2026-09-13: Unyielding Wish
- Log: 2026-09-13: Unyielding Wish
- Cast: Kasumi Yoshizawa, Ren Amamiya, Kazusa Motojima, Fuuka Yamagishi
- Where: Shibuya, Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium
- OOC Date: September 13, 2026
- IC Date: January 09, 2013
- Summary: The day has finally arrived. Kasumi takes part in one of the last gymnastics meets in the year. If she fails to get gold, she'll lose her scholarship and honour student status. The question remains: Is she worthy?
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
It's been an exciting day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium! The Winter Interschool Rhythmic Gymnastics Meet has been off to an thrilling start, with many talented gymnasts competing, from various schools from Tokyo, Sumeru, Port Island, and beyond! Even for those in the audience without experience in Gymnastics, the various performances are all visually impressive. It's clearly going to be a tough competition...
"Our next contestant," the male commentator Abe-san says, "hails from Shuujin Academy, Yoshizawa-san. She'll be using a ribbon as her instrument today."
Out steps onto the mat is Kasumi Yoshizawa, dressed in a sparkly pink leotard with flowers embroidered on the front side, and her vibrant red hair done up in a bun. She carries in a blue ribbon, her right hand gripping the stick and left carrying the ribbon. She's looking pretty anxious today, and her eyes search the stands for her cheering crowd.
First, towards the adult side, where she spots her father, a kindly looking older man wearing grey glasses and dark brown sideswept hair. He offers a wave. Next, she spots her coach, a strict and lean woman with black, short hair, who merely gives her student a nod. Then, she spots...Maruki? Another kindly, albeit a little goofy, bespectacled young man, still wearing his white lab coat even the gymnasion. Perhaps, not sensing the mood properly, Maruki gives a big wave which causes Kasumi to giggle lightly.
During this time, the female commentator Fujimura-san, chimes in, "We've seen her compete alongside her sister since elementary school. However, Yoshizawa-san has not been able to secure the victory solo just yet for her first year in high school."
Next, Kasumi's gaze turns towards the Shuujin side. The people she's looking for is a little harder this time, but she does spot a strange first year carrying a bouquet of flowers. Must be for someone else. She spots Motojima-senpai easier. Then, she'll spot Amamiya-senpai. Seeing her beloved Senpai and mentor there is a huge relief, and Kasumi visibly relaxes.
"Yes," Abe-san agrees, "With a third earlier last year, and a second in a Port Island meet, Yoshizawa-san has not been able to achieve the gold just yet. For someone who wants to compete internationally, another podium will just not do."
"With a fierce competition, Yoshizawa will need near perfect scores to hope to secure a top placement." Fujimura-san replies. "It seems she's anxious to start... Ah, and she's found her confidence."
Kasumi puts on a confidant smile, and steps forward to take her starting pose. She draws her ribbon from her hand, extending it with her other hand in a half circle until she's satisfied. All is silent. Then, her music plays.
Hold on... to that dream~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xct5T0wUDKg
Small, twinkling music starts playing. Those in the know, would recognize it as the opening to Hit 1994 Magical Girl/Mecha Anime, Magic Samurai Lazerterra. Instantly, Kasumi launches into her routine, twinkling and elegantly letting the ribbon trail behind her as she circles the mat.
Tomorrow knows, where and when~
It's true~ What you believe~
She starts kicking it up a notch, as she starts dancing, bringing the ribbon up and down in impressive twirls.
Don't let go, the road will never end...!
As the music builds up, with guitars and drums being added into the mix, Kasumi tosses her ribbon in the air! The show has begun, and Kasumi is in her element.
"Are you watching, Sister?" She thinks. "I'll do my best... to achieve our dream!"
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
When Kasumi told them that her big winter gymnastics meet is today, Ren of course made sure they could come. They've got a lot troubling them right now, but they're here to support their friend and underclassman. Morgana isn't with them today for reasons, but they're seated with Maruki so the two of them can cheer Kasumi on together. If Kazusa wants to sit near the two of them, Ren won't mind, either. She and they supported Kasumi after her fall during the Christmas dance, too.
They frown a little at the color commentary from the announcers. Geez, even they're down on her for "only" getting third and second place. However, when Kasumi spots them, and they see her spot them, they smile for her and give her a thumbs-up of encouragement. They can see her relax, and so it seems can everyone else. Good. Maybe they'll shut up and let her show them all what she can do.
"Nice song," they murmur to Dr. Maruki as Kasumi begins to perform. They don't take their eyes off the performance, though, and they don't expect a conversation either. It's nice to just sit with someone you're friendly with sometimes.
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<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa is easy to spot. She's down on the floor, with the rest of the team. (She would, however, have accepted the invitation to sit with Ren otherwise.) Right now she's wearing her school's tracksuit over her gymnastics leotard, her black hair slicked up into a tight bun to keep it in place. She has a serious expression, arms crossed as she gets ready to study the performance of the next contender...
... which just so happens to be her kouhai. This doesn't soften her look: she's still going to be observing so she can offer feedback later, but at the very least, she's tried to be a bit more grounded and constructive with it. (It's a work in progress, though; trying to become a better person doesn't mean that Shujin's exacting standards have vanished, sadly.)
But when she sees Kasumi's searching gaze, she gives the other girl a small nod, and silently mouths, 'You've got this.'
There's an annoyed, silent huff at the commentary. Like Kasumi needs the pressure. But she watches closely, ticking off the elements of the routine in her head. Everything looks good so far...
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
Fuuka doesn't really know anyone on the Gekkoukan gymnastics team. It feels a little like a betrayal, then, to come here and cheer for people from another school... but the gymnasts she knows are Shujin students.
She's seated in the audience today, watching everyone perform... and now it's Kasumi's turn. She frowns, just a little, at Kasumi's introduction. ...That's a lot of pressure, isn't it?
"You can do it, Yoshizawa-san..." Fuuka urges quietly, hands clasped in her lap.
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<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Kasumi naturally, is thrilled to see Ren there. She matches Ren's smile with one of her own. She returns Kazusa's nod with one of her own. Quietly, she's really glad they're getting along better. And then.. Kasumi also grabs side of a teal haired Gekkoukan student. Yamagishi-san? That's so sweet of her to come out! Or, she's cheering Gekkoukan on! Regardless, Kasumi'll give a smileup there.
"It is very 'Yoshizawa-san', isn't it?" Maruki agrees with Ren. "I'm glad the commentators don't seem to affect her too much.
The ribbon goes into the air in an arc! Kasumi stays on the ground, showcasing her impressive flexibility, doing these big, full body spinning kicks with one leg, and pushing forward with her grounded one. Her legs are just not going in a perfect circle. She then jumps to catch the ribbon from the air, performing a midair splits as the vocalist kicks back in.
The sunset melts into the deep blue sea, it turns into a crimson shade
A wonderful freefall!
The redheaded gymnast is bounding across the stage now, spinning the ribbon behind her. She stops and punches the air, three rounds form the bottom up. She's just slightly off beat.
I just want to have the wind
Take me far away!
She then turns on towards the center of the mat, the ribbon following her, creating patterns like contrails in the sky.
I've cleared impossible hurtles before
But I know that there's more
And I know I can make it...!
Kasumi launches into spinning on one foot, much like the cultural festival, but the ribbon encapsulates her this time, and she's just a little unsteady.
Who's to blame when it's not the best
That I can achieve?
Here, she drops onto her knees, but it's on purpose this time. She creates a big circle around herself around with her arms outstretched. Towards the end of the verse, she makes herself small on the mat, before tossing herself up to toss her ribbon back up into the air for the chorus!
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
It is very Yoshizawa, though if there's anything more to what Maruki said, Ren doesn't realize. They nod in agreement back.
They don't spot Fuuka in the crowd at first; that'll happen once they have time to take their eyes off Kasumi. They did notice Kazusa down with the rest of the gymnastics team just before the performance. They might go check in on her later, considering school's back in session, and all that implies. They need to check in with Kasumi on if she knows anything new about the Homunculus from her too.
That of course is later. This is now. As she continues her performance, Ren can see tiny flaws in it. Her flexibility is on point as always, but it feels like she's trying more for power than grace. Her timing is a tiny bit off, and as she kicks and spins her ribbons, it falls just short of the mark. It really is just small flaws, but is that going to cost her the gold again?
Who's to blame when it's not the best that I can achieve, huh... Even without the color commentary earlier from the announcers, Ren remembers how badly Kasumi wants to fulfill her and her sister's dream for the both of them. The ribbon toss is excellent, and her drop was well-timed. She can still come back from her little errors.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa won't take any issue with Fuuka's 'betrayal', at least.
How Kazusa is handling the Homunculus is... well, she's struggling to handle a horrific new twist, but she's trying to put that out of her mind for the meet. (Kasumi did, however, get most of the story from her, so she can fill Ren in later.)
Kazusa is also glad they seem to be getting along better... even if getting to know Kasumi better has unlocked new concerns for her kouhai that she isn't quite sure how to address. That dream she has... isn't that a lot of pressure? But if it's what she wants...
Wait. She catches those leg motions--not a perfect circle. And the timing is slightly off-beat. "Don't rush," she murmurs to herself. "Watch your balance..." But there's a small nod to herself as she sees Kasumi head into the chorus. "Good throw. Get back on pace."
Of course she'd be watching this closely for any of her teammates. Don't be absurd. "Come on," she urges silently. "Hold it together, you can do this."
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
Even with a performance to give, Kasumi has the time to send a smile her way. Fuuka smiles back with a small wave.
She sees other familiar faces in the crowd - and if spotted she'll offer a small wave, but her focus remains on the performance.
This song... She wonders - did Kasumi choose it for herself? She does well at drawing the emotions out of it with her movements...
...But she does notice things are a little off. It makes her a bit nervous - but for right now, the only thing she can do is silently project encouragement.
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<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Hold on! To that dream!
Tomorrow knows, where and when~
Kasumi follows the ribbon backwards, with several back rolls into starting to raise herself up by her toes. She catches the ribbon, and rises back to her feet.
It's true, what you believe
Don't let go, the road will never end
Once back on her feet, she launches into another spin, lifting her leg up high and twirling the ribbon across the ground. Small circles make for bigger roads. It's subtle, but it's very effective, mesmerizing even.
Keep trying~ To believe
The biggest part of you!
And now you're ready to go!
As she ends her spin, Kasumi twirls her ribbon at her side. She grabs the far end of the ribbon, drops the wand. She steps onto the ribbon, as she moves into a cartwheel, sending the wand into the air! She steps forward with several twirls to her step as she catches the wand, twirling it to the side, as she does a forward somersault all in one move. It's all visually impressive, but it's lacking a certain emotion to it.
As the music goes instrumental for a few moments, Kasumi stays on the ground to twirl ahead of her as she falls backwards, into another reverse somersault, landing in the splits. She then rises back onto her feet through some spins, but her body is lagging behind ever so slightly.
With these minor mistakes and foibles, will she really be able to claim the gold? The sharp looking coach in the front row, shaking her head, doesn't seem to think so.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Yes, Kazusa, you would definitely do this for any of your teammates. We believe you.
Fuuka is right, in Ren's opinion, that Kasumi's strength is in drawing the emotion out of her performance--normally. It was great for her that she was able to relax at the start too; as a former performative athlete themself, if in a different sport, Ren knows that helps a ton. However...
However, the moment she starts nailing the technical aspects of her performance again, she loses some of the emotion she was conveying. A small motion in a row further up, someone shaking their head, makes Ren's lips thin. Cupping their hands over their mouth, while the instrumental plays, they yell, "Yoshizawaaaa! You got thiiiis!"
It's embarrassing to yell, but they don't mind if it means encouraging a friend.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
And Kasumi nails the catch. Cartwheel, throw, catch, sumersault. Check, check, and check. It's a rigorous sport, one that requires a lot of discipline. That's why Kazusa remains so hypervigilant as she watches. Emotion can help you get into a piece, but it's technical excellence that keeps you from losing points... and Kazusa is very keenly aware of how every fraction of a point can matter in a tight competition.
One mistake can be the difference between first and second place. She learned that harsh lesson many years ago.
But someone shouts, and Kazusa blinks as her eyes flick to the stands for just a moment. It is embarrassing, but... as she locks back on Kasumi again, she offers her own, much quieter encouragement. "You can do it."
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
The performance continues. Fuuka clenches her hands together tighter than before as she watches, following her movements - her eyes drawn to the way the ribbon flows as Kasumi twirls it. Her steps are skilled, even if Fuuka herself misses out some of the finer points due to not being proficient herself...
And then there's a yell of encouragement from the audience. Fuuka gasps in surprise, looking toward the source. Is that... Ren?
...She's a bit jealous - she'd like to echo their encouragement, but shouting in a crowded gym is a bit much for her... Being able to do that is pretty impressive.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Ren's cheer catches Kasumi off guard, her ribbon hand shuddering as she tries to spot the person in the crowd. Indeed, many audience members grumble and murmur as they look behind or to the side, or ahead of them to see who the disrupter of performance etiquette is and give them a dirty look.
On the other hand... Dr. Maruki, amused, decides to joins in. "Let's go, Yoshizawaaaa!" So does Shinichi Yoshizawa, who cups his mouth too. "You got this!"
The sharp looking coach doesn't join in, but she examines Amamiya. After a few moments, she gives an approving nod and returns to her students performance. The first year with the flower bouquet all around seems pretty startled, but if Yoshizawa is smiling...
Desperate to restore order now, one of the announcers has to cut in. "We ask that audience members remain quiet during the performances." Fujimura-san says. The judges shake their heads and write something down.
tThe interruptions however, seem to have had the intended effect, as Kasumi breaks into a grin. She didn't stop dancing, nor did the music stop playing.
When I'm searching love...!
Hold on! To that dream!
Tomorrow knows, where and when
Back to the chorus, Kasumi tosses her ribbon up with several hops, spinning in midair. Then, she grabs it, launches into another spin.
My lips, tightly sealed
/But you can still see it in my eyes,
She spins, like a figure skater, raising her leg up high by her head, as her ribbon envelopes her into a spiral.
/I've traveled down that road and found the greater love
This time I know it is real!
Kasumi leans out of her spin by bringing her leg back down, as she still uses the ribbon to circle her. Then, she brings her ribbon in front of her, to create a heart in front of her with a circle serving as the dip in between.
The song ends on a triumphant note, with clapping across the audience. Kasumi bundles her ribbon up, and bows, first towards the judges, then to each side of the audiences.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
Part of being a Fool is being able to do daring, embarrassing things when it counts. When else would it count than when a friend's got everything on the line? There's nothing wrong with quiet support either, but it also makes Ren feel better that Maruki and Kasumi's dad join in too... even if the announcers chide them for it. And is one of the judges writing something down? If Kasumi gets docked points for something outside her control, Ren's going to be pissed.
Still, at least it restores her spirits after that second of distraction. Thanks to that, she knocks the finale out of the park, particularly with that ribbon-heart. Ren joins in on the applause, shooting a slight smile at Maruki--back to their usual reserved demeanor, despite their earlier interruption. They glance back down towards that severe-looking woman who'd been shaking her head earlier, and she looks more pleased now. Hm.
Looking in that direction, and also no longer being focused on Kasumi's performance, means they also get to spot another familiar face in the crowd, i.e. Fuuka. Huh, is she here for one of the Gekkoukan students? It's nice to see her around, though. If she happens to look their way again, they given her a nod of greeting, then glance towards Kazusa. How's she going to react to Kasumi's finale? For her sake, they hope it's well.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
And there's a second yell. Kazusa doesn't look this time, but she lts out a little scowl. Stop distracting her, you idiots! She needs to concentrate! And now the announcer has to say something...
And that judge writing something down... Kazusa's eyes narrow at that.
Kazusa is leaned forward from her bench, elbows resting on her knees now, her body tense and tight as she fervently hopes Kasumi will get back into the flow of things. A smile could be good, if it means she's relaxed some.
Revolution, good work with the ribbon.. annnnd the finisher. Despite her intense focus there's a barest hint of a smile at seeing that. When the music properly ends then she claps. "Way to bring it home, Yoshizawa-san!"
Not a flawless performance--though few performances are completely flawless. Kazusa looks concerned, still, even as she leans back. She's adding things up in her head, and praying that Kasumi didn't lose too many points due to execution penalties.
This does give her a chance to look at the crowd again, and she spots Ren, Maruki, and Fuuka. Well, it makes sense Ren is here, at least. Fuuka must be here for a Gekkoukan student. If she can catch their eyes she'll give a small nod as she waits for the results.
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
She might lack the technical knowledge - but Fuuka doesn't need that to see the way the cheers invigorate Kasumi. Her performance picks up - and the heart-shaped flourish of her ribbon gets an impressed 'oh!' of surprise out of her.
When the applause picks up, Fuuka joins in enthusiastically.
And she catches a couple of glances her way from the crowd, from Ren and Kazusa... she nods back to each of them, offering them both a small smile.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
As the clapping dies down, the first year with the flower bouquet looks like she's about to toss the bouquet down. However, she seems to get shy about it, and sits back down.
"While the judges confer about the performance," Abe on commentary begins, "I really must say, what an impressive display, Fujimura-san."
"Indeed," replies Fujimura. "It seemed to me that Yoshizawa-san really hit her stride part way through. There were many minor mistakes dotting the first half of her performance, that will be hitting her hard during the judging process. But, if I was Yoshizawa, I'd be very proud of my performance..."
While the commentators review her performance, Kasumi steps off the mat, feeling confidant. She beelines towards the first row of bleachers. On the way to meet her, is one Coach Hiraguchi, the strict looking woman. From afar, it's difficult to tell what the two are discussing, but Kasumi's disappointment is clear. Her coach places a hand on Kasumi's shoulder, says something, and heads towards the door.
Upon seeing this, audience members who are prone to gossip cause a wave of murmurs that ripple throughout the crowds.
"Wasn't that Yoshizawa's coach?" "You know Hiraguchi competed internationally before!" "She must really hate this..." "What?! What a snub!" "Her coaching is supposed to be draconian..." "Man, Yoshizawa is not making it!" "Goes to show, 'talent' can get you only so far." "You know, at the culture festival..."
Next up is Shinichi Yoshizawa, who had been stepping off the bleachers too. They meet closer to the end of the seats. Kasumi is clearly trying to put more of a brave smile on with her father. They talk, and Kasumi gets drawn into a hug. She clearly blushes, and is maybe even a little mortified, but draws back with a happy smile. She nods, and they split. Her father returning to his seat, and Kasumi returns to the locker rooms to change.
"..."It appears that the judges have finished scoring." Abe says. "With that, let's welcome our next performance..."
A little ways into the next performance, Kasumi quietly shuffles back into the gymnasium, now dressed in a white t-shirt, with a red track outfit with white trimming. She passes gently by Kazusa, and leans down. "I'm gonna sit by Amamiya-senpai and Dr. Maruki. Want to join us, Motojima-senpai?" She whispers.
After waiting for a reply, Kasumi starts scaling the stairs, hoping to catch Fuuka's gaze so she can gesture to join her. Then, she settles down next to Dr. Maruki, who gives the redhead a welcoming nod. "Nice work, Yoshizawa-san."
Kasumi giggles under her breath, as she beams. Thankfully, it seems like she's still high on the performance adrenaline. "Thank you, Dr. Maruki. And you too, Amamiya-senpai. I was so surprised by your cheer..."
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
There definitely was a risk of distracting Kasumi; Ren will admit that did in fact happen for a second. If the judges blame her for what happened in the audience, they'll regret it. Otherwise, they think the payoff was worth the gamble. Hopefully the judges will agree. If not, they'll have to apologize to her.
They do hear Kazusa join in the cheers once the performance is properly over, and this lets them catch eyes with her and Fuuka both. Ren smiles back to them, then turns their attention back to the stage, just in time to miss seeing that first year with the bouquet. Poor gal. At least the commentators have come around on Kasumi.
Speaking of whom--Ren sees her go straight to that severe-looking woman. So they do know each other. They had a gut feeling. Probably her coach, seeing the way she's dressed. They don't know her personally, but several audience members do, and the name, Hiraguchi...
Their eyes narrow at the gossip. Some of the gossipers are right in front of them. They glance at Maruki, affect a large and ostentatious stretch, and 'accidentally' bump into one of them, interrupting them.
"Oh, sorry," they say blandly.
Soon enough, Kasumi returns from changing and heads up the bleachers, possibly with Kazusa and Fuuka in tow. Ren offers Kasumi a smile first and foremost, though they let Dr. Maruki talk to her first.
"In a good way, looked like," they reply amiably. "You did great."
Great enough for first place? That might well depend on how spiteful the judges are. They're hoping not, for her sake.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa really wishes the commentators would be quiet. (Kazusa, that's their entire job.) But they're not wrong--and at least disecting her performance after a match can't retroactively hurt it.
It's not even that she particularly disagrees with them, either.
She watches the interaction with the coach, frowning. Heading for the door, without even waiting for the results? Rude. At the same time, she'd also like the audience to shut up.
An older man Kazusa will presume is Kasumi's father exchanges some words with her... and then a hug. Kazusa quickly looks away, and definitely doesn't feel a sharp pang in her heart about the exchange.
She looks up when Kasumi stops by, and nods. "... sure." Kazusa gets up, stretching for a moment. "... you put on a strong performance, Yoshizawa-san. I don't know if it'll get you first, but... you did good, Okay?"
She'll follow Kasumi up, and gives Dr. Maruki a polite nod, and then a slightly less formal "Hey" to Ren. "... so that was you shouting?" she asks with an arched eyebrow and a cross of her arms. "... I hope you know that was utterly reckless." She sits down, and after a moment looks sideways at Ren. "... it did get Yoshizawa-san to get out of her own head, though," she allows.
Tsubasa Seki has arrived from Meiji Shrine.
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
Fuuka hears the commentary. It's matter-of-fact, she supposes... Though she hopes Kasumi is proud.
She does spot, from her position, Kasumi going to talk to someone. She wonders who - but the gossiping crowd sees fit to carry it to her ears... A slight frown crosses her face.
They... like to talk a lot, don't they? And they don't mind who hears it...
The next performance starts - but Fuuka isn't as focused on that. It puts her in a good position to spot Kasumi, returning from changing, scaling the stairs with Kazusa - and Kasumi spots her in turn, gesturing her way. Fuuka nods back, standing from her seat.
"Excuse me..." Fuuka carefully picks her way through the crowd of Gekkoukan students, cautiously navigating the bleachers over to where the Shujin students are sitting.
"Hello, Amamiya-san, Motojima-san." Fuuka offers politely to them both. She doesn't know Dr. Maruki, but she offers him a polite nod of greeting, as well. Is he a teacher, or...? No, some other faculty member...
"You were wonderful, Yoshizawa-san. I was very moved by your performance." Fuuka encourages, looking back toward Kasumi. Kazusa comments on Ren's cheering. "I was so surprised. But I think it was nice of you!"
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Maruki shares a look with Ren. As an educator, he can't really endorse it, but... Well, as the guy in front looks back to grumble about 'these damnned kids need to have respect for other's space', with zero self-awareness. "Sorry," Maruki adds in, "it's been a long day." Once the guy in front turns back to gripe to his friend, Maruki looks at Ren and gently puts a finger to his mouth. He won't snitch at least.
"That's what my coach said too." Kasumi replies to Kazusa as they climb the stairs. She looks back, giving Kazusa a complicated look that...can only really be described as 'why can't I match up?' The complicated look disappears for an uncomplicated smile. "I'm proud too. It's my best performance all school year."
It's not enough. She knows it's not enough.
Kasumi settles in next to Maruki, with Kazusa and Fuuka in tow. "I think it really did work. Although, I don't know about the distraction..." She giggles, then ah! "Oh, Yamagishi-san, this is Dr. Maruki. He's apart of Shuujin's faculty for the moment, as a therapist." She says, and Dr. Maruki on queue raises a hand with a friendly "Hello!"
'... it did get Yoshizawa-san to get out of her own head, though.'
"Didn't it?" Dr. Maruki chuckles as he agrees with Kazusa. He loosely balls his hands into his lap with a lighthearted chuckle. "It really was incredible for Amamiya-san to do that. You know..." He's about to launch into a mini-lecture on the therapeutic benefits of shock, before catching himself. "Ah, excuse me. Truly, excellent performance again, Yoshizawa-san." He says, before standing to find a different place to sit and leave the students to it.
Kasumi shifts in to make up for Dr. Maruki's space. "Thank you, Dr. Maruki!"
As Dr. Maruki leaves, Kasumi beams towards Fuuka too. "Thank you, Yamagishi-san! I'm so glad to hear that!" She says happily. "I wasn't expecting you to be here... Are you cheering someone on from the Gekkoukan club?"
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
It's nice to see a father who supports his child, and Ren's glad for Kasumi that she has that. More than that, well--everyone's situation is different.
For their part, Maruki backs them up against the gossiper and puts a knowing finger over his lips. Passive-faced, Ren winks at him. As they just thought: everyone's situation is different. You don't always need a father to be supported.
Kazusa calls Ren out on their shouted encouragement. They shrug, though it lacks closed-off indifference. It's merely an acknowledgement that their words confirm: "I know." A slight smile creeps onto their lips when both Fuuka and Maruki support them here too.
"Thanks. But the important one here is Yoshizawa," they say, looking back at her. She also handles introducing Maruki to Fuuka, which makes them add, "Though, I didn't know you knew Yamagishi-san. Small world."
The two of them do have a certain something in common--but based on what Kasumi says, it seems like she wasn't expecting her encouragement either.
It's good for her to have it, though. That look Kasumi gave Kazusa... Even when she accepts the praise on her performance, there's still a little something lingering in her heart, isn't there?
Ren keeps it to themself. For now.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa blinks in surprise as they're climbing the stairs. "She said that, huh..." She frowns a little. "... then why did she leave?" But she catches that complicated look, and isn't sure what to say. "It was." She lowers her voice for a moment. "... the finisher lookd good," she admits, in a quiet tone with an air of 'if you tell anyone I said so I will deny it.'
There's a nod to Fuuka as she arrives. "Hello, Yamagishi-san." Her tone is a bit more relaxed. They may not be close friends, but they're amicable enough acquaintances, at least. Kasumi beats her to asking if Fuuka is here cheering on Gekkoukan. So instead she says, "What have you thought of the performances so far?"
Kazusa will be respectful to Dr. Maruki, but she's not about to be warm and open with him--he's part of Shujin's staff, she doesn't really trust anyone on staff. There's a respectful nod as he leaves.
Ren knows, they say. "Hmph. Well, as long as you know." But she's a little concerned, and the next look she gives Ren almost has her asking something, but she holds off. Not with Kasumi right there. Instead, she says, "How about you? Have you seen any of the other performances?"
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
Kasumi introduces Dr. Maruki - a therapist, currently part of Shujin's faculty. So she was right.
"Hello... It's nice to meet you." She offers politely. Dr. Maruki excuses himself, leaving just the students. She nods to Ren, as they express surprise that she and Kasumi know each other. "Mm-hm!"
Kasumi wasn't expecting her, but Fuuka shakes her head when she asks if she was cheering someone on from Gekkoukan.
"Actually, I heard you were performing today and wanted to cheer you on... I'm glad I got the chance." Fuuka explains, and looks toward Kazusa. "Everyone's really been giving it their best. I was amazed..."
She laughs a little sheepishly.
"I could never move like that. It's impressive." She comments. She is curious, too, to hear what Kasumi has to say about Kazusa's question.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
With Kazusa, Kasumi pauses for a moment. "She said that I still hadn't figured out what she meant before." Kazusa should remember from the conversation in the alleyway. 'Think about who you really are, Yoshizawa.' Kasumi doesn't have an answer yet. And it showed in her performance today, technically impressive, but just missing something.
"She also said that she would have walked out earlier, if it wasn't for the outburst..." Kasumi laughs a little about it, as she looks towards Amamiya-senpai. (She sort of has to laugh about it.) She pauses for a moment, as she stares at Ren, before shaking her head. "That's just the way Coach Hiragushi is. She's strict, but... You can feel her kindness." She says that earnestly.
'...the finisher looked good,' causes Kasumi to giggle lightly as she picks up on the hidden meaning. "Thank you, Senpai." She replies, with a tone that implies 'it's just for me.'
Back to being with Ren and Fuuka, Ren mentions that they didn't know Kasumi and Fuuka knew each other. Kasumi nods with a little giggle. "We're acquainted." She says. "We met briefly after," her first place loser in a Port Island meet, "after a meet in Port Island." There's naturally the truer version, of them briefly meeting during Kazusa's homunculus investigation. But for the sake of Ren's privacy, and Kazusa's honour, she declines to bring it up.
Fuuka comments that she came for Kasumi and causes Kasumi to blush! "Wha! That's so kind of you, Yamagishi-san...! I'm really surprised to hear that!" She says, flustered. "I'm really glad you enjoyed the performances... It takes a lot of practice. But I bet with a little bit of practice, you could do a splits too." Kasumi giggles.
She misses Kazusa's look to Ren, like she wanted to ask something.
It's probably for the best.
"And that brings us to the end of the Winter Interschool Rhythmic Gymnastics Meet." Abe-san says.
"And what an incredible show we had." Fujimura replies. "We truly saw the best across the Kanto prefecture has to offer."
"It seems we are ready for the awards ceremony. The full list of points will be listed outside on the bulletin board." They begin listing the top five.
"Our third place winner... Is Yoshizawa-san of Shuujin Academy."
The crowd once again erupts into clapping and Kasumi... has a very complicated process of emotions cross over her face. It wasn't what she wanted, deep down.
Still. She puts on a smile as she stands up and walks down the stairs, and past the audience. There's still some stray gossip on her way down, but only the most fierce contrarians would suggest that Kasumi didn't earn it.
She does her best to not let the comments show as she meets with the judges, shaking their hands and talking to them briefly. With her bronze medal, she takes her spot at the third podium.
Kasumi remains there for the rest of the awards ceremony, and is genuinely happy for the second and first place winners. She claps and cheers and woos for her fellow podium placers. Second goes to a student from Gekkoukan, and first to a student from Seven Sisters who did a near perfect, inspired routine.
And then... The event is over. The first place winner is gleeful, second place goes to her friends to cry, the rest of the crowds start to disperse to look at their own rankings, or find quiet places, or find comfort in friends. Spectators talk more about the performances, excitement for builds for nationals. The girl with the flower bouquet tries to thread the crowds to find her idol, but ends up carried out by the crowds.
And Kasumi returns to her friends. With a sad, happy smile, and another third place medal. "I'm not going to cry." She says, as if trying to will herself into stability. "...Thank you all, for coming out to support me." She hesitates, as she's trying really hard to not be hard on herself. "I'm...sorry. That I couldn't bring home a win."
Kasumi pauses, to bite her lower lip. "They didn't mark the interruption against me. But told me that it shouldn't happen again." She says with a laugh. "And apologized that it kept them from marking that portion of the performance." A beat. "That was...really kind of them." She tries desperately to think of anything else to say. The disappointment is showing now. She shakes her head, really trying to focus.
Kasumi Yoshizawa is just really not used to losing.
<Pose Tracker> Ren Amamiya has posed.
When Kasumi tells Ren that her coach was about to walk out if not for their outburst, they smile again, pleased to have helped there. Even if the judges might end up being jerks, it's your coach that you work with every day. Though... she was about to walk out...? Even if she's strict, that's pretty harsh. Kasumi hadn't seemed nearly that bad. What's she seeing that they're not?
"She did seem a lot more pleased with you after that," they reply.
Ren can guess what Kazusa might want to ask them, but... they're not going to prompt her in mixed company. Dr. Maruki might have given them all space, but they doubt she wants to talk about what happened with Shinichi's Homunculus in so public a space--assuming there isn't something else on her mind.
They meet her eyes, but just reply, "Yeah, some. I've been here a while." They look back towards the performance stage below. "Like Yamagishi-san said, a lot of people really gave it their all. Yoshizawa's definitely one of the best in my opinion, but it'll be close."
So Fuuka is here for Kasumi after all. Kasumi explains how they know each other, too. The two of them might well know each other through supernatural business also, but Ren nods and accepts the answer for what it is.
They sweatdrop at Kasumi's encouragement towards her, though. It'd take a lot more than just a 'little bit' of practice to be able to do a split, especially for a technologically-inclined girl like Fuuka.
Later, though, after the winners are announced...
Ren knows that what Kasumi wanted--what she's been pressured non-stop about--was first place. They know the frustration of not coming in first after working so hard too; they've had competitions like that too. While third place is still good, they know that it's not going to be good enough.
So when she returns and reports what the judges said, Ren marks that, but pays closer attention to her body language. As they suspected, she's upset and trying not to show it. It might not come with resentment towards the silver and gold medalists, but that only means she's turning that anger towards herself.
"...Let's get something to eat, Yoshizawa. If not tonight, then sometime soon," they offer quietly. "My treat."
However she handles this, she'll need to keep her strength up, and to do that, she'll need to eat.
<Pose Tracker> Kazusa Motojima has posed.
Kazusa frowns, as Kasumi relays what her coach said. 'Think about who you really are...' "Hrm. So that's what she said... I can't answer that for you, Yoshizawa-san. But if you want we can review your performance later."
"She actually said that? Sheesh. Guess that outburst was good for two things, then."
Kazusa's a little surprised they know each other too, but... Kazusa did ask her that question about Fuuka once, so... maybe it's not a total surprise. "They have." But Fuuka expresses that she could never move like that. "... you could work up to it. Maybe not at that level, but... the basics are really good for flexibility and movement. Yoga, too." She considers for a moment and drops her voice. "... yoga's a little easier on the body."
They really do know each other then. Huh. She remains oblivious to her honor being protected.
- - - -
Kazusa crosses her arms as she hears the commentator speak up to start the announcements of the final placements.
Third place. Under any other circumstance, that would be a respectable standing. But she knows Kasumi had her heart set on first. "Congratulations, Yoshizawa-san," she says, as her teammate gets up to leave.
But once Kasumi is out of earshot, she sighs, with a frown. "... she's going to be upset. If she could have had the same consistency from the end throughout her whole performance..." She shakes her head. This time she does look to Ren, and quietly admits, "... I'm... not sure what else I can do to support her."
She's trying, but Kasumi has been placed in a pretty undesireable situation.
"Third place is still a strong showing. You hve nothing to apologize for," insists Kazusa. She means it, even if she knows it's not good enough for Kasumi, or for the staff at Shujin. But it seems the judges didn't penalize her, at least. "That's good. Thank goodness for that."
The offer of something to eat comes, and Kazusa stands up. "Go eat something. You should at least enjoy your placement a little bit."
She doesn't know what else she can say to help. She's not sure if there's anything she can do, with her scholarships at stake, except keep trying to support Kasumi.
<Pose Tracker> Kasumi Yoshizawa has posed.
Kasumi gives Kazusa a smile, as she offers to review the performance together later. "Thank you, Senpai." She says, maybe a bit flaccidly. For some reason, she doesn't feel like it's an answer that will come to her from review.
Maybe, Kasumi just isn't ready yet.
'She actually said that?' "Right?" Kasumi lets out a laugh. "Still... She's known me since I was a child. If there's something she's seeing that I can't... I need to look harder for it." The love, and respect Kasumi has for Hiraguchi is clear. And if Hiraguchi is worthy of that love and respect...
Ren gives their vouch and... Kasumi flushes, going beet red as she looks away. She can't bear to meet Ren's gaze like that...!
Kasumi does giggle too. "I really do believe that it just takes some practice." She says. "I'm speaking from experience. I bet most of these top competitors have been competing since they were children." Relatively speaking. Starting from age six does a world of difference from age 16.
She does, at least agree with Kazusa! "Yes! Yoga's great for remaining active, without too much strain."
... "It was stiff competition." Kasumi can allow.
However... The topic of food comes up. "Sure." Kasumi accepts the offer with a smile. "I can't tonight, but soon, okay?" She has an imagine of a younger her, going out for ice cream after practice. Maybe the small things can help.