast
hall with Kashiwagi, whom for Maeda’s enjoyment was elegantly sitting on her bed
waiting, Maeda then dressed quickly for them to leave.
Kashiwagi and Maeda left their room and directed to the
breakfast hall at a high pace. Their appetite was worked up after they woke up
in such high spirits. They wanted to arrive earlier than the rest of the troop
so they could alone-just the two of them-for the first time since they became a
couple. As they walked they found Oshima waiting for them, she seemed rather
down. The usual cheery and playful Oshima wasn’t the one in front of them; her
eyes looked like she had just cried a torrent, Oshima bowed out of the blue to
the startled pair. She swabbed the tears out of eyes and then smiled and bowed
again.
Kashiwagi was confused and vexed by Oshima’s abrupt
reactions, she had to request an answer from her to why she was in this
dreadful shape. Maeda was also concerned with Oshima’s conduct but couldn’t
bring herself to ask; she held Kashiwagi’s hand tighter transmitting her
apprehension to the latter, finally Kashiwagi brought herself and made asked.
Kashiwagi: What’s wrong Yuko?
Oshima: [sighs]…I…I wanted to properly apologize to both
Acchan and you; I’m really sorry.
Maeda: [high tone, vexed and hesitant] Why are you
apologizing Yuko? You’ve done nothing wrong…I…if I was in your position I doubt…I
would’ve been as brave as you!
Kashiwagi: [holds Maeda’s hand tight] I agree with Acchan; you’ve
done nothing wrong, Yuko there is no reason for you to apologize.
Oshima: [smiles and closes her eyes for a moment] Thank you
both, yet I still haven’t given up on you, Yukirin! I thought I could let go of
this feelings…but it pains me to say, that I cannot. Acchan, it’s you who
Yukirin is in love with not me, yet again I find myself even more in love with
her…
Kashiwagi: Yuko…
Maeda: [smiles and takes a deep breath] Yuko, I know that it’s
not easy for you…I really appreciate the effort you’re making for Yukiriso. The
truth is that I won’t give Yukiriso to anyone, I promised myself and I promise
you, that I’ll give only happiness to her.
Oshima: [gazes at Kashiwagi and smiles] I won’t concede these
feelings of mine Acchan. I’ll watch over you and Yukirin, but if you ever make
Yukirin shed even just one tear I won’t forgive you. I promised Yukirin to be
always for her, as a friend, but I might not be able to fulfill that promise
with this heart of mine; Just one tear, Acchan, I’ll take Yukirin away from
you, I won’t forgive you…
Kashiwagi held her hand on her heart as she listened to the
vows that Oshima and Maeda made. Something deep inside Kashiwagi was shaken by
their earnest feelings; the ladies then warmly cuddled and headed for the
breakfast hall. Unknown to the latter trio, a passerby heard the entire
conversation which will cause of series of trials for the Kashiwagi-Maeda
twosome. Oshima, Maeda and Kashiwagi arrived earlier than the rest to the hotel’s
eatery; all tables were free so they chose the one they liked the most. The
three sat in a table that was in front of a window with an outlook of the main
garden and waited for the others to arrive. A few moments after they arrived,
Watanabe Mayu entered the eatery hall and searched for a table, she avoided any
contact with Kashiwagi’s circle. Watanabe wasn’t visible upset but she seemed
somewhat distant; Shinoda, Kojima and Itano arrived next, they sat near
Kashiwagi, Maeda and Oshima, the latter trio seemed to be in high spirits
though Oshima couldn’t hold herself and as usual tried to monopolize Kashiwagi
in what some could consider a provocation. Maeda tried her best to keep her
cool, they were still not sure if it was a good idea to tell the rest of the
gang about their lovey-dovey relationship; though it seemed more of a love
triangle-hard to notice Oshima is actually trying to help consolidate the
Maeda/Kashiwagi couple-to the amusement of their close friends and top echelons
of the senbatsu.
After a few laughs, Kashiwagi felt a chill on her spine,
something was not right. Watanabe was controlling herself really well though
she couldn’t stand the sight of Kashiwagi and Maeda together after she
overheard their conversation with Oshima. Watanabe had no real issue with
Kashiwagi having some other close friends, she couldn’t tolerate the idea of
her dear “mother” having a love affair with someone without her approval and
the jealous, possessive nature of Watanabe in regards to Kashiwagi was finally
going to show itself. She ate quickly and returned to her room while she waited
for the time of the departure for the rehearsal at the official venue for the
concert. She knew Kashiwagi was going to be late because she was finishing her
PB with Maeda and Oshima as well as starting her individual ones with each of
the latter. This made Watanabe angry for she felt that Maeda and Oshima would
probably team up and take Kashiwagi away from her, making her a secondary
person in Kashiwagi’s life. “No one can take Yukirin away from, I’m the only
one Yukirin can be with” were the thoughts running around Watanabe’s mind. She
took a bath to try cool herself but every time she thought about Maeda her
blood boiled intensely; Maeda and Kashiwagi still unaware of the troublesome
situation Watanabe was planning to them trough, directed back to their room and
prepared their bags for the shoot. They were scheduled to spend all morning at
the beach until noon, then a small stop in town for the gals to relax
themselves and then they would be returning to the rehearsal venue for the
afternoon practice, Shinoda was also going to be accompanying them since she
had also to shoot her PB. By mutual accord the three convinced the staff to let
them shoot several joint photos to be placed in their PB’s.
Around half an hour later two buses arrived at the front of
the hotel’s lobby, one was for the rehearsal venue and the other to take
Oshima, Kashiwagi, Maeda and Shinoda to their location for the shooting. When
Watanabe crossed by Maeda she gave her an intense glare full of distrust and malice;
Kashiwagi and Oshima arrived accompanied by Shinoda and didn’t noticed Watanabe’s
hyped state of emotion. Maeda took a deep breath and decided to just ignore
Watanabe’s strange and intense gaze. Before they climbed to the buses, Togasaki
gave an announcement “The rehearsal will be held in 3 stages: 1) Teams
2)Senbatsu 3)Sub-units, also 2 more mayor announcements will be given after the
rehearsal”. The gals that were shooting their PB’s left before so they could
fit all their activities programmed for the day. Surprisingly Akimoto decided
to accompany the PB group for this day’s activities; Togasaki had talked to
Akimoto about the rifts between Oshima and Maeda, also about Kashiwagi’s
possible involvement in the issue, he also told Akimoto that the girls seemed
at peace now. He wanted Akimoto to talk to them for they seemed to avoid him in
that regard. He’s the general produce so part of Akimoto’s job is to watch for
the welfare of the members, and this weren’t ordinary members but the TOP 3
members according to the sousenkyo standings. During the journey to the
location the girls seemed pretty normal, perhaps Shinoda’s presence wouldn’t
help him get the talk with Oshima, Maeda and Kashiwagi as wanted.
He noticed that Kashiwagi started starring at Oshima and
Maeda, to which they both nodded in an affirmative fashion to Kashiwagi’s
stare. Something was about to happen, maybe Shinoda’s presence wasn’t keeping
them quiet but they were meditating what to. Maeda took out her phone and
dialed Takahashi’s number-Akimoto was starting to worry about what has
happening amongst the ladies-and placed her phone on loud-speaker, Takahashi on
the other bus quickly rallied Katayama and Sashihara to listen to the call.
Watanabe was unsuspecting that this was a call related to the “issue” she had
to resolve. When all the concerned parties were rallied, Kashiwagi finally
spoke this hard topic, if Akimoto was strict they would be forced to graduate
for a contractual bridge but if he understood he could be their best ally.
Kashiwagi: [coughs and takes a deep breath] Akimoto-sensei,
there is something I…I mean we want to discuss with you. Maririn is also
finding this out until now, but it’s something we can’t keep hidden forever.
Shinoda: ….
Takahashi: [through the phone’s loud-speaker] …Are both of
you sure about doing this now? I know you would’ve to tell Akimoto-sensei
sooner or later but, are you really sure that this is the time to tell him?
Katayama: [sighs, talks via loud-speaker] Yukirin…Acchan, I’ll
hand it to you, you’re really brave…Yuko also! I know this is a bit hard for
her too.
Akimoto: [takes off his lens and cleans them] I’ve been told
by Togasaki that there was a period of brief discord amongst you but that now
its fixed, he still wanted me to talk to you, so I’m all ears.
Maeda: [sighs and holds her chest, stares nervously at
Kashiwagi]…Yukiriso…
Takahashi: [deep breath, static]…Should I tell him better?
Oshima: No…It should be Acchan and Yukirin who speak!
Yukirin, remember I’ll always be next to you…Acchan…too.
Akimoto: [puts his lens back on]…
Kashiwagi: [deep sigh and deep breath]…The truth
Yasusu-sensei, is that…Acchan and I…Acchan and I are…Acchan and I are in love;
there I’ve finally said it! I know its policy for idols not be in
relationships, but I just can’t find myself without Acchan…I love her and I
think she loves me…[bows] Please, if there is someone who’s going to be punished,
don’t punish Acchan, I’ll take the blame!
Maeda: [teary, holds Kashiwagi’s hands]…Yukiriso…In any case
if someone is to be punished it should be me…I’m the one to blame…I got you in
this position...[hugs Kashiwagi]
After Kashiwagi’s remarks and Maeda’s reply the small vehicle
plunged in a thunderous applause. Obviously Oshima had applauded but they didn’t
expect that Akimoto and Shinoda would also; such an unexpected event was deeply
welcome by the duo. Shinoda placed her hands on top of Kashiwagi and Maeda’s
shoulders in a signal of support, when the gals turned she smiled looking at them
and Akimoto. Oshima felt that this was the end of road but upon looking at
Kashiwagi’s smile, her resolve came back. If she couldn’t be with her she will
always stay by her. Akimoto smiled and then a deadly silence engulfed the
vehicle; judgment had finally arrived, was their endearment a profound violation
of the cardinal rule “Tough shall not date” of the idols? Was their
relationship a forbidden love, a sacrifice in order to reach their goals? With every
second that passed their heart beats sounded louder and louder, the tense
atmosphere could kill them any moment. On the phone Katayama, Takahashi and
Sashihara were equally anxious to know what Akimoto’s ruling towards their dear
friends was going to be. Watanabe couldn’t help but noticed the entanglement
the ladies were in around Takahashi’s phone but just a glimpse of Takahashi
gave an immediate Maeda feeling to her, the conversation was definitely a Maeda
conversation. Watanabe couldn’t let herself be the villain; she couldn’t be the
one that separated them, certainly there were other ways to split them; that
wasn’t enough, she had to make sure Kashiwagi and Maeda never faced each other
again. Her plan was decided, once Akimoto returned she would place a complain
to Togasaki and Akimoto about an improper relationship amongst the top ranks of
the senbatsu, all this while Akimoto was already making his mind about that “issue”,
Togasaki was likely to sustain and support Akimoto’s decision.
The bus swiftly stopped, they had finally reached their
destination where the staff had already set the gears. Akimoto got up and climbed
down form the bus, all eyes were on him. He took a deep breath and smiled again,
making the gals even more nervous and anxious a couple of minutes prior the
other group had arrived at he concert venues, but Katayama, Takahashi and
Sashihara were still listening to what happened in the distant locale.
Kashiwagi’s eyes opened bigger when she grasped a slight smile form Akimoto,
the gals held their hands tight together. The tension was at its highest when…
Akimoto: [applauds and smiles] I admire the courage both of
you have shown today, that’s essential for an idol or any other entertainer…I’ll
let you choose the consequences of your own confession.
Maeda: How?
Kashiwagi: ….
Shinoda: Yuko and I will support you, right Yuko?
Oshima: [smiles, energetic]…Most certainly!
Akimoto: Well then, I’ll give you a challenge…
Kashiwagi: [eyes wide open, smiles] A challenge? What sort
of challenge?
Akimoto: [grin] during the time this shoots takes place,
show me how serious you’re about each other and how serious you’re about AKB…Oshima
and Shinoda can aid you!
The challenge was issue, but what did it mean? The ladies
were unsure, but one thing was for sure, this was certainly a task they must
accomplish. If they managed to clear Akimoto’s task, just one thing more would
be left for Maeda and Kashiwagi to be able to love each other freely. Unknown
to them after Akimoto’s decision, whichever way it swayed, they would have to
survive Watanabe Mayu’s jealousy and plot. After Akimoto finished talking,
Takahashi told Maeda to call her when the final ruling was in and hung up. At
the venue practice began as scheduled, Watanabe decided to just concentrate on
the practice to burn all her anger and disappointment while she waited for
Akimoto and the others to return, as usual the pace was relatively calm for the
members as their power houses were “on assignment”. At the shooting location
for the PB’s the girls were changing inside the van as there was no changing
room nearby. As they undressed Shinoda noticed that Maeda’s breasts had grown
bigger-well just a little-but still smaller than Kashiwagi and Oshima’s though
bigger than hers, Maeda was truly like a kitten in love releasing lots of
pheromones, obviously directed at Kashiwagi, Shinoda also noticed Yuko’s
controlled reaction to launch herself at a shirtless Kashiwagi.. As she removed
her bra Maeda wondered if she would have to change roommate after telling
Akimoto about their relationship. Maeda, Oshima and Shinoda were already naked
when Kashiwagi was just removing her under-shirt, taking her time enjoying the
scenery outside The latter three couldn’t take their eyes of Kashiwagi as she
picked the bottom of her shirt and raised it with her arms revealing her sculpt
abdomen and white skin then her rather voluptuous chest covered by a black bra.
Oshima was about to die she didn’t squeeze them, she couldn’t defeat temptation.
As she was about to launch her squeeze assault Shinoda
stopped her. In the few moments that they got distracted Kashiwagi was already
in her bikini and robe, she was striking her lady-like posture that
characterized her, making the others pace-up in their dressing. They got out of
the bus and headed for the beach, where their respective staff was waiting for
them, Shinoda requested that the group shots were taken first and that they did that on both the beach location
and the town locale where the last half of the PB’s were to be shot. As the
staff discussed Shinoda’s request Kashiwagi grabbed one of the free camera’s
and started taking pictures of Maeda, Oshima and Shinoda, the photograph director
noticed the gals playing with the camera and decided to photograph them while
playing, of course they weren’t told that and the staff just pretended to be
discussing while the photographers did their job on the playing and joyful
quartet. The three of them had their robes on when Oshima took charge and asked
Kashiwagi to take her robe off and start modeling for her. Shinoda quickly
intervened and suggested since the three had a camera each they could take as
many photos as they wanted, so in a sort of lottery the gals decided who was to
photograph who. Shinoda wrote the letter A, K, B for each one of them, since
there were two members of team A, she wrote SM and MA under the later to
identify whether it was Maeda of herself, to make things fairer they asked
Akimoto who was just watching the shooting to draw the papers into order to see
who had to model for who. All the time the photographers were shooting from concealed
locations as to not disturb the flow whilst the other staffer prepared the
make-up and other things for the individual shootings. The ladies were
nervously playful and wanted to know who they’ll photograph and who they’ll
model for. Akimoto drew the papers and the results were: Oshima and Shinoda,
Kashiwagi and Maeda for the first round; Shinoda and Kashiwagi, Oshima and
Maeda for the second; Kashiwagi and Oshima, Shinoda and Maeda for the third and
for the fourth and final round were a mix Kashiwagi and Maeda with Shinoda and
Oshima in a crossed session. Akimoto seemed pleased with the way things were
going. Kashiwagi and Maeda were glowing with Shinoda and Oshima. They were truly
enjoying each other and AKB for that matter.
Kashiwagi quickly took her camera and started photographing
Maeda as she slowly took her robes and unveiled a sapphire colored bikini as
she blushed. Kashiwagi was teasing her and praising her beauty so much Maeda
couldn’t help but follow Kashiwagi’s rhythm. Suddenly Kashiwagi started getting
closer to Maeda, whilst Oshima wanted to stop her but thanks to Shinoda’s assistance
was able to keep herself restrained. Every photo Kashiwagi took the closer she
was to Maeda, her heart beat also rose with every photo and word Kashiwagi said.
In an instant Kashiwagi was next to her taking pictures from Maeda’s back,
every shot she whispered at her eat “you’re so pretty and your mine!” every
shot Kashiwagi took exposed Maeda’s longing for her. A Maeda as never seen
before was shown, a woman in love being taunted by that person, her shyness and
desire at its core. Even Akimoto was impressed on how Kashiwagi handled Maeda;
how she taunted her and made her give in to Kashiwagi’s pace.
When they finished it was Oshima and Shinoda’s turn to give
it a try, psyched out by Kashiwagi’s “black” side they attempted a more normal
approach, after all Oshima and Shinoda weren’t in love, they didn’t long for
each other as did Maeda and Kashiwagi. Oshima started taking the photographers
role so she could avoid falling for Kashiwagi, Shinoda wasn’t so lucky, she was
quickly captivated by Kashiwagi’s mischievous smile, this wasn’t unusual
because it was a known thing that when Kashiwagi went playful she became twice
as charming and dangerous. Her womanly charm was considered one of her most
dangerous weapons; the session passed by really fast when it was Kashiwagi’s
turn to model, the whole scene plunged into silence as the she took off her robe
and walked into the scene with her blue with white spots bikini, all were on
her. She lay down on the sand outlining her curvy and gorgeous figure by the
ocean while she intensely stared at Maeda who was behind Shinoda;, her charm
was a deadly weapon, an addictive substance that once you tried you wanted even
more. Maeda was so amazed by Kashiwagi’s modeling persona that her heart
skipped a beat. As Shinoda shot her pictures she noticed she was actually
modeling for Maeda who was behind her.
Kashiwagi was in her zone attracting every eye in the
location, if she could keep this level of performance during the professional
shootings then she would have completed Akimoto’s challenge. This more mature
and passionate Kashiwagi owned the scene and the people in there, the true
potential of this jewel sparkled at its best for the first time. At the concert
venue practice, Watanabe was so focused on her rehearsal for a moment she
forgot that she had something else to do and returned to a her usual cute and
friendly way of being. Akimoto had taken a picture of Kashiwagi’s modeling plus
ultra persona and sent it to Takahashi for her to show it and cause an effect
that would make everybody even more psyched up and in a development groove, he
wanted to motivate specially Kojima who had down very lately since she was told
she lacked the genuine enthusiasm to be an idol. Takahashi called her over and
showed to her and the rest of the senbatsu-including Watanabe-the images that
Akimoto sent of Kashiwagi’s modeling talent. Chills ran through Kojima’s spine
as goose-bumps got to the rest. “Such a refined aura and talent, this is the
real Kashiwagi, can you catch up” said the message sent by Akimoto along with
the pictures, this had the desired effect to a certain degree Kojima was fired
up but deep inside she knew that Kashiwagi had reached a totally new level in
the modeling scene, she couldn’t stay behind and decided to focus on that which
she could rise up the ranks: singing. Takahashi quickly passed the photos that
had Maeda and Kashiwagi together, they clearly showed a pair of love birds on a
date at the beach this didn’t passed unnoticed by Watanabe, whom remembered her
goal of crushing Maeda and Kashiwagi’s relationship in an attempt to keep
Kashiwagi to herself. She quickly withdrew to the ladies room so she could cool
herself, those pictures weren’t those taken between two good friends, she
realized that those two had progress far beyond Watanabe’s red-line. She didn’t
understand when they crossed that line when Watanabe has made sure to stay on
Kashiwagi’s tracks all the time. The filming of Hanazakari no Kimitachi e wasn’t
sufficient time or was it? Kashiwagi’s new found charm was certainly related to
Maeda and Oshima’s influence. She picked Maeda, so the one who should be
removed from all contact from Kashiwagi is Maeda and then she would have to
keep a close eye on Oshima, so she doesn’t tries to take point. Back on the
beach the third shuffle was taking place, Akimoto was pretty please as how the
shooting was going so far, Maeda and Kashiwagi’s challenge was going well and
the photographing teams were taking really good shots from their concealed
locations-behind tree’s and the bus-of the gals having fun. After the gals
finished the professional shooting began, just one question remained, and
Akimoto quickly asked Kashiwagi.
Akimoto: [grin and claps] Kashiwagi, can you keep it up?
Your modeling from earlier, can you keep it up?
Kashiwagi: [smiles and opens eyes wide] Yes!
Akimoto: Such confidence is a good thing, so prove it to me.
Show me that modeling Kashiwagi…
Kashiwagi: [confident smile] Yes, I’m confident because as
long as I have my drive to succeed and Acchan to return to, I can do anything!
I’ll certainly make you, AKB, the fans and Acchan proud.
Akimoto: [looks at Maeda]…What will you do Maeda? Kashiwagi
has confidence in herself and in you; How are you going to respond to her, how
are you going to respond to yourself?
Maeda: [takes a deep breath and smiles at Akimoto and
Kashiwagi]…I’m not as talented as Yukiriso but I’ll certainly give my best to
not make her fumble. I’ll grow, I’ll become stronger…Yukiriso, Takamina, and
the rest are supporting me, I’ll grow so they can be proud of me. I love AKB, I
love Yukiriso, I’ll give my all for both!
Shinoda: Akimoto-sensei don’t you think that’s a hard
determination?
Oshima: Sensei, if they have to go, then I’ll also go.
Though I’m not in Acchan’s positions I share the same feelings…for Yukirin. I
think they proven how serious they are about AKB and each other.
Akimoto: [smiles]…If Kashiwagi proves she can handle this
photo shoot like she did with you, I’ll give you my answer.
Oshima and Shinoda’s shooting were occurring simultaneously from
those of Kashiwagi, who seem to rise to the situation with expressions that
enchanted everyone around. Her perfect body and facial expressions were out of
this world, a radiance never before seen came from Kashiwagi. She was
determined to stay in AKB, to stay with Maeda, Oshima, Shinoda and the other
ladies that support her. They wrapped up the beach shootings, the gals quickly
changed back and they headed to town for some last photos for the day.
In town, the ladies went shopping and took pictures at a
local shrine. After they prayed Akimoto gave finally his decision in regards to
Kashiwagi and Maeda coupling. Shinoda and Oshima were ready to support whatever
the decision swayed.
Akimoto: Kashiwagi, Maeda, it’s true that the contract forbids
relationships, but as far as I understand between idols and males in AKB’s
specific case, so you aren’t breaking any rule in my understanding.
Kashiwagi/Maeda/Oshima/Shinoda:
[unison] Sensei…
Akimoto: However I’ll talk this over with Togasaki, and you
must decide if you go open with the other members or leave it to your close
circle, that’s your choice. If you decide to tell the other members, what we do
at the staff is going to depend on their acceptance.
Oshima: So, if only we know then there is no problem?
Shinoda: If the others find out or are told, the consequence
will be determined by their reaction right?
Akimoto: [grin]…That’s right, but incase the others find out
not by your voice and decision but because of an eavesdropper then you
certainly count on my support. What will you do, Kashiwagi, Maeda?
Maeda: [sighs and holds Kashiwagi’s hand]…
Kashiwagi: [grin, smiles at Maeda]…I think, at least for my
part…I’m not ready to tell the others yet…I think we should keep our
relationship under the radar for a while, are ok with that Acchan? Everyone, we’re
counting on you! [bows]
Maeda: Yukiriso…Yes I agree. [hugs Kashiwagi tightly]
They got back on the bus and headed to the concert hall, the
four ladies were really excited and their personal opinion of Akimoto grew even
better. Oshima was happy for Kashiwagi but deep down a fire was burning inside
her she thought “It should’ve been me not Acchan. I’m a better lover for
Yukirin!” but she vowed to always be there for Kashiwagi, which also meant
sharing her happiness even if it was just half of it. Akimoto was also very
pleased of how Maeda and Kashiwagi developed during their challenge, gathering
Oshima and Shinoda’s support that easily. Though for Akimoto It was Kashiwagi’s
modeling alter ego that caught his attention, if she could harness that power
in the stage and in front other camera’s she was surely going to be at the top
of the industry. Maeda also showed more determination, still shy and reserved,
she had a strong determination the usually fragile girl had blossomed into a
woman who was capable of defend her desires and act in that direction. Shinoda’s
supportive character was also at its best, she quickly devised a manner for
Kashiwagi and Maeda to fill comfortable and make it possible for Kashiwagi to
enter “the zone”, Oshima also showed self-control and restrain. The usually
impulsive and childish Oshima had also grown in both heart and soul. Akimoto
knew it wasn’t easy for her to support Kashiwagi’s relationship with Maeda, as
the former usually made spontaneous attempts to seduce and capture Kashiwagi
though most of the time there was someone else ready to foil them. It was
passed noon when they arrived at the concert hall to practice with the rest.
Togasaki was waiting at the entrance as was Watanabe, she
was ready to implement her plan to separate definitively Maeda and Kashiwagi.
No one could be with Kashiwagi without Watanabe’s permission or so she thought.
It’s true that they were close but because of that same proximity Watanabe lost
herself in the road and became attached, possessive and monopolizing of
Kashiwagi. When Akimoto got down she quickly ran to him and asked for a word,
to which Akimoto as usual gave a positive reform, he signal Togasaki to wait;
Togasaki quickly met with Kashiwagi, Oshima, Maeda and Shinoda and led them to
the practice stage were the concert would be held the coming week. These first
days were full of situations for Kashiwagi and Maeda but the storm hadn’t
completely withered away. Still at the entrance to the venues in a corner
Watanabe finally started her plan, she couldn’t separate them but if someone
could that would Akimoto and the rules or so she thought.
Watanabe: Sensei, I’ve heard a disturbing rumor today!
Akimoto: Rumor…well let it rest it’s just a rumor after all.
Watanabe: But it’s related to AKB’s current senbatsu leaders…I…
Akimoto: [sighs]…Then what’s this rumor about?
Watanabe: [looks down and giggles, looks back at Akimoto] I’ve
heard a rumor…a rumor that Maeda Atsuko is dating…she’s dating another member…
