"And the first place for the best three-minute short film goes to... Team FireRed!"
Today, all the first-year visual arts students presented their short films, and, as it turned out, we took first place. My temporary coworkers were hyped about the result.
"...Why did we choose that name?" grumbled one member, a sulking redhead.
"What's the problem? We won, after all!" I replied.
"But you could have picked any name other than that one!"
"Kawasegawa-san, but the memes!"
And wasn't that the truth? We hadn't actually settled on a name; my teammates completely forgot about it, and I, being the good Samaritan, decided to step in. I went behind their backs and picked the name myself.
It's from a Pokémon game, though not that anyone around here would appreciate the hidden meaning. Pokémon isn't popular where we are. Eiko, the passionate redhead, suffered for it, though that wasn't my intention. Perhaps it was 75% my fault, but the remaining 25% was just for the Pokémon meme.
While the team name might annoy her, it isn't the main reason for her unhappiness. Her frustration stems from our roommates' short film.
Strictly speaking, they had a similar idea to ours, using the train station but with a different approach. Our movie was a black-and-white film without dialogue, aimed at standing out through acting, with text on screen conveying speeches and emotions, complemented by carefully chosen background music. In contrast, they used a clever exchange of photos to suggest movement, utilizing the same music and style of written images.
The main difference was that we leaned into the gloominess of black-and-white to create a dark-themed story, while they opted for bright colors to tell a happier one. Their film received more approval from our peers, which is why Eiko feels angry. She doesn't think our win was deserved.
"Well guys, why don't you head to karaoke? Kawasegawa-san and I have some boring work to finish, so start without us!"
I didn't wait for a response; I grabbed her arm and started to drag her away.
"Wait! Where are we going?" she protested.
---
(POV 3rd)
"Sensei, Eiko is being a brat! Please spank her!"
The duo arrived in front of Misaki-sensei, with the angry redhead trailing behind, ready for vengeance. Misaki-sensei felt as if she had aged five years just by listening to the boy.
"…So, what's the real issue here, Kawasegawa-san, Kuze-kun?"
"Sensei, your sister is too stupid to realize why Team FireRed won first place while Team Kitagawa only got third," he exclaimed, using the greatest weapon a child could wield: cuteness!
With the innocent smile of a little child, he seemed oblivious to the evils of the world. However, both sisters thought "Shameless" in unison. They knew his tricks well enough not to be fooled by his act, though they couldn't deny that he was a great actor for someone so young.
So they both set the matter aside while the teacher began her explanation.
"You gained first place because your film was exceptional, and the decision to use black-and-white colors was both intriguing and superb in its execution. It showed that you were not only focused on the final product but also prepared to utilize over a hundred years of experience in the history of cinematography."
Clarity and conciseness left no doubt about the reason for her choice.
"But Kyoya's group was different. I asked for a three-minute film, and while the result was great for the audience, it was an unconventional choice for a college exercise. Although... I doubt their reason for making it was their main intention."
The younger redhead accepted her sister's reasoning while still unconvinced of her decision to not place them in second place. They were good; she could accept that, but their film wasn't on the same level as the one made by her group.
"Oh... in a way, you're right, but what do you mean by saying it wasn't their main choice?"
"Well, Eiko-chan, a film like that is too far outside the normal thinking scheme. It's not that they used photos because they wanted to; it seems there was some sort of organizational problem. They likely took a still camera instead of a video camera," the boy explained, confident in his answer.
"That's right, you're probably correct, Kuze-kun. Maybe there was an exchange of items made by them or by the school, but they still managed to create such a film. That means Kyoya-kun possesses great crisis management skills... an interesting group, aren't they?"
"That's right..."
"That's why, Eiko-chan, I want you to join their team!"
"Eh?!"
"After all, you're intrigued by Kyoya, right?"
"That's true... f-from a professional standpoint, I mean!"
"Oh? How else could it have intrigued you?"
'It seems the big sister likes to tease the little one,' thought the boy.
"Y-You're the worst!"
The girl turned completely red from embarrassment and shame, not wanting to talk about such topics in front of someone else.
"That's true; after all, Eiko-chan has a crush on someone~"
"W-W-W-W-"
"Ara~, little Kuze, do you also have a crush on someone?"
At that moment, Masachika sensed an incredible opportunity. The big sister was in full-on attack mode, while the younger one was left defenseless after the damage already done.
So, he channeled his full acting skills, shifting from his friendly pure boy facade to a slightly embarrassed and timid expression, a blush creeping onto his cheeks as he looked away and twisted his fingers, embodying shame about admitting something.
"Misaki-sensei, after all we've already done together inside and outside..."
*Thud*
"..."
"..."
At those words and mannerisms, the older woman froze, her mouth open as she struggled to process his words. In contrast, the younger sister dropped the book she had been carrying, her face transforming from deep red to pale white as she stared wide-eyed at her older sister.
"H-Hey, we didn't do anything!? Nothing of the sort, Eiko!"
Misaki-sensei looked at her sister, starting to defend herself against any accusations. Meanwhile, Masachika focused his gaze, allowing a few tears to form as his eyes sparkled.
"T-Then what about that time in front of the museum!? W-We were together while the sun was up on days there weren't any lessons!"
Eiko stopped listening, her mind flooded with images and situations she didn't want to think about, feeling dead inside while Misaki-sensei began to furiously explain that those words were untrue.
Masachika moved to a nearby chair to watch the unfolding drama.
'Man, I need to start adding popcorn to my inventory.'
---
(POV Masachika)
Two hours after that interesting situation in the teacher's office, we finally arrived at the karaoke bar with the full FireRed team.
In the end, the situation was somewhat resolved, and Eiko hadn't tried to talk to me since then. I glanced at her, sitting next to me as she munched on some fries.
"I'm telling you, I won't talk to you from now on."
Taking a sip of her drink, I casually spoke without looking at her as if making a random statement.
"Eiko, I'm not a virgin."
"Spurt... Cough cough."
I handed her a glass of water, feeling good internally.
'Being a little troublemaker is the best!'