song #3: i'm your angel
Soft piano music filled the empty room and echoed through the hallways. Masato's fingers glided along the keys with graceful poise, his eyes closed as he enjoyed the sounds he made.
Despite the beautiful melody he created, the song didn't satisfy him. Normally, he would feel better after an hour or two of playing, but this time, he felt nothing.
Masato felt depressed. Something tugged on his heart that kept rearing its ugly head, and he couldn't shake the feeling.
It had to do with his idol work. It constantly interfered with his piano practice, the only thing that brought him peace of mind.
For the past month, he ran around the city doing all kinds of assignments-variety shows, minor acting jobs, and small-town gigs. He never had time for himself.
And his songs suffered from it. None of the ones he wrote didn't meet his qualifications. They lacked the tenderness and love he would incorporate, like he did for his previous songs.
But this time, the depression sucked out his energy and the same tenderness he searched for. He wondered if it would stay.
A knock on the door stirred Masato's thoughts. He let out a dull, "Come in," not even bothering to look up from the piano.
"Is everything all right, Hijirikawa-san?" called a placid voice. A young girl walked into the room. "I haven't heard from you in a while."
Masato recognized the voice quite well; it had been so long since he heard it. He turned his head slowly to greet the voice's owner with a simple, "Nanami-san... I'm fine." He turned back to the piano, avoiding her gaze. "I've just been tied up with work. Have you been well?
"More or less," she answered. "I've been swamped with work as well." She slowly approached him, noticing the piles of crumpled papers on the floor. "Are you working on a new song?"
"I am." Masato sighed, "I don't have any inspiration to write one, though. Because I've been working so much, I don't have much creativity right. I believe I'm in a rut."
The girl's eyes softened in concern. "I'm sorry to hear that, Hijirikawa-san." She tilted her head slightly. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Touched by her compassion, Masato shook his head. "Thank you, but no. I think I'll manage." He sighed once more and attempted to compose a new song. It sounded right, at first, until the frustration set in. "Damn, I can't think of anything."
"Perhaps you could listen to other songs to give you inspiration?" he heard her suggest. "That usually helps me when I'm feeling down." She reached into the purse on her shoulder and placed an CD in Masato's hand. "This singer is really good. I especially loved the ninth song. See if you can find some material."
Masato studied the CD cover with curiosity. "Céline Dion..." He nodded at the girl with a small smile. "I'll try it out. Thank you, Nanami-san."
In his room, Masato listened to the CD's songs one by one. The ninth one, like in the girl's case, stuck out to him the most.
A little modern for his tastes, he liked the cool melody and the gentle lyrics. The image of the girl entered his mind, and his heart gradually warmed up.
I guess I can see her as my angel as well.
