Chapter 6: Meanwhile III
Ray Migel grinned at Kensei, Hisagi, and Ikkaku in the alley behind the soundstage. He pointed to each in turn.
"Sharp, very sharp, guys. Understatedly tough," he said to Hisagi. "Love the tattoo. Bald but proud," his finger lingered at Ikkaku before moving to Kensei. "Trendy but urban. Think about it," he said with a bright smile for them. "I'll get back to you. Ciao!"
Ray stepped back into the stage door behind him and closed it.
Kensei, Hisagi, and Ikkaku all looked at each other.
Hisagi grinned. "Yes, please!"
"Are you nuts?" Ikkaku cried. "No way!"
Kensei rubbed the back of his head, shrugging slowly. "I don't know. It might be fun."
"No way, no way, no way," Ikkaku muttered.
Hisagi and Kensei exchanged looks.
"Well, I want to," Kensei said. "Kinda." He cleared his throat. "You think Mashiro is still in?"
Hisagi shrugged. "The only episodes that have aired are the preliminary ones. There're still all thirty-two contestants. They'll narrow it down the next few episodes."
Ikkaku put his hands on his hips, glaring at Hisagi. "I'm not doing it. I'm only here to take Yachiru back when she's out." His frown intensified. "Where the hell is Yumichika? I haven't seen him in a week!"
Hisagi chuckled. "How far can Yachiru get? She's a kid."
"Kids model," Ikkaku said with a growl.
"How far can she get with the rest of them?" Hisagi clarified, smiling slowly. "Like Rangiku..."
Ikkaku shook his head. "Hmph!"
"Mashiro's cute," Kensei added.
Hisagi shrugged. "Cute won't get it."
Kensei frowned at them both for a moment. "I want in. Let's throw for it."
They all nodded in agreement.
"Rock, paper, scissors!" Hisagi said as they all threw a hand in between them.
"Ha!" Ikkaku said gleefully, holding up his fist. "Rock! I win!"
Hisagi and Kensei scowled at him.
"Again," Hisagi said.
"Rock, paper, scissors!"
"Paper covers rock," Kensei said to Ikkaku. "I win!"
"Again," Ikkaku snapped.
Rock, paper, scissors ... Rock, paper, scissors ... Rock, paper, scissors...
Ten minutes later, the score was ten-twelve-eleven.
Ikkaku had twelve.
Kensei wasn't happy about it.
"Again," he said.
Rock, paper, scissors...
"Agh!" Hisagi lost.
"Who do you think will be out first?" Ikkaku asked.
"Hiyori," Kensei and Hisagi said in unison.
Hisagi sighed, holding his hand up in a fist. "Best out of twenty..."