VIII
Arriving a couple minutes early, she entered the booked rehearsal room and began setting the equipment up. Some of it was available regardless of the reservation, and could only be moved around, not removed entirely. The room for Saturday's session had fantastic acoustics and was very well isolated, as Yukina had been able to experience when she was using it before creating a band.
She switched unnecessary amplifiers off, since Sayo was supposed to bring her own acoustic guitar and Lisa would use the one provided by the studio. Yukina positioned the microphone and then left the room, seeking the staff member to borrow the guitar. In the lobby, she saw a girl carrying one, coming her way.
"Minato-san, I see that you came early?" Sayo arrived precisely on time.
"Yes, just a few minutes. I wanted to check the setup, as per usual. I'm going to ask for a guitar for Lisa, and you can already get in," Yukina explained in a routine tone.
"Alright, ours is the first room in the medium-sized section, correct?" Sayo asked understandably, as other members have never visited this studio.
"Yes. I'll be back in a moment. Ako, Rinko and Lisa should also arrive shortly." She sounded like before any other training, but Yukina was in fact a bit nervous.
The uneasiness was due to the fact it was their first session together after accepting her new practice schedule and methods. Clearing the worries of Roselia members likely depended on the outcome of this visit and on the following few days.
Sayo first suggested the direction, however, Yukina was the one writing lyrics and also proposed the basis for the rhythm section. They were supposed to build the song from the ground-up, and only later add all the intensity. Vocalist brought the guitar to their room and sat next to Sayo, who was already warming up.
The guitarist explained it took a little getting used to, but she should be able to perform the passages Yukina came up with. Band's leader was impressed with older Hikawa twin's ability to switch instruments so quickly, but Sayo responded that she played the acoustic guitar before, and saw electric guitar as an extension in some respect.
In her opinion, what was important, which was something not many knew about, was that she never completely stopped playing it, so she shouldn't be very rusty. Their talk was interrupted by the remaining three members entering the room. What she noted was how different the two of them, namely Rinko and Lisa looked, compared to their typical casual outfits.
The first abandoned her classic white shirt and a black skirt combination for the day, and the latter didn't have the as much gyaru aura around her. Lisa chose a lilac shirt to go with white trousers. Yukina has never seen her dressed like that before.
"Hey, Yukina, Sayo! You're already warming up?" Bassist was also the first one to greet the stoic duo.
"I gotta say, this rehearsal room is incredible, it's spacious and there's pretty much everything you'll need." Her excitement was very apparent, as Lisa was gesticulating energetically.
"Hello, Udagawa-san. Imai-san, Shirokane-san, thanks for coming in spite of your busy schedules." Yukina was dumbfounded by change in Lisa's style so much, so that it was the guitarist who spoke first.
"It really is something we have been looking forward to." Ako nodded her head to Rinko's response.
"It's still summer break, so it's not such a big problem." Lisa added, visibly motivated.
"Sayo-san, hey! I envy you; you get to play a different instrument today, that's nice!" Drummer seemed very bubbly from the get-go.
"It may seem nice, but it also is a challenge. We have different exercises ahead, and the way we harmonize with each other is going to change for now." It was a response that likely should've been expected.
"Ah, hello. We still should set a couple of things up, but before we do that, I want to say that what we're starting will be tough." Yukina managed to stop staring and started explaining.
"I just want to make it clear, it's probably going to overlap with matters you have outside of band once summer break ends." Following her talk with Lisa, she still felt the need to make the scale of commitment more obvious.
"We talked about it with Ako and we know it will get… very difficult and at the same time we are prepared for this." Rinko had a stern and serious expression as she spoke.
"I'm really, really excited about the new songs and almost any schedule you throw at me is fine, Yukina-san!" Ako burst with emotion.
"Thank you. We should all keep in mind, though, that if we want to keep going, we should desire for Roselia to have the rightful place on the scene." Yukina's tone was steady.
"I want us to take the stage at a venue like the Budokan and garner more than thousands. I know it's possible," she finished in a very leader-like fashion.
"Whoa… I'm already starting to feel the pressure." Ako apparently didn't quite expect guns of this caliber to be fired at the first joint session in a few weeks' time.
"While I do agree and want to achieve the same, there is a long way ahead." Sayo's remark hit home and Yukina was thinking about sharing her motivation.
Just when she was about to speak, Lisa suddenly started explaining how the band's vocalist always wanted to achieve greater and greater aims in a jesting tone. Yukina realized the way she spoke earlier could come off a bit pompous, and, sensing the mood, she decided to progress into laying out the details of the first song.
Lisa most likely thought that vocalist didn't want to admit the article was only partially the reason, but it was nothing Yukina intended on hiding. She decided to quickly remind everyone what the basic rhythm of the new song is, and how they want to first play it slowly. The whole idea seemed challenging for Ako, nonetheless, she seemed to have accepted new requirements.
Rehearsal room also had a beautiful renovated piano inside, which made Rinko's eyes almost sparkle when she got to know Yukina wants her to play it. Studio had to accommodate different instruments and possible variations in equipment, but they couldn't simply pick their places like on a scene.
Lisa took the studio guitar with slight uneasiness and then sat somewhat close to the central place of the room, a tad to the left. Sayo sat on the right from the vocalist's perspective and looked much more confident than the gyaru. Also on the right side, albeit further away, Rinko positioned herself in front of the piano, visibly glad that they were able to book this room, and not some other.
Ako claimed her spot by the drum kit behind the vocalist's stand. Once Yukina gave the sign, Sayo started playing and Lisa soon followed. She joined with the vocal and tried singing in a calmer fashion and in a lower pitch, to better harmonize with Rinko's play.
Notably, the task of performing the unplugged base of the song was the hardest for Ako, who at first couldn't switch from frantic drumming to the light touches. Yukina wasn't bashing her hard, but made sure she acknowledged her mistakes coming from getting used to a different pace.
Lisa's acoustic guitar was coming along rather well, considering she was so scared of having almost zero experience. To singer's right, Sayo was playing with scrutiny and precision she was so used to hearing. Rinko's performance was a sight to behold, as she was creating a sound serene, yet vibrant, while also looking very confident in her outfit.
After finishing the first run-through, Yukina stopped for a moment to pinpoint what she liked, and didn't like about it.
"Sayo, there's nothing wrong with your play from a technical point of view, although I want you to do it with more emotion. This is something I want to establish right from the start," she explained straightforwardly.
"I understand. I think I should try to add more expressiveness without losing precision." Sayo agreed with the remark.
"Lisa, your play is better than you thought it would be, right?" An elusive smile appeared on Yukina's face.
"Keep paying attention to the pace and you should be fine."
"Ok. Thanks." Less experienced guitarist seemed surprised by the judgment.
Yukina had nothing much to say to Ako or Rinko. The first was supposed to keep trying to adjust, and the latter was practically playing above the required level, anyway. After the first round, it was time for a short break and first refinements to the composition.
The session continued with focusing on key parts of the new track, and each of the members playing their hardest parts for a while, then coming back to perform together, to see if they can create a more coherent sound.
During rest time, Yukina was trying to come up with slight changes to select those which would fit the next stages of the plan better, not without the help of Sayo and Rinko. It was again difficult for Ako, because they were mostly using classic methods, even though Sayo did bring a laptop with her.
It wasn't clear for Yukina what the final song is going to sound like, however, its image was getting more vivid in her mind with each improvement made to the melody. She desired to have a stronger, more forceful entry in the band's repertoire, and the talk with Sayo made her choose this new approach. There was no going back at that point and they had to learn new techniques quickly.
Having that in mind, when the practice was nearing its end, Yukina noted she could've underappreciated other members' abilities. Lisa's backing guitar was not perfect, but very decent, considering her prior experience. As for Rinko's piano, it was virtuoso grade, and a testimony of her skill.
She thanked all of them for this joint session, and it clearly was a moment that made Ako happy. The drummer expressed her love for the band and her commitment was something Yukina thought she should cherish more. Rinko added she feels as if not that much has changed since their high school days, and apart from attending the sessions, she even had a plan for additional ballad for Roselia.
All this was coming along well enough to raise a suspicion inside Yukina's mind for a second, pondering whether this mood surrounding the band is going to last. She quickly stopped her thoughts from running amok and focused on wrapping things up. First, she explained the plans for the next week, and highlighted the fact that she wanted to have the lyrics finished by its end.
It was necessary to keep the progress with arranging the track. Anyone was welcome to suggest changes, although the melody and addition of next layers to the song mostly depended on Yukina, Sayo, and to a lesser extent, on Rinko.
The time was almost up and Lisa went to return the guitar, while others could quickly handle the equipment in the room. After that was taken care of, Yukina returned the keys and noticed three of the girls leaving quicker.
"Lisa-nee, bye-bye!" She saw Ako standing near the entrance, waving her hand.
"Oh, Yukina-san, we will be going ahead, we have a ladder event in one of our games, and it's just around the corner, but next time we surely will hang around! Right, Rin-rin?" Ako turned to her friend.
"Yes, certainly… I'm also looking forward to it." Rinko looked both sad and cheery at the same time.
"Don't worry about it. I will not be dragging you somewhere if you made plans for the evening." If anything, vocalist was surprised again that they still had the energy to play games after the training.
"What about you, Sayo?" Yukina spotted a hint of restlessness.
"I… will be visiting Hazawa-san's place, so I wanted to make sure I won't be late." Hesitation was coupled with guitarist's rare moment of embarrassment.
"I see. I won't be stopping you in that case." Yukina's subtle smile signaled she suspected the reason for Sayo's bashful expression.
"Yup, I'll see you all soon, girls. Have fun! Oh, and Rinko, thanks for everything!" Lisa popped in, sending a wink to the taller of the gamers' duo, which caused her to blush lightly after a quiet "It's nothing."
At first, it wasn't clear for Yukina, what exactly she was thanking Rinko for, but then she had a pretty good idea all of a sudden, seeing the bag in Lisa's hand. Yukina stayed behind to book a room for another session for all of them in advance. Lisa waited for her, so they could head back to the station together.
First, though, she gave her what turned out to be the finished dress she had gotten from Rinko when she'd come to the studio. Yukina's hunch was right. Even though, singer only managed a simple "Thank you". She was still thinking about the run-throughs of the first song as they walked. Upcoming online chats were supposed to speed everything up, but it still seemed tricky.
"I know that face, Yukina. Are you worried we won't squeeze it enough? You told us about the bigger live, but that is still a distant future, probably." She got it right, but only part of the reason.
"It's more about the shorter-term goal. I had a word with Rinko," Yukina's cold tone marked the emotions she felt.
"She told me about her future performance in a prefectural stage of a piano competition at Hitomi Memorial Hall. You know that place, don't you?" Yukina started to unveil what she skipped during the session.
"Of course, I mean, it's a stone's throw away from my university! I had no idea Rinko is going to play there." Lisa looked genuinely surprised.
"I believe she didn't openly talk about it, because our training schedule takes away the time she would've otherwise spent playing piano pieces." The vocalist said it quieter than the line before.
"What's more, Mitake-san also told me about the concert of up-and-coming rock bands there in October. I want to send our entry today, as it's the deadline." She wondered whether Lisa is going to be taken aback by this.
"So that was it. Why didn't you tell me about it?" Instead, she has thrown her a frank question in a collected tone.
"I've only gotten to know today as well. Another reason is that this could be a hasty decision, and I am now unsure if we should take part." Singer wasn't as confident as usual.
"It will be very difficult if not flat out impossible to really perfect those songs in time." Yukina knew that she should've told the others about that first, and fantasize about Budokan later.
"Hey, I still remember your fiery tone from the time we started Roselia. Back then you were always pushing us forward. I know you still can and will!" The way Lisa spoke made an impression on the bandleader.
"Lisa… I already demand a lot from you and Rinko, from all of us. I can see myself putting my ambition before you and I don't like that thought." She wanted to lay it all out and see bassist's reaction.
"Right now it's not about what happened with your dad anymore, is it?" Lisa didn't slow down.
"The aim might be the show in October you just told me about, getting into Budokan, or even something else, we're all fine with some sacrifices." As Lisa's tone was getting more intense, the two of them stopped, gathering some looks from people passing by.
"You're letting everyone join in with the composing, worry about Rinko's piano performance and whatnot, you still don't understand?" Yukina quietly awaited her final point.
"I told you before, you've changed! We trust you now. Somehow, though, part of me wants the old Yukina back." Vocalist's eyes opened wide.
"Maybe the girl storming through every obstacle without looking at anyone, maybe… I don't know…" Lisa's expression unexpectedly changed and voice seemingly started failing her.
"I know, however, that you don't want to treat us like disposables. So, just a little?" Somehow, the words struck the right strings, and she found herself walking towards Lisa.
"You really are a natural when it comes to helping others. You will get my old drive back, I can tell you that."
Yukina was overwhelmed by emotions. She pondered if bassist saw her past selves as better, but that did not matter at that moment in time.
"Hiding nothing from others in Roselia, if possible." She smiled while giving Lisa something vaguely resembling a hug, as Yukina's hands were barely touching Lisa's back.
"I can't recall the last time you actually hugged me, and in public, too!" A giggle at the start of the sentence caused the vocalist to pull back.
After an awkward moment, they strolled further down the street, heading in the station's direction. Yukina was now certain that she wanted to take part in the event in the middle of October. The faith Lisa had in her was something both encouraging and worrisome.
She followed Yukina when she first formed the band with Sayo, likely still remembering singer's cheerful attitude from the times before the incident, and was right beside her now, seemingly sharing her will to keep Roselia going.
Why are you so dedicated to me, Lisa? I got another part-time job to help you, but I couldn't change the way our bond works. It's not to say I won't keep trying, but you reassured me so many times before that I lost count at this point. You're rather stubborn, in a way, otherwise you would've given up on me. I wonder what makes you like this.
While Yukina was asking herself these questions, her gaze drifted towards the very person she was thinking about. Lisa looked far more formal than most of the time, which was made more apparent by the fact she dyed her hair, making it blacker and leaving only a faint shade of sienna.
She did eventually notice someone looking, and Yukina had to admit she wondered about the different attire of hers. Lisa responded she just elected to try a new look and asked about the opinion. Not feeling an expert on fashion, Yukina thought it would be best to avoid getting into specifics, and said bassist's appearance was just fine.
They did grab something to eat on their way back, but other than that, the two considered the upcoming week difficult enough to not wander about too much, and simply get some rest now.