Straight as Guitar Strings

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟳 [𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵]

STROLLING across campus with Leo, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation for what possible scenarios we might encounter. We were on our way to our very first band rehearsal and meet-and-greet with the Libertadlibs members. Being chosen as the newest members of the university band was a huge opportunity for us, and I was eager to see where it would take us.

"Are you excited?" asked Sir Richard. He's the music professor who, as far as I know, has made significant contributions to our university's music field.

After we nodded and told him we were excited but truthfully a bit nervous, he reassured us multiple times that the Libertadlibs members were nice and wouldn't bite. That was a relief. We were looking forward to meeting them, and though I wasn't sure about myself, Leo's social skills never failed. Even so, he seemed a bit anxious today-maybe that's why he was quieter than usual.

Sir Richard kept talking, and I just listened. Leo, normally quite chatty, seemed to have lost his voice. Had he swallowed his tongue?

As we walked, we passed the archery area, situated just outside the grandstand. It was a unique setting, with the sounds of arrows whizzing through the air mingling with the chatter of fellow students.

Arriving at the studio, we found our places near the back, still buzzing with excitement and nervousness. From there, we had a clear view of the band members and the walls adorned with posters of their past performances, the band's history, generations, garnered achievements, and more. It was a cool setup, and I couldn't wait to dive into the music-making process.

As I scanned the faces of the band members, I recognized a familiar figure. If I wasn't mistaken, it was the girl who had pushed me to audition for Euphony during my senior year of high school-Grace. That was actually just last year. I wondered if she still remembered me unless she had a poor memory like mine, where I struggled to recall events or people unless they had a significant impact on me. Well, she did have that impact.

When our eyes met, I saw her surprise. I wasn't as startled since I had already recognized her from afar. What did surprise me was when she called my name after waving at me.

"Liam, right?" she asked to clarify her guess.

But it was Sir Richard who confirmed it before I could respond. "Right!"

He continued talking before anyone else could chime in, "Right... I almost forgot! I brought along our two new members, and before anything else, let's have everyone introduce themselves." He thanked Grace for unintentionally reminding him that everyone needed to get acquainted.

As Sir Richard instructed, the graduating or senior members introduced themselves first, as there were only two of us newbies-Leo and me. One by one, they introduced themselves, starting with the lead guitarist, bassist, keyboardist who seemed about our age, and the graduating vocalist and rhythm guitar player, whom I think I was supposed to replace. They all introduced themselves, but the only one I really remembered was Grace, as I wasn't that interested in the others yet or maybe I just wasn't good at remembering names.

Sir Richard also mentioned that two more new members would be joining tomorrow-a new lead guitarist and a backup bass player who could also do backup vocals. Some of the members asked why they weren't here today. Sir Richard explained that they had schedule conflicts and evening classes today, so they couldn't join us yet.

"By the way, for regular practice, we only go until 5:00 PM, or at the latest, 6:00 PM," he added.

Suddenly, the door opened, and two guys stood there, causing Sir Richard to pause his explanation. Everyone turned to look at them, and I guessed these were the lead guitarist and backup bass player.

Sir Richard recognized them immediately and called them in-Aki and Chase. I wasn't sure which one was the lead or the bassist, but I had a feeling there was something more about them.

I was right. Sir Richard introduced them to us-Aki was the bassist, and Chase was the lead guitarist. How did I remember their names so easily? Probably because after they introduced themselves, they announced to everyone that they were a couple. Yes, they were boyfriends. My gaydar had been spot on.

They even said they would remain professional and promised that whatever chaos might come in their relationship, it wouldn't negatively affect the band, especially during performances.

After that, Sir Richard clapped his hands to capture everyone's attention, which he successfully did. "Let's start the tradition!" I had no idea what he meant, but the graduating members seemed to get it. They lined us up in a straight line while they retrieved their instruments or something related.

After two to three minutes, they stood in front of us. Leo stood next to Aki, while I was beside Grace on my left and the keyboardist on my right, who was next to Leo.

When the tradition began, I finally understood. The graduating band members would give us something significant they used in their performances. Leo and Aki were given guitar straps by the graduating bassist-one each. He had used those straps during his audition and their first performance at Libertad University, which were unforgettable and memorable to him. He believed the spirit and fire he felt that day would be passed on to these two in their future performances.

Next was Chase, who was standing beside Grace. He received cool shades from the lead guitarist, the same ones he wore during their first performance, which had calmed his nerves and helped him focus on his playing. Focus was crucial to him, and he believed his successor could achieve the same. Chase joked that if the senior hadn't given him cool shades, he wouldn't have accepted them. They all laughed at that joke. He seemed to love shades, but he looked better without them; his eyes were gray.

I didn't realize it was my turn. The item given to me was a guitar pick. It didn't seem too special, but the senior who gave it to me said that whenever he used it during performances and competitions, his strumming was perfect, making his singing smooth. Hopefully, I could do the same. He hugged me after that and gave me a soft punch to the chest, reminding me to stay calm and learn to control myself, both beneficial for my singing and playing. I nodded in assurance.

Next was the keyboardist beside me, Johann, Sir Richard's son. At first, I thought he said "Johnson." Grace whispered to me that they were father and son. I nodded, realizing why he didn't look like a graduating student-he was our age, Grace said.

Sir Richard gave his son a bowtie, saying it had helped him during performances. No graduating senior gave him anything because, for the first time in Libertadlibs' history, this year they were using a pianist, and that would be him. Cool!

But when it was Grace's turn, I was puzzled. She was the last one, but I didn't see any senior ready to give her something.