Chapter Two
Every musician knows including myself that it's no use practicing the day before an event because by then it's already too late. So I tried to keep my mind occupied doing other things like homework and read.
When it was time for dinner, I wasn't feeling hungry but I tried to eat anyways so that I wouldn't worry my parents.
After dinner I decided to take a nice warm bath, which helped me to relax a lot, then I headed to bed.
What in the world am I going to do? How am I going to play for him? I can't even play for myself…
I couldn't stop thinking about the possibility of looking like an idiot in front of him.
Gosh how embarrassing….
I woke up the next day realizing how much I regretted agreeing to this.
Is there any way I can get out of this?
Maybe something will come up and I won't have to show up!
No I can't be irresponsible!
Maybe something will come up for Ryotaro!
Ehhhh…
It was all already useless because he was already there waiting.
Nuuuu…
"Hey," I breathed out and he replied with a nod. "There is a practice room all the way in the back for us," he said.
Greaat Arisaaaaaa! So less people will hear your mediocre performance!
"Okay," I said and followed him.
When we entered the room, Ryotaro gestured the piano towards me.
"Would you want to play first?" He asked. Too nervous to answer, I just shook my head violently. "N-no. Go right on ahead!" I said as immediately as I could, trying not to look sick. He just shrugged. "Okay." And he sat down.
The silence felt heavy as I watched him close his eyes then open them and place his big hands on the keys.
A big sound filled the air as he began to play Chopin's "Revolutionary" piece. His fingers were all over the piano keys but they also looked comfortable and relaxed at the same time.
That technique!
This speed is ridiculously fast…but it fits so well
His performance was so clear and neat, sounding strong and definite. I closed my eyes and focused on listening to the rest of the piece. The final chord rang and then was consumed by the silence again.
"That was…amazing!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands in excitement. He smiled at me and thanked me and all I could do was smile back.
"Well..." He said after a while. "What are you working on now?" He asked me.
"U-um 'Libestraum.'"
"Hmm, That song is really beautiful."
I could only nod at his response. Then he started playing it. As soon as he started playing the piece, my heart practically jumped. The notes flew through me like a strong cold breeze all over me.
Ryotaro looked so content and peaceful and I started to feel so tiny.
How can he play it with such ease?
It's not fair! I work hard too!
Tears welled up in my eyes before I could even realize.
I started feeling tears in my eyes. How can he do it? I can't feel my music anymore! How can I play? Why can't I play like that? The song ended softly and the tears just started falling.
"Are you crying?" Ryotaro asked. I shook my head and tried to stay quiet.
Fail
"H-hey, Arisa... What's wrong?"
OMG this is so embarrassing, what the heck…
"I'm so sorry this is very awkward, I'm not feeling well... I think I should go." I said as I walked out of the room wiping my tears along the way.
Really?
I might as well have died on the spot! He's going to think I'm crazy…