14-1
The tropical heat was as harsh as ever. It tried to pry into the glass ceiling of the building in desperation. Because of this, finding myself inside a mall was the most comfortable I've ever been. It makes me wonder where the air conditioners are and how they're able to keep every area in this place cool. Are the air conditioners here as humongous as a nuclear reactor or something? It's cold anywhere you go in the malls I've been at. The music area is no exception.
I strolled alongside a few familiar faces. The way was spacious enough for the five of us to walk side by side. One foot in front of the other, we made our way to the music stores. The row of bodies consisted of Keith, Cyril, Ronin, me, and Amber—respectively in that order.
"Did you bring any money with you?" Keith placed his hand on Cyril's shoulder.
"Yeah," Cyril replied.
"How much?"
Cyril reached into his pocket to reveal a black leather wallet. Instead of presenting the contents, Cyril handed the piece of leather to Keith.
"W-what?!" Keith's yell reverberated throughout the space.
"You're noisy," I scolded, prompting a chuckle from the girl to my right.
"This is seriously too many! I was tempted to run away with it..." Keith peeked into the wallet further. Hey, that's not a good instinct to have, you know.
"I'm buying a bass." Cyril gave himself a tiny nod.
"You too?! You're also a reckless spender like him?!" Keith pointed using his lips.
"Hey! Why'd I get insulted?! I'm not even saying anything!" Huh, who spoke? Where's Ronin? Did he become a ghost?
"Calm down, Keith. It's not reckless." Cyril grinned—a rare sight to see.
'How does that prove anything?' was Keith's final statement before entering the largest out of all the music shops in the mall. As the glass door was pushed open, the background music coming from the inside reached our ears. Somehow, the air was much cooler inside, causing me to let out a sigh of relief yet discomfort. The temperature has become quite chilly—Keith's jacket has never looked as cozy as today.
Guitars and basses hanging from the walls, pianos and keyboards placed in a distinct section, varying sizes and types of amplifiers, an assortment of items behind the counter, faint music coming out of the speakers, and the almost cramped yet spacious feel of the room—Welcome to a music store.
"Ohh~!" Amber gasped at the magical sight.
"Is it your first time being in one, Amber?" Ronin asked as he eyed the wall where the electric guitars were displayed.
"Yes... I didn't know it was so... overwhelming."
"It's all good! Come here, I need your help! You too, June!" Ronin beckoned us with his hand as he waddled towards the guitars like a penguin.
My eyes met Amber's for a split second before I looked away. I cleared my throat and followed Ronin without waiting for her. After each step, I was drowned inside my thoughts. Thoughts saying:
June, you're so immature. What is wrong with you? Are you twelve? Why are you so sulky and pouty? Slap yourself. Slap yourself right now and get it together. You idiot. Airhead. Dumbo. Stupid McStupidson.
I stood beside Ronin, who admired and surveyed the guitars with a finger on his chin. Amber walked up beside him, studying the instruments as well. "How long have you been playing, Ronin?" Amber asked, hiding her hands behind her.
YOU ARE READING
Stars' Song: Clef
Teen FictionWith just one more year left in Sierra High School, June Meneses continues to embrace his passion for music alongside his fellow band members. As he leisurely approaches the end of his high school life, he learns the true meaning behind performing i...
