Chapter 15 The Performance
Saki's POV
After school, Ichika and I met up with Airi and Ena to discuss what Shiho had told us.
"Shiho wants to hear us perform", Airi asked in shock.
"She does", Ichika replied. "Shiho takes music very seriously. So, even though we're her friends, she's not going to just recommend us to the manager of the live house she works at. She wants to hear the quality of our performance first."
"I see", Airi said, before smiling. "I've always admired Shiho's dedication to the quality of her music. So, if she wants to hear us perform first, then I'm all for it!"
"I agree", Ichika said. "What about you, Ena-Senpai?"
"I agree as well", Ena replied. "But, do you think we'll be able to put together a good enough performance by Friday? I mean, it's only a few days away."
"If we work hard enough, then I'm sure we can do it", Airi replied with determination!
"I agree", I said. "We can do this!"
"Then what are we waiting for", Airi asked. "We've only got a few days, so let's get to work!"
...
It was Thursday night, and I was practicing on my keyboard in my room.
"Hmm", I started. "I keep on missing a few keys. I need to work that out before tomorrow."
Just as I was about to start practicing again, there was a knock at my door.
"Saki", I heard my brother say. "May I come in?"
"Come in, Onii-Chan", I replied.
Then, Tsukasa walked into my room.
"Saki, it's pretty late, and you've been practicing for a while now", he pointed out. "Is everything okay."
"Sorry for worrying you, Onii-Chan", I apologised. "Tomorrow, Shiho-Chan is going to watch us perform. She's super strict, and can pick up on even the tiniest of mistakes! If I want her to recommend Youthful/Friends to the manager of the live house she works at, I've gotta iron out as many mistakes as I can before tomorrow!"
"I understand that, Saki", Tsukasa started. "However, you have to make sure that you don't overdo it."
"Don't worry, Onii-Chan", I reassured. "I'll make sure to be careful. I promise!"
"Okay then", Tsukasa said. "Well, I'm going to go to bed, and you should to, young lady!"
"Yes, dad", I said mockingly. "Good night, Onji-Chan! Sweet dreams!"
"Good night, Saki", Tsukasa said.
He then kissed my forehead, turned around, and left my room.
"I'll go to sleep", I said. "But…I'll practice just one more time."
The Next Day
It was lunchtime at school, and I was trying not to fall asleep at my desk.
"Saki, are you okay", Ichika asked in concern.
"I'm just a little sleepy", I replied. "I was up 'til late practicing my part of the song."
"I…did the same", Ichika replied with a slight blush on her cheeks. "I wanted to make sure it was as perfect as it could be."
"Same here", I replied. "To be honest, I'm kinda nervous. Do you think we'll do okay?"
"We've worked super hard for the past few days", Ichika pointed out. "All we can do now is perform and hope for the best."
...
We were all setting up our instruments, when someone walked into the practice room.
"You're here, Shiho-Chan", I said excitedly. "Oh, I don't think you've met our drummer. Shiho-Chan, this is Youthful/Friend's drummer, Shinonome Ena!"
"I think I remember seeing you with Momoi-Senpai at Yume Yume Jump's meet and greet", Shiho revealed. "It's nice to meet you, Shinonome-San."
"Nice to meet you too", Ena greeted.
"Anyway", Shiho started. "Are you guys ready to perform?"
"We sure are", I replied excitedly. "Shiho-Chan, get ready to be blown away by the sound of Youthful/Friends!"
"We'll see about that", Shiho said, before sitting down. "You guys can begin when you're ready."
With this, we all went to our spots.
"Is everyone ready", Airi asked.
"Keyboard ready", I replied excitedly.
"Drums ready", Ena replied.
"Guitar and vocals ready", Ichika replied.
"Bass ready", Airi replied. "Ena, count us in!"
"Right", Ena said. "One, two, one, two, three…"
With that, we began our performance.
As much as I wanted to look up at Shiho to see if I could tell what she was thinking from her expression, I was worried that I'd lose my concentration if I did. So instead, I looked at my keyboard and focused on my playing.
This is good, if we keep this up, then surely…
As I was thinking this…my vision suddenly became blurry.
Huh? Why am I…
As I had this thought…I began feeling wobbly on my feet. Then…I felt myself fall over, and when I hit the ground…everything went dark.