「 A YOKAI? 」| RC9GN

03 • so u think u can stank

"Pfft— we can be professional." Howard says.

"Uh huh. And I'm the Ninja." She said sarcastic. "Just don't get too carried away."

"No promises." Randy held up finger guns.

"Also since I'm also trying out for the audition, I don't suppose I can convince you guys to go easy on me?" She said, shyly scratching her cheek.

"Sweet talking the judges already? Didn't think you're the type to do that." Randy says with a smug smile.

"I-I wouldn't call it sweet talking. I won't mind if you guys turn me down. It's just thought maybe you could be a little... less mean."

"Less mean?" Howard raises a brow.

"Yeah. I kinda figured what you're like on day one. You don't wanna be known by everbody on hate right?"

"I don't really care." 

"Okay. Welp, it's your funeral." Adjusting the heavy weight her shoulder again, she turns to leave. "I better go get ready, good luck making a name for yourselves." She smiles and waves goodbye.

"Good luck in the audition!" Randy waves back.

"Depends if you guys like what I do!" 

‐ – — — ★ — — – ‐

「 Ashlynn's pov 」

This may be the unluckiest moment of my life. 

Out of all the people, I was chosen to perform first. Hiding behind the curtains of the stage, I nervously clutch onto my guitar. 

So what if you get to go first, at least you get to finish early and enjoy the rest of the auditions.

The thought doesn't help ease my mind.

Whyyyy... I whined silently in my head. Oh dad, the lucky bracelet you gave me is starting to lose its magic. I peek out from behind the curtains to see Randy and Howard sitting in the front with a table set up. 

Randy notices me peeking and gives a wave of encouragement. I wave back and give a nervous thumbs up.

Beside them, Heidi makes her announcement.  "Sup! It's your girl Heidi. Me-casting live from the auditorium where my super sweet little brother and his best friend, Andy..."

"Randy. Name's Randy. Known you my whole life." He corrects her but she only ignored him. "...have agreed to judge the talent show auditions. Yay!"

Closing back the curtains, I decided to do some final checks before the auditions start. 

Guitar in perfect condition and connected to an amp. Doing a few vocal stim warm-ups. Adjusting the mic stand.

"Alright! First up to the stage is Ashlynn Campbell."

Shit.

Stepping out to the stage with my fingers gripping tightly on the electric guitar. All the attention is on me now, having hundreds of eyes staring at me like they can see my fears, I can't help but look down at the ground.

While looking down, I see my left hand resting on the base of the guitar. Seeing the gifted accessories I wore from my dear parents, it gave me a little courage. I lift my gaze up and the first thing I see are my two friends. Even though we haven't known eachother that long, it's nice to see how much my life has change after what little time I've spent here. 

With a final look, I gave them a small smile and strum a chord that echos through the entire stage.

___