Hibiki

Chapter 6 | Finger Calluses That Never Healed

-KAEDE-

"That's enough practice for now." Akio Yamada, my close senior and our bassist yelled right after we finished one of our songs.

          He approached me and tapped me in the back.
          "Well that was fun, we both just joined a week ago and now we're already performing!" Akio said excitedly while he carefully put down his instrument. "I'll go out for a smoke."

          This band might just work, the members are hardworking and passionate when it comes to music.
          I looked back at my hands, and my fingers started callusing again. It has been a long time since I've performed on stage and it's making me nervous.
          I left the place for a bit since it's getting louder. A cold breeze of wind brushed through my face as I looked up into the sky. The sun's already setting, leaving the skies ablaze.

Meow

          A white cat appeared out of nowhere beside me.

          "Meow," I silently responded to the cat.

          "Oh Kaede," Akio's voice suddenly called out and startled the cat, prompting it to leave. "Want a smoke too?"
          "You startled the cat y'know," I replied, annoyed. "No thank you. I don't smoke."
          "Figured," He added. "You nervous?"

          Well that's one of the reasons but I'm more concerned about Hibiki. The last few days have been rough for him, weirder he shed tears.
          "No, don't worry," I said, still looking up at the sky.
          "Alright, we should head to the venue now. Can't be late," I nodded in agreement.
          Hmm, that white cat looks like Hibiki.

-HIBIKI-

"It's about to start anytime now. See you there." Kaede texted me as the Taxi I'm in stopped at our destination.

          I'm wearing a black and gray colored sweater and simple plain shorts. My wardrobe is empty, I don't spend much money on clothing.
          The neon lights lit up in front of the venue taking the attention of the other guests around. There are a lot of people tonight, it seems they're performing somewhere well known.

          "Ah, sorry," A man, a little taller than me bumped into me. For some reason, he seemed familiar. His short blonde hair reminds me of someone from the past but, I shrugged it off.
          I entered the venue and the lit up stage took my attention. I sat down at one of the seats and just asked for water. I have a habit of closing my eyes while sitting or waiting and I guess I'm doing it again to pass the time.

          After a few seconds I felt the presence of someone sitting beside me. I looked to my left to see the boy that bumped into me before.
          Looking at him closely, he's wearing a white shirt and baggy pants. The only thing keeping him from looking boring is his choker. Sharp eyed and actually has quite a figure.

          "It's you."
          "Ah yes, I remember you," His voice sounds intimidating yet comforting at the same time. "I rushed in as soon as possible to find someone but.. I guess I'm in no luck today."
          I only replied with a smile and looked back down at my glass of water.
          "You don't look like someone who's usually in places like these." He added.

          I guess he's right, but I don't think it's my outfit he's talking about but more about my face.
          "I'm just here to watch a friend perform." I drank water from my glass.
          The first band started their first song.
          "Same," The boy said with a smile. "Well, the person I'm looking for might perform soon too. I'll go towards the front."
          He left before I could even reply. I didn't even get to know his name unfortunately. I guess he's also right. I don't fit here at all. I don't go to events or crowded places like these. I don't even listen to music.