12

Johnny, Adam, Jack, and Ryan walked nervously into the Kitauji High School Concert Band room on the first day of rehearsals. They had all played music before, but never in a large ensemble like this. Johnny clutched his cornet tightly, his heart racing with anxiety. He felt out of place among the other students, all of whom seemed more confident and outgoing than he was.

As they took their seats, they noticed a girl playing the contrabass in the back corner of the room. She was small and timid-looking, with messy blonde hair and a turquoise hair bow. She looked like she was trying to blend in with the wall, and Johnny could relate to that feeling.

After the director gave his introduction and the rehearsal began, Johnny was surprised to find himself fitting in quickly. He had been playing cornet for years, and he quickly found himself catching on to the music. Adam, who was sitting next to Sapphire "Midori" Kawashima in the contrabass section, was struggling a bit more. But as the rehearsal went on, Johnny noticed that Midori was struggling even more.

After rehearsal ended, Johnny and the Met brothers gathered their things and headed for the door. As they walked by Midori, she looked up at them nervously. "Excuse me," she said softly. "I couldn't help but notice that you guys seemed to be doing pretty well today. Do you have any tips for me?"

Johnny was taken aback by Midori's bravery in speaking up. He smiled at her kindly. "Sure thing," he said. "What part are you playing?"

"Contrabass," she said.

Adam chimed in. "Oh, I play acoustic bass guitar. Maybe I can help you out."

Midori's eyes widened with surprise and gratitude. "Really? That would be amazing. Thank you so much."

From that day on, the four boys and Midori became fast friends. They would sit together at lunch and talk about music, anime, and video games. Johnny was amazed by how quickly he had connected with them all. He had always struggled to make friends, but somehow these guys just got him.

As rehearsals went on, Johnny found himself standing out more and more. He was playing the lead trumpet part on his cornet, impressing the director and his fellow band members. Midori, too, was improving rapidly with Adam's help. She seemed to be gaining more confidence every day, and Johnny found himself drawn to her quiet determination.

One day, as they were walking home from school together, Midori turned to Johnny and said, "You know, I never would have had the courage to approach you guys if it weren't for your cornet playing. You're really amazing."

Johnny blushed. He had always been self-conscious about his playing, but hearing Midori compliment him made him feel a little more confident. "Thanks," he said. "I've been playing for a long time, but I never really thought anyone else noticed."

Midori smiled warmly at him. "Well, I notice," she said. "And I think you're amazing."

From that moment on, Johnny couldn't stop thinking about Midori. He found himself looking for excuses to talk to her more often, and he was thrilled whenever she seemed to enjoy his company. He wasn't sure if it was just a crush, or if he was starting to fall in love with her.

As the concert approached, the band members grew more and more nervous. They had been working hard for months, but they still felt unprepared. Johnny's anxiety was through the roof, and he was worried he would make a mistake during the performance.

But when the night of the concert finally arrived, something amazing happened. The concert hall was packed with people waiting in anticipation for the Kitauji High School Concert Band to perform. Sapphire's anxiety was at an all-time high as she worried about messing up her part in front of such a large crowd. Johnny noticed her unease and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, offering her a small smile. "It's going to be okay, Sapphire. We've got this," he said.

Sapphire's anxiety began to subside as she looked around at her bandmates. They were all in this together and she knew they wouldn't let her down. When the band took to the stage, the audience erupted into applause. Johnny stood tall at the front of the trumpet section, ready to lead them into their first piece.

As the music began to flow, Sapphire's fingers moved nimbly over the strings of her contrabass. She felt a sense of exhilaration as she lost herself in the melody. Johnny's cornet soared above the other instruments, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride that she had played a small part in bringing this beautiful music to life.

As the concert drew to a close, the audience gave the band a standing ovation. Johnny beamed with pride as he looked out over the sea of faces. It was a moment he would never forget. He had come so far from the shy and anxious boy who had first joined the band. Now he was a leader, a friend, and a talented musician.

As the band filed offstage, Sapphire approached Johnny and the Met brothers. "You guys were amazing," she said, a hint of awe in her voice. "I can't believe how good you all are."

Johnny grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. "Thanks, Sapphire. You were pretty amazing too."

Sapphire blushed, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Stop it, Johnny. You're embarrassing me."

The two of them laughed and chatted for a while longer, the rest of the world fading away as they talked about music and life. When it was time to go home, Johnny walked Sapphire to her bus stop, feeling a sense of connection between them.

As the bus pulled away, Johnny felt a flutter in his chest. He couldn't deny that he was beginning to develop feelings for Sapphire. Her gentle nature, her talent, and her quiet strength had captured his heart.

The next day at school, Johnny found himself thinking about Sapphire more and more. He couldn't wait to see her again and talk to her about music. When he saw her in the hallway, he felt a rush of excitement.

"Sapphire!" he called out, jogging over to her. "Hey, I was thinking, maybe we could practice together sometime. You know, work on some pieces and just hang out."

Sapphire smiled, feeling her own heart flutter. "I'd like that, Johnny. That sounds like fun."

From that day forward, Johnny and Sapphire became inseparable. They spent hours playing music together, sharing their hopes and dreams, and building a deep and lasting friendship. And though Johnny never quite worked up the courage to tell Sapphire how he felt, he knew that their bond was something special.