lost in japan (aomine x OC x iwaizumi)

chapter five

   My alarm went off and - with a groan - I reached over to look at the time on my phone. Checking the tracking details my mom had sent me the other week, I smiled. It should be here by eleven and it was already nine. Picking out a pair of black skinny jeans, my Harlem Globetrotters sweater and some fuzzy socks, I quietly went into the bathroom. I could hear Taiga snoring through the wall and I laughed softly. Once showered, I dressed, brushed my teeth and did my morning skincare routine. I then applied a light layer of mascara and some tinted lip balm. Nothing beats feeling fresh in the morning. Grabbing my earphones and school books from my room, I plugged them in and resumed the volleyball podcast I was listening to yesterday morning. I slipped my phone into my pocket and headed for the kitchen. After pouring myself a glass of milk and slicing up some fruit, I laid out the ingredients for souffle pancakes - ready to make a proper breakfast when Taiga woke up - and sat at the dinner table to make a start on my homework.

By the time I'd finished the last question on the worksheet, the doorbell rang and I jumped up excitedly. Taiga tiredly poked his head out of his room to see who it was as I pulled the door open.

"Delivery for Ms Kagami Akane," the postman smiled.

"Hai! Thank you so much!" I grinned as I signed his clipboard for proof of delivery.

He turned to the next apartment and I spun around, closing the door behind me.

"What's that?" My brother mumbled.

"Come and see!"

We sat on the sofa and I picked up the scissors that were conveniently on the coffee table. I used them to cut the tape on the box and squealed happily when I saw my pride and joy in its case. I pulled it out of the box and carefully took it out of the case, sighing as I ran my fingers over the smooth wood and stickers. I held it up in front of Taiga with a grin.

"This is Duke, my uke."

He gently took it from me with a smile. Admiring the pattern of the mahogany.

"I'm surprised you didn't ask for your guitar to be sent over too," he said.

"I thought I'd just buy a new one here if I really wanted. Ukuleles are smaller so cheaper to mail and I couldn't live without my baby Duke," I shrugged and he chuckled.

"Anyways!" I jumped up, causing him to jump slightly. "Go and get dressed! I'm making pancakes!" I cheered, fist-pumping the air.

"What kind?" He asked sceptically.

"Fluffy souffle pancakes, duh," I rolled my eyes.

His eyes brightened and he stood quickly, rushing into the bathroom to get ready while I went into the kitchen to start preparing the batter.

By the time my brother came out of his room, there was a pile of pancakes on a plate in the middle of the table with a jar of honey, a bowl of fruit, sugar and lemon juice. His eyes sparkled and he sat down with me and put three on his plate. He pulled them apart into large chunks, added some fruit and smothered the combination in honey.

"It's no wonder you always have energy for basketball," I laughed. "You eat like you've never been fed."

"It's not my fault your souffle pancakes are so good!" He mumbled with his mouth full. "I always over-mix the batter," he pouted after swallowing.

"Can't help being awesome," I shrugged.

Once we finished eating, Taiga did the washing up and I took my ukulele to my room. I pulled the tuner and strap out of the front pocket of the bag and got set up at my desk. Turning on my laptop, I opened up Spotify and found my playlist of songs that I can play, setting it to shuffle. I then searched on Google for local open-mic events. There was an advertisement on the website for a cafe/bar down the street. Apparently, they were hosting an open-mic today at 4:30 PM. It was only 1:00 PM now so I had plenty of time to prepare some songs. Clicking on the 'Sign Up' button beneath the digital flyer, I emailed them my name, age, and the instrument I'd be playing. I received a confirmation email back a few minutes later. My hands shook with nerves and excitement. It had been a long time since I last performed but I was raring to get back to it. At the bottom of the flyer, it mentioned that performers would get a free drink and some food as well as the opportunity to play for tips.