Two Strings, One Song: Memory Fragments and Parallel Songs

Parallel Song: Hiroko is Jobless!

"Yeah, what's up?"

He had a job application in his hands.

Aaand right after, I was screeching and squirming like a leech with salt.

The next day...

Around 12PM, I head to Starry to practice with Kessoku Band. I went early to talk to Seika about getting a job.

"So, you finally want a job here?" She asks, looking away from her laptop.

"Y-Yeah. I uh... I do." I nod.

"Well... Nijika will teach you the basics."

"...What?"

"I'm saying you're hired."

My eyes lighten up in joy.

YATA!!

"But don't slack off. You do that, I'll lower your pay until you work hard enough to get it back."

I stand up more straight, and I nod my head.

Gakh-!

Seika sighs and turns back to her laptop. And I think she was... Pouting? Slightly?

"Don't be so tense, I wasn't serious. Now, since you're here early, you can get to work. Mop and bucket to my right. Just... Do your best, alright?"

"R-Right!"

Later...

I had finished mopping the floors, and Ryo walked down the stairs. Nijika came earlier when I began to mop the floor.

During that time she taught me everything like serving, making drinks, and lastly, eye contact practice.

Then, Kita and Gotoh came.

Sooner or later, I explained to Nijika and the others that I had been hired by Seika and that it was easy.

And after preparing Starry for opening, we went backstage and did our usual band practice.

While being there, I also brought some song lyrics with me to see if the girls like it. Because I didn't have a job, it gave me time to write plenty of songs.

"So... What do you guys think...?"

"Hiroko-kun, I think these lyrics are great!" Nijika tells me.

"I notice some of the lyrics in this sound sad at some parts of the songs, but I think it's good!" Kita stated.

"Hm. Has potential." Ryo keeps observing the lyrics.

"Gotoh-san, what do you think?" I ask Gotoh.

I lean in close and look at the lyrics I wrote. Well, just the title that is.

"Flashbacker"

I understand her. I don't know just how to tell her, but... Lyrics seem like the best form for me to say it.

Gotoh looks up at me, but to my unexpectancy, our faces are closer to each other than I expected.

I can hear her let out a small, quiet and long squeal, and my face starts to get red.

"Aah!" I suddenly yell, standing up properly and stumbling back before falling on my bottom.

I then hear Kita laughing and Ryo laughing along very quietly.

"I-It isn't funny, you two!" I tell them.

Later...

"So, the lyrics... Do you like them, Gotoh-san?" I ask, sitting next to Gotoh and at a good distance.

Gotoh nods her head, her hands fidgeting with the lyrics.

"Good good, that's... That's g-"

"I-I want to spend my future with you."

I blink once and freeze. I look Gotoh in the eye and blush again.

"What...?"

"With you, a-and Nijika-chan, Ryo-san, a-and Kita-san." (HATIKITTE IKOU!!!)

I smile, and my blush just barely goes away.

"Yeah... Me too."

Gotoh's cheeks flush, and she smiles with me.

Nijika bangs her drumsticks against her cymbals, catching the both of us off guard.

"Let's get back to practicing, K?" Nijika tells us with a gentle yet assertive tone.

"R-Right!" Gotoh answers.

"R-Right, yeah!" I say right after her.

We get our instruments ready to play, and once Nijika gives the signal...

All five of us, playing and singing together as always. But, after what happened between Gotoh and I, I just can't stop looking at her from time to time.

Hiroko: I'm going to gain the courage to confess to Gotoh-san one day!

Hitori: Someday, I'll understand how I feel. What this other definition of love is. When I finally understand... Hiroko-kun, I promise I'll tell you!

Parallel Song: Hiroko is Jobless!
End

Fellas, fellas, fellas! I'm glad I was able to get at least one thing done. The reason why my Project Sekai story has been on a hold is because of laziness, school and just, I wanna make a lot of stories at once, that's all. But, as said I'll take my time, and I'll probably give myself due dates again. But I hope you all enjoyed this Parallel Song! Next up, I'll finish up on Kenjiro's story!

See you whenever!
The Mann out! 👋