A/N: So this week it’s this fic that gets the update! Ideally I wanted to update my other fic but I decided to make it a little longer than my usual updates so it’s taking me a tiny bit longer to write ;^^ Still I hope you enjoy this update instead!
Chapter 2-
“This is going to be so awesome!” Jurina was bounding up the stairs ahead of her friends. “I didn’t even realize this part of the school existed!” Her head was busy surveying the area, searching for the old music room where she would take the first steps toward forming a band.
“Come on Jurina slow down a tiny bit will you?” Constantly puffing Kumi came slowly clambering up the stairs, dragging her body up with the handrails. With her other hand she was dragging a complaining Yuria up along with her.
“Nee Kumi-chan why am I also here?” Her moaning voice elongated each word as she gazed up at Kumi with pleading eyes in an attempt to convince Kumi to let go of her hand. “It’s not me who wants to learn how to play the guitar.”
“Well it’ll be fun anyway Yuria-chan!” Kumi nervously stuttered; her heart skipping several beats as her eyes met Yuria’s. “A-and I’ll treat you to something afterwards!”
“Really!” Yuria leapt up and wrapped her arms around Kumi’s body, crushing her ribs and suffocating the poor girl. “Kuu-chan you’re so awesome!”
“Haha yeah…” Struggling to stay upright with Yuria hanging off her Kumi somehow managed to keep her balance and avoid tumbling down the stairs. Eventually she teetered her way up to the top of the steps even with the added weight of Yuria holding her down. They then both collapsed onto the floor Yuria’s body sitting on top of the tired Kumi’s stomach.
“Er Yuria do you think you could maybe move…” A finger rested on top of her lips immediately hushing her voice as the light was being eclipsed by the slowly descending face.
“Hurry up you two lovebirds Rena-cha… I mean Ono-senpai is waiting for us!” Jurina’s head was poking out of a classroom and waving her arms to hurry the two girls along.
“Come let’s go…” Timidly wriggling her body to free herself Kumi slid out from beneath Yuria and rushed off to catch up with Jurina. Yuria remained a motionless on the floor, her limp legs parted in a doll like fashion.
“Why can’t you be more honest with yourself…” Quietly mumbling to herself Yuria slowly stood up and followed after Kumi, forlornly gazing at the open door that Kumi had just disappeared into. Upon entering the room Yuria sat down on a spare chair in the corner of the room and watched the two girls crowding around Rena, harassing her for their very first guitar lesson.
“Guys calm down; you have to let me grab the guitars for you.” Pushing past the giddy children Rena walked across the empty classroom and opened the door to the cupboard. “Now where did I leave them…” Rena began muttering to herself as she sifted through the various cardboard boxes that had fallen on top of the guitars that she had stored this morning. “Ah, here they are.” She emerged out of the cupboard with three identical black and white guitars and handed them out to Kumi and Jurina.
“Now before we start I need to have an honest chat with both of you.” Rena pulled up a chair and sat down resting the guitar on her lap. “We’re all part of the school’s dance club so I’m sure you know I have responsibilities as a senpai that leads the club. That’s why to focus on that I’m only going to be able to help you once a week.” Kumi and Jurina both gave a small nod before Rena continued on. “Whether you want to use this room during your own spare time is up to you but if you also want to stay a part of the dance club as well then I expect you to turn up to the practices there as well. Do you guys understand?”
“Yes Ono-senpai!” The two girls instinctively shot up from their seats and raised their arms simultaneously in a salute. Rena’s face flared up as she waved her hands at the two of them.
“Guys please just call me Rena.” She continued to wave her arms around ushering the two girls to sit back down. Kumi sighed as she picked up her guitar and fell back into her chair.
“Well then let’s get started Rena-senpai!” Kumi called out as she placed the strap over her shoulder. In the corner Yuria let out a disapproving scoff as Kumi got unnecessarily friendly with Rena.
“Mou I told you not to be so formal with Yagami-san.” Rena began adjusting her tuning machines as her face blushed again.
“S-so we can call you R-Rena-chan?” Jurina, who had remained surprisingly quiet after hopping onto one of the desks, suddenly let out an excited squeal at the thought of being able to talk in such casual way with her beloved Rena.
“Sure no problem Matsui-san.” Still twiddling the keys around Rena lifted her head a little to give Jurina a small nod before returning to her guitar. She then pulled out a pick from her pocket and dragged it down the strings causing a beautifully simple sound to resonate throughout the room. With the two girls captivated by the sound Rena brushed some hair behind her ear and pulled out a couple more picks. “Here, you guys try it as well.”
“Rena-chan…” Jurina mouthed the girl’s name as her eyes were captivated by Rena’s sweet smile. Ignoring the awestricken Jurina, Kumi went ahead and snatched a pick from Rena and began frantically strumming her guitar.
“Wow this is so awesome!” Kumi continued to generate a racket with her guitar as she became further engrossed with her new toy. “Jurina you should hurry up and try this as well!”
“Uh right, sure…” Waking up from her trance Jurina staggered across to Rena and reached out for her pick. As she lifted the pick out of Rena’s hand their skin brushed by each other’s for a split second but even that was enough to turn Jurina’s face into a bright red tomato. “T-thanks Rena-chan…” Failing to hide her blushes Jurina rushed back to the desk and placed the guitar back on her lap. Anticipation flowing through her body Jurina rested the pick on the uppermost string then took a large breath to compose herself. Running the pick down over the strings Jurina released the air stored in her lungs and marveled at the noise that she had just created.
“Whoa…” She felt a huge sense of exhilaration flow through her body as the sound of the guitar continuously echoed in her head. Wanting another taste of the sensation she brought her hand down once again and struck the pick against the strings.
“Hmph even a child can do that.” Yuria murmured as she continued to glare at the other girls. Her mood took an even further dip when she noticed Rena walking across to help Kumi.
“Guys I know you’re excited but to be honest you’re not exactly doing much.” Rena let out a small chuckle as she knelt down beside Kumi. “Here try this.” To Yuria’s immense displeasure Rena placed her hand over Kumi’s in order to adjust the position of the girl’s fingers over the frets. Catching Yuria’s deadly stare out of the corner of her eye Kumi took a huge gulp before she ran her hand down the strings again.
“Wow this sounds even better!” Kumi’s eyes grew large as she continued to strum on the strings.
“That Yagami-san is called a chord. Here I’ll show you the same thing Matsui-san.” Rena wandered across to the Jurina and wrapped around her body from behind causing Jurina’s face to flush up as Rena’s hand enveloped her own.
“Rena you should call us by our first names as well. In fact I’m sure Jurina will be really happy if you do.” Kumi had a grin on her face as she watched Jurina’s face turn into an even darker shade of red.
“Mou Kumi, don’t be like that!” Jurina yelled at the giggling girl as she nervously sweated from the contact she was sharing with Rena.
“So you want to me to keep calling you by your surname?” The voice from behind her caused Jurina to stutter even more.
“N-no Jurina is fine as well…” She quietly mumbled while timidly flicking at one of the strings.
“Well then Kumi, Jurina I have one last thing to give you guys.” Rena freed Jurina from her grasp and walked back across. With Rena off her back Jurina’s heart gradually returned to a calmer speed as she watched the girl pull out two books from her bag. She handed over the two textbooks to Jurina and Kumi. “Here, with this you’ll be able to practice at home whenever you like.”
“But how can we do that without our own guitars?” Kumi was scratching her head in puzzlement as she dropped her book into her bag.
“What are you talking about of course you have your own guitars now!” Rena went back into the cupboard and came back out with three large bags. “You better take good care of them though.” She chucked the bags to Kumi and Jurina then placed her own guitar in the one that she kept.
“You mean your letting us have these?” The two girls exclaimed as they unzipped their bags and placed the guitars in them.
“Sure I mean I guess you might want to get a better one eventually but until you do feel free to keep using these.” Hoisting the bag over her shoulder Rena went to head out the door. “Well I guess I better get going then. I’ll see you guys next week.”
“Wait!” Suddenly Kumi called out to Rena. “I know it’s not much but why don’t you hang out with us today? We were just about to go to the karaoke box and wondered if you wanted to come along.” Stopping in the doorway Rena considered her options before stepping back into the clubroom.
“Sure why not but is it ok with the others?” Looking around the room she noticed Jurina was clearly nodding her head in agreement but Yuria had remained sat down with her arms folded and her eyes averted from everyone. “What about you Kizaki-san? Is it ok if I tag along?” Hearing Rena address her Yuria got up and forced a smile at the other girl.
“Sure the more, the merrier right.” She proceeded to walk up to Rena and place her hand on her shoulder. “And please call me Yuria I mean we’re friends now aren’t we.” With that she gave Rena a restrained tap on her back and nudged past her.
“Wait up Yuria-chan!” Frantically gathering up her belongings Kumi rushed to follow Yuria out of the room. Hearing a tiny chuckle Rena glanced at Jurina who was busy trying to stifle her laugh with her hands.
“Shall we catch up with them?” Rena gestured to Jurina with her head before heading out of the door herself. Then the yapping puppy immediately chased after Rena with her tail wagging with excitement as she slammed the door shut behind her.
・・・
“Mmm, Kumi-chan thanks so much!” Still licking her lips Yuria dug her spoon back into the huge parfait in front of her and scooped up another helping of ice cream.
“Sure no problem Yuria-chan.” After forcing a cheerful voice Kumi peered into her wallet and whimpered at how light it had suddenly become. “My savings from the month…”
“Come Kumi cheer up, let’s sing something.” Jurina led with her hand into Kumi’s back causing the girl to jolt up in surprise. “Nee Rena, you’ll join in as well right?” Jurina glanced at Rena as the other girl stepped in through the door.
“Uh sure why not.” Rena took a hold of a microphone then sat beside Yuria, who was too busy shoveling in ice cream to care about what the other girls were doing.
“Right then, I know a great song to sing.” Going across to the machine Jurina grabbed a microphone and tossed it to Kumi. As she began typing on the screen to select a song she glanced back at Kumi. “You remember that band I showed you yesterday?” Kumi’s eyes lit up a little as her head bobbed up and down. Jurina finally clicked on the screen and returned to the other girls. She put her arm around Kumi and squeezed her tightly. “Well we’re going to sing one of their songs!”
“Wait what is this song—” Before Rena could finish the song began blaring out from the speakers dotted around the room. A crazed guitar solo filled the room sending a shudder down the spine of every girl, apart from Yuria who just grumbled about the sudden noise that filled the room. The familiar sound caused Jurina to unconsciously bounce on the spot, memories of the performance flooding into her mind, a massive buzz excitement coursing through her veins. Seeing the rise in Jurina’s tension Kumi began joining in with the jumping and started swinging her head to the beat.
“Kawashita hazu no nai yakusoku ga Kyou mo Bokura no mirai wo ubaou to suru…” As the girl’s began singing a nervous grimace formed across Rena’s face. Keeping her eyes fixed on the excited pair she took a slight step back and silently groaned at the all too recognizable song.
“Why did Jurina have to be a fan of my sister’s band?” Rena wished that she could disappear from the room. She was trying desperately hard to not be compared with Haruna; she had already made the decision to accomplish what her sister had given up on. Then for a split second the song plunged into silence and Jurina glanced across and made eye contact with Rena. At that moment she noticed a particular glimmer in the other girl’s eyes. She immediately averted her eyes away from Jurina but even in that tiny instance felt a strange sensation spread around her body.
“This feeling…” Her hands shaking, Rena tried to comprehend what it was that was flowing through her. She could remember witnessing this sort of thing once before but there was no way that it was the same thing. Unless…
“Donna shunkan datte Unmei datte Hitotsu dake tashika na Mono ga aru to shitta…” The music resumed and the two girls’ began shouting along with the chorus, completely drowning out all of Rena’s thoughts. Amazed by just how energetic Kumi and Jurina were Rena took a tired seat beside Yuria.
“Huh, I thought you were going to sing along?” Yuria took her attention off the parfait and whispered to Rena.
“Haha yeah… But I guess I can’t really keep up with them.” Scratching the back of her head Rena let out a nervy laugh. Yuria just grumbled and continued eating; she really didn’t want to make polite conversation with Rena but then again she needed to make certain things clearer with the newcomer.
“Hey Rena I need to tell you something.” Leaving the spoon in the glass Yuria turned her body around and leered at Rena. “Stay away from Kumi.”
“What do you mean?” Rena couldn’t exactly understand what Yuria meant with her words. As far as she knew she had done absolutely nothing wrong and she definitely had no intentions to make a move on Kumi.
“What I mean is watch what you do around Kumi.” Nudging Rena’s shoulder with an accusing finger Yuria flicked her head away and went back to eating her parfait.
“Strange girl…” Just as Rena finished mumbling to herself the song entered its closing stages and the other girls collapsed onto the couch.
“Man that was so awesome!” Kumi reached out and took a sip of her drink before stretching her arms up in joy.
“I know right!” Jurina reached her arm around Kumi and squeezed her tightly. She then looked across the room and gave a puzzled look to Rena. “Rena how come you didn’t sing along?”
“Well you know that song was kind of…” Dithering with her answer Rena tried to think of some sort of excuse for not singing. She couldn’t exactly tell them that she didn’t want to sing her sister’s band’s song. “A bit loud I guess?”
“Really?” Jurina wasn’t too convinced with Rena’s answer but she didn’t think it was worth pressing on about. “Well then as a punishment you have to sing the next song on your own.” Pointing to the machine Jurina gestured for Rena to go across and choose the next song.
“Hey watch your tone Jurina, or should I take my guitar back?” Rena’s raised eyebrow sent Jurina bright red as she waved her flustered arms around in an attempt to apologise to Rena.
“N-no please don’t Rena-san. In fact we’ll sing along with you as well!” Falling out of her seat Jurina got onto her knees and bowed her head down to the ground.
“By that she means she’ll sing a duet with you.” Kumi ignored the pleading eyes of Jurina and wandered over to the door. “I’m going to go grab a drink.” With that she pushed the door open and strolled out.
“Wait up Kumi-chan!” Yuria went charging through the door to catch up with Kumi. This left Jurina to nervously glance up at the only other girl left in the room with her.
“Well I guess I should pick a song then.” Carrying a very slight blush Rena went to the machine and scrolled through the list of songs. Eventually she found what she was looking for and clicked play on the machine. “This should do.”
“Wait wait what are we singing?” As she scrambled up from the floor Jurina managed to trip over herself and bash into the couch beside her. Rena couldn’t help but smile at the younger girl’s sudden return to being a nervous fumbling wreck.
Then the gentle sound began floating out and Rena’s expression switched to a more solemn look as she took in a large breath. From the very first word Rena uttered Jurina’s mind went completely blank in awe of the wonders that she heard. Jurina was already nervous from the fact that she was alone in a room with the girl that she had admired for so long. Yet she found herself falling deeper in love with the older girl as she continued to serenade Jurina with the beautiful melody.
“Nee Jurina, Jurina!” Before Jurina knew it Rena’s hand was waving just in front of her. “I thought you promised to sing with me?”
“Huh is it already over?” Still recovering from her dazed state Jurina blinked several times while looking disappointedly at Rena. Then Jurina instinctively jumped up with excitement as she relived the past few minutes in a matter of seconds. She clasped her hands around Rena’s and began begging for Rena to sing again “Oh my gosh Rena you’re just so amazing, you have to sing again!”
“I see that you two are getting along well.” Kumi and Yuria were laughing with each other as they entered the room, both of them carrying two cans each. “I was going to give you guys a drink but it seems like you already have your hands full so…” As Kumi’s voice nervously faded away Jurina glanced down to see her hands squeezing Rena’s.
“Ahhhh, I’m so sorry Rena-chan!” Immediately letting go of Rena’s hands Jurina shot up in to the air like a rocket, almost whacking her head on the ceiling. Meanwhile, on the ground, the stuttering Rena had waves of steam streaming out from her crimson face.
“Here, why don’t you both cool off?” Kumi handed over the two drinks to both girls then sat down on a couch, only to have Yuria immediately pull her back up.
“Nee Kumi-chan you just promised to sing with me just now.” Yuria was pouting as she dragged Kumi across to the machine.
“Calm down Yuria we’ve still got loads of time.” As Kumi laughed at Yuria’s childish behavior Rena glanced down at her watch and shot up onto her feet.
“I better get going now.” Rena began gathering her things up before heading toward the door.
“Oh right. Well erm thanks for helping us today.” Kumi limply waved her hand as Rena went rushing out the door. “So what happened while we were gone?” Turning her attention onto Jurina, Kumi asked the other girl about Rena. Suddenly Jurina’s hand shot up and grabbed a hold of Kumi’s arm. Her glittering eyes staring at the door that Rena had just left through.
“Nee Kumi, we have to get Rena to join our band.”
・・・
“Hey mum I’m…” Rena stopped in her tracks as she noticed the unusual number of shoes lying around in the entrance. Suddenly someone jumped into the hallway and leapt on top of Rena. The bundle of bodies tumbled down the entrance and slammed into the door with a huge thud. “Ugh… What the hell…” Groaning in pain as she nursed her sore head Rena’s dazed eyes inched open to reveal a blurry image floating above her. Gradually a sparkling grin came into focus causing Rena to shield herself from the glowing face in front of her. The next thing she noticed was the two puffy chipmunk cheeks sitting either side of the bright expanding smile. She then noticed familiar pair of light brown spheres gazing straight back into her eyes.
“O-ogawa-san?”
“Long time no see Rena-chan!” Two arms reached round Rena’s back and suffocated her with a massive bear hug. Struggling to breathe under the other girl’s weight Rena attempted to wriggle out of the cage of affection.
“P-please Ogawa-san I c-can’t breathe…” Somehow Rena managed to splutter out a few desperate words while trying to push Tomomi’s body off of her. Just as Rena thought she was going to pass out the girl on top of her was suddenly removed and air went rushing back into Rena’s screaming lungs.
“Mou Harunee why did you have to interrupt us~” A whining Tomomi latched onto the arm that had just yanked her away from Rena, who was still coughing recovering on the floor.
“Stupid, you do realize Rena can’t breathe when you crush her like that.” With an annoyed look on her face Haruna shrugged off Tomomi and extended a hand to Rena only to have it ignored by the younger girl.
“Nice to see you too sis.” Haruna sarcastically said as Rena walked past her. Following Rena into the living room, Haruna sat down on the couch opposite Rena.
“So what are you doing back here?” Folding her arms, Rena shot a glare across to Haruna.
“Do I need a reason to visit my family?” Refusing to back down Haruna stared straight back at Rena. Sparks flying up between the pair’s intense gazes.
“Oh so you’re just here to say hi?”
“Yeah I guess so…” Gritting her teeth together Haruna struggled to contain her anger.
“Well then.” Rena got up from her seat and marched up to Haruna. “It’s been nice speaking to you Harunee-sama but I better be off to my room now.” Just like that Rena stormed out of the room past the shocked statue of Tomomi.
“Just what is the problem between you two?” Poking her head out from the doorway, Tomomi spoke with a concerned voice. With the sound of Rena stomping up the stairs in the background Haruna released an exhausted sigh.
“I wish I knew…” Leaning back on the couch Haruna shut her tired eyes. “We used to get along fine but ever since our band started…”
“Wait you’re not blaming me are you!” Flailing her flustered arms around, Tomomi stared at Haruna with bewildered eyes.
“Well I’d be pretty annoyed if someone kept clinging onto me every time we met.” Glancing across at Tomomi’s upset face Haruna couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “Don’t worry Tomo if she really hated you she’d tell you. But I’m sure she doesn’t appreciate your method of saying hi.”
“Ehh~” Letting out a long whine Tomomi lay across the couch opposite Haruna. “But that’s like our special handshake.”
“Oi, don’t go making yourself too comfortable.” Haruna half-jokingly scolded the grinning girl. Thinking back to Rena’s recent phone call Haruna looked across at a picture sitting on top of a cabinet. It was an old photo of her and Rena, back when the pair actually got along with each other. “If you’re still angry with me, why have you started playing the guitar again?”
TBC
Topic: SCANDAL X SKE48 | Chapter 2 [Update 06.07.13] [Wmatsui, KumiYuri] (Read 10523 times)