6 News x Aid x Performance

"Well, I didn't expect such a sudden invitation, but I would love to accompany you both" was what she said a few seconds later. It would seem like she wasn't used to being invited to hang around with people at all, something that happened surely because of her status as a school belle.

I always hated that kind of thing, mainly because it was just stupid to not approach someone just because of their looks. A good looking guy or girl might be going through depression, and you not approaching because of their "status" might be the reason they make a bad choice. Of course I still wouldn't approach anyone back then, but looking at it now made me realize how stupid I was, as hypocritical as it sounds.

"Well, let's get going then! What are we waiting for?"

*

We quickly made our way towards the school's cafeteria, which was on the bottom floor while we where on the first. The third floor was filled with the third year's classes and the club rooms, which I wasn��t seeing until the next year which was just a month shy of arriving. Luckily I didn't miss the New Year.

As we talked, I learned of a few things that had been happening around the school. Apparently, we had a new headmaster who went under the surname Hiratsuka. There is only one education related anime character under that name, and that would be Hiratsuka Shizuka, teacher in OreGairu. Here she seemed to be the school's principal, which I actually liked the idea of. She worked her ass off for her students and was pretty easy to deal with, as long as you didn't fall in her plans.

We also got a new P.E teacher, Akisame Koetsuji. My school life surely was going to be interesting. I was sure that I would always top the P.E score-board thanks to his hellish trainings, which he was already famous for in the entire school. According to both Jean and Megan, he told the students to give him a thousand push-ups on his first day as a teacher. Of course no-one finished, I knew I couldn't do it, so my plan was to use him to grind Strength and Agility points without the need to use my hard-earned SP.

The cafeteria was, once we arrived, packed. Most tables were already occupied, and most people were already chatting merrily with their friends or at least those in their social groups. I could identify a few familiar faces, but decided to simply ignore them. Just because they are here and exist, doesn't mean that I have to make an effort to approach people I don't know.

Jean took a seat at the only table that was empty, while Megan and I sat in front of her. She noticed how clingy Megan was around me and gave me a very faint smirk that meant, probably, something like 'I know it all'. I decided to wink at her. I don't know why, but I felt like it was the best option.

Before I could comment on the soft blush that crept its way to her cheeks, a text window appeared in front of me.

[The Host has a chance to become popular! Aid System activated, processing situation... Completed!

In Host's current situation, it is recommended to sing a song! The school's band brought their instruments to the cafeteria, so everything is set!]

I was slightly surprised. I knew that this would happen at certain times, but wasn't expecting it to happen right now. Besides, singing in front of the entire school? Then I thought about it for a bit, seriously considering the idea. Quickly, I made my mind up 'Why not? It sounds fun'

Out of nowhere, I stood up and told Jean and Megan to enjoy the show. While I walked towards the table in which the band was eating, I thought of which song I should sing. The rhythm couldn't be too complicated, so that the band could play it impromptu. It also had to be catchy and merry, as I didn't want to go around ruining everyone's appetite. By the time I arrived at the table, I knew what I was going to sing.

"Hey guys, I had a little idea that you might like" was the way I approached them. I knew it sounded a bit suspicious, but I was pretty sure these guys would be down for it. They looked like a fun bunch, and they were.

"What is it dude?" one of them asked. He had long black hair tied in a low ponytail because of the school's regulations. I also knew the guy. Ryusuke Minami, also known as Ray by everyone else. He was the guitarist who coerced Koyuki into playing in Beck Mongolian Chop Squad, mythical anime focused on rock and music. I gave him a mischievous smile and, with just that, I knew I had already caught his attention.

"What about putting up a little performance for everyone?"

As I expected, Ray gave me a grin of his own. The other members of the band looked at each other and then back at me and, with an almost practiced coordination, also grinned. Then I asked them about the rhythm of the song and gave a few instructions on the notes for the guitar and bass. We even had a drum which I didn't even want to ask how they got down here. Without delaying things further, they began playing. It instantly got everyone's attention, but what really picked their interest was me. I was standing on the table while clapping at the rhythm of the song, and then I began singing.

(On Top of The World – Imagine Dragons)

"If you love somebody~..."

As I began singing, I suddenly felt a confidence that I had never felt before. My voice came out naturally and I couldn't help but smile, which in turn gave the song an even happier tone. After the first verse, people began clapping with me and I began to move around the tables to the rhythm of the song.

"I've had the highest mountains~..."

I felt comfortable and happy, as if this was something that I was meant to do. The people enjoying the performance became a huge part in what made me happy. Their smiles brought a flame in my heart to life and at that moment I knew it. I would get addicted to the feeling and I wouldn't be able to stop searching for it.

I could see Megan who was also standing in her seat while cheering and laughing, and I caught sight of Jean bopping, even if ever so slightly. That earned her another wink from me, which in turn earned me another blush from her. The first part of the song had come to its climax, and the chorus began.

"'Cause I'm on top of the world, 'ey~

I'm on top of the world, 'ey~..."

Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, even the students that usually would be anti-social or edgy. I was proud of myself for being able to make so many people enjoy something and I was grateful for the band for going with my idea. Still, everything had to come to an end.

"What is going on here?!"

'Oh shit.'