XX
It was planned as the last rehearsal before Christmas, therefore she wanted to make sure it would go smoothly. She went through the song list, revised the exercises' plan and messaged Lisa about the changes. Yukina also wrote a post on the group chat and pinned it, thanks to some help from Ako and Rinko earlier on.
Once that was settled, singer proceeded to briefly check if she arranged her hair properly. Adjusting the hairpin with care, she was satisfied with the result. Yukina finished the preparations by putting on her navy top, then the dark overcoat before leaving the apartment.
Going over the possible modifications to "Erased Past" on her way to the studio, she was surprised by a call from Lisa.
"Hey! Naru just gave me a call as promised, and apparently a couple cancelled a Christmas reservation recently at Harada's." Lisa sounded very excited.
"So, could we… actually–"
"Of course. Reserve a table for two for Ako and Rinko. I am sure they will be happy you remembered about them." She interjected quickly.
"Yukina…" Lisa realized it was a tease and both of them giggled.
"I already suspected we won't have such an opportunity, because the tables are booked very far in advance. I'm glad we will spend that day together." Vocalist's tone got warmer.
"Yeah… me too. I can reserve online, so I'll do it real quick. Ah, I'm already at the studio, so I guess we'll talk later." Lisa's voice was gleeful and slightly timid.
"Alright, I'll see you there."
"Bye-bye!"
Yukina sped up the pace, as she wanted to get there as soon as possible. The reason she considered modifications to the successful song created for October rock bands' show, was that she no longer would interpret it the same way, so the instrumentals needed changing, too. Yukina realized she won't sing about her past while feeling remorse, sadness or anger anymore.
It became a stepping stone. A part of the process of becoming a more diverse, versatile vocalist. Extremely focused and determined, but also succumbing to desires, passions. There was someone who would very much embrace the way she wanted to perform now.
Since she almost bumped into another person again on her way to the studio, Yukina paused her reverie, but soon the mood came back. Instead, she imagined what dress Lisa is going to wear in a few days' time for their dinner at Harada's.
She could wear a one-piece, but she would look fantastically in an elegant shirt too. Maybe she'll go with her gyaru side and elect for a playful outfit. That wouldn't really match with what I want to choose, though. I assume she won't really go for it.
Singer concluded Lisa will know exactly what to do, since she's much more fashion-conscious. Arriving at the destination, Yukina noticed the Christmas decorations were present even at the studio entrance, if sparse. She was the last one to come to the place, as she heard the familiar voices of bandmates right before opening the rehearsal room's door.
"Hello, Minato-san," Sayo greeted her, with other members following shortly.
"Hi everyone. Sorry if you had to wait." She put her bag near the wall, walked up to Lisa and kissed her cheek.
"Yukina!?" Bassist had a panicky look on her face for a second.
"The good news you called me with filled me with energy for today." Vocalist knew that others were looking, nonetheless, Lisa's astounded reaction mixed with embarrassment was well worth it.
"Lisa-nee, your cheeks are really getting red!" Ako picked up on the situation.
"A-Are they?" Gyaru seemingly struggled to remain calm.
"Don't mind me, proceed." Sayo was standing in the back and only raised her head after hearing Ako.
"Well, I don't want to make it too awkward for you." Yukina's half-serious expression signaled she knew it was obvious to others what's happened between herself and Lisa, even if neither really revealed it all.
"I got to know a very promising guitarist not too long ago. Her name is Naoko, she's perhaps unlike your–" Yukina was smiling in a slightly mischievous way to Sayo.
"Minato-san." Guitarist appeared to have picked up on the goofing and didn't keep the stern gaze for long.
"Alright then…" Yukina looked around and saw the other three were setting up or resting, so wanted to get a quick reminder out there.
"Let's give ourselves a few moments to tune the instruments, as always. I also suggested some changes to the song, although we will only apply as many as feasible today."
"Yukina-san, you really want to change Erased Past? That song was so fantastic, though!" Ako reacted immediately.
"I do, but hopefully it will stay like that. I don't want to tame it, I'm focusing more on redirecting the accents, since the same words can be sung very differently." Yukina replied.
"Ah… I get it." Ako made a confused face, which made Rinko break into a smile.
"If you are able to do that largely without changing the melody, then, by all means, do it." Guitarist approved of the idea.
For the next couple minutes, all the members were going about preparing their instruments, arranging the room, as well as unplugging or moving the gear that was in the way. After she checked the microphone, Yukina was mostly scribbling in the notebook, still not fully comfortable with composing software.
She did notice the apparent sign of mood becoming too slack after they were done with the usual setup. Ako rummaged about in her bag, picked up cat ears, then put them on Rinko's hair, despite keyboardist's reluctance. Vocalist ought to make it clear it's no playtime, so she got up.
"Rinko… Ako chose them for you?" Somehow different words came out.
"Aren't they cute? Rin-rin, they suit you so much!" Ako was delighted, but soon realized the hair decoration was a tad out of place.
"Hey, Yukina! You look unfocused. We're staring soon, right?" Lisa walked up to her with an unusually serious expression.
"Ako-chan, I think it's not the right time. Rinko is feeling a bit uncomfortable." Bassist turned to Ako, who acknowledged what she said and took the cat ears off, much to pianist's relief.
"Lisa's right. Before we play, however, I want to tell you about the contract with Sugimoto. That is not happening; his conditions were completely unreasonable." Yukina tamed her fondness for cats and started relaying the result of talks with the record label.
"We were prepared it could end without an agreement, but it still is disappointing." Rinko expressed her thoughts. Ako nodded in support.
"I should've reconsidered involving you with the negotiations. While I wanted to avoid adding to your packed schedules, I also don't want to solely decide the band's future," vocalist said firmly.
"It's true that we cannot find time for everything, but we made the choice to continue." Lisa first looked at Rinko, who steadily agreed in response.
"I could not imagine myself… playing with such energy and dynamism in the past. The music we perform is constantly helping my abilities." Taller of the gamers was soon joined by Ako.
"Same goes for me! Although I cannot really say I have it so tough with the time…" Drummer giggled.
"As for negotiations, wasn't it for the best that you were the one talking? Sugimoto asked you. Plus, there would be no Roselia if it wasn't for you!" Lisa proclaimed, suddenly spotting everyone's eyes on herself.
"Lisa…" Yukina was flabbergasted.
"I agree with Imai-san. We have a lot more commitments now, so one person talking to an industry representative might be a better idea." Sayo joined in calmly.
"It makes it one matter less for the remaining members to worry about." Guitarist followed up and no one raised any objections to what she said.
"Thank you. It means a lot to me that you want to keep this up." Yukina was visibly moved by the agreement of the remaining four girls.
"Agreeing to compromises is difficult for me, as the sound we created together has inspired all of us to improve, even beyond music." Yukina continued in a warm tone.
"In the absence of the CD release, I looked into the possibility of having a concert at the beginning of March. My dad contacted me with an event organizer, and one of their conditions was a support band." Yukina revealed the news, speaking with more energy.
"Was this the reason you had the tough talk with Ran you wrote me about?" Lisa interjected.
"That's right. It isn't set in stone, but clearly I want Roselia to take part, especially since Afterglow would be our support, if Mitake-san doesn't change her mind." Yukina's expression became discontented.
"Whoa, my big sis will be there? On the same stage again?! Count me in!" Ako immediately jumped, hearing the news.
"Udagawa-san, is that the only criterion for you?" The drummer pouted in response.
"I think we should take this opportunity, especially since the live show will be big enough to warrant a support band?" Sayo turned the sentence into a question, looking at the vocalist.
"It will be a few times larger, assuming the venue reaches maximum capacity, which is not a given." Yukina was cautious.
"Even if it doesn't… that sounds like a part of what we are aiming for." Lisa seemed calmer and less tense.
"I also want Roselia to give it a try. I'm strong enough to handle performing in front of such an audience now." Rinko concluded firmly, glancing at Ako.
Yukina intervened, seeing the gamers' duo getting emotional, and prompted everyone to concentrate on the first song at last. She had to focus especially hard that time to clear her mind before singing. After looking around to see the confirmation in their eyes, Yukina gave the sign, and the session started with one of their staple tracks, written by vocalist's father.
Following Felicia's advice, she wasn't pushing herself to her limits during two previous rehearsals, but instead was sparing the voice a bit. Yukina decided she was done waiting, however, and tried singing with much more strength and sustain than the last time. The notes were coming out in tune and she found herself indulged in the rhythm.
That boosted her confidence for the rest of the song. The feeling of airiness; enjoyment coming from singing and having someone beloved listen. Some sensations were new, others she knew very well. Stealing a quick glance at Lisa near the finish reassured her the run-through went well.
"Somehow… it felt much more amazing than the last time." Ako said, apparently still staggered.
"Minato-san, this is a small room, I think you might have gone a bit overboard with the vocal line." Drummer protested upon hearing Sayo's remark.
"That said, it was stunning. There was so much emotion to it." Guitarist admitted.
Lisa stood quietly and started preparing for the next song. Yukina thanked Sayo for the compliment and let out a sigh. She still had it. Throughout the remainder of the practice, however, she calmed her singing, noting guitarist's comment.
They were able to play "Erased Past" with some of the changes, and the initial impression was positive, so Yukina was hopeful it will have been ironed out by March. They settled that the next time they'll meet will be after New Year, since most of them will be away around that time.
Having a clear goal in sight, Yukina wrapped the session up by pointing out they should do some practice not requiring an instrument, if they do get a chance. That was met with some limited enthusiasm, but singer added it could also benefit them. After leaving the studio, they split into two groups as usual, with Ako and Rinko going to Taito and Lisa sticking with the stoic duo.
Vocalist noticed they were all both cheerful and saddened by the parting. On their way back, Sayo brought up an unexpected subject.
"Minato-san, after the struggle to get our presence back and establishing the road to follow, tell me, how much does the Festival really matter to you now?" She looked rather serious, but her tone wasn't.
"Not that much." Lisa made a slightly surprised face.
"It's not my main driving force anymore. After getting there, would that mean that you can stop improving?" Yukina threw a rhetoric question out there.
"I'd rather have a goal of performing on stages where I can truly express my passion, for as long as I have it."
"I cannot do that the same way without all of Roselia, though. That's why I'm so glad you've decided to stick with the band, even if means you have to cancel some other plans." Vocalist's gaze was directed at Lisa, even if she spoke about all members.
"Yukina… don't you think these are our plans by now?" Lisa smiled warmly.
"I think it is worth the effort and sacrifices. It is the time to make those live shows or releases happen." Sayo looked very convinced and motivated.
"Thank you. This is the exact kind of flame I need for the concert in March. Alas, this will need some work, as it will be a full-fledged show."
"Preparations are not going to be easy, however, I have a lot of confidence we will be fine." Yukina reassured them.
"Even if we'll start slacking, you'll be there to keep us on track." Lisa's eyes were glued to her.
"Well, I can surely tell you I won't be mellow at the studio, during our training time." Yukina responded, smirking a little bit.
"You certainly are in a good mood, Minato-san." Guitarist commented with a teasing smile.
Yukina couldn't deny that. It changed slightly when Lisa had to split up from them, but vocalist knew she can simply give the bassist a call. It was now only Sayo who walked beside her. Yukina decided to use that chance to ask her how she feels about Tsugumi taking part in the next live show.
Guitarist seemed surprised by the sudden question, but replied that even though she still felt disappointed, Sayo was determined to concentrate on the preparations. It was still awkward for her to talk to Afterglow's keyboardist, but committing to practice was taking her mind off that matter.
Vocalist could see she was still bruised, but preferred not to meddle at that point. The two parted ways after a few minutes and singer could settle down. Yukina turned the small speakers on after arriving at her apartment, then heated some of the leftovers cooked by Lisa the other day. That gave her the idea of calling her as soon as she finished eating, but the attempt was foiled.
"Hi, Lisa. I was about to call you myself."
"Really? Ha, I just wanted to hear you when I got to my place. It's lonely here." Gyaru sounded half-serious.
"Even though we just had a complete training session together and you heard me sing?" Yukina teased her.
"Oh, you should know it's not the same, because it's with everybody!" Lisa complained.
"I won't sing you on the phone, though. I don't want to be disturbing my neighbors."
"Yuukina…" She exaggerated her pouting, which made the vocalist imagine her silly expression. Both of them chuckled.
"While we're talking, how do you feel about my plans? I will be pushing everyone to perfect the existing tracks and there might be another new song."
"We'll figure it out. We've just been through that, no? Come on, we've got you covered." Lisa responded cheekily.
"That's true. I think it's possible because each and every one of us changed in some way; developed attachment to our music." Yukina followed up with some loftiness.
"I guess, but there's more to it. There was this one talk about Roselia we had after a film. Ako and Rinko, Sayo too, at some point they'll have their own careers."
"Even though, no one feels like they'll suddenly disappear and there'll be no getting in touch with them. I get the feeling that this solid ground makes us confident." Lisa's voice was bright and firm.
"We did grow to trust one another, I agree. I have never expected to arrive at this point, but there's always more that I want achieve." Yukina declared with a sense of longing.
"You wouldn't be yourself if that wasn't the case." Lisa cheerfully concluded and the vocalist silently agreed, smiling to herself.
"Hey, Yukina. I know it's kind of out of the blue, but did you tell your family? You know… about us." The sudden subject change was unexpected, so there was a pause before singer replied.
"I didn't yet. I don't want to keep them out, though. I guess my parents will be a bit shocked, but they should be able to handle it." Yukina pondered.
"Yeah. I didn't spill the beans to my folks either, but I also don't really want to hide it, I mean I'm proud of having such a beautiful and talented… girlfriend." Lisa's hesitation and meek finish made the vocalist giggle.
"Hey, don't laugh… I'm just telling the truth…"
"I wasn't laughing. I was just thinking how that should've been my line." Yukina remarked with a calm tone.
"Oh, would anyone believe how sweet you can get?" It was now Lisa's turn to get on the offensive.
"You'll ruin my concentration if this keeps up. I was supposed to start working on some lyrics if we are going to have a new track." Irritation in her voice was likely easy for gyaru to see through.
"My bad, my bad. I just can't help it at times."
"Speaking of which, wasn't it the other way around today?" Lisa wasn't done and pulled ahead with a boastful accent.
"It's quite natural for a couple in love. We should show some restraint around others, though." Yukina didn't hesitate, but then got embarrassed after saying it.
"Ri… right." Her voice cracked as the spare of cheekiness was depleted, apparently.
The two kept on talking for some time and Yukina was increasingly astonished with how strange, in a good way, it felt to talk to Lisa now, even though what they spoke about stayed mostly the same. After hanging up, she came up with an idea for Christmas. There was a creamy one-piece hanging in her wardrobe.
Settled. I will wear this one.