In swept May, and our band practice recommenced. Mei and Yamano were getting along a lot better than we’d expected. As for how exactly close they were...
“Haibara-kun, this is your fault!”
Funayama-san had gotten jealous of Yamano and was now upset at me. I felt like I could practically see an intimidating “RUUUMBLE” sound effect looming around her in true manga fashion as she berated me.
“Say what you like, but isn’t it better for bandmates to be on good terms?” I replied.
“They’re too close now! I’m supposed to be his girlfriend!”
“Now, now. It’s not like there’s anything romantic between them,” I said.
“Maybe, but they chat so intimately during lunch break! The line has been crossed!”
“Tell that to Mei yourself...”
“I can’t complain to his face! What if he ends up hating me?!”
“You were plenty stern with him when he rejoined the band!”
“And that’s exactly why I can’t tell him that he shouldn’t be so friendly with her!”
The spark that had lit her fuse had occurred mere moments ago. Yamano had come to our classroom for their album exchange. She had taken Mei right out the room with her in the process, and they’d walked together like they were having the time of their lives! Naturally, Funayama-san had looked on in shock.
Miori came over to where Funayama-san was unleashing her complaints and resentment onto me.
“I totally get it, Shizuki-chan. It’s discomforting enough that your boyfriend’s band consists of two boys and two girls as it is, but now you’re seeing him get chummy with one of the girls too? That would make anyone feel insecure.” Miori nodded understandingly, nestling up close to Funayama-san as she scornfully leered at me. “On top of that, the chief instigator is right here. The gall!”
“I get it already. It’s my fault...” I said.
However, Funayama-san regarded Miori with a lifeless stare and said, “I don’t want to hear that from the side chick who makes other people feel insecure...”
It was an instant KO. Miori was down on the ground, her hands on the floor.
“Wait a sec, Funayama-san! That was a bit overkill, don’t you think?” I exclaimed. Just because it’s the truth doesn’t mean it’s okay to say whatever you want!
Funayama-san snorted indignantly.
Sh-She’s fallen into darkness.
“You know, I think I can understand how Hoshimiya-san feels now.” Funayama-san glared at me.
Miori, who had suddenly swung by to make fun of me, returned to her desk with her head hanging. She’s been getting knocked out by friendly fire a lot lately. I feel so bad for her.
Mei returned just then, holding the album he’d borrowed from Yamano in one hand, and cocked his head to the side in confusion. “Did something happen?”
✦ ✦ ✦
After school.
We had band practice today. By the time I entered the second music room, the others had already begun setting up. When Serika noticed my arrival, she paused in tuning her guitar and said, “I’m writing a new song.”
Mei and Yamano looked up, giving her their full attention.
“I want this song to be for the four of us,” she continued.
“So is this song going to rep our band?” I asked.
Serika nodded. “Yeah. It’s our debut song for our new band, to show that we’re not Mishle. This song is for Saya replacing Iwano-senpai, which is why she’s going to write the lyrics.”
“What?! Me?!” Saya exclaimed.
“You can ask Natsuki for help,” Serika replied.
If she’s going to be so adamant about it, then I guess I gotta. “I’ll help you, Yamano.”
“Uhhh... Are you even any use?”
“Hey!” I lightly smacked Yamano’s head. “I’ll have you know I’m the one who wrote the lyrics for ‘Monochrome’ and ‘To the Star’!”
“I know that much. You’re the only one who could write such embarrassing lyrics.”
How dare she! Mei said the exact same thing!
“We also need to seriously put our heads together and come up with a band name,” Serika said.
“Oh, I’ve got a suggestion. What do you think about Youth Rocket?!” I unveiled the best idea I’d landed on after ruminating for three days without sleep. It screams high school band while simultaneously oozing a refreshing vibe. It’s the perfect name!
“Um...”
“Yikes, that’s lame.”
Their reactions were heartless. Mei cringed, while Yamano bluntly insulted my idea.
“Hey! Phrasing!” I admonished her.
“Sorry, my true thoughts just slipped out.” Yamano scratched her head and forced a smile.
“Natsuki, that one’s on you just now,” Mei said.
“Mei, you’re siding with her?! Why?!” Since he was allying himself with Yamano—for reasons beyond me—I turned to Serika. “It’s not that bad of a suggestion, right?”
However, she wouldn’t meet my gaze. “Right then, let’s get practicing.”
My idea that I’d poured my heart and soul into was supported by no one. I sobbed as I set up my guitar and mic.
“Shinohara-senpai, I’m going to be strict about the parts you simplified during the concert, okay?” Yamano warned.
“I’ve been practicing, so I can play it now,” Mei replied.
The atmosphere in the room was leagues better than before. I knew it! Yamano can think about other people’s feelings provided that she’s interested in them. Look at her now—the fact that she’s warning him in advance that she’ll be harsh shows that she’s being considerate. She’s not the only one who’s changed either; Mei’s drive is on an entirely different level than before.
Serika was also watching the two of them with a warm smile. The mood here was really nice. However, that didn’t mean it was lax. Needless to say, we were focused during practice, so it wasn’t exactly harmonious or peaceful. We used our words only to relay necessary information, and used music to communicate the rest.
Mei could now flawlessly play the parts he had struggled with before. He must’ve practiced a ton. His improvement put a satisfied smile on Yamano’s face.
Doing something seriously is tiring, but fun. I feel like the four of us share that sentiment now.