May 3, 2001 16:27
There were only 2 days left until the concert. I sighed, closing my phone. Uncomfortable, I settled into my sitting position on the floor. Together with Kaoru we were in the studio— a couple of hours ago we had already been rehearsing the repertoire of songs we planned to perform.
"Still no answer?" my voice could hopefully be heard. I wasn't really paying attention to the lack of the last member, I was still gnawing me with my thoughts. "Nope."
To my surprise, Kaoru had not traveled alone to Tokyo. Days ago, when we met again, we had arranged to get together to resume band rehearsals. However, little did I expect the familiar face that walked through the door with Kaoru.
Surpassing me by many inches, Aoi smiled at me nonchalantly; although I could still sense some melancholy when he saw me. Just as I felt.
Going back years, we never really bonded with Aoi. But we did have a lot of fun the times we shared, especially when we would make fun of Shizue's nonsense comments during practice.
«Long time, Zuzu» It was the first thing he said to me once we both came out of our little trance. Hearing it my eyes widened in amazement. Just as I hadn't heard from them in a while, I didn't think the boy remembered the nickname he himself had given me the first time we met.
"I feel that if I say Chizu, it might be misinterpreted as Shizue." Incredulous I stared at him, somewhat confused I tilted my head but still let out a small giggle. It was the first time someone found a resemblance in both names. Or at least, that anyone commented to me about it. "Considering the ages, you could call her Shizue 2." The cringe on Aoi's face upon hearing my sister managed to make me let out a laugh. Without expecting it, the boy laughed along with me.
"Shizue you suck at nicknames." he threw towards the girl, who was tuning the electric guitar she was holding. Turning his gaze back to me, he stood for a few seconds thinking. "Mm, how about Zuzu. Distinctive and cute." Feeling my cheeks blush slightly I nodded. Damnit!
"That sounds like a dog name, and you say I suck."
Although, if I thought about it, Kaoru and Aoi have always been together. At least since Shizue was in the same grade as both of them. Many times when I walked through the halls, I could hear people in the music room playing; While Kaoru was passionate about playing the guitar, either electric or acoustic, although his passion lately has been the bass— Aoi on the other hand was always dedicated to playing the drums.
More than once Shizue would run around trying to find me around the school so that we could go home once classes were over, only to finally find me standing by the door of the music club, peeking through the small space that formed between the door and the wall frame.
And as expected, more than once she teased me that she could easily ask them for autographs for me, since they were from her classroom.
"Ugh, you're finally here." Exasperation showed in Kaoru's voice, who put the instrument aside and went to greet his friend. "You'll have to learn to manage your timing better, man." I smiled as Aoi pouted at me, teasing Kaoru. Putting his stuff aside, he pulled out his drum sticks. "Alright, boss, shall we start or not?"
"I mean, with Chizu we started about two hours ago, but if you say so." My eyes strayed to my thighs, where the famous notebook of our song lyrics lay. Lightly biting the back of the pen in my hands, I tapped the page thoughtfully. On the page in front of me lay several ideas of what we could call the band. At least the "reboot", even if we never debuted. I felt an arm rest on my head, the drumsticks in my field of vision, being held in Aoi's hand dangling above me. "Mm, I like this one, what do you think Zuzu?"
"Yeah, it's the one that convinces me the most but I don't know. What do you say boss?" I joked raising my eyes to Kaoru, who already had the bass in his hands. He looked at us with feigned weariness. "So funny you two. Why don't we all better practice together and then discuss the name issue."
"Sounds good to me boss—"
"Stop."
"So?"
The faint rays of sunlight streaming through the dining room window combined with the warm light from the spotlight above us. After the two hours of rehearsal, actually four for both Kaoru and me, we decided to drop into my apartment for a while.
As Kaoru had mentioned, we were deciding once and for all on the name of the band. Having the page with the possible options in front of him, Aoi and I still waited attentively for his answer.
"Do you think the audience will understand the acronym?" The boy next to me mumbled and got up toward the kitchen. Patiently Kaoru tried not to pay attention to him, and went on with the subject. "Maybe most of them don't know what it means, even if it's something basic."
"Then we'll let them know."
Grinning towards me, Kaoru nodded and with the marker he held, circled the chosen option. "It's decided then."
"What's decided?" a female voice announced in the room. Knowing who it was, I headed over to greet her. "Oh, Kaoru!" She waved her hand toward the boy, who returned the gesture with a smile. "Hi Zuki."
Yuzuki smirked and walked further into the apartment. Aoi who was still leaning on the kitchen counter looked puzzled. "She is?" he whispered as I approached. I looked at him in disbelief, pouring what was left of the lemonade we had bought into a glass. "My aunt, Yuzuki. I live with her."
His mouth formed an «O» at the realization. "Who did you think I lived with? Alone?" I smiled graciously and walked away towards the table, setting the glass down in front of Yuzuki. Hearing the small thank you leave her lips I sat down next to her.
"Guess what, this band already has its own name." Kaoru blurted out proudly towards Yuzuki. Putting down the glass, almost choking on the lemonade, she smiled and put her arm around my shoulders hugging me. "Really? Great, so the gift I brought you has more reasons!"
I looked at her expectantly. Under the table, next to her legs, she pulled out an incredibly large bag. "What, Zuki did you buy a puppy that the bag is so big?"
I held said cardboard bag with both hands, laying it on the table in front of me. "Don't talk nonsense, who gives away puppies, it sounds cruel. Look at the brand." Shaking my head I looked at the front flap of the bag.
My eyes widened as I saw the peculiar logo design, "Happy Berry" stood out next to a, tomato with wings?.. I had no idea but I smiled at the cute design.
Aoi walked over to look at the logo as well. "Happy Berry...what store is that?" Kaoru raised his shoulders cluelessly, as did I. We looked at Yuzuki. "It's the store I work at, the designs you can find there are really unique."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, a soft look on her face. I smiled and finally took out the box that contained inside the large bag. To be honest, knowing that it was the place where Yuzuki worked managed to make me more intrigued to see the style of clothes she sold. Even more so when I didn't know the brand. Running my fingers delicately through the box, I had certain illusions, knowing that it was shoes that were inside. "Whoa..." My heart was pounding with excitement once I removed the paper wrapped around the boots, white and long; they were sure to reach higher than my knees.
"Even though I don't know what outfit you plan to wear for the concert, I thought I'd advance you the job." Even if I didn't see her directly, I felt Yuzuki's warm smile as she saw my reaction. I nodded happily.
The four of us chatted for the rest of the afternoon. Beside me lay the boots, white as they were, gleaming. Resting my head on my hand I couldn't help but have a goofy grin on my face.
"Now that I remember, Chizu," awakening from my little trance I turned my attention to Kaoru. "Saturday, we will pick you up to go to the event, so we can rehearse one last time." I stiffened.
I hadn't stopped to think, but I didn't know how I would manage to adjust my timing, both to be focused on performing with my band and also to be able to see Blast give its performance. Remembering the first time I saw Nana sing, even if it meant nothing what she was saying, I had promised myself to see how she sang on stage, performing like a professional.
But there were also Kaoru and Aoi. Being the first time we were performing at a musical event, I felt more like being with the two guys at all times. From start to finish enjoying the experience— however, in those fantasies Hachi's face appeared; being that we had agreed to go together to watch Blast give its performance. Their first one in Tokyo. I let my body crash against the backrest, gnawing at my mind.
They were opposite experiences, but ultimately complementary. Being the performer of the night or staying with Hachi and being a spectator and support for my friends. One hand held mine calmly, Yuzuki beside me seemed to realize the reason for my strange behavior.
"You okay?" Aoi held his glass up to me, which contained a tiny amount of lemonade, but just enough to give me a different taste. Hesitantly I held the glass to my lips, the sweet acid running down my throat. As it fell, soothing my insides somewhat.
Feeling my corners lift forcibly, I smiled with a relaxed facade. Or at least trying to look like that. "Yes," Setting the glass down on the table, I looked at Kaoru. "let's give it our best shot."
Meet us at the restaurant xxxx at 20:35! ୧(୧ˊ͈ ³ ˋ͈)
— Hachi
I bit my lower lip, letting out a nervous sigh followed by. It had been a few hours since both boys had left the apartment. I honestly still felt confused about the events that would occur on Saturday. Even inside me I had thought about not telling Hachi, maybe making up some headache; I knew that would only make it worse. I had to be honest.
Rereading the message I lightly shook my thoughts aside and decided to enter the restaurant.
In front of me there was a couple waiting to be served— while I waited I looked around. Waiters were coming and going with trays, some of them full of dishes that looked appetizing just by looking at them. Others were simply carrying what was left on the table after the customers had left. At that moment I distinguished a light blue, spiky hair. It was sticking out from one of the tables next to the window.
Unconsciously a smile settled on my lips. "Excuse me, do you have any reservations or shall I find you a table?" a boy with shoulder-length hair caught my attention. Like the other waiters, he was wearing a tuxedo of sorts.
"No, thanks. Actually a friend is waiting for me." Turning my body in the direction of the table, I pointed to where Hachi was. "There, they are."
With confusion I watched as the boy's eyes grew wide with surprise. Combined to that I could feel how every movement on his part went hand in hand with nerves. "Uh, okay. Come in."
Leaving the strange boy behind, I walked into the salon. The atmosphere was pleasant, contrasting sharply with the nerves I had swallowed a few minutes ago and made sure they were not noticeable. Both girls had not yet noticed my presence behind them, Shin smiled at me but said nothing. I stealthily ran my hands down Hachi's sides and covered her eyes. "Ah— Shoji?"
Nana on the side couldn't help but laugh. "Pffffff Hahaha, Shoji...really? Your deduction skills are dire." I laughed in kind. Pulling my hands away from her face I walked to Shin's side, sitting down next to him. "Oh! Chizu." Her embarrassed expression caused even more amusement at the atmosphere. "I already thought it was weird that Shoji had such delicate hands."
"Your boyfriend is classy, Nana. His uniform suits him." Curiosity in my eyes as I listened to Shin. "Yes? When he talks, he's dumb." Both girls laughed, Hachi settling back into her seat. "Boyfriend? who's your boyfriend Hachi?" The girl turned to me and smiled.
"Shoji, you saw him didn't you, the boy at the entrance." The image of the strange boy popped back into my mind, Hachi's cheerful look made me ignore whatever was going on and I smiled back at her, nodding. A crashing noise broke the mood of the restaurant, everyone turned to the side in unison. Feeling a liquid trickle down my leg I looked down— a small piece of glass was stuck in my leg. "Oh..."
The girl who caused it began to try to clean up the pieces of glass scattered on the floor. Her concerned coworker had warned her not to do so, but seeing my bleeding leg made her even more elated. "I'm so sorry! Kawamura, get a bandage while I clean up." I stood up careful not to rub the wound, Hachi noticing it quickly got up. "You're bleeding, Chizu! Let's go to the bathroom." She held my arm and together we walked to the restroom.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw the short-haired girl, Kawamura, crying on the ground holding her finger. Bleeding too.
"You sit here, I'll go ask if they have band-aids." I smiled as I saw her more upset than myself, having a cut on my leg. Without waiting any longer, she stormed out of the bathroom. I carefully pulled up my skirt, taking a closer look at the wound; the piece of glass was sticking out hopefully. Blood still trickled down my leg, dripping onto the white floor.
I exhaled in surrender. Leaning back on my arms, my head hit the mirror. Leaving out the fact that I had yet to tell Hachi that I couldn't go with her to the event, since I had arrived at the restaurant things felt strange. Uncomfortable, more like.
I didn't know myself if anything had happened, but the guy at the entrance— well, Shoji, he looked nervous. Considering that his girlfriend was here, I found the attitude odd. But I had let it go. After all Hachi didn't seem to relapse on her, maybe it was normal. And now I found myself with a bleeding leg in the bathroom.
Yeah, I'm having such a good time.
"Got them!" I straightened my back and sat up in a more comfortable position. Hachi, despite her still worried expression, I could tell she felt some relief that I was still alive. In her hands she brought a small first aid kit, and from it she pulled out some small tweezers. "Okay, I hope it doesn't hurt and if it does, please don't kick me." She pleaded crouching down near the wound. I stifled the laughter her plea caused me and took a deep breath. A sharp pain spread through the wounded area, a small whimper came from me but nothing more than that. "Such a brave girl!." Hachi celebrated, tossing the piece of glass into the trash can.
"Yeah, thanks mom." I rolled my eyes smiling. After disinfecting and putting the bandage in place, we both washed our hands and finally left the bathroom.
The atmosphere seemed to have calmed down, everyone had gone back to concentrating on their own thing, and likewise, we both made our way to our table. "Chizu, are you okay?" Shin and Nana's worried eyes greeted me. I nodded, smiled slightly. "It was just a little scratch." I said sitting up, Hachi in front of me denied fervently. "Don't believe her, it was a pretty deep cut."
Shin looked at my leg, the bandage around it standing out. "Are you sure you're okay?" his face was serious. With a calm expression I nodded, «Mhm!» I smiled for further emphasis and relenting, he nodded and turned his gaze to the front. Finally we ordered our food.
♥︎ ♡ ♥︎
"In the end, it's not easy to eat with a piercing in your mouth." Shin blurted out of nowhere. I laughed softly, bringing more food from my plate to my mouth. I hadn't eaten yakitori in years; in fact it's the most sophisticated yakitori dish I've ever seen. Hachi sighed giving in, saying she mourn how the boy had "ruined" such a pretty face. "He's still pretty."
The table went silent. Shin turned to look at me somewhat surprised. Ignoring their reactions I continued eating, stealthily glanced at Hachi who seemed to suddenly become excited, Nana looked at me complicitly. Sigh. "Yeah but how do you even kiss with that on your lips." Hachi went on and Nana did nothing but laugh at the conclusion she had come to.
"It was alright."
Both Nanas were dumbfounded looking at Shin. I just stared at my half-eaten plate. I was trying to avoid it, but my pulse was getting faster and faster— along with that, an unfamiliar pain. A sensation I had never experienced, let alone know how to describe. With a mocking, forced tone, I laughed airily. "What, you kissed Nobu?"
Without thinking Nana joined me. "You kissed Nobu?!" Incredulous, I dropped my head into my hand. The three of them were arguing with each other. Suddenly a rising wave of sadness flooded my body, in my eyes it was about to overflow. Pathetic.
I brought the glass in front of me to my lips. I wasn't really drinking, I only pretended to. My breath echoed at the bottom of the glass and came back to me. "Recently, I only crash at Nobu's occasionally, you know. I don't want to abuse his hospitality." I bit the inside of my cheek. Shin has been staying a few days at my place, and truth be told, I was pleased with his presence. It was comfortable to be with him. But his words made me remember the first time I offered him my house as a possible stay. Would he feel the same way about me? Will he think that the longer he stays at my house, the more of a nuisance he will become? Impulsively I pushed the glass away from my lips, opened my mouth ready to dive into the conversation.
"You don't abu—"
"I stay in women's houses. A different one each time." The calm tone with which he blurted out such a sentence, while returning to eating normally, contrasted with the truthfulness of what he was talking about. Unlike Nana and Hachi, who seemed to be on the verge of a seizure; I remained motionless, swallowing my words. Without even being able to say them. Shin... "I also stayed with Chizu! We had a good time together."
Both girls seemed to misunderstand the situation, although I don't blame them either. Put that way, even if I tried to ignore it; it had hurt more than I thought it would. Shaking my hands in front of me, I sighed, "It's not what you think! I only offered him to stay with me. Nothing else happened." Shin smiled innocently at me. Hachi looked like a mother dramatizing when a son handed her a bad grade. "Shin... you disappoint me..." Feeling a glance at me, Nana looked at me with empathy.
At the time I didn't quite understand why. But you know Shin, if I had been aware of my feelings at that time, I would have also looked at myself with pity.
She looked at me with pity. Or at least that's how it felt. Hesitantly, she held up the knife on her plate and emphasized. "Shin... you, you're a born idiot!"
I rubbed my arms fervently, the icy wind making my hair stand on end, being accustomed to the pleasant atmosphere of the restaurant. The sudden change in temperature was shocking. Especially for May.
Perched on the sidewalk, Shin was beside me. His bass case behind him. I had nothing to look forward to, no one was coming for me; I could just disappear from his sight and everything would go on as normal. But I didn't feel good doing it. Out of the corner of my eye, Shin watched the cars pass in front of us. "Achoo!" Hachi sneezed shrilly, I laughed lightly since like her, I felt my bones thundering from the cold. "I hope on the day of the concert the weather won't be like iceberg, I'm freezing!" The girl dramatized. I felt my nerves come alive, the image of the event lighting up in my mind.
"About that," Hachi, standing to one side of me, lowered her gaze looking at me expectantly. "I won't be able to go with you to the concert." Unconsciously my voice was getting smaller and smaller and inaudible, but it managed to reach everyone's ears.
"What, you're not going to see us?" The cigarette in Nana's mouth almost fell to the sidewalk, her expression pale and elated. Hachi held a hand to her nose, shielding it from the wind. Her eyes drooped, still looking at me. Beside me Shin ducked his head, sad eyes avoiding mine.
My heart shrank, at the same time my lungs took in as much air as possible. "No no! It's not that I won't attend." I felt stupid. Both me and the situation. "Some things came up that I have to do that day and well, I'll be late, so I won't be able to go with you, Hachi. But I swear I'll be in the front row!"
Nana's eyes softened, she let out a dry laugh and turned her eyes back to the street. A hand rested on my head. I raised my gaze which met Hachi's, her sweet look telling me it was okay, she wasn't angry. My emotions rose again, small pools of water pooling in my eyes.
A hand intertwined with mine, cold and thin. Shin smiled at me. As I was about to return it a ringtone interrupted us. The boy pulled his phone out of his pocket. "Miss Mayumi? No, you're not bothering me." Nana scoffed, irritated by Shin's actions. Without saying anything I stood to the side listening, though I wish I hadn't paid as much attention as I did. Our hands were still intertwined together, I felt mine trembling, but Shin didn't seem willing to let go. "Okay, I'm leaving now." He said and ended the call.
Along with Shin, I stood up in the same way. I wasn't willing to let him go either. "Please don't go!" Although I didn't mean to shout, my voice couldn't control itself and let out what I longed for inside me. Shin looked at me in confusion. One in front of the other, it was the first time I felt this nervous with a guy. "Don't go see her, you can stay with me."