The rehearsal
Monday came, and the next day at school was normal for Sayo. Her classes went by with ease, aided by the fact she had at least one familiar face in each class. She sat next to Rinko during science. Although the two were never extraordinarily close, the two were able to coexist in comfortable silence. Sayo turned her eyes toward the clock. It was only one more minute until lunch. She felt her stomach grumble. To Sayo's relief, the bell rang and everyone stood up, ready to go find their friends. “Hikawa-san,” Rinko mumbled from her desk, “would it be okay if we ate lunch together today?” She looked to the ground. “I have something I’d like to talk to you about.”
Sayo was intrigued. What did Rinko want to discuss? “Very well, then. I will drop my things off and I will meet you back here in a few minutes.”
“Alright, I will do the same.” Rinko looked relieved. “Thank you, Hikawa-san.”
“There is no need.” They went their separate ways.
-
Sayo sat at her desk and held her lunch in her hands. What did Rinko want to discuss? Maybe Something related to the student council? “Hikawa-san,” she heard to her right. She turned her head. “Are... you ready to go?” Rinko asked, bento box in hand.
Sayo nodded. “Very well.” The two walked out of the classroom. “Where did you want to eat?”
“We could eat in the courtyard,” Rinko said hesitantly. “If… if it is alright with you…”
Sayo kept a neutral expression. “It is fine.” They walked in comfortable silence all the way to the courtyard, passing by numerous classrooms on their way. Once they arrived, they knelt down and began eating. “Shirokane-san,” Sayo picked up a piece of candy, “what is it that you wanted to discuss with me?”
“Oh…” Rinko murmured. “That is…” Sayo stared at her unamused. She felt her patience drain. “Well…”
“Just spit it out, please.”
“You promise you won’t freak out?” Why would she freak out?
Sayo sighed, “I won’t freak out.”
Rinko sighed in relief. She pulled out her phone and tapped furiously. With one last swipe, the pianist passed her phone to Sayo. “Please read it…”
“Shirokane-san, this is a photo of you and Udagawa-san.”
Rinko snatched the phone out of her hand, mumbling an apology. With two more taps and a swipe, she returned the phone to Sayo. “My mistake…”
Sayo looked at her phone. She could tell this was Rinko’s chat history. Why does she want me to see this? “Please read it Hikawa-san,” Rinko reminded her. Alright then. Sayo looked at who the messages were between. Lisa shone brightly at the top. The messages were from the night Lisa slept over. Her stomach churned. What happened between Lisa and Rinko - and more importantly - why did Sayo have to know?
-
LISA
Saturday 12:02am
Lisa:
rinkorinkorinko are you there???? you normally stay up playing nfo right??
Rinko:
Mhm! Imai-san, is everything okay? <(*3*)>
Lisa:
no comppletey NOT eveyrhitng is NOT good!!!!
Rinko:
Typos… and you aren’t making any sense :<
Lisa:
Kk… ok… you know how im staying at sayos right?
Rinko:
Yes, Yukina-san told me. :3
Lisa:
so just a little bit ago i told sayo i was gonna get some sleep, so she went to the washroom to brush her teeth and whatever~
Rinko:
I’m following so far! :))
Lisa:
i wanted to scare her (in a totally harmless, friendly way) by pretending to be asleep. once she fell asleep i was gonna pounce and scare her!
Rinko:
That's a bit mean :0 but yeah? What happened?
Lisa:
she kissed my forehead and called me by my first name. so im kinda freaking OUT
Rinko:
????? are you sure you’re not mistaken??
Lisa:
theres no way im wrong. totally no way. idk what to do.
-
Rinko took the phone from her hands. Sayo looked calm on the outside, but internally, she was panicking. She knows. Lisa knows. I am so done for. “Hikawa-san,” Rinko mumbled, fumbling with her hands, “you know I… am not the best when it comes to things like this. I don’t want to sound confrontational or place pressure on you…” She gulped. "But... is something going on between you and Imai-san?”
Sayo choked on her candy. “I-I,” she coughed, “there is nothing you need to concern yourself with.” She stared down at the grass. She wished it was spring so there were flowers - now it’s just plain grass. Once again, Sayo was exposed.
“I apologize,” Rinko began, “but I don’t believe you.” This is a new side of Rinko, Sayo thought. I didn’t think she would have the confidence to disagree with me so blatantly. “I care about you both… Roselia, a lot. You know that.” She met Sayo’s eyes. “I want the best for you two, so I want you to be honest.”
Sayo sighed. She was warm with embarrassment. “What,” Sayo began, “do you think about me and Imai-san?”
Rinko tilted her head. “What do I think about you two?” She continued, “I… would say you two balance each other out. You are very strict.” Rinko noticed Sayo’s glare. “Not… that it is a bad thing. Lisa is very laid back - you two complement each other.”
“Do you mean that?”
She smiled. “Of course I do, Hikawa-san. I believe you two are a good match.” She looked up, the shade of a nearby tree blended with her shadow. “Do you…” Sayo knew what was coming. “Like Imai-san? Romantically? I hope you know that your answer won’t affect my opinion of you.” Rinko was genuine. “You are both like family to me.”
Sayo sighed. She wished she was a good liar. “I do.”
Rinko smiled softly, it was pure. “I appreciate your honesty, Hikawa-san. I know it must have been very difficult for you.”
Rinko noticed Sayo’s mouth iron into an uneven line, it was a slight smile. “So,” Sayo began, “Imai-san knows about what I did?” She shuddered. “The… kiss?”
Rinko mumbled, “I… believe so.” She could sense Sayo’s fear. “But… I don’t think she is the kind to hold that against you. I can’t even say she’s angry.”
“She isn’t angry?”
Rinko shook her head. “I would just say… she was confused by it. It was out of character for you.”
Sayo sighed in relief. “I’m glad.” She looked at Rinko. “The last thing I would’ve wanted was for her to be angry. But,” she stilled, “she knows about the kiss.”
“She does,” Rinko replied. “But I’m sure she won’t treat you any differently.“ Sayo was relieved. The bell chimed in the distance. “Oh,” Rinko sighed, “it’s time to head to class. I... wish we could have talked more, Hikawa-san.”
“Me too,” Sayo replied as she stood up. “Shirokane-san, thank you for accepting me."
Rinko smiled as she began picking up her things. She looked up at Sayo. “I’ll see you at CiRCLE after school?”
Sayo nodded. “Yes, you will.” She turned to walk away. “Goodbye, Shirokane-san.”
“Goodbye… Hikawa-san.”
-
That afternoon, Sayo arrived at CiRCLE early - she loved the quiet. She passed through the door, said her hellos to Marina and made her way to the rehearsal room. She removed the guitar-case from her back, placed it on the floor and opened it up. She began tuning her guitar. Sayo felt anxiety pulse through her body. She’d have to face Lisa today. Shirokane-san said she wouldn’t treat me any differently, Sayo thought. She frowned. I hope I didn’t mess everything up. The door opened. Yukina had arrived.
“Hello, Sayo,” Yukina said blankly. “I trust your day has been fine so far?”
“Yes,” Sayo replied. “Thank you for asking, Minato-san.”
Yukina gave her a look of acknowledgement before she unpacked her belongings and began warming-up. The two sat opposite to each other. They turned their heads to the door when two more entered - it was Ako and Rinko.
“Hey, guys!” Ako smiled as she dashed to the drum set. “I’m ready to have an epic rehearsal today!”
“Ako-chan, be careful!” Rinko cried. She turned to the vocalist. “Hello... Yukina-san,” she said quietly. Her eyes met Sayo’s and she stilled. “Hikawa-san,” she acknowledged.
“Shirokane-san,” Sayo replied.
Rinko smiled before she walked away. “I will go warm-up.”
Yukina took a sip of tea from her thermos, arching a brow. “Did something happen, Sayo?” She continued, “There was tension between you and Rinko.”
No tension, just a secret. “Don’t worry, we are both fine,” Sayo lied. Yukina mumbled something she couldn’t make out before walking to plug in the microphone. Yukina didn’t seem completely convinced, but it seemed she didn’t care enough to ask questions. Sayo was relieved.
She hadn’t noticed Lisa had walked in during her talk with Yukina - she had her back to her. The bassist tapped her shoulder and Sayo almost withered away when she turned around. “Imai-san…” was all she could mumble.
Lisa gave her a reassuring smile. “Sayo, could we talk outside after rehearsal?” She added, “If it’s okay? I don’t wanna pressure you.”
Sayo embedded her gaze into the floor, nodding in reply. Today is the day I die, she thought. “Okay, I’m gonna set up,” Lisa waved before she walked away. “I’ll see you after~.”
-
Yukina stood in front of the band. “So,” Yukina began, “has every set up and warmed up?” One by one, the four nodded. "Very well then." Yukina sounded like a teacher. "Pull out 'Promise', please."
Ako counted down with her drumsticks then Rinko began playing. Sayo was on auto-pilot, she had many more things to worry about than this song. She found it ironic that she was the one so driven to continue practice the day of the storm, only to zone out at their next practice. However, her ears tuned in when she heard Lisa’s voice sing. Sayo’s eyes trailed over to Lisa, she was focused and doing her best. She sounds great, Sayo thought. I’m fortunate it was you.
They wrapped up the song. Lisa turned to the four of them, “How was I guys?” She giggled. “Hopefully I did well? I’m not really used to soloing…”
“You were so cool Lisa-nee!” Ako squealed, waving around her drumsticks. “You sounded great!”
Rinko nodded. “I agree with Ako-chan,” she smiled, “you did well...”
“My sentiments exactly,” Yukina said.
Lisa grinned. “Thanks, guys! Your encouragement means a lot!”
Sayo felt confidence rise within her. “I thought your voice was lovely, Imai-san.” She immediately froze. Where did that come from? She noticed Rinko giggle to herself.
Lisa giggled and looked away bashfully. “Well, uh,” she mumbled before smiling, “thanks, Sayo!”
“It is nothing,” Sayo lied. She knew deep down that her reaction was everything. “So,” she turned back around, “are there any parts we should iron out?”
Yukina nodded. “The bridge to measure thirty-four was sloppy.” She spoke with authority. “I will give you one minute to find it.” Everyone quickly flipped to the measure. “If everyone is ready, let’s begin. Ako, count us down.”
As the song began, Sayo smiled as she played her guitar. She looked forward to seeing Lisa after rehearsal. She felt supported. Rinko - and more importantly, Hina - still care about her. Maybe… everything will be alright? Maybe it isn’t as big of a deal as I thought it was? She took a deep breath. Everything will be okay.
-
As rehearsal came to a close, everyone left one by one. First, Ako and Rinko left together - followed by Yukina, who left alone. It was just Sayo and Lisa left alone in the room. Lisa made her way to the exit. “Sayo,” she turned around, “remember to meet me outside, ‘kay?”
“Yes,” Sayo replied as Lisa left. She sighed and holstered the guitar-case over her shoulder. This is it. Here goes nothing. She stepped into the lobby and said her goodbyes to Marina. She then walked outside. Unlike last time, it was a clear sky. The sun was setting in the horizon, bathing the outside of CiRCLE in an amber glow. She saw Lisa near the railing, texting someone on her phone. She cleared her throat. “Hello, Imai-san. Who were you texting?"
Lisa turned around. She tucked her phone away. “Hey, Sayo - nobody important~.” She awkwardly giggled. “What did you think of practice?”
Sayo sighed. “Imai-san, if you have something you would like to say to me please get straight to it.” Her eye contact didn’t waver. Lisa's eyes looked nice in the sunset
“Okay, okay…” Lisa trailed off. She held her arms. “You,” she began - appearing deep in thought, “you know why I want to talk to you, right?”
“Shirokane-san informed me,” Sayo replied. She came off as detached. “It’s about the sleepover, correct?”
Lisa looked to the wall behind Sayo. She was never good at confrontation. Why couldn't they pretend it never happened? “Yeah,” she said, “and how when I was pretending to be asleep you…”
“Kissed your forehead,” Sayo said. She surprised herself, she would have never foreseen herself being this confident with her feelings.
Lisa blushed. “You said it so casually…” She trailed off with a weak giggle.
“I apologize for that,” Sayo said. “I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“There’s no need to apologize!” Lisa defended. “I know this conversation must be pure anxiety for you…”
“I appreciate the concern,” Sayo replied. She knocked her shoes against the ground. “Is that all you wanted to say? 'Cause if so I’d like to leave.”
“Jeez, so impatient,” she sighed. She gulped. “There’s just a question I wanted to ask you - which, well, shouldn’t be a shocker.”
Sayo could guess what it was. “Do,” yep, “do you like me? In a romantic way?” She added, “It isn’t unreasonable for me to believe, right?”
Sayo’s been honest this far, so she had no reason to start lying now. Lisa knew about the kiss regardless. She bit the bullet. “I do.”
Lisa looked like she was about to combust. Her cheeks were dusted with red. Sayo would be lying if she said she didn't like it. “I… appreciate the honesty.”
Sayo turned around and began walking. “I will be going now.” She didn’t want to stay for any more of a response. Lisa was left standing there alone, unaware of what to make out of their conversation.
-
As soon as she heard the door open, Hina bounded off the couch and sprinted to the door - nearly tripping on the red carpet in the hallway. She hugged her sister. “Yay, onee-chan is home!” She pouted, “I missed you!”
Sayo tilted her head - surprised her sister was home. “Do you not have any rehearsals with your group?”
“Those are normally in the morning before school!”
“I see.” Sayo put down her things on the nearby table. She picked up her binder. “Well, I have homework I need to complete.” She walked down the dim hallway to her room. “I will talk to you later, Hina. Also…”
“Mhm?”
Sayo deadpanned as she opened her bedroom door, “I told Lisa that I liked her.”
Hina gasped, “Wha-? Lisa?” She raised her hands dramatically, “You told her? That’s so unlike you! You’re even calling her by her first name..!”
“I have grown a lot in the past few days thanks to your support, Hina.” She smiled. “Thank you.” She left the hallway into her room, “I will go do my homework now.”
Hina whimpered from the other end of the hallway, jumping in place. “You can’t say something like that so randomly! Jeez, you should give me a warning next time - now I have so many questions!” She plopped on the couch. “I’ll just have to pester her at dinner… Mom and dad don’t come home till late anyways~.”