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Today was the day of the dance competition. I’ve known over the years that Just Dance was a yearly event for our small town and it was coming. It’s one of the biggest performances known around the world. I imagined that hundreds of people would be there. I felt the surge of energy as it shot throughout my entire body.
It’d been a few months since I registered and was accepted into the Just Dance dancing competition. For a long time, I’d procrastinated signing up and sending in the video auditions that were required for it. That’s until Denki Kaminari, my best friend, encouraged me to join. With that, I’d given in knowing I couldn’t let him or this dream of mine down.
That’s been my fuel to get up this morning before I started to get ready for the day. I was up earlier than I’d set my alarm for so I decided to take this morning slow. Without rushing things when I perform I won’t be in such a panic as I’ve never done something like this before. The nervous energy was there but I tried to not let it get the best of me.
After a quick shower, I fixed my hair and the fur on my ears and tail. I brushed my teeth and threw on a pair of black athletic shorts before leaving the bathroom. In the kitchen, I made myself a protein shake as my mother walked into the room and smiled at me. I lowered the cup and grinned back at her.
“You have a good day, don’t be getting into any trouble while you’re out,” my mother says as her ears went back, “I’m sorry your father and I couldn’t come today. Can you tell your friend picking you up to get a recording if he stays?”
“Of course, I’ll talk to him about it.”
Her ears perked back up, “Thank you, I’m so glad you have a friend like him. I’m not sure where you’d be without his support.”
She came over and wrapped her arms around me. It was a little tighter than her normal hug but it wasn’t out of her normal to do this when I went places. This was my mother and I always let her know what I’m up to, I don’t like to see her worry on top of what’s already on her plate. My father stepped in behind me and hugged me as well. I could smell his cologne as his chest was against my back. The two of them provided warmth, comfort, and protection in all my needed moments.
They broke the hug and my father turned me to face him, “Your mother and I are proud of you. You’ve come a long way to get this and we’re happy for this.”
My parents walked to the front door and waved at me before they slid out and left the house. I returned to my shake while I listened to the sound of our car disappearing and saw it leave the driveway. I’d stood there for a short bit longer before rinsing the empty cup and placing it into the sink. At least they told me in advance that they had a meeting and wouldn’t be able to make it, that’s one of the things I loved most about my parents. They always had my back.
I didn’t dwell long before I made my way to the bedroom. Last night I’d set out the clothing I was going to wear to save me time but it wasn’t something I needed right now. I have plenty of time before my ride gets here. I grabbed my grey tank top from on top of the dresser and slipped it on. I didn’t want to go too fancy for this so I went simple besides the long red jacket I set aside months ago for this.
I grabbed a small bag and filled it with the essentials that I’d need for today. I had my water bottle and my lanyard that were sent in the mail for me after I was accepted. Those were the main things I should have with me or else I won’t be getting inside or be able to participate and that would suck after putting so much work into something and not being able to do anything. I slipped the lanyard over my head.
After I made sure I had everything I walked down the hallway back into the bathroom. I looked into the mirror and smiled. I was ready except for the jacket that was in my room hanging in my closet. I closed my eyes and imagined what it’d be like to be in front of hundreds of people when that’s something I’ve never done and have feared for so long. It’s my chance to get over that fear and face it head-on.
As I stood there and daydreamed about the dances I’ll see and what I’ll do I heard a buzzing noise. Opening my eyes I saw my phone on the counter light up. It vibrated and moved around the counter before I grabbed it and gazed at the screen. A familiar name and image is on it. Denki was calling me but what for? That’s when the thought struck like lightning through my head. He’s my ride today and I totally forgot about that.
“Hey man, sorry for the wait.”
“Hurry up! You’re already late and I can’t wait too long!”
I turned my head in the direction of the clock we always have in the bathroom. It was an hour past the time that I needed to be there. A million thoughts went through my head at once. How could I have let time get away from me on such an important day? I started toward the bedroom again as Denki began to speak again.
“I’m outside, so please get here soon so we can make it.”
“I didn’t realize what time it was, I’ll be out there shortly.”
“You’d better or I’m gonna end up having to leave you behind.”
I heard the beep in my ear, he’d hung up on me. I felt the hair on my tail prickle. I scanned the room and went to my closet to grab the jacket. I threw it on and exited my bedroom almost siding into the wall but I managed to catch myself. At the front door, I threw on my long-laced boots. I bolted out the front door. I ran over and climbed in the back of Denki’s yellow car out front.
“Sorry I’m late, I thought I had plenty of time!”
“We know how important this is to you. What slowed you down today?”
“I wanted to take it easy before all the rush of. Time got away from me.”
“Clearly, I thought you’d be done sooner than this.”
The motor started as his focus went to the road. Not hesitating he drives forward as if he was in some sort of race. I was flung into the seat in front of me with a sudden motion. If it weren’t for my arms already on the seat I would’ve smashed right into it face first. He chuckled and continued down the road.
“And that’s why you wear a seatbelt when you’re with me.”
“Noted, I’ll remember this next time we’re in your car.”
I held onto the seat in front of me and gazed out the window. We shoot down the road and start making our way out of the neighborhood. I saw a few houses on the street as I don’t live in a big place with many neighbors. Luckily sometimes if there are too many things going on at once it can lead to extra stress that I don’t always want in my life. At least there’s that apart from living on the outskirts of town.
We’re on our way to what could be the start of a new career. I took a deep breath and tried to collect myself after I sprinted down the driveway so that I wasn’t left behind. It’s not like him to leave me so suddenly just because I don’t show up for a short bit. It took the wind out of me but it didn’t take me long to regain it back.
While Denki drives I see everything go from the small suburban area I’ve known to a smaller city. The drive took about an hour from the house to here. It has a few taller buildings but nothing as grand as bigger places I’ve heard about. I’m not used to life in the city but it’s what I have to do for today.
I knew we were getting close as I could see cars parked along the street. Up ahead is where the stage was being held. Thing is, how is Denki going to find a parking space with everyone parked so far out? Today will be busy. I closed my eyes as Denki pulled the car to a stop out front of the large building.
I became lost in my own thoughts and I wasn’t aware that we arrived. I slammed into the seat in front of me and groaned. Rubbing my forehead I didn’t see any marks when looking at the reflection on the window. I exhaled a breath. That would’ve sucked to show up with scratches like that.
Denki turned to face me with a look on his face. His eyes were narrowed a little and locked onto me. His posture was firm while his hand rested on the steering wheel. He flicked his head in the direction of the building.
“You should get going. I can’t sit here all day or else people here won’t be happy with me.”
I nodded and stepped out of the car, “You’ll meet me inside once you find a spot to park?”
“I’ll try. There’s no promise that’ll happen. You know how busy I’ve been lately so I may not be able to make it.”
I stared at him for a moment as he waved his hand toward the entrance. I was jolted back into the moment of needing to get to where I’ve been assigned before it’s too late. He smiled at me before I turned around after a few steps. I’m glad that he was the one to give me a ride and not someone else that I’m not familiar with or know that well. We locked gazes for a moment before I turned back around to face the building.
I ran towards the long staircase. Something inside of me froze as I turned to look at where Denki once was. He’d left me and considering what he said it sounded like he wasn’t going to come back. This morning I had a feeling as if I couldn’t move. My legs felt like jelly as I started to climb the steps. I couldn’t get the thought of me messing today up flooded in. I swallowed before I exhaled a breath.
I was broken out of my thoughts by someone seconds later. They came to a halt next to me. Scanning me his eyes widened and his focus on my badge. He was out of breath and gazed at me. I noticed the same lanyard around his neck. This person is one of the other contestants today. His head shifted from side to side before it landed on me again.
“Come on! We don’t want to be later than we already are!”
He took off up the steps. He took a few at a time before I filed in behind him. At least I had someone to guide me as I’d never been here. Things like this don’t last long for me as I’m often treated as an outcast. Within a few minutes, we both arrived at the sign-in booth for performers. The other guy kept moving beyond them after showing the badge he had on. I catch my breath and face the person behind the table and I held the lanyard up.
“Hitoshi Shinso, signing in.”
“Finally! The producers thought you’d never show up!”
“Running a little behind, sorry about that.”
“I’ll manage it, you’re on soon! Get to the Lighthouse before they skip over you!”
My heart skips a beat as I run past the table into the long hallway. I couldn’t stop and kept moving, not letting anything or anyone get in my way. A few people had littered the halls along the way. I easily ignored them and moved to the sounds of voices I picked up on. I’m getting close. Swerving around the corner I entered through a doorway. That was only a moment and a surprise to be greeted by a line of faces.
My ears went back at the sudden motion. Their attention was on me. A person with a clipboard came over and gazed at me. With a nod of approval, he puts a hand on my shoulder and moves me toward the middle of the line. I sat on the bench as everyone else was doing. I was placed next to a younger girl. She was wearing a fluffy pink tutu and a vibrant maroon dress with ruffles on her shoulders. A small bit of makeup was on her cheeks and around her eyes.
I watch as she fiddles around with her long ponytail and her attention was scattered. She was scared and I could feel her shaking next to me on the bench. I knew how she feels about this performance because I’m feeling the same way. I thought for a moment before grabbing my tail and handing it to her. She was in the line before me. She’s seen me holding it out. A confused look crossed her face.
“When I feel scared I hug my own tail, it’s like a portable stuffed animal.”
Her eyes went wide, “Are you sure? Won’t this hurt you?”
“You need it more than I do.”
Without another word, she hugged my tail, stuffing her face into it. I could tell she was upset as I heard her sob. I bit my lip and watched her tighten her grip. This must be hard for her to bear, after all this isn’t something small. Plus she’s younger than most of the people in this room. I tapped her on the shoulder.
“Hey, what’s your name?”
She lifted her head, “Isabella, and who are you?”
“Hitoshi Shinso, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Thank you for being so nice to me and lending me your tail.”
“It’s the least I could do, you looked as if you needed it.”
“I did, this is my first time in front of this many people.”
I sat back and gazed at the small line before me. That’s when a couple of people, two boys pass by and pause next to me. One of them chuckled and held a hand out to me. I stared at it and already didn’t like the look of these two. They’re twins by the looks of it because they’re mostly the same other than the colorful outfits they wear and that mirrored each other. They both looked like walking abstract paintings.
“Oh look brother! Look what the cat dragged in!”
“What cat? Isn’t he one?”
I glared at them, how I hated cat jokes considering I am partly one. They didn’t seem to notice me not caring and broke out into laughter. Others around the room started to laugh with them. I’m trying not to lose it on the actions these people have towards me. Sometimes this is what happens because not everyone around these parts has the ears and tails of animals. It drives me crazy that people with differences like that are often mistreated.
I took a deep breath and gazed from them to the TV that hung on the other side of the room. It had the recording of the performance stage on it. This is a live viewing for those that are not sitting in the audience and it’s nice to have that. I’m sure this is so that everyone here can see what’s going on and base what they do off of that. A way to see what you’re up against and see possible ways to improve based on what’s seen. They snickered loudly, it broke me from my thoughts.
I averted my attention back to them, “What do you two want?”
They looked at each other and spoke at the same time, “You’re new here and all newbies don’t make it. You’ve been lucky to have made it this far.”
“What’s it to you? You both were new at some point.”
They glared at me, “Excuse me but we’ve been doing this a while and our social media will soar!”
“Indeed brother!” the other responded.
I cared less about their overconfidence that they didn’t believe that I could pull this off. They have the wrong visions because why else would I be here? We all had to send in a video audition before being accepted to come. I didn’t feel it was right to laugh at someone who has the same amount of chances of winning as much as anyone else. I exhaled a breath trying to prevent myself from losing my cool.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. People such as them were not my favorite to deal with. Over time I’ve learned to block that negativity out of my life. They passed by and continued to laugh and chatter with each other. I heard the man with a clipboard wave in Isabella. With one last squeeze, she released my tail. I’m glad to have helped her as everyone needs extra support sometimes. I may not have any today but that’s not going to stop me from doing my best.
“Thank you again, I needed that,” she said going over to the man.
My turn is next. I could feel a cold sweat on the back of my neck. I gazed at the TV screen, I saw her emerge onto the stage. I gave a small smile and wished her luck under my breath. She’s going to do well today. A grin came to her face and I could feel one also form on my face. She began to move across the stage in a graceful fashion spinning around with the calm melody that filled the area. I didn’t know her that much and she’s doing wonderful.
Her graceful movements were mesmerizing. I saw it was a form of ballet and it was amazing that she’s able to hold her own in high pressure. When the music started I watched all nervousness she has fade away. Isabella has this in the bag and will go far with her dance routine if she keeps this up. I’m sure that’ll happen at this rate.
When the song ended a couple of minutes later she bowed to the crowd. I heard them cheer loudly for her. This is what I came here to do besides trying something new. I’d come to support those that needed it. I took another deep breath. I wasn’t used to being on stage in front of people. I tried to get myself together. I can’t chicken out now or I’ll end up looking stupid in front of everyone. Plus it’s scummy to drop out at the last minute.
I seen everyone else in the room watch as Isabella surfaced. I’m unable to control myself and I got up and started to clap for her and nodded my approval at her. Her face lit up, I’m the only one that stood to support her. That’s on everyone else not to be nice to someone as this event is supposed to be for fun and not to get at each other’s throats. Out of the corner of my eye the twins noticed me and scoffed. Isabella took a seat beside me and gave me a side hug.
“Thank you again! You’re the best person I’ve met today!”
I perked my ears, “Really? That’s the nicest thing I’ve heard all day.”
“I wish you luck, but it’s your turn to shine!”
I saw the man wave me over and I stood up, “You did great out there. I see a bright future for you.”
Out of my sight, I heard my name be announced and I felt everything clench up inside of me. This moment is one I’ve come here to face and get over the fear of being in front of people. I closed my eyes before I walked onto the stage. The flashing of cameras blinded me for a second. The stage lights fell onto me and the room went silent. The sound of music filled the air.
I started to move when the song I chose, I felt the energy soar through me like lightning kept in a bottle. I poured all my energy and put my whole soul into this performance. It felt as if I was floating on a cloud even if this song isn’t slow. I’d let the thought of the people before me fade from my mind as I continued on and my energy filled the room.
As soon as my time on stage started it ended just as fast. I looked at the open mouths of people in front of me. They were shocked and didn’t even start clapping yet. I scanned over them and I was surprised when I saw toward the front of the rows that Denki was sitting there smiling at me. He’d told me that he couldn’t come, this must’ve been a plan of his to come to see me. He nodded and stood up starting a round of applause as everyone else followed in after. The ring in my ears wasn’t one that bothered me but made me stand up taller and feel like I’m on top of the world.
I thought this would be worse than this and I smiled back at everyone. I gave a bow and started to walk off the stage and back to the small room where everyone else was. I was glad to have taken this chance even if it wasn’t my first choice. Upon entering the room two people averted their attention towards me. They walked over in unison. The twins stood there and their jaws were dropped.
“We’re sorry for what we said to you but just know that we will win this. We didn’t know what you were like till we saw you on the screen.”
“Very sorry indeed, you were good but still not as good as us.”
The two of them snickered as I heard the man with a clipboard call us all to the stage. Like a heard everyone rushed out. I walked behind everyone. I assume this is the time we figure out who won. I’m not too worried about it since I didn’t come here to be on top. I came here to have fun and try something out of my comfort zone. When we were all back on the stage I looked at the crowd as they went wild.
“All these ladies and gentlemen have done a wonderful job, it’s now time to choose the winners of this year!”
I saw everyone tense up including Isabella and the twins beside her. I have no doubts that they scored higher as I don’t know what the others here have done before me. I found my gaze falling back onto Denki as the announcer continued to speak. A smile crossed his face and he waved at me. I’ll have to thank him for sticking around instead of doing something else.
“In third place, we have our one and only younger person in this, give it up for Isabella! Her calm and casual ballet routine was wonderful, calm and remarkable!”
Her jaw dropped as she stepped up to get a large yellow ribbon from the announcer. Her eyes shined with the lights of the stage. I wanted to jump around with her, the energy was a lot and it felt nice. She skipped back to her spot and I saw her jump up and down. I’m so happy for her to get this high up. For how scared she was before going out on the stage she deserved it. Everyone deserved to win. I took a deep breath before the announcer begins to announce the people that came in second and first.
“We had a close call for the judges today between two groups, they both were amazing and did fantastically! But without further ado in second place we have the Abstract Twins in second place and Hitoshi Shinso in first! Give these guys a round of applause!”
The roar of the crowd erupted and people stood up once more. Must’ve been an amazing show to see but I’ve enjoyed being in and a part of something. Out of the corner of my eye I catch sight of the twins and frowns come to their faces. It seems to me like the pride they had seeped out of their bodies. This made me feel terrible and I had to do something to help them too. I bit my lip and the announcer calls me to the front of the stage. A trophy in his hands. He handed it to me.
“Is there anything you want to tell the crowd before we wrap this up?”
I scanned the crowd and look back at everyone, “All of us here are winners.”
The twins gazed at me with wide eyes when I waved them over. They paused before they came to my side. I did the same with Isabella and she stood on my other side. We all came here to dance the best that we could and I’m not leaving when all of our groups deserved to leave happy and fulfilled. I picked up the trophy and held it out to the space between us. I couldn’t stand to see anyone sad even if they’ve been mean to me.
“The three of us are winners as well as everyone that was on this stage today. There are no limits to what you can do.”
They moved their hands to touch the trophy with me. Tears welled in their eyes as the twins rushed in to give me a hug with Isabella on their heels. Most times this isn’t something I’d put up with being touched suddenly. However, this time it felt enjoyable as the four of us faced the crowd that grew louder. I smiled and we bent into the microphone. We all spoke at the same time.
“We came to Just Dance to have fun and there’s nothing going to get in our way!”