Our Song - Danganronpa

Chapter 15

"What kind of notes did Ibuki write?"

Twogami squinted at the music sheet, trying to make out the notes.

Y/N looked up. "What do you mean?"

"I just can't seem to play these parts," Twogami sighed. "It's nearly impossible."

"Can I see?"

It was Tuesday, a practice day. With Hajime's new schedule implemented, the band was supposed to practice two mornings a week along with 4 times a week after school, including weekends. Additionally, each member had recently received their own music sheets. The band seemed to be right on track. That was, if only all the members would show up on time. Right now, it was only Y/N and Twogami.

Twogami waved Y/N over and they both peered over the music sheets. Twogami pointed to a string of measures. "I don't understand how to play this part."

Y/N observed the notes. There were sixteenth notes gliding up and down on both the treble and bass clefs. To the untrained eye, it would've looked overwhelming, but to Y/N, the notes weren't foreign. While the black squiggles were somewhat troubling, Y/N recognized the notes immediately and could hear how it was played in their head.

"It's not as bad as it looks," Y/N said. "It's good that the notes are lined up, see? So you can practice by playing one note on each hand simultaneously."

"What does that even mean?"

Y/N knew Twogami wouldn't understand what they were trying to say, but they pressed on. "You play the treble clef notes with your right hand and play the bass clef notes with your left hand one at a time slowly. After you get used to it, you can increase your speed."

"Could you demonstrate it?"

"I haven't played the piano in a long while so I might be rusty."

"I don't mind."

"Uhm, okay." Hesitantly, Y/N placed their fingers on the keys and started demonstrating the tip that they suggested. Y/N placed their hands over the keys and played slowly for Twogami to carefully observe. "Just do this until you're used to it."

"Show me how it's played normally."

Y/N played through it to themself for a moment. After warming up, their fingers flew over the ivory keys trying to match the instructed tempo.

"Oh, I see now," Twogami nodded. "Thanks, Y/N."

"Yeah, no problem."

"I'm amazed that Ibuki composed the music so fast."

"I know, right? She really is a genius. How many songs are you playing?"

"I think five songs?"

"That's not so much."

"And thank goodness for that because I don't think I could play anymore."

"I'm sure you guys will do good."

"We're supposed to play right after the slow-dancing part of the Ball."

"Are you going to play for the remainder of the time?"

"I don't think so. I mean, the original band was supposed to play the entire time, but I heard they hired a DJ to go on after us. No one wants to hear metal playing all night."

"You should add a popular pop song to your queue just in case."

"Hm, I guess that's not a bad idea but that would mean practicing another song."

"That's not so bad."

"...I'll run it through with Ibuki."

Y/N laughed. "I'll support you guys from the crowd."