The Story Of Us
Chapter 3: Closer? Maybe a little
Always chase your dreams, be what you want to be or else when you will be standing in front of Death's door, waiting for your turn to come, regrets will come back to haunt you.
Crack!
Shinichi entered the auditorium. He was the first one to arrive. After all, it was only 1 pm right now, and the audition starts from 2. Due to his extreme excitement, neither he could sleep the last night nor could pay any attention to the earlier classes. So he decided to come here instead.
He looked around. The auditorium was quite big. He took the stairs and went to the last row. He sat at the last sit, so the wall was beside him. He looked at his right where his life, his friend; his guitar was sitting. He carried it all the way from his apartment only for this audition. It was very important for him, he need that position. It can be a trigger to his dreams.
Shinichi didn't know how long he was spacing out but he was brought back to the real world at the sound of the door opening. His head turned towards the door to see who it was.
It was a girl. She had blond locks like melted gold. She had beautiful blue eyes like a peaceful ocean. Her voice was sweeter than birds. She was Igarashi Yui. She was the second one to arrive.
Their eyes met for a second before she looked at her front and took a sit in the front row. She took something out of her bag before shifting her attention towards it.
Shinichi smiled. 'Such a serious girl.' He shook his head.
Slowly students came in and the once empty auditorium was buzzing with noises; noises of students. Shinichi noticed the there were 30 students in the auditorium but most of them were to watch the show as it was already lunch time. Some of the teachers were also present there. He looked around and noticed she never once looked up from what she was doing.
Suddenly a student went up the stage and cleared his throat in the microphone to catch everybody's attention. "The students who are interested in the audition please come forward and contact with me and the other ones are requested to sit at the back." He announced.
Shinichi suddenly felt someone sit beside him. He knew who could that be,
"What are you doing here?" He asked.
"I am watching the audition." Emi answered.
Shinichi sighed and looked at her, "Can you help me?"
"For what?" she frowned in confusion.
"Can you talk with that host for me?" He requested, "I need to go out for some time."
"Um…sure." She answered as she stood up. The boy also stood up, ready to go. He took his guitar with him. He could feel his hands shaking with excitement. Emi also noticed this.
"So, scared or excited?" She asked.
He smirked, "Excited."
:::
"You can go inside." An old man said.
"Okay, Sir." Ryuu nodded as he went in. Entering the room, he saw what he hoped to see. He sighed. Just as he had expected, his dear mother was again overworking herself. There were four huge piles of books and papers on her desk and in middle of these papers, she was working non-stop even in the lunch time.
"Mom?" he called out, hoping he will catch her attention which she didn't.
Ryuu shook his head before approaching her and then sat on the chairman opposite to her. He slowly opened the lunch box he prepared and took a spoonful before holding it before her.
Misaki, as usual, was very concentrated in taking notes, that she couldn't hear her son calling out to her. But then suddenly, the sweet aroma of food hit her nose as she looked up to see Ryuu holding food for her.
"R-Ryuu? When did you come?" She asked, bewildered.
Taking the chance he quickly shoved the food in her mouth, "You expect to see me coming when you are surrounded by these huge mountains."
Misaki chewed first and swallowed. She had to admit, her son was a great cook when she was nowhere near him. "Don't barge in someone's room like that." She lightly scolded him.
"I did call you but you didn't hear me." he said as he took another spoonful before feeding her.
"Stop shoving foods in my mouth!" she exclaimed, Ryuu chuckled. "Why are you here anyway?"
He looked up, "As usual you were overworking yourself and knowing yourself, you wouldn't allow yourself to eat lunch before finishing these." He said pointing at the papers, "So, I thought I should feed you instead." He again feed her a spoonful.
Misaki sighed before smiling. Her son sure knew how to take care of her just like a certain person. Leaving those painful memories aside, she focused on her son. "Geez, who is the parent here?"
"Me, obviously." Both of them laughed.
"Have you had your lunch?" She asked and he nodded.
"I know how to care of myself." He said. And she mocked him, "I know how to take care of myself too."
"That I can see." He teased and Misaki slowly smacked him on his head.
"So, how is the audition going?"
"I don't know. It must have started by now."
"And you are here feeding your mom."
"Yep." Ryuu said as he fed her the last portion. "Anything for you." He said before smiling which showed his perfect white teeth.
Misaki chucked before resting her head on her palm which was placed on her desk. "Keep those cheesy lines for your girlfriend." She teased. "I don't want her to get jealous because of me."
"Mom, I suggest, you should keep those thoughts aside and come to the audition. Every teacher and professors are expecting you."
"No, I don't think I will. Besides, those guitars and music are too much for me to handle." She refused. "But I will go once." She said as she got up, "Leave the lunch box here, I will take it."
"You sure?" Ryuu asked. Misaki nodded, "You could've entered the audition. You have a nice voice, no, you should be a cook. But you are good in studies too…" She trailed off.
"Well, I can't be a cook because I can't cook for you then. I can't be singer because it doesn't suit me and I cant be a actor because most of the times my face doesn't show any emotions which means your theory is wrong."
Misaki stared at him, "You sound like a businessman."
"That I want to be." He said only to see his mother's eyes widen.
"Why businessman?" she asked, dazed.
"Because I want to be someone who will make a lot of money." Ryuu said which made her look down.
"Why money?" She demanded.
Ryuu frowned in confusion, "To make you happy of course."
"I see." She said as she ruffled his hair. "Why don't you go? I will come a minute a later."
Ryuu nodded and hung his head low in front of her, like telling her something to do. Misaki, seeing his childish act, laughed before she kissed his forehead.
Ryuu, satisfied, hugged her once before going out.
Misaki watched his son to go out. In many ways, he resembled his father. A person he hated the most, but their resemblance was something, anyone can noticed. Maybe business ran in their blood. If he wants to chase his dreams, she wont stop him. Maybe that way, one day he will come across his father. She let out an exasperated sigh, "Someday, you will understand money can't always give happiness." She muttered before also going out.
:::
The humid air touched the boy's raven locks and made it a little messier. Well, he didn't mind it. Somehow, it felt nice and refreshing. The view of the city was really attractive. The previous life of Shinichi Walker was really boring, home to school and school to home. His life was bounded. Now he could do whatever he want and now he was just waiting for a chance to prove himself. Unconsciously, he smiled. Never in his life has he felt this anxious before.
Suddenly, his phone buzzed bringing him back to the real world. Thinking the caller must be Emi, he picked it up without noticing the caller id.
"What?" He said before the caller could've said anything. But no response was heard.
He frowned, "Emi?"
"No, it's me." His eyes widened, he knew this voice well, "Richard Walker, in order words, your great grandfather."
His heart skipped a beat. Shinichi opened his mouth but no words came at all.
How?
"If you are thinking how I got your number then don't underestimate my ties and it's not because you called your father once."
Should I cut the phone?
"Don't even think of cut the phone." His old voice threatened.
Shinichi came out of his trance, "What do you want?" He asked; his voice icy cold. For a moment he thought, his voice would betray him but it didn't.
The old man laughed his old bitter laugh which never failed to make Shinichi flinch.
"I know where you are. You are not in France; you're in Japan BUT Takumi doesn't know this. You have Ms. Emi with you so I am letting you go. I will give you six months for you guys to play around. After six months if you don't come back and get engaged then you two will see my true colors. Don't forget kid, you are a Walker-"
"I wish if I was not." Shinichi interrupted.
"Don't joke." He said; his voice filled with anger, "Listen to me carefully and don't mix with those commoners. I WILL NOT allow my great grandson to marry a low class, manner less, uncultured lady like your pathetic mother."
Shinichi's fist clenched. " Don't. You. Dare. To. Badmouth. Her" he said through gritted teeth. His voice filled with venom and hatred of that old man.
"So, you've started to defend your below standard mother. Is this the result of mixing with those low lives?"
Shinichi stood there quite, his teeth gritted.
"I wonder if six months will spoil you."
"I have a condition." He blurted out.
"What?"
"You will not keep track of me in these six months."
"Okay. But then, forget about your dreams of becoming a singer. A Walker should always be in business industry."
"What I do in these months is not your business."
The old man chuckled and hung up the phone. Shinichi, who was now shaking with anger, punched the railings of the roof in order to calm himself.
How dare he…speak like that of my mother! What am I? A check piece!
A small buzz from his phone made him look at it. This time it was Emi. She massaged him that the next turn was his, he should hurry. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Shinichi speed walked towards the stairs.
He wanted to reach the auditorium as soon as possible, only to be bumped into someone.
"I am sorry." He apologized as he caught the other person. He steadied her. Judging from her appearance she must be a teacher but then again what would a teacher come to the rooftop. He was lost in his thoughts before her amber eyes looked at him.
Misaki was shocked; she was shocked to death when she first watched those emerald eyes, thinking it must be him. But her hopes were shattered when she noticed raven locks. Instantly, she felt like a idiot to even think that he will come here. But she noticed there was only hatred and anger in those eyes and she didn't know why, it saddened her.
Misaki cleared her thoughts, "What are you doing here?" She asked.
Shinichi, who was amazed at the lady's beauty, was surprised to hear her stern voice but it didn't sound disgusting like that old man.
"Sorry, I was in a hurry." He admitted.
"Are you taking part in the audition?" Misaki asked, seeing the guitar on his back. He nodded.
"Then you should hurry. But-" Misaki touched his shoulders and straightened him. "-Straight your back and chin up!" She instructed and like reflex he did as he was told.
She smiled. "It's gives off the air of confidence and use that fire of your eyes in your songs." She suggested, "Best of luck. Go, rock the stage." She said and patted his head before walking past him. His eyes widened. Her touch felt soft. He looked back but there was no sign of her.
Misaki was finally at top; at a place which held many memories. She didn't know what happened to her some seconds ago since she gave him suggestions and wished luck. Not that, she has met him before but his face kind of reminded her of Ryuu's. Ryuu always had this face whenever someone said something or insulted her. His face looked the same. Weird, right? Must be her imagination…
:::
Tadao was in back stage waiting for Shinichi. He was late. On the other hand the situation here wasn't good. They had heard seven people before but vice-prez rejected all of them even when some of them were quite good. Shinichi was the last one left and after listening to his dreams Tadao really wanted him to be selected. He inhaled then exhaled. The tense atmosphere was killing him.
While walking back and forth, he noticed black hair. "There he is." He muttered and heaved a sigh of relief before running towards him.
The anger Shinichi felt a while ago was gone. Somehow, that mysterious woman's presence and touch helped him to calm down. He remembered her words.
'use that fire of your eyes in your songs'
"Usui-san you are late!" Tadao said while he came running towards him. Shinichi looked up.
"Um….sorry." he muttered.
"Did something happen?" Tadao asked, concerned.
Shinichi smiled and shook his head before he hung his left hand around his shoulder and started walking, "So, how's everything here?"
"Not good, no one has been chosen until now."
Shinichi smirked, "That's good."
Tadao shook his head, "No, the vice-prez told them they were not good on their face even when some of them were quite good."
Shinichi's smirk grew wider. She indeed was very interesting.
"And, she didn't even look up from her book, she was reading. She listed them all while looking down." Tadao informed.
Shinichi looked at him, "Then that means I will just have to get her attention."
Tadao nodded, not sure what to do, "Y-Yeah, that's what you need to do."
Shinichi stopped entering the back stage. "I got it." He noticed his name was being announced.
He looked at Tadao and gave him a nod before walking towards the stage. He noticed some unknown faces and a well known face of the President. What was his name again? Oh, forget it!
He entered the stage and again the anxiety was back. The feeling of nervousness, the feeling of everyone's stare was just awesome. He turned and faced the students.
He could see that the auditorium was full by now with students. He could see Igarashi Yui sitting at the first row, at the same spot he had seen about a hour ago and she indeed was reading a book.
One of the teacher, most probably, the music teacher gave him a nod, signaling him to start.
Shinichi closed his eyes and slowly let out a breath…
Don't forget kid, you are a Walker.
So, you've started to defend your below standard mother.
Don't mix with those commoners.
He opened his eyes, and brushed his fingers against the chords. The guitar made a high pitched voice, getting everybody's attention. Even, Igarashi Yui looked up too.
Taking this as an opportunity and with the anger of his heart, he opened his mouth….
In this world, in every step
A human is wrong
Whatever I do, thinking it's right
You say, it's wrong!
If I am wrong, who is right?
To live my life
Should I ask your permission?
It means you have more right
On me, than me!
Keep your right, right here!
The crowd listened to his voice with rapt attention. One could understand the anger in his voice and his skills of guitar which started after the first stanza took everybody's breath away. The students looked at him wide eyed before his high pitched voice filled the auditorium…
Hey! I am mannerless
I belong to the street!
Do not try to change me.
I am threatening you!
Everything is unknown, so burn it
My mind says, either live my life
In my own way or die!
Keep our right, right here!
Keep our right, right here!
The whole place bust into cheers and squeals; everyone, unable to be able to sit at their place, stood up and clapped matching the rhythm. While the boy on the stage showed his skills, the crowd cheered hid name.
Shinichi also noticing the excitement, also clapped with them to encourage them more and played the guitar at its highest note and the students also sang with him,
Oh, Eco-friendly, protectors of Nature
I am also nature.
From the rules of societies,
Why…?
You cut me! You divide me!
Why teach them a lesson?
When they are not ready.
When someone says the truth,
You make false laws…
Your fear, your love, your praise,
Keep it for yourself, you fool!
Keep our right, right here!
Keep our right, right here!
"Once more!" Everybody screamed at top their lungs. Shinichi smirked and winked at the crowd causing the girls to squeal.
"I liked it." The vice-prez said when the crowd calmed down a little. Shinichi held his breath. Yui stood and smiled at him, "You passed. Welcome to band."
Shinichi let out the breath he was holding and bowed to the teachers and waved at the crowd before leaving the stage.
"Wow! You rocked!" Tadao said when he entered the stage and gave a high-five.
The others also came and congratulated him. The only one who didn't was the president.
Shinichi looked at him for a moment with a poker face before walking past him.
"You have a good voice." Ryuu said when Shinichi walked past him.
Shinichi stopped. "I will take that as a compliment."
"Didn't meant to be." Ryuu said and both of them walked on their different ways.
Was the ice melting? Maybe yes, even if it was only a little.
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