"You guys ruined my only chance!"
We were now in the clubroom with all the members inside, save Tanigawa who had a cleaning duty. The voice that just boomed was none other than the person who had failed in confessing her feelings just the other night, due to an unexpected turn of events.
"I already said I'm sorry!" shouted Tainaka, rubbing her head to ease the pain from Akiyama's falcon punch.
"Well, there's always tomorrow…" I said to the female bassist.
"I don't know if I could build up the courage to do that again…" she replied sadly.
I sighed through my nose, thinking of what would be best to help Akiyama. I hung my head and closed my eyes, hearing the sound coming from my acoustic guitar which is now Yui's. It seems she's getting better, I might need to teach her the next step soon.
"Why not make it a bit more… eventful?" Kotobuki suggested.
"Eventful?" I asked, turning my head to the blonde.
"I mean, a confession is kind of a once in a lifetime thing, so why not make it more eventful?" she explained.
"I kind of get that… though what could we do?" I'm getting quite interested in this.
"Well, for one, Mio-chan has a nice voice. Maybe she could sing her heart out to him?" yet another suggestion from Kotobuki.
"Interesting…" I muttered to myself.
"Wait, wait, wait! I can't do that!" Akiyama panicked. I guess just by imagining it could wreck a nerve.
"I'm sure Tanigawa would like to see that." Tainaka stated.
"Pretty damn sure." I added. I could easily see that the guy's in love with Akiyama, doesn't take a goddamn genius to find out.
I heard footsteps from outside closing in to our location. I guess that's Tanigawa. "Everyone, we'll discuss this at my house later." I quickly informed the room. Before they could let out a word, the door opened.
"Ah, I'm sorry for my lateness." Tanigawa apologized with his usual smile.
The heads were all turned towards the just arrived gentleman, and each of them looked at him with a rather surprised expression, save Akiyama who looked pretty nervous. The room went to an awkward silence, I'm pretty sure I could hear a chess piece being moved coming from the adjacent room, where the SOS Brigade is located.
"Is something wrong?" the gentleman raised both of his eyebrows in confusion.
"No, they're just acting weird as usual." I said to him.
Tanigawa chuckled lightly before coming in and closing the door behind him. "I must say, though, it's quite a skill of espionage you have there. I didn't notice we were being followed." He stated without even a little bit of annoyance in his tone. I guess this guy didn't mind being followed.
"I'll take that as a compliment. Sorry for ruining your night." I said to him.
"Ah, it is fine, Yamamoto-san. I'm sure Akiyama-san didn't mind, too. Right, Akiyama-san?"
Akiyama snapped out of her staring at Tanigawa, "Wha- oh, yeah, of course I didn't mind." She added a nervous laugh after that.
"Hiromi-kun! I can do it!" Yui exclaimed, looking up to me with proud, shiny eyes.
"Is that so... let's hear it."
I observed her fingers as she played the basic melody. She's doing well, without even a little stutter.
"Good, now for the next step…" I grabbed my guitar, "Ring the three strings individually, starting from the 3rd, 2nd, 1st, then back to the 2nd and 3rd." I explained whilst giving her an example. "And don't forget the bass, the 6th string."
She tried with yet another dedication that couldn't break. I'm quite proud of having an 'apprentice' like her. I'm always happy when I saw someone who doesn't want to give up, however hard their tasks are.
"Coffee, Yamamoto-san?" Tanigawa offered me as he fixed a cup of his own.
"Sure, thanks." I got up from the bench and headed to the table.
The rest of the afternoon was spent usually, with Yui's practice acting as our background music. We left the school just before it gets dark. After making Tanigawa is out of sight, we assembled once more, heading to my house.
The cold breeze could still be felt, it was in the middle of the winter season, and the New Year is coming up shortly. I guess that's a good time to confess one's feelings, the New Year's Eve.
We arrived at my house after a few minutes of walking. After letting the girls in, I served them a nice cup of warm cocoa. We rested ourselves with our legs under the kotatsu.
"Alright, so… what's the plan?" I started with asking Kotobuki, who was the mastermind of this operation.
"Well, since it's closing to New Year, I figured that'll be the best time to convey one's feelings to someone."
Huh, she had the same thought.
"What about the venue?" Tainaka asked, taking a sip of her warm drink.
"Chihaya's would be good." I suggested.
"Will we be disturbing the other customers?"
"Nah, it'll be just us." I assured Tainaka. I could ask Chihaya to close down the café so we could have the place to ourselves.
"Guys, I don't think I can do this." Akiyama piped up.
"You can. Just don't think about yourself, think about Tanigawa too. I'm sure he would be more than happy to receive something so special." I said to her.
"Really…" the black haired woman hung her head, seems to be deep in thought. Suddenly, she jolted her head to us, an expression of determination on her face.
"I'll do it!"
The girls smiled at the woman, and nodded in approval.
"Then, what about the song?" Yui asked the group, peeling an orange she grabbed from the basket at the table.
The room went to a 'hmm' as we thought of a good song for the confession. That was, until an idea popped at my head.
"How about 'Eyes on Me'?"
"Ah, that one from Final Fantasy VIII?" Kotobuki asked me.
"Yeah, that one- wait. How did you know?"
"I've played the game." The blonde stated with an innocent smile.
Okay, this is unexpected. It's usually the guys that played RPGs, this is the first time I've met a woman playing it.
"Anyway," I cleared my throat, "The song's in English, think you could pull it?" I asked the singer.
"Uh, I don't know… maybe." She said with uncertainty.
"With a bit of practice, I think you could." Kotobuki assured the woman.
"I don't know the song." She said to us.
I pulled out my phone, remembering I have the song in it. I played it in loudspeaker so everyone could hear it. I'm pretty sure Akiyama could pull something like this, she's quite talented.
The song ended, I put my phone on the table for future use.
"I think Mio could pull that one." Tainaka agreed.
"The lyrics are beautiful, too." Kotobuki commented.
"Would Tanigawa-kun understand what it means, though?" Yui asked us. I'm pretty sure she didn't understand the lyrics.
"Of course he could, that guy's in the same level as Kotobuki and me when it comes to English." I said to her.
"It's settled then!" Tainaka announced.
And so, the practice began. It is said that Kotobuki will be tutoring Akiyama for the event. The days passed by without any of us noticing, and the time came for the moment of truth. In the morning of New Year's Eve, I came by to Castanet Café to do some preparations. I have called Chihaya regarding the event just the other day, he agreed to do so, stating that there'll be no customers anyway.
"But seriously, confessing to someone through a song? That's something else."
I am now in the café with Chihaya, moving some tables and chairs to clear out some space for Akiyama's performance.
"I know. The woman's head over heels with that guy." I said to the chef, moving a few chairs.
"How romantic." Chihaya sarcastically muttered.
The place's quite spacious now, all that's left is the audio equipments I brought from home. Well, I guess it's time I push the fast forward button again… I don't want to bore you all
The night came by rather quickly, and the café's pretty much decorated with shiny stuffs. The girls should be here any minute now.
So in summary, the plan will be convincing Tanigawa that Akiyama would be late. Without him realizing, the woman should come out from nowhere and started singing her heart out. Ha, he wouldn't expect this.
The club came in time, each wearing their coats and held an expression of anticipation. Yui's sister and Manabe were also invited.
"Ah, where's Akiyama-san?" Tanigawa noticed the absence of his soon-to-be lover.
"She said she's gonna be late, some family stuff or something." Tainaka said to the gentleman.
"I see…" He looked rather disappointed.
The gang chatted away, completely oblivious of the sound coming from the back door. I went to the kitchen to take a look. Once inside, I was greeted by the sight of Akiyama, wearing a simple, sleeveless black dress, with the ring from Tanigawa shining brightly. I also noted she didn't wear any make up, due to Tanigawa's simple tastes. She was taking off her coat when I saw her, so I took it from her hands.
"Suits you well." I complimented.
"Y-you think so?" She nervously twitched.
"Hey, Hiromi, the lights are re- holy mother of God."
Chihaya stopped on his tracks and observed Akiyama. "I've died and gone to heaven." He stated.
I chuckled lightly at that. "Don't worry Akiyama, you can do this. Now, are you ready?"
She let out one long breath, "When you are." I might've seen her eyes burning with determination, or maybe that's just me.
"Let's get it on!" Chihaya went out to do some preparations, I followed suit.
"Lights!" I cued, the room went to darkness before a spotlight popped up, lighting the empty space we had arranged.
Tanigawa looked confused for a second, before spotting Akiyama making her entrance with the intro of the song as the background. That look on his face was pretty priceless. I've never seen the man looked pretty surprised.
"A song, dedicated to you, Tanigawa-kun…" Akiyama said softly under the spotlight before she started singing.
Whenever sang my songs
On the stage, on my own
Whenever said my words
Wishing they would be heard
I saw you smiling at me
Was it real or just my fantasy?
You'd always be there in the corner
Of this tiny little bar
My last night here for you
Same old songs, just once more
My last night here with you?
Maybe yes, maybe no
I kind of liked it your way
How you shyly placed your eyes on me
Oh, did you ever know?
That I had mine on you
She got the voice dead on, I love it. I knew she could pull this song without trouble, and Kotobuki's attempt at tutoring her was a success, she could pronounce the words right without a single mistake. I took a glance at Tanigawa, he stared at the woman in amazement, with his eyes wide and mouth agape.
Darling, so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall I be the one for you?
Who pinches you softly but sure
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer
So let me come to you
Close as I wanted to be
Close enough for me
To feel your heart beating fast
And stay there as I whisper
How I loved your peaceful eyes on me
did you ever know
That I had mine on you
"Damn, she's pretty good." Chihaya whispered to me.
"I know, she's talented."
"Tanigawa's pretty lucky to have someone like her, I guess the guy deserves it."
I smirked at the man. "You jelly, Chihaya?"
"Not a chance." He replied with a scoff.
Darling, so share with me
Your love if you have enough
Your tears if you're holding back
Or pain if that's what it is
How can I let you know
I'm more than the dress and the voice
Just reach me out then
You will know that you're not dreaming
Darling, so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall I be the one for you?
Who pinches you softly but sure
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer
The song ended, earning a round of applause from the audience. Tanigawa sat there speechless, with the earlier expression still intact.
"This is what I wanted to say to you just the other day, I love you, Tanigawa-kun." Akiyama conveyed her feelings without a single doubt or regret, though a nervous look can be seen slightly on her face, and the blush was pretty visible. I could hear squeals coming from the girls.
Tanigawa regained his usual self back, though blushing ever so slightly. He stood up from his seat and approached Akiyama with a smile. He grabbed both of her hands and brought his face close to hers.
"I love you too, Akiyama-san." He said in a soft voice.
The room went to a cheer, I even couldn't hide the smile on my face. I guess they really loved each other.
"What the hell are you waiting for, kiss her!" Chihaya shouted.
"Kiss her! Kiss her!" the girls cheered.
The duo looked pretty embarrassed at first, then smiled at each other. With the festive sounds outside, and the New Year closing by, under the blinding spotlight, the only place where there's light in this dark room, they kissed. The room went to another cheer, more loudly this time.
"Get the lights back, Chihaya." I said to the chef.
"Sure." He then walked towards the switches.
The spotlight turned off, followed by the blinding lights of the café turning back on.
The duo walked towards the table whilst holding hands. The club congratulates the newly born couple, and wished for them to be always together. We then sat down and had dinner, courtesy of the owner of the café.
"Thank you everyone, for making this event a success." Akiyama thanked all of us.
"It is quite surprising, I never thought it would come to this." Tanigawa scratched the back of his head, which was pretty out of character for him.
"That means Kotobuki's plan worked." I pointed to the mastermind.
"I guess we need to have a toast." Tainaka lifted her glass high up in the air, everybody, me included, followed suit.
"For the newborn couple, Mio and Tanigawa! May happiness be with them forever!" She announced. All the glasses collided, producing a loud 'clink' sound.
"But seriously, that was pretty brave of you, Akiyama." Chihaya said after he took a swig of his beer. "Not many people do that these days, the cowards mostly send an e-mail of their confessions."
Akiyama laughed lightly, "Yeah, it's Mugi's idea, actually. But it was quite nerve-wrecking, I don't know what Tanigawa-kun would answer after I confessed."
"Anyways, shouldn't you guys be calling each other by your given names now?" Manabe piped up.
"We'll do that. Right, Mio-san?" Tanigawa turned his head to his lover.
I snickered at that.
"Of course, Kaito-kun!" Akiyama replied happily.
Chihaya turned on the small TV to see the time. It was a few seconds before the New Year starts, and the people were counting down the seconds.
"3…2…1… Happy New Year!"
The room went to a cheer, knowing the year had passed.
"Time goes by pretty fast." Chihaya stated, his hand propping his chin.
"Yeah, it's New Year already."
"Anyways, it's time to get you guys home. Your parents might be worried." I said to the others.
"Don't worry, we said we're staying over at your house, Yamamoto!" Tainaka stated.
"Yeah, we'll be having a sleepover at Hiromi-kun's house!" Yui chirped.
"I'm not informed of this." I said, feeling a bit uneasy with the thought of the club staying at my house for the night.
"Don't sweat the little details, c'mon, let's go!"
We walked through the festive streets, with people overwhelmed with joy to our left and right. The cold wind of winter didn't stop us from moving our legs to the Yamamoto residence. Shining above us was the moon, with its pale light defeated by the decorative lamps on the streets. The sounds of music from several directions can be heard, some of them from the stores, some from far away. I walked beside Chihaya in the back, with the newborn couple in front of us walking hand in hand, and the rest of the girls leading the way.
We reached my house in a matter of minutes. I opened the door and let everyone in, telling them to leave their coats in the rack. It seems the girls wanted to sleep at the spacious living room, I guess I have to bring my futon along with dad's downstairs.
"Make yourselves at home." I said to the guests for the night. I walked upstairs to my father's room to get his unused futon.
As I walked back downstairs, I was greeted by the sight of Tainaka and Chihaya sitting Indian style, facing the huge TV while playing Resident Evil 5. The others were sitting on the couch, while the couple sat on the kotatsu.
"Pulling an all nighter?" I asked the duo.
"That's our plan." Tainaka stated.
I threw the futons to the floor, resulting in Yui jumping straight to the comfy thin bed.
"Turn it up!" I grabbed the remote for the TV and turned the volume way up to make the game more adrenaline pumping.
"Whoa, the neighbors would get mad at a time like this!" Tainaka said to me, her voice defeated by the sounds coming from the TV.
"Don't worry, the room's sound-proof." I said to her.
The duo continued their game. Manabe and Yui's sister watched them from the couch. Akiyama and Tanigawa were watching by the kotatsu, with the woman looking scared as usual.
I threw my body to the merged futons, lying down beside Yui.
We spent the night together, ignoring the muffled sounds of the festival coming from the streets. This place of mine turned to a lively home. With the happy feelings everybody have, the dark and lonely atmosphere in my house were gone.
The morning came. They say that if you view the first sunrise of the year, it is thought to be a good and proper start for the New Year. Well, I think it's just another bull.
We all went out to let the cold winter morning breeze greet us. The sun was rising, and the streets were quiet, due to the all out party last night.
"Well, let's hope this year would be better than last year!" Tainaka exclaimed with high spirits, though her drowsiness can be seen clearly.
"I guess it's time to get some shut-eye." I said to the others, they were looking pretty sleepy.
"How come you don't feel drowsy, Hiromi-kun?" Yui asked me whilst rubbing her eyes with the mittens I gave her.
"Force of habit." I stated plainly. I don't know why, but I think it's a habit inherited by my father. He's a hard working man, after all.
I guided the girls inside the Yamamoto residence once again. They all slept soundly just right after they touched the futon. Yui slept beside her sister, with Manabe and Kotobuki close to them. Akiyama and Tanigawa were sleeping with their faces barely apart. Chihaya and Tainaka were sleeping closely together, due to the shortage of the futons, they have to share it.
I smiled as I took a glance at my friends, they looked pretty innocent when they're sleeping.
Having someone that cared for your well being, when you're in trouble, there's always someone lending a helping hand. The vanishment of the lonely feeling inside of me, and the constant happiness they bring me.
It's truly a wonder, friendship is.