159 Chapter two, 2016, school festival, madness beginning: 9 (1/2)

Christina watched the play from behind. They were better than she expected, the students from 6:1.

'I'd have liked to be part of them, but then 6:1 wouldn't be 6:1.'

Lights and sounds were close to perfect. Having professionals handling it did wonders, and Uniclo were adamant when it came to who ran the all-important lights. In the end she caved in and let them use highly skilled technicians for the sound as well.

'I'd prefer being in 6:1.' That thought still haunted her. Due to Ryu and her 3:1 had become a popularity circus. The Watabe twins didn't help and nor did Noriko's close to perfect test scores. But that wasn't the real reason, was it? 'I want to spend more time with Ulf.'

They waved once and hugged once, but that was it for the festival thus far.

Over the radio she heard him running the festival in a way that would have had her consider kidnapping during her years as The Billion Dollar Empress. Superb organisers were usually hard to come by, but until now she had believed the rumoured genius to be a fairy tale.

Until now. Listening to how critical problems dissolved and noting how less critical ones climbed a self-escalating ladder of importance filled her with an almost sexual desire. She accepted that part of herself. How watching almost inhuman competence turned her on.

”Kuri-chan!”

Christina winced and swivelled on her chair. 'Crap, she saw my face!' ”Yes, Hitomi-chan?” That girl was way too perceptive, and a beauty in her own right. She had seen, and Christina was certain she recognised what she saw.

”Missing Urufu-kun much?”

Christina felt her cheeks heating up. No way she could play the innocent any more. ”Yeah, I do. What of it?” She was surprised how hoarse her voice came out.

Over the radio another terse conversation played out, and another minor disaster vanished.

”Nothing. I envy you,” came Hitomi-chan's frank answer. ”Had you chosen Ryu-kun I'd make him mine.”

'You wouldn't, but I can't tell you the reason why.' ”You like him?” Facing a rival made it easier for her to dial down her racing emotions.

”No,” Hitomi-chan answered and climbed into her dress for the last act. ”He'd look good by my side, that's all.”