Chapter 35The four members of Morning Musume stood with two girls on either side facing each other. Nobody talked and tension reeked heavily in the air. The scene was like an old western film where cowboys were headed for a last showdown.
“
What were you doing?"
The silence was finally broken by Ai as she took in every bit of Reina’s appearance. Even though she spoke in an even voice, Risa recognized the undeniable fire burning in her eyes. She had been by Ai’s side for the past five years and she only saw that kind of reaction from the usually composed and tranquil Ai once – when Makoto was accused of attending Johnny’s drinking parties.
Ai had at that time jumped to the defense of Makoto against the other members and stood firmly by her when noone except the gokkies believed in her innocence. Risa knew that when the flame appeared, it could only mean Ai had reached breaking point.
“I’m….”
“Reina was….”
“It’s not….”
Reina was blabbering incoherently and it was definitely not helping matters. Sayumi whimpering in the background either from the cold or the way the situation was turning out added flames to the fire.
“Lost for words? Let me answer for you then. You were making out,
with her!”
All eyes trained on Sayumi standing behind Reina when Ai practically yelled out that sentence through gritted teeth. Michishige’s whimpering escalated probably from the fear of seeing Ai act this way and the clothes she had earlier gathered dropped from her arms.
[The Ogawa Room]
“Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?”
Makoto was barely paying attention to Eri as she continued messing with the machine. They were almost done with the setting up and it was show time.
“Voices, like a quarrel or something.”
“The senpais might be having some wild party as usual. They always get rowdy after too many drinks.”
Shrugging her shoulders at Makoto’s reply, Eri focused her thoughts back on the appliance between them. Her eyes followed Makoto's actions as she put the finishing touches on their ‘project.’
“All ready to rumble.”
Taking the cue from the girl one year her senior, Eri flicked the switch on the side and the gadget roared to life making a low rumbling sound.
“Yes!”
Pumping her fists in the air in a little victory move, Makoto was joined by Eri laughing and clapping her hands in glee. Finally success after an hour of sweating over the instruction manual.

[Back to Poolside]
“I wasn’t making out! God Ai-chan, stop accusing me like that. Can’t you hear me out?”
“What’s there to listen to? Your lies and excuses after being caught red-handed?”
“I said STOP accusing me! It’s not what you think!”
“I didn’t imagine this Reina, the fact is you’re stark naked out here with her!”
Once again Sayumi got pointed at and the poor girl’s shaking just got worst. Seeing how terrified she was, Risa took the risk of movement in this battle where bullets were flying blindly all over the place.
Reaching Sayu, she scooped up the garments on the ground and draped the jacket over her shoulders, squeezing them in a silent attempt to comfort her. Fed up of being at the receiving end, Reina stopped trying to prove her innocence.
“
That’s just so you. Always thinking you’re right and never letting others explain matters.”
“Turning the accuser now are you. Wow you’re good Reina.”
Sticking her thumb up at Reina triggered something that caused wonky to lash out. Now the accusations flew fast and furious. Worried that things will get out of hand, Risa stuck her neck out into the clash.
“Guys cool down, don’t say things you might regret later.”
“Stay out of this Gaki!”
“Don’t yell at her like that!”
“Fine I’ll stop. In fact
we’re through. Finished, natta, finito.”
It wasn’t clear who initiated that final sentence but the message was clear and it got through, understood fully by everyone standing there.
“Fine!”
“Fine!”
With that, Ai spun around on her heels and stomped off towards the lobby. Her hands clenched into tight balls by her side and the nails dug into her flesh. However Ai didn’t care. She just wanted to get back to the refuge of her room before she broke down completely.
-----
wordsworth: Victoria Kamei is so cute. Its one of the only highlights in H!M nowadays
ChrNo: I love reading ya comments & quotes. Don't ever stop
Yuuyami: Drama & tension, always a good recipe
jafeijai: I still didn’t say what the object was. Its been a few chapters eh
JFC: It
was awkward, and more so cuz the 2 girls were still naked
rndmnwierd: Kamei is the cutest when she's in Erien mode, but I

all her personalities
TydusArandor: YAY you didn't miss the last chapter. I hope you don't miss this one too
KrazyForKamei: Yep they were busted good. Poor Sayu & Risa though getting caught in the cross-fire
