"𝖬𝗒 𝗋𝗎𝗅𝖾𝗋 𝗌𝖺𝗒 𝖨'𝗆 𝟣𝟢 𝗂𝗇𝖼𝗁𝖾𝗌 𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀."
"...𝖠𝗂𝗇'𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗄𝗂𝗇𝖽𝖺 𝗌𝗁𝗈𝗋𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗁𝖾𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍?"
𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴, "𝗐𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝗆𝖾𝖺𝗌𝗎𝗋𝖾𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍, 𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖾𝗎𝗌𝖾."

𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Sike.

You really thought she was gonna let some stupid ass, cocky, bitchy, ugly hair cut guy ruin her fucking résumé? Maribel had already become invested by the thought of making cute costumes, the kind she liked, and when her mind was made up, her determination wasn't so easily wavered. It sometime was, but c'mon. making cute garments? That's hard to let pass.

Fun fact: Maribel would've passed on this costume making opportunity if the materials (fabric and etc) wasn't provided. She's not generous enough to go out of her own damn way, with her own meagre savings, to buy something for this shitty school. She was already poverty stricken whenever buying them once in a blue moon double choco cookies.

With a newfound, steeled resolved, Maribel pulled the door and this time, it actually opened revealing—!

"..."

Nothing?

How disappointing.

Maribel was actually eternally grateful.

There seemingly was no one within the theatre room, yet the lights were on. Strange, she thought. This room was really starting to resemble the scary, horror escape obbys she'd often play with her younger siblings. An escape obby in real life, wish Sawri and Udai were here to see the real deal.

Several chairs were placed out in the large hall, very little were occupied and the rest were not. Oh, so there are some people here. Said chairs were all divided into separate circles, each individual groups perhaps representing the different roles that Fabricio must've assigned them. It's probably that freak actually. The freak in question being Mr Kaiser him-fucking-self.

Maribel's line of vision then followed the many stapled booklets, probably the script, that were located on most chairs, the rest carelessly thrown on the floor begging to be trampled on. Taking that into consideration, she was mindful of her steps. Slowly making her way into the room where some occupants raised their heads from their script and smiled at her in greeting. She reciprocated the action, albeit more rigidly. There's more nice people here? Maribel noted, her gaze moving to the clock that pointed to 12:18. Only about 20 minutes passed, no wonder there aren't that many people.

Most of the students tended to stay out of classrooms during lunch, preferring to eat in the canteen or socialise. Though some of Bastard München's benchwarmers enjoyed playing football during then. Maribel believed it was because they never got a chance to really play as regulars, hence why they had to make up for it some other way. And said players always seemed to garner a large audience. Probably because there was this one regular player that often played with them. Some Japanese exchange student that was most likely friends with them.

It was said they were funded a scholarship by the same organisation, blue lock, hence why they had close relations. Be grateful for your connections benchwarmers. If it weren't for that guy Yoichi, you guys would be npcs just like me.

She didn't really know him personally, only thing being that his name was Yoichi and that he sat in front of her during science classes. Besides that, it was also quite known around school that the kid's name shouldn't be uttered carelessly within Kaiser's presence. Apparently he turned mad with rage like some rabid behemoth straight out of a sci-fi, apocalyptic, dystopian series when that had previously happened.

Maribel thought it was kind of stupid.

I mean, Kaiser didn't look like the type who'd lose his temper over something like that. But it was a popular rumour after all. And rumours were, well, often rooted from the truth. 

But without a doubt, Kaiser was professional. Both calm and collected, with an always guarded composure. Though some people said he did become slightly childish when Yoichi was involved, and that, she could certainly see happening. He was like a child merged with a grown man. It was creepy.

Either way, the more known a person's reputation was, whether it was from their talents, appearance or whatever else, the more gossip surrounded them.

And it was predominantly obvious that Kaiser had a successful future awaiting him as an athlete. Football was undoubtedly the most popular spectator sport in Germany, and the young prodigy had his country thrive off of his talents. And again, as corny as the saying goes—

The higher the reputation, the more prying eyes.

And so, with success comes haters.

It was safe to say Kaiser had some dedicated haters (and fans). Thus, jealousy was bound to flourish.

The most shameful part was that green envy was visible in certain teachers that were tasked to protect the welfare of students. Imagine, some kid not even half their age was already making more bills than them, it was an absolutely humbling thought. And whilst some teachers were smart enough to keep their insecurities at bay, afraid of the judgement Kaiser would raise upon the disobedient e.g Bertha (the german teacher), some did not.

Some used their power wrongfully. As adults in charge, some used their authority to unfairly mark Kaiser's work, e.g Mr Ruskey (the pedo maths teacher), some picked on him during lessons, choosing to ask him difficult questions or point out his mistakes which usually ended with Kaiser answering it correctly or just switching their positions by pointing out their mistakes in return. To say it was funny would be downplaying it. It was absolutely pleasing to the heart watching their once prideful, confident front fall.

Whilst Maribel wasn't particularly fond of Kaiser and his stupid narcissistic attitude, he still respected himself. And respect to oneself was hard to find in people nowadays. Maybe it was too much on his part but she was sure her head would be much bigger if she were in his shoes; she couldn't necessarily blame him (she still did). So for being able to handle himself on his own accord without the influence of his speculated wealthy family, it was quite refreshing to see. Admirable even.

Besides, the bronze eyed girl was tired of the born privileged that didn't really have any redeeming qualities aside from their endless bank accounts. They just weren't likeable people.

If someone were to hear her thoughts, they'd assume Maribel unknowingly respected Kaiser and that she was fond of him, hence why she agreed upon the position, but then again, it was most likely because he listened to her stupid theories. And why the hell would Maribel respect someone who publicly humiliated her, the fuck?

Sigh.

Now where is that product of incest?

She wasn't keen on looking for him, it made her seem almost desperate. But she wanted to get his measurements in order to start on the costumes as soon as possible, so sacrifices had to be made in return for wanting something, no?

Maribel wasn't really well-versed within the school's theatre community, she didn't know who went out for lunch and if Kaiser was one of them, so simply just looking for him wouldn't cut it. She'd look like a lost child looking for their parent that they were separated from and it certainly was not the look she was going for. She'd have to pull out her shitty communication skills from her clean arse and make this search for Kaiser much more efficient.

With a sigh of exasperation, she walked over to those that greeted her with a smile, remaining a safe distance away from them to prevent herself from appearing like Mr Ruskey the creep, "sorry but erm, do you know where Kaiser is? I need to confirm something related to the costumes."

The group consisted of 2 guys and 3 girls, to which they looked over to her in surprise, "-aha! You spoke so fast I didn't hear you, who are you looking for again?" One of the girls questioned with an amicable smile that calmed Maribel's nerves.

See, not everyone's so bad. "Hm? oh— uh, Kaiser."

"...Kaiser?" The girl questioned with a waver in her tone.

"...mhm." Maribel mumble unsurely, was it taboo to look for him during lunch or something?

"I'm not sure, he went out when lunch started and I haven't seen him since." She trailed off before looking over to her friends for support.

"Oh! I think he mentioned how he was gonna check on each station to make sure everything was to his appeal, he'll probably start with the storing of the props." Her friend pointed towards the side of the crimson curtains that were pulled down from their golden, tassel holders.

Getting the hint from her friend, the original girl finished off with a steady smile, "there's a door which connects to the hallway outside, he probably came through from there if we haven't seen him."

"Oh, okay. Thanks." Maribel nodded with a reciprocating, polite smile before moving towards the curtains. Towards her doom.

The anxiety hastily bubbled in her stomach as she fiddled with her nail bed again. A habit she could never seem to get out of. And just when she arrived at her destination by the curtains, she could hear the familiar, silvery voice along with a meeker, more quieter one and there was this abrupt need to take a nervous shit again for nth time that day. Should I just walk in or knock? Wait how would I knock? Should I cough then? But what if they think I have tuberculosis or bronchitis instead? Ughhh.

She decided on the former, deducting that both latter ways would result in an equally embarrassing outcome. When Maribel walked in, she remained a few feet away from the two conversing, noticing the way in which Kaiser straightened up, her eyes zeroed. Did he know she was here? How though? His back was facing her unlike the guy he was conversing with for God's sake. Maribel froze, her stomach dropping as if she were going high up in a rollercoaster. I'm so confused, did she want him to notice her presence or not?

"Uh.. yes, we can store the props within the storage room..."

"And the keys? It's be humiliating to have a repeat of the previous year." Kaiser spat distastefully, his cerulean gaze darkening at the memory of some silly delinquent crashing in and destroying all the prepared props the week before the performance date as petty revenge.

Apparently said delinquent's ex girlfriend broke up with him because she fell in love with Kaiser and it was clear the fucking twat couldn't keep his envy at bay. (Another example of people who were jelly of Kaiser) It was ridiculous, absolute horror and the damage was irreplaceable, the thought of performing naked had even crossed Kaiser's mind.

Kaiser is being sarcastic for those of you who missed the point.

"Ah-! Yes, Kaiser. I'll make sure to double check... no! I'll even triple and quadruple check.." the guy went off muttering on about some stupid bullshit that Kaiser had no patience to hear.

"Um— Kaiser..?" the call to his name was soft and low, going unnoticed by the guy in front of Kaiser who was basically facing her if it weren't for said footballer's tall stature blocking the way.

When Maribel noticed how quiet her voice was, she inwardly cursed herself and readied to call him again but before she could, Kaiser had immediately turned to face her with a look of painted surprise.

"...raconteuse?" He blinked agape before quickly garnering his composer and masking his stupefaction from the other guy.

"..." Rather than replying, she just nodded her head in acknowledgement.

"Get out." He stated with sudden frigidity, the lack of jocularity in his tone coming off as a shock to Maribel who blinked back her incredulity.

"Huh? Um.. sure—?" She was hasty to reply, turning around to walk away and never return to this wretched place ever again. I knew I shouldn't have done this!!

"Not you," he shook his head at Maribel, voice losing its bluntness before shifting to its previous sharpness as he faced the guy. "What're you just standing there for? I told you to get out. Make your pitiful self useful by securing the keys, you damn degenerate."

"Ah-! Yes Kaiser!" he was quick to scurry past Maribel who stepped out of the way and watched him wearily as he left, if I was called a degenerate I'd probably start crying on the spot.

"-ehem, did you miss my presence that much that you came in search for me?" He teased with an arrogant aura that radiated dumb sparkles.

"-hah?" He's so full of himself, "I'm here for your measurements—"

"Hmm~ you wanna know my measurements?" He emphasised, an amused glint flashing his azure eyes. "Fine, fine~ no need to be so shy about it."

"I wasn't really... but yes, I need it for your costume."

"Aww~ now you're making me embarrassed." He sighed dejectedly, holding a hand to his chest to soothe the feign ache in his heart before leaning down with his usual stupid, stupid smirk. "And here I thought they were for your r-rated fantasies about me."

"Huh." Maribel blinked with dotted eyes, did she really hear what he just said or was her brain asleep.

"Ah~! You're really humiliating me with your dense nature, raconteuse!" He whined like some stupid child throwing a tantrum.

"What." Tears swelled in Maribel's eyes as they witnessed the abrupt change in his character. This guy is so— freakin' shameless??!

And if his sudden bipolar demeanour wasn't flabbergasting enough, the bitch himself caught the hem of his shirt and pulled it over himself, revealing—

What the fuck—

Maribel turned to the side instantly, her pupils shaking in disbelief as her hand dragged across the bottom of her face. She questioned what she had done in her life to fucking deserve this absolute bullfuckery. Was Maribel flustered? I mean Kaiser, a pro athlete, just revealed his nude, toned upper body to her, and that sight in itself would be enough to cause even a straight man to do a double take. So why?

Why was Maribel a hair's breadth away from shitting herself the same long, hard, red bricks to a prior chapter? No in fact, she was absolutely bewildered. Sure Kaiser was a complete weirdo, there was no doubt he was an actual freak, but to this extent? Stripping in front of some stranger? So shameless! Isn't that basically considered sexual harassment of some sort? Maribel's mind was racing a mile a minute with every absurd conclusions she internally came to.

She was a firm believer of treat others how you want to be treated, and she certainly did not want to be ogled at by some stranger. Thus explaining why she made it her life duty to look in the opposite direction of Kaiser. And the man himself, Michael-fucking-Kaiser, was a complete numbskull that had ego reaching meters above his dick to make up for its minuscule size. He had mistaken her awkward, startled behaviour as her being bashful over his self-proclaimed 'bewitching hot bod'.

Someone put this man back in his psychiatric ward because he has officially lost it. "C'mon raconteuse, the measurements won't be taken themselves, will they now?" A sultry grin made its way to his unblemished face when she was adamant on avoiding eye contact, she can't even meet me in the eyes, how cu—

At his words, Maribel turned slightly towards him, so that her back wasn't facing him but not enough so his shirtless self was in her line of vision. With an irritated exhale, she spoke in haste whilst pulling out a folded piece of paper from her pocket, "here's everything you need to record, like your height, arm length, shoulder, neck and everything else." She hastily listed out a few of the required measurements whilst pointing at them.

"Huh? What do you mean—?" It was Kaiser's turn to be puzzled now, did she say what he needed to measure?

"Oh—! Yeah, here. A measuring tape if you don't have one." She pulled out a yellow dual-tape measure from her blazer pocket. "I wrote down everything you need to measure, you just need to write the numbers down, centimetres or inches, I don't mind. Just give me this piece of paper whenever you can."

Maribel was ready to make a run for it and fucking leave, no wonder everything seemed so strange, it was going too well. Of course, only Kaiser would do some stupid shit like this.

"But w—!"

"If you can, just give it to me during german, bye." And with those words she was quick to give him a thumbs up and leave a trail of dust without turning to look back as she skedaddled out the theatre room.

"—ait..." he kissed teeth in annoyance as silence filled the surroundings. What the hell? After a moment of thought, he had just come to terms with what had occurred. The perplexed shine in his sapphire hues long gone, replaced with a much more peeved glint that was accompanied with a twitching scowl.

Kaiser never been more humiliated in his entire life. This day was marked to be his most shameful event after that stupid prop disaster from the previous year. She dare deny looking at him? A man with blessed features such as him? It was Kaiser for heaven's sake, what reason was there to refuse looking at him? It was a fucking honour as well, to have the damn chance of looking at him, his tattoo and to be in proximity with him.

Everything I need to record and write down? And fucking give it to her myself? What am I, her fucking servant?

What a joke.

"Hmm, we'll see if the emperor takes the command of some mere peasant." Kaiser sarcastically drawled to himself like the maniac he was. "Or is it a blacksmith? Meh, doesn't change the fact she's still below me." He pondered with a finger on his chin, before shrugging the thought off completely.