Chapter 4:
Someone in the Crowd
Enharmonic
FADE IN:
INT. LECTURE HALL - DAY
A few days have passed since the reunion. Yuuki is now in his Music Theory class, bored out of his mind. The instructor is going over the basics, which Yuuki already has ingrained into his mind from his time at Juilliard. Half of the class looks like they’re half asleep.
He quietly pulls out his phone from his pocket and opens the messaging app, looking at the most recent conversation he had with Asami:
ASAMI (TEXT)
“I seriously can’t believe I ran into you at the cafe! We should hang out sometime soon!!”
YUUKI (TEXT)
“For sure! I’ll let you know when I’m free”
It’s been a few days, but Yuuki is still in awe of running into his childhood friend.
Suddenly, he receives a text from Eric, his roommate, snapping him out of the replay of the reunion that’s been playing in his mind ever since they ran into each other.
ERIC (TEXT)
“Hey do you want to get lunch after class?”
YUUKI (TEXT)
“Bet. Where do you wanna go?”
ERIC (TEXT)
“Mexican foooood”
YUUKI (TEXT)
“Yooo let’s go. I’ll be out in like 10 min.”
ERIC (TEXT)
“Okay! I just finished and headed to the parking lot. I’ll pick you up by the visual arts complex”
Yuuki smiles. Something to finally break up the monotony of his day of being in class back-to-back.
EXT. CAMPUS - DAY
Yuuki stands by a roundabout near the campus entrance, but there’s no sign of Eric. He tries calling Eric, who should have arrived by now, but no response.
YUUKI (V.O.)
Where the hell is he? Imma ditch his ass and go grab a snack from the vending machine if he doesn’t show up soon-
At that moment, he suddenly hears the roar of engines coming from down the street.
YUUKI (V.O.)
Welp. There he is…
Who else is it to appear, but Eric pulling up in his convertible black ferrari, top down. One can always count on Eric to arrive in style.
ERIC
Get in, loser. We’re getting food.
Yuuki rolls his eyes and hops in.
EXT. LOS ANGELES STREET - DAY
YUUKI
What took you so long? I’m starving.
ERIC
Sorry! I forgot how to lower the roof cause I don’t usually drive top down!
YUUKI
And why did you feel the need to do that right now…
ERIC
The weather’s nice! 75 degrees in January? Only in California.
YUUKI
Ok true. You’ve got a point there.
ERIC
Oh by the way, do you have any recommendations for Mexican food around here?
YUUKI
I know the perfect place.
EXT. CAMPUS - DAY
After a quick stop at a small family owned restaurant, the boys are back on campus, shoveling down their burritos and enchiladas.
YUUKI
Man, it’s always those rundown, hole-in-the-wall places that sell the best food.
ERIC
I don’t go to places like that often, but this is good! It’s so cheap too! The place I usually go to costs at least $30!
YUUKI
Bruh you’re spending way too much.
Yuuki has gotten so used to Eric’s frequent accidental brags that he isn’t fazed by them anymore.
ERIC
Also I’ve been meaning to ask you. Can you go to the art department social?
YUUKI
The one this Friday?
ERIC
Yeah it’s tomorrow! I asked you last week and you said you’ll think about it.
It takes Yuuki a moment to think. The first week of the semester had gone by so fast, he completely forgot about Eric’s invite.
YUUKI
Ehhh idk… Socials and parties aren’t really my thing.
ERIC
Please come!! I’ll be lonely if you don’t come.
YUUKI
Don’t lie. You’re going to be the life of the party.
ERIC
Not true! Actually maybe… But that’s not the point. You should come! Go out once in a while! Who knows, you might run into the love of your life there.
The thought of running into someone reminds Yuuki of Asami.
YUUKI
Speaking of running into someone, I met my childhood friend at the cafe a few days ago!
ERIC
That’s so cool! She might be there! It’s a sign that you should go.
YUUKI
That is not a sign… I highly doubt she’ll be there.
ERIC
By the way, you also owe me one.
YUUKI
Huh? Owe you for what??
ERIC
I covered your shift two weeks ago. Remember?
YUUKI
Oh. That’s right.
ERIC
It’s settled then. You’re coming!
YUUKI
Remind me again. Why the hell do you work? Aren’t you like… rich-rich?
ERIC
Work experience! Also it’s kinda fun! Wearing a cute little uniform and making coffee!
YUUKI
100% disagree. But props to you for enjoying it.
FADE OUT:
EXT. LOS ANGELES STREET - NIGHT
Friday night arrives and Yuuki pulls up to the street near the house where the social is being held. He immediately texts Eric.
YUUKI (TEXT)
“I just got here. Are you inside?”
He waits, but no response.
YUUKI (V.O.)
Ugh it’s always like this. Why did I even expect him to respond?
Yuuki considers going home. He’s tired. After a full day of running chores, the last thing he wants to do is go to a party.
YUUKI (V.O.)
He’s the one that invited me, so he better be inside.
INT. RANDOM HOUSE - NIGHT
Yuuki walks into the crowded house, full of unfamiliar faces. There’s some music playing in the background and people drinking, but it’s nothing compared to the chaos of a frat party.
He grabs a soda off the counter and starts looking for Eric, but he’s nowhere to be seen.
YUUKI (V.O.)
Great. Now I need to stand here alone like a loser.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spots a familiar figure. It’s Celia, his classmate from last semester. She’s talking to a short Asian girl that he doesn’t know.
He approaches them, desperately needing to fit in.
YUUKI
Celia, hi!
CELIA
Oh my god! Hi Yuuki! I didn’t know you were the partying type.
YUUKI
You’re right. I’m not. I was supposed to meet a friend here, but I can’t find him.”
CELIA
I’m sure he’ll show up soon!
MAYA
You guys friends?
CELIA
Yeah! Yuuki’s a music major, just like me!
MAYA
Nice!
CELIA
And Yuuki, meet Maya! She’s working as the screenwriter for the film project we’re working on!
YUUKI
Cool! Celia, are you composing for the project?
CELIA
Not composing, but I’m working on the sound design. I don’t think we have a composer, yet.
A look of realization crosses Celia’s face.
CELIA (CONT’D)
Wait, aren’t you a music comp major??
MAYA
You are?!
YUUKI
Um yeah. I am!
MAYA
Woah! Would you possibly be interested in composing for our short film?
YUUKI
Wait, seriously? That actually sounds really fun!
MAYA
We’ve been looking for a composer, because our previous guy graduated last year.
YUUKI
So uh, what exactly is this all for? A short film you said?
MAYA
Yeah-
Before Maya can answer, she is interrupted by a sudden sharp inhale from Yuuki. Eric had snuck up on him from behind and scared him.
ERIC
Gotcha!
YUUKI
Dude, what the fuck.
ERIC
Hahaha you should've seen your face!
MAYA
Sup Eric.
ERIC
Hi Maya!
Puzzled, Yuuki does a double take between the two of them.
YUUKI
You guys know each other?
ERIC
Yeah! Seems like you met my project friends!
YUUKI
Wait, this is the project you were talking about?!
ERIC
Yup! What are the odds of you all running into each other!
MAYA
Sooo you guys are friends too??
ERIC
Yeah! We’re roommates!
CELIA
Oh my god they were roommates.
Everyone stares at Celia. Her outdated vine reference doesn’t please the crowd.
CELIA
Sorry I just had to… I’m… gonna go get another drink.
She is unable to handle the awkward tension and briskly makes an exit.
MAYA
Eric, why didn’t you tell me your friend was a music composition major?! We could’ve just asked him the whole time.
ERIC
Yuuki’s a busy man! I didn’t want to burden him with a random project!
MAYA
This isn’t random! This is important.
ERIC
Okok you’re right! Anyways, didn’t you say your friend was gonna come here? She’s also interested in the project, right?
MAYA
Yeah, she just texted me that she got here! She should be here any second.
ERIC
Yay I’m excited to meet her!
YUUKI
So is anyone gonna explain what this project is about?
ERIC
Yeah yeah I’ll do that when Maya’s friend gets here.
MAYA
There she is! Asami!
Yuuki turns to look at the direction Maya is shouting towards. It’s Asami, the one person he was secretly hoping to run into.
Asami and Maya give each other a quick hug.
MAYA
Ahhh I’m glad you made it!
ASAMI
Sorry I’m late! I-
A smile appears on Asami’s face upon noticing Yuuki is present in the room.
ASAMI
Yuuki!! Oh my god! How do we keep running into each other?!
ERIC & MAYA
You guys know each other?!!
FADE OUT:
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Search #EnharmonicMSA for more artwork of the characters!
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