[FANFIC] Music Lovers
let's be honest, i am still in this state:
Title: Music Lovers
Pairing: OkaZuki
Author: macymacymacy
Genre: Friendship, Romance, Slice of Life
Rating: PG?
AN:
- unbetaed
- alternative universe~
- on an unrelated issue, this is my 600th (and 601st) entry. xD
- inspired by Quest for Camelot. ^^
Airi sighed in relief as she arranged the picture frame by her bedside table, the last one not in order.
Airi sighed in relief as she arranged the picture frame by her bedside table, the last one not in order.
It was two days before classes start and she was currently in her dorm room, just settling in. With the dorm being her aunt's, she was able to have a room for herself.
She smiled in satisfaction as she looked at the room she would be living in for the next four years. When she had arrived, it was bare and a little creepy. Now though, it resembles her own room from her home in Osaka.
After looking at her work for another minute, she sighed feeling her exhaustion now.
Stretching for a bit she muttered, "Hm, I'll take a bath, first and then I'll rest..."
--
It wasn't his first time to live in a dorm, but all the same, he is a bit nervous.
He knew he needed to familiarize himself with the place so he had moved in to his dorm two days earlier. It would be more convenient for him if he could explore the building when there were only few people around.
He remembered his best friend, Yuto. The guy had offered to come with him today --to keep an eye on him, no doubt-- but he refused this. He knew it'd be best if he was alone.
His father had already told him about the building's structure and he already studied about where to find the places, so he was confident he wouldn't get lost.
He exited his room and turned left where he knew the stairs were. Even though the dorm was up to seventh floor, he prefers to use the stairs rather than the elevator. It was one of the reasons he chose a room on the second floor.
He decided to go up to the fourth floor where he knew the cafeteria is. His dorm is co-ed. The first to third floors are for male tenants and the fifth to seventh floors are for female tenants. They placed the cafeteria in the middle, in the fourth floor. That was also where the landlords, Mr. and Mrs. Fukuda, as well as their employees roomed. Supposedly, it was so they could monitor the tenants. The boys are not allowed to go to the fifth floor and up without permission and after curfew. Keito though, didn't know how they could monitor effectively if there's an elevator.
At first glance, it seemed to Keito that rooming in the middle floor and by the cafeteria was a bit impractical. The cafeteria would surely be the noisiest place. But then he remembered they have curfew. The cafeteria opens at 6 in the morning and closes as exactly 10PM. The building itself closes at 12 midnight so tenants are expected to be back before then.
It seems there are already a few people around. Keito had heard someone talking as he passed by the third floor.
Unexpectedly, it was much quieter in the fourth floor. Keito guessed the others must still be settling in. He turned left, going to the cafeteria, as his father had told him.
He skidded to a halt. He had almost bumped into someone.
"Sorry." That someone said hastily. It seems he's in a hurry.
Keito smiled. "It's okay."
Keito continued to walk. He remembered his dad saying that the cafeteria was at the end of the hallway. He'd passed by around three rooms by then so he knew he was close.
He completely stopped in his tracks though, when he heard something.
He heard someone.
And that someone was singing. The voice came from the room on his right.
Unconsciously, he had moved closer to the room.
"It sounds just like her." He muttered distractedly, straining his ears to hear more.
It was a bit muffled but he knew it was coming from above. From a window... He moved closer to the wall and stood on tiptoes and somehow he can hear more clearly.
--
Airi had abruptly stopped singing when she saw a head poked through her bathroom window. After a very short pause, she started screaming. She saw the guy's face panicked and disappeared from view. Hastily, she took her robes and ran out taking a book as she went. Not a very good weapon, but it'll do.
When she came out, still soaking wet, the guy was on the floor looking shocked. He was still in front of the bathroom window and he didn't look at her when she came out.
"YOU PERV!" She shouted angrily, raising the book above her head.
His head turned to her sharply as she shouted but his eyes still wasn't looking at her. It was looking somewhere to her side.
"I'm sorry!" He said hastily, trying to bow his head.
And with a jolt, Airi realized...
The guy scrambled to his feet and muttered, "Your voice... I'm so sorry. I didn't realize..." He said yet again, and bowed very low.
"You're..." Airi said, shocked. "You're blind..."
Keito made another apologetic bow and sprinted back to the stairs and down.
-----------
Airi should have known. She really should have expected it. She knew she wanted to be in this university as well. It was her dream. But to actually be in the same class as her…
It wasn’t like she wasn’t happy to see her again, but… Airi just wanted to cry as she remembered what happened earlier during her first class in university.
He was the first one she saw as she entered the classroom. The guy she thought was peeking at her. She felt a little embarrassed though she knew it couldn't really be helped that she reacted that way. She also felt guilty because she shouted at him like that and almost tried to kill him with her History book.
He was alone in one corner of the room, looking out the window... but of course, he can't be looking out. It doesn't seem like he have any friends yet.
Steeling herself for a second, she heaved a deep breath and started walking towards him.
"Excuse me." Airi said, tapping him with one finger for good measure.
She wasn't quite sure if she saw right, but it seemed recognition dawned on the guy's face and he suddenly looked alarmed.
"I was… well, two days ago. In the dorm…" Airi started.
"Yes," The guy hastily said, face flushed. "I recognized your voice." He said.
"I'm sorry." They said at the same time.
Airi grinned and she noticed the guy's face softened. Realizing that of course, he couldn't see her, she started introducing herself but the door to the room opened and Airi's voice trailed off.
She let out a small gasp as she saw her: Hagiwara Mai.
Suddenly, she felt so very scared. And even more so when their eyes met. She felt frozen though. And it was as if she was looking from another person's body as she watched Mai make her way to her.
She was glaring at her.
"Mai--" She started saying but her mouth went dry as Mai's hand strike her through her face.
"How dare you!!" Mai started shouting at her. Airi's tears were already trailing down her face. Fortunately, the door opened once more and their professor entered, looking a little shocked at them.
The class silently went to their seats. Mai gave her one last glare before turning her back on her and finding her own seat.
That was when the guy spoke. "I think no one's sitting beside me..." He muttered a little shyly.
Airi didn't say anything and just sat down the empty seat beside him.
Airi sighed, feeling the urge to cry once more. She turned to the balcony. Even though she was alone in her room, she felt safer, more hidden. It was already night anyway, so she wouldn't be seen from outside.
She shook her head, trying not to cry and started singing.
"Lift your head,
Baby don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong
Along the way…"
Singing always makes her calm. It was a sort of an outlet for her.
And this particular song always makes her smile. And she could already feel one tugging at her lips.
"You'll get by... with a smile
You can't win at everything but you can try…"
Her voice was becoming stronger now. She was calming down.
"And baby you don't have to worry
Cause there ain't no need to hurry
No one ever said that there's an easy way…"
Her voice trailed off as she felt someone looking at her. She turned back to her room to see her door ajar and that same boy standing just behind it.
"I'm sorry!" He said quickly.
Airi just stared at him.
"I… I was in the caf and I heard you singing…" He was saying. "I… I probably seem like a perverted creep to you now…" He said in a defeated voice.
"Uhm…" Airi started without really knowing what to say. She settled on making her way to him first.
"Can I ask why you always do that?" She asked softly, still unsure of her words.
"Do what, exactly?" The guy asked a little confused.
"Stand behind my door or window?"
The guy blushed. "Your voice…" If it was possible, his face grew a shade redder. "It reminds me of someone…" He said honestly. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, well, I did actually but I didn't mean for you not to know. I mean, I want to make it clear that I'm not some stalker or anything and I was intending to knock but the door was open anyway and I didn't want to disturb your singing… the first time I didn't realize you were in the shower… I wouldn't see anything anyway but I know that’s not an excuse. I'm so sorry if I scared you."
It was as if he said everything in one breath with how fast he talked.
And suddenly, Airi couldn't help but giggle.
The guy looked confused at first, but smiled hesitantly after a while.
Airi smiled at him as well, though she knew he couldn't see it.
"I'm Suzuki Airi. What's your name?" She asked.
The guy looked surprised but said anyway, "Okamoto Keito desu."
"It's nice to meet you."
"It is?" Okamoto said with a surprised expression.
"Yes." Airi said sincerely. "You're the first friend I made in this university."
He looked, well, more surprised. But he gave her a shy smile.
"Thanks." He said a little awkwardly. "You're also the first new friend I made here." He said, looking a little red around the cheeks. "I have old friends though… friends from high school… some of them are studying here as well, I mean."
Airi smiled. "I see." And realizing that he was still standing by her doorway she asked, "Would you like to come in?"
Okamoto shook his head, though smiling. "It'll be curfew time soon… I also need to be heading back."
Airi nodded, and then remembering that he couldn't see her she said. "Okay."
"Then, I'll be going." Okamoto said.
"Un. Good night. I'll see you around." Airi said.
Okamoto smiled. "Good night… I'll, well, hear you around." He said with a chuckle.
Airi felt herself flush but it doesn't seem like Okamoto meant to jab at her. It was really just a joke for him. Airi felt a little sad about that.
--
Airi smiled when she saw Okamoto in his usual seat.
She made her way to him and he looked up. She'd notice how good his hearing was.
"Good morning." She said to let him know it was her.
"Suzuki." He smiled. "Good morning."
"You're always very early." Airi said as she sat down the seat beside him.
"It's easier to walk around campus when there are still only a few people." He explained.
"Ah… Makes sense." Airi said, much comfortable than when they'd talk about Okamoto's sight than when she first talked to him. As Okamoto put it, it was just how things happened, and it wouldn't really help if he let it bother him more than it already does.
Airi took out one of her books and placed it on her desk. Okamoto turned his head to her.
"Studying?" He asked.
"We have a recitation in Song Lit later." Airi reminded him.
"Was that today??"
Airi laughed. "Yes. In about an hour and a half." She said.
"I totally forgot." Okamoto said as he reached inside his bag. Airi had once asked him if he used Braille books for studying. He had told her that he does, but mostly he listens to audio books.
"During high school, whenever my teacher gave us hand outs, my friend would just read it to me. It's lucky he can't really retain much if he doesn't review while reading aloud." He had told her.
She had told him she'd be happy to read to him if ever they were given hand outs. Okamoto had smiled at that and thanked her.
Airi was about to offer reading to him the reviewer she made, but the door opened and their other classmates filed in. Airi trailed off and didn't speak again.
What happened on their first day wasn't forgotten on their classmates and it seems everyone is just avoiding Airi to avoid trouble. It wouldn't surprise Airi either if Mai had told them about things she'd done in the past. Mai seemed to have gained a lot of friends since then. She knew it wasn't really Mai's intention to make her miserable. Not exactly, at least. Airi knew it was just how Mai perceives what happened. She believes it was all Airi's fault. And Airi sometimes think that it probably was.
Okamoto didn't say anything anymore as well. He'd never really brought up what happened during the first day. And she was grateful for that.
It was ironic really. Everyone who was there and saw what happened didn't want anything to do with her. Okamoto was there, but if you think about it, he didn't really see what happened. And he's the only one who seems to not mind to befriend her.
Airi was distracted from her thoughts when Okamoto bumped his elbow with hers. She turned to him and saw that he was offering one of his earpieces. Airi smiled and gratefully took it and for a while, they listened to Okamoto's audio book.
--
Keito smiled when he heard someone sat on the chair across from him. He knew at once that it was Suzuki.
"I got you karaage and strawberry juice. Is that okay?" She asked him.
"Yeah. Thanks." He told her. Ever since they started eating together, Suzuki had wordlessly taken it to herself to get both her and Keito's food. Keito knew she probably was just worried he'd have a hard time getting his own food with the blindness issue and just wants to help. Most of the people he met treat him like that, but surprisingly, he didn't really feel offended with Airi. It doesn't feel like an act out of pity.
"Here you go Okamoto-kun." Suzuki said as she placed Keito's plate in front of him. He could hear her doing so.
"Thank you." Keito said once more. "And just call me Keito." He added, nonchalantly.
"Eh?"
Keito smiled. "I'm more used at being called just Keito. During high school, there were two other Okamotos in our class and I couldn't see if they would be talking to me or to the others so my classmates just started calling me by my first name." He explained.
"Uhm…" Suzuki's voice was barely audible. "O… okay."
Keito grinned. "Try saying it." He said.
Keito waited but there was no response. He couldn't help but chuckle.
"It's a little embarrassing." Suzuki said, sounding shy.
"You'll get use to it." Keito said.
Suzuki makes him feel different somehow. He likes it when she starts talking. Probably, it was her voice. It was a really beautiful voice. And he was also very curious about her. About what happened on their first day, though he didn't really know if he could ever ask her about that. It seemed very personal. And then there was that one other thing.
For the first time in a long while, Keito was wishing he could see.
And he knew it was because of her.
--
She was feeling miserable, but the sight of him was just funny.
It seems Keito would appear anywhere any time, as long as she started singing. She'd only sang a few lines of her favorite song, and not particularly very loud and then there he was, making his way to her.
"Suzuki." He said when he was finally in front of her.
Airi didn't really understand what she felt. She wanted to laugh, though she also wanted to cry. What happened earlier with Mai really bothered her. They'd done it before but how she looked at her earlier… she really hated her now. And to think, they used to be the best of friends.
"Are you okay?" Keito suddenly asked. Airi realized she hadn't replied to him.
"Un." she just says. "What are you doing here, you don't have classes on Wednesdays, right?"
"Yeah… well…" He said, looking sheepish. He didn't explain though.
And then Airi noticed his shirt.
"Are you an Otokogumi fan??" She asked him. In truth, she was trying to distract herself from other thoughts.
"Hm?"
"You're wearing an Otokogumi shirt!" Airi said, sounding excited.
"Oh.. Yeah, I guess you could say that. I do like their songs." He said, smiling at her.
"I'm a big fan, too!" Airi said.
"You're going to fangirl, aren't you?" Keito suddenly asked.
"Can I?" Airi asked, giggling a bit.
"Yeah sure." Keito said, taking a seat beside her and laughing as well. He was happy he cheered her somehow. He wished he knew what happened, though.
--
Keito had been used to his friend's tendency of slinging an arm around his neck whenever they walk together. But even though Yuto is tall, it was still a little awkward walking like that. He guesses it was convenient for the guy so he wouldn't have to pull him. The guy was so hyper (at first Keito actually thought he had ADHD) that whenever Keito was with him, Keito would lose his sense of direction, if you could call it. So he'd just learn to depend on Yuto whenever they're together.
He was surprised though, when Yuto suddenly
when Yuto suddenly slip his arm off him and just disappeared--well, walked away. Keito seriously didn't know where he was. And he didn't know where Yuto had gone.
But he's mini-panic was left forgotten when he heard Yuto say, "Are you okay?"
Yuto was still close by. Keito wondered if someone had tripped or something.
"I..."
Keito felt his heart jumped. He knew the voice.
"Suzuki?" He called out.
"Keito..." He heard her mutter in surprised.
"What's wrong?" Keito's question was directed at Yuto.
"She's soaking wet." Yuto said, sounding worried.
"We better get her back to the dorm." Keito said, walking towards where he could hear their voices coming from.
Yuto had said they were by the university’s botanical garden. It was a little far from their dorm, but at least there wasn't much people that stray there.
As they started walking, Keito felt Suzuki tugged at his shirt.
-
"Her room is on the fourth floor. The fifth one from the stairs." Keito told Yuto.
He let the younger guy pull both him and Suzuki to the elevator. The sooner Suzuki could change, the better.
He was also worried because Suzuki hadn't said anything since.
They were in front of her room soon enough and Suzuki had wordlessly opened the door and entered.
"Would you two be okay on your own?" Yuto suddenly asked.
"Where are you going?" Keito asked, surprised.
"I don't think she's comfortable with me around. She looked like she's been crying." Yuto said.
Keito just nodded, a little distracted by his worry.
"Try and talk to her." Yuto said and then patted him at his back. Keito then heard him walking back to the elevator.
Keito knocked a few times at her door and called, "Can I come in?"
There was silence for a long while and then he heard Suzuki said, "Yeah..." Her voice sounded strange. He wondered if she was crying.
Keito carefully entered the room. He hadn't been there before, so he didn't know where furniture and other things are placed.
He felt Suzuki's hand on his, and she led him to a sofa where they both sat.
"Are you okay?" He asked her. It was a stupid question, but Keito didn't know what else to say.
She didn't answer him, instead she asked, "Where is your friend?"
"He took off." He just said.
There was a pause, and then Keito said. "Suzuki…"
He was imploring at her. And after a while, he heard sniffling. Suzuki was definitely crying now.
"What happened?" He asked her gently.
"M-mai… and her friends…" She said softly.
"Hagiwara??"
She didn't answer.
"Did they do this to you?" He had to ask.
Suzuki, again, didn't reply. But Keito already had his answer.
Keito felt angry, but he knew anger wouldn't really help right now.
"Is this the first time?" He asked her.
And again, no response.
"Why??" He asked her, trying but failing not to sound angry.
"I… I've done something awful." Suzuki started saying. "Her sister…" She sobbed. "And now she hates me. And the song doesn't work anymore… I can't stop c-crying. I c-can't smile."
Keito didn't know what to do as Suzuki dissolved into tears.
He felt frustrated that he couldn't help her.
Cautiously, he stretched his hand to her and gingerly patted her head.
And without really thinking, he started humming her song. The sniffling stopped abruptly and it was silent save for his humming. He knew she was probably looking at him, and he felt somehow bare. But he ignored this feeling and just hums, and even sang some of the lines he knew. He had heard her sing a lot of times now.
He finished the song --rather lamely in his opinion-- and silence engulfed them.
Keito had then taken something from his pocket.
It was his most precious possession, and he brings it with him wherever he goes.
It was a recorder. Silently, he played it.
A woman started singing a sort of lullaby.
"I told you that your face remind me of someone, right?" He said. "It's hers. My mom's."
Suzuki was silent, so Keito continued to talk.
"This song helped me accept that I wouldn't be able to see anymore." He said in the silence.
"Y-you mean you..." Her voice was hoarse, but she sound more curious than she was sad.
Keito smiled. "Yeah, I used to be able to see. I wasn't born blind. When I was nine, there was an accident and well..."
Again, Keito was answered with silence.
"My mom..." He started once more. "she'd been sick all my life. That's why she recorded this song, so even if she's gone, she'll still be able to sing to me."
Keito smiled fondly. "She passed away two years ago."
Keito felt Suzuki's hand on hers. She wasn't saying anything, but her message was clear.
"Do... do you ever wish you could see again?" Suzuki asks in a tiny voice.
"Twice since I've accepted my fate." He said. "Two years ago, when I knew it was time for my mom. I wished I could see her one last time. And right now."
For a while neither said anything.
And then Suzuki started singing.
Keito smiled. This was the first time she was singing for him.
--
Airi hadn't seen Keito for two days now. They hadn't seen each other since what happened. Not that she was avoiding him or anything, it just so happened they didn't have classes the other day, and they didn't have a class together the next day.
"Airi-chan?" Someone suddenly called.
Airi turned and was surprised to see who it was.
"Shimi-neechan!"
"It is you, Airi!" Shimizu Saki smiled broadly and made her way to Airi, hugging him quickly.
"Wow, you've grown so beautiful!" She said smilingly.
"Arigatou, neechan. I didn't know you also--"
"Well, yeah. You know how this is Maimi's dream school." She said, trailing off. She was Maimi-neechan's best friend. "I assume that's also the reason you're here."
Airi smiled sadly but nodded. "Hai."
"I'm sure she's happy that you are here. I think Mai-chan's also here?" She asked her.
"Hai... she's actually in my class." She said.
Saki looked at her looking a little worried. "Have you made up?"
Airi looked at the floor, though still tried to smile. "I don't think we could ever be friends again."
Airi was surprised when Saki-neechan hugged her once more--this time longer and tighter.
"It wasn't your fault. It was an accident. You have to forgive yourself." She whispered.
Airi felt like crying, but she managed to nod. "I-I'll try."
"Good girl." Saki said and stepped back.
"So, I'll see you around?" Saki asked.
Airi smiled and nodded.
She watched as Saki walked away. The older girl had turned back to her once for a last wave, and she returned it, smiling.
She watched until she couldn't see her anymore.
Sighing deeply, she started walking once more. Feeling distracted, remembering everything that happened.
It was too late when she realized someone was in front of her. They collided and Airi's things fell to the ground.
"Sorry." The guy said.
The two of them started picking up her things.
She thanked him as they both stood up, and the guy passed on to her her things.
"Oh, you're that girl!" The guy suddenly said.
Airi looked at him and recognized him as Keito's friend; the one who helped her the other day.
Airi bowed awkwardly. "Konnichiwa." She just said.
"I'm Nakajima Yuto." He said, offering a hand. "I'm Keito's best friend.
"Uhm, Suzuki Airi desu. I'm in Keito's class." She introduced herself.
"It's nice to meet you." Nakajima said, all smile.
"Hey, I'm on my way to our band practice, wanna come?" He suddenly asked.
"Huh?" Airi asked, surprised. "Band practice?"
"Keito didn't tell you? We sort of have a band. He's our lead guitarist." He said.
"No, he hadn't mention--"
"Ah, well, wanna come? I think Keito would like that." He said.
"Uhm, sure." Airi said, feeling a little overwhelmed, but also very curious.
-
The first thing Airi heard as they entered the studio was Keito's laugh. She didn't really know why, but it made her smile.
When they entered, she saw him arranging something on the stage. He is talking to another guy.
"There you are." Someone said to Yuto.
"Who's this?" Another voice asked, this time a girl.
"Ah, Suzuki Airi desu." She found herself saying.
As she said it, something clanks as Keito dropped one of the cymbals.
"Keito! Be careful!" Yuto suddenly said, rushing to where he was.
Keito ignored him. "Did... Suzuki??"
"Hai?" Airi called to him.
"I invited her to come." Yuto said.
"Ah, right... hi." Keito said, awkwardly.
"Hi." Airi just said.
"Hey there." The girl interrupted, walking to Airi.
"Hello." Airi said.
"I'm Nakajima Saki, by the way." The girl introduced herself.
Airi looked at her and then at Yuto. "Nakajima?"
"Yeah, he's my niichan." She explained. "I'll introduce everyone." Saki said, a little giddily.
"So you know Keito." She pointed at him. "And my good-for-nothing brother." She pointed at her brother as he said, "Hey!"
"Keito's their lead guitar and niichan's their drummer. That guy over there is Hikaru; bassist."
"Yo." Hikaru saluted.
"That feminine guy--yup, that's a guy. That's Inoo-chan, keyboard."
"Hello there." Inoo said, smiling. He doesn't seem to be offended at what Saki said.
"And that over there is Yabu-kun; rhythm and Takaki, vocalist." Saki pointed the last two guys.
The two smiled at her.
Airi bowed at all of them, feeling a little shy.
"That girl is our one and only groupie, by the way." Yuto suddenly said, pointing at his sister.
"I am not. I'm not even your fan." Saki said quickly.
"Get out of here then. No one invited you." Yuto said, looking annoyed.
Saki just grinned at him cheekily. "I love you, too, niichan~" She said teasingly.
"Come on, let's sit over there." Saki said.
Airi let her pull her to one of the couch close to the keyboard.
"So, how did you know Keito?" Saki asked as they sat down.
"I have a few classes with him." She said.
"Oh, so you're also a music student." Inoo-chan, who seemed to have finished setting up, said. The others were still busy with their instruments.
"Hai." Airi said.
"What major?" He asked.
"Voice." Airi said.
"So you sing! What types of song?" Saki asked.
"Nothing particularly special." Airi said, feeling a little shy. "I'm used to singing pop and country... and maybe a little blues. I'd like to try other genres, though."
"Do you listen to bands?" Inoo asked.
"Hai." Airi said, smiling.
"Who's your favorite?" Saki asked interestedly.
"Otokogumi's my number one." Airi said.
"Ah, that's convenient." Yabu, who had made his way to them, said. "You're friends with Keito."
"Hai?" Airi asked, a little confused.
"You didn't know?" Saki asked, though she didn't look surprised. "Keito's dad is Okamoto Kenichi. Otokogumi's rhythm guitarist."
Airi gaped at her. The three others laughed.
"Well, we only ever knew when we went to Keito's and Okamoto Kenichi was right in front of us." Yabu amended.
"That's amazing." Airi couldn't help but say.
"Keito's amazing." Another voice interrupted. "He'd already finished his newest song. The one he started writing two days ago." Takaki told his band mates.
"Seriously? I haven't even finished one." Inoo said. "It's his what? 3rd?"
"5th one this month." Takaki said.
"Guys." Keito suddenly called. "Please tell me you're not talking about me."
"We are." Saki said. "Wanna join?"
Keito just groaned and shook his head in embarrassment.
"Keito, catch!" Yuto called and Airi watched with a mini heart attack as Yuto threw a rolled up cables at Keito.
Keito caught it with ease. If Airi didn't know better, she'd never thought Keito was blind.
"Another one!" This time, it was Hikaru who called.
"Hey," Yabu said out loud. "Why don't you sing with us?" He suddenly said. "Keito's new song is a love song, isn't it?"
"Keito!!!" Yuto suddenly called, but too late, Keito didn't have time to dodge.
All of them rushed to him as Keito fell, crutching at his head.
"Are you okay?" Airi, who was the first to reach him, asked worriedly.
"Dizzy..." Keito just said.
"Sorry!" Hikaru said quickly. "I thought you were looking--- er, ready, I mean."
"Let me lie down, please." Keito said.
The boys heaved Keito and carried him to the couch.
"You gonna be okay?" Yuto asked.
"Yeah, give me a minute. I feel like I've lost my head." He said.
"Where does it hurt?" Airi asked worriedly.
"I'm okay." Keito said quickly.
"He got hit by here." Hikaru said, touching Keito's temple none to gently. Keito winced.
Keito was surprised when he felt a softer hand started caressing his temple.
"I think we need ice." Airi said.
"I'll go get it." Yuto said.
The band was able to practice for a while after Keito had his rest. But it was just a short practice. Soon, their time of renting the studio was up and they had to go. Nevertheless, Airi had a good time. Incredibly, she had new friends now. In just a few hours, Airi particularly had grown fond of Saki.
--
Keito knew he was probably feeling too happy for someone who had just been hit in the head. His head still hurts like hell. Funnily enough, he was thankful it happened. Because Suzuki really took care of him earlier.
"You're grinning." Yuto suddenly said. They were now in his dorm room. Just hanging out.
Keito tried to keep a straight face.
There was a pause and then Yuto said, "Suzuki's nice..."
Keito smiled. "She is."
"Keito, are you?"
Keito scratched at his head, feeling a little embarrassed. "I think so..." He trailed off.
"That's great!" Yuto said excitedly.
"What does she looks like?" Keito asked.
"Well, she's really pretty. She has long hair that's a little wavy and she has a nice smile..." Yuto started saying and Keito listened intently, wishing more than ever that he could see her.
--
Suzuki suddenly grasped at Keito's hand and abruptly stopped walking.
"Suzuki?" Keito called, confused.
She didn't respond.
"Is it them?" He asked, frowning.
"Mai..." Airi said so very softly.
Keito laced their fingers. "It's okay." He whispered and started pulling Suzuki.
-
Airi just followed, not really knowing what else to do.
As they passed, Mai and her friends stopped talking and stared at her.
Airi looked away. She didn't want to see Mai glare at her again.
Airi let out an audible sigh when they were already far from the group.
She was surprised when Keito started singing.
"Lift your hands
Baby, don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You'll get by with a smile
You can't win in everything but you can try..."
Airi looked up at him and smiled.
And for the next few lines, they sang together.
They laughed after they finished their little duet. Airi realized Keito still hadn't let go of her hand. She didn't really mind, though.
"Hey, Suzuki."
"Hm?"
"You're a big fan of Otokogumi, right?" He asked.
"Yeah. You never told me Okamoto Kenichi was your dad!" Airi complained playfully.
"You didn't ask?" Keito said sheepishly.
"Anyway." Keito continued and then he took something from his pocket with his other hand. "I've got VIP tickets for the next concert... if you wanna come."
Airi gasped. "Oh my God! Of course I'll come! When is it??" Airi asked excitedly.
"It's on Saturday." Keito said grinning, feeling like the luckiest man on earth.
--
continue...
Title: Music Lovers
Pairing: OkaZuki
Author: macymacymacy
Genre: Friendship, Romance, Slice of Life
Rating: PG?
AN:
- unbetaed
- alternative universe~
- on an unrelated issue, this is my 600th (and 601st) entry. xD
- inspired by Quest for Camelot. ^^
Airi sighed in relief as she arranged the picture frame by her bedside table, the last one not in order.
Airi sighed in relief as she arranged the picture frame by her bedside table, the last one not in order.
It was two days before classes start and she was currently in her dorm room, just settling in. With the dorm being her aunt's, she was able to have a room for herself.
She smiled in satisfaction as she looked at the room she would be living in for the next four years. When she had arrived, it was bare and a little creepy. Now though, it resembles her own room from her home in Osaka.
After looking at her work for another minute, she sighed feeling her exhaustion now.
Stretching for a bit she muttered, "Hm, I'll take a bath, first and then I'll rest..."
--
It wasn't his first time to live in a dorm, but all the same, he is a bit nervous.
He knew he needed to familiarize himself with the place so he had moved in to his dorm two days earlier. It would be more convenient for him if he could explore the building when there were only few people around.
He remembered his best friend, Yuto. The guy had offered to come with him today --to keep an eye on him, no doubt-- but he refused this. He knew it'd be best if he was alone.
His father had already told him about the building's structure and he already studied about where to find the places, so he was confident he wouldn't get lost.
He exited his room and turned left where he knew the stairs were. Even though the dorm was up to seventh floor, he prefers to use the stairs rather than the elevator. It was one of the reasons he chose a room on the second floor.
He decided to go up to the fourth floor where he knew the cafeteria is. His dorm is co-ed. The first to third floors are for male tenants and the fifth to seventh floors are for female tenants. They placed the cafeteria in the middle, in the fourth floor. That was also where the landlords, Mr. and Mrs. Fukuda, as well as their employees roomed. Supposedly, it was so they could monitor the tenants. The boys are not allowed to go to the fifth floor and up without permission and after curfew. Keito though, didn't know how they could monitor effectively if there's an elevator.
At first glance, it seemed to Keito that rooming in the middle floor and by the cafeteria was a bit impractical. The cafeteria would surely be the noisiest place. But then he remembered they have curfew. The cafeteria opens at 6 in the morning and closes as exactly 10PM. The building itself closes at 12 midnight so tenants are expected to be back before then.
It seems there are already a few people around. Keito had heard someone talking as he passed by the third floor.
Unexpectedly, it was much quieter in the fourth floor. Keito guessed the others must still be settling in. He turned left, going to the cafeteria, as his father had told him.
He skidded to a halt. He had almost bumped into someone.
"Sorry." That someone said hastily. It seems he's in a hurry.
Keito smiled. "It's okay."
Keito continued to walk. He remembered his dad saying that the cafeteria was at the end of the hallway. He'd passed by around three rooms by then so he knew he was close.
He completely stopped in his tracks though, when he heard something.
He heard someone.
And that someone was singing. The voice came from the room on his right.
Unconsciously, he had moved closer to the room.
"It sounds just like her." He muttered distractedly, straining his ears to hear more.
It was a bit muffled but he knew it was coming from above. From a window... He moved closer to the wall and stood on tiptoes and somehow he can hear more clearly.
--
Airi had abruptly stopped singing when she saw a head poked through her bathroom window. After a very short pause, she started screaming. She saw the guy's face panicked and disappeared from view. Hastily, she took her robes and ran out taking a book as she went. Not a very good weapon, but it'll do.
When she came out, still soaking wet, the guy was on the floor looking shocked. He was still in front of the bathroom window and he didn't look at her when she came out.
"YOU PERV!" She shouted angrily, raising the book above her head.
His head turned to her sharply as she shouted but his eyes still wasn't looking at her. It was looking somewhere to her side.
"I'm sorry!" He said hastily, trying to bow his head.
And with a jolt, Airi realized...
The guy scrambled to his feet and muttered, "Your voice... I'm so sorry. I didn't realize..." He said yet again, and bowed very low.
"You're..." Airi said, shocked. "You're blind..."
Keito made another apologetic bow and sprinted back to the stairs and down.
-----------
Airi should have known. She really should have expected it. She knew she wanted to be in this university as well. It was her dream. But to actually be in the same class as her…
It wasn’t like she wasn’t happy to see her again, but… Airi just wanted to cry as she remembered what happened earlier during her first class in university.
He was the first one she saw as she entered the classroom. The guy she thought was peeking at her. She felt a little embarrassed though she knew it couldn't really be helped that she reacted that way. She also felt guilty because she shouted at him like that and almost tried to kill him with her History book.
He was alone in one corner of the room, looking out the window... but of course, he can't be looking out. It doesn't seem like he have any friends yet.
Steeling herself for a second, she heaved a deep breath and started walking towards him.
"Excuse me." Airi said, tapping him with one finger for good measure.
She wasn't quite sure if she saw right, but it seemed recognition dawned on the guy's face and he suddenly looked alarmed.
"I was… well, two days ago. In the dorm…" Airi started.
"Yes," The guy hastily said, face flushed. "I recognized your voice." He said.
"I'm sorry." They said at the same time.
Airi grinned and she noticed the guy's face softened. Realizing that of course, he couldn't see her, she started introducing herself but the door to the room opened and Airi's voice trailed off.
She let out a small gasp as she saw her: Hagiwara Mai.
Suddenly, she felt so very scared. And even more so when their eyes met. She felt frozen though. And it was as if she was looking from another person's body as she watched Mai make her way to her.
She was glaring at her.
"Mai--" She started saying but her mouth went dry as Mai's hand strike her through her face.
"How dare you!!" Mai started shouting at her. Airi's tears were already trailing down her face. Fortunately, the door opened once more and their professor entered, looking a little shocked at them.
The class silently went to their seats. Mai gave her one last glare before turning her back on her and finding her own seat.
That was when the guy spoke. "I think no one's sitting beside me..." He muttered a little shyly.
Airi didn't say anything and just sat down the empty seat beside him.
Airi sighed, feeling the urge to cry once more. She turned to the balcony. Even though she was alone in her room, she felt safer, more hidden. It was already night anyway, so she wouldn't be seen from outside.
She shook her head, trying not to cry and started singing.
"Lift your head,
Baby don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong
Along the way…"
Singing always makes her calm. It was a sort of an outlet for her.
And this particular song always makes her smile. And she could already feel one tugging at her lips.
"You'll get by... with a smile
You can't win at everything but you can try…"
Her voice was becoming stronger now. She was calming down.
"And baby you don't have to worry
Cause there ain't no need to hurry
No one ever said that there's an easy way…"
Her voice trailed off as she felt someone looking at her. She turned back to her room to see her door ajar and that same boy standing just behind it.
"I'm sorry!" He said quickly.
Airi just stared at him.
"I… I was in the caf and I heard you singing…" He was saying. "I… I probably seem like a perverted creep to you now…" He said in a defeated voice.
"Uhm…" Airi started without really knowing what to say. She settled on making her way to him first.
"Can I ask why you always do that?" She asked softly, still unsure of her words.
"Do what, exactly?" The guy asked a little confused.
"Stand behind my door or window?"
The guy blushed. "Your voice…" If it was possible, his face grew a shade redder. "It reminds me of someone…" He said honestly. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, well, I did actually but I didn't mean for you not to know. I mean, I want to make it clear that I'm not some stalker or anything and I was intending to knock but the door was open anyway and I didn't want to disturb your singing… the first time I didn't realize you were in the shower… I wouldn't see anything anyway but I know that’s not an excuse. I'm so sorry if I scared you."
It was as if he said everything in one breath with how fast he talked.
And suddenly, Airi couldn't help but giggle.
The guy looked confused at first, but smiled hesitantly after a while.
Airi smiled at him as well, though she knew he couldn't see it.
"I'm Suzuki Airi. What's your name?" She asked.
The guy looked surprised but said anyway, "Okamoto Keito desu."
"It's nice to meet you."
"It is?" Okamoto said with a surprised expression.
"Yes." Airi said sincerely. "You're the first friend I made in this university."
He looked, well, more surprised. But he gave her a shy smile.
"Thanks." He said a little awkwardly. "You're also the first new friend I made here." He said, looking a little red around the cheeks. "I have old friends though… friends from high school… some of them are studying here as well, I mean."
Airi smiled. "I see." And realizing that he was still standing by her doorway she asked, "Would you like to come in?"
Okamoto shook his head, though smiling. "It'll be curfew time soon… I also need to be heading back."
Airi nodded, and then remembering that he couldn't see her she said. "Okay."
"Then, I'll be going." Okamoto said.
"Un. Good night. I'll see you around." Airi said.
Okamoto smiled. "Good night… I'll, well, hear you around." He said with a chuckle.
Airi felt herself flush but it doesn't seem like Okamoto meant to jab at her. It was really just a joke for him. Airi felt a little sad about that.
--
Airi smiled when she saw Okamoto in his usual seat.
She made her way to him and he looked up. She'd notice how good his hearing was.
"Good morning." She said to let him know it was her.
"Suzuki." He smiled. "Good morning."
"You're always very early." Airi said as she sat down the seat beside him.
"It's easier to walk around campus when there are still only a few people." He explained.
"Ah… Makes sense." Airi said, much comfortable than when they'd talk about Okamoto's sight than when she first talked to him. As Okamoto put it, it was just how things happened, and it wouldn't really help if he let it bother him more than it already does.
Airi took out one of her books and placed it on her desk. Okamoto turned his head to her.
"Studying?" He asked.
"We have a recitation in Song Lit later." Airi reminded him.
"Was that today??"
Airi laughed. "Yes. In about an hour and a half." She said.
"I totally forgot." Okamoto said as he reached inside his bag. Airi had once asked him if he used Braille books for studying. He had told her that he does, but mostly he listens to audio books.
"During high school, whenever my teacher gave us hand outs, my friend would just read it to me. It's lucky he can't really retain much if he doesn't review while reading aloud." He had told her.
She had told him she'd be happy to read to him if ever they were given hand outs. Okamoto had smiled at that and thanked her.
Airi was about to offer reading to him the reviewer she made, but the door opened and their other classmates filed in. Airi trailed off and didn't speak again.
What happened on their first day wasn't forgotten on their classmates and it seems everyone is just avoiding Airi to avoid trouble. It wouldn't surprise Airi either if Mai had told them about things she'd done in the past. Mai seemed to have gained a lot of friends since then. She knew it wasn't really Mai's intention to make her miserable. Not exactly, at least. Airi knew it was just how Mai perceives what happened. She believes it was all Airi's fault. And Airi sometimes think that it probably was.
Okamoto didn't say anything anymore as well. He'd never really brought up what happened during the first day. And she was grateful for that.
It was ironic really. Everyone who was there and saw what happened didn't want anything to do with her. Okamoto was there, but if you think about it, he didn't really see what happened. And he's the only one who seems to not mind to befriend her.
Airi was distracted from her thoughts when Okamoto bumped his elbow with hers. She turned to him and saw that he was offering one of his earpieces. Airi smiled and gratefully took it and for a while, they listened to Okamoto's audio book.
--
Keito smiled when he heard someone sat on the chair across from him. He knew at once that it was Suzuki.
"I got you karaage and strawberry juice. Is that okay?" She asked him.
"Yeah. Thanks." He told her. Ever since they started eating together, Suzuki had wordlessly taken it to herself to get both her and Keito's food. Keito knew she probably was just worried he'd have a hard time getting his own food with the blindness issue and just wants to help. Most of the people he met treat him like that, but surprisingly, he didn't really feel offended with Airi. It doesn't feel like an act out of pity.
"Here you go Okamoto-kun." Suzuki said as she placed Keito's plate in front of him. He could hear her doing so.
"Thank you." Keito said once more. "And just call me Keito." He added, nonchalantly.
"Eh?"
Keito smiled. "I'm more used at being called just Keito. During high school, there were two other Okamotos in our class and I couldn't see if they would be talking to me or to the others so my classmates just started calling me by my first name." He explained.
"Uhm…" Suzuki's voice was barely audible. "O… okay."
Keito grinned. "Try saying it." He said.
Keito waited but there was no response. He couldn't help but chuckle.
"It's a little embarrassing." Suzuki said, sounding shy.
"You'll get use to it." Keito said.
Suzuki makes him feel different somehow. He likes it when she starts talking. Probably, it was her voice. It was a really beautiful voice. And he was also very curious about her. About what happened on their first day, though he didn't really know if he could ever ask her about that. It seemed very personal. And then there was that one other thing.
For the first time in a long while, Keito was wishing he could see.
And he knew it was because of her.
--
She was feeling miserable, but the sight of him was just funny.
It seems Keito would appear anywhere any time, as long as she started singing. She'd only sang a few lines of her favorite song, and not particularly very loud and then there he was, making his way to her.
"Suzuki." He said when he was finally in front of her.
Airi didn't really understand what she felt. She wanted to laugh, though she also wanted to cry. What happened earlier with Mai really bothered her. They'd done it before but how she looked at her earlier… she really hated her now. And to think, they used to be the best of friends.
"Are you okay?" Keito suddenly asked. Airi realized she hadn't replied to him.
"Un." she just says. "What are you doing here, you don't have classes on Wednesdays, right?"
"Yeah… well…" He said, looking sheepish. He didn't explain though.
And then Airi noticed his shirt.
"Are you an Otokogumi fan??" She asked him. In truth, she was trying to distract herself from other thoughts.
"Hm?"
"You're wearing an Otokogumi shirt!" Airi said, sounding excited.
"Oh.. Yeah, I guess you could say that. I do like their songs." He said, smiling at her.
"I'm a big fan, too!" Airi said.
"You're going to fangirl, aren't you?" Keito suddenly asked.
"Can I?" Airi asked, giggling a bit.
"Yeah sure." Keito said, taking a seat beside her and laughing as well. He was happy he cheered her somehow. He wished he knew what happened, though.
--
Keito had been used to his friend's tendency of slinging an arm around his neck whenever they walk together. But even though Yuto is tall, it was still a little awkward walking like that. He guesses it was convenient for the guy so he wouldn't have to pull him. The guy was so hyper (at first Keito actually thought he had ADHD) that whenever Keito was with him, Keito would lose his sense of direction, if you could call it. So he'd just learn to depend on Yuto whenever they're together.
He was surprised though, when Yuto suddenly
when Yuto suddenly slip his arm off him and just disappeared--well, walked away. Keito seriously didn't know where he was. And he didn't know where Yuto had gone.
But he's mini-panic was left forgotten when he heard Yuto say, "Are you okay?"
Yuto was still close by. Keito wondered if someone had tripped or something.
"I..."
Keito felt his heart jumped. He knew the voice.
"Suzuki?" He called out.
"Keito..." He heard her mutter in surprised.
"What's wrong?" Keito's question was directed at Yuto.
"She's soaking wet." Yuto said, sounding worried.
"We better get her back to the dorm." Keito said, walking towards where he could hear their voices coming from.
Yuto had said they were by the university’s botanical garden. It was a little far from their dorm, but at least there wasn't much people that stray there.
As they started walking, Keito felt Suzuki tugged at his shirt.
-
"Her room is on the fourth floor. The fifth one from the stairs." Keito told Yuto.
He let the younger guy pull both him and Suzuki to the elevator. The sooner Suzuki could change, the better.
He was also worried because Suzuki hadn't said anything since.
They were in front of her room soon enough and Suzuki had wordlessly opened the door and entered.
"Would you two be okay on your own?" Yuto suddenly asked.
"Where are you going?" Keito asked, surprised.
"I don't think she's comfortable with me around. She looked like she's been crying." Yuto said.
Keito just nodded, a little distracted by his worry.
"Try and talk to her." Yuto said and then patted him at his back. Keito then heard him walking back to the elevator.
Keito knocked a few times at her door and called, "Can I come in?"
There was silence for a long while and then he heard Suzuki said, "Yeah..." Her voice sounded strange. He wondered if she was crying.
Keito carefully entered the room. He hadn't been there before, so he didn't know where furniture and other things are placed.
He felt Suzuki's hand on his, and she led him to a sofa where they both sat.
"Are you okay?" He asked her. It was a stupid question, but Keito didn't know what else to say.
She didn't answer him, instead she asked, "Where is your friend?"
"He took off." He just said.
There was a pause, and then Keito said. "Suzuki…"
He was imploring at her. And after a while, he heard sniffling. Suzuki was definitely crying now.
"What happened?" He asked her gently.
"M-mai… and her friends…" She said softly.
"Hagiwara??"
She didn't answer.
"Did they do this to you?" He had to ask.
Suzuki, again, didn't reply. But Keito already had his answer.
Keito felt angry, but he knew anger wouldn't really help right now.
"Is this the first time?" He asked her.
And again, no response.
"Why??" He asked her, trying but failing not to sound angry.
"I… I've done something awful." Suzuki started saying. "Her sister…" She sobbed. "And now she hates me. And the song doesn't work anymore… I can't stop c-crying. I c-can't smile."
Keito didn't know what to do as Suzuki dissolved into tears.
He felt frustrated that he couldn't help her.
Cautiously, he stretched his hand to her and gingerly patted her head.
And without really thinking, he started humming her song. The sniffling stopped abruptly and it was silent save for his humming. He knew she was probably looking at him, and he felt somehow bare. But he ignored this feeling and just hums, and even sang some of the lines he knew. He had heard her sing a lot of times now.
He finished the song --rather lamely in his opinion-- and silence engulfed them.
Keito had then taken something from his pocket.
It was his most precious possession, and he brings it with him wherever he goes.
It was a recorder. Silently, he played it.
A woman started singing a sort of lullaby.
"I told you that your face remind me of someone, right?" He said. "It's hers. My mom's."
Suzuki was silent, so Keito continued to talk.
"This song helped me accept that I wouldn't be able to see anymore." He said in the silence.
"Y-you mean you..." Her voice was hoarse, but she sound more curious than she was sad.
Keito smiled. "Yeah, I used to be able to see. I wasn't born blind. When I was nine, there was an accident and well..."
Again, Keito was answered with silence.
"My mom..." He started once more. "she'd been sick all my life. That's why she recorded this song, so even if she's gone, she'll still be able to sing to me."
Keito smiled fondly. "She passed away two years ago."
Keito felt Suzuki's hand on hers. She wasn't saying anything, but her message was clear.
"Do... do you ever wish you could see again?" Suzuki asks in a tiny voice.
"Twice since I've accepted my fate." He said. "Two years ago, when I knew it was time for my mom. I wished I could see her one last time. And right now."
For a while neither said anything.
And then Suzuki started singing.
Keito smiled. This was the first time she was singing for him.
--
Airi hadn't seen Keito for two days now. They hadn't seen each other since what happened. Not that she was avoiding him or anything, it just so happened they didn't have classes the other day, and they didn't have a class together the next day.
"Airi-chan?" Someone suddenly called.
Airi turned and was surprised to see who it was.
"Shimi-neechan!"
"It is you, Airi!" Shimizu Saki smiled broadly and made her way to Airi, hugging him quickly.
"Wow, you've grown so beautiful!" She said smilingly.
"Arigatou, neechan. I didn't know you also--"
"Well, yeah. You know how this is Maimi's dream school." She said, trailing off. She was Maimi-neechan's best friend. "I assume that's also the reason you're here."
Airi smiled sadly but nodded. "Hai."
"I'm sure she's happy that you are here. I think Mai-chan's also here?" She asked her.
"Hai... she's actually in my class." She said.
Saki looked at her looking a little worried. "Have you made up?"
Airi looked at the floor, though still tried to smile. "I don't think we could ever be friends again."
Airi was surprised when Saki-neechan hugged her once more--this time longer and tighter.
"It wasn't your fault. It was an accident. You have to forgive yourself." She whispered.
Airi felt like crying, but she managed to nod. "I-I'll try."
"Good girl." Saki said and stepped back.
"So, I'll see you around?" Saki asked.
Airi smiled and nodded.
She watched as Saki walked away. The older girl had turned back to her once for a last wave, and she returned it, smiling.
She watched until she couldn't see her anymore.
Sighing deeply, she started walking once more. Feeling distracted, remembering everything that happened.
It was too late when she realized someone was in front of her. They collided and Airi's things fell to the ground.
"Sorry." The guy said.
The two of them started picking up her things.
She thanked him as they both stood up, and the guy passed on to her her things.
"Oh, you're that girl!" The guy suddenly said.
Airi looked at him and recognized him as Keito's friend; the one who helped her the other day.
Airi bowed awkwardly. "Konnichiwa." She just said.
"I'm Nakajima Yuto." He said, offering a hand. "I'm Keito's best friend.
"Uhm, Suzuki Airi desu. I'm in Keito's class." She introduced herself.
"It's nice to meet you." Nakajima said, all smile.
"Hey, I'm on my way to our band practice, wanna come?" He suddenly asked.
"Huh?" Airi asked, surprised. "Band practice?"
"Keito didn't tell you? We sort of have a band. He's our lead guitarist." He said.
"No, he hadn't mention--"
"Ah, well, wanna come? I think Keito would like that." He said.
"Uhm, sure." Airi said, feeling a little overwhelmed, but also very curious.
-
The first thing Airi heard as they entered the studio was Keito's laugh. She didn't really know why, but it made her smile.
When they entered, she saw him arranging something on the stage. He is talking to another guy.
"There you are." Someone said to Yuto.
"Who's this?" Another voice asked, this time a girl.
"Ah, Suzuki Airi desu." She found herself saying.
As she said it, something clanks as Keito dropped one of the cymbals.
"Keito! Be careful!" Yuto suddenly said, rushing to where he was.
Keito ignored him. "Did... Suzuki??"
"Hai?" Airi called to him.
"I invited her to come." Yuto said.
"Ah, right... hi." Keito said, awkwardly.
"Hi." Airi just said.
"Hey there." The girl interrupted, walking to Airi.
"Hello." Airi said.
"I'm Nakajima Saki, by the way." The girl introduced herself.
Airi looked at her and then at Yuto. "Nakajima?"
"Yeah, he's my niichan." She explained. "I'll introduce everyone." Saki said, a little giddily.
"So you know Keito." She pointed at him. "And my good-for-nothing brother." She pointed at her brother as he said, "Hey!"
"Keito's their lead guitar and niichan's their drummer. That guy over there is Hikaru; bassist."
"Yo." Hikaru saluted.
"That feminine guy--yup, that's a guy. That's Inoo-chan, keyboard."
"Hello there." Inoo said, smiling. He doesn't seem to be offended at what Saki said.
"And that over there is Yabu-kun; rhythm and Takaki, vocalist." Saki pointed the last two guys.
The two smiled at her.
Airi bowed at all of them, feeling a little shy.
"That girl is our one and only groupie, by the way." Yuto suddenly said, pointing at his sister.
"I am not. I'm not even your fan." Saki said quickly.
"Get out of here then. No one invited you." Yuto said, looking annoyed.
Saki just grinned at him cheekily. "I love you, too, niichan~" She said teasingly.
"Come on, let's sit over there." Saki said.
Airi let her pull her to one of the couch close to the keyboard.
"So, how did you know Keito?" Saki asked as they sat down.
"I have a few classes with him." She said.
"Oh, so you're also a music student." Inoo-chan, who seemed to have finished setting up, said. The others were still busy with their instruments.
"Hai." Airi said.
"What major?" He asked.
"Voice." Airi said.
"So you sing! What types of song?" Saki asked.
"Nothing particularly special." Airi said, feeling a little shy. "I'm used to singing pop and country... and maybe a little blues. I'd like to try other genres, though."
"Do you listen to bands?" Inoo asked.
"Hai." Airi said, smiling.
"Who's your favorite?" Saki asked interestedly.
"Otokogumi's my number one." Airi said.
"Ah, that's convenient." Yabu, who had made his way to them, said. "You're friends with Keito."
"Hai?" Airi asked, a little confused.
"You didn't know?" Saki asked, though she didn't look surprised. "Keito's dad is Okamoto Kenichi. Otokogumi's rhythm guitarist."
Airi gaped at her. The three others laughed.
"Well, we only ever knew when we went to Keito's and Okamoto Kenichi was right in front of us." Yabu amended.
"That's amazing." Airi couldn't help but say.
"Keito's amazing." Another voice interrupted. "He'd already finished his newest song. The one he started writing two days ago." Takaki told his band mates.
"Seriously? I haven't even finished one." Inoo said. "It's his what? 3rd?"
"5th one this month." Takaki said.
"Guys." Keito suddenly called. "Please tell me you're not talking about me."
"We are." Saki said. "Wanna join?"
Keito just groaned and shook his head in embarrassment.
"Keito, catch!" Yuto called and Airi watched with a mini heart attack as Yuto threw a rolled up cables at Keito.
Keito caught it with ease. If Airi didn't know better, she'd never thought Keito was blind.
"Another one!" This time, it was Hikaru who called.
"Hey," Yabu said out loud. "Why don't you sing with us?" He suddenly said. "Keito's new song is a love song, isn't it?"
"Keito!!!" Yuto suddenly called, but too late, Keito didn't have time to dodge.
All of them rushed to him as Keito fell, crutching at his head.
"Are you okay?" Airi, who was the first to reach him, asked worriedly.
"Dizzy..." Keito just said.
"Sorry!" Hikaru said quickly. "I thought you were looking--- er, ready, I mean."
"Let me lie down, please." Keito said.
The boys heaved Keito and carried him to the couch.
"You gonna be okay?" Yuto asked.
"Yeah, give me a minute. I feel like I've lost my head." He said.
"Where does it hurt?" Airi asked worriedly.
"I'm okay." Keito said quickly.
"He got hit by here." Hikaru said, touching Keito's temple none to gently. Keito winced.
Keito was surprised when he felt a softer hand started caressing his temple.
"I think we need ice." Airi said.
"I'll go get it." Yuto said.
The band was able to practice for a while after Keito had his rest. But it was just a short practice. Soon, their time of renting the studio was up and they had to go. Nevertheless, Airi had a good time. Incredibly, she had new friends now. In just a few hours, Airi particularly had grown fond of Saki.
--
Keito knew he was probably feeling too happy for someone who had just been hit in the head. His head still hurts like hell. Funnily enough, he was thankful it happened. Because Suzuki really took care of him earlier.
"You're grinning." Yuto suddenly said. They were now in his dorm room. Just hanging out.
Keito tried to keep a straight face.
There was a pause and then Yuto said, "Suzuki's nice..."
Keito smiled. "She is."
"Keito, are you?"
Keito scratched at his head, feeling a little embarrassed. "I think so..." He trailed off.
"That's great!" Yuto said excitedly.
"What does she looks like?" Keito asked.
"Well, she's really pretty. She has long hair that's a little wavy and she has a nice smile..." Yuto started saying and Keito listened intently, wishing more than ever that he could see her.
--
Suzuki suddenly grasped at Keito's hand and abruptly stopped walking.
"Suzuki?" Keito called, confused.
She didn't respond.
"Is it them?" He asked, frowning.
"Mai..." Airi said so very softly.
Keito laced their fingers. "It's okay." He whispered and started pulling Suzuki.
-
Airi just followed, not really knowing what else to do.
As they passed, Mai and her friends stopped talking and stared at her.
Airi looked away. She didn't want to see Mai glare at her again.
Airi let out an audible sigh when they were already far from the group.
She was surprised when Keito started singing.
"Lift your hands
Baby, don't be scared
Of the things that could go wrong along the way
You'll get by with a smile
You can't win in everything but you can try..."
Airi looked up at him and smiled.
And for the next few lines, they sang together.
They laughed after they finished their little duet. Airi realized Keito still hadn't let go of her hand. She didn't really mind, though.
"Hey, Suzuki."
"Hm?"
"You're a big fan of Otokogumi, right?" He asked.
"Yeah. You never told me Okamoto Kenichi was your dad!" Airi complained playfully.
"You didn't ask?" Keito said sheepishly.
"Anyway." Keito continued and then he took something from his pocket with his other hand. "I've got VIP tickets for the next concert... if you wanna come."
Airi gasped. "Oh my God! Of course I'll come! When is it??" Airi asked excitedly.
"It's on Saturday." Keito said grinning, feeling like the luckiest man on earth.
--
continue...