~ Chapter Five: The dance competition ~

Normal P.O.V.

It was Saturday morning, and an important day for Madison and her three friends. They had a dance competition today. Only, Madison was acting really absent this entire week. Her friends tried to comfort her as much as they could . Madison was able to tell the story three days after the incident.

-Flashback-

''Madison, what's wrong?'' Mimuri asked.

''Yeah, you've been acting sad and absent for a long time.'' Harayu added worried.

''You suddenly disappeared at the party.'' Riyoi finished.

Madison sighed and explained the incident she had with Midorikawa earlier.

''So, you two kissed?'' Mimuri asked with a grin. ''What's so wrong about that?''

''Mimuri! You know very well why Madison is having struggles with that!'' Harayu replied a bit angry.

Mimuri sighed.

''Sorry.'' She said.

Madison sighed again.

''It's okay, Mimuri.'' She replied.

''So, how are you going to cope with this situation?'' Riyoi asked.

''I'm just going to forget him.'' Madison replied.

''Forget him? That would be a shame!'' Mimuri said.

''Mimuri, she can decide for herself.'' Harayu said.

Mimuri shrugged her shoulders. Madison started to cry again.

''I hate myself for having this.'' She sobbed.

Riyoi rubbed her back.

''Hey, you can't help it. It's very understandable in your point of view.'' She said.

''Yeah, I would have trust issues too if my parents, who I loved till eternity would die so suddenly. And to lose your granddad two years after that and to be all alone from that point…'' Harayu added.

''I really want to be around Midorikawa. But I don't want him to start caring for me too much. Just as I don't want to care a lot about him. What if he suddenly disappears out of my life too?'' Madison said sobbing.

''That's possible. I mean, he's a really popular guy, quite handsome and an amazing dancer. He can have any girl he want.'' Mimuri said.

''MIMURI! That's not helping!'' Harayu said irritating.

''No, it's the truth.,'' Madison said. ''Thanks for reminding me, Mimuri. I don't want to live in a dream world.''

Mimuri looked sad.

''I didn't meant it like that. He should be happy to have a girl like you in his live. And he likes you for who you are! Otherwise, he wouldn't have kissed you back then.'' She said.

Madison smiled.

''That's true.'' She said.

Then, she turned sad again.

''I don't think I ever dare to see him again.'' She said.

Harayu look compassionate, Riyoi rubbed her back and Mimuri just looked sad.

''We're here for you, Madison.'' Riyoi said.

''Always.'' Harayu added.

Madison smiled.

''Thanks girls.'' She said.

-End of flashback-

And now, it was time for the dance competition the girls had trained months for. Madison took a deep breath, dressed into a green top, with her leather black girls jacket, dark blue denim jeans and her white sneakers. She straightened her hair and applied some make-up. Then, she wore her favorite jewelry and smiled in the mirror.

''Wish me luck, Butterfly. I hope I can tell you that, when I return, I'm a champion.'' Madison said with a smile.

Butterfly meowed and licked Madison's hand palm. Madison giggled.

''Are this your blessings or something?'' She asked laughing.

Then, the doorbell rang.

''Coming!'' Madison shouted.

She ran downstairs and opened the front door. Her friends walked inside.

''Ready for the competition?'' Mimuri asked.

Madison nodded.

''You bet I am!'' She replied.

''I heard the competition is quite tough.'' Harayu said.

''Besides, one of the competing teams is Midorikawa's.'' Riyoi added.

''I know.'' Madison said serious.

''We're going to win.'' Mimuri said confident.

''Then, Riyoi has to defeat her boyfriend.'' Madison said laughing.

''Ahum.'' Harayu said with a red face. ''I have to defeat my boyfriend too.''

''No way!'' The three other girls shouted out.

''Are you and Goenji a couple?'' Mimuri asked.

Harayu nodded.

''Since when?'' Riyoi asked.

''Since the party.'' Harayu replied.

''Wait, was Goenji there too?'' Madison asked.

The three other girls nodded.

''We discovered, just when you ran away. Hiroto and Kazemaru were there too.'' Mimuri said.

She blushed heavily. Madison raised an eyebrow.

''Mimuri, why are you blushing?'' She asked.

''Well, Hiroto and I also have a thing.'' Mimuri said shy.

Madison's eye widened.

''No way! You already had a boyfriend.'' She said.

''He's my ex now.'' Mimuri said cold.

''I still can't believe what he did to you.'' Harayu said.

''Explain please.'' Madison said.

''Well, not long after you ran away, Mimuri spotted her boyfriend making out with someone else. He told her coldly that it was over and that he was dating that other girl now.'' Riyoi said.

Madison glared full of disbelieve at Mimuri.

''No way … He did that?'' She asked.

Mimuri nodded.

''I ran away in tears. Hiroto followed me and we talked for a long time at the balcony. After that, we discovered that we actually had feelings for each other. And then, we kissed.'' She said with a blush.

Madison smiled.

''Awwhh… so the three of you have to battle their boyfriends.'' She said.

The other three girls nodded.

''So, what are you going to do when you'll see Midorikawa?'' Riyoi asked Madison.

Madison shrugged her shoulders.

''Ignore him, I guess. I don't have anything to say to him.'' She replied.

''But I'm sure that Midorikawa wants answers. He doesn't know why you ran away.'' Harayu said.

''He doesn't know for sure that it was me.'' Madison replied.

''I bet he does.'' Mimuri said.

Madison sighed.

''I'll just try to avoid him.'' She said.

The others sighed, but nodded.

''Well then, shall we go?'' Riyoi asked.

Everybody nodded and they headed towards the competition grounds.

Madison's P.O.V.

''I'm so nervous!'' Harayu said.

We were standing in the coulisses of the stage. Another group was performing their routine and we were up next.

I took a deep breath and faced my friends.

''This is it, girls. The moment we practiced months for. We're going to shine. And no matter what happens, always remember that I'm very proud.'' I said.

The others smiled sweetly.

''Thanks, Madison. We're gonna rock!'' Mimuri said.

Then, the music stopped and the team on the stage walked towards us, while they smiled.

''Awesome performance!'' Harayu said.

''Thanks! Good luck, you four!'' The captain of the other team replied.

''Thank you!'' Me and the girls replied.

''And now, our next team. Contestant group number six. Give it up for 'Girl Power'!'' The commentator shouted.

''That's our cue!'' I said.

Me and the girls ran up the stage and took our positions. For a moment, I was overwhelmed by the big audience that stood in front of me. But I smiled. I knew I was going to show the world what I loved most in the world. The music started and me and the girls danced like we never danced before. Our movements matched perfectly and our hair swung back and forth, because of the wild dance moves. After four minutes of intensity, the music stopped and me and girls made a deep bow.

''And that was 'Girl Power'! Let me hear your enthusiasm!'' The commentator shouted to the crowd.

Everybody yelled, clapped and went crazy. I smiled bright. The feeling that went through my body was indescribable. Me and the girls left the stage and in the coulisses, we shouted like crazy.

''That was so awesome!'' Harayu said.

''We totally rocked that stage!'' Mimuri added.

''I can't believe it went so well!'' Riyoi added.

I just screamed and hugged the girls. We walked back to the sides of the stage and watched the team that performed after us. After that, the commentator announced the next group.

''Everybody, let's hear it for 'Dance Devotion'!'' He shouted.

Four well-known boys walked upon the stage. My face turned a bit pale. That was Midorikawa's team. He took his position on the stage and Hiroto, Kazemaru and Goenji took a spot beside him. Then, the loud music blasted through the speakers and their dance routine began. I watched them carefully. They were good. Really good … Almost perfect. The crowd went crazy and I felt myself getting smaller and smaller. I was sure they were becoming number one today. After five amazing minutes, their music stopped and they walked off the stage.

''Everybody, that was 'Dance Devotion'! Give it up!'' The commentator shouted.

Everybody clapped, yelled and screamed for autographs. I knew Midorikawa was quite popular around the girls but I didn't knew he was that famous. I felt terrible. After seeing this, I was sure about a couple of things. I didn't really watched to the other performances. The only thing that shot through my mind is that I had lost. I felt tears burning in my eyes. This was so important for me. I wanted to make my parents and grandfather proud. And now I lost. And I didn't only lost the competition. I also lost Midorikawa. The tears ran silently over my cheeks and I excused myself in front of my friends.

''Madison, wait!'' Riyoi shouted, but I started to run.

I ran towards the backstage area and bumped into someone.

''I-I'm sorry.'' I said, while I tried to run further, but I felt the person grabbing my wrist.

''Wait.'' I recognized a well-know voice.

I turned around.

''Midorikawa.'' I said shocked.

I tried to pull away out of his grip, but he only tightened it.

''Hey, why are you crying?'' He asked worried at me.

''Let me go!'' I shouted.

''Please tell me what's wrong. You know I care about you!'' Midorikawa shouted back.

My eyes widened and I looked in his.

''I know it was you at the ball.'' Midorikawa said.

''I don't know what you're talking about. Now, let me go!'' I replied.

''No, stop! Listen to me for a second!'' Midorikawa said.

''LET. ME GOOO!'' I shouted.

I freed myself from his grip and started to sprint. After I knew for sure that I was safe, I let myself slide onto the ground and sobbed all my pain and nerves away.

''Stupid Midorikawa.'' I mumbled.

After I calmed down a bit and wiped away my tears, the commentator asked all the teams to come up the stage. I searched for my three friends. They smiled compassionate at me.

''Feeling better?'' Mimuri asked.

I nodded.

''Yes. Now, let's go.'' I replied.

We walked upon the stage and took a spot at the right. Midorikawa's team stood left.

''All right, first I want a big applause for all the contestants. They worked really hard!'' The commentator said.

The crowd clapped hard.

''Okay, I'll announce the third place first.'' The announcer said.

It went quiet for a while and I searched the hand of my friends.

''The bronze medal goes to … XXL!'' The announcer said.

A big group of eight teenagers shouted happily and stepped forward. They all got a bronze medal. Me and everybody else clapped for them.

''And now … the second place.'' The commentator said.

I prayed deeply that I at least achieved silver. I knew the gold place went to Midorikawa's team.

''The silver medal goes to … Blazing Squad!'' The commentator said.

Four teenagers, dressed in red, shouted happily and ran forward. I clapped for them, but I felt terrible. It really hurt to know that I didn't even achieved a medal.

''And now, the first place!'' The commentator said.

I didn't listen anymore and felt like crying.

''The gold medal goes to … Dance Devotion!'' The commentator shouted.

Midorikawa's team stepped happily forward. I knew it. I clapped for them, but hoped I could leave the stage soon.

'' … and Girl Power!'' The commentator added.

I looked shocked at the girls.

''Did I hear it just right?'' I asked.

Riyoi yelled happily.

''We did it! We finished first place!'' She said.

Surprised and shocked, I stepped forward with my team.

''That's right! Two teams finished first place!'' The commentator said.

I got a gold medal around my neck and a trophy. Midorikawa's team got the same.

''This is so awesome.'' Mimuri said shocked.

''KYAA ~ !'' Harayu shouted overexcited.

I still didn't realized it. I just won. I just ended in first place. I had gold! I wasn't a failure!

''OH MY GOSH!'' I shouted, while I started to jump with the girls.

The entire crowd started to clap for the winners.

''And that was the Hip-Hop dance competition for this year.'' The commentator said.

We all clapped one last time and left the stage.

''I still can't believe it!'' Riyoi said.

''This feels so awesome!'' Harayu added.

''Congratulations, girls.'' I heard Hiroto's voice behind us.

Mimuri flew him around his neck and kissed him.

''The same goes for you.'' She said with a grin.

Kazemaru walked towards Riyoi and kissed her sweetly.

''Good job, sweetie.'' He said.

''Likewise.'' Riyoi giggled back.

Harayu and Goenji shared a passionate kiss too.

''I'm so proud of you.'' Goenji said.

''No, I'm proud of you.'' Harayu replied, while she kissed him again.

I felt happy, but also alone. I excused myself and left the competition grounds. I walked towards the park and sat down on a bench in front of a giant lake. I sighed deep.

''Why aren't I feeling happy?'' I asked myself.

''That's because you aren't happy.'' I heard somebody reply.

I looked over my shoulder and saw Midorikawa standing there with a serious face.

''What are you doing here?'' I asked.

''Looking for you.'' He replied.

I rolled with my eyes.

''Just go away.'' I said.

''Why? Why is it that I can't be around you? Why is it that you always run away from me? Why is it that you don't show your true emotions to me? And damn why aren't you telling me your name?'' Midorikawa shouted angry.

I looked up.

''That's because I don't want those things!'' I replied.

''That's a damn lie. And you know that.'' Midorikawa replied serious.

I looked away from him.

''Why won't you leave me alone?'' I asked.

''Because I'm in love with you, that's why.'' He replied.

I looked with widened eyes at him, but he kept that serious expression.

''I'm not afraid to say it. But obviously you are. You won't give in to your true feelings. And I want to know why.'' He said.

I felt something warm gliding over my face. I discovered that it were tears. Midorikawa's attitude didn't change.

''Please, tell me the truth.'' He said.

I stood up and turned my body towards him. There were still some feet between us, but I wanted to look at him.

''I'm scared.'' I replied.

''Scared for what?'' Midorikawa asked.

''Scared to love somebody again.'' I said.

''Why?'' Midorikawa asked.

''Because I'm scared that they will disappear out of my life again.'' I said.

I sobbed and let myself fall on my knees.

''Don't you see?'' I continued, with sobs. ''I'm in love with you. Only, I don't want to and I don't want you to love me back. I even don't want you to care about me.''

''But why?'' Midorikawa asked with a soft voice.

''What if I suddenly disappear out of your life? If I die? I don't want to do that to you. I don't want to give you that pain. I know how it feels like.'' I said sobbing.

I had struggles speaking all of the words, but I finally managed to say it all. Midorikawa looked compassionate at me.

''I can't.'' He said.

''What?'' I asked.

''I can't stop loving you. You're beautiful, smart, sweet and an amazing dancer. I want you and nobody else. You belong with me.'' He said.

I looked up.

''Y-You mean that?'' I asked.

He nodded and walked towards me. He kneeled down next to me, placed his hand underneath my chin an let me look at him.

''And I don't want you to be scared to love me. I'll never disappear out of your life with no reason.'' He said.

''But what if you'll die?'' I asked sobbing.

''I won't. And if I do, I keep loving you.'' He said.

I couldn't take it anymore. I wrapped my arms around him and buried my head in his chest.

''Please, don't leave me! Please! I beg you.'' I said.

Midorikawa rubbed my back.

''I promise I won't.'' He replied.

Then, I pulled back and looked in his eyes. Then, we brought our faces together and kissed each other sweetly.

''I love you. So, so much.'' Midorikawa said.

''I love you too.'' I replied, while I buried my head in his chest again.

''So, what's your name?'' Midorikawa asked grinning.

I laughed.

''It's Madison.'' I said with a smile.

''Madison … Finally.'' He replied.

He handed me something. My eyes widened. It was my mask from the masquerade ball.

''I think this is yours.'' Midorikawa said with a smile.

I smiled and took it.

''Thanks.'' I replied.

Then, out of nowhere, it started to rain.

''No way … Such a romantic moment and then it has to rain.'' Midorikawa said.

I giggled.

''Kisses in the rain are really romantic.'' I replied.

Midorikawa smiled sweetly at me and kissed me again.

''You're right. They're awesome.'' He replied.

We both laughed and hugged each other.

''So, do you dare to love me?'' Midorikawa asked me.

I nodded.

''Yes, I finally do.'' I replied.

''That's good. Because I'll never let you go.'' Midorikawa whispered.

~ End of Chapter Five ~

~ End of Story ~