Chapter 3 Drummer
Airi's POV
Ever since that day, Shiho had been teaching me how to play the base.
"Good work today, Momoi-Senpai", she praised me after we were done with practice for the day. "I have to say, I'm impressed. You managed to improve quite quickly for someone who's never played the bass before."
"Really", I asked happily. "Well, it's all thanks to you and your tough lessons. So…
Before I finished…I respectfully bowed down to Shiho.
"Thank you for teaching me, Shiho-Senpai."
After I said this, I looked up, and saw that Shiho's cheeks were turning pink.
"Okay, okay", she said bashfully. "There's no need for all of that."
Hearing this, I giggled before standing up.
"Hey, Shiho", I started. "Do you think I'm ready to join a band yet?"
"Join a band", Shiho asked.
"Yeah", I replied. "I listened to a ton of those girl bands you recommended to me. Their music really touched my heart, and that's what I want to do too! But I can't do that by just playing the base alone."
"I see", Shiho said. "If I'm being completely honest, Momoi-Senpai, you're far from being able to play in a professional band."
"Oh", I said sadly.
"However", Shiho added. "You may be able to play in an amateur band."
"An amateur band", I asked.
"For example, a band made up of people who are just starting out", Shiho added.
"A band made of people who are just starting out."
When I said this, somebody immediately came to mind.
"Lucky for me, I have a friend who also started playing an instrument not too long ago."
Ena's POV
I walked into the dining room one late morning to get some breakfast.
My brother was at school, and thankfully 'he' was at his studio, which just left my mom waiting for me at the table.
"Good morning, dear", she greeted. "I made you some breakfast. Let me just go heat it up."
"Thanks mom", I said as I sat down at the dining table.
A few minutes later, my mom put a plate a food down in front of me.
"Thank you for the meal", I said before I began eating my food.
"Ena", my mom started as she sat down opposite of me. "I was thinking that…maybe it would be good for you to take up a hobby, or even join a club or something?"
"Huh", I said in confusion. "What do you mean, mom?"
"It's just that you usually spend most of your days sleeping", my mom pointed out. "I just think that it would be healthy for you to have something to do besides schoolwork."
"You're overreacting, mom", I said in annoyance. "Everything is totally fine as is."
"Would you please at least consider it, dear", my mom asked sweetly, resulting in my groaning in defeat.
"Fine, I'll think about it", I said, before suddenly standing up. "Anyway, I have to start getting ready. I'm hanging out with Airi today."
…
I was waiting for Airi at the Scramble Crossing when she soon walked up to me.
"Hey there, Ena", she greeted.
"Hi Airi", I greeted.
Then, I noticed that Airi was holding something in her hand.
"Is that…a guitar case", I asked in confusion.
"A bass case, to be exact", Airi revealed. "I had practice before I came here."
"Since when do you play the bass", I asked.
"Let's head to the café", Airi suggested. "I'll tell you the whole story when we're there."
…
At the café, Airi had just finished telling me how she started playing the bass.
"So you started playing the bass so you can spread hope to people", I repeated.
"That's right", Airi replied. "If I can't spread hope as an idol, then I'll have to do it in another way."
"I see", I said. "So, how's the bass lessons going so far?"
"They're definitely not easy", Airi replied. "Especially since Shizuku's sister is a very strict teacher. But I'm determined to learn despite that."
"I see. Well, good luck."
After saying this, another thought came to my mind.
"Maybe I should learn how to play an instrument too", I suggested. "Then maybe my mom will get off my case?"
"What do you mean", Airi asked.
"My mom suggested that I take up a hobby or join a club or something", I revealed. "She thinks it isn't healthy that I usually don't do much during the day."
"Ah", Airi said. "So she's worried that you spend most of your days sleeping."
"Hey", I said sternly, getting a giggle out of Airi.
"Well", she started. "Learning to play an instrument definitely takes time and dedication, so I think you doing so would please your mom."
"Great", I said. "Now I just need to figure out what instrument I should learn to play."
"Let me think", Airi started. "How about you learn to play the drums?"
"The drums", I asked.
"I don't think they'd be to hard to learn how to play. So, what do you say?"
After Airi asked this, I began thinking, before giving my reply.
"Sure. Why not?"