Shiika had no ability to comprehend Ootsuka’s skills and know-how. She didn’t even have the first idea about dance, after all.
But Shiika was able to understand without logic.
Shiika sees colors in sound.
Synesthesia isn’t just a fortunate, God-given ability.
Casual conversation, the chattering of the crowd. Shiika can pick up on intentions, emotions, in even trivial sounds. She can pick up on things the ordinary person wouldn’t even notice. All just by paying close attention to sound.
That is also the reason why Shiika suffers in a classroom environment, where all kinds of sounds clash and emotions swirl in the air.
But it was synesthesia that gave Shiika the ability to appreciate the compassion and guidance Ootsuka put into her dance instruction.
“Now it’s my turn. I’ll get to know you, Tatsu, and learn about your dance culture. I want to compose the perfect song for you to dance to.”
“Shi…”
“You don’t want me to?”
“It’s not that… It’s not that at all…”
Ootsuka shook her head.
“I’m…thrilled! And I can’t wait to hear the track you compose for me, Shiika!”
Ootsuka spread her hands wide.
She wore her usual, uncomplicated, bright smile.
Shiika’s expressionless face melted into a small smile. She probably found Ootsuka’s grin reassuring.
I felt a wrenching sensation in my chest that took me by surprise.
Well, can you blame me? Shiika, who’s timid, been tormented by the emotions of others, and is a former cowering shut-in… She was reaching out a hand to a friend.
Just like with her and Shibuya back when the midterm-exam stuff happened. Shiika was peering over the walls between her and the rest of the world… Peering with curiosity at the other side.
Back then, she was captivated by the talent of the diva known as Erio Shibuya. And she wanted to do something to help preserve that talent.
This time around…
Perhaps she sensed the danger, the risk faced by the experimental dancer known as Tatsuki Ootsuka.
And it was clear to me that Shiika had already made up her mind. So all I had to do, as her manager, as her older brother, was make a mild protest just for the sake of form.
“Are you sure about this, Shiika?”
“Yeah. It’s fine. Though it might cause some trouble, Gak.”
“No, no, it’s fine. You’re allowed to compose.”
Shiika was not only talented in singing but also songwriting.
With her ability to perceive sounds as colors, she can create melodies that simply can’t be conceived of by those who experience sounds as mere sounds. And because Shiika sees the world in a different way, she’s able to compose songs that have many layers to them.
It comes at a cost, though. Each time Shiika composes a song, it consumes a great deal of her mental energy.
The symptoms present at random. In mild cases, she may have a small maniac episode. But when it’s severe, she gets lethargic, unable to move sometimes. She gets confused mentally. Sometimes she even commits acts of self-harm. I have to stick close to her and make sure she’s not in any danger.
As a result, I took composing off the table, and we limited her activities as Seeker to just cover songs.
But that didn’t mean I’d imposed a blanket ban on composing.
When it’s really a special occasion… When Shiika herself has a strong desire to compose.
When it really matters… When she’s ready to challenge herself…
I’ve been prepared for that. So I’m ready whenever.
“Go for it, then, Shiika.”
“Mmn. Thank you, Gak.”
I patted her head, giving my blessing, and Shiika nodded and smiled softly.
Then she turned to Ootsuka again.
“Tatsu. Do you have free time after this?”
“Huh? I don’t have any plans, but…”
“I want to know more about you, Tatsu.”
“Whoa?! Hey, hey, Shi?! You’re close… Way too close!”
Ootsuka went bright red as Shiika brought her face close to hers, still clutching her hand.
Ootsuka was the type to get up close and personal with others, but being on the receiving end of it seemed to startle her somewhat.
Shiika continued, oblivious to Ootsuka’s flustered state.
“Show me the culture…of hip-hop dance.”
In the end, we decided to leave the studio and head home after school without bothering with the dance lesson.
Although we didn’t go home immediately.
We were following Ootsuka and headed somewhere special.
A few minutes’ walk from Ryouran High School. Plunging into the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, we entered a rather dim alley through a street full of young people who already smelled like alcohol, though it was a weekday evening.
There was graffiti in green, purple, orange, and black spray paint on the walls. The ground, guardrails, phone booths, and other public items were covered in obscene writing.
We reached an open area, like a sort of plaza.
A basketball court, surrounded by wire fencing. Darkly tanned men were making flashy dunk shots, and the air was heavy with the sound of pounding basketballs.
There were guys and girls riding skateboards, too. Doing fancy tricks using the stair railings, drawing loud applause.
Loud music played throughout the space.
R&B, reggae, and hip-hop—playing all at the same time, creating a chaotic atmosphere.
There were young people having dance-offs in tune to the discordant music.
They were predominantly male, but there were also quite a few ladies around. Maybe a seven-three split.
But regardless of gender, every individual here had a mean look about them.
In other words…they all looked like delinquents.
They were really scowling. Was that just their usual expression or were they purposely doing it? I didn’t know.
Their hairstyles were eccentric and dyed odd colors.
Their fashion was wild and impactful. Summer was approaching, yes, a hot season, but there was a heck of a lot of skin exposed on both males and females, and it was clear they had a lot of confidence in their bodies.
I didn’t want to go near any of them. I was certain they were the type I couldn’t get along with. A few girls from the delinquent group noticed us, and they called out to us.
“It’s Tatsuki!”
“Wow, it’s been a long time! Since you entered Ryouran, I guess. Long time no see.”
The delinquent girls greeted us in a friendly manner.
I was taken aback, but Ootsuka answered them right away with a bright smile.
“Totally! I’m glad to see you guys all looking well.”
“Oh yeah, we’re good. ’Sup?”
“’Sup?!”
They were laughing and giving high fives.
It didn’t make sense. What were they all so jazzed about?
Why were they suddenly clapping their hands together? It was so out of nowhere that I couldn’t hide my confusion.