Chapter 2
Ichiraku Ramen was less lively than usual. At the peak hour, the place was only half-filled.
On the stage, a blonde boy with a guitar sings a solemn hymn through a rough voice. Nobody seemed to be paying much attention though. People were either mesmerized by their companion or by the drink they're holding in their hand.
What seems to be the singer's sole audience was the bartender at the counter. With nothing so much to do, the bartender smiled as he listened to the familiar song. He even hummed occasionally along with it. He was too attentive in fact, that when the bells hanging at the door rang, a late "Irasshaimase!" greeted the customer.
As Sasuke entered the unfamiliar bar, he instantly took refuge by sitting in the counter. He was alone tonight, and the tables and chairs belonged to those with company. It was the first time to go out, since he was forced to leave his band, that the solitary stool he sat on seemed too spacious for him.
"Anything tonight, sir?" the bartender asked him. He had a peculiar scar across his face and his unwilling hair was tucked in a high ponytail. Sasuke thought he was a bit of a sight, but even that couldn't lighten his mood. Lost in his darker thoughts, he said in a flat tone, "Jack Daniels."
After the drink was served, Sasuke shifted his eyes, first to the open space, then to the callous crowd, and finally to the singer on stage. As he eyed the blonde singer and his lonesome guitar, pangs of betrayal haunted him.
"You're job is done. We don't need you anymore."
"What do you mean you don't need me anymore?"
"Look, Sasuke, Exiled is not for you. Sure you can play a little guitar, sing a little, but other than that, it's just your face."
"That's not true!"
"Have you written any of our songs?"
"Well, that's because…"
"Don't tell me we didn't give you any chance. Did we have to verbalize that for you?"
"This is unfair!"
"Face it, Sasuke, you have no talent."
"Shit." Sasuke swallowed the bitter memory down with the drink. As he signaled the bartender for one more glass, the singer's song ended. It was a while before the audience gave the singer a customary applause.
On the stage, the singer seemed reluctant to play another song for the inattentive crowd. But after somewhat looking for approval from Sasuke's direction, he started another song.
"He's a little more nervous than usual," the bartender said pointing his head to the blonde boy's direction, as he handed Sasuke his drink.
Sasuke scoffed. "First time?"
"Nah. He's anxious about a call… might be a breakthrough in his career, y'know."
Sasuke didn't reply. Feeling that he couldn't start another conversation with his customer, the bartended left Sasuke to his drink.
As Sasuke's eyes drifted to the stage once more, he eyed the singer playing the chords in his guitar. Blonde hair. Blue eyes. You think you're good 'cause you can play chords and sing other people's songs eh? I'd love to see the look on your face when you find out you're nothing. You're just looks… like I am.
As the rough voice started playing, Sasuke emptied his glass, his vision blurring further.