song #2: happy synthesizer
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
The sequence repeated constantly in Syo's head—the jumps, the turns, the swings and slides. He had to make sure they were all in perfect sync with the song playing in the background.
He had to get it right. He didn't want to disappoint her.
For one of his weekly assignments he had to create his own dance routine that matched the beat of a chosen song. Syo had a hard time picking a song, so his childhood friend, Natsuki, chose a song for him. Syo thought it was perfect for him to work with. The only problem lied the lyrics.
When he first listened to the song the day after he got the assignment, he liked the upbeat and fast-paced tune, but he abhorred the lyrics.
"These are way too girly!" Syo yelled at Natsuki. "It's all about love! I can't use this song! It's not manly enough!"
Natsuki simply smiled. "I think it matches you perfectly, Syo-chan. Even the lyrics. They reminded me most of you. I'm sure you'll grow to like it after a while."
Even after arguing his opinion on the song's lack of "manliness," Syo found himself backed up in a corner. He grumbled as he left the classroom, his fists shoved in his pockets.
Tch. Yeah right. Like hell I'll really love such a girly song.
He walked out into the school courtyard and sat down at one of the benches. Putting in his earbuds in his ears, he listened to the song Natsuki had downloaded for him, his frown deepened in mild disgust. His brain already started looking for possible alternative songs to use. There was no way he was gonna work with it.
"Ah! Syo-kun!"
That voice. His heart skipped slightly when he turned his head. A red-haired female approached Syo, greeting him with a kind smile. Syo returned her smile and a friendly wave. "Hey, Nanami! What's up?"
"I just got out of class," she said. "I was on my way to lunch, and I was wondering if you'd like to join me."
As much as Syo wanted to join her, he forced himself to decline. "Can't. I gotta work on an assignment the teacher gave me. It's a dance routine of my own creation, so I gotta do some research."
The girl blinked curiously. "Do you already have a song you're going to work with?"
Running a hand through his short, blond hair, Syo frowned a bit. "Somewhat... Natsuki was the one who really chose for me, though I dunno if I'm really gonna work with it."
"Do you mind if I listen to it?" she asked, taking a seat next to him on the bench.
Syo handed her one of his earbuds and allowed her to listen. She shifted slightly to keep the earbud from stretching, and Syo found himself blushing from the close proximities. He watched her as a smile returned to her lips and grew bigger with each second.
"So?" Syo asked with a light chuckle. "What d'you think?"
"I like it!" she answered. "I don't think it's impossible for you to work with this one, Syo-kun. It's not girly at all." She tapped a finger to her chin in thought. "I think it could be taken in different context, so it doesn't have to be all about romantic love. Perhaps it could be the love dedicated to your fans. That makes it a little easier, right?"
He ran a hand through his hair again. "I guess you may be right," he said and stood up again. "I'll give it a go and see how it works! Thanks, Nanami!" He hurried towards the dance studio as she waved back at him.
Hesitation still pulled at Syo's doubts, but he decided to give the song a go.
For his sake and for hers as well.