Stages of Creation

"Every small step forward is a note in the symphony of becoming your best self. Progress isn’t instantaneous—it’s composed over time."

It’s that time of year when Students, teachers, and even the local community eagerly awaited the event each year, the annual school fair, where every class competed to host the most creative, eye-catching booth. From dazzling performances to quirky games and food stalls, the fair had become stage for students to showcase their talents and ingenuity.

The school was alive, Conversations about booths, games, and performances echoed in every corner of the school, from the bustling cafeteria to the quiet library.

As for Taiki and Mioka on the other hand, things weren't as enthusiastic as they've hoped for. The duo has been tasked with the job to create the most attention grabbing, booth to represent their class and be recognized by the whole school

To achieve full efficiency about their brainstorming, the duo decides to hold a meeting in the library.

“Alright, genius,” she said, plopping her notebook down on the desk between them. “What’s our big idea?”

Taiki blinked at her. “You really had to drag me into another difficult task again, did you?”

“Because you’re smart!” she said with a laugh. “And, let’s be honest, the rest of our classmates are probably going to suggest another boring bake sale or a fortune-telling booth. We need something unique! something that would grab everyone’s attention and bring us the award!”

She wagged a finger at him. “Now, think!”

For the next few minutes, the two brainstormed ideas, Mioka throwing out suggestions but immediately getting shutdown by Taiki.

“Too complicated,” he said, crossing out the maze idea Mioka thought of. “We don’t have the time or the resources.”

She snaps her fingers, her face lighting up with excitement. “I’ve got it! We’ll do a Haunted House!”

Taiki quickly replies “but class-C has alrea- “. only to be cut off as Mioka interrupted him mid-sentence.

“But with a twist!” she declared, her grin widening with anticipation.

“An escape room type haunted house!” she said, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. “Think of this, the visitors will have to solve puzzles to escape the horror we have installed for them!” she declared with a smug on her face waiting for Taiki to respond.

Taiki sighs, “Good idea, though I don’t think we have enough time to setup everything”

Mioka groaned. “Okay, Mr. Practical. What’s your idea?”

Taiki frowned. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was completely blank. “I have no idea,” he said finally, resting his chin on his hand.

“Well,”, Mioka said, standing up and grabbing her notebook. “Clean up your things, and let’s go for a walk”

Taiki, confused about the sudden change of pace, “A walk? What does that have to do with our brainstorming?”

she grabbed his arm and pulled him out of his chair. “Trust me on this, sitting in this quiet library is stifling our creativity, it will be fun! We get to scout out what our competitors are planning.”

The two of them wandered the school grounds, weaving between groups of students who were busy preparing for the fair. Mioka pointed out some of the more elaborate projects, from a miniature carnival game setup to a live painting demonstration.

“See?” she said, gesturing around them. “Everyone’s already doing cool stuff. We need to think outside the box!”

“Easier said than done,” Taiki muttered.

As they pass the music room Mioka suddenly stops in her tracks, like she slowly turns towards Taiki, “Say, do you remember your promise?” her eyes lighting up.

“Yeah, the piano lesson, I remember, what about it?” Taiki raises an eyebrow

“What if we did something with music? Like, a performance booth!” Mioka said, her excitement building. “We could set up a stage and have people perform—singing, instruments, anything. It could be like a talent showcase!”

“And what if no one wants to perform?” Taiki asked, crossing his arms.

“And that’s where your promise comes into play” Mioka planted her hands on her hips, “I Mioka Shimizu shall teach you the piano so you can be the star of our performance!”

He stared at her dumbfounded at Mioka’s statement. "Me? Are you serious? I can barely play a simple tune."

"You promised, remember?" Mioka said, leaning in with a smirk. "And a promise is a promise. Besides, it’s not like I’m throwing you to the wolves. I’ll teach you! We’ll keep it simple—something short and sweet. You’ll be fine, I promise! “

Taiki sighs, knowing he couldn’t talk her out of it. “But if I fail miserably, it’s all on you”

"Deal!" Mioka chirped, practically skipping ahead toward the music room door. "Now, let’s start planning—I’ve already got half the setup pictured in my head."

As she pulled him into the music room, Taiki couldn’t help but wonder what he had just gotten himself into. Mioka’s enthusiasm was unstoppable, and while he wasn’t entirely convinced, a part of him found it hard to resist the spark in her eyes.

“Before we start your lesson, we need to figure out how our set up for the booth will be.”

“I was thinking, a classical approach will do, lights, decoration, people would be attracted to our booth like magic!”

Taiki sits down and slightly shakes his head, thinking how exactly they would pull this extravagant plan off. “you’re really serious about this whole piano thing, aren’t you?”

“Well of course I am! This is our first year, isn’t it?” Mioka replied, “This is the perfect chance to show the whole school how talented, and creative we are!”

The bell rang sharply, signaling the end of the school day. Mioka sprang to her feet, her bag already slung over her shoulder as she darted toward the door. "I’ll think about what piece you’ll be playing for the performance!" she called back, her voice brimming with excitement. "Gotta rush home—see ya!"

Before Taiki could respond, she was already out the door, her footsteps fading into the bustling hallway. He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he glanced around the now-empty music room.

Slowly, his gaze drifted to the piano. Mioka’s encouraging words still lingered in his head, and despite himself, he felt an odd pull toward the instrument. Cautiously, he approached it, his footsteps soft against the polished floor. He hesitated, then reached out, brushing his fingers lightly over the smooth keys.

The sound of a single, hesitant note echoed through the room. Taiki winced slightly at the sharpness, but it stirred something in him, Taiki’s memory of his mother’s past still had an effect on him. His hand slowly hovered over the keys for a moment longer before he sighed and pulled it back.

As he turned to grab his bag, movement by the window caught his eye. He paused, squinting at the figure standing just outside. It was a girl about his age, leaning casually against the windowsill, her sharp features partially obscured by the golden light of the setting sun.

"Didn’t take you for the type of person to be bossed around," the girl said, her tone light but laced with intrigue.

Taiki stiffened. "Who are you?"

The girl smirked, stepping closer until the stained glass was the only thing separating them. "Just someone who knows talent when she sees it," she replied cryptically. "Don’t let her boss you around too much, though." With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Taiki standing there, perplexed.

The encounter left him unsettled, though he wasn’t sure why. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he stepped out of the music room, the sound of fading footsteps echoing in his mind as he made his way home.