Ch. 5: Joining the Tune of the Piano (SUN)
Seated in front of the piano, I was so nervous that my chest was pounding.
Carlo: “Watch closely.”
OO: “OK…”
Carlo slowly played the piano.
He did it as easily as if he was breathing, and meanwhile I timidly plunked at the keys.
Carlo: “Don’t play like you’re scared! You gotta do it with soul!”
I played as if pushed on by Carlo’s words.
Gradually, I became more comfortable with playing.
OO: “Carlo, shouldn’t you practice your guitar?”
Carlo: “It’s cool! Sometimes it’s nice to show off the classics, ya know? And today I decided to accompany you on piano!”
OO: “Thanks.”
Carlo: “Whoa! You gotta do that like this! Kinda like you’re singing!”
Saying so, Carlo put his hand on mine and began to move it.
OO: “…!”
The suddenness of the action made my own hands start to shake.
Carlo: “What’s up?”
Surprised, Carlo looked into my eyes.
In the moment our eyes met, his face immediately turned bright red.
H-he’s so close.
I felt my face flush at his closeness.
Carlo: “S-stupid! What’re you thinking!?”
He forcefully pulled his head back while his voice turned rough.
OO: “I-I wasn’t thinking anything!”
Taking into account how red my cheeks were, I turned my face away.
Then Carlo’s shoulders started to shake.
OO: “…?”
Carlo: “Dammit~! I’m punk!!”
Carlo suddenly shouted, then slammed his hands down on the keyboard.
OO: “Eh…? What’s wrong?”
I turned my face back to Carlo and…
Carlo: “S-shut up~! It’s nothin’! Let’s practice OO!”
OO: “Y-yeah!”
He grabbed my head and pointed me back at the piano.
Carlo: “Next!”
OO: “O…OK.”
My playing faltered as I accompanied Carlo.
But I was still curious about what was wrong, so I stealthily stole a glance at him and…
Carlo: “Ah!?”
As soon as he met my gaze, I turned my face away.
Punk…huh…
Carlo: “That’s fine! The music’s in your soul! If you play with your soul, you can carry on no matter how bad you are!
Suddenly remembering Carlo’s words, I felt myself smile.
Even though the sound of me playing was clumsy, somehow it still rang out with a sense of joy.
END