Taking Chances-Epilogue-updated 12/26, Alternate Ending - 12/29

[aussie]

Darn, I was actually getting a little excited that this might have potential for the unexpected pairing (in this story) of RenAi 
Now now now, back to square one....Sayu is actually making me feel a little uneasy in this fic. I wonder whom she was referring to in her little confession to Reina 

[Kuji]

Ah thank you! We're safe... for now.

But now we once again don't know who it is that Sayu has her eye on... and who it is that Risa has her eye on either.

Guess we'll just have to wait and see.

[FaqU]

@ rndmnwierd: I know what you mean, it feels bad for myself when I thought of this because it reminds of me of my own memories.

@ aussie: Yes.... you're right we are back at square one....never thought about it that way    Well we don't know if it is RenAi just as of yet.  Damn it!!! I think my version of Sayu is scaring people but don't worry she's a nice bunny (I think you can say that in a relative point of view)

@ Kuji: You're welcome...for now  All in good time, all in good time

Chapter 18

Reina laid there on her bed waiting for sleep to come but no matter how she twisted and turned, she couldn’t sleep.  After multiple tries rolling round and round, Reina gave up and decided to just wait until she felt tired again or until dawn, whichever came first.  It was at this moment that she thought she heard a sound.  Reina stayed completely quiet and opened up her ears….

*SNIFF SNIFF*

‘Is that…is that sniffling? Naw maybe I’m hearing things, let me see if I hear it anymore’ Reina perked up her ears.

*SNIFF SNIFF*

‘It is!! It is!!! Is Sayu crying?  I thought she’d be asleep by now….  I guess it doesn’t hurt to check up on her right?’

Reina turned her head and focused on the lining of the figure in the next bed.  Sure enough, Reina could make out slight shoulder movements.  She got up and laid on Sayumi’s bed behind her  “Sayu, what’s wrong?”  No response “You don’t have to pretend you’re asleep, kitty cat heard you loud and clear.  What’s wrong?” asked Reina as she grabbed a tissue from the table between the 2 beds and passed it to Sayumi.

Sayumi slowly took it and dabbed her eyes with her back faced towards Reina “N-nothing Reina” she croaked out.

“Ah hun.  If nothing is wrong then all your mirrors are broken”

“DON’T JINX MY MIRRORS!!!!” scolded Sayumi as she turned to face Reina

Reina turned on the table lamp, “So tell Dr. Reina what’s wrong, and don’t you dare say nothing because if nothing is wrong then why is it I am finding a cute girl crying in the middle of the night?”

“*SNIFF SNIFF* After your nightmare I didn’t think it was appropriate to have our talk.  You were shocked and pale that it didn’t seem right to bother you now *SNIFF SNIFF*”

“Well thanks to you I am better and now I can’t go to sleep and since you and I both can’t go to sleep let’s talk” suggested Reina as she got off Sayumi’s bed and sat in the chair across of Sayumi where they can talk face to face.

Sayumi sat up and leaned on the wooden backing of the bed.  “Well it’s like I mentioned to you before, I’ve been thinking about something and I don’t know what to do.  I’m pretty sure you are too but I know you don’t want to talk about it.”

“You said you liked one of our own, is it safe for me to assume you are using the term in the context of more than just friends, leaning more towards a dating relationship?”

Sayumi nodded “I don’t know when and how but I developed these feelings and you know feelings cannot be controlled”

Reina nodded “Were you crying because you’re afraid of the consequences?”

To Reina’s surprise, Sayumi shook her head “I was crying because it seems like they don’t notice me anymore, like I’m invisible to them.  I don’t think she is purposely doing it but it feels like our relationship has drifted apart and it hurts when I think about how close we once were and now…” Sayumi’s eyes started to get cloudy in which Reina could hear in the slight change in the tone of her voice and the tremble, she was about to cry again.  Reina got up from her chair and sat on the bed beside Sayumi putting an arm around her, giving it a light squeeze to indicate she is there for her “…and now it seems all her time and attention isn’t here anymore, we’ve drifted apart, almost like strangers and …. and it hurts inside”

Reina slowly brushed Sayumi’s shoulder in a constant motion, up and down, to soothe the girl “Don’t cry Sayu.  Like you have said to me, I can and will be there for you.  I know I might not be the best choice in the world but I just want you to know that I care about you too”

Sayumi dabbed her eyes and smiled hearing Reina’s comment.  “Thank you Reina!  You don’t know how much that means to me right now”

“How about this Sayu, until you figure out what you’re next move will be, you stick with me so that whenever you need me I am just in the bed beside you.  Don’t cry by yourself all alone okay?” Sayumi shifted slightly and hugged Reina, nodding in Reina’s shoulder.  “Do you feel comfortable telling me who this individual is?”

“I didn’t think I had to.  You were always quick in terms of thinking and noticing”

“I have a hutch but I am not definitely sure, but by any chance would the bunny be talking about a certain turtle of the group?”

“Kitty cat is as intelligent and perceptive as ever” ‘Whew!  So Sayu likes Eri not Gaki-san! Stupid dream of mine, scared the crap out of me!’

“Well Usagi-chan, since we got that out of your system and it is getting late do you think you are at ease enough to sleep?  We do have a busy schedule ahead tomorrow”  Sayumi nodded her head as Reina got off her bed and tucked Sayumi into bed before hitting the sack as well.  Oddly enough, Reina did feel tired maybe it really was the weight of Sayumi’s confession that was keeping her up.

[rndmnwierd]

Aw, poor Sayu. And Kame likes Gaki? Wow, what a triangle. Or parallelogram.

[stefy]

Awww.... Any more of this and I'll get cavities... SayuReina soooooo sweet~(and of course cute)!!

OH I KNOW!

Maybeeee.... Eri likes Sayu too, and Gaki likes Reina.. And then both Gaki and Eri are gonna think Sayu and Reina have a thing for each other once they begin to hang out more and sleep together more... and that's when the damn annoying drama begins!

Wee~ (Getting carried away with my thoughts again~)

[kRisZ]

@ kRisZ: I wouldn't say that you're slow, because I was told by another reader that I led them to believe that it was reality and then twisted it at the end.  I don't know whether they meant that in a compliment though 

I'm very positive it's a compliment 

“DON’T JINX MY MIRRORS!!!!”

 


Dr. Reina talking to Sayu's 

[FaqU]

@  rndmnwierd: I never realized how confusing it was until you mentioned parallelogram    Darn how did I get into this mess??!!!

@ stefy:  Sorry didn't realize it was a scene full of sweetness, in my mind it was a normal casual scene hmmmm....maybe I can take sweets more than I thought.      Your suggestions is a good one I might put that into consideratin in the chapters to come

@ kRisZ: I was hoping it wasn't kinda because then it doesn't give me pressure    But darn it!!!!  Dr. Reina is always to the rescue behind the scenes (my image of Reina)

Chapter 19

~RING RING RING~  A hand from under the covers slowly reached out to grab the phone and just as slowly pulled the received under the covers

“H-hello?” groaned the voice who was mentally cursing the caller for waking them up

“It’s time to get up” boomed the familiar voice

“Can’t I get 5 more minutes?”

“Nope, you better get up or do I need to send reinforcements?”

“I’m getting up, I’m getting up, no need to send Fujimoto-san”

“See you guys in 10 then” ~CLICK~

Reina rubbed her eyes before taking off the blankets from over her head and placing the received back.  She laid there and started to stretch for a bit before sitting up straight.  She turned to the bed beside her to see if the bunny was still sleeping.  Sure enough Sayumi was still fast asleep which didn’t surprise Reina due to the events of last night.  Reina decided it was best that she gets ready first before waking Sayumi just to let the bunny sleep some more.

When Reina stepped out of the washroom fully awake, she noticed that Sayumi had already woken and was looking through her clothes.

“Ohayo  Sayu!”  Sayumi turned and faced Reina with a bright smile

“Ohayo Reina”  It seemed to Reina that Sayumi was exceptionally happy, a little too happy that it kinda freaked Reina out a bit.

“Er… your turn to use the bathroom, we need to meet the group in 10” informed Reina as she observed Sayumi happily skipping to the bathroom.  As she passed Reina, Reina heard a faint “Thank you” before Sayumi closed the door.  Reina slowly smiled fully understanding Sayumi’s behaviour.

~DING~ rung the elevator as Reina and Sayumi who had been happily chatting away arm in arm joined the rest of their group

“Nee Reina, are you okay from yesterday?” said a voice, a voice that caused Sayumi to clutch onto Reina’s arm a little tighter, walking towards them with an individual that made Reina flinch.

“Yeah Tanakacchi, you gave us all a fright yesterday”

“Yeah, I’m fine it was just a bad nightmare.  After I took a shower it was all good, all thanks to Sayu’s suggestion” replied Reina as her free hand took hold of the hand of Sayumi’s that was linked to Reina’s arm.  Reina gave Sayumi a little pat indicating that they were going to face this together.  Reina could feel Sayumi’s clutch loosen a bit.

“That’s great!  Gaki-san and I were worried about you.  Luckily you still had Sayu”

~CLAP CLAP~  “Alright everyone gather round” ordered Yossie with Miki beside her.  The 4 did as ordered, which relieved Reina and Sayumi of the meeting with Eri and Risa, as they listened in about the events that is to come.

[kRisZ]

Yay They're getting closer   

@ kRisZ: I was hoping it wasn't kinda because then it doesn't give me pressure    But darn it!!!!  Dr. Reina is always to the rescue behind the scenes (my image of Reina)

I'm no writer but I think I understand what you mean. Just ignore the pressure and let your talent work on its accord.   

[rndmnwierd]

Yay, good friends! I definitely like Seeing SayuReina friendship (or more ) now Reina just needs to get together with Risa.

@  rndmnwierd: I never realized how confusing it was until you mentioned parallelogram    Darn how did I get into this mess??!!!

Started writing itself, huh?

[lil_hamz]

TC 16

Wah? Reina could dream all the way to the elevator? But I have a funny dream myself. I was a spy or something dressed in a black suit. I was running around a carpark and taking lifts to shake people off. Weird. Must be all that Spy talk we did that made me dream that up

T17

Whew...so Reina managed to escape the "confrontation" with Sayumi. I wonder what gonna happen now

TC 18

AHHHHHHHHHHHH! I can't decide if I prefer TanaShige as friends or something more

TC 19

LOL! So Miki is the one sent to wake members up? kowaiI~

After I took a shower it was all good, all thanks to Sayu’s suggestion” replied Reina as her free hand took hold of the hand of Sayumi’s that was linked to Reina’s arm.  Reina gave Sayumi a little pat indicating that they were going to face this together.  Reina could feel Sayumi’s clutch loosen a bit.

See what I mean? Reina + Sayu = 

[FaqU]

@ kRisZ: Talent??!!! The only talent I have is pulverizing people   But thank you for the compliment and I hope the pressure doesn't get to me.  Although people tell me not to get pressured by the little things, I still do and stress myself over it.   Are you by any chance rooting for a TanaShige pair?

@ rndmnwierd: Something more?? are you also rooting for a TanaShige pairing???  

Definitely starting writing itself, who knows maybe it will turn out to be a hexagon or pentagon relationship  

@ lil_hamz:

TC 16: Hey in dreams you can go anywhere so no surprise that Reina dreams up to an elevator   You were a spy in your dream??? Kawaii!!!!  Spy talk?  When??   I'm confused, was that way back?

TC 18:  I'm curious too as to which pairing you are rooting for

TC 19:  Of course reinforcement would be Miki, who better to wake up sleepyheads??? She'll go all yankii on their behinds   Now Reina and Sayu's relationship could be that of best friends too, I mean I know of people that are like that but that doesn't mean they are together  

Chapter 20

As time goes by, Sayumi and Reina became each other’s pillar of support.  Sayumi would be all emotional and cry about it though whereas Reina was more of the silent type but Sayumi knew when she needed a hug.  Of course at every chance they get to be with their crush they would spend it with them because from the duo it was all that they could have, that moment in which they could make a special memory out of.

It was fortunate for them that whenever Risa was with Reina, Eri would be with Sayumi, although it was also unfortunate that Risa and Eri was almost always booked together in one room.  From time to time, Risa being who she was, would gather all of the Rokkies together and have an outing, which didn’t bother Sayumi or Reina at all but it did get rather painful for them when Eri would stick to Risa like glue.  

Time was special for Reina and Sayumi and it is also something that flies really quickly and uncontrollably.  From the time the new 8th generation member, Mitsui Aika was added to the developing of emotions between Aika and Koharu, to the announcement of them dating, Reina and Sayumi went through their emotional turmoil together.

“Nee must you guys be so mushy in front of me all the time” lectured Sayumi who just happened to be sitting with Koharu and Aika for breakfast.  The three didn’t have anything to do in the morning and would be joining the rest of the group later in the afternoon.  The duo who had been happily feeding each other breakfast immediately stopped and bowed slightly in an apologetic way.

“Tsk tsk someone upset Usagi-chan” lectured Eri as she skipped to the table.

“Eh~  What time is it?” Sayumi asked as she snapped open her phone to check the time “It’s too early for you to be coming down for breakfast”

Eri slapped Sayumi on the arm lightly “Mou, Sayu why are you picking on me? I wasn’t the one upsetting you”

Sayumi laughed, “Yeah but it also isn’t like you to be wide awake and down here in the cafeteria too.  If anything at this hour you should still be sleepy and in your room rummaging through your clothes finding what to wear and that itself takes long.  I don’t understand how Gaki-san rooms with you”

“Haha!  Gaki-san and I room fine, for your big fat information.  Anyways don’t you remember what day it is?”

“Er…Monday? And I am not fat!!!”

“No I mean what is special about today?”

Sayumi, Koharu and Aika looked at each other confused as to what Eri really wanted to say.  “I’ll give you a hint, what is on our schedule today?” asked Eri realizing they were still unable to catch her drift

“We are going to have rehearsals at the concert hall” replied Koharu

“And….”

“Wakatta!  I understand what your getting at but I don’t understand why” replied Aika

“Okay enlighten me Eri, what is so special.  You know too much thinking hurts my head”

“Sayu we are meeting the other 8th gen members at the concert hall!” shrieked Eri

“Oh my god! You’re right!”  Sayumi shot up from her chair in realization then she looked at Eri “So?”

“So?  What do you mean so?  Aren’t you anxious to meet them?  We haven’t seen their faces nor are they Japanese”

Sayumi looked at Koharu and Aika, who shrugged their shoulders “Eri, as exciting as it is to meet them, it also means they will not be joining us until we are able to communicate with them.  Also I think we should focus more on the concert rehearsals as well as the fact that Yoshizawa-san will be graduating soon.  I can’t say I’m not thrilled but I also wonder how we will communicate with them.”

“I think you’ll be thrilled because I heard that they are cute”

“Cuter than me?  Usa-chan Peace!” as Sayumi did her signature mark, whereas Koharu and Aika rolled their eyes.

“That I don’t know” replied Eri knowing fully well that Sayumi’s curiosity is up.

“What time is it now?  I’m going to get my things ready to leave” Sayumi looked at her phone then walked out of the cafeteria

“Haha bet you anything she’s going to pick out something cute and make sure she looks cute” laughed Eri

“Awww no fair, you’ll win that bet for sure Kamei-san”

“Nee Kamei-san I think the picture of the new members are in the newspapers now” informed Aika as she scooped a spoon of rice into her mouth

“Maji de?! Aika honey how do you know?”

“I think one of the staff mentioned something about it.  I have asked if they can get a couple more so we can read it on the van later”

“My baby is just the smartest” gushed Koharu as she pecked Aika on the cheek

“Sayu is right!  Must you guys be all mushy in front of me?  But thanks for the info Mittsi” as Eri ran off leaving he 2 kouhais feeding each other.

[pretend_2besome1]

I'm commenting here instead on H!O (same username).

There might be a pentagram relationship or a hexagon relationship? Oh boy, sounds like there gonna be so much drama
I wasn't expecting there'd be a couple suddenly, let alone a KohaAika. It's good though, at least there's one happy couple (for now).

I'm glad Reina and Sayu became each other’s pillar of support *coughTanaShigecough*  
I can understand Sayu's feeling there. KohaAika was cute with being mushy and all but it reminds her of something she didn't have and it sucks

So since this chap is more focused on Sayu, are we going back to Reina next chapter?

Edit: Forgot to tell you, you wrote Aiki instead of Aika there.

[rndmnwierd]

@ rndmnwierd: Something more?? are you also rooting for a TanaShige pairing??

No! Tanagaki!

Well, maybe after Gaki breaks Reina's heart...

No, Tanagaki.

Aww, KohaAika is annoyingly cute and the pandas are mentioned!

[kRisZ]

Sayumi would be all emotional and cry about it though whereas Reina was more of the silent type but Sayumi knew when she needed a hug.

 

“Haha bet you anything she’s going to pick out something cute and make sure she looks cute” laughed Eri

 

The only talent I have is pulverizing people

  *makes a bold demarcation line* 


I find TanaGaki cute, because Reina is head over heels with Risa without the latter's knowledge and I find the chasing thing exciting.     I find TanaShige here cute too but somehow I prefer them being best friends only, but of course that can change and that can be arranged  <insert pressure here>    just kidding

[FaqU]

@ pretend_2besome1 :  I don't know for sure if a pentagram or hexagram relationship will show up but at the rate my mind is going with new thoughts and ideas, I wouldn't be surprised that I dig myself a grave and oh boy that will definitely be the start of mass drama.

I think I'm going to do a historical scene in this next chapter though and thanks for the tip, I changed it.

@ ndmnwierd: It sounds like your contemplating about what you want there

Oh you like the addition of the pandas eh??? Well let's see what role they play in this 

@  kRisZ: Awww.... I'm hurt  I don't pulverize people on a daily basis...just a weekly one 

We'll see what happens, maybe more viewing of MM would give me inspiration as to who is with who

Chapter 21

‘Ugh!  So tired!  I have to go to the concert hall later too for practice!  Let’s see…what should I pack?’ thought Reina as she scanned her suitcase until all of a sudden ~BANG~ “Must you open the door so hard?” growled Reina without taking her focus away from her suitcase

“Reina!  Do you remember what’s so special about today?” shrieked Sayumi

“Obviously you know so why don’t you tell me?” asked Reina as she turned to face her fellow Rokkie.

“The new Chinese transfer students!”

“Okay 1) lower your voice, my ears are shattering and 2) what’s the big deal?” asked Reina as she put a finger into her ears

“What’s the big deal?! What’s the big deal?!  Aren’t you anxious to meet them?”

“Sayu, I am anxious but we are going to meet them like very soon so what’s the big deal with you and banging the door?”

“I heard they were cute!!!  What if they were cuter than me?”

Reina put a hand to her forehead “Sayu, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.  They are probably more nervous than we are considering Japanese will be a new language to them, so I doubt they were focused about looking cuter than you.  Now if you please, we should get our things for practice”  Reina stated plainly before returning her gaze to focus on her suitcase once more

“I’ve got to change into something cute” was all Sayumi said as she looked through her own suitcase.  Reina could only shake her head.

Reina and Sayumi were approached by Eri the moment they stepped into the lobby ready to leave.

“Nee Sayu apparently the transfer student’s pictures are in the newspaper so we’ll get to see how they look.  I guess the addition of 2 Chinese transfer students is a big thing”

“Maji de?!  Sugoi!  Do you have it with you?”

“Nope but Mittsi asked the staff to have it around somewhere” replied Eri as she looked left and right, in search for the said item.

“Do we have time to change?”

“I don’t think so” exclaimed a voice, the trio turned to be face to face with the last 6th gen member and their subleader, Miki

“Fujimoto-san!  Have you seen how they look?” asked Reina

“Nope however I believe Yossie has met them already under Tsunku-san’s orders.  I think it was so that they are not too frightened and intimidated by us”

“Guys we have to get going now” hollered Yossie.  Slowly one by one they got into the van and grabbed a newspaper, reading through the information about the new members.  Throughout the ride, the topic amongst them all were about the new members, all about different aspects but nonetheless same topic.

Once they arrived at their destination, you can feel the anxiousness and nervousness of the members.  Slowly they entered the building and were greeted by the girls in question, one taller than the other.  As they walked by, Reina could feel Sayumi’s gaze on the new members.

“Nee Reina,” nudged Sayumi “one of them looks familiar, isn’t she one of our eggs?”

Reina took another peek behind, “Yeah you’re right she is!  We’ll just wait in the changing room for Yoshizawa-san to introduce them to make sure.”

The members all got changed into something more suitable for dance practices and were just in the room chatting about when Yossie came in with the 2 members.

‘Looking at the 2 new members now, the taller one looks really shy but I can’t blame her, she doesn’t know Japanese entirely.  She kinda is cute though, looking all nervous and such.  I feel kinda bad for them because they don’t have any family here, it must be hard to be away from your parents and they aren’t like us where we can go home to them because my parents at least are relatively close’ thought Reina after Yossie had instructed them to go and practice.

[rndmnwierd]

JunLin! 

“one of them looks familiar, isn’t she one of our eggs?”

This makes me laugh. I suddenly remembered the concert I saw with Lin in it before Momusu. So cute!

@ rndmnwierd: It sounds like your contemplating about what you want there

No, you lured me here with promises of Tanagaki, so I wants me some Tanagaki.

[kRisZ]

“I heard they were cute!!!  What if they were cuter than me?”

Oh Bunneey 

‘Looking at the 2 new members now, the taller one looks really shy but I can’t blame her, she doesn’t know Japanese entirely.  She kinda is cute though, looking all nervous and such.  I feel kinda bad for them because they don’t have any family here, it must be hard to be away from your parents and they aren’t like us where we can go home to them because my parents at least are relatively close’ thought Reina after Yossie had instructed them to go and practice.

Smells fishy 

@  kRisZ: Awww.... I'm hurt  I don't pulverize people on a daily basis...just a weekly one 

Better ready than sorry 

[pretend_2besome1]

You're welcome.
Man, you update fast! And I'm loving it

I don't know for sure if a pentagram or hexagram relationship will show up but at the rate my mind is going with new thoughts and ideas, I wouldn't be surprised that I dig myself a grave and oh boy that will definitely be the start of mass drama.

Should I start worrying?

“Must you open the door so hard?”

You just gotta love her entrance method! Let the world know Sayu has arrived!

JunJun and LinLin, yay! Somehow I felt that mass drama is coming near.....

[FaqU]

@ rndmnwierd:  I don't know what to say, plans changed?  Awww you make it sound like if it wasn't Tanagaki you'll be disappointed, now what do I do ? 

@ kRisZ: Smells fishy??? How so??? You don't have to be ready, I'm tamed, more tamed than my younger years, I guarantee it...kinda

@ pretend_2besome1: I have mentioned to others that since school is out for a while I would be updating a lot faster... hopefully I get the flow of the story and complete by December.  Great to hear you loving it though!!!

Should you start worrying??? Well it depends, are you for the drama or would you like to stay away???

Of course Sayu has to let the world know, the princess has arrived   

I don't know about the mass drama because well the story started with the Rokkies joining and since it plays on history, then of course the new members have to be introduced no??

Chapter 22

As Reina was practicing, she noticed that the 2 new members where in the fan section watching them practice, Reina didn’t know why but she was always looking towards them, particularly JunJun.  The group was relieved when it was time to eat or when there was a break, it was great to just sit down, relax and chat with the other members about other things besides the upcoming graduation of their leader.

“Nee Sayu, what do you think about the new girls?” asked Reina as she sipped her water.

“I can’t deny that they look cute when they look lost like little puppies, but I’m way cuter” ‘Egotistical perhaps? Typical Sayu!’

“I agree, especially the taller one, JunJun?, she looks way lost because Japanese is a total foreign language.  LinLin at least understands some.”

“Do you think we should go up to them and say hi?”

“Not now, we still have practice and they might be intimidated by us running up to them”

“Tanakacchi, always distant to new people as usual” Risa had sat down beside Reina joining in the duo’s conversation, shocking the duo a bit.

“Gaki-san, where’s Eri?” asked Sayumi taking the chance to be with Eri since Risa is with them

“I think she went to see if there is anything to eat” replied Risa as Sayumi got up and walked towards the back

“So Tanakacchi, how have you been?  You’ve been hanging with Sayumin a lot more lately” asked Risa as soon as Sayumi had disappeared

‘Only because you’re always with Eri’ thought Reina “Not more than usual, you know we Rokkies stick together”

Risa faked a hurt look “Aww!  Am I not included in your activities? Am I not welcomed anymore?”

Reina giggled, “Gaki-san you’re always welcomed to join us but it seems YOU’VE been busy with other things so we felt that you might be too busy”

“Never too busy for you Tanakacchi” smiled Risa as she poked Reina on the nose “So what do you think of our new additions?” asked Risa sipping on her own cup of water

“I’ve got mixed feelings I guess”

“EHHHH~~~~!!!! How so?” Risa gave Reina a confused look, unable to comprehend where mixed feelings could possibly be….possible

“Well I am happy we have new members and kouhais that are foreign but I guess I also feel bad for them because they have to learn a new language and be away from home, you know?”

Risa nodded her head thinking about Reina’s logic “In that case, we should make them feel welcomed and that we can be their family in Japan” Risa got up holding Reina’s arm

“Gaki-san!  What are you doing?”

“Making them feel welcomed…and you’re coming with me”

Reina tried to stop her senpai as best as she can “Gaki-san maybe later, I mean we still have practice right?  And besides I think Yoshizawa-san and Fujimoto-san are with them right now”  Sure enough their leader and sub-leader were there as well as a camera crew “Hora mitte! We can always do it later”

Risa shrugged her shoulders and pouted “Aww!  I really wanted to greet them”

Reina couldn’t help but pinch Risa on the nose “We will get our chance, let them get use to the members one at a time Gaki-san, we don’t want the next newspaper title to be NEW MM MEMBERS LEAVE MM BECAUSE OF SCARY SENPAIS” Reina emphasized this with her hand in the air pronouncing each word helping both her and Risa visualize the newspaper title

Reina and Risa got back onto the stage and immediately Reina noticed something astray with Sayumi.  For one thing Sayumi looked…upset which is weird because she was with Eri.

As soon as Eri noticed Risa she ran up to her and hugged her “Gaki-san where did you go?”

“Eri!  Get off me!  You and I are all sweaty!” obediently Eri released Risa but clung onto her arm

Reina took this chance to excuse herself to check up on Sayumi, as Risa looked on to where Reina was headed.

Reina knew something was definitely off since Sayumi didn’t even notice Reina standing in front of her. ~SNAP SNAP~  “Sayu!!!”

“Huh?... Oh its you Reina” Sayumi tried to smile but it was a very weak attempt.  “We’ve…we’ve… we’ve gotta talk.  It’s important” said Sayumi.  As she was about to continue, Yossie and Miki along with their dance instructor had come back “later tonight”

Throughout the rest of rehearsals, Reina couldn’t help but wonder what could’ve caused Sayumi’s change in behaviour and mood.  She took every moment she’s got to take a quick peek in Sayumi’s direction to see if she could observe a clue.

‘That’s odd…very odd!  Sayu has this look like something is really bothering her.  She’s giving it her all like no tomorrow and it’s only rehearsal!  Could it be something to do with Eri?  But that doesn’t make sense, it didn’t seem like they had an argument or anything.  I have to find out!’

As soon as practice was over, Reina quickly got her things together and searched for Sayumi, hoping she could get an idea of how their conversation tonight will be.  As she was searching she got stopped by Risa.

“Nee Tanakacchi, the girls were thinking about eating when we get back to the hotel.  We could go to a nearby café or something”

“Er…is Sayu going?”

“Sayumin said she wasn’t feeling well, so she’s not going”

“In that case, I think I shouldn’t go.  Sayu might need me” replied Reina ‘I can’t believe I’m turning down Gaki-san’s offer.  This better be real important Sayu or I’m gonna kill you’

“Oh…I see… I guess you shouldn’t then” Reina didn’t know if it was her imagination but the tone in Risa’s voice sounded like she was…disappointed?

‘Could it be that Gaki-san wanted me to go?  Naw, I’m just kidding myself, she is probably worried about Sayu that’s all.  Sometime I hope too much!’

[aussie]

I'm getting curious by each update as to what the final pairings will end up being because there seem to be possibilities for pretty much any pairing introduced in this story so far I kind of don't want TanaGaki to pair up, GakiKame even less or Kameshige for that matter, but I sort of wouldn't mind seeing TanaShige ending up together. I'm normally not a TanaShige shipper (TanaKameist to the core!!), but in this story they sound cute together, being the broken-hearted ones together.

Wonder why Sayu is suddenly upset. What did you do to the bunny Eri?