Everyone Has Talent. If Only We Could Realize It - Volume 1 Chapter 4.2

Confrontation

“Yikes,” Akiha muttered, biting her thumbnail in the hallway right after homeroom. Our first class today was “Hip-Hop Music.” This class takes place in a dedicated classroom located in the basement of the building containing the rehearsal studios.

Although many students look forward to this class for its extraordinary classroom atmosphere, Akiha didn’t seem excited.

Observing her, Shiika offered a small zip-lock bag.

“Here, have some gummies. They’re rich in magnesium.”

“Whoa, didn’t expect that. Were you always the considerate type?”

“I fulfill my obligations.”

“Ah, I see. So, you considered helping me as a debt. That’s reassuring.”

What did she think of Shiika?

Though detached from the world and largely inscrutable in her thoughts, Shiika does possess the basic sensibility to care for others. It’s just that her expressions of it are so faint that you’d miss them if you weren’t paying close attention.

“I didn’t exactly need more magnesium, but… thanks.”

“Mhm.”

“…Chomp. …Oh, that’s good.”

Accepting the bag of gummies from Shiika, Akiha popped one into her mouth. I asked her,

“So, what’s actually troubling you?”

“The midterms.”

“Is that all? I heard it’s easier than regular schools, so we should be fine.”

“You’re too complacent… Have you not checked the site?”

“I figured I’d look at it later.”

“Better check it now, or you might be in for a dark future.”

“You’re exaggerating… Let’s see.”

Prompted by her, I took out my smartphone and accessed the portal site.

I tapped on the “About Midterms” section to review the rules.

About Midterms

1. 1. 1. 1.  Our school does not conduct midterms for individual classes. Instead, the entire grade undergoes a single, unified exam.

1. 1. 1. 1. The exam period is from May 20th to June 10th. It can be taken at any time within this period. Make sure to reserve your preferred date and time in advance.

1. 1. 1. 1. The exam consists of “demonstrating one’s abilities in some form.” This can include presenting a piece of work, showcasing one’s achievements, performances, etc. The method is up to you. It will be evaluated by three judges who are active at the forefront of the industry.

1. 1. 1. 1.  Scores will be assigned, but there are no penalties based on performance.

1. 1. 1. 1.  However, the impression you leave on industry professionals can influence your future, so proceed with caution.

“Wow, this is like a trap…”

The content was brutal. While it seemed you wouldn’t be expelled for failing, and since there’s no need to study multiple subjects, it might indeed be “easier” in some respects. But in another sense, it’s far worse than a regular exam.

With a conventional high school exam, slacking off a bit wouldn’t directly impact your future. As long as you put in the effort at crucial points like college entrance exams or job interviews, you could recover from any mid-way failures.

However, this midterm could potentially close doors on the future you hope for. And that evaluation might silently lower your standing without you even being aware of it.

“Our homeroom teacher seems laid-back but might actually be quite strict. Thinking it’s fine to drop students who don’t check the portal.”

“I get it now… I understand why Akiha’s feeling a sense of crisis.”

Akiha’s reason for attending Ryouran High School, by her own admission, is to secure a livelihood for her future. A future-impacting event is a matter of life or death for her.

“But you know,”

I said, trying to cheer up the anxious Akiha.

“It’s our first exam after enrollment, and as long as we meet the minimum quality, they won’t just lower our ratings, right?”

“Haah, you don’t get it at all. You have no idea about creativity, Rakuto.”

“Oh, okay.”

I swallowed the question of whether she understood it herself.

Akiha, with a know-it-all gesture, wagged her finger.

“In art, my friend, soul is essential. Superficially crafted, half-hearted songs won’t cut it in the world of top-tier professionals.”

“Aren’t high schoolers essentially amateurs? What top-tier are you talking about?”

“People with low ambition might think that, but I’m different. If I’m doing it, it needs to be perfect, impeccable, beyond criticism.”

“Isn’t that a day that might never come?”

“Dammit, Rakuto! Don’t jinx it!”

She jabbed me in the solar plexus with her phone as she snapped.

“Ow, ow, ow. Stop it.”

“Oh, Rakuto, you’ve got surprisingly solid abs. Pretty cheeky for a gigolo. Take that, and that.”

“Looks fun. Here you go. And again.”

“Shiika, you too!? Hey, both sides are not fair… Ahh!”

We continued our playful scuffle as we descended the stairs to the basement of the school building.

As soon as we stepped onto the basement floor, both the sound and scenery dramatically changed.

The floors and walls were illuminated with purple neon lights, and a steady beat played in the background. The space had the atmosphere of a nightclub hosting a DJ event.

Although we had taken this class several times since April, I still thought it was one of the most peculiar classrooms at Ryouran High School. But for teaching “Hip-Hop Music,” there couldn’t be a more fitting venue.

And then──.

“Looks fun! Let me join! Oraoraoraa!”

“Wha!? …Wait, a third person is definitely… Who are you──Nuhah, hahahaha!”

My abs completely gave way under the surprise attack (poked with fingers) from the newcomer who suddenly joined from the side. The attack on the solar plexus from both sides, now joined by the area around my navel, inevitably led me to burst into laughter.

“Nuhuh, hahaha! Who, who are you!?”

“Who are you!?”

“You don’t even know me and you’re joining in!?”

“I know you! That girl is See-chan! And that one is Manamana!”

The intruding girl pointed at Shiika and Akiha in turn.

It seemed she knew them. I had mixed feelings about this. Well, since I don’t even stream, it’s natural not to be recognized.

“Huh? Wait, I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere…”

Freed from the laughter due to her fingers moving away from my belly, I took another look at the girl’s face.

A childlike face with perfectly applied makeup exuded a dangerous allure, blending innocence with maturity.

Her long black hair featured red highlights, and her hat was perfectly coordinated. Her outfit, which boldly exposed her arms, thighs, and stomach, suggested it was designed for bold movements, fitting a dancer’s style.

Though she wasn’t in uniform, I remembered hearing that this school allowed free dress.

While there is a uniform, you’re free to customize it or choose not to wear it at all. Quite fitting for a school attended by future entertainers.

Given the time and place, she must be a student taking the “Hip-Hop Music” class, so it makes sense to recognize her face. But for some reason, it felt like déjà vu beyond that.

“Ah, ah, ah, ah, ahh…!”

Akiha was the first to react.

“Oh, Otsuka… Otsuka Ryuki!”

“Yeah! Correct!”

“Otsuka… Ah, the top student of the Dance Department!”

I too remembered.

We should have been in the same classroom for this class all along, but I hadn’t paid much attention, so she had slipped completely from my memory.

Given her commanding presence, it wouldn’t be strange for her to stand out… Perhaps I was too spaced out during class?