Chapter 9: With Harsh Criticism Comes Reward~ 
Chapter 9
Today was the due day of the film competition. Murashige hasn’t been in school for a week.
We found out from Milky that apparently a lot of people keep gossiping and bullying Murashige because of her half-Russian blood. Does no-one know this is racism? I feel so sorry for her…
“She’s not picking up her phone.” Umechan said. “I wonder if she’s okay...”
“Do you think she’s going to quit the band because of this?”
“Who knows...”
I’m really starting to worry. Bullying is a serious matter. What if something happens to Murashige?
“Hi~” That voice…
“Murashige!”
“Mentaiko~”
“You’re… here.”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” She seems happy… but, doesn’t she know?
“Oh, wait… I thought… Never mind.”
“C’mon, tell me.”
“Didn’t you know about… about th--”
“Attention, students, the winners of the film competition are being shown in the auditorium. Everyone must attend, so please report to the auditorium for showings.”
“It’s time, huh?”
“Let’s go!!!” Of course, Murashige was full of energy and dashed down the hall.
Does that mean… she doesn’t know?
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All the students were gathered at the auditorium, a large screen in front of the stage.
“Uwaa~ I’m so excited, Sayanee!” Murashige said with her feet shaking. “Aren’t you?”
“I guess.”
“C’mon, who knows? I might’ve won!”
“We just need to wait...”
“I DON’T WANNA WAIT!!! I’m getting impatient, let’s start already!”
I couldn’t help but stare at her, knowing that she was clueless about everyone talking about her in such mean ways.
Even now, I can hear it among the chatter. People murmuring stuff like “halfbreed” and “Russian” and other rude, racist things.
“Mura...” Actually, at a time like this, “Anna.”
“Eh? Uso?! You called me by my first name.”
“Anna… there’s something I should tell you.”
“What?”
“Some of the students, they… they’re--”
“Alright, everyone, it’s time to announce the top three entries of the school film competition!!!”
As the crowd cheered, I turned to Anna. “I’ll tell you later.”
“In third place, is this...”
The first video was by Nana, surprisingly. She did a film of the entire school, and she did it all with Osaka pride, especially the Mess Hall’s homemade takoyaki and the school’s Comedy club (I knew she’d put that in.)
I was pretty proud of her, seeing how she filmed everyone, just as they were. They even got our band and the Idol club in the film, as well.
The crowd applauded as the video ended and Nana walked up to get her prize, a bronze plaque.
Anna had her hands clenched tightly, praying hard that she would win, but still, I felt sorry…
“Second place, is this…”
Surprisingly, it was the Otaku club. The WHOLE film was Milky, and the students went absolutely wild, especially the boys and otaku.
I facepalmed a bit. “Seriously?”
The three otaku went up and held the silver plaque together, screaming Milky’s name, who also stood up and took a bow.
“Only one left...”
I looked behind and saw some of the girls staring at Anna, whispering stuff about her.
“Anna...” I said, getting her attention. “Listen… some of the girls, they’ve been talking about you.”
“Really?! What did they say?”
“Well...” How can I say it… without hurting her?
“And finally, first place, is this!”
“Uso… I WON!!!"
Unexpectedly, a lot of the crowd cheered loudly and gave Anna a standing ovation. It’s as if all the racism and bullying disappeared and they loved her.
I’ve never seen such a brighter smile on her face.
“YATTA!!!”
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“Eh?” We all told Anna about the school talking about her and making fun of her for being a halfblood.
She was bound to find out, but… we thought it’d be better if she heard from us.
“Anna… we’ve never thought of you in that way.”
“Yeah, we all love you.”
“You’re totally ROCK!”
“Guys...” Anna looked down for a second, then burst into laughter. “I already knew about that!”
“EH?!”
“Yeah, I found out about that stuff a long time ago. I still overhear it, but I just ignore it. It’s who I am and I’m proud!”
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I never had a problem with it. Yeah, it’s racist bull, but I can’t help it.”
“Anna...”
“But, I’m glad you guys told me. It’s really nice all of you care about me.”
“Of course we do.” I rubbed Anna’s hair and messed it up a bit. “You’re our Russian monkey.”
“Спасибо! (Thanks!)”
“No problem. Ah! That reminds me, since Kashiwagi’s now our drummer… You could be our Video Producer~”
“EH?! Maji-de?”
We all nodded, smiling at her with love and care.
Well, the bands complete again, with Kashiwagi rocking out on drums and Anna recording every single piece we do, well, we’re going to get lots of publicity!
Topic: NMB fanfic (Rock star meets Pop idol) Chapter 9 (Read 43646 times)