All Strings Attached

Chapter Five: Chords Between Strangers (1)

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Jean's perspective

The rehearsal room smelled like old wood and anticipation.

Room 108 was my sanctuary-walls padded with makeshift foam, the floor uneven but familiar, and the faint scent of coffee that always linger in the air from the vending machine just outside. I arrived early, as always.

I Checked the acoustics, tuned my guitar, aligned the mic stands and continue to rewrote the chord transitions for the third time.

I liked things in order, even if my life rarely ever was.

By the time the clock struck 10:00 AM, June and Kian had already arrived. They settled into their usual corners-June with his art notebook beside the piano keyboard, humming softly to himself, and Kian spacing out, earbuds in. I sometimes saw him practicing his lines like he was about to fight someone.

Then came the knock. Two knocks, actually.

Jairus Klyde Dela Cruz stepped in first. He was the usual-bright, confident posture, eyes scanning the room like it was a stage he'd already claimed. Behind him trailed the condition that I needed, Steve Zairen Valerio-hands in pockets, hoodie loose over his frame, mouth busy with a gum.

I froze for a second. He looked at me and smiled like it was our fist time meeting each other, I remembered Steve...But how could he not remember me?

But I said nothing and just gave a small nod.

"Thanks for coming," I said, looking at Jairus.

Steve raised a brow. "Didn't think I'd make the cut, huh?"

"You weren't on my list," I replied. "You were the condition."

His smirk faltered slightly. "Right."

Jairus clapped his hands once. "Well, nandito na pala ang lahat...so, did we miss something?"

I stepped forward. "Let's do introductions."

June looked up shyly to Jairus from the keyboard. "Good morning, I'm June. I do backup vocals, harmonies, and I try not to mess up the keys."

Jairus smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you June."

June's face reddened, He hesitantly and slowly shook Jairus' hands while looking at the floor.

Meanwhile, Kian didn't say anything at first, he just stared at Steve. A hard stare at that.

I noticed the way Steve averted his eyes when It met mine. Then, he casually nudged Jairus' shoulder like nothing happened. Jairus' attention was now on Steve.

Kian eventually spoke after Steve's action. "Yow, I'm Kian. Rap, vocals, and here to make sure you don't slow us down." he said, looking menacingly at Jairus

Jairus let out a dry chuckle. "Woah, You're quiet...Intense."

Kian shrugged. "Only got a day, no time to baby anyone."

I clapped my hands once to shift the atmosphere. "Let's talk about your roles, we only have less than a day to practice"

Everyone turned their attention to me-quiet, steady, waiting.

I opened my notebook and read it aloud

Steve, you will be our Main Vocalist. Kian will be a Lead Vocalist & Lead Rapper. Jairus, Lead Rapper & Sub-Vocalist. June, you are our Sub-Vocalist.