Shining Performance

The four members of the band performing tonight stood around in a circle behind the stage.

"Oh, it looks like we're up; let's make this a show stopper! I hope it doesn't mess up like last time, though," Beyond exclaimed.

"Come on, don't ruin the mood," Simon complained, holding onto his drumsticks with an extra pair in his satchel.

"We'll give it our all! Right Albert?,"Kokomi cheered as she turned to look at Albert, who silently stood beside her.

"Yes", said the new pianist in a monotone voice. He didn't show any other expression besides his poker face.

'Way too serious!' Beyond and Simon thought.

"Alright time to get going. Mr. Santoro's gonna introduce us now", Kokomi said.

All three boys nodded and began walking onto the stage. Kokomi grabbed her blue bass from its stand and strapped it around her left shoulder. She beamed at the boys in front of her as they all walked onto the small stage.

Carter decided to close his eyes for a little while waiting for the performance to start. He awoke when he heard a loud but gentle female voice spoke into the microphone. The lights became dim which clouded his vision but it didn't really matter, he's used to it.

'Her voice sounds calming, I wonder what's her role in the band' Carter thought, as he crossed his arms in anticipation.

"On the drums, we have Simon", she announced. Simon did a filler on the drums to showcase his skills.

"Albert on the piano", Kokomi introduced. Albert waved at the crowd still with a poker face in his expression.

"Beyond on the trumpet," Beyond nodded politely at the crowd, he felt really nervous given what happened during their previous session.

"Vocals and bass, I'm Kokomi. Together we are 'The Meerkats' ", Kokomi said with confidence.

Everyone applauded politely so Carter followed suit. When they stopped clapping, Kokomi announced the title of the song 'The Meerkats' was going to perform.

"Midnight", she said into the mic.

Carter felt shivers run down his spine. He felt excited for the first time about something as mundane as this. The song started with a jazzy intro, the hi-hat starting the beat. Carter shut his eyes as he began taking in the roaring sound of jazz music. The trumpet played its complex melody along with the rhythm from the drums and bass. The piano joined in the composition after that, filling in for the trumpeter to take a breather.

When Kokomi started singing, Carter opened his eyes, even though he still saw darkness, he felt colors going through his ears like a car speeding through a dark tunnel. Her voice echoed through Carter's head.

'Her singing, I do not understand it. But I feel like dancing," Carter thought as he instinctively tapped his foot to the catchy beat.

In truth, Kokomi was singing in Japanese, that is why Carter couldn't understand it. He was enjoying the performance nonetheless. Joey smiled to himself proudly after knowing that his brother was definitely enjoying this.