It was already pitch-black outside by the time practice ended. I went straight home, ate dinner, and took a bath. Just like that, it was time for bed. Fulfilling days pass by fast.
Problem is, it’s been four days since the new term started, and I’ve barely spoken a word to Hikari. We’re not in the same class, and I either have practice or work after school. I miss her. It’s late, but sending a RINE message can’t hurt. Would it be gross if I honestly admitted I want to talk? Surely it’s fine since I’m her boyfriend, right?
Natsuki: Hikari, you awake?
Hoshimiya Hikari: Yeah, I’m still up
My text got an immediate response.
Natsuki: If you’re down, wanna call? I want to talk
Hoshimiya Hikari: Sure!
Hoshimiya Hikari: I’m writing but I’m almost at a good stopping point, so wait ten minutes!
It’s already 11 p.m., but she’s still working on her novel? Since last summer, Hikari’s been serious about becoming an author and has been working really hard... Am I disturbing her? Feeling guilty, I sent a reply.
Natsuki: Oh, don’t force yourself if you’re in the middle of writing. We can talk some other time
Hoshimiya Hikari: No, I was already winding down for the day
Hoshimiya Hikari: Besides, I want to talk to you too
Natsuki: Let me know when you’re ready then
Heh heh heh. Hikari wants to talk to me too! I’m a happy clam. I waited for a short while, until she sent me a sticker that said, “Okay,” and I called her.
“Can you hear me?” I asked.
“Yeah. You know, Natsuki-kun, it’s rare for you to say you want to talk,” she replied.
“Is it really?”
“It is! I’m always the one initiating!”
Now that she mentions it, that might be true. “It’s because I’d feel bad if I got in the way of your writing.”
“Don’t stress about that. I can write even while we chat.”
Hikari says it like it’s nothing, but isn’t that amazing? I can’t multitask for the life of me. “How’s the progress on your novel?”
“Um, I’m almost done writing the new project that I’ve been working on since February.”
“Wait, already? Isn’t that hecka fast?”
“It’s not! Professional authors write an entire volume in ten days.”
Just a hunch, but isn’t that only a small portion of superhuman pros? Writing an entire book in ten days is crazy! By that logic, they’d be cranking out three volumes a month.
“Natsuki-kun, can you read it once it’s done?”
“Sure, I can’t wait. Speaking of, what kind of story is it?”
“It’s a story about four girls who fly through the sky! It’s set in a world that has magic, but the people are only permitted to use magic that’s slightly useful for everyday life, and flying magic is forbidden. But—” Hikari enthusiastically explained the charms of the world she’d created. She let her imagination take the wheel, and it was like there was a bounce in her voice. I found it pleasant to listen to. “...and that’s how they destroy the old rule that the adults made, and then everyone flies!”
“Yeah, that sounds interesting,” I said.
“Right?! I had a lot of fun writing it too!”
“Still, it can’t be all fun, right?”
It’s only been about a month since I began taking the band seriously, but I’ve already run into so many walls. I can’t hide my lack of skills with power chords like I did at the school festival. I have to master difficult chords, so I get individual lessons from Serika on days we don’t have practice. I’m sure Hikari’s faced tons of walls on her journey that I don’t know about.
“Of course! I writhe on top of my bed in pain whenever I run into writer’s block.”
“Really? I kinda want to see that.”
“No way, never! I groan to myself, so I am not showing that to anyone,” Hikari said vehemently.
Understandable. I don’t want Hikari to see me when I’m being uncool. Please stop pointing out the cold, hard fact that she’s already seen a lot of that!
While I was admonishing myself, Hikari murmured, “But I enjoy the present, including those moments.”
I get it. Just having something to earnestly strive towards makes every day fulfilling.
“So, how’s the band going on your end?” she asked.
“We’ve got two weeks until the fest, and we’ve been practicing like crazy.”
Ever since my leap back in time, I’ve worked hard to paint my high school days vibrant colors. It’s called the Rainbow-Colored Youth Plan. The first step was to make friends, and the second was to get a girlfriend. I accomplished step two last fall, but I had a bunch of interpersonal relationship trouble, and my youth lost color. Which is why I spent the winter hustling to regain the rainbow part of my plan.
Now that that’s solved, my current goal is to make my youth sparkle even more radiantly. Basically, I’m on the final step of my Rainbow-Colored Youth Plan: live a fulfilling life! I believe that taking the band seriously will add that pizzazz to my youth.
“I wish I could say I’ll come watch, but the deadline for submission is close,” Hikari said.
“Don’t force yourself just to come. We’re the opening act, so we only appear briefly in the beginning.”
As the opener, we had a low ticket quota, and we’d already sold them. Plus, the other bands were popular, so I didn’t know if she could even get tickets at this point. Chances were that it was completely booked up.
“I have the newcomer award, and you’ve got your festival. Our goals are different, but let’s both do our best!”
“Yeah. I’m a little down that we’ll both be busy, though,” I said glumly.
“And we’re in different classes too. But I’ll call you whenever I want to hear your voice.”
Just talking a little bit today cheered me up. Even if we have less time to meet up, it’ll be fine as long as we keep supporting each other as a couple. “How’s your new class?”
“It’s fun. I made new friends too.”
I don’t need to worry about Hikari. She’s the (self-proclaimed) school idol, after all. “You’re in the same class as Serika, right?”
“Yeah. I heard from Serika-chan how you’re doing during practice.”
“Ack. What’d she say?”
“She said that you’re steadily improving.”
“Sweet!” I exclaimed. Getting praised by Serika makes me happy.
“But she also said that you started at such a low level that it doesn’t mean that much.”
“I know that!” Which is why I’ve been working my butt off!
Hearing the dejection in my voice, Hikari giggled.
“Could you quit lifting me up just to bring me down?” I whined.
“Controlling the pace is fundamental for storytelling,” she replied playfully.
Don’t storify my actions!