The Shards of War: Balancing Power

Chapter 5

The next day in the studio, Matsu couldn't resist continuing his playful teasing of Calie and Marie. As they waited for Shai to arrive, he leaned against a wall, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"So, Calie, Marie, how's it going with your 'Mangetsu'?" Matsu teased, a sly grin playing on his lips.

Calie and Marie, their faces already tinted with embarrassment from the previous day's revelations, blushed even deeper. "Matsu, please," Calie pleaded, her voice a mix of embarrassment and laughter.

"Yeah, we get it. We talk about you a lot. Can we move on, please?" Marie added, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity.

Matsu, enjoying their flustered reactions, decided to have a little fun. "Well, I might stop if you two agree to something."

They exchanged puzzled glances but nodded cautiously. "What do you want?" Calie asked.

Matsu leaned in with a mischievous smirk. "How about you two do some cosplays for me? That should be entertaining enough, don't you think?"

Calie and Marie's eyes widened in surprise. "Cosplay? Seriously?" Marie exclaimed.

Matsu chuckled, thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to turn the tables. "Yep, anything to make your 'Mangetsu' here drop the teasing. What do you say?"

Calie and Marie exchanged another look, then sighed in resignation. "Fine, we'll do it. But only this once, and you better keep your promise," Calie warned.

Matsu grinned triumphantly. "Deal! Can't wait to see what you come up with."

As they continued to banter, the playful atmosphere in the studio set the stage for a day filled with laughter, creativity, and the occasional embarrassment—all in good fun among friends.

Then Shai walked into the studio, observing the playful dynamic between Matsu, Calie, and Marie. She raised an eyebrow and couldn't help but inquire, "What happened here?"

Matsu flashed a mischievous grin. "Oh, nothing much. Just a little friendly banter."

Calie and Marie exchanged knowing looks, and Calie responded, "Just Matsu being Matsu, teasing us about what you told him yesterday."

Shai chuckled. "Ah, the perks of being 'close friends'. Well, let's not waste any more time. We've got work to do. What's the plan for today's recording?"

Calie and Marie quickly filled Shai in on their idea for the new song, one inspired by the uncertainty of knowing who to trust in the music industry. Shai nodded in approval and motioned for them to get ready.

As the recording began, Matsu observed from the sidelines, occasionally offering input on how they could enhance the emotional impact of the song. Shai, always the meticulous producer, guided them through each verse and chorus, ensuring every note resonated with the intended emotion.

Amidst the serious work, Matsu couldn't resist injecting some humor into the atmosphere. "Come on, Calie and Marie, channel the emotions of not knowing who's a friend or a foe. Make it real!" he playfully encouraged.

Calie and Marie exchanged amused glances, fully aware that Matsu was still reveling in his teasing triumph. Nevertheless, they poured their hearts into the recording, capturing the essence of their complex emotions.

Marie then said she needs to stop and then drank some water and mumbled something to herself and then said she's good and they could continue now. This made Matsu concerned but he brushed it off.

As the session progressed, the synergy between the trio and Shai was evident. The studio buzzed with creativity, laughter, and the shared passion for music. Despite the occasional teasing, the camaraderie fueled their artistic collaboration, resulting in a powerful and emotionally charged recording.