ch4: New Song

Sunlight poured through the two windows of the music room, gently scattering across the polished wooden floor. The faint scent of wood lingered in the air, and the distant chirping of birds made the quiet feel warm—like the room itself was gently breathing.

Ai sat on the right side of the room, her pink twin ponytails catching the light. A bright red ribbon tied neatly at her collar matched the two smaller bows in her hair. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and the gentle smile on her lips shone like the midday sun.

Across from her sat Makoto. His black hair was slightly tousled, and he sat stiffly in his chair, eyes carefully avoiding hers.

“Don’t you want to join the music club too?” Ai asked with an almost teasing lilt, tilting her head.

Makoto shifted slightly. His voice came out quiet, barely audible above the breeze.
“But… I can’t play anything.”

Ai chuckled softly and raised a finger like she just had an idea.
“You could start with something simple. Like bass or keyboard?”

Before Makoto could answer, the wooden door creaked open.

Rayna stepped inside—calm and composed, her golden hair catching the light. Her blue eyes locked onto Makoto immediately.

“Why are you here?” she asked, cutting straight to the point.

Ai answered in a flash.
“I invited him to join the club!”

Rayna sighed and narrowed her eyes.
“You can’t just bring in stray puppies every time you find one.”

Ai’s shoulders slumped.
“But if we don’t get more members… our budget might get cut…”

Rayna crossed her arms and replied flatly,
“Most of the budget already goes to your snack fund. So forget it.”

Without warning, Ai sprang forward and wrapped Rayna in a tight hug.
“Rayna-channn~! I have to protect my snacks!”

Rayna’s body froze, her cheeks turning pink as her arms hovered awkwardly in the air.
“…It’s not like I mind. He can join, I guess.”

Ai spun around triumphantly and pulled out a club application form from nowhere.
With a devilish grin, she shoved it toward Makoto.
“Come on, sign it~! Sign it~!”

Makoto hesitated, then took the paper with a wary look.
“…Why does this feel like I’m signing a slave contract?”