The crowd erupted with cheers as he ended his notes with a resonance, the heavy chord hanging in the air. The lights dimmed down before brightening up as he ended the song. It had been a peaceful piece, but as it got heavier, it got lower and faster. It enticed the crowd. They absolutely loved his songs. What a lovely day, he thought before getting off his seat.
He bowed as he gracefully walked down from the stage, receiving gifts from the audience and just nodding to them. He's not one to talk much to people he's not familiar with after all. He is especially popular with the ladies that the business here is doing well because of him.
He continued walking for a bit before sitting down on a seat at the bar after receiving his praises. "I'll just have punch for now."
"Coming right up!" A voice chirped.
As the bartender scanned through the contents, he mixed different juices together into a sweet concoction with alcohol, just like how Akashi liked it. He poured them into a glass and served his customer.
He took a sip. "Splendid as ever, I see."
"I could say the same to you, Akashicchi." The bartender smiled, showing his teeth.
He relaxed into his seat, swirling his glass as he leaned against the bar counter. During the day, it would be a regular cafe but once dusk came, the bar would be opened up. They strictly do not sell alcoholic drinks and dishes to customers during the day. However, during night time when the atmosphere gets a little heated up, the bar would always be open for people to get their drinks, be it alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Every day, there would be performances at scheduled timings, mostly at night and some in the afternoon.
During the afternoon time slot for their music, it would have to be pleasing to the ears. No trashy music that would irk the customers if they're having a bad day already. Just calm ones to relax the soul and add more ambiences to the place. Peaceful and sweet. When it comes to the night time slots, that's when most would play trashy and noisy music and some would keep it to the minimum. It is usually rowdy when the weekend comes because, heck yeah. Rest days for most of the working.
On most Saturday nights, Akashi Seijuurou would be performing at Miracles Cafe. It was kind of a hobby for him plus, he was enjoying it. Playing at a cafe or just by the streets was something he wanted (but of course, how can he possibly be able to drag a piano down a street?) to for a long time. Playing at concerts was just not his cup of tea.
One day, he came across Miracles Cafe where he saw a signboard saying that performers were wanted. Without even trying, he was on the spot hired. Why? Because 'your looks will bring in the ladies' (and money).
It wasn't that bad. He had the privilege to come on stage whenever he wanted. When he first performed, let's just say everyone was in awe and even the owner's eyes were sparkling when he heard his play. Since then, the owner gave him the thumbs up sign to just up the stage and take the spotlight. Whoever's slot he took would gladly give way because hey everyone was a fan of him. That really had boosted up the popularity of the cafe.
Having to play freely without anyone criticizing your music is the best that he can have. He doesn't care if it didn't sound pleasing to the ears. All he wanted was to play and that's something he is working towards to. He doesn't want to play to rich snobs that don't appreciate music. Paying such large amount of money just to see 'talented' people play to impress god knows who, it disgusts him. They don't understand the meaning of the songs played at all. They will give praise but they won't see the immense effort being put into the music, the emotions in the music. That, was something the redhead didn't want.
He held an arm to support his head as he listened to the other performances. He enjoyed doing that. He loved appreciating the effort put into the music that people plays. No matter how awful it is, it was a way to express oneself. He didn't mind that. Miracles Café is by far his most favourite place for hangout.
He hummed in content as he was done with the day, just relaxing in the heated atmosphere. Currently, the popular cellist duo, Aomine Daiki and Kagami Taiga, are showcasing their most recent piece that they composed together. Yes, this is why they love performing in a cafe. There is no expectations; just a free platform to show off your skills. Even if it wasn't good, they will still applaud. Even if one does not have any understanding of the logistics behind music, they will still appreciate.
Akashi glanced around before something, or rather, someone caught his eyes. Intrigued, he asked, "Hey, who's that? He looks like he's in a nervous wreck, pacing back and forth and all."
At this, the blonde just grinned. "Just wait and you will see."
A huge round of applause was given until the lights dimmed. Akashi saw the boy walking up the stage, fidgeting a little. The spotlight shone on him, and wow. Let's just say Akashi has never seen such paleness and beauty before.
He turned towards the audience, each of them wearing a puzzled look. It's as though they couldn't see him or feel his presence. Their faces turned into shock when the pale boy sang. Murmurs of 'who is singing?' and 'I can't see anybody!' came out hushed and curious.
It was beautiful. His voice, oh how it captured everyone's soul. He took in the boy's appearance. Slender, pale, teal blue hair, big blue eyes and quivering lips that made his voice vibrate. The boy was standing still, singing to the best of his abilities. Still, it was impressive, just a little stiff probably due to nervousness.
He heard a squeal behind him as Kise said, "He's the cafe's newest addition; first time up on stage, more performances to come in the future!"
Guess Ryouta is also a fan of him.
He listened intently. He could hear the tension and he could hear the happiness in the song. His voice had been so beautiful, that even though some may not have spotted him, they still felt it all the same. It was as though his voice surrounded the people, playing in their heads. The crowd was mesmerized; Akashi too. Never had he once heard such a beautiful voice.
"You've never told me about him." Akashi stated, eyes never leaving the boy.
"A fine piece of work, isn't he? Kuroko Tetsuya, that's his name." The blond chirped happily.
The audience clapped when the singer's voice faded away, his footsteps fading away too as he left the stage.
Oh look who just enlightened Akashi. Now, he would have more to look forward in his visits to the cafe.
He figures that the boy, Kuroko Tetsuya, is someone who expresses his feelings through music. He could feel it. Expression. That's what most lacked. To let others feel, you have to feel; to be lost in your own world.
Surprisingly, the teal haired boy sat two seats away from his. He could hear a soft 'orange juice, please.' Ah, how polite. The two shared a quick eye contact before the pale boy looked away. Feeling great tonight, he figured that a conversation wouldn't hurt.
He walked to the boy, holding out his hand. "Akashi seijuurou. Nice to meet you, Kuroko-kun."
Kuroko, slightly taken aback, cautiously shook the hand in front of him with uncertainty in his eyes. "Kuroko Tetsuya, but I think you already know." He thought for a while. "How did you know my name..?"
Akashi chuckled before answering, "Ryouta told me." He saw how Kuroko looks lost as to who Ryouta is. "The blond bartender over there," He pointed to Kise who was entertaining some ladies. "Kise Ryouta."
"… I see."
Akashi guessed that Kuroko isn't one to talk much. Perhaps that's why he feels such a strong emotion and attraction towards his music. It got into his system fairly quick.
"That was wonderful. Your singing, I mean." Akashi said casually.
Kuroko just stared at Akashi before replying, "Thank you."
"Self-taught or?"
"Self-taught."
"I see."
And the conversation ended abruptly with the other having no idea what to say.
I'm back again with another story! I can't seem to do a decent summary. This is my first time writing this kind of fic and hopefully it'll turn out alright. In this one, most of them have musical backgrounds and I have more performances planned out for these characters in the later chapters! I shan't say much. Thank you for reading!
Enjoy!