Ch. 7: A Surprise

"What do you mean, he quit?" Kikyo asked, holding back her frustration as best as she could.

"I mean, exactly that. He came in and said that he wants to focus his last year on studying for the college he wants to get into."

Kikyo pinches her nose and says, "If that's the case. Then why did he wait until now to say something? We could've found someone during break."

"He said that he didn't have his final decision until today, I guess. Such an asshole move."

"Yeah, well, you should've punched him in the face for me."

Renji stares at Kikyo in shock at her words. "Madam Vice President? Did I hear you condone to violence just now? Wouldn't that go against your student council ways?"

"I wouldn't have been here to know that it happened, so not exactly. Okay, I need to think." Kikyo takes a deep breath as she goes deep in thought.

"We're pretty much screwed. Realistically, finding someone is impossible. You already do vocals and play the guitar. I play the drums, so that definitely counts me out. I mean… unless…Yue?" Yue brings her attention from looking out to where the audience would be to Renji. "Do you know how to play the bass, by chance?"

"Sorry, unfortunately no." Kikyo glances at Yue after hearing her response, still thinking up a plan.

"Then I guess, we'll just have to disband. Because, now that I think about it. Even if we did find someone in time, there's no way they could memorize a whole piece in 10 minutes."

If it were possible, you would be able to see a lightbulb light up over Kikyo's head, after hearing Renji's words. "Actually, there is someone. And you know fully well that they can, Renji." Kikyo takes out her phone and tries to make a call.

Renji knew exactly who Kikyo was referring to, making him retort back to his demeanor earlier that morning."I'll be back! And Yue!" Hearing her name, Yue looks at Kikyo, who was pointing at her. "You. Stay. Here! You got me!" And at that note, Kikyo was gone.

"I do know. Too well." Hearing those words, Yue glances at Renji and sees that he is spacing out, twirling his drum stick in his hand. 'Did he forget that I'm still here?' Yue wasn't sure why he said that out loud in front of her. 'Maybe it's because he knows I won't say anything, to anyone, about it?' Yue doesn't know Renji well, but watching him closely, she could tell that he wasn't actually mad about the situation. He seemed more anxious than anything. Yue takes her attention back to the empty auditorium and has a thought to herself, as she takes a deep breath. 'It's almost time.'

—

"It's hard to believe that it's our final year as high school students."

"Oh my god, don't remind me! I'm not trying to think about all the studying I have to do for the entrance exams! Oh! Which reminds me! Madam Pres.! Can I join the study group sessions?"

"Yeah! Same here!"

"Sure! I'll add you both to the group chat!"

As the President takes her phone out to get their contact info, I noticed I missed a call from Kikyo. 'I didn't even notice she called me. I wonder what she wanted?'

"Mr. Takahashi?"

'There's a short girl leaning in front of me. How cute.' "How can I help you?" I ask as I give her a welcoming smile.

"I just wanted to welcome you back. You didn't know me back then, but everyone pretty much knew you right, haha."

"Haha, it's good to be back." The girl gawks at me then becomes bashful and starts playing with her hair. "Uhh, sorry. You just really do look like Madam Vice."

"Is that so?" I lean my head down close to the girl's ear and whisper, "I hope that doesn't take any brownie points away from me?"

Covering her face to hide her embarrassment, she runs over to her friend, who was conversing with Nana and quickly pulls her away. "Hey! I was in the middle of talking!"

"Let's go!"

"Slow down! What's wrong?!"

"Bye?" Nana says as she watches the two girls run out of sight. She quizzingly looks at Kaname, who was on his phone, putting two and two together. Walking up to him, she says, "What was that all about, huh?"

I heard what the President just said to me, but I think it's best if I act like I didn't. 'Maybe I should call Kikyo back?' About to dial my sister's number I suddenly felt someone tug on my arm.

"Here you are! Did you forget how to answer the phone?"

'How do I always seem to talk my sister up today? And since she's out of breath, she obviously ran here.' "What's up?"

"Oh Kikyo! Perfect timing! I just talked to a couple girls and they…"

"Sorry, Nana, but I need to steal my brother from you! We can talk later, okay!" Without waiting for the President's response, Kikyo drags me with her down the hall.

"Sooo…?"

"My bass player just quit." I look at Kikyo as she's still pulling me by the arm. "This isn't me asking you to join the band, but I am asking you to help me out."

'Why is she saying it like I wouldn't have helped her?'

"And…I didn't tell you about me performing because…it was supposed to be a surprise." I couldn't help but smile at those words.

'Has she always been this loving towards me? I sadly can't recall. But whether she did or not…I like that she has been recently.'

"Oh! And to give you a heads up. Renji is the drummer."

"Why would that need to be a heads up?"

"I don't know. You guys don't seem like you're on the talking basis yet."

'She's not wrong. I actually haven't even given Renji much thought. Not that I don't care about my situation with him. It's just not that big of a deal to me.'

"Don't worry about him right now though, okay. I'll handle it when we get there."

"You know I don't need you to do that."

"You know what I mean! I'll just handle the situation for now, so he'll cooperate. After we play, you guys are on your own. Really! You men and your pride!"

"Pride is all a man has. You wouldn't understand."

"You're right. I guess I wouldn't." They both start to laugh in amusement. "Talking about pride though. Do me a favor and don't do anything with Nana. I normally wouldn't get in the way of you and who you decide to involve yourself with, and I'm sure you won't, but I just have to ask this of you."

"Haha, no promises."

Kikyo pushes my arm and we start to laugh again. "You really don't remember her, do you?"

Not a clue."

"I would tell you, but I guess that's a good thing, for now. You'll remember sooner or later."

'I kinda wanted to ask Kikyo to just tell me, but I had a feeling we should just end the conversation about the President there.'

"So are you guys actually good?"

'I guess you'll just have to find out, huh?"

—

Back at the auditorium, Renji and Yue were still waiting for Kikyo's return. As they waited patiently, you could hear the steady tapping from Renji's snare drum.

"Maybe it is best to disband."