16-1
"Good evening! To conclude our program, I would like to inform all of you that the results of today's Battle of the Bands auditions will be posted tomorrow, August 23, on the bulletin board near the main building entrance. Thank you all for doing your best! We hope to see you soon at the Battle of the Bands! Again, the results of today's-"
"Mmm!" Keith's arms knotted into one another as he stretched them in the air. "I feel good! I haven't been on stage for a while!"
Right after hearing the announcement, an unforeseen gush of exhaustion pounded in my skull. The urge to sleep was unbearable. My brain seemed to be dysfunctional—instead of telling me to find rest as soon as possible, it fed me information about what was taking place next week, which were the first quarterly exams. I pushed my temples indignantly, worsening the headache I was experiencing.
"Did you see Cyril's face when we were performing! Ahahaha!" Ronin hugged his stomach, cackling. "I barely held my laughter! I almost messed up too!" Due to his laughter, he began to cough.
"I was taking it seriously," Cyril insisted.
"You definitely were! You look like you were about to break your bass in half!" said Keith. The statement made me remember the videos of rock bands destroying their equipment at the end of their gigs. "Anyway, good job, guys! You all sounded great!" Keith raised a hand at Ronin for a high five, beginning a domino effect.
The rough smacks that struck my right hand were enough to stagger me, which my band members didn't seem to detect. Last but not least, Amber advanced towards me with a placid and sunny smile. Without exchanging any words, the flat of our palms met. Her high-five was nothing more than a light tap.
"I guess it's time to go home now, huh?" Ronin pulled on the gig bag containing his electric guitar.
"I can't wait for BOTB~! I seriously can't!" Keith exclaimed as we exited the gymnasium and headed to the campus gate.
The five of us walked alongside other students from the auditions and students who had different reasons for staying late in school. The chitchat coming from strangers was quelled by the conversation between my bandmates.
"We have to worry about something else before BOTB," Ronin informed, his mouth opening for a yawn.
"Ah. Shit. Right." Keith's pep was extinguished by Ronin's utterance. "Why'd you have to bring it up? By the way, why can't the auditions be moved to a date where, you know, it doesn't clash with the exams?"
"I don't think it's an option. It became tradition to hold the auditions around this time," Cyril answered. He clicked his tongue after, finding the hard case of his bass bothersome.
"It would also be an inconvenience if the regular schedule of the school year is altered," Amber added, "It's difficult to let go of things we are used to."
"Good point..." Keith's shoulders sagged in defeat. "At least we have one less thing to worry about now. We can focus on s-studying, I-I guess. Wow, it felt weird to say something so responsible."
The discussion about the exams forced me to groan as a reaction to my aching temples.
"You okay?" Ronin asked, leaning forward to get a better view of my expression.
"Yeah, just tired. I bet we all are."
"Well, Keith isn't." Ronin gave the person in question a sidelong glance.
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...
