My Beginning

Today, I will meet him. I want to tell him my true feelings. I’m such an idiot for not realizing them earlier. So, I asked him to meet me at the school library after class.

“Asahi-san, I have something to confess to you.”
I hope he’ll accept it. I hope he’ll understand.

“Wait, what?! I didn’t know you felt that way about me!” Asahi-san said, clearly flustered. “I really appreciate it, but you should think about your image too, Takahashi-san!”

What he said was true. I need to think about my family's image… especially my dad.

“Yes… but I can’t hold it in anymore. I want to join your band!”

“I can’t accept—wait. Huh? You want to join my band?”

“That’s the real reason I asked you here.”

“Seriously? Sorry, but the band’s already disbanded. We just couldn’t click as a group,” Asahi-san explained.

“Really?” I still couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.

“Yeah. But why the sudden interest? I thought you hated performing on stage.”

“Something happened… and it made me realize what I really want to do now.”

“But even if you’re serious, it’s too late. Right now, it’s just me—the drummer—and you’d be the guitarist. We still don’t have a pianist, a bassist, or a vocalist. That’s not really a band.”

“If you’re looking for a pianist, I think I know someone who might be perfect.”

“Please be our band’s pianist!”

Asahi-san and I stood in front of her, practically begging.

“Sorry… I don’t think I can,” Miyama-san said softly.

I remembered her stunning piano performance. It was unforgettable.

“Please, Miyama-san! You’re the only one we can count on!” Asahi-san pleaded.

“You two are lucky I’ve already finished preparing for my solo performance at the school festival,” she said. “But I have one condition before I join.”

“What is it?” Asahi-san asked.

“Takahashi-san needs to help me with my piano performance during the festival. I’ll explain more later.”

“Thank you, everyone! Our band is almost complete!” Asahi-san said with excitement. “We’ve got Takahashi-san on guitar, Miyama-san on piano, me on drums, and Miyamoto-san on bass. Let’s work together to deliver the best performance ever!”

“Hold up! Ken, mind telling me what’s going on here?” Chiba snapped. “You told me we were starting a study group! And now some guy says I’m the band’s bassist? I don’t remember signing up for this!”

“If I’d asked you directly, you would’ve said no. That’s why I came up with the study group excuse.”

“Now we just need a vocalist! Anyone have any ideas?” Asahi-san asked, looking around. “The school festival is next week, and we’re short on time!”

“I know someone who can sing,” Chiba said, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

“Really? Who?”

“Takahashi Ken.” He smirked. “Among everyone I know, he’s the best choice.”

That bastard. He’s definitely getting back at me.

“I’ve heard that rumor too,” Miyama-san added.

Miyama-san?

“Looks like everyone agrees,” Asahi-san said. “Alright, it’s decided! Ken will be our vocalist! Let’s meet at the school hall tomorrow for our first practice. Come early!”

Everyone cheered. Except me.

Still… I’d achieved part of what I set out to do. 

On the way home, Chiba walked beside me.

“So, what made you suddenly want to start a band? I thought you gave up on becoming a musician.”

“I remembered a promise. A promise between me and her.”

“Really? Then I hope you’re serious this time.”

“What about you? Knowing your personality, I expected you to walk out the moment you realized it wasn’t a study group.”

“It’s just a feeling… but I think this will be your turning point. That’s why I decided to help.”

“Thanks, Chiba.”

“It’s nothing. Just don’t forget my advice.”

“What advice?”

“Stay true to yourself. Never back down from your words. And believe in what’s right for you,” Chiba said, his eyes fixed on the red sky as it slowly faded into darkness.