RiNG, practice room
Soyo watched the five play haruhi kage, eyes deep, dazed. Not bad, together again, not alone.
The thought flickered, quickly crushed. No Xiangzi, no Miku. Not Crychic.
Hotaru, not part of this band, impressed Soyo with his keyboard skills—better than hers. Haruhi kage's melody flowed from his hands. Another in her spot would've angered her, but his image overlapped with someone, settling as him, oddly calming.
Ask him to teach me, edge out Anon.
Anon, watching, felt outclassed. I'm dragging them down. Soyo's struggle mirrored hers, sparking camaraderie.
Seeing Soyo's smile, Anon whispered, "Soyo-san, what do we do?"
Soyo froze, I'm planning to replace you. Anon's innocence stung.
"It's fine," Soyo soothed. "Rikki's temper isn't real anger."
"Really?" Anon blinked.
"Sodayo, don't worry," Soyo said.
Anon grinned, "Rikki's tsundere, right?"
Soyo nodded.
"We gotta practice," Anon sighed.
"Don't stress," Soyo advised.
"Thanks, Soyo-san, I feel better," Anon beamed. Tsukinomori lady, so gentle!
"Me too," Soyo said. Asked about her smile, she dodged with Tsukinomori stories.
Anon listened eagerly.
Practice ended. Haruhi kage done.
Rikki softened, thrilled to hear Tomori's full song again. Hotaru's skill surprised her; she'd misjudged him.
Could this band go far?
Hotaru smiled at Rikki, who braced for critique, blushing.
"My keyboard okay?" he asked.
"Not bad," Rikki said, serious. "Sorry, I messed up."
"Mistakes happen in practice," Hotaru smiled.
Rikki nodded, surprised.
Kairin watched. Tomori smiled, Akira and Rikki click!
Anon clapped; Soyo followed halfheartedly.
Nika, unsatisfied, tugged Hotaru, "Again."
Rikki agreed.
Nika: "Other songs?"
Hotaru shook his head; Crychic had one song.
"No others?" Anon suggested, "Tomori, write another?"
Hotaru nodded, "I think so."
Kairin agreed, trusting Tomori's genius.
Nika's face showed anticipation.
Soyo's mind raced. New song avoids haruhi kage, needs arranging. Take it to Xiangzi, stir Crychic nostalgia, bring her back.
She smiled warmly, "I'm excited for Tomori's lyrics."
Rikki bristled, protective, but stopped, wanting Tomori's lyrics too.
"What's wrong?" Hotaru asked.
"Nothing," Rikki turned away, awkward.
Tomori, blushing, gripped her mic, "I'm writing, but it's not done."
Inspired by Hotaru and Anon's band promise, her diary's raw words stalled for them.
"Really?!" Rikki, excited, softened, "No rush, Tomori, take your time."
Kairin noted Rikki's care.
Hotaru: "Lyrics need inspiration. No pressure, Tomori."
Tomori nodded, resolved to finish soon.
--------------------------------
Hello everyone! I have posted new chapters on Patreon, if you like my work and want to support me on this creative journey, you can support me here: [patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ]
Thank you for your support!!!