Final Riff

Chapter 5

Sorry, it took me awhile again to update. It’s just hard to form words and sentences right now ^^;. I was trying to make this chapter sound right, but I need to get this out anyway. Was it boring? Too much? Ehe, anyway, this short story (if you still call it that) will end soon. So a question for all of you, in the prologue, who do you think was the woman? Who did you thought of first when you’ve read it? I’m just curious since someone brought it up hehe.

Thanks for reading and supporting!

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                             “Reality is a product of our dreams, decisions, and actions.”

 “20xx has been a tough year for SCANDAL. Before the year ends, lead guitarist and vocalist, Mami Sasazaki, has announced her departure on the band…”

 “After years of being together and creating music, one of its stars will now soon leave the band. SCANDAL’s Mami Sasazaki was reported to go separate ways from the...”

 “Fans are quiet disheartened about the sudden news SCANDAL was involved right now…”

 “No explanation was made yet by Mami Sasazaki on her departure…”

Mami was absentmindedly switching the channels frequently as she hears the mention of her name or anything about her or her band. After some time, she got frustrated and turned the television off before throwing the remote on the table in front of her. She leaned onto her chair and stared blankly on the ceiling contemplating some things. Mami then closed her eyes and listened at the silent hum of the air conditioner.

"So quiet..." Mami told herself after a minute. She propped herself up and looked around her dressing room just to find an empty space.

It was spacious, less clatter and somehow, bleak. Even though she would not voice it out, deep inside her, she misses the company of her friends and their loud chatters. The racks of guitars, their things strewn out to the table, the clothes scattered in the hamper or the chair, and their talks, discussions, and even their arguments; she misses all of it.

A sense of loneliness crept into her when she remembered the times she was with her bandmates. She was brooding on her thoughts and a tear almost escaped her eyes if only nobody knocked on her door suddenly.

The knock was soft but it made Mami jumped from her seat as it resounded around the quiet room. It snapped her from her thought and she quickly wiped the unshed tears from her eyes.

"Come in." She called out. Naoki came in after that and shut the door gently behind her.

"Mami, we'll start in fifteen minutes. Let's get you ready for your press con." Naoki told her and started fixing her already-fixed make up just to do something.

Then she took a comb and started brushing her long hair. They were left in silence. Nobody dared to speak after that.

"Naoki, you don't need to do that." Mami told her solemnly as she watched her from the reflection of the mirror.

"It's okay. At least let me take care of you for one last time." She told her, with a pleasant smile.

Mami returned the smile to her and they were left in silence again.

"Naoki," Mami started again, "Thank you...for everything." Mami paused and looked at Naoki's stunned face on the reflection. "Even if it was a short time, you've been a great help for me." She continued.