Free Soul! Band Story 1 - A Groovy Gathering!

Chapter 07 - Kiri's Request

Kiri was surprised by Hibiki appearing in the music room. No one ever dares step foot in the music room when she's in there alone practicing. They say things like "oh Tsukino-san? She prefers to be alone. She seems cold.." or "I'm too afraid to even listen to her play piano, I mean she is talented and all... but not someone I see talking to me". It's true that Kiri maybe had some loner tendencies, but she wasn't cold at all. She was a kind and friendly person to talk to. She didn't know why people would push her away and not give her a chance. But, she finally found someone to approach her. This could finally be her chance to make a friend.

Hibiki: Kiri-chan, your piano playing is amazing!

Kiri: it is? *blushes* thanks~ but what were you going to ask me?

Hibiki: oh! Well, I was wondering if you would be interested in joining my band! We need a keyboardist and I think you'd be perfect for the spot!

Kiri: you really think so? No one has ever asked me to join a band before!

Hibiki: yeah! Wait, really? But you seem so nice... why wouldn't they ask you?

Kiri: I honestly don't know. Everyone assumes I'm cold and don't want friends when that's not the case.

Hibiki: I see... that's really sad.. well if it makes you feel better, not a whole lot of people like me either! They all think I'm crazy and a little bit weird all because I like to be retro and groovy... I've learned to ignore them but it still hurts sometimes.

Kiri: groovy?

Hibiki: yeah! It's slang for cool! Well.. older slang anyway hehe~

Kiri: interesting! I don't know many people who use words like that.

Hibiki: hehe~ is that so? Anyway.. we can get to know each other later, want to meet the other girls in the band?

Kiri: sure! I still haven't decided if I want to join or not though...

Hibiki: that's okay! Meeting the others might change your mind!!

Hibiki takes Kiri's hand and runs outside to the others. The others are surprised to see that Hibiki found someone who is considering the band considering her previous attempts at recruiting band members.

Hanabi: you found someone?

Kanae: I didn't think you would, impressive.

Tsubasa: Wait, I think I've seen her around before.. that's Tsukino-san!

Hibiki: yep! Guys, meet Tsukino Kiri! She's interested in joining the band! She wants to know you all before deciding about joining the band.

Kiri: mhm! Nice to meet you guys! Wait, I don't know all your names.

Hanabi: I'm Kino Hanabi! I play drums~

Tsubasa: Hoshizaka Tsubasa, on bass.

Kanae: Kanae.. I'm not part of the band. I'm just controlling the chaos caused by Hibiki.

Kiri: *laughs* that was funny!

Kanae: what? It's true...

Hibiki: I'll just agree to disagree with that hehe

Kiri: Wait, do you have a guitarist?

Hibiki: well... it's complicated. I think Akari is supposed to be our guitarist but I don't think she's agreed to it yet.

Kiri: you should probably ask her then...

Hibiki: I know, I know. I'll get to it.

Kiri: okay, good ^^

Hanabi: so what should we do?

Tsubasa: yeah, we have to do something right? At least to try and get to know each other

Hibiki: hmmm... how about we go shopping? That can be fun right?

Kiri: yeah! I like that idea! We could also do the park if you want. I like seeing the cute little kids at the park!

Hibiki: ooh we could! We'll do a little bit of everything then, if that's okay with you Kiri

Kiri: yep! Sounds good! Let's go!

The girls headed off to the shopping district where they looked at clothes, music stores, and enjoyed a little bit of food. They were having lots of fun, especially in the arcade where Hibiki somehow managed to beat everyone at her favorite rhythm game in the arcade. After a couple hours, they started walking to the park.

Kiri: ahhhhh~ it's perfect park weather!

Tsubasa: yeah, it definitely is! Maybe one day we could perform at the park? That would be fun, wouldn't it!

Hanabi: for sure! But we should get the band started first of course.

Hibiki: UWAHHHHH!

Hanabi: *jumps* was that...

Tsubasa: Hibiki?

Hibiki: LOOK AT THE LITTLE PUPPY HES SO CUTE! *starts making really strange squealing noises while petting some stranger's dog*

Hanabi: *laughs*

Kanae: Hibiki... control yourself... but then again... *squeals* he's so cute!

Tsubasa: even Kanae is in love with the dog! I didn't see that coming!

Kiri: yeah, me neither. But who can help themselves around cute animals? I know I can't!

Hanabi: I know right~?

Kiri: Hibiki-senpai! I've decided!

Hibiki: huh? What is it?

Kiri: I'll join your band! You all are a lot of fun and I'm so happy you guys approached me unlike other people at school! I just hope my parents will approve...

Hanabi: your parents?

Tsubasa: why wouldn't they approve?

Kiri: *sigh* it's a long story... but I don't want to talk about it yet...

To be continued...