To my Dearest Tomodachi.

CH. 14 Guitars' loose Strings

'The girl stayed behind to tune her guitar, when she found the right tone; the strumming of its' strings fills the music room with melodies. Calming strumming from the guitar can put anyone at ease.' That's definitely something off from a slice of life anime description.

Aiko plans on taking her guitar home, in hopes she can write Misaki a song. An unexpected visitor came into the room, it's neither Kasumi or Chinatsu.

"Yo! I knew you would be in here late at school." A male voice entered the music room.

Aiko stopped her strumming and looked up. She quickly noticed who it was.

"Yuuma, what are you doing here?" Aiko asked.

"Well, right when I was staying behind cleaning up my seminar class. I heard music up in the music room, so I thought I might come and see." Yuuma chuckled a bit.

Aiko hesitated, she placed her guitar next to her seat. Yuuma walked closer to meet eyes to eyes with her. His heart begins to pound slowly.

"Hey Aiko, I really liked your guitar playing. You can do swimming and play music at the same time. That's amazing talent!" Yuuma replied.

"Thank you, my guitar is important to me, my guitar deserves to be played with courage." Aiko replied while she grabbed her guitar. As if she was hugging it gently.

"Say—play a song right now. I want to hear one." Yuuma requested politely.

Aiko took his suggestion, and began to play a tone right from the top of her head. A song her father used to sing to her.

—After strumming a few notes, one of the strings has snapped fragile. Aiko realizes one of the strings has broke, she slowly began to panic.

"Oh no—one of the strings broke, I must buy a new one now." Aiko worrying about her instrument.

Aiko packed her guitar and grabbed her bag. Yuuma quickly stops her by grabbing her arm.

"Hold on—I know where's the closest music shop around here." Yuuma trying to calm her worrying temper.

—as so, the two walked to a nearby music shop. Yuuma's heart beats a tiny bit faster.

"I was going to say earlier-I really liked how you play. I wished I could play an instrument." Yuuma told Aiko.

Aiko looked over while holding her guitar case, later notices a music shop.

"How did you know there was a music shop around here?" Aiko asked curiously.

Yuuma looked down at Aiko and smirked a little.

"My father is a big fan of electric guitars, I sometimes think I can play one after buying. I go to this music shop sometimes." Yuuma replied.

Aiko looked up to see Yuuma's face, seeing his desire to play a guitar.

"If there's time—I may teach you a few things about the guitar." Aiko suggested.

-after all of the talking, the two arrived at the music shop. Aiko brought in her guitar to the front desk. Yuuma wondered around the shop, then centered near the electric guitars.

"¥ 3,411 yen ($30 USD) for the repair." said the cashier.

   Aiko looked through her bag, she found her wallet then opened it. She realized she doesn't have enough change to pay. Once again she panicked.

   "Ohh gosh—I believe I don't have the right—.."

   Aiko was interrupted by a hand behind her and placed the right amount of money to the cashier.

   "Here—the exact change for the repairs." said Yuuma.

   Aiko glanced over at Yuuma who was behind her. The repairer brought her guitar back onto the desk.

   "Thank you, you two have a wonderful evening!" said the kind cashier.

   'A second thought, why does it feel like the cashier thinks we're dating?' Aiko thought to herself.

   Yuuma walked a bit closer to Aiko as they walked home. His heart was pounding faster this time.

   "Thanks for helping me out earlier." Aiko thanked Yuuma.

   "It was no problem, you cared for your guitar so I ought to help you out." Yuuma replied.

   Aiko felt relieved.

   "I guess I'm going to repay you money at some point—."

   Aiko was interrupted again.

   "You can repay me by teaching me how to play the guitar." Yuuma asked Aiko.

   "Alright-that works."

   As the two walked together, the sun began to set. The horizon began to take a bright orange color, which sets a calm feel upon Aiko.

   The two are at the crossroads where they will separate ways. Yuuma hesitated before Aiko walked away, he quickly sprung out his confession.

   "Aiko!! Wait-there's something I should tell you." Yuuma cried out.

   Aiko stopped and looked at him. His face began to appear red in the bright orange haze. The distance between them felt like something came out of a Shoujo manga.

   "I like you a lot, Aiko! Which is why I was wondering-if we can go out sometime." Yuuma suggested.

   Aiko felt confused, knowing that Yuuma has a crush on her; however she likes her best friend instead.

   "Yuuma—I appreciate to hear you like me. But, the truth is......!"

   The orange haze disappeared in the breeze.