Streak And Pack

Chapter 6 - Longing Hearts

"So, the recording studio is just walking distance from the coffee shop?" Zarina asked. "Yes, it is! Are you excited?" Akila asked. "Definitely! I mean, I've never been on a recording studio before and I've always wanted to visit one but I never got to. That is, until now!" Zarina smiled excitedly.

"Yeah! Well, I can tour you around if yo-" "We can tour her around. Keep forgetting about me being here, Akila, and you're dead." Kiara said without looking, getting ahead the two because she's leading the way. "Better not mess with her." Zarina whispered and Akila chuckled, nodding. It wasn't long when they arrived.

"Ah, this is definitely our band's home! It's like a home extension! Well, Zarina, did we meet your expectations?" Akila laughed as they enter. "It's incredible! It's beyond my expectations! The equipment are complete! Look at those huge speakers!" Zarina pointed excitedly like a child who discovered something new. Kiara and Akila smiled because of the Ailuran's contagious joy.

"I'm gonna open the power of the equipment at the back. It will take me a little longer since there will be adjustments on the sounds. I will be right back and don't let me catch you doing lovey-dovey stuffs!" Kiara said before walking away. "Lovey-dovey? What exactly is she talking about?" Zarina asked. "She probably knew that I like you." Akila winked. "Oh, really?" Zarina was a little surprised with the sudden confession. She looked at him teasingly and he just laughed.

"Oh, right. I am in charge of creating the melody of our tracks. I can show you those melody and then teach you or if you wish, you can learn them on your own. Do you write lyrics?" Akila said, opening his phone and scrolling on what looks like a list of the band's original compositions.

"I... probably need your help with lyrics, but I do, yes." Zarina smiled. "Is that an excuse to be with me?" Akila smirked. "Dude, I thought we just went from flirting to professional talk but what do we have here! You're still flirting! Get your pants up and let's talk about more serious business, four strings." Zarina nudged him playfully and he chuckled.

There was a sudden loud feedback that made Zarina and Akila cover their ears. "That's right. Put your pants up, mister!" Kiara shouted from the back and the two let out muffled giggles.

Akila let Zarina choose a song of the band that she wanted to try singing. Zarina chose a track. She easily picked up the tune just by listening. Akila was worried because Zarina wasn't trying to sing it out loud. She also started brainstorming lyrics as much as she can and writing them down. When Kiara fixed everything up for the recording, she asked Zarina if she's ready and Zarina replied that she is but only up to the chorus.

She stepped on the room with a microphone and asked for a little time to warm up. After that, the recorded original instrumental of the song that she chose began playing on Akila's cue.

To their surprise, Zarina sung their song very gracefully, no flaw or voice cracks. Listening to her made Kiara and Akila think that their songs are made exactly for Zarina's voice. It gave them continuous goosebumps as Zarina's singing techniques continue to surprise them. She added some improvised tunes and it made the song even more soulful. After singing up to the chorus, Kiara and Akila stood there, frozen in amazement.

"How was it? I think I overdid-" "THAT. WAS. PERFECT!!!" Akila applauded. Kiara remained there, looking at Zarina. She smiled and gave her a thumbs up.

After the recording session, Akila was about to sit with Zarina and let Kiara switch off the powers of the equipment but Kiara grabbed Akila and dragged him in the equipment room without Zarina noticing.

"Woah, what's the matter?" Akila asked. "Don't... Don't get yourself in a relationship with her." Kiara said, obviously angry. "Woah, what exactly are you implying? Look, you can't just push me away from her, I can be her friend too! I can be her friend if that's what she wishes but I can also be more than a friend for her if she-"